Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Category: News

Bukidnon jam maker gets FDA approval

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Mama Nene Homemade Delights, locally known as Paula’s Bukidnon Delight, earns its Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) for its pineapple jam through the consultancy and training services of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires CPR for food products (beverages, water, canned goods, etc.), food supplements, medicines, and others if such products will be exported.

“It is also a requirement of institutional buyers such as malls and supermarkets. With the newly acquired CPR, this woman-led enterprise can now expand its market reach and offer its delicious and high-quality pineapple jam throughout the country through various malls, pasalubong (gift) centers, and others,” the DoST said in a statement.

Paula Chiong, the owner, considers this achievement a significant milestone since pineapple jam is the very first product of her business.

She said the DoST has assisted her firm in acquiring the FDA License to Operate and now her CPR.

The food enterprise is currently producing 1,000 kilograms of pineapple jam every month — an increase of 66 percent after DoST intervention. It has produced seven additional products such as pineapple muffin, pineapple ensaymada, Paula’s Mango Jam, Paula’s Langka, Paula’s Vinegar, Paula’s Vinaigrette, and Paula’s Chili Sauce.

Paula’s Bukidnon Delights products are now among the province’s most sought-after “pasalubong” (gift) products. The firm also caters to walk-in visitors to their newly opened café at the Kaamulan Ground, Capitol Compound, Malaybalay City.

The firm first acquired the SETUP program, a technology upgrade system. It also received a license from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s Enhanced Nutribun Technology.

The firm is also a beneficiary of the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program through the consultancy services of the DoST.

These programs have helped the company improve its plant layout, food safety, and halal training, which can help boost the firm’s competitiveness and productivity. The firm was also assisted in its laboratory analysis through the DoST 10 Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories. (The Manila Times)

Bukidnon, La Union officials learn good governance practices from Pasig LGU

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Officials from the municipality of Quezon, Bukidnon, and San Fernando, La Union visited Pasig City to learn about the local government’s best practices

For their visit last May 15, the Quezon, Bukidnon delegation brought 37 of their municipal and barangay officials led by Mayor Pablo Lorenzo III.

They were welcomed by Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr. and Councilors Angelu De Leon and Volta Delos Santos, all of whom shared their knowledge and experiences as public officials in Pasig.

In their welcome remarks, Jaworski, De Leon, and Delos Santos expressed their appreciation for being chosen as the municipal government’s benchmarking partner. They also hoped that the delegation would be able to learn and adopt new methods and ideas that would benefit and help their municipality.

Discussed were the five priority thrusts of the Sotto administration: good governance, diligent service, universal healthcare, inclusive education, and affordable housing, as well as the Liga ng mga Barangay system in Pasig.

To witness the legislative proceedings of the City, the delegation visited and met with the Pasig City Council during the council’s regular meeting at the session hall.

The delegation also stopped by the Ugnayan ng Pasig (UsaP) Office to learn more about the city government implementing its freedom of information (FOI) policies and programs.

Meanwhile, the San Fernando, La Union delegation, headed by Provincial Administrator Agnes Grace Cargamento, conducted their benchmarking activity in Pasig on May 18.

The activity mainly focused on the Pasig government’s best practices in financial management which the Budget Office presented.

The delegation also visited the City’s Mega Dialysis Center and the Maybunga Rainforest Park to observe the City’s healthcare provision for its citizens and its efforts in environmental conservation, respectively.

Organized by the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office of Pasig City, benchmarking visits are frequently done to grant opportunities for the local government to showcase and share its best programs, policies, and systems with others across the country.

Aside from an exchange of ideas, the visits also enable the local government to gain outsider perspectives of their practices in order to determine further room for improvement, along with insights into innovations and methods of governance that can be considered and implemented within their jurisdiction. (Manila Bulletin)

Paradero to face Mama in Cotabato

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Orthodox Robert “Inggo” Paradero of Malaybalay will face Jayson “Smasher” Mama of General Santos City in 10-rounds on June 6 in Polomolok, South Cotabato

“I going to give them a good fight for their promotion,” said Paradero.

The 26-year-old Paradero is scheduled to be in Polomolok on June 4 together with coach Jojo Singsong.

In his last outing, Paradero lost to Gcina Makhoba of South Africa by a unanimous decision for the vacant WBF World super flyweight title last December 3, 2022, in Dundee.

Paradero is still training in Malaybalay together with amateur boxers. Paradero has lost four of his last five fights since 2021.

“I’m going to shock them, and I’m going to recover from my failures,” said Paradero.

Mama, on the other hand, has 18 wins with 10 knockouts against one loss.

The 26-year-old Mama recently retired Crison Omayao of Valencia City in the 4th round last December 31, 2022, in Tagum City.

The boxing event is promoted by Sanman Promotions, headed by JC Manangquil. (Lito delos Reyes/PhilBoxing.com)

Yellow, white corn cultivars introduced in DA’s research complex

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DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado together with private seed companies, introduces the latest yellow and white corn varieties via a corn derby, kicking off with a ceremonial planting here, on May 16, 2023

The activity aims to champion the performance of 17 corn cultivars this wet cropping season under said area’s soil and climatic conditions at an elevation of 968 meters.

According to Dir. Collado, the corn derby will be a good showcase for corn farmers to witness first-hand the performance of different corn varieties in terms of their yield, resistance to pests and diseases, drought tolerance, production cost, and returns when selecting their preferred cultivars.

Eight seed companies participated, bringing in their respective corn varieties, with each being planted to a 764 square meter area in the agency’s research complex, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC).

These include Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (NK505BGT), Bayer (DK8899S and DK8131S), Bioseed Research Philippines (H101G and B9909G), Corteva Agriscience (P3660YHR, P3645YR, and P4124YHR), RJR Agro-Industrial Enterprises (Maharlika 315, Maharlika 514 and Maharlika 8888), and Evo Gene Seeds, Corp. (Evo 9307).

Rounding up the list of participating entities are Asian Hybrid Seed Tech, Inc. (AH Supreme 5150 and J505) and Vigour Seeds Dev., Inc. (Mais Swerte, Maize D30, and Mais Tisa), with the last two entities deferring their planting due to their early maturing corn variety entries.

“We thank DA-10 for this [corn derby] initiative as this will be a great help for our corn farmers to determine which cultivars are appropriate and fit to be planted here in Northern Mindanao,” Allan L. Presillas, Research and Development manager of Vigour remarked, as their company embarks on their first ever participation.

In a briefing, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot also reminded them, as DA-10’s partner seed companies, to provide packages of their planting protocol for proper generation of corn derby results, at the same time for information-dissemination purposes.

For the current year alone, DA-10 is set to procure Php265.2-million hybrid yellow corn seeds intended for 22,100 hectares of corn farms.

Leading the ceremonial planting is Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, Ph.D., Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and other staff from the Research and Operations divisions of DA-10, and representatives from the seed companies. (DA RF0-10)

3 of 4 Mindanawon boxing finalists win gold in SEA Games

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MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / May 14) — The Philippine boxing team won four gold medals, three of them courtesy of boxers from Mindanao, as the ring competition ended Sunday at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cagayan de Oro’s Carlo Paalam, a silver medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, dominated Indonesia’s Aldoms Suguro in the 54 kg class.
Another Tokyo 2020 silver medalist, Nesthy Petecio of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, also pocketed the gold via unanimous decision against another Indonesian fighter in the women’s 57kg bout.
‘But Nesthy’s younger brother, Norlan Petecio, bowed to Bunjong Sinsiri of Thailand in the men’s 67kg category.
Paul Julyfer Bascon of Davao del Norte returned the favor by beating his Thai opponent, Rujakran Juntrong, in the men’s 60kg class.
Ian Clark Bautista scored an impressive victory against Asri Udin, also of Indonesia, in the men’s 57kg class. The Indonesian was given a standing 8-count in the final round.
Four other Filipino finalists in boxing settled for silver — John Marvin (men’s 80kg), Roger Ladon (men’s 51kg), Olympian Irish Magno (women’s 54kg), and Risa Pasuit (women’s 63kg).
The SEA Games will end on May 17. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)

DOLE secretary leads labor, management confab in Normin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma visited Northern Mindanao and held a Labor and Management Forum to discuss issues and concerns regarding labor and management sectors in the region on May 11 at Limketkai Luxe Hotel

“Mahalaga na mapakinggan ang mga posisyon, justification at mga komentaryo, ng aming social partners, the labor and employer sectors,” the Secretary said.
(It is important to listen to the positions, justifications, and comments of our social partners, the labor and employment sectors)
He added that the goal is to come up with a beneficial solution or formula that will guarantee continuity of employment, the creation of more opportunities for workers in the region, and the stability and continued operation of companies that will provide benefits and other better conditions of employment.
One of the issues raised by the labor sector and proposed by Nicandro Borja of the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) was the strengthening of tenure security.
Meanwhile, Teresita L. Hadman of the National Federation of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno also proposed the abolition of contracting and subcontracting arrangements.
Laguesma reiterated that security of tenure is initiated under Section 3 of Article 13 of the Philippine Constitution and that there is an existing guideline on contracting and subcontracting arrangements under Department Order 174.
“We have heard complaints against abuses; kinikilala nang ating batas paggawa ang legitimate contracting and subcontracting, pero hindi pinahihintulutan ang abuses (our labor law recognizes legitimate contracting and subcontracting, but it does not allow abuses),” he said.
Further, he explained that employers should not tolerate these abuses because they have a big stake in good management and labor relationships.
“You have a stake in promoting and maintaining industrial peace,” he said to the management sector.
As to the proposed increase in wages, Secretary Laguesma said, “Hindi po kami tumututol sa pagdaragdag ng sweldo, hindi naman kami nagsasabi na agad isusulong natin yan, dapat po pag-aralan (We are not against an increase in wages, we are not also saying we will immediately push for that because it needs to be further studied).”
He explained that as the country eased restrictions from COVID-19, companies were also still in recovery mode.
DOLE, he said, is a consultative and advisory body that provides technical input.
“The regional tripartite wages and productivity board (RTWPB) is not a perfect mechanism, but it is the existing mechanism that can actually approximate a balance so that we can sustain, address the wage of the workers without endangering continued operations of the company, and provide for expansion and a reasonable return on investment that can be earmarked for more expansion, which can mean more jobs,” the Secretary said.
Meanwhile, the management sector raised concerns about the inclusion of employees’ salaries and benefits in the computation of value-added tax (VAT) of 12% for legitimate labor contractors and retirement pay concerns. (JMOR/PIA-10)

DOT-10 launches limitless bike adventure in Normin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 launched another limitless adventure in Northern Mindanao May 13, to attract more tourists to visit the region

Dubbed “Bike NorthMin,” the program aims to make bike tourism popular in the region and unleash its full potential in the tourism industry.
DOT-10 regional director Marie Elaine Unchuan said biking is one of the fastest-growing modes of transportation and recreational activity. It is also convenient, easy to use, low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
She said the campaign aims to encourage both the government and the private sector to invest in promoting and developing bike tourism, which can attract more visitors and create job opportunities for local communities.
“Bike tourism in the Philippines is an untapped potential that can generate economic growth and promote sustainable tourism. This allows tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the beauty of our region,” Unchuan further said.
To officially kick off “Bike NorthMin,” DOT-10, in partnership with the provincial government of Camiguin and Recreational Outdoor eXchange, is set to hold a 64-kilometer bike tour on the scenic island province of Camiguin on May 28, 2023.
Unchuan said more bike tours will be held in the region after the Camiguin Isle Bike Tour, adding that pilot bike sites and circuits have already been identified.
These include Cagayan de Oro City to Manolo Fortich, Cagayan de Oro City to Misamis Oriental, Claveria to Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, Ozamiz City to Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte to Iligan City, and around Del Monte Plantation, among others.
Following the launch, Unchuan shared that DOT-10 would further collaborate with local government units to identify potential cycling routes and develop necessary infrastructure such as bike lanes and parking areas; promote new cycling routes in the region, and organize regular cycling events to encourage bike enthusiasts to explore the region’s natural beauty.
DOT-10 would also conduct road safety awareness programs to educate the public on safe cycling practices. (APB/PIA-10)

DA-NorMin hands P4.825-M cash aid to Bukidnon farmers

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A total of 965 Bukidnon rice farmers received P5,000 cash aid from the Department of Agriculture-Northern Mindanao in the town of Maramag, Bukidnon, on Tuesday, May 9

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the P4.825 million (M) cash aid is granted by DA to eligible rice farmers in said province through the Department’s Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance (RFFA) program.
RSBSA-registered rice farmers tilling at most 2 hectares of rice fields are qualified to receive the assistance.
RFFA is part of 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 (RTL).
Under said legislation, excess tariff collected on imported rice will be appropriated as cash subsidy 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 very timely for the wet cropping season.
“I will use the cash aid I received to buy fertilizer since I will start planting soon… I am thankful to DA for this assistance given to farmers like me.” Estenzo said.
[Ako ni ipalit og abono ang akong nadawat nga hinabang kay padulong na ko magsabwag…pasalamat ko sa DA kay dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa mga mag-uuma sama nako.]
To date, DA-NorMin has released a total of P164.795-M in cash aid to 32,959 rice farmers across the region. (ATTalib/DA RFO-10)

Manobo-Matigsalug tribe association receives P613K agri-interventions from DA-10

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The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) program, turned over P613K worth of agricultural interventions to the Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalug Tribe Association (MINTIGMAMATA) of San Fernando, Bukidnon on May 11, 2023

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga conferred the turnover certificate to Datu Martin P. Dagoluan, MINTIGMAMATA chair.
The roster of agri-interventions comprises cattle (10 heads), piglets (6 heads), forage seedlings (100 pieces), free-range chicken (2 packets), cacao certified seedlings (100 pieces), upland rice seeds (8 bags), Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seeds (7 bags) and organic fertilizer (35 bags).
According to RED Collado, the interventions intend to strengthen the agricultural and livelihood sectors of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and assist its surrounding communities.
“Isip usa ka lumad nga nagbarog sa naghimo og panginabuhian sa tribo, ako nagpasalamat sa DA-10 sa dakong suporta nga gihatag. Kini dako na og tabang sa mga miyembro alang sa pagpanginabuhi matag adlaw,” said Datu Dagoluan.
[As an IP who stands for the livelihood of the tribe, I thank DA-10 for the great support it has given to the members for their livelihood.]
4Ks Focal Person April Grace M. Racines also detailed that the project is funded under various banner programs and special projects of the agency, namely: Livestock, High-Value Crops Development, Rice, Corn, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and Balik Probinsya Bagong Pagasa (BP2).
Together with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and other partner organizations, the DA-4Ks was developed to advance food security and improve livelihood opportunities to improve the welfare and living standards of tribal people. (MPMTablon/DA RFO-10)

DILG turns over water supply system, other projects to Cabanglasan

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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has turned over some P28.5 million worth of infrastructure projects in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, as part of the government’s Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU)

The project locations are in Barangays Canangaan, Mandahican, and Mandaing and involve four water supply systems, three health stations, and three farm-to-market roads.
The DILG explained that the barangay residents identified projects as top priorities during the conduct of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in their respective localities.
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. (Chito Chavez/ Manila Bulletin)