Saturday, January 18, 2025

Tag: TRA

Northern Mindanao Inflation Drops to 2.6% in December 2024

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 reported that the headline inflation rate in Northern Mindanao for December 2024 was 2.6 percent, down from 4.8 percent in December 2023 and 2.7 percent in November 2024

PSA-10 Regional Director Janith Aves attributed the slowdown mainly to lower inflation in food and non-alcoholic beverages, which dropped to 1.8 percent in December from 2.9 percent in November.

Key food categories, including cereals, meat, and dairy, showed slower price increases in December. Cereal inflation fell from 6.0 percent in November to 2.2 percent, while meat inflation dropped from 2.1 percent to 1.3 percent.

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco also contributed to the decline, with inflation dropping to 7.7 percent in December from 8.2 percent in November. Meanwhile, cigarettes and spirits experienced slower price increases.

Health-related services also recorded a minor inflation reduction, from 5.7 percent in November to 5.6 percent in December, due to slower price hikes in inpatient services, medicines, and diagnostic products.

“The key contributors to the overall inflation in Health were inpatient curative and rehabilitative services, with an inflation rate of 12.5 percent in December 2024, slower than the 12.9 percent in November 2024. Medicines, vaccines, and other pharmaceutical preparations recorded an inflation rate of 3.2 percent, a decrease from 3.3 percent in November 2024. Medical diagnostic products had an inflation rate of 5.3 percent in December 2024, compared to 6.1 percent in the previous month,” Aves explained.

The Department of Health (DOH)-10 noted possible reasons for the rising costs of medicines, vaccines, and other pharmaceutical preparations.

Jovita Sarip, Statistician II of DOH-10, pointed out that transport costs for medicines and vaccines are potential factors. She mentioned that maintaining the cold chain, essential for preserving vaccine efficacy, likely contributes to higher costs. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran/PIA-10)

Agri-10 4K Boosts Production, Livestock Support for IPs

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) is enhancing its support for indigenous peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon province through various agricultural programs and services

On January 9, under its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, the agency turned over PhP480,000 worth of carabaos to IP groups in Impasugong town.

The beneficiaries include the Ananaso Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association (APFA) of Sitio Ananaso, Brgy. Dumalaguing, and the Kapunongan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Ulayanon (KAMAU) of Sitio Ulayanon, Brgy. Kalabugao.

Each group received six carabaos (five female, one male), which the IP farmer-beneficiaries withdrew from DA-10’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex. (pr)

DOH-CHDNM to Introduce Shorter TB Treatment Regimen

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 10, 2025) – The Department of Health-Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) is set to reduce tuberculosis (TB) treatment duration from the traditional six months to four months.

DOH-CHDNM will launch a capacity-building program for health workers in 2025, focusing on a shorter TB regimen for patients aged three months to 16 years.

During a press conference on Universal Health Care Day, Dr. Wellaflor Kindom-Brito, head of the infectious diseases cluster at DOH-CHDNM, announced the implementation of a six-month short regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Brito added that oral tuberculosis treatment will be the only option. “We expect that with advancements in medication, patient adherence to treatment will improve, reducing instances of patients stopping or failing to follow up on treatment,” she said.

DOH data indicate that tuberculosis deaths in Region 10 reached 285 in 2020, 250 in 2021, 295 in 2022, and 390 in 2023. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, there were 375 TB deaths in the region.

Brito noted that the rising TB mortality rate is partly due to increasing TB cases. Poor health-seeking behavior also contributes to the higher mortality rate, as patients often seek medical help too late when their condition has worsened. Additionally, poor adherence to medication exacerbates the issue.

“Some patients experience adverse reactions to the medication, leading them to stop treatment altogether, while others move residences, interrupting their treatment,” Brito explained. She emphasized that TB treatment, unlike typical antibiotic regimens, lasts from six months to two years.

Brito expressed optimism that the new treatment changes would enhance TB patients’ adherence to medication. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat/PIA-10)

Drug suspek nakigpinusilay sa kapolisan sa Maramag

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

Nakigpinusilay ang usa ka drug suspect sa kapolisan atol sa buy-bust operation nga nahitabo sa Purok 4B, Sitio San Carlos, Brgy. Kuya, Maramag, Bukidnon, hapon sa Enero 7, 2025

Sumala sa report sa kapolisan, atol sa operasyon, ang lalaking suspek nga giila nga 40-anyos, minyo, mag-uuma ug residente sa Purok 4B, Sitio San Carlos, Kuya, Maramag, Bukidnon nakabantay nga nakig-atubang siya sa usa ka pulis, hinungdan nga nibunot siya sa iyang mubo nga armas ug nipusil sa pulis. Kini nagresulta sa pag-bawos sa back-up arresting officer, nga nipusil balik ngadto sa suspek. Maayo nalang kay wa maunsa ang suspek ug ang poseur buyer.


Ang suspek mitahan sa iyang kaugalingon ug nasikop usab ang iyang kauban nga 37-anyos nga babaye, minyo, walay trabaho, ug residente sa Purok 4B, Sitio San Carlos, Kuya.


Nikabat sa Php 88,400.00 ang balor sa nasakmit nga gidudahang shabu gikan sa mga suspek.


Nasakmit sab gikan sa lalaking suspek ang usa ka kalibre .45 Colt pistol nga adunay magazine assembly nga kargado sa tulo ka bala ug laing isa pa ka magazine sa maong armas.


Ang mga dinakpan nga suspek, uban sa mga nasakmit ug nakumpiskang ebidensiya ug mga narekober nga fired cartridges, gidala sa Maramag MPS alang sa dokumentasyon ug saktong disposisyon.


Samtang ang mga ebidensiya sa droga ug mga armas nga nakumpiska itugyan ngadto sa Provincial Forensic Unit alang sa eksaminasyon.


Kasong kalapasan sa RA 9165 ug RA 10591 ang giandam alang sa inquest proceedings sa mga suspek.
Ang hiniusang puwersa sa kapolisan, gilangkoban sa mga yunit gikan sa Maramag Municipal Police Station ug Bukidnon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

36 Ex-NPA Rebels Surrender in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Thirty-six former New People’s Army (NPA) leaders and combatants recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. They were presented to the Bukidnon provincial government on January 10 at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City

The surrenderees turned over 55 high-powered firearms, including an M-60 machine gun, and pledged allegiance to the government.


Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed gratitude to the former rebels, calling their surrender a significant step towards peace and stability in Northern Mindanao.

“Akong pagpasalamat sa atong mga sundalo, pulis, local government units, civil society organizations, ug concerned citizens for participating in the ELCAC campaign. Kini nga kampanya involves municipal, provincial, and line agencies. Naa sila gatabang sa ato pinaagi sa paghatag sa support services sama sa livelihood assistance, skills training, ug uban pa, aron masulbad ang insurgency problem sa nasud labi na dinhi sa atong probinsya sa Bukidnon,” he said.


(I thanked the military, police, local government units, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens. They help provide support services, such as livelihood assistance and skills training, to address the insurgency problem in the country, especially here in Bukidnon.)


He urged remaining insurgents to surrender and embrace peace.


Arnel Arcaya, alias Sky, a former NPA leader, shared his difficult experiences within the rebel group and thanked the government for supporting his reintegration into society.


In a press conference, Arcaya expressed his desire to leave his past behind and start anew, inspired by the government’s reintegration efforts.


The military credited Cong. Jonathan Keith T. Flores of the 2nd Congressional District for facilitating the surrender of former NPA leaders, highlighting the success of the whole-of-nation approach.


Cong. Flores emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in defeating insurgency and thanked the surrendered NPA members for rejoining society.


“The presence of government agencies in the mountains, delivering essential services to marginalized communities, has encouraged many to return to peaceful lives,” he said. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

DAR-10 distributes over 320,000 hectares to ARBs, showcases agrarian reform milestones

Posted on by cmn

MISAMIS ORIENTAL (December 29, 2024) – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 10 highlighted significant accomplishments in its key programs, reaffirming its commitment to improving the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)

In Kapihan sa PIA, DAR-10 Regional Director Zoraida Macadindang underscored the positive impact of their programs and projects on agrarian reform beneficiaries.
“Dako na kaayo ang among nahimo for this year 2024, nadugangan ang among accomplishments in terms of cumulative and na-implement na namo ug nakapanghatag nami sa certificate of condonation with release of real estate mortgage, naka-produce ug thousands of e-titles pinaagi sa SPLIT project, ug daghan ta napanghatag nga CLOAs,” Macadindang said.
(This year, 2024, we achieved significant milestones, including distributing certificates of condonation with real estate mortgage releases, producing thousands of e-titles through the SPLIT project, and issuing numerous CLOAs.)
As of November 2024, Macadindang reported a 97.28 percent completion of the Land Tenure Improvement Program (LTIP), distributing 320,993 hectares to 187,723 ARBs. The region also achieved 136,105 hectares in leasehold agreements, benefiting 51,300 leaseholders.
Under Republic Act No. 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, 6,538 Certificates of Condonation with Mortgage Releases were issued to ARBs, covering 8,219 hectares, mostly in Bukidnon. Additionally, the agency distributed 2,441 e-titles, converting 364 collective CLOAs into individual titles for 1,984 beneficiaries across 2,816 hectares.
Under the Agrarian Justice Delivery Program, DAR-10 has resolved 1,823 judicial cases, 28,074 quasi-judicial cases, and 54,567 Agrarian Law Implementation (ALI) cases, ensuring secure, sustainable land ownership for ARBs while effectively resolving disputes.
Macadindang attributed the region’s positive results to the efficiency of their skilled adjudicators.
She emphasized that they maintained a zero-case backlog, earning a Hall of Fame award from the DAR Central Office.
“We are closely monitored for case aging to ensure timely resolution. Cases are resolved promptly upon meeting all requirements,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Development Sustainability Program (ARBDSP) supports 504 active Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) across 176 agrarian reform communities (ARCs), benefiting a total of 239,446 ARBs.
To empower ARBs further, 26 ongoing agrarian reform projects worth P376 million are being implemented. Six more projects, valued at P150.5 million, are set to begin, while 440 proposed projects totaling P27.6 billion await approval. The total investment in these projects exceeds P28.15 billion, with Bukidnon receiving the largest share.
These achievements demonstrate DAR’s commitment to advancing its programs, providing ARBs in Northern Mindanao with improved economic opportunities and quality of life. DAR encourages those interested in its programs to visit their local offices across the region. (Jan Albert K. Araña/PIA-10)

2 killed, 5 injured in Bukidnon highway accident

Posted on by cmn

COTABATO CITY (January 7, 2025 | 5:04pm) — Two individuals were killed and five others severely injured when a refrigerated truck loaded with frozen fish collided with a van and a motorcycle, causing all three vehicles to plunge into a roadside ravine in Quezon town, Bukidnon, on Monday, January 6

Senior officials of the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office and the Police Regional Office-10 told reporters on Tuesday, January 7, that Mohammad Exan Bola, 53, of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, and the 26-year-old Jayser Pendorat Bautil, a resident of Barangay Kalilangan in Pantar, Lanao del Norte, were declared dead on arrival by doctors in a hospital where emergency responders transported them for treatment.

An initial report from the Quezon Municipal Police Station, released to reporters early Tuesday, revealed that the driver of the refrigerated truck lost control of the vehicle when its brake system malfunctioned while navigating a steep, downhill stretch of highway in Barangay Palacapao, Quezon. The truck collided with a motorcycle and an L300 van ahead, causing all three vehicles to plunge into a deep ravine alongside the route.

Witnesses who spoke with police investigators said that all three vehicles involved in the accident rolled over multiple times before landing in an open field about 50 meters down the ravine.

One of the two fatalities, identified as Bautil, was a helper of the driver of the refrigerated truck, which bore the license plates ZAD 6080. The truck was driven by 45-year-old Solaiman Baco Moctar, a resident of Digos City in Davao del Sur.

The road mishap left five others, including Moctar, the driver of the L300 van and the motorist that his truck rammed, badly injured.

Police investigators and barangay officials have confirmed to reporters that the right arm of one of the victims got severed from the shoulder and was found in a grassy spot several meters away. (John Unson – Philstar.com)

DOH implements ‘Purok Kalusugan,’ opens BUCAS centers in Normin

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (January 8, 2025) — ‘Purok Kalusugan’ and ‘Bagong (New) Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services’ (BUCAS) centers are two programs implemented by the Department of Health Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) under the Universal Health Care Act (UHC) that bring health services closer to the people, especially the farthest and smallest communities

In a press conference organized by the DOH-CHDNM, Dr. Steffi Grace H. Enon, DOH-CHDNM chief of the local health support division, shared that ‘Purok Kalusugan’ is aligned with the UHC. “Gikan sa iyang ngalan nga Purok Kalusugan, atong gusto nga ang mga serbisyo nga pangkalusugan o panglawas dal-on nato sa level sa purok,” she said.


(From its name, Purok Kalusugan, we want all services related to health and nutrition to be brought to the level of a zone.)


The UHC Act has many goals, said Enon, but its main goal is that “We want all Filipinos to experience health services that are accessible, affordable, close to them, of quality, and safe.”


The Purok Kalusugan program includes all eight priority health outcomes of DOH, which will be implemented at the “purok,” or zone level.


The eight priority health outcomes include vaccination, nutrition, water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), maternal health, tuberculosis and HIV, road safety, non-communicable diseases (specifically high blood pressure and diabetes), and cancer.


These eight priority outcomes are called high burdens because many people are affected by them. The Department of Health is focusing on these eight. “If we can improve them, we can say that our community will be healthy,” Enon said.


Opening of BUCAS centers in Northern Mindanao


The Department of Health has launched a new initiative, the Bagong (New) Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) facility, under the management of DOH hospitals.


Dr. Raymond G. Dela Cruz, the chief of the regulations, licensing, and enforcement division at DOH-CHDNM, stated that this facility will address the issue of congestion in the region’s government hospitals.


“Kasagara niini ang problema, dugay sila maatiman tungod sa kadaghan, limitado ang lugar sa hospital aron maka-accommodate kanila, so ang initiative sa Department of Health mao nga i-forward position kining serbisyo sa atong mga komunidad nga ang mga hospital mu-perform og mga minor surgeries ug mga konsultasyon nga nagkinahanglan og espesyalista. Ang mga ancillary services, mga specialized laboratory exam, ug x-rays idala sa BUCAS centers,” Dela Cruz said.


(This is usually the problem; it takes a long time to attend to them because of the large number, and the hospital space is limited to accommodate them. So, the initiative of the Department of Health is to forward-position these services in our communities so that hospitals perform minor surgeries and consultations requiring specialists. Ancillary services, specialized laboratory exams, and x-rays will be brought to BUCAS centers.)


Currently, there are four operational BUCAS centers in Northern Mindanao. The North Eastern Misamis General Hospital, located in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, is one of the DOH hospitals; another in Misamis Occidental is located in Plaridel, managed by Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS-MC), a tertiary government hospital in Ozamiz City. The next is in Mambajao, Camiguin, managed by Camiguin General Hospital; however, the purpose is to transfer this center to Sagay, Camiguin.


The idea of BUCAS, according to Dela Cruz, is to place it far from hospitals so that those who need services will go to the centers closer to their communities instead of the hospitals.


While DOH hospitals manage this initiative, local government units have generously volunteered to contribute significantly towards the construction of the centers.


Currently, there are four local governments in the pipeline that have volunteered to provide lots; one of them is Magsaysay in Misamis Oriental, Bacolod in Lanao del Norte, the Malaybalay local government unit in Bukidnon, and Balo-i in Lanao del Norte. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat/PIA-10)

Malaybalay buys P13.69-M five brand-new garbage compactors

Posted on by Melchor Madera

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) of Malaybalay marked a significant milestone with the receipt of five brand-new garbage compactors

The five units, costing a total of Php 13,690,000.00, demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the city’s waste management infrastructure.
According to a press statement, the turnover ceremony for the five new garbage compactors was held in front of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs on December 27, 2024.
The ceremony was attended by Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, city officials, department heads, and employees of the City Government of Malaybalay.
During the ceremony, Mayor Pabillaran officially handed over the compactors to Ms. Jessie G. Suson, the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer.
The new garbage compactors are expected to significantly enhance the city’s waste management capabilities.
Before acquiring these new compactors, the City ENRO operated with four units.
“These new units will greatly improve the city’s waste management and collection capabilities, making waste disposal more efficient and effective. This is crucial for the health and well-being of all residents.”
The delivery of the garbage compactors is part of a larger initiative that includes the purchase of new government vehicles for the fiscal year 2024.
This initiative also underscores Malaybalay’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable urban development.
Investing in modern waste management equipment not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes an eco-friendly and sustainable city. (melbmadera)

12 paresan misalmot sa Tribal mass wedding

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

Dose ka paresan sa Indigenous Peoples (IPs) ang nisalmot sa tribal mass wedding nga gipahigayon niadtong Agosto sa Covered Court sa Barangay Sumpong sa Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Sumala sa kasayoran sa local government unit sa Malaybalay, ang kalihokan isa ka highlight sa “Araw ng Barangay Sumpong.”

Gitumong kini aron mapormal ang panaghiusa sa mga magtiayon nga nag-ipon na isip bana ug asawa.

Ang seremonyas gihimo subay sa naandang mga balaod, ritwal, ug tradisyon sa mga magtiayon, sumala sa gilatid sa Republic Act 8371 kon Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.

Si Datu Danny Sarito ang nangulo sa kasal, uban sa tabang ni Bae Inatlawan – Adelina Tarino ug Datu Chepin Jose Gumindan.

Gitinguha usab sa kalihokan nga masiguro nga ang mga magtiayon maka-access sa mga importanteng programa sa gobyerno, sama sa 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) ug PhilHealth.

Si City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, uban sa mga sakop sa Sangguniang Panlungsod, mga opisyal sa barangay, ug nagkalain-laing lider sa tribo, nitambong sa seremonyas aron pagpakita sa ilang suporta.

Anaa ang City Civil Registrar’s Office aron motabang sa pagpirma sa mga sertipiko sa kaminyoon, pagsiguro sa legal nga pag-ila sa ilang kaminyoon. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

Sgt. Pairat sa 8IB napili nga best NCO sa ‘Tribute to Soldiers’ awards sa The Manila Times

Posted on by Melchor Madera

Si Sergeant Jerwen Pairat, ang napili nga Best Non-Commissioned Officer for Community Service ubos sa Civil Service Category sa ‘Tribute to Soldiers’ Awards sa The Manila Times

Ang awarding ceremony gipahigayon sa Manila Hotel sa Metro Manila niadtong Agosto Lunes, sumala sa kasayoran sa militar.

Si Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. uban ni Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., ang nitunol sa award ngadto kay Sgt. Pairat.

Si Pairat isa ka Squad Leader sa Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) ubos sa Bravo Company sa eight Infantry Battalion, fourth Infantry Division nga nakabase sa Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

Ang MCSST ubos ni Sgt. Si Pairat gipakatap sa hilit nga mga dapit sa Bukidnon aron padayon nga magmonitor ug magpalig-on sa mga programa sa gobyerno, busa, mapadayon ang kalinaw ug kalamboan, ilabina sa mga huyang nga komunidad.

Pinaagi niini nga mga paningkamot, ang iyang team nakahimo sa pagpadali sa pagsurender sa pipila ka mga CPP NPA Terrorists (CNTs) sa ilang lugar, nga miresulta sa pagkunhod sa gidaghanon sa mga miyembro sa CTG ug sa ilang firepower.

Ang bag-o nilang nahimo mao ang pagsurender sa mga CNT ubos sa Squad 3 sa Headquarters Force Neo sa North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. (melbmadera)