TRENDS (20 May 2010)

Earthquake hits Bukidnon

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (19 May) – A mild quake rocked Malaybalay City in Bukidnon province at 12:42 a.m., Wednesday, May 19.
Rey Macaspac of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake was recorded at intensity II with 3.0 magnitude.
He said the quake was tectonic. Its epicenter was 20 kilometers south and 59 kilometers west of Malaybalay City.
“The quake was very shallow with a depth of .02 meter, hitting only Malaybalay City. There were no damage or aftershocks recorded,” he added.
He also emphasized that the mild tremors that hit some areas in the country is due to several active faults in the Philippines. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, PIA 10-Bukidnon)


CdeO commits to LED streetlight retrofit

Under its Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP), the Department of Energy (DOE) initiated a Public Lighting Retrofit Program for Cagayan de Oro City.

Thus, the DOE signed a Memorandum of Agreement together with the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company, Inc. (CEPALCO) on May 18, 2010 at the City Mayor’s Office.

This initiative is being supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Salient features of the project include the utilization of energy efficient lamps, and the latest lighting technologies such as High-Pressure Sodium (HPS), metal halide and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

Four areas in the country are beneficiaries of the program and one of which is Cagayan de Oro.

The project costs about 20 million pesos which covers the installation fee and needed materials.

This undertaking aims to replace about 2,000 units of mercury vapor lamps ranging from 70 watts – 500 watts with 70 watts HPS lamps in the streetlights of 27 barangays in Cagayan de Oro City.

Through this, the probable annual energy savings would be 787, 611 kilowatts.

Carbon dioxide emission can also be decreased by about 354, 425 kilograms, yearly.

Hence, the city could save on expenditures as well as reduce on carbon dioxide emission.

“The intention of the government is to reduce consumption of electricity through the utilization of efficient lights and lighting system,” said Energy Assistant Secretary Mario C. Marasigan.

He also expressed his gratitude regarding their team-up with the City of Cagayan de Oro, the local government units (LGUs) and CEPALCO in putting up 1,998 retrofitted streetlights in four major intersections within the city.

Accordingly, these retrofitted streetlights have the same features that can be seen in other countries as well as in Metro Manila.

In addition, the DOE is looking forward to a possible reduction in consumption of public light of around 180 kilowatts. Thus, these 180 kilowatts can go to other consumers.

Asec. Marasigan stated, “Nothing is lost, but there is always energy efficiency.”

He also addressed the project’s feature on carbon dioxide reduction feature as helpful in lessening climate change.

Furthermore, Jaime Rafael U. Paguio, Vice President and Department Head of CEPALCO’s Customer Services said, "CEPALCO is also going to put some money in the retrofitting project."

He also promised that they will cooperate with city Mayor Constantino Jaraula in implementing the project.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jaraula disclosed, “We are very proud to have been chosen as the pilot city in regard to retrofitting.”

He also commended CEPALCO as the number one efficient producer, generator and distributor all throughout the country.

Officials from the City Mayor's Office also attended the MOA signing activity. (Janinah Jimmin M. Molina-XU DevCom/PIA)


Coastal areas in Misamis Occidental remain red-tide positive

According to the latest laboratory results of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR), shellfish collected from the coastal areas of Misamis Occidental continue to be positive with red tide toxin.

Also just recently, Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan have been found red-tide positive.

Dumanquilas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur, Bislig Bay in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Wawa and Bani in Pangasinan still remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison.

As regularly advised, the public must abstain from collecting and eating all types of shellfish found in these areas. However, crabs, fish, shrimps and squids can be consumed provided that they are fresh and washed carefully. Before cooking, the internal organs such as gills and intestines must be taken off.

Meanwhile, coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan in Manila Bay; coastal waters of Alaminos, Masinloc Bay in Zambales; coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate; Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay and Honda Bay in Palawan, coastal waters of Pilar, President Roxas, Pontevedra in Negros Occidental; Irong-irong, Masqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar; Ormoc, San Pedro, Cancabato and Cacigara Bays in Leyte; Biliran waters in Biliran Province; Hinatuan and Lianga Bays in Surigao del Sur; Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental; coastal waters of Kabasalan in Sibuguey Bay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon continue to be free from red tide toxin. (Janinah Jimmin M. Molina-XU DevCom/PIA)


DENR chief receives Outstanding Public Service Award

Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10 was one of the recipients of the Outstanding Public Service Award from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR).

Director Dichoso received his Outstanding Public Service Award (Government Service) from Forester Roberto V. Oliva, President of the U. P. Los Baños – College of Forestry and Natural Resources Alumni Association (CFNRAA) with the Dean of the CFNR Forester Rex Victor O. Cruz.

Wilma C. Dichoso, wife of the awardee was present during the awarding.

The UPLB-CFNR Centennial Awardees 2010 were:

Forester Carlos Tomboc-Hall of Fame Award;

For. Alfredo Del Rosario, Jr.-Most Outstanding Alumnus Award; and

For. Yolina Castañeto-Outstanding Institutional Service Award on Education.

The other recipients of the Outstanding Public Service Award were Forester Dante Oporto for Community Service and Forester Honorio Cariño for International Service.

The awarding was part of the centennial foundation anniversary and alumni homecoming of UPLB-College of Forestry and Natural Resources from April 18 to 24, 2010.

The theme of the celebration was “Syento Porsyentong Kasiyahan: CFNR, 100 Years Na at Patuloy Pang Maglilingkod sa Bayan at Kalikasan.”

The awarding of Outstanding Alumni was held during Centennial Ball and Awarding Night held on April 20 at Ricarte Hall, Philippine Army Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

During the program, the welcome message was given by CFNRAA President Roberto Oliva and followed by a presentation of the CFNR Modernization Plan by Dean Cruz of UPLB-CFNR. Each awardee delivered a response during the program. Dr. Cruz delivered the closing remarks. (Regional Public Affairs Office)


P1.3M worth of books sets state university ready for June 2010 opening

MAIN CAMPUS, CDO -- Addressing to students’ clamor for more supplementary materials, the Mindanao University of Science and Technology has achieved good attention and favor from the Philippine Library Materials Project Foundation, Inc. (PLMP) when it received another P1.3M worth of books for use in its libraries.

The books will be ready when classes open anew on June 2010.

In 576 volumes with 476 titles on various subjects, the select books were from the publishers, societies, organizations and institutions in the United States of America, to include Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rutgers University and many other institutions in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Boston. Their copyrights likewise range from years 2000 to 2008 editions.

PLMP is an organization that collects and distributes library materials to support the needs of its member libraries in various universities and colleges throughout the country.

The MUST Library has been a regular member of the PLMP Foundation since 1979. Other charter member schools of the PLMP are the different Ateneo schools throughout the Philippines including Xavier University, and other prestigious universities such as De La Salle University, University of San Carlos, Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin, Notre Dame of Marbel, and other more than 70 institutions nationwide.

“The MUST Library’s membership in the PLMP is a good boost to MUST because it provides an alternative way of increasing the collection of books at a minimal cost,” said Ivanhoe S. Onate, Director of MUST Library and Audiovisual Services, and PLMP Board of Trustees elect for 2009-2010.

“Budgetwise, all the University pays is the handling and freight cost of the books. This time, it is only at P 65,435,” he added.

The director likewise confirmed that through PLMP, the University was able to cope with the requirements of the accreditation standards for the various programs of the University.

Forging relationship with PLMP also helped in meeting and sustaining the standards set for the Center of Development (COD) status in Mathematics Education, and eventually, in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. (MUST Press Release)


City gov’t tours teachers on International Museum Day

International Museum Day is celebrated with a museum trip experience sponsored by the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, through the City Government, for the Division of City School and Cagayan de Oro Christian School teachers on May 18, Tuesday.

The tourists for the museum trip were Sibika teachers of different divisions of city schools, and English and Sibika teachers of Cagayan de Oro Christian School teachers.

They visited the four museums in the city, Water Tower, La Castilla, Museum of Three Cultures and DXCC Museum; and they got to have a side trip at one of the newest yet historical sites and markers in the city, the General Douglas MacArthur Marker at Macabalan Port.

The tour started in Water Tower Museum, where the artifacts retrieved from Huluga Caves are stored and kept preserved. The remains of the Himologans, the first settlers of Cagayan de Oro City, can also be found.

The Water Tower Museum, managed by City Heritage Council, is yet to be an official museum. Soft opening of the museum was on International Museum Day; official opening will be on May 28, on National Flag Day.

The teachers’ museum tours also included a tour of the whole of city. As the teachers traversed on various parts of the city, an explanation of the history city streets were given.

“It’s ironic and embarrassing that we try to perfect ourselves getting to know the world history when we don’t even familiarize ourselves with our own,” Caesar Subana, English teacher of Cagayan de Oro Christian School, said during the bus ride going to a museum.

The museums they visited were a complete package. The museums showcased lifestyle, culture and history.

But one museum struck the teachers the most. “Kagay-an’s culture is very diverse and the tour in the Museum of Three Cultures served as an eye opening on how rich our city’s heritage is,” Sir Subana added.

The teachers also enjoyed La Castilla Museum for it overwhelmed them with the lifestyle of the Pelaez family.

“I enjoyed and appreciated the porcelains and memorabilia the most because of its antiquity and the story it tells behind its delicate beauty,” said Alegia Punay, English teacher of West City Central School.

Over all, the teachers altogether reverberated that their museum trip experience was educational, fun, eye awakening and informative.

The tour on International Museum Day, in celebration of the Filipino National Heritage Festival Month, is just the beginning of the many tours The City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, through the City Government, will be doing. (Khria Carmela R. Noble, XU Devcom Intern of City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office)


Feature: The Silent Force

The overwhelming victory of Gov. Khalid Dimaporo, Cong. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo and Cong. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo collectively known as Team Dimaporo in the recent election is solid proof of the people’s satisfaction on their leadership and sterling performance as public officials.

From Day 1, the Dimaporos have stood for the unity of Muslims and Christians as requisite for continued development of the province.

Spreading this gospel of love and respect for our fellowmen is the personnel in the Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO) and the Provincial Information Office (PIO).

“Working behind the scenes for the realization of the Dimaporo’s Vision 2020 is the impetus that drives us forward and inspires us to consistently give our best,” explained PCAO and PIO Head Lyndon Calica.

PCAO is the liaison office that connects the Office of the Governor to the local barangays and towns. Through the assigned municipal coordinators, the Governor is kept updated of the needs and concerns of the people.

On the other hand, the Office of the Provincial Information is the media arm of the provincial government that disseminates timely and relevant information on the recent programs and accomplishments of the provincial LGU to empower the public to make informed decisions on issues that affect them.

“We support the Governor in implementing his 3-point agenda: Social services, Infrastructure and Rural Livelihood. Such agenda is lodged in the Vision 2020 formulated by former Governor Abdullah Dimaporo, and continued by the administration of former Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo and sustained by Gov. Khalid Dimaporo. It’s always been the Dimaporo’s desire to bring the government closer to the people,” Calica said.

With the young and visionary governor at the helm, steering the provincial government in the right direction, the province popularly known as the Land of Beauty and Bounty is set to witness unparalleled growth and development during Gov. Dimaporo’s second term in office.

As the province continue to soar higher towards a better future for its constituents propelled by its economic and social gains, the people who work silently in the background will remain steadfast to its commitment of helping the provincial leadership realize its vision for Lanao del Norte. (PIO Lanao del Norte)


Feature: 4Ps beneficiaries gear up for early enrolment

The Department of Education, as one of the partners of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, is holding an early enrolment starting on April 30 to May 15, 2010.

Submission of the final enrollees of the beneficiaries’ children to the national offices of the partnering agencies will be on May 20, 2010.

The said activity is conducted to determine the beneficiaries’ compliance with the Program’s set of conditions.

According to Meshell R. Japos, San Isidro National High School teacher, as of May 19, 2010, they have been serving to almost 200 students who are beneficiaries of 4Ps.

“Actually, the actual enrolment for all the students should be on June 7. I believe that the early enrolment for the 4Ps beneficiaries’ school children is made to make sure that the beneficiaries will be able to comply with 4Ps’ conditions especially on education,” Japos added.

Japos also mentioned that this is the first time that they conducted an early enrolment and she is surprised to see a lot of students, escorted by their parents, who are seeking to enroll themselves. With the number of enrollees, the school is expecting more than 900 students to be enrolled in this school year.

Requirements for the enrolment which applies to all students include the student’s report card from the previous school year, good moral certificate, birth certificate and 1X1 ID picture.

According to Japos, they have students enrolled temporarily since the latter were unable to present all the requirements especially the transferees but are required to submit the necessary documents by May 24, 2010.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is one of the strategies of the government to alleviate poverty through providing conditional cash grants to the poorest households to help them improve the health, nutrition and education particularly the children aged 0-14.

The beneficiaries in return, must comply with the program’s conditions especially on education which requires all the school-aged children be enrolled in the nearest school and should attend at least 85% of the school year.

Failure in compliance with the condition especially with the enrolment would lead to suspension or termination of the beneficiary from the program.

The data submitted to DSWD and DepEd national offices will be used to determine the amount of cash grant that a household beneficiary should receive from the program. (Recthie B. Tolinero / DSWD)


DTI warns public vs. mislabeled school supplies, unsafe products

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (20 May) –As consumers bargain for school supplies for the coming school year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged millions of parents and students to be watchful and be meticulous of mislabeled school materials to assure quality, safe use and to get the best value for their money.
Trade Secretary Jesli Lapus in a statement warns consumers not to rush into buying fake or imitation products that are cheap.
“Parents and students must also check for labels such as the brand or trade mark, name and address of manufacturer, country of manufacture, net quantity and toxicity warning, if applicable,” Lapus said.
For his part, DTI Bukidnon Provincial Director Ermedio Abang in an interview stressed that under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers are liable to consumers for injuries caused by defective and unsafe products as well as for the insufficient or inadequate information on the use of certain products and the hazards they pose.
“Those found not conforming to the minimum labeling requirements face administrative charges which include a maximum fine of P300,000 per violation,” Abang said. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, PIA Bukidnon)


It’s all systems go for Balak Idol: Cdeo Edition

It’s all systems go for the Search for Balak Idol: Cagayan de Oro Edition at 8:00 in the morning on May 22, 2010.
The City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office has already received entries from balak artists from the various barangays in the city.
With this contest, the city government hopes to cultivate the arts of public speaking, debate and poetry in the vernacular. It has been noted that balak as an art form is now slowly becoming extinct because of external influences.
The contest is open to all residents of Cagayan de Oro City. The entrant’s registration form must be signed by their barangays captain to certify that he / she is a bonafide resident of said barangay.
The “balak” must be at least two minutes long but not exceeding five minutes and must be as close to the vernacular as possible.
The content or message of the “balak” must not be offensive to public morals, must not use indecent language, and must promote goodwill to the community.
Suggested topics are: love, pride for the country, praise of person/s, expressions of virtues and the like. The contest piece must be original.
The piece should have proper rhyming and cadence must be observed.
The use of background music (live or canned) is allowed but must not interfere with the delivery of the contest piece.
Wearing of costumers and use of props may enhance the over-all delivery but will not be judged.
The decision of the board of judges is final.
Criteria for judging will be 30% for content/ message, 20% on rhyme/ cadence, 20% on delivery/voice, 20% on originally and 10% on audience impact.
The top 12 finalists in the elimination round will proceed to the finals round which will be held on May 23, 2010 at 3:00 in the afternoon in Kiosko Kagawasan, Divisoria.
The grand champion in the barangay category will receive P15,000 plus a trophy, while the first and second runners-up will receive P10,000 and P5,000 plus trophy, respectively.
For more details, you may visit the City Tourism and Cultural Affair Office located at the ground floor of the Tourism Hall, City Hall or call telephone # 857-3164. (CIO)