Sunday, April 06, 2025

Northern Mindanao gears up for 34th NSM celebration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Preparations are underway for the 34th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration in Northern Mindanao

To mark the celebration, the Regional Statistics Committee (RSC)-10 has endorsed a series of regional activities designed to accentuate the importance of data and statistics in enhancing health outcomes.

Dr. Janith Aves, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-X, said NSM is celebrated in October of every year to enhance awareness and appreciation of the value and importance of statistics to the different sectors and to elicit the support and cooperation of the public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

This year, NSM bears the theme “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines,” which underlines the use of quality health-related statistics to accelerate development and promote a healthier populace.

Opening the month-long celebration are activities to be spearheaded by the Department of Health-X, which include a motorcade, Zumba, and health forum on October 3. The other activities lined up are a tree-planting activity (October 6), an interagency statistical exhibit contest (October 16-20), an infographics-making contest (October 16-20), and a data appreciation seminar for media and statistics quiz show – media edition (October 13).

All Provincial Statistical Offices of PSA-X will likewise hold the 27th Philippines Statistics Quiz Provincial eliminations on October 19 with participants from Higher Education Institutions in the region.

A dissemination forum on the results of the 2018-2020 Water Flow Accounts and financial health literacy activity will highlight the closing ceremony on October 27 to be hosted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Cagayan de Oro Branch.

RSC chairperson and NEDA-X Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said the lined-up activities will significantly promote the importance of statistics in every sector of society. She also urged RSC member agencies to support the NSM and conduct activities that would enunciate the significance of the celebration. (APB/PIA-10)

P1.89-M cattle feedlot to boost production, quality stocks in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen the production of cattle in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) breaks ground for the construction of the P1.89 million (M) worth cattle feedlot at the agency’s Malaybalay Stock Farm in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the facility provides a controlled environment for raised cattle to receive a balanced and nutritionally optimized diet to promote rapid growth and weight gain.

The facility has a total land area of 356.38 square meters with a capacity of 60 heads and is funded under the Livestock Program 2023 headed by its focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga added that the facility aims to improve the operation of the farm and boost the production of quality stocks which will be used for distribution to target beneficiaries regionwide.

Supporting the ceremony were DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna, and other of the agency’s personnel. (DA RFO-10)

Agri-10 extends mentoring assistance to 2023 Young Farmers Challenge Upscale applicants

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) conducted its mentoring and coaching for applicants of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2023 Upscale Competition on September 13 to 15

Facilitated by the division’s Agribusiness Promotion Section, two agri-fishery enterprises from barangays San Simon and Pagatpat in CdeO City, and three from the municipalities of Impasugong, Kadingilan, and Valencia City in Bukidnon, received mentorship on enterprise implementation and the optimization of resources in response to growing market demands.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that through the mentoring assistance, the Department works closely with agri-fishery enterprises to build on their existing goals and objectives, and innovate their products and services, aligned with the rationale of the program.

Said enterprises also received suggestions on the necessary refinements to their business plan and pitch deck before the YFC competition proper slated later this year.

The YFC-Upscale Program is an initiative of DA for previous YFC awardees which aims to upscale the operations of their existing agri-fishery enterprise, invest in new technology for product development, and generate employment through the provision of additional capital in the form of competitive financial grant assistance. (DA RFO-10)

4ID hold PMA entrance exam in 3 locations

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), is taking steps to bolster the nation’s armed forces by conducting a PMA Entrance Examination on September 9-10, 2023

With 50 examination sites nationwide, the 4th Infantry Division hosted three exam sites within its jurisdiction.

These locations include Montalban Hall in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City; Lope Asis Memorial Gym in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; and Surigao del Norte Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

PMA Proctor Team Leader for Cagayan de Oro City PMaj Viktor Immanuel Mendoza said candidates who wish to take the exam as walk-in applicants were required to bring a 2×2 ID picture, a valid ID (including a school ID), a birth certificate, and school grades (transcript of records for college and registrar-validated school grades for high school).

“To be able to take the exam, applicants should be at least 17 to 22 years old on the first day of admission in June, have a height not less than 152.4 cm and not more than 193.04 cm, possess a GPA/GWA of 85% or its equivalent, demonstrate good moral character, and be single, never married, and never having borne or sired a child. Further, there is no discrimination against applicants. Even former rebels can apply as long as they possess the qualifications, and taking examination has no limit as long as the applicant is still within the age range specified by the academy,” Mendoza said.

Applicants who pass the entrance exam will undergo medical, physical, and neurological exams at the AFP Medical Center.

Successful applicants will compose the PMA Class 2028 and be formally inducted into the academy during an Oath-Taking Ceremony and Reception Rites on the first day of the admission month.

As of September 6, the proctor team has recorded 771 validated applicants for Cagayan de Oro City, with expectations that the number will increase to one thousand to one thousand five hundred applicants.

PMA reminded the applicants and their family members that both entrance and medical examinations are provided free of charge.

The examination starts with a screening and validation process, beginning at 6:00 in the morning. The simultaneous exam will start at 10:00 in the morning and is expected to end by 2:00 in the afternoon.

The history of PMA dates back to October 25, 1898, when a decree from General Emilio Aguinaldo established the Academia Militar, the First President of the Philippine Republic. This academy initially granted graduates regular commissions in the armed forces. On December 21, 1936, the Philippine Military Academy was formally created through Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act. It granted the Academy the authority to confer a Bachelor of Science Degree upon completing its four-year course. (JAKA/PIA10)

DA-NorMin intensifies joint disease surveillance on Pestalotiopsis leaf fall disease of rubber

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – RFO 10 in coordination with the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Service (BPI-PQS) and Crop Pest Management Division (CPMD) and High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) strengthened the surveillance operations to detect the incidence and track the spread of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease of rubber in some areas in Bukidnon

The convergence efforts of DA-10 helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado through its HVCDP, the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), Regulatory and Field Operations divisions with the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bukidnon involved the local authorities, rubber farmers, and agricultural experts from DA-HVCDP through Engr. Jose Zalde B. Samsom, Jr., CFIDP focal.

PRRI Sr. Science Research Specialist Jill D. Villanueva said that the coordination efforts aim to mitigate the disease, which is fungal and caused by a pathogen called Pestalotiopsis sp.

She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing plant diseases threatening the region’s rubber production.

Bukidnon is a primary rubber-producing province in Northern Mindanao, contributing to the region’s overall rubber production of 13,378 metric tons with a total area planted of 7,400 hectares.

BPI PQS Cagayan de Oro City OIC Arnold S. Dela Cruz, Jr. highlighted the importance of safeguarding rubber crops and other valuable commodities.

Said rubber disease, if left unchecked, may cause leaf defoliation or falling of leaves and may result in reduced productivity in the worst affected areas.

In response to the growing concerns regarding the protection of rubber plantations in Bukidnon, the Provincial Governor issued an E.O no 26 series of 2023, an order banning the transport outside, sale of seedlings, or planting materials.

During the coordination meeting, the team discussed possible actions to be taken and recommendations to mitigate the said disease. (DA RFO-10)

Soldier killed in clash with NPA rebels in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / September 11) — Army troops encountered a band of 20 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Sunday in Quezon, Bukidnon, triggering a four-hour firefight that resulted in the death of a soldier

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the soldiers were pursuing the rebels when they caught up with them in Barangay Linabo, some 18 kilometers from Quezon town proper.

“The rebels were trying to link up with those from (NPA Guerilla) Front 57 when the soldiers encountered them. Unfortunately, one soldier died in the encounter,” Tito said.

Citing reports from the Quezon police station, Major Joanne Navarro, Police Regional Office – 10 spokespersons, identified the dead soldier as Private First Class Randy Ganzon, 29, a member of the 39th Infantry Battalion based in Makilala, North Cotabato.

Navarro said the remains of Ganzon were brought to the Villanueva Funeral Homes in Maramag, Bukidnon.

Fort Cabarde of the Quezon public information office said at about noon Monday that they were still waiting for the barangay officials of Linabo to report the incident. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

PNP chief orders stringent monitoring of poll hotspots

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said last Sept. 01, 2023, that the country’s police force has been put on heightened alert, with a focus on monitoring election hotspots

During his visit to the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), Acorda said the deployment of police personnel in checkpoints will be increased to prevent any major disruptions in peace and order.

“We have been in coordination meetings with police offices and the Comelec (Commission on Elections) and we want this election (season) peaceful and orderly,” Acorda said in a press briefing during his visit to the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) headquarters for the 122nd Police Service Anniversary.

On Aug. 28, during the first day of filing of candidacy for the elections, a joint police-military operation resulted in the recovery of two heavy pipes containing suspected improvised explosive devices in Pantar town, Lanao del Norte.

Acorda, who once served as the PRO-10 director, underscored the importance of unity and cooperation between the police force and the community in making the streets safer and more secure.

“Let us remember that this success is not the result of the work of a few, but the collective efforts of a united force,” he said.

Acorda also led the awarding of distinguished police officers and stations in the region as part of the ceremony. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Gallant troops, civilian personnel honored on National Heroes Day

The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division celebrated National Heroes Day by honoring its troops and civilian personnel for their gallantry in combat and performing exceptional duty for non-combat operations, respectively, during a simple awarding ceremony at the 4ID Headquarters, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on August 28, 2023

Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, led the whole Diamond troopers in honoring seventeen (17) awardees composed of civilian human resource and troops coming from 4ID subordinate units as well as attached units deployed within the area of responsibility of 4ID in Caraga and Northern Mindanao region in time for the celebration of National Heroes Day.

Ten (10) were awarded Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device for bravery and heroic achievements in fighting the communist terrorist group in their areas of operation, one (1) was awarded the Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device Interim to Gold Cross Medal and two (2) members of the Philippine Air Force, as attached unit under the Joint Task Force Diamond, were also awarded with Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device Interim to Distinguish Aviation Cross.

Moreover, three (3) troops were also awarded with Silver Cross Medal for imminently meritorious and invaluable accomplishments as a result of the separate successful implementation of intelligence operations that led to the neutralization through surrender and capture of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and numerous high-powered firearms.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ervin Andrew A. Yano, a Civilian Human Resource of 4ID working as a Nurse at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, was also honored and feted with a Plaque of Recognition for displaying an act of heroism and compassion by exerting extraordinary effort above and beyond his regular duties and responsibilities in saving the life of a teenager by preventing a suicide attempt at Jr. Borja Bridge in Cagayan de Oro City.

In his message, MGen. Cuerpo II said that 4ID’s celebration of National Heroes Day is about recognizing soldiers and other personnel who went above and beyond their call of duty to protect the people and secure the communities, as well as acknowledging the contribution of brave soldiers who offered an ultimate sacrifice in performing their mandate.

“I would like to personally congratulate all of you for demonstrating exceptional courage and bravery in serving your roles in our society, which resulted in laudable accomplishments of your respective units and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole. This day is all about acknowledging your efforts and highlighting the sacrifices that you made. But do not lower your guards, instead use this recognition as an inspiration to do more good deeds for the betterment of our nation,” MGen. Cuerpo added. (4ID)

4ID recognized as TESDA Northern Mindanao’s Best National Government Agency

The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division was recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Northern Mindanao as its Best National Government Agency for its significant contribution to the implementation and development of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in the Region, which resulted in TESDA’s consecutive highest approval and trust ratings among government agencies in the country.

Said plaque of appreciation was received by Colonel Ted B. Dumosmog, the 4ID Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (ADC RRA) during the 29th TESDA Anniversary Celebration held at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City on August 31, 2023. It was attended by the personnel and staff of TESDA Region 10 led by its Regional Director, Mr. Dan N. Navarro, other government agencies, and officers of the 4ID.

RD Navarro recognized the unwavering support of 4ID to all the TESDA programs and projects which greatly contributed to the endeavor of the organization in providing vulnerable sectors a better way to live.

Meanwhile, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the Commander of 4ID also expressed his gratitude to TESDA Region 10 for acknowledging the efforts of the Diamond Troopers, a testament to strong collaboration in order to achieve a common goal – to sustain peace and development in communities, especially the geographically isolated and disadvantage areas. (4ID)

Bukidnon gov highlights tourism, digital infra dev’t in SOPA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque, on August 29, 2023, highlighted his administration’s achievements in tourism and digital infrastructures during his State of the Province Address (SOPA)

Roque said the province has regained lost momentum during the the pandemic and is now gathering resources for tourism groundwork and digital connection.

“Here in Bukidnon, we are strengthening the local tourism network and are reaching out to the private tourism industry to work,” he said.

While other existing tourism industries and events continue to thrive, Roque said it is important to “focus on highlighting our natural beauty, cultural heritage and unique experiences. To continue the path forward towards sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, especially when our airport is coming.”

In addition, Roque mentioned the various initiatives in the agriculture industry, noting that the province remains a top performer in producing crops like rice, corn, sugarcane, pineapple, and banana.

Early this month, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who hails from the province, said the new domestic airport in Don Carlos is 60 percent complete.

The airport is expected to be fully functional before 2025, he added.

Zubiri, the main proponent for creating the Bukidnon airport, said he would also facilitate additional funding for developing the domestic airport in Camiguin province. (Nef Luczon/PNA)