Sunday, April 28, 2024

Category: News

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

Posted on by cmn

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

Posted on by cmn

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

Posted on by cmn

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

Posted on by cmn

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

Posted on by cmn

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

Posted on by cmn

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.)

4ID honors injured soldiers toughens fight vs. NPA in NorMin, Caraga

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 18, 2023, 9:00 pm) – The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) recognized on Monday injured troopers recuperating at the headquarters infirmary, even as it sent more troops to combat communist rebels in Bukidnon

“Their sacrifices in the line of duty are truly noble and deserve to be honored. In this Christmas season, we have to make them feel appreciated and supported as our most important resources,” Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, the 4ID commander, said.
At least five injured troopers are recuperating at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital here. They received gifts from the 4ID.
Meanwhile, an additional 118 new batch of soldiers will augment troops in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions fighting the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
The new troopers belong to the Candidate Soldier Course “Lagablab” Class 782-2023 and completed their Infantry Orientation Course at the 4ID Training School in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
The batch, comprised of 112 males and six females, started infantry familiarization training in October. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

NorMin MSMEs upskill to digital entrepreneurship

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 19, 2023, 7:13 pm) – Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Northern Mindanao region were given interventions to upskill in digital entrepreneurship

In a statement on Tuesday, the PLDT and Smart Telecommunications firm, the organizer of eBizNovation, said the program aims to equip MSMEs with digital skills and tools to lead them toward innovative livelihood opportunities.
Jorenn Decierdo, a student from the Cagayan de Oro City College, said some entrepreneurs were still stuck in traditional marketing, and training them in digital upskills will help them improve their livelihood.
“We are happy to help teach and inspire them to level up their businesses with online platforms,” he said.
Cooperatives and MSMEs from Northern Mindanao attended two workshops – the Aahon at Babangon series with Shopee, – in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry-Northern Mindanao (DTI-10), and the BuyLocal Bazaar with the Cooperative Development Authority-10 recently.
Supported by Kagay-anon youth volunteers, entrepreneurs conceptualized and created short videos to promote their products online.
PLDT and Smart were able to gather more than 500 MSMEs not only in this city but also in Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Northern Mindanao, with support from local government units and other agencies.
“Through collaboration, we can boost our efforts to digitally upskill and assist local enterprises, helping them to increase productivity and income through digital technology,” said Stephanie Orlino, assistant vice president and head of stakeholder management at PLDT and Smart.
The training for MSMEs coincides with the recent developments organized by DTI-10 with the launching of One Town One Product (Otop) Philippines Go Lokal Store in Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental.
The OTOP Go Lokal! store is the ninth OTOP hub established in Northern Mindanao but the first in the region to be launched inside an airport. It features products from 33 MSMEs in Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

MOA for Enhanced Kadiwa implementation inked

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) recently inks a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with farmers cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon for the implementation of the P25.5 million (M) worth of Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance program

The signing ceremony was held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Brgy. Dalwangan.
According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the said program aims to help facilitate food accessibility, quality, and affordability to consumers through partnerships with LGUs and FCAs, and improve the food distribution system at the same time.
Collado together with Mayor Anthony A. Uy og Impasugong and Mayor Ernie R. Devibar of Lantapan signed the agreement for the PhP5 million construction of trading posts in their respective localities, in the presence of their municipal staff.
The agri department also sealed a partnership with the Mindanao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MFARCC) of Magsaysay, and Kabangasan, Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community (KMDARC) of Balingoan, both from Misamis Oriental to finance each their
P3.5-M transport and delivery vehicle.
Further, Pangantucan, Maramag, Kalilangan Farmers’ Dairy Cooperative (PMKFDC) of Pangantucan and PITAC Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) of Malaybalay City, both from Bukidnon are set to avail P3.5-M for the purchase of a refrigerated van and equipment for the enhancement of their milk processing plant and P5-M for the purchase of a wing van,
respectively.
For the FCAs’ part, they have inked the agreement through their respective chairpersons: Romil Ravilla (MFARCC), Weny N. Enterina (KMDARC), Rodolfo Belleza (PMKFDC), and Christery May Dinoy (PITAC MPC).
As partners for the said program, all beneficiaries have at least 20 percent counterpart of the total project cost.
Locally funded for the current year, the Kadiwa program is implemented by DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division. (TJTL/melbmadera)

Malaybalay tribal group gets 40 new homes

Posted on by cmn

Family beneficiaries of Daraghuyan Tribal Village housing project pose after the awarding ceremony held at Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain in Damitan, Brgy. Dalwangan, Malaybalay City on Dec. 14, 2023. (Photo lifted from Mayor Pabillaran’s Facebook account)

Malaybalay tribal group gets 40 new homes

MALAYBALAY CITY (Dec. 15, 2023) – Forty (40) recently built housing units were turned over to the family recipients who are members of Daraghuyan Tribal group at Damitan, Brgy. Dalwangan here

The Daraghuyan Tribal Village housing project’s awarding ceremony took place on December 14 at the project’s location, Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain, according to a news statement from the city government.

Bae Inatlawan Adelina Tarino, chieftain of the Daraghuyan tribe led the customary rite that opened the event.

The Daraghuyan Tribal Village project was a joint undertaking initiated by the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the City Government of Malaybalay.

NHA represented by its District Manager Engr. Madeleine Gilda Abellera and OIC- Regional Manager Engr. Homer Cezar graced the event.

City Councilors Brian Flores, Erwin Damasco, Alan Ryann Legaspi, and Melchor Maramara were present at the event.

The Governor’s Office personnel, tribal leaders, and guests from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were among the forty project beneficiaries who attended the ceremony.

The project was initiated during the term of late City Mayor Florencio “Doc Boy” T. Flores Jr. and was diligently ensured for completion by Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, who secured the necessary counterpart funding.

Vice Mayor Estelito Marabe and the members of the 8th and 9th Sanggunian Panlungsod provided unwavering support for the project.

The Daraghuyan Tribal Village showcased a model house, which was inaugurated during the
event.

The housing staff took great care with the interior design and landscape.

This noteworthy accomplishment is a result of the collaborative efforts of the local government and the NHA, providing the Daraghuyan people sustainable housing solutions. (melbmadera)