Sunday, May 05, 2024

Tag: NorMin

DA-10, URC strengthens sustainable potato project in Bukidnon

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To scale up the potato production in the province of Bukidnon, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 in partnership with the Universal Robina, Corp. turned over potato seed tubers to the different farmers’ associations (FAs) in Bukidnon on March 23, 2023

A total of 27,000 kilograms (kg) of Granola potato seed tubers were given out to nine farmer groups in Bukidnon and DA-10’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) as buffer stock.

Project recipients include FAs from Impasug-ong – Kibenton High-Value Crops Farmers’ Association (3,000 kg), Kubayan Agri Farmers’ Association (3,000 kg), and Intavas Agri Farmers’ Association (3,000 kg); Sumilao – Sumilao Farmers’ Indigenous Association (3,000 kg), Lupiagan Igorot Farmers’ Association (3,000 kg), and Licoan Growers’ Association (3,000 kg); Lantapan – United Ifugao Association in Mindanao (3,000 kg), and Cawayan Farmers’ Association (3,000 kg); and Malaybalay City – Imbayao Community Participatory Action Research (2,500 kg) and DA-10’s NMACLRC (500 kg).

“We are here, continuing our company’s commitment to farming communities to address challenges in terms of getting potato seeds, help with farmers’ livelihood and contribute to the improvement of the national productivity of potatoes,” shared URC Vice-President for Procurement Rebecca E. Yap.

OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca expressed her gratitude to URC for the continued partnership and remarked, “This is very beneficial to our farmers as potato seeds constitute 60% of the overall cost of production. We hope that the associations will be able to sustain their production.”

On receiving the project, Crisilda D. Paguyod, Licoan Farmers’ Association president, thanked DA-10 and URC, especially that acquiring potato seeds has been one of their challenges.

She further added that Granola is well suited in their area and that the seeds they received will be distributed to 20 farmer-members of their group. (DA RFO-10)

DA-10 veggie seeds aid food security efforts in Mt. Kalatungan

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In an effort to meet the need for food security among the region’s indigenous peoples communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA RFO-10) headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the Xavier Science Foundation (XSF)

A total of 60 packets of vegetables (pinakbet and sinigang) were handed over by DA-10 High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Kersten S. Pagalan to XSF project staff Mark Auditor at the agency compound.

The said provision is in support of the foundation’s food security program dubbed as ‘Mt. Kalatungan BioCon: Creating Innovative Environmental Solutions and Sustainable Livelihoods’ which aims to promote sustainable agriculture and increase access to fresh food through community gardening.

It further addresses the escalating climate and biodiversity challenges in the 21 barangays within the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park landscape.

“We are coordinating with six indigenous peoples organizations (IPOs) in Talakag, Pangantucan, and Maramag for the project implementation, and are aiming to establish at least 10 family beneficiaries of the said initiative,” Auditor said.

He added that XSF is grateful for DA-10’s eagerness to partner with and support the initiative for the IP communities in Northern Mindanao. (DA RFO-10)

DSWD prepositions food packs in N. Mindanao with El Niño threat

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao Region (DSWD-10) prepositioned Friday 34,518 family food packs (FFPs) amounting to PHP23.4 million amid the looming drought-induced El Niño season

In a statement last March 24, the DSWD-10 said the FFPs delivered to local government units (LGUs) in the region as reserved supply in case calamities will occur.

The agency said the FFPs form part of the disaster management protocols for LGUs to provide augmentation to communities and families in need.

The FFPs also serve as an addition to the 400 metric tons or 10,000 bags of milled rice donated by the South Korean government earlier this week.

The donated rice from Korea will be distributed to DSWD offices in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao, and Northern Mindanao.

In Northern Mindanao, DSWD-10 Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group Marco M. Bautista said the rice supply will be dispensed to the severely affected families by the shear line flooding last year.

“These are not only food donations but donations for life – as they will serve sustenance for families of the victims. Rest assured that this will be given and distributed to the affected families,” he said.

DSWD-10 will distribute the donated rice to 68 of the 112 affected families in Northern Mindanao whose homes were destroyed by the calamity. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

CAAP bids out Bukidnon Airport’s P1-B Phase 4

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MALAYBALAY CITY – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has updated the schedule of the bid submission and opening of the P1-billion Phase IV of the construction of the Bukidnon Airport, based on bid documents as of March 7, 2023

This 900-day phase of the Bukidnon Airport Development Project is expected to start on May 25, 2023, and to be completed on November 10, 2025.

CAAP set the new deadline for submission and opening of bids for the P970.3 million phase on March 30, 2023, according to the bid bulletin issued by Captain Edgardo G. Diaz, Chair, CAAP Bids, and Awards Committee.

The Bukidnon Airport, located in Barangay Maraymaray in Don Carlos, in the southern part of the province, is one of the flagship projects of the government in Northern Mindanao.

The phase covers the site preparation of the land side area; construction of access road and vehicular parking area; industrial lighting and exterior power distribution, nine-storey control tower building; two-story administration building; the communal toilet; waiting area; A and B ticketing booths – A (four units) and B (two units); 10,000-gallons steel water tank A and B; pump house A, B, and C; powerhouse; transform yard (two units); CSIS office building; cargo terminal building; rescue and firefighting facility; STP control room; guardhouse A & B; covered pathway, 13 Units; lifting station with 26 service manholes; water impounding system; and staff house building.

CAAP has reported about 8.26% actual accomplishment in the airport’s Phase 3 or the construction of passenger terminal building, runway strip, and runway Extension, among others as of a status report of February 28, 2023.

CAAP awarded the P958.4 million project phase to Tokwing Construction Corp./Mamsar Construction and Industrial Corporation. The 540-day project started on September 10, 2022, and is due for completion on April 3, 2024, after a revision.

Contractor Jasa Builders completed the construction of the project’s P74.5 million Phase 2 on October 9, 2022, which CAAP inspectors checked on November 16, 2022.

CAAP has reported 48.25% actual accomplishment in the airport construction’s Phase 1, which was awarded to Eddmari Construction and Trading. As of February 28, 2023, this project phase is due for completion on April 20, 2023.

The CAAP project status report, however, showed a number of adjustments in project completion.

Based on the project profile, the Phase 1 project duration was increased from 330 to 440 calendar days due to an approved variation order. The completion was first extended from June 28, 2022, to October 15, 2022. The same duration was adjusted by another approved variation order to April 8, 2023, due to “unworkable/rainy days”. Another extension was given up to April 20, 2023, due again to unfavorable conditions and delayed payments of 1st progress billing.

Although declared complete and inspected as of November 2022, the CAAP status report also cited that the project’s Phase 2, on embankment works, was also extended due to “unworkable/rainy days”.

Based on the CAAP report, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has downloaded to CAAP a total of P2.816 billion from 2019 to 2022 to the four phases of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

For Phase 1, the DOTr downloaded P200 million of its annual budget to CAAP with a memorandum of agreement approved on April 25, 2019. From the 2019 GAA (General Appropriations Act), DOTr downloaded an additional P430 million.

In Phase 2, the DOTr downloaded P136.8 million of its GAA to CAAP with a MOA signed on January 10, 2019.

In Phase 3, the DOTr downloaded a total of P1.05 billion to CAAP with a MOA approved on June 10, 2021.

Finally, for Phase 4, the DOTr downloaded a total of P1 billion to CAAP with a MOA approved also on June 10, 2021.

In November 2021, then-Senate Majority Leader Zubiri reported construction of the P2 billion (USD39.8 million) Bukidnon Airport project to be fully completed in 2026.

According to the Center for Aviation website, once operational the Bukidnon Airport is expected to accommodate aircraft including the ATR-72 and Bombardier Q400.

When the Bukidnon Airport was being conceptualized, Sen, Zubiri pushed for the project and has since supported its construction. In 2012, Senator Zubiri earmarked a portion of his Priority Development Assistance Fund to start the construction of the airport.

He said he has looked for additional sources from Official Development Assistance and other international aid agencies to fund the bigger portion of the project.

He added that an airport in the province is important as the Laguindingan International Airport is set to operate in 2012. Land travel from Bukidnon to the new airport has taken much longer.

In 2011, then President Benigno Simeon Aquino tasked the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to conduct a feasibility study for an airport “more central in Mindanao” so that distances to and from various areas will make more economic sense. Aquino had said that most Mindanao airports are located near the coast.

Initially, CAAP inspected three sites for the proposed airport, which were all considered “technically feasible”; the current site, another area in Cabangahan here in Malaybalay, and in Dabongdabong, Valencia City. (BukidnonNews.Net)

PRO-10 notes drop in VAW cases in NorMin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO)-10 noted a drop in violence against women (VAW) incidents in the region in 2022

PRO-10 spokesperson Police Major Joann Navarro shared this during the “Kababaihan Para sa Kalambuan” talk show spearheaded by the Department of Tourism-10. She said the number of VAW cases in the region dropped from 1,633 in 2021 to 1,548 cases in
2022.
Navarro attributed the decrease to the efforts of not just the PRO-10 but also the different agencies of the government, local government units, and non-government organizations with programs on VAW prevention. The PRO-10 spokesperson further cited the impact of public cooperation in reporting VAW incidents to the Women and Child Protection Desks (WCPDs) of PRO-10 to the decrease in VAW cases.
On their part, Navarro said they have implemented proactive measures to end VAW such as conducting an information drive on Republic Act 9262 at the community level, including Puroks, Sitios, and schools.
Police officers manning the WCPDs are also capacitated in handling VAW cases. (APB/PIA-10)

DA to strengthen halal industry in NorMin

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), under the helm of DA-10 OIC Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, welcomed DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, during his visit on March 10, 2023 at the agency compound

The DA-10 Regional Agricultural and Engineering Division (RAED), Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), and the Livestock Program convened with the DA official to discuss halal production and its market demand in Northern Mindanao.
Recognizing the growing population of Muslims and their demand for halal-certified products, DA USec Ampatuan underscored that halal production should be vigorously pursued in the region, as it plays a major role in improving food safety and quality, as well as in providing employment opportunities for communities locally.

The undersecretary added that it will also help promote cultural awareness and understanding between different religious groups.
To meet said demand, DA-10 assures to strengthen its production of beef, goat, and chicken, as these are among the most popular types of halal meat. Of which, priority for production are those high-density cities in NorMin, where Halal sections in different markets are eyed to be established.

Overall, to strengthen the Halal industry, the body looks forward to the construction of a village-type Halal slaughterhouse to be designed by RAED; the establishment of a Halal multiplier farm courtesy of the Livestock program; and the continued conduct of a series of Halal production workshops to be spearheaded by AMAD. # (RDMElloren/DA RFO-10)

Super Health Center to rise in Pangantucan

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PANGANTUCAN, Bukidnon – Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Super Health Center facility in far-off barangay Bacusanon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon, on March 3

Go said the center would provide vital health services with specialized health facilities at the local level, such as an outpatient department, laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, birthing services, diagnostics, pharmacy, and emergency services.
Asked about the distinction between Malasakit Center and Super Health Center, the Senator explained that the Super Health Center is a medium-sized polyclinic larger than a rural health center but not as big as a hospital.
“I express great bliss that the Department of Health (DOH) chose a strategic location here in town. The government will build additional 20 Super Health Centers in Northern Mindanao this year, with six in Bukidnon, four in Cagayan de Oro, three in Lanao del Norte, two in Misamis Occidental, and five in Misamis Oriental,” Go said.
DOH-10 Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna Jr. emphasized that establishing a Super Health Facility would help decongest other health facilities, as it will supplement rural health centers in the province.
“The goal is to bring government services closer to the people,” he said.
Fourth District Representative Laarni Roque thanked Senator Go for building projects in her district. She said that the Super Health Center would immensely help the people of Barangay Bacusanon, which does not have a government hospital.
Meanwhile, Pangantucan Mayor Miguel A. Silva Jr. urged his constituents to take good care of the government projects.
“Not all cities or towns are fortunate enough to receive such facility. I urge our villagers here to take good care of this Super Health Center,” the mayor said. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

30 firms in NorMin to benefit from DOST’s consultancy program

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Thirty firms in northern Mindanao are expected to benefit from the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) implementation of the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program this year

This consulting program is meant to help firms reach their full potential and be more productive.

MPEX offers consultations and assessments to help business owners find ways to improve, adopt new technologies, and get better at running their businesses.

Through the 27 competent in-house experts of the agency, enrolled MSMEs in the manufacturing sector are expected to increase efficiency and profitability through improved processes, better equipment, and more.

MSMEs get help with their FDA LTO application, Certificate of Product Registration, plant layout, and food safety trainings like basic food hygiene and good manufacturing practices. MSMEs are also assisted in their packaging and labeling.

Six companies from each province have signed up for MPEX so far for 2023. Most of these companies are in the food processing business.

The completion of each productivity consulting project shall be accomplished in six months. The six-month period comprises the onsite visit and consultation for the data gathering for the technical needs assessment and installation of recommendations and online consultations for monitoring and progress on the implementation of the recommendations. The team will submit a technical report at the end of the consultancy documenting the assessment, analysis, recommendations, and evaluation.

By means of the Subject Matter Specialist Program, the DOST has accredited the agency’s MPEX technical consultants. Among their lines of expertise are food technology, chemical processing, mechanical engineering, and business management. Through a series of consultations, productivity improvement measures will be recommended for immediate implementation as they gear toward their goals.

DOST implements MPEX on a yearly basis throughout the nation to continuously develop MSMEs. Upgraded firms are expected to contribute to the overall economic growth of the country and become globally competitive and sustainable.

Interested MSMEs may indicate their interest by writing a letter of intent addressed to the director of the nearest provincial science and technology offices. (DOST-10/PIA-10)

Manolo Fortich team wins provincial football race

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MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon – In preparation for the highly anticipated Department of Education (DepEd) sports meet, the Manolo Fortich football team secured first place in the recently concluded provincial meet, March 4

The Municipality of Manolo Fortich hosted the football tournament, which included both elementary and high school categories, and was played at the soccer field in Camp Philips.

Two teams, Manolo Fortich, and Maramag, participated in the elementary category, while four teams, Manolo Fortich, Libona, Maramag, and Quezon, competed for first place in the high school category.

Manolo Fortich won the elementary division by beating Maramag 14-1. This made sure that they would be able to represent the Province of Bukidnon at the regional meet. In the high school category, Libona defeated Maramag with a score of 1-0 in the elimination round, while Manolo Fortich defeated Quezon 4-0 in the second game.

In the high school finals, Quezon won third place by beating Maramag 5-1, while Manolo Fortich won the title by beating Libona 7-0. As a champion in both categories, Manolo Fortich earned the right to represent Bukidnon in the upcoming regional meet.

The team will now prepare for the regional meet, where different provinces and highly urbanized cities will compete. Champions from the area will go to the national meet in April to represent northern Mindanao. (JAKA/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

NorMin transport group rejects weeklong strike

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A group of public transportation cooperatives here signified it would not join a planned weeklong transport strike and disassociated itself from Manila-based organizers

In a statement released on the evening of March 01, the Northern Mindanao Federation of Transport Service Cooperative (Nomfedtrasco) said it opposes the declaration of Manibela, led by its chairperson Mar Valbuena, for a nationwide transport strike.

The statement, signed by Luzminda Escobidal and Melvin Erederos, Nomfedtrasco’s chief executive officer and chairperson, respectively, noted that the group’s members are compliant and supportive of the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

“There were (at least) 20 transport service cooperative members that already have operational modernized units, and they comprise 45 percent of our total membership,” it said.

Nomfedtrasco has 47 primary transport service member-cooperatives.

It also made clear that it is not affiliated in any way with Manibela, which is urging other transport groups to join the nationwide weeklong strike starting March 6.

Manibela opposes the PUV modernization plan being implemented by the Department of Transportation, which calls for the phaseout of old jeepney units.

Nomfedtrasco said it supports a memorandum circular issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board that has given old PUV operators and drivers until June 30 this year to join modern transport cooperatives for the upgrading program.

“The transport strike could prejudice the right of the riding public to access public transport,” it said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)