Thursday, December 26, 2024

Major infra projects underway to link communities across Normin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 28, 2024/PIA) – Engr. Zenaida Tan, the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-10, unveiled the latest progress on infrastructure flagship projects in northern Mindanao during the premiere episode of “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” on May 28

Tan highlighted the completion of the 12.8-kilometer Gusa-Igpit section of the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road, valued at P3.246 billion, with only final adjustments on the rotunda pending.

The Puerto-Gusa section of the Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road is a four-lane concrete pavement highway spanning 8.95 km with a viaduct that passes over the Baloy Port, Gusa, Cugman, Umalag, and Agusan Rivers, with a combined bridge length of approximately 6,330 linear meters.

“Ang total estimated cost ani nga section is P36.294 billion, ug ang na release pa lang is P1.2 billion. Ang accomplishment ani karon is 6.66 kilometers long, or 660 meters nga rock embankment. Karong tuiga, naay ongoing nga road embankment nga adunay katas-on nga 120 linear meters,” she explained.

(The total estimated cost of this section is P36.294 billion, and only P1.2 billion was released. The accomplishment for this as of today is 6.66 kilometers long, or 660 meters of rock embankment. This year, there is an ongoing road embankment with a height of 120 linear meters.)

According to Tan, once the two sections are connected, travel time, currently ranging from 90 minutes to two hours, is projected to decrease significantly to just 30 minutes.

The regional director said there is also the Cagayan de Oro Diversion Road Extension, costing P3.8 billion. This is a two-lane road that starts at Jct. Sayre Highway Alae in Manolo Fortich continues through Malitbog in Bukidnon and ends at Barangay Lanise, Claveria, in Misamis Oriental. This project entails road opening, road concreting, and the construction of five bridges, which total 49.79 kilometers in length. Currently, 20.89 kilometers of the road is finished, with one bridge under construction.

Tan highlighted that the project will reduce the travel time from Manolo Fortich to Claveria from 90 minutes to just 60 minutes.

Another notable project is the Iligan City Coastal Bypass Project, which has a length of 7.2 kilometers and an estimated cost of P4.784 billion. The project, designed to alleviate congestion on the Misamis Oriental-Maria Cristina Boundary Road, particularly during peak hours, has received a funding allocation of P2.735 billion, with 1.42 kilometers of gravel road/rock embankment completed so far.

The CDO-Opol-El Salvador-Alubijid-Laguindingan Airport Mountain Diversion Road, a P7.852 billion project, is a four-lane route extending from Cagayan de Oro City to the western side of Misamis Oriental, covering 37.6 kilometers. This project involves graveling, concreting, and the construction of nine bridges, with 5.22 kilometers of road already concreted.

Tan underscored that, besides reducing travel time, this project will unlock agri-industrial opportunities for farmers in the upland areas.

The “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” organized by the Presidential Communications Office through the Philippine Information Agency, is a nationwide synchronized weekly media forum to communicate updates on the programs, projects, and services of various national government agencies and departments. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

PGB midawat og P50-M cash assistance gikan kang PBBM

Gidawat sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB), pinaagi ni Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque ang cheque balor ₱50-milyones gikan kang President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Sumala sa kasayoran sa PAIA, nahatag kini atol sa Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolks, and Families sa Pimentel Convention Center, Cagayan de Oro City niadtong Mayo 16, 2024.

Sa maong okasyon, gipadangat ni Presidente Marcos ang ka-mahinungdanon sa pagtimbayayong –ilabi na ning panahon sa kalamidad, nga dala sa taas nga hulaw.

Dinhi gipasabot sa presidente nga gamay’ng kantidad man ang ilang madawat apan malaumon kini nga subling makasugod ug makabangon ang mga apektadong pamilya dala sa ting-init.

Ang nadawat nga kantidad i-ayuda ngadto sa mga mag-uuma ug mangingisda nga labing naapektuhan sa El Niño, subay sa gitakda nga gabayan sa pag-apod-apod sa maong cash assistance.

Ang PGB ug representante sa DA-Regional Field Units (RFUs) mo-determina sa marginalized families alang sa mga mag-uuma ug DSWD alang sa mga mangingisda ug uban pang marginalized sektor nga grabeng naapektuhan sa hulaw, kinsa modawat sa tag-₱10,000.00.

Gawas sa Bukidnon, ang Misamis Orietal nakadawat sab og ₱50 milyones, ₱24.36-M sa Misamis Occidental, ₱13.92-M sa Lanao del Norte, ₱10.54-M sa Iligan City, ug tag-₱10-M sa Cagayan de Oro City ug Camiguin.

Aduna usab gipahigayon nga ceremonial turnover ngadto sa mga beneficiaries sa nagkadaiyang syudad ug probinsya sa Northern Mindanao, nga gisaksihan sa mga mayor, mga kongresista, ug ingon man sa mga department secretaries and officials. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

One Bukidnon overall champion sa NMRAA 2024

Nahimong overall champion sa gipahigayon nga 2024 Palarong Pampook Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) ang One Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasayoran sa kagamhanag probinsyal sa Bukidnon ang NMRAA gidula niadtong Mayo 9-17, 2024 didto sa munisipyo sa Mambajao, Camiguin Island.

Ang One Bukidnon overall champion sa secondary ug elementary level batok sa contingents gikan sa Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental, Iligan, Lanao Del Norte, Misamis Occidental ug Camiguin.

Sa maong kalihukan mihatag og suporta ang Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB), ug nagpadangat kini sa dakong pasalamat sa tanang batan-ong atleta nga midula, dala ang pangalan sa probinsya.

Ang One Bukidnon girepresentahan sa DepEd-Province of Bukidnon, DepEd-Malaybalay City ug DepEd-Valencia City. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

5 public servants in Bukidnon get Gawad Parangal award

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (May 16, 2024) – Bukidnon public servants won five out of six categories in the 2024 Gawad Parangal Award for Mindanao Island

Four of them are elected officials, while the fifth is a social welfare officer.
The award was presented on May 15, 2024, at the National Assembly of the Association of Local Social Welfare Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. in Iloilo City.
Mayor Azucena P. Huervas of Valencia City, the last termer chief executive, accepted the award as the most outstanding local chief executive in the Philippines’ component city category in Mindanao.
Kibawe Municipal Mayor Reynaldo S. Ang Rabanes was named the most excellent local chief executive in the first through third-class municipal category.
Damulog Municipal Mayor Melino L. Buro was named the most outstanding local chief executive in the fourth to fifth-class municipal category.
Meanwhile, Minerva C. Casinabe, a Bukidnon Provincial Board member, was named the most outstanding legislator in the province category.
Lastly, the fifth recipient of the 2024 Gawad Parangal Award from Bukidnon is Larina B. Tagaloguin, San Fernando town’s social welfare officer III for rank and file in the 1st to 3rd class municipal category. (melbmadera)

DOH-10 urges LGUs to intensify tracking of dengue, measles, chikungunya virus

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (March 29, 2024/PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH)-10 urges LGUs to ramp up the surveillance of dengue, measles, and chikungunya virus after cases soared from January to March

During the Northern Mindanao Disaster Risk Reduction Management 1st Quarter Full Council meeting, DOH reported that dengue, measles, and chikungunya had increased compared to the same months last year.

Its current data showed a 34.27 percent increase in dengue cases, from 3,032 to 4,071. Measles cases surged by 94.33 percent, from 53 to 103. Chikungunya cases spiked from 7 to 89, marking a staggering 1,171.43 percent rise.

Dengue and chikungunya cases

The disease surveillance data showed that Bukidnon has the most dengue cases in Northern Mindanao, with 1,121 cases (959 admissions with 153 confirmed cases); Misamis Oriental has 845 cases (591 admissions, 79 confirmed); Lanao del Norte reported 574 cases (450 admissions, 115 confirmed); Iligan City reported 319 cases (310 admissions, 114 confirmed); Cagayan de Oro City reported 222 cases (207 admissions, 6 confirmed); and Camiguin reported 89 cases (81 admitted and 47 confirmed).

Bukidnon reported the most dengue-related deaths (19), followed by Misamis Occidental (4), Misamis Oriental (3), Lanao del Norte (4), Iligan City (1), Cagayan de Oro City (2), and Camiguin (1).

Chikungunya, another mosquito-borne viral illness transmitted by the same Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos that carry dengue and Zika, has significantly increased. Misamis Oriental leads the list with 50 cases, followed by Misamis Occidental (18), Bukidnon (12), Camiguin (4), Iligan City (4), and Cagayan de Oro City (1).

Measles cases surveillance

DOH-10 intensifies measles cases surveillance following the disease surge in a neighboring province. The tracking team reported 103 infected children aged 1 to 5. Lanao del Norte has 58 cases (54 hospitalized), followed by Misamis Oriental (14 cases, 11 hospitalized), Cagayan de Oro City (8 cases, 3 hospitalized), Bukidnon (8 cases), Iligan City (7 cases, 5 hospitalized), Misamis Occidental (6 cases, 3 hospitalized), and Camiguin (2 cases, 1 hospitalized).

“The sudden rise in measles cases can be attributed to children’s failure to receive vaccinations,” according to DOH-10 nurse Iris Christine Torralba.

She said COVID-19 disrupted vaccinations as the ‘No Vaccine, No Entry’ policy caused delays. Now, Lanao del Norte faces a measles surge. DOH-10 mobilized an outbreak team to Balo-i and Amai Pakpak Medical Center to stop the spread.

In addition to the response team, resources like viral transport media (VTM) and vaccines were strategically placed and boosted in LDN.

The DOH-10 coordinated with the integrated provincial health offices of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. It collaborated with national immunization program coordinators to conduct outbreak response immunization in high-case areas.

“The regional office collects data from local government units (LGUs), contributing to our generated data. We are approaching the epidemic threshold and have advised LGUs to enhance their surveillance systems in recent weeks,” DOH-10 Regional Director Sulpicio Henry Legaspi said.

He recommended that local governments monitor movements, particularly in Balo-i, the epicenter of the measles outbreak, because 92 percent of recorded cases include unvaccinated or under-immunized children, indicating the need for focused immunization activities in high-case areas.

Legaspi said the DOH-10 is coordinating with Lanao del Sur to monitor Marawi City due to high population mobility, saying there is a risk of measles spreading to Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City due to its contagious nature.

“We have enough vaccine supply and await the request for additional health workers needed for outbreak response immunization,” he clarified.

The health department assures the public they are addressing the situation, collaborating with LGUs to intensify measles case monitoring and urging parents to vaccinate children aged 0-59 months against measles and other diseases. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA10)

DOT-Northern Mindanao gives inaccurate details about mountain ranges in Bukidnon

April 3, 2024 MindaNews fact-checked the claim of the Department of Tourism – Northern Mindanao (DOT – Northern Mindanao) about facts involving the mountain ranges in Bukidnon province. Some details are inaccurate, hence misleading

In a post on its Facebook page last February 22 titled “5 FACTS ABOUT BUKIDNON,” the DOT-Northern Mindanao said:

“The name ‘Bukidnon’ is derived from the Visayan term ‘bukid,’ which means mountain. True to its name, the province is characterized by extensive mountain ranges, including Mount Kitanglad, Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kalatungan, which are some of the highest peaks of the country.” (emphasis supplied)

Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-dulang are not two different mountain ranges.

They are among the peaks belonging to the same mountain range, the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, legislated as a protected area on November 9, 2000.

Mt. Dulang-dulang (2,938 meters above sea level) is the second-highest peak in the Philippines. On the other hand, Mt. Kitanglad (2,899masl) is the country’s fourth highest peak, and like Mt. Dulang-dulang, is one of the popular trekking destinations in Bukidnon.

The DOT-Northern Mindanao post further said that Mt. Kitanglad “sits between Malaybalay City and the municipalities of Lantapan, Impasugong, Sumilao, and Libona.”

The agency’s list of areas encompassed by the mountain range is incomplete. Mt. Kitanglad Range straddles Malaybalay City and the towns of Lantapan, Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, and Impasugong. These eight areas share boundaries on the summit of Mt. Kitanglad. (Source: Protected Area Management Plan of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, 2018-2022, Page 6. Note: No online link, e-copy only)

The two other mountain ranges in Bukidnon are Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park, where Mt. Kalatungan is located, and Pantaron Range (also called Pantadon).

Kalatungan Range encompasses Valencia City and the towns of Talakag, Pangantucan, and Maramag.

Pantaron Range straddles Bukidnon and the neighboring provinces of Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur.

As with all our other reports, MindaNews welcomes leads or suggestions from the public to potential fact-check stories. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)

DA-10 backs Bukidnon’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (April 01, 2024/PIA) – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) commits to support the continued rolling out of the Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa Para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa) ng Pangulo or KNP across Bukidnon province

“As the lead convenor, DA will secure an ample supply of agri-fishery products in every KNP site by engaging local farmers and fisherfolk as sellers,” DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene Collado said.

 

He emphasized that KNP aims to stimulate consumer spending, assist local farmers in selling agri-produce, provide market opportunities to MSMEs, and ensure accessible and affordable goods.

 

The Kadiwa program adheres to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum No. 2024-003, as reiterated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his State-of-the-Nation Address, citing the KNP as a system to enable the public to buy cheaper goods at cheaper rates and the farmers to sell their crops without having to worry about transportation costs.

 

The agriculture department started rolling out the Kadiwa in July last year, which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain.

 

In addition to ensuring a sufficient supply of agricultural products, DA is tasked with tracking the number of sellers and earnings for each Kadiwa event.

 

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, DA-NorMin closely collaborates with the provincial government of the five provinces in Northern Mindanao to ensure a unified approach to KNP across the region.

 

During the recent Bukidnon Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) first quarter meeting, the DILG outlined the roles of involved government agencies in KNP, including the local government units (LGUs), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DILG, and DA.

 

The Bukidnon PPCC urged all LGUs to conduct KNP twice a month, preferably on the 15th and 30th, complying with the circular.

 

It also pushed for activating the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) in each town and city, in line with its recently developed action plan. (DA-10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

Town engineer survives slay try

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (March 06, 2024) – A town engineer of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, escaped death when she was shot inside the Municipal Engineering Office afternoon on March 4, 2024

The legal-age female victim got a gunshot wound to her right forearm.

 

She was taken to Cabanglasan Municipal Health Office for medical treatment before being referred to Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) in Malaybalay City for additional care.

 

Police Major Dino M. Cuevas, OIC of Cabanglasan Municipal Police Station (CMPS), stated in his report that the suspect was a male Foreman of legal age.

 

Report said the suspect proceeded to the Municipal Engineering Office and saw the victim in the pantry area, at which point he uttered threatening words.

 

The victim and her colleagues ran to evade while the culprit discharged his unknown caliber handgun, hitting the victim’s right forearm.

 

After the incident, the suspect immediately fled away.

 

However, at around 8:00 p.m. on the same day, the suspect voluntarily surrendered himself to Cabanglasan MPS.

 

The suspect is now in the custody of Cabanglasan MPS. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

 

 

NorMin police awards 13 lady officers for field achievements

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (March 04, 2024) – The Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) on Monday awarded 13 women officers for their respective achievements.

 

In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month this March, the PRO-10 recognized female police achievers under four categories.

 

Receiving the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Medal of Excellence) were Corporals Cheryl Jacob and Cherry Ann Litub.

 

On the other hand, the Medalya ng Kasanayan (Medal of Skills) was given to Major (Maj.) Maricris Neri, Captain (Cpt.) Maritel Ocon, and Lieutenant (Lt.) Nera Cabrera.

 

The Medalya ng Papuri (Medal of Commendation) were awarded to Colonel (Col.) Michelle Arban, Lt. Col. Estela Chavez, Maj. Jiselle Ester Lou Longakit, Cpt. Emilita Simon, Lt. Ruby Jimenez, and Chief Master Seargent (CMSgt.) Ritzell Labadan.

 

Meanwhile, CMSgt. Julie Ann Won and Staff Sgt. Michelle Apao received the Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya (Police Relations).

 

As a special guest, Gilda Go, governor of Rotary International District 3870, emphasized the evolving role of women in society, highlighting their capacity not only within the confines of their homes but across the entire nation.

 

“I am committed to amplifying the voices of women, to breaking down barriers, and to championing gender equality in all its forms,” she said during her speech.

 

Anti-drug bust campaign

 

In another development, Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., the PRO-10 director, said an estimated PHP1.8 million worth of illegal drugs were seized from 80 operations in the region from Feb. 22 to 28.

 

The operations resulted in the arrest of 84 individuals and the confiscation of approximately 272.891 grams of shabu and 2.54 grams of marijuana.

 

“We will continue to intensify our operations against illegal drugs, gambling, and other criminal activities. Together, let us build a region where everyone can live, work, and do business,” he said.

 

On anti-illegal gambling, PRO-10 police stations conducted nine operations, resulting in the apprehension of 17 individuals and the confiscation of PHP2,945 worth of illegal gambling items.

 

In neutralizing wanted persons, PRO10 also apprehended a total of 81 wanted individuals.

 

In addition to the campaign against loose firearms under “Kontra Boga,” PRO10 conducted 52 operations that led to the arrest of 15 individuals and the seizure of 38 small arms and two light weapons. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

DA-10 launches upland hybrid rice demo farm in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further boost Northern Mindanao’s rice production capacity, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado formally launched its first hybrid upland rice production technology demonstration farm in Bukidnon province

Together with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture Office, and Seedwork Philippines, DA-10 recently held its inaugural planting of the three-hectare upland rice production technology trial demo farm in barangays Sumpong and Can-ayan, in Malaybalay City. 

 

The project is designed to undergo a trial phase before full-scale implementation of the eyed 300-hectare demonstration farm, to give way for production technology fine-tuning and area compatibility assessment. 

 

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca said the project is pivotal to the DA’s goal to increase the region’s rice sufficiency by utilizing upland production areas. 

 

Using an area modeling approach, the project will optimize the potential and opportunities in developing the Ancestral Domains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as an upland rice production area in the region. 

 

DA-10 Deputy Director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Joel S. Rudinas, said the project provides the base for future agricultural development. 

 

He said by employing an area-based development system, this undertaking can spin out to other commodities in the value chain and integrate other agricultural livelihood activities that can significantly address poverty situations among the IP communities. 

 

Using Seedworks Philippines’ TH-82 hybrid rice production technology, the upland rice demo farm is set to be fully established during the 2024 wet cropping season. 

 

Also, in attendance during the hybrid upland rice technology demo farm launching ceremony are Atty. Burt M. Estrada, BUKTAMACO General Manager, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Richard B. Leono, Malaybalay City Agriculturist, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief, Lucille T. Minguez, DA-10 Regional Crops Protection Center chief. (ATT)

NorMin police, PDEA intensify cleansing ranks of illegal drugs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 17, 2024) – Law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant in going after illegal drug use and trade, even against those within their ranks, an official assured Wednesday

Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr., the Police Regional Office-10 (Northern Mindanao) director, said the police force is committed to an intensified internal cleansing program.

“We will not hesitate to take swift and decisive action against police personnel involved in any illegal activities,” Layug said in a statement on Wednesday.

Layug’s statement came after the recent anti-illegal drug operation on Wednesday at Barangay Carmen here, where a 32-year-old male police corporal was arrested for allegedly using “shabu” with two other individuals.

Seized from the suspects were shabu drugs worth PHP13,600 and other paraphernalia.

Col. Salvador Radam, city police director, said the operation against the erring police officer is part of clearing the organization from illegal drug involvement.

“As we continue the conduct of random drug testing, I warn every personnel caught in engaging such illegal drug activities and who violates the law will surely face charges accordingly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Gaspi, the regional chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-10), said they are also conducting their own “internal integrity program” to remove agents involved in illegal drugs.

Gaspi, a lawyer, said PDEA has supported not only the enforcement aspect but also the rehabilitative programs for the recovery of persons who used drugs.

Based on PDEA-10 records, 1,484 of the region’s 2,022 barangays have been declared drug-cleared while 156 were categorized as drug-free. (Nef Luczon/PNA)