Saturday, February 22, 2025

PRISAA 2025 Regional Games hugyaw nga gisugdan sa Valencia

Kaniadtong Pebrero 5, 2025, hugyaw nga gisugdan sa Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) ang pag-abli sa 2025 Regional Games diin napili ang Dakbayan sa Valencia isip sentro sa panagtigom sa mga manunula nga nagagikan sa nagkalain-laing tulunghaan sa Rehiyon 10.

Sumala sa kasayuran sa city government sa Valencia, gisalmotan kini sa 24 ka tulunghaan gikan sa Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Gingoog City, Ozamiz City, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte ug del Sur, ug Probinsya sa Bukidnon.
Mainiton usab nga gi-welcome ang mga delegado sa lokal nga pangagamhanan pinaagi ni Marven Selecios, executive assistant IV, atol sa opening program nga gipahigayon sa San Agustin Institute of Technology (SAIT).
Gipaabot usab ni Selecios ang dakong pagsuporta ni Mayor Azucena “Sunny” Huervas sa maong kalihokan. (melbmadera)

Bukidnon teacher Junmerth Jorta among the top 50 finalists of 2025 Global Teacher Prize

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 09, 2025, 08:08 AM PHT) — Junmerth Jorta, a public school teacher in Bukidnon, has earned a spot among the Top 50 finalists for the 2025 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize

Jorta, who also received the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Award in 2022, was celebrated for his dedication that began in a remote indigenous community in Sitio Balugo, Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, viewing his role as a calling rather than just a job.
“I want to continue doing my best for the countless IP (indigenous people) children, helping them prepare at an early age to have the highest possible chances of becoming successful in the near future,” said Junmerth.
More than half of Indigenous Peoples see themselves as ‘poor,’ according to the World Bank.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Junmerth shared the challenges he faced when he began teaching in 2015.
Faced with a lack of electricity, water supply, sanitation facilities, and access to television or radio-based instruction, he was determined to bring change and serve the community.
He collaborated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and private organizations, convinced it was his duty to connect with the right stakeholders to provide essential resources and support for the learners.
Balugo Pagkaon Sakto Program

This program emerged from the harsh reality that numerous students of Junmerth come to school feeling hungry. He launched this daily hunger-free lunch initiative to address malnutrition, improve attendance, and enhance learning outcomes.
Supported by partnerships with NGOs such as the Hapag-Asa Foundation, the municipal mayor’s office, and the Department of Agriculture, the program has been operating successfully for seven years.
An NGO obtains surplus food from restaurants and hotels to feed the poor.
This effort has not only curbed absenteeism and dropouts but has also encouraged students to engage actively in class.
“A well-nourished child is more attentive and ready to learn, proving that you cannot truly teach a hungry child,” said Jorta.

Basa Balugo Program

To address literacy challenges, Jorta developed a special reading program for non-readers. By teaching in the students’ first language, he established a strong foundation for comprehension and confidence.
Through this collaborative approach, he created contextualized and indigenized reading materials embedded with effective strategies that students could bring home for practice.
Regular home visits further supported struggling students, encouraging older siblings and parents to participate in their development. This approach ensured that students received continuous learning support beyond the classroom.

Special Class Program

To address literacy challenges, Jorta developed a special reading program for non-readers. By teaching in the students’ first language, he established a strong foundation for comprehension and confidence.
Through this collaborative approach, he created contextualized and indigenized reading materials embedded with effective strategies that students could bring home for practice.
Regular home visits further supported struggling students, encouraging older siblings and parents to participate in their development. This approach ensured that students received continuous learning support beyond the classroom.

Okay sa Balugo Program

Jorta also organized a program to strengthen the school’s resources through partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
“Together, we secured funding for additional classrooms, chairs, a stage, and restrooms,” he said.
Private donors contributed school supplies, health kits, and even internet connectivity, ensuring access to online learning resources. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they implemented radio-based teaching to ensure continuity of education.
Beyond education, Jorta also advocated for improvements in infrastructure, which included a farm-to-market road project, securing initial funding to address transportation issues within the community.
“Though only part of the road is completed, I remain hopeful for additional support under the new administration,” he said.
Over nearly eight years, Jorta has witnessed the struggles of the community. Through resilience and collaboration with the community, he has strived to uplift the lives of students and families in Sitio Balugo, demonstrating that education is a powerful catalyst for change.
These innovations, achieved through collaborative efforts, reflect his commitment to addressing issues via community-driven solutions, fostering an inclusive and thriving learning environment.
“To all educators worldwide, especially those teaching in remote and underserved communities, our work is more than just a profession; it is a lifeline of hope and opportunity,” Junmerth added.
The Global Teacher Prize is an annual award of US$1 million presented by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to a teacher who has made a significant impact in the field. (Ronnie Crispo Jr./ABS-CBN News Intern)

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)

Faulty electrical wiring gilantaw nga hinungdan sa sunog sa Manolo Fortich

Sumala sa imbestigador sa sunog, faulty electrical wiring ang posible nga hinungdan sa sunog nga nidaut sa tulo ka mga balay sa Zone 8, Artajo Village, Brgy. Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, hapon sa Pebrero 3, 2025

Gibanabana sa Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) sa Manolo Fortich nga ang damyos sa sunog anaa sa P2,520,000.
Sumala sa report ni Police Captain Evary E. Bacunawa, OIC sa kapolisan sa Manolo Fortich, ang inisyal nga imbestigasyon sa BFP nagpadayag nga ang sunog anaa sa first alarm status.
Ang una nga balay, nga hinimo sa semi-concrete, hingpit nga naguba; 70 porsyento ang kadaut sa ikaduha nga semi-concrete usab, samtang partially damaged ang ikatulong balay nga gama sa concrete ug steel.
Ang mga balay usa ka duha ka storey nga building. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Interfaith prayer rally alang sa Demokrasya ug Kontra Korapsyon gipahigayon

Kaniadtong hapon sa Enero 26, 2025, gipahigayon ang province-wide Interfaith Prayer Rally nga gi-organisar sa Barug Maisug Bukidnon – Kontra Korapsyon, Duterte for Democracy (BMBKKDD)

Ang kalihokan nagsugod sa usa ka motorcade gikan sa PCC Covered Court ngadto sa Maramag Integrated Bus Terminal, diin ang mga partisipante naghiusa sa usa ka kusganong pagpahayag batok sa korapsyon.

Ang mga lider sa Iglesia ni Cristo, Roman Catholic Church, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Islam, Fundamental Baptist Church, ug United Pentecostal Church nanguna sa pag-ampo alang sa hustisya ug kalinaw.

Si Romy P. Tiongco, kanhi Parish Priest ug kanhi Mayor sa Damulog, ang nagpasundayag sa highlight sa kalihokan, nga nagpaila kang kanhi Executive Secretary Atty. Vic Rodriguez isip dinapit nga mamumulong.

Ang Bukidnon IP artist nga si Datu Waway Saway naghatag sa iyang pasundayag.

Ang kalihokan natigayon sa paningkamot ni Gordon Torres, nga organizer sa BMBKKDD.

Si Mr. Herman Santillan mipadayag sa mga hagit sa mga mag-uuma, si Vee Olivarez nagdala og paglaom alang sa kabatan-onan, si Dr. Fe A. Torres nag-awhag alang sa empowerment sa kababayen-an, ug si Atty. Ruby Melecio Villejo nagpasiugda sa papel sa legal nga komunidad.

Si Atty. Arbie S. Llesis, kasamtangang Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) sa provincial Sanggunian, naghatag og garbo ug determinasyon alang sa mga Lumad, samtang si Alpio G. Dacut Jr. mipadayag sa tingog sa akademya uban ang tawag sa kaalam ug kalambuan.

Ang adlaw nagtapos uban ang usa ka pinasahi nga panumpa sa pagpakigbisog batok sa korapsyon ug pagpanalipod sa demokrasya, nga nagbilin og dili malimtan nga marka sa kasingkasing sa mga nanambong. (melbmadera)

COMELEC Prepares for 2025 Elections, Issues Voter Guidelines

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the number of registered voters in Northern Mindanao has surpassed 3 million, covering the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin. Misamis Oriental leads with over 1 million voters

Atty. Carlito Ravelo, Misamis Oriental’s Provincial Election Supervisor, highlighted that Region 10 ranks among the Philippines’ vote-rich regions, with a total of 3,190,362 voters across five provinces.


“Region 10 ranks among the vote-rich regions of the Philippines, with 3,190,362 voters spanning five provinces,” Ravelo said.


Ravelo also provided a breakdown of voter distribution across two congressional districts in Misamis Oriental:
District 1 (Balingasag to Magsaysay, including Gingoog City) has 302,235 registered voters and 429 clustered precincts.
District 2 (Lugait to Jasaan, including El Salvador City) has 393,285 voters.


In Cagayan de Oro, the 1st District (24 barangays) has 212,016 registered voters and 233 clustered precincts, while the 2nd District (56 barangays) accounts for 204,885 voters and 249 precincts. Combined, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro have 1,112,421 voters and 1,452 clustered precincts.


Election Schedules and Processes


As the 2025 elections approach, COMELEC emphasized the importance of key dates and processes:
• The national campaign period begins on February 11, 2025, and ends on May 10, 2025.
• The local campaign period starts on March 25, 2025, and ends on May 10, 2025.


Election Day, May 12, 2025, will see voting from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Special voting hours for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women will be from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with priority polling places operating from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.


Special arrangements will be made for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), with special electoral boards ensuring that PDL voters can cast their ballots from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.


Voters will elect 12 senators, one party-list representative, one congressional representative per district, a provincial governor, a vice governor, provincial board members, mayors, vice mayors, and municipal councilors. Misamis Oriental voters will elect five board members for each district, while Cagayan de Oro voters will select eight city councilors per district.


Ensuring Transparent and Secure Voting


COMELEC assured the public of the security of the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) used in the May 2025 elections. These machines are equipped with rechargeable batteries to prevent interruptions, and backup machines are on standby, along with technical personnel for repairs.


To prevent transmission issues, COMELEC will utilize satellite technology, including Starlink, to ensure 100% nationwide transmission from ACMs. The transparency of the process will be further supported by parallel counting conducted by accredited organizations and political parties, ensuring credible results.


Election results will be transmitted to the City/Municipality Board of Canvassers, Central Server, Accredited Citizens’ Arms 1 and 2, Dominant Majority, Dominant Minority, and Media Server.


Voters are reminded to check the list of registered voters posted outside their precincts to confirm their sequence and number. After identity verification and ensuring their finger is not marked with indelible ink, voters will follow the procedure to cast their ballots and feed them into the ACM.


Voters are advised to shade the circles fully on their ballots for accurate counting. Ballots contain security features, so it is prohibited to mark them in any way that may cause rejection. Voting receipts will be issued and must be deposited in designated compartments at the precinct.


COMELEC reiterated its commitment to upholding electoral integrity and maintaining public trust and encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote and actively participate in the upcoming elections. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA-10)

DAR-10 distributes over 320,000 hectares to ARBs, showcases agrarian reform milestones

MISAMIS ORIENTAL (December 29, 2024) – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 10 highlighted significant accomplishments in its key programs, reaffirming its commitment to improving the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)

In Kapihan sa PIA, DAR-10 Regional Director Zoraida Macadindang underscored the positive impact of their programs and projects on agrarian reform beneficiaries.
“Dako na kaayo ang among nahimo for this year 2024, nadugangan ang among accomplishments in terms of cumulative and na-implement na namo ug nakapanghatag nami sa certificate of condonation with release of real estate mortgage, naka-produce ug thousands of e-titles pinaagi sa SPLIT project, ug daghan ta napanghatag nga CLOAs,” Macadindang said.
(This year, 2024, we achieved significant milestones, including distributing certificates of condonation with real estate mortgage releases, producing thousands of e-titles through the SPLIT project, and issuing numerous CLOAs.)
As of November 2024, Macadindang reported a 97.28 percent completion of the Land Tenure Improvement Program (LTIP), distributing 320,993 hectares to 187,723 ARBs. The region also achieved 136,105 hectares in leasehold agreements, benefiting 51,300 leaseholders.
Under Republic Act No. 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, 6,538 Certificates of Condonation with Mortgage Releases were issued to ARBs, covering 8,219 hectares, mostly in Bukidnon. Additionally, the agency distributed 2,441 e-titles, converting 364 collective CLOAs into individual titles for 1,984 beneficiaries across 2,816 hectares.
Under the Agrarian Justice Delivery Program, DAR-10 has resolved 1,823 judicial cases, 28,074 quasi-judicial cases, and 54,567 Agrarian Law Implementation (ALI) cases, ensuring secure, sustainable land ownership for ARBs while effectively resolving disputes.
Macadindang attributed the region’s positive results to the efficiency of their skilled adjudicators.
She emphasized that they maintained a zero-case backlog, earning a Hall of Fame award from the DAR Central Office.
“We are closely monitored for case aging to ensure timely resolution. Cases are resolved promptly upon meeting all requirements,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Development Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) supports 504 active Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) across 176 agrarian reform communities (ARCs), benefiting a total of 239,446 ARBs.
To empower ARBs further, 26 ongoing agrarian reform projects worth P376 million are being implemented. Six more projects, valued at P150.5 million, are set to begin, while 440 proposed projects totaling P27.6 billion await approval. The total investment in these projects exceeds P28.15 billion, with Bukidnon receiving the largest share.
These achievements demonstrate DAR’s commitment to advancing its programs, providing ARBs in Northern Mindanao with improved economic opportunities and quality of life. DAR encourages those interested in its programs to visit their local offices across the region. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA-10)

Lalaki naghikog sa Dangcagan

Nadiskobrehan nga naghikog ang usa ka 23-anyos nga ulitawo sulod sa ilang panimalay sa Purok 1, Brgy. Poblacion, Dangcagan, Bukidnon, buntag sa Enero 2, 2025

Sa imbestigasyon sa Dangcagan Municipal Police Station, nasayran nga nag-inom og ilimnong

makahubog ang biktima uban sa iyang mga higala sayo sa gabii niadtong Enero 1, 2025, sa Purok 3, Poblacion, Dangcagan, Bukidnon ug nipauli mga alas 4:00 sa buntag sa Enero 2, 2025.


Dugang pa, mga alas 7:00 sa buntag sa samang petsa, nanuktok ang iyang inahan sa pultahan sa iyang lawak apan walay tubag.


Giablihan niya ang pultahan ug nadiskubrehan niya ang iyang anak nga naglingkod ug naghigot og electrical wire sa liog ug gitaod kini sa grills sa bintana.


Gidala dayon sa pamilya ang biktima sa Kibawe Provincial Hospital, diin gideklarang dead on arrival sa attending physician.


Ang hinungdan sa kamatayon gitino nga asphyxia, secondary to hanging. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Malaybalay buys P13.69-M five brand-new garbage compactors

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) of Malaybalay marked a significant milestone with the receipt of five brand-new garbage compactors

The five units, costing a total of Php 13,690,000.00, demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the city’s waste management infrastructure.
According to a press statement, the turnover ceremony for the five new garbage compactors was held in front of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs on December 27, 2024.
The ceremony was attended by Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, city officials, department heads, and employees of the City Government of Malaybalay.
During the ceremony, Mayor Pabillaran officially handed over the compactors to Ms. Jessie G. Suson, the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer.
The new garbage compactors are expected to significantly enhance the city’s waste management capabilities.
Before acquiring these new compactors, the City ENRO operated with four units.
“These new units will greatly improve the city’s waste management and collection capabilities, making waste disposal more efficient and effective. This is crucial for the health and well-being of all residents.”
The delivery of the garbage compactors is part of a larger initiative that includes the purchase of new government vehicles for the fiscal year 2024.
This initiative also underscores Malaybalay’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable urban development.
Investing in modern waste management equipment not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes an eco-friendly and sustainable city. (melbmadera)

Lantapan LGU provides communication skills training, empowers LGBTQIA+ as change agents

MALAYBALAY CITY (January 7, 2025) — To empower LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities) as catalysts for change, the local government unit (LGU) of Lantapan conducted training in Malaybalay City on December 18-19

The workshop focused on social media management, news writing, and broadcasting, emphasizing the media’s power to amplify marginalized voices and shape public discourse.
Participants delved into the intricacies of social media platforms and guided participants in crafting impactful content, building strong online communities, and effectively combating misinformation.
The training empowered LGBTQIA+ members to harness the power of social media to raise awareness about their rights, promote inclusivity, and foster meaningful dialogue on critical community issues.
These skills are crucial for empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals to share authentic stories that challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and bring attention to the issues impacting their community.
Beyond technical skills, the workshop emphasized the participants’ ethical responsibilities, encouraging them to approach content creation with integrity and respect for all individuals.
By combining technical expertise with a strong advocacy foundation, the program ensures that LGBTQIA+ members are not only skilled communicators but also effective agents of change.
This initiative by the Lantapan local government underscores the significance of inclusive governance and active participation in societal discourse. By equipping LGBTQIA+ members with valuable media skills, the LGU fosters a more informed and empowered community, ready to take on leadership roles and advocate for positive change.

LGU’s Support

Lantapan Mayor Ernie Devibar acknowledged the LGBTQIA+ community as an integral part of the locality.
“In Lantapan, we actively include our LGBTQIA+ community in our initiatives and programs. Every June 12, during the Independence Day celebration, we organize events for our LGBTQIA+ community, where they can showcase their talents through pageants and other activities. This reflects the Lantapan local government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where the voices of all its citizens, including the LGBTQIA+ community, are heard and valued,” the mayor said.
Dem Alfonso, 19, thanked the Lantapan local government for this valuable opportunity.
“I am grateful to the Lantapan LGU for facilitating this seminar-workshop. We learned so much,” Alfonso said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)