Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Category: News

Seed-dropping drones plant 18K trees in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least 18,389 “seed balls” of native trees were dispersed via drone technology as part of the reforestation project in Bukidnon, a provincial official said on June 30

Ritchie Mae Guno, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial director, said the project partnered with the Pangantucan town government and its Indigenous People (IP) community to exhibit the innovative drone reforestation technology.

The seed balls were dispersed in batches from May to this month within the four-hectare patch in the Mt. Kalatungan range, an ancestral domain of the Manobo-Talaandig group headed by Datu Erio Inahan.

Guno said the next step would be the quarterly aerial monitoring by “Galansiyang” for an inventory of the germinated seed balls.

Galansiyang is a startup company partnered with DOST and operates the drone technology used for reforestation.

As a counterpart, the DOST, the Protected Area Management Board–Mt. Kalatungan Range Nature Park, the IP community, and community stakeholders will conduct ground monitoring.

The seed balls contain seeds from endemic trees coated with soil and organic manures to support their germination and growth.

The seeds came from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau and the IPs of Mt. Kalatungan. (PNA)

Pangantucan town receives P14.5-M agri assistance from DA-NorMin

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PANGANTUCAN, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), under the helm of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over and committed various agricultural interventions to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pangantucan during the 25th Farmers’ Week celebration (Silver Anniversary) on June 27, 2023, at the Municipal Grounds, Poblacion here

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over the certificate of turnover amounting to P14,588,508.00 of agri assistance from the agency’s different banners and special programs.

According to RTD Madriaga, said intervention aims to modernize and industrialize agriculture’s value chains in an inclusive way to enhance productivity, uplift rural people from poverty, improve livelihoods, and increase farmers’ income.

Included in the package of agri assistance are the following: Rice Program (P5,961,936.00): Public Hybrid Seeds, Commercial Hybrid Seeds, Inbred Rice Seeds, and Inorganic Fertilizers; Corn Program (P6.7-M): Hybrid Yellow Corn Seeds, Inorganic Fertilizer (14-14-14), Bio-N Fertilizer; Livestock Program (P1,385,512.00): Forage Seeds, LN2 Tank, Semen Straws, Native Swine, Free Range Chicken, Duck, and Village-type Feed Mill with Multi-Crop Drying Pavement.

Further, the assistance comprises the following: High-Value Crops Development Program (P212,350.00): Mini Chainsaw, Technology Demonstration for Coffee and General High-Value Crops; Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase 1 (P328,710.00): Hybrid Yellow Corn Seeds, Complete Fertilizer, Urea Fertilizer, Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) Vegetable Seeds (Pinakbet), OPV Vegetable Seeds (Sinigang), Vitamin A, D and E, Vitamin B Complex injectable, Ivermectin injectable, Wound Spray; Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (P75K): Egg Layer Production Package.

Likewise, Dir. Madriaga also handed over the certificate of commitment to LGU Pangantucan for the Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program Swine Clustering, consisting of 1 unit Biosecured and Climate-Controlled Finisher Operation Facility, Swine, Feeds, Weighing Scale, Drugs and Biologics, overall costing P5.5-M.

Meanwhile, Municipal Vice-Mayor Manolito G. Garces extended his gratitude to DA and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), one of its attached corporations, for supporting their Municipality, especially their farmers.

“It is very timely and relevant, as we also celebrate our Farmers’ Week here in our Municipality. This intervention will surely benefit our farmers by boosting their agricultural productivity, and we, in the LGU, will also take part in achieving our goal of sustainable agriculture,” the Pangantucan official remarked.

On the other hand, RTD Madriaga also expressed her appreciation to LGU Pangantucan, including the participating Rural-based Organizations (RBOs), Farmers’ Cooperative Associations (FCAs), and barangay councils for supporting activities that honor farmers for their tireless efforts in providing food for our everyday needs.

Further, she urged the farmers to continue their hard work and for the LGU to continue supporting them by patronizing their produce, encouraging them to work more efficiently with their farming operations.

During the event, Bukidnon PCA Division Chief I, Ma. Chyrelyn A. Pace also turned over 50 pieces of coconut seedlings (Catigan Dwarf) and bared other interventions their agency can offer.

Also gracing the event is the DA-Provincial Operations Center in Bukidnon, LGU officials, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and the Provincial Local Government of Bukidnon. (DA RFO-10)

DOST, LGU Pangantucan to improve science, tech info access in GIDA areas through STARBOOKS

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In partnership with the Local Government Unit of Pangantucan and the Department of Education Division of Bukidnon, the Department of Science and Technology provides seven STARBOOKS units in seven public high schools in Pangantucan. STARBOOKS is the country’s first digitized library

The school beneficiaries are Pangantucan National High School, Bacusanon National High School, Bangahan Integrated School, Kimanait National High School, Langcataon National High School, San Isidro High School, and Pangantucan Bukidnon Community College.

The project holds immense potential for the 4,944 high school students, 1,389 college students, and 890 teachers who have long depended on limited books and unreliable internet access. These schools predominantly serve Indigenous Peoples (IP) students from the Manobo tribe.

During the turnover ceremony, Dr. Lanila M. Palapar, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, encouraged the attending teachers to embrace continuous learning and engage with new technologies.

“Let us not stop learning for ourselves and for our students,” Palapar emphasized, highlighting the importance of keeping pace with the evolving educational landscape.

The significance of the STARBOOKS project was further highlighted by the Science Research Specialist of DOST Bukidnon, Grazelle Dela Cruz, who showcased its vast array of resources that will now be readily available to students and teachers alike. STARBOOKS is a digital library that offers free access to hundreds of thousands of theses, K-12 modules, DRRM materials, research papers, theses, dissertations, and S&T news.

The Science and Technology Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk (STARBOOKS) is an innovation of the DOST Science and Technology Information Institute.

Expressing gratitude for the initiative, Dr. Ellen A. Azuelo, Education Program Supervisor and also the project leader, commended the DOST for its efficient and comprehensive project implementation process.

LGU Pangantucan’s Executive Assistant, Rolando Franco, also encouraged the other schools in the MunicipalityMunicipality to avail of the same project for inclusive education opportunities.

Dr. Ligaya S. Gonzales, School Principal of Pangantucan National High School, expressed hope that this intervention from the DOST would be followed by further support for STEM education in Pangantucan, fostering a solid foundation for the high school learners’ academic journey.

By providing accessible and up-to-date information, the project aims to empower students to pursue STEM courses and become valuable contributors to the S&T human capital of the country. With the collaborative efforts of the DOST, DepEd, and local educational institutions, the future of S&T education in Pangantucan will be brighter than ever. (Rashia Mae Deva Paano/DOST 10)

PhilHealth starts ‘Konsulta’ registration in Malaybalay

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MALAYBALAY CITY – PhilHealth-Bukidnon and Malaybalay City Health Office (CHO) collaborated to host the 2023 PhilHealth Summit and Konsulta Member Registration at Freedom Park

The event offers free consultations to all PhilHealth members, focusing on an extensive range of medical concerns to help individuals manage their health effectively, detect diseases early, and avoid potential complications.

The ‘Konsulta’ package includes consultations, health risk screening and assessment, referrals, 13 laboratory tests, and access to 21 maintenance drugs and medicines.

PhilHealth seeks to enhance the health of its members by offering a package that focuses on early disease detection. This package grants all Filipinos access to a primary care facility, enabling them to seek consultations from accredited providers.

Dr. Dennis Sangalang, city health chief, said CHO is the only accredited PhilHealth Konsulta Provider in Malaybalay to date.

“We can assure and guarantee that every individual has access to health services. One of these is the PhilHealth Konsulta, Konsultasyong Sulit At Tama,” he said.

He also announced that walk-in registrations from PhilHealth members are accepted and accommodated to encourage local government personnel to register for PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.

Marlyn Acosta, social insurance officer at PhilHealth-Bukidnon, said ‘Konsulta’ is a nationwide event. “It coincides with PhilHealth’s 28th anniversary, which has the theme ‘Pinalawak at Makabagong Benepisyo Para sa Mamamayang Pilipino’ (Expanded and Modernized Benefits for Filipinos). We should all register with a PhilHealth Konsulta accredited facility,” she added.

Acosta urged members who still need to register for PhilHealth services to visit the accredited facility of PhilHealth Konsulta. (JSA/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Malaybalay CGSO conducts Public Auction of unserviceable items

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The City General Services Office (CGSO), led by Ms. Dioscora R. Niere, organized a Public Auction of Unserviceable Items/Equipment on June 30, 2023, at the City Engineer’s Compound. City Mayor Atty. Jay Warren R. Pabillaran attended the event, members of the Appraisal & Disposal Committee, Technical Working Group, staff, and guests, marking its significance

Mayor Pabillaran highlighted the importance of the public auction, citing the accumulation of unserviceable properties over time. He emphasized the need for a proper procedure to dispose of these items.

The Auction Sale consisted of six (6) lots of unserviceable equipment and properties, sold as one (1) cluster through a “Viva Voce” basis. The items included motorcycles, vehicles, various batteries, scrap iron, scrap plastic, and assorted tires, with a clustered minimum floor price of P1,490,220.64.

Two bidders participated in the auction, namely U2 Company from Maramag, Bukidnon, and VD Junkshop from Valencia City. Both bidders conceded their offers, thus concluding the public auction.

The committee responsible for the auction will be preparing for a second public auction to be announced at a later date. This upcoming auction aims to further dispose of unserviceable items and equipment.

The CGSO continues to demonstrate its commitment to efficient management and disposal of unserviceable properties, ensuring the optimal utilization of public resources. (LGU Malaybalay)

Malaybalay City declares ‘State of Calamity’ as floods devastate barangays

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In response to the widespread devastation caused by heavy floods resulting from torrential and continuous rains triggered by the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved SP Resolution No. 2023-0409, declaring Malaybalay City under a “State of Calamity.”

This declaration enables the City Government to access calamity funds and immediately assist the affected communities.

The resolution was endorsed by City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, who presented CDRRMC Resolution No. 007, Series of 2023, to the Sangguniang Panlungsod on June 26, 2023, seeking approval for the declaration. The City Mayor highlighted the urgency of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges faced by the affected barangays.

Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) report revealed that at least 13 barangays in Malaybalay City experienced significant damage on June 21, 2023. The floods caused substantial damage to residential properties, public structures, schools, and business establishments, as well as local farmers’ agriculture and livestock products.

Following careful deliberation during the 49th regular session on June 27, 2023, Councilor Royland M. Orquia, Chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order motioned to declare Malaybalay City under a State of Calamity. The august body unanimously agreed on the resolution, emphasizing the urgent need to provide immediate relief and support to the affected communities. (LGU Malaybalay)

Testimonial recognition for Malaybalay City Scholar 2023 graduates held

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Malaybalay City – A total of 94 scholar graduates were celebrated at the testimonial and recognition event held at The Garden Party Venue in Malaybalay City

These scholars graduated from various institutions, including Bukidnon State University (BukSU), San Isidro College (SIC), Mindanao Arts and Technological Institute (MATI), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Philippine College Foundation (PCF).

The theme of the event was “Celebrating Our Journey Together: A Testament to Academic Excellence.” The highlight of the ceremony was the acknowledgment of the outstanding achievements of the scholars.

Three graduates were honored with the distinction of “magna cum laude.” Glaiza A. Castillo earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management from Central Mindanao University. Malleable B. Ladra graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Central Mindanao University. Rudy T. Villarba obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Bukidnon State University.

Additionally, sixteen graduates received the distinction of “cum laude.” John Bryan Pit M. Acaso graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from BukSU. Jayne A. Clavero obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Operations Management from CMU. Francis Juvielyn E. Cutamora earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Plant Breeding from CMU. Chryla Grea V. Diamante graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from CMU. Kathleen Kaye B. Duna obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management from BukSU. Phoebe Nelyn L. Eduria and Xianne Zayza B. Gelacio both graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from CMU. Janeen T. Jumoc earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management from BukSU. Sharlene J. Labaria graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education from BukSU. Honey Mae M. Madjos earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino from CMU. Sarah Jane A. Maestre obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from BukSU. Fretzy Mae L. Mamatan graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino from CMU. Christian Dave A. Paig earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology Microbiology from CMU. Sanny Boy Rosa-ut graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science from BukSU. Krizza Mae S. Taboclaon obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from BukSU, and Kimberly F. Taneo earned a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from CMU.

During the event, City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran addressed the scholar graduates, expressing his congratulations and hope for their future. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the knowledge they acquired for the betterment of themselves and the nation as a whole.

The honorees expressed their gratitude to the City Government for allowing them to avail themselves of such a unique scholarship program, which significantly eased their financial burdens. They expressed their hopes that the City Government would continue the scholarship program, as it had a tremendous impact on the lives of the scholars and helped them realize their dreams of earning a degree.

City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran and City Vice Mayor Estelito Marabe presented achievement medals, certificates, and incentives to the honor graduates. Additionally, certificates of recognition were awarded to all scholar graduates in recognition of their dedication and hard work.

The Malaybalay City Scholarship Program has undoubtedly played a vital role in supporting the education and aspirations of deserving students. The success of the Batch 2023 scholar graduates stands as a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the city’s commitment to investing in the future of its youth. (LGU Malaybalay)

Northern Mindanao crafts six-year plan to reduce high poverty incidence

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CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — The gross regional domestic product of Northern Mindanao grew by 7.2% in 2022, indicating recovery from the economic slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, residents of the region have yet to feel this improvement, according to an official from the state’s planning agency

“Poverty remains the biggest challenge,” said Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Northern Mindanao during the June 21 launch of the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan (NMRDP) for 2023-2028.
Cariño said Northern Mindanao had previously reduced poverty levels by 15 percentage points, and the six-year NMRDP aims to further reduce the poverty incidence among the population from 26.2% in 2021 to 15% by the end of 2028 and among families by 10%.
The 21-chapter NMRDP, developed through a series of consultations and focused group discussions among various stakeholders in the region, includes a list of 2,045 identified projects starting this year until 2028.
The objective is to increase Northern Mindanao’s ratio of hospital bed capacity to one bed per 1,000 patients by 2028 from the current one per 2,328
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Agriculture officials say biosecurity measures have been set up around the green zone and adjoining barangays to monitor the spread of the virus
Death toll in Army, NPA clashes in Caraga, Northern Mindanao climbs to 7
The military says many of those killed in the separate encounters were women
She said these projects aim to stimulate economic activities, create jobs, and provide sources of livelihood, requiring over P3 trillion in public and private investments during the six years.
“The 2022 data is still incomplete until now; hence we used the 2021 figures,” said Cariño, who also serves as the vice-chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Northern Mindanao.
Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo, the chairperson of the RDC, said the completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge project, connecting her province to Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, would facilitate the transport of goods, delivery of basic services, and movement of people.
Dimaporo said the development of Cagayan de Oro into a metropolis within the planning period would accelerate the region’s goal of becoming an international gateway in Mindanao by 2040.
The planned Metropolitan Cagayan de Oro aims to expand the region’s urban center to include 14 localities from the city’s nearby provinces.
The RDC-X aims to transform Northern Mindanao’s five provinces and nine cities into a “leading agricultural hub and major industrial, tourism, and trade center.”
NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos described the NMRDP as “meticulously crafted” and “aligned seamlessly” with the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028.
“This plan signifies not an end but rather the dawn of a crucial phase,” he told development council members.
He said strategies must be translated into tangible actions and continually evaluated while also addressing challenges such as inflationary pressures, climate change, and the spread of animal diseases. The region, he noted, has already become a major producer of livestock and poultry products.
Abad Santos acknowledged the region’s recovery from negative economic growth during the pandemic, placing it just behind the National Capital Region and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that the region’s economy expanded by 7.2% last year, surpassing the 6.3% growth in 2021 and the 5.6% before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. This growth translated to an increase of P62.49 billion in the region’s gross domestic product.
The PSA-10 said a family of five requires an average of P11,920 per month to fulfill their basic food and non-food necessities in 2021, which corresponds to the poverty threshold in Northern Mindanao.
According to the report, the poverty incidence in the region was 26.2%, affecting approximately 1.72 million individuals that year.
During the first semester of 2021, Lanao del Norte showed the highest poverty incidence at 39.1%, affecting approximately 62,900 families. In contrast, Cagayan de Oro had the lowest poverty incidence of 11.6%, affecting around 22,600 families.
Although Bukidnon’s poverty incidence stood at 36.9%, it recorded the largest number of poor population and low-income families in the region. The province had 115,000 families or 605,500 individuals living in poverty, showed the PSA-X report. (Uriel Quilinquing/Rappler)

7 NPA rebels neutralized in Caraga, Northern Mindanao

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BUTUAN CITY — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday, June 25, reported significant gains against communist rebels in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions

Major Francisco P. Garello Jr., chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Army 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said that seven New People’s Army rebels were neutralized and several war materials, including 20 high-powered weapons, were captured in the hinterland areas of Butuan City, Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17.
Garello said these are a “testament to the AFP’s continuous efforts to finish the dwindling Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the military and police joint operational area to attain just and lasting peace in Northeastern and Northern Mindanao regions.”
He revealed that the alleged secretary of the Guerrilla Front-30 (GF-30) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) surrendered to the Army 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, June 22.
“All field units under the operational and administrative control (Opcon) of the 4th ID in Northeastern (Caraga) and Northern Mindanao regions are in focus military operations (FMO) in their respective areas of responsibilities (AOR) while they are also ready to accept and welcome communist insurgents who wanted to go back to the folds of the law and avail the government’s peace and development program,” Garello said.
He added that 4th ID chief Major Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II commended field units for the continuous gains in their AORs against the already dwindling communist terrorist group.
Meanwhile, the PRO-13 reported that “Kumander Jhon-Jhon,” vice commanding officer, and wife, “Ka Fiona,” a medical and supply officer of the NPA, voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Poblacion, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, recently.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said the couple belonged to the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon 16C2, Guerilla Front Committee 16, Sub-Regional Committee Northland, of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
They turned over a 60mm mortar and a caliber .38 revolver with bullets.
“The uncertainty of their future in the terrorist movement and the desire to give their families a peaceful life gave them the courage to abandon the CTG,” Labra said. “Several former rebels who surrendered to the government are now living peacefully.” (Mike Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)

ARTA Normin field office to aid in streamlining, digitalizing gov’t services

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To have a streamlined and digitalized Philippine bureaucracy for more effective and efficient service delivery, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) opened a new Regional Field Office (RFO) in northern Mindanao June 22, here

“Our regional field office here in Northern Mindanao will be the voice of ARTA in this area of Mindanao, and we are committed to implementing all the major programs in the battle against red tape and corruption in the process,” ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez said.
He added that such an office is essential since policies and processes at both the national and local levels must be aligned. Doing so will enable the government to deliver the services the people expect.
Initially, Perez said ARTA was able to reduce the number of permits required from 13 to just about 6, the documentary requirements from 76 to just about 16, and the processing time from 285 days to just about 30 days.
“With this reduction, we have seen an increase in the issuance of permits. If you are able to replicate this experience, then our dream of having a much-improved economy that will provide business and employment opportunities can be realized nationwide,” he added.
Highlighting compliance with such, Perez recognized the City Government of Cagayan de Oro as the 9th local government unit that received the certificate of commendation for having been able to set up and operationalize an electronic business one-stop-shop (eBOSS).
He added that such a feat and compliance with Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business, are essential to attracting foreign and local businessmen and investors. “We will be able to expand business opportunities that will provide livelihood, employment, and income for our people,” Perez said.
Highly supporting the goals of ARTA, Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia said, “Ang Anti-Red Tape Act before, talagang kailangan ito, kailangang-kailangan ng gobyerno ng mga tao na kailangang maattend kaagad-agad, so we should have the compassion [to serve].”
(Even before, the Anti-Red Tape Act was really needed. The government really needs people who can immediately attend to the needs of their clients; thus, we should have the compassion to serve)
For her part, Civil Service Commission Regional Director Noemi Rabe-Torres said that as a partner agency of ARTA in all service delivery, programs, and initiatives, CSC will help the latter in capacitating government agencies in crafting the citizen’s charter.
“The concrete support that we can give is that for the Civil Service Commission, we already have a unit, the ARTA unit, to hear and decide cases on complaints against red tape, and graft and corruption,” she added.
Other local government units, regional line agencies, local government units, and the private sector, through the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., also express their support for ARTA by signing the pledge of commitment.
The Northern Mindanao Regional Field Office is the eighth RFO of ARTA in the country. (RTP/PIA-10)