Saturday, December 21, 2024

Tag: EPA

DOT-10 showcases Mindanao’s 1st travel hub in Bukidnon to boost tourism, MSMEs

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 reported that the opening of the tourist rest area (TRA) in the scenic town of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon marks the first TRA in Mindanao to enhance the travel experience for local and international visitors

Marie Elaine Unchuan, DOT regional director for northern Mindanao, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on July 2 that the TRA sets a new benchmark for travelers’ comfort and convenience following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance the country’s tourism sector by improving facilities and resources that can significantly boost the economy.

“The tourist rest area opened in August last year and promises to redefine the journey for domestic and foreign tourists. Its clean, well-ventilated restrooms and inviting seating areas create a relaxing oasis for weary travelers,” she said.

With maps, guides, and expert tips, its information center is essential for tourists exploring northern Mindanao’s attractions.

Showcasing culture and local products

Unchuan said the TRA doubles as a vibrant shop, offering a selected range of local delicacies and handcrafted souvenirs.

“Visitors can indulge in Bukidnon’s famous coffee, savor delectable pastries, or purchase unique keepsakes crafted by local artisans. It delights travelers and supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) along with other local businesses,” she added.

Beyond its Pasalubong center, the TRA showcases local artwork, such as paintings and intricate leaf carvings, enhancing atmospheric energy and displaying the region’s artistic talent.

Inclusive amenities for all needs

Multiculturalism and inclusivity are TRA’s design principles. It caters to diverse travelers’ needs. The lounge and charging stations provide a comfortable space for tourists to relax and recharge their devices.

The coffee shop offers a selection of beverages and snacks, perfect for a quick refreshment break.

The TRA offers family-friendly amenities such as clean restrooms with showers and a lactation room to cater to the needs of even the youngest travelers.

Strategic location for maximum convenience

Travelers exploring Bukidnon and nearby provinces will find TRA an ideal pit stop due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major travel routes. Its proximity to Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur enhances accessibility for visitors discovering the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Emalyn Cagolcol, a traveler from Valencia City, described the tourist rest area in Manolo Fortich as truly one of a kind.

“It was more than a mere rest stop. The facilities are not only clean and well-kept. It is also scenically situated amidst the serene landscapes of Bukidnon. It provided a much-needed break during our trip, allowing us to recharge and refresh ourselves before continuing our adventure,” she shared.

Manolo Fortich TRA is the second DOT-managed rest area in the country, following the successful model established in Medellin, Cebu.

“This TRA exemplifies DOT’s commitment to providing world-class facilities nationwide, ensuring travelers have access to modern and well-maintained facilities,” the DOT-10 regional director said. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Agri NorMin lauds AMIA villages in first congress

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To showcase the different climate-resilient communities in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) conducts an awarding for the AMIA villages during its 1st AMIA-10 Congress on July 11-12, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan, here

With this year’s theme, “Klima atimana para sa malahutayong pag-uma ug ekonomiya,” the event gathered farmer-beneficiaries, local government units, and other stakeholders to share the success and innovations of the 11 AMIA villages in the region.

Climate Resilient Agriculture Office National Director Alicia G. Ilaga noted that apart from building climate-resilient communities, the AMIA program also seeks to eradicate poverty.

“Mithiin nating mai-level up ang ating mga AMIA village mula sa pagiging maliliit na production units, papunta sa market-oriented climate-resilient enterprises o yung tinatawag nating AMIA Climate-Resilient Agri-Fishery Technology-based Enterprises (AMIA CREATE),” the CRAO director added.

As such, AMIA-10 held a Booth Display contest with the criteria: number of products displayed (30 percent), quality of products displayed (25 percent), landscape and display (25 percent), and question and answer (20 percent).

Of which, Libona AMIA village of Bukidnon emerged as the first placer, followed by Manolo Fortich of Bukidnon and Magsaysay AMIA Village of Misamis Oriental, as second and third placers, respectively.

Meanwhile, select AMIA villages in its Phase 3 level of implementation also presented their best practices and adjudged with the criteria: productivity and income (30 percent), technologies and practices employed (25 percent), readiness to entrepreneurship (20 percent), ability to present (15 percent) and question and answer (10 percent).

Manolo Fortich AMIA village topped for the AMIA village Presenter Award, while Magsaysay, Libona, and Baungon AMIA villages followed as the second, third, and fourth placers, respectively. (AMBM)

800 NorMin families to get food credits under ‘Walang Gutom’

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (July 16, 2024/PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) on Tuesday started the implementation of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), which will initially benefit 800 families

During the launch, DSWD-10 Director Ramel Jamen said the initial beneficiaries were identified as those from Talakag, Bukidnon, and Iligan City.

Each family will receive PHP3,000 worth of food credits monthly through the electronic benefit transfer card that DSWD-10 will issue.

Suppliers who are also beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program will accept the food credits.

“We would need constant communication for this program to prosper. If we have a problem in our supply distribution, we can look for alternatives,” Jamen said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 1.4 million Filipino families are categorized as food-poor In Northern Mindanao.

The WGP targets to serve over 9,000 beneficiaries in Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte, including Iligan City.

The program aims to reduce involuntary hunger and malnutrition in low-income households and empower them to become productive citizens. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

711 TUPAD beneficiaries sa 3 munisipyo gihatagan og sweldo

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Mikabat sa 711 ka mga benepisaryo sa Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged (TUPAD) program gikan sa tulo ka munisipyo sa habagatang bahin sa Bukidnon ang nakadawat na sa ilang suweldo

Gikumpirma kini sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-X) Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (BukPFO) pinaagi sa ilang social media post.

Ang Tupad payout gipahigayon kaniadtong May 23, 2024 sa Damulog, Kitaotao ug Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

Ang kalihokan gipangunahan ni Raul L. Valmores, provincial director sa DOLE Bukidnon.

Kauban niya ang Tupad Focal nga si Reyna Tagailo ug TUPAD Coordinators.

Ang DOLE-X BukPFO nagpagawas og ₱1,014,360.00 nga kantidad sa suweldo sa mga benepisyaryo matag munisipyo.

Ang matag benepisyaryo nakadawat og ₱4,280.00 isip suweldo sa ilang 10 ka adlaw nga trabaho.

Nitambong sa kalihokan sila third district provincial board members Minerva C. Casinabe ug Joseph Palmada, Damulog Mayor Melino Buro, Kitaotao Mayor Edwin Abucayan, Kitaotao Vice Mayor Mary Ann Gawilan Angit, Don Carlos Mayor Ma. Victoria O. Pizzaro, ug si Audrey Tan-Zubiri, asawa ni Senator Migz Zubiri.

Ang TUPAD isa ka community-based package of assistance nga naghatag og emerhensya nga trabaho para sa mga bakwit, kulang sa trabaho ug seasonal nga mga trabahante. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

IP group sa Kitaotao nakadawat og P5.2-M swine production facility

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Ang Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) mitugyan sa P5.2-million bio-secured ug climate-controlled swine production facility ngadto sa Sinuda Multi-Indigenous Sectoral Farmers and Workers Association (SIMUSOFAWA) niadtong Mayo 23, 2024 sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasyoran gikan sa DA-RFO 10, tumong niini aron ma-moderno ug mapausbaw ang kapasidad sa lokal nga industriya sa baboy.

Si DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan ug Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, ang nangulo sa pagtunol sa certificate of turnover ngadto kang SIMUSOFAWA chairperson Datu Domino A. Pangcat nga nagpasabot sa pagbalhin sa pagpanag-iya ug operasyon sa pasilidad.

Ang 2,000-square-meter bio-secured swine facility, nagkantidad og P3,827,241.08.

Kini adunay perimeter fence, opisina, climate-controlled animal housing, biogas waste management system, basic farm equipment, ug shower area.

Kabahin usab sa component ang feeds, hog scale, animal stocks, ug mga tambal ug biologics, sa kinatibuk-an nga P1.451-M.

Sumala sa Livestock focal person nga si Jamaica L. Docdoc, ang proyekto kabahin sa Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program sa DA. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

DOLE-Bukidnon updates over 300 entrepreneurs on labor laws

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (May 27, 2024/PIA) – To stay informed about the most recent labor laws, more than 300 small business owners in Malaybalay City participated in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Bukidnon’s TAV (Technical and Advisory Visit) program on May 17

The labor department conducted a series of TAVs to assist small business owners with self-evaluation and compliance with documentary requirements.

These sessions provided valuable insights and guidance, offering a platform for business owners to voice their concerns and engage in face-to-face discussions with DOLE representatives.

Key topics included statutory monetary benefits, types of leave, social welfare, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) programs.

Video presentations explained various aspects of labor laws, such as the General Labor Standards and the TAV Action Plan.

Ma. Elna Seguiro, a senior DOLE-Bukidnon labor officer, emphasized that the TAVs align with DOLE’s new developmental approach outlined in Department Order No. 238. This approach underscores the enforcement of labor standards mandated by the Philippine Labor Code and Republic Act No. 11058.

“The TAVs mark an impactful step towards engaging with a wider range of establishments, from small businesses to larger companies, fostering a culture of compliance, and promoting fair and ethical labor practices,” Seguiro said.

Niña Cosmod, a supervisor at Biaños Pizza Bukidnon, expressed her gratitude for the initiative.

“We thanked DOLE for conducting this TAV orientation. It allowed us to review what is lacking in our establishment that we must comply with and follow,” she said.

Through these initiatives, DOLE-Bukidnon prioritizes workers’ safety and fair treatment by supporting local industries and ensuring their adherence to labor laws, benefiting both workers and businesses.

“The TAVs go beyond educating business owners. It encourages implementing best practices that create a win-win situation for employees and employers, ultimately enhancing Malaybalay’s overall labor landscape,” Seguiro explained. (BGEpan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

3,097 Bukidnon farmers receive fuel subsidy

Posted on by cmn

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)

Focal prophylaxis for schistosomiasis administered in Barangay St. Peter

Posted on by Melchor Madera

MALAYBALAY CITY (May 22, 2024) – The City Health Office (CHO) conducted focal prophylaxis for schistosomiasis in Barangay St. Peter, a non-schisto-endemic area

This demonstrates a commitment to preventive healthcare and addressing potential health risks before they become significant problems.

By conducting such interventions, they’re not only protecting the health of individuals in Barangay St. Peter but also working towards preventing the spread of schistosomiasis to other areas.

Individuals aged 5 to 65 years old were administered a single dose of Praziquantel (40mg/kg) on a full stomach.

This intervention followed Malacological and Parasitological surveys by the City Health Office, which identified the presence of schistosomiasis in Barangay St. Peter.

During the malacological survey, the snail Oncomelania quadrasi, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, was found.

In a subsequent parasitological survey, 100 stool samples were examined using the Katokatz method, revealing that less than 1 percent were positive for schistosomiasis and soil- transmitted helminthiasis in the place.

In response, the Department of Health Center for Health and Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) provided Praziquantel, the preferred drug for treating schistosomiasis.

Following health advisories, a mass treatment approach was adopted, providing prophylactic treatment to the entire eligible population, regardless of infection status.

By treating everyone within the eligible age range, the intervention aims to prevent new infections and reduce the overall burden of the disease in the community. (CHO-NADA/melbmadera)

DA-NorMin breaks ground for establishment of corn, rice processing centers in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

DALWANGAN, Malaybalay City – In its aim to support the post-production systems of two of the region’s top agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of rice and corn processing centers in the province of Bukidnon

On May 24, DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca led the groundbreaking of the two processing centers.

Funded under the agency’s Rice Program, a 900 sq.m. rice processing center, worth over P49 million will soon serve farmers in Barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Said infrastructure will also include one mechanical dryer set, with a capacity of 10 to 12 tons per set, as well as one direct-fired biomass furnace with a maximum heat power of 500.

Through said facility, DA aims to strategically improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system, and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring the improved quality of milled rice from the said community.

Meanwhile, a 1,920 sq.m. corn processing center will also soon rise in DA’s Research Center for Upland Development in Barangay Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Funded through DA’s Corn Program, the corn processing center worth over P98-million, also includes a pre-cleaner and aspirator; 2 mechanical dryer sets, each able to cater 27-30 tons per set; and 2 corn silos with a capacity of around 1,500 to 2,000 tons per set.

Strategically located in the southern part of Bukidnon, the corn facility aims to bolster the needs of local farmers, and foster a more sustainable and efficient production of nearby corn-producing municipalities including Maramag, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Quezon.

Said interventions are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan for a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, which entails the modernization and mechanization of agri-fishery productions, as well as the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures throughout the country.

Signifying their support for the project, the groundbreaking ceremony was also participated by Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM with Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban and Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria. (GDA)