Friday, March 22, 2024

Bukidnon Bansalumad Congress held

MALAYBALAY CITY (Dec. 27, 2023) – Leaders of Bukidnon’s seven tribes gathered alongside Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) for the Bansalumad Congress, which was held in the Hall of Peace in Tulugan, Brgy. Songco, Lantapan on the 22nd and 23rd of December 2023

They primarily discussed the proposed Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code.

Atty. Arbie “Bagani” Saway Llesis, Bukidnon provincial IPMR, presented and discussed the significance of his largely prepared proposed ordinance with the participants.

He proposes the Bukidnon Bansalumad Code of 2024, also known as the Ordinance Adopting the Comprehensive Bansalumad Indigenous Peoples Welfare and Development Code in the Province of Bukidnon.

Llesis explained that “the IP Code isn’t just any law. That represents our unity. Now we will sew our effort, bind our effort to become stronger, to be heard more, and to be more believable that we can implement our rights here in our territory”.

Generally, the purpose of the code is to provide the basis for conscious and planned development for the IPs in the province and provide them substantial opportunities for access to governmental resources for the same.

One of its goals and objectives is to recognize the IPs’ right to decide on their development priorities as these affect their lives, beliefs, institutions, and spiritual well-being, as well as the lands they occupy or use, and to exercise control over their own economic, social, and cultural development to the greatest extent possible.

The proposed ordinance calls for the construction of a Provincial Indigenous Peoples Complex on a three-hectare property.

The Provincial IP Complex will act as the focal point for centralized and coordinated support, response, livelihood, and development involving Bukidnon’s IP.

The participants unanimously agreed on the IP Code’s desired approval during the two-day session.

Apart from explaining the IP Code, the Bansalumad Congress also discussed other resolutions to be signed by the elders and leaders of the seven tribes, such as the resolution to request funding for the IP Complex from the provincial government, as well as the request to congressmen for more funds for the construction of other IP structures, crafting an ordinance that will lead to the formation of the League of IPMRs, and resolutions opposing the national plan to zero budget the NCIP and House Bill No. 9608 which is the transfer of the ancestral domain office of NCIP to DENR. (melbmadera)

7 NPA fatalities in Bukidnon encounter identified

ILIGAN CITY (Dec. 28, 2023) – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has identified seven out of the ten New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Christmas Day

Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, identified the fatalities as Beverly Sinunta, alias “Ayang,” secretary of Sub-regional Committee 2, Northern

Central Mindanao Regional Committee, her husband, Alfredo Banawan, alias “Alab,” deputy secretary, their daughter, Chen-chen Banawan, alias “Pao” and “Chin-Chin,” residents of Sitio Trukat, Barangay Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon; Penita Singaman, alias “Pening,” of Purok 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City; Bebot L. Solinay alias “Ligid,” of Sitio Kadagsangan, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; Aurelio Gonsalez, alias “Alvin,” of Zone 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, and a certain “Louie” from Agusan.

The fatalities were members of the Sub-regional Committee 2, Headquarters Loader, and Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Bacus is closely coordinating with different intelligence communities and former rebels for the identification of the three remaining bodies.

Soldiers extricated the bodies on December 26 in Sitio Kieto, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, and were taken to Villanueva Funeral Homes in Malaybalay City.

The seven NPA fatalities were identified based on previous data profile, family members, and their former comrades.

The 8th IB informed the families of the fatalities and coordinated with the police and the local government unit for the proper disposition and turnover of the remains.

Major Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, 4th Infantry Division commander, said that the identification of the slain communist rebels highlights the sad truth about the membership in the NPA, particularly those holding top leadership, treated it as a family business and took undue advantage to recruit own members of their family to wield power for monetary gains and intentions.

“It is disheartening to discover how the CNT leaders resorted to promoting their own vested interest and agenda using familial connections as means to sustain their business while the lower members are suffering from hunger and fatigue due to our relentless military operations,” Cuerpo said.

He said this exploitation proves that they are irrational criminals who will do everything to maintain their operations, even sacrificing family members.

“Nonetheless, we extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, after all, they are still Filipinos who became victims of the CTG deception and treachery. Their death is a tragic outcome that reflects the continued challenge we face in maintaining peace and security in our
AOR,” Cuerpo said.

“Moreover, rest assured that the 4th ID, in close collaboration with LGU and LGAs, will extend assistance and support to the families of the dead CNTs,” Cuerpo added. (Bonita Ermac/Manila Bulletin)

4 injured in fireworks factory blast in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 30, 2023) – Four individuals – two men and two women – sustained second-and third-degree burns in an alleged explosion in a fireworks factory in Balangay 9, Barangay Poblacion, Quezon, Bukidnon, on Friday, December 29

The victims were taken to the Simbulan Hospital in the neighboring municipality of Don Carlos, Bukidnon, and are in stable condition, the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office said.

Initial investigation said that the victims were allegedly engaged in the production of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices prior to the explosion. The assistance of the Explosive Ordnance
Disposal was needed as authorities wanted to conduct an in-depth investigation and assess the legality of the establishment.

Quezon police Chief Major Noel Cano said they are still waiting for verification from the Firearms and Explosives Office at the Police Regional Office-10 to determine if the establishment is registered to produce firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

“If they are not registered, we will check the legal remedy or legal action that we can take\ against them so that the victims can benefit,” Cano told the Manila Bulletin on Saturday, December 30.

Cano added that the victims were manufacturing fireworks that will allegedly be used for the New Year countdown of the local government unit of Quezon. He said they are looking into this as the fireworks should be ordered and they should not be manufacturing them.

The EOD, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection, has cleared the area of possible hazardous materials. No houses were affected as the area is isolated.

The Department of Health-Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) has recorded nine cases of firecracker-related injuries in the region as of December 29 – three cases each from Bukidnon and this city, two from Misamis Occidental, and one from Iligan City.

The agency recorded 10 cases of firecracker-related incidents from December 21 to January 6 last year.

Cases in Quezon, Bukidnon, have yet to be included since they still need to be validated by the reporting unit, said DOH-10 officer-in-charge Dr. Ellenietta Herunaidna Maria Victoria Gamolo in a text message on Saturday.

On December 12, the DOH-10 released a memorandum to all its personnel, including development management officers, human resources for health, contract of service personnel, DOH hospitals, medical health centers, and other health agencies to implement Code White Alert from December 21 to January 6, for the observance of the Yuletide season and Fireworks Related Injury (FWRI) surveillance, including firecracker-related tetanus cases, until January 21.

Under Code White Alert, DOH-10 response teams and committees “shall be on standby, on-call, and report to the office immediately in case of any emergency situation.”

As part of the safety precautions to ensure that no illicit firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials are supplied to the public, especially to youngsters, random inspections in markets and other locations will be strictly enforced, the Bukidnon police said in a statement on Saturday. (Frank Dick Rosete/Manila Bulletin)

NorMin 2023: New chapters, calls for justice

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 27, 2023) – Northern Mindanao will always have a story to tell every year. In 2023, the region did not disappoint, bringing in a considerable amount of national attention

In particular, Misamis Occidental province had more of that this year.

The aftermath of the December 2022 shear line floods compelled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to visit the province and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental as well, in early January.

Marcos’ meetings with regional and local officials with Cabinet members have created long-term policies, especially in adding disaster-resilient infrastructure projects and social welfare programs.

Since then, the provincial government has rolled out cash assistance in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for flood-affected residents.

Crime, deaths

Misamis Occidental also brought stories that call for justice – one being the death of community broadcaster Juan Jumalon, who was killed while livestreaming inside his house in Calamba town on Nov. 5.

His death prompted a series of condemnations from media groups, public officials, and even Marcos himself.

Suspects were identified, and murder charges were filed.

The incident led Gov. Henry Oaminal to direct the provincial police and the Police Regional Office (PRO-10) to arrest the culprits and revisit the investigation of other assassination attempts.

These included the Oct. 15 blast in Clarin which hit his convoy; the Oct. 23 shooting of Calamba Municipal engineer Jopson Baones; and Oct. 28 grenade-throwing incident at the house of Calamba Mayor Luisito Villanueva.

Almost a month after Jumalon’s murder, the province will again mourn the death of Riza Ramos Daniel, 49, who was killed in a blast inside the Mindanao State University-Main Campus gymnasium in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Dec. 3.

Daniel was the mother of El Dritz, who was also injured in the blast, both of Tangub City. El Dritz was a third-year Computer Studies student at MSU-Main. Daniel decided to work in Marawi City to be closer to her son.

MSU-Marawi incident

The incident in MSU-Main brought the provincial government of Lanao del Sur and the Marawi City government together to coordinate with the police and military.

Within the week, the Islamic State militants claimed the attack, followed by the arrest of suspects Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa, who are said to have links with local terrorist group, Dawlah Islamiyah. Both had prior arrest warrants for murder and kidnapping charges.

Other than Daniel, the three other fatalities were students Janine Arenas and Junrey Barbante, and faculty member Evangeline Aromin. The blast also injured some 50 people.

Change of command, anti-insurgency

Meanwhile, this year saw major changes in the region’s military and police leadership.

Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II replaced Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag as the commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) in March. Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug also replaced Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop as PRO-10 director in October.

As soon the two assumed office, they had their hands full in continuing the mandates of the national government in securing the peace and order situation in the region.

The 4ID under Cuerpo continued its operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, and even on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, troops under the 403rd Infantry Brigade killed 10 rebels in Bukidnon.

Cuerpo said the Army has maintained its position of allowing NPA rebels to surrender or face a military operation, wherever they may be in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

PRO-10 also accepted rebel surrenderers who brought in firearms and ammunition. Those who surrendered were assisted in the programs of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

On anti-drugs, Layug said the police has continued its anti-illegal drug campaign with a series of buy-busts in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

With the introduction of “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, PRO-10 followed suit in promoting a holistic approach to addressing illegal drug issues.

Village polls

Layug and Cuerpo would again have their hands full in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) that were finally held on Oct. 30 after several years of delay.

Police and military troops were deployed to keep the peace.

While reports of vote buying by the local chapter of the National Citizens; Movement for Free Elections, and tensions among supporters in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, both PRO-10 and 4ID reported a “generally peaceful” BSKE.

On election gun ban operations, PRO-10 reported that from August 28 to October 30, a total of 77 operations were launched that resulted in the arrest of 90 persons, confiscation of 55 firearms, 41 deadly weapons, 367 rounds of ammunition, and an explosive.

But in Lanao del Sur province, which is part of the Bangsamoro Region, the BSKE was marred with heated confrontations among political supporters, voting delays in precincts, and occasional violence that led to a death in the town of Butig.

Rice, economy

The limited rice supply and increase in its prices prompted the national government to issue Executive Order 39, which put a ceiling on prices and provided assistance to affected farmers and small-scale retailers.

Bukidnon province, the region’s food basket, was also affected by drought that some had attributed to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon being experienced in the country.

However, according to the Department of Agriculture, the lean months between August and September would be offset by the fresh harvests that came in October.

And so it did, as the Philippine Statistics Authority Region 10 released its monthly inflation reports and regional economic status in the following month, showing a rosy picture of the regional economy. The National Economic and Development Authority-Region 10 forecasts a stable overall economy for 2023.

Based on the 2022 gross regional domestic product, NEDA-10 Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said Northern Mindanao achieved a GRDP of 7.2 percent or PHP935 billion, compared to the 6.3 percent growth in the previous year, which was impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (By Nef Luczon/PNA)

RDC-X approves 159 resolutions for reg’l development in 2023

Published on: December 20, 2023
By Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) ended the year on a high note by endorsing 36 resolutions during its 136th Full Council Meeting, on December 15, leaving a legacy of having passed 159 action resolutions in 2023

Being the highest policy-making body in the region, RDC-X approved the 2023 Northern Mindanao Preliminary Regional Development Report (RDR) and Priority Action Areas; the Regional Guidelines for the Preparation of the 2025 Regional Budget Proposals of Agency Regional Offices, State Universities and Colleges, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and Other Government Instrumentalities; Formulation of the 2025 Annual Investment Program and Updating of the Regional Development Investment Program 2023-2028; RDC-X Priority Development Thrusts, Work and Financial Plan, and Calendar of Activities for 2024; and the implementation of the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System.

Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, RDC-X vice chairperson and NEDA-X regional director, said the results of the initial assessment of the RDP 2023-2028 obtained from the 2023 Preliminary RDR play a pivotal role as the foundation and point of reference for the identification of priority programs, projects and activities for the 2025 budget exercise, thus strengthening the planning, investment programming, and budgeting process.

For infrastructure-related development, RDC-X approved resolutions pertaining to the Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka (PBBM) Bridges Project; the request to the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office to fund the repair of the damaged road along Gingoog City-Claveria-Villanueva Road in Barangay Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental under its 2024 Savings; endorsement of the Maridagao (Kadingilan) Irrigation Project to the National Irrigation Administration Central Office; request to private sector companies to include programs and projects for water security in their corporate social responsibility; enjoining the provincial and highly urbanized cities in Region X to create an Integrated Water Security Council and formulate their respective Integrated Water Security Plan; request the Office of the President to revisit Executive Order 138 series 2021, particularly on the devolution of Communal Irrigation Systems to the local government units; and the conduct of Transportation Summit in 2024 in Cagayan de Oro City, among others.

For economic-related development, the council approved the reactivation of the Regional Industry Cluster Support Group and endorsed the feasibility study for the Metropolitan Food and Agri-based Products Cluster for Northern Mindanao, the proposed three-year time extension of the project Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT), and the proposed three-year extension and change in scope of the Rural Agro- Enterprise Partnership For Inclusive Development And Growth (RAPID Growth) Project. RDC-X also supported the resolution for safeguarding the protected areas and forestlands in the region as well as the resolution securing the long-term sustainability of multi-functional landscape in critical river basins of the country.

Moreover, the council supported the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023-2028, the government’s overall blueprint for managing the country’s demographic situations and addressing interrelated population and development issues in support of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It also backed the proposed amendments to Executive Order No. 325 (s. 1996) or the “Reorganization of the Regional Development Councils”, the establishment of Northern Mindanao Regional Blood Center, and House Bill 9420 which mandates the appointment of Population Officers in all provinces, cities, and municipalities.

RDC-X further passed resolutions earnestly requesting the 19th Congress to immediately pass into law the Government Procurement Reform Bill and Budget Modernization Bill, and expedite the creation of the Department of Water Resources.

Meanwhile, RDC-X chairperson and Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, said the convening of the council for the last quarter of the year was timely as the country observes the Socio-Economic Planning and Development Week.

She said the celebration is a reminder of the pivotal role that planning and development play in shaping the future of Northern Mindanao. For her, it is also an opportune time to reflect on the RDC’s achievements, assess challenges, and chart a more resilient and sustainable path forward.

“Let us navigate the challenges ahead with resilience, unity, and a shared vision for a brighter tomorrow,” she said.

The 136th RDC-X Full Council Meeting was also highlighted by a recognition of regional achievers whose achievements brought honor and pride to Northern Mindanao. (APB/PIA-10)

7 FMR projects in Valencia inaugurated

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (Dec. 26, 2023) – Seven newly completed farm-to-market roads in Valencia City were turned over to seven beneficiary barangays that were previously under the grip of insurgency

According to a press announcement from the local government, the ceremonies were held on December 22, 2023.

The project beneficiaries are barangays Dagatkidavao, Mabuhay, Sinayawan, Tongantongan, Lourdes, Lumbayao, and Sinabuagan.

Each project has a budget of PhP4 million.

The projects were carried out in accordance with Executive Order No. 70, an order that institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace by providing programs such as infrastructure construction and social services to villages in suppressing insurgency.

City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas expressed her gratitude for the completion of the projects that will greatly help the development of the beneficiary barangays.

The ceremony was attended by DILG Bukidnon Cluster Head Glenda Hope Beley, CLGOO Jan Eric Manasan, Assistant City Administrator Rembert Bautista, officials from the six barangays, and project contractors. (melbmadera)

Agri-10, exporter ink MOU for buckwheat production demo

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In a bid to open more science-based production technologies to augment farmers’ productivity and profitability, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carmen Rise Exporters, Inc. (CSEI), an exporter of agricultural products to Japan, for the conduct of technology demonstrations for buckwheat (Soba) production in its research centers

Held on December 21 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado sign the MOU with Mr. Tetsuji Yukawa, CSEI manager, witnessed by Aleli Maghirang, agriculture attaché in South Korea and Japan, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, and the DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance team headed by its chief, Angelita dela Cueva-Martir.

Said undertaking will help determine the adaptability and potential of growing buckwheat in the region by initially showcasing it through DA’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan and at NMACLRC, both in Bukidnon province.

“With CSEI interested to invest in Soba, DA through our Research Division looks forward to establish, collect data, document and monitor the on-site trials, as we will jointly explore the said crop in the region.” Dir. Collado said.

With the techno demos eyed in the agri department’s grounds, CSEI will provide buckwheat seed or planting materials and other agricultural inputs as well as technical assistance, who will work hand-in-hand with the agri research personnel.

“The showcase will run for two [wet and dry] seasons, and in this span, we will be presenting the outputs to our stakeholders for farmers’ information and utilization, and importantly, as CSEI intends to buy the produced seeds from farmer-adopters.” the agri exec chief added.

Also in attendance are the Korean delegates, members of the DA-10 and Regional Management committees, for the simultaneous turnover of the project entitled “Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines” from the Korean government to the Philippines through DA, which is housed in the latter’s research complex here. (JLO)

LGU Valencia’s P1.98B 2024 budget signed

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (Dec. 22, 2023) – Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas along with Vice Mayor Atty. Teodoro Roteo Pepito signed the fiscal year 2024 budget ordinance of PhP1,981,602,446

The budget signing was held at the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) Conference Room on December 21, 2023.

Councilor Greizl Galario-Fernandez, chairperson of the committee on accounts and appropriations, all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and department heads were present for the signing ceremony.

The annual budget of the city includes a General Fund budget of P1,901,602,446.00 and an Economic Enterprise budget of P80,000,000.

This comprehensive budget includes the following specific allocations: five percent for Gender and Development (GAD), totaling P95,080,123.00; five percent for the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF), totaling P95,080,123.00; and 20 percent for the Local Development Fund (LDF), totaling P315,120,490.00.

Budgets are also set aside for health and nutrition, barangay aid, personal services, maintenance and operating expenses, and capital outlay.

With the approval of the 2024 budget, the city government is ready to use it wisely for sustained operations, enhanced service delivery, and the implementation of a variety of initiatives, programs, and opportunities that will benefit the community. (melbmadera)

Malaybalay attack vs NPA a showcase of latest military assets

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 27 December)—The attack against the New People’s Army (NPA) in neighboring Malaybalay City before dawn on Christmas Day, where 10 rebels were allegedly killed, was a showcase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) latest military assets

Used in action were the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, the 155mm autonomous truck-mounted howitzer system (ATMOS), and heat-penetrating military drones.

Brig. Gen. Michelle Anayron, commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they had to use their new military assets to break through the mine-infested rebel camp in Sitio Kiito, Barangay Can-ayan in Malaybalay.

Anayron said the drones were launched from the Lumbia Airfield here, which used to be a commercial airport now being used by the Philippine Air Force (PAF), to triangulate the exact position of the rebels in Sitio Kiito, about 68 kilometers away, and avoid civilian casualties.

He said so precise was their information that they fired the truck-mounted 155mm howitzers—made by Israel’s Elbit Systems delivered to the Philippines only early in 2022—inside Camp Bahian in Malaybalay City toward their targets 10 kilometers away.

The PAF, meanwhile, dropped 250-pound bombs from the Super Tucanos, a turboprop aircraft made by the Brazilian company Embraer.

Anayron said the military offensive killed nine New People’s Army (NPA) rebels but troops scouring the encampment found another male dead body a day later. He said this brought the number of rebels killed to 10 with more than six high-powered firearms and other war materials recovered at the ground zero in Sitio Kiito.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena, in emails sent to reporters, did not confirm that the dead rebels were NPA members, saying they are still verifying reports whether the encounter really took place.

“As for now, we cannot say for sure whether those whom the AFP said were killed are really NPA fighters or civilian residents in the area. Tulad ng alam ninyo, marami nang pagkakataon sa nakaraan na maling ibinabalita ng AFP na nakapatay sila ng NPA sa engkwentro, para lang pagtakpan ang katotohanan na mga sibilyan ang kanilang pinatay,” Valbuena said.

The military operation took place three hours after the CPP declared a unilateral ceasefire on Christmas Eve and caught the rebels preparing for the party’s 55th founding anniversary celebration (December 26) by surprise.

Anayron said they got information that the rebels have instructed villagers to cook food in anticipation of the visitors and supporters coming to witness the anniversary celebration.

“That was very vital information for us because we have been hunting for these rebels since December 1 after they burned several harvesting equipment [in Malaybalay and neighboring areas],” Anayron said.

The impact of the Christmas Day fighting on the prospects of future peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front remains uncertain.

Last month, both parties agreed to resolve the decades-old conflict peaceably. Malacañang announced that both parties could reach a final peace agreement in the next few months.

Peace groups hailed the CPP’s declaration of a two-day unilateral ceasefire, which is supposed to end Tuesday night, as a major step in building confidence for the peace talks to proceed and urged the government to reciprocate.

Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, said they did not receive any orders from higher headquarters to reciprocate the ceasefire being implemented by the communist rebels.

“In the absence of orders, we attack,” Cuerpo said.

Cuerpo said he had given orders to run after the fleeing rebels in at least three villages in Malaybalay City. (Froilan Gallardo /MindaNews)

Cesafi MVP Kent Ivo Salarda: One of UV’s diamond-in-the-rough Bukidnon players

By: Glendale G. Rosal – Multimedia Correspondent – CDN Digital

Kent Ivo Salarda (middle holding a cardboard) is joined by Cesafi officials, fellow Mythical Five awardees during the awarding ceremony of the Cesafi Season 23 men’s basketball finals. | Glendale Rosal

CEBU CITY, Philippines (Dec. 18, 2023 – 02:46 PM) — The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers scouts didn’t fail mining diamonds in the rough in the province of Bukidnon in Mindanao throughout the years

The Green Lancers which hoisted its 15th Cesafi men’s basketball title last Saturday has fielded numerous top-tier players from Bukidnon with the likes of Cesar Catli and Poypoy Actub.

This time, one of the two Bukidnon-native Green Lancers, Kent Ivo Salarda is starting to make his name after winning the Cesafi Season 23 “Most Valuable Player” plum.

The 21-year-old Salarda was instrumental in winning UV’s 15th Cesafi title, and fifth title for his head coach Gary Cortes.

In the pivotal Game 3 last Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum, Salarda unloaded 14 points, while fellow Bukidnon native Raul Gentallan III chipped in 13 points to lead UV in scoring.

Salarda is one of four siblings from a family with no basketball background in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, a sleepy town 65 kilometers north of the province’s capital in Malaybalay.

Salarda credited the entire UV Green Lancers team for helping him win the MVP title.

“Pasalamat kaayo ko sa Ginoo kay iyaha kong gihatagan ug ing-ani ng award. Ako pud gi credit ni sa akong coaches ug teammates kay tungod sa ilaha. Wala gyud ko mag expect ako modaog sa MVP kay kami tanan naningkamot ug duwa,” said Salarda, a second-year marketing management student in UV.

(I am grateful to the Lord because he gave me an award such as this. I also give credit to my coaches and teammates because of them (we won). I did not expect to win the MVP because all of us worked hard in the game.

Before joining UV in 2022, Salarda was already making his presence felt in the local basketball scene after winning the MVP title in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) 21-Under Mindanao Conference Cup.

Defend the title
According to the 6-foot-1 Salarda, he wasn’t really focusing on winning the MVP but rather helping the team defend their title.

“Focus lang gyud gihapon mi sa goal nga kami mochampion mi ani nga season, wala kaayo nako gihuna-huna nga maMVP ko,” said Salarda.

(We all focused on the goal that we can become champions this season, I did not think a lot that I will become an MVP.)

“Kung naa mi sa court, akong mindset kay one game at a time ra gyud, pero confident ra gyud ko modaog mi kay grabe akong kahago sa training ug practice.”

(When we are on the court, my mindset is one game at a time, but I was confident that we could win because we really worked hard in training and practice.)