Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Category: News

DOLE-10 honors Bukidnon’s informal sector workers

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MALAYBALAY CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, through its Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (Buk PFO), recently conducted a learning session for workers in the informal sector in line with the 2023 Labor Day commemoration

The activity aims to provide and aid the workers in the informal sector under the Labor Day theme, “Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino.”
DOLE-10 BukPFO Provincial Director Raul L. Valmores reassures that DOLE, through its flagship programs and services, will continuously provide job-generation initiatives to workers in the informal sector.
“We in DOLE will continue collaborating with the different government agencies and Accredited Co-Partners (ACPs) so the individual and association beneficiaries can attain a sustainable livelihood,” Valmores said.
Nineteen association beneficiaries of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) from a city and different municipalities in Bukidnon, including six ACPs, attended the event.
The Department of Trade and Industry Business Development Division Chief Jose Maureal discussed financial and organizational management with stakeholders of DOLE Integrated Livelihood.
“The success and sustainability of government programs depend on the maturity of the people’s organization that are empowered to become partners on project implementation,” Maureal said.
This initiative will help the association generate support in making critical financial decisions, improve the profitability of their organizations, guide the organizational structure, and ensure the alignment of employees with company policies.
The activity also included a learning session on simple bookkeeping from Abag Kalambuan Inc., Executive Director, Bienvenido Narciso, which included a workshop on simple bookkeeping to enhance knowledge of finances.
Narciso emphasized the importance of maintaining complete and accurate records of all financial transactions to ensure proper reflection in the book of accounts.
He emphasized that having basic bookkeeping knowledge is crucial as it enables easy maintenance of records and provides detailed information on expenses and income.
During the event, DILP released three livelihood starter kits, including a sari-sari store, Bigasan, and a video production project worth P70,000.
The Parents Mobilization Action Group (PMAG) was granted a total amount of P500,000 for their Consumer Store Enhancement Project.
Under Social Amelioration Program (SAP), the sugar workers received P24,000.
Each of the three beneficiaries received P8,000 for their maternity benefit claims.
All attendees pledged to support the government’s goal of transitioning informal sector workers into the formal economy, ensuring their protection under the law. They vowed to promote the welfare and decent work agenda of workers in the informal economy.
Valmores recognized the informal sector’s contribution to the country’s thrust toward a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. (DOLE-10 Buk PFO/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

PWDs get P250-K in livelihood aid from DOLE-Bukidnon

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MALAYBALAY CITY – As part of its year-round turnover of livelihood grants to marginalized and disadvantaged informal workers in the province, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, through Provincial Director Raul Valmores of Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (BukPFO), recently turned over livelihood assistance—with Abag Kalambuan Inc. (AKI) as the Accredited Co-Partner (ACP)—to Sinanglanan Parents and Persons with Disability Association (SiPaPDA)

The SiPaPDA, which consists of 21 parents and persons with disabilities (PWDs), chose Agrivet and Farm Supply as their livelihood project in the amount of P250,000 from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
Valmores said that through the DILP, the Department took various endeavors to help integrate marginalized and disadvantaged informal workers, including PWDs, into the mainstream and enable them to participate in its social and economic development.
Valmores also acknowledged Malaybalay local government and its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) for their continued support as DOLE’s program partner.
Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran urged the recipients to use the grants wisely. He assured them that the city government stands ready to help those in need.
In the meantime, AKI Chairperson Bienvenido Narciso Jr. has expressed his confidence in the beneficiaries’ ability to meet their daily needs with the livelihood grant. He underscored the importance of maximizing it to create a positive ripple effect, benefiting not only themselves but also enabling them to extend help to others in need.
Virgilio Arenido, SiPaPDA president, is grateful for the opportunity to change their lives. He said the association could now meet the daily needs of their families while also creating employment opportunities in their community.
“We are thankful to DOLE for giving us, the PWDs, a chance in life. We thank the government for this tailored project for marginalized groups. Indeed, the government sees us and has not forgotten us,” Arenido said.
Prior to the turnover, the group attended skill-building sessions such as financial literacy and basic entrepreneurship. The DOLE designed the training to provide SiPaPDA with the knowledge and skills needed to manage livelihood endeavors.
The DOLE Livelihood Development Specialists will continue to monitor the associations and their livelihood activities after the turnover. This step makes sure that technical support is guiding the association.
The DOLE has always been a staunch advocate for promoting the rights of people with disabilities, protecting their rights, and promoting the economic empowerment of people with disabilities.
DILP, or the Kabuhayan Program of DOLE, is a flagship program of the agency that aims to help marginalized groups such as self-employed workers who are unable to earn sufficient income, unpaid family workers, low-waged and seasonal workers, workers displaced or to be displaced, marginalized and landless farmers, marginalized fisherfolk, women and youth, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, victims of armed conflicts, rebel returnees, and parents of child laborers. (DOLE-10 Buk PFO/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Valencia celebrates 2023 World Day Against Child Labor

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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), together with the City Government of Valencia through the Employment and Placement Services Division (EPSD), marked the 2023 World Day Against Child Labor with the distribution of livelihood starter kits to identified parents with children at risk of engaging in child labor on June 16, 2023

Around 101 parents received starter kits worth P15,000 each under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). The program aimed to help qualified beneficiaries start their own businesses and generate income for their families, as well as enable their children to attend school.
School supplies were also given to the children of program beneficiaries by Dole Philippines and other stakeholders. Additionally, the DILP provided P250,000 worth of livelihood aid to the Uswag Association, one of the city’s people’s organizations.
The event was attended by Provincial Head Raul Valmores of DOLE-Bukidnon; Elna Guzman, EPSD Manager; Jun Hermosura, Executive Assistant IV; and representatives from Child Fund/Kaanib and Bukidnon Federation of Family Welfare Committees, who expressed their support for the program’s success and emphasized the importance of giving livelihood opportunities to marginalized communities as a way to reduce poverty and child labor. (LGU Valencia)

Malaybalay City awards outstanding Cleanest, Greenest Barangays

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Malaybalay City recognized the outstanding efforts of its barangays in promoting cleanliness and environmental management sustainability during the 146th Aldaw Ta Malaybalay program held on June 15, 2023. The award ceremony took place at the Folk Arts Theater, Kaamulan grounds

The awards were presented by City ENRO Officer Maria Anita L. Fernandez, along with the City Clean and Green Chairperson, and City Administrator Anna Marie R. Bergado.
City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran and city officials congratulated the winners of the 2022 search for the cleanest and greenest barangays consisting of two categories.
In Category A, Barangay Kalasungay emerged as the winner for its remarkable initiatives, consistent in maintaining cleanliness and adopting greening programs and practices. The following barangays, Laguitas and Casisang, received consolation prizes for their commendable efforts.
Additionally, Dalwangan Elementary School was recognized as the Best ESWM (Ecological Solid Waste Management) Implementing School and also received praise for its outstanding greening program implementation.
In Category B, Barangay Kulaman claimed first place for its remarkable dedication to cleanliness and environmentally friendly practices. Barangays 8 and 4 secured the second and third positions, respectively. Several other barangays, including Capitan Anghel, Barangay 3, Zamboanguita, Barangay 2, and Caburacanan, received honorable mentions for their noteworthy accomplishments.
Capitan Anghel Integrated School was awarded the title of Best ESWM Implementing School, while Kulaman Elementary School received the award for its exemplary greening program implementation.
The recognition of these barangays and educational institutions highlights the significance of environmental stewardship and serves as a motivation for other communities to prioritize cleanliness and green initiatives in the areas of general cleanliness, greening programs, health and sanitation, and the active involvement by various sectors in the community clean-up.
The efforts of these winners contribute to making Malaybalay City a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable place for its residents, raising awareness on policies in the care for the environment particularly the enforcement and implementation of ecological solid waste management. (LGU Malaybalay)

SP Malaybalay approves resolution on City Tourism Dev’t Plan for 2023-2027

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Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – In a significant move to promote economic growth, social development, and preserve cultural and natural heritage, the City Tourism Development Plan for Calendar Years 2023-2027 was unanimously approved during the 47th Regular Session of the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Malaybalay held on June 13, 2023

Councillor Royland Orquia, the SP Chair on Tourism and Vice Chair on Tourism Council presented the endorsement of City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, along with a letter from Honolu Marie C. Cruzin, the Supervising Tourism Operations Officer.
The resolution was proposed to the 9th Sanggunian with Vice Mayor Estelito R. Marabe presiding over the session at the Old City Hall in Malaybalay City.
The meeting began with Cruzin’s presentation of the City Tourism Road Map.
Following this, Councillor Orquia and the members of the Tourism Committee, Councillors Brian Nelson Flores and Allan Ryan O. Legaspi, addressed queries and provided clarifications. The councilors then recommended the adoption and approval of the City Tourism Development Plan.
The motion to adopt and approve the Malaybalay City Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2027 was seconded by the members of the City Council, and the resolution passed without further discussion. The motion of Councillor Orquia was hereby approved by the majority votes of the members present on its third and final reading.
The approved resolution signifies the City Council’s recognition of the pivotal role tourism plays in stimulating economic growth and fostering social development. Furthermore, the plan aims to make the City an attractive destination for tourists.
With the adoption of the City Tourism Development Plan, Malaybalay City is poised to enhance its tourism sector, offering visitors a unique experience while contributing to the overall progress and sustainability of the city. (LGU Malaybalay)

7 rebels killed in Butuan, MisOr and Bukidnon; 5 of them women

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CAGAYAN DE ORO — The military has revised its narrative on the death toll in clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Butuan City, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon last week, claiming that seven alleged rebels, five of them women, have been killed since June 16, 2023

“The body count in the encounter in Butuan City last Friday (June 16) was raised from three to five. The soldiers also found one more AK 47 rifle,” Major Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson of the Army 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said.
According to Garello, soldiers seized 20 high-powered firearms — seven AK 47 rifles, four M4 rifles, four AR 18 rifles, an M16 rifle, two M14 rifles, and two M16 with attached M203 grenade launchers, in the three encounter sites – 16 in Butuan, three in Bukidnon and one in Misamis Oriental.
Maj. General Jose Maria Cuerpo, 4ID commanding general said soldiers of the 29th Infantry Battalion supported by Philippine Air Force Turkish-made T129B attack helicopters killed three rebels, two of them women, in Mt. Apo-Apo in Sitio Dugyanan, Barangay Anticala in Butuan City last Friday.
It was the first time that the T129B attack helicopters purchased by the Philippine government for US$269 million in a government-to-government contract with Turkey, was reported to have been used in operations against the NPA.
Garello said soldiers on Saturday found two more bodies of NPA rebels — a female and a male – from the June 16 encounter site in Butuan.
“This raised the body count from three to five NPA rebels killed in the encounter last Friday. The soldiers also found one more AK 47 rifle bringing the total number of firearms recovered to 16,” Garello said.
He said the bodies of the three female NPA rebels and two of their male companions would be brought down from the mountains by Monday.
In Bukidnon province, Brigadier General Michele Anayron, commanding general of the 403rd Infantry Brigade said soldiers encountered at least 15 NPA rebels in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City on Saturday, following a tip from residents.
Anayron said a female NPA was killed after a 15-minute encounter with the soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion. He said the soldiers suffered no casualties.
Recovered from the encounter site were an AK 47 rifle, an M14 rifle, and an improvised anti-personnel landmine, he said.
In Misamis Oriental, one female rebel was killed and an AK 47 rifle was recovered after an encounter with soldiers in Sitio Kalhaan, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town Friday afternoon. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

Women Unite in its 1st Organic Agriculture in Asia Summit

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KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte – Over 30 dedicated women representing diverse organizations and agencies across the Philippines convened for the 1st Women in Organic Agriculture (WOA) in Asia Summit

The summit aims to foster engaging discussions and exchange valuable insights regarding the various strategies employed by women in the field of organic agriculture.

Launched on November 26, 2021, WOA is a sector group of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)—Organics Asia that aims to amplify women’s voices in the organic sector throughout Asia, ensuring their representation and participation are duly recognized and celebrated.

The participants in this summit hailed from various provinces, including Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Bukidnon, among others. Among these remarkable women, Marivic Tagupa, the founding president of WOA Philippines, passionately expressed the vision of the organization: a healthy mother earth.

“The WOA’s vision is a healthy mother earth, with its mission to help our mother earth. My purpose of life is to love mother earth through organic because that’s my only way to help mother earth,” she said.

A significant milestone during the summit was the oath-taking ceremony for the WOOA-Ph officers and lady focal points. Furthermore, WOA-Ph solidified its commitment to the cause by signing a memorandum of commitment with IFOAM-Organics Asia.

This agreement officially launched and initiated various activities aimed at bolstering the participation and representation of women in the organic sector in the Philippines.

These activities encompass recruiting new members, facilitating engagement in related events, and fostering collaborative efforts as agreed upon by both parties.

The discussions held at the summit revolved around the themes of gender equality and the pivotal role of women in organic agriculture. Esteemed organizations such as IFOAM-Organics International and the Intercontinental Network of Organic Farmers Organizations led these enlightening discussions.

Karen Mapusua, the president of IFOAM-Organics International, emphasized the significance of inclusive conversations, transcending barriers of gender, age, culture, and geographical location. She stressed the urgent need for governments to align their policies with principles of inclusion and equity.

“The final step in strategic action includes the focus on conveying inclusive conversation across gender, age, culture, and place. And also to review our government instructions collided with the principles of inclusion and equity,” she said.

Throughout the summit, several esteemed female leaders shared their inspiring experiences within the realm of organic agriculture. Arlene Dayo, the municipal agriculture officer of Goa, Camarines Sur, shed light on their successful organic agriculture program.

Rebecca R. Atega, the Lady Focal Person of National Government Agencies, and the Department of Agriculture Caraga Regional Technical Director, presented their office’s remarkable initiatives.

Additionally, Maria Liza L. Evangelista, the vice mayor and owner of La Granja de Jas Family Farm in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, recounted her personal journey in establishing an organic family farm amidst the pandemic.

“My big voice is anchored in three things: a sustainable source of safe and healthy food for my family and community; good stewardship of my body and environment; and leading my people by my own example and being a catalyst of change in my own municipality,” Evangelista said.

The WOA summit is just one of the events in organic agriculture held in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

Other events were the Organic Youth Forum, the 9th Asian Local Government for Organic Agriculture Summit, the 4th Global Alliance of Organic Districts Summit, and the 6th Organic Asia Congress, which attracted participants and delegates from 32 different countries and areas worldwide, including China, South Korea, Portugal, the Maldives, Mongolia, and more. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)

DOST deploys drones to reforest Bukidnon’s Mt. Kalatungan

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PANGANTUCAN, Bukidnon – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10, in collaboration with Galansiyang Inc., launched a reforestation project in a 4-hectare area at Mt. Kalatungan Range, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, May 31

The project showcases the use of drones for planting tree embryos, also known as “seed balls,” coated with soil and organic manure. These seed balls are loaded into the drone container and dispersed in the target area at Mt. Kalatungan.

Ritchie Mae L. Guno, DOST-Bukidnon provincial director, explained that the project aims to demonstrate the use of drone technology for reforestation and provide a glimpse into the future of tree planting.

“This ‘Project Tanom and Project Lantaw’ marks the beginning of DOST’s efforts in advanced reforestation technology. We plan to expand these initiatives throughout Bukidnon Province,” Guno said during the seed ball dispersal.

Guno emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to create an autonomous social system that balances the needs of people and trees.

“We will use satellite imagery to track the progress of the seed balls and monitor their growth in the forest with the help of drones,” she added.

Jay Arneil Gajudo, the chief executive officer of Galansiyang Incorporated, highlighted the event’s significance, saying that it revolutionizes tree planting in the Philippines.

He explained that the effort eliminates the struggles of planting trees in rocky locations.

The program’s first beneficiary is the local government unit of Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

The initiative is envisioned to have a large and upbeat environmental impact as it supports forestry and agricultural aspirations by utilizing modern technologies such as drones that plant trees in the scenic Mt. Kalatungan, the Philippines’ fifth-highest mountain range. (DOST/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Bukidnon solon pushes for bamboo as cash crop

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The bamboo industry in Northern Mindanao region is a rich untapped source of raw materials for the construction industry, Bukidnon 1st District Rep. Jose Manuel Alba has said

In an interview on June 13, 2023, Alba said he and other bamboo industry leaders in Mindanao are engaged in ongoing information dissemination to make bamboo a source of livelihood for building materials.

He earlier filed House of Representatives Bill 7105, or the proposed Philippine Bamboo Industry Act.

“Shifting to bamboo as building material instead of wood will also help the environment in the long run, as it will lessen the cutting of more trees,” he said.

Bukidnon alone has about 2 million “bamboo stands,” which are ready for harvest to become raw materials, he said.

A supporter of Alba’s bill is Robert Palomares, the proprietor of Homebiz Crafts based in Iligan City, who has been using bamboo materials for making furniture and plywood for clients since 2014.

He said he has been sourcing bamboo materials from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

“Bamboo can become a good source of additional income for farmers and even residents who have a backyard space for growing bamboo,” Palomares said.

Because bamboo is a grass species, it can sprout new trunks after cutting the old ones for production.

Palomares said the variety currently used in production is the giant bamboo species.

In this city, the bamboo processing firm, Rizome Bamboo, has been providing bamboo supplies to clients across the country since 2021.

Russel Smith, the firm’s president and chief executive officer, said they are planning to plant an additional 1.5 million “bamboo stands” throughout Mindanao, which they will also buy back from farmers and growers to meet the production demands. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Blessing, Ceremonial Turnover of Combine Harvester and Heavy Equipment held in Malaybalay

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Malaybalay City, June 9, 2023 – A momentous event unfolded at the Malaybalay City Hall Ground as the city government organized a blessing and ceremonial turnover of four combine harvesters for the benefit of corn farmers, as well as units of heavy equipment for engineering operations. This occasion marks yet another milestone in the city’s thriving agricultural sector

Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, along with department heads, farmer association beneficiaries, and personnel from the City Agriculture and Engineering Office, graced the ceremony. The primary objective of the event was to underscore the city’s commitment to supporting the agricultural industry, improving the lives of local farmers, and bringing public service closer to the people, particularly prioritizing the maintenance of farm-to-market road access.

In his message, Mayor Pabillaran expressed heartfelt gratitude for the acquisition of the combine harvesters and heavy equipment, emphasizing their significance in enhancing agricultural productivity and uplifting the livelihoods of the farmers. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and reassured the government’s unwavering dedication to providing the necessary resources for growth and development.

The farm machinery and units of heavy equipment received a ceremonial blessing from a local religious leader, symbolizing the community’s aspirations for a prosperous city. Attendees witnessed the official turnover to the Malaybalay City Corn Growers Association, Patpat Homegrowers Association, San Jose Multi-purpose Cooperative, Sitio Alimpulos Multi-purpose Cooperative, and the engineering department.

The combined harvesters, capable of efficiently harvesting corn crops, are expected to streamline the harvesting process and bolster productivity for local farmers. Furthermore, the heavy equipment, including a compactor, payloader, and excavator, will facilitate road maintenance in priority areas, promoting economic activity and enhancing disaster response capabilities.

Leaders of farmers’ associations and agricultural personnel expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the local government. They emphasized the significance of these modern agricultural tools in meeting the rising market demands while reducing production costs.

The newly acquired equipment is anticipated to significantly improve efficiency and overall farming practices.

The procurement of the combined harvesters and heavy equipment aligns with Malaybalay’s vision to become a progressive and sustainable agricultural hub within the region. The city government is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for farmers, fostering innovation, modernization, and the adoption of best practices in the agricultural sector. (City Government of Malaybalay)