Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Category: News

Sandigan affirms conviction of ex-Bukidnon register of deeds head

Posted on by cmn

MANILA – The Sandiganbayan has denied the appeal filed by the former chief of the Register of Deeds in the province of Bukidnon and affirmed the ruling of the Bukidnon regional trial court (RTC) finding him guilty of graft and sentencing him to up to 10 years imprisonment

In a decision dated June 6, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division denied the appeal filed by Atty. Manuel C. Felicia, and affirmed the 2020 ruling of the Bukidnon RTC finding him guilty of violation of RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In affirming the conviction, the Sandiganbayan said that following Felicia’s acts, “the registration process was railroaded, so to speak” and the integrity of the system “was subverted in a high-handed manner by the very official who swore to preserve it.”

The tribunal said Felicia “arbitrarily bypassed statutory safeguards, and leapfrogged tax collection to make for the illicit conveyance.”

In 2008, the Office of the Ombudsman consolidated complaints against Felicia filed by the local Bureau of Internal Revenue regional director and private individuals following anomalies in the issuance of transfer certificates of title from deceased registered owners.

In 2020, Felicia was arrested in an entrapment operation led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) following a complaint by Policarpio Catalan claiming that Felicia asked for cash for the immediate approval and release of a certificate of land title. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)

Mindanao coffee farmers sweep PCQC 2023

Posted on by cmn

ILIGAN CITY — Farmers from Mindanao garnered all 12 winning entries in the Arabica category during Sunday’s awarding ceremonies of the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition 2023 held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, according to announcements from the Department of Trade and Industry offices in the Northern Mindanao and Davao regions

Garnering the top prize with a cupping score of 86 was Manolito Garces’ natural-processed coffee, with cupping notes of pineapple, mango, black currant, and honey. Garces is from New Eden, Pangantucan in Bukidnon.

Second was Jhon Lawrence dela Cerna, of the Balutakay Coffee Farmers’ Association (BACOFA) in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, with a score of 85.75; third was Dione F. Ellaga, also of Bansalan, 85.41.

Fourth place was Junmar Gunayan, of the MILALITTRA Farmers Agricultural Cooperative (MILFACO), of Bukidnon, 85.03; fifth was Rogelio Gonzales, also of BACOFA in Bansalan, 85; and sixth was Arnold Pina, of the Bayanihan Millennium Multipurpose Cooperative (BMMPC) in Pangantucan, Bukidnon, 84.97.

Completing the top 12 were Rogelio R. Balacuit, of Amai Manabilang in Lanao del Sur; Cecilia G. Cavalida, Davao del Sur; Rosebele Sulatan, MILFACO; Cherry Gil Cabanday, Davao del Sur; Roquita dela Cerna, Davao del Sur; and Lendilou F. Loon, Davao del Sur.

Arabica coffee is considered the superior coffee and fetches higher prices for the farmers.

In the Robusta category, Ilocos Sur farmers dominated the competition, winning 10 of the top 12, according to the DTI-Ilocos Region.

First place was Vilma Lapasan, of the Tirad Pass Growers Association, Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur, with a cupping score of 85.22. Her coffee had notes of vanilla, pineapple, berries, and raisin.

Two farmers from Sultan Kudarat province also made it to the winning entries—Reyjohn A. Basco, 8th place; and Robert James Gacayan, 10th.

Second was Mabini Ubuan, of San Elias Coffee Growers Association in Sigay, with a score of 85; third was Juana Bitongan, also of Gregorio del Pilar, 84.38; fourth was Marietta Lidem, of Sigay, 83.94; and fifth was Jean Apalet, also of Sigay, Ilocos Sur, 83.5.

The rest of the winners from Ilocos Sur were Byron Daplayan, 6th; Silvestra Villegas, 7th; Erlinda Dao-ayan, 9th; Jordan Dalida, 11th; and Marielle Gannad, 12th. (MindaNews)

DA clarifies no ASF in Normin

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – There had been no cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Region 10 for the past four months, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 in an episode of Talakayan sa PIA in celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolks Month

Novie T. Suello, regulatory division of DA-10, shared that the last province infected with ASF was Camiguin, while Bukidnon and Misamis Occidental remain ASF-free.

“Kung magkompyansa ta mubalik ang African swine fever, so dapat naa ta’y sakto na biosecurity measures sa atong mga babuyan (If we get overconfident, the African swine fever may re-occur, so we must have correct biosecurity measures in our piggery),” he said.

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease in pigs. Symptoms include a high fever, decreased appetite and weakness, red, blotchy skin or skin lesions, diarrhea and vomiting, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

DA has implemented a strict border control measure through Memorandum Order No. 24 Series of 2023 where necessary papers are required; otherwise, there is no transport of pigs or pork products.

Local government units (LGUs) are also encouraged to adopt the “BABay ASF Program,” where backyard farmers should have Biosecurity Level 1 farm biosecurity in compliance with minimum standards set by the Philippine College of Swine Practitioners (PCSP).

This means they should have the correct medicine, a septic tank, and a foot bath to put up a barrier against the virus. Meanwhile, LGU should designate “Barangay Bio Security Measure” and conduct regular surveillance to secure an ASF-free community.

According to Suello, based on their price monitoring, for the months of March, April, and May, there has been no increase in the prices of pork meat. Pork Kasim is still at P350, and pork liempo is at P360. (JMOR/PIA-10)

DA-RCPC celebrates 47 years of continued protection of plant pests, diseases services in NorMin

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Crop Protection Center 10 (DA-RCPC 10) celebrated recently its 47th anniversary in providing services to the local government units (LGUs), farmers, and other stakeholders in Northern Mindanao and nearby regions

Services lodged at the center range from the production and distribution of entomopathogens, Trichoderma, egg parasitoids, and predatory insects; pest clinic and diagnosis; and extension and education assistance.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado graced the celebration and emphasized that the station needs greater heights, especially with its P5 million worth of Plant Health Hub (PHH) granted by the Bureau of Agricultural Research.

DA-RCPC 10 chief Lucille T. Minguez shared that through Presidential Decree No. 936, s. 1976, the RCPC in barangay Bangcud became one of the established centers of the Bureau of Plant Industry which serves as a research, extension, and protection hub for agri-clients in Northern Mindanao.

At present, the center has strengthened its capacities in serving more farmers in the region and control and spread of plant pests and diseases.

Also supporting the activity was Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga with other DA senior officials and the provincial agriculture office of Bukidnon. (DA RFO-10)

NorMin inflation eases to 6.4% in April

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The inflation in Northern Mindanao eased for three consecutive months due to slower increases in prices of food, transport, and utilities

In a press conference, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 reported that the region’s inflation slowed down to 6.4 percent (%) in April from 7.4% in March, this year.

PSA-10 attributed the slowdown to the deceleration of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages from 10.9% in March to 9.6% in April, sharing 54% of the downtrend.

PSA-X Chief Statistical Specialist Sarah Balagbis said the second driver to the deceleration of the overall inflation was Transport, from 3.5% to 0.6%.

Other contributor was Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels which slowdown from 5.0% to 4.0%.

Transport shared 24.2% of the deceleration while Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels shared 19.4%.

Balagbis said the top contributor to the deceleration of inflation in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages were fish and other seafood which decelerated to 10.2% from 14.2% in March; vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses, from 22.6% to 17.5%; and meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals from 13.3% to 11.3%.

Rice inflation also decreased from 3.7% to 3.6% while corn inflation slowed down to 9.3%.

Contributing to the deceleration in transport were gasoline with -11.7% from -6.2% inflation in March, as well as, diesel with -17.0% from -5.7% inflation.

On the other hand, the decrease in the inflation of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels was attributed to electricity with -2.6% inflation from -1.3% in March, and LPG with -3.5% from 3.1%.

Inflation rates in all provinces and highly urbanized cities posted also eased. The city of Iligan posted the lowest rate at 4.9% while Camiguin registered the highest at 8.2%. Inflation rates in other areas were Bukidnon at 7.3%, Lanao del Norte at 5.4%, Misamis Occidental at 5.5%, Misamis Oriental at 7.5%, and Cagayan de Oro City at 5.8%.

Balagbis further shared that the purchasing power of the peso in April remains at 0.82 which means that the P100 in 2018 is just worth P82 of goods and services in April 2023.

“Since January this year up to April, nagkahinay ang pagsaka sa prices (the increase in prices is slowing down) and we are hoping that it would continue,” she said.

The chief statistical specialist, meanwhile, called on agencies to work hand-in-hand to reduce the risk and cushion the negative impacts of El Niño on commodity prices. (APB/PIA-10)

DOLE, ChildFund Phils vow to eradicate child labor in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY – Bukidnon, an agricultural province with the highest incidence of child labor, is taking strong measures to combat and eliminate child labor

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that in 2021, the number of working children in the country engaged in child labor was estimated at around 935,000. Fifteen in every 100 child laborers were in northern Mindanao. The agriculture sector reported the highest proportion of working children, at 45.7 percent in 2021.

In line with its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and protecting them from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination, and other detrimental conditions affecting their growth, the Department of Labor and Employment-Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (DOLE-10 Buk PFO), headed by Provincial Director Raul L. Valmores, recently participated in the project launch of ChildFund Philippines at the Ritz Hotel in Davao City.

The project, titled “Building Capacities of Civil Society Organizations, Local Government Units, and Government Line Agencies in Mindanao to Address Child Labor through Promotion of Acceptable Conditions of Work in Crop Agriculture,” is an initiative of ChildFund Philippines with Kaanib Foundation, funded by the European Union (EU).

This two-year project will be carried out in Bukidnon province, specifically in four barangays of Malaybalay City.

Project coordinator Alvin Dumduma said this would focus on implementing sustainable community-based programs to stir awareness and promote a better understanding of child labor; enact relevant government policies; establish efficient reporting, referral, and response mechanisms against child labor; and enhance access for child laborers to the government’s allocation of resources, quality education, and training opportunities.

Anand Vishwakarma, ChildFund Philippines Country Director, emphasized that the road ahead is challenging.

“Together, we are one step closer to achieving the goal of a country where Filipino children and youths are not deprived of their childhood, potential, and dignity,” he said.

Vishwakarma underscored the importance of a collaborative effort among the government, local communities, and other stakeholders in supporting children and their families.

The project launch aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs), local government units (LGUs), and government agencies (GAs) in crafting advocacy strategies, policies, and programs for the prevention, protection, and removal of children from hazardous and exploitative work in Mindanao.

Valmores said that DOLE is not the only organization concerned with improving children’s welfare, as it is a shared concern in the community; thus, a comprehensive strategy is necessary to resolve the daunting issue of child labor.

Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) Focal Mark Anthony Combong and Community Facilitator (CF) Clebel Guinayon vowed to go the extra mile to combat child labor and its worst forms.

Valmores explained that the Department is strengthening its implementation of CLPEP by transforming pre-identified barangays with high incidences of child labor into child-labor-free barangays in Bukidnon.

He said that for the first quarter of 2023, the DOLE-10 Buk PFO has already started its turnover of individual projects to 701 parents or guardians of child laborers, amounting to over P10.5 million.

Valmores reported that the EU project coordinator and a representative from Kaanib Foundation Inc. visited DOLE-10 BukPFO on March 16, 2023, to discuss collaborative programs between ChildFund Philippines and DOLE to address the challenges faced by child laborers and their families, including aspects of advocacy, education, and livelihood assistance.

The CLPEP is part of the government’s commitment to combat child labor through intensified efforts to achieve a child-labor-free Philippines.

The DOLE is the lead agency in implementing the Philippine Program Against Child Labor and the Chair of the National Council Against Child Labor created under EO No. 92. (DOLE-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

DA-10 distributes P4.8M in cash aid to Bukidnon farmers

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY – Each of the 965 rice farmers in Maramag, Bukidnon, received P5,000 in cash aid from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado said that the Department of Agriculture granted P4.825 million in cash aid to eligible rice farmers in Bukidnon through the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program.

“The Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) is a registry of farmers, fisherfolk, and farm laborers that serves as a targeting mechanism for the identification of beneficiaries for different agriculture-related programs and services of the government,” he said.

Collado explained that only those RSBSA-registered rice farmers who till no more than 2 hectares of rice fields are qualified to receive the assistance.

He also emphasized that the RFFA is part of the DA’s continuing effort and strategy to increase rice production volume in the country amid the observed increase in prices of farm inputs and challenging weather conditions. It is being funded through the Rice Tariffication Law.

Under said legislation, excess tariffs collected on imported rice will be appropriated as cash subsidies to rice farmers for a span of six years, from 2019 until 2024.

According to Luis Estenzo, a 74-year-old rice farmer, the RFFA payout is timely for the wet cropping season.

“Ako ni ipalit og abono ang akong nadawat nga hinabang kay padulong na ko magsabwag. Nagpasalamat ko sa DA kay dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa mga mag-uuma sama nako,” Estenzo said.

(I will use this to buy fertilizer because I will start planting soon. I thanked the DA for giving this cash aid to a farmer like me)

To date, DA-10 has released a total of P164.795 million in cash aid to 32,959 rice farmers across northern Mindanao. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

LTO, Lantapan LGU conduct free outreach driving course

Posted on by cmn

LANTAPAN, Bukidnon – Over 200 residents from different barangays in Lantapan, Bukidnon, actively participated in a free outreach theoretical driving course (TDC) organized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in collaboration with the local government of Lantapan

The activity aims to ensure that LTO services are readily accessible to all residents, especially those living in remote communities.

The TDC provides valuable knowledge about traffic rules and regulations, enabling participants to obtain their Student Permit Driver’s License (SPDL) with a sense of security.

During the course, LTO training officer Dyvid Ree Oncino elaborated on various warning signs, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety.

Lantapan Mayor Ernie Devibar said this opportunity is a privilege bestowed by the LTO upon individuals who consistently exhibit discipline in their pursuit of understanding traffic laws and safe driving practices.

Similarly, LTO training officer Maricel Wilson emphasized that motorists have the right to safeguard themselves and are strongly encouraged to report any instances of traffic law enforcers abusing their authority.

The participants expressed their enthusiasm and satisfaction upon receiving their well-deserved certificates of completion.

The LTO seized the opportunity to remind everyone to remain vigilant against counterfeit licenses. This precautionary measure aims to safeguard the integrity and authenticity of each driver’s credentials. (LJLZ/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

P28.5M SBDP, FALGU projects turned-over to Cabanglasan residents

Posted on by cmn

CABANGLASAN, Bukidnon – Residents of Barangays Canangaan, Mandahican, and Mandaing are already enjoying the P28.5 million worth of infrastructure projects funded under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU), after the conduct of simultaneous turnover ceremonies on May 4, 2023, in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon

These infrastructure projects are four (4) water supply systems, three (3) health stations, and three (3) farm-to-market roads, which are priority projects identified by the barangay residents, during the conduct of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in their localities.

In his testimonial message, Punong Barangay Ermin A. Tampus expressed his gratitude to the national government for being identified as one of the beneficiary barangays of these programs.

“Maski unsa pa na ka gamay o kadako nga proyekto ang moabot sa amoa gikan sa gobyerno, basta gikinahanglan sa mga katawhan, dako na gyud kaayo na og kausaban sa ilang pang adlaw-adlaw nga panginabuhian,” he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Bukidnon, particularly the Provincial Engineering Office, strengthened their coordination to complete the projects.

With these milestones, DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla reminded the beneficiaries to safeguard the turned-over projects so that future generations can still benefit from them.

“Karon itunol na namo kining kompleto nga proyekto ug kamo na ang gapanag-iya niini. Pasabot ani, naa na ang responsibilidad sa pag-amuma ani nga mga proyekto. Hinaot unta inyo ning ampingan arun molungtad pa ang proyekto sa dugay nga panahon,” Abadilla said.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Gean Yvish Ladesma, 403rd Brigade Commander BGen. Michele B. Anayron Jr, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office representative LtCol. Silvestre B. Asiong Jr. and Municipal Vice Mayor Reynante V. Inocando came to grace the ceremony. (DILG-10/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Lumad volunteer teacher receives human rights award in Dublin

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY – A Lumad volunteer teacher received on May 26 the 2023 Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk in Dublin, Ireland, the Save Our Schools Network, an NGO based in Mindanao, said in a statement on May 27, 2023

The Award was conferred on Jeany “Rose” Hayahay by Front Line Defenders for her advocacy of children’s and indigenous people’s rights.

“Hayahay’s work has made her a target of harassment and threats from the military. She has been red-tagged, had her home raided, and been subjected to online harassment. Despite the risks, Hayahay continues to speak out for the rights of children in Mindanao,” SOS Network said.

Aside from Hayahay, who was chosen as the awardee for the Asia-Pacific, the Award was also given to Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole of the Democratic Republic of Congo for Africa, Segundo Ordoñez of Ecuador for the Americas, Digital Security Lab Ukraine (DSLU) for Europe and Central Asia, and Hala Ahed of Jordan for the Middle East and North Africa.

DSLU was represented by its Executive Director, Vita Volodovska.

“This award is dedicated to all the victims of human rights abuses, including my co-Lumad Volunteer Teachers Chad Booc and Jurain Ngujo, who were both massacred along with three others by the Philippines Military, for my co-teachers and students facing trumped-up charges, my fellow activists and indigenous children who lost their lives in defending their ancestral land, and to the people we served,” Hayahay said in her speech during the awarding ceremony in Dublin.

“The human rights situation in the Philippines is dire. Killings, enforced disappearance, and trumped-up charges along with ‘red tagging’ are rampant. The Lumads have been displaced from their ancestral lands, denied access to education and healthcare, and subjected to violence and intimidation. The Philippine Government has destroyed and forcibly shut down 216 indigenous community schools and disenfranchised 10,000 indigenous learners.

“I used to teach them in their communities, but we were forced to mount an evacuation school in the country’s capital to bring into light thousands of human rights violations and encourage people to rally with us in defending indigenous children’s right to education,” she said.

She added that she has been subjected to threats, called a terrorist, her home was raided, and her mother was abducted.

“But I will not be silenced. I will continue to stand and defend human rights along with other human rights defenders, even if this means living under the threat of life, self-doubt, uncertain, unease and sacrifices,” she said.

“This year’s laureates are a courageous and inspiring group of people who reflect the determination, dynamism and diversity of human rights defenders who are on the front lines of fighting for a more just world,” Olive Moore, Interim Director of Front Line Defenders, said in a statement posted on the group’s website on May 26.

“Their vital work in defense of human rights in DRC, Ecuador, Jordan, Philippines and Ukraine impacts countless people in their communities and beyond. By shining an international spotlight on their struggles and empowering them to continue their work, we at Front Line Defenders hope this Award will touch the lives of many more people on whose behalf they act,” he said.

The laureates received the Award at a ceremony in the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, which was attended by foreign diplomats and representatives of the Irish government, civil society and media organizations. Irish parliamentary patrons for the Award included Senator Róisín Garvey, Charlie Flanagan TD, Cormac Devlin TD, Ivana Bacik TD, and Sean Crowe TD. (MindaNews)