Monday, January 20, 2025

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)

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

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)

Major infra projects underway to link communities across Normin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 28, 2024/PIA) – Engr. Zenaida Tan, the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-10, unveiled the latest progress on infrastructure flagship projects in northern Mindanao during the premiere episode of “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” on May 28

Tan highlighted the completion of the 12.8-kilometer Gusa-Igpit section of the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road, valued at P3.246 billion, with only final adjustments on the rotunda pending.

The Puerto-Gusa section of the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road is a four-lane concrete pavement highway spanning 8.95 km with a viaduct that passes over the Baloy Port, Gusa, Cugman, Umalag, and Agusan Rivers, with a combined bridge length of approximately 6,330 linear meters.

“Ang total estimated cost ani nga section is P36.294 billion, ug ang na release pa lang is P1.2 billion. Ang accomplishment ani karon is 6.66 kilometers long, or 660 meters nga rock embankment. Karong tuiga, naay ongoing nga road embankment nga adunay katas-on nga 120 linear meters,” she explained.

(The total estimated cost of this section is P36.294 billion, and only P1.2 billion was released. The accomplishment for this as of today is 6.66 kilometers long, or 660 meters of rock embankment. This year, there is an ongoing road embankment with a height of 120 linear meters.)

According to Tan, once the two sections are connected, travel time, currently ranging from 90 minutes to two hours, is projected to decrease significantly to just 30 minutes.

The regional director said there is also the Cagayan de Oro Diversion Road Extension, costing P3.8 billion. This is a two-lane road that starts at Jct. Sayre Highway Alae in Manolo Fortich continues through Malitbog in Bukidnon and ends at Barangay Lanise, Claveria, in Misamis Oriental. This project entails road opening, road concreting, and the construction of five bridges, which total 49.79 kilometers in length. Currently, 20.89 kilometers of the road is finished, with one bridge under construction.

Tan highlighted that the project will reduce the travel time from Manolo Fortich to Claveria from 90 minutes to just 60 minutes.

Another notable project is the Iligan City Coastal Bypass Project, which has a length of 7.2 kilometers and an estimated cost of P4.784 billion. The project, designed to alleviate congestion on the Misamis Oriental-Maria Cristina Boundary Road, particularly during peak hours, has received a funding allocation of P2.735 billion, with 1.42 kilometers of gravel road/rock embankment completed so far.

The CDO-Opol-El Salvador-Alubijid-Laguindingan Airport Mountain Diversion Road, a P7.852 billion project, is a four-lane route extending from Cagayan de Oro City to the western side of Misamis Oriental, covering 37.6 kilometers. This project involves graveling, concreting, and the construction of nine bridges, with 5.22 kilometers of road already concreted.

Tan underscored that, besides reducing travel time, this project will unlock agri-industrial opportunities for farmers in the upland areas.

The “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” organized by the Presidential Communications Office through the Philippine Information Agency, is a nationwide synchronized weekly media forum to communicate updates on the programs, projects, and services of various national government agencies and departments. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

DA joins presidential assistance distribution to El Niño-hit farmers, fishers in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu P. Laurel, Jr., along with other cabinet members joins President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his visit here for the distribution of government assistance to El Niño-hit farmers and fishers in identified areas in Northern Mindanao on May 16, at the International Convention Center

Forty (40) qualified farmers and fisherfolk from Cagayan de Oro City, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Bukidnon received PhP10K each in assistance from the Office of the President.


President Marcos Jr. also handed over PhP10 million worth of El Niño mitigating assistance to the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and the Provincial Government of Camiguin, while the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon each received PhP50-million in assistance.


“Ang sadya po namin dito ay upang personal na i-abot sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan ang Presidential assistance para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na napinsala, naapektuhan ng El Niño. Ito ay nagkakahalaga ng sampung libong piso na tulong sa mga kwalipikadong magsasaka, mangingisda at mga pamilyang labis na naapektuhan ng tagtuyot na dinadanas natin ngayon. Maliit na halaga po, ngunit umaasa akong magagamit ninyo ito upang makapagsimula muli.” he said.


For his part, DA Secretary Laurel bared that the department under his helm has drummed up its initiatives to ensure that farmers and fishers in Region 10 have access to the agency’s programs and projects such as the provision of various agricultural assistance like agri inputs (vegetable, corn and rice seeds, and fertilizers), machinery and equipment, Fertilizer Discount Vouchers (FDVs), Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance, among others.


The DA official added that it continues to pursue and complement the efforts of other government agencies to hurdle challenges in ensuring the continued supply of adequate food at economical prices.


“Our initiatives bring together our commitment to strengthened regional efforts to provide more efficient public services.” the agricultural secretary noted, underscoring that convergence is the key to coming up with concrete and sustainable [agricultural] enterprises in the area [NorMin].


Citing the downpour of interventions for NorMin to cushion the impact brought about by El Niño, the president assured that more help is underway from the government to uphold regional development.


“Makakaasa naman ang lahat na hindi lamang sa panahon ng hirap ay nariyan ang inyong gobyerno. Dahil tuloy-tuloy ang mga programang imprastraktura sa inyong lungsod at rehiyon, gaya ng pagpagawa ng mga paliparan, kalsada, at iba pang mga proyekto.” President Marcos furthered.


DA-Regional Field Office 10 headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan along with its attached regional line agencies, bureaus, and corporations, are among the government instrumentalities who took part in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, held at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, where farmers and fisherfolk availed of mobile agri-fishery techno services. (JLO/ATT)

5 public servants in Bukidnon get Gawad Parangal award

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (May 16, 2024) – Bukidnon public servants won five out of six categories in the 2024 Gawad Parangal Award for Mindanao Island

Four of them are elected officials, while the fifth is a social welfare officer.
The award was presented on May 15, 2024, at the National Assembly of the Association of Local Social Welfare Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. in Iloilo City.
Mayor Azucena P. Huervas of Valencia City, the last termer chief executive, accepted the award as the most outstanding local chief executive in the Philippines’ component city category in Mindanao.
Kibawe Municipal Mayor Reynaldo S. Ang Rabanes was named the most excellent local chief executive in the first through third-class municipal category.
Damulog Municipal Mayor Melino L. Buro was named the most outstanding local chief executive in the fourth to fifth-class municipal category.
Meanwhile, Minerva C. Casinabe, a Bukidnon Provincial Board member, was named the most outstanding legislator in the province category.
Lastly, the fifth recipient of the 2024 Gawad Parangal Award from Bukidnon is Larina B. Tagaloguin, San Fernando town’s social welfare officer III for rank and file in the 1st to 3rd class municipal category. (melbmadera)

Malaybalay receives eBOSS commendation from ARTA

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (May 21, 2024) – The city government of Malaybalay has received a commendation for implementing the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) system

City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran took the lead in receiving the distinction recognition as one of the Philippines’ completely compliant local government entities with the eBOSS system.
Atty. Ernesto V. Perez, secretary of the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA), personally handed out the Certificate of Commendation to the local government.
On May 21, 2024, the award ceremony was conducted at the People’s Hall of the New City Hall in Malaybalay.
Perez confirmed that Malaybalay is the 31st recipient of the honor.
He stated that, as mandated by Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law, eBOSS is a single online portal that provides clients with access to all necessary services and information for business registration, such as application submission, online payment, and electronic issuance of documents.
He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. always reminded local government units to promote bureaucratic efficiency including the streamlining and digitization of all government processes as part of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign.
According to the director general of ARTA, the program is part of the Marcos administration’s eight-point socioeconomic strategy.
“The recognition signifies that Malaybalay City has met the needed requirements to receive the commendation,” Perez said.
He added that in Bukidnon, only Malaybalay City and the town of Manolo Fortich have complied with the digitalization of business transactions so far as monitored.
He said that Valencia City, Maramag, Kibawe, Quezon, Don Carlos, Impasug-ong, San Fernando, and other towns hope to receive the same recognition.
“RA 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Law aims to eradicate red tape,” Perez stated.
He went on to say that one of the conditions for Ease of Doing Business is that the local government have an updated Citizen’s Charter to use as a guide for all transactions.
Mayor Pabillaran said that as mayor of Malaybalay, he is honored to accept the accolade.
He also stressed that the city is transparent in all government transactions, including bidding processes.
He also recognized the city employees’ efforts to the success of the eBOSS system.
Jutchel L. Dayra, regional director of ARTA regional office 10, stated that the inspection and assessment procedure for eBOSS in Malaybalay was just completed in March. (melbmadera)

51st broadcaster’s month celebration giabrihan sa KBP Bukidnon

Pormal nga giabrihan kaniadtong Abril 1, 2024 sa Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Bukidnon Chapter ang mga kalihokan niini alayon sa selebrasyon sa 51st Broadcaster’s Month

Ang kalihokan gisugdan sa isa ka motorkada sa sentro sa Munisipyo s Maramag.

Gisundan kini sa isa ka programa nga gipahigayon sa Covered Court sa
Philippine Countryville College (PCC) sa Brgy. Panadtalan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

Si Rev. Fr. Jonathan Tianero, chairman sa KBP Bukidnon Chapter ug station manager sa DXDB, ang mihatag sa pangbukas nga mga pulong.

Samtang si Maam Nonita Rosales, regional consultant sa KBP, mipasabot sa
KBP Broadcaster’s month rationale.

Dinapit nga mamumulong si Atty. Isha B. Corbeta.

Gipaambit ni Corbeta ang kamahinungdanon sa media o radio broadcasting sa katilingban o komunidad.

Ang kalihokan gitambongan sa mga opisyal ug miyembro sa KBP Bukidnon
Chapter.

Sa laing bahin, alayon sa selebrasyon, gipahigayon usab sa PCC ang
Bloodletting activity nga gidumala sa Philippine Red Cross Bukidnon
Chapter nga nagdala sa temang “Dugo Mo, Kinabuhi Ko.”

Mikabat sa 50 ka criminology students ug faculty sa PCC ang nidonar og dugo. (melbmadera)

DOH-10 urges LGUs to intensify tracking of dengue, measles, chikungunya virus

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (March 29, 2024/PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH)-10 urges LGUs to ramp up the surveillance of dengue, measles, and chikungunya virus after cases soared from January to March

During the Northern Mindanao Disaster Risk Reduction Management 1st Quarter Full Council meeting, DOH reported that dengue, measles, and chikungunya had increased compared to the same months last year.

Its current data showed a 34.27 percent increase in dengue cases, from 3,032 to 4,071. Measles cases surged by 94.33 percent, from 53 to 103. Chikungunya cases spiked from 7 to 89, marking a staggering 1,171.43 percent rise.

Dengue and chikungunya cases

The disease surveillance data showed that Bukidnon has the most dengue cases in Northern Mindanao, with 1,121 cases (959 admissions with 153 confirmed cases); Misamis Oriental has 845 cases (591 admissions, 79 confirmed); Lanao del Norte reported 574 cases (450 admissions, 115 confirmed); Iligan City reported 319 cases (310 admissions, 114 confirmed); Cagayan de Oro City reported 222 cases (207 admissions, 6 confirmed); and Camiguin reported 89 cases (81 admitted and 47 confirmed).

Bukidnon reported the most dengue-related deaths (19), followed by Misamis Occidental (4), Misamis Oriental (3), Lanao del Norte (4), Iligan City (1), Cagayan de Oro City (2), and Camiguin (1).

Chikungunya, another mosquito-borne viral illness transmitted by the same Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos that carry dengue and Zika, has significantly increased. Misamis Oriental leads the list with 50 cases, followed by Misamis Occidental (18), Bukidnon (12), Camiguin (4), Iligan City (4), and Cagayan de Oro City (1).

Measles cases surveillance

DOH-10 intensifies measles cases surveillance following the disease surge in a neighboring province. The tracking team reported 103 infected children aged 1 to 5. Lanao del Norte has 58 cases (54 hospitalized), followed by Misamis Oriental (14 cases, 11 hospitalized), Cagayan de Oro City (8 cases, 3 hospitalized), Bukidnon (8 cases), Iligan City (7 cases, 5 hospitalized), Misamis Occidental (6 cases, 3 hospitalized), and Camiguin (2 cases, 1 hospitalized).

“The sudden rise in measles cases can be attributed to children’s failure to receive vaccinations,” according to DOH-10 nurse Iris Christine Torralba.

She said COVID-19 disrupted vaccinations as the ‘No Vaccine, No Entry’ policy caused delays. Now, Lanao del Norte faces a measles surge. DOH-10 mobilized an outbreak team to Balo-i and Amai Pakpak Medical Center to stop the spread.

In addition to the response team, resources like viral transport media (VTM) and vaccines were strategically placed and boosted in LDN.

The DOH-10 coordinated with the integrated provincial health offices of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. It collaborated with national immunization program coordinators to conduct outbreak response immunization in high-case areas.

“The regional office collects data from local government units (LGUs), contributing to our generated data. We are approaching the epidemic threshold and have advised LGUs to enhance their surveillance systems in recent weeks,” DOH-10 Regional Director Sulpicio Henry Legaspi said.

He recommended that local governments monitor movements, particularly in Balo-i, the epicenter of the measles outbreak, because 92 percent of recorded cases include unvaccinated or under-immunized children, indicating the need for focused immunization activities in high-case areas.

Legaspi said the DOH-10 is coordinating with Lanao del Sur to monitor Marawi City due to high population mobility, saying there is a risk of measles spreading to Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City due to its contagious nature.

“We have enough vaccine supply and await the request for additional health workers needed for outbreak response immunization,” he clarified.

The health department assures the public they are addressing the situation, collaborating with LGUs to intensify measles case monitoring and urging parents to vaccinate children aged 0-59 months against measles and other diseases. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA10)

Mapawa Rodeo Team rules Kaamulan Rodeo 2024

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (March 26, 2024) – The Mapawa Rodeo Team was the overall winner of the Kaamulan Rodeo 2024

The squad outsmarted 21 other teams in the two-day competition, which took place on March 23-24, 2024, in Impasugong Central Elementary School Grounds, Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon.

 

Mapawa Rodeo Team won two of the eight events: rope & tie and carambola.

 

Tied as first runner-up were Wang-Wang Rodeo Team and Impasugong Rodeo Team.

 

Meanwhile, LGU-Sumilao Rodeo Team and Valencia City Rodeo Team finished tied as second runer-up.

 

In Bull Riding, Impasugong Rodeo Team took the first place, followed by Valencia City Rodeo Team and Wang-Wang Rodeo Team.

 

Impasugong Rodeo Team finished second to Mapawa Rodeo Team in Rope & Tie, with LGU Libona Rodeo Team taking third.

 

LGU Sumilao Rodeo Team took first position in Steer Wrestling, followed by LGU Libona Rodeo and Impasugong Rodeo Team.

 

In Carambola, Saddles and Pines Ranch was next to Mapawa Rodeo Team, and Umalag Farm came in third.

 

The Wang-Wang Rodeo Team led in Calf Underscoring, followed by the Mapawa Rodeo Team and the JFR Vaqueros Bravos Rodeo Team.

 

The Herdsman Valencia Rodeo Team finished first in Breakaway Roping, followed by the DMPI Rodeo Team and the LGU Sumilao Rodeo Team.

 

Valencia City Rodeo Team won Team Roping, while LGU Sumilao Rodeo Team came in second, followed by Mapawa Rodeo Team.

 

Lastly, in Barrel Roping, the JFR Vaqueros Bravos Rodeo Team won first place, followed by Wang-Wang Rodeo Team and Zubros Rodeo Team in second and third place.

 

Meanwhile, two special awards were given.

 

Hajil Abriol of the Mapawa Rodeo Team was crowned Rodeo King, while Mary Umpay of the Wang-Wang Rodeo Team was named Rodeo Queen.

 

Bukidnon is known as the “home of the country’s finest cowboys.”

 

Large audiences gather during Kaamulan to watch the province’s bravest and best cowboys and cowgirls compete in rodeo.

 

On the opening day of the event, Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque welcomed the spectators.

 

Bukidnon 2nd District Representative John Keith Flores, Impasugong Mayor Anthony Uy, and Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos were among the government leaders who attended one of the most popular events in Kaamulan.

 

Kaamulan 2024 is celebrated from March 23 to April 23, 2024. (melbmadera)

BPMC gets new CT scan machine

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (March 28, 2024) – The Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) has received a new Fujifilm Healthcare Supria 32-slice CT Scan machine from the Department of Health (DOH)

According to the provincial government of Bukidnon (PGB), the turnover ceremony took place on March 26, 2024, at BPMC in Malaybalay City.

 

Dr. Ariel I. Valencia, assistant health secretary represented the DOH as the donor.

 

Valencia conveyed the goal of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa’s initiative, which aimed to make every Filipino feel well through cooperation.

 

He said, “In a hospital like this, it’s a big thing to have immediate diagnostic capacity to diagnose, and that’s lifesaving, the patient’s problem can be seen right away.”

 

Meanwhile, Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque represented the PGB as the donee.

 

The Governor assured that the province of Bukidnon will take care of the CT scan machine.

 

The machine was provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as part of the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit (HEAL) Project.

 

It was done through the office of Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores.

 

It was given to DOH, who eventually handed over the machine to BPMC.

 

Rep. Flores stated that the project is an excellent example of how things can be accomplished quickly when several government entities work together.

 

Dr. Gina Factura, BPMC’s chief of hospital, revealed that the state-of-the-art CT Scan machine is available for free to admitted patients through the PhilHealth program.

 

For outpatients, she stated that there may be a price to cover the cost of utilities and other expenses, which would be determined and finalized by the hospital.

 

Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi, Jr., regional director for the Northern Mindanao Center for Health Development, also attended the occasion. (melbmadera)