Monday, November 18, 2024

Category: News

P99M student welfare center opens in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (Feb. 07, 2024/PIA) – Senate President and Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, together with other Bukidnon leaders, led the inauguration of Northern Bukidnon State College’s (NBSC) P99 million three-story student welfare and development center on February 2 in Sitio Kihare, Barangay Tangkulan

“We’ll make it a premiere state college for our eventual conversion to a state university,” Zubiri said, emphasizing that the only way to solve poverty in Bukidnon is through education. 

 

Ronaldo Pahang, who heads the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 3rd Engineering District of Bukidnon, said the project cost totaled the revised amount of P99 million from its original P92.8 million and was completed in 629 calendar days.

 

Phase two of the project, which includes the provision of a parking area, was completed within 300 calendar days, totaling P49.5 million. The project is funded under the Local Infrastructure Program-Multi-Year Contractual Authority (LIP-MYCA).

 

Zubiri also promised to look into the construction of NSBC’s road networks and asked the DPWH 3rd Engineering District of Bukidnon to do the survey and cost estimates.

 

“As far as Bukidnon is concerned, we are working together to provide whatever is needed for our education sector,” Rep. Jose Manuel Alba said, adding that with the support of Zubiri, NBSC now has an additional P86 million for its 2024 NBSC budget.

 

The NBSC envisions itself as a leading institution in research, innovation, sustainable academic programs, and services that cultivate educational, personal, and professional growth for its learners; thus, NBSC President Dr. Catherine Roween Almaden expressed gratitude to the senator and all the leaders of Bukidnon for the realization of the now-inaugurated facility.

 

“At the core of this facility are the modern amenities that will host various types of student services, one of which is our cultural and creative innovation hub, a space that celebrates and preserves the traditions of our IP communities—a place where creativity and tradition converge, fostering an environment that encourages the exploration and expression of our unique cultural heritage,” Almaden said.

 

Among the amenities is a laboratory for its Fine Arts program, which focuses on product design; a simulation laboratory for teachers; and 21st-century classrooms, which serve as hubs for research addressing unique challenges faced by students and their stakeholders.

 

The NBSC student welfare and development center will house two 300-seater conference halls with state-of-the-art technology. Almaden said that the procurement process is now underway.

 

“Mao gyud na atong gidamgo nga mahatagan nato og edukasyon atong mga kaigsuonan, hilabi na katong naa sa mga hilit nga mga kabarangayan [This has always been our dream to give quality education to our constituents, especially those in the hinterland barangays],” said Manolo Fortich Mayor Rogelio Quiño.

 

He also revealed that the local government of Manolo Fortich has allocated a budget for 300 scholars of the NBSC. 400 senior high school students also benefit from the local government’s P2,500 per semester allowance. With the help of the municipal council, Quiño hopes to raise the number of scholars this year to a total of 1,000 students. 

 

NBSC has emerged as a modern-era academic institution. Its humble beginnings trace back to 2005 as a community college under the municipal ordinance number 368-2005. The institution started opening its classes for AY 2005–2006, leading to its eventual conversion into a state college in 2020 via Republic Act 11284, or An Act Converting the Northern Bukidnon Community College in the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnon, into a state college to be known as the Northern Bukidnon State College. (Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy/PIA-10)

DA-10 launches upland hybrid rice demo farm in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further boost Northern Mindanao’s rice production capacity, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado formally launched its first hybrid upland rice production technology demonstration farm in Bukidnon province

Together with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture Office, and Seedwork Philippines, DA-10 recently held its inaugural planting of the three-hectare upland rice production technology trial demo farm in barangays Sumpong and Can-ayan, in Malaybalay City. 

 

The project is designed to undergo a trial phase before full-scale implementation of the eyed 300-hectare demonstration farm, to give way for production technology fine-tuning and area compatibility assessment. 

 

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca said the project is pivotal to the DA’s goal to increase the region’s rice sufficiency by utilizing upland production areas. 

 

Using an area modeling approach, the project will optimize the potential and opportunities in developing the Ancestral Domains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as an upland rice production area in the region. 

 

DA-10 Deputy Director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Joel S. Rudinas, said the project provides the base for future agricultural development. 

 

He said by employing an area-based development system, this undertaking can spin out to other commodities in the value chain and integrate other agricultural livelihood activities that can significantly address poverty situations among the IP communities. 

 

Using Seedworks Philippines’ TH-82 hybrid rice production technology, the upland rice demo farm is set to be fully established during the 2024 wet cropping season. 

 

Also, in attendance during the hybrid upland rice technology demo farm launching ceremony are Atty. Burt M. Estrada, BUKTAMACO General Manager, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Richard B. Leono, Malaybalay City Agriculturist, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief, Lucille T. Minguez, DA-10 Regional Crops Protection Center chief. (ATT)

Malaybalay gets new P15-M IP Tulugan center

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (February 26, 2024) – The Indigenous Peoples (IP) of the City of Malaybalay got its new P15-million worth Tulugan Center constructed inside the City Hall Complex in Brgy. Casisang

The freshly finished project’s turnover ceremony took place on February 22, 2024, according to information given on the local government’s official Facebook page.

 

The occasion began with a traditional “pangagda” rite, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Atty. Jonathan Keith T. Flores, representative of Bukidnon’s 2nd Legislative District.

 

Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, Vice Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Renato Sumbongan, and Tribal Chieftain Harry Sumbongan assisted Rep. Flores in the ceremony.

 

Also, in attendance were members of the 9th Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP), tribal chieftains, and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District 2.

 

The office of Rep. Flores took the initiative to get the budget for the project from his development fund.

 

During the ceremony, the center’s responsibility was officially given to IPMR Sumbongan, who thanked Rep. Flores and Mayor Pabillaran for their contributions to the preservation of IP culture.

 

Sumbongan emphasized the center’s significance as the first of its sort in the province, acting as a tribal court and gathering place for the city’s IP leaders and guests from 46 barangays.

 

Rep. Flores reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting IP communities and their culture.

 

He emphasized the importance of utilizing the center for its intended purpose.

 

Mayor Pabillaran congratulated the city’s recognized tribes – the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Umayamnon – for their unity and thanked Rep. Flores for the project.

 

He also stressed the city’s position as an example for conserving and fostering intellectual property of culture, traditions, and welfare.

 

The IP Tulugan Center also provides amenities such as guestrooms, 70 seats, and CCTV surveillance.

 

The multipurpose structure is designed for tribal meetings and ceremonies.

 

Devrex Construction Services built the facility under the direction of DPWH District 2.

 

Its construction began on February 8, 2023, and ended on December 15, 2023.

 

On the same occasion, Rep. Flores was bestowed with the title of “Datu Makatuntay” in a traditional ceremony, recognizing his consistent support and help to the IP communities in times of need. (melbmadera)

Army confirms 9 terrorists involved in Marawi blast killed in Lanao del Sur

Posted on by cmn

The Philippine Army on Saturday, January 27, confirmed the death of nine members of the Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist organization involved in the bombing of Dimaporo gymnasium inside the Mindanao State University in Marawi City

Army Public Affairs chief, Col. Louie Dema-ala, said the operating troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, under the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, engaged in a series of firefight with heavily armed Dawlah Islamiya members from Thursday to Friday this week, in Barangay Tapurong, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

“The Army troops were able to neutralize nine local terrorist members and recovered eight high-powered firearms. Neutralized individuals were identified as perpetrators of the fatal MSU bombing on December 3, 2023,” Dema-ala told reporters.

Four soldiers were hurt during the encounters, which were triggered by the military’s internal security operations.

Dema-ala said the soldiers were immediately transported to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City “to acquire urgent medical attention.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the four soldiers who sustained injuries during the said operation. We remain committed to ensuring their swift recovery,” Dema-ala said. (Lade Jean Kabagani/tribune.net.ph)

Government offices vulnerable to cyberattacks – NorMin cyber cop chief

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (29 January 2024) – The chief of the Northern Mindanao Police Regional Anti-Cybersecurity Unit (RACU-10) warned on Monday that even personnel and government offices are vulnerable to cyberattacks

RACU-10 chief Col. Lemuel Gonda said the caution “think before you click” must be remembered when using gadgets or devices that are connected to the internet.

“We have victims of (online) financial fraud who are members of the banking (and) financial institutions. They are frequently reminded about cybersecurity, how much more ordinary people and those in government offices?” he said in a statement.

Gonda warned that “black hat” hackers, who use ransomware and malware to penetrate a system, can obtain sensitive information of online users, including banking and financial transactions.

One of the common methods used by hackers is “social engineering,” which involves tricking unsuspecting victims into providing sensitive information.

Other than dubious internet links, Gonda warns of free Wi-Fi and charging stations in the public, as these are also vulnerable to cyberattacks.

“The hackers will not stop. Even all your details, name, address, friends, how you call them, they will imitate that,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Cops recovered suspected shabu, handgun in Kitaotao raid

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (28 January 2024) – A composite police team found a suspected shabu and a weapon during a raid on an illicit drug suspect’s home in Sitio Bacayan, Brgy. Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon

According to the report of Police Captain Christopher P. Tuzara, OIC of the Kitaotao Municipal Police Station (KMPS), the raid took place about 2:38 a.m. on January 27, 2024.

Tuzara identified the suspect as a 35-year-old individual with a drug-related personality.

Members of the Kitaotao MPS and the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit Tracking Team discovered six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, totaling 7.3 grams and valued at PhP49,640.00.

They also found drug paraphernalia, a coin purse, a blue-black pouch, and a belt bag.

A Daewoo brand 9mm handgun with serial number 15765 in silver with a black grip cover, an inserted magazine loaded with 13 live bullets, and nine pieces of cal.45 pistol were also discovered from the suspect’s possession.

A case of breach of Section 11, Article II of the R.A. No. 9165 was filed against the arrested suspect.

The recovered drugs were transported to the Bukidnon Forensic Unit in Malaybalay City for qualitative and quantitative investigations.

The seized pistol was also taken to the Forensic Office for ballistic testing. (melbmadera)

P100M Korean greenhouses in Bukidnon empower farmers, spark bounty harvest

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (29 January 2024/PIA)—The unveiling of P100 million Korean government greenhouse technology in Bukidnon marks a breakthrough in agriculture, sparks a bounty harvest, and improves farming techniques among the province’s high-value crop farmers

Packed with Korean tech, South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) donated the multimillion greenhouses to the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10) to demonstrate effective methods for growing strawberries, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, leafy vegetables, and high-priced crops in Philippine soil.

In a strawberry farm tour following the turnover ceremony at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, last December, An Jae-rok, executive director of the Korean Agency of Education, Promotion, and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries presented how MAFRA’s Smart farm system gives farmers remote control over their greenhouses.

“In Smart Greenhouse, data is collected daily inside and outside the facility. There are sensors inside to check the amount of carbon dioxide, temperature, and air humidity. There are also sensors outside the greenhouse to check the rainfall, temperature, wind direction, and velocity,” he said.

Jae-rok said farmers need not worry anymore about the unpredictable weather and the backbreaking labor because farmers can easily monitor and adjust greenhouse conditions manually or remotely using the Smart Farm Mobile App with internet connectivity.

“This is unique. It gives us a chance to dream bigger, heaps of perfectly ripened strawberries at a time,” said Joel Rivera, a greenhouse farm adopter and red bell pepper farmer from Bukidnon, as he looked at the vibrant plants inside the facility.

Compared to traditional methods, which usually rely on manual labor and simple controls, greenhouses use modern irrigation and automation systems such as complex environment control and growth development information.

Finding new ways to produce more food

Cora Dumayaca, technical director for research and regulations for DA-Northern Mindanao, said the newly introduced greenhouse technology aims to provide innovative planting to increase productivity and ensure higher profits for Filipino farmers.

“It’s not just technology. It’s empowerment. This high-tech farming also combats climate change worries. Imagine vibrant strawberries thriving alongside climate-resistant leafy greens–that’s the future the government is building,” Dumayaca said.

She explained that Northern Mindanao’s agriculture department shared nearly 30 percent, while Korea’s MAFRA granted more than 70 percent of the project’s total cost.

Dumayaca reported that they had trained 70 Bukidnon farmers, extensionists, and other farmer organizations in nearby provinces on sustainable smart agriculture covering strawberries, cherry tomatoes, leafy vegetables, and potatoes.

“The project went beyond equipping 11 greenhouses with advanced technology. These serve as training hubs and show windows, crafting a Package of Technology (POT) as a roadmap for farmers to boost production through precision agriculture. The DA aims to inspire the next generation to adopt modern farming methods,” she added.

Yong Ho Jung, Korea’s director for international cooperation of MAFRA, said that by establishing smart farms in the Philippines, they have transferred proven Korean-style farm technologies adaptive to the Philippine climate.

“I thanked the Philippine government for its cooperation and interest in the project. These greenhouses mark MAFRA’s first Official Development Assistance (ODA) program on smart agriculture—a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries. We hope that our collaboration in agri-technology will help to modernize and develop the agro-industry sector through knowledge exchange, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, as well as the nationwide dissemination of smart farming in the Philippines,” Jung said.

Korea’s Smart Greenhouses at NMACLRC in Dalwangan, Malaybalay, was launched on April 1, 2022, with 11 state-of-the-art greenhouses across 4,250 square meter fields. Inside, rows of fruit-bearing strawberries and cherry tomatoes, including vibrant leafy greens and potatoes, flourish in precision-designed gardens.

With the ability to produce off-season crops year-round, the DA considers the project a step towards achieving self-sufficiency for the country. (JSA/RLRB/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

Mindanao religious leaders take joint stand to condemn peace spoilers

Posted on by cmn

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (January 22, 2024/PIA)– Mindanao religious leaders, representing both Muslim and Christian faiths, have joined forces in a resolute stand against those who seek to disrupt peace in the region

Their unified voice condemned the “heinous sacrilegious” bombing incident that took place during a Catholic Mass at the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus on December 3, 2023.

These religious leaders asserted in a joint statement dubbed “Religions are for Peace” that the teachings of every religion in the world condemn the killing of innocent bystanders and religious believers as a demonic act.

The statement highlighted a shared condemnation from both Islamic and Christian perspectives, emphasizing that terrorism under the guise of religion contradicts the fundamental teachings of both faiths.

“The killing of innocent civilians by terrorists under the guise of religion is a condemnable and cruel irreligious act that defiantly contradicts both Muslim and Christian beliefs,” said the joint statement.

The declaration emerged following a two-day dialogue for peace held in Cotabato City from January 16 to 17 to address concerns about the durability of the peace process among Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao and allay the anxieties of many students and families not only in Marawi but also throughout the entirety of Mindanao.

The joint statement was signed by His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo (Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotabato), Most Reverend Angelito Lampon (Archdiocese of Cotabato), Most Reverend Antonio Ledesma (Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro), Most Reverend Edwin de la Peña (Bishop of the Prelature of Marawi), Pastor Brayan Saguban (River of God/Evangelical Denomination), Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta Executive Director Emran Mohamad, Islamic Jurist Dr. Muhammad Nadzir Ebil (Bangsamoro Darul Ifta), and Datu Mussolini Lidasan, executive director of Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia – Ateneo de Davao University.

Bishop de la Peña conveyed the impact of the dialogue, particularly among the Christian settlers of Marawi, stating, “Now the people in my area who experienced so much trauma and so much pain can now rejoice over the fact that the religious leaders of the Bangsamoro are one with us so we can move on.”

The religious leaders also emphasized the need to be proactive against similar terrorist acts by imparting to their constituencies the true teachings of religious traditions and sacred scriptures.

The religious leaders likewise underscored the importance of proactively countering terrorism by imparting the true teachings of religious traditions and sacred scriptures to their constituents. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives of the peace process between the Bangsamoro and the Government of the Philippines, fostering a collective responsibility and renewed dedication to achieving enduring peace.

Recognizing the efficacy of inter-religious dialogues in establishing a culture of peace, mutual respect, and understanding, the leaders pledged to continue conducting religious exchanges. Their commitment extends to bringing these dialogues to the grassroots level, spreading the culture of peace throughout the entire island of Mindanao.

“We hope to continue this religious dialogue not only among ourselves but down to the grassroots level so that we can spread the culture of peace throughout the island of Mindanao,” said Archbishop Ledesma.

The dialogue and subsequent signing of the joint statement were facilitated by the international NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Philippines and supported by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

Prominent religious leaders in Mindanao hold a two-day dialogue in Cotabato City on January 16-17, 2024 to address concerns about the resilience of the peace process among Christian and Muslim communities in Mindanao and alleviate anxieties among students and families across Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of HWPL Philippines)

Man, allegedly lit sugarcane plantation in Maramag – report

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (January 22, 2024) – A legal-age guy allegedly burned down a sugarcane farm in Purok 12, Sitio San Ramon, Brgy. Base Camp, Maramag, Bukidnon, on January 21, 2024

In his report, Police Major Jaemar M. Paguidopon, OIC of the Maramag Municipal Police Station, stated that the sugarcane plantation was partially burned and that the extent of the damage is still being determined by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel.

A complainant personally appeared at Maramag MPS along with the witness and Brgy. Captain of MarayMaray, Don Carlos Bukidnon brought with them the arrested arson suspect.

Investigator of Maramag MPS coordinated with personnel from BFP Maramag and conducted an initial investigation on the plantation.

Upon interviewing the witness, it was revealed that he had been instructed by the plantation owner to monitor the sugar cane plantation because, previously, someone had intentionally set it on fire.

At around 8:00 p.m. on the same date, the witness actually saw a person enter the plantation. He followed him and took the initiative to call the owner.

The witness stated that the culprit lit the sugar cane, causing a fire. He approached the suspect, who fled.

Fortunately, the owner arrived quickly, resulting in the suspect’s successful arrest and the recovery of one lighter from his custody and control.

The plantation owner and witness took the initiative to put out the fire.

They then brought the suspect to Maramag MPS for suitable disposition.

The case has been properly turned over to BFP Maramag for further proceedings. (melbmadera)

Malaybalay gets trading post under DA’s Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To sell the agricultural products of farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office turns over the P9.6-million (M) trading post to the City Government of Malaybalay in Bukidnon, on January 17

Located in the market site of Barangay 9 of said city, this will serve as a trading post for farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) to increase productivity in agricultural and fishery production in localities.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the project aims to establish a centralized marketing platform that is accessible to link farmers to consumers ensuring the availability and accessibility of food commodities in high consumer demand areas.

Under the leadership of DA’s Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., modernization of agriculture and digitalization are among the priorities in his administration, in which the farmers should coordinate, converge, and cooperate for the project to be successful from the national down to the local government units, Madriaga added.

Out of the total project cost, CLGU Malaybalay counterparted P4.6-M and DA-10 provided P5-M funded under the Marketing Development Services of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Over 10 identified FCAs producing vegetables, spices, processed foods, and livestock by-products will benefit from the project, enabling them to link producers directly to consumers.
Also, the City Economic Enterprise Development Office (CEEDMO) of Malaybalay will be in-charge in the operation and maintenance of the facility.

One of the beneficiaries of the facility, Marlyn J. Gallardo, chairman of the Vegetable Growers Association said that through the trading post, many farmers can expand their opportunity to sell their agricultural commodities and will help elevate the economy of the city.

[Pinaagi sa trading post, daghang mga mag-uuma ang mopalapad sa kahigayonan sa pagbaligya sa ilang mga palaliton sa agrikultura ug tinguha sa pagpataas sa ekonomiya niining syudad.]

Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran emphasized that the government continues to provide facilities to support and encourage the farmers to be more resilient and proactive, urging careful planning to address and enhance the resilience of farmers against challenges.

Attending the event were Vice-Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, Sangguniang Panglalawigan Committee on Agriculture Alan Ryan O. Legaspi, DA-AMAD Agriculturist II Helen M. Roldan, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Engineer III Alden C. Tapio of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), and other city officials. (MPMT)