Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Tag: mindanao

DOT-10 showcases Mindanao’s 1st travel hub in Bukidnon to boost tourism, MSMEs

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 reported that the opening of the tourist rest area (TRA) in the scenic town of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon marks the first TRA in Mindanao to enhance the travel experience for local and international visitors

Marie Elaine Unchuan, DOT regional director for northern Mindanao, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on July 2 that the TRA sets a new benchmark for travelers’ comfort and convenience following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance the country’s tourism sector by improving facilities and resources that can significantly boost the economy.

“The tourist rest area opened in August last year and promises to redefine the journey for domestic and foreign tourists. Its clean, well-ventilated restrooms and inviting seating areas create a relaxing oasis for weary travelers,” she said.

With maps, guides, and expert tips, its information center is essential for tourists exploring northern Mindanao’s attractions.

Showcasing culture and local products

Unchuan said the TRA doubles as a vibrant shop, offering a selected range of local delicacies and handcrafted souvenirs.

“Visitors can indulge in Bukidnon’s famous coffee, savor delectable pastries, or purchase unique keepsakes crafted by local artisans. It delights travelers and supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) along with other local businesses,” she added.

Beyond its Pasalubong center, the TRA showcases local artwork, such as paintings and intricate leaf carvings, enhancing atmospheric energy and displaying the region’s artistic talent.

Inclusive amenities for all needs

Multiculturalism and inclusivity are TRA’s design principles. It caters to diverse travelers’ needs. The lounge and charging stations provide a comfortable space for tourists to relax and recharge their devices.

The coffee shop offers a selection of beverages and snacks, perfect for a quick refreshment break.

The TRA offers family-friendly amenities such as clean restrooms with showers and a lactation room to cater to the needs of even the youngest travelers.

Strategic location for maximum convenience

Travelers exploring Bukidnon and nearby provinces will find TRA an ideal pit stop due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major travel routes. Its proximity to Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur enhances accessibility for visitors discovering the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Emalyn Cagolcol, a traveler from Valencia City, described the tourist rest area in Manolo Fortich as truly one of a kind.

“It was more than a mere rest stop. The facilities are not only clean and well-kept. It is also scenically situated amidst the serene landscapes of Bukidnon. It provided a much-needed break during our trip, allowing us to recharge and refresh ourselves before continuing our adventure,” she shared.

Manolo Fortich TRA is the second DOT-managed rest area in the country, following the successful model established in Medellin, Cebu.

“This TRA exemplifies DOT’s commitment to providing world-class facilities nationwide, ensuring travelers have access to modern and well-maintained facilities,” the DOT-10 regional director said. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Agri NorMin lauds AMIA villages in first congress

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To showcase the different climate-resilient communities in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) conducts an awarding for the AMIA villages during its 1st AMIA-10 Congress on July 11-12, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan, here

With this year’s theme, “Klima atimana para sa malahutayong pag-uma ug ekonomiya,” the event gathered farmer-beneficiaries, local government units, and other stakeholders to share the success and innovations of the 11 AMIA villages in the region.

Climate Resilient Agriculture Office National Director Alicia G. Ilaga noted that apart from building climate-resilient communities, the AMIA program also seeks to eradicate poverty.

“Mithiin nating mai-level up ang ating mga AMIA village mula sa pagiging maliliit na production units, papunta sa market-oriented climate-resilient enterprises o yung tinatawag nating AMIA Climate-Resilient Agri-Fishery Technology-based Enterprises (AMIA CREATE),” the CRAO director added.

As such, AMIA-10 held a Booth Display contest with the criteria: number of products displayed (30 percent), quality of products displayed (25 percent), landscape and display (25 percent), and question and answer (20 percent).

Of which, Libona AMIA village of Bukidnon emerged as the first placer, followed by Manolo Fortich of Bukidnon and Magsaysay AMIA Village of Misamis Oriental, as second and third placers, respectively.

Meanwhile, select AMIA villages in its Phase 3 level of implementation also presented their best practices and adjudged with the criteria: productivity and income (30 percent), technologies and practices employed (25 percent), readiness to entrepreneurship (20 percent), ability to present (15 percent) and question and answer (10 percent).

Manolo Fortich AMIA village topped for the AMIA village Presenter Award, while Magsaysay, Libona, and Baungon AMIA villages followed as the second, third, and fourth placers, respectively. (AMBM)

800 NorMin families to get food credits under ‘Walang Gutom’

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (July 16, 2024/PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) on Tuesday started the implementation of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), which will initially benefit 800 families

During the launch, DSWD-10 Director Ramel Jamen said the initial beneficiaries were identified as those from Talakag, Bukidnon, and Iligan City.

Each family will receive PHP3,000 worth of food credits monthly through the electronic benefit transfer card that DSWD-10 will issue.

Suppliers who are also beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program will accept the food credits.

“We would need constant communication for this program to prosper. If we have a problem in our supply distribution, we can look for alternatives,” Jamen said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 1.4 million Filipino families are categorized as food-poor In Northern Mindanao.

The WGP targets to serve over 9,000 beneficiaries in Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte, including Iligan City.

The program aims to reduce involuntary hunger and malnutrition in low-income households and empower them to become productive citizens. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Major infra projects underway to link communities across Normin

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 28, 2024/PIA) – Engr. Zenaida Tan, the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-10, unveiled the latest progress on infrastructure flagship projects in northern Mindanao during the premiere episode of “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” on May 28

Tan highlighted the completion of the 12.8-kilometer Gusa-Igpit section of the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road, valued at P3.246 billion, with only final adjustments on the rotunda pending.

The Puerto-Gusa section of the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road is a four-lane concrete pavement highway spanning 8.95 km with a viaduct that passes over the Baloy Port, Gusa, Cugman, Umalag, and Agusan Rivers, with a combined bridge length of approximately 6,330 linear meters.

“Ang total estimated cost ani nga section is P36.294 billion, ug ang na release pa lang is P1.2 billion. Ang accomplishment ani karon is 6.66 kilometers long, or 660 meters nga rock embankment. Karong tuiga, naay ongoing nga road embankment nga adunay katas-on nga 120 linear meters,” she explained.

(The total estimated cost of this section is P36.294 billion, and only P1.2 billion was released. The accomplishment for this as of today is 6.66 kilometers long, or 660 meters of rock embankment. This year, there is an ongoing road embankment with a height of 120 linear meters.)

According to Tan, once the two sections are connected, travel time, currently ranging from 90 minutes to two hours, is projected to decrease significantly to just 30 minutes.

The regional director said there is also the Cagayan de Oro Diversion Road Extension, costing P3.8 billion. This is a two-lane road that starts at Jct. Sayre Highway Alae in Manolo Fortich continues through Malitbog in Bukidnon and ends at Barangay Lanise, Claveria, in Misamis Oriental. This project entails road opening, road concreting, and the construction of five bridges, which total 49.79 kilometers in length. Currently, 20.89 kilometers of the road is finished, with one bridge under construction.

Tan highlighted that the project will reduce the travel time from Manolo Fortich to Claveria from 90 minutes to just 60 minutes.

Another notable project is the Iligan City Coastal Bypass Project, which has a length of 7.2 kilometers and an estimated cost of P4.784 billion. The project, designed to alleviate congestion on the Misamis Oriental-Maria Cristina Boundary Road, particularly during peak hours, has received a funding allocation of P2.735 billion, with 1.42 kilometers of gravel road/rock embankment completed so far.

The CDO-Opol-El Salvador-Alubijid-Laguindingan Airport Mountain Diversion Road, a P7.852 billion project, is a four-lane route extending from Cagayan de Oro City to the western side of Misamis Oriental, covering 37.6 kilometers. This project involves graveling, concreting, and the construction of nine bridges, with 5.22 kilometers of road already concreted.

Tan underscored that, besides reducing travel time, this project will unlock agri-industrial opportunities for farmers in the upland areas.

The “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” organized by the Presidential Communications Office through the Philippine Information Agency, is a nationwide synchronized weekly media forum to communicate updates on the programs, projects, and services of various national government agencies and departments. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

PGB midawat og P50-M cash assistance gikan kang PBBM

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Gidawat sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB), pinaagi ni Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque ang cheque balor ₱50-milyones gikan kang President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Sumala sa kasayoran sa PAIA, nahatag kini atol sa Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolks, and Families sa Pimentel Convention Center, Cagayan de Oro City niadtong Mayo 16, 2024.

Sa maong okasyon, gipadangat ni Presidente Marcos ang ka-mahinungdanon sa pagtimbayayong –ilabi na ning panahon sa kalamidad, nga dala sa taas nga hulaw.

Dinhi gipasabot sa presidente nga gamay’ng kantidad man ang ilang madawat apan malaumon kini nga subling makasugod ug makabangon ang mga apektadong pamilya dala sa ting-init.

Ang nadawat nga kantidad i-ayuda ngadto sa mga mag-uuma ug mangingisda nga labing naapektuhan sa El Niño, subay sa gitakda nga gabayan sa pag-apod-apod sa maong cash assistance.

Ang PGB ug representante sa DA-Regional Field Units (RFUs) mo-determina sa marginalized families alang sa mga mag-uuma ug DSWD alang sa mga mangingisda ug uban pang marginalized sektor nga grabeng naapektuhan sa hulaw, kinsa modawat sa tag-₱10,000.00.

Gawas sa Bukidnon, ang Misamis Orietal nakadawat sab og ₱50 milyones, ₱24.36-M sa Misamis Occidental, ₱13.92-M sa Lanao del Norte, ₱10.54-M sa Iligan City, ug tag-₱10-M sa Cagayan de Oro City ug Camiguin.

Aduna usab gipahigayon nga ceremonial turnover ngadto sa mga beneficiaries sa nagkadaiyang syudad ug probinsya sa Northern Mindanao, nga gisaksihan sa mga mayor, mga kongresista, ug ingon man sa mga department secretaries and officials. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

One Bukidnon overall champion sa NMRAA 2024

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

Nahimong overall champion sa gipahigayon nga 2024 Palarong Pampook Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) ang One Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasayoran sa kagamhanag probinsyal sa Bukidnon ang NMRAA gidula niadtong Mayo 9-17, 2024 didto sa munisipyo sa Mambajao, Camiguin Island.

Ang One Bukidnon overall champion sa secondary ug elementary level batok sa contingents gikan sa Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental, Iligan, Lanao Del Norte, Misamis Occidental ug Camiguin.

Sa maong kalihukan mihatag og suporta ang Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB), ug nagpadangat kini sa dakong pasalamat sa tanang batan-ong atleta nga midula, dala ang pangalan sa probinsya.

Ang One Bukidnon girepresentahan sa DepEd-Province of Bukidnon, DepEd-Malaybalay City ug DepEd-Valencia City. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

DA joins presidential assistance distribution to El Niño-hit farmers, fishers in NorMin

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu P. Laurel, Jr., along with other cabinet members joins President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his visit here for the distribution of government assistance to El Niño-hit farmers and fishers in identified areas in Northern Mindanao on May 16, at the International Convention Center

Forty (40) qualified farmers and fisherfolk from Cagayan de Oro City, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Bukidnon received PhP10K each in assistance from the Office of the President.


President Marcos Jr. also handed over PhP10 million worth of El Niño mitigating assistance to the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and the Provincial Government of Camiguin, while the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon each received PhP50-million in assistance.


“Ang sadya po namin dito ay upang personal na i-abot sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan ang Presidential assistance para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na napinsala, naapektuhan ng El Niño. Ito ay nagkakahalaga ng sampung libong piso na tulong sa mga kwalipikadong magsasaka, mangingisda at mga pamilyang labis na naapektuhan ng tagtuyot na dinadanas natin ngayon. Maliit na halaga po, ngunit umaasa akong magagamit ninyo ito upang makapagsimula muli.” he said.


For his part, DA Secretary Laurel bared that the department under his helm has drummed up its initiatives to ensure that farmers and fishers in Region 10 have access to the agency’s programs and projects such as the provision of various agricultural assistance like agri inputs (vegetable, corn and rice seeds, and fertilizers), machinery and equipment, Fertilizer Discount Vouchers (FDVs), Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance, among others.


The DA official added that it continues to pursue and complement the efforts of other government agencies to hurdle challenges in ensuring the continued supply of adequate food at economical prices.


“Our initiatives bring together our commitment to strengthened regional efforts to provide more efficient public services.” the agricultural secretary noted, underscoring that convergence is the key to coming up with concrete and sustainable [agricultural] enterprises in the area [NorMin].


Citing the downpour of interventions for NorMin to cushion the impact brought about by El Niño, the president assured that more help is underway from the government to uphold regional development.


“Makakaasa naman ang lahat na hindi lamang sa panahon ng hirap ay nariyan ang inyong gobyerno. Dahil tuloy-tuloy ang mga programang imprastraktura sa inyong lungsod at rehiyon, gaya ng pagpagawa ng mga paliparan, kalsada, at iba pang mga proyekto.” President Marcos furthered.


DA-Regional Field Office 10 headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan along with its attached regional line agencies, bureaus, and corporations, are among the government instrumentalities who took part in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, held at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, where farmers and fisherfolk availed of mobile agri-fishery techno services. (JLO/ATT)

5 public servants in Bukidnon get Gawad Parangal award

Posted on by Melchor Madera

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (May 16, 2024) – Bukidnon public servants won five out of six categories in the 2024 Gawad Parangal Award for Mindanao Island

Four of them are elected officials, while the fifth is a social welfare officer.
The award was presented on May 15, 2024, at the National Assembly of the Association of Local Social Welfare Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. in Iloilo City.
Mayor Azucena P. Huervas of Valencia City, the last termer chief executive, accepted the award as the most outstanding local chief executive in the Philippines’ component city category in Mindanao.
Kibawe Municipal Mayor Reynaldo S. Ang Rabanes was named the most excellent local chief executive in the first through third-class municipal category.
Damulog Municipal Mayor Melino L. Buro was named the most outstanding local chief executive in the fourth to fifth-class municipal category.
Meanwhile, Minerva C. Casinabe, a Bukidnon Provincial Board member, was named the most outstanding legislator in the province category.
Lastly, the fifth recipient of the 2024 Gawad Parangal Award from Bukidnon is Larina B. Tagaloguin, San Fernando town’s social welfare officer III for rank and file in the 1st to 3rd class municipal category. (melbmadera)

DOT-Northern Mindanao gives inaccurate details about mountain ranges in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

April 3, 2024 MindaNews fact-checked the claim of the Department of Tourism – Northern Mindanao (DOT – Northern Mindanao) about facts involving the mountain ranges in Bukidnon province. Some details are inaccurate, hence misleading

In a post on its Facebook page last February 22 titled “5 FACTS ABOUT BUKIDNON,” the DOT-Northern Mindanao said:

“The name ‘Bukidnon’ is derived from the Visayan term ‘bukid,’ which means mountain. True to its name, the province is characterized by extensive mountain ranges, including Mount Kitanglad, Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kalatungan, which are some of the highest peaks of the country.” (emphasis supplied)

Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-dulang are not two different mountain ranges.

They are among the peaks belonging to the same mountain range, the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, legislated as a protected area on November 9, 2000.

Mt. Dulang-dulang (2,938 meters above sea level) is the second-highest peak in the Philippines. On the other hand, Mt. Kitanglad (2,899masl) is the country’s fourth highest peak, and like Mt. Dulang-dulang, is one of the popular trekking destinations in Bukidnon.

The DOT-Northern Mindanao post further said that Mt. Kitanglad “sits between Malaybalay City and the municipalities of Lantapan, Impasugong, Sumilao, and Libona.”

The agency’s list of areas encompassed by the mountain range is incomplete. Mt. Kitanglad Range straddles Malaybalay City and the towns of Lantapan, Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, and Impasugong. These eight areas share boundaries on the summit of Mt. Kitanglad. (Source: Protected Area Management Plan of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, 2018-2022, Page 6. Note: No online link, e-copy only)

The two other mountain ranges in Bukidnon are Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park, where Mt. Kalatungan is located, and Pantaron Range (also called Pantadon).

Kalatungan Range encompasses Valencia City and the towns of Talakag, Pangantucan, and Maramag.

Pantaron Range straddles Bukidnon and the neighboring provinces of Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur.

As with all our other reports, MindaNews welcomes leads or suggestions from the public to potential fact-check stories. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)

BPMC gets new CT scan machine

Posted on by Melchor Madera

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (March 28, 2024) – The Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) has received a new Fujifilm Healthcare Supria 32-slice CT Scan machine from the Department of Health (DOH)

According to the provincial government of Bukidnon (PGB), the turnover ceremony took place on March 26, 2024, at BPMC in Malaybalay City.

 

Dr. Ariel I. Valencia, assistant health secretary represented the DOH as the donor.

 

Valencia conveyed the goal of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa’s initiative, which aimed to make every Filipino feel well through cooperation.

 

He said, “In a hospital like this, it’s a big thing to have immediate diagnostic capacity to diagnose, and that’s lifesaving, the patient’s problem can be seen right away.”

 

Meanwhile, Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque represented the PGB as the donee.

 

The Governor assured that the province of Bukidnon will take care of the CT scan machine.

 

The machine was provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as part of the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit (HEAL) Project.

 

It was done through the office of Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores.

 

It was given to DOH, who eventually handed over the machine to BPMC.

 

Rep. Flores stated that the project is an excellent example of how things can be accomplished quickly when several government entities work together.

 

Dr. Gina Factura, BPMC’s chief of hospital, revealed that the state-of-the-art CT Scan machine is available for free to admitted patients through the PhilHealth program.

 

For outpatients, she stated that there may be a price to cover the cost of utilities and other expenses, which would be determined and finalized by the hospital.

 

Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi, Jr., regional director for the Northern Mindanao Center for Health Development, also attended the occasion. (melbmadera)