Saturday, December 14, 2024

NCIP, LGU Manolo Fortich ink MOA on P226.9M FMR in Kalugmanan

The drafting and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the concreting of the farm-to-market road in Sitio Balakbakan, Barangay Kalugmanan, took place on August 19, 2024, at the Barangay Kalugmanan covered court

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich signed the agreement.

The project involves concreting a 7.8-kilometer Farm-to-Market Road (FRM) under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), with a budget of 226,992,990 million pesos from the Department of Agriculture.

The road concreting will begin at Sitio Balakbakan and continue to Kalugmanan proper.

This project aims to assist farmers in Barangay Kalugmanan by facilitating the easier transportation of their farm produce to the Municipal Public Market in Barangay Tankulan.

Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño was present during the MOA drafting and signing. He expressed his enthusiasm for infrastructure programs, particularly road projects.

“Matod pa, himoon nato ni nga dako nga kalipay nga ang atong karsada gikan didto sa Café by the Ridge, musangko dinhi sa atong tulay, pasubida paingon sa ila ni Mr. Perrine, ug gani naa pay sobra nga budget, I think nga e-semento pa paingon diri. Nindot na kaayo mga programa nato mga roads section sa atong lungsod sa Manolo Fortich. Including ang atong Sankanan road, ang atong gi-plano nasad ang Lindaban paingon sa Dahilayan atong sementohon, so nangita tag budget para ana,” Mayor Quiño stated.

Farmer Sirapin Buyoc, 67 years old, from Zone 2, Kalugmanan, expressed his gratitude for the road project, which has made transporting their agricultural products easier.

“Ang ako lang, nga makadugang benepisyo niining muabot ang dalan nga kami di nami maglisod sa among mga produkto, sama sa mga mais, cassava, mga utanon, daghan mi mga utanon diha sa Ilaya. So sayon ra gyud kaayo ang pag-deliver sa produkto paingon sa atong market ug sa Cagayan,” said Buyoc.

Also in attendance were Municipal Administrator Engr. Joie Caesar M. Gaid, Sangguniang Bayan Member IPMR Coun. Alex Payangga, NCIP Regional Legal Officer Atty. Dexter Precioso, the Barangay Council of Kalugmanan, and Indigenous Peoples (IP) community members, including the Higaonon, Talaandig, and Bukidnon tribes.

Heads of offices and representatives from focal departments of the Local Government of Manolo Fortich, such as the Municipal Agriculture Office, Municipal Engineering Office, Municipal Assessor’s Office, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Municipal Planning and Development Office, also attended the MOA signing. (PR)

Malaybalay buys P11.96M new garbage trucks

The City Government of Malaybalay recently conducted a turnover and blessing ceremony for four brand-new garbage compactors purchased to enhance the city’s waste collection and management capabilities

The event took place on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the New City Hall Grounds in front of the Commission on Audit Office.

Key city officials, including members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) led by its head, Ms. Jessie G. Suson, and Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, attended the ceremony.

The four garbage trucks, valued at a total of Php 11.96 million, were acquired as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve waste management services.

“These trucks will play a crucial role in ensuring more efficient and timely garbage collection,” Mayor Pabillaran stated during the event.

He emphasized the importance of responsible waste management, saying, “Kauban sa paglambo nato ang basura, busa responsibilidad nato kini (with progress comes waste, so it’s our responsibility to manage it).”

He also reminded the operators of the new vehicles to maintain them well, as they are vital to keeping the city clean.

Ms. Jessie Suson, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, expressed her gratitude during the turnover ceremony.

She assured the public that the CENRO would remain fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the people of Malaybalay.

The acquisition and blessing of these new garbage trucks underscore the city’s dedication to strengthening its waste management infrastructure and its broader commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable Malaybalay City for all. (City ENRO-NADA)

Bukidnon approves historic IP Code to protect rights, promote cultural growth

MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code on its third and final reading on July 2

The provincial legislators carefully examined the provisions, weighing the potential impacts on the province’s seven tribes and considering various perspectives.

Their rigorous discussions and debates during the first and second readings ensured that the ordinance aligned with constitutional rights, resulting in a consensus emphasizing the importance of protecting and fostering the cultural development of Bukidnon IP communities.

Championed by Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) lawyer Arbie Llesis, the ordinance aims to protect and foster the cultural development of the seven tribes by establishing mechanisms to preserve their traditions.

“The newly approved ordinance focuses on empowering IPs in the province through several key elements: First, it grants rightful ownership and control of ancestral domains, recognizing their deep connection to the land. Second, it promotes social justice by ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for these communities. Third, it preserves cultural heritage by protecting languages, traditions, and customs essential to their identity. Lastly, it safeguards IP rights, ensuring they are respected and upheld across all aspects of society,” he said.

Officially known as Ordinance No. 052-2024, or An Ordinance Providing for the Comprehensive Indigenous Welfare and Development Code in the Province of Bukidnon, it represents an advancement in aligning local governance with the mandates of the United Nations, the Philippine Constitution, and national laws concerning IPs.

Llesis clarified that the ordinance aims to create an inclusive environment by honoring IP traditions, empowering them to shape their future, recognizing their vital role, and ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive.

“The IP Code addresses historical exclusion faced by Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing their land rights and culture preservation while promoting self-determination. It supports development programs and ensures Indigenous communities have access to government resources,” he added.

Former IPMR Richard Dinlayan Macas emphasized the importance of the IP Code, aligning it with the tribes’ aspirations.

“It embodies the dreams of our ancestors, who yearned for recognition of their rights. We are all thankful for its approval as we collectively work towards the province’s progress,” Macas said.

Datu Migketay Victorino Saway, chair of the provincial tribal council, underscored the code’s broader implications.

“The IP Code strengthens our commitment to peace and order, promoting IP recognition and cultural identity. As a community, standing together to support the IP Code uplifts not only Indigenous Peoples but the entire province of Bukidnon,” he said. (Jessa M. Cleopas/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

DOH-10 stresses need for proper health guidance amid El Niño concerns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA/March 03, 2024) – “The phenomenon in the environment has an effect on the human body,” said Dr. Tristan Jedidah Labitad, head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, who shared points and mitigations on El Niño effects on the health of the people during the Kapihan sa PIA: El Niño Series on February 21, 2024, at Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City

Labitad said El Niño is a phenomenon where certain parts of the surface water in the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, and this increased heat has a ripple effect on the overall global climate. He added that waterborne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue (WILD) are diseases that can arise from such a phenomenon.

 

Labitad stressed the susceptibility of individuals of all ages, highlighting the vulnerability of everyone to these health risks. Despite the preparedness of health facilities to assist, he emphasized the role of consulting primary healthcare providers before heading to hospitals in cases of illness.

 

“Kung unsa’y gibati nimo nga dili maayo nga sakit, you seek medical consultation, diretso. Dili magpataka-taka og inom og any herbal supplements, I am not discounting any herbal supplements. However, conventional medicine would dictate nga dili jud alternative sa imong gibati karon ang mga herbal, good kung naa ka pero dili i-neglect nga based japon siya sa research,” he said.

 

[If you feel that you are sick, you should seek medical consultation directly. Do not drink any herbal supplements; I am not discounting these supplements. However, conventional medicine would dictate that herbals are not an alternative to what you feel now; good if you have them, but don’t neglect those that are based on research]

 

The doctor strongly advised seeking medical consultation and undergoing a health professional’s check-up, especially for individuals with co-morbidities, cautioning against the indiscriminate use of herbal supplements without proper guidance.

 

As for enhancing their preparedness for potential disease surges in their respective areas, Labitad said local government units and healthcare facilities, including rural health units and centers, hold regular meetings to also determine ways to address health issues in communities.

 

To maintain good health, Labitad urged the public to only rely on credible sources of information, such as the Department of Health and other reputable health entities. “Let’s avoid being swayed by various anecdotes. Consult with healthcare professionals for any health concerns,” he said.

 

The Philippine Information Agency-10 holds the Kapihan sa PIA: El Niño Series once a month to address pressing issues related to the El Niño phenomenon in the region. (Patricia Aisabelle C. Rosales/PIA-10)

Valencia gi-ebalwar sa Gawad Pangulo ng Kapaligiran 2023

Gi-ebalwar ang Dakbayan sa Valencia alang sa karong tuig nga Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran (GPK) diin gisusi ang perpormans sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa pagdumala ug pagprotekta niini sa kinaiyahan, Nobyembre 7, 2023

Nahimo usab nga mahinungdanon ang gipahigayon nga exit conference, diin gipaabot sa mga provincial evaluators nga gipangunahan ni Glenda Hope Beley, Cluster Head sa DILG Bukidnon, ang ilang mga rekomendasyon sa pagpalambo sa perpormans ug mga lakang sa lokal nga pangagamhanan aron nga mas mahimo kining environment-friendly ug limpyo nga siyudad.

Mipadangat usab og suporta sa maong kalihokan ang mga personahe sa City Environment and Natural Resources Office ingon man sa presensiya nila Assistant City Administrator Rembert Bautista, City Councilor ug Committee on Agriculture & Environment Chair Rogelio Hera Jr., Councilor Mauricio Sistoso Jr., barangay officials, ug mga department heads, dala ang paglaom nga magabunga ang pagpaningkamot sa siyudad ug makaangkon pagusab sa maong award. (LGU Valencia)

Malaybalay MMT inspects ECCs, key projects

The Multi-Partite Monitoring Team in Malaybalay conducted an inspection of Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECCs) and key projects on October 13, 2023

The inspection encompassed several Barangays in Malaybalay City: Caburacanan, Silae, Mapulo, Managok, and Aglayan.

The team conducted on-site validation to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and monitored the overall progress according to established standards.

The findings and recommendations resulting from the inspection will help ensure that projects in these areas align with the best interests of the community and promote environmental sustainability. (LGU Malaybalay)

City ENRO Marks 14th Anniversary

On July 20, 2023, the City ENRO marks another milestone as it celebrates its 14th anniversary. Fourteen years of committed and dedicated delivery of environmental protection, preservation, and conservation services for the people of Malaybalay City

To commemorate the celebration, the office conducted a clean-up drive activity on the morning of July 21, 2023, led by the City ENR Officer, Ms. Maria Anita L. Fernandez.

The activity started at 6 o’clock in the morning and was participated by the Office Personnel, Technical Personnel, Forest Patrollers, and Barangay Environmental Management Extension Workers.

The area of assignment covers the stretch from Sumpong Bridge to City Nursery and from San Jose- Magsaysay Intersection to Drug Rehabilitation Center.

Per estimates, more than 1,000 kilograms of waste were collected, composed mostly of plastic wrappers, cellophane, diapers, and plastic bottles.

The clean-up was one of the highlights of the celebration, purposely conducted to encourage public participation in proper waste management and the protection of the environment.

The celebration continues in the afternoon with the Thanksgiving mass and a short program. Officiated by Rev. Fr. John Paul Tubale, the majority of the City ENRO Personnel participated in the mass. The program became more meaningful with the presence of City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, who emphasized the vital role of the City ENRO in attaining sustainable development in the city.

He encouraged all employees to do their roles with dedication by concentrating not on the bigger picture of addressing the environmental problem but dealing with it piece by piece. Ms. Maria Anita Fernandez, in her message, also urged everyone to keep the fire burning for a sustained desire to continue living the very purpose of the office, which is to make a cleaner, greener, and better Malaybalay.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) was officially created under City Ordinance No. 624, Series of 2008, An Ordinance Creating the Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern of the City of Malaybalay.

The Ordinance created the new organizational structure and staffing of the City Government of Malaybalay, including the creation of three (3) new departments, namely the City Human Resources Management Office, the City Legal Office, and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office. The office started its operation on July 20, 2009, with the appointment of key supervisory and technical positions, including the designation of the Officer-in-Charge of the Office in the person of Ms. Maria Anita L. Fernandez. (Malaybalay City ENRO)

SLP check gi-turnover sa Malaybalay

Ang DSWD Region X nagpahigayun og Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Check Turnover sa dakbayan sa Malaybalay

Sumala sa pahibalo nga nakuha sa facebook page ni Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, ang pag turnover nahigayon sa City Mayor’s Office niadtong Hulyo 11, 2023.

Giturnover ang cheke ngadto sa Rise Managok SLPA 30 members nga nakadawat og Php450, 000.00; Tigbawan Corn Growers ED70 SLPA – Php300, 000.00; ug Arcelie Pechora – Livelihood Assistance (Environmental Heroes – KIA ) – Php105, 000.00. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

MinDA, French group ink partnership on energy investments

DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and a French energy firm signed a partnership on Friday for the Olutanga Hydrogen Renewstable power plant project, the first of its kind in the Philippines and Southeast Asia

Hydrogène de France (HDF) Energy, the provider of Renewstable energy systems, vowed to produce entirely non-intermittent, firm, and clean electricity both in Zamboanga Sibugay province and Pagadian City.

In a press briefing here, HDF Energy Head of Asia Business Development Mathieu Geze said the project combines an intermittent renewable source and mass, long-term storage of energy through a hydrogen chain.

He described the initiative as the “green alternative” to a classic diesel fuel power plant as it only uses solar energy and water to produce stable electricity, thereby avoiding greenhouse emissions, noise, and air pollution.

Expected to be operational in two years, he said the project can provide as much as 45-megawatt power depending on the requirement of the area.

The project would position the towns of Olutanga, Talusan, and Mabuhay (OLTAMA) as pilot sites for green energy sources.

As a remote island, Olutanga town in Zamboanga Sibugay is lacking stable electricity supply.

Renewstable’s unique feature is its ability to serve baseload power, which is powered thoroughly by renewable energy,” Geze said.

With more than US$50 million in project cost, he said it would surely help in terms of job generation in the area.

“There is no negative impact on the environment,” Geze assured.

Power crisis

As a project counterpart, Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann Hofer said they are allocating a 40-hectare of land for the venture.

She also expressed optimism that the project would help OLTAMA solve its current power woes.

“OLTAMA is suffering in terms of energy. All their appliances cannot withstand the fluctuating power because we are far from the grid,” Hofer said.

She said that being chosen for the project is a “game changer” for the province.

Power sources

Meanwhile, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Maria Belen Acosta noted that Mindanao’s current energy sources are from fossil fuel (70 percent) and renewable or green energy (30 percent).

“We are trying our best to hit the target of a 50/50 mix of energy up to 2023. So far, we might hit not just 50/50 [more than that] because of this development,” she said.

Acosta bared that HDF is targeting 10 more sites in Mindanao for renewable energy projects. (Che Palicte/PNA)