Thursday, March 28, 2024

Town engineer survives slay try

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (March 06, 2024) – A town engineer of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, escaped death when she was shot inside the Municipal Engineering Office afternoon on March 4, 2024

The legal-age female victim got a gunshot wound to her right forearm.

 

She was taken to Cabanglasan Municipal Health Office for medical treatment before being referred to Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) in Malaybalay City for additional care.

 

Police Major Dino M. Cuevas, OIC of Cabanglasan Municipal Police Station (CMPS), stated in his report that the suspect was a male Foreman of legal age.

 

Report said the suspect proceeded to the Municipal Engineering Office and saw the victim in the pantry area, at which point he uttered threatening words.

 

The victim and her colleagues ran to evade while the culprit discharged his unknown caliber handgun, hitting the victim’s right forearm.

 

After the incident, the suspect immediately fled away.

 

However, at around 8:00 p.m. on the same day, the suspect voluntarily surrendered himself to Cabanglasan MPS.

 

The suspect is now in the custody of Cabanglasan MPS. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

 

 

NorMin police awards 13 lady officers for field achievements

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (March 04, 2024) – The Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) on Monday awarded 13 women officers for their respective achievements.

 

In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month this March, the PRO-10 recognized female police achievers under four categories.

 

Receiving the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Medal of Excellence) were Corporals Cheryl Jacob and Cherry Ann Litub.

 

On the other hand, the Medalya ng Kasanayan (Medal of Skills) was given to Major (Maj.) Maricris Neri, Captain (Cpt.) Maritel Ocon, and Lieutenant (Lt.) Nera Cabrera.

 

The Medalya ng Papuri (Medal of Commendation) were awarded to Colonel (Col.) Michelle Arban, Lt. Col. Estela Chavez, Maj. Jiselle Ester Lou Longakit, Cpt. Emilita Simon, Lt. Ruby Jimenez, and Chief Master Seargent (CMSgt.) Ritzell Labadan.

 

Meanwhile, CMSgt. Julie Ann Won and Staff Sgt. Michelle Apao received the Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya (Police Relations).

 

As a special guest, Gilda Go, governor of Rotary International District 3870, emphasized the evolving role of women in society, highlighting their capacity not only within the confines of their homes but across the entire nation.

 

“I am committed to amplifying the voices of women, to breaking down barriers, and to championing gender equality in all its forms,” she said during her speech.

 

Anti-drug bust campaign

 

In another development, Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., the PRO-10 director, said an estimated PHP1.8 million worth of illegal drugs were seized from 80 operations in the region from Feb. 22 to 28.

 

The operations resulted in the arrest of 84 individuals and the confiscation of approximately 272.891 grams of shabu and 2.54 grams of marijuana.

 

“We will continue to intensify our operations against illegal drugs, gambling, and other criminal activities. Together, let us build a region where everyone can live, work, and do business,” he said.

 

On anti-illegal gambling, PRO-10 police stations conducted nine operations, resulting in the apprehension of 17 individuals and the confiscation of PHP2,945 worth of illegal gambling items.

 

In neutralizing wanted persons, PRO10 also apprehended a total of 81 wanted individuals.

 

In addition to the campaign against loose firearms under “Kontra Boga,” PRO10 conducted 52 operations that led to the arrest of 15 individuals and the seizure of 38 small arms and two light weapons. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

6.2MW hydro plant eyed in Kalilangan

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (March 1, 2024) – A 6.2 megawatt Canituan Hydroelectric Power Project is planned for the Municipality of Kalilangan, Bukidnon

According to the provincial government of Bukidnon, Oro Valle Energy, Inc. (OVEI) owns the proposed project.

 

The project is currently in the pre-development stage.

 

On February 26, the 27th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) discussed the company’s letter of intent, addressed to Provincial Vice Governor Clive D. Quiňo.

 

Engr. Hanshel Z. Layaoen, OVEI’s director, presented the initiative during the SP’s Question Hour.

 

He explained the benefits that will be obtained if the project is realized, such as job creation and community share.

 

He stated that 80 percent of the workforce for the operation and maintenance of the plant will come from the community.

 

He also said that host communities can receive one cent per kilowatt hour of total electricity sales as a share under ER 1-94.

 

The project requires the approval of the barangay council, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (melbmadera)

PGB, Bugemco seal 30-year lease contract for new commercial building

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (February 29, 2024) – The Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) and the Bukidnon Government Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (BUGEMCO) has engaged in a 30-year lease arrangement for the use of a new 3-storey Commercial Building II

The signing ceremony was held on February 27, 2024, during the inauguration of PGB’s new commercial facility on Fortich St. in Brgy. 7. Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque signed the MOA on behalf of PGB, while Ms.  Venus Lubguban, Bugemco’s chief executive officer, signed on behalf of the cooperative.

The terms and conditions of the contract are specified in Resolution No. 2024-2890 of the 27th  Sangguniang Panlawigan (SP).

The PGB in a press statement said the monthly lease payments of ₱800,000 net of tax are due on the 10th of each month.

The new Bukidnon Commercial Building II of the PGB will house the BUGEMCO-Malaybalay Branch Office, BUGEMCO Mart, a training facility for cooperative affairs, and future plans to deliver quality services to its members and the community.

Governor Roque thanked former Governor and current 3rd District Representative Jose Ma. R. Zubiri, Jr. in all his efforts for initiating the project during his term as governor.

During Zubiri’s stint as Governor, the PGB has allocated ₱100,999,905.00 from the 20 percent Development Fund.

Jejor’s Construction Corporation completed its work on July 21, 2022, and the Certificate of Occupancy was entirely gained on December 18, 2023, after overcoming PGB obstacles. (melbmadera)

Deep Well project sa PDRC gisugdan na

Gisugdan na ang pagtrabaho sa Deep Well project sa Provincial Government sa Bukidnon alang sa Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (PDRC) sa Sitio Natid-asan, Brgy. Casisang, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasayoran sa provincial government sa Bukidnon, nahigayon kini kaniadtong Pebrero 21, 2024 human sa groundbreaking ceremony.

 

Apan sa wala pa ang seremonya sagroundbreaking, unang gipahigayon ang isa ka pamuhat agig pananghid sa espiritu sa yuta nga si Talabugta.

 

Ang proyekto nga adunay 90 metros nga kalawomon trabahoon sa Provincial Engineering Office Waterworks Division sulod sa 180 calendar days.

 

Ang pondo sa proyekto gikan sa PGO-Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division nga mibalor og ₱3,160,000.

 

Ang proyekto tubag sa PGB sa gipasabot ni acting Provincial Warden Nelson A. Balaba niadtong Disyembre kabahin sa kakulangon sa supply sa tubig sa PDRC. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Bukidnon wins Best AI implementer in NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON (February 20, 2024) – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) honors the top performing province and technicians of Artificial Insemination (AI) during the Unified Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) forum held on February 16 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in this city

In a press statement from DA-10, Bukidnon has been named the Best AI Implementer Province among the five provinces in Northern Mindanao.

Johnson C. Petalcurin, DA-10 Regional AI Coordinator, indicated that the winner was chosen based on the number of calves dropped and animals inseminated in a province’s breedable animal population.

Other parameters evaluated, he continued, include the amount of UNAIP-related actions carried out, such as meetings, heat synchronization, paraphernalia distribution, information dissemination, and activation of AI technicians.

Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10’s regional technical director for operations, commended Bukidnon and the other provinces for promoting AI in their respective areas.

She also assured the technicians that the department, led by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, will provide full assistance for the region’s livestock industry.

Meanwhile, exceptional AI technicians were recognized at the event for the Most Number of Animals Inseminated and Calf Drop categories.

 

Nix D. Melendez, an AI technician from Quezon, Bukidnon, who recently retired from government service, won first prize in both categories with a total of 591 animals inseminated and 86 calves dropped

Francis Ray B. Ditona of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, finished second in the calf drop category with 67 calves.

Alejandro C. Bag-ao of Libona, Bukidnon finished third in all categories, inseminating 219 animals and dropping 66 calves.

Cristopher Jiss C. Tabor, an AI technician at Camiguin’s Provincial Veterinary Office, inseminated 218 animals and finished second in the category, stressing the importance of AI in the province in light of the limited number of bulls and the diminishing number of livestock heads

“Using AI, we can increase the number of heads and help our farmers earn more. Some of my clients have told me that they were able to send their children to school because of the cash they earned from selling cattle, which was made feasible by artificial intelligence. Indeed, AI is a fantastic initiative that ought to be encouraged because of its impact, not just on technicians but also on farmers who need it as well,” Tabor said.

After the awarding, the Livestock program distributed different AI paraphernalia worth P277,872 to AI technicians and coordinators, including 108 bottles of lubricant, 101 packs of straw sheath, 4 boxes of arm-length gloves, and 159 packs of medications and biologics.

The UNAIP forum was attended by AI technicians from various towns in the region, as well as provincial AI coordinators from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.

Dr. Luz I. Guzman, DA-10 field operations division chief, was joined by chiefs and officials from the DA-10 Provincial Operations Centers and DA-10 research stations, as well as DA-10 Livestock Program staff led by Jamaica L. Docdoc in gracing the activity. (melbmadera)

Malaybalay builds new OSCA building, Women’s center

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (February 26, 2024) – The city of Malaybalay has constructed a new multi-purpose building for the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), as well as another structure to function as a Women’s Center

On the morning of February 23, 2024, the two structures constructed within the city hall complex at Brgy. Casisang were blessed and turned over, according to information from the city government’s official Facebook page.

The multi-purpose facility for which OSCA is the end-user has a project authorization of P8,436,000.00, while the actual project cost is just P7,752,561.19.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Center has a project budget of P4,456,037.40, but its real cost is P4,050,943.09.

City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran led the turnover ceremony.

Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), led by City Vice Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, also attended the event.

Rev. Fr. Andrew T. Boquilon presided over the blessing of the two structures in the presence of senior citizens federation officers, women’s presidents, and the kagawad in charge of each barangay.

In his message, Pabillaran congratulated the groups who had been waiting for these buildings for a long time.

He also stated that there is no need to be concerned about its maintenance because the city government has money set out each year for repair and maintenance, ensuring that it lasts for over 50 years.

In his welcome address, Vice Mayor Marabe expressed his gratitude that the Women’s Federation and the Senior Citizen’s Affairs Federation now have a permanent home that should be maintained by people who utilize it.

He also said that the current structures would serve as local tourism for other cities and municipalities, allowing them to benchmark right here on the city hall site.

The vice mayor is also optimistic that these two federations would expand and become more efficient in their operations. (melbmadera)

Allium derby seen to boost farmers’ productivity, onion supply in NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Aiming to boost onion production in the region to attain self-sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) stages an Allium Derby and Farmers’ Forum on February 22, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here

Spearheaded by DA-10’s High-Value Crops Development Program in coordination with the Research Division, and private seed and chemical companies, the activity gathered 100 farmers and other relevant stakeholders to witness the showcase of different onion varieties and their corresponding farming protocols.

“We can see from the two locations that onion production is viable in Region 10,” shared DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with the earlier conduct of the same in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, held last week.

He also noted that the agency will be procuring onion seeds and likewise, encouraged interested farmers’ cooperatives, and associations to submit their letter requests to avail of the said intervention.

Meanwhile, each seed and chemical company was given time to share their respective onion technologies and also distributed Information, Education, and Communication materials to the attending farmers.

Andre Abonitalla, assistant Sales Manager for Visayas and Mindanao, is thankful to DA for the implementation of the field trials for Onion.

“Currently, our onions in Mindanao are from Luzon and the price per onion increases since there is an additional freight cost, however, if onions are produced locally here in Region 10, this cost will be removed, thus resulting in cheaper onions,” he added.

During the derby cum forum, Allied Botanical, Corp. emerged as champions while Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp. and Ramgo Seeds are awarded first- and second-runner-up, respectively.

Criteria for judging included the biggest yield volume (in kilogram), best quality, and best economic efficiency.

For her part, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, acting provincial agriculturist for Bukidnon, shared that they will be working closely with DA-10’s Research Division to look for more locations as potential onion-producing sites.

Also supporting the event are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, with DA-10’s attached bureaus and agencies: Agricultural Training Institute and Bureau of Plant Industry as well as private chemical companies such as Envireau Pacific, Inc., FMC Agro Philippines, Inc., Aldiz, Inc., and Tropi-Cuke, Inc.

Another round of such events is also slated for DA-10’s Research Center for Hillyland Development in Claveria, Misamis Oriental on March 21, this year. (PR)

Harmony Knows No Borders: Tabernacle Choir’s Historic First Concert in the Philippines

In a historic moment of musical grandeur, the globally acclaimed Latter-day Saints Tabernacle Choir is poised to make its inaugural appearance in the Philippines as part of their multi-year “Hope” world tour. The concerts, scheduled for February 27–28, 2024, at 8 PM, will take place at the iconic SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Manila, promising an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring melodies and cross-cultural celebration.

This much-anticipated event not only marks the choir’s first visit to the Philippines but also signifies a harmonious convergence of international musical excellence and the rich tapestry of Filipino artistry. The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra, renowned for their unparalleled vocal and instrumental virtuosity, will collaborate with esteemed guest artists from the Philippines to create a truly unforgettable experience.

The lineup of featured guest artists includes none other than the world-famous Broadway singer and actress, Lea Salonga, whose mesmerizing voice has left audiences in awe across the globe. Joining her on stage is the talented singer-songwriter Ysabelle Cuevas, celebrated for her soulful and heartfelt compositions. Adding a dynamic touch to the concert is the renowned Paolo Abrera and Suzie Entrata-Abrera, known for their captivating performances and infectious energy.

While the live concert promises an immersive experience for those attending at the MOA Arena, the Latter-day Saints Tabernacle Choir is taking a step further to ensure that the magic of their performance reaches a global audience. A special live stream of the event will be available for music enthusiasts around the world, providing an opportunity to witness this historic musical collaboration.

As part of this livestream initiative, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Claro M. Recto Chapel in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon will be hosting an exclusive broadcast of the concert. This venue, known for its serene ambiance and acoustics, will serve as a satellite location for those who wish to partake in the musical celebration but cannot attend the MOA Arena event in person.

As we eagerly anticipate this musical spectacle, join us in embracing this extraordinary musical journey, where the transcendent power of music knows no borders. Whether you’re in the grandeur of the MOA Arena or the intimate setting of the Claro M. Recto Chapel, let the Latter-day Saints Tabernacle Choir’s performance be a testament to the unifying force of music and the shared hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a musical journey that transcends time and space, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who tune in to witness the choir’s extraordinary performance.

PGB gives aid to 3 provinces hit by disasters

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (Feb. 12, 2024) – The Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) has recently sent humanitarian supplies to its three neighboring provinces that have been affected by floods and landslides

The provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Agusan del Sur each got P1 million in welfare goods from the PGB.

 

PGB distributed the relief aid through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (PDRRMD), which is led by Israel Johan M. Damasco, Jr.

 

Ellen Salumintao, PGB’s social welfare and development officer, said earlier that instead of delivering ₱1-M cash to the three provinces, the receiving LGUs had requested that welfare commodities be supplied to them for direct distribution to the neediest people.

 

Each beneficiary LGU received 500 bags of 25 kilos of rice and canned products worth P1 million.

 

The PGB sent relief materials to the mentioned LGUs that were declared under a state of calamities as a result of the shear line and low pressure, which caused landslides and flash flooding. (melbmadera)

P99M student welfare center opens in Bukidnon

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (Feb. 07, 2024/PIA) – Senate President and Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, together with other Bukidnon leaders, led the inauguration of Northern Bukidnon State College’s (NBSC) P99 million three-story student welfare and development center on February 2 in Sitio Kihare, Barangay Tangkulan

“We’ll make it a premiere state college for our eventual conversion to a state university,” Zubiri said, emphasizing that the only way to solve poverty in Bukidnon is through education. 

 

Ronaldo Pahang, who heads the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 3rd Engineering District of Bukidnon, said the project cost totaled the revised amount of P99 million from its original P92.8 million and was completed in 629 calendar days.

 

Phase two of the project, which includes the provision of a parking area, was completed within 300 calendar days, totaling P49.5 million. The project is funded under the Local Infrastructure Program-Multi-Year Contractual Authority (LIP-MYCA).

 

Zubiri also promised to look into the construction of NSBC’s road networks and asked the DPWH 3rd Engineering District of Bukidnon to do the survey and cost estimates.

 

“As far as Bukidnon is concerned, we are working together to provide whatever is needed for our education sector,” Rep. Jose Manuel Alba said, adding that with the support of Zubiri, NBSC now has an additional P86 million for its 2024 NBSC budget.

 

The NBSC envisions itself as a leading institution in research, innovation, sustainable academic programs, and services that cultivate educational, personal, and professional growth for its learners; thus, NBSC President Dr. Catherine Roween Almaden expressed gratitude to the senator and all the leaders of Bukidnon for the realization of the now-inaugurated facility.

 

“At the core of this facility are the modern amenities that will host various types of student services, one of which is our cultural and creative innovation hub, a space that celebrates and preserves the traditions of our IP communities—a place where creativity and tradition converge, fostering an environment that encourages the exploration and expression of our unique cultural heritage,” Almaden said.

 

Among the amenities is a laboratory for its Fine Arts program, which focuses on product design; a simulation laboratory for teachers; and 21st-century classrooms, which serve as hubs for research addressing unique challenges faced by students and their stakeholders.

 

The NBSC student welfare and development center will house two 300-seater conference halls with state-of-the-art technology. Almaden said that the procurement process is now underway.

 

“Mao gyud na atong gidamgo nga mahatagan nato og edukasyon atong mga kaigsuonan, hilabi na katong naa sa mga hilit nga mga kabarangayan [This has always been our dream to give quality education to our constituents, especially those in the hinterland barangays],” said Manolo Fortich Mayor Rogelio Quiño.

 

He also revealed that the local government of Manolo Fortich has allocated a budget for 300 scholars of the NBSC. 400 senior high school students also benefit from the local government’s P2,500 per semester allowance. With the help of the municipal council, Quiño hopes to raise the number of scholars this year to a total of 1,000 students. 

 

NBSC has emerged as a modern-era academic institution. Its humble beginnings trace back to 2005 as a community college under the municipal ordinance number 368-2005. The institution started opening its classes for AY 2005–2006, leading to its eventual conversion into a state college in 2020 via Republic Act 11284, or An Act Converting the Northern Bukidnon Community College in the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnon, into a state college to be known as the Northern Bukidnon State College. (Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy/PIA-10)