Sunday, March 30, 2025

DBP lends P1.4-B for 8.4MW Mindanao hydropower plant

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Nov. 26, 2023/PIA) — State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has extended a P1.4 billion loan to a top renewable energy firm as partial funding to construct an 8.4-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Bukidnon in line with the national government’s efforts to expand new and sustainable energy sources, a top official said

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the bank approved the loan to INVESTCO BHPI, Inc. under its Financing Utilities for Sustainable Energy Development (FUSED) Program, which seeks to help increase access to electricity services, particularly in the countryside.

“We are honored to be a part of this worthy endeavor. The construction of the 8.4MW Maladugao River hydroelectric power plant bodes well for the people of Bukidnon and is a tangible manifestation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision of an energy-sufficient Philippines,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the ninth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small, and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.

INVESTCO BHPI, Inc. is a stock corporation established in 2013 mainly involved in developing, operating, and managing renewable energy with its proposed 8.4MW Maladugao River hydroelectric power plant expected to be on stream by 2025.

De Jesus said that under the FUSED program, DBP has approved a total of P81.5 billion in loans to 95 borrowers, while total loan releases have reached P57.2 billion as of the end of September this year.

He said the First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative contracted the 8.4MW Maladugao River hydroelectric power plant to supply an initial 5.5MW of electricity to southern Bukidnon, including Valencia City. This move aims to mitigate the impact of a looming energy shortage in the province by 2028 based on data from the Department of Energy.

“More importantly, this project is seen to stimulate the growth of local industries and small businesses, fostering increased economic opportunities for the people of Bukidnon,” de Jesus said. (DBP/PIA-10)

LTFRB to go after ‘colorum’ PUVs in N. Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The new chief of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10) has vowed to go after “colorum” public utility vehicles (PUVs) across the region

In a media briefing here Wednesday, LTFRB-10 Director Abosamen Matuan said they will actively operate on the road against unregistered PUVs following reports that “colorum” vehicles are operating in increasing numbers.

“We also need to increase the number of present enforcers who will be deployed,” Matuan said.

Matuan assumed office in late October this year, succeeding former director Amenodin Guro.

Matuan said they are still in transition and the additional personnel doing field duties will be hired gradually, especially with only seven field officers currently employed.

The LTFRB central office allocated PHP14.6 million for Region 10 this year, with PHP4 million set aside for personal services. (PNA)

18th Mindanao Agricultural, Fishery Council Congress fosters food security, support for agri-fishery sector

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Over 149 AFC members in Mindanao convene for the 18th Mindanao Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) Congress in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RF0 10) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries Council on October 25-26, in this city

Bearing this year’s theme, “AFCs Igniting the Engines of Growth: Achieving Food Security through the Integration of Dependable and Sustainable Food Value Chain System,” the confab aims to improve food security to ensure safe, quality and nutritious food and to promote sustainable farming practices that protect the environment.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the Congress creates more policy resolutions that are seen to benefit the different sectors of society, which include farmers and fishers, women and the youth in the agri-fishery industry, rural development value chains, and other significant endeavors.

In attendance were the AFC members from regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and BARMM, who have drafted proposed resolutions, which will later be translated into policies based on the challenges and gaps identified during the staged workshops for further development of the agri-fishery sector in their respective localities.

PCAF OIC-Executive Director Julieta Opulencia said that the output of the said activity is to solicit insights on policy recommendations through resolutions to improve the implementation of the programs and projects of DA and to help address the issues confronting the agri-fishery sector.

Presented topics were the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and Prospects and Impacts of Biofuel and Renewable Energy Policies on Agriculture.

Also, Blue Economy: Techniques to Ensure Sustainable Fishing and Long-Term Health of the Ocean Ecosystem and Results of Participatory Monitoring and Tracking in Mindanao were tackled.

AFC acts as DA’s advisory body to ensure the accomplishment of its initiatives and programs to create a private sector-led national network of agricultural, fishery, and sectoral councils. (DA RFO-10)

ROTC Games Mindanao Leg kicks off in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine ROTC Games Mindanao Leg kicked off Sunday during ceremonies held at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio as guest of honor

The Philippine ROTC Games (PRG) brings together Reserved Officer Training Course cadets from Regions 9 to 12, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and is spoken as a demonstration of the indomitable spirit of the Filipino youth who are committed to participate in nation building.

The week-long PRG will be up to September 2 and will feature athletics, swimming, boxing, arnis, weightlifting, kickboxing, e-sports, basketball, and volleyball.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong pagmamahal sa ating bayan, thank you for showing that there is hope, may pag-asa at may maaasahan tayo sa ating mga kabataan,” Duterte addressed the ROTC cadets.

Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe, in welcoming guests and regional delegations, said the ROTC Games celebrates the spirit of camaraderie, discipline, and patriotism that the ROTC embodies.

“The ROTC has been an integral part of our nation’s history as it instills values of discipline, duty, and love for the country of our youth,” Dalipe said.

He commended the organizers and the agencies concerned for making the Games possible, even as he expressed his all-out support for the event in keeping with his administration’s advocacy to promote Zamboanga City as a regional sports tourism destination.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, ROTC honorary chair, thanked Duterte for her “truly significant” presence, genuinely advocating youth and sports development through military service.

Themed “Tibay at Galing ay Pagyamanin, Suportahan ang Palarong ROTC Natin,” the Games involves the ROTC units of the main service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy.

Among the distinguished visitors during the kickoff were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, who represented PSC Consultant Kirsten Evan Regodon; representatives from the Commission on Higher Education; officials from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force; Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja; members of the City Council; and officials from the six participating regions in Mindanao.

World and Asian champions performed the torch relay and lighting of cauldron Rose Jean Ramos, Albert Ian delos Santos, Angeline Colonia, Rosalinda Faustino, Alexzandra Ann Diaz, and Jhon Peralta—all of Zamboanga City. (Frencie L. Carreon / MindaNews)

Capability Building for Livelihood gipahigayon sa Valencia

Mabungahon nga napahigayon ang duha ka adlaw nga Capability Building for Livelihood alang sa Association of Families for Nutrition Improvement (AFNI) kaniadtong Marso 9-10, 2023 sa dakbayan sa Valencia

Sa pahibalo sa lokal nga panggamhanan, kini nga kalihokan gipasiugdahan sa Central Mindanao University (CMU) pinaagi sa Department of Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, ug Accountancy.
Tumong niini nga maangkon sa mga partisipante ang dugang kaalam kalabot sa maayong pagdumala sa panginabuhian, pipila ka mga bililhong hilisgotan ang gihatod kanila sa mga faculty sa nasangpit nga mga departamento sa CMU.
Atol sa maong kalihokan, isa ka Plastic/Cellophane Shredder Machine gikan sa CMU, Department of Mechanical Engineering, ang gihatag sa City Nutrition Committee alang usab sa kapuslanan sa siyudad. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Valencia lakip sa Outstanding Leaders of Mindanao

Gipasidunggan ang syudad sa Valencia isip isa sa mga Outstanding Leaders of Mindanao (LGU City Category) atol sa 4th Mindanao Governance and Leadership Excellence Award Ceremonies

Sa pahibalo sa lokal nga panggamhanan, ang maong seremonya gi-organisa sa Mindanao Daily News ug Veterans Bank niadtong Pebrero 18, 2023 sa Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

Si Mayor Azucena “Sunny” P. Huervas, kinsa nidawat sa maong pasidunggog, isa sa tulo lamang ka City Mayor sa tibuok Mindanao nga gipasidunggan tungod sa iyang maayo nga liderato isip Local Chief Executive sa dakbayan sa Valencia City. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Php1.74-B PRDP IBUILD proposals up for technical review

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) is up for a Joint Technical Review (JTR) of Php1.74 billion proposed IBUILD subprojects (SPs) on January 16-20, 2023, in this city.

In his message, DA-10 OIC – Regional Executive Director and RPCO 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado encouraged the participants to maximize the activity in enhancing and refining their project proposals for further review and approval of the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB).

“For these subprojects, I am urging everyone to fast-track the preparation of the documentary requirements. The approval of your proposals depends on how responsive you are in complying with the needed documents. We are all willing to assist you in polishing your proposals until their approval.”

The subprojects under review are the following:

• 9.7 km Concreting of Sepac-Salimpono-Capundag-Ventura FMR w/ bridge worth Php 232,203,000.00 (Sapanga Dalaga, Mis.Occ)

• 11.16 km Concreting of Tipan-Binuangan-Senote-Clain Settlement FMR worth Php 200,000,000.00 (Oroquieta City, Mis. Occ)

• 3. 9.87 km Concreting of Mohon-Camanucan-San Juan FMR worth Php 197,400,000.00 (Panaon, Mis. Occ)

• 4. 12.32 km Concreting of Panalsalan – Cartagena – Luzaran – Damapalan – Macalibre Alto FMR worth Php 104,820,000.00 (Misamis Occidenta)

• 5. 13.11 km Concreting of Sinara Bajo – Sinara Alto – Dinas – Katipunan FMR worth Php 200,197,154.40 ( Misamis Occidental)

• 6. 12.6 km Concreting of Poblacion-Concepcion-New Eden-Portulin FMR amounting to Php 221M (Pangantucan, Bukidnon)

• 7. 12.08 km Rehabilitation and Concreting of Sumalsag-Comocomo-Mindagat-Lumbatan FMR worth Php 200M (Malitbog, Bukidnon)

• 8. 9.46 km Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road w/ Drainage at Sitio Cacawon, Kulasihan to Purok 2 Kangay, Capitan Juan to Purok 4 to Purok 5 Katiguman to Purok 6 Pinamanguhan, Capitan Juan to Block 2 Kaatuan amounting to Php 191,930,828.00 (Lantapan, Bukidnon)

• 9. 6.516 km Concreting of Farm-to-Market Road with Drainage at Balila Proper to Sitio Gahub to Purok 5 Kaatuan with a length of worth Php 133,327,268.80 (Lantapan, Bukidnon)

• 10. 4.736 km is the Concreting of Mabuhay-San Isidro Upper Pendulonan-Tenazas-Dao FMR amounting to Php 100M (Lala, Lanao del Norte)

• 11. Construction of Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) worth Php 11M (Brgy. Andil, Lala, LDN)

• Construction of Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) worth Php 11M (Brgy. Abaga, Lala, LDN)

• Construction of Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) worth Php 11M (Brgy. Rebe, Lala, LDN)

• Construction of Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) with cold storage worth Php 11M (Brgy. Lala Proper, Lala, LDN)

• Construction of Warehouse and Solar Dryer worth Php 11M (Brgy. Pendulunan, Lala, LDN)

• Construction of Double “A” Slaughterhouse with Cold Storage worth Php 90M (Misamis Occidental)

• Construction of Double “A” Slaughterhouse with Cold Storage worth Php 59M (Don Carlos, Bukidnon)

The technical review is conducted to find out the readiness of the proposals to comply with needed documents and requirements based on the standards set by the World Bank.

Further, to help improve the proposals to qualify for the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) review and approval.

The full-blown proposals are expected to be reviewed and approved by the RPAB in February 2023 and project implementation to commence in the succeeding months.

The JTR is participated by the proponent LGUs and components/units of RPCO 10 and is virtually assisted by concerned units and components from the National Project Coordinating Office and Project Support Office of Mindanao. (DA RFO-10)

12 ka mga FR nakadawat og P360K livelihood kits gikan sa DOLE-10

MALITBOG, Bukidnon (PIA)–Nagdala og bag-ong pagla-um ang bag-ong tuig tungod kay ang 12 ka mga kanhi rebelde ubos sa ‘Hinanaling Tabang’ sa 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion nakadawat og livelihood starter kits gikan sa Department of Labor and Employment–Region 10 (DOLE-10) sa pakigtambayayong sa Malitbog local government unit (LGU), Enero 6.

Matag usa kanila nakadawat sa tag P30,000 nga kantidad sa livelihood starter kits para sa Rice Trading nga gihatag pinaagi sa DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

Ang DILP usa sa mga programa sa DOLE nga nagsuporta sa pagpatuman sa Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) sa pag-institutionalize sa Whole-of-Nation Approach nga nagtumong sa pagtabang sa mga ‘marginalized groups’ pinaagi sa paghatag ug malungtarong kita.

Si Gergie Liponhay aka Jayto, kanhi commander sa New People’s Army (NPA) ug usa sa mga nakadawatsa maong tabang, nipadayag sa iyang pasalamat sa gobyerno ug nag-awhag sa iyang kanhing mga kauban nga mobiya na sa armadong pakigbisog ug mopahimulos sa serbisyo nga gikan sa gobyerno.

“Kami nagpasalamat ug dako sa gobyerno tungod kay nagpakabana sila sa amo. Tungod kay naa nay presensya ang gobyerno, dili nami mobalik sa bukid. Gi-awhag namo ang among mga kauban nga naa pa karon sa kabukiran nga mana-og na tungod kay dili kita pasagdan sa atong gobyerno,” panawagan ni Liponhay.

Ang ‘Hinanaling Tabang o Dinalian nga Tabang’ sa 16th Infantry Battalion maoy usa sa labing maayong gawi sa unit nga nagsilbi sa mga kanhi rebelde pinaagi sa paghatag ug kapuy-an ug akomodasyon, sustento sa pagkaon, livelihood packages, ug pagpadali sa ilang pagpalista sa Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program kon E-CLIP.

Uban sa padayon nga panawagan alang sa kalinaw, ang 16IB padayon nga nakigtambayayong sa lain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno aron matabangan ang mga kanhing rebelde nga magsugod ug mahiusa pag-usab sa katilingban. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

105 ka FRs sa Valencia City miyembro na sa PhilHealth

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)–Siyento singko (105) ka mga kanhi rebelde sa New People’s Army sa syudad sa Valencia, Bukidnon ang miyembro na sa PhilHealth dihang nakadawat sila sa ilang Member’s Data Records (MDRs) ug ID cards niadtong Enero 11.

Si Regional Vice President Delio A. Aseron sa PhilHealth Northern Mindanao miingon nga gusto sa gobyerno nga ipakita ang patas nga serbisyo sa tanang Pilipino.

“Kayo po aming mga kapatid na mga ‘former rebels’ ang importanteng bisita ngayon dahil dito po nais ipakita ng ating pamahalaan na tayo ay iisa—pantay-pantay po tayo. Dahil kung tayo ay magkakasakit pantay tayong makalatag sa banig ng karamdaman,” matud ni Aseron.

Gipasabot ni Aseron sa mga kanhi rebelde nga dako kaayo kini nga tabang tungod kay matud niya “Napakahirap magkasakit. Magkaproblema tayo sa gastusin at diyan po papasok ang tulong pinansyal ng PhilHealth. Bagamat bawat sakit ay may corresponding na halaga, ang importante po ay wala na tayong mga kababayan na mangamba na pumunta sa hospital dahil may programa ang PhilHealth. May katuwang na kayo sa gastusin.”

Samtang si Romulo Lapuz Jr, ang Chief sa PhilHealth Bukidnon, miingon nga ang tanang Pilipino mahimong miyembro sa PhilHealth. Busa gidasig niya ang ubang pang mga kanhi rebelde nga wala pa makaparehistro nga dili magduha-duha sa pag-adto sa ilang buhatan tungod kay andam ang PhilHealth nga mo-giya ug motabang kanila sa pagpa-enrol aron mahimong miyembro sa PhilHealth.

Dako ang pasalamat ni Marestela Bitago ngadto sa PhilHealth. Miingon siya nga makapatambal na sila sa lain-laing hospital gamit ang ilang PhilHealth ID cards.

“Nalipay ko’g dako kay sulod sa pito ka tuig sa akong pagka-aktibista, karon nako napamatud-an nga naa gyud ang tabang sa gobyerno, labi na sa mga kabus. PhilHealth member na ko karon. Dako kaayo ni ug ikatabang sa akong pamilya. Busa nagpasalamat ko’g dako sa Philhealth,” dugang ni Bitago. (BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

4 NorMin cops who tested positive for drug use face dismissal

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The chief of the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) on January 18, vowed to dismiss police officers who tested positive for illegal drug use.

Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop PRO-10 director, said four police officers are set to be dismissed for illegal drug use, the latest of whom is assigned to Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

“We recorded this in 2022, and they will also face administrative charges,” he said during a media forum here, referring to the erring police officers.

Coop said most of the administrative cases in the region are related to the use of illegal drugs following the series of random and unannounced drug testing.

Drug testing will continue for this year, he said, noting that it has always been part of the internal operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The community wants to see a truly transformed PNP; a police service that is highly capable, effective, and credible; and a police force that can always be counted on at all times,” Coop said.

Coop also urged all key officers to exert more effort in the fight against all forms of criminality, especially illegal drugs and terrorism. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

5 NorMin, Lanao Sur execs among ‘top performers’ in 2022

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Five public officials in the Northern Mindanao region and Lanao del Sur province were named among the “Top Performers” in local governance during the second half of 2022 after the national and local elections.

A statement from the data analytics firm RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) on Jan. 15, said they are Misamis Occidental 2nd District Rep. Sancho Fernando Oaminal, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto-Adiong, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental Mayor Henry Oaminal Jr., Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia and Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr.

Rep. Oaminal placed fifth among top performers in the House of Representatives with a 90 percent rating, while Adiong placed 10th with a 78 percent rating.

“Para na sa inyoha, mga pinalangga namong Misamisnons! Padayon ang atong pagpaningkamot para sa #AsensoOzamiz (This is for you, our beloved Misamisnons! We continue to strive hard for the #AsensoOzamiz development agenda),” he said in his Facebook post, reacting to the results.

Oaminal Jr. placed in the 9th spot for top-performing city mayors with 80 percent, and both Unabia and Oaminal Sr. placed sixth in the governor’s category with an 85 percent rating.

Dr. Paul Martinez, the focal person of RPMD, said these public officials who excelled in “constituent service” and service to the nation should be congratulated for their exceptional performance.

The independent and non-commissioned “Boses ng Bayan” national performance evaluation survey for the year 2022 was done from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, 2022.

Among the 65.75 million registered voters between 18 and 70, a total of 10,000 respondents were selected. The sample employed a plus-or-minus 1 percent margin of error and a degree of confidence of 95 percent.

Martinez said respondents were chosen randomly, and the number of respondents was distributed proportionally based on the number of registered voters in each area. (Nef Luczon/PNA)