Friday, January 10, 2025

Tag: northern mindanao

Northern Mindanao struggles to offset tax share cuts in post-pandemic recovery

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CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The COVID-19 pandemic global health emergency may have ended, but its impact is far from over in Northern Mindanao, where local governments are now scrambling to look for more revenue sources to offset double-digit reductions in their tax shares from the national government

ocal governments in the region are receiving 15% less this year compared to the amount of National Tax Allotment (NTA) released to them by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in 2022.

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal disclosed the reduced NTA in his second state-of-the-province address at the Seafront Arena in Oroquieta City on Saturday, July 1.

Oaminal’s announcement was based on Local Budget Memorandum No. 87, which the DBM released on June 9, indicating that the NTA for Misamis Occidental this year is about P1.552 billion.

This figure is 14.8% or roughly P271 million lower than the P1.823 billion which the province received in tranches in 2022.

Oaminal blamed the NTA reduction on the COVID-19 pandemic, which crippled economic activities throughout the country and affected government revenues starting in March 2020.

The DBM computed this year’s NTA based on tax collections three years ago.

“As we all know, most local government units, with the exception of highly urbanized cities like Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, are NTA-dependent,” said the governor, urging all those present to “make our tourism vibrant for us to generate more revenues.”

This year’s reduced tax share is even more apparent in Cagayan de Oro City, with its share reduced by over P404 million from 2022’s P2.759 billion.

Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy, backed by an ordinance, granted tax relief to delinquent real property and business taxpayers and offered incentives for early and advanced payments of tax obligations. Cagayan de Oro’s 2023 annual budget is over P7.5 billion.

So far, the City Treasurer’s Office has collected P576 million in tax delinquencies and advanced tax payments, aiming to generate about P5.41 billion from local revenues on top of its NTA.

Northern Mindanao’s NTA this year, as indicated in DBM Local Budget Memorandum No. 87, is P36.111 billion, which is 14.6% lower than 2022’s P42.307 billion or a difference of P6.2 billion.

Reductions in NTAs have also started to affect the provincial governments of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental, as well as their cities, municipalities, and barangays.

Under Section 284 of the Local Government Code of 1991, local governments are entitled to a 40% share in the national internal revenue taxes based on the collection of the third fiscal year preceding the current fiscal year.

When the law was implemented, all local governments started receiving Internal Revenue Allotments (IRA) – now called NTA – from the DBM.

In its April 10, 2019 resolution in the case of “Congressman Hermilando I. Mandanas et al. vs. Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., et al.” (Mandanas-Garcia case), the Supreme Court en banc declared the phrase “internal revenue” unconstitutional.

The SC also ordered the secretaries of finance and budget and management, the commissioners of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs, and the National Treasurer to include all collections of national taxes in the computation of the base for the just share of the local governments.

Starting in 2022, the phrase “National Tax Allotment” was used instead of “Internal Revenue Allotment” as a result of the ruling.

Based on certifications from collecting agencies, the DBM calculates and allocates the share of local governments using the formula under Section 285 of the Local Government Code.

The DBM then issues a local budget memorandum no later than June 15 of the current fiscal year to inform the local governments of their respective NTA shares. These NTA shares serve as the basis for the preparation of local government annual budgets. (Rappler.com)

Testimonial recognition for Malaybalay City Scholar 2023 graduates held

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Malaybalay City – A total of 94 scholar graduates were celebrated at the testimonial and recognition event held at The Garden Party Venue in Malaybalay City

These scholars graduated from various institutions, including Bukidnon State University (BukSU), San Isidro College (SIC), Mindanao Arts and Technological Institute (MATI), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Philippine College Foundation (PCF).

The theme of the event was “Celebrating Our Journey Together: A Testament to Academic Excellence.” The highlight of the ceremony was the acknowledgment of the outstanding achievements of the scholars.

Three graduates were honored with the distinction of “magna cum laude.” Glaiza A. Castillo earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management from Central Mindanao University. Malleable B. Ladra graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Central Mindanao University. Rudy T. Villarba obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Bukidnon State University.

Additionally, sixteen graduates received the distinction of “cum laude.” John Bryan Pit M. Acaso graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from BukSU. Jayne A. Clavero obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Operations Management from CMU. Francis Juvielyn E. Cutamora earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Plant Breeding from CMU. Chryla Grea V. Diamante graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from CMU. Kathleen Kaye B. Duna obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management from BukSU. Phoebe Nelyn L. Eduria and Xianne Zayza B. Gelacio both graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from CMU. Janeen T. Jumoc earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management from BukSU. Sharlene J. Labaria graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education from BukSU. Honey Mae M. Madjos earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino from CMU. Sarah Jane A. Maestre obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from BukSU. Fretzy Mae L. Mamatan graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino from CMU. Christian Dave A. Paig earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology Microbiology from CMU. Sanny Boy Rosa-ut graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science from BukSU. Krizza Mae S. Taboclaon obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from BukSU, and Kimberly F. Taneo earned a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from CMU.

During the event, City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran addressed the scholar graduates, expressing his congratulations and hope for their future. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the knowledge they acquired for the betterment of themselves and the nation as a whole.

The honorees expressed their gratitude to the City Government for allowing them to avail themselves of such a unique scholarship program, which significantly eased their financial burdens. They expressed their hopes that the City Government would continue the scholarship program, as it had a tremendous impact on the lives of the scholars and helped them realize their dreams of earning a degree.

City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran and City Vice Mayor Estelito Marabe presented achievement medals, certificates, and incentives to the honor graduates. Additionally, certificates of recognition were awarded to all scholar graduates in recognition of their dedication and hard work.

The Malaybalay City Scholarship Program has undoubtedly played a vital role in supporting the education and aspirations of deserving students. The success of the Batch 2023 scholar graduates stands as a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the city’s commitment to investing in the future of its youth. (LGU Malaybalay)

Northern Mindanao crafts six-year plan to reduce high poverty incidence

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CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — The gross regional domestic product of Northern Mindanao grew by 7.2% in 2022, indicating recovery from the economic slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, residents of the region have yet to feel this improvement, according to an official from the state’s planning agency

“Poverty remains the biggest challenge,” said Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Northern Mindanao during the June 21 launch of the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan (NMRDP) for 2023-2028.
Cariño said Northern Mindanao had previously reduced poverty levels by 15 percentage points, and the six-year NMRDP aims to further reduce the poverty incidence among the population from 26.2% in 2021 to 15% by the end of 2028 and among families by 10%.
The 21-chapter NMRDP, developed through a series of consultations and focused group discussions among various stakeholders in the region, includes a list of 2,045 identified projects starting this year until 2028.
The objective is to increase Northern Mindanao’s ratio of hospital bed capacity to one bed per 1,000 patients by 2028 from the current one per 2,328
New ASF outbreak in Lanao del Norte threatens Northern Mindanao again
Agriculture officials say biosecurity measures have been set up around the green zone and adjoining barangays to monitor the spread of the virus
Death toll in Army, NPA clashes in Caraga, Northern Mindanao climbs to 7
The military says many of those killed in the separate encounters were women
She said these projects aim to stimulate economic activities, create jobs, and provide sources of livelihood, requiring over P3 trillion in public and private investments during the six years.
“The 2022 data is still incomplete until now; hence we used the 2021 figures,” said Cariño, who also serves as the vice-chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Northern Mindanao.
Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo, the chairperson of the RDC, said the completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge project, connecting her province to Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, would facilitate the transport of goods, delivery of basic services, and movement of people.
Dimaporo said the development of Cagayan de Oro into a metropolis within the planning period would accelerate the region’s goal of becoming an international gateway in Mindanao by 2040.
The planned Metropolitan Cagayan de Oro aims to expand the region’s urban center to include 14 localities from the city’s nearby provinces.
The RDC-X aims to transform Northern Mindanao’s five provinces and nine cities into a “leading agricultural hub and major industrial, tourism, and trade center.”
NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos described the NMRDP as “meticulously crafted” and “aligned seamlessly” with the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028.
“This plan signifies not an end but rather the dawn of a crucial phase,” he told development council members.
He said strategies must be translated into tangible actions and continually evaluated while also addressing challenges such as inflationary pressures, climate change, and the spread of animal diseases. The region, he noted, has already become a major producer of livestock and poultry products.
Abad Santos acknowledged the region’s recovery from negative economic growth during the pandemic, placing it just behind the National Capital Region and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that the region’s economy expanded by 7.2% last year, surpassing the 6.3% growth in 2021 and the 5.6% before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. This growth translated to an increase of P62.49 billion in the region’s gross domestic product.
The PSA-10 said a family of five requires an average of P11,920 per month to fulfill their basic food and non-food necessities in 2021, which corresponds to the poverty threshold in Northern Mindanao.
According to the report, the poverty incidence in the region was 26.2%, affecting approximately 1.72 million individuals that year.
During the first semester of 2021, Lanao del Norte showed the highest poverty incidence at 39.1%, affecting approximately 62,900 families. In contrast, Cagayan de Oro had the lowest poverty incidence of 11.6%, affecting around 22,600 families.
Although Bukidnon’s poverty incidence stood at 36.9%, it recorded the largest number of poor population and low-income families in the region. The province had 115,000 families or 605,500 individuals living in poverty, showed the PSA-X report. (Uriel Quilinquing/Rappler)

7 NPA rebels neutralized in Caraga, Northern Mindanao

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BUTUAN CITY — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday, June 25, reported significant gains against communist rebels in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions

Major Francisco P. Garello Jr., chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Army 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said that seven New People’s Army rebels were neutralized and several war materials, including 20 high-powered weapons, were captured in the hinterland areas of Butuan City, Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17.
Garello said these are a “testament to the AFP’s continuous efforts to finish the dwindling Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the military and police joint operational area to attain just and lasting peace in Northeastern and Northern Mindanao regions.”
He revealed that the alleged secretary of the Guerrilla Front-30 (GF-30) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) surrendered to the Army 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, June 22.
“All field units under the operational and administrative control (Opcon) of the 4th ID in Northeastern (Caraga) and Northern Mindanao regions are in focus military operations (FMO) in their respective areas of responsibilities (AOR) while they are also ready to accept and welcome communist insurgents who wanted to go back to the folds of the law and avail the government’s peace and development program,” Garello said.
He added that 4th ID chief Major Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II commended field units for the continuous gains in their AORs against the already dwindling communist terrorist group.
Meanwhile, the PRO-13 reported that “Kumander Jhon-Jhon,” vice commanding officer, and wife, “Ka Fiona,” a medical and supply officer of the NPA, voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Poblacion, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, recently.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said the couple belonged to the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon 16C2, Guerilla Front Committee 16, Sub-Regional Committee Northland, of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
They turned over a 60mm mortar and a caliber .38 revolver with bullets.
“The uncertainty of their future in the terrorist movement and the desire to give their families a peaceful life gave them the courage to abandon the CTG,” Labra said. “Several former rebels who surrendered to the government are now living peacefully.” (Mike Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)

ARTA Normin field office to aid in streamlining, digitalizing gov’t services

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To have a streamlined and digitalized Philippine bureaucracy for more effective and efficient service delivery, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) opened a new Regional Field Office (RFO) in northern Mindanao June 22, here

“Our regional field office here in Northern Mindanao will be the voice of ARTA in this area of Mindanao, and we are committed to implementing all the major programs in the battle against red tape and corruption in the process,” ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez said.
He added that such an office is essential since policies and processes at both the national and local levels must be aligned. Doing so will enable the government to deliver the services the people expect.
Initially, Perez said ARTA was able to reduce the number of permits required from 13 to just about 6, the documentary requirements from 76 to just about 16, and the processing time from 285 days to just about 30 days.
“With this reduction, we have seen an increase in the issuance of permits. If you are able to replicate this experience, then our dream of having a much-improved economy that will provide business and employment opportunities can be realized nationwide,” he added.
Highlighting compliance with such, Perez recognized the City Government of Cagayan de Oro as the 9th local government unit that received the certificate of commendation for having been able to set up and operationalize an electronic business one-stop-shop (eBOSS).
He added that such a feat and compliance with Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business, are essential to attracting foreign and local businessmen and investors. “We will be able to expand business opportunities that will provide livelihood, employment, and income for our people,” Perez said.
Highly supporting the goals of ARTA, Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia said, “Ang Anti-Red Tape Act before, talagang kailangan ito, kailangang-kailangan ng gobyerno ng mga tao na kailangang maattend kaagad-agad, so we should have the compassion [to serve].”
(Even before, the Anti-Red Tape Act was really needed. The government really needs people who can immediately attend to the needs of their clients; thus, we should have the compassion to serve)
For her part, Civil Service Commission Regional Director Noemi Rabe-Torres said that as a partner agency of ARTA in all service delivery, programs, and initiatives, CSC will help the latter in capacitating government agencies in crafting the citizen’s charter.
“The concrete support that we can give is that for the Civil Service Commission, we already have a unit, the ARTA unit, to hear and decide cases on complaints against red tape, and graft and corruption,” she added.
Other local government units, regional line agencies, local government units, and the private sector, through the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., also express their support for ARTA by signing the pledge of commitment.
The Northern Mindanao Regional Field Office is the eighth RFO of ARTA in the country. (RTP/PIA-10)

NorMin gov’t agencies, LGUs link up vs. hunger, poverty

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Twenty-six regional government agencies and two provincial government units in Northern Mindanao signed on June 23, 2023, an enhanced partnership against hunger and poverty

Leading the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10).
The renewal of commitment and obligation among national government agencies and local government units aims to increase farm productivity and income, ensure food and nutrition security, and mitigate hunger and nutrition, according to DSWD-10 Director Ramel Jamen.
“The power of teamwork and appreciation of the active support of our partners who are willing to go beyond the mandate for the delivery of immediate services to our clientele,” Jamen said.
Jamen said he hopes the MOU signing will begin the active participation of more community-based organizations.
Under the MOU, the government agencies will introduce programs and projects to reduce poverty and hunger. This includes monitoring and evaluation of the activities to ensure their sustainability.
Camiguin and Misamis Oriental provinces will serve as pilot areas of the projects and programs. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Northern Mindanao building more hospitals

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities in Northern Mindanao are building more hospitals to address the shortage of beds and staff in case there is a new emergency in the future

Mylah Faye Cariño, regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), said the 600-bed St. Francis Doctors’ Hospital and Medical Center has already been constructed along Masterson Avenue. At the same time, the city government of Cagayan de Oro has also finished the construction of a hospital in Barangay Lumbia.
In nearby Gingoog City, trader Arsenio Sebastian said the Polytechnic business group had started constructing a 100-bed capacity hospital that would complement a kidney center being planned by the local government.
Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo said they have already converted a COVID-19 testing center in the capital municipality of Tubod into a facility for infectious diseases.
NEDA 10 and the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Council (RDC) presented these developments during the launching of the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 on June 21.
The plan is to build up the ratio of hospital bed capacity to one per 1,000 patients by 2028. At present, the bed-to-patient ratio in Region 10 is 1: 2,328.
Region 10 is comprised of nine cities—Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador, Gingoog, Iligan, Malaybalay, Oroquieta, Ozamiz, Tangub and Valencia—and five provinces, namely, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental.
“Many of these hospitals are presently funded by private business, but the government would be investing more,” Cariño said.
Ralph Paguio, vice president of Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company and business sector representative to RDC 10, said the government should not be caught unprepared again where hospitals were teeming with record numbers of COVID-19 patients.
“A friend of mine who was infected with COVID-19 died inside his car unattended because the hospital was already full,” Paguio recalled.
He said the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Region 10’s main facility for COVID-19, overflowed with patients as smaller hospitals from the other cities and provinces sent more of their cases.
Cagayan de Oro, during the peak of the pandemic on July 7, 2022, had a cumulative 25,945 cases and 941 deaths since March 2020. (Froilan Gallardo/ MindaNews)

DOST, MSU-IIT innovation help Bukidnon IPs get clean water

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A joint project between the Department of Science and Technology in Northern Mindanao (DOST-10) and Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute has helped an indigenous community in Talakag, Bukidnon, have access to potable water

In a statement on June 22, 2023, the DOST-10 and the MSU-IIT’s Ceramic Training Center said it had provided 140 ceramic water filters to the Higaonon community in Barangay San Rafael.
Barangay chairperson Puyat Sagayan said that before the project, their community had to boil the water for it to become potable.
The area suffered diarrhea cases in 2019 and 2020, he added.
“I hope more will still be given so that everyone in the households will have one,” he said.
The DOST-10 microbiological analysis found coliform in the water source in Barangay San Rafael, and residents had to travel 2 kilometers to collect water from a spring, posing challenges to its potability due to source and handling.
Municipal administrator Alberto Bigcas said the project has helped address the drinking water problem in the Indigenous people’s community and the area’s state of health as a whole.
The ceramic water filters are part of the DOST-10 “Project Wahig: Water and Hygiene Improvement in Geographically Isolated Areas,” in which Talakag is the second recipient of the agency’s ceramic water filter technology under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program.
NorMin women winners
Meanwhile, the DOST-10 announced that five women entrepreneurs will be given PHP50,000 seed grant each after their success in a regional pitch competition for micro, small and medium enterprises.
The winners were identified as Nenita M. Tan of Best Friend Goodies, Nadine Angelica Gadia-Casiño of Alima Mother Support Center, and Melody G. Paurillo of Kahero Apps Inc, all entrepreneurs based in this city.
Winners from Bukidnon province are Anna Paula S. Chiong of Mama Nene’s Homemade Delights from Malaybalay City and Irene Mae L. Sinhayan of ISY Handicrafts from Talakag.
DOST-10 Director Romela Ratilla said pitches made by women entrepreneurs have the spirit of collaboration, compassion and innovation.
The pitching competition forms part of DOST-10’s “Women-Helping-Women: Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise) Initiative.”
Ratilla said the regional winners will compete against qualifiers from other regions for the National Innovation Challenge for a chance to win a grant of up to PHP2 million. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Missing Police found at Maradugao River

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A policeman who was reported missing last week was found dead in the Maradugao River in Wao, Lanao del Sur, last June 26, 2023

Authorities identified the policeman as Patrolman Jeffrey Dabuco, 31, resident of Purok 4, West Poblacion, Kalilangan, Bukidnon.
Pat. Dabuco was assigned to the 2nd Platoon of the 1004th Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Northern Mindanao (RMFB-10) at Maradugao Base, Sitio Ticub, Pamotolon, Kalilangan, Bukidnon.
On the report of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, the victim was reported missing by his brother Jerry Dabuco last June 24, 2023, at 1:30 a.m.
The Kalilangan Municipal Police Station immediately launched a search and retrieval operation to locate the policeman.
On June 24, 2023, the Kalilangan MPS received a report that a cadaver was found floating in the Maradugao River at Purok-2, Panang, in Wao, Lanao del Sur.
The decomposing body of Patrolman Jeffrey Dabuco y Inclonar that was found was later confirmed by his brother Althon Jay Dabuco.
The Kalilangan town police has conducted a thorough investigation to determine the culprit/s of the incident. (MG Mayumi B. Madera)

Bukidnon solon pushes for bamboo as cash crop

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The bamboo industry in Northern Mindanao region is a rich untapped source of raw materials for the construction industry, Bukidnon 1st District Rep. Jose Manuel Alba has said

In an interview on June 13, 2023, Alba said he and other bamboo industry leaders in Mindanao are engaged in ongoing information dissemination to make bamboo a source of livelihood for building materials.

He earlier filed House of Representatives Bill 7105, or the proposed Philippine Bamboo Industry Act.

“Shifting to bamboo as building material instead of wood will also help the environment in the long run, as it will lessen the cutting of more trees,” he said.

Bukidnon alone has about 2 million “bamboo stands,” which are ready for harvest to become raw materials, he said.

A supporter of Alba’s bill is Robert Palomares, the proprietor of Homebiz Crafts based in Iligan City, who has been using bamboo materials for making furniture and plywood for clients since 2014.

He said he has been sourcing bamboo materials from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

“Bamboo can become a good source of additional income for farmers and even residents who have a backyard space for growing bamboo,” Palomares said.

Because bamboo is a grass species, it can sprout new trunks after cutting the old ones for production.

Palomares said the variety currently used in production is the giant bamboo species.

In this city, the bamboo processing firm, Rizome Bamboo, has been providing bamboo supplies to clients across the country since 2021.

Russel Smith, the firm’s president and chief executive officer, said they are planning to plant an additional 1.5 million “bamboo stands” throughout Mindanao, which they will also buy back from farmers and growers to meet the production demands. (Nef Luczon/PNA)