PIA-10 News (19 February 2011)

Feature: El Salvador, Mis. Or., a city once more
by Rutchie |Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Gov. Oscar S. Moreno of Misamis Oriental said he is happy with the latest decision of the Supreme Court upholding the cityhood status of El Salvador in his province.

“I am happy for the people of El Salvador. It is our fervent hope that this issue has reached its final point and will now be put to rest. Hopefully, the 16 towns-now-cities can move on, finally,” he said.

As published in the national dailies, on Feb. 17, 2011, the Supreme Court has upheld El Salvador’s cityhood status, as constitutional, one more time, after previous declarations that went like a pendulum from constitutional to unconstitutional and now constitutional.

One of the 24 towns of Mis. Or., El Salvador becomes the second component city, after that of Gingoog, in the eastern portion of the province towards the Caraga region with Cagayan de Oro, the seat of the regional government of Northern Mindanao, now highly urbanized.

With El Salvador attaining cityhood status are 15 other towns, namely: Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte, Bayugan in Agusan del Sur, Tandag in Surigao del Sur, Mati in Davao and Lamitan in Basilan.

Naga, Bugo and Carcar in Cebu, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, Baybay in Leyte, Catbalogan and Borongan in Samar, Tayabas in Quezon, Tabuk in Kalinga and Batac in Ilocos Norte.

Located some 20 km. west of Cagayan de Oro City, El Salvador situates itself along the Cagayan de Oro –Iligan Corridor (CIC), near the site of the Laguindingan Airport Development Project (LADP) which can have a booming effect on the services industry, like restaurants, hotels, beach resorts, etc.

To be fully completed and operational by 2012, the project is conceived to provide airport facilities that can accommodate international standard commercial air service to cater the increasing number of passengers and cargo traffic in the CIC.

A year before the LAPD operates, the Regional Development Council of the region (RDC-X) has thought of creating a master plan, particularly on land-use, that will maximize the use of the Airport and respond to the growing demand for air travel in the coming years, taking into account the flexibility of economic opportunities that arise.

The said plan is expected to include data on investment, tourism and employment opportunities to meet the requirements and ensure absorption of the local labor and airport services delivery and promotion.

It will also consider the key environmental issues to guide the operations of both the airport authority and its leaseholders to ensure proper management of waste emissions to mitigate the effects of noise on surrounding communities and reduce its contribution to climate change. (PIA)


One tropical cyclone, likely to enter PAR , this quarter – PAGASA by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – At least one (1) tropical cyclone is expected to form or enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), during the first quarter, this year.

Thus, the public is advised to take precautionary measures against flood and rain-induced landslides in hazard prone areas as updates and advisories will be issued as appropriate, Ricardo A. Mercado, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), region 10, said.

Meanwhile, he said the current La Niña that started last July 2010 continues to persist in the tropical Pacific and came up with an over-all assessment that it has moderate strength, although in some season it reached moderate to strong intensity.

Mercado said this condition is expected to last until the Northern Hemisphere spring season, March-May 2011, as shown by all oceanic and atmospheric indicators.

He said the Seasonal Climate Outlook for the Philippines from January to June 2011 show that the key indicators like the Pacific sea surface and sub-surface temperatures, the trade winds and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), exceeded well the La Niña thresholds.

In fact, such situation contributed to the high rainfall over Eastern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, last December, a clear manifestation of the cold episode impact and that synoptic features showing the more intense high pressure systems over the mid latitude with stronger northeast wind streams are eminent during the event, a signature of the cold event.

Weakening of the North East monsoon is likely during the later part of March but in the event of the current La Niña, stronger than normal trade winds is likely during the season, bringing above normal rainfall in most areas of the country.

Last month, the general assessment of rainfall was above normal, where most areas of Mindanao received greater than 200-300% of the normal rainfall causing floods and landslides.

The Eastern and Central Visayas, some areas of Bicol Region and Palawan also experienced above normal conditions during the past two to three months, an impact of La Niña in the country.

Weather systems that may affect the country in February are the NE monsoon, tail-end of cold front, Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), ridge of the High Pressure Area (HPA), easterlies, and a slim chance of a tropical cyclone occurrence within the PAR.

Rainfall for February is expected to be near normal in most areas of Mindanao and Luzon while Northern Mindanao, Southern Luzon and the Visayas will likely receive above normal rainfall.

Mercado, however, assured that PAGASA will continue to monitor the atmospheric and oceanic conditions affecting the country especially on the possible impacts of the on-going La Niña episode. (PIA)


4,000 schoolchildren participate earthquake drill
By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To prepare for the "big one," more than 4,000 schoolchildren of Malaybalay City Central and Sumpong Elementary schools took part in the earthquake drill Thursday, Feb. 17.

The Malaybalay City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC), which led the drill, described it as the largest earthquake exercise in the Philippines since the ceremonial pressing of button to signify the start of the countrywide activity was done in the national capital region.

In a briefing before the drill started, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Virginia Flores emphasized the importance of this exercise as disasters strike at any time.

“We should always be prepared particularly in critical emergency response such as fire suppression, collapsed structure, search and rescue mass casualty incident management and evacuation,” Flores stressed.

For his part, City Planning and Development Officer Allan Ronolo explained that this activity is a type of training that involves proper handling and requires skillful moves when disaster hits.

Flores, who is concurrent city deputized civil defense coordinator, said this is the 1st quarter 2011 nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill conducted as part of the continuing implementation of National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council’s four point of action for disaster preparedness. (PIA10, Bukidnon)


Cebuano News: Libre nga civil registration ipahigayon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Aron maaghat sa pagparehistro kadtong mga nanimuyo sa Malaybalay nga wala pa marehistro hangtud karong panahuna, ang Local Civil Registrar (LCR) mipahigayon ug libre nga pangpangrehistro sugod sa Pebrero 14 hangtud sa 28 ning tuig.

Sigun sa gisulti ni City Civil Registrar Milo Lim, ang libre nga pagpang rehistro alang kini sa tanan nga buot makabaton ug Birth Certificate, Delayed Registration of Birth, Marriage Application lakip na ang mga kopya sa papeles nga gikinahanglan alang sa local nga mga transaksyon ug katuyuan.

Samtang gipasabot usab ni Susan Llido, ang resource person sa buhatan sa LCR, nga ang makapahimulos sa libre nga pagparehistro sa Birth Certificate ug Delayed Registration of Birth kadto lamang mga indibidwal nga natawo sa dakbayan sa Malaybalay.

Alang sa mga buot mo apply sa Birth Certificate ug Delayed Registration of Birth, kinahanglan magdala sila sa mga mosunod; Baptismal Certificate, Form 137, Marriage Contract sa mga ginikanan, Voters Certificate, Cedula alang sa tuig 2011 ug certification gikan sa barangay.

Alang usab sa buot mo apply ug Marriage Certificate, kinahanglan usab dalhon ang Birth Certificate, CENOMAR o Certificate of No Marriage ug Cedula alang sa tuig 2011.

Kini nga mga kalihuka alayon sa kasaulogan sa Civil Registration Month sa tibuok bulan sa Pebrero nga nagdala sa tema nga “Quality Civil Registration in Support to the National Development Goals.” (Joni Ester P. Parrado,Malaybalay CIO/RLRB,PIA Bukidnon)


Cebuano News: Konsehal mo-awhag sa LTFRB nga mapagawas ang taripa sa bag-ong pletehan

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Pasado na sa Sangguniang Panlungsod ang resolusyon ni City Councilor Providencio Abragan, Jr. nga nag-awhag sa rehiyonal nga buhatan sa Land Transporation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) nga ma-isyuhan bag-ong taripa ang mga pampasaherong sakyanan sa gipatuman karong pletehan.

Sa maong resolusyon, gihangyo ang LTFRB nga makapagawas og bag-ong fare guide o matrix aron paglikay sa sagad nga panaglalis karon tali sa publikong sumasakay ug mga drivers.

Gihangyo usab ang maong ahensiya nga i-isyu ang maong taripa sa ubos nga presyo sukwahi sa gika-ingong 700 pesos matag kopya.

Kung kahinumduman nga mipatawag og public hearing ang Committee on Laws, Transportation and Traffic Management sa konseho niadtong miaging semana kanus-a gipaminaw ang reklamo sa mga pasahero, drivers ug operators kalabot sa piso nga usbaw sa pletehan.

Gipadangat ang kopya sa naaprobahang resolusyon ngadto mismo sa buhatan ni LTFRB Region 10 Director Mandangan Darimbang alang sa tukmang aksiyon. (mta/boy decena)


Cebuano News: Iligan Film Festival ipahigayon alayon sa National Arts Month

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Mamahimong usa sa mga talagsa-ong kalihukan sa siyudad alayon ning pagsa-ulog sa National Arts Month ang usa ka short film making competition nga gi-ulohang “Lilas: the Iligan Film Festival.”

Buksan kini pinaagi sa usa ka float parade libot sa mga kadalanan sa siyudad nga salmutan sa mga lokal nga artista, directors ug producers karong Pebrero 21 sa alas tres ang takna sa hapon.

Mosunod niini ang premier night ug ribbon-cutting nga ipahigayon sa Berds Cinema.

Ang regular screening days mahitabo sa Pebrero 22 ug 23 didto gihapon sa Berds Cinema, ug ang Awards Night gitakda sa Pebrero 24, alas sais ang takna sa gabii sa St. Michael’s College Auditorium.

Mapasigarbuhon ang Over-all Chairperson sa National Arts Month Celebration sa Iligan nga si City Councilor Michelle Sweet nga naka-una ang dakbayan sa maong matang sa kalihukan nga sagad lamang gihimo didto sa Metro Manila nga mao ang showbiz capital sa nasud.

Mapasalamaton ang konsehala sa YAPIS Organization sa pagpasi-ugda niini. (mta-CIO Iligan)


Cebuano News: Mayor Cruz, naningkamot nga makaangkon ang Iligan og dakong gahin sa imprastraktura diha sa RDC budget preparations

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Gipaningkamutan ni Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz nga makaangkon ang Dakbayan sa Iligan og dakong gahin alang sa imprastraktura diha sa ipahigayong 2012 budget preparation sa tanang rehiyonal nga buhatan sa gobyerno ilalom sa Regional Development Council (RDC).

Mipahayag ang RDC Chairman nga dili gayud kalikayan nga mahatagan niya og espesyal nga pagtagad ang dakbayan dungan sa iyang pagsiguro nga mapatuman ang mga programa ug proyekto nga makabenepisyo ang tanang dapit sa amihanang Mindanao.

Sa na-aprobahang sa RDC nga Budget Preparation Calendar alang sa Fiscal Year 2012, gitakda petsa 16 Pebrero ang pagsumiter sa mga budget proposals gikan sa mga nagkalain-laing regional offices sa gobyerno.

Sugdan petsa 17 hangtud sa petsa 22 sa Pebrero ang pag-review sa maong mga proposals ug isunod niini sa Pebrero 24 ngadto sa Marso 3 ang mga sectoral consultations.

Una nang gikabutyag ni Mayor Cruz nga personal niyang dumalahon ang tanang budget consultations sa RDC 10.

Ang mahikay nga budget proposals sa RDC 10 mao unya ang usa sa mga basehan sa pag-andam sa 2012 National Budget nga ipa-ilalom sa deliberasyon sa kongreso. (boy decena/mta)


Cebuano News: Estado sa mga dagkong proyekto sa Rehiyon 10, gisaysay atol sa natigayong 88th RDC Full Council Meeting

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Gihatagan ni Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz og higayon ang National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) nga masaysay ang estado sa mga dagkong proyekto sa Rehiyon 10 atol sa napahigayong 88th Regional Development Council (RDC) Full Council Meeting niadtong Pebrero 15 dinhi sa Iligan.

Partikular nga gikumusta sa RDC Chairman ang pinaka-ulahing update sa Laguindingan International Airport Project ug ang proposed Panguil Bay Bridge nga magkutay sa Tubod, Lanao del Norte ug Silangga, Tangub City.

Sa gihimong report sa NEDA 10, nasayran nga anaa na sa 66% ang accomplishment sa gikatrabahong airport nga naglakip sa natibawas na nga runway, passenger terminal, maintenance building, access road ug uban pa.

Gikonsidera nga kritikal pa sa pagkakaron ang pagpalit ug pag-instalar sa mga navigational equipment ug support facilities tungod ipa-ilalom pa kini sa bidding. Gibana-bana nga makumpleto ang proyekto sa Mayo tuig 2012.

Sa pikas bahin, anaa pa lamang karon sa proseso sa paghikay sa feasibility study ang Department of Public Works and Highways(DPWH) alang sa Panguil Bay Bridge project.

Subay niini, mipasar ang RDC og resolusyon pinaagi sa mosyon ni Tangub City Mayor Philip Tan aron pag-awhag sa DPWH nga mapadali ang pagpahigayon sa feasibility study sa proyekto. (mta-CIO Iligan)


Cebuano News: Pagbaligya sa IDPP ngadto sa usa ka pribadong kompaniya mas makaayo sa kagamhanan sa siyudad

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Giangkon ni Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz atol sa natigayong 88th Full Council Meeting sa Regional Development Council (RDC) dinhi sa Iligan nga dili kaya sa kagamhanang lokal sa Iligan ang pag-operate sa Iligan Diesel Power Plants (IDPP) 1 ug 2.

Sumala sa pamuno-dakbayan, wala’y igong salapi ang siyudad nga makasagubang sa operational expenses sa maong planta.

Dugang giasoy ni Mayor Cruz nga padayong naningkamot ang kagamhanan sa Iligan nga mabaligya ngadto sa usa ka pribadong kompaniya ang IDPPs.

Gibutyag sa amahan sa siyudad nga nagpadayon pa karon ang negosasyon tali sa interesadong mopalit niini nga Conal Holdings.

Gihimo ni Mayor Cruz ang maong mga pamahayag atubangan sa RDC tungod kay usa man ang IDPP sa makatabang unya sa higayon nga masinati sa Mindanao ang kakulangon sa kuryente.

Sigun sa nasayran, makatampo ang IDPP og 30 megawatt sa Mindanao Grid panahon sa kanihit sa kuryente.

Usa sa gipanagan-an sa RDC 10 ang posibilidad nga masinati na usab sa Mindanao ang power crisis panahon sa ting-init. (mta-CIO Iligan)


Cebuano News: Duolan tres milyones pesos nakolekta sa EEDMO sa tibuok bulan sa Enero 2011

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Gibutyag sa hepe sa Economic Enterprises Development and Management Office (EEDMO)-Collection Division nga si Samuel Vicente nga mikabat ngadto sa 2.6 milyones ka pesos ang kinatibuk-ang koleksiyon sa ilang buhatan sa tibuok bulan sa Enero tuig 2011.

Naglangkob niini ang koleksiyon sa Pala-o Market nga mikabat sa 710 mil; sa Central Market nga mikabat sa 276 mil pesos; sa Fishlanding o Bagsakan nga mikabat sa 63 mil; Transfer nga mikabat sa kapin 37 mil pesos; Ownership nga mikabat sa singko mil; Slaughterhouse nga mikabat sa 126 mil pesos; public cemetery 99 mil pesos; Comfort Rooms nga mikabat sa 390 mil pesos; Iligan Bus and Jeepney Terminal (IBJT)-North nga mikabat sa 553 mil pesos ug IBJT-South nga mikabat sa 353 mil pesos.

Dugang nasayran gikan ni Vicente nga milabaw kini og 900 mil pesos kung itandi sa koleksiyon sa susamang bulan sa miaging tuig nga anaa lamang sa 1.7 milyones pesos. (boy decena-CIO Iligan)


Peace and security tops among business community’s priorities, says CCIFII president
By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte – Emily M. Pascua, president, Chamber of Commerce Industry Foundation of Iligan, Inc.,(CCIFII) believes that peace and order is an essential ingredient to maintaining economic development, social order and political stability.

It is in this context that a Multi-Sectoral Dialogue on Peace and Security was conducted because we thought of seeking to assess the peace and security situation of the city, as well as orient the business community on what the local government unit (LGU) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been doing to maintain a peaceful environment for the city, expressed Pascua in her welcome message at the Elena Tower Inn, this city, on Feb. 16, 2011.

Further, she said a condition of peace and order facilitates the growth of investments, generates more employment opportunities and attracts more tourists.

This is part of our advocacy in helping the city in its investment promotional activities, thus, we invited participants coming from the association of hotels and restaurants, lending institutions, non-government organizations, the Iligan City Police Office, government line agency, LGU and the business community.

After the presentation of issues and concerns from the business community, and the situational report of the PNP, the group came up with an action plan as a first step towards making the business community an active participant in maintaining peace and order in the city.

Representing Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz of Iligan was the Executive Director of the Iligan Investment Promotions Center, Rolando Cuizon, who presented the city’s plans and programs on peace and security for 2011.

Pascua reiterated, “Peace and order is a vital ingredient in the growth of investments and tourism.”

It does not take an actual deterioration of the peace and order to scare off tourists and investors alike. A mere impression or suspicion of such a breakdown is enough to drive the tourists and investors away, said the lady biz icon of Iligan. (PIA 10 Lanao del Norte)


LBP implements BSP’s Circular No. 681
By Wilmer M. Carabanes

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) recently implemented the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Circular No. 681 or The Revised Check Clearing and Settlement Processes.

The Circular mandates banks to return checks Drawn Against Uncollected Deposits (DAUD), Insufficient Funds (DAIF) and checks with stop payment orders to the Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC) by 7:30 a.m. the next day after its presentation for clearing.

Therefore, all unfunded checks shall be automatically returned with a service charge of Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) plus Two Hundered (P200.00) per day for every Forty Thousand (P40,000.00) and fraction thereof.

This means that checking account depositors will no longer have the chance to fund checks with insufficient balance the following day after its presentation.

Individual depositor enrolled in Land Bank Phone iAccess, or a corporate account holder enrolled in the weAccess, or checks may be funded via ATM and electronic fund transfer until 10:00 p.m. on the day it was negotiated in Land Bank or in another bank.

ATM and electronic banking transactions performed from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 m.n. will form part of the next banking day’s transactions starting January 24, 2011.

To avoid inconvenience and penalty charges, please ensure that your checks are funded prior to the issuance, said Cesar G. Magallanes, Officer-In-Charge, Department Head, LBP-Northern Mindanao. (PIA10)


Eco-waste management winners receive computer sets

Tubod, Lanao del Norte – The awarding ceremony of the eco-waste management competition was held at provincial capitol building, Feb. 10.

The event was attended by teachers and principals of the participating school.

There were three categories in the contest participated by different schools of Lanao del Norte. In the Elementary Category A, three schools were each given one computer set and a projector. These are Maranding Elementary School, Margos Elementary School, and Salvador Central Elementary School.

Three schools were also awarded in the Elementary Category B namely Sucadan Elementary School of Taguranao, Tubod; F.V. Bond Memorial Elementary School of Tangueguiron, Tubod; and Bagong Dawis Elementary School of Baroy, this province.

In the Secondary School Category, Pantao-Ragat Agro-Industrial High School and Diosdado Yap Sr. Memorial National High School both received a computer set and a projector for use in their school activities.

The eco-waste management was one of the contests held during the 51st Araw ng Lanao del Norte. Each participating school was tasked to make garbage bins made of recycled materials. The most creative bins and best slogan on environmental preservation were given awards and prizes by the provincial government.

Governor Khalid Dimaporo is again looking forward to the next batch of winners who will use their creativity and ingenuity in encouraging the local population to protect Mother Nature and help conserve the natural resources of the province. (LAR-PIO/LDN)


Tudela to inaugurate P34M Public Market

Tudela, Misamis Occidental, Feb.- It’s a long time aspiration of Tudela town in Misamis Occidental for a new Public Market to cater to the growing population and boost the income of the municipality.

Thus, on February 21, 2011, the local government unit will inaugurate the P34M Tudela Public Market located at the heart of the business area in the municipality. It replaces the old, dilapidated market where the LGU incurred high maintenance and operating expenses.

This 2,356 sq.m public market is a sub-project of the Mindanao Basic Urban Services Sector Project (MBUSSP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. This project was realized with counterpart funding from the LGU of Tudela and loan from the Municipal Development Fund Office of the Department of Finance.

The new public market is composed of 166 stalls for dry goods section, fish, meat, fruits and vegetable sections. It also houses commercial space, carenderias’ and food court, fish stockyard and office for the Economic Enterprise.

Further, it is complete with the support facilities like water supply system, drainage system, comfort rooms, power supply system and site development as part of the equity of the LGU.

DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo will grace the inauguration on Monday as the Guest of Honor.

MBUSSP is a six-year sector development project of DILG which intends to provide institutional capacity-building program and to pursue urban infrastructure investment support to participating LGUs in Mindanao.

This project also provides technical assistance and advisory in services to participating LGUs for essential urban infrastructure services.

Since its first implementation, MBUSSP had completed numerous projects and had capacitated the local government units with its modular training from investment infrastructure, to local development planning and financial resource mobilization.

To date, 12 infrastructures/equipment are completed and/or operational, and these are: Kapatagan Municipal Hall building, Jasaan Municipal Hall building, Jasaan Water System, Claveria Water System, Alubijid Water System, Payloader equipment of Lugait, Naawan Water System, Impasugong Water System, Kolambugan Civic Auditorium, Ozamiz Public Mall, Kapatagan Public Market, and Tangub Sports Complex. (DILG10/PIA10)


OWWA to regionalize pre-departure seminars
By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – In order to maintain the quality of Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will soon decentralize its conduct.

OWWA Officer In-Charge in region 10, Leonor C. Mabagal discloses that starting next month she will be sending some personnel to Manila to undergo training using new PDOS modules.

Mabagal noted that the move will greatly help decongest the demand in Metro Manila.

Early last year OWWA has already stopped issuing new accreditation to PDOS providers both in the recruitment and manning sector or non-government organizations.

OWWA clarified that due to lack of manpower they are forced to contract out private PDOS providers but sadly some of them were not able to comply fully with the requirements, to the point of issuing certifications without requiring clients to undergo the actual seminar.

“I really welcome this move. We in OWWA have more capability and a hand on knowledge to share. The recent issue on drug courier goes hand-in-hand with our unending campaign on illegal recruitment,” says Mabagal.

“I always grab every opportunity I could get to make people understand on the potential danger that might come to them if they are not wary on things they are into,” she stressed.

OWWA has always been actively campaigning against all forms of illegal acts that might beset our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), right now it recorded some fifty five thousand OFWs in Northern Mindanao and half of it came from the province of Misamis Oriental. (PIA10)


DENR deputizes 219 Wildlife Enforcement Officers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Some 219 representatives from multi-sectoral groups from all provinces of Northern Mindanao took their oath as deputized Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Northern Mindanao in simple ceremonies held recently this city.

The deputation of the WEOs was spearheaded by the Protected Area, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services of DENR 10.

Regional Executive Director Edilberto S. Buiser, in a speech read by Regional Technical Director Belen O. Daba, said there is a need to strengthen partnership in the field of environmental protection, particularly in stopping illegal wildlife trade.

He is thankful to the DENR partners from the local government units, private organizations, media, police and other government agencies in the campaign against illegal wildlife trade.

Director Daba delivered the welcome remarks and gave a lecture on wetlands and wetland management efforts in Region 10.

Daba revealed that there are six critical wetlands in the region, namely: Sinacaban wetland area and Bonifacio wetland area in Misamis Occidental; Mukas Coastal wetland area in Lanao del Norte; Opol coastal wetland area and Alubijid coastal area in Misamis Oriental; and Pulangi River Basin/Napocor site in Bukidnon.

She said management plans should be made in order to pursue conservation and protection measures in these critical wetland areas.

Dr. Victor B. Amoroso of Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon shared with the participants the importance of biodiversity conservation and the celebration of International Year of Biodiversity.

The other resource speakers were Forester Marilou Clarete, OIC-Chief of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD), DENR 10 who gave updates on biodiversity conservation efforts in region 10 and overview of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and the creation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers by Forester Roel Dahonog, Technical Staff of PAWD.

The occasion also marked the culmination of the International Year of Biodiversity 2010 and the World Wetlands Day.

The WEOs were representatives from local government units, media, police, private organizations, non-government organizations and other government agencies. Also present during the occasion were Bantay Lasang volunteers from protected areas in the region. (DENR10/PIA10)


Kaamulan opens February 18
by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Despite drizzle in most part of the province, people and tourists witnessed the opening of Kaamulan in Bukidnon Feb. 18.

Bukidnon Indigenous Cultural Affairs Office Chief Russel Aquino said the beginning of the occasion has always a solemn prayer giving thanks to the ‘Magbabaya’ (deity) for the year’s bounty harvest and blessings.

“To mark the importance of this event, hogs and fowls were botched and offered as gift to God,” Aquino said.

The traditional ritual and cultural offerings will run from Feb. 18 to March 10 as it is the tribal practice to dedicate to God every event done.

Meanwhile, Bukidnon Governor Alex Calingasan announced that the main events include Kaamulan Rodeo, livestock and poultry show, agri-fair, garden show, food fest, and Kaamulan bazaar, displaying indigenous products made in Bukidnon.

Provincial Tourism Officer In-Charge Keenie Peralta said there will also be an eco-adventure sports like 1st Mount Kitanglad international ragged mountain race, moto trail riding and off-road challenge, shoot fest competition, Kaamulan adventure race, Bukidnon Mountaineering clean and climb, mountain bike competition, drum and lyre competition, football festival, ethnic music and dance clinic,

The ‘Binibining Bukidnon’ search, street dance competition, ’piniliyapan hu Bukidnon’ (a glimpse of Bukidnon) and the night of music with Bukidnon artists from the seven ethnic groups will highlight the month-long event.

Kaamulan is a yearly gathering and thanksgiving of Bukidnon’s seven ethnic tribes namely the Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon, Umayamnon and Bukidnon. (PIA Bukidnon)


ICNHS joins nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill
By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - At 9:30 a.m. today, Feb. 17, around 4,517 students from first to fourth year levels of the Iligan City National High school (ICNHS) actively participated and went out of their classrooms as they heard sirens signalling an emergency evacuation.

Eva C. Genobaten, school’s guidance counselor said they received the notice for the conduct of earthquake drill and prior to its nationwide schedule on Feb. 17, an orientation on the activity was made through the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (ICDRRMC) disaster officers and facilitators, led by Allan B. Padilla, acting civil defense deputized coordinator, this city. They distributed hand-outs on what to do in case earthquake occurs.

The activity trains teachers, school staff and students on how to take proper action and response during earthquakes.

Assisting the drill were teams from the city government’s Emergency 811, the Community Rescue Unit (CRU), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center.

We are glad to have our school chosen to this 1st Quarter 2011 Synchronized Earthquake Drill, said Genobaten. “I remember, we had this activity last year, in the month of February also,” she added.

We find it visible that our local responders are capable on earthquake disaster response and it conveys to all of us the importance of being prepared for an earthquake event. (PIA Lanao del Norte)


Cebuano News: PNP-NorMin nakatigum ug P1.903B nga kinitaan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Gipasigarbo ni P/C Supt. Conrado E. Laza, ang director sa Philippine National Police (PNP) dinhi sa rehiyon dyes nga adunay pagpasaka ngadto sa uno punto nuebe sientos tres bilyones ka pesos kon (P1.903billion) nga kinitaan sa ilang buhatan sa milabay nga tuig 2010.

Ang nasangpit nga kantidad bunga sa nagkadaiyang income generating activies sa PNP, sama sa order of payments sa mga security guards, kini mitala ug pinakataas nga contribusyon nga uno punto biente tres bilyones kon 1.23billion, nasundan sa Firearms and Explosives nga mihipos usab ug kwatro seyentos setinta mill seyete sentos nubintay sa- is pesos o P470,796, ang %, PNP Neuro-Psycho Validation Fees nag dugang ug balor siyento trinta tres mill kwantro seyentos diyes (P133,410) ug ang general fund adunay sisentay seyete mill nwebe seyentos tritay otso pesos usab nga nahipos (P66,938) .

Dugang pa ni Laza dako usab ug gi tabang sa ilang operasyon nga suporta nga ilang nadawat gikan sa nagkandaiya nga local government units kon LGU’s pinaagi sa mga sakyanan nga gidunar diin kini mubalor na ug kapin trintay seyete milyones pesos (P37.01M). (Rudy M. Mendoza/PIA10)


NDRRMC issues general flood advisory no. 2 for Northern Mindanao
by: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – People living near the mountain slopes and in low-lying areas of the river systems of Northern Mindanao have been alerted for possible flashfloods and landslides.

This, after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Operation Center (NDRRMC-OpCen) issued at 9:00 a.m., today, Feb. 18, General Flood Advisory No. 2, with a forecast that rains will be light to moderate in the next 24 hrs.

The advisory also said that at 2:00am, today, the shallow low pressure area (SLPA) was estimated at 220 km. south of General Santos City, 5 degrees North and 126 degrees east and that the observed rainfall in the past 24-hrs. ending at 8:00a.m. today, was 38mm in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City and 36.9mm. in Malaybalay City.

Likely affected by this weather condition are the following waterways: Odiongan, Balatocan, Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro, Iponan, Manduloy, Cabulig and the other nearby rivers in the province of Misamis Oriental.

Oroquieta River and tributaries in Misamis Occidental and the Agus, Liangan, Maranding Mandulog, Dapao and Mataling Riversin Lanao del Norte.

Last Jan. 3, the NDRRMC also issued General Flood Advisory No. 1, noting the observed rainfall of 7.4mm in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City and 25.6mm in Malaybalay City.

In the same advisory, fishing boats and other small sea crafts in the region were advised not to venture out into the sea, while larger sea vessels were alerted against big waves, Regional Director Carmelito A. Lupo of OCD, Chairperson of Regional DRRMC, region 10, said.

On the same day, Gale Warning No. 23, was issued saying that strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of northeasterly winds, “Amihan” was expected to affect the seaboards of Mindanao, with wind force of 55-68 kph/30-36 knots while their sea conditions was estimated to be rough to very rough with waves from 3.7 to 5.0 meters high.

Thus, the public and the local DRRMC’s were reminded to take appropriate pro-active actions to aim for “zero” casualty focused on evacuation, rather than rescue, Lupo said. (PIA-10)