Tuesday, March 04, 2025

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)

Anti-terrorism forum gipahigayon sa Maramag

Isa ka anti-terrorism forum nga gipangunahan sa 48th Infantry Battalion sa 7th Infantry Division ang gipahigayon sa Maramag Municipal Hall kaniadtong Pebrero 10, 2025.
Katambayayong sa kalihokan ang lokal nga kagamhanan sa Maramag

Sumala sa kasayuran sa LGU Maramag, ang forum nagpundok sa sektor sa negosyo aron matubag ang mga nagpilit nga isyu bahin sa kalinaw, seguridad, ug pagpatuman sa mga balaod nga kontra-terorismo.
Ang mga mahinungdanong presentasyon naglakip sa usa ka panaghisgot bahin sa “paglimbong sa communist terrorist groups ug sibil nga operasyon sa militar,” nga gihan-ay ni Army Captain Rogelio S. Recto, nga nag-counter sa insurgent tactics pinaagi sa community engagement.
Nitambong sab sa kalihokan ang uban pang mga opisyales sa gobyerno. (melbmadera)

Pinakaunang K9 Unit sa LGU Malaybalay, gipresenta

Pormal nga gipresenta sa publiko ang pinakaunang K9 Detection Unit alang sa dugang seguridad sa dakbayan sa Malaybalay

Sumala sa kasayoran, natigayon kini atol sa 2nd Monday Convocation Program niadtong Pebrero 10, 2025.


Si Konsehal Royland M. Orquia, committee chair sa Peace and Order sa Sangguniang Panlungsod, nipasabot sa kamahinungdanon sa paggamit sa trained K9 tungod sa ilang abilidad sa pag-detect sa mga explosives, narcotics, ug uban pang matang sa hulga nga peligroso sa publiko.


Dugang pa niya, isa kini ka deterrent sa kriminalidad ug makatabang sa pagpalig-on sa public safety and security.


Nasayran nga pipila na ka local government units ang nihimog K9 unit sama sa Cebu City ug mga munisipyo, lakip na ang atong silingang siyudad nga Valencia City.


Ang Detection Dog Unit ubos sa pagdumala sa Mayor’s Office, samtang ang City Veterinary Office ang maghatag sa health care support.


Mikabat sa P70,000.00 ang pagpalit sa iro ug dugang P150,000.00 ang gigahin alang sa training ug operasyon niini. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Coffee stakeholders scale up NorMin’s coffee roadmap, to brand Bukidnon as Arabica capital

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), led by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently convened coffee stakeholders for a public-private consultation to consolidate plans, programs, and funding for scaling up Northern Mindanao’s coffee roadmap

The consultation was attended by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 10 (DTI-10), local government units (LGUs), farmers’ cooperatives, agribusiness enterprises, and DA Undersecretary for the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero.

DA-10’s RED Pacamalan emphasized the need for a unified direction among stakeholders to drive the development of the region’s coffee industry.

A resolution to adopt the Bukidnon Coffee Roadmap for 2025, aiming to establish the province as the Arabica capital of the country, is poised for approval, as disclosed by Kimberly A. Bacasma, senior trade-industry development specialist at DTI-10.

She also identified challenges in coffee cultivation, such as outdated methods, fragmented growers, limited marketing avenues, and insufficient financial resources for expansion as focus areas for roadmap development.

Undersecretary Natividad-Caballero recommended consolidating existing interventions at the farmer, firm, and industry levels to ensure effective operationalization.

Furthermore, the undersecretary advocated for the strategic utilization and maximization of the Competitiveness Enhancement Measures Fund (CEMF) to attract public investments.

The CEMF can fund coffee-related projects up to PhP50 million, subject to the proponents’ eligibility, with a 20% counterpart required from qualified proponents. These grants can support initiatives in production, postharvest handling, processing, marketing, infrastructure development, and the acquisition of equipment and facilities.

For its part, RED Pacamalan vowed that DA-10’s drone team would undertake drone mapping to identify coffee farming areas, determine coffee varieties, and profile the farmers operating in those areas.

“Through this digitization, we can establish baseline data to consolidate coffee farmers, which will serve as a foundation for the region’s coffee industry development over the next 2 to 3 years,” he said.

After the consultation, the executive director advocated for provincial-level dialogue to explore specific action plans, align initiatives, and identify essential government infrastructure investments for the undertaking.

Key partners and stakeholders, including Nestlé Philippines’ Coffee+Project, Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) Ancestral Domain Investment Plans, and DTI-10’s Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, shared their initiatives aligned with the Northern Mindanao Coffee Roadmap.

Also present during the consultation were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, HVCDP Director Joseph C. Manicad, national and regional DA personnel, and representatives from Bayanihan Millenium Multipurpose Cooperative, Kauyagan Savers Multipurpose Cooperative, Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative, MM Cares, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Harbest Agribusiness Corp., and the local government units of Misamis Oriental, Iligan City, and Bukidnon. (BJCE)

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)

Ceremonial turn-over sa corn production support livelihood project gikan NEDA, gipahigayon

Niadtong Mayo 22, 2024, ang Corn Production Livelihood Project nga nagkantidad og PhP 500,000.00 pormal nga giturn-over sa Silae Corn Growers Association (CGA)

Ang proyekto nga gitunol gikan sa National Economic Development Authority (NEDA-10).

Ang dakbayan sa Malaybalay giila sa NEDA-10 nga isa sa mga Local Government Unit (LGU) nga maka-avail sa ER 1-94 Funds aron suportahan ang mga livelihood projects nga makatabang sa pagsulbad sa taas nga poverty rate sa nasud.

Sumala sa social media post sa LGU Malaybalay, sa 46 ka barangay sa dakbayan, ang Barangay Silae ang prayoridad tungod kay isa kini sa mga barangay nga adunay taas nga poverty incidence.

Ang mga nakadawat miyembro usab sa asosasyon sa sub-cluster sa CGA.

Sa ngalan ni City Mayor Atty. Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, si Mr. Anthony James Mondia, executive assistant II, mipadayag nga kini nga proyekto makatabang dili lamang sa pagpataas sa kita sa mag-uuma, kon dili sa pagpasiugda usab sa pagpataas sa ilang abot nga mao ang nag-unang tumong sa programa.

Samtang si Konsehal Alan Ryan O. Legaspi, chairperson sa committee on agriculture, nipahinumdoman sa mga nakadawat nga ampingan ang ilang nadawat nga panginabuhian. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

6 barangay sa Valencia nakadawat og SGLGB award

Unom ka barangay sa dakbayan sa Valencia ang napasidunggan sa Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB) Award alang sa tuig 2023

Sumala sa social media post sa LGU Valencia, ang seremonya gipahigayon sa Gymnasium sa Brgy. Lumbo kaniadtong Mayo 22, 2024.

Ang mga awardee sa SGLGB mao ang Barangay Barobo, Batangan, Catumbalon, Mailag, Laligan, ug San Isidro.

Gitunol ang maong mga pasidungog sa presensiya nila CLGOO Jan Eric Manasan, City Mayor Azucena Huervas, mga membro sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa pagpanguna ni Vice Mayor Atty. Ted Pepito ug Liga ng mga Barangay President Louie John Naiz.

Sa maong seremonya, giila usab ang ubang barangay mahitungod sa ilang partisipasyon ug pagsuporta sa SGLGB.

Ang SGLGB isa ka progresibong sistema sa pag-ebalwar sa perpormans ug pagdasig nga mapalambo ang pagserbisyo sa mga kabarangayan sa siyudad. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

2 centenarians sa Malaybalay nakadawat og incentives

Duha ka centenarian ang nakadawat og tag P100,000.00 nga cash incentives gikan sa City Government sa Malaybalay niadtong Mayo 17, 2024

Sumala sa kasayoran sa LGU Malaybalay, ang duha mao sila Mrs. Yaga Sarino Molhay ug Mrs. Porfita Sario Libanda nga parehong residente sa Brgy. Manalog.

Si Molhay natawo niadtong Mayo 20, 1920, samtang si Libanda natawo niadtong Nobyembre 4, 1921.

Giila sila pinasubay sa Republic Act 10868, the Centenarian Act of 2016, nga nag-ila sa mga Pilipino nga moabot og 100 anyos.

Si City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, inubanan sa Barangay Manalog Council sa pagpangulo ni Barangay Chairman Roney Lagunday, 9th Sanguniang Panglungsod, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) ug City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) personnel, ang nitunol sa tseke mismo sa panimalay sa mga benepisaryo sa Brgy. Manalog.

Subay sa City Ordinance No. 988, series of 2021, ang Syudad sa Malaybalay mihatag sa matag centenarian og isa ka higayon nga insentibo nga P100,000.00, uban ang cake ug bouquet sa mga bulak.

Sila ang ikaduha ug ikatulo nga centenarian nga nakadawat sa maong mga insentibo gikan sa City Government sukad naaprobahan ang lokal nga ordinansa. (melbmadera)

6 LGUs misumite og SB resolutions sa pagdeklarar sa State of Calamity

Nakasumite ngadto sa PGO-PDRRMD ang unom ka mga LGUs sa Bukidnon sa ilang SB Resolutions nga nagdeklara sa ilang area of responsibility ubos sa state of calamity, gumikan sa nasinati nga taas nga panahon sa ting-init o dry spell

Sumala sa social media page sa provincial government sa Bukidnon, ang unom ka mga munisipyo mao ang Kibawe, Kitaotao, Quezon, Cabanglasan, Pangantucan, ug Impasugong.

Nakasumite usab sa ilang report sa kadaot sa hulaw ang Kadingilan, Damulog ug Valencia City apan wala magdeklara sa state of calamity.

Sa punto sa Valencia, ang City Disaster Risk Reduction Managemernt Council (CDRRMC) nagpalabang og resolution nga nagrekominda sa konseho sa maong dakbayan alang sa deklarasyon sa State of Calamity.

Nasayran ang kasayoran sa report ni Mr. Israel Johan M. Damasco, Jr., head sa PGO-PDRRMD atol sa radio program sa PGB – “ang Kalihukan sa Probinsya” kaniadtong Mayo 17, 2024.

Iyang gibatbat ang Revised Guidelines alang sa Declaration of a State of Calamity sa NDRRMC.

Pipila nini mao nga at least 15 percent sa forecasted affected population basi sa science-based projection nga nanginahanglan sa dinalian nga tabang; at least 30 percent sa nag-unang panginabuhian sa sektor sa agrikultura, negosyo ug industriya ang naapektuhan; lapad nga kadaut sa mga fishpond, pananom, manok ug kahayupan, ug uban pang suplay sa agrikultura; ug uban pa. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Publiko gihimangnoan sa paglikay sa heat stroke

Gipahimangnoan sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon ang publiko nga magmaigmat ug hinumduman ang mga pamaagi o mga angayang buhaton aron malikay sa heat stroke

Ang heat stroke isa ka kondisyon nga magresulta tungod sa pagtaas sa body temperature o sobrang kainit sa lawas, nga kasagarang mabatian tungod sa dugay nga pagbulad sa adlaw.

Kung dili kini malikayan o matambalan, posibleng magresulta sa pagkadaot sa utok, kasingkasing o kaunuran og labing delikado, maghatag ug taas nga risgo, komplikasyon ug kamatayon sa tawo.

Aron malikayan kini, ilabi na niining panahon sa hulaw, limitahi ang taas nga oras nga pagpundo sa gawas; inom ug daghang tubig; pagsuot sa kalo, long sleeved nga bisti og kanunay nga magdala sa payong kung mogawas; ug kung adunay mga heavy-duty activities sama sa pag-jogging, buhaton kini sa buntag o hapon kung aha walay mabatian nga sobrang kainit sa adlaw. (PR/LGU-Bukidnon)