Friday, April 19, 2024

Category: News

DA-10 launches upland hybrid rice demo farm in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further boost Northern Mindanao’s rice production capacity, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado formally launched its first hybrid upland rice production technology demonstration farm in Bukidnon province

Together with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture Office, and Seedwork Philippines, DA-10 recently held its inaugural planting of the three-hectare upland rice production technology trial demo farm in barangays Sumpong and Can-ayan, in Malaybalay City. 

 

The project is designed to undergo a trial phase before full-scale implementation of the eyed 300-hectare demonstration farm, to give way for production technology fine-tuning and area compatibility assessment. 

 

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca said the project is pivotal to the DA’s goal to increase the region’s rice sufficiency by utilizing upland production areas. 

 

Using an area modeling approach, the project will optimize the potential and opportunities in developing the Ancestral Domains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as an upland rice production area in the region. 

 

DA-10 Deputy Director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Joel S. Rudinas, said the project provides the base for future agricultural development. 

 

He said by employing an area-based development system, this undertaking can spin out to other commodities in the value chain and integrate other agricultural livelihood activities that can significantly address poverty situations among the IP communities. 

 

Using Seedworks Philippines’ TH-82 hybrid rice production technology, the upland rice demo farm is set to be fully established during the 2024 wet cropping season. 

 

Also, in attendance during the hybrid upland rice technology demo farm launching ceremony are Atty. Burt M. Estrada, BUKTAMACO General Manager, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Richard B. Leono, Malaybalay City Agriculturist, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief, Lucille T. Minguez, DA-10 Regional Crops Protection Center chief. (ATT)

Malaybalay gets new P15-M IP Tulugan center

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (February 26, 2024) – The Indigenous Peoples (IP) of the City of Malaybalay got its new P15-million worth Tulugan Center constructed inside the City Hall Complex in Brgy. Casisang

The freshly finished project’s turnover ceremony took place on February 22, 2024, according to information given on the local government’s official Facebook page.

 

The occasion began with a traditional “pangagda” rite, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Atty. Jonathan Keith T. Flores, representative of Bukidnon’s 2nd Legislative District.

 

Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, Vice Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Renato Sumbongan, and Tribal Chieftain Harry Sumbongan assisted Rep. Flores in the ceremony.

 

Also, in attendance were members of the 9th Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP), tribal chieftains, and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District 2.

 

The office of Rep. Flores took the initiative to get the budget for the project from his development fund.

 

During the ceremony, the center’s responsibility was officially given to IPMR Sumbongan, who thanked Rep. Flores and Mayor Pabillaran for their contributions to the preservation of IP culture.

 

Sumbongan emphasized the center’s significance as the first of its sort in the province, acting as a tribal court and gathering place for the city’s IP leaders and guests from 46 barangays.

 

Rep. Flores reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting IP communities and their culture.

 

He emphasized the importance of utilizing the center for its intended purpose.

 

Mayor Pabillaran congratulated the city’s recognized tribes – the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Umayamnon – for their unity and thanked Rep. Flores for the project.

 

He also stressed the city’s position as an example for conserving and fostering intellectual property of culture, traditions, and welfare.

 

The IP Tulugan Center also provides amenities such as guestrooms, 70 seats, and CCTV surveillance.

 

The multipurpose structure is designed for tribal meetings and ceremonies.

 

Devrex Construction Services built the facility under the direction of DPWH District 2.

 

Its construction began on February 8, 2023, and ended on December 15, 2023.

 

On the same occasion, Rep. Flores was bestowed with the title of “Datu Makatuntay” in a traditional ceremony, recognizing his consistent support and help to the IP communities in times of need. (melbmadera)

Army confirms 9 terrorists involved in Marawi blast killed in Lanao del Sur

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The Philippine Army on Saturday, January 27, confirmed the death of nine members of the Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist organization involved in the bombing of Dimaporo gymnasium inside the Mindanao State University in Marawi City

Army Public Affairs chief, Col. Louie Dema-ala, said the operating troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, under the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, engaged in a series of firefight with heavily armed Dawlah Islamiya members from Thursday to Friday this week, in Barangay Tapurong, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

“The Army troops were able to neutralize nine local terrorist members and recovered eight high-powered firearms. Neutralized individuals were identified as perpetrators of the fatal MSU bombing on December 3, 2023,” Dema-ala told reporters.

Four soldiers were hurt during the encounters, which were triggered by the military’s internal security operations.

Dema-ala said the soldiers were immediately transported to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City “to acquire urgent medical attention.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the four soldiers who sustained injuries during the said operation. We remain committed to ensuring their swift recovery,” Dema-ala said. (Lade Jean Kabagani/tribune.net.ph)

Government offices vulnerable to cyberattacks – NorMin cyber cop chief

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (29 January 2024) – The chief of the Northern Mindanao Police Regional Anti-Cybersecurity Unit (RACU-10) warned on Monday that even personnel and government offices are vulnerable to cyberattacks

RACU-10 chief Col. Lemuel Gonda said the caution “think before you click” must be remembered when using gadgets or devices that are connected to the internet.

“We have victims of (online) financial fraud who are members of the banking (and) financial institutions. They are frequently reminded about cybersecurity, how much more ordinary people and those in government offices?” he said in a statement.

Gonda warned that “black hat” hackers, who use ransomware and malware to penetrate a system, can obtain sensitive information of online users, including banking and financial transactions.

One of the common methods used by hackers is “social engineering,” which involves tricking unsuspecting victims into providing sensitive information.

Other than dubious internet links, Gonda warns of free Wi-Fi and charging stations in the public, as these are also vulnerable to cyberattacks.

“The hackers will not stop. Even all your details, name, address, friends, how you call them, they will imitate that,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Cops recovered suspected shabu, handgun in Kitaotao raid

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (28 January 2024) – A composite police team found a suspected shabu and a weapon during a raid on an illicit drug suspect’s home in Sitio Bacayan, Brgy. Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon

According to the report of Police Captain Christopher P. Tuzara, OIC of the Kitaotao Municipal Police Station (KMPS), the raid took place about 2:38 a.m. on January 27, 2024.

Tuzara identified the suspect as a 35-year-old individual with a drug-related personality.

Members of the Kitaotao MPS and the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit Tracking Team discovered six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, totaling 7.3 grams and valued at PhP49,640.00.

They also found drug paraphernalia, a coin purse, a blue-black pouch, and a belt bag.

A Daewoo brand 9mm handgun with serial number 15765 in silver with a black grip cover, an inserted magazine loaded with 13 live bullets, and nine pieces of cal.45 pistol were also discovered from the suspect’s possession.

A case of breach of Section 11, Article II of the R.A. No. 9165 was filed against the arrested suspect.

The recovered drugs were transported to the Bukidnon Forensic Unit in Malaybalay City for qualitative and quantitative investigations.

The seized pistol was also taken to the Forensic Office for ballistic testing. (melbmadera)

P100M Korean greenhouses in Bukidnon empower farmers, spark bounty harvest

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (29 January 2024/PIA)—The unveiling of P100 million Korean government greenhouse technology in Bukidnon marks a breakthrough in agriculture, sparks a bounty harvest, and improves farming techniques among the province’s high-value crop farmers

Packed with Korean tech, South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) donated the multimillion greenhouses to the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10) to demonstrate effective methods for growing strawberries, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, leafy vegetables, and high-priced crops in Philippine soil.

In a strawberry farm tour following the turnover ceremony at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, last December, An Jae-rok, executive director of the Korean Agency of Education, Promotion, and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries presented how MAFRA’s Smart farm system gives farmers remote control over their greenhouses.

“In Smart Greenhouse, data is collected daily inside and outside the facility. There are sensors inside to check the amount of carbon dioxide, temperature, and air humidity. There are also sensors outside the greenhouse to check the rainfall, temperature, wind direction, and velocity,” he said.

Jae-rok said farmers need not worry anymore about the unpredictable weather and the backbreaking labor because farmers can easily monitor and adjust greenhouse conditions manually or remotely using the Smart Farm Mobile App with internet connectivity.

“This is unique. It gives us a chance to dream bigger, heaps of perfectly ripened strawberries at a time,” said Joel Rivera, a greenhouse farm adopter and red bell pepper farmer from Bukidnon, as he looked at the vibrant plants inside the facility.

Compared to traditional methods, which usually rely on manual labor and simple controls, greenhouses use modern irrigation and automation systems such as complex environment control and growth development information.

Finding new ways to produce more food

Cora Dumayaca, technical director for research and regulations for DA-Northern Mindanao, said the newly introduced greenhouse technology aims to provide innovative planting to increase productivity and ensure higher profits for Filipino farmers.

“It’s not just technology. It’s empowerment. This high-tech farming also combats climate change worries. Imagine vibrant strawberries thriving alongside climate-resistant leafy greens–that’s the future the government is building,” Dumayaca said.

She explained that Northern Mindanao’s agriculture department shared nearly 30 percent, while Korea’s MAFRA granted more than 70 percent of the project’s total cost.

Dumayaca reported that they had trained 70 Bukidnon farmers, extensionists, and other farmer organizations in nearby provinces on sustainable smart agriculture covering strawberries, cherry tomatoes, leafy vegetables, and potatoes.

“The project went beyond equipping 11 greenhouses with advanced technology. These serve as training hubs and show windows, crafting a Package of Technology (POT) as a roadmap for farmers to boost production through precision agriculture. The DA aims to inspire the next generation to adopt modern farming methods,” she added.

Yong Ho Jung, Korea’s director for international cooperation of MAFRA, said that by establishing smart farms in the Philippines, they have transferred proven Korean-style farm technologies adaptive to the Philippine climate.

“I thanked the Philippine government for its cooperation and interest in the project. These greenhouses mark MAFRA’s first Official Development Assistance (ODA) program on smart agriculture—a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries. We hope that our collaboration in agri-technology will help to modernize and develop the agro-industry sector through knowledge exchange, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, as well as the nationwide dissemination of smart farming in the Philippines,” Jung said.

Korea’s Smart Greenhouses at NMACLRC in Dalwangan, Malaybalay, was launched on April 1, 2022, with 11 state-of-the-art greenhouses across 4,250 square meter fields. Inside, rows of fruit-bearing strawberries and cherry tomatoes, including vibrant leafy greens and potatoes, flourish in precision-designed gardens.

With the ability to produce off-season crops year-round, the DA considers the project a step towards achieving self-sufficiency for the country. (JSA/RLRB/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

Mindanao religious leaders take joint stand to condemn peace spoilers

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MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (January 22, 2024/PIA)– Mindanao religious leaders, representing both Muslim and Christian faiths, have joined forces in a resolute stand against those who seek to disrupt peace in the region

Their unified voice condemned the “heinous sacrilegious” bombing incident that took place during a Catholic Mass at the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus on December 3, 2023.

These religious leaders asserted in a joint statement dubbed “Religions are for Peace” that the teachings of every religion in the world condemn the killing of innocent bystanders and religious believers as a demonic act.

The statement highlighted a shared condemnation from both Islamic and Christian perspectives, emphasizing that terrorism under the guise of religion contradicts the fundamental teachings of both faiths.

“The killing of innocent civilians by terrorists under the guise of religion is a condemnable and cruel irreligious act that defiantly contradicts both Muslim and Christian beliefs,” said the joint statement.

The declaration emerged following a two-day dialogue for peace held in Cotabato City from January 16 to 17 to address concerns about the durability of the peace process among Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao and allay the anxieties of many students and families not only in Marawi but also throughout the entirety of Mindanao.

The joint statement was signed by His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo (Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotabato), Most Reverend Angelito Lampon (Archdiocese of Cotabato), Most Reverend Antonio Ledesma (Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro), Most Reverend Edwin de la Peña (Bishop of the Prelature of Marawi), Pastor Brayan Saguban (River of God/Evangelical Denomination), Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta Executive Director Emran Mohamad, Islamic Jurist Dr. Muhammad Nadzir Ebil (Bangsamoro Darul Ifta), and Datu Mussolini Lidasan, executive director of Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia – Ateneo de Davao University.

Bishop de la Peña conveyed the impact of the dialogue, particularly among the Christian settlers of Marawi, stating, “Now the people in my area who experienced so much trauma and so much pain can now rejoice over the fact that the religious leaders of the Bangsamoro are one with us so we can move on.”

The religious leaders also emphasized the need to be proactive against similar terrorist acts by imparting to their constituencies the true teachings of religious traditions and sacred scriptures.

The religious leaders likewise underscored the importance of proactively countering terrorism by imparting the true teachings of religious traditions and sacred scriptures to their constituents. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives of the peace process between the Bangsamoro and the Government of the Philippines, fostering a collective responsibility and renewed dedication to achieving enduring peace.

Recognizing the efficacy of inter-religious dialogues in establishing a culture of peace, mutual respect, and understanding, the leaders pledged to continue conducting religious exchanges. Their commitment extends to bringing these dialogues to the grassroots level, spreading the culture of peace throughout the entire island of Mindanao.

“We hope to continue this religious dialogue not only among ourselves but down to the grassroots level so that we can spread the culture of peace throughout the island of Mindanao,” said Archbishop Ledesma.

The dialogue and subsequent signing of the joint statement were facilitated by the international NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Philippines and supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Prominent religious leaders in Mindanao hold a two-day dialogue in Cotabato City on January 16-17, 2024 to address concerns about the resilience of the peace process among Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao and alleviate anxieties among students and families across Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of HWPL Philippines)

Man, allegedly lit sugarcane plantation in Maramag – report

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (January 22, 2024) – A legal-age guy allegedly burned down a sugarcane farm in Purok 12, Sitio San Ramon, Brgy. Base Camp, Maramag, Bukidnon, on January 21, 2024

In his report, Police Major Jaemar M. Paguidopon, OIC of the Maramag Municipal Police Station, stated that the sugarcane plantation was partially burned and that the extent of the damage is still being determined by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel.

A complainant personally appeared at Maramag MPS along with the witness and Brgy. Captain of MarayMaray, Don Carlos Bukidnon brought with them the arrested arson suspect.

Investigator of Maramag MPS coordinated with personnel from BFP Maramag and conducted an initial investigation on the plantation.

Upon interviewing the witness, it was revealed that he had been instructed by the plantation owner to monitor the sugar cane plantation because, previously, someone had intentionally set it on fire.

At around 8:00 p.m. on the same date, the witness actually saw a person enter the plantation. He followed him and took the initiative to call the owner.

The witness stated that the culprit lit the sugar cane, causing a fire. He approached the suspect, who fled.

Fortunately, the owner arrived quickly, resulting in the suspect’s successful arrest and the recovery of one lighter from his custody and control.

The plantation owner and witness took the initiative to put out the fire.

They then brought the suspect to Maramag MPS for suitable disposition.

The case has been properly turned over to BFP Maramag for further proceedings. (melbmadera)

Malaybalay gets trading post under DA’s Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To sell the agricultural products of farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office turns over the P9.6-million (M) trading post to the City Government of Malaybalay in Bukidnon, on January 17

Located in the market site of Barangay 9 of said city, this will serve as a trading post for farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) to increase productivity in agricultural and fishery production in localities.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the project aims to establish a centralized marketing platform that is accessible to link farmers to consumers ensuring the availability and accessibility of food commodities in high consumer demand areas.

Under the leadership of DA’s Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., modernization of agriculture and digitalization are among the priorities in his administration, in which the farmers should coordinate, converge, and cooperate for the project to be successful from the national down to the local government units, Madriaga added.

Out of the total project cost, CLGU Malaybalay counterparted P4.6-M and DA-10 provided P5-M funded under the Marketing Development Services of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Over 10 identified FCAs producing vegetables, spices, processed foods, and livestock by-products will benefit from the project, enabling them to link producers directly to consumers.
Also, the City Economic Enterprise Development Office (CEEDMO) of Malaybalay will be in-charge in the operation and maintenance of the facility.

One of the beneficiaries of the facility, Marlyn J. Gallardo, chairman of the Vegetable Growers Association said that through the trading post, many farmers can expand their opportunity to sell their agricultural commodities and will help elevate the economy of the city.

[Pinaagi sa trading post, daghang mga mag-uuma ang mopalapad sa kahigayonan sa pagbaligya sa ilang mga palaliton sa agrikultura ug tinguha sa pagpataas sa ekonomiya niining syudad.]

Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran emphasized that the government continues to provide facilities to support and encourage the farmers to be more resilient and proactive, urging careful planning to address and enhance the resilience of farmers against challenges.

Attending the event were Vice-Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, Sangguniang Panglalawigan Committee on Agriculture Alan Ryan O. Legaspi, DA-AMAD Agriculturist II Helen M. Roldan, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Engineer III Alden C. Tapio of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), and other city officials. (MPMT)

Police unearth NPA terrorists’ weapons cache in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 19, 2024/PIA) –The Philippine National Police (PNP) uncovered five M16 rifles, 38 assorted magazines, a caliber 45 pistol, firearm parts, and rounds of ammunition hidden underground by the New People’s Army-Communist Terrorist Group (NPA-CTG) under Platoon Mercedes, Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC5-NCMRC)

The joint operation of Area Police Command-Eastern Mindanao Cagayan de Oro Satellite Office; Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-10; 1st Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC); and Barangay Dominorog’s Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay led the recovery of the communist terrorist group’s (CTG) arms cache, early morning of January 6 this year in the hinterlands of San Rafael village in Talakag, Bukidnon.

Police Colonel Ramil Montilla, APC-EM executive officer, credited the discovery and recovery of firearms to former New People’s Army members who surrendered and narrated the hardships they faced and their families’ miseries while they were with the NPA-CTG as combatants.

“Malaki ang impact nitong recovered firearms kasi nabawasan ang kanilang capabilities na magwagi against the government forces. Malaking kawalan ito sa kanila. (The recovered firearms have a significant impact on the rebels, reducing their ability to oppose government forces—a substantial loss for them),” Montilla said.

He explained that all recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to check for previous use in crimes. Those records, he said, will also undergo cross-referencing in the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Unit for any existing information.

Weakening of rebel group

The government forces succeed after two operations against the NPA-CTG in just one week.

Montilla said the credit also goes to the APC-EM for their focused efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ intensified military operations, and the relentless law enforcement of the Philippine National Police that forced the rebels to move around to avoid detection and arrest.

The government’s whole-of-nation strategy, outlined in EO 70 that addressed concerns in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), encouraged the mass surrender of former rebels and supporters.

Similarly, the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay deployment in GIDAs establishes safe and conflict-resilient communities.

Montilla also said that the presence of the R-PSB in NPA-infiltrated areas encouraged the former rebels to divulge information to authorities, which lessened the terrorists’ foothold in the area.

“It demonstrates that the CTG has no identified mass bases to rely on. The people’s view toward public safety forces is noticeable,” he said.

In retaliation of NPA-CTGs

Brigadier General Michele Anayron, 403rd brigade commander, said that after two successful operations on December 25 and January 6, the government forces, including the APC-EM CDO SATO, are prepared for any potential retaliation by the NPA rebels.

However, Anayron emphasized that if one would look at the NPA-CTG’s pattern of retaliation in the past, most were against vulnerable soft targets.

“Since there are ongoing development projects like road opening and concreting, contractors are being targeted. In April, at Sitio Mahagwa, Barangay Hagpa, Impasugong town, the said group committed an act of terrorism by burning two units of backhoe. We are actively pursuing them, collaborating with the PNP Mobile Force in an ongoing joint operation,” Anayron said.

The APC-EM urges the community and business sector to report any CTG group sightings to prevent potential criminal acts.

The APC-EM and 403rd Infantry Brigade call on active NPA members and CTG-affiliated groups to abandon armed struggles, emphasizing the government’s readiness to assist them and their families through various programs. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA10)