Monday, November 18, 2024

DA to construct Cassava Warehouse in M. Fortich

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON – A warehouse with a Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) will soon be established in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, as the Department of Agriculture -Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) conducts a Pre-Construction Conference for the said facility on August 1, 2023, in this municipality

Funded by the Additional Financing 2 (AF2), the warehouse with MPDP worth P4,653,741.62 will be constructed in Barangay Lunocan, benefiting cassava producers in the municipality.

In her message, Lunocan barangay captain Melba A. Batoon extended her gratitude to DA-PRDP 10 through Project Director and DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and LGU Manolo Fortich for the subproject they have acquired.

“We have been longing for this subproject to arrive, especially since our area is very far from the town’s center. Soon, it will be easier to access these facilities, and we can be more confident with the quality of our produce.”

Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, IBUILD Component Head, congratulated the stakeholders for acquiring the said subproject.

She also emphasized everyone’s role in the implementation of the project, which includes the contractor in following the standards set by DA-PRDP and the World Bank, and the residents and barangay officials to monitor the activities in the field.

“For the barangay officials, you will own and use this subproject; thus, you need to make sure that the procedures and the quality are of standards,” Engr. Camaro added.

The warehouse with MPDP will be the fifth of its kind to be built in the municipality as the barangays Minsuro, Sto. Niño, Kalugmanan, and Minsuro received it first. (DA RFO-10)

DOT inaugurates P7-M rest area in Bukidnon

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) turned over a PHP7-million Tourist Rest Area (TRA) last August 04, 2023

TIEZA chief operations officer Mark Lapid said the project is the first to be completed in Mindanao.

As the tourism infrastructure arm of the government, TIEZA is in charge of funding and construction of such undertakings. At the same time, DOT serves as the overall evaluator of the project as its primary concept originator.

With the project’s turnover, Lapid said the local government is tasked with the TRA’s daily operation and maintenance.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, who graced the event, noted that there are 15 ongoing TRA projects in the country.

“Road Infrastructure projects are also vital for tourism development in the country, and (we) thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for having roads and bridges as among the vital programs of this administration under his Build Better More program,” Frasco said.

Last year, Frasco led the opening of 10 TRAs across the country.

Meanwhile, Governor Rogelio Neil Roque underscored the significance of the structure to the province’s tourism industry, which he said is known for food, religion, and culture.

“Bukidnon is the home of the second highest peak in the country, which is Mount Dulang-dulang, and half of the highest mountain peaks in the country are found in the province,” he said.

Mayor Rogelio Quiño said the town has witnessed tourism-related investments pouring into the locality, luring at least 6,000 tourists daily.

During the launch, the DOT also distributed kits to Bukidnon tour guides at the Manolo Fortich gymnasium, while community-based tourism organizations also benefited from livelihood training assistance from the agency. (Ercel Maanding/PNA)

337 explosives recovered in Malaybalay

Government sources unearthed three hundred thirty-seven pieces of Super dyne Explosive believed to be owned by the communist terrorist group in Malaybalay City

Joint military and police units recovered the explosives in Brgy. St Peter, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, last August 06, 2023.

Police reports said that the said items were believed to be owned by the new people’s army operating in the area.

A former rebel informed the authorities about the hidden explosives.

The government troops was composed of the 1st Buk PMFC together with the 2nd Buk PMFC, 12th SAC, 1003rd MC RMFB, 1004th MC RMFB 10, RECU 10, BUKPECU, 88th IB, and 403rd Brigade, PA.

The 337 pieces of Super dyne Explosive 25mm by 125 grams with eight (8) inches long was recovered along with three 20-litter gallon that served as containers.

“I urge the remaining active Communist Terrorist Group members to end the long-standing fight with the government, to surrender and return to mainstream society, and to start anew.” Police COL. Restituto P. Lacano Jr., Bukidnon Polive Provincial Office Director. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

DSWD 10, 12, NCSC sign MOA for senior citizens

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Mindanao Cluster Field Offices 10 and 12 and the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the implementation of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, July 31, at Chali Beach Resort, here

Two MOAs were signed during the event, particularly the use of office space by NCSC at the DSWD building and data sharing from DSWD to NCSC.

The MOA signing is a product of collaboration and is necessary to implement Republic Act (RA) 11350 to enable the activity program and ensure data sharing is secured at all times. Meanwhile, the common mission is to promote the welfare of senior citizens.

NCSC Chairperson, Lawyer Franklin M. Quijano, said, “The senior citizens should expect a lot of action. The first thing that we emphasize is kaming mga [we] senior citizens is active and productive pa [still].”

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) downloaded a total of P42.9 million for all senior citizens with the help of DSWD, Quijano added.

Meanwhile, DSWD-10 Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen said that although they are transferring the responsibilities of the senior citizen program to NCSC, this does not mean they will not care anymore for the senior citizens.

“They can expect a comprehensive, mas deepening attention to this sector, the senior citizens. Dapat lang nga dili haphazard ang program, kinahanglan gyud nato mahatagan sila og kaukulang atensyon og pagtagad [They can expect comprehensive and deeper attention to this sector, the senior citizens. The program should not be haphazard; it should be given due attention],” Jamen said.

There are about 230,000 senior citizens in Region 10, said Jamen. (JMOR/PIA-10)

NEDA secures P12.7-B development plan for NorMin airports

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Economic and Development Authority in Northern Mindanao (NEDA-10) will have a PHP12.7-billion budget for improving its airports, an official said last July 27

In a statement, NEDA-10 director Myla Faye Aurora Cariño said the approval of the amount would spur economic growth in the region, particularly in Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.

Currently, the region has three functioning airports, with one still under construction in Don Carlos town, Bukidnon province.

She said the expansion intends to handle a greater volume of domestic and international flights in the region for its transformation into a prominent e-commerce hub in Mindanao.

The budget for airport improvement forms part of the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023–2028.

The RDP was presented at the Trade Facilitation Cluster of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area held in this city from July 25-26.

Local planners were also called upon to generate support for the RDP 2023–2028 Provincial and Highly Urbanized City Roadshows, which aims to promote the region’s comprehensive development agenda and engage stakeholders in the collaborative pursuit of sustainable and inclusive growth.

Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano (2nd District) already proposed a bill seeking to transform Laguindingan Airport into an international airport facility. (PNA)

Cadaver of slain top NPA leader in Northern Mindanao now with family

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Military and police officials handed over the remains of the slain top communist rebel leader, Dionisio Micabalo, to his family last July 29, 2023, in a small courtyard outside a funeral parlor in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade, said the cadaver of Micabalo, alias “Muling,” was turned over to his siblings, Ronelo and Fely, who came to Gingoog City, along with officials from Dangcagan municipality in Bukidnon, to fetch his corpse.

Orio said the 61-year-old New People’s Army (NPA) leader hailed from Dangcagan town, and his family wanted him to be buried there.

“There was no hassle. As soon as the PNP (Philippine National Police) and my soldiers ascertained their identities, his remains were turned over to the family,” Orio said.

Micabalo, who was secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, was killed during a brief firefight with soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, last July 27.

Colonel Christian Uy, 58th Infantry Battalion commander, said they have been tracking the movements of Micabalo after he transferred to Gingoog City from Mt. Pantaron range in Bukidnon, where the latter was previously based.

Orio said that with Micabalo gone, a young rebel leader named “Kumander Rida,” a former student from Cagayan de Oro City is expected to become the next secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

During his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees. He asked Congress for support on this matter.

But Marco Valbuena, Communist Party of the Philippines information officer, rejected the offer of Marcos, calling it “a treacherous offer of amnesty and surrender.” (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

TESDA-10 to elevate learners’ HVAC skills

TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental – With the increasing demand in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-10, through its Regional Training Center-Tagoloan, is set to elevate the technical skills of Filipino learners as they partner with Daikin Air Conditioning Philippines in providing HVAC training courses

The HVAC training course comprises nine common competencies and four core competencies, which learners are required to take and complete within seven hundred twenty hours of training, including 400 hours of supervised industry learning.

“This collaboration seeks to empower our citizens by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge, thus opening new doors to a brighter and more prosperous future. This event is a testament to both organizations’ commitment to improving the quality of life of the people we serve,” said TESDA-10 RTC-Tagoloan Administrator Mario S. Labisig.

Meanwhile, TESDA-10 Regional Director Dan M. Navarro recognizes the crucial role of the HVAC industry in maintaining a comfortable and safe environment in various establishments such as homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities.

With the increasing demand for well-trained HVAC professionals, it is essential to equip the workforce with the necessary knowledge and competencies to meet these demands.

“Through this initiative, we are bridging the gap between theory and practice, ensuring our graduates possess theoretical knowledge and relevant and up-to-date practical skills. With the establishment of this TESDA-Daikin training facility, we have taken a giant leap forward in ensuring that our skilled workers are equipped with the latest techniques and technologies in the HVAC system,” Navarro said.

With the start of the HVAC training course, TESDA and Daikin seek to empower learners with essential skills and knowledge in HVAC that can open new doors of opportunity for those heading towards a brighter and more prosperous future. (JAKA/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)

September 1 declared a holiday in Bukidnon to mark founding anniversary

MALAYBALAY CITY – On Tuesday, the Office of the President issued Proclamation No. 301, declaring September 1 a special non-working day in Bukidnon in observance of the province’s 109th founding anniversary

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the proclamation that the local holiday intends to give the people of Bukidnon the “full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration.”

Bukidnon started as a municipality of Misamis in 1860 until it became a sub-province of Agusan by virtue of Act 1693. It was then called Malaybalay (meaning “few houses”), which became the name of its capital town and now city.

Bukidnon became a province on Sept.1, 1914, by virtue of the creation of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu under Act No. 2408, which took effect on this date.

On March 10, 1917, Act No. 2711, or the Revised Administrative Code of 1917, reaffirmed Act No. 2408. This became the basis for the observance of the province’s founding day every March 10.

However, prior to the centennial of Bukidnon in 2014, there were debates on whether the province should reckon 1914 or 1917 as its founding year.

The matter was brought to the National Historical Commission, which favored 1914. (MindaNews)

5 cheat death in Bukidnon helicopter crash

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two pilots and three passengers survived a helicopter crash in Lantapan town, Bukidnon province, on July 27, 2023

However, an initial report from the Lantapan Fire Station on June 28 said one passenger was injured. He was identified as Carmelo Paras.

Aside from Paras and pilot Jared Hoewing, three others were also aboard the Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services (PAMAS) helicopter. They were identified as Daria Kiayn, also a foreigner, Alan Martinez, and Gary Soria.

The BFP personnel, together with responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Management Office of the local government immediately acted when the helicopter crashed around 10 a.m. at a banana plantation in the town’s Sitio Babahagon.

In the report, Paras sustained shoulder and left leg injuries and could not stand.

In a statement, PAMAS said Hoewing was piloting at around 3,000 feet altitude when the helicopter began losing power and had to do an emergency landing.

“As we consider this incident, we want to praise God for his goodness in sparing the lives of all on board. We trust that the Lord will continue to hold this ministry in his hand,” the group said.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

CAAP probe

On Friday, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it is investigating the incident of the emergency landing.

The CAAP said PAMAS did not file a flight plan.

A post on Pamas Mission’s Facebook page said pilot Hoewing was at around 3,000 feet altitude when the helicopter began losing power and had to do an emergency landing about 3 miles from the airbase.

The group also owns the “Yellow Bee” Alouette helicopter that went missing in Palawan last March. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

CHO conducts Philhealth registration, profiling for PWDs in Malaybalay

In Celebration of the 45th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week with the theme, “Persons with Disabilities Accessibility and Rights Towards a Sustainable Future Where No One is Left Behind,” the City Health Office (CHO) conducted Philhealth Konsulta Registration and Profiling to all Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) of this city including the Philhealth Forum to every Cluster barangay

Led by Dr. Dennis P. Sangalang, City Health Officer II, the initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various key individuals and organizations.

Representatives such as Dr. Jade Gales-Hera and Dr. Jude Rey Pagaling, along with CSWD Officer Ivy Amor Urbina and Ms. Mechelle Timones, the PWD in charge, and Mr. Romulo Lapuz Jr., the Chief Local Insurance Officer of Bukidnon, worked together to ensure the success of the program.

Additionally, Mr. Cipriano Paguara and Ms. Dimple Walter were present as representatives, along with the unwavering support of City Mayor Hon. Atty Jay Warren R. Pabillaran and PWD Federation President Mr. Rudy T. Jimeno.

During the event, Mr. Paguara emphasized the significance of Universal Health Care in guaranteeing equitable access to healthcare goods and services for all Filipinos, thereby protecting them against financial risk. His statement, “‘Bawat Pilipino ay dapat Miyembro, Bawat Miyembro ay Protektado, kalusugan ng lahat ay Segurado sa Philhealth, Lahat ay Panalo,” echoed the program’s commitment to ensure health security for everyone.

Dr. Pagaling explained Philhealth Konsultasyong Sulit Tama (Konsulta) program, which offers comprehensive outpatient benefits as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law. The main objective of Konsulta is to provide financial risk protection for all Filipinos, especially concerning primary healthcare.

Under the Konsulta program, PhilHealth aims to enhance the health of its members by offering a package for early detection of diseases. This includes preventive care services such as consultations, health risk screening, and assessment.

Melanie Pajaron, the City Philhealth coordinator, expounded the Philhealth Konsulta outpatient package, which encompasses laboratory services that clients can avail themselves of during consultations, as requested by the physician. The package includes services like chest X-rays and ECGs. City Mayor Warren Pabillaran signed a special Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bethel Hospital to facilitate access to ECG and Chest X-ray services.

The program has already made considerable progress, with successful registration in several barangays across the city: July 25, 2023: Poblacion Cluster Venue at Barangay 9 – 145 registered Philhealth Konsulta; July 26, 2023: Highway Cluster Venue at Barangay Aglayan – 110 registered; July 27, 2023: Basakan Cluster Venue at Barangay Violeta – 101 registered; and July 28, 2023: Upper Pulangui District Cluster Venue at Barangay Mapulo – 97 registered. (LGU Malaybalay)