New 4ID assistant division commander assumes post 

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, March 4 -- The newly installed assistant division commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) formally assumed his post today. 

Col. Romeo G. Gan, the new 4ID’s assistant division commander, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Matikas” Class of 1983. He served as the commander of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur prior to his designation here. 

He replaced Brig. Gen. Romeo L. Gapuz who was earlier designated as division commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division based in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. 

Gan, aside from his continued service to this division since May 2011, was already part of the Diamond Team in the past. He was designated as the assistant chief of staff for operations in 2005, where he met the challenge of merging three offices, the operations, the civil-military operations, education and training. 

During his assumption speech, he mentioned his past assignments and designations which include his commandership of the 12th Infantry Battalion and being chief of staff of the 8th Infantry Division. He also expressed his commitment to serve the 4ID under Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo and expressed his gratitude for his designation. 

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Col. Gan in his new designation as the assistant division commander, you have my confidence and I know that with your qualities and rich experience I can expect a helping hand in leading this division,” Añonuevo said. (4CMO/4ID/PA/PIA10)

DENR evaluates management of protected area 

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, March 4 (PIA) -- The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) has taken a closer look into the management and operations of the Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument. 

It is a multi-sectoral body responsible for the administration and management of all protected areas such as the Timpoong-Hibok-hibok Natural Monument which was declared a protected area in 2004 under Presidential Proclamation 570. 

PAMB, together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Protected Area Office evaluated the area and reviewed the management effectiveness capacity in protected area governance and law enforcement, natural resource management and research, as well as values and threats. 

The implementation of the national greening program in and outside the protected area was also assessed. 

The natural monument’s timberland area covers four municipalities in the Province of Camiguin: Mambajao, Mahinog, Sagay and Catarman. 

PENRO has two forest rangers assigned to patrol the area together with two guard volunteers from each barangay covered by the Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument. 

Meanwhile, researchers from the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and ornithologists from Europe have discovered a new species of owl named the Camiguin Hawk Owl with the scientific name of Ninox leventisi. It was described as big, fluffy, strongly brown-barred and checkered, has blue or white eyes and it is the first known owl with these traits. 

Researchers said the owl sung low tunes and gruff like a barking dog. Pairs can often be heard doing a short series of rapid yapping which is a different pattern from any other population. (JCV/PIA10)

 

4ID supports Women’s Month 2013 Celebration

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, March 4 -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division with the Gender Advocates in Region 10 (formerly GA Wings 10), national line government agencies and civil society organizations celebrated Women’s Month 2013 with several activities last March 1.

The month-long celebration kicked off with a program held at the headquarters of Police Regional Office 10, Camp Alagar, Lapasan in this city and a thanksgiving mass at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chapel. 

The theme for this year is: “Kababaihan Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan.” The celebration will feature several activities, such as gift-giving for the victims of Typhoon “Sendong” at Berjaya Relocation Site of Camaman-an on March 8 at 8 a.m.; personality development with Avon at Alcoseba Hall, Camp Evangelista, Patag on March 13 at 9 a.m. and an outreach feeding program for children at the Camp Evangelista Learning Center on March 22 at 2 p.m. 

The annual celebration of Women's Month is recognized through the promulgation of Presidential Proclamation 224 and 227 and Republic Act 6949 which provides that March 8 of every year will be observed as National Women’s Day. 

Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, 4ID spokesperson, said they appreciate the active participation of women in several societal concerns, especially in preserving the country’s natural resources and in the protection of human rights. 

He added that the women’s participation show that they are really taking on an active role in nation building. 

“I extend my congratulations and respect to the women who were able to find their ways and had occupied key positions not only in public but as well in the private sectors, you were there not because of any gender consideration but surely because of your indispensable qualification, may you continue to help in nation building by providing services to our people,” said Osias. (4CMO/4ID/PA/PIA10) 

Refusal to carry official election matters free of charge can penalize transport operators

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 5 -- Refusal to carry official election matters free of charge during the election period can penalize transportation operators and employees.

This is stipulated in Section 261 of Republic Act No. 9006 otherwise known as the Fair Elections Act, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, said.

Baguio said Section 261 of RA 9006 penalizes operators or employees of public utilities or transportation companies operating under a certificate of public convenience who refuse to carry official election matters free of charge during the election period.

Meanwhile, all transportation companies engaged in the operation of transportation facilities during the election are required to report the use, rental or hiring of their facilities by any candidate, political party, coalition of political parties, or groups or organizations in connection with the election campaign.

Baguio said the report, which will be submitted within 30 days following the day of the election, include the amount paid for such use, rental or hiring.

Such report shall then be submitted to the Regional Election Director (RED) of the region, who in turn shall submit the same to the Law Department, Comelec, Manila.

The said report is for the purpose of proper accounting and monitoring of expenses under Sections 100 and 101, respectively, in relation to Sec. 112 of the Omnibus Election Code, Baguio added. (Rutch C. Aguhob – Media ng Bayan)

PNP to effect no changes in assignments during the election period

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Mar. 2 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been told to effect no changes in the assignments of its personnel, during the election period from January 13, 2013 to June 12, 2013, without the prior written permission of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

This provision is pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9571 promulgated on Dec. 6, 2012, which has tasked the PNP, to deploy, at the least time possible, troops for election duty in coordination with the Regional Election Director and the Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) in the provinces, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Misamis Occidental PES, said.

Meanwhile, the PNP is tasked to assist the Comelec in implementing more effectively election laws and/or rules and regulations, particularly the laws governing prohibition against military, policemen and provincial guards acting as bodyguards or security guards for the candidates.

Included in the regulations are the use of armored vehicles and air or water-craft, and the prohibition in the bearing, carrying or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons in public places.

Baguio said the PNP is also tasked to provide security to the personnel of the Comelec, its deputies and other persons performing election-related functions and the election paraphernalia, equipment, forms and supplies.

Also included in the tasks of the PNP are the following: Provide security to polling places, polling centers/voting centers, such other places or building, as the Comelec, through the Election Officer (EO) so requires.

On the other hand, the PNP is tasked to make available, at the least time possible, land, air and water-craft assets, communication systems and other equipment, in connection with the delivery and retrieval of election equipment, supplies, forms and paraphernalia. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

No prisoner is allowed to leave the jail premises 30 day before and 30 days after elections

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 5 -- No prisoner is allowed to leave the jail premises 30 days before and 30 days after the election, pursuant to Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.

As such, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has deputized the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and its Director to ensure its enforcement, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor of Misamis Occidental, said.

SEC. 261 says it is unlawful for the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, any provincial warden, the keeper of the jail or the person or persons required by law to keep prisoners in their custody who illegally orders or allows any prisoner detained in the national penitentiary, or the provincial, city or municipal jail to leave the premises, 30 days before and 30 days after the election.

Relative to this, the municipal or city warden, the provincial warden, the keeper of the jail or the person or persons required by law to keep prisoners in their custody shall post in three (3) conspicuous public places a list of prisoners under their care.

The list shall include the “detention prisoners,” who must be categorized as such, Baguio said.

Meanwhile, as Comelec deputies of the BJMP and its directors are required to comply with all orders, directives and resolutions, which the Comelec may, from time to time, promulgate.

On the other hand, orders issued by the Comelec in connection with the May 13 automated national, local elections shall take precedence over and above the orders and directives issued by any other office or agency of the Government.

However, nothing contained in the deputation order shall be construed as in any manner affecting or constituting an impairment of the Constitutional powers of the ' President of the Philippines to conduct and direct the general peace-keeping functions of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the deputation order, specifies, Baguio added. (Rutchie C. Aguhob - Media ng Bayan)

Gun ban implementation in Misamis Occidental net 5FA’s, 63 ammos

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

 

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Mar. 1 (PIA) – At least five (5) firearms and 63 ammunitions were confiscated by the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office, relative to the implementation of the May 13, 2013 election gun ban, as of Feb. 22, this year.

In his report during a recent meeting of the Joint Provincial Security Control Center (JPSCC), P/Sr. Supt. Raul A. Benitez, Acting Provincial Director of PNP-Misamis Occidental said two (2) persons were arrested following such violations.

Four (4) of these firearms with 61 ammos were confiscated in Don Victoriano town resulting in the arrest of one (1) person while the other firearm with two (2) ammos was confiscated in Tangub City, also resulting in the arrest of another person.

The arrest in Don Victoriano was done during a joint operation of the Misamis Occidental PPO, Philippine Public Safety Command (PHQ/PPSC), Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB), 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, while the arrest in Tangub was done by the City Police Station and the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), Benitez said.

As recalled, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ruled that during the election period, from January 13-June 12, 2013, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons outside his residence or place of business.

Such prohibition is also applies in public places including any buildings, streets, parks, and private vehicles or public conveyances, even if licensed to possess or to carry the same.

As defined in existing laws, rules and regulations, "firearms" include air guns,

Air soft guns, and replicas/imitations of firearms in whatever form that can cause an ordinary person to believe that they are real.

On the other hand, deadly weapon includes bladed instrument, hand grenades or other explosives, except pyrotechnics. Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor of Misamis Occidental, said.

A bladed instrument, however, is not covered by the prohibition when possession of such is necessary to the occupation of the possessor or when it is used as a tool for legitimate activity, such as in farming, Baguio added. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

 

 

DOE creates Power Task Force Election for May 13 national and local exercise

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Mar 1 -- The Department of Energy (DOE) has created the Power Task Force (PTF) Election to ensure the continuous supply of electricity before, during and after the May 13, 2013 elections.

Thus revealed Engr. Mylene C. Capungcol, Director IV of the DOE’s Energy Industry Management Bureau (EIMB), during the Long-Term Energy Outlook of the Mindanao Grid Seminar /Briefing for Journalists Covering the Energy Sector, held at the Prima Vera Green Residences at the Busniess Center of the Pueblo de Oro Township, Cagayan de Oro City, Feb. 27-28, this year.

Capungcol said the creation of PTF Elections has been made thru DOE Circular No. 2012-12-0011, relative to the May 13, national and local exercise, and will be launched in a few days, from now.

As stipulated in Comelec Resoultion No. 9598 issued December 21, 2012, the deputation order is for DOE to ensure an uninterrupted power supply on the day before and on election day, until the termination or conclusion of the canvassing of the election returns and proclamation of the elected officials.

Meanwhile, due to the imperative need to provide sufficient uninterrupted electrical power supply during the critical days of the elections, the Comelec came up earlier with Resolution No. 9597, deputizing the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the National Power Corporation (Napocor) and the Local Electric Cooperatives in connection with the conduct of the May 13, 2013 elections.

Such resolution complies with the Comelec’s mandate to conduct and ensure the holding of a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible automated national and local elections on May 13, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, said.

Baguio said as deputies, these agencies are expected to provide and maintain stable and continuous nationwide electric power requirements from May 13 to 20, 2013, that will be used in the voting and counting of votes, transmission and consolidation of results and proclamation of the winning candidates. (Rutchie C. Aguhob - Media ng Bayan)

More than 370 candidates vie for 190 elective posts in Misamis Occidental

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 26 (PIA) – Some 374 candidates are running for various positions to fill-up the 190 elective posts in Misamis Occidental in the May 13, 2013 local elections.

Of this number, 132 candidates or 35 percent are running under the Liberal Party (LP), while 82 or 22 percent are running under the National Unity Party, 68 or 18 percent, as Independent candidates, 46 or 12 percent under the Nacionalista Party (NP) and another 46 or 12 percent under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Party.

Data at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the province also show that eleven (11) candidates are running un-opposed or that only one (1) candidate each is running for the following posts:

For Mayor and Vice Mayor of Oroquieta City and the towns of Concepcion, Panaon, Sapang Dalaga and Tudela and for Vice-Mayor of Calamba.

Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) said 42 candidates are running by pairs or groups of two (2), each for the 21 following positions:

Governor, Vice-Governor, Congressman of District 1, Congressman of District 2.

Mayor and Vice-Mayor of Tangub City, Ozamiz City, Aloran, Baliangao, Clarin, Lopez-Jaena and Sinacaban, Mayor of Jimenez and Plaridel and Vice-Mayor of Bonifacio.

About 18 candidates are running in groups of three (3), meaning three (3) candidates each are running for six (6) positions, i.e., for Mayor and Vice-Mayor of the town of Don Victoriano, for Mayor of Bonifacio and Calamba, and for Vice-Mayor of Jimenez and Plaridel.

On the other hand, 16 candidates are running as members of the five (5)-seat Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), of which nine (9) are for District 1 and seven (7) for District 2.

Likewise, 57 candidates are running as members of the 10-seat Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) in the three (3) cities, of which 12 are for Oroquieta City, 22 for Ozamiz City, and 23 for Tangub City.

Baguio said the following 230 candidates are also running as members of the eight (8)-seat Sangguniang-Bayan (SB) in the 14 towns of the province, with Sapang Dalaga, eight (8) candidates, Panaon, nine (9) and Concepcion,13.

Tudela, 14, Bonifacio and Calamba, 16 each, Aloran and Sinacaban, 17 each, Baliangao, 18, Clarin, Don Victoriano and Plaridel, 19 each, Lopez-Jaena, 20, and Jimenez, 25. (RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

BEI trainings for the May 13 elections in Misamis Occidental starts May 16

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 26 (PIA) – Training for members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) for the May 13, 2013, national and local elections in Misamis Occidental will run from March 16-29, this year.

By then, classes in the public schools must have ended and the teachers are already free from classroom instructions to allow them to attend to their election duties, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES), said.

He also said these one-day trainings of the BEI members, which entail the needed rules on the process of testing and sealing, voting, counting and transmission of election results, will be conducted in batches.

Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9640, the BEI is composed of a Chairman and two (2) members, one of whom shall be designated as poll clerk and all of whom are public school teachers, preferably with permanent appointment and had served in the immediate prior national and local elections.

In case there are not enough public school teachers, however, those from the private schools, employees from the civil service, or citizens of known probity and competence who are registered voters of the city/municipality maybe appointed as members of the BEI, as long as the chairman is a public school teacher.

Luckily for Misamis Occidental, Baguio said, all the BEI members are public school teachers, and all its polling places will have one Precinct Count Optical Scanning (PCOS) machine using a paper-based automated election system, during the May 13 exercise.

Likewise, all the BEI’s has one of their members an information technology –capable person trained for the purpose, as certified by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which is also a provision of Comelec Resolution 9640, Baguio added. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

SAFE campaign gains support in Ozamiz

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 26 (PIA) – The Secure and Fair Election (SAFE) campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) gained support of the residents of here.

Highlighted the Unity Walk and Prayer Rally, about 1,000 individuals marched with lighted candles from the Osmeňa-Roxas (Os-Rox) Park towards Fuerte dela Concepcion y del Triunfo, Cotta Area, this city, where the signing took place, last Jan. 12.

Streamers bearing the words ”Pagpakabana Para Sa Kalinaw: Duyog ang Katawhang Ozamiznon, Alang sa Tinuod, Hapsay ug Patas nga Election 2013″ (Get Involved For Peace: Join the Ozamiznons For a True, Orderly and Fair 2013 Elections) were among those carried by the rally participants.

Most of the participants were students taking up B.S. Criminology courses from La Salle University (LSU) and Misamis University (MU) and from Sharing Computer Access Locally and Abroad (SCALA) and members of Ozamiz City Youth Information Communication Technology Training Center (YICTTC) and the PAG-ASA Youth Home.

Also with them were members of the different non-government, civil society and people’s organizations (NGO/CSO/PO), such as, Gitib Inc., the Junior Community Investigative Support (CIS), Karancho and mothers who brought along their kids.

Meanwhile, P/Sr. Supt. David Umbao, Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) of PNP-10, who was present during the occasion has called on the Ozamiznons to show their love for the city by taking care of its image and sustaining its peace and order, starting at their very own homes and families.

Among those who attended the rally were P/Sr. Supt. Dennis LIngat Basngi, Provincial Director of PNP-Misamis Occidental, P/Sr. Insp. Danilo Balmes of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the province and the Joint Task Force Panguil.

Initiated by by P/Supt. Jonas T. Amparo, Chief of the Ozamiz City Police Station, a signing of the statement of support for the SAFE Campaign was done after a short program that started with an ecumenical prayer by some of the religious leaders in the city, namely:

Alimatar Ali, Islam Community, Rev. James Cagaanan, Assembly of God and Giovan Pelayo, Eternal Life Church Ministries of the Phil., David Cabugon, Happy Church and Lito Ocate, Freedom in Christ Fellowship. (ESP/RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

RDC-10 to hold consultation on 2014 programs, projects and budget proposals

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Northern Mindanao is set to conduct a joint sector committee consultation on the region’s programs, projects and activities on Tuesday, March 5. 

The consultation, to be held at Pearlmont Inn and Restaurant here, will also tackle budget proposals for the fiscal year (FY) 2014. 

RDC-10 Chairperson and Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz said the simultaneous consultation aims to gather comments and significant inputs from various stakeholders in the region to ensure substantial and well-reviewed programs and projects for FY 2014 that are relevant to Northern Mindanao’s needs. 

He said it will also serve as a venue for local government units (LGUs) in the region to provide feedback on the impact of the national government’s programs and projects in their localities. 

The RDC-10 hopes that the inputs from the consultation will influence the development programs and projects of national/regional government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to become responsive to the President’s Social Contract, Philippine Development Plan, Regional Development Plan, and the Millennium Development Goals. 

Expected to participate in the whole-day consultation are representatives from regional line agencies, GOCCs, LGUs, and SUCs. 

Sectoral Committee chairpersons who will preside over their respective committees are Mayor Philip T. Tan for Macro and Development Administration, Mayor Ma. Luisa F. Romualdo for Social Development, Mayor Leandro Jose H. Catarata for Economic Development, and Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez for Infrastructure Development. (APB/PIA10)

DENR awards free patents to farmer beneficiaries in Camiguin

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, March 3 (PIA) -- Ninety one free patents were awarded to farmer beneficiaries here under the government’s “Handog Titulo program” covering an area of 40.8 hectares. 

These titles confirm the ownership of the beneficiaries in accordance with the public land law. 

According to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the Handog Titulo program is implemented consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which seeks to improve the lives of farmers and their families. 

It is carried out in partnership with the local government units, following DENR Administrative Order 2011-06 which prescribes the guidelines for the implementation of “Public Land Titling”. 

To date, Camiguin PENRO have already trained LGU partners to be deputized Public Land Inspectors. 

A Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) was also already signed, last year, between the PENR and LGU Mambajao, while it is currently finalizing a MOPA with Mahinog and Sagay LGUs. 

PENRO Camiguin, meanwhile, reported to have surpassed its targets, last year, in patent processing & issuance (PPI), as well as, in the conduct of public land surveys over public agricultural lands, investigation/resolution of land claims & conflict, processing of lease, and school sites applications. (JCV/PIA)

4ID conducts foot march 

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, March 3 -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division conducted foot march here in the city, March 2. 

This foot march served as one way of empathizing with fellow soldiers in the field frequently sent on combat operations. This is also done to check the readiness of individual soldiers in terms of equipment and physical strength to ensure that they are all ready for deployment anytime. 

Around 150 soldiers joined the activity that moved by foot in single file towards the hinter parts of Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City then back to Camp Evangelista walking a total distance of 12 kilometers, which started 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. 

Major General Nestor A Añonuevo AFP, commander, 4ID, said, “I congratulate everyone for a job well done. We have applied the basic requirements for this foot march pertaining to organization, distances and discipline. This activity will made us feel how our fellow soldiers in our line units felt which will make us more sensitive to their needs as we do our role in supporting their units." 

This also strengthened you physically just like any form of exercise. I can see that you have enjoyed the activity, with the critics provided, we can improve this more. This is just the beginning, we will do it again next quarter and we will increase the distance, said Añonuevo. (4CMO/4ID/PIA10) 

ECC makes improvements to compensation program

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 2 (PIA) -- The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is planning to make some innovations to the employees’ compensation program (ECP). 

The agency is working towards expanding the coverage of the program and increasing its benefits and services, according to ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis. 

The ECP provides a compensation package to public and private employees or their dependents in the event of work-related sickness, injury or death. It covers government sector employees who are members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and private sector workers who are compulsory members of the SSS. 

She said they are eyeing to give EC coverage to voluntary and self-employed members of the Social Security System (SSS) under the phase one of the program coverage expansion. 

"Eventually, we would also like the other informal sector to be included in the coverage but we are still studying the mechanisms on how it will be implemented," she added. 

Aside from the coverage and benefits, Banawis said ECC is also making improvements in the system to fast-track the processing of EC claims in GSIS and SSS. 

She said all the innovations that they are doing are part of the instructions of President Benigno S. Aquino III to improve the social protection of the citizenry, adding further that ECP is a social protection program that needs to be enhanced to serve the citizenry better. (APB/PIA10)

GA-WINGS 10 kicks off Women’s Month Celebration 2013

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Mar. 2 (PIA) -- The Gender Advocates and Women in Government Service- 10 (GA-WINGS 10) kicks off the 2013 Women’s Month Celebration with the theme, “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan,” Friday with a mass held at the Camp Alagar Grounds in Lapasan, here. 

PCSupt. Catalino B. Rodriguez, Jr., CSEE of Police Regional Office 10 welcomed the participants of the event. 

Lynn S.F. Sicangco, COA Region 10 Director, who served as the keynote speaker of the event mentioned that a woman has a very important role in molding a good society for it is through her capacity to raise good children a nation can ensure responsible citizens in the future. 

For women to manifest such role, Sicangco emphasized that women should first take care of themselves by observing a healthy lifestyle, follow a good time management “and we should love our work because if you don’t love your work you won’t have the passion in what you’re doing. When you do things, you do your best though our best is not enough, but we did our best.” 

Clarissa C. Rosales, GA-10 president, exhorted the women to be always happy. 

"Please remember that women should always be happy about themselves, about their surroundings and about everything in their life so that they can pass on the happiness, we can pass on the happiness that we feel inside to the people surrounding us, ” she said. 

The program ended with a Hataw exercise led by the Department of Health(DOH)-10. 

On March 8, at 8:30 a.m., GA-WINGS 10 will have a gift-giving and medical mission to the 100 Sendong survivors who are residing at Berjaya Relocation Site in Camaman-an. (RTP/PIA10)

Stakeholders ink MOA to protect Iponan Watershed

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 2 (PIA) -- The multi-partite protection and law enforcement of the Iponan river watershed was formally kicked off on Thursday with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA). 

The MOA stipulates the immediate stoppage of all illegal and destructive mining and other resources extractive activities within the watershed. 

It further dictates the review of compliance to Environmental Compliance Certificate, including the terms and conditions, issued by the Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) to existing procedures and relevant regulations and to affect immediate cancellation/cease or desist orders in cases of violations. 

Present during the signing of the MOA were Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) 10 Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) OIC Regional Director Rex S. Monsanto, Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) Director Dr. Sabdullah C. Abubacar, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Atty. Ricardo A. Diaz, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) region 10 Director Atty. Rene K. Bordeos, and the Philippine National Police Office 10 Director, P/Chief Supt. Catalino B. Rodriguez. 

From the religious sector, also in attendance were Fr. Lerio Nathaniel and Msgr. Rey S. Monsanto of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

Also present during the event were Governor Oscar S. Moreno of Misamis Oriental Province and the regional director of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Orlando Ravanera, who is also the Chairperson of Sulog, a non-government organization fighting for the protection of the river and have been named after the local dialect “sulog”, which means water current. 

Ravanera said, the "sulog" this time, do not refer to water but rather to the force of people coming together from all walks of life, working with utmost urgency, sincerity and resolve to arrest serious environment degradation. 

The MOA signing was witnesssed by the Director of EMB-DENR Central Office, Atty. Jose Miguel Cuna and MGB Central Office Assistant Bureau Director Dr. Elmer B. Billedo. (JCV/PIA 10)

Drugstore chain celebrates 68th Anniversary with Oplan Bigay Lunas

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, March 4 (PIA) -- Around 1,500 young and adult residents here availed of a free medical check-up dubbed 'Operation Bigay Lunas' in Iligan City. 

The project is part of Mercury Drug Corporation's celebration of its 68th Anniversary on March 1, Friday held at the Children’s Park, Barangay San Miguel, said Dr. Rolando Cuizon, designated project chairman representing the city government. 

Included in the activity is the distribution of free medicines and vitamins, Cuizon added. 

Earlier, City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz thanked and congratulated Mercury Drug, marking the occasion with a medical mission intentionally launched on the date of the corporation’s anniversary which falls every 01 of March. (lorry v.gabule/CIO/PIA10-LDN)