By Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, October 20 (PIA) - The Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippine East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials and delegates, graces, yesterday, the opening of the OroBest Expo 2011 at SM City.
Oro Best Expo was first conceptualized in 2007 by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen the bond among its members and since then continues to draw big number of visitors every year with a showcase of opportunities, competitive products, projects, places, service package and skills of the people in the city and in the rest of the region.
It highlights best practices of business leaders and provides venue of meeting new business partners.
Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) Chairperson Luwalhati R. Antonino commends organizers for the strategic conjunction of Oro Best with the BIMP-EAGA trade fair, noting that, the event allows both investors and market to see trade innovations that can possibly generate not just immediate revenues but also possible long term partnership.
She said the initiative helps promote trade and boost linkages as BIMP-EAGA delegates exert efforts to accelerate the utilization of its sub regional cooperation.
Antonino explained that the role of the BIMP is to increase investments by substantial adoption of agreement that facilitate faster movements of goods, people and services through transport links and harmonized rules, regulations and procedures in customs, immigration, quarantine and security.
Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director for Northern Mindanao and sub national coordinator of the BIMP EAGA Joint Tourism Development, Catalino E. Chan III, meanwhile expressed his continued commitment to BIMP.
“We were the first to produce posters, brochures’ and flyers, that is why, there is no room and reason that we will not pledge our support now, not only for region 10, but for the whole Mindanao,” Chan said.
“As president of Mindanao regional directors of the DOT, I say, we will be coming up with brochure not only for Mindanao, but for BIMP. We are proud to pledge not only our support, but our whole hearted support, not only for Mindanao but for BIMP, because we believe that BIMP EAGA is the real equator Asia in the world,” he added.
Chan was among the executives who meet the senior officials and delegates during the ceremonial ribbon cutting to open Oro Best Expo.
Other local officials present in the opening were director Linda O. Boniao of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); OroChamber President, Antonio D. Uy; OROBEST Expo 2011 Chairman Jeffrey T. Ang; Rodolfo L. Menes, past president of OroChamber; Jaime Rafael U. Paguio immediate past president of OroChamber and Promote CDO Foundation President, Ruben Vegafria. (PIA 10)
OROBEST 2011 showcases the best tourism, agri-trade in Northern Mindanao
By Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, October 20 (PIA) --- The best agricultural, food and tourism businesses in the Northern Mindanao, including those trade covered by the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are showcased in the Oro Business Enterprise Services and Trade (OROBEST) Exposition 2011.
Staged by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OroChamber), the Expo which is held simultaneously with the BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials and Ministerial Meeting (SOMM) will run from October 19-22, 2011 at the Atrium of SM City, here.
Oro Chamber President Antonio D. Uy said they have been staging the OROBEST Expo to promote trade and commerce in Northern Mindanao considering its vast array of competitive products, abundant natural resources and flourishing tourism which are suitable for promotion and joint ventures with local, national and international entrepreneurs.
OROBEST was conceptualised in 2007 to showcase the opportunities and competitive products, place, service package and skills of people of the region.
Now on its 5th year, the OROBEST has become a venue for businesses to showcase their products and services, and even do business matching, he further said.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey T. Ang, OROBEST Expo 2011 chairperson, said the trade exhibit will not only champion the best products, services and places in the region but it will also highlight the best practices of business leaders to provide information on how to start-up and strengthen business ventures.
The Expo also provides an avenue to strengthen the bond among its members and give value to their membership, he added.
As a side event of the BIMP-EAGA Investment Conference (iCon) and highlight of the city’s Business Month celebration, the opening of the four-day trade fair was graced by the senior officials of the BIMP-EAGA sub-regional cooperation and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Luwalhati R. Antonino.
Apart from the booth displays, the trade fair will also feature the Northern Mindanao Dairy Forum where the development of the dairy industry in the region will be discussed by dairy stakeholders, as well as, product sampling, investment matching, and different livelihood learning sessions. (PIA-10)
BEMCA forge four point action plan
By Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, October 20 (PIA) – Zeroing on a four point action plan, the state information officers and private media representatives forge a joint declaration plan presented in Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippine East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) here in the city.
The BIMP-EAGA Media and Communicators Association (BEMCA) joint declaration seeks to strengthen its organization by pushing for its institutionalization to improve state and private media collaboration.
It further proposes to undertake a review and assessment of the BIMP-EAGA communication strategy previously developed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2007, with an end view of implementing strategies that is seen to work under current conditions in the advent of new media.
BEMCA members likewise intends to forge collaboration with the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) Sub-Committee on Information as well as seek technical and funding support from the BIMP-EAGA Government, through their National Secretariats, an private sector organizations in the execution of its action plan.
Other activities planned include the Development Journalism Awards, training on economic news reporting for EAGA journalists and creation of the BEMCA homepage and media directory.
Romeo M. Montenegro, spokesperson and head of Communication and Media Affairs of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) meanwhile underscored during the media forum the importance of achieving a unilateral and multilateral information exchange across the BIMP EAGA regions. MinDa represents as the country’s secretariat for the BIMP-EAGA.
Montenegro calls for the development of awareness agents and EAGA champions, to provide on a sustainable basis, the information needed by the media in the execution of specific communication activities.
The BEMCA members are expected to speak under one common EAGA voice following three basic key messages on food basket, enhanced connectivity and eco-tourism. (PIA 10)
Camiguin’s longest caravan opens 32nd Lanzones Festival
By Homer R. Jajalla
MAHINOG, Camiguin, October 20 -- A longer and grander caravan around the island's 64.08 kilometer circumferential roads jovially opened the 32nd celebration of the Camiguin Lanzones Festival.
At the Camiguin Tourism Center, Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the festivities. He was assisted by Vice Governor Leo G. Lasacar and witnessed by town and provincial officials in this “island born of fire,” also known for its natural wonders and sweetest lanzones-bearing trees.
Slated from Oct. 16 to 23, the event showcases Camiguin’s native fruit at the Agro-Industrial Technology Trade Fair dubbed as "UGMAD," which means “to till’ or “to cultivate” in the local dialect.
Other activities include ‘Kalanrakas sa Kabataan,’ a charivari street dancing which is held in each of the five (5) municipalities of the island province.
Kalanrakas winners will then compete for the grand showdown on Saturday, October 23 which marks the peak of the 2011 Lanzones Festival.
Other interesting activities include the “Harana in Kinamiguing” or love songs in the local Camiguin dialect, cooking contests, and a variety of choral, folk dance, kiddie theater, and draw and tell competitions.
Also highlight of the festivities is the “Pasigarbo sa Camiguin Presents,” a showcase of tourism destinations, products and services including the island’s culture and heritage.
Festival’s most awaited event is the street dancing which will be held on Oct. 22 starting from Old Parola Wharf and will end at Poblacion Barangay Hall. The ground demonstration or tableau competition will follow in the afternoon.
Mahinog town represented by Columbia St. Michael's Parish High School (CSMPHS) again strives to win and defend its title as Camiguin Lanzones Festival grand champion in three (3) consecutive years for street dancing and two (2) consecutive years in tableau.
The Mutya Sa Buahanan Beauty Pageant 2011 (Miss Camiguin Tourism) will be on Oct. 22 at the Plaza Union (1914). (PIO/PIA-10)
Initao-Libertad Landscape, Seascape marks 9th anniversary
by Jojo Thiam
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, October 20 – Sustainable is beneficial for the young generation.
Thus said Regional Executive Director Corazon B. Galinato of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources during the commemoration of the 9th year of the Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape (ILPLS) wherein she stressed the importance of the word ‘sustainable,’ working towards a goal that is intended for the future.
Galinato, leading the event, commended the dedication and the works of Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Liza Requina and Forester Eddie Macasusi who faced big challenges in handling the park with limited funding allocation.
Further, she recognized the well trained and dedicated staff in the maintenance of the national park.
Likewise, she expressed her appreciation to the two (2) barangays, Tubigan and Gimaylan, where the protected landscape and seascape is situated for their cooperation saying, “the two barangays are factors in developing the project because of their proximity to the area.”
Punong barangays Eusebio Waslo and Santy Acut, in return, thanked Galinato for her presence and support during the celebration. They also expressed their gratitude for the visible improvement and development of the area.
Peter Elman, meanwhile, delivered the message of Congressman Bambi Emano of the 2nd district of Misamis Oriental who was attending a session in congress. He relayed that Congressman Emano felt that without the vision of a leader said forest will no longer exist.
He also emphasized that sustainability is also as important as protection. He explained that protecting the forest needs the cooperation of the people in Barangay Tubigan, Barangay Gimaylan and the local government units.
Under Proclamation No. 66 by President Manuel Quezon, the Initao Forest Reserve was proclaimed on June 16, 1936.
On June 23, 1963 under Republic Act 3563, the Initao Forest Reserve was converted into Initao National Park.
Meanwhile, the Initao National Park, with a portion of adjacent marine waters, was declared as Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape under the National Integrated Protected Areas System or Republic Act 7586, on September 16, 2002. The forest ecosystem of the park encompasses 50.58 hectares.
With the converging efforts of the Congressman Emano, the LGUs of Misamis Oriental, Department of Tourism and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the area has evolved into a nature-based activities such as picnic, sightseeing, bird watching, canopy walk, zip-lining, caving, snorkeling, diving and forest research. (DENR/PIA-10)
New OceanJet to serve direct Cagayan de Oro-Benoni, vice versa daily
by Homer R. Jajalla
MAHINOG, Camiguin, October 20 - Ocean Fast Ferries, Inc. (OFFI), a domestic shipping company based in Cebu City, is applying with Marina for a special permit for the route: Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin-Cagayan de Oro and vice versa and Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin-Balingoan and vice versa.
This announcement came from Victor Y. Lua, President, Ocean Fast Ferries, Inc. (OFFI) in his letter to Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla requesting for LGU endorsement which is part of the requirements by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Immediately, the Municipal Council of Mahinog approved a resolution interposing no objection to the application.
The ferry is expected to start operating in mid October in time of Camiguin Lanzones Festival, according to Regin Chua of Ocean Jet Benoni Operations Office.
The new ferry service is a welcome development and is intended to replace the Paras Sea Cat.
“There is a need and desire for fast ferries between Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro since there are no longer any direct ferries now to Cagayan de Oro after Paras Sea Cat ceased operating the Cagayan de Oro-Camiguin-Bohol routes in recent month,” the council resolution reads.
The members of the Municipal Council appreciate OFFI for putting a new ferry in service between Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro which is expected to boost the tourism industry in this island province. (PIO/PIA-10)
Opol bags back-to-back awards on Health
OPOL, Misamis Oriental, October 20 – Town Mayor Dexter B. Yasay got his first Sandugo Award during the 13th National Sandugo Awards.
He was the only Local Chief Executive in this province who received such recognition this year. The award was already the third for the town as the former mayor, Dixon Q. Yasay, was also recognized twice.
The annual Sandugo Award is given by the Department of Health (DOH) to local chief executives who have shown support and commitment to the National Voluntary Blood Services Program.
Soon after, Opol was awarded for the third time as the Provincial Outstanding Municipality in the implementation of the Philippine Nutrition Program during the culmination of the Nutrition Month, this year, at the Provincial Capitol. It received P10, 000.00 cash award and a plaque of appreciation.
The evaluation covered the accomplishments of the municipality in the local plan implementation for the year 2010 as evidenced on the sustained good nutrition picture of the town.
In 2009, malnutrition rate was at 3.69% and it was further dropped to 2.72% in 2010.
The town also took pride in the awards received by its health workers.
Edgar Napinas was named as the Most Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Officer for three (3) consecutive years now while Merline Hubalan of Barangay Taboc was chosen as this year’s Most Outstanding BNS, both at the provincial level.
With all these accolades, Mayor Dexter B. Yasay emphasized that it is not all about winning, but what is more important is knowing that the LGU is on the right track. (PIO/PIA-10)
ICNHS senior student wins 1st place in 7th LPCC Quiz Bee
by Melvin T. Anggot
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, October 20 -- Justine Lorca, a fourth year student of the Iligan City National High School-1st Shift took the first place in the 7th Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) Quiz Bee held at the IBJT – North Lobby.
Lorca got P3,000 cash and trophy. She was accompanied by her coach Mrs. Melohayda Baya, one of the teachers of ICNHS. The second placer was Niña Segunda Alvia, a fourth year student from Lanao Norte Comprehensive High School who received P2,000 cash and trophy. She was coached by school teacher Catherine Abomonga.
Taking the third place is another fourth year student Luel Marbella representing Tomas Cabili National High School who received P1,000 cash and trophy. Marbella was coached by teacher Roqueza Tejada.
The top three (3) competed with 19 other students from the different private and public schools in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte.
Lorca, Alvia and Marbella will represent the city and province in the Regional Consumerism Quiz Bee on October 27 in Cagayan de Oro where they will compete with other students from Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Valencia, Malaybalay, Ozamiz, Oroquieta, Tangub, Gingoog and Cagayan de Oro.
The quiz bee is an activity in the celebration of Consumer Welfare Month sponsored by the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) headed by Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz. (CIO/PIA-10)
Acting Mayor responds to request of putting up a detachment in Limunsudan
by Melvin T. Anggot
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, October 20 -- City Councilor Ruderic Marzo, Acting City Mayor is focused on the realization of a resolution he authored in 2004 that a permanent army detachment is assigned at Sitio Limunsudan of Barangay Rogongon.
The office of Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz had teachers and several tribal leaders as visitors informing the chief executive that classes were suspended in their place because of the presence of armed civilians.
Marzo made representations with Col. Aldred Limozo, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade of the Philippine Army – Light Armor Division, so that the request for protection of residents of Limunsudan will be attended with dispatch.
As of now, preparations are underway for the military to put up a detachment at the concerned sitio.
Councilor Marzo said he is making this as his accomplishment as acting mayor to respond to the request to protection of Limunsudan residents while Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz is in China. (CIO/PIA-10)
City gov’t, MSU-IIT ink agreement to jointly develop business in Iligan
by Melvin T. Anggot
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, October 20 -- The City of Iligan and Mindanao State University (MSU)-Iligan Institute of Technology signed an agreement to cooperate in the development and promotion of business in the city.
The signing of the agreement will be held in the Iligan Business Night on October 26 in the second floor of the Garcia Building at Quezon Avenue.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution on October 17 giving authority to Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz to sign the agreement for the city. The resolution was authored by City Councilor Frederick Siao, Chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry.
Part of the agreement is for MSU-IIT College of Business Administration and Accountancy to help facilitate the training sponsored by the city for micro and small business enterprises including research to develop business in the city.
It will be the responsibility of the city, through Councilor Siao, to introduce businessmen to undergo training and to determine the business aspect that will need training and others. (CIO/PIA-10)
EAGA local execs push for stronger ties, assert role
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--- Key local chief executives and statesmen from the focus areas of Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are pushing for stronger ties with their fellow local government officials in a bid to assert their role in facilitating freer movement of people, goods and services within the sub-region.
In a roundtable discussion held here Tuesday, local and state government officials from Mindanao, Brunei Darussalam, North Sulawesi, Sarawak and Sabah remain bullish on business prospects but are constrained by the lack of mechanism for them to fully participate in the economic cooperation.
The role of the private sector in BIMP-EAGA is indispensable according to Bitung City Vice Mayor Max Lumban but he added that it is them [the local or state governments] that make things happen.
“It is our job as government officials to create the enabling environment for trade and investment,” said Lumban who represented Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Governor Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte, Confederation of Provincial Governors, City Mayors, and Municipal Mayors League Presidents (Confed-Mindanao) president, then underscored the need for greater participation of the local and state governments especially in enhancing EAGA inter-connectivity, promoting EAGA as premier eco-tourism destination and in establishing the same as the food basket of Asean and the rest of Asia.
Right now the local and state governments remain a loose group and they are urging the BIMP-EAGA ministers to institutionalize a separate grouping for them.
“We feel that local and state governments play a critical role in deepening the policy influence of BIMP-EAGA into our local communities”, said del Rosario.
BIMP-EAGA was created on March 24, 1994 with the goal of accelerating trade, tourism and investments of its focus areas. The sub-regional cooperation covers the entire sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, the Federal States of Sabah and Sarawak, the Federal Territory of Labuan in Malaysia, the entire province of Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya, Maluku, Gorontalo, and North Maluku in Indonesia and with Mindanao and Palawan as focus areas of the Philippines.
Lumban encourages his fellow local and state government officials to empower their individual communities to work together since majority of these areas are poverty-stricken.
“Let us work together for a brighter future”, said Lumban adding that BIMP-EAGA must take pride for its long-standing brotherhood.
Dubbed as the largest sub-regional cooperation, BIMP-EAGA has an estimated population of more than 50 million with historical trade ties that date back to the 17th century.
The roundtable discussion is one of the highlights of this year’s 20th BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials meeting and 16th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial meeting which are hosted by Cagayan de Oro city. (MinDA)
DOH holds training on voluntary counseling and testing on STI, HIV and AIDS
by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Oct. 20 (PIA) – To help prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a comprehensive training on STI/HIV/AIDS and Voluntary Counseling and Testing (CVT) for members of the Local AIDS Council has been conducted by Department of Health from October 19-21 in Malaybalay City.
Emiliano Galban Jr., DOH Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAAT) planner, said it is time for the local government units (LGUs), educational institutions and the business community to ensure the implementation of the HIV/AIDS policy and the technical guidelines to be able to convincingly impart the knowledge and to send a strong message that HIV/AIDS steals, kills, and destroys.
“As the number of HIV/AIDS in the country accelerates to an alarming 6 to 7 reported cases per day, we must all get involved to bring the spread to the barest minimum,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Alliance Against AIDS in Mindanao (ALAGAD Mindanao) reported that there are four (4) HIV infected persons in Bukidnon—two in Malaybalay while the other two are in Valencia City.
Furthermore, the United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS) latest data showed the Philippines is one of the identified seven countries with the most number in HIV/AIDS positive—and that the increase is alarmingly accelerating with 7,235 reported HIV cases from January 1984 to July 2011.
The World Health Organization (WHO) data, likewise, showed more than 38 million people are living with HIV/AIDS around the world, and UNAIDS estimates that without more preventive measures, 45 million new cases could occur next year.
The WHO experts fully described HIV as a slow virus that does not produce symptoms until sometime after infection, damaging part of the body’s defenses against infections, which causes AIDS.
HIV/AIDS spreads through blood transfusion, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. The four major routes of transmission are unsafe sex, contaminated needles, breast milk, and transmission from an infected mother to her baby at birth.
“It is really pertinent for us to be schooled on aspects of this life threatening infection so as to be able to become strong advocates on HIV/AIDS prevention,” Galban explained.
The training seeks to empower participants on STI, HIV and AIDS in the health sector, impact on family, community, and workplace and adopt steps to mitigate its spread.
Training goals also include sharing knowledge and resources, building partnerships and together become strong advocates for health.
Organized by the DOH-RAAT in partnership with ALAGAD-Mindanao, the training is anchored on its theme: “Our epidemic is accelerating! Doing nothing is not an option.” (PIA 10)
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