Monday, January 20, 2025

Tag: Province

DOT-10 showcases Mindanao’s 1st travel hub in Bukidnon to boost tourism, MSMEs

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 reported that the opening of the tourist rest area (TRA) in the scenic town of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon marks the first TRA in Mindanao to enhance the travel experience for local and international visitors

Marie Elaine Unchuan, DOT regional director for northern Mindanao, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on July 2 that the TRA sets a new benchmark for travelers’ comfort and convenience following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance the country’s tourism sector by improving facilities and resources that can significantly boost the economy.

“The tourist rest area opened in August last year and promises to redefine the journey for domestic and foreign tourists. Its clean, well-ventilated restrooms and inviting seating areas create a relaxing oasis for weary travelers,” she said.

With maps, guides, and expert tips, its information center is essential for tourists exploring northern Mindanao’s attractions.

Showcasing culture and local products

Unchuan said the TRA doubles as a vibrant shop, offering a selected range of local delicacies and handcrafted souvenirs.

“Visitors can indulge in Bukidnon’s famous coffee, savor delectable pastries, or purchase unique keepsakes crafted by local artisans. It delights travelers and supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) along with other local businesses,” she added.

Beyond its Pasalubong center, the TRA showcases local artwork, such as paintings and intricate leaf carvings, enhancing atmospheric energy and displaying the region’s artistic talent.

Inclusive amenities for all needs

Multiculturalism and inclusivity are TRA’s design principles. It caters to diverse travelers’ needs. The lounge and charging stations provide a comfortable space for tourists to relax and recharge their devices.

The coffee shop offers a selection of beverages and snacks, perfect for a quick refreshment break.

The TRA offers family-friendly amenities such as clean restrooms with showers and a lactation room to cater to the needs of even the youngest travelers.

Strategic location for maximum convenience

Travelers exploring Bukidnon and nearby provinces will find TRA an ideal pit stop due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major travel routes. Its proximity to Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur enhances accessibility for visitors discovering the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Emalyn Cagolcol, a traveler from Valencia City, described the tourist rest area in Manolo Fortich as truly one of a kind.

“It was more than a mere rest stop. The facilities are not only clean and well-kept. It is also scenically situated amidst the serene landscapes of Bukidnon. It provided a much-needed break during our trip, allowing us to recharge and refresh ourselves before continuing our adventure,” she shared.

Manolo Fortich TRA is the second DOT-managed rest area in the country, following the successful model established in Medellin, Cebu.

“This TRA exemplifies DOT’s commitment to providing world-class facilities nationwide, ensuring travelers have access to modern and well-maintained facilities,” the DOT-10 regional director said. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

DA-NorMin breaks ground for establishment of corn, rice processing centers in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

DALWANGAN, Malaybalay City – In its aim to support the post-production systems of two of the region’s top agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of rice and corn processing centers in the province of Bukidnon

On May 24, DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca led the groundbreaking of the two processing centers.

Funded under the agency’s Rice Program, a 900 sq.m. rice processing center, worth over P49 million will soon serve farmers in Barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Said infrastructure will also include one mechanical dryer set, with a capacity of 10 to 12 tons per set, as well as one direct-fired biomass furnace with a maximum heat power of 500.

Through said facility, DA aims to strategically improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system, and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring the improved quality of milled rice from the said community.

Meanwhile, a 1,920 sq.m. corn processing center will also soon rise in DA’s Research Center for Upland Development in Barangay Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Funded through DA’s Corn Program, the corn processing center worth over P98-million, also includes a pre-cleaner and aspirator; 2 mechanical dryer sets, each able to cater 27-30 tons per set; and 2 corn silos with a capacity of around 1,500 to 2,000 tons per set.

Strategically located in the southern part of Bukidnon, the corn facility aims to bolster the needs of local farmers, and foster a more sustainable and efficient production of nearby corn-producing municipalities including Maramag, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Quezon.

Said interventions are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan for a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, which entails the modernization and mechanization of agri-fishery productions, as well as the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures throughout the country.

Signifying their support for the project, the groundbreaking ceremony was also participated by Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM with Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban and Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria. (GDA)

One Bukidnon overall champion sa NMRAA 2024

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

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)

DA joins presidential assistance distribution to El Niño-hit farmers, fishers in NorMin

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu P. Laurel, Jr., along with other cabinet members joins President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his visit here for the distribution of government assistance to El Niño-hit farmers and fishers in identified areas in Northern Mindanao on May 16, at the International Convention Center

Forty (40) qualified farmers and fisherfolk from Cagayan de Oro City, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Bukidnon received PhP10K each in assistance from the Office of the President.


President Marcos Jr. also handed over PhP10 million worth of El Niño mitigating assistance to the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and the Provincial Government of Camiguin, while the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon each received PhP50-million in assistance.


“Ang sadya po namin dito ay upang personal na i-abot sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan ang Presidential assistance para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na napinsala, naapektuhan ng El Niño. Ito ay nagkakahalaga ng sampung libong piso na tulong sa mga kwalipikadong magsasaka, mangingisda at mga pamilyang labis na naapektuhan ng tagtuyot na dinadanas natin ngayon. Maliit na halaga po, ngunit umaasa akong magagamit ninyo ito upang makapagsimula muli.” he said.


For his part, DA Secretary Laurel bared that the department under his helm has drummed up its initiatives to ensure that farmers and fishers in Region 10 have access to the agency’s programs and projects such as the provision of various agricultural assistance like agri inputs (vegetable, corn and rice seeds, and fertilizers), machinery and equipment, Fertilizer Discount Vouchers (FDVs), Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance, among others.


The DA official added that it continues to pursue and complement the efforts of other government agencies to hurdle challenges in ensuring the continued supply of adequate food at economical prices.


“Our initiatives bring together our commitment to strengthened regional efforts to provide more efficient public services.” the agricultural secretary noted, underscoring that convergence is the key to coming up with concrete and sustainable [agricultural] enterprises in the area [NorMin].


Citing the downpour of interventions for NorMin to cushion the impact brought about by El Niño, the president assured that more help is underway from the government to uphold regional development.


“Makakaasa naman ang lahat na hindi lamang sa panahon ng hirap ay nariyan ang inyong gobyerno. Dahil tuloy-tuloy ang mga programang imprastraktura sa inyong lungsod at rehiyon, gaya ng pagpagawa ng mga paliparan, kalsada, at iba pang mga proyekto.” President Marcos furthered.


DA-Regional Field Office 10 headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan along with its attached regional line agencies, bureaus, and corporations, are among the government instrumentalities who took part in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, held at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, where farmers and fisherfolk availed of mobile agri-fishery techno services. (JLO/ATT)

5 public servants in Bukidnon get Gawad Parangal award

Posted on by Melchor Madera

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)

Mayor Huervas eyes gubernatorial post

Posted on by cmn

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (May 18, 2024) – Last-termer Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas intends to run for the province’s highest elected office

She launched her candidacy for provincial governor in the May 2025 local elections.
The declaration took place on May 18, 2024, at the Valencia City Gymnasium and Cultural Center.
However, she clarified that she will file her certificate of candidacy as soon as no Zubiri family member runs for the office.
She’s referring to the family of former Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr. whom she regarded as her political mentor.
The former governor chose her to replace the late Valencia City Vice Mayor Banjamin Verano, and she later became mayor.
If her proposal goes through, she will run against her compatriot incumbent provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque.
When asked about her probable tandem, she stated that she did not consider having one due to the incumbent vice governor, Clive Quiño.
Huervas stated that she has the right to run for office and allow the people to decide.
She went on to say that even if she lost, she has no regrets.
Mayor Miguel Silva of Pangantucan, a last termer, is reportedly seeking for the same position but has yet to confirm his candidacy.
Huervas has been chosen as Bukidnon Provincial Chairperson of the PFP.
Meanwhile, fourth district board member Rodrigo Rosal also announced his candidacy for Valencia City mayor, a position to be vacated by Huervas.
Huervas, Rosal, and others took their oath as members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s political party, on the day they declared their candidacy.
When asked about his tandem, Rosal stated that they already have candidates to evaluate and that the selection process will be done sooner.
Roque, Huervas, and Rosal live in Valencia, a city with a large turnout in Bukidnon. (melbmadera and MG Mayumi B. Madera)

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

Posted on by cmn

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

Posted on by cmn

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)

Mapawa Rodeo Team rules Kaamulan Rodeo 2024

Posted on by Melchor Madera

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (March 26, 2024) – The Mapawa Rodeo Team was the overall winner of the Kaamulan Rodeo 2024

The squad outsmarted 21 other teams in the two-day competition, which took place on March 23-24, 2024, in Impasugong Central Elementary School Grounds, Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon.

 

Mapawa Rodeo Team won two of the eight events: rope & tie and carambola.

 

Tied as first runner-up were Wang-Wang Rodeo Team and Impasugong Rodeo Team.

 

Meanwhile, LGU-Sumilao Rodeo Team and Valencia City Rodeo Team finished tied as second runer-up.

 

In Bull Riding, Impasugong Rodeo Team took the first place, followed by Valencia City Rodeo Team and Wang-Wang Rodeo Team.

 

Impasugong Rodeo Team finished second to Mapawa Rodeo Team in Rope & Tie, with LGU Libona Rodeo Team taking third.

 

LGU Sumilao Rodeo Team took first position in Steer Wrestling, followed by LGU Libona Rodeo and Impasugong Rodeo Team.

 

In Carambola, Saddles and Pines Ranch was next to Mapawa Rodeo Team, and Umalag Farm came in third.

 

The Wang-Wang Rodeo Team led in Calf Underscoring, followed by the Mapawa Rodeo Team and the JFR Vaqueros Bravos Rodeo Team.

 

The Herdsman Valencia Rodeo Team finished first in Breakaway Roping, followed by the DMPI Rodeo Team and the LGU Sumilao Rodeo Team.

 

Valencia City Rodeo Team won Team Roping, while LGU Sumilao Rodeo Team came in second, followed by Mapawa Rodeo Team.

 

Lastly, in Barrel Roping, the JFR Vaqueros Bravos Rodeo Team won first place, followed by Wang-Wang Rodeo Team and Zubros Rodeo Team in second and third place.

 

Meanwhile, two special awards were given.

 

Hajil Abriol of the Mapawa Rodeo Team was crowned Rodeo King, while Mary Umpay of the Wang-Wang Rodeo Team was named Rodeo Queen.

 

Bukidnon is known as the “home of the country’s finest cowboys.”

 

Large audiences gather during Kaamulan to watch the province’s bravest and best cowboys and cowgirls compete in rodeo.

 

On the opening day of the event, Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque welcomed the spectators.

 

Bukidnon 2nd District Representative John Keith Flores, Impasugong Mayor Anthony Uy, and Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos were among the government leaders who attended one of the most popular events in Kaamulan.

 

Kaamulan 2024 is celebrated from March 23 to April 23, 2024. (melbmadera)

BPMC gets new CT scan machine

Posted on by Melchor Madera

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (March 28, 2024) – The Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) has received a new Fujifilm Healthcare Supria 32-slice CT Scan machine from the Department of Health (DOH)

According to the provincial government of Bukidnon (PGB), the turnover ceremony took place on March 26, 2024, at BPMC in Malaybalay City.

 

Dr. Ariel I. Valencia, assistant health secretary represented the DOH as the donor.

 

Valencia conveyed the goal of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa’s initiative, which aimed to make every Filipino feel well through cooperation.

 

He said, “In a hospital like this, it’s a big thing to have immediate diagnostic capacity to diagnose, and that’s lifesaving, the patient’s problem can be seen right away.”

 

Meanwhile, Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque represented the PGB as the donee.

 

The Governor assured that the province of Bukidnon will take care of the CT scan machine.

 

The machine was provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as part of the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit (HEAL) Project.

 

It was done through the office of Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores.

 

It was given to DOH, who eventually handed over the machine to BPMC.

 

Rep. Flores stated that the project is an excellent example of how things can be accomplished quickly when several government entities work together.

 

Dr. Gina Factura, BPMC’s chief of hospital, revealed that the state-of-the-art CT Scan machine is available for free to admitted patients through the PhilHealth program.

 

For outpatients, she stated that there may be a price to cover the cost of utilities and other expenses, which would be determined and finalized by the hospital.

 

Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi, Jr., regional director for the Northern Mindanao Center for Health Development, also attended the occasion. (melbmadera)