Comelec reminds voters of Oct 31 deadline for registration

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Oct 8 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Misamis Occidental urged voter to have their registration validated for the new voting system to be used in the May 2012 elections. 

This new system of validation is called the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System, which is attached to the Precinct Count Optical Scan Machine, Cirilo Nala Jr., provincial election supervisor (PES), said. 

All voters in the province should go to the Comelec offices in the different towns to have their voter’s registration validated before the October 31, 2012 deadline or cut-off, as there will be no more extension for such activity, Nala said. 

According to the Comelec website, "Old registered voters who have not yet had their biometrics information digitally captured may file for an application for validation, which would enable their photographs, fingerprints and signatures taken using the Voter Registration Machine (VRM). These biometrics information are needed for the printing and issuance of the Voter's ID card." 

Registration of voters have been suspended from October 1 to 5 to give way to the filing of the certificates of candidacies (CoCs) of those running in the May 13, 2013 national and local elections but has since resumed. 

Thus, Nala said all legitimate voters who have not yet validated, who have not yet registered and those who want to transfer their registrations should do it before the October 31 deadline. 

The Biometric System of registration is a very important component of the PCOS, which will be used in next year’s full computerization of the 2013 elections to avoid flying voters, which hounded the previous elections, he said. 

He added that Comelec offices will be open during the remaining Saturdays of the month for those who cannot have their voter’s registration validated during weekdays. (EOR/Jopat D. Nano/RCA-PIA10 Misamis Occidental)

Good governance initiatives in Misamis Occidental continues

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Oct 8 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Misamis Occidental (PGMO) will continue to strengthen the substantial gains and progress from initiatives undertaken along good governance. 

The assurance came from Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, who said the on-going reforms in the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) are expected to pave the way for a more participatory, transparent, and objective procurement process in the provincial capitol.

“Our intention is to establish a strong internal control mechanism in the PGMO offices and departments which is gaining ground,” the governor said. 

She also said, “It is our belief that this will promote and instill a sense of accountability among our offices and thus become a strong basis for our people’s trust in government.” 

The provincial procurement depot managed by the provincial budget office has become fully functional last year and has successfully helped the offices in instituting austerity measures via provision of quality but cheap office supplies, Ramiro said. 

“Our total tax and non-tax revenue for the first semester of 2012 increased by more than P2.8 million or 22.75 percent as compared to our collections in the same period of last year, which enabled us to partially subsidize hospital operations,” the governor also said. 

These figures are expected to significantly increase as soon as the proposed amendments of the Revenue Code have been approved and implemented. 

The numbers may spell nothing as compared to what is contained in the balance sheets of our richer neighbors, she said. 

“However, our success cannot be measured by what we see in our balance sheets, but by the balance of priorities we do in responding to the needs of the Misamisnons,” the governor added. (RCA-PIA 10, Misamis Occidental)

Interagency team to evaluate adoption of nutrition action plan in LGUs

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 7 (PIA) -- Select local government units (LGUs) in the region will undergo a review and evaluation of their municipal/barangay nutrition plan implementation for year 2011 to 2016. 

The Monitoring and Evaluation of the Local Level Nutrition Plan Implementation, under the inter-agency Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), initiates the review of the action plans and reports, as well as weigh 10 percent of the pre-schoolchildren weighed in 2011 (but not exceeding to 50) in pre-identified sample barangays. 

Region 10 nutrition program coordinator Zenaida T. Tondares said the results gathered will be used as benchmark in meetings with the local nutrition council and soliciting support for relevant local nutrition action to targeted groups for preventive and curative interventions. 

RNET 10 is now expanding the coverage of MELLPI in Bukidnon and will subsequently cover the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Camiguin. (JCV-PIA 10) 

Women’s group declares abti-VAWC desk in city

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Oct. 7 (PIA) -- The Mindanao Women’s Commission (MWC) has declared Oroquieta City a model in the implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Desk. 

This, for being the first city, not only in the province of Misamis Occidental, but in the whole country, as well, to have completed the establishment of the anti-VAWC desks in all its 47 barangays. 

Teresa Balayon, executive officer of the National Women’s Crisis Center, made the declaration, when she visited all the Barangay Anti-VAWC Desks of the city, which recorded very few VAWC cases. 

Meanwhile, she expressed her gratitude for the strict implementation of RA 9162 and otherwise known as the “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004." 

She also thanked the local leaders for their strong support in the campaign to make the people aware of the salient features of the said RA. 

She then challenged those manning the barangay anti-VAWC desks to continue putting up programs for men who are always implicated in VAWC cases to have the transformation and stop the violence. 

These men should not only refrain from committing violence to the women and children but shoud understand the importance and significance of the value of respect and understanding for the rights of the women and children, she added. 

On the other hand, Balayon said another reason for declaring Oroquieta City as model in Anti-VAWC Desk installation and Anti-VAWC Law implementation was the development of livelihood programs done by the women sector. 

These programs have strengthened the women and children’s fight for their rights and their role in the economic development and nation-buidling, Balayon added. 

Moreover, Oroquieta City Councilor Jeselie Borbon, also expressed gratitude for the success in the implementation of the Anti-VAWC Law and Anti-VAWC installation in the barangays saying these are the outcomes of efforts for the improvement of the lives of the barangay residents. (Jopat D. Nano/RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

City chief exec exhorts info officers to let people know their offices’ accomplishments

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Oct. 7 (PIA) -- Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez, recently met with members of the Association of Government Public Information Officers (AGPIO), here. 

The meeting was aimed at taking up the accomplishments of different offices, like in infrastructure, so that these accomplishments are disseminated to the people. 

This will help people understand about the status of the projects disseminated not only through the traditional tri-media but also via new media, the mayor said. 

“It is only proper that the people should know, hear, see or read about the programs and projects of the government so they would know where the taxes they pay are being spent,” she added. 

Meanwhile, AGPIO has planned to open a radio/TV program to tell the people about the development programs of the government. 

An association of IOs from national and local government agencies, AGPIO is tasked to disseminate information about the government development programs and projects. 

The association had a running radio program entitled “Agpio on the Air” in radio stations DXDD and DXOC, which had its last broadcast in 2000 or 12 years ago. (Juvy L. Canumay/RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental) 

DSWD-10 reminds Pantawid Pamilya workers to be non-partisan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 reminded all field implementing officers of Pantawid Pamilya program in the region to be non-partisan in the light of the upcoming local and national elections. 

Lawyer Araceli F. Solamillo, regional director of the DSWD-10, said all Pantawid Pamilya workers are prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in any partisan political activities of any political parties or candidates considering the influence these people have over the 4Ps beneficiaries. 

She said DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman recently issued a memorandum to all regional directors and Pantawid Pamilya field implementing officers saying any complaint reported involving any of them in any prohibited act will immediately be suspended. 

These prohibited acts include threatening, intimidating or inducing any Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary to attend any partisan political activity; employing deceit or misrepresentation to gather Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries for a political caucus, meeting, rally or other similar assemblies in the guise of an official program activity; and active endorsement of a political candidate or party to beneficiaries. 

Distribution of partisan political literature or materials to beneficiaries during any official program activity; allowing the program and any of its activities to be used as a vehicle for partisan political activities; and performing any act that promotes any political candidate or party while in the performance of official duties as field implementing officers of the program are likewise not allowed.

Solamillo pointed out that the DSWD is respecting the rights of beneficiaries in choosing their political party and candidates. 

She, however, emphasized that beneficiaries should only support or endorse any political candidate or parties as a citizen of the country and not as beneficiary of the program. 

She reiterated that the program is not supporting any partisan political party or candidate and she will not allow any party or candidate to use the program. 

For his part, Pantawid Pamilya Regional Focal Person Ian Z. Putong disclosed that he has been monitoring all activities of the program throughout the region in order to put all systems in place in maintaining the non-partisanship of the program and its workers. 

Putong also urged beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the program to report to the DSWD-10 office any political party or candidate, individual or Pantawid Pamilya worker violating the above-mentioned prohibited acts. (Oliver Badel Inodeo-DSWD-10/APB-PIA-10)

DAR-10 funds 2 road concreting projects

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform 10 (DAR-10) led the groundbreaking ceremony for two road concreting projects, funded under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental on October 2. 

The ceremony was also attended by the local government officials and staff from the Department of Public Works and Highways. 

ARISP is sponsored by Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Philippine Government, the projects consist of the concreting of the junctions of the provincial road traversing the Poblacion, Aromahon, Lapad and Sinai (PALS) Agrarian Reform Community. 

One project will cover the junction from Barangay Benigwayan to Purok 2 in Barangay Lapad with a total length of 4.37 km. costing P30.3 million. The other project will cover the junction from Barangay Aromahon to Barangay Sinai with a total length of 1.5 km at a cost of P10.1 million. 

DAR-10 Regional Director Felix Aguhob and Misamis Oriental PARO Zoraida Macadindang led the DAR officials and staff who attended the event. Aguhob lauded the Laguindingan LGU for the support and cooperation it has extended for the realization of the project. 

Laguindingan Mayor Oliver Ubaub meanwhile expressed his gratitude to the DAR officials for the above-mentioned infrastructure projects that are expected to boost the economic status of the covered communities. Other municipal LGU and barangay officials also witnessed the occasion. 

The municipality of Laguindingan hosts the Laguindingan Airport, a state-of-the-art structure that will soon cater to the increasing air travel demands of the riding public in the booming Cagayan-Iligan corridor. (JCV/Editha R. Salvador, DAR 10 - PIA 10)

10,000 households get compact fluorescent lamps

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Oct 6 (PIA) -- Around 10,000 households in Bukidnon’s second district received 10,000 compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) under the National Residential Lighting Program (NRLP) of the Department of Energy (DOE). 

Roberto Flores who represented Rep. Florencio T. Flores Jr in the distribution, said the DOE has allotted 10,000 CFLs for the second district’s target beneficiaries. 

“Although the 10,000 CFLs were not enough for 50,000 qualified beneficiaries, still, these were smoothly handed to the folks through raffles during barangay assemblies,” he said. 

He added that their satellite offices coordinated with the local government units and barangay officials to identify those who are qualified to receive one CFL per household. 

With proper utilization, the Philips 14 watts fluorescents have a 10,000-hour lamp life and are designed to reduce household’s electric bill by 80 percent. 

Undertaken by DOE, in partnership with Asian Development Bank and Philips, the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP) was launched aimed to implement energy conservation measures by switching from incandescent bulb to energy efficient CFL. 

The project also forms part of the DOE’s Bright Now! Do Right. Be Bright campaign, which gives people access to affordable, cost-efficient, and environment-friendly energy sources. (RLRB-PIA 10 Bukidnon)

Confab highlights protection, welfare of drivers, conductors

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 6 (PIA) -- The salient features of Department Order (D.O.) 118-12 was among the highlights of the Statistical Symposium conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on October 3, here. 

The event is in line with the observance of 23rd National Statistics Month this October and was attended by members of the Regional Statistical Coordination Committee Region 10 and other national line agencies and students of Liceo de Cagayan University. 

D.O. 118-12, which provides for the rules and regulations governing the employment and working condition of drivers and conductors in the public utility bus transport industry, was promulgated by the DOLE early this year to ensure the protection and welfare of drivers and conductors in the said industry. 

Odette Leh Caragos, senior labor and employment officer of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Northern Mindanao, said one of the relevant provisions of the D.O. is the adoption of a two-tiered wage system which is a “part-fixed and part-performance” based compensation scheme. 

She said the fixed component will be based on amount mutually-agreed upon by the owner/operator and the driver/conductor which will take into account the minimum ridership requirement and should not be lower than the applicable minimum wage. 

Wage-related benefits such as overtime pay, premium pay and holiday pay, among others, will also be taken into consideration. 

The performance-based component will be based on safety performance and business performance such as ridership, revenues, profitability and other related parameters, she added. 

Caragos said the compensation scheme will be submitted by the operators and validated by labor inspectors. 

She noted that all the 17 operators in the region have already submitted their respective compensation scheme. 

Once validated, they will be issued labor standard compliance certificate required in the renewal of franchise with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, she further said. 

Aside from the compensation component, the D.O. also provides for the adoption and implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) programs consistent with OSH standards and other related DOLE issuances, the rules on hours of work and social protection. 

There are eight bus operators in Bukidnon, eight in Misamis Oriental and one in Iligan City. Misamis Oriental has the most number of drivers and conductors at 293 and 322, respectively. Bukidnon has 39 drivers and 39 conductors while Iligan City has 38 drivers and 15 conductors. (APB-PIA-10)

DENR 10 implements, awards more Cadastral Survey projects

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-10) has six on-going Cadastral Survey Projects which were bidded and awarded early this year and an additional 11 projects slated to be awarded this year. 

The six ongoing cadastral survey projects include the municipalities of Baloi, Pantar, Lala, and Matungao in the province of Lanao del Norte; Gingoog City and Libona, Bukidnon. The surveys of these areas are going to be undertaken by contractors commissioned by DENR 10. 

Regional Technical Director Paquito D. Melicor Jr. said the implementation of the cadastral survey projects is in consonance with the directive of President Aquino to complete the nationwide cadastral survey before the end of his term in 2016. 

These projects are under Category B which entails political boundary survey and establishment of Philippine Reference System of 1992 (PRS92) geodetic control points. It was gathered that out of the 23 new cadastral survey projects bid this year, only six projects have been implemented. 

Eleven cadastral survey projects bidded out August 30 and to be awarded also this year are Iligan City, Poona Piagapo, Pantao Ragat, Baroy and Maigo, all in the province of Lanao del Norte; Claveria, Misamis Oriental; Concepcion and Plaridel, Misamis Occidental; Pangantucan, Malaybalay City and Valencia City in Bukidnon. Seven cadastral survey projects to be re-bid are Tubod, Magsaysay, Munai, Nunungan, Salvador, Sapad and Tangkal, all in the province of Lanao del Norte. 

The cadastral survey program is one of the priority programs of DENR. It refers to the survey made to determine the metes and bounds and areas of an entire municipality or city. It facilitates the government’s land titling program and serves as the basis in the settlement of political boundary disputes. 

Melicor said that technical meetings are conducted by DENR 10 with contractors and local government officials to thresh out issues concerning political boundary disputes. He added that the DENR provides technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) for them to solve political boundary disputes. It is imperative that LGUs settle their boundary conflict since the land area affects the Internal Revenue Allotment released to them, he said. 

Meanwhile, cadastral survey projects which were started in 2010 and are under office verification include the City of Cagayan de Oro, Opol, El Salvador City, Alubijid, Laguindingan, Gitagum, Villanueva and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental; and municipalities of Aloran, Panaon and Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental. The cadastral survey projects of Linamon, Bacolod, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte are for approval while the DENR 10 has sought the assistance of Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Dimpaporo for the possible resolution of conflicting claims of the said municipalities. 

Cadastral survey projects which were started in 2011 and undergoing field work include the municipality of Mahinog, Camiguin; municipalities of Salay and Binuangan, Misamis Oriental; Baliangao, Sapang Dalaga and Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental. It was gathered that the cadastral survey of the municipality of Concepcion, Misamis Occidental which was first bid in 2011 and re-bid this year will be awarded to its contractor within the year. (JCV/Lina D. Calvez, DENR 10/rpao-PIA10)

Mosquito OL traps now commercially available – DOST

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Oct 6 (PIA) -- The public has been hearing and reading about the trap that puts a stop to disease-bearing mosquitoes and had been wondering where it is available. The search ends now as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-10) has announced that the Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) Trap is now available in the market. 

The OL trap kit can be bought for only P100 in all branches of Mercury Drugstore, said DOST-10 Information Officer Teresita Superioridad-Baluyos during the “Ang Rehiyon Karon” radio program of the Regional Development Council (RDC-10), through its Communication and Advocacy Task Force (CAP-TF), hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and aired over DXIM Radyo Ng Bayan. 

The OL trap is part of the government’s strategies in addressing the incidence of dengue disease in the country. 

The simpl looking-kit contains a black container, pellet packs or larvicide solution to kill mosquito larvae that will hatch in the strip of wood and in the solution, and a small strip of lawanit measuring 1" X 6.5" (like an ice drop stick) for mosquitoes to lay their eggs on, Baluyos said. 

The pellets, made of organic materials, should be dissolved in water and placed in the black container with the lawanit stick soaked on the pellet-water solution. 

She said the OL trap works by attracting female mosquitoes to lay eggs on the lawanit stick. The solution kills the eggs and larvae, thus, eliminating the next generation of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. 

To be effective, the container and stick should be cleaned and the pellet solution be replaced every week, she added. (APB-PIA10)

DOLE-10, MisOcc business chambers forge MOA on Phil-JobNet

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 10 signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the business chambers in Misamis Occidental to promote the online job matching facility of the department. 

The MOA was signed by DOLE-10 Regional Director Johnson Cañete, Ozamiz Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Pershing Y. Tan Queto, Jr., Ozamiz City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Vice-President Michael Amores, and Oroquieta City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Vice-President John R. Ferraren. 

As support to the online facility, the Misamis University, represented by its President Dr. Karen Belina Feliciano-De Leon, also joined in the signing. 

Other signatories were representatives from the Guidance Counselors Network of Misamis Occidental and Misamis Occidental Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Managers Association. 

The MOA enjoins companies belonging to said business chambers to register to the enhanced Phil-JobNet at www.phil-jobnet.dole.gov.ph. 

Phil-JobNet is an internet-based job and applicant matching system which aims to fast track the jobseeker’s search for jobs and the employer’s search for manpower. 

The DOLE-10, through its Provincial Office in Misamis Occidental, will monitor the results of the MOA and will further strengthen tie-ups with the PESO managers in the two cities. (DOLE-10/APB/PIA-10)

Camiguin named rabies free zone

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, October 8, 2012 (PIA) – Camiguin is declared anew as “rabies free zone,” together with the provinces of Catanduanes and Romblon.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) awarded the seal last September 8, during the World Rabies Day celebration in Manila, re-declaring the island as a “rabies-free zone.”

This after, successfully completing and satisfying the requirements stated in the guidelines recommended by the National Rabies Prevention Control Committee and for sustaining the rabies free status since it has been declared as the first rabies free province in 2004.             

Camiguin Provincial Planning and Development Chief, Felicisimo M. Gomez, said these were the only three provinces declared, this year, throughout the country.

He noted that they had to endure a very long process to get through, as well as, employ clever measures and strategies in order to continually achieve zero rabies marks throughout the province.

To date, the provincial government continues to prioritize its rabies elimination campaign by sustaining its free house-to-house animal vaccination drive, massive spaying/neutering and other population control measures for dogs and cats. (JCV/PIA 10)