By Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 22 (PIA) – Members of the different Municipal Peace and Order Councils (MPOC) of the province converged at the Provincial Capitol, yesterday, to celebrate the International Day of Peace, jointly with the first Internal Security Operations (ISO) Handover anniversary.
Thus, Jurgette Honculada, a member of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Panel, who was present during the celebration, commended Mis. Or. for its peace efforts and for fronting soldiers of peace instead of war.
“If we let guns dictate our discourse it will be hard to find our way back into grace, for we cannot recall bullets but can always take the bullets out of the gun,” she said.
“This is what your province has been doing, going back to talks. We must reclaim peace as our common birthright and honor it as a wellspring of our hope, faith, and dreams,” she urged.
Honculada also appealed to the public to keep faith in the success of peace process and continue to give life to our hopes and dreams.
She said although we see countless of reasons walling its success we’ve got to keep pushing and persisting and citing further the famous line “there is no way to peace, because peace is the way.”
Meanwhile, Vice-Governor Norris C. Babiera underlined the significance of the ISO saying that peace is the desired end and democracy, in its truest form, was manifested by the government and the state when it recognizes the supremacy of the civilian authority over the military.
Babiera, who is the Co-Chairperson of the Provincial POC said the ISO Handover, signed on Sept. 21, last year, also recognized the important role of civilian authority in realizing genuine and lasting peace through peace and development cognizance to address the root causes of insurgency.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also believes that ensuring peace in the province is a manifestation that, indeed, victory in peace is better than the victory in war and the ISO symbolizes the substantial meaning of peace as development, good governance, delivery of services, and economic opportunities for the contentment of the people.
For his part, Maj. Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said accepting the challenge of administering the peace and security of the province achieved considerable milestones by the increasing economic activity and influx of investors and ensuring a lasting peace has always been our common agenda.
“We may come from different professions and possess different views but we share one thing. We are all Filipinos. We envision for a peaceful, progressive, democratic society. The bigger challenge is at hand, that is convincing the communist party to join us in our quest for peace,” he noted.
Other activities of the day included an early “Jog and Walk for Peace” from the Capitol Grounds towards the Rhodelsa Rotunda while the “Peace Caravan” came from different municipalities and 2 cities of the province.
A Catholic Mass and a Higaonon Ritual asking for blessing for the activities opened the program at the capitol grounds graced also by other dignitaries, that included the peace advocates led by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, Regional Director, Loreto T. Bhagwani of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Mayors from the different towns of the province. (PIA 10)
DPWH Sec. Singson inaugurates flyover, reminds motorists to follow traffic rules
By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 22 (PIA) – Secretary Rogelio L. Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has called on the residents of Barangay Bugo, this city, to take care of the newly completed Puerto-Sayre Flyover.
Singson sounded the call during yesterday’s inauguration of the project, which was constructed under the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project (MBURDP) of DPWH.
Costing some Php363 million, groundbreaking of the project was done by President Benigno S. Aquino III, during his visit in the city, last March 23, which construction started, last March 28 and completed five (5) months later on Aug. 27,
Measuring some 195 lineal meters long, with a width of 7.5 l.m. and road approaches of 120 l.m., from both sides, the flyover was constructed with modular superstructure materials supplied by the Matiere S.A.S. Modular Steel Flyover of five (5) spans and four (4) piers supported by 1.5 m. diameter bored piles.
With the COFACE Export Credit Guarantee Assistance of the French Government providing the funds, the project was implemented by the DPWH Presidential Bridges Program Office (PBPO), in coordination with the DPWH Regional Engineering Office (REO), region 10 and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro.
“Nakakatiyak po kayo na ang proyektong ito ay nakakatulong sa tao sa pag-uutos ng Pangulong Aquino. (You can be assured that this project can really help the people, upon the order of President Aquino),” he said.
Singson said the President could have been with him during the inauguration, just as he was with the President during the groundbreaking, except that he was on a state visit to America, from Sept. 18-22.
The DPWH Secretary was accompanied by Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of CDO’s 2nd district, DPWH Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut and Asst. Secretary Emil K. Sadain, and Philippe Gouvary who represented His Excellency Borja de Mozota, the French Ambassador to the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Singson also said that DPWH will always heed the directive of the President “to do the right project, with the right cost and the right quality on the right time.”
“While we thank the people for giving us the privilege to do the project for them, we also call on the them to do their share to take care of these projects by following the traffic rules and regulations,” the DPWH Secretary said.
“Kahit gaano ka rami ang ating mga flyover, pag walang disiplina ang ating mga motorista ay wala din. Masasayang lang ang ating mga ginagawa. (No matter how many flyover projects that we do, if our motorists do not have the discipline and do not follows the traffic rules, these will amount to nothing),” Singson said.
Malaybalay City vies for national Gawad Kalasag award
By: Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Sept. 22 (PIA) -- The Malaybalay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) has been included in the short-list of the top three (3) cities across the country vying for the 2010 Gawad Kalasag Award, Component City Category.
The judging panel from the National DRRMC was composed of officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and League of Cities of the Philippines, who travelled to the three shortlisted DRRMC’s, recently.
Marlon Henson Obligado, Chairperson of the National Assessment Team, said they have come to find out about how the council had been working on DRRM, particularly, on preparedness, prevention and mitigation, response, rehabilitation and climate change adaptation (CCA).
“We will also look into the city’s crafting of strategic framework to determine the council members’ respective roles for a comprehensive, integrated and proactive DRR approach in lessening the socio-economic and environmental disaster impacts, including climate change,” Obligado said.
Mayor Ignacio Zubiri, meanwhile, said, “being chosen as one of the top three cities for the coveted Gawad Kalasag award is a challenge to the council.”
“Through this, we will know then how are we faring in uplifting the standards of DRR/CAA, and humanitarian assistance through integrated community-based strategies to protect and preserve life, property and environment,” the Mayor said.
Virginia Flores, Executive Officer of the Malaybalay CDRRMC, also, said that the other finalists who vied for the award were Legazpi City in Albay and Santiago City in Isabela, both in the island of Luzon.
The KALASAG or Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan awards individuals, government/non-government organizations and private sector for their the excellence on DRRM/CAA.
It is an annual activity is in recognition of their initiative in helping the Filipino government along the guidelines of Republic Act (RA) 10121, otherwise known as “An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk along Reduction and Management System” and RA 9729 or the “Philippine Climate Change Act.” (PIA 10)
Cong. Rodriguez thanks Pres. Aquino for completion of Puerto-Sayre Flyover
By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 22 (PIA) - Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd District thanked President Benigno S. Aquino III, for the completion of the Puerto-Sayre Flyover in Sitio Puerto, Barangay Bugo, of his district.
“The President could have been here with me, in time for today’s inauguration, just like the groundbreaking, last March 23. But since he is in the United States, he wanted me to convey to you his felicitations for the completion of this flyover,” he said, addressing the local officials of Bugo led by Punong Barangay Claro Derecho.
Rodriquez also thanked Secretary Rogelio L. Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), who represented the President and commended his personnel, led by Engr. Norma Gironella, Regional Director of DPWH, region 10, for completing the project, within five (5) months, from March 28 to April 27, as planned.
Constructed at a cost Php363 million, under the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project (MBURDP) of DPWH, it was funded by the COFACE Export Credit Guarantee Assistance of the French Government.
The first ever, in the region, the Puerto-Sayre flyover, is situated along the Iligan-Cagayan–Butuan Road (ICBR), crossing over the intersection with Sayre Highway, which links the west and east regional centers, cities and municipalities down to the southern part of Mindanao.
According to the census done in 2007, the figures of population in these areas registered at 555,966. Records, also show that since 1990, there has been an almost steady increase in population based on the number of births plus deaths plus net migration.
The present condition of traffic in the intersection is heavy and vehicles are moving at creeping speed or at stop and go situation during peak-hour periods.
The ICBR is the main route of passenger jeepneys and buses whose franchises travel fixed-route congestion in the area.
The Puerto-Sayre Flyover is expected to lessen traffic congestion by about 30 minutes with an Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of 27.53 percent.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez said he has asked DPWH for another flyover projects in the Lapasan- Agora Market intersection.
He also said he has secured a Php150 million funding for the completion of the convention center that was started by the Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel.
“With another Senator Pimentel, I am very opitimistic, the project will see finality,” he said.
Likewise, the Congressman said he was given the go signal for the release of Php200 million from DPWH, this year and another Php200 million, next year for the coastal road of the city.
“We will, also, coordinate with the City Government for a drainage project that DPWH has agreed to fund,” Cong. Rodriquez concluded. (PIA-10)
Camiguin’s first zipline set to rise in Mahinog
By: Homer R. Jajalla
MAHINOG, Camiguin, Sept. 22 (PiA) – A 3-lane zipline is set to be opened, here, this coming December.
This announcement came from Apolinario B. Alambatin of J & A Fishpen and Restaurant in Benoni Lagoon, here, during a project presentation at the Municipal Council Session, recently.
Presided over by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle, the municipal council passed a resolution endorsing this project, which is seen to boost the tourism industry of the island.
Alambatin said this will be the first zipline in the island province of Camiguin and this can be found in municipality of Mahinog.
The zipline will have a distance of more than 700 meters from Station 1 to Station 2 that will cross over a lagoon, which makes the ride even more exciting.
An additional 360-meter zip line is also being eyed in same area, Alambatin said. (MIO/PIA-10)
OroChamber holds finance forum
By: Lordilie Enjambre
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 22 (PIA) - A forum on “Creating a Financially Healthy Workforce for Every Employer” was conducted, today, by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OroChamber), the country’s hall of famer as the Most Outstanding Chamber of Commerce.
Held at the PUM-Oro Chamber Training Room, Macapagal Road, Pueblo de Oro Township, this city, from 1:30-5:00p.m., Sept. 22, the half-day event was graced by financial experts from Manila, who shared their knowledge on how to save from even the smallest earnings.
“This forum is our way of helping member employers and their respective employees,” said Efren Uy, OroChamber Vice President for Trade and Commerce.
Through this forum, employees will appreciate that savings does not come from huge salary but in managing whatever financial resource is available.
In these trying times, we cannot rely on companies to keep increasing the wages to ensure the welfare of workers.
“Big wages do not guarantee savings. It is a matter of discipline, that do,” Uy said. The workers also need to examine their spending behavior making sure that every penny is spent wisely,” Uy added.
The forum is also supported by BusinessWeek, Magnum Radio, Mindanao Current, Parasat CableTV, Sunstar CDO and Sunlife Financials. (PIA-10)
Lanao Norte youth leaders undergo camp to promote positive values
By: Vincent N. Labial
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 22 (PIA) – More than 80 youth leaders from the province participated in the 2-day Inter-Municipal Youth Camp held at the provincial capitol grounds, here, last Sept. 17-18.
The participants were members and officers of the Youth for Development (Y4D) group, an organization supported by the provincial government to help promote positive values among the youth of the province.
“We are thankful to Gov. Khalid Dimaporo for recognizing the youth of Lanao del Norte as his partner in bringing positive change and development to the province,” Y4D President Richard Reyes expressed.
On the first day, the campers were taught basic life skills, responsible sexuality, confronting threats, environmental protection, and living effectively with parents and pre-marital sex.
Based on a study made by the UP Population Institute, one out of four (4) Filipinos aged 15-24 are engaging in premarital sex.
The young participants were urged to practice abstinence and to encourage also their peers to do the same to curb unwanted teenage pregnancy cases.
On the evening of Day 1, a community bonfire was held with a local band providing entertainment for the celebration of the camp’s solidarity night.
“This is the second year that we’re having this youth camp. Through this activity, we hope to unite the youth leaders of the province promote teamwork among the participants and enhance their leadership skills,” Population Officer Ananette Daniel said.
The campers came from the towns of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), Kolambugan, Tangcal, Nunungan, Kapatagan, Baroy, Maigo, Tubod, Bacolod, Linamon, Salvador, and Tagoloan.
The second day was highlighted by a tree planting activity and a clean-up drive dubbed as ‘Youth Brigade Pahina.’
Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion (35IB) also lent their support by leading the Taebo morning exercises.
The provincial government has identified a new office for Y4D within the capitol grounds as it continue to support activities that empower the youth sector of Lanao del Norte. (PIO/PIA-10)
Pag-IBIG Fund charges erring employer for violation of RA 9679
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 22 (PIA) – The Pag-IBIG Fund, Cagayan de Oro Branch, has filed a case against an erring employer in region 10, for violation of Republic Act 9679, at the Office of the City Prosecutor, recently.
Otherwise known as “Pag-IBIG or Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya at Gobyerno” Fund, RA 9679 is the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009.
It has charged the Valiant Security Agency, here, with the various violations, including the refusal to register new employees, under registration of its actual number of employees and failure to remit Pag-IBIG Fund contributions.
In spite of the series of information and enforcement letters served by the personnel of the PAG-IBIG Marketing and Enforcement Division against the said employer, the latter remain undaunted in complying with the aforementioned law.
Membership of all private and government employers and their respective employees in Pag-IBIG Fund is mandated by RA 9679, regardless of their employment status or nature of employment, effective January 1, 2010.
As provided by RA9679, the membership of the mandatorily covered employees should take effect upon the date of employment.
However, actual membership in the Pag-IBIG Fund shall commence only upon remittance of the initial contribution and not at the point of registration.
Employers are, further, mandated to deduct the monthly membership contributions from their employee’s salary and remit the same to the Fund, together with the employer counterpart, starting on the said date. (Pag-IBIG/PIA-10)
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