PIA-10 News

Member of Alferez organized crime group nabbed
By PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- Combined forces of the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office and Joint Task Force Panguil scored anew when they arrested suspect Rommel Alferez after he was sighted inside the cockfighting arena in Barangay 6, Tangub City, February 25, 2012.

Rommel allegedly has a pending arrest warrant for the crime of Carnapping issued by Judge Alan Flores, Regional Trial Court (RTC) of the 12th Judicial Regional Region, Branch 7, Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Tangub City Police Chief, PSupt. Elias Hampac said the Police Anti-Carnapping Emergency Response (PACER) team based in Iligan City is looking into the suspect’s possible involvement of other crimes committed in Metro Manila.

Rommel was frisked after the lawful arrest, resulting in the confiscation of an illegally possessed 0.45 caliber pistol and ammunitions.

PSupt. Hampac added that Rommel is the uncle of Jojo Alferez, whom he and his police personnel encountered last December 7, 2011 in a shootout that resulted in the wounding and arrest of Nelson Balos. PSupt. Hampac was likewise hit in his right shoulder.

A separate arrest was made on suspect Charles Kaamino last February 2, 2012 after Tangub City cops responded the call for police assistance when the suspect indiscriminately fired his caliber 0.45 pistol at Barangay 5, Tangub City. A case for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition is now filed in court against said suspect.

Rommel, Jojo and Charles are members of the dreaded Alferez Organized Crime Group believed to be operating in Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Dipolog and other neighboring cities. Their members are also linked to many criminal activities in Cebu and Metro Manila.

During his command visit to Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office last February 27, 2012, PCSupt. Jufel C. Adriatico lauded the successful team effort displayed by the joint operating units. He stressed that a successful team speaks with one voice, beats with one heart, and walks in the same direction. (PRO-10)


LGU Calamba, Mis. Occ.’s 2011 annual budget reach P56.577M
By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental – Some P56.577 million from the total tax receipts and external sources provided the funds for the annual budget of the local government unit, here, for 2011.

This amount was actually higher by 4.20% compared to the annual budget of P54.279 million in 2010, Mayor Luisito B. Villanueva, Jr. said.

Of these receipts, P2.092 million or 3.70% was derived from the local tax revenues, P11.909 million or 21.05% from the non-tax revenues and P42.557 million or 75.22% from external sources, particularly, the national government through the internal revenue allotment (IRA).

Villanueva said the local tax revenues consisted of the amusement taxes worth P50,000, business taxes, P1.25 million, community taxes, P200,000, real property taxes, P365,000, sand and gravel taxes, P22,000 and fines and penalties, P205,000.

He also said the non-tax revenues also consisted of the following: Fees on weights and measures, P40,000, permit fees, P500,000, registration fees, P150,000, clearance and certification fees, P300,000 and garbage fees, P170,000.

Business income from cemetery, P55,000, from market services, P2.08 million, from slaughterhouse, P65,000, from water services, P7.5 million, parking/terminal fees, P530,000, grants and donations, P150,000, and interest income, P267,700.

Meanwhile, Mayor Villanueva said the budget was prepared after a thorough deliberation with all concerned offices/departments and interested citizens to make it an effective tool for allocating equitably the limited resources of the LGU to the different sectors, thus making the Budget an instrument for the economic and social upliftment of the Calamba residents.

“We had substantially committed funds for the programs, projects and activities needed for an efficient and effective delivery of the basic services enumerated in the Local Government Code,” he said.

He also stressed that the preparation of the budget had been open to the public through private sector representation so as to make decisions more participative and democratic in keeping with the government’s thrust for transparency and accountability in the budget-making processes.

It was also in full cognizance of the significant roles demonstrated by non-government organizations, other private sector associations and the general public in the planning and pre-budget preparation stage by way of their membership in the Local Development Council Executive Committee.

In particular, they took active part in the review of the visions and goals in the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and the prioritized projects in the Medium-Term Municipal Development Investment Program (MTMDIP) to address current needs and provide inputs to the formulation of the Annual Investment Program (AIP).

This Budget integrates the MDP into the expenditure program by proposing only those projects which have been ranked as top priority in the LGU’s AIP, Villanueva said. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


Excess funds to be used to acquire more land
by Cheryl C. Moncay

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The city government is contemplating on purchasing additional land in line with its land banking program.

Mayor Vicente ‘Dongkoy’ y. Emano declared there is more than enough funds coming from the donations and aid from the national government for the construction of the 1,000 houses in Calaanan. The money left over after the construction of the permanent houses, he suggested, would be put to best use by buying more land for the poor.

In fact, the mayor revealed that there are already some parties who are interested to offer their land for sale to the city government. He however said that the city needs to deliberate on this beforehand prior to making any move.

The latest update so far puts the total at P68,409,317.82 received by the city from donations and P50-million from the national government. (CIO)


Mindanao food processors hone competitiveness edge, gain more markets
by Danielle Venz

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- The United States will continue providing assistance to Mindanao food processors in a bid to increase their product competitiveness in both domestic and export markets at the same time penetrate more international markets.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) intends to extend its five-year Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) program that ends this December 2012. It is implemented in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

"We understand that the American government is likely to continue assistance to high-value crops and aquaculture in Western Mindanao," USAID's GEM program Chief of Party Ross Wherry said.

Wherry said Eastern Mindanao is now very well developed for fruits, vegetables and aquaculture products.

The GEM program works with business support organizations, industry federations and grower associations to increase domestic out-shipments and exports of selected high-value Mindanao agricultural commodities.

Wherry said the program has been assisting Mindanao food processing firms to acquire the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification. This is in line with the program's goal of expanding the exports of selected high-value commodities grown by small-holder producers in the region.

HACCP, a preventive food safety system which focuses on limiting potential physical, chemical and biological hazards during food processing, is a key requirement in export markets.

"We also work with international trade shows within Asia and the Middle East both for fish, fruits and vegetables so that Philippine products are seen in the international markets," he said.

Wherry added that they also work with the value chain particularly Mindanao food marketers and producers to enable them better understand various international quality standards.

"If you really want to make money, you have to have high quality products and deliver these where the markets are. And as most Mindanao food exports are fresh, the marketing chain has to work exactly on time," he advised.

Wherry also expressed optimism that Mindanao food exports would further increase in the next few years.

"We started in 2008 with $30 million in (food) exports and we are now up to $70 million just from Mindanao. It was increasing each year by about $10 million over the last two years. The international buyers are asking for a lot of Mindanao exports," he said. (PNF)


Cebuano News: MOELCI II mipasabot sa hinungdan sa nasinating power curtailtment
Ni: Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental- Nangayo og despensa si Jemilo Pelimer ang General Manager sa MOELCI-II kun Misamis Occidental II Electric Cooperative Incorporated ngadto sa mga konsumante sa sugang dagitabnon bunga sa hataas nga pagkapalong sa koryente matag adlaw.

Matud pa sa General Manager sa MOELCI II nga nagsunod lamang usab sila sa mando sa ilang power provider nga mao ang NGCP kon National Grid Corporation of the Philippine, kinsa miingon nga ang nahitabong power curtailment o pagbahin-bahin sa sugang dagitabnon ilabina sa mga apektadong dapit kon diin sa matag adlaw, kinahanglan nga dili moubos sa tagsa ka oras sa hurisdeksyon sa mga power distributor sama sa MOELCI-II.

Sukad nga nahitabo kini pipila na ka semana ang nakalabay, daghan nang mga kumento ang ilang nadawat gikan sa mga konsumante, apan wala silay mahimo gumikan kay dili pagbuot sa MOELCI-II ang maong power curtailment.

Buot man nilang supakon ang mandato gikan sa NGCP apan nabalaka sila nga basin adunay himuon nga aksyon ang NGCP sa ilang linya nga mas masakripisyo na hinuon ang tibuok distrito.

Ang masinati sa matag karon ug unya nga mga pagkapalong sa sugang dagitabnon resulta kini sa pagkubos sa tinubdan sa korente gikan sa planta sa National Power Corporation kon NAPOCOR sa Pulangi-Bukidnon.

Samtang ang MOELCI II usab nag awhag sa mga konsomante nga magdaginot sa paggamit sa koryente sa tuyo nga mapaigo ug mapakobsan ang gidugayon sa power curtailment matag adlaw, nagpasidaan ang tagdumala sa MOELCI-II nga sugod niining higayona, sugdan na ang pagdaginot sa paggamit sa sugang dagitab.

Gipahayag ni MOELCI-II General Manager Jemilo Pelimer nga kun’ sa matag adlaw regular kang gagamit ug air condition, gamitan na lamang panagsa og electric fan, kun’ gagamit rice cooker sa paglung-ag, kasamtangan usang gamiton ang dirty kitchen.

Kutob sa mga sanglitanan nga mas makadaginot sa pagkonsumo sa koryente mas maayong buhaton gumikan kay makatampo kini og tabang sa krisis nga giatubang karon sa Napocor.

Mas maayo usab nga himuon ang operasyon sa mga trabaho matag gabi-i inay nga adlaw gumikan kay walay mahitabong power curtailment matag gabi-i ug sakto kaayo ang gikusgon sa korente nga magamiton gumikan kay minus kaayo ang naggamit sa koryente kun’ gabi-i.

Wala usab masayod ang MOELCI-II kun’ kanus-a kutob masinati ang Power Curtailment. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


MOELCI II explains reason for electric power curtailment
By: Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Misamis Occidental Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOELCI) II has apologized to its consumers for the power interruption that they experience almost everyday.

However, Jemilo Pelimer, MOELCI II General Manager, said that they are just following the instructions of their power provider, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to answer the complaints reaching their office on these interruptions.

Pelimer explained that they cannot do anything but follow NGCP, because they are afraid it will do something which may affect the whole district.

He said these curltailments are caused by the power shortage from the Hydro-Electric Power Plant of the National Power Corporation (Napocor) in Pulangi, Bukidnon, adding that they do not know when the curtailments will end.

Meanwhile, MOELCI II has called on the consumers to conserve energy so these power curtailments can be shortened.

Pelimer said those using the air-conditioners may shift to using the electric fan, once in awhile and those using electric rice cookers may shift to using the dirty kitchen during these trying times.

He also advised consumers to do all the energy conservation tips that they know to help in the power energy crisis that we are facing now and suggested that they do their chores late in the night when only few people uses electric power. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


Financial aid for typhoon victims still pouring in
By Cheryl C. Moncay

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- Two months after deadly tropical cyclone Sendong struck Cagayan de Oro City and yet, financial aid and relief goods of local government units (LGUs) from various parts of the Philippines are still keep pouring in with love.

Lately, Toledo City Government of Cebu donated P500,000 in check, personally handed by its Mayor Aurelio P. Espinosa to City Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Y. Emano. Manila Mayor Fred Lim also donated P1 million and Speaker Sonny Belmonte gave P500,000. Masbate Governor Rizalina L. Seachon Lanete sent her representatives to handover P250,000 donations from their province. From city of Binan, Biñan City Mayor Marlyn ‘Len-len’ Alonte-Naguiat came to the Office of the City Mayor together with her team and also donated P266,632.00.

The League of Provinces of the Philippines and Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. of Siquijor even donated some P125,000.00 and P500,000 in checks, respectively. Total financial aid received by the City Government have now reached P P68,409,317.82.

Another LGU came up with a different smart way to help CDO. Pasig City Team led by Pasig DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Jay E. Timbreza and Pasig Liga President Ferdinand A. Avis also visited the city last February 16, 2012. Their team introduced and discussed with Mayor Emano Pasig’s existing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System (DRRM). A DRRM action plan adopted shortly after their city was hit by typhoon Ondoy. Accordingly, now they have remained assured and disaster resilient especially when it comes to flooding.

Meanwhile, the city government together with its donor partners have focused efforts in the completion of building permanent houses in the city’s relocation sites. A target of 1,000 concrete houses is to be completed by April 2012.

All financial aids from partner LGUs have contributed and made possible the rise of adaptive, disaster resilient new communities for Sendong survivors. (CIO)


PNP chief orders 24/7 security in evac centers
By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental – Police Chief Superintendent Jufel C. Adriatico ordered, yesterday, a 24/7 security in all evacuation centers in both Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City following the release of the autopsy report of Jesus Noel Buenvenido.

Police authorities confirmed that Bienvenido, who was earlier reported to commit suicide inside his tent in Barangay Calaanan settlement area, was murdered by strangulation.

Adriatico confirmed this in yesterday’s Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee 10 (RLECC 10) meeting in Camp Alagar.

The other week, a six-year-old girl staying in a tent at the provincial capitol ground was allegedly molested by another evacuee, while other two took their own lives - a nineteen year old girl from Acacia in Barangay Carmen and 33-year-old father of three in City Central School.

Adriatico urged everybody not to remain complacent about things happening around and has immediately given orders to his men to look after the safety of the people in the evacuation sites. (PIA 10)


Tangub City cites contribution of former Governor Alfonso D. Tan
By: Pat Nano

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental- Tangub City has honored the contribution of Governor Alfonso D. Tan whose efforts led to the development of the city to what it is now.

Tan, was the City Mayor of Tangub when he was appointed Governor of Misamis Occidental by the late President Corazon C. Aquino, who assumed the Presidency after the EDSA Revolution in 1986.

“It has always been a puzzle to me how the former Governor was able to run Tangub after it became a city, at a time when there was no Internal Revenue Allotment that the city received from the national government during his time,” Mayor Philip Tan said.

Mayor Philip was amazed at how his uncle, the former Governor, was able to convince the people in Tangub to donate their lands to the city government to be converted into city roads, which at present, he has problems on how to cement them because of their width.

Another contribution of the former Governor was in the field of education which has benefitted the children by putting up elementary schools in all of the city’s 55 barangays.

The former Governor was also credited for his concern to educate the youth by giving out scholarship programs and putting up of the city-owned Gov. Alfonso D. Tan College (GADTC) which celebrated its 28th foundation anniversary, last Feb. 28.

To celebrate the event, the city conducted the Alfonso D. Tan Memorial Lecture attended by the city officials, school principals and students taking up History subjects from the city-owned GADTC and the state-owned Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST). (PIO/PIA-Mis. Occ.)


Mis. Occ. PDRRMC calls on Misamisnons to support the disaster preparedness trainings
By: Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Misamis Occidental has called on the people of the province to support their Disaster Preparedness Program by attending their trainings.

This, despite the fact, that there is no guarantee that disasters and calamities occurring in the province without warning, can be managed 100%.

Yet, the damage brought about by these disasters to property, most especially to the lives of the people, can be minimized through the disaster preparedness trainings conducted by PDRRMC.
Paul De Barras, Team Leader of the Misamis Occidental Search and Rescue Team (MOSART) said even the United States of America who are already experts in the field still need these trainings.

It is during these disaster preparedness trainings that preemptive skills are being taught including what to do to respond to to a calamity and reduce its damage to properties and prevent the loss of lives, he said.

Aside from their being well-trained and despite their vast resources, US still experience disasters and calamities.

De Barras, particularly, cited the incident of Typhoon Katrina that hit New Orleans which the US Government said was the most disastrous in the history of disaster and calamities in the country.

If US, which is a rich country needs the training, how much more for us in the Philippines when we lack funds and resources to manage these disasters?, De Barras remarked.

But this lack of funds and resources should not be made a reason not to be prepared. All we need is the cooperation and support of everyone, the MOSART Team Leader added. (PIO/PIA-Mis. Occ.)


Cebu News: Kontribusyon ni Kanhi Gobernador Alfonso D. Tan sa kalamboan sa Tangub City giila sa mga opisyales ug katawhan
Ni: Pat Nano

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental- Giisip sa tibuok katawhan sa Tangub City labina sa kasamtangang mga officials sa maong ciudad nga kun’ unsa ang mga kaayohan nga nasud-ong karon sa Tangub, kini bunga sa paningkamot ni kanhi Governor Alfonzo D. Tan.

Si Tan mao ang Mayor sa siyudad sa Tangub sa dihang gitudlo siya ni kanhi Presidente Corazon C. Aquino, kinsa nahimong pangulo sa nasud human mahitabo ang EDSA Revolution sa tuig 1986.
Dakong tanghaga alang kang Mayor Philip Tan kun’ giunsa pagdumala sa iyang uyo-an, si kanhi Governor Alfonzo Tan nga naingon niini ang Tangub human kini nahimong ciudad nga sa ilang panahon, wala pa may madawat nga Internal Revenue Allotment ang matag Local Government Unit.

Usa na niini ang pagkombinsi sa mga residente sa mga kabarangayan nga modonar og mga lote aron himuong dalan nga gani sa pagkakaron, nagproblema siya kun’ unsaon sa pagsemento sa mga barangay roads nga hilabihan kaayo kalapad.

Ang programa usab sa edukasyon ang usa sa mga kabilin sa kanhi gobernador nga nakahatag og dakong tabang sa mga kabataan sa maong syudad ug napahimuslan kini hangtod niining higayona kon diin niadtong higayona, iyang nabutangan og mga Elementary School ang 55 ka mga Barangay sa Dakbayan sa Tangub.

Sa pangandoy usab sa kanhi Gobernador nga mapalambo ang kahimtang sa katawhan sa maong ciudad, iyang gihingusgan nga mahatagan og mga Scholarship Program ang mga estudyante labina ang pagtukod ug mismong tulonghaan sa koliheyo, ang Gov. Alfronso D. Tan College (GADTC), kinsa nag selebrar sa iyang ika baynte-otso (28th) ka tuig nga kasumaran kaniadtong Pebrero 28.

Agi ug pagsaulog sa maong kasumaran, nag pasiugda ang siyudad sa Alfonso D. Tan Memorial Lecture nga gitambongan sa mga opisyales sa siyudad, mga principal sa mga eskwelahan ug mga estudyante nga mikuha ug History subjects sa GADTC, ug sa Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST) sa siyudad. (PIO/PIA-Mis. Occ.)


Cebuano News: Mis. Occ. PDRRMC nag-awhag s tanan nga padayong suportahan and Disaster Preparedness Program
Ni: Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – Gi-awhag sa Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) sa Misamis Occidental ang mga katawhan sa probinsiya sa ilang hugot nga suporta sa gipahigayon nga Disaster Preparedness Program

Kini, taliwala sa dili garantiya nga siento-porsientong (100%) madumala ang mga nagkadaiyang Natural Disasters nga posibleng mohapak sa atong dapit sa dili mahibaloan nga panahon.

Apan mahimong mapakubos ang posibleng danyos sa mga kabtangan ilabina sa mga kinabuhi pinaagi sa mga nangakat-onan sa gihimong Disaster Preparedness Training Program nga gipatuman sa Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Dinhi sa maong mga pagbansay-bansay itudlo ngadto sa mga nanambong unsa nga mga pamaagi ug unsa nga mga kahanas ang pagagamiton sa pag sagubang sa mga kalamidad nga mahitabo.

Matud pa ni Gain Paul De Barras, ang Team Leader sa MOSART kon Misamis nga bisan gani ang Estados Unidos nga eksperto na kaayo sa ingon nagkinahanglan gihapon sa mga training nga sama niini.

Gawas nga well-trained sila sa ingon niini nga natad, sakto pa gayud ang ilang mga resources apan aduna pa gayu’y kalapasan ang nahitabo human sa katalagman.

Partikular nga gipasabot sa Team Leader mao ang Typhoon Katrina nga mihapak sa New Orleans nga gitawag sa US Government nga pinaka dako’g danyos sa kasaysayan sa kalamidad sa Estados Unidos.

Kun’ kini nahiagoman sa United States nga usa ka adunahang nasud, unsa pa kaha ang Pilipinas, partikular sa atong probinsya nga kulang kaayo sa gikinahanglang pundo ug kahimanan.
Mao nga bisan pa man sa maong kakulangon, dili kini mamahimong babag sa kaluwasan kun’ adunay kooperasyon sa matag usa, dugang ni De Barras. (PIO/PIA-Mis. Occ.)


4ID: Helping the youth become responsible, productive and well-informed members of our society

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division thru the 4th Civil-Military Operations “Kasaligan” Battalion formally opened its three-day live-in Youth Leadership Seminar (YLS) at Headquarters, 10th Regional Community Defense Group, here, 8:00 a.m. today.

Anchored on the theme, “Responsible, Productive and Well-informed Youth of our Society,” the purpose of this YLS is to provide an avenue for our youth to enhance their leadership, technical and interpersonal skills.

Participants for this youth leadership seminar are 75 students and young leaders coming from the different provinces of Northern Mindanao and Caraga while guest lecturers and subject-matter-experts coming from the local government units (LGUs) and line agencies, academe and NGOs were invited to speak before the participants to inform them about the different programs of the government, challenges and expectations that the society poses to their generation and the perils that they can be exposed to if not properly advised or guided accordingly.

MGen. Victor A. Felix said, “With the year 2020 projection of having a 20 million youth population in the country, it is very important that we prepare them early so that they will become responsible, productive and well-informed leaders and members of our society in the future. It will be a good contribution to the improvement of our country if the generation that will lead it is ready and able to face and perform the expected role before them.”

Further, MGen. Felix called on participants, be active and discerning. Maximize your learning experience during this three-day YLS and be empowered to become the hope that this country needs. (4ID)


Studies consortium to create Mindanao knowledge center

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Plans to establish a local research and policy center for Mindanao are currently being pushed by the Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation, Inc. (MSCFI) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

During a recent meeting held at MinDA, representatives from the academe comprising the MSCFI have agreed to the proposal of setting up a Mindanao Knowledge Research and Policy Center (MKPRC) that would ensure harmonization and proper utilization of knowledge resources in Mindanao for policy making and development initiatives.

According to the group, the availability of knowledge resources on Mindanao as well as experts on this field has not been fully tapped.

“Now is the time for us to pursue the creation of a multidisciplinary center for local experts and consultants to convene and help in our research efforts for sustainable development,” said MinDA Executive Director Janet Lopoz.

The MKRPC shall become the command center of a Mindanao-focused scientific and Research and Development (R&D) community of academic scholars. It would also seek to improve Mindanao knowledge networks with academic and research institutions from other countries once the center is established.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ricardo de Ungria, MSCFI Chairperson supported MinDA’s stance to push through with the center saying they hope to firm up partnership and collaboration to realize the plan.

The Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (M2020) which is being pursued by MinDA has identified the creation of the center as integral to improving capabilities for undertaking scientific and empirical researches and analyses that support the region’s development needs.

The 20-year framework plan serves as the roadmap for peace and development efforts in Mindanao, focusing on five key themes namely, Peace and Security, Governance and Institutions, Economy and Environment, Human Development and Social Cohesion, and Enabling Conditions. (MinDA)


Contributions of firefighters in NorMin cited
By Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The members of the quad-media here underscored the contributions of the firefighters to Northern Mindanao during the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) media forum, ‘Talakayan,’ with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as guest agency, March 1.

John Paul Barsopia, news writer, expressed his warmest gratitude to BFP at the onset of typhoon Sendong when the city experienced water crisis. He, a Sendong survivor, benefited from the water ration brought by the bureau for about a month.

Water was being rationed in the city after several water pumps of the local water distribution firm were destroyed by floods brought by Sendong.

Butch Enerio, on other hand, underscored the importance to recognize firefighters’ contributions in which he considered the profession a noble one especially on saving lives and protecting properties.

This year, BFP in Northern Mindanao celebrates Fire Prevention Month with the theme, “Makiisa, Makialam at Makipagtulungan upang Sunog ay Maiwasan.”

Superintendent Lindy C. Lauzon, Regional Director, BFP-10, said fire safety is everybody’s concern and we need the support of the public to combat occurrence of destructive fires.

Meanwhile, Supt. Alan N. Aladano, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, said among the lined-up activities for the fire prevention month include fire Olympics at the barangay, municipal and provincial levels including industrial and private fire brigade.

Further, there will be contests on drawing contest, poster making, photo and essay writing to be participated in by elementary and high school students, said Supt. Aladano. (PIA 10)


Gender advocates vowed commitment to plant trees
By Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Gender Advocates (GA) in Northern Mindanao vow to plant 10 trees every year starting this 2012.

In line with the National Greening Program (NGP) of President Benigno S. Aquino’s administration, GA-10 (formerly known as Gender Advocates-Women in Government Service or GA-WINGS), sounded this commitment during its kick-off activity, today, for the 2012 Women’s Month celebration.

The celebration is participated in by GA-10 members composed mainly of men and women of the various government agencies in the region, with the theme “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.”

For this year, GA is set to hold ‘Tree Growing’ on June 8 and a follow-up on November 9. This is in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the region.

Meanwhile, Director Myra Balandra of the Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW) as the guest speaker, reiterated the importance of disaster preparedness and looking beyond relief and rescue operations.

She said let us prepare the communities to avert or at least reduce the risks of calamities and disasters and instill a greater awareness on disaster preparedness to the public.

Balandra further said calamities like typhoon Sendong will surely happen again. Thus, the public should always be warned and braced themselves for these recurring phenomena.

She, likewise, urged the public to plant trees to mitigate climate change and cited the role of both men and women with the initiative. (PIA-10)


Provincial employees undergo three-day capacity building training
By Vincent N. Labial and Lovely A. Rosario

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte– To strengthen provincial institutional capacity and governance systems related to the provision, management and maintenance of provincial roads, 51 provincial employees underwent a three-day capacity building workshop at the MCC Hotel, Tubod, this province on February 21 to 23.

The workshop was organized by the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) supported by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and facilitated by the Human Resources Management Office (HRMO) of Lanao del Norte LGU.

The employees came from the offices that are involved in the road planning, management, maintenance and construction of core provincial roads.

Among the offices represented were Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO), Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), Provincial Assessor’s Office (PASSO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAO), Provincial Administrator’s Office (PAdmin) and Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO).

“To help us become globally competitive, Governor Khalid Dimaporo wants us to maximize this training sponsored by PRMF under AusAID. By doing so, this will enable us to give the best service to the residents of Lanao del Norte,” HRMO Head Eugenie Pusing said.

Topics discussed include Staff and Skills Inventory (SSI); Information and Communication Technology (ICT); and program preparation and action planning.

During the training, participants had to identify and assess their department’s functions, as well as create a skills and assets development plan.

The PRMF is a governance reform program that use road maintenance funding as an incentive to change.

The project will provide funding to selected provinces for building capacity of key provincial departments for improved asset management; selective rehabilitation of existing core provincial roads and bridges; and maintenance of core provincial roads in conjunction with national, municipal and barangay roads.

PRMF is currently operating in two (2) provinces in the Visayas (Bohol and Guimaras) and five (5) in Mindanao (Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Surigao del Norte). Lanao del Norte is the latest province to be included in the expansion of the PRMF program.

More workshops are expected for the identified employees in the coming months to further equip and empower the provincial government in the efficient upgrading and maintenance of its core road network.

“The PRMF program is very important to us. Better roads mean better access to health services, jobs, social and educational facilities particularly for our interior communities,” stressed Governor Khalid Dimaporo. (VNL & LAR-PIO/LDN)


Tangub City vows to develop its tourism industry
By: Pat Nano

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental – Tangub City will continue to develop its tourism industry, following its success of being called the Christmas Sysmbols Capital of the Philippines and the conduct of the Christmas Symbols Festival, every December.

This was assured by Mayor Philip Tan, who said these developments in the city’s tourism industry has brought a lot of advancement in the lives of the Tangubanons, during the recent celebration of the city’s 44th charter anniversary.

He said another of its tourism event is the participation of its Sanduloy Dance Troupe’s in the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, January of every year.

Tan said he is positive these events can be well made into potential sources of livelihood for the constituents of the city, especially with its agricultural background, as
he compared Tangub to Malaysia which is known more of its agriculture and tourism than its products.

Meanwhile, Tan said aside from the dance, drama and artistic talents of its youths who compose the Sinanduloy Dance Troupe, Tangub has also been known for its achievement in sports, particularly, in the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA), where it places 6th, among the 14 schools divisions of the region.

This only means that Tangub has also a good potential in the sports arena compared to the other schools divisions in region 10 and thanked his constituents for their support and cooperation in all the undertakings the city has been receiving, so far. (PIA-Mis. Occ.)


Cebuano News: LGU Calamba migahin sa 56.577 milyones ka pesos nga tinu-ig nga budget sa 2011
Ni: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental – Mikabat sa singkwenta e sayes punto lima ka gatus setenta e siyete milyones ka pesos (P56.577M) gikan sa kinatibuk-an nga mga tax receipts ug ayuda gikan sa nasudnong pangagamhanan ang gigahin sa tinu-ig nga budget sa lungsod sa Calamba sa tuig 2011.

Kining maong kantidad adunay pagsaka nga kwatro punto baynte por siyento (4.20%) ikomparar sa kantidad nga singkwenta e kwatro punto duha ka gatus ug sitenta e nuybe milyones ka pesos (P54.279M) nga tinu-ig nga budget sa tuig 2010, si Dr. Luisito B. Villanueva, Jr., ang Mayor sa Calamba, miingon.

Niini nga mga tax receipts, duha punto nuybenta e dos milyones ka pesos (P2,092M) o tres punto sitenta por siyento (3.70%) ang gikan sa mga local tax revenues ug onse punto siyam ka gatus ug nuybe milyones (P11.909M) o baynte uno punto singko porsento (21.05%) gikan sa non-tax revenues.

Ang kwarenta e dos punto singko ka gatus ug singkwenta e siyete milyones ka pesos (P42.557M) o sitenta e singko punto baynte dos por siyento (75.22%) ang gikan sa kagamhanang nasyonal pinaagi sa IRA kun internal revenue allotment.

Matud pa ni Mayor Villanueva, ang mga local tax revenues nagalangkob niining mosunod: Amusement taxes nga nagkantidad sa singkwenta ka libo ka pesos (P50,000), business taxes nga usa punto baynte singko milyones ka pesos (P1.25M) ug
community taxes nga duha ka gatus ka libo ka pesos (P200,000).

Real property taxes nga tulo ka gatus saysenta e singko ka libo ka pesos (P365,000), sand and gravel taxes nga baynte dos ka libo ka pesos (P22,000) ug fines and penalties nga duha ka gatus ug singko ka libo ka pesos (P205,000).

Si Mayor Villanueva usab miingon nga ang mga non-tax revenues nagalangkub sa mosunod: Bayad sa mga timbangan nga kwarenta ka libo ka pesos (P40,000), bayad sa mga permit nga lima ka gatus ka libo ka pesos (P500,000) ug bayad sa mga rehistro nga usa ka gatus ug singkwenta ka libo ka pesos (P150,000).

Bayad sa mga clearance ug mga certificates nga tulo ka gatus ka libo ka pesos (P300,000) ug garbage collection fees nga usa ka gatus ug sitenta ka libo ka pesos (P170,000).

Usab ang LGU sa Calamba adunay income gikan niining mosunod: Negosyo sa cementeryo nga singkwenta e singko ka libo ka pesos, market services nga duha punto otso milyones ka pesos (P2.08M), gikan sa slaughterhouse nga saysenta e singko ka libo ka pesos (P65,000) ug gikan sa panubig nga pito punto singko milyones ka pesos (P7.5M).

Gikan sa mga parking ug terminal fees nga lima ka gatus ug trayenta ka libo ka pesos (P530,000), mga hinabang ug donasyon nga usa ka gatus ug singkwenta ka libo ka pesos (P150,000) ug interest income nga duha ka gatus, saysenta e siyete ug pito ka gatus ka libo ka pesos (P267,700).

Samtang si Mayor Villanueva miingon nga ang maong budget gi-andam human ua makuti nga deliberasyon sa mga hingtunngdan nga mga ahensiya ug departamento sa LGU inabagan sa mga lomolopyo nga nagpakabana aron mahimo kining mapuslanon ngadto sa tanan katawhan sa lungsod. (PIA-Mis. Occ.)


Cebuano News: Industriya sa turismo mas pakusgan pa sa siyudad sa Tangub
Ni: Pat Nano

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental- Dili na mabangbang ang nakuhang kalamposan sa Tangub City kun’ hisgotan ang natad sa industriya sa turismo nga maoy nakahatag ug dakong dungog sa ciudad ug sa probinsya.

Usa na niini ang naila na kaayong the Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines kon diin bulan kapin nga masaksihan ang mga christmas spectacles matag Disyembre ug ang Sinanduloy Dance Troupe nga ilado na kaayo pinaagi sa Sinulog Festival sa Cebu.

Kini nga mga kalihukan, nakatampo na kaayo og dako sa dagan sa ekonomiya ug sa aktibidad sa turismo sa ciudad apan wala pa dinhi natapos ang pangindahay ni Mayor Philip Tan.

Positibo ang iyang panglantaw sa Mayor nga kun’ mapalambo lamang ang potential nga mga tourist destination sa Tangub, mahimo na kining nag-unang tinubdan sa panginabuhian sa katawhan.

Gumikan kay agrikultural man nga dapit ang Tangub, mamahimo usab kining oportiyonidad sa mga lumolopyo.

Gihimong sanglitanan sa Mayor ang kalamboan nga nahitabo sa Malaysia nga wala milambo pinaagi sa mga produkto kun dili pinaagi sa agricultura ug turismo.

Wala lamang maila ang Tangub City sa mga talento sa sayaw ug ka-artistic labina sa mga kabatan-onan dinhi apan naila usab ang Ciudad sa banggiitang mga mangdudula.

Apan bisan pa man sa mga achievement nga nakuha sa delegasyon sa Tangub City labina sa matag tuig nga pagpahigayon sa Sports Competition sa Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association kon NMRAA, gitinguha gihapon nila nga makuha ang pinakataas nga pasidungog sa kompetisyon.

Hinuon matud pa ni Mayor Philip Tan nga ang standing karon sa Tangub City labina sa ilang division, dako na kaayo og gintang kun’ itandi sa ubang division sa probinsya.

Sa napulo’g upat (14) ka mga Schools Division nga sakop sa Northern Mindanao, ikaunom ang division sa Tangub City.

Kini nagpasabot lamang nga dako Ug abante ang kahimtang sa programa sa sports ang Tangub City kon itandi sa mga division sa probinsya.

Giangkon sa Mayor nga dako pa kaayo sila og himuong aksyon aron malabwan nila ang mga nanag-unang delegasyon sa Northern Mindanao apan positibo ang iyang panglantaw nga pinaagi sa suporta ug kooperasyon sa mga official ug katawhan ila ra kining makab-ot.

Dugang pa sa Mayor nga kun’ unsa ang dungog nga nakuha sa Tangub City, dungog usab kini sa tibuok probinsya sa Misamis Occidental. (PIO/PIA-Mis. Occ.)


DOH pushes to increase NBS coverage
By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAMIGUIN, Mambajao – Affording more babies to undergo Newborn Screening (NBS), the Department of Health pools in all health coordinators in Camiguin last week to review and formulate strategies that seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of NBS service in the region.

The participants include health officers, public health nurses and rural health midwives but prior to this meet, all local chief executives to include the Association of Barangay Council (ABC) President, local committee on health representatives in the province were also assembled in bid to increase the local governments budget for NBS.

The Provincial Health Office said this could help absorb and subsidize poor infants whose parents were non PhilHealth members.

On the part of the coordinators the assembly also serves as a venue to get updates and help more families get better health care access. (PIA 10)


World-renowned photojournalist visits Camiguin to Captura images of women in micro-credit
By Homer R. Jajalla

MAHINOG, Camiguin - Pep Bonnet, a renowned international photojournalist visited Camiguin last February 8-9, 2012 to capture images of women in Micro Credit in Mantigue island in the municipality of Mahinog.

This was learned from Raymundo C. Agaton Jr. of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) Camiguin in a press release sent to Mahinog Trumpet.

Bonnet is from NOOR (an Arabic word meaning “light”), an international photo agency and foundation established in 2007 primarily to create and distribute compelling photojournalistic works with the aim to raise awareness, enhance an understanding of the world and contribute to visual history of mankind.

The NOOR photo agency solicited the help of PRRM for its project “Women in Micro-Credit.”

PRRM is an NGO working in Camiguin for almost two decades now, with a mission to enhance the capacity of rural communities in the planning, advocacy and implementation of sustainable development, through an integrated program of education, livelihood, health, habitat, environment, and self-governance.

According to Agaton, Bonnet chose the island of Mantigue in Mahinog, Camiguin to shoot images of women engaged in seaweeds production.

“The images of women engaging in fishing in Mantigue Island are very fascinating human interest story for this project,” Mr. Bonnet told Agaton during the visit.

Agaton said Bonnet’s exhibit of images will feature 10 countries including Philippines due for exhibition and possibly into a book by April of this year.

”This will portray microcredit as the most visible innovation in anti-poverty policy where it has been successful in bringing formal financial services to the poor,” Agaton said.

For his part, Mahinog town mayor Alex R. Jajalla said since these images will be seen all over the world, this is a good opportunity to promote Mantigue island as among the alternative ecotourism destination in the region.

Mantigue island, branded as "Restoring Paradise" after local government developed the area as eco tourism destination since 2007, has now become a popular tourist attraction in the province of Camiguin. (PIO)


Groundbreaking marks start of construction of Xavier Ecoville
By Vanessa M. Gorra

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- Construction on the new homes of Sendong affected families is set to begin.

A groundbreaking ceremony at 2 pm today marks the start of the construction of the permanent shelter at Xavier Ecoville, Xavier University and the Local Government of Cagayan de Oro’s joint relocation and resettlement project situated in Lumbia.

At the groundbreaking, XU is also signing a memorandum of agreement with Habitat for Humanity Philippines for the construction of the permanent houses. 573 row houses will be built on the 5-hectare lot, adjacent to the temporary bunkhouses where 249 households (out of a target of 500) are presently staying.

Besides Habitat for Humanity, the other major donor for the permanent houses at Xavier Ecoville is UnionBank Foundation. Other donors are the Chinese Ladies Association of Sacred Heart Parish Cebu, and Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals.

Xavier Ecoville is not just a housing program but a community building program. XU aims to develop a thriving and healthy community at Xavier Ecoville. In addition to the house and lots, Xavier Ecoville will have a chapel and community center.


Northern Mindanao Youth successfully completes YLS

CAMP EVAGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro - The Youth Leadership Seminar conducted by the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army thru the 4th Civil-Military Operation “Kasaligan” Battalion culminated here today.

This endeavor is in line with the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” to help our youth become responsible, productive and well-informed members of our society.

A total of 82 youth coming from the different provinces under the 4ID Area of Responsibility specifically: Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon in Region 10 and Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur all in CARAGA Region participated in this leadership seminar.

A series of lectures, workshop and sharing of experiences designed to address the issues, challenges and aspirations of the youth of today were conducted to meet the set goals of this YLS.

These lectures, workshop and sharing of experiences were carefully selected to achieve the specific objectives set for the day which will gradually lead to the attainment of the purpose of helping our youth become responsible, productive and well-informed members of our society, thus, preparing them to become good leaders in the future.

This also provided an avenue for the youth to become the government’s active partner in nation-building to achieve a just and lasting peace that is conducive to a sustainable development.

Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City graced the closing ceremony as the guest of honor who commissioned all the participants who successfully completed the seminar as pioneer youth facilitators that shall replicate the same activity in their respective provinces.

MGen. Victor A. Felix, Commander, 4ID said, “With the successful completion of this YLS, we hope that all the participants were able to internalize the importance of their role as the future leaders of our country.


TESDA strengthens partnership with tech-voc institutions, local industry in Lanao Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - In its bid to produce quality and employable workforce that would respond to the needs of the different industries in the province, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Office recently conducted a province-wide Technical-Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) and Industry Forum

According to TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, the forum was the first provincial TVET and Industry Forum ever held in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

It was aimed to strengthened partnership with the technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) and major industries in the province to develop highly competitive manpower consistent with the industry needs, she said.

During the forum, Mapandi presented the accomplishments of the TESDA, the performance of the different TVIs in the province for the year 2011, and the TVET situationer, both at the regional and provincial level.

Aside from that, the different industries in the province presented their manpower needs and requirements while the national line agencies including the labor, agriculture, and trade and industry departments bared their programs to generate employment, as well, as to support the local industries.

Mapandi said the information generated in the forum relative to industry demand and the changes that are needed in the TVET curriculum will help in the development of the tech-voc delivery and the economic agenda of our government towards a self-reliant and viable environment.

She reiterated that with stronger partnership with TVIs and industries, they can develop highly skilled, competitive and employable workforce that could help the province in terms of economic development. (APB/PIA-10)


TESDA launches technoprenuership program in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) successfully launched its technopreneurship program in the province.

The program, dubbed as the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP), aims to assist those who have trained and earned their TESDA certification but have the difficulty of finding a job.

As an oversight authority, TESDA is now shifting its role from direct service provider to catalyst and resource provider to its partner institutions and organizations acting as the delivery system, said TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata S. Mapandi.

She said the program will provide TESDA-certified graduates the work experience which will help them build their portfolio.

In the province, the TESDA launched on Monday four groups of Specialistas, namely, beauty care, building and house repair, automotive servicing, and computer hardware servicing. Those interested to avail of the services of TESDA Specialistas may contact the TESDA Specialista Operation Center. (APB-PIA 10)


Saudi Arabia offers job hiring for 800 female nurses - POEA NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration (POEA) here in Northern Mindanao has announced a government-to-government hiring of 800 female Muslim nurses with a basic salary of 3,150 SR for the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Applicants should not be more than 40 years old, preferably a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and with or without Board License.

Further, the applicants should also have at least two years hospital work experience or one year hospital experience but with prometric exams.

Qualified applicants are advised to register online at www.poea.gov.ph or www.eregister.poea.gov.ph and personally submit a detailed resume with job description, schools credentials, and employment certificates, along with other requirements.

According to the POEA, the submission of applications is open until further notice at the four POEA Regional Centers in Mindanao, namely, Davao City, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Butuan City. (APB-PIA 10)


CSC-10 intensifies campaign against red tape

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Civil Service Commission (CSC), Regional Office 10, is intensifying its campaign to reduce, if not to eradicate, red tape and corruption in the workplace.

Thus, the CSC-10 will conduct a three-day training program designed to provide consultancy advice, training and support services in creating a customer service ethos in the bureaucracy.

Dubbed as the Service Delivery Excellence Program, the training which is aligned with the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 will be held on March 20 to 22, 2012 at Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

The primary purpose of the training program is to provide intervention for agencies to ensure compliance and successful implementation of their Citizen’s Charter even beyond service satisfaction, said CSC-10 Regional Director Lourdes Clavite-Vidal.

Accordingly, this intervention intends to assist government agencies to streamline the operations of their basic frontline services as well as other core functions. (APB-PIA 10)