CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 25 (PIA) – Residents of Northern Mindanao, particularly, those living in low-lying and mountainous areas have been advised to guard themselves against possible flashfloods and landslides.
This, after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued an advisory, Severe Weather Bulletin No. 1, on tropical storm “Pedring,” which has already entered into Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
The NDRRMC advisory said Pedring was spotted East of Southern Luzon and was already 1,030 km. East of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4:00 p.m., of Sept. 24.
Its strength was estimated at a maximum of 65 kph near the center with a gustiness of up to 80 kph moving West Northwest at 19 kph.
Today, Sunday, TS Pedring is expected to be some 890 km. East of Baler, Aurora and about 510 km. East Northeast of the area or at 500 km. East Southeast of Tuguegarao City, by Monday, Sept. 26, and some 120 km. East of the city by Tuesday afternoon.
Regional Director Ana Cañeda of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said although this weather disturbance is still too far to directly affect any part of the country, widespread rains are expected over Eastern Visayas and Mindanao, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.
Thus, people in flood-prone areas should continue to be vigilant to prevent the loss of lives and damaged to property due to “Pedring,” Cañeda who is also the Chairperson of the Regional DRRMC, region 10, said. (PIA-10)
VP Binay to lead Pabahay Caravan in Regions 10 and 13
By: Therese Carmelite M. Abejo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 25 (PIA) -- Vice President Jejomar C. Binay is set to lead the opening of the Region X & XIII Pabahay Caravan, here, at Dynasty Hotel on Sept. 26-27.
Anchored on the theme, “Strengthening Local Government Units (LGUs) in Housing Delivery and Local Development Planning,” the activity is in line with the thrust of the Vice President to build a stronger partnership with LGU’s, under Republic Act 7279.
Otherwise known as the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, RA 7279 mandates the LGUs to deliver quality homes to their constituents.
“Being closer to the people, the LGUs should be at the forefront in delivering housing services,” Binay, who is also the Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) said.
He said it is the role of the HUDCC to enable them to provide these services by orienting them on our housing programs and granting financial support to implement such projects in their areas.
The Vice President also said “by making the LGUs aware of our housing programs and services, we will be able to encourage them to work together with the national government in accelerating shelter production and enhancing the delivery of housing services to the people.”
During the caravan, heads of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, (NHMFC), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), and Home Development Mutual (Pag-IBIG) Fund will present their agency’s respective housing programs and services for LGUs and local communities.
Meanwhile, the Vice President will also lead the groundbreaking of PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA) Employees Housing Project located at PHIVIDEC Estate in Sta.Cruz, Tagoloan town either through group Housing Loan Program (HLP) or End-User Home Financing Program (EUHFP) as may be decided later by the PIA beneficiaries.
Likewise, he will lead the distribution of 91 Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs) to the beneficiaries of the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), 11 TCTs from the Unified Home Lending Program (UHLP) of NHMFC and 11 TCTs from the NHA Housing Projects. (Pag-IBIG/PIA-10)
Feature: Iligan - Northern Mindanao’s street dancing hub
By Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept 25 (PIA)--In an age when culture and tradition are battered by the incursions of modernity, the significance of undertaking an event as a completion of traditional art forms cannot be belittled.
Iligan City is known not only for its rich natural resources, but also for the wealth of culture that abounds in the area. The native Iliganon is descended from two (2) tribes: the Maranao and the Higao-non, whose dance forms remain a strong influence upon a unique religious ritual in the Iligan Community, called the Diyandi.
The Diyandi (ritual dance) is performed only during the feast of Iligan Patron Saint Senior San Miguel (Feast Day on September 29).
Other curious dance-forms, also performed during the San Miguel Fiesta, include the Eskrima (fencing), a dance simulating a fight between San Miguel and his enemies, and the Yawa-yawa (literally, devil-devil), a dance form depicting the celestial battle between the forces of good and evil as impersonated by St. Michael, the Archangel, representing the good and Lucifer, the devil.
Sometime in 1986, it was somehow felt by the local fiesta committee that there was a need to further popularize the folk-dance forms of the Iliganon.
Thus, an idea was born: the concept of a Street-dancing Festival that will not only preserve certain traditional art forms but promote them, as well.
Owing to the success of the proper management of the Diyandi Competition, as the project was initially called in 1986, the Iligan City Government, through the annual Tourism and Fiesta Week Celebration Steering Committee and the Iligan Community at large, always looked forward to September and the Diyandi Competition which was, by then associated with the Iligan Jaycees, Inc. and made synonymous with a successful project management.
Having it done every 27th of September, this is the time when practically the major streets of Iligan are jampacked with people who wanted to celebrate fiesta and enjoy the Kasadya (merrymaking).
It is to be noted that the San Miguel Fiesta focused on KASADYA was acclaimed by the BBC Holidays (a monthly consumer magazine published in the United Kingdom and the only publication officially endorsed by the prestigious British Broadcasting Corporation) as a tourist destination.
It cited the tribal pageantry mixed with Christian piety famous with brightly costumed participants miming a fight with unseen adversaries to cries of “Viva Senior San Miguel”.
Other participants, dressed as warrior angels, march solemnly. It added that it is very unique because of the miracle play called the “Yawa-yawa,” performed in vernacular dialogue and depicting Lucifer’s unsuccessful revolt against God and the good angels.
Other national and local publications also cited KASADYA as a tourist attraction in Iligan.
Since then, for more than 25 years now, subsequently, planning sessions of the Iligan Jaycees Board of Directors have always provided for the annual undertaking of the dance competition which blossomed into a full-scale festival that features not only the local dance forms but also other Mindanao Tribal dance-forms, including even more modern showcases.
Thus, KASADYA has the following features: It was started as a form of local entertainment has become a major tourist attraction of Iligan drawing crowds to about 30,000 people both local and tourist alike.
It is considered as a non-income generating project having the most number of spectators both in the streets and in the showdown venue proper as compared to other tourism related activities.
For 25 years now, Kasadya has evolved into a full blown festival needing more support both in budgetary and management terms.
It might, as well, be mentioned here that civic consciousness among the youth of St. Louis, Missouri, USA, was aroused by the Jaycees founder HENRY GEISSENBIER with his founding of the HERCULANEUM DANCE CLUB whose main objective was the preservation of American Traditional Dance-Forms in the community.
During the 1992 Convention of the Philippine Jaycees held in Bacolod City, Project KASADYA ‘92 was adjudged as the “Outstanding Cultural Project in the Philippines.”
It also bagged the same award during the 1994 Junior Chamber of the Philippines National Convention held in Naga City, in the 1995 JCP National Convention held in Cebu City and in the 1996 JCP National Convention held in Davao City.
The year after, Project KASADYA ‘97 was acclaimed as the HALL OF FAME AWARDEE being the MOST OUTSTANDING CULTURAL PROJECT OF THE PHILIPPINES for three (3) consecutive years.
In 1998 World Congress of Jaycees held at Manila, the project KASADYA, together with the Grand Centennial Parade, was adjudged as the Best Cultural Project of the World (the highest recognition bestowed on a single category and competing with the best international project entries. (PIA 10)
Erring employers face charges for violation of the Pag-IBIG Fund Law
By: Therese Carmelite M. Abejo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 25 (PIA) -- Erring employers in Region 10 are now facing charges for various violations against Republic Act 9679.
Otherwise known as “Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009, otherwise known as Pag-IBIG (Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya at Gobyerno) Fund,” RA 9679 mandates the membership of all private and government employers and their respective employee’s in Pag-IBIG Fund, regardless of employment status or nature of employment, effective January 1, 2010.
Recently, the Pag-IBIG Fund, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Branch filed a case, at the City Prosecutors Office in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, against PT Agricultural Resources, Inc. for its failure and refusal to remit monthly contributions due to the latter’s employees.
Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation is due at the City Prosecutors Office in Cagayan de Oro, for the case filed against United Valiant Group Security Services, which was charged with the various violations on RA 9679 including the refusal to register new employees, under registration of its actual number of employees and failure to remit Pag-IBIG Fund contributions.
The personnel of the Marketing and Enforcement Division of Pag-IBIG, CDO Branch, visited the aforementioned employers, to personally inform them of the mandatory provisions of RA 9679.
A series information and enforcement letters were also hand-delivered to the erring employers. However, efforts remained futile as the latter remain unperturbed with complying with the said law.
Presently, the branch is preparing to file similar charges against other erring employers in the city and the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
The membership of the mandatorily covered employees should take effect upon the date of employment. However, actual membership in the Fund shall commence only upon remittance of the initial contribution and not at the point of registration.
As provided for in RA 9679, 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)
MOSCAT students initiate pick-a-trash program
By Genesis V. Monterde
CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 25 (PIA) – Some 20 students of the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT), recently, initiated a pick-a-trash program and collected about three (3) large bags of garbage.
Fructuoso P. Escasinas, a first year B.S. Agriculture student and one of the proponents of the program said it was organized for the public, especially, the students to be reminded on the importance of disposing their garbage properly and be reminded on the condition of our environment not only here, but on the global level, as well.
Despite the scorching heat of the sun, students coming from the different institutes of the college enthusiastically joined the activity, which started at around 7:00 a.m.,last Sept. 17, picking trashes, mostly composed of plastics, cellophanes, cigarette butts, candy wrappers and the like.
Tired and exhausted, the students still smiled and happy looking for trash in the campus.
“What is good about this is that students were not obliged, it relies on their pure act to serve as volunteers,” Escasinas pointed out.
“This is our first try, although we are still students we want to show we can do something for the environment,” he added.
For his part, Ryan Gim Bachinela, second year B.S. Computer Engineering student also said, joining in such activities, is part of learning and, on top of all, worth doing.
“It may look small but these little steps will surely have an impact not only for the college but for everybody as well,” he said.
The proponents of the program also plan to organize fund raising activities such as, concert for a cause, recycling contest, and other environmental awareness program.
They are also seeking the support of the college administration and private agencies to help them with their agenda.
For now the volunteers are planning to conduct another round of pick-a-trash, and enjoined the cooperation of the private sector to help them in the campaign by the simple act of donating trash cans or funds to help mobilize their campaign. (PIA-10)
RDRRMC-10 alerts NorMin residents of tropical depression/ITCZ
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 24 (PIA) – The National Disaster Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) has alerted all the Regional DRRMC’s of the latest tropical depression (TP) and inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ), that may affect the country.
In a weather advisory received from Dr. Proceso T. Domingo, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the NDRRMC, said a tropical depression was estimated at 1,040 km., East Northeast of the Visayas, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph, at 10:00 a.m.
The TP is forecast to move West Northwest slowly, while the ITCZ is expected to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in the country.
Likewise, widespread rains are expected over the Western section of Northern and Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Mindanao, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.
Thus, Regional Director Ana Cañeda of RDRRMC-10 has reminded the public and the local DRRMC’s in the region to take all appropriate pro-active actions to reinforce the efforts of the NDRRMC.
Particularly, Cañeda said residents in the low-lying areas and those living in the mountain slopes and hillsides, to prepare and not to be caught flat-footed, just in case there are landslides that may occur.
“These actions should untiringly aim for ‘zero’ casualty and be focused on evacuation, rather than rescue,” she added. (PIA-10)
Cong. Rodriguez groundbreaks Cag. de Oro River Basin Project to protect residents from floods
By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Sept. 24 (PIA) – Residents of the flood-prone barangays, along the Cagayan de Oro River, can now heave a sigh of relief.
This, after Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd District has included, among his priority, the Cagayan de Oro City River Basin (CDOCRB) Project, so people in the area can be protected from flooding.
“We want to protect our people from flashfloods, not only during the rainy season but also during occasional rains brought about by the global warming and climate change,” the Congressman said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project, yesterday, Sept. 23.
With an allocation of Php100 million, the project involves the construction of revetment and channel excavation along the CDOCRB that is expected to benefit the residents of Poblacion, Barangay Uno, Barangay Macasandig and Barangay Carmen, this city.
Rodriguez, however, said that the bid-out price of the project was reduced to Php60,415, 539.25 million, saving for the government about Php40 million, which can be used of an extension of the revetment, later-on.
To be completed in 300 calendar days, the revetment will have a total length of 265 meters, the construction of which will be undertaken by the bid winner/contractor, the Equi-Parco Construction Co. in three (3) parts:
Pob., Barangay Uno at the back of the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral consisting of the repair of the existing dike/revetment of 35 lineal meters and the construction of 80 LM. revetment connecting the newly accomplished revetment of the City’s 5th Bridge, downstream.
Calacala Section, Barangay Macasandig consisting of the construction of 50 LM. revetment continueing the newsly completed revetment at the 5th Bridge, upstream, the construction of 50 LM. New construction in Calacala Section and channel excavation and dredging of some 24,582.40 cu. m. of river materials.
Barangay Carmen consisting of new construction of 50 LM or revetment and channel excavation or dredging of some 47,090.00 cu.m. of the river materials.
Meanwhile, Aaron Neri, Punong Barangay (Village Chieftain) of Macasanding, together with the members of the United Settlers Association (USA) in Calacala, thanked Congressman Rodriguez for his concern of their safety.
He said it was his barangay which was the hardest hit during the flashfloods of January 2009 which resulted in huge damages to property, particularly, the houses, partially and totally, of his constituents. (PIA-10)
City dad calls on Iligan residents to put up security measures during the Diyandi Fest
By Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept 24 (PIA) -- Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, Chairperson of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) of Iligan has called on the residents to get involved in the security preparations, in this year’s celebration of Diyandi Festival.
The City Mayor sounded the call to the CPOC members, especially the barangay officials and its counterpart from other national government agencies who are members of the National POC, the necessity to take part in matters pertaining to the state of peace and development in the city.
He said the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) has prepared a generalized security plan called OPLAN Viva Señor San Miguel for all activities of the Festival.
The security plan is for major events that draws huge crowd like the Pagpakanaug ni Señor San Miguel on Sept 20, the Kasadya Street Dancing on Sept 27, and the Procession of Señor San Miguel on Sept 29-the feast day.
The CPOC Chairperson said the community also has a great job to do which is to be vigilant pertaining to security matters.
Further, the CPOC shall function to provide and recommend measures to converge and orchestrate internal security operation efforts of civil authorities and agencies, military and police.
Meanwhile, P/SSupt Celso G. Regencia, ICPO Director, revealed that to beef up the security for the whole duration of the festival in September, a company from the 10th Regional Public Safety Battalion, PNP Regional Office 10, Cagayan de Oro City, will augment the city’s law enforcers.
Also to complement and augment the ICPO in securing the area are the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Light Armor Division, Philippine Army (PA), under Col. Aldred L. Limoso, and the 4th Mechanized Battalion, PA, under Lt. Col. Efren Baluyot. (PIA-10)
MOSCAT conducts free techno-forum to farmers
By: Genesis V. Monterde
CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental, Sept 23 (PIA) – Claveria farmers recently attended a technology forum conducted by the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT).
Focused on organic vegetable production, vermin composting and livestock/animal production, the forum was initiated to update farmers on the new development in farming technologies and help improve their production.
Dr. Rosalito Quirino, President of MOSCAT, was pleased with the cooperation of the farmers and reassured his support for them.
“Ako nagatinguha nga panghingosgan ang programa sa agrikultura, tungod kay ako nagatuo nga samtang aduna pay mga pamilya nga gutom walay kalinaw sa atong nasud (I am strongly pushing for the enhancement the agricultural programs, for I believe that while there were still families starving, there will be no peace in the country)” he said.
Dr. Nelda Gonzaga, Director of Research Development and Extension Office (RDEO), likewise, said the event formed part of the school’s 28th founding anniversary celebration anchored with the theme “UNIFIED MOSCAT: soaring greater heights at 28.”
A technology fair was also held with various exhibits from participating agencies giving out their services ranging from free-dog vaccination, crop production information, and animal-raising, among others.
Meanwhile, Mayor Redentor Salvaleon revealed during the forum that Claveria’s Income Revenue Allotment (IRA) has now reached to more than Php100 million brought by its booming economy, tax collection efforts, and project development.
He also motivated the farmers to stay industrious, to plan and work hard to be successful, adding that he will give more attention on feeding the hungry before any other project. (PIA-10)
Lechon festival draws big crowd in Iligan
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Sept. 24 (PIA) – Thousands of residents, here, and from other places flocked to the 2nd “Indigay sa Lechon” (roasted pig competition), one of the highlights of Diyandi (gathering) festival, along Roxas Avenue, this city, last Sept. 20.
Melvin Anggot, City Information Officer said 60 crispy and spicy roasted pig were given free to residents and visitors by the city government and the city’s lone congressional district.
Anggot said, among the nine (9) participants of the competition, Miling's Lechon of Timoga, Buruun bagged the "Best Lechon" award with Php10,000, while Amalia’s lechon was second, with Php 8,000 and Dodong's lechon was third with P7,000.
Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Lluch Cruz officially claimed “lechon” from Iligan City is the country’s most delicious roasted pig better than Cebu City.
Cruz said, “lechon” from Bayug and Timoga are among the best roasted pig as delicacies from Iligan City and had been sending deliveries to Manila and even abroad.
The Mayor said the lechon is one of the so called “One Town One Product” that formed part of Iligan City’s being the number eight (8) in the country performance in good governance.
Meanwhile, Congressman Vicente Belmonte Jr. of the city’s lone district., said there are three (3) major products and delicacies that makes Iligan City well known. These are the world class Cheding Peanuts, Sukang Pinakurat and the famous lechon from Iligan City.
Belmonte said ‘ lechon’ from Iligan gives more power to our patron saint St. Michael the Archangel who protect Iligan City and drive out evils that tends to destroy it.
It is also the favorite food of Señior San Miguel and that lechon from Iligan City attracts local and foreign tourists from other places. (CIO/PIA-10)
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