Friday, February 21, 2025

Tag: Local Government Unit

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

Posted on by cmn

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)

Pinakaunang K9 Unit sa LGU Malaybalay, gipresenta

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

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

Posted on by cmn

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)

Army installs new 4ID commander, pledges peacebuilding efforts

Posted on by Heber Quinco

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 28, 2025, 7:21 pm) – The Philippine Army on Tuesday installed Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr. as the new commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), overseeing parts of Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region

In his inaugural speech, Anayron emphasized his commitment to advancing peace and development in collaboration with various stakeholders and ensuring robust security measures within the division’s areas of responsibility.

“Through peace and development zones, we implement high-impact programs with the aid of national agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector,” he said.

Anayron underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder support in addressing the root causes of insurgency, which is a priority under his command.

He succeeded Brig. Gen. Consolito Yecla, who served as acting commander after the retirement of Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II earlier this month.

Prior to his appointment, Anayron commanded the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon province, leading battalions and special forces that played a crucial role in dismantling New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts.

His military career began in 1992 when he served as a civil-military operations officer in the Visayas. He later held prominent leadership roles in Mindanao, including assignments with the Eastern Mindanao Command and the Mechanized Infantry Division.

Anayron is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992 and has completed specialized military training, including the Scout Ranger and Armor Officer Basic courses, with distinction. He also trained internationally, participating in Special Operations Team training in Queensland, Australia, and completing the Grade 2 Staff Officer Course.

Alongside his military credentials, Anayron holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Xavier University, a Master’s in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines, and a Master’s in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

“Under my leadership, the 4ID will continue its mission to foster peaceful and resilient communities,” Anayron said.

36 Ex-NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Thirty-six former New People’s Army (NPA) leaders and combatants recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. They were presented to the Bukidnon provincial government on January 10 at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City

The surrenderees turned over 55 high-powered firearms, including an M-60 machine gun, and pledged allegiance to the government.


Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed gratitude to the former rebels, calling their surrender a significant step towards peace and stability in Northern Mindanao.

“Akong pagpasalamat sa atong mga sundalo, pulis, local government units, civil society organizations, ug concerned citizens for participating in the ELCAC campaign. Kini nga kampanya involves municipal, provincial, and line agencies. Naa sila gatabang sa ato pinaagi sa paghatag sa support services sama sa livelihood assistance, skills training, ug uban pa, aron masulbad ang insurgency problem sa nasud labi na dinhi sa atong probinsya sa Bukidnon,” he said.


(I thanked the military, police, local government units, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens. They help provide support services, such as livelihood assistance and skills training, to address the insurgency problem in the country, especially here in Bukidnon.)


He urged remaining insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.


Arnel Arcaya, alias Sky, a former NPA leader, shared his difficult experiences within the rebel group and thanked the government for supporting his reintegration into society.


In a press conference, Arcaya expressed his desire to leave his past behind and start anew, inspired by the government’s reintegration efforts.


The military credited Cong. Jonathan Keith T. Flores of the 2nd Congressional District for facilitating the surrender of former NPA leaders, highlighting the success of the whole-of-nation approach.


Cong. Flores emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in defeating insurgency and thanked the surrendered NPA members for rejoining society.


“The presence of government agencies in the mountains, delivering essential services to marginalized communities, has encouraged many to return to peaceful lives,” he said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

DOH implements ‘Purok Kalusugan,’ opens BUCAS centers in Normin

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 8, 2025) — ‘Purok Kalusugan’ and ‘Bagong (New) Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services’ (BUCAS) centers are two programs implemented by the Department of Health Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) under the Universal Health Care Act (UHC) that bring health services closer to the people, especially the farthest and smallest communities

In a press conference organized by the DOH-CHDNM, Dr. Steffi Grace H. Enon, DOH-CHDNM chief of the local health support division, shared that ‘Purok Kalusugan’ is aligned with the UHC. “Gikan sa iyang ngalan nga Purok Kalusugan, atong gusto nga ang mga serbisyo nga pangkalusugan o panglawas dal-on nato sa level sa purok,” she said.


(From its name, Purok Kalusugan, we want all services related to health and nutrition to be brought to the level of a zone.)


The UHC Act has many goals, said Enon, but its main goal is that “We want all Filipinos to experience health services that are accessible, affordable, close to them, of quality, and safe.”


The Purok Kalusugan program includes all eight priority health outcomes of DOH, which will be implemented at the “purok,” or zone level.


The eight priority health outcomes include vaccination, nutrition, water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), maternal health, tuberculosis and HIV, road safety, non-communicable diseases (specifically high blood pressure and diabetes), and cancer.


These eight priority outcomes are called high burdens because many people are affected by them. The Department of Health is focusing on these eight. “If we can improve them, we can say that our community will be healthy,” Enon said.


Opening of BUCAS centers in Northern Mindanao


The Department of Health has launched a new initiative, the Bagong (New) Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) facility, under the management of DOH hospitals.


Dr. Raymond G. Dela Cruz, the chief of the regulations, licensing, and enforcement division at DOH-CHDNM, stated that this facility will address the issue of congestion in the region’s government hospitals.


“Kasagara niini ang problema, dugay sila maatiman tungod sa kadaghan, limitado ang lugar sa hospital aron maka-accommodate kanila, so ang initiative sa Department of Health mao nga i-forward position kining serbisyo sa atong mga komunidad nga ang mga hospital mu-perform og mga minor surgeries ug mga konsultasyon nga nagkinahanglan og espesyalista. Ang mga ancillary services, mga specialized laboratory exam, ug x-rays idala sa BUCAS centers,” Dela Cruz said.


(This is usually the problem; it takes a long time to attend to them because of the large number, and the hospital space is limited to accommodate them. So, the initiative of the Department of Health is to forward-position these services in our communities so that hospitals perform minor surgeries and consultations requiring specialists. Ancillary services, specialized laboratory exams, and x-rays will be brought to BUCAS centers.)


Currently, there are four operational BUCAS centers in Northern Mindanao. The North Eastern Misamis General Hospital, located in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, is one of the DOH hospitals; another in Misamis Occidental is located in Plaridel, managed by Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS-MC), a tertiary government hospital in Ozamiz City. The next is in Mambajao, Camiguin, managed by Camiguin General Hospital; however, the purpose is to transfer this center to Sagay, Camiguin.


The idea of BUCAS, according to Dela Cruz, is to place it far from hospitals so that those who need services will go to the centers closer to their communities instead of the hospitals.


While DOH hospitals manage this initiative, local government units have generously volunteered to contribute significantly towards the construction of the centers.


Currently, there are four local governments in the pipeline that have volunteered to provide lots; one of them is Magsaysay in Misamis Oriental, Bacolod in Lanao del Norte, the Malaybalay local government unit in Bukidnon, and Balo-i in Lanao del Norte. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat/PIA-10)

12 paresan misalmot sa Tribal mass wedding

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

Dose ka paresan sa Indigenous Peoples (IPs) ang nisalmot sa tribal mass wedding nga gipahigayon niadtong Agosto sa Covered Court sa Barangay Sumpong sa Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasayoran sa local government unit sa Malaybalay, ang kalihokan isa ka highlight sa “Araw ng Barangay Sumpong.”

Gitumong kini aron mapormal ang panaghiusa sa mga magtiayon nga nag-ipon na isip bana ug asawa.

Ang seremonyas gihimo subay sa naandang mga balaod, ritwal, ug tradisyon sa mga magtiayon, sumala sa gilatid sa Republic Act 8371 kon Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.

Si Datu Danny Sarito ang nangulo sa kasal, uban sa tabang ni Bae Inatlawan – Adelina Tarino ug Datu Chepin Jose Gumindan.

Gitinguha usab sa kalihokan nga masiguro nga ang mga magtiayon maka-access sa mga importanteng programa sa gobyerno, sama sa 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) ug PhilHealth.

Si City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, uban sa mga sakop sa Sangguniang Panlungsod, mga opisyal sa barangay, ug nagkalain-laing lider sa tribo, nitambong sa seremonyas aron pagpakita sa ilang suporta.

Anaa ang City Civil Registrar’s Office aron motabang sa pagpirma sa mga sertipiko sa kaminyoon, pagsiguro sa legal nga pag-ila sa ilang kaminyoon. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

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

Posted on by cmn

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)

OCD equips regions with water filtration, communication systems for emergencies

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (August 20, 2024/PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense enhances its disaster preparedness and response capabilities by investing in water filtration systems and reliable communication technologies

According to OCD-10 Director Antonio Sugarol, these initiatives are part of a broader strategy of OCD’s Administrator, Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, to modernize and equip the organization with the resources necessary to effectively address emergencies.

He said OCD has initially equipped its regional offices with water filtration units, recognizing the critical role of clean water in emergencies.

The regional director also shared plans to acquire additional units similar to those used by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that can rapidly purify contaminated water, providing a vital lifeline to affected communities.

“At the moment, we have two mobile water filtration systems. It is in our office,” he stated.

Sugarol said the OCD has also implemented a regional collaboration policy that allows neighboring regions to share resources during emergencies.

“For example, in Region 10, we can anticipate that Region 9, Region 12, and Region 11 will contribute their mobile water filtration systems to the OCD Region 10,” he explained.

In addition to water filtration, the OCD addresses the equally critical need for reliable communication channels. Sugarol said the recent experience in Misamis Occidental, where cellular networks were disrupted following a shear line, underscored the importance of alternative communication systems.

To augment the communication capabilities of local government units, the OCD is working in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to provide satellite phones and VISAT systems. These technologies will ensure uninterrupted communication during disasters, facilitating coordination between local governments, government agencies, and emergency responders. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

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

Posted on by cmn

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)