Sunday, November 24, 2024

Northern Mindanao records 5.77% drop in crime volume

NORTHERN Mindanao has recorded a decline of 5.77 percent in crime volume from January to July 2023 compared to the same period in 2018, the Police Regional Office (PRO) reported

According to PRO-Northern Mindanao Chief PBGen Lawrence Coop, from January to July 2023, the latest crime data showed that the total crime incidents have dropped to 8,667 compared to 2018’s 9,198 incidents covering the same period.

The region also saw a 3.54 percent decrease in crimes under eight focus crime and 2,420 anti-illegal drug operations conducted, which resulted in 2,696 drug personalities arrested and 1,539 drug cases filed in court.

Likewise, the PRO-Northern Mindanao seized 8,539 grams of shabu and 23,567 grams of marijuana with a total street value of P60,900,007.80.

Of the 1,866 drug-affected barangays in Northern Mindanao, 1,462 were already drug-cleared.

The PRO-Northern Mindanao also arrested 1,321 most wanted persons, one most wanted person with a reward, and 3,574 other perpetrators.

The police regional office also apprehended 1,313 persons for illegal gambling, confiscated P345,000 bet money, and filed 55 cases in court.

“PRO-10 (Northern Mindanao) was scored as highly satisfied by the 7,430 respondents in a study by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines for the first semester of 2023 regarding trust, respect, and community satisfaction with police service,” Coop said.

“Likewise, PRO-10 received ratings of 91 percent on trust, 92 percent on respect, 89 percent on safety, and 93 percent on satisfaction from 1,200 respondents in a separate study done by the Mindanao Development Authority for the second quarter of 2023,” he added. (Jo Ann Sablad/Sunstar)

Bukidnon’s commitment to NorMin’s Development: A roadmap to progress

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The provincial government of Bukidnon, led by Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, has strongly affirmed its commitment and support for the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan (NMRDP) 2023-2028

It was reiterated during the NMRDP 2023-2028 Roadshow on September 5 at the Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In his message, Governor Roque emphasized the province’s determination to excel in governance and regional progress.

He urged all agencies to follow the “game plan” outlined in the NMRDP and work together as a united force to achieve the province’s goals and contribute to the broader ambitions of AmBisyon Natin 2040.

“Bukidnon is fully committed to following this game plan because we recognize its immense benefits for our province and the whole region. As an agricultural province, our goal extends beyond merely modernizing agriculture; we aspire to bring about a transformative change for our farmers,” Roque said.

The NMRDP 2023-2028 has identified several priority areas for development in Bukidnon. These include public health, education, the creation of livable communities, ensuring food security and proper nutrition, modernizing agriculture and agri-business, revitalizing industry, promoting trade and investments, improving transportation, enhancing water resources-related facilities, and addressing various social, economic, macro, and infrastructure sectors.

Dreaming big for Northern Mindanao 2040

Regional Director Myla Faye Aurora B. Cariño of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 and Vice Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC-10) articulated the region’s vision for 2040.

She emphasized the goal of establishing Northern Mindanao as a center for inclusive growth, with a primary focus on enhancing major gateways, ensuring agricultural sustainability, and fostering industrial development, all while prioritizing the people’s welfare.

“We want Region 10 to be an international gateway, leading agricultural hub, and major industrial, tourism, and trade center in the Philippines,” Cariño said.

The NMRDP 2023-2028 serves as a roadmap for Northern Mindanao to regain its path to progress and continue reducing poverty and unemployment during the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

PNP chief orders stringent monitoring of poll hotspots

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said last Sept. 01, 2023, that the country’s police force has been put on heightened alert, with a focus on monitoring election hotspots

During his visit to the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), Acorda said the deployment of police personnel in checkpoints will be increased to prevent any major disruptions in peace and order.

“We have been in coordination meetings with police offices and the Comelec (Commission on Elections) and we want this election (season) peaceful and orderly,” Acorda said in a press briefing during his visit to the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) headquarters for the 122nd Police Service Anniversary.

On Aug. 28, during the first day of filing of candidacy for the elections, a joint police-military operation resulted in the recovery of two heavy pipes containing suspected improvised explosive devices in Pantar town, Lanao del Norte.

Acorda, who once served as the PRO-10 director, underscored the importance of unity and cooperation between the police force and the community in making the streets safer and more secure.

“Let us remember that this success is not the result of the work of a few, but the collective efforts of a united force,” he said.

Acorda also led the awarding of distinguished police officers and stations in the region as part of the ceremony. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Gallant troops, civilian personnel honored on National Heroes Day

The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division celebrated National Heroes Day by honoring its troops and civilian personnel for their gallantry in combat and performing exceptional duty for non-combat operations, respectively, during a simple awarding ceremony at the 4ID Headquarters, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on August 28, 2023

Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, led the whole Diamond troopers in honoring seventeen (17) awardees composed of civilian human resource and troops coming from 4ID subordinate units as well as attached units deployed within the area of responsibility of 4ID in Caraga and Northern Mindanao region in time for the celebration of National Heroes Day.

Ten (10) were awarded Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device for bravery and heroic achievements in fighting the communist terrorist group in their areas of operation, one (1) was awarded the Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device Interim to Gold Cross Medal and two (2) members of the Philippine Air Force, as attached unit under the Joint Task Force Diamond, were also awarded with Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device Interim to Distinguish Aviation Cross.

Moreover, three (3) troops were also awarded with Silver Cross Medal for imminently meritorious and invaluable accomplishments as a result of the separate successful implementation of intelligence operations that led to the neutralization through surrender and capture of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and numerous high-powered firearms.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ervin Andrew A. Yano, a Civilian Human Resource of 4ID working as a Nurse at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, was also honored and feted with a Plaque of Recognition for displaying an act of heroism and compassion by exerting extraordinary effort above and beyond his regular duties and responsibilities in saving the life of a teenager by preventing a suicide attempt at Jr. Borja Bridge in Cagayan de Oro City.

In his message, MGen. Cuerpo II said that 4ID’s celebration of National Heroes Day is about recognizing soldiers and other personnel who went above and beyond their call of duty to protect the people and secure the communities, as well as acknowledging the contribution of brave soldiers who offered an ultimate sacrifice in performing their mandate.

“I would like to personally congratulate all of you for demonstrating exceptional courage and bravery in serving your roles in our society, which resulted in laudable accomplishments of your respective units and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole. This day is all about acknowledging your efforts and highlighting the sacrifices that you made. But do not lower your guards, instead use this recognition as an inspiration to do more good deeds for the betterment of our nation,” MGen. Cuerpo added. (4ID)

4ID recognized as TESDA Northern Mindanao’s Best National Government Agency

The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division was recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Northern Mindanao as its Best National Government Agency for its significant contribution to the implementation and development of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in the Region, which resulted in TESDA’s consecutive highest approval and trust ratings among government agencies in the country.

Said plaque of appreciation was received by Colonel Ted B. Dumosmog, the 4ID Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (ADC RRA) during the 29th TESDA Anniversary Celebration held at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City on August 31, 2023. It was attended by the personnel and staff of TESDA Region 10 led by its Regional Director, Mr. Dan N. Navarro, other government agencies, and officers of the 4ID.

RD Navarro recognized the unwavering support of 4ID to all the TESDA programs and projects which greatly contributed to the endeavor of the organization in providing vulnerable sectors a better way to live.

Meanwhile, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the Commander of 4ID also expressed his gratitude to TESDA Region 10 for acknowledging the efforts of the Diamond Troopers, a testament to strong collaboration in order to achieve a common goal – to sustain peace and development in communities, especially the geographically isolated and disadvantage areas. (4ID)

City Veterinary Office engages livestock production improvement through benchmarking

In a dedicated effort to enhance the goat and carabao sector of the City of Malaybalay, the City Veterinary Office’s Malaybalay City Livestock Production Breeding and Training Center engaged in a benchmarking initiative

This endeavor, conducted on August 22, 2023, in Barangay Dalwangan, involved collaboration with the Northern Mindanao Crops and Livestock Research Complex – Livestock Production Division.

This aims to elevate the goat and carabao industry within the city. Recognizing the economic potential of these animals, the program seeks to bolster the local economy through increased milk and meat production, thereby benefiting local farmers and fostering economic self-sufficiency.

“We are not only tending to our livestock but also our traditions and economy,” as stated by the participant. The activity not only pays homage to ancestral practices but also aligns with the vision of Malaybalay as an Agro-Industrial hub. By nurturing the growth of the goat and carabao industry, the city takes deliberate strides toward achieving its aspiration of becoming a thriving agro-industrial center.

Leading the benchmarking were training instructors Alexis Flores II as the Center Chief and Phile Rae Bonggo as the Training Coordinator. Livestock Production Technicians Annabel Sia, Jack Gempisao, and Charlou Michael Dumindin accompanied them. Artificial Insemination Training Program Trainees include Faustino Belderol, Charlie Gil Tangi-an, John Ray Sagrado, Jun Mike Sagrado, Ronuel Damasco, John Rey Alesna, Jose Castro, and Robert Russell Marte. (LGU Malaybalay)

DA, PhilRice apprise Bukidnon LGUs on Masagana Rice Program

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – RFO 10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened the local government units of the province of Bukidnon for a coordination meeting on the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) on August 17 in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Around 20 LGUs attended the activity and were briefed on the program that prioritizes the welfare of the farmers, boosts the rice value chain, and improves agricultural production.

Sailila E. Abdula, PhD, Branch Director of DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Midsayap and the Program Director of the Mindanao Cluster for the MRIDP discussed the program’s four core strategies: resiliency and stability in climate change adaptation; unity and convergence in farm clustering and consolidation; motivated and enthusiastic farmer-entrepreneurs in the rice value chain; and timeliness and relevant focus on digital transformation.

Significantly, convergence, cooperation, and stakeholder coordination will materialize the four strategies.

As he emphasized, the transformation of Philippine agriculture needs to focus on the market, innovations, scale, mainstreaming, and outcome.

In Northern Mindanao, the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte will be pilot-tested in the program, being the rice producers of the region.

Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-RFO 10 Rice Program Focal Person, shared that in 2022, region 10 ranked fourth in yield per hectare, contributing 4.12 percent to the national production with a sufficiency level of 87.55 percent.

The province of Bukidnon’s 2022 production of 295,686 metric tons has a sufficiency level of 216.51 percent, while Lanao del Norte (2022 production) with 113,903 metric tons of production with a sufficiency level of 90.3 percent.

A provincial rice development plan will be crafted to provide direction in attaining the objectives of the program with the assistance of the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bukidnon, DA-10’s Field Operations Division through its Chief, Eduardo N. Pit, PhD and Provincial Operations Center in Bukidnon. (DA RFO-10)

Agri NorMin set to distribute over 3K cash cards to rice farmers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado will distribute another 3,115 Farmers’ Interventions Monitoring Cards (FIMCs) to eligible rice farmers in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental this month

William B. Parantar, Northern Mindanao area manager of the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC), turned over the FIMCs to DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, Monday, August 14, at the DA Compound in Cagayan de Oro City.

All NorMin rice farmers entitled to the Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance (RFFA) as provided under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), shall be given the FIMC as their identification and cash card for the electronic rollout of the RFFA.

Pursuant to the RTL, qualified rice farmers shall receive a Php5k cash subsidy annually until the year 2024.

In partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and USSC, DA-RFO 10 has distributed a total of 31,583 FIMCs in the region to date.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Agricultural Engineering Division chief, Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, Administrative and Finance Division chief, Patrick Ian F. Pedarse and Rice Program focal person, Chona H. Nacalaban were also in attendance during the turnover of the FIMCs. (DA RDO-10)

Agri NorMin capacitates local farmer technicians on hydroponics

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To promote the adoption of vegetable production through hydroponics, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) capacitates Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) on August 10-11, 2023 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Spearheaded by the Various Production Support Services (VPSS), around 56 LFTs from the region gathered for the package of technology training on hydroponics.

Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo from the agency’s High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) demonstrated how lettuce can be grown in styrofoam boxes by using a nutrient solution.

Further, the LFTs were briefed on their duties and responsibilities as extension workers in promoting and disseminating technologies and submissions of monthly reports. (DA RFO-10)

Mindanao power supply enough despite El Niño—DOE

DAVAO CITY — The power supply of Mindanao will remain stable even during El Niño, an official of the Department of Energy (DOE)-Mindanao Field Office assured

During the Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on August 17, Engr. Darwin P. Galang, DOE-Mindanao Field Office senior science research specialist, said that a simulation conducted by the agency showed that the occurrence of El Niño will not adversely impact the grid owing to the other sources of power in Mindanao.

He pointed out, however, that “the occurrence of El Niño will affect the hydropower plants because there will be a reduction of their capacities when the rivers and lakes are dried up.”

Galang noted that the Mindanao grid has a diverse mix of power sources, and will not likely suffer from the impact of drought.

Based on the estimate of the DOE-Mindanao Field Office, the power supply would remain sufficient “even with a 50% to 70% reduction in the available capacities of hydropower plants in Mindanao.”

Engr. Nilo J. Geroche, also of the DOE-Mindanao Field Office, said the agency activated in July the Task Force on Energy Resiliency to monitor the power supply situation in the country and mitigate the impact of calamities, including El Niño.

The task force is composed of the DOE, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Energy Regulatory Commission, Inter-Agency Energy Contingency Committee, various groups in the energy sector, and agencies under the security cluster.

Geroche said the hydropower sources comprise 31.73% of the energy mix of Mindanao and contribute an average supply of 1,190 megawatts to the grid.

There is an excess supply of power on the island, with the available average supply estimated at 2,946 MW and an average demand of 2,051 MW as of August 15, according to Galang.

Geroche said that brownouts could have been caused by other factors on the transmission and distribution side, including insufficiency in the contracted power supply of some electric cooperatives and distribution utilities.

He said the problem of lack of contracted power may now be addressed by tapping into the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market where electric cooperatives and distribution utilities can buy power to fill the deficit.

In an advisory released by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last July 4, El Niño, which is characterized by fewer occurrences of rainfall and typhoons, is already present in the tropical Pacific.

It said that PAGASA’s climate monitoring and analyses indicate that “the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific that was established in March 2023 has further developed into a weak El Niño, which shows signs of strengthening in the coming months.”

It said that El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country that may adversely impact the different climate-sensitive sectors, such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, and public safety.

It added that the enhanced Southwest monsoon season (Habagat) may still be expected, which may result in above-normal rainfall conditions over the western part of the country. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)