Monday, March 24, 2025

Tag: RA

Don Carlos, Bukidnon declared insurgency-free

Posted on by cmn

DON CARLOS, Bukidnon – “The declaration of Don Carlos town as insurgency-free marks a significant leap toward peace, reinforcing the government’s commitment to security,” said Capt. Rogelio Recto, Civil-Military Operations Officer and spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 48th Infantry Battalion

In an interview aired on Radio Mindanao Network Malaybalay station, Recto confirmed that Don Carlos is now the sixth municipality in southern Bukidnon to achieve insurgency-free status.


It joins the towns of San Fernando, Kadingilan, Damulog, Kibawe, and Dangcagan, all of which have already been recognized for successfully eliminating insurgent threats.


The declaration signifies the absence of active armed rebels, ensuring community security and peace.


“Don Carlos is now insurgency-free, thanks to a strong collaboration. The local government units, the Philippine National Police, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, security forces, and peace partners remained vigilant, ensuring a year of stability, with no New People’s Army [NPA] activities reported, as confirmed through rigorous monitoring,” Recto said.


He explained that declaring a municipality insurgency-free requires thorough assessments by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.


Brig. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, said this achievement will pave the way for economic growth, social development, and an improved quality of life for Don Carlos residents.


“Our goal is to uphold peace and order in Bukidnon, allowing people to live without fear and enabling communities to prosper. This milestone highlights the success of government-led initiatives in strengthening security, fostering stability, and driving long-term economic and social progress,” he said.


Themed “Kalig-on Pinaagi sa Panaghiusa: Usa ka Bag-ong Panahon sa Kalinaw ug Seguridad” (Unity in Strength: Embracing a New Era of Peace and Security), the declaration ceremony took place on February 25 at the JMZ Astrodome in Poblacion, Don Carlos. Local government officials, sectoral and tribal leaders, the PNP, and the AFP attended the event to honor the occasion.


With Don Carlos now insurgency-free, authorities expect nearby Maramag and Kitaotao towns to follow suit within months, further advancing lasting peace in Northern Mindanao and across the nation.


(BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

DOST revives traditional IP weaving in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 26, 2025, 9:11 p.m.) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 10 has partnered with the local government of Talakag, Bukidnon province, to revive the traditional weaving practices of indigenous peoples (IPs)

In a statement Wednesday, DOST-10 Chief Science Research Specialist Virgilio Fuertes said the initiative is part of the program “Uplifting Grassroots Livelihood Opportunities through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).”


“We in the government share a vision of a future where their craft thrives, their community prospers, and their heritage continues to inspire generations to come,” Fuertes said.


The STI program builds on the 2024 “Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development” initiative, which supports unconventional innovations used by marginalized communities.


The Damugu Weavers Association (DWA), a group of Higaonon IP weavers in Talakag town, is one of the program’s key partners. Led by Bae Cornita Sagayan and Bae Nenita Hugnaan, the association has conducted hands-on training to reinforce traditional patterns and methods while introducing new techniques.


DWA President Irene Mae Sinhayan expressed optimism about reviving the craft for future generations.


“I prefer calling it a ‘sleeping culture,’ and my goal, along with this group, is to wake it up and make it vibrant again,” she said in the vernacular. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Bukidnon hits 1.4M PhilSys registrants, drives civil records up

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) – Civil registration in Bukidnon surged as the province reached 1.4 million Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registrants, underscoring the key role of civil registration and demographic data in planning for health, education, and social welfare, according to Ma. Evangeline Non, chief of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Bukidnon

She reported that of the total registrants, over 1.3 million were individuals aged five and above, while 43,868 were children aged zero to four.


“The Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system protects individual rights, including birth registration, which is essential for citizenship and access to services,” Non said.


Valencia City led Bukidnon’s cities and municipalities in registrations, with 194,249 individuals enrolled.
Following Valencia City, Malaybalay City registered 171,627 individuals, Manolo Fortich 98,146, Quezon 93,526, and Maramag 91,731.


In contrast, Dangcagan had the fewest registrants, with 23,782, followed by Malitbog with 25,205 and Sumilao with 27,736.


In addition to PhilSys registration data, PSA-Bukidnon presented 2023 statistics on births, marriages, and deaths.


These data provide insights into population trends, aiding in the enhancement of public services.


The Philippine Identification System aims to establish a unified, secure, and efficient identification platform for Filipinos, enabling easier access to government and financial services.


With over 1.4 million Bukidnon residents registered, the province continues to move toward comprehensive national ID coverage.


(BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

2 pilots found dead inside FA-50 fighter jet in Bukidnon mountain

Posted on by cmn

MANILA, Philippines (12:32 PM March 05, 2025) — The remains of two pilots aboard a missing FA-50 fighter jet were found on Wednesday inside the aircraft, which crashed in the Kalatungan mountain range in the Bukidnon province

In an interview, Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command, confirmed that the pilots were found around 11 a.m.

“Yes,” Bergante said when asked if the pilots were inside the aircraft.

“Just now, around 11 a.m.,” he added in Filipino, referring to the time the remains were discovered.

Bergante said they had already deployed search and rescue teams from the special forces to retrieve the pilots’ remains.

In a separate statement, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo confirmed the deaths of the pilots.

“The Philippine Air Force FA-50 aircraft reported missing has been located by ground troops in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex, Bukidnon, today, March 5, 2025,” Castillo said.

“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard,” she also revealed.

“The PAF has grounded its FA-50 fleet and will ensure a thorough investigation into the accident,” she added.

According to Castillo, PAF has sent its condolences to the bereaved families and will provide necessary support “during this difficult time.”

“We also request the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” she concluded.

Earlier, the PAF official reported that the FA-50 fighter jet went missing during a tactical night operation shortly after midnight on March 4.

Castillo said the FA-50 carrying two pilots was supposed to land at Mactan Airbase in Cebu, but the jet lost communication with one of its fellow aircraft “minutes before reaching the target area.”

The PAF has 11 remaining FA-50s in its arsenal after retiring some of its fighters in 2005.

All the FA-50s were acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion during the administration of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr.

Over in Davao City, Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command, held a separate press briefing on Wednesday morning about the tragedy.

For his part, Lt. Col. Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the jet crashed in the mountains of Barangay Miarayon in Talakag town.

“Also, [we confirm that] the bodies of two pilots were found near the wreckage of [the] FA-50,” Garello said in a Viber message.

Garello added that the troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion under the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade reached the crash site on Wednesday morning.

The ill-fated jet was part of a mission called in on Monday night to provide air support to government troops battling communist rebels in Bukidnon.

The PAF said the jet, which flew out of the Benito Ebuen Airbase in Mactan, lost communication past midnight on Tuesday as it was nearing the target area.

Amid gloomy weather, soldiers brought in by a military chopper and civilian volunteers scoured the Kalatungan range on Tuesday to search for the missing aircraft and its pilots. (Faith Argosino, Joselle R. Badilla – @inquirerdotnetInquirer Mindanao, INQUIRER.net )

PhilHealth to expand services to Bukidnon IPs

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025, 9:42 pm) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is working to expand its coverage to indigenous peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon province

PhilHealth Bukidnon local health insurance chief Romulo Lapuz Jr. said on Tuesday that one of the agency’s goals is to provide free health insurance to the seven tribes in the province.
“We hope to sign a memorandum of agreement with our indigenous peoples by the end of the year,” he said.
Lapuz said registering indigenous peoples with PhilHealth will save time and enable the agency to assist them.
PhilHealth Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) Vice President Delio Aseron II said that other health packages were launched to celebrate National Health Insurance Month.
“PhilHealth Region 10 will continue to advance the National Health Insurance Program and Universal Health Care for all 5.2 million Filipinos in the region,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

Ordinansa sa pag-regulate sa kawayan nga himoong poste sa kural, dekorasyon ug uban pa aron malikayan ang dengue outbreak sa siyudad sa Malaybalay, aprobado na

Posted on by cmn

Giaprubahan na sa Sangguniang Panlungsod ang Ordinance No. 1050 S. 2025, nga nag-regulate sa paggamit sa kawayan isip poste sa kural, dekorasyon, ug uban pa aron malikayan ang dengue outbreak sa siyudad

Ang maong ordinansa unang giduso ni Konsehal Melchor P. Maramara kaniadtong Hulyo 16, 2024, atol sa ika-100 regular session, ug gi-refer kini kang Konsehal Kathleen Cecille C. Pagaling, Chairman sa Committee on Health and Social Servicess.


Human sa masusing pagtuon, kini napaboran sa ika-125 regular session niadtong Pebrero 4, 2025, ug gi-aprubahan ni City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran niadtong Pebrero 11, 2025.


Gibutyag sa konseho nga ang kawayan nga ginagamit isip poste sa kural o dekorasyon mahimong tapukan sa tubig-ulan, nga mahimong puy-anan ug itloganan sa mga lamok nga nagdala sa dengue.
Ang dengue usa ka major public health concern, nga posibleng makamatay ug makaylap dali sa komunidad.


Kini nga regulasyon usa sa mga lakang sa siyudad alang sa anti-dengue campaign, nga naglakip sa limpyo-palibot nga inisyatibo ug klarong mga patakaran sa paggamit sa kawayan.


Ang ordinansa naglatid sa mga regulasyon, giya, ug uban pang mga prohibisyon sa paggamit sa kawayan aron malikayan ang pagdaghan sa lamok ug pagpakatap sa sakit.


Pinaagi sa maong ordinansa, mas lig-on ang kampanya sa Malaybalay City batok sa dengue, nga magpahugot sa hygiene, sanitasyon, ug kahimsog sa katawhan. (pr)

PRISAA 2025 Regional Games hugyaw nga gisugdan sa Valencia

Posted on by Melchor Madera

Kaniadtong Pebrero 5, 2025, hugyaw nga gisugdan sa Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) ang pag-abli sa 2025 Regional Games diin napili ang Dakbayan sa Valencia isip sentro sa panagtigom sa mga manunula nga nagagikan sa nagkalain-laing tulunghaan sa Rehiyon 10.

Sumala sa kasayuran sa city government sa Valencia, gisalmotan kini sa 24 ka tulunghaan gikan sa Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Gingoog City, Ozamiz City, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte ug del Sur, ug Probinsya sa Bukidnon.
Mainiton usab nga gi-welcome ang mga delegado sa lokal nga pangagamhanan pinaagi ni Marven Selecios, executive assistant IV, atol sa opening program nga gipahigayon sa San Agustin Institute of Technology (SAIT).
Gipaabot usab ni Selecios ang dakong pagsuporta ni Mayor Azucena “Sunny” Huervas sa maong kalihokan. (melbmadera)

Bukidnon teacher Junmerth Jorta among the top 50 finalists of 2025 Global Teacher Prize

Posted on by cmn

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 09, 2025, 08:08 AM PHT) — Junmerth Jorta, a public school teacher in Bukidnon, has earned a spot among the Top 50 finalists for the 2025 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize

Jorta, who also received the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Award in 2022, was celebrated for his dedication that began in a remote indigenous community in Sitio Balugo, Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, viewing his role as a calling rather than just a job.
“I want to continue doing my best for the countless IP (indigenous people) children, helping them prepare at an early age to have the highest possible chances of becoming successful in the near future,” said Junmerth.
More than half of Indigenous Peoples see themselves as ‘poor,’ according to the World Bank.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Junmerth shared the challenges he faced when he began teaching in 2015.
Faced with a lack of electricity, water supply, sanitation facilities, and access to television or radio-based instruction, he was determined to bring change and serve the community.
He collaborated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and private organizations, convinced it was his duty to connect with the right stakeholders to provide essential resources and support for the learners.
Balugo Pagkaon Sakto Program

This program emerged from the harsh reality that numerous students of Junmerth come to school feeling hungry. He launched this daily hunger-free lunch initiative to address malnutrition, improve attendance, and enhance learning outcomes.
Supported by partnerships with NGOs such as the Hapag-Asa Foundation, the municipal mayor’s office, and the Department of Agriculture, the program has been operating successfully for seven years.
An NGO obtains surplus food from restaurants and hotels to feed the poor.
This effort has not only curbed absenteeism and dropouts but has also encouraged students to engage actively in class.
“A well-nourished child is more attentive and ready to learn, proving that you cannot truly teach a hungry child,” said Jorta.

Basa Balugo Program

To address literacy challenges, Jorta developed a special reading program for non-readers. By teaching in the students’ first language, he established a strong foundation for comprehension and confidence.
Through this collaborative approach, he created contextualized and indigenized reading materials embedded with effective strategies that students could bring home for practice.
Regular home visits further supported struggling students, encouraging older siblings and parents to participate in their development. This approach ensured that students received continuous learning support beyond the classroom.

Special Class Program

To address literacy challenges, Jorta developed a special reading program for non-readers. By teaching in the students’ first language, he established a strong foundation for comprehension and confidence.
Through this collaborative approach, he created contextualized and indigenized reading materials embedded with effective strategies that students could bring home for practice.
Regular home visits further supported struggling students, encouraging older siblings and parents to participate in their development. This approach ensured that students received continuous learning support beyond the classroom.

Okay sa Balugo Program

Jorta also organized a program to strengthen the school’s resources through partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
“Together, we secured funding for additional classrooms, chairs, a stage, and restrooms,” he said.
Private donors contributed school supplies, health kits, and even internet connectivity, ensuring access to online learning resources. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they implemented radio-based teaching to ensure continuity of education.
Beyond education, Jorta also advocated for improvements in infrastructure, which included a farm-to-market road project, securing initial funding to address transportation issues within the community.
“Though only part of the road is completed, I remain hopeful for additional support under the new administration,” he said.
Over nearly eight years, Jorta has witnessed the struggles of the community. Through resilience and collaboration with the community, he has strived to uplift the lives of students and families in Sitio Balugo, demonstrating that education is a powerful catalyst for change.
These innovations, achieved through collaborative efforts, reflect his commitment to addressing issues via community-driven solutions, fostering an inclusive and thriving learning environment.
“To all educators worldwide, especially those teaching in remote and underserved communities, our work is more than just a profession; it is a lifeline of hope and opportunity,” Junmerth added.
The Global Teacher Prize is an annual award of US$1 million presented by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to a teacher who has made a significant impact in the field. (Ronnie Crispo Jr./ABS-CBN News Intern)

PNP-10 deploys 13,414 checkpoints as COMELEC rallies government support

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 11, 2025) — As the 2025 national and local elections approach, the Philippine National Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO)-10 has deployed 13,414 checkpoints across northern Mindanao to ensure a secure and orderly election period. This extensive operation is part of a coordinated effort with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10, which has mobilized various government agencies to uphold the integrity of the electoral process

“The Police Regional Office-10 conducted threat and risk assessments for COMELEC officials to ensure their security during the 2025 election period and prevent violence targeting election officers. Out of 99 election officers in Region 10, 96 were assessed as having no threat, including the Regional Elections Director,” said PCol. Reynante Reyes, chief of the Regional Operations Division.
He added that PNP-10 has also conducted a one-day checkpoint seminar to train personnel on proper procedures for election-related checkpoints, focusing on gun bans, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination.
“To enhance security, our Police Regional Office implemented fragmented and overlapping checkpoints, making it difficult for individuals with illicit intentions to predict locations or times. These unpredictable tactics discourage dangerous and unlawful activities, encouraging stricter adherence to election laws,” Reyes said.
At the checkpoints, PNP-10 confiscated 28 firearms, 25 small arms, three light weapons, other ammunition, and arrested 29 violators. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, local traffic management units, the Highway Patrol Group, and the Land Transportation Office.
He also noted that the crime environment in Region 10 has seen significant improvements, with a 37.31 percent drop in index crimes and a 10.34 percent reduction in non-index crimes compared to previous years. Reyes attributed these achievements to aggressive law enforcement, community engagement, and strategic interventions targeting high-risk areas such as Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City.

COMELEC’s call for a whole-of-nation approach
Misamis Occidental Election Officer Lawyer Rowell Valledor emphasized the importance of a whole-nation approach to election security. He stated that COMELEC directives take precedence over other government orders, particularly regarding personnel movements, to ensure fair and transparent operations.
Valledor also highlighted the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace, enforcing the gun ban, and preventing armed individuals from approaching polling centers. “There is an absolute prohibition within a 50-meter radius of the polling place. Both state and non-state armed actors, whether affiliated with the government or not, are prohibited from being within this radius,” he explained.
To curb election-related offenses, Valledor mentioned that COMELEC has partnered with the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. These agencies will closely monitor threats, vote-buying, and misinformation campaigns related to the elections.
The PNP and NBI cybersecurity units have established a special online campaign monitoring committee to combat false information related to the elections. “At least there is this new committee because many of us are spending time at home or online, and the information we receive may not be accurate. This committee will regulate misinformation and hold accountable those who unfairly campaign during the upcoming elections,” Valledor said.
As the May 12, 2025 elections approach, government agencies are continuing to collaborate to uphold democracy. Valledor compared this collective effort to NASA’s historic moon landing mission, emphasizing that every individual—from security forces to election officers—plays a vital role in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election. (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA-10)

Northern Mindanao RDC members, solons review FY 2026 regional budget proposals

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Northern Mindanao Congresspersons scrutinized the proposed regional budget of P416.04 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The proposal includes 46 agency regional offices, government-owned and controlled corporations, and 11 state universities and colleges.
During the Joint RDC-X Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting on February 6, 2025, at the Chali Resort and Conference Center, the proposed budgets were endorsed to the agency central offices (ACOs) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for inclusion in the FY 2026 National Expenditure Program, subject to modifications requested by the congresspersons and RDC-X members.
The Infrastructure and Utilities Development Sector holds the largest share of the regional budget proposal at P224.69 billion (54%), with 95.05 percent allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways-X for national road and flood control projects.
The Social Development Sector follows with P146.59 billion (35.20%), of which 45 percent is designated for the Department of Education-X to enhance basic education services and improve lifelong learning.
The Economic Development Sector has a proposed budget of P38.72 billion (9.31%), with 84.27 percent primarily allocated for farm-to-market road projects under the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10.
Lastly, the Macro and Development Administration Sector proposes P6.03 billion (1.45%) for various catalytic infrastructure projects, including police stations and army camp development.
The final budget proposals, incorporating the comments, recommendations, and requested augmentations from congresspersons and RDC-X members, will be submitted—along with the RDC-X endorsement—to the relevant ACOs and the DBM in March 2025.
“These budget proposals are more than just numbers; they reflect our priorities, the needs of our communities, and our collective vision for Northern Mindanao’s growth and progress,” said Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, RDC-X Chairperson and Lanao del Norte Provincial Governor.
The regional budget preparation process began with the Regional Budget Forum on January 8, 2025, followed by handholding activities, stakeholder consultations, and sectoral committee meetings, concluding on February 4, 2025.
“We are fortunate to have with us the esteemed members of our Advisory Committee, particularly our Region X Congresspersons, who play a crucial role in ensuring that the budget proposals we endorse today are effectively advocated in Congress and eventually in the Senate,” added Dimaporo.
The meeting was co-convened by Rufus B. Rodriguez, Representative of Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd Congressional District.
The FY 2026 budget proposal represents a 321 percent increase compared to the FY 2025 GAA-approved budget, highlighting the region’s intensified funding needs for social, macro administration, economic, and infrastructure development priorities. (NEDA-X/PIA-10)