May 5, Ozamiz Day is special working day in Mis. Occ.

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 4 (PIA) – The City of Ozamiz will be celebrating the 114^th birth anniversary of the late Senator Jose Fortich Ozamiz, a hero and martyr, tomorrow, May 5.

The day has been declared a special working day in the province of Misamis Occidental and its component cities per Republic Act 6738, enacted into law was by the House of Congress and the Senate and approved by the late President Corazon C. Aquino on Aug. 4, 1989.

Born on May 5, 1898 in Aloran, Misamis Occidental, to parents Genaro Ozamiz and Basilisa Fortich, Senator Ozamiz was elected as the First Representative of Misamis to the House of Representatives in 1931, and got re-elected to the same position in 1934.

The next year, he was elected to the 16^th Constitutional Convention representing the lone district of Misamis Occidental.

In 1936, he was again elected as the first and only Senator to come from the province and nominated as Assistant Minority Floor Leader of the Senate in 1940.

He was a reserve officer of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) with the rank of Major, during the Second World War, on December 8, 1941.

Senator Ozamiz was arrested by the Japanese on Feb. 11, 1944, and imprisoned at Fort Santiago, Manila for his involvement with the guerilla movement and was beheaded a  few months later.

It was only two (2) years after the beheading when his body was found, along with 29 other Filipino guerillas who suffered the same fate under the Japanese.

          In his inaugural speech at the Luneta Park, the late President Manuel A. Roxas, upon his installation as the First President of the newly independent Philippine Republic, said:

“Senator Jose Ozamiz is a man whose loyalty, integrity and courage stand out as an example for all to follow. He could have lived an easy life, by relaxing on his principle and his conscience. I am one of those with reason to be grateful that he did not, for had he chosen to live, he would be where I am today, and I would be where he is.”

Thus, the late Congressman Hilarion Ramiro of the Second District of Misamis Occidental passed in 1988, RA 6736 “An Act Declaring May 5 of every year as Ozamiz Day and a Special Working Holiday in the province of Misamis Occidental and the component cities, thereof, in honor of the late Senator Jose F. Ozamiz.”

It was then enacted into law by the House of Senate headed by Jovito Salonga, Senate President and House of Representatives headed by Ramon Mitra, Speaker of the House of Representatives on June 8, 1989.

Meanwhile, Mayor Nova Princes E. Parojinog-Echavez of Ozamiz will lead the memorial ceremony for Senator Ozamiz at the Heroes Park, Port Road, this city, tomorrow, May 5.

The activities will start at 7:30a.m. with an invocation by Rev. Fr. Marvin O. Osmeňa, Asst. Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

It will be highlighted by a floral offering, to be done by the Mayor, together with Carmen F. Ozamiz, daughter of the late Senator, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice-Governor Henry S. Oaminal, the Ozamiz City Council and the Association of Barangay Councils led by former Mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., among others. (PIA-Mis. Occ.)

 

Cell site growth of telco’s in region 10, up 8.63%

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 4 (PIA) – A total of 579 mobile phone cell sites have been put up by the major service providers in Northern Mindanao, as of the 4^th quarter of 2011.

This figure is actually 8.63 percent higher compared to the 532 mobile phone cell sites that these providers had put up, as of the same period of 2010, Engr. Teodoro D. Buenavista, Jr., Regional Director of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), region 10, said.

He said by province, the most number of 282 cell sites or 48.70 percent,  were put up in Misamis Oriental, followed by Bukidnon with 119 or 20.55 percent, Misamis Occidental, 77 or 13.29 percent, Lanao del Norte, 72 or 12.43 percent and Camiguin, 29 or 0.05 percent.

In terms of growth in the number of cell sites, those in Camiguin grew by 26.09 percent, followed by Misamis Occidental, 13.24 percent, Misamis Oriental, 9.30 percent, Lanao del Norte, 5.88 percent and Bukidnon, 3.48 percent.

Meanwhile, the most number of 244 cell sites or 42.14 percent were put up by Globe Telecom, followed by Smart Telecom, 209 or 36.10 percent and Digitel, 126 or 21.76 percent.

Compared to last year’s data on the number of cell sites, the following telephone companies posted the following growth:

Smart, 12.36 percent, Digital, 16.66 percent and Globe, 2.50 percent, Buenavista added. (PIA-Mis. Occ.)

 

 

LGU Calamba, Mis. Occ.’s 2011 annual budget reach P56.577M

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

 

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental, Mar. 4 (PIA) – 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.)

 

Troops plant mangroves in MisOr coastal areas

                                                                     

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, May 4 – Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division together with the Provincial Youth Development Council planted mangrove trees at barangay Amoros, El Salvador City at 6:00 a.m. today.

The mangrove planting activity was initiated by the Provincial Government in order to rehabilitate coastal areas of Misamis Oriental and protect the province against natural disaster.

Mangrove not only provides protection from natural disaster such as erosion, storm surge and tsunamis it also offers a quite marine region for young organism. It is a host to algae, barnacles, oysters, sponges and bryozoans which are all important in maintaining the ecological balance of the sea.

Since the Tropical Storm Sendong, efforts to care and protect our environment have been intensive. Government organizations and other cause-oriented groups launched variety of environment caring activities such as clean-up drives, tree planting, mangrove planting, and coastal clean-up.  

  

MGen. Victor A. Felix, Commander, 4ID said as partner in environment protection, 4ID will continue joining this kind of activity. As what we have said soldiers are steward of our country’s territory and the protector of the people and our environment.

 

If doing simple things like this will prevent the happening of a big disaster let us do more to help our environment to protect us, humans, he said.

 

MinDA cites significance of mutual compromise in addressing Mindanao power issues

By Kim Rigonan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, May 4, 2012 (PIA) – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) advocates for a common strategic recommendations and consensus before the President in addressing Mindanao power problem.

MinDA Spokesperson Romeo Montenegro stresses on this in a press conference held yesterday, May 3, at the Philippine Information Agency 10 office.

He said stakeholders needs to agree into a common recommendation, a united stand with the different sectors involved in finding for solutions.

Montenegro further explained that the recently concluded Mindanao Power Summit in Davao is just but a start towards the continuing advocacy of finding answers to the Mindanao power grid issue.

The Mindanao Power Summit has collectively come up with a strong and appropriate proposals that will be presented to the National Government.

Among those includes the recommendation for review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) privatization provisions.(PIA 10)

Six new towns in Lanao del Norte set to benefit from DSWD programs

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, May 4 – Six more towns from this fast-rising province are set to benefit from the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDDS) and Makamasang Tugon programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

 

The KALAHI-CIDSS and Makamasang Tugon Projects are the Philippine government’s flagship poverty-alleviation projects. These projects are being implemented by DSWD through the financial support of World Bank. The projects help poor communities develop the necessary skills and provide them with resources to select, implement and sustain small-scale community infrastructure projects and social services.

 

The six new municipalities are Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Poona Piagapo, Tagoloan, Matungao, Magsaysay and Tangcal.

 

A simple Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and launching ceremony was held on May 2, 2012 at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) Function Hall, in the capital town of Tubod.

 

The event was attended by Governor Khalid Dimaporo; Assistant Regional Director Aldersey Mumar Dela Cruz, DSWD-10; Regional Director Rene Burdeos, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10; and local chief executives from the six municipalities.

 

“We always welcome a good challenge. DSWD is basically looking into poverty rate, project implementation, and good leadership. In Lanao del Norte, we have a good track record in implementing our projects,” Governor Dimaporo said.

 

More than 57 million pesos have been earmarked by DSWD for the construction of identified projects.

 

Among the most common projects to be implemented by the barangay officials and volunteers are drainage systems, day care centers, barangay health centers, barangay roads, solar driers and water systems.

“We are very thankful for the strong representation of Congresswoman Imelda Dimaporo and for the solid support of Governor Khalid Dimaporo. Without their help we could not have availed of this important program from national government,” expressed Matungao mayor Jaber Azis. This interior town will soon be implementing various projects totaling to six million pesos.

The Lanao del Norte LGU has allotted more than 10 million pesos as its financial counterpart for the newest batch of projects under the two anti-poverty programs.

“I am truly thankful to Governor Khalid Dimaporo for championing the KALAHI-CIDSS program in Lanao del Norte. I’m happy that the projects here have been very successful,” Assistant Regional Director Dela Cruz said. (SMB/VNL/PIO-LDN)

 

CDO wins original veggie recipe tilt

By Jorie C. Valcorza

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, May 4 (PIA) -- The Kagay-anon Veggie Roll entry bagged the top prize in yesterday’s Regional Recipe Development Contest, initiated by the National Nutrition Council.

The regional cook fest was initiated as a prelude to the Nutrition Month Celebration coming July.

There were 18 entries submitted and only six qualified entries made it to the final cook off yesterday at Hotel Conchita.

Camiguin province had its Pinoy Embutido recipe; Malaybalay City with the Ginisang Labong na may Gulay; Vegetable medley for Valencia, Bukidnon; Kare-kareng gulay for the Maramag entry; and a vegetarian dumpling recipe from the Culinary Institute of Cagayan de Oro.

All entries used vegetables as its main ingredient, with no more than five ingredients, excluding seasoning and condiments.

At the end of the cook off, Jose M. Gipulao and Chairmaine Joy A. Prieto’s veggie roll recipe from Barangay Canitoan won the tilt.

Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Zenaida T. Tondares explained that the activity aims on developing delicious, nutritious, low cost, and easy to prepare menu.

It showcased every region’s traditional recipes and other innovative ways of preparing vegetables.

It will be compiled along with all winning regional entries into a recipe book that will be printed for distribution to the beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Copies of it will also be distributed the local nutrition workers as an IEC material to aid more families on ways of improving their meals. (PIA 10)

 

CHR to uphold human rights in ARMM

 

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, May 4 (PIA) -- A Commission on Human Rights (CHR) official reiterated that the agency will uphold the rights of the indigenous and Moro peoples in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the context of their culture and history of struggle for human development.

CHR Chairperson Etta Rosales, in a meeting here Thursday with regional officials and representatives of Moro civil society organizations, said that for the first time in 22 years of ARMM’s existence, the CHR is establishing a regional office here, on the persistent recommendation of ARMM Officer-In-Charge Governor Mujiv Hataman.

Rosales said human rights would be upheld in the ARMM, not merely by CHR standards, but in the context also of the rich experience of the Bangsamoro in their history of continuing struggle in many diverse fields of endeavor, including socio-economic, cultural, and political development.

"It is you, with respect to your rich culture and great history of struggle, that would uphold and defend human rights in the context of socio-economic, cultural and political development," Rosales pointed out.

Rosales said putting up the CHR-ARMM unit has been “a dream coming true” that she, Hataman, and President Benigno Simeon Aquino III had shared in common since they first met as lawmakers in the House of Representatives. (BPI/APB-ARMM-PIA-10)

 

Hataman, Japan aid execs optimistic of PH peace with MILF

 

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, May 4 (PIA) -- The acting governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said the government sees a major pact for a political settlement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) taking place during the term of President Benigno S. Aquino III, which will end in 2016.

Officer-In-Charge ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said he was being “optimistic that they can come up with a consensus to sign a peace agreement, especially if it does not take a constitutional amendment.”

“As far as the government is concerned, that is my feeling… And so also from the other side, we are receiving a similar feedback,” said Hataman told a delegation from a Japanese aid institution here on Labor Day.

Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, president of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), met ARMM officials and MILF leaders in separate occasions during his country’s aid delegation visit to the Muslim Mindanao region.

After meeting MILF leaders in Camp Darapanan, Tanaka said he shared Hataman’s optimism that a “new political reality” was in the offing, with the current development in the peace process.

Both parties have noted Japan’s increasing role in the peace process, after hosting a meeting between the President and key MILF leaders in Tokyo mid last year.

Hataman said President Benigno S Aquino III becomes the second President to do so, after his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, met Nur Misuari to start the peace process with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) which he led.

The meeting, Hataman said, led to the post-Aquino administration signing of the final peace agreement between the government and the MNLF on September 2, 1996. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)

 

RLECC distributes relief goods to 150 TS Sendong survivors

By PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 4 – Members of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Council (RLECC) in Northern Mindanao distributed relief goods to 150 Tropical Storm Sendong survivors at the Indahag Transitional Shelter Camp, this city, on April 25.

 

The activity is done simultaneously with the planting of 3,500 tree seedlings at the said barangay and the relief goods consisted mainly of food packs, rice, canned goods, pail, a bottle of water, a pair of slipper among others.

 

Earlier, RLECC met to discuss law enforcement matters affecting the condition of peace and order, economy and environment in the Northern Mindanao.

 

Meanwhile, 47 year old Dino Eman, a brave and good husband, father of four children and survivor of the devastating Sendong, has been relocated with his family in Indahag and was very much thankful for the relief goods they received from the RLECC 10.

 

Dino could not further thank the government for the great help, and he humbly asks for one more, “apan gapasalamat gyud kaayo kami sa tabang nga gihatag sa amoa, labina karon nga wa pa intawon mi mga trabaho. Ang ako lang unta mahangyo kai ang pagtabang sa amo maka sulod og trabaho. Kai lisod kaayo wa’y trabaho…” Dino said.

 

He hopes that one day he will be able to get a job since people in the area have been depending on the government’s assistance and has quite been complaining about the very far relocation site by which they can hardly visit the city and apply jobs.

 

Amidst the tragic calamity that occurred in the night of December 16, 2012, Dino still thanks the good Lord up until now for the second life and for having his family intact and safe from the tropical storm and from the diseases after the devastating calamity and for surpassing every step he took to start anew. (with reports from Noralee Denise M. Lluch/PRO/PIA-10)

 

Gov’t mull over tapping other power generating plant in Mindanao

By: Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, April 4, 2012 (PIA) – To institute immediate measures in addressing Mindanao’s power situation the government is looking into tapping existing power plant in the island.

 

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Media Affairs, Romeo Montenegro said this one of the measures agreed on the recently concluded Mindanao Power Summit in Davao.

 

“Although we are looking into the long term measures, the government nonetheless has to do something to address the present 250 MW power deficit which now affecting most parts of the Mindanao,” he added.

 

He cited that Iligan City’s diesel fired power plant, if tapped, can contribute to around 96MW.

 

The upgrading and rehabilitation of the Agus Complex, particularly, the Agus 6, Agus I and II in Baloi and the flood control will also result to an additional 200 MW capacity generation.

 

The completion of the Pulangi hydropower plant repair this month will likewise eased back the power curtailment scheduled.

 

Montenegro noted that the critical stage which we will be facing now on addressing the present power needs here in Mindanao until 2014.

 

“Pipeline projects to address the long term measures in ensuring steady supply in power is already in place but it will take 3 to 5 years before these power plants can be fully operational,” he said.

 

The coal fired power plant of Aboitz with 300MW, the Conal power plant and the expansion of the geothermal power plant in Cotabato are expected to address the increasing power demand in Mindanao in the.

 

The Department of Energy (DOE) according to Montenergro is confident that Mindanao will have no power deficit by 2015. (PIA 10)

 

CdeO –Invest Mancom, TWG convene

INVEST official cites CdeO’s prospects as an economic hub

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 4 – The Cagayan de Oro-INVEST Project Management Committee and Technical Working Group (TWG) convened yesterday for a coordination meeting.

This is in relation to the city’s having been chosen as one of the three pilot cities in the country for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project.

Councilor Juan Sia, chair of the City Council committee on commerce and trade, concerned department heads and employees are members of the Invest Project Team in the city.

During the meeting, INVEST Deputy Chief of Party Jovie Corazon Importante, cited the city’s distinct role in terms of business and investments.

“We are looking at Cagayan de Oro as an economic hub,” she said.

The city, together with the cities of Batangas and Iloilo, were selected because of strong potential for growth, with local governments committed to economic reforms and good governance and big and strong human resource base.

According to the INVEST deputy, the project will have two components: to streamline business process and a lower transaction cost and to improve investment planning and promotion in its partner cities.

The outcome of this, she said, will increase domestic and foreign investment and enhance the performance of its target cities towards competitiveness.

Promote CDO Chair Ruben Vegafria, who chairs the Project Management Committee, said this development is a sign that Cagayan de Oro is going to the direction that it wants to be. (LCR)

Dads tackle oil price concerns

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 4 -- The City Council during it regular session yesterday, May 3, presided over by Councilor Ramon G. Tabor discussed with a representative of the Department of Energy (DOE) and a gasoline company, issues pertaining to gasoline prices.

The legislative body invited the management of different oil companies and the DOE to shed light on the discrepancy of oil prices in the city compared with other cities and provinces of Mindanao.

Only one gasoline dealer was able to attend the regular session, Joel Orsillada of SEAOIL.

Councilor President D. Elipe, chair of the committee on energy, said the dealers were invited by his committee to shed light on the different prices among gasoline dealers but the invitation was reportedly ignored that is why the matter was brought to the body. 

Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas said the price in Tagum City and other cities and provinces in Mindanao is lower than Cagayan de Oro by almost P3.60.

Orsillada informed the legislative body that one of the reasons for higher prices is the freight and handling expenses that could add to the price of the petroleum products and the price war in the area. Another factor considered is the locality where the establishment is located. It was observed that price is lower in Canitoan than in the city proper.

According to DOE’s Delia U. Sy, the DOE cannot dictate the price of oil as it depends upon the small players. Its duty is only to monitor, she said.

The oil industry is governed by Republic Act. 8479, which provides that it shall be the policy of the state to liberalize and deregulate the downstream oil industry in order to ensure a truly competitive market under a regime of fair prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmentally-clean and high quality petroleum products.

The law promotes and encourages the entry of new participants in the downstream oil industry, and introduces adequate measures to ensure the attainment of these goals. (APD)