Wednesday, April 02, 2025

Tag: northern mindanao

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

CDO, Bukidnon inflation rise, but regional rate remains low: PSA

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (24 January 2024) – The inflation rate in Bukidnon province and this city increased in December 2023, but the overall regional rate in Northern Mindanao remained low

Dr. Janith Aves, Philippine Statistic Authority-Northern Mindanao (PSA-10) officer-in-charge, said Bukidnon had an inflation of 12 percent last month, compared to the 9.2 percent in December 2022.

In the same rating period, Aves said this city registered a 12.6 percent inflation, but is lower compared to the previous year’s 13.3 percent.

“When we say there is a lower inflation rate, it does not mean the prices of commodities instantly became lower, but it means the increasing of prices has slowed,” Aves said in a report Wednesday.

Of the five provinces and two chartered cities in the region, this city had the highest inflation rate, while Misamis Occidental had the lowest with 2.8 percent from last month’s rating.

For the Northern Mindanao region, the regional inflation rate in Dec. 2023 was 4.8 percent, compared to the Dec. 2022 rate of 7.8 percent. (By Nef Luczon/PNA)

Animal bite treatment center sa BPH Malitbog abri na

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Abri na alang sa taga-Malitbog ang Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) sa Munisipyo nga gipahimutang sa Bukidnon Provincial Hospital (BPH)-Malitbog, Purok 1, Imelda St., Poblacion, Malitbog, Bukidnon

Sumala sa pahibalo sa probinsyal nga kagamhanan sa Bukidnon, nahigayon ang launching sa programa buntag sa Enero 11, 2024.

Gi-isyu sa Department of Health (DOH)-Northern Mindanao pinetsahan Enero 4, 2024, ang
Certificate of Quality Service ngadto sa maong hospital.

Nahitabo kini human masunod niini ang specific standards sa DOH alang sa Post Exposure Prophylaxis.

Ang Bite Center bukas sa matag adlaw nga Lunes ug Huwebes sa alas 8:00-12:00 ang takna sa buntag, alang sa anti-rabies vaccination.

Basi sa daily consultation sa maong hospital, nasayran nga dili mo-ubos sa lima (5) ang kaso sa
cat/dog bite sa maong munisipalidad.

Busa gilantaw nga dakong tabang kini alang niadtong mga kabus nga labing nanginahanglan. (melbmadera)

Brgy. Poblacion rules Valencia City Street dancing, ground presentation

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MALAYBALAY CITY (January 14, 2024) – Valencia City’s Brgy. Poblacion has won big at its 23rd Charter Day Celebration on January 12, 2024

Brgy. Poblacion won the most coveted street dancing and ground presentation titles, beating out nine other participating barangays.

It also received the Best Product Queen and Best Costume prizes.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Catumbalon placed second in both street dancing and ground presentation.

Brgy. Lurugan won third place in the street dancing competition while Brgy. Kahaponan took third place in the Ground Dancing competition.

The competing barangays gave their best performances in the event, showcasing their individual barangay agricultural products.

City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas and City Councilor Cecile Mabao-Caballero, chair of the Tourism and Beauty Committee led the renowned event.

Valencia City is a second-class component city in Bukidnon province.

According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 216,546 people.

Valencia City, often known as the City of Golden Harvest, became a city on January 12, 2001, with the approval of Republic Act No. 8985.

The city is the most populous among all cities and municipalities, and the 6th largest in terms of area in the province of Bukidnon.

It is also the most populous inland/landlocked city in Mindanao. It is the third most populous city in Northern Mindanao, after only Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

The city is the provincial trade and commercial center for Bukidnon. (melbmadera)

Open photo

Street dancers perform at Valencia City, Bukidnon’s 23rd Charter Day celebration on January 12, 2024. (pr)

Bukidnon LGU 1st in NorMin to adopt local climate action plan

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 12, 2024) – The municipality of Kadingilan in Bukidnon province is poised to become a pioneering local government unit (LGU) in creating an Enhanced Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (ELCCP) in the Northern Mindanao region

In a statement on Friday, Kadingilan Mayor Jerry Canoy Jr. said the LGU’s ELCCP includes a greenhouse gas inventory and identifies indicators for science, technology, and innovation.

The greenhouse gas inventory covers the assessment of the sources and amounts of greenhouse gases emitted within a specific focus area.

Canoy noted that such information is crucial for understanding the local contribution to climate change and developing strategies to reduce emissions in the municipality.

“With the help of our experts, I have great confidence that we can create an Enhanced LCCAP, which is one of our key references in developing and advancing our town,” he said.

Dr. Romela Ratilla, director of the Department of Science and Technology in Northern Mindanao, said the agency has the full support of Kadingilan’s ELCCP in embracing science, technology, and innovation in the local development plan.

“The Kadingilan LGU is the first municipality in the region with which we have partnered in planning — all while mainstreaming science, technology, and innovation,” she said.

The ELCCAP serves as a blueprint for disaster prevention and mitigation in adapting to climate change. It incorporates the latest advancements in science and technology offered by DOST.
(By Nef Luczon/PNA)