Friday, February 21, 2025

PhilHealth to expand services to Bukidnon IPs

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)

P23 minimum wage hike in Northern Mindanao takes effect

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The daily minimum wage in Northern Mindanao increased by P23 for private non-agricultural workers starting January 12, 2025. Agricultural workers also received a P23 increase on the same date, with an additional P12 effective July 1, 2025, bringing the total increase to P35

This means that by July this year, the minimum wage for both non-agricultural and agricultural workers will be the same: P461 for Wage Category 1 and P446 for Category 2.
Wage Category 1 includes the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Malaybalay, Valencia, Gingoog, El Salvador, Ozamiz, and the municipalities of Tagoloan, Villanueva, Jasaan, Opol, Maramag, Quezon, Manolo Fortich, and Lugait.
Meanwhile, Wage Category 2 covers all areas outside Wage Category 1, as well as retail and service establishments that employ no more than 10 workers.
In a press conference of the Regional Tripartite Wage Board (RTWPB) Region 10, chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, this minimum wage rate adjustment for the private sector in Northern Mindanao, under Wage Order No. RX-23, underwent a series of wage consultations and public hearings attended by representatives from both the workers’ and employers’ sectors.
“We took into consideration the poverty threshold in Region 10. When we say poverty threshold, that’s the minimum income required to meet the basic needs of our people,” said Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, vice chairperson and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-10.
Limuel R. Oliverio, a labor representative of the Mindanao Alliance of Land Transport Unions (MALTU), shared that they have come up with this increase to ensure a compromise between employers and workers.
“We have to balance because small establishments should at least be able to cope and maintain jobs. If we want, we can go beyond P461, but it should not go below P461,” Oliverio said.
Meanwhile, Engr. Milbert M. Macarambon, a labor representative from the All Workers Alliance Trade Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (AWATU-TUCP), explained that they went through a consultation process involving both the labor and management sectors.
“The inflation rate was also discussed and is one of the criteria used for issuing the wage order,” he said.
Similarly, domestic workers, or Kasambahay, in Region 10 will receive a P1,000 increase, raising the minimum monthly wage from P5,000 to P6,000, as mandated by Wage Order RBX-DW-05.
Atty. Joffrey M. Suyao, chairperson and regional director of DOLE 10, announced that starting January 12 this year, the new monthly minimum wage for domestic workers cannot be less than P6,000.
Domestic workers, or Kasambahay, cover general house helpers, cooks, nannies, gardeners, laundry persons, or anyone who regularly performs domestic work in one household on an occupational basis. Those not covered include service providers, family drivers, and children under foster family arrangements. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat/PIA-10)

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

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)

Gihangyo sa gobyerno ang mga rebeldeng NPA nga mosurender sa dili pa matapos ang amnestiya

Ang taas nga opisyal sa militar sa Bukidnon nag-awhag sa mga myembro sa New People’s Army (NPA) nga molihok dayon

Sumala sa report sa PIA Bukidnon, si Brig. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr., komandante sa 403rd Infantry Brigade, niingon nga ang amnestiya dili magpadayon hangtod sa kahangturan. Gipahibalo kini ni Anayron sa panahon sa pakigsulti sa Bukidnon Interaction niadtong Enero 12, 2025, nga nadungog sa 15 KBP-accredited radio stations sa Bukidnon

Gipadayag sa gobyerno ang 2025 peace and development road map, nga naglakip sa usa ka programa sa reintegration sa mga kanhi myembro sa NPA pinaagi sa pagtanyag sa pinansyal nga tabang ug pagbansay sa panginabuhi.

Ang pag-awhag sa mga rebeldeng NPA nga nagpadayon sa paglihok sa mga hinterland nga mosurender sa dili pa matapos ang programa sa amnestiya sa Marso sunod tuig. Ingon ni Anayron, ang plano bahin sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) usa ka haligi sa reintegration ug peacebuilding efforts.

Gisubli niya ang gibug-aton sa paglihok karon aron makuha ang usa ka malinawon ug mabungahon nga kinabuhi, tungod kay ang bintana sa amnestiya naghatag og gamay nga higayon alang sa pag-usab sa mga rebelde nga dili mahadlok sa pag-prosekusyon. (melbmadera)

Ang programa naglihok ubos sa Executive Order No. 70, nga nag-organisar sa tibuok nasud nga pamaagi aron maabot ang paglakip ug malungtaron nga kalinaw. Ang direktiba nagtukod sa National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), nga nag-uswag sa kolaborasyon sa mga ahensya sa gobyerno. (melbmadera)

Centenarian sa Valencia nakadawat og cash gifts

Isa ka centenarian nga si Apolinaria “Poling” Gapusan Caluya nga taga Barangay Sinabuagan sa Valencia City, Bukidnon, ang nakadawat sa iyang cash gifts

Personal nga gibisita si Lola Poling sa mga personahe sa Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) ug Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Sumala sa kasayoran sa city government sa Valencia, niadtong Enero 23, 2025, ilang gihatag ang mga benepisyo kang Lola Poling sa iyang pagkab-ot isip centenarian.

Nakadawat si Lola Poling og Php50,000.00 subay sa programa sa City Government of Valencia. Samtang nadawat usab niya ang P100,000.00 gikan sa DSWD subay sa Republic Act 10868 o Centenarians Act of 2016.

Nagpaabot usab og suporta ug maayong panghinaot kang Lola “Poling” si CSWD Officer Yvonne Sapanta, assistant city administrator Rembert Bautista, Kimberly Belacion sa National Commission of Senior Citizens Region 10, ug OSCA head Luz Flor Murillo. (melbmadera)Personal nga gibisita si Lola Poling sa mga personahe sa Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) ug Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Sumala sa kasayoran sa city government sa Valencia, niadtong Enero 23, 2025, ilang gihatag ang mga benepisyo kang Lola Poling sa iyang pagkab-ot isip centenarian.

Nakadawat si Lola Poling og Php50,000.00 subay sa programa sa City Government of Valencia. Samtang nadawat usab niya ang P100,000.00 gikan sa DSWD subay sa Republic Act 10868 o Centenarians Act of 2016.

Nagpaabot usab og suporta ug maayong panghinaot kang Lola “Poling” si CSWD Officer Yvonne Sapanta, assistant city administrator Rembert Bautista, Kimberly Belacion sa National Commission of Senior Citizens Region 10, ug OSCA head Luz Flor Murillo. (melbmadera)

Coffee stakeholders scale up NorMin’s coffee roadmap, to brand Bukidnon as Arabica capital

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), led by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently convened coffee stakeholders for a public-private consultation to consolidate plans, programs, and funding for scaling up Northern Mindanao’s coffee roadmap

The consultation was attended by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 10 (DTI-10), local government units (LGUs), farmers’ cooperatives, agribusiness enterprises, and DA Undersecretary for the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero.

DA-10’s RED Pacamalan emphasized the need for a unified direction among stakeholders to drive the development of the region’s coffee industry.

A resolution to adopt the Bukidnon Coffee Roadmap for 2025, aiming to establish the province as the Arabica capital of the country, is poised for approval, as disclosed by Kimberly A. Bacasma, senior trade-industry development specialist at DTI-10.

She also identified challenges in coffee cultivation, such as outdated methods, fragmented growers, limited marketing avenues, and insufficient financial resources for expansion as focus areas for roadmap development.

Undersecretary Natividad-Caballero recommended consolidating existing interventions at the farmer, firm, and industry levels to ensure effective operationalization.

Furthermore, the undersecretary advocated for the strategic utilization and maximization of the Competitiveness Enhancement Measures Fund (CEMF) to attract public investments.

The CEMF can fund coffee-related projects up to PhP50 million, subject to the proponents’ eligibility, with a 20% counterpart required from qualified proponents. These grants can support initiatives in production, postharvest handling, processing, marketing, infrastructure development, and the acquisition of equipment and facilities.

For its part, RED Pacamalan vowed that DA-10’s drone team would undertake drone mapping to identify coffee farming areas, determine coffee varieties, and profile the farmers operating in those areas.

“Through this digitization, we can establish baseline data to consolidate coffee farmers, which will serve as a foundation for the region’s coffee industry development over the next 2 to 3 years,” he said.

After the consultation, the executive director advocated for provincial-level dialogue to explore specific action plans, align initiatives, and identify essential government infrastructure investments for the undertaking.

Key partners and stakeholders, including Nestlé Philippines’ Coffee+Project, Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) Ancestral Domain Investment Plans, and DTI-10’s Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, shared their initiatives aligned with the Northern Mindanao Coffee Roadmap.

Also present during the consultation were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, HVCDP Director Joseph C. Manicad, national and regional DA personnel, and representatives from Bayanihan Millenium Multipurpose Cooperative, Kauyagan Savers Multipurpose Cooperative, Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative, MM Cares, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Harbest Agribusiness Corp., and the local government units of Misamis Oriental, Iligan City, and Bukidnon. (BJCE)

Army installs new 4ID commander, pledges peacebuilding efforts

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.

PNP IAS chief visits Bukidnon to honor police service, strengthen integrity

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Inspector General of the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (IAS) Brigido De Jesus Dulay visited Bukidnon on January 20 to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of the local police force while emphasizing the importance of integrity in public service

During his first command visit and inspection at Camp Captain Ramon Onahon, Provincial Director Colonel Jovit L. Culaway and the Bukidnon police hosted a welcome ceremony for the PNP IAS chief from the national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BukPPO) honored Dulay with an arrival ceremony at the camp’s Grandstand, demonstrating solidarity and readiness for the inspection and audit.

In his speech, Dulay expressed heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment of the country’s police officers.

“I recognize the weight of your responsibilities, the sacrifices you endure, and the risks you face daily. Your work requires courage, resilience, and heart. For this, I extend my respect and gratitude. Thank you for your service and sacrifices for the nation,” he said.

He emphasized the core values that every officer must uphold—integrity, accountability, commitment, and fairness—stressing that these principles are essential for building public trust and ensuring high-quality police service.

“Policing is more than a job; it is a calling with the highest expectations. Let us fulfill these for ourselves, those we serve, the families who depend on us, and the nation we have pledged to protect,” Dulay reminded the officers.

The visit allowed PNP Bukidnon to engage directly with the IAS Chief, reinforcing their commitment to integrity, accountability, and community trust while demonstrating the government’s efforts to enhance PNP professionalism under the vision “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis Ligtas Ka.” (Jessa M. Cleopas/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Ordinansa alang sa mga gabaligya og uniporme, insignias sa PNP ug AFP giaprobahan

Niadtong Enero 8, 2025, gipirmahan ni Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran ang Ordinance No. 1048, Series of 2024

Ang ordinansa nagamando sa tanang establisamiyento nga nalambigit sa paghimo, pagbaligya, ug pag-apod-apod sa uniporme, insignia, ug uban pang mga kagamitan sa Philippine National Police (PNP) ug Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), nga magkuha og Certificate of Conformity o Certificate of Manufacturer/Distributor gikan sa PNP ug AFP.


Kini unang giduso ni Konsehal Royland M. Orquia niadtong Abril 23, 2024.


Sumala sa kasayoran sa city government, nakalusot kini sa konseho atol sa 120th Regular Session niadtong Disyembre 2, 2024.


Tinguha sa lakang nga malikayan ang ilegal nga paggamit ug pagbaligya sa mga uniporme ug kagamitan nga posibleng magamit sa dautang mga elemento alang sa pagbuhat og krimen. (melbmadera)

COMELEC Prepares for 2025 Elections, Issues Voter Guidelines

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the number of registered voters in Northern Mindanao has surpassed 3 million, covering the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin. Misamis Oriental leads with over 1 million voters

Atty. Carlito Ravelo, Misamis Oriental’s Provincial Election Supervisor, highlighted that Region 10 ranks among the Philippines’ vote-rich regions, with a total of 3,190,362 voters across five provinces.


“Region 10 ranks among the vote-rich regions of the Philippines, with 3,190,362 voters spanning five provinces,” Ravelo said.


Ravelo also provided a breakdown of voter distribution across two congressional districts in Misamis Oriental:
District 1 (Balingasag to Magsaysay, including Gingoog City) has 302,235 registered voters and 429 clustered precincts.
District 2 (Lugait to Jasaan, including El Salvador City) has 393,285 voters.


In Cagayan de Oro, the 1st District (24 barangays) has 212,016 registered voters and 233 clustered precincts, while the 2nd District (56 barangays) accounts for 204,885 voters and 249 precincts. Combined, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro have 1,112,421 voters and 1,452 clustered precincts.


Election Schedules and Processes


As the 2025 elections approach, COMELEC emphasized the importance of key dates and processes:
• The national campaign period begins on February 11, 2025, and ends on May 10, 2025.
• The local campaign period starts on March 25, 2025, and ends on May 10, 2025.


Election Day, May 12, 2025, will see voting from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Special voting hours for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women will be from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with priority polling places operating from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.


Special arrangements will be made for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), with special electoral boards ensuring that PDL voters can cast their ballots from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.


Voters will elect 12 senators, one party-list representative, one congressional representative per district, a provincial governor, a vice governor, provincial board members, mayors, vice mayors, and municipal councilors. Misamis Oriental voters will elect five board members for each district, while Cagayan de Oro voters will select eight city councilors per district.


Ensuring Transparent and Secure Voting


COMELEC assured the public of the security of the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) used in the May 2025 elections. These machines are equipped with rechargeable batteries to prevent interruptions, and backup machines are on standby, along with technical personnel for repairs.


To prevent transmission issues, COMELEC will utilize satellite technology, including Starlink, to ensure 100% nationwide transmission from ACMs. The transparency of the process will be further supported by parallel counting conducted by accredited organizations and political parties, ensuring credible results.


Election results will be transmitted to the City/Municipality Board of Canvassers, Central Server, Accredited Citizens’ Arms 1 and 2, Dominant Majority, Dominant Minority, and Media Server.


Voters are reminded to check the list of registered voters posted outside their precincts to confirm their sequence and number. After identity verification and ensuring their finger is not marked with indelible ink, voters will follow the procedure to cast their ballots and feed them into the ACM.


Voters are advised to shade the circles fully on their ballots for accurate counting. Ballots contain security features, so it is prohibited to mark them in any way that may cause rejection. Voting receipts will be issued and must be deposited in designated compartments at the precinct.


COMELEC reiterated its commitment to upholding electoral integrity and maintaining public trust and encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote and actively participate in the upcoming elections. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA-10)