Thursday, May 02, 2024

Bukidnon has 15,000 child laborers, says DOLE

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Bukidnon has close to 15,000 child laborers, making it the province in Northern Mindanao with the highest number, according to the Department of Labor and Employment in Region 10 (DOLE-10)

DOLE defines “child labor” as including “hazardous work … which encompasses undesirable activities or work done in a hazardous environment,” and “work done for long hours of more than 40 hours and/or night time or the entire day.”

These children are working in the farms, doing domestic work, fishing, or even in construction, a DOLE-10 report emailed to MindaNews said.

The report, which profiled child laborers during the period 2018 to 2021, said that of Northern Mindanao’s five provinces, Bukidnon gained the top spot with 14,790 child laborers.

It is followed by Misamis Oriental with 10,382 (aside from the 7,793 child laborers in Cagayan de Oro City, the province’s capital), Lanao del Norte with 9,014, Misamis Occidental with 3,979, and Camiguin with 1,902.

In all of Region 10, DOLE-10 reported a total of 47,860 child laborers, 28,930 of whom are males and 18,930 females.

In terms of age bracket, the 15-17 range has the highest at 35,298, followed by 10-14 with 11,665.

“Notably, all provinces have child laborers aged 3 to 4 years old, with the highest prevalence in Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro, with 17 and 13, respectively,” said the DOLE-10 report.

“The desire of these children to help their parents is very strong that from school or after waking up in the morning, they would go to the fields to do manual work,” said Erlinda Sayago, executive director of the Kaanib Foundation, during a press conference here Wednesday.

Kaanib Foundation, DOLE-10, and the Child Fund Philippines are helping to decrease the number of child labor in Bukidnon and other Northern Mindanao provinces.

“It’s very hard to eradicate child labor in an economy relying on agriculture,” said lawyer Russel Jallorina, assistant regional director of DOLE-10.

Jallorina said work is readily available in Bukidnon’s agricultural fields, considered the food basket of Northern Mindanao where poverty incidence is among the highest in the country.

Sayoga said that aside from helping raise the income of their family, the children also look for work to pay for their school needs like notebooks and pens.

“When the schools went for online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hell for the children. Many opted to look for work instead of attending the online classes where they have to pay for the Internet,” she added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in a report released July 25, 2023, said that there were 1.48 million working children aged 5 to 17 in 2022, or about 4.7 percent of the total population of 31.71 million.

Of these working children, DOLE said that 828,000 are considered engaged in child labor.

The number, DOLE noted, is lower than in 2021, when child laborers numbered 935,000.

Across regions, Region 12 (Soccsksargen) has the highest proportion of child laborers at 12.5 percent. Northern Mindanao is at the fourth spot, with 9.4 percent. Central Visayas is second at 10.5 percent, followed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region at 10.4 percent. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

CHO distributes permethrin lotion to scabies patients in Malaybalay

On August 02, 2023, the Malaybalay City Health Office (CHO) distributed Permethrin lotion to patients affected by scabies

This initiative took place in New Mexico, Barangay Bangcud.

Scabies, a skin infection caused by mites, can lead to discomfort and itching. Permethrin lotion, recognized as the preferred treatment, was distributed to alleviate symptoms and aid in the healing process.

Among the key figures present during the distribution were Dr. Jude Rey Pagaling, and Leonamie Melliston, RN, Assistant Coordinator for CESU. Also in attendance were April Nicole U. Aurita, RN, representing the Department of Health (DOH-DSO), and Elizabeth Salvanera, RM, DOH Midwife for Barangay Bangcud.

This concerted effort demonstrates healthcare professionals’ dedication to improving the community’s well-being by providing essential treatments and care. (LGU Malaybalay)

GeneXpert Laboratory sa Valencia, giablihan

Pormal nga gibuksan sa Valencia City Health Office (CHO) ang bag-ong pasilidad niini nga mao ang GeneXpert Laboratory

Ang maong laboratory giablihan niadtong Agusto 2, 2023.

Pinaagi sa maong pasilidad, mahimo nang mapadali ug mas mahapsay ang pag-atiman sa mga Tuberculosis (TB) Presumptive nga mga pasyente nga adunay referral gikan sa mga pribadong hospital, ingon man sa mga silingan nga munisipalidad.

Gipangunahan nila Councilor Sasang Cadigal-Recla, Committe Chairperson on Health and Sanitation, ug ang bag-ohay lang nga natahasan isip Focal Person for Special Health Concerns sa siyudad nga si Dr. Policarpo Murillo, IV, kauban ang mga personahe sa Provincial Health Office (PHO) sa pagpanguna ni Dr. Gary Guido Tabios, Jr., ug ni Dr. Ma. Azalea Cordero-Medical Officer/TB Coordinator sa Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC), ang gipahigayon nga seremonya sa pagbukas sa maong laboratoryo. (LGU Valencia)

CHO conducts Philhealth registration, profiling for PWDs in Malaybalay

In Celebration of the 45th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week with the theme, “Persons with Disabilities Accessibility and Rights Towards a Sustainable Future Where No One is Left Behind,” the City Health Office (CHO) conducted Philhealth Konsulta Registration and Profiling to all Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) of this city including the Philhealth Forum to every Cluster barangay

Led by Dr. Dennis P. Sangalang, City Health Officer II, the initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various key individuals and organizations.

Representatives such as Dr. Jade Gales-Hera and Dr. Jude Rey Pagaling, along with CSWD Officer Ivy Amor Urbina and Ms. Mechelle Timones, the PWD in charge, and Mr. Romulo Lapuz Jr., the Chief Local Insurance Officer of Bukidnon, worked together to ensure the success of the program.

Additionally, Mr. Cipriano Paguara and Ms. Dimple Walter were present as representatives, along with the unwavering support of City Mayor Hon. Atty Jay Warren R. Pabillaran and PWD Federation President Mr. Rudy T. Jimeno.

During the event, Mr. Paguara emphasized the significance of Universal Health Care in guaranteeing equitable access to healthcare goods and services for all Filipinos, thereby protecting them against financial risk. His statement, “‘Bawat Pilipino ay dapat Miyembro, Bawat Miyembro ay Protektado, kalusugan ng lahat ay Segurado sa Philhealth, Lahat ay Panalo,” echoed the program’s commitment to ensure health security for everyone.

Dr. Pagaling explained Philhealth Konsultasyong Sulit Tama (Konsulta) program, which offers comprehensive outpatient benefits as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law. The main objective of Konsulta is to provide financial risk protection for all Filipinos, especially concerning primary healthcare.

Under the Konsulta program, PhilHealth aims to enhance the health of its members by offering a package for early detection of diseases. This includes preventive care services such as consultations, health risk screening, and assessment.

Melanie Pajaron, the City Philhealth coordinator, expounded the Philhealth Konsulta outpatient package, which encompasses laboratory services that clients can avail themselves of during consultations, as requested by the physician. The package includes services like chest X-rays and ECGs. City Mayor Warren Pabillaran signed a special Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bethel Hospital to facilitate access to ECG and Chest X-ray services.

The program has already made considerable progress, with successful registration in several barangays across the city: July 25, 2023: Poblacion Cluster Venue at Barangay 9 – 145 registered Philhealth Konsulta; July 26, 2023: Highway Cluster Venue at Barangay Aglayan – 110 registered; July 27, 2023: Basakan Cluster Venue at Barangay Violeta – 101 registered; and July 28, 2023: Upper Pulangui District Cluster Venue at Barangay Mapulo – 97 registered. (LGU Malaybalay)

Malaybalay City coop acquires P3-M combine harvester from DA-NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Linabo Agrarian Reform Cooperative (LARC), a ninety-active-membered farmers’ group, is eyed to augment their productivity and income after being granted a combine harvester worth P3 million (M) from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado

On July 21, Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, Ph.D. together with Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10, led in conferring the certificate of turnover thru the City Government of Malaybalay, helmed by Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran represented by its Chief Executive Assistant Anthony James Mondia, and finally, to the benefitting coop, LARC led by its Chairperson Aurelio E. Salem.

Pooled from CY 2022 funds under the agency’s Corn program, said unit is a grain crop, labor- and time-saving harvesting machine that combines reaping, threshing, cleaning, and bagging into a single operation.

It is targeted to serve LARC’s existing production area, which is composed of 236.7 hectares for corn, and 196.7 hectares for rice, with a potential area of 200 hectares.

Dr. Guzman urged them to value and maximize the use of said machinery by setting aside funds for its repair and maintenance, which would overall help elevate LARC’s operations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mondia noted the synergistic efforts – from the national, provincial, city, and down to barangay governments- to acquire a combine harvester unit that would directly benefit the farmers in barangay Linabo.

In response to the messages of support and anchoring on the coop’s mission of uplifting the life of its members and agrarian reform beneficiaries, LARC chairperson Salem is grateful that the government has seen its potential to manage the combined harvester.

Likewise, the coop head committed that under his wing, they will exercise responsibility, accountability, and transparency, in whatever available resources they have for the benefit of their members, fellow farmers, and their community.

Apart from the provided machinery, LARC has also availed other forms of assistance from DA-10, such as agricultural inputs and financial aid.

Now in its silver year, it continues to venture into production, processing, and marketing, with reach not just limiting to the locality but also in the cities of Valencia, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan, and the towns of Maramag and Cabanglasan in Bukidnon.

Also supporting the cooperative during the turnover ceremony is the City Government of Malaybalay thru its agriculture and engineering offices, the local barangay of Linabo, and the Department of Agrarian Reform. (DA RDO0-10)

PhilHealth starts ‘Konsulta’ registration in Malaybalay

MALAYBALAY CITY – PhilHealth-Bukidnon and Malaybalay City Health Office (CHO) collaborated to host the 2023 PhilHealth Summit and Konsulta Member Registration at Freedom Park

The event offers free consultations to all PhilHealth members, focusing on an extensive range of medical concerns to help individuals manage their health effectively, detect diseases early, and avoid potential complications.

The ‘Konsulta’ package includes consultations, health risk screening and assessment, referrals, 13 laboratory tests, and access to 21 maintenance drugs and medicines.

PhilHealth seeks to enhance the health of its members by offering a package that focuses on early disease detection. This package grants all Filipinos access to a primary care facility, enabling them to seek consultations from accredited providers.

Dr. Dennis Sangalang, city health chief, said CHO is the only accredited PhilHealth Konsulta Provider in Malaybalay to date.

“We can assure and guarantee that every individual has access to health services. One of these is the PhilHealth Konsulta, Konsultasyong Sulit At Tama,” he said.

He also announced that walk-in registrations from PhilHealth members are accepted and accommodated to encourage local government personnel to register for PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.

Marlyn Acosta, social insurance officer at PhilHealth-Bukidnon, said ‘Konsulta’ is a nationwide event. “It coincides with PhilHealth’s 28th anniversary, which has the theme ‘Pinalawak at Makabagong Benepisyo Para sa Mamamayang Pilipino’ (Expanded and Modernized Benefits for Filipinos). We should all register with a PhilHealth Konsulta accredited facility,” she added.

Acosta urged members who still need to register for PhilHealth services to visit the accredited facility of PhilHealth Konsulta. (JSA/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Malaybalay City awards outstanding Cleanest, Greenest Barangays

Malaybalay City recognized the outstanding efforts of its barangays in promoting cleanliness and environmental management sustainability during the 146th Aldaw Ta Malaybalay program held on June 15, 2023. The award ceremony took place at the Folk Arts Theater, Kaamulan grounds

The awards were presented by City ENRO Officer Maria Anita L. Fernandez, along with the City Clean and Green Chairperson, and City Administrator Anna Marie R. Bergado.
City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran and city officials congratulated the winners of the 2022 search for the cleanest and greenest barangays consisting of two categories.
In Category A, Barangay Kalasungay emerged as the winner for its remarkable initiatives, consistent in maintaining cleanliness and adopting greening programs and practices. The following barangays, Laguitas and Casisang, received consolation prizes for their commendable efforts.
Additionally, Dalwangan Elementary School was recognized as the Best ESWM (Ecological Solid Waste Management) Implementing School and also received praise for its outstanding greening program implementation.
In Category B, Barangay Kulaman claimed first place for its remarkable dedication to cleanliness and environmentally friendly practices. Barangays 8 and 4 secured the second and third positions, respectively. Several other barangays, including Capitan Anghel, Barangay 3, Zamboanguita, Barangay 2, and Caburacanan, received honorable mentions for their noteworthy accomplishments.
Capitan Anghel Integrated School was awarded the title of Best ESWM Implementing School, while Kulaman Elementary School received the award for its exemplary greening program implementation.
The recognition of these barangays and educational institutions highlights the significance of environmental stewardship and serves as a motivation for other communities to prioritize cleanliness and green initiatives in the areas of general cleanliness, greening programs, health and sanitation, and the active involvement by various sectors in the community clean-up.
The efforts of these winners contribute to making Malaybalay City a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable place for its residents, raising awareness on policies in the care for the environment particularly the enforcement and implementation of ecological solid waste management. (LGU Malaybalay)

Valencia Celebrates International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2023

The City Government of Valencia, through the City Health Office, joins the rest of the country in celebrating the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2023 with the theme: “Spread Love and Solidarity to build stronger communities. A day and opportunity to go INWARD, LISTEN, LEARN and ACT” held at the City Health Office Facade, Valencia City

A short prayer by Dr. Mary Claire Ida B. Ricare was offered to our departed loved ones due to AIDS, which was then followed by candle lighting and was graced by our very active and supportive City Councilor, Chairman of Health, Sanitation, and Medical Services, Hon. Jerusha “Sasang” Cadigal-Recla, RN., Dr. Juniver G. Flores, Head, Infectious Disease Division; Nurses, Representatives from ALAGAD Mindanao, United Gay Association of Valencia (UGAV), Department of Education, Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), CDRRMO and CHO personnel, Bukidnon. (City of Valencia)

AdMIS made significant progress to enhance operations of CGM

The City Administrator’s Office – Management Information System Division (AdMIS) has made significant progress in deploying various modules and programs to enhance the City Government of Malaybalay operations

The City Administrator’s Office – Management Information System Division (AdMIS) has made significant progress in deploying various modules and programs to enhance the City Government of Malaybalay operations.

This division, headed by Salick O. Darangina, recently submitted accomplishment updates, particularly on the existing and newly developed and deployed software.

The division’s overall objective is to deliver excellent services in programming, server and system maintenance, installation and repair, reformatting, and technical support for computer-related components. They also assist with live coverage, internet connection setup, and network issue resolution for all offices under the City of Malaybalay.

One notable achievement is the implementation of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) Module, which serves as a foundation for handling traffic violations and recording violators.

This system aims to promote transparency and discourage negotiations by enforcing penalties consistently.

In addition, AdMIS is preparing to launch the Online Business Application, pending approval from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for hosting. This application will provide a convenient platform for businesses to apply online, streamlining the process and improving efficiency.

Quicker, more efficient revenue generation data

Darangina reported that they have updated the Integrated Revenue Generation System (IRGS). This software has been used since 2013 by the City Treasurer’s Office, the Business Permits & Licensing Division (CMO-BPLD), and the City Assessor’s Office. The most recent update integrated the building permits, zoning certification, and locational clearance, resulting in more efficient revenue management for the City Government of Malaybalay (CGM).

Darangina added that the system also included improvements such as a link between business permits and tax declarations, updates to the IRGS data access manager, and optimization of login speed. Apart from this, an added feature to the system allows for the classification and organization of businesses with a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) category for the nature of business. This addition enhances the management and analysis of businesses.

Data-specific PSB rating system

The AdMIS also takes pride in having developed the software and has since implemented the same in selecting newly-hired employees of the CGM. Dubbed as the Selection Board Rating System, this software evaluates applicants’ education, work experiences, and qualifications fairly. This system, developed and refined by Darangina, effectively selects candidates for various positions.

An improved human resource management

Since its rollout in 2011, the AdMIS has consistently kept watch and continuously improved the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS), which is being used by the CHRM Office. This software has all the records of permanent employees, including service records, personal data, SALN, and others. In 2021, a new module was added specifically for the payroll of casual employees, generating user credentials and payroll reports. Other modules were developed for bonuses and the deduction of Pag-big MP2 contributions. Sherilyn Kaye Rain B. Dalope oversaw the development of this system.

New software for procurement and social services rolled out. To keep track of the City Government’s procurement procedure, use of acquired items and determine their usage, a logistic system was developed by Teofilo Piodos, another AdMIS programmer. The City General Services Office is now using this procurement inventory system. With the system modules now in place, the CGSO can easily track and manage the procurement processes and carry out their inspections and warehousing mandates.

On the other hand, Piodos and John Julian Dominic Gallardo developed a separate software intended for the City Social Welfare and Development Office to create their records effectively. The CSWD System, which was deployed in the 2021 system, includes modules for Solo Parents, Senior Citizens, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the Assistance for Families in Crisis Situations (AFCS) system was created to track financial transactions and the organization’s budget. Another system attached to social services is the City Health Office Information System (CHOIS). Developed by AdMIS programmer Geraldine R. Nemenso and deployed to the CHO in 2022, this program includes modules for sanitary clearance, health certificates, and generating office reports.

Other new systems

AdMIS is also actively developing other programs to meet the specific needs of different city departments. For instance, the eVetTrack system is being developed to cater to the inventory management requirements of the City Veterinary Office. Similarly, the eMedTrack system is being designed for the City Health Office to enhance its operations in tracking medical records and data.

By request of the Public Employment Services Office, Nemenso also developed the job application registry (JAR) in 2020. This system records job applications and generates reports. Also developed for the CEEDMO was the Collection System, which manages vendor & stall information in the public market. AdMIS programmer Jason D. Manghano reports that this software also generates rental bills and provides various payment modes.

Hardware section updates

In the AdMIS – Hardware Section headed by Melvin Gutierrez, the team accomplished tasks such as printer installation, configuration, troubleshooting, reformatting, and repair of personal computers, laptops, and CPUs, and installation, configuration, and repair of system software and programs. Gutierrez reported they continue to cater to different offices and CGM unit requests such as set up of network connections and conduct fiber fusion, CAT 5E termination, and troubleshooting.

Under the guidance of Marc Dennis Daniot and Jason Manghano, the maintenance/connectivity team also fulfilled various requests, including installing wireless access points, resolving fiber optic line breakdowns, configuring Mikrotik routers and switches, setting up wireless connections for live coverage, and conducting network training. They also terminated fiber optic cables, provided LED display modules, and migrated connectivity to Power over Ethernet (POE) switches.

Darangina also reported, “Recognizing the growing importance of mobile applications, AdMIS is working on developing mobile applications for the data tracking system. This initiative will enable us to access and use the system easier, providing enhanced convenience for both clients and staff.”

“Furthermore, MIS is planning to upgrade several existing systems within the City Government of Malaybalay,” added Darangina. This endeavor, he said, aims to improve functionality and efficiency, aligning with the broader goal of digitizing government processes and services.

The AdMIS team is committed to advancing technology solutions that enhance operations, improve service delivery, and contribute to the overall progress of the City Government of Malaybalay. The City is poised to embrace a more digital and efficient future through these ongoing developments. (CGM)

Oplan alis galis gipahigayon sa Valencia

Gipahingusgan ang kampanya batok scabies sa dakbayan sa Valencia pinaagi sa Scabies Treatment and Response kaniadtong Abril 3, 2023 sa pipila ka mga barangay niini

Base sa pahibalo sa lokal nga panggamhanan, ang maong operasyon gipangunahan sa City Health Office – Epidemiology Disease Surveillance and Research Division ug Disease Surveillance Team sa dakbayan.

Adunay libreng checkup ug alis-galis kits ang nadawat sa mga residente nga nataptan sa maong sakit sa panit.

Ang CHO nanguna usab sa paghisgot ug pagpanghatag og Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials ngadto sa mga residente kalabot sa paglikay sa maong sakit.

Gipangunahan usab sa Environmental Sanitation and Occupational Health Services Division ang pag-disinfect sa pipila ka mga tunghaan sa kabarangayan aron masiguro ang pagpuo sa mga parasite nga hinungdan sa maong sakit. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)