Friday, March 21, 2025

Tag: TRA

23 ka LGU sa Bukidnon pasado sa 2024 Good Financial Housekeeping

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Bukidnon, lakip ang 20 ka munisipyo ug duha ka dakbayan sa probinsya, nakapasar sa 2024 Good Financial Housekeeping sa ilang matag kategorya

Sumala kini sa Facebook post sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bukidnon.


Matod sa DILG Bukidnon, kini nga talagsaong milestone usa ka testamento sa walay paglubad nga paningkamot alang sa transparency, accountability, ug maayong pagdumala.


Gipasidunggan usab niini ang dedikasyon sa 23 ka LGU sa probinsya sa pagpanalipod sa labing taas nga mga sumbanan sa pagdumala sa pinansya, aron masiguro nga ang mga kapanguhaan sa publiko magamit nga epektibo alang sa kaayohan sa mga komunidad.


(Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Agri-10 4K continues to aid IP orgs in NorMin

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, a special initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA), continues to assist Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous People (IP) farmers and fishers by helping them develop their ancestral lands through sustainable farming. The program also aims to boost their livelihood while respecting their cultural traditions, beliefs, values, and laws

April Grace M. Racines, 4K program focal person of the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), shared in a recent episode of “Usapang Agrikultura” on Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM that at least 50 Indigenous People’s Organizations (IPOs) in Northern Mindanao have benefited from the program since its inception in 2020.


She explained that the program provides support across the agricultural value chain, including seeds, fertilizers, draft animals, machinery, equipment, and training. These are tailored to each community’s needs and resource gaps, as identified through a Community Needs Assessment (CNA).


Racines added that eligible beneficiaries of the program are IPOs recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) or those who have secured—or are in the process of securing—a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title, Land Title, or Domain Claim (CADT/CALT/CADC).


“Eligible participants must be willing to engage in training or capacity-building activities and adopt new technologies while also respecting and recognizing what we call Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP),” the coordinator explained.


For his part, Alvin P. Pantaon, a program beneficiary and member of a 51-person association from Sitio Mintapod, Hagpa, Impasugong, Bukidnon, praised the Department of Agriculture’s efforts in uplifting their community.


Through the 4K program, members were trained in agricultural technologies, including rice, corn, and tilapia culture. They also received abaca stripping machines and livestock animals.


“We need to realize that we cannot just rely on what nature provides us for food, especially now that our numbers have grown and nature can no longer sustain our food supply. So, we, the IP, need to adapt, continue, and be ready to cooperate,” Pantaon emphasized, urging others to pursue agriculture.


Racines also highlighted that the 4K program has collaborated with DA-10’s banner programs and special projects, along with its attached bureaus and agencies, NCIP, local government units, and the Philippine Army, to achieve its milestones.


Looking ahead, she shared that the 4K program plans to identify additional ICCs and IPOs to focus on for 2026–2028, with the goal of helping these groups transition into enterprising organizations that can secure stable markets and create sustainable livelihoods in the long run.


“We are already working on crafting cluster development plans for select IPOs,” the 4K program coordinator concluded.


(JLO)

Northern Mindanao posts 2.9% inflation in January 2025

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 18, 2025) — Northern Mindanao’s inflation rate for January 2025 increased to 2.9 percent, rising by 0.3 percentage points from the previous month’s rate of 2.6 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10

PSA-10 Regional Director Janith Aves explained that rising prices in food, non-alcoholic beverages, transport, restaurants, and accommodation services primarily caused the region’s inflation increase.


Food and non-alcoholic beverages experienced an inflation rate of 2.4 percent in January 2025, increasing from 1.8 percent in December 2024. This change resulted mainly from higher costs of fish and seafood, vegetables, and meat.


Transport inflation rose to 5.4 percent from 5.0 percent in December 2024.


“The rise mainly resulted from gasoline and diesel prices, which shifted to -0.3 percent from -2.0 percent and -2.5 percent from -6.4 percent, respectively,” she said.


In restaurants and accommodation services, inflation reached 3.8 percent, increasing from 3.3 percent in the previous month. The rise occurred primarily due to higher prices in restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments, which showed an inflation rate of 3.8 percent, up from 3.2 percent. Hotels, motels, inns, and other accommodation services recorded an inflation rate of 5.1 percent, rising from 5.0 percent in December.


The region’s inflation rate in January 2025 matched the national inflation rate, which stood at 2.9 percent. However, the inflation rate differed across various areas in Northern Mindanao. Misamis Oriental recorded the highest inflation rate at 5.3 percent, while Lanao del Norte had the lowest at 0.6 percent.


Aves stated that these inflationary trends play a crucial role in understanding regional economic conditions and will continue to be closely monitored to support informed decisions and policies.

(APB/PIA-10)

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)

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 )

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)

Anti-terrorism forum gipahigayon sa Maramag

Posted on by Melchor Madera

Isa ka anti-terrorism forum nga gipangunahan sa 48th Infantry Battalion sa 7th Infantry Division ang gipahigayon sa Maramag Municipal Hall kaniadtong Pebrero 10, 2025.
Katambayayong sa kalihokan ang lokal nga kagamhanan sa Maramag

Sumala sa kasayuran sa LGU Maramag, ang forum nagpundok sa sektor sa negosyo aron matubag ang mga nagpilit nga isyu bahin sa kalinaw, seguridad, ug pagpatuman sa mga balaod nga kontra-terorismo.
Ang mga mahinungdanong presentasyon naglakip sa usa ka panaghisgot bahin sa “paglimbong sa communist terrorist groups ug sibil nga operasyon sa militar,” nga gihan-ay ni Army Captain Rogelio S. Recto, nga nag-counter sa insurgent tactics pinaagi sa community engagement.
Nitambong sab sa kalihokan ang uban pang mga opisyales sa gobyerno. (melbmadera)

Pinakaunang K9 Unit sa LGU Malaybalay, gipresenta

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Pormal nga gipresenta sa publiko ang pinakaunang K9 Detection Unit alang sa dugang seguridad sa dakbayan sa Malaybalay

Sumala sa kasayoran, natigayon kini atol sa 2nd Monday Convocation Program niadtong Pebrero 10, 2025.


Si Konsehal Royland M. Orquia, committee chair sa Peace and Order sa Sangguniang Panlungsod, nipasabot sa kamahinungdanon sa paggamit sa trained K9 tungod sa ilang abilidad sa pag-detect sa mga explosives, narcotics, ug uban pang matang sa hulga nga peligroso sa publiko.


Dugang pa niya, isa kini ka deterrent sa kriminalidad ug makatabang sa pagpalig-on sa public safety and security.


Nasayran nga pipila na ka local government units ang nihimog K9 unit sama sa Cebu City ug mga munisipyo, lakip na ang atong silingang siyudad nga Valencia City.


Ang Detection Dog Unit ubos sa pagdumala sa Mayor’s Office, samtang ang City Veterinary Office ang maghatag sa health care support.


Mikabat sa P70,000.00 ang pagpalit sa iro ug dugang P150,000.00 ang gigahin alang sa training ug operasyon niini. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

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)

PWD gipatay sa igsoon sa Malaybalay

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

Isa ka 54-anyos nga lalaki nga person with disability (PWD) ang gipatay sa iyang 44-anyos nga lalaking manghod sa Purok 1, Brgy. Managok, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Ang insidente gi-report sa usa ka kagawad sa barangay pasado alas 8:00 sa buntag sa Enero 27, 2025. Sumala sa report sa kapolisan, ang patayng lawas sa mentally ill nga biktima napalgan sulod sa panimalay niini.

Gipadayag sa mga unang nahibal-an nga ang biktima giatake sa iyang mag-uuma nga igsoon nga residente usab sa dapit. Sumala pa, gibunalan sa manghod ang iyang magulang sa tuo nga bahin sa ulo gamit ang usa ka kahoy, hinungdan sa grabe nga trauma sa ulo ug pagkawala sa dugo, nga gituohan nga hinungdan sa kamatayon sa biktima.

Ang dugang nga imbestigasyon nagpakita nga ang mga silingan nakadungog sa kagubot sulod sa puy-anan sa biktima. Ang mga niresponding kapolisan nakadakup sa suspek sa gawas sa balay ug gidala siya sa Malaybalay City Police Station alang sa kustodya ug pag-file sa angay nga mga sumbong.

Ang insidente gituohan nga naggikan sa usa ka personal nga pagdumot tali sa biktima ug sa suspek. (Diego M. Hidalgo)