Monday, December 23, 2024

Tag: Cagayan De Oro

Bukidnon solon pushes for bamboo as cash crop

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The bamboo industry in Northern Mindanao region is a rich untapped source of raw materials for the construction industry, Bukidnon 1st District Rep. Jose Manuel Alba has said

In an interview on June 13, 2023, Alba said he and other bamboo industry leaders in Mindanao are engaged in ongoing information dissemination to make bamboo a source of livelihood for building materials.

He earlier filed House of Representatives Bill 7105, or the proposed Philippine Bamboo Industry Act.

“Shifting to bamboo as building material instead of wood will also help the environment in the long run, as it will lessen the cutting of more trees,” he said.

Bukidnon alone has about 2 million “bamboo stands,” which are ready for harvest to become raw materials, he said.

A supporter of Alba’s bill is Robert Palomares, the proprietor of Homebiz Crafts based in Iligan City, who has been using bamboo materials for making furniture and plywood for clients since 2014.

He said he has been sourcing bamboo materials from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

“Bamboo can become a good source of additional income for farmers and even residents who have a backyard space for growing bamboo,” Palomares said.

Because bamboo is a grass species, it can sprout new trunks after cutting the old ones for production.

Palomares said the variety currently used in production is the giant bamboo species.

In this city, the bamboo processing firm, Rizome Bamboo, has been providing bamboo supplies to clients across the country since 2021.

Russel Smith, the firm’s president and chief executive officer, said they are planning to plant an additional 1.5 million “bamboo stands” throughout Mindanao, which they will also buy back from farmers and growers to meet the production demands. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

NorMin inflation eases to 6.4% in April

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The inflation in Northern Mindanao eased for three consecutive months due to slower increases in prices of food, transport, and utilities

In a press conference, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 reported that the region’s inflation slowed down to 6.4 percent (%) in April from 7.4% in March, this year.

PSA-10 attributed the slowdown to the deceleration of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages from 10.9% in March to 9.6% in April, sharing 54% of the downtrend.

PSA-X Chief Statistical Specialist Sarah Balagbis said the second driver to the deceleration of the overall inflation was Transport, from 3.5% to 0.6%.

Other contributor was Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels which slowdown from 5.0% to 4.0%.

Transport shared 24.2% of the deceleration while Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels shared 19.4%.

Balagbis said the top contributor to the deceleration of inflation in Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages were fish and other seafood which decelerated to 10.2% from 14.2% in March; vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses, from 22.6% to 17.5%; and meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals from 13.3% to 11.3%.

Rice inflation also decreased from 3.7% to 3.6% while corn inflation slowed down to 9.3%.

Contributing to the deceleration in transport were gasoline with -11.7% from -6.2% inflation in March, as well as, diesel with -17.0% from -5.7% inflation.

On the other hand, the decrease in the inflation of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels was attributed to electricity with -2.6% inflation from -1.3% in March, and LPG with -3.5% from 3.1%.

Inflation rates in all provinces and highly urbanized cities posted also eased. The city of Iligan posted the lowest rate at 4.9% while Camiguin registered the highest at 8.2%. Inflation rates in other areas were Bukidnon at 7.3%, Lanao del Norte at 5.4%, Misamis Occidental at 5.5%, Misamis Oriental at 7.5%, and Cagayan de Oro City at 5.8%.

Balagbis further shared that the purchasing power of the peso in April remains at 0.82 which means that the P100 in 2018 is just worth P82 of goods and services in April 2023.

“Since January this year up to April, nagkahinay ang pagsaka sa prices (the increase in prices is slowing down) and we are hoping that it would continue,” she said.

The chief statistical specialist, meanwhile, called on agencies to work hand-in-hand to reduce the risk and cushion the negative impacts of El Niño on commodity prices. (APB/PIA-10)

DA-10 Agribiz Div convenes with FOPA NorMin for market linkages

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aiming to strengthen the partnership with local producers in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), meets with the Food Processors’ Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPA NorMin) to discuss potential local and national market linkages for its members

On May 15, 2023, AMAD led by its chief, Larry E. Paraluman, delivered the various interventions that DA-10 can offer, ranging from market information, market linkage and products promotion, agribusiness promotion and development services, especially for the agri-based processed products that FOPA members produce.

FOPA NorMin officers who joined the meeting were President Craig Mari Padla of De Oro’s Best, Vice-President Ana Marie Viscayno of Sivako Foods, Secretary May Jacobo of May’s Golden Pies, Treasurer Agnes Gonzales of SG Ventures, Inc., and Nenita Tan of Bestfiend Goodies.

Recognizing areas for support, the AMAD has committed to assist the said association towards communication and partnership with farmers across Region 10.

Said efforts also aim to maximize the use of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) for convenient market linkages, not only in Northern Mindanao but reaching the island region of Mindanao and the whole of the Philippines. (RLTolentino/DA RFO-10)

3 of 4 Mindanawon boxing finalists win gold in SEA Games

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

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

DOLE secretary leads labor, management confab in Normin

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

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

DOT-10 launches limitless bike adventure in Normin

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

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

CDO, Bukidnon farmers now directly sell corn to SMC

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Farmers in this city and Bukidnon province are among the 13 areas in the country to become direct sellers for a giant food company

In a statement on May 9, 2023, the San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its nutrition division San Miguel Foods (SMF), bared they have been directly buying from the two areas since 2020.

Since then, SMF said it has accumulated 1.3 million metric tons of corn amounting to PHP23.9 billion from the farmers.

SMC president and chief executive Ramon S. Ang said buying directly from this city, Bukidnon province, and 11 other areas was part of its corporate project to help local farmers.

“We are assured of local corn supply for our food business while our local farmers are guaranteed a steady market and fair prices for their crops. Buying directly from them boosts their income and keeps their livelihood,” he was quoted in the statement as saying.

At the height of the pandemic in 2020, SMF purchased over 500,000 metric tons or 500 million kilos of corn to help farmers in various provinces affected by quarantine protocols and supply chain disruptions that saw their produce going to waste.

In Sumilao, Bukidnon, SMC has provided over PHP2 million worth of scholarships to underprivileged youth in partnership with Gawad Kalinga’s School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development.

Farmer scientists

Meanwhile, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center Region 10 (ATI-10) through its Career Development and Management Services (CDMS) has trained 24 farmers from Kitaotao, Bukidnon, who mostly grow corn, to become farmer scientist trainers.

Corn Focal Person Noriel Kris Santillan, who also oversees the ATI-CDMS, said the trainers will run the third phase of the Farmer Scientist Training Program.

He said the refresher training course intends to capacitate its participants by providing them with a training course on farming techniques and value development. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Kanak ha Banuwa Ultramarathon 7 Series – Leg 2, nagmalampuson

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Nagmalampuson nga napahigayon ang Kanak Ha Banuwa Ultramarathon 7 Series – Leg 2 kaniadtong Abril 15-16, 2023, sa VCES Oval Grounds, Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon

Adunay kinatibuk-ang 198 ka mga runners ang misalmot sa maong kompetisyon nga nagagikan sa Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato, Iloilo, Tagoloan, Lanao Del Sur, Cebu City, og Davao City.

Ang ruta nagagikan sa VCES oval grounds, Valencia City ngadto na sa Lantapan via Aglayan and vice versa.

Ang mga nagmalampusong midaug sa nagkadaiyang kategorya nakadawat sa medalya, cash ug trophy.

Ang mga kategorya nga gisalmutan sa mga participante mao ang 60km 50 & above men category, 60km 50 & above women category, 60km men category, 60km women category, 21km men category, 21km women category, 10km men category, 10km women category, 5km men category, ug 5km women category. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

Miss Philippines Earth dazzles in Bukidnon preliminary events

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CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – People in four Bukidnon towns were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle as the Miss Philippines Earth 2023 preliminary competitions came to Mindanao’s food basket for the first time

Twenty-nine Miss Philippines Earth candidates showcased their poise and physique, donning Bukidnon native dresses and swimsuits, during a summer-themed preliminary event before a jam-packed crowd in Talakag town, Bukidnon, on Wednesday night, April 19.

The national beauty pageant is held yearly to crown “the most beautiful and environmentally-conscious and aware woman” in the country and send her to compete in the international competition Miss Earth.

Before the town center event, the candidates went to the upland village of Miarayon, also in Talakag town, the vegetable center of Northern Mindanao, to see the agricultural fields.

The candidates were also in Manolo Fortich town earlier, where they rubbed elbows with local government officials in Bukidnon.

“This is a coming of age for these towns. For so long, these towns have been in the backwaters. Now, the world is looking at us,” Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel Alba told Rappler.

Alba brought the entire production of the Miss Philippines Earth 2023 to Bukidnon.

After the preliminary events of the pageant in the towns of Manolo Fortich, Talakag, Sumilao, and Baungon until the weekend, the candidates will travel for the coronation night in Toledo City, Cebu, in the Visayas.

He said it was the first time the Bukidnon towns saw a big production and prestigious national beauty pageant.

“Our market is the nation, eventually. We want the country to see the potential of these towns,” Alba said.

He said Manolo Fortich town alone was transformed into a first-class municipality from its humble origin as a place for herds of cows that were brought to Cagayan de Oro City to be shipped to Manila many years ago.

“Hundreds of cows were driven along the rolling plains of Manolo Fortich every month. The town was the watering hole for the cows and cowboys to drink and rest before continuing the journey to Cagayan de Oro,” said Manuel Fortich, the US-based son of the late former Bukidnon governor Carlos “Totoy” Fortich.

He said the town was transformed after World War II when the government granted homestead lands to fleeing residents who escaped the Japanese occupation.

Alba said the same is true in the case of Talakag town, which was founded by homestead lands granted to residents who fled the war.

“Now, Talakag is another first-class municipality, the vegetable center of Northern Mindanao. We are promoting its agro-tourism program,” Alba said.

Cagayan de Oro Councilor Malvern Esparcia said he was impressed with how the contestants, in Bukidnon native dresses, ramped up the stage in Talakag to the ethnic music of a local band.

“This itself is a message that these towns are not about to dump their traditions while they embrace modern inroads to their communities,” Esparcia said. (Froilan Gallardo/Rappler)

Bukidnon cop chief relieved

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The head of the Bukidnon police has been relieved from his post

Col. Reynante Reyes’ relief is effective April 15 as ordered by Northern Mindanao police director Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop.

Col. Danildo Tumanda was named Bukidnon police officer-in-charge.

Maj. Joann Navarro, Northern Mindanao police spokesperson, said Reyes was relieved from his post amid an investigation he is facing due to complaints coursed through Malacañang’s Citizens’ Complaint Hotline 8888.

Navarro said among the complaints is that the police official goes on foreign trips without filing a vacation leave. (Philstar.net)