Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Malaybalay buys P11.96M new garbage trucks

The City Government of Malaybalay recently conducted a turnover and blessing ceremony for four brand-new garbage compactors purchased to enhance the city’s waste collection and management capabilities

The event took place on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the New City Hall Grounds in front of the Commission on Audit Office.

Key city officials, including members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) led by its head, Ms. Jessie G. Suson, and Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, attended the ceremony.

The four garbage trucks, valued at a total of Php 11.96 million, were acquired as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve waste management services.

“These trucks will play a crucial role in ensuring more efficient and timely garbage collection,” Mayor Pabillaran stated during the event.

He emphasized the importance of responsible waste management, saying, “Kauban sa paglambo nato ang basura, busa responsibilidad nato kini (with progress comes waste, so it’s our responsibility to manage it).”

He also reminded the operators of the new vehicles to maintain them well, as they are vital to keeping the city clean.

Ms. Jessie Suson, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, expressed her gratitude during the turnover ceremony.

She assured the public that the CENRO would remain fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the people of Malaybalay.

The acquisition and blessing of these new garbage trucks underscore the city’s dedication to strengthening its waste management infrastructure and its broader commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable Malaybalay City for all. (City ENRO-NADA)

Awareness seminar on food safety, regulations held

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), staged an awareness seminar on food safety and regulations on August 15 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city

During this time, the agency apprised almost 50 local farmers and agri-enterprises from the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Norte on key concepts and relevant laws on food safety.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, AMAD Assistant Division Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe emphasized its importance for local stakeholders engaged in producing agricultural commodities and food products.

“[The DA] conducts this seminar annually because we handle food, and therefore, it is our commitment to our consumers that what we deliver is safe and free from foodborne diseases,” Caraballe said.

Through Republic Act No. 10611, otherwise known as the ‘Food Safety Act of 2013’, the DA and its attached regulatory agencies, bureaus, and corporations are identified as food safety regulatory agencies (FSRAs) responsible for the implementation of laws, standards, and programs on food safety in the primary production and post-harvest stages of the food supply chain.

Said regulatory agencies include the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industry, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and the National Dairy Authority.

Underscoring the role of the local government in the implementation of food safety laws, Andrew M. Calimutan of the Office of the DA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations said that the Department, through the aforementioned regulatory agencies, continues to engage and assist LGUs in the formulation of local ordinances on food safety.

Further, he said that the agency is presently revisiting its regulatory policies to ensure that they are retrofitted to current industry and trade standards and remain in service to consumer and food safety interests.

Under RA 10611, DA conducts training for local producers and food business operators on food safety to ensure their compliance with industry standards, including the Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).

Market Specialist IV Irish O. Ativo from the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service said that these standards and compliance certifications provide a competitive advantage for food business operators, as they allow for market expansion and build consumer trust and confidence in their products.

During the session, the farmers were also kept abreast of practical food handling practices for agricultural produce, salient information on the Participatory Guarantee System, and a comprehensive review of the activities and services offered by the Food Safety Operations Unit of the BPI-Plant Product Safety Services Division.

They were also briefed on the strategies for marketing GAP-certified products through the Department’s KADIWA marketing program.

In closing, Caraballe urged the participants to apply what they had learned throughout the session to their respective enterprises and agricultural production, highlighting its implications in building public trust, consumer safety, and food quality and nutrition.

The said activity is in line with the Department’s refined thrusts toward a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’ under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (GDA)

Buntis Summit 2024 gipahigayon sa Upper Pulangi district

Ang Buntis Summit 2024 gipahigayon kaniadtong Hulyo 9, 2024 sa Upper Pulangi District

Sumala sa kasayoran sa city government sa Malaybalay, nagkatigum sa Brgy. Mapulo ang mga batan-ong babaye ug high-risk pregnant women alang sa comprehensive day sa edukasyon ug suporta.

Ang summit gitumong sa pag-edukar sa mga partisipante sa kamahinungdanon sa luwas nga pagka-inahan, paghatag og importanteng impormasyon ug mga kahinguhaan aron matabangan sila nga luwas sa ilang mga pagmabdos ug makahimo og mga desisyon nga may kasayuran mahitungod sa ilang panglawas ug kahimsog sa ilang mga masuso.

Lakip sa mga gihisgotan ang prenatal care, nutrisyon, pagpanganak, postpartum care, family planning, ug STI/HIV awareness and prevention.

Ang Buntis Summit 2024, kabahin sa serye sa mga summit nga gipahigayon sa lima ka distrito, nga nagtanyag og mga lecture, libre nga hemoglobin, syphilis, ug HbsAg nga mga pagsulay, ug mga token sa mga partisipante.

Kini nga inisyatibo nagtinguha sa paghatag gahum sa kababayen-an nga adunay mas himsog nga pagmabdos ug pagpanganak pinaagi sa komprehensibo nga edukasyon ug suporta. (melbmadera)

Hedcor gives P3.2-M shares to Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (July 16, 2024) – Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño receives the municipality’s community shares from Hedcor represented by External Relations Manager for Mindanao David Tacder and Assistant Vice President for External Relations John Michael Rico

The local government plans to allocate the shares to priority projects widening healthcare service access to remote barangays, enhancing support for early childhood education, and improving safety and security through the installation of additional solar street lights.

Broken down, P1.59 million in community shares and P1.63 million in ER 1-94 funds were sourced from the operation of Hedcor’s two hydropower plants in Manolo Fortich, covering the period of July to December 2023.

ER 1-94, a policy of the government, was enacted to ensure that host communities get a reasonable share of the profit from power plants operating in their area. It states that these communities will receive one centavo for every kilowatt hour (P0.01/kWh) generated.

“Thank you very much, Hedcor family, for the significant amount received by the local government. Thank you also for your help to Manolo Fortich. It has been our great dream that a company investing in our town can assist our fellowmen, especially those in need,” said Quiño.

During the 107th Charter Day celebration of Manolo Fortich, the local government recognized Hedcor as one of its top taxpayers for fiscal year 2023, commending its support for the municipality’s programs.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support the municipality of Manolo Fortich in its efforts to improve the community’s quality of life. We are aligned in our efforts to foster sustainable growth and make a positive difference in the lives of the residents,” said Hedcor President and Chief Operating Officer Rolando Pacquiao. (Manila Bulletin)

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

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)

DA-NorMin breaks ground for establishment of corn, rice processing centers in Bukidnon

DALWANGAN, Malaybalay City – In its aim to support the post-production systems of two of the region’s top agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of rice and corn processing centers in the province of Bukidnon

On May 24, DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca led the groundbreaking of the two processing centers.

Funded under the agency’s Rice Program, a 900 sq.m. rice processing center, worth over P49 million will soon serve farmers in Barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Said infrastructure will also include one mechanical dryer set, with a capacity of 10 to 12 tons per set, as well as one direct-fired biomass furnace with a maximum heat power of 500.

Through said facility, DA aims to strategically improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system, and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring the improved quality of milled rice from the said community.

Meanwhile, a 1,920 sq.m. corn processing center will also soon rise in DA’s Research Center for Upland Development in Barangay Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Funded through DA’s Corn Program, the corn processing center worth over P98-million, also includes a pre-cleaner and aspirator; 2 mechanical dryer sets, each able to cater 27-30 tons per set; and 2 corn silos with a capacity of around 1,500 to 2,000 tons per set.

Strategically located in the southern part of Bukidnon, the corn facility aims to bolster the needs of local farmers, and foster a more sustainable and efficient production of nearby corn-producing municipalities including Maramag, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Quezon.

Said interventions are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan for a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, which entails the modernization and mechanization of agri-fishery productions, as well as the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures throughout the country.

Signifying their support for the project, the groundbreaking ceremony was also participated by Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM with Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban and Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria. (GDA)

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

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)

Pipila ka kalohokan sa Kaamulan 2024 gipangandaman sa NCIP Bukidnon

Gipangandaman sa National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Bukidnon Provincial Office ang pipila ka mga kalihukan nga gisalig kanila sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) alang sa nagsingabot nga Kaamulan 2024

Sumala sa press release sa PAIA, isa ka Meeting uban sa Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representatives (IMPRs) ang gipangunahan sa NCIP Bukidnon niadtong Enero 26, 2024 nga gipahigayon sa Provincial Office niini sa Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Sa pagpakisayud ni Melinda Tulba, OIC sa Bukidnon Provincial Office, siya miingon nga “Yearly nga activity sa Bukidnon ang Kaamulan. Ang among participation sa NCIP isip lead agency nga magtabang sa atong mga kaigsoonang lumad, ang pagtan-aw sa kaayohan ug pagplastar sa mga kaigsoonan nga magpartisipar.”

Sa maong tigum sa IPMRs, gi-usa-usa pag-presenta ang mga kalihukan sa Kaamulan 2024, ug gipalawoman ang pagtuki sa Culture and Arts Exhibits, ingon man ang mga gabayan sa bag-o nga Laga ta Kaamulan, ug uban pa.

Sa Culture and Arts Exhibits, gisiguro sa pagkuha ang commitment sa matag IPMR sa 22 ka mga LGUs sa Bukidnon kabahin sa adlaw nga sila mag-presenta.

Gikahinaman usab sa mga tribal leaders ang maong pagpasundayag, sanglit ning higayona, aduna na’y nakataganang pondo isip pa-premyo kanila.

Mamahimong criteria sa gipangandaman nga Municipality/City ICCs/IPs Cultural Presentation ang mosunod: Exhibits nga 40 porsyento nga naglangkub sa kamahinungdanon sa butang sa kultura, pagkatinuod sa produkto o ginama sa IP, ug pagkanindot sa presentasyon.

Saysenta-porsyento usab sa Presentation sa ilang mga kulturanhong sayaw, kanta, mga traditional nga mga estorya, panultihon, ug mga kasaysayan nga nahimong tamdanan sa matag tribu.

Mitambong sa maong tigum si Regional Director Ordonio P. Rocero, Jr. sa NCIP Region X, kung diin mipadayag sa iyang pagdayeg sa kalig-on sa tribu sa Bukidnon.

Anaa usab si Provincial IPMR Atty. Arbie S. Llesis, kinsa mipadangat sa iyang pakigtimbayayong sa NCIP-Bukidnon ug gidasig ang kahiusahan sa pito ka tribu.

Kamulo pa usab gi-finalize ang mamahimong gabayan sa Laga ta Kaamulan ug gilauman nga magpatawag og laing panagtagbo alang sa pagplastar sa Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) alang sa Kaamulan Street and Ground dancing contingents. (melbmadera)

Gidudahang shabu nasakmit gikan sa minor de edad sa Kalilangan

Nasakmit sa hiniusang puwersa sa kapolisan ang mga pakete sa gidudahang shabu gikan sa posisyon sa isa ka menor de edad sa buy bust operation sa Munisipyo sa Kalilangan

Nasayran kini gikan sa report sa hepe sa Kalilangan Municipal Police Station nga si Police Major
Christian Serdeña.

Matod pa, ang nasakmit nga gidudahang shabu mitimbang sa 58 gramos.

Kini adunay estimated standard drug price nga P394,400.

Nakuha kini sa hiniusang puwersa sa kapolisan sa buy bust operation nga gipahigayon sa Purok
1, Brgy. West Poblacion, Kalilangan, Bukidnon udto sa Disyembre 13, 2023.

Gihikay na sa kapolisan ang kaso batok sa suspek. Kini kalabot sa kalapasan sa Section 5 ug 11,
Article II sa RA 9165 kon Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Gidudahang shabu nasakmit gikan sa minor de edad sa Kalilangan

Nasakmit sa hiniusang puwersa sa kapolisan ang mga pakete sa gidudahang shabu gikan sa
posisyon sa isa ka menor de edad sa buy bust operation sa Munisipyo sa Kalilangan

Nasayran kini gikan sa report sa hepe sa Kalilangan Municipal Police Station nga si Police Major
Christian Serdeña.

Matod pa, ang nasakmit nga gidudahang shabu mitimbang sa 58 gramos.

Kini adunay estimated standard drug price nga P394,400.

Nakuha kini sa hiniusang puwersa sa kapolisan sa buy bust operation nga gipahigayon sa Purok
1, Brgy. West Poblacion, Kalilangan, Bukidnon udto sa Disyembre 13, 2023.

Gihikay na sa kapolisan ang kaso batok sa suspek. Kini kalabot sa kalapasan sa Section 5 ug 11, Article II sa RA 9165 kon Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Diego M. Hidalgo)