Saturday, April 20, 2024

Tag: Local Government Units

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

Posted on by cmn

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)

DA-10 backs Bukidnon’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (April 01, 2024/PIA) – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) commits to support the continued rolling out of the Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa Para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa) ng Pangulo or KNP across Bukidnon province

“As the lead convenor, DA will secure an ample supply of agri-fishery products in every KNP site by engaging local farmers and fisherfolk as sellers,” DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado said.

 

He emphasized that KNP aims to stimulate consumer spending, assist local farmers in selling agri-produce, provide market opportunities to MSMEs, and ensure accessible and affordable goods.

 

The Kadiwa program adheres to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum No. 2024-003, as reiterated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his State-of-the-Nation Address, citing the KNP as a system to enable the public to buy cheaper goods at cheaper rates and the farmers to sell their crops without having to worry about transportation costs.

 

The agriculture department started rolling out the Kadiwa in July last year, which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain.

 

In addition to ensuring a sufficient supply of agricultural products, DA is tasked with tracking the number of sellers and earnings for each Kadiwa event.

 

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, DA-NorMin closely collaborates with the provincial government of the five provinces in Northern Mindanao to ensure a unified approach to KNP across the region.

 

During the recent Bukidnon Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) first quarter meeting, the DILG outlined the roles of involved government agencies in KNP, including the local government units (LGUs), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DILG, and DA.

 

The Bukidnon PPCC urged all LGUs to conduct KNP twice a month, preferably on the 15th and 30th, complying with the circular.

 

It also pushed for activating the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) in each town and city, in line with its recently developed action plan. (DA-10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

DOH-10 stresses need for proper health guidance amid El Niño concerns

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA/March 03, 2024) – “The phenomenon in the environment has an effect on the human body,” said Dr. Tristan Jedidah Labitad, head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, who shared points and mitigations on El Niño effects on the health of the people during the Kapihan sa PIA: El Niño Series on February 21, 2024, at Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City

Labitad said El Niño is a phenomenon where certain parts of the surface water in the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, and this increased heat has a ripple effect on the overall global climate. He added that waterborne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue (WILD) are diseases that can arise from such a phenomenon.

 

Labitad stressed the susceptibility of individuals of all ages, highlighting the vulnerability of everyone to these health risks. Despite the preparedness of health facilities to assist, he emphasized the role of consulting primary healthcare providers before heading to hospitals in cases of illness.

 

“Kung unsa’y gibati nimo nga dili maayo nga sakit, you seek medical consultation, diretso. Dili magpataka-taka og inom og any herbal supplements, I am not discounting any herbal supplements. However, conventional medicine would dictate nga dili jud alternative sa imong gibati karon ang mga herbal, good kung naa ka pero dili i-neglect nga based japon siya sa research,” he said.

 

[If you feel that you are sick, you should seek medical consultation directly. Do not drink any herbal supplements; I am not discounting these supplements. However, conventional medicine would dictate that herbals are not an alternative to what you feel now; good if you have them, but don’t neglect those that are based on research]

 

The doctor strongly advised seeking medical consultation and undergoing a health professional’s check-up, especially for individuals with co-morbidities, cautioning against the indiscriminate use of herbal supplements without proper guidance.

 

As for enhancing their preparedness for potential disease surges in their respective areas, Labitad said local government units and healthcare facilities, including rural health units and centers, hold regular meetings to also determine ways to address health issues in communities.

 

To maintain good health, Labitad urged the public to only rely on credible sources of information, such as the Department of Health and other reputable health entities. “Let’s avoid being swayed by various anecdotes. Consult with healthcare professionals for any health concerns,” he said.

 

The Philippine Information Agency-10 holds the Kapihan sa PIA: El Niño Series once a month to address pressing issues related to the El Niño phenomenon in the region. (Patricia Aisabelle C. Rosales/PIA-10)

Malaybalay gets trading post under DA’s Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To sell the agricultural products of farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office turns over the P9.6-million (M) trading post to the City Government of Malaybalay in Bukidnon, on January 17

Located in the market site of Barangay 9 of said city, this will serve as a trading post for farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) to increase productivity in agricultural and fishery production in localities.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the project aims to establish a centralized marketing platform that is accessible to link farmers to consumers ensuring the availability and accessibility of food commodities in high consumer demand areas.

Under the leadership of DA’s Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., modernization of agriculture and digitalization are among the priorities in his administration, in which the farmers should coordinate, converge, and cooperate for the project to be successful from the national down to the local government units, Madriaga added.

Out of the total project cost, CLGU Malaybalay counterparted P4.6-M and DA-10 provided P5-M funded under the Marketing Development Services of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Over 10 identified FCAs producing vegetables, spices, processed foods, and livestock by-products will benefit from the project, enabling them to link producers directly to consumers.
Also, the City Economic Enterprise Development Office (CEEDMO) of Malaybalay will be in-charge in the operation and maintenance of the facility.

One of the beneficiaries of the facility, Marlyn J. Gallardo, chairman of the Vegetable Growers Association said that through the trading post, many farmers can expand their opportunity to sell their agricultural commodities and will help elevate the economy of the city.

[Pinaagi sa trading post, daghang mga mag-uuma ang mopalapad sa kahigayonan sa pagbaligya sa ilang mga palaliton sa agrikultura ug tinguha sa pagpataas sa ekonomiya niining syudad.]

Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran emphasized that the government continues to provide facilities to support and encourage the farmers to be more resilient and proactive, urging careful planning to address and enhance the resilience of farmers against challenges.

Attending the event were Vice-Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, Sangguniang Panglalawigan Committee on Agriculture Alan Ryan O. Legaspi, DA-AMAD Agriculturist II Helen M. Roldan, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Engineer III Alden C. Tapio of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), and other city officials. (MPMT)

P5M budget gisaad sa SPES implementers sa Bukidnon

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

Mikabat sa P5-million nga budget ning tuiga ang gisaad gikan sa Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) implementers sa probinsya sa Bukidnon

Ang pasalig naggikan sa nagkalain-laing Local Government Units (LGUs) ug academe sector sa probinsiya sa Bukidnon ngadto sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-X) alang sa SPES nga implementasyon.

Napadangat ang mga pasalig atol sa program pledging ug implementers’s re-orientation kaniadtong Enero 12, 2024 sa The Gardens Party Venue and Suites, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

“Ang mga pledges makabenepisyo sa 1,185 ka mga kabus nga mga estudyante sa tibuok probinsya,” giingon kini ni Mr. Raul Valmores, chief sa Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (Buk PFO) sa DOLE 10.

Nagpaabot sab sa pasalamat si Valmores sa partner implementers sa programa sa tuig 2023 sa ilang 100 percent accomplishment.

Mipahinumdum siya nga hatagan ang mga kabatan-onan sa mga trabaho na makapalambo sa ilang critical thinking, problem-solving, ug life-skills alang sa ilang kaugmaon.

Ang maong panagtapok gisuportahan sa Bukidnon Public Employment Service Office (PESO)
Manager’s League, Inc, President ug Manolo Fortich PESO Manager Roger Molina uban sa
laing lima ka partner academe institutions sa probinsiya. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

RDC-X approves 159 resolutions for reg’l development in 2023

Posted on by cmn

Published on: December 20, 2023
By Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) ended the year on a high note by endorsing 36 resolutions during its 136th Full Council Meeting, on December 15, leaving a legacy of having passed 159 action resolutions in 2023

Being the highest policy-making body in the region, RDC-X approved the 2023 Northern Mindanao Preliminary Regional Development Report (RDR) and Priority Action Areas; the Regional Guidelines for the Preparation of the 2025 Regional Budget Proposals of Agency Regional Offices, State Universities and Colleges, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and Other Government Instrumentalities; Formulation of the 2025 Annual Investment Program and Updating of the Regional Development Investment Program 2023-2028; RDC-X Priority Development Thrusts, Work and Financial Plan, and Calendar of Activities for 2024; and the implementation of the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System.

Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, RDC-X vice chairperson and NEDA-X regional director, said the results of the initial assessment of the RDP 2023-2028 obtained from the 2023 Preliminary RDR play a pivotal role as the foundation and point of reference for the identification of priority programs, projects and activities for the 2025 budget exercise, thus strengthening the planning, investment programming, and budgeting process.

For infrastructure-related development, RDC-X approved resolutions pertaining to the Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka (PBBM) Bridges Project; the request to the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office to fund the repair of the damaged road along Gingoog City-Claveria-Villanueva Road in Barangay Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental under its 2024 Savings; endorsement of the Maridagao (Kadingilan) Irrigation Project to the National Irrigation Administration Central Office; request to private sector companies to include programs and projects for water security in their corporate social responsibility; enjoining the provincial and highly urbanized cities in Region X to create an Integrated Water Security Council and formulate their respective Integrated Water Security Plan; request the Office of the President to revisit Executive Order 138 series 2021, particularly on the devolution of Communal Irrigation Systems to the local government units; and the conduct of Transportation Summit in 2024 in Cagayan de Oro City, among others.

For economic-related development, the council approved the reactivation of the Regional Industry Cluster Support Group and endorsed the feasibility study for the Metropolitan Food and Agri-based Products Cluster for Northern Mindanao, the proposed three-year time extension of the project Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT), and the proposed three-year extension and change in scope of the Rural Agro- Enterprise Partnership For Inclusive Development And Growth (RAPID Growth) Project. RDC-X also supported the resolution for safeguarding the protected areas and forestlands in the region as well as the resolution securing the long-term sustainability of multi-functional landscape in critical river basins of the country.

Moreover, the council supported the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023-2028, the government’s overall blueprint for managing the country’s demographic situations and addressing interrelated population and development issues in support of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It also backed the proposed amendments to Executive Order No. 325 (s. 1996) or the “Reorganization of the Regional Development Councils”, the establishment of Northern Mindanao Regional Blood Center, and House Bill 9420 which mandates the appointment of Population Officers in all provinces, cities, and municipalities.

RDC-X further passed resolutions earnestly requesting the 19th Congress to immediately pass into law the Government Procurement Reform Bill and Budget Modernization Bill, and expedite the creation of the Department of Water Resources.

Meanwhile, RDC-X chairperson and Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, said the convening of the council for the last quarter of the year was timely as the country observes the Socio-Economic Planning and Development Week.

She said the celebration is a reminder of the pivotal role that planning and development play in shaping the future of Northern Mindanao. For her, it is also an opportune time to reflect on the RDC’s achievements, assess challenges, and chart a more resilient and sustainable path forward.

“Let us navigate the challenges ahead with resilience, unity, and a shared vision for a brighter tomorrow,” she said.

The 136th RDC-X Full Council Meeting was also highlighted by a recognition of regional achievers whose achievements brought honor and pride to Northern Mindanao. (APB/PIA-10)

NorMin MSMEs upskill to digital entrepreneurship

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 19, 2023, 7:13 pm) – Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Northern Mindanao region were given interventions to upskill in digital entrepreneurship

In a statement on Tuesday, the PLDT and Smart Telecommunications firm, the organizer of eBizNovation, said the program aims to equip MSMEs with digital skills and tools to lead them toward innovative livelihood opportunities.
Jorenn Decierdo, a student from the Cagayan de Oro City College, said some entrepreneurs were still stuck in traditional marketing, and training them in digital upskills will help them improve their livelihood.
“We are happy to help teach and inspire them to level up their businesses with online platforms,” he said.
Cooperatives and MSMEs from Northern Mindanao attended two workshops – the Aahon at Babangon series with Shopee, – in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry-Northern Mindanao (DTI-10), and the BuyLocal Bazaar with the Cooperative Development Authority-10 recently.
Supported by Kagay-anon youth volunteers, entrepreneurs conceptualized and created short videos to promote their products online.
PLDT and Smart were able to gather more than 500 MSMEs not only in this city but also in Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Northern Mindanao, with support from local government units and other agencies.
“Through collaboration, we can boost our efforts to digitally upskill and assist local enterprises, helping them to increase productivity and income through digital technology,” said Stephanie Orlino, assistant vice president and head of stakeholder management at PLDT and Smart.
The training for MSMEs coincides with the recent developments organized by DTI-10 with the launching of One Town One Product (Otop) Philippines Go Lokal Store in Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental.
The OTOP Go Lokal! store is the ninth OTOP hub established in Northern Mindanao but the first in the region to be launched inside an airport. It features products from 33 MSMEs in Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

DA releases P122-M agri support to Bukidnon farmers

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON (Dec. 14, 2023) — The Department of Agriculture (DA)-PhilMech has provided agri interventions worth nearly P122 million to 60 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and local government units (LGUs) in Bukidnon

The turnover took place at this city’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Brgy. Dalwangan on December 12.
The beneficiaries received 94 pieces of agricultural machinery and rice production technology from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) and the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10).
The recipient FCAs and LGUs are from the municipalities of Malitbog, Cabanglasan, Impasug-ong, Lantapan, San Fernando, Damulog, Don Carlos, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Maramag, Quezon, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, and the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay.
The funding for these interventions came from the mechanization portion of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which is supported under RA 11203, otherwise known as the Rice Tariffication Law.
The interventions, which total P121,855,000, have been given to Bukidnon’s four congressional districts, according to Dr. Rodelio G. Idago, PHilMech Interim Director for Extension.
These include 29 units of floating tillers, 22 units of four-wheel tractors, 20 units of mobile rice mills, 16 units of rice combine harvesters, 15 units of rice threshers, four units of recirculating dryers, four units of hand tractors, three units of rice reapers, two units single pass rice mill, and one walk-behind transplanter.
According to Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 Regional Executive Director the said turnover of agri-machineries is in harmony with the agency’s thrust to boost the productivity and profitability of rice farmers in the country, including Northern Mindanao.
Based on data from the 2022 PSA, Bukidnon was the province that produced the most rice in Northern Mindanao, with an annual production of 295,686 metric tons, or over 63 percent of the total rice produced in Region 10.
Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, the acting provincial agriculturist of Bukidnon, along with Roan R. Fernandez of Impasug-ong, Coleen Ambos of San Fernando, Herberto L. Tan of Damulog, Merlyn C. Los Baños of Don Carlos, Armand S. dela Cruz (Maramag), Edgar A. Cantones (Kalilangan), Teodor B. Quirante III (Pangantucan), and other PHilMech employees have all backed the initiative. (GDA/melbmadera)

LEDIPO Malaybalay honored as one of outstanding LEDIPOs in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

In a significant event at Robinson’s Place, Valencia City, on December 9, 2023, LEDIPO Malaybalay City was acknowledged as one of the outstanding Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Offices (LEDIPOs) in Bukidnon

The recognition was awarded by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) PAGDAYEG Stakeholders Awards, a testament to the city’s exceptional dedication and success in economic development and investment promotion initiatives throughout the year 2023.

Mr. Romeo Lapeciros, Jr., the designated LEDIPO of Malaybalay, proudly accepted the award and certificate of recognition on behalf of the City Government of Malaybalay.

The ceremony witnessed the gathering of distinguished LEDIPO representatives from various local government units (LGUs) who were similarly commended for their remarkable contributions.

LEDIPO Malaybalay City, having commenced operations this year, has demonstrated a commendable commitment to implementing initiatives fostering economic growth and investment promotion in the city.

The office’s efforts, aligned with the initiated programs and activities for the year 2023, have significantly elevated its role in promoting LEDIPO services, encompassing both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract entrepreneurs and investors to explore and engage in economic opportunities within the city.

The City Government of Malaybalay looks forward to sustained growth and prosperity under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran and the members of the Local Investment and Incentives Board in the years to come. (LCRM)

MOA for Enhanced Kadiwa implementation inked

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) recently inks a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon for the implementation of the P25.5 million (M) worth of Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance program

The signing ceremony was held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Brgy. Dalwangan.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the said program aims to help facilitate food accessibility, quality, and affordability to consumers through partnerships with LGUs and FCAs and improve the food distribution system at the same time.

Collado, together with Mayor Anthony A. Uy og Impasugong and Mayor Ernie R. Devibar of Lantapan, signed the agreement for the PhP5 million construction of trading posts in their respective localities in the presence of their municipal staff.

The agri Department also sealed a partnership with the Mindanao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MFARCC) of Magsaysay, and Kabangasan, Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community (KMDARC) of Balingoan, both from Misamis Oriental to finance each their P3.5-M transport and delivery vehicle.

Further, Pangantucan, Maramag, Kalilangan Farmers’ Dairy Cooperative (PMKFDC) of Pangantucan and PITAC Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) of Malaybalay City, both from Bukidnon are set to avail P3.5-M for the purchase of a refrigerated van and equipment for the enhancement of their milk processing plant and P5-M for the purchase of a wing van, respectively.

For the FCAs’ part, they have inked the agreement through their respective chairpersons: Romil C. Ravilla (MFARCC), Weny N. Enterina (KMDARC), Rodolfo Belleza (PMKFDC) and Christery May Dinoy (PITAC MPC).

As partners for the said program, all beneficiaries have at least 20 percent counterpart of the total project cost.

Locally funded for the current year, the Kadiwa program is implemented by DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division. (TJTL/melbmadera)