Friday, February 21, 2025

Tag: mindanao

PhilHealth to expand services to Bukidnon IPs

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025, 9:42 pm) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is working to expand its coverage to indigenous peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon province

PhilHealth Bukidnon local health insurance chief Romulo Lapuz Jr. said on Tuesday that one of the agency’s goals is to provide free health insurance to the seven tribes in the province.
“We hope to sign a memorandum of agreement with our indigenous peoples by the end of the year,” he said.
Lapuz said registering indigenous peoples with PhilHealth will save time and enable the agency to assist them.
PhilHealth Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) Vice President Delio Aseron II said that other health packages were launched to celebrate National Health Insurance Month.
“PhilHealth Region 10 will continue to advance the National Health Insurance Program and Universal Health Care for all 5.2 million Filipinos in the region,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

PNP-10 deploys 13,414 checkpoints as COMELEC rallies government support

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025) — As the 2025 national and local elections approach, the Philippine National Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO)-10 has deployed 13,414 checkpoints across northern Mindanao to ensure a secure and orderly election period. This extensive operation is part of a coordinated effort with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10, which has mobilized various government agencies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process

“The Police Regional Office-10 conducted threat and risk assessments for COMELEC officials to ensure their security during the 2025 election period and prevent violence targeting election officers. Out of 99 election officers in Region 10, 96 were assessed as having no threat, including the Regional Elections Director,” said PCol. Reynante Reyes, chief of the Regional Operations Division.
He added that PNP-10 has also conducted a one-day checkpoint seminar to train personnel on proper procedures for election-related checkpoints, focusing on gun bans, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination.
“To enhance security, our Police Regional Office implemented fragmented and overlapping checkpoints, making it difficult for individuals with illicit intentions to predict locations or times. These unpredictable tactics discourage dangerous and unlawful activities, encouraging stricter adherence to election laws,” Reyes said.
At the checkpoints, PNP-10 confiscated 28 firearms, 25 small arms, three light weapons, other ammunition, and arrested 29 violators. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, local traffic management units, the Highway Patrol Group, and the Land Transportation Office.
He also noted that the crime environment in Region 10 has seen significant improvements, with a 37.31 percent drop in index crimes and a 10.34 percent reduction in non-index crimes compared to previous years. Reyes attributed these achievements to aggressive law enforcement, community engagement, and strategic interventions targeting high-risk areas such as Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City.

COMELEC’s call for a whole-of-nation approach
Misamis Occidental Election Officer Lawyer Rowell Valledor emphasized the importance of a whole-nation approach to election security. He stated that COMELEC directives take precedence over other government orders, particularly regarding personnel movements, to ensure fair and transparent operations.
Valledor also highlighted the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace, enforcing the gun ban, and preventing armed individuals from approaching polling centers. “There is an absolute prohibition within a 50-meter radius of the polling place. Both state and non-state armed actors, whether affiliated with the government or not, are prohibited from being within this radius,” he explained.
To curb election-related offenses, Valledor mentioned that COMELEC has partnered with the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. These agencies will closely monitor threats, vote-buying, and misinformation campaigns related to the elections.
The PNP and NBI cybersecurity units have established a special online campaign monitoring committee to combat false information related to the elections. “At least there is this new committee because many of us are spending time at home or online, and the information we receive may not be accurate. This committee will regulate misinformation and hold accountable those who unfairly campaign during the upcoming elections,” Valledor said.
As the May 12, 2025 elections approach, government agencies are continuing to collaborate to uphold democracy. Valledor compared this collective effort to NASA’s historic moon landing mission, emphasizing that every individual—from security forces to election officers—plays a vital role in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election. (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA-10)

Northern Mindanao RDC members, solons review FY 2026 regional budget proposals

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Northern Mindanao Congresspersons scrutinized the proposed regional budget of P416.04 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The proposal includes 46 agency regional offices, government-owned and controlled corporations, and 11 state universities and colleges.
During the Joint RDC-X Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting on February 6, 2025, at the Chali Resort and Conference Center, the proposed budgets were endorsed to the agency central offices (ACOs) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for inclusion in the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program, subject to modifications requested by the congresspersons and RDC-X members.
The Infrastructure and Utilities Development Sector holds the largest share of the regional budget proposal at P224.69 billion (54%), with 95.05 percent allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways-X for national road and flood control projects.
The Social Development Sector follows with P146.59 billion (35.20%), of which 45 percent is designated for the Department of Education-X to enhance basic education services and improve lifelong learning.
The Economic Development Sector has a proposed budget of P38.72 billion (9.31%), with 84.27 percent primarily allocated for farm-to-market road projects under the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10.
Lastly, the Macro and Development Administration Sector proposes P6.03 billion (1.45%) for various catalytic infrastructure projects, including police stations and army camp development.
The final budget proposals, incorporating the comments, recommendations, and requested augmentations from congresspersons and RDC-X members, will be submitted—along with the RDC-X endorsement—to the relevant ACOs and the DBM in March 2025.
“These budget proposals are more than just numbers; they reflect our priorities, the needs of our communities, and our collective vision for Northern Mindanao’s growth and progress,” said Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, RDC-X Chairperson and Lanao del Norte Provincial Governor.
The regional budget preparation process began with the Regional Budget Forum on January 8, 2025, followed by handholding activities, stakeholder consultations, and sectoral committee meetings, concluding on February 4, 2025.
“We are fortunate to have with us the esteemed members of our Advisory Committee, particularly our Region X Congresspersons, who play a crucial role in ensuring that the budget proposals we endorse today are effectively advocated in Congress and eventually in the Senate,” added Dimaporo.
The meeting was co-convened by Rufus B. Rodriguez, Representative of Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd Congressional District.
The FY 2026 budget proposal represents a 321 percent increase compared to the FY 2025 GAA-approved budget, highlighting the region’s intensified funding needs for social, macro administration, economic, and infrastructure development priorities. (NEDA-X/PIA-10)

Agri-10 4k Program nagbubo sa mga interbensyon sa agri sa IP org

Posted on by Melchor Madera

Ang Department of Agriculture (DA-10), pinaagi sa programa sa Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kabayang Katutubo (4K), nihatag og duolan nga Php318,000 nga kantidad alang sa agricultural interventions sa Panasalan Dagumnaan Talaandig Tribe Association (PADATTA)

Sumala sa kasayoran sa DA-10, ang programa nagsuporta sa paghatag gahum sa mga komunidad sa mga lumad sa Northern Mindanao.

Niadtong Enero 24, 2025, sa Sitio Kawilihan, Dagumbaan, Maramag, Bukidnon, ang departamento, nga gipangulohan ni Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan pinaagi ni April Grace M. Racines, program focal person, sa kooperasyon sa Municipal Agriculture Office sa Maramag, nihatag sa unom ka carabao nga nibalor og Php300,000 ug nagkalain-laing mga binhi sa utanon nga nagkantidad og Php17,995.00 ngadto sa PADATTA, nga girepresentahan sa iyang presidente nga si Bae Vilma Morena.

Sa ilawom sa Production and Livelihood nga bahin sa Programa, ang mga probisyon sa agrikultura, nga kaniadto gikuha gikan sa research complex sa DA-10, nagtinguha sa pagpauswag sa produktibidad ug kita sa mga mag-uuma nga IP pinaagi sa pagpalambo sa mga sustainable nga negosyo sa agrikultura, pinaagi sa lig-on nga pakig-uban sa mga miyembro sa asosasyon alang sa pag-uswag sa agrikultura.

Ang maong turnover nagtimaan usab sa laing alon sa tabang sa PADATTA. Sama sa nahinumduman, niadtong Nobyembre, ang pipila ka mga napiling miyembro sa asosasyon nakasalmot sa isa ka pagbansay sa produksyon sa mais ug postharvest nga teknolohiya, nga gihimo sa Malaybalay City. (melbmadera)

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.

Agri-10 eyes strengthened beef cattle marketing innovations among NorMin industry stakeholders

Posted on by cmn

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon — As demand for beef cattle production and marketing grows, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), led by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, hosted a beef cattle marketing innovations seminar and workshop on January 24 to foster networking and collaboration among stakeholders

Following a memorandum from the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary highlighting the need for innovative marketing strategies and technological advancements to support the beef cattle industry, DA-10 aims to equip producers with modern marketing tools to enhance product visibility and consumer engagement.


In his message, DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM, emphasized the market’s importance as a foundation for improving livelihoods in the livestock industry.


“We are here today to address marketing challenges and explore collaboration to create effective plans that will serve as a foundation for our guidelines and policies. It is essential to hear from farmers at the grassroots level about how we can assist them,” he stated.
Guest speakers Raymund Mirabueno and Allan Noel S. Bernales

highlighted the importance of social media platforms in marketing and discussed marketable cattle breeds in the region, such as the Brahman-based bloodline.


The seminar-workshop provided a venue to navigate challenges such as changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and increased global competition, emphasizing social media’s role in the long-term success of the beef cattle industry.


Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Market Specialist I Mariflor A. Balabat outlined key market destinations for large animals in Mindanao between September and November 2024, including Agusan del Sur with 426 heads, Davao del Sur with 195 heads, and Davao del Norte with 112 heads.


Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc presented the livestock growth rate by production volume, noting that Northern Mindanao was the top cattle-producing region in the second quarter of 2024, generating 10,635.8 metric tons, which contributed 17.4 percent to the national total.
The consolidated data from the seminar will be submitted to the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary to serve as a reference for a multi-year plan and future guidelines and policies to support the livestock industry.


The event was attended by representatives from the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary, the National Livestock Program Directorate, the Provincial Veterinary Office of Bukidnon, the Local Government of Manolo Fortich, large ruminant commercial raisers, and beneficiaries of the Artificial Insemination Program. (MAC)

87 NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon (January 27, 2025) — Eighty-seven members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB) in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, on Friday

Lt. Col. Antonio Bulao, commander of the 89IB, introduced the former rebels and presented 17 firearms they surrendered during a ceremony in Barangay Nacabuklad, San Fernando. The group includes 54 regular NPA members, 29 Militiang Bayan members, and four mass supporters from the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC 2, NCMRC).

Each of the 87 former rebels received ₱10,000 as immediate cash assistance, along with individual identification cards.

Datu Jimboy Mandagit, also known as Waway and a former high-ranking NPA member, encouraged his former comrades to surrender and take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) and amnesty offerings.

“I extend my gratitude to the Army for providing a wonderful opportunity for those of us who were victims of a false communist doctrine and became insurgents,” Mandagit stated in the local vernacular. “I urge the rest of our comrades to surrender because the government is always ready to help us,” he added.

The ceremony was witnessed by Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, MGen. Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, BGen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Municipal Mayor Rogelio Yeke, and other local officials.

In his message, Hambala assured the returning rebels of government support to help them start new lives. Yeke also promised to deliver projects aimed at improving farm-to-market roads and education for families in remote villages.

Flores expressed his gratitude and support for the former rebels’ return to the fold of the law. (The Manila Times)

Agri-10 4K Boosts Production, Livestock Support for IPs

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) is enhancing its support for indigenous peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon province through various agricultural programs and services

On January 9, under its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, the agency turned over PhP480,000 worth of carabaos to IP groups in Impasugong town.

The beneficiaries include the Ananaso Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association (APFA) of Sitio Ananaso, Brgy. Dumalaguing, and the Kapunongan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Ulayanon (KAMAU) of Sitio Ulayanon, Brgy. Kalabugao.

Each group received six carabaos (five female, one male), which the IP farmer-beneficiaries withdrew from DA-10’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex. (pr)

DOH-CHDNM to Introduce Shorter TB Treatment Regimen

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 10, 2025) – The Department of Health-Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) is set to reduce tuberculosis (TB) treatment duration from the traditional six months to four months.

DOH-CHDNM will launch a capacity-building program for health workers in 2025, focusing on a shorter TB regimen for patients aged three months to 16 years.

During a press conference on Universal Health Care Day, Dr. Wellaflor Kindom-Brito, head of the infectious diseases cluster at DOH-CHDNM, announced the implementation of a six-month short regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Brito added that oral tuberculosis treatment will be the only option. “We expect that with advancements in medication, patient adherence to treatment will improve, reducing instances of patients stopping or failing to follow up on treatment,” she said.

DOH data indicate that tuberculosis deaths in Region 10 reached 285 in 2020, 250 in 2021, 295 in 2022, and 390 in 2023. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, there were 375 TB deaths in the region.

Brito noted that the rising TB mortality rate is partly due to increasing TB cases. Poor health-seeking behavior also contributes to the higher mortality rate, as patients often seek medical help too late when their condition has worsened. Additionally, poor adherence to medication exacerbates the issue.

“Some patients experience adverse reactions to the medication, leading them to stop treatment altogether, while others move residences, interrupting their treatment,” Brito explained. She emphasized that TB treatment, unlike typical antibiotic regimens, lasts from six months to two years.

Brito expressed optimism that the new treatment changes would enhance TB patients’ adherence to medication. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat/PIA-10)

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)

DAR-10 distributes over 320,000 hectares to ARBs, showcases agrarian reform milestones

Posted on by cmn

MISAMIS ORIENTAL (December 29, 2024) – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 10 highlighted significant accomplishments in its key programs, reaffirming its commitment to improving the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)

In Kapihan sa PIA, DAR-10 Regional Director Zoraida Macadindang underscored the positive impact of their programs and projects on agrarian reform beneficiaries.
“Dako na kaayo ang among nahimo for this year 2024, nadugangan ang among accomplishments in terms of cumulative and na-implement na namo ug nakapanghatag nami sa certificate of condonation with release of real estate mortgage, naka-produce ug thousands of e-titles pinaagi sa SPLIT project, ug daghan ta napanghatag nga CLOAs,” Macadindang said.
(This year, 2024, we achieved significant milestones, including distributing certificates of condonation with real estate mortgage releases, producing thousands of e-titles through the SPLIT project, and issuing numerous CLOAs.)
As of November 2024, Macadindang reported a 97.28 percent completion of the Land Tenure Improvement Program (LTIP), distributing 320,993 hectares to 187,723 ARBs. The region also achieved 136,105 hectares in leasehold agreements, benefiting 51,300 leaseholders.
Under Republic Act No. 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, 6,538 Certificates of Condonation with Mortgage Releases were issued to ARBs, covering 8,219 hectares, mostly in Bukidnon. Additionally, the agency distributed 2,441 e-titles, converting 364 collective CLOAs into individual titles for 1,984 beneficiaries across 2,816 hectares.
Under the Agrarian Justice Delivery Program, DAR-10 has resolved 1,823 judicial cases, 28,074 quasi-judicial cases, and 54,567 Agrarian Law Implementation (ALI) cases, ensuring secure, sustainable land ownership for ARBs while effectively resolving disputes.
Macadindang attributed the region’s positive results to the efficiency of their skilled adjudicators.
She emphasized that they maintained a zero-case backlog, earning a Hall of Fame award from the DAR Central Office.
“We are closely monitored for case aging to ensure timely resolution. Cases are resolved promptly upon meeting all requirements,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Development Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) supports 504 active Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) across 176 agrarian reform communities (ARCs), benefiting a total of 239,446 ARBs.
To empower ARBs further, 26 ongoing agrarian reform projects worth P376 million are being implemented. Six more projects, valued at P150.5 million, are set to begin, while 440 proposed projects totaling P27.6 billion await approval. The total investment in these projects exceeds P28.15 billion, with Bukidnon receiving the largest share.
These achievements demonstrate DAR’s commitment to advancing its programs, providing ARBs in Northern Mindanao with improved economic opportunities and quality of life. DAR encourages those interested in its programs to visit their local offices across the region. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA-10)

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)