Thursday, March 06, 2025

Tag: Local Government Units

DA-NorMin takes part in PCUP Service Caravan 2023 in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To provide better opportunities for more urban poor communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) provided services and assistance during the Service Caravan in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on June 22, 2023

The Presidential Commission spearheads the event for the Urban Poor (PCUP), which strives to improve urban poor populations’ awareness of PCUP programs and services and those provided by other government agencies and organizations and some private partner groups, as well as bring essential services closer to said group.
DA-10, headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado distributed packets of assorted vegetable seeds, featured audio-visual presentations to apprise the programs and services of the agency, and also conducted a Kadiwa fair, which gave consumers access to fresh, quality, and reasonably priced agri-fishery products from Bukidnon farmers.
One of the event recipients, Charlita T. Genton from Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, expressed her sincere gratitude for the activity.
With the agri department’s participation in the caravan, especially in its provision of seeds, she remarked that it can help households with their daily needs through backyard gardening while aiding in children’s nutrition.
“Ako nagpasalamat sa maong aktibidad kay pinaagi niining mga serbisyo nga ilang gihatag ilabina sa seeds, makatabang na kini sa matag-adlaw nga kinahanglanon sa panimalay pinaagi sa pagtanum niini ug makahatag og sustansya sa atong lawas ilabina alang sa mga bata,” Genton added.
Said activity was participated by different national government agencies (NGAs), the private sector, city local government units (LGUs) of Valencia and Malaybalay, and the provincial LGU of Bukidnon. (DA RFO-10)

TESDA-10 launches PBBM Cares, bridges skills-employment gap

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LANTAPAN, Bukidnon – To bridge the gap between skills and employment opportunities, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-10 has launched the Paglingap sa Buhay ng Bawat Mamamayan (PBBM Cares) program, June 9, in Lantapan town

Undersecretary Vidal Villanueva III, TESDA’s Deputy Director-General for Special Concerns, dealt with the audience and emphasized the agency’s commitment to the program.
“PBBM Cares seeks to gather all government agencies to assist the underemployed and unemployed, particularly the underprivileged residents here in Bukidnon,” he said.
The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, which solidifies the commitment of all stakeholders involved to work together toward a common goal, highlighted the official program launch.
Villanueva explained that the program, jointly carried out by local government units (LGUs) and various government agencies, aims to uplift individuals by addressing their specific needs and equipping them with resources for long-term employment.
Similarly, TESDA-10 Regional Director Dan Navarro affirmed that PBBM Cares is a concept developed by TESDA-10 with the noble mission of fostering collaboration to empower disadvantaged individuals by addressing their unique challenges and providing accessible skills training and employment opportunities for those in need.
He attributed the program’s roots to the Duterte Administration’s ‘convergence’ approach to dealing with issues and setbacks.
As a concrete step forward, the Lantapan Training Center, a crucial program component, received a prestigious Certificate of Accreditation. The recognition showcased the center’s dedication to delivering high-quality training that would directly impact the lives of its residents.
Filled with gratitude, Lantapan Vice Mayor Ricky James Balansag thanked TESDA-10 for its unwavering support in constructing the Skills Training Center in town.
Demonstrating its firm commitment to improving the community’s well-being, the Lantapan Technical Education and Skills Development Council pledged to continue its tireless efforts in serving the needy and empowering them to reach their full potential.
With the launch of TESDA’s PBBM Cares in Bukidnon, the vice mayor emphasized the program’s transformative potential, saying it is poised to bring about positive change in the lives of the underprivileged. (JMC/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

DA-RCPC celebrates 47 years of continued protection of plant pests, diseases services in NorMin

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MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Crop Protection Center 10 (DA-RCPC 10) celebrated recently its 47th anniversary in providing services to the local government units (LGUs), farmers, and other stakeholders in Northern Mindanao and nearby regions

Services lodged at the center range from the production and distribution of entomopathogens, Trichoderma, egg parasitoids, and predatory insects; pest clinic and diagnosis; and extension and education assistance.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado graced the celebration and emphasized that the station needs greater heights, especially with its P5 million worth of Plant Health Hub (PHH) granted by the Bureau of Agricultural Research.

DA-RCPC 10 chief Lucille T. Minguez shared that through Presidential Decree No. 936, s. 1976, the RCPC in barangay Bangcud became one of the established centers of the Bureau of Plant Industry which serves as a research, extension, and protection hub for agri-clients in Northern Mindanao.

At present, the center has strengthened its capacities in serving more farmers in the region and control and spread of plant pests and diseases.

Also supporting the activity was Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga with other DA senior officials and the provincial agriculture office of Bukidnon. (DA RFO-10)

DOLE, ChildFund Phils vow to eradicate child labor in Bukidnon

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MALAYBALAY CITY – Bukidnon, an agricultural province with the highest incidence of child labor, is taking strong measures to combat and eliminate child labor

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that in 2021, the number of working children in the country engaged in child labor was estimated at around 935,000. Fifteen in every 100 child laborers were in northern Mindanao. The agriculture sector reported the highest proportion of working children, at 45.7 percent in 2021.

In line with its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and protecting them from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination, and other detrimental conditions affecting their growth, the Department of Labor and Employment-Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (DOLE-10 Buk PFO), headed by Provincial Director Raul L. Valmores, recently participated in the project launch of ChildFund Philippines at the Ritz Hotel in Davao City.

The project, titled “Building Capacities of Civil Society Organizations, Local Government Units, and Government Line Agencies in Mindanao to Address Child Labor through Promotion of Acceptable Conditions of Work in Crop Agriculture,” is an initiative of ChildFund Philippines with Kaanib Foundation, funded by the European Union (EU).

This two-year project will be carried out in Bukidnon province, specifically in four barangays of Malaybalay City.

Project coordinator Alvin Dumduma said this would focus on implementing sustainable community-based programs to stir awareness and promote a better understanding of child labor; enact relevant government policies; establish efficient reporting, referral, and response mechanisms against child labor; and enhance access for child laborers to the government’s allocation of resources, quality education, and training opportunities.

Anand Vishwakarma, ChildFund Philippines Country Director, emphasized that the road ahead is challenging.

“Together, we are one step closer to achieving the goal of a country where Filipino children and youths are not deprived of their childhood, potential, and dignity,” he said.

Vishwakarma underscored the importance of a collaborative effort among the government, local communities, and other stakeholders in supporting children and their families.

The project launch aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations (CSOs), local government units (LGUs), and government agencies (GAs) in crafting advocacy strategies, policies, and programs for the prevention, protection, and removal of children from hazardous and exploitative work in Mindanao.

Valmores said that DOLE is not the only organization concerned with improving children’s welfare, as it is a shared concern in the community; thus, a comprehensive strategy is necessary to resolve the daunting issue of child labor.

Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) Focal Mark Anthony Combong and Community Facilitator (CF) Clebel Guinayon vowed to go the extra mile to combat child labor and its worst forms.

Valmores explained that the Department is strengthening its implementation of CLPEP by transforming pre-identified barangays with high incidences of child labor into child-labor-free barangays in Bukidnon.

He said that for the first quarter of 2023, the DOLE-10 Buk PFO has already started its turnover of individual projects to 701 parents or guardians of child laborers, amounting to over P10.5 million.

Valmores reported that the EU project coordinator and a representative from Kaanib Foundation Inc. visited DOLE-10 BukPFO on March 16, 2023, to discuss collaborative programs between ChildFund Philippines and DOLE to address the challenges faced by child laborers and their families, including aspects of advocacy, education, and livelihood assistance.

The CLPEP is part of the government’s commitment to combat child labor through intensified efforts to achieve a child-labor-free Philippines.

The DOLE is the lead agency in implementing the Philippine Program Against Child Labor and the Chair of the National Council Against Child Labor created under EO No. 92. (DOLE-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

P28.5M SBDP, FALGU projects turned-over to Cabanglasan residents

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CABANGLASAN, Bukidnon – Residents of Barangays Canangaan, Mandahican, and Mandaing are already enjoying the P28.5 million worth of infrastructure projects funded under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) and Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU), after the conduct of simultaneous turnover ceremonies on May 4, 2023, in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon

These infrastructure projects are four (4) water supply systems, three (3) health stations, and three (3) farm-to-market roads, which are priority projects identified by the barangay residents, during the conduct of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in their localities.

In his testimonial message, Punong Barangay Ermin A. Tampus expressed his gratitude to the national government for being identified as one of the beneficiary barangays of these programs.

“Maski unsa pa na ka gamay o kadako nga proyekto ang moabot sa amoa gikan sa gobyerno, basta gikinahanglan sa mga katawhan, dako na gyud kaayo na og kausaban sa ilang pang adlaw-adlaw nga panginabuhian,” he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Bukidnon, particularly the Provincial Engineering Office, strengthened their coordination to complete the projects.

With these milestones, DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla reminded the beneficiaries to safeguard the turned-over projects so that future generations can still benefit from them.

“Karon itunol na namo kining kompleto nga proyekto ug kamo na ang gapanag-iya niini. Pasabot ani, naa na ang responsibilidad sa pag-amuma ani nga mga proyekto. Hinaot unta inyo ning ampingan arun molungtad pa ang proyekto sa dugay nga panahon,” Abadilla said.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Gean Yvish Ladesma, 403rd Brigade Commander BGen. Michele B. Anayron Jr, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office representative LtCol. Silvestre B. Asiong Jr. and Municipal Vice Mayor Reynante V. Inocando came to grace the ceremony. (DILG-10/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

DOH-10 intensifies immunization vs measles, rubella, polio

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MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH)-10 aims to further increase the immunization status of children in Northern Mindanao with the conduct of a month-long immunization campaign against measles, rubella, and polio this May

According to the health department, immunization coverage for children aged 0–59 months had lowered during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a pool of populations that are susceptible to measles infection. It was also noted that this year, an increase in suspected cases of measles was recorded.

“Nakita namo nga adunay 18% increase sa suspected cases of measles sa rehiyon karon (We have seen that there is an 18% increase in suspected cases of measles in the region today),” DOH-10 Local Health Support Division Chief David Mendoza said.

Mendoza explained that in the same period last year, they only recorded 69 suspected measles cases compared to this year’s 82. There were also no laboratory-confirmed cases last year compared to this year’s three laboratory-confirmed cases: one for measles and two for rubella.

The DOH-10 hopes that the supplemental immunization activity they are conducting against measles, rubella, and polio can help beef up the immunization coverage of the region and prevent a possible outbreak of such vaccine-preventable diseases.

Mendoza added that to strengthen the immunization campaign, fixed sites, and house-to-house initiatives are done throughout the region to make sure that all eligible individuals will be vaccinated and no children will be left behind.

In the vaccination sites, regardless of the vaccination status, oral polio immunization is available for children aged 0–59 months, while measles-rubella immunization can be availed of by children aged 9–59 months.

As the government extends its efforts to protect the children, the health department admits that their efforts together with the various agencies and local government units are futile without the support and participation of the public, especially the parents and guardians and that to combat the possible spread or outbreak of measles, rubella, and polio, it will take a whole-of-society approach.

DOH-10 urges parents and guardians to allow their children to get immunizations for added protection. Protecting children against any vaccine-preventable disease should be a priority for each parent and guardian. (JAKA/PIA-10)

Sara urges Bukidnon youth to study more, be productive

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Vice President Sara Duterte urged the participants and the youth to get involved in more productive activities being organized by the local government units (LGUs) as she joined the celebration of the “Kaamulan Festival” on April 22, 2023

Duterte also told parents to make sure their children will finish their studies and will stay away from illegal activities.

“Let’s bring (our children) to the good side, in going to school, in sports, and things like this — participating in activities (like Kaamulan events organized) by our local government units and our communities,” she told the audience.

Duterte also took the opportunity to thank the people of Bukidnon for supporting her and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the 2022 elections.

The street dance and float parade participated in by the province’s seven tribes, are back after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Finally, we were able to get together after the pandemic, and the seven tribes were kind enough to gather with them,” Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque said in his message.

Valencia City was declared champion in the float parade while Malaybalay City won the street dancing competition.

Kalilangan took home the championship for the ground presentation.

Due to budget cuts, only the three LGUs joined the contests.

The Bukidnon Provincial Police Office deployed personnel to monitor and maintain peace and order, while some spectators complained of “strict measures” imposed throughout the month-long festival.

The Kaamulan (from the Binukid word “amul” which means to gather) celebrates the customs and traditions of the seven tribal groups that originally inhabited the province — Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon. (Ercel Maandig/PNA)

 

Traditional Menuvu-Meranaw peace pact featured by Kaamulan 2023 street dancing winner

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MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net/23 April 2023) A ground presentation featuring a story of a traditional peace agreement between Lumad and Moro tribes won the Kaamulan 2023’s street dancing main event on April 22, 2023

The story featured the traditional peace pact between the Menuvu and the Meranaw tribes after deadly battles set in pre-colonial Mindanao following mediation and preceding an intercultural wedding.

The contingent from the Municipality of Kalilangan, in Bukidnon’s border with Lanao del Sur has won the ground presentation, part of the crowd-drawing street dancing (ikat-ikat ta dadalanen) competition to culminate the month-long first-ever staging of Kaamulan in the post-pandemic time.

The presentation, entitled Kukuman ta Rezo or judgment of Conflict told the story of Matigsalog-Menuvu leader Apo Gapaw who led his tribe to fight a group of wayward Meranaw warriors along the Maradugao River, which is the natural boundary between the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur.

The conflict was resolved when the warring parties sought the mediation of a tribal leader, another Menuvu elder Datu Romapa of Barandias, a community located in the present-day town of Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

To help stop the conflict between the two warring groups, Datu Romapa became the balaghusay (judge) and officiated the Tampuda Hu Balagon (cutting of vines) ritual, the indigenous custom to settle a conflict through the cutting of rattan. One of the commitments for the settlement of the conflict was the marriage of Apo Gapaw to a Meranaw woman as one of the proofs that both tribes fully consent and commit to the settlement of the conflict.

BukidnonNews.Net has reached the choreographer-author of the story but is unavailable for an interview as of April 23.

The IP and Moro traditional peace agreements do not only come out in folklore. It figures in an annual celebration, especially in the Talaandig community in Songco, Lantapan town.

The kinship of IP and Moro has historical basis. Mindanao was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples until the arrival of Arab traders in 1380 who became instrumental in the conversion of the IPs mostly in southern and western Mindanao to Islam. Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu in 1521.

Starting in 2011, representatives of eight Moro tribes and most of the Lumad or non-Islamized tribes in Mindanao reaffirm their kinship. In 2012, they signed a five-point kinship covenant in a gathering filled with festive remembrance of historical relationships and aspirations for peace and unity in the island.

Aside from signing the covenant, the participants also unveiled a monument depicting a jar of oil marking the reaffirmation of their kinship, an event witnessed among others by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panel and the International Monitoring Team in October 2012.

The covenant, printed on white paper and etched on a plaque installed on the monument, cited mutual recognition and respect (kilalaha), mutual sharing of information (sayuda), cooperation (buliga), mutual protection and preservation of life (uyaga), and mutual obligation to help the needy (pagbatunbatuna).

“The indigenous peoples and the Moro of Mindanao hereby acknowledge the following principles and doctrines of kinship as a basis of their cooperation, understanding, and unity as descendants of the early inhabitants in the island of Mindanao,” the declaration stated.

Before signing the covenant Lumad and Moro leaders exchanged accounts of shared history passed on for generations, mostly recalling a past that belonged to “one blood.” Their accounts differed in some respects but all of them cited peace pacts.

Among the stories, the Lumad speakers shared was that of the brothers Mamalu and Tabunaway. The latter converted to Islam upon the arrival of Shariff Kabungsuan.

Moro representatives recalled stories of their ancestors’ interaction with the Lumads, including datus who shared portions of their ancestral domain with Moro people in their areas.

The contingent from Kalilangan also won 2nd runner-up both in the float and street dancing competitions.

Malaybalay City’s contingent won as champion in the street dancing competition and the 1st runner-up in the float and ground competitions.

Valencia City’s contingent won as champion in the float competition, 1st runner-up in the street dancing competition, and 2nd runner-up in the ground presentation.

The presentation from Malaybalay City featured a healing ritual dubbed panggimukuran, which showed the performances of various rituals to make amends with a disgruntled engkanto to repent against a curse, enter into a treaty, and cause the healing of a child. In the story, the people committed to protecting and honoring the sanctuary of the engkanto, and their apology was accepted. The presentation featured the Inagong, “where people danced with pride and victory” in celebration.

The presentation from Valencia City featured the story of the people of communities around Mts. Kalatungan and Kitanglad after the “great flood”. It showcased the love story of the two survivors of the flood, Apo Ginamayon, the matriarch, from Kalatungan, and Apo Agbibilin, the patriarch from Kitanglad. Music connected the two flood survivors; Apo Ginamayon playing the tambol; Apo Agbibilin hearing and searching for the source of the music. This story touched on environmental protection and care for the earth.

The theme of this year’s staging of the Kaamulan focused on “One Bukidnon: A celebration of unity in cultural diversity.”

There were only three competing contingents in this year’s street dancing competition as other local government units were unable to prepare financially after their respective combat against COVID-19. Six towns; Quezon, Libona, Kitaotao, Cabanglasan, Lantapan, and San Fernando sent non-competing performers from indigenous communities. (Walter I. Balane/BukidnonNews.Net)

SP approves the formulation, preparation and implementation of Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP)

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The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved Resolution No. 2023-0297 – A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City Government of Malaybalay (CGM) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regarding the joint formulation, preparation, and implementation of the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP)

On March 7, 2023, Hon. City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod requesting a resolution authorizing him to enter into and sign the said Memorandum of Agreement.

Under Executive Order No. 192 (1987), the DENR is the primary government agency responsible for the sustainable development and management of the country’s environment and natural resources.

Pursuant to the national policies, the Local Government Units (LGUs) are mandated to share with the national government the responsibility for maintaining the ecological balance with their territorial jurisdictions.

This MOA shall serve as a vital system paramount to a collective, objective, and appropriate delivery of technical assistance and support services to the beneficiaries of LGU-Malaybalay to improve the governance of natural resources in forest and forestlands within their jurisdiction.

Both parties agreed to the terms and conditions stated in the said MOA.

After thorough deliberation during the 36th regular session on March 28, 2023, Hon. Alan Ryann O. Legaspi recommended and duly seconded to pass a resolution authorizing Hon. City Mayor to enter into and sign the said Memorandum of Agreement.

Through this, the city government ensures the effective use of our natural resources, especially in the forest and forestlands. (PR)

Malaybalay holds City’s first business forum

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The City Government of Malaybalay, in celebration of the 25th Charter Day, spearheaded the First Business Forum with the theme “Grow with Us, Invest in Malaybalay,” on March 31, 2023, at the Peoples Hall, this city

The said activity aimed to foster engagement, collaborations, and direct relationships with businesses, entrepreneurs, and local investors across the region.

City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran joined the forum along with City Vice Mayor Estelito Marabe, City Councilors, department heads, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Board of Investments (BOI), and the Malaybalay City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).

In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Cromwell Kiril D. Dinlayan emphasized we must work together to grow the economy and reduce poverty, adding, “I urge everyone (in the government) to take this opportunity to consolidate and reinforce your commitment towards a brighter future for Malaybalay.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Pabillaran, in his message, stressed, “The aim of the City Government is that integrity will be intact. Mao nana ang atong standard, kay kung walay integrity ang gobyerno, kinsa man ang magsalig sa gobyerno?”

He added, “If gusto ta mulambo ang Malaybalay, tarongon nato ang pagdala gikan sa gobyerno, and that is important in order for our city to prosper.”

Also, Vice Mayor Marabe reiterated the importance of unity. “As business people, we should unite; we should strengthen our group. If you look at Malaybalay, we are the center of government as the capital city of Bukidnon. We are the center of education. We are the center of religious activities. We were the center of tourism before, and we would like to get that again.”

“If things do not come our way, we will look for things to come our way. If there are no opportunities coming our way. We create opportunities,” he added.

Mr. Christian D. Cambaya, DCIP-IASU Head, was the keynote speaker for the event. He gave insights on the immense opportunities for local economic development (LED) and how to address the challenges that are unique to the local context, which is also the advantage of local government units focusing on the approach concerning LED programs and strategies in the city.

During the session, plenary speakers, namely: Ms. Lourdes Ellen Kionisala, BOI Chief Investment Specialist, discussed labor incentives law; Mr. Romeo R. Lapeciros, Jr., LEDIP Officer on Malaybalay City local investment and incentives code; Ms. Ritchie L. Guno, DOST Provincial Director on innovation support to entrepreneurs; and DTI Provincial Director, Ms. Famelah Raquel D. Villanueva, on DTI current programs.

The first-ever Malaybalay City Business Forum organized by the City Government marks the beginning of a new era in promoting business development and opportunities propelled to reaching new heights of innovation and sustainability in the city and the region as well. (PR)