Sunday, November 10, 2024

OCD equips regions with water filtration, communication systems for emergencies

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (August 20, 2024/PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense enhances its disaster preparedness and response capabilities by investing in water filtration systems and reliable communication technologies

According to OCD-10 Director Antonio Sugarol, these initiatives are part of a broader strategy of OCD’s Administrator, Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, to modernize and equip the organization with the resources necessary to effectively address emergencies.

He said OCD has initially equipped its regional offices with water filtration units, recognizing the critical role of clean water in emergencies.

The regional director also shared plans to acquire additional units similar to those used by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that can rapidly purify contaminated water, providing a vital lifeline to affected communities.

“At the moment, we have two mobile water filtration systems. It is in our office,” he stated.

Sugarol said the OCD has also implemented a regional collaboration policy that allows neighboring regions to share resources during emergencies.

“For example, in Region 10, we can anticipate that Region 9, Region 12, and Region 11 will contribute their mobile water filtration systems to the OCD Region 10,” he explained.

In addition to water filtration, the OCD addresses the equally critical need for reliable communication channels. Sugarol said the recent experience in Misamis Occidental, where cellular networks were disrupted following a shear line, underscored the importance of alternative communication systems.

To augment the communication capabilities of local government units, the OCD is working in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to provide satellite phones and VISAT systems. These technologies will ensure uninterrupted communication during disasters, facilitating coordination between local governments, government agencies, and emergency responders. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

Bukidnon aims to be PH’s Arabica Capital with coffee roadmap

MALAYBALAY CITY (August 28, 2024/PIA) — “Bukidnon’s coffee beans, renowned worldwide for their quality, have elevated the province as a global coffee destination. We have world-class coffee beans right here in our backyard. It’s time to unleash their full potential,” declared Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque

Despite this international acclaim, the governor emphasized that the local coffee industry remains weak and underdeveloped. However, he believes the province’s coffee industry is on the cusp of a transformation.

To achieve this revitalization, Roque aims to establish Bukidnon as the “Arabica Capital” of the Philippines. In a recent state-of-the-province address, he referred to the coffee potential as a hidden treasure, underscoring the untapped opportunities.

He said that with the right strategies and investments, Bukidnon can become a shining example of how to turn agricultural resources into economic prosperity.

To turn this vision into reality, the provincial government has established a technical working group (TWG) dedicated to crafting a comprehensive coffee roadmap.

This collaborative effort brings together farmers, processors, sellers, café owners, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts to chart a course for the industry’s growth.

The roadmap will prioritize improving coffee quality and marketability using advanced processing techniques.

Bukidnon seeks to boost its local economy and generate new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs by reinventing raw coffee beans into high-value products like roasted and ground coffee.

“We want to add value to our coffee beans. We aim to increase farmers’ income and establish Bukidnon as a leader in the global coffee market,” Roque said.

He explained that the newly created TWG is a significant milestone for Bukidnon’s coffee sector because the expertise and experience of various stakeholders could develop a sustainable and profitable coffee industry that can compete globally.

Bukidnon envisions a future where local products, including coffee, are celebrated domestically and internationally.

As the province embarks on this pursuit, the successful implementation of the Coffee Roadmap could serve as a model for other regions seeking to harness their unique agricultural products for economic development. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Demo farm showcases drought-tolerant hybrid rice variety in Buk’non upland area

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — A demonstration farm in Sitio Incalbog, Can-ayan, featuring the hybrid rice variety TH-82 NSIC Rc350H, has showcased resilience amid the El Niño phenomenon, highlighting its potential to thrive within an upland ecosystem

This was underscored during a culmination program of the techno demo on August 22 in the said city.

This was led by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) in partnership with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon province and Malaybalay City agriculture offices, and SeedWorks Philippines, Inc.

Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10’s Rice program focal person, emphasized the importance of introducing the hybrid rice technology in upland conditions and engaging members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), especially in their ancestral areas with limited rice cultivation.

Launched last February 8, the planted rice variety was initially expected to be harvested by the third week of May, but faced a 58-day delay in maturity due to a significant lack of rainfall from March to May, albeit yielding 2.2 tons per hectare based on crop cut results after receiving rainfall in June.

For his part, Emmanuel F. Piñol, former DA Secretary and an early supporter of the initiative, lauded the demo farm’s success as a significant milestone for Philippine agriculture.

“The ability of this rice variety to survive drought and continue growing, despite a delayed maturity period, underscores its potential to revolutionize rice production in upland areas,” Piñol remarked.

“This breakthrough could allow us to cultivate rice in areas previously reliant on irrigation,” he added, while further noting that it is pivotal in easing the reliance on rice imports and addressing the need to feed the growing population by expanding and improving available tribal areas of the country for rice production.

The demo farm, covering 3,000 square meters, is a precursor to developing the 300 hectares within the BUKTAMACO ancestral domains, which overall seeks to implement sustainable farming practices tailored to upland environments, at the same time bolstering food security in the region. (BJCE)

2 babaye nakorner sa buy-bust sa Maramag

Nasikop sa kapolisan ang duha ka babayeng newly identified drug suspects sa buy-bust operation sa Purok 6, Brgy. Basecamp, Maramag, Bukidnon sa niaging semana

Ang mga suspek nag-edad 40 ug 50 anyos, sumala sa report ni Police Lt. Col. Bryan M. Panganiban, OIC sa Maramag Municipal Police Station.

Nakuha gikan sa mga babayeng suspek ang duha ka pakite sa gidudahang shabu nga adunay street value nga P34,000.00, lima ka selpon ug P500 cash.

Kasong paglapas sa RA 9165 o Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 ang giandam na batok sa mga dinakpan.

Gidala sa Provincial Forensic Unit 10 sa Malaybalay City ang mga nakumpiska nga druga alang sa qualitative ug quantitative examinations. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Balay ta Kalinaw sa Impasug-ong gilansad

Ang Balay ta Kalinaw sa Barangay Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon gilansad kaniadtong Agosto 15, 2024

Sumala sa kasayoran sa provincial government sa Bukidnon, ang kalihokan gipangunahan ni Gobernador Rogelio Neil P. Roque.

Uban ni Roque ang Provincial Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program kon E-CLIP Committee, fourth infantry division assistant division commander BGen. Consolito Yecla, CMU president Dr. Rolito Eballe ug Impasugong Mayor Anthony Uy.

Gipasabot ni PSWD Officer Ellen Salumintao, nga ang maong pasilidad mamahimong temporaryong puy-anan sulod sa tulo ka bulan sa former rebels nga mi-abandona sa armadong pakigbisog, kung diin ipahigayon ang implementasyon sa mga programa ubos sa E-CLIP.

Dugang pa nga adunay upat ka component sa transformational plan nga pagasundon nga mao ang security, socio-economic, confidence building, ug healing and reconciliation. (melbmadera)

NCIP, LGU Manolo Fortich ink MOA on P226.9M FMR in Kalugmanan

The drafting and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the concreting of the farm-to-market road in Sitio Balakbakan, Barangay Kalugmanan, took place on August 19, 2024, at the Barangay Kalugmanan covered court

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich signed the agreement.

The project involves concreting a 7.8-kilometer Farm-to-Market Road (FRM) under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), with a budget of 226,992,990 million pesos from the Department of Agriculture.

The road concreting will begin at Sitio Balakbakan and continue to Kalugmanan proper.

This project aims to assist farmers in Barangay Kalugmanan by facilitating the easier transportation of their farm produce to the Municipal Public Market in Barangay Tankulan.

Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño was present during the MOA drafting and signing. He expressed his enthusiasm for infrastructure programs, particularly road projects.

“Matod pa, himoon nato ni nga dako nga kalipay nga ang atong karsada gikan didto sa Café by the Ridge, musangko dinhi sa atong tulay, pasubida paingon sa ila ni Mr. Perrine, ug gani naa pay sobra nga budget, I think nga e-semento pa paingon diri. Nindot na kaayo mga programa nato mga roads section sa atong lungsod sa Manolo Fortich. Including ang atong Sankanan road, ang atong gi-plano nasad ang Lindaban paingon sa Dahilayan atong sementohon, so nangita tag budget para ana,” Mayor Quiño stated.

Farmer Sirapin Buyoc, 67 years old, from Zone 2, Kalugmanan, expressed his gratitude for the road project, which has made transporting their agricultural products easier.

“Ang ako lang, nga makadugang benepisyo niining muabot ang dalan nga kami di nami maglisod sa among mga produkto, sama sa mga mais, cassava, mga utanon, daghan mi mga utanon diha sa Ilaya. So sayon ra gyud kaayo ang pag-deliver sa produkto paingon sa atong market ug sa Cagayan,” said Buyoc.

Also in attendance were Municipal Administrator Engr. Joie Caesar M. Gaid, Sangguniang Bayan Member IPMR Coun. Alex Payangga, NCIP Regional Legal Officer Atty. Dexter Precioso, the Barangay Council of Kalugmanan, and Indigenous Peoples (IP) community members, including the Higaonon, Talaandig, and Bukidnon tribes.

Heads of offices and representatives from focal departments of the Local Government of Manolo Fortich, such as the Municipal Agriculture Office, Municipal Engineering Office, Municipal Assessor’s Office, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Municipal Planning and Development Office, also attended the MOA signing. (PR)

Hedcor gives P3.2-M shares to Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (July 16, 2024) – Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño receives the municipality’s community shares from Hedcor represented by External Relations Manager for Mindanao David Tacder and Assistant Vice President for External Relations John Michael Rico

The local government plans to allocate the shares to priority projects widening healthcare service access to remote barangays, enhancing support for early childhood education, and improving safety and security through the installation of additional solar street lights.

Broken down, P1.59 million in community shares and P1.63 million in ER 1-94 funds were sourced from the operation of Hedcor’s two hydropower plants in Manolo Fortich, covering the period of July to December 2023.

ER 1-94, a policy of the government, was enacted to ensure that host communities get a reasonable share of the profit from power plants operating in their area. It states that these communities will receive one centavo for every kilowatt hour (P0.01/kWh) generated.

“Thank you very much, Hedcor family, for the significant amount received by the local government. Thank you also for your help to Manolo Fortich. It has been our great dream that a company investing in our town can assist our fellowmen, especially those in need,” said Quiño.

During the 107th Charter Day celebration of Manolo Fortich, the local government recognized Hedcor as one of its top taxpayers for fiscal year 2023, commending its support for the municipality’s programs.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support the municipality of Manolo Fortich in its efforts to improve the community’s quality of life. We are aligned in our efforts to foster sustainable growth and make a positive difference in the lives of the residents,” said Hedcor President and Chief Operating Officer Rolando Pacquiao. (Manila Bulletin)

Bukidnon approves historic IP Code to protect rights, promote cultural growth

MALAYBALAY CITY (July 15, 2024/PIA) — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code on its third and final reading on July 2

The provincial legislators carefully examined the provisions, weighing the potential impacts on the province’s seven tribes and considering various perspectives.

Their rigorous discussions and debates during the first and second readings ensured that the ordinance aligned with constitutional rights, resulting in a consensus emphasizing the importance of protecting and fostering the cultural development of Bukidnon IP communities.

Championed by Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) lawyer Arbie Llesis, the ordinance aims to protect and foster the cultural development of the seven tribes by establishing mechanisms to preserve their traditions.

“The newly approved ordinance focuses on empowering IPs in the province through several key elements: First, it grants rightful ownership and control of ancestral domains, recognizing their deep connection to the land. Second, it promotes social justice by ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for these communities. Third, it preserves cultural heritage by protecting languages, traditions, and customs essential to their identity. Lastly, it safeguards IP rights, ensuring they are respected and upheld across all aspects of society,” he said.

Officially known as Ordinance No. 052-2024, or An Ordinance Providing for the Comprehensive Indigenous Welfare and Development Code in the Province of Bukidnon, it represents an advancement in aligning local governance with the mandates of the United Nations, the Philippine Constitution, and national laws concerning IPs.

Llesis clarified that the ordinance aims to create an inclusive environment by honoring IP traditions, empowering them to shape their future, recognizing their vital role, and ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive.

“The IP Code addresses historical exclusion faced by Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing their land rights and culture preservation while promoting self-determination. It supports development programs and ensures Indigenous communities have access to government resources,” he added.

Former IPMR Richard Dinlayan Macas emphasized the importance of the IP Code, aligning it with the tribes’ aspirations.

“It embodies the dreams of our ancestors, who yearned for recognition of their rights. We are all thankful for its approval as we collectively work towards the province’s progress,” Macas said.

Datu Migketay Victorino Saway, chair of the provincial tribal council, underscored the code’s broader implications.

“The IP Code strengthens our commitment to peace and order, promoting IP recognition and cultural identity. As a community, standing together to support the IP Code uplifts not only Indigenous Peoples but the entire province of Bukidnon,” he said. (Jessa M. Cleopas/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Agri NorMin lauds AMIA villages in first congress

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To showcase the different climate-resilient communities in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) conducts an awarding for the AMIA villages during its 1st AMIA-10 Congress on July 11-12, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan, here

With this year’s theme, “Klima atimana para sa malahutayong pag-uma ug ekonomiya,” the event gathered farmer-beneficiaries, local government units, and other stakeholders to share the success and innovations of the 11 AMIA villages in the region.

Climate Resilient Agriculture Office National Director Alicia G. Ilaga noted that apart from building climate-resilient communities, the AMIA program also seeks to eradicate poverty.

“Mithiin nating mai-level up ang ating mga AMIA village mula sa pagiging maliliit na production units, papunta sa market-oriented climate-resilient enterprises o yung tinatawag nating AMIA Climate-Resilient Agri-Fishery Technology-based Enterprises (AMIA CREATE),” the CRAO director added.

As such, AMIA-10 held a Booth Display contest with the criteria: number of products displayed (30 percent), quality of products displayed (25 percent), landscape and display (25 percent), and question and answer (20 percent).

Of which, Libona AMIA village of Bukidnon emerged as the first placer, followed by Manolo Fortich of Bukidnon and Magsaysay AMIA Village of Misamis Oriental, as second and third placers, respectively.

Meanwhile, select AMIA villages in its Phase 3 level of implementation also presented their best practices and adjudged with the criteria: productivity and income (30 percent), technologies and practices employed (25 percent), readiness to entrepreneurship (20 percent), ability to present (15 percent) and question and answer (10 percent).

Manolo Fortich AMIA village topped for the AMIA village Presenter Award, while Magsaysay, Libona, and Baungon AMIA villages followed as the second, third, and fourth placers, respectively. (AMBM)

IP group sa Kitaotao nakadawat og P5.2-M swine production facility

Ang Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) mitugyan sa P5.2-million bio-secured ug climate-controlled swine production facility ngadto sa Sinuda Multi-Indigenous Sectoral Farmers and Workers Association (SIMUSOFAWA) niadtong Mayo 23, 2024 sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasyoran gikan sa DA-RFO 10, tumong niini aron ma-moderno ug mapausbaw ang kapasidad sa lokal nga industriya sa baboy.

Si DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan ug Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, ang nangulo sa pagtunol sa certificate of turnover ngadto kang SIMUSOFAWA chairperson Datu Domino A. Pangcat nga nagpasabot sa pagbalhin sa pagpanag-iya ug operasyon sa pasilidad.

Ang 2,000-square-meter bio-secured swine facility, nagkantidad og P3,827,241.08.

Kini adunay perimeter fence, opisina, climate-controlled animal housing, biogas waste management system, basic farm equipment, ug shower area.

Kabahin usab sa component ang feeds, hog scale, animal stocks, ug mga tambal ug biologics, sa kinatibuk-an nga P1.451-M.

Sumala sa Livestock focal person nga si Jamaica L. Docdoc, ang proyekto kabahin sa Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program sa DA. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)