Friday, June 15, 2012


Local official lauds govt’s move to protect territory
By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, June 13, 2012 (PIA) – As the nation celebrates its 114th year of Independence, a local chief executive praise the move of the government for its strong determination and commitment to protect the country's rights and enforce security.
                “The Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has made the right decision in bringing this attention to the world,” Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo said.
                He said ensuring territorial jurisdiction is mandated as much as we need to uphold national interest and sovereignty.
                Romualdo quoted former United Estates President George Washing saying experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves, than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.
                He added that while many people doubt the capability of the Philippine government to protect its territorial waters, the move of the government on the issue is a strong manifestation of our commitment to show that the world will not tolerate any aggression inside our national territory whether from foreign elements or local residents, or any terrorist groups that creates civil disturbance.
                “The strong message that we sent to the world describes the character of our country, which is a decisive factor, as how we should go forward as a nation. Citizens over the nation must rise above any challenge for we are the true assets of our country, engaging this nation to achieve its national growth," he stressed.  (PIA 10)

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

          ALORAN, Misamis Occidental, June 14 (PIA) – Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Jonathan De Leon of the Misamis Occidental has underscored the need to follow the straight path in order to achieve true independence.
He, however, said this is not an easy thing to do and entail lots of sacrifices when he spoke about "Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan Para sa Tuwid na Daan,” theme of this year’s 114th Independence Day Celebration, during a flag-raising ceremony in Aloran town, last June 12.
Such activity was attended by national and local government employees, community leaders, barangays officials, Department of Education (DepEd) personnel and students, among others.
“For President Benigno S. Aquino, III, the straight path is the right direction. It is where decisions are made to protect the welfare of the people, look after the interest of the majority, put up a firm grip on principles and be faithful to the public servants’ sworn oath to serve the country honestly,” De Leon said.
He also said “to achieve true independence, we should have a national and local government that prioritizes jobs that empower the people and provide them with opportunities to rise above poverty.”
We should have an education system that answers the needs of the learners and the demands of the community making every learner a productive citizen in this country and an education that is the central strategy for investing in our people, reducing poverty and building national competitiveness.
We should recognize the advancement and protection of public health, which includes responsible parenthood, as key measures of good governance and have a truly impartial system of institutions that deliver equal justice to rich or poor.
We should have a government that does not treat its people as an export commodity and a means to earn foreign exchange, disregarding the social cost to Filipino families  but a government that creates jobs at home, so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity and when its citizens do choose to become OFWs, their welfare and protection will still be the government's priority.
We should continue to have a government that protects and preserves the environment that pushes for the strict enforcement of environmental laws and policies.
“Recent history has uncovered some relevant events that tell us we are treading along this path,” De Leon said.
We have a government that denounces corruption, abuse of power and authority, and one that punishes transgressors who have been there for long, emptying out the coffers of the government to bloat their own pockets.
We have a government that does not protect those in power but opens its ears and heart for the common “tao,” one that tries to free us from the bondage of societal ills, from the grips of corruption and from the clutches of poverty.
“Independence is not a dole-out, but is self-sustainability and empowerment and being able to stand on our own feet, aware of our rights and having the necessary capabilities that we can use to achieve our full potentials.
There is no independence, for as long as there is a high school graduate who has not acquired technical vocational and life skills and for as long as there are four (4) million children labourers deprived from acquiring the basic education that they need in schools.
 “Likewise, there is no independence for as long as our right to suffrage is governed by money and for as long as there is a battered wife who secretly sobs in the night,” De Leon added. (PIA10-Mis. Occ.)

DOH-10’s 23rd week morbidity report show dengue cases up 40.57 % in region 10, down 81.22% in Mis. Occ.
By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
“This figure is actually higher by 40.57 percent compared to 838 cases, during the same period in 2011, and based on the yearly trending, we will be expecting more cases of dengue, this year,” said Dr. David Mendoza, Head of the Regional Epidemiology, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit (RESDRU) of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development, region 10 (DOH-CHD-10).
In his Disease Surveillance Report for the 23rd Morbidity Week, this year, Mendoza said ages of dengue cases ranged from less than a month to 90 years old with 55 percent males.
Two (2) deaths with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 0.17 percent had been reported to have occurred during the period and that among the age groups, those with the age range of below 5-14 years old had the highest CFR of 0.39 percent.
 Meanwhile, a total of 40 dengue cases was also admitted to the different sentinel hospitals, from Jan. 1 to June 8, this year, in Misamis Occidental, lower by 81.22 percent compared to the 213 dengue cases compared to the same period of 2011.
Mendoza’s report also show that the dengue cases of Mis. Occ.’s three (3) cities, were on the down-ward trend: Tangub, from 54 to four (4) cases or down by 92.59 percent, Ozamiz, from 80 to 14 cases or down by 82.50 percent and Oroquieta City, from 18 to eight (8) cases or down by 55.55 percent.
Data per province also show the following: Misamis Oriental had 916 cases or
77.80 percent, Bukidnon, 125 cases or 10.6 percent, Lanao del Norte, 94 cases or 8.0 percent, Misamis Occidental, 40 cases or 3.40 percent and Camiguin, three (3) cases or 0.30 percent.
          Among the region’s nine (9) cities, Cagayan de Oro has the highest number of 640 cases or 54.30 percent, followed by Iligan, 62 cases or 5.30 percent and Gingoog,  33 cases or 2.80 percent, Valencia, 26 cases or 2.20 percent, Ozamiz, 14 cases or 1.18 percent, Malaybalay and El Salvador, 11 cases or 0.93 percent, each, Oroquieta, eight (8) cases or  0.67 percent, and lowest in Tangub with only four (4) cases or 0.33  percent.
          In terms of increase of the dengue cases per province, Bukidnon registered the highest with 220.51 percent, followed by Misamis Oriental, 124.51 percent.
But the dengue cases in Camiguin went down by 80 percent, Misamis Occidental, down by 81.22 percent and Lanao del Norte, down by 44.38 percent.
As to the cities, Valencia posted the highest increase of 2,500 percent, followed by Malaybalay, 175 percent, Cagayan de Oro, 137.92  percent, Gingoog, 120 percent and El Salvador, 22.22 percent. But the dengue cases in Iligan went down by 34.04 percent.
Meanwhile, Mendoza said the cluster of three (3) or more dengue cases were noted  during the past four (4) weeks in 13 barangays of Cagayan de Oro City, namely:  Balulang, Bugo, Bulua, Camaman-an, Carmen, Cugman, Iponan, Kauswagan, Lapasan, Macasandig, Nazareth, Patag, and Puerto.
Also noted with the same situation in the provinces were Barangays Lower Poblacion, in Jasaan, Barra in Opol, Poblacion in Villanueva and Poblacion in Tagoloan, all of Misamis Oriental.
Agusan Canyon in Manolo Fortich and Poblacion in Valencia City, both of Bukidnon and Poblacion and Tubod in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Mendoza’s report also show. (PIA10-Mis. Occ.)

City solon says care for Mother Earth, for us to be truly free
By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, June 12 (PIA)—Free to live in a healthy and harmonious environment. 

Thus stressed Congressman Vicente F. Belmonte, Iligan’s Lone District Representative to the Lower House, in his message during the commemorative rites at the Rizal Park, as the city celebrated the 114th Philippine Independence Day.

Belmonte said with what is happening with Mother Nature nowadays, especially after what Typhoon Sendong did to our beloved city, it claimed thousands of lives, maybe because of man’s carelessness and selfishness, our environment has been destroyed.  So that all must dwell on three important matters:  Freedom, Environment, and Responsibility.

We all know that with freedom comes responsibility,   the Congressman said.  To have freedom does not mean one can do what one chooses to do, regardless of the consequences.  That is not what freedom is all about.  “Real freedom is not avoiding responsibility, but embracing it,” he cited.

More importantly, we must remember that to be free means to make good choice, to be responsible - to yourself, to others and most especially to your environment.

 “As we celebrate Independence Day and what it means to be free, I appeal to all the people of Iligan to be more conscious and aware of our environment,” expressed Belmonte.  This year, it’s anchored with our local theme, “Kalamidad Malikayan, Kung ang Kinaiyahan Ampingan…Iligan Tara Na” (Prevent disaster, Save Mother Earth…Iligan Go).

We have seen the worst during the Sendong catastrophy, Iligan was at its lowest during that horrendous ordeal.  As what they say, when you’re down, there’s no where to go, but up.  Thus, I believe Iligan can make it…Bangon Iligan, Tara Na, Cong. Belmonte disclosed. (PIA 10-LDN)

DOLE-10 encourages jobseekers to register at Phil-JobNet
By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Regional Office 10 urged jobseekers to register at www.phil-job.net, the official job portal of the government. 

Assistant Regional Director Crispin D. Dannug, Jr. advised applicants to open an account with Phil-JobNet and browse through the available vacancies to match their skills. 

According to him, employers can also view the profile of applicants who match the requirements of the vacancy they posted in the website. 

An applicant, who successfully obtained a job match, will receive a notification via electronic mail or SMS, he said. 

In the meantime, Dannug encouraged jobseekers to join the job fair on June 14-15 at the City Hall grounds. 

He also advised those already registered with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in the city to attend the Job Fair early and get the job they are wishing for. 

The two-day Mega Job Fair was organized by the city government of Cagayan de Oro as part of its commemoration of the 114th Independence Day and 62nd Charter Day celebration of the city. 

The DOLE Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental West Office, on the other hand, is extending technical support to the conduct of the City job fair. (DoLE-10/APB,PIA-10)

Feature:  Misamis Occidental towns and cities named after local heroes
By Rutchie C. Aguhob

Misamis Occidental has found a way to honor the nation's heroes as it named some of its towns as a tribute to them. 

Foremost of these heroes are Jose Protacio Rizal, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Marcelo Hilario Del Pilar, and Andres De Castro Bonifacio, after whom four of the province’s 14 towns are named: Calamba, Lopez-Jaena, Plaridel, and Bonifacio. 

The triumvirate of Rizal, Lopez-Jaena, and Del Pilar had strongly manifested their nationalism and love of country in the publication “La Solidaridad,” which they founded and circulated, in Spain. 

Born on June 19, 1861, to parents Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo in Calamba, Laguna, Rizal changed his name from Mercado when he enrolled at the Ateneo de Manila to escape the wrath of the Spaniards who were after the Mercado’s. 

His books “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” on social commentaries in the Philippines under the Spanish Colonial rule were among those that led him to die by musketry from the Spanish soldiers in Bagumbayan on Dec. 30, 1896. 

Lopez-Jaena was a Filipino journalist, orator and a revolutionary, who was well-known for his written work in La Solidaridad and his contribution to the Philippine Propaganda Movement. 

Born to parents Placido Jaena and Maria Jacoba Lopez in Jaro, Iloilo, Graciano died of tuberculosis on January 20, 1896 and was succeeded by Del Pilar as editor of La Solidaridad. 

On the other hand, Del Pilar, popularly known by his pen name “Plaridel,” pushed for the Filipinos’ active participation in government affairs, freedom of speech and of the press. 

He also pushed for freedom of assembly under social and political equality before the law and died on July 4, 1896, just a year before the declaration of independence from Spain by Emilio Aguinaldo. 

Bonifacio was founder of the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan (KKK) ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Respected Society of the Children of the Country), a secret society that sought for the country’s independence from the Spaniards through an armed revolution. 

On August 29, 1896, during a mass gathering of the KKK in Caloocan, Bonifacio tore his “cedula” or community tax certificate, issued by the Spaniards to the Filipinos signaling the start of the revolution, which event was called the “Cry of Balintawak.” 

Unlike the national heroes, however, Ozamiz and Tangub, two of the province’s three (3) cities are named after the late Senator Jose Fortich Ozamiz and the late Governor Alfonso D. Tan, respectively, but whose heroism have legal bases. 

Republic Act 6736 which was enacted into law on Aug. 4, 1989, recognizes Ozamiz, a hero and martyr, whose birth anniversary, on May 5, every year, has been declared a special working day in the province. 

Elected First Representative of Misamis to the House of Congress from 1931-1935 and to the 16th Constitutional Convention representing the lone district of Misamis Occidental in1936, Ozamiz was the first and only Senator to come from the province and nominated as Assistant Minority Floor Leader of the Senate. 

A reserve officer of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) with the rank of Major, in World War II, Ozamiz was arrested for his involvement with the guerilla movement and executed by the Japanese on February 11, 1942, while in prison at Fort Santiago. 

And while Tangub City takes its name from the term “tangkub,” a Subanen word for rice container made up of tree bark woven together by rattan strips, it is also incidental that the late Alfonso D. Tan, its first City Mayor, whose family name is contained in the first syllable of the word, has been cited for his contribution to the education of the youth. 

Tan has been recognized for putting up an elementary school in all the city’s 55 barangays, which he built with jalousie windows for good ventilation along the national highway for easy access by the pupils. 

Appointed Governor of Misamis Occidental by the late President Corazon C. Aquino, during her incumbency, Tan was also credited for setting up the foundation of two (2) educational institutions in the city. 

These are the Governor Alfonso D. Tan College (GADTC), which is city-owned and the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NorMinCST), which is state-owned. 

He is honored with the conduct of an Alfonso D. Tan Memorial Lecture, a gathering of city officials, school heads and students taking up history subjects from both colleges, as among the activities of the city’s foundation anniversary held in February of every year. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.) 

Gov. underscores good governance to better economic performance
By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, June 13 (PIA) -- Citing the country’s recent economic gains, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno urged government workers to adhere to the principles of good governance and build on what on our forefathers have started. 

In his speech during the Independence Day rites, Moreno said the Philippine economic performance has continued to impress many economists worldwide as it continues to hit impressive gross domestic product growth rates. 

He further noted that by the second half of this year, our country will get another upgrade or recognition from the international community. 

“These gains will mean higher credibility rating for the country, lighter debt burden, more jobs and opportunities for the Filipino people,” he said. 

With this, Moreno pointed out the need to maximize the province strategic advantage through attractive and investor friendly governance. 

“We need not only invite new industry players but also work on retaining the old ones. We are part of a bigger competitive world and we need everybody’s (especially the local officials) cooperation for a more investor attractive province,” he added. 

“Let us continue building what our great forefathers have started, and let the seed of inspiration that they have planted sprout from today and to the future generations to come, that it may bring good name to Misamis Oriental,” Moreno stated. (PIA 10)

Malaybalay joins nation in celebrating 114th Araw ng Kalayaan
By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, June 14 (PIA)—Nearly 1,000 peace-loving people gathered at the Ereccion del Pueblo in Plaza Rizal here, as the city government took the lead in the flag raising ceremony and salute to the flag Tuesday, to commemorate the 114th Independence Day.

After the flag raising ceremony, the ‘Panunumpa sa Watawat’ (pledge of allegiance) was adeptly recited by Bukidnon National High School’s rhymesters.

In his inspirational talk during the commemorative program, Mayor Ignacio Zubiri said as the country celebrates the 114th Araw ng Kalayaan, the people should be inspired by drawing strength from the heroes who fought not only for the sake of independence but also on freedom from hunger, oppression, poverty, injustice and discrimination.

“This event is not merely about floral offerings, parades, or show of costumes. This historical event should remind us that freedom is a shared commitment and a common aspiration,” the mayor said.

In line with the theme “KALAYAAN: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan,” the mayor stressed that celebrating Independence Day is not because it is a significant chapter in the country’s history, but because it is a life-long commitment in the task to nation-building and development.

The 21-gun salute by the 403rd Brigade of the Philippine Army, on the other hand, was offered to the country’s heroes and brave veterans who fought for the country’s freedom and liberty.

Also, while the Bukidnon State University Chorale stately sung the ‘Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas,’ hundreds of public officials, employees, school institutions, including private sectors and civil society groups offered thousands of colorful flower bouquets at the Rizal Shrine.

The sounding of sirens by the Bureau of Fire Protection & blowing of horns, followed by simultaneous ringing of church bells capped the commemoration rites.

Highlighting the event was the holding of free veterinary services such as rabies vaccination, spay-neuter of pet and guard dogs, deworming of cows, horses, carabaos (water buffalo), goats, sheep, and other animals.

The Malaybalay city government has earlier girded for this Independence Day commemoration as part of weeklong celebration of Malaybalay City’s 135th Foundation with the theme “Fueled by the Past Success, Boosted to a Certain Future.” (RLRB/PIA 10, Bukidnon)

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