Friday, February 21, 2025

PNP-10 deploys 13,414 checkpoints as COMELEC rallies government support

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025) — As the 2025 national and local elections approach, the Philippine National Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO)-10 has deployed 13,414 checkpoints across northern Mindanao to ensure a secure and orderly election period. This extensive operation is part of a coordinated effort with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10, which has mobilized various government agencies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process

“The Police Regional Office-10 conducted threat and risk assessments for COMELEC officials to ensure their security during the 2025 election period and prevent violence targeting election officers. Out of 99 election officers in Region 10, 96 were assessed as having no threat, including the Regional Elections Director,” said PCol. Reynante Reyes, chief of the Regional Operations Division.
He added that PNP-10 has also conducted a one-day checkpoint seminar to train personnel on proper procedures for election-related checkpoints, focusing on gun bans, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination.
“To enhance security, our Police Regional Office implemented fragmented and overlapping checkpoints, making it difficult for individuals with illicit intentions to predict locations or times. These unpredictable tactics discourage dangerous and unlawful activities, encouraging stricter adherence to election laws,” Reyes said.
At the checkpoints, PNP-10 confiscated 28 firearms, 25 small arms, three light weapons, other ammunition, and arrested 29 violators. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, local traffic management units, the Highway Patrol Group, and the Land Transportation Office.
He also noted that the crime environment in Region 10 has seen significant improvements, with a 37.31 percent drop in index crimes and a 10.34 percent reduction in non-index crimes compared to previous years. Reyes attributed these achievements to aggressive law enforcement, community engagement, and strategic interventions targeting high-risk areas such as Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City.

COMELEC’s call for a whole-of-nation approach
Misamis Occidental Election Officer Lawyer Rowell Valledor emphasized the importance of a whole-nation approach to election security. He stated that COMELEC directives take precedence over other government orders, particularly regarding personnel movements, to ensure fair and transparent operations.
Valledor also highlighted the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace, enforcing the gun ban, and preventing armed individuals from approaching polling centers. “There is an absolute prohibition within a 50-meter radius of the polling place. Both state and non-state armed actors, whether affiliated with the government or not, are prohibited from being within this radius,” he explained.
To curb election-related offenses, Valledor mentioned that COMELEC has partnered with the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. These agencies will closely monitor threats, vote-buying, and misinformation campaigns related to the elections.
The PNP and NBI cybersecurity units have established a special online campaign monitoring committee to combat false information related to the elections. “At least there is this new committee because many of us are spending time at home or online, and the information we receive may not be accurate. This committee will regulate misinformation and hold accountable those who unfairly campaign during the upcoming elections,” Valledor said.
As the May 12, 2025 elections approach, government agencies are continuing to collaborate to uphold democracy. Valledor compared this collective effort to NASA’s historic moon landing mission, emphasizing that every individual—from security forces to election officers—plays a vital role in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election. (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA-10)

Northern Mindanao RDC members, solons review FY 2026 regional budget proposals

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Northern Mindanao Congresspersons scrutinized the proposed regional budget of P416.04 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The proposal includes 46 agency regional offices, government-owned and controlled corporations, and 11 state universities and colleges.
During the Joint RDC-X Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting on February 6, 2025, at the Chali Resort and Conference Center, the proposed budgets were endorsed to the agency central offices (ACOs) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for inclusion in the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program, subject to modifications requested by the congresspersons and RDC-X members.
The Infrastructure and Utilities Development Sector holds the largest share of the regional budget proposal at P224.69 billion (54%), with 95.05 percent allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways-X for national road and flood control projects.
The Social Development Sector follows with P146.59 billion (35.20%), of which 45 percent is designated for the Department of Education-X to enhance basic education services and improve lifelong learning.
The Economic Development Sector has a proposed budget of P38.72 billion (9.31%), with 84.27 percent primarily allocated for farm-to-market road projects under the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10.
Lastly, the Macro and Development Administration Sector proposes P6.03 billion (1.45%) for various catalytic infrastructure projects, including police stations and army camp development.
The final budget proposals, incorporating the comments, recommendations, and requested augmentations from congresspersons and RDC-X members, will be submitted—along with the RDC-X endorsement—to the relevant ACOs and the DBM in March 2025.
“These budget proposals are more than just numbers; they reflect our priorities, the needs of our communities, and our collective vision for Northern Mindanao’s growth and progress,” said Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, RDC-X Chairperson and Lanao del Norte Provincial Governor.
The regional budget preparation process began with the Regional Budget Forum on January 8, 2025, followed by handholding activities, stakeholder consultations, and sectoral committee meetings, concluding on February 4, 2025.
“We are fortunate to have with us the esteemed members of our Advisory Committee, particularly our Region X Congresspersons, who play a crucial role in ensuring that the budget proposals we endorse today are effectively advocated in Congress and eventually in the Senate,” added Dimaporo.
The meeting was co-convened by Rufus B. Rodriguez, Representative of Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd Congressional District.
The FY 2026 budget proposal represents a 321 percent increase compared to the FY 2025 GAA-approved budget, highlighting the region’s intensified funding needs for social, macro administration, economic, and infrastructure development priorities. (NEDA-X/PIA-10)

3,097 Bukidnon farmers receive fuel subsidy

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – Some 3,097 farmers from Valencia City and the towns of San Fernando, Dangcagan, Damulog, Don Carlos and Kadingilan of Bukidnon province received fuel assistance amounting to P9.291-million from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, on May 20, 2024

The assistance, provided by the agency’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), aims to help farmers who are mechanizing their farm operations with various agricultural machinery in order to strengthen farmers’ resilience and reduce the impact of oil price increases on farmers’ production costs.

Furthermore, the project is in line with the DA chief’s three-year strategy to mechanize and modernize agriculture and fishery production systems in order to boost agricultural productivity, cut food costs, assure food security, and make farming and fishing a more bankable investment option.

The fuel discount cards were distributed to 1,230 farmers in Valencia City, 503 in San Fernando, 742 in Dangcagan, 110 in Damulog, 106 in Don Carlos, and 406 in Kadingilan.

Each farmer-beneficiary will receive P3K, provided they are duly enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

He/she or the Farmers’ Cooperative Association (FCA) to which he/she belongs must own operable farm machinery as listed in the Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

One of the Valencia City recipients, Anna S. Neri, thanked the department for making the effort to offer farmers fuel subsidies, which serve to reduce the cost of gasoline or fuel.

Furthermore, the distribution is accomplished in collaboration with Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (MPMT)

Gov’t ramps up key infra projects in northern Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 17, 2024/PIA) – The government is doubling down on infrastructure development in northern Mindanao to drive progress across the entire region

During his speech at the distribution of financial aid for farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized key infrastructure projects poised to elevate the region into a global gateway, a leading agricultural center, and a key industrial, tourism, and trade hub in the country.

Among these projects is the P8-billion Panguil Bay Bridge project, linking Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod in Lanao del Norte. The government has also allocated nearly P2 billion for the implementation of the Iligan City Coastal Bypass Road. These projects are expected to stimulate economic activity and enhance regional accessibility.

“Nariyan din ang patuloy na paggawa ng pagsasaayos ng mga daan, kabilang na ang CDO Coastal Road at CDO Diversion Road upang makatulong sa pagpabilis ng biyahe ng ating mga kababayan, gayon din ang mga pangunahing produkto na sa ating mga merkado,” the President said.

(There are also ongoing road improvements, including the CDO Coastal Road and CDO Diversion Road, which aim to expedite travel for our citizens and transport essential products to our markets.)

Marcos also highlighted plans for expanding, rehabilitating, and developing airports across Northern Mindanao, particularly those in Lumbia, Laguindingan, Ozamiz City, Camiguin, and Bukidnon. The projections indicate that these initiatives will stimulate economic growth and create fresh prospects for the local population.

“Upang mapabuti ang lagay ng transportasyon sa Cagayan de Oro at sa Northern Mindanao, isinasagawa na po natin ang ilang improvement at saka development project. Isa na rito ang pagpapalawig ng Laguindingan Airport na may halagang halos labing tatlong bilyong piso,” he said.

(To enhance transportation in Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao, we are implementing various improvement and development projects. One of these is the expansion of Laguindingan Airport, with a cost of nearly P13 billion.)

The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fast-track the completion of the P700-million Cagayan de Oro Port Expansion Project, aimed at optimizing port operations and facilitating efficient transport of goods and passengers.

Acknowledging the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcos stressed the significance of investing in healthcare infrastructure. He said plans are underway to establish trauma and multi-specialty Centers at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, ensuring continued access to quality healthcare for all residents.

He also expressed support for irrigation and flood control projects aimed at addressing water scarcity and flood issues. “Masaya akong ipaalam na ang Flood Risk Improvement and Management Project para sa Cagayan de Oro River ay atin pasisinayaan. Katuwang ang iba pang irrigation at water project, inaasahang magiging malaki ang ginhawang dala nito sa CDO,” he announced.

(I am pleased to announce the inauguration of the Flood Risk Improvement and Management Project for the Cagayan de Oro River. Alongside other irrigation and water projects, it is expected to greatly alleviate concerns in CDO.)

The president stated that the completion of two solar pump irrigation projects in the municipalities of Salvador and Sapad, which cost nearly P30 million, is the top priority in Lanao del Norte.

As northern Mindanao embarks on the journey of infrastructure development, Marcos reiterates his confidence in the region’s ability to overcome challenges and progress with unity and concerted efforts between the government and its people.

He emphasized that with the collective support, assistance, and unity of the people, coupled with the government’s swift responses to citizens’ needs, their endeavors will succeed in addressing not only drought and water issues but also contributing to the nation’s advancement. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran /PIA-10).

DA-10 backs Bukidnon’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (April 01, 2024/PIA) – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) commits to support the continued rolling out of the Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa Para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa) ng Pangulo or KNP across Bukidnon province

“As the lead convenor, DA will secure an ample supply of agri-fishery products in every KNP site by engaging local farmers and fisherfolk as sellers,” DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado said.

 

He emphasized that KNP aims to stimulate consumer spending, assist local farmers in selling agri-produce, provide market opportunities to MSMEs, and ensure accessible and affordable goods.

 

The Kadiwa program adheres to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum No. 2024-003, as reiterated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his State-of-the-Nation Address, citing the KNP as a system to enable the public to buy cheaper goods at cheaper rates and the farmers to sell their crops without having to worry about transportation costs.

 

The agriculture department started rolling out the Kadiwa in July last year, which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain.

 

In addition to ensuring a sufficient supply of agricultural products, DA is tasked with tracking the number of sellers and earnings for each Kadiwa event.

 

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, DA-NorMin closely collaborates with the provincial government of the five provinces in Northern Mindanao to ensure a unified approach to KNP across the region.

 

During the recent Bukidnon Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) first quarter meeting, the DILG outlined the roles of involved government agencies in KNP, including the local government units (LGUs), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DILG, and DA.

 

The Bukidnon PPCC urged all LGUs to conduct KNP twice a month, preferably on the 15th and 30th, complying with the circular.

 

It also pushed for activating the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) in each town and city, in line with its recently developed action plan. (DA-10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

Malaybalay coop receives P5-M check for Kadiwa grant

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed to provide more marketing opportunities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over a P5 million check to the Philippine International Travel Assistance Center (PITAC) Multipurpose Cooperative on January 4, at the agency compound, in this city

Funded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance, it aims to provide logistic assistance to PITAC for their yellow corn trading and marketing for the procurement of a 10-wheeler wing van.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the turnover of checks to PITAC MPC chair, Sonia R. Chamen-Debonville.

The coop also counterparts P1.25-M as their equity making the total cost of P6.25-M.

On receiving the assistance, she shared, “Currently, we are renting a vehicle to haul our corn produce in the different parts of Bukidnon. Thus, this assistance will greatly help our farmers in accelerating their harvest and reducing postharvest costs.”

It can be recalled that the coop is among the farmers’ cooperatives, and associations who signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the Kadiwa grant in 2023. (AMB)

MOA for Enhanced Kadiwa implementation inked

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)

MOA for Enhanced Kadiwa implementation inked

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 C. 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)

DA-10 pushes for reliable, responsive Bantay Presyo Monitoring System in NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — To improve its price monitoring in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) held its year-end assessment for data contributors to the Bantay Presyo Monitoring System (BPMS) on November 16 in this city led by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado

The assessment, spearheaded by the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, served as a venue for data contributors from Region 10 to report on their provinces, price data submissions and share best practices for increased responsiveness to concerns resolution and
improved data collection and reporting.

Jenny D. Alcobilla, section chief of Agribusiness and Industry Support Services (AISS), stressed in her message that the knowledge and information exchanged during the event will lead BPMS
administrators to ensure a more reliable and responsive implementation of the program in Northern Mindanao.

In response to the issues and concerns reported by data contributors concerning 11 public markets in the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental, the AMAD-AISS provided recommendations and suggestions to effectively address the same.

Moreover, three top-performing data contributors of the BPMS were also recognized, such as from the local government units of Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental, San Fernando in Bukidnon, and Gingoog City, in Misamis Oriental.

The event was supported by the Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon represented by Engr. Arlene Almo, and AMAD staff. (GDA)

DA-10 pushes for reliable, responsive Bantay Presyo Monitoring System in NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — To improve its price monitoring in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) held its year-end assessment for data contributors to the Bantay Presyo Monitoring System (BPMS) on November 16 in this city led by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado

The assessment, spearheaded by the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, served as a venue for data contributors from Region 10 to report on their provinces’ price data submissions and share best practices for increased responsiveness to concerns resolution and improved data collection and reporting.

Jenny D. Alcobilla, section chief of Agribusiness and Industry Support Services (AISS), stressed in her message that the knowledge and information exchanged during the event will lead BPMS administrators to ensure a more reliable and responsive implementation of the program in Northern Mindanao.

In response to the issues and concerns reported by data contributors concerning 11 public markets in the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental, the AMAD-AISS provided recommendations and suggestions to effectively address the same.

Moreover, three top-performing data contributors of the BPMS were also recognized, such as from the local government units of Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental, San Fernando in Bukidnon, and Gingoog City, in Misamis Oriental.

The event was supported by the Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon represented by Engr. Arlene Almo, and AMAD staff. (GDA)

DA-10 pours P533-M agri interventions, services to Bukidnon in Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — In consonance with the national government’s efforts to ensure ease of access to government assistance and services in the countryside, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) participated in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) on November 11 to 12, 2023 at the Bukidnon State University, in this city

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez led the turnover of agricultural interventions and financial support, worth more than P533 million to Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque and to the farmers and farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) in the province during the opening program of the BPSF.
According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the agency’s participation in the BPSF manifests its commitment to empowering farmers in Northern Mindanao by providing support through its programs and services.

Furthermore, he said that the interventions and financial assistance turned over during the BPSF form part of DA’s thrust towards a ‘Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya, Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas’.

Said agri-interventions include funding support for the establishment of an INSPIRE swine production facility and a postharvest facility for corn in San Fernando and Dangcagan towns.

The Department also distributed hybrid rice seeds and fertilizers benefitting a total of 14,198 rice farmers, as well as Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seeds to 200 corn farmers in the province.

Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance program of the Department, a cash assistance of P5K each was also granted to 18,831 rice farmers in the province, tilling land of less than two hectares.

DA also turned over tractors, harvesters, hauling trucks, plastic crates, and other farming equipment and supplies to select FCAs in the province.

Regional winners of the Young Farmers Challenge 2023 were also awarded financial grants of P150K for the Start-Up category and P300K for the Upscale category.

Moreover, services such as the distribution of vegetable seeds through the agency’s High-Value Crops Development Program, as well as the Kadiwa ng Pangulo spearheaded by the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, were also offered to walk-in consumers during the two-day fair.

Also present in support of the event were DA-10 Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas and Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM. (DA RFO – 10)