Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Northern Mindanao 2012 Schools Press Conference finally set Jan. 24-26
By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- The 2012 Northern Mindanao Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) will finally push through at the La Salle University (LSU) Arts Center, this city, on Jan. 24-26, this year. 

Schools Division Superintendent Rebonfamil Baguio of the Ozamiz City Schools Division, host of the three-day activity, said the RSPC is conducted per Republic Act No. 7079 entitled “An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Campus Journalism.” 

The RSPC aims to demonstrate understanding of the importance of journalism by expressing it through journalistic forms and approaches and provides activities that encourage students to pursue careers/studies in journalism and enhance journalism competencies through friendly individual and group competition. 

Participants are the top four pupil/student Division SPC winners from the region’s 14 schools divisions and their coaches/advisers, Division Education Program Supervisors (EPS) in English and Pilipino, Chiefs of the Elementary and Secondary Education Divisions (EED/SED) and EPS-IIs who are members of the technical working groups (TWGs). 

Meanwhile, the RSPC activity list includes the following: Jan. 24 - Photojournalism Contest with a Photo Session on “The Director’s Hour” by Dr. Allan Farnazo, of the Department of Education (DepEd), Region 10, followed by Photo Uploading. 

Copy Reading, Headline Writing and a lecture on “Ethics in Social Media” will be presented by Atty. Neil F. Pacamalan, Cultural Affairs Specialist for Mindanao Affairs followed by News and Feature Writing. 

Jan. 25 - Sports Viewing/Writing, Editorial Writing/Cartooning, Scriptwriting for Radio Broadcasting, Rehearsal/Actual Broadcasting, Collaborative Publishing and lectures on “Ethical Standards in Campus Journalism: Issues and Challenges” by Uriel Quilinguing, “Convergence in Campus Journalism” by Jacinto Alingasa, and “New Trend in Page Designing” by Allan Mediante, 

Jan. 26 - “Tagisan ng Talino” (Quiz Bee), Talent Show, Election of Officers of the Regional Paper Advisers Association (RPAA) and Regional Editors’ Guild, a Cultural Show featuring the LSU Cultural Arts Group and Awarding Ceremony of the contest winners. (RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental)


Spot checkpoints may be put up during the election period – Comelec

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- Where circumstances warrant, spot checkpoints may be established in locations other than those already put up by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in a locality, during the election period, from Jan. 13-June 12, 2013. 

However, any search conducted at these checkpoint must be made only by members of the unit designated to man the same and should be done in a manner that imposes minimum inconvenience on the person(s) so searched, to ensure that their civil, political and human rights are not violated. 

This provision in Resolution No. 9588, in connection with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections, also provides that any unit designated to man a Comelec checkpoint must be led by a regular member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or the Philippine National Police (PNP) with a rank of at least lieutenant/ inspector. 

It also provides that the AFP and PNP personnel manning the checkpoints must be in complete uniform and must not be under the influence of liquor/drug, any violation of which, will make the offender and his CO/TL jointly liable for administrative/criminal action. 

Meanwhile, a briefing must be given by the CO/TL to all members of the unit who will be designated to man the checkpoints, with emphasis on the proper manner of searching with reasonableness. 

As a rule, a valid search must be authorized by a search warrant duly issued by an appropriate authority, but a warrantless search can be made in the following cases: 

Moving vehicles and the seizure of evidence made in plain view and as long as the vehicle is neither searched nor its occupant/s subjected to a body search and the inspection of the vehicle is merely limited to a visual search. 

When the occupant/s of the vehicle appear to be nervous or suspicious or exhibit unnatural reaction and on the basis of prior confidential information which are reasonably corroborated by other attendant matters. 

If the officer conducting the search has reasonable or probable cause to believe that either the occupant/s is a law offender or that the instrumentality or evidence pertaining to the commission of a crime can be found in the vehicle to be searched. 
(RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental) 


DepEd-Misamis Occidental set for the Jan. 26 early registration day

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- Preparations are underway for the January 26 Early Registration Day (ERD) for School Year (SY) 2013-2014 in the Misamis Occidental Schools Division (MOSD). 

The early registration is conducted to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Education for All (EFA) campaign in the province, Schools Division Superintendent Jonathan Dela Peňa said. 

Pursuant to DepEd Order No. 89, s. of 2012, setting the ERD on Jan. 26, 2013, schools divisions, nationwide, have been directed to undertake an advocacy campaign to encourage the most number of parents to come out for the early registration. 

Thus, MOSD has organized its communications teams to undertake such campaign, including the registration process, while the schools in its 16 districts have been enjoined to work with parents, local officials and other stakeholders and student for support. 

Meanwhile, Dela Peňa said the MOSD schools will lead the Child or Youth Find Activities in collaboration with the barangays, following the family maps and those enrolling children from indigenous and cultural communities will be mobilized to ensure early registration of the targeted enrollees. 

He said home and street visits will be conducted by the designated MOSD Education Supervisors (ES) to targeted enrollees and get the profile of the respective learners. 

High school principals will work with the chairpersons of the barangays and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to locate elementary graduates who either have not enrolled in high school or dropped out of school in order to ensure their early registration so that appropriate program interventions could be planned. 

Moreover, Dela Peňa said all children born October 31, 2008 or earlier will be eligible for early enrolment in Kindergarten, while those born on October 31, 2007 or earlier, with or without Kindergarten experience, will be eligible for early enrolment in Grade 1. 

The birth certificate of the child will be the documentary basis for early registration and for other children and youth who have never been to school. 

However, if it is not available on Jan. 26, the birth certificate can be submitted in June or anytime within the school year, Dela Peňa added. (RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental) 


DENR 10 holds value formation, environmental awareness seminar


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 11(PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR 10) successfully conducted a one day Value Formation/Strengthening and Environmental Awareness Seminar on December 27 last year. 

Selected members of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC) – Technical Working Group (TWG), people’s organizations (POs) from the province of Bukidnon and personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources participated in the seminar held in Cagayan de Oro City 

The activity was sponsored by DENR through the CDORBMC which is chaired by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma and co-chaired by DENR 10 Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan and Regional Director Rene Burdeos of the Department of Interior and Local Government. 

Forester Arnulfo Osio of DENR 10 gave a lecture about the Environment while Dr. Miguela Napierre gave a lecture on Values. 

The one- day activity was capped with a Mass which was celebrated by Father Jose Daniel Coronel. Gising Barangay Movement National Convenor and vice-chairman of the TWG – Community Development delivered a message during the opening program. The activity was organized by the CDORBMC Project Management Office headed by Forester Fidel Gamos, Jr. 

Representatives of the People’s Organizations from the municipalities of Talakag and Baungon, Bukidnon participated in the activity. The POs live near Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park which is part of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin. The POs are also partners of the DENR in the National Greening Program (NGP). 

Representatives from the POs from the municipality of Baungon, Bukidnon include the Kalangan San Vicente Farmers Association (KALASANFA), Langam Farmers Association (LAFA), Sta. Cruz Laculac Farmers Association (SALAFA) and Kalilangan United Forest Farmers Association (KUFFA). The POs from the municipality of Talakag include Sagaran Farmers Association (SAFA), Inc., Pagsabuwahan Pag-awit Hu Intunda, Inc. (PPHI), Lantud Kahibunan Igtulin Farmers Association (LAKIFA), Cosina Farmers Association, Inc. (COPA, Inc) and Liguron – Dagundalahon – Sagaran ISF (Integrated Social Forestry) Project.(Lina D. Calvez/denr10/rpao/JV/PIA 10) 


DOST-X RSTL is now DOH accredited laboratory for Drinking Water Analysis
by Admer Rey C. Dablio

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 14 -- The Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTL) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office X finally received its Certificate of Laboratory Accreditation for Drinking Water Analysis from the Department of Health – Bureau of Health Facilities and Services.

With this accreditation, small, medium, and large enterprises in Northern Mindanao and nearby regions whose drinking water testing requires results from DOH accredited laboratories, can now have their drinking water be tested at RSTL, DOST-X.

The services covered in this accreditation are the physical, bacteriological, and chemical analyses of drinking water.

RSTL-X has already been testing drinking water samples from different sectors in Northern Mindanao like water refilling stations, hospitals, food processors, and others.

The usual analyses conducted are pH, turbidity and total dissolved solids for physical parameters; heavy metals like Iron and Manganese for chemical parameters; heterotrophic plate count, coliform count, fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli (complete potability test) for bacteriological parameters.

Other testing parameters specified in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water are also available at RSTL-X. An example, which is also a main concern in terms of the safety of drinking water is the analysis of Mercury in water. RSTL can conduct this especially with the recent purchase of Direct Mercury Analyzer which gives faster results for such analysis.

DOST-X RSTL is also offering nitrite analysis of meat products to ensure safety of the meat products in Northern Mindanao, considering that the region has a big meat industry. Food safety has been one of the major concerns of the people here and with this nitrite analysis, and other testing capabilities of RSTL, people in Northern Mindanao will enjoy safe food products.

This achievement of RSTL-X is really a reflection of their quality statement, being committed to deliver quality and relevant testing and calibration services promptly and efficiently to its customers in Northern Mindanao.

Also, this achievement is a result of the tagline of RSTL, “Quality is our policy. Service is our commitment. Excellence is our habit.” RSTL ensures that safe and quality water, food, and non-food items are available. Furthermore, it aims to lead the global race for better, safer products. (JMOR/Admer Rey C. Dablio/DOST-X/PIA10)


Lanao del Norte contingent gears up for Sinulog 2013

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Jan 14 – The more than 300-member contingent of Lanao del Norte collectively known as ‘ Tribu Sarimanok’ has finally finished all preparations for its fifth straight participation in the world-renowned Sinulog Festival of Cebu City.

This year this fast-rising province will be showcasing the colorful and culturally-rich festival of Kolambugan, one of the 22 town of Lanao del Norte.

The Lanao del Norte contingent has consistently won in both the Sinulog Showdown event and Street dancing category making them one of the crowd favorite in the annual competition.

“Our main purpose in joining this highly-anticipated festival is to show to the Philippines and even the whole world that Lanao del Norte is a peaceful and a beautiful province,” Governor Khalid Dimaporo explained.

Lanao del Norte is also known as the ‘Motocross Capital of the Philippines’ after hosting numerous international motocross competitions and freestyle motocross events.  The province was also identified by the Philippine Basketball Association as the ‘Home of the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association)’ in Mindanao.

“This year we are showcasing the Sarimanok Festival of the coastal town of Kolambugan, we’re hoping that this will be lucky number 5 for the province. Our performance is filled with a lot of surprises that will surely excite the audience,” Provincial Tourism Head Minda Regis expressed.

The head choreographer for ‘Tribu Sarimanok’ in this year’s Sinulog Festival is Mark Barry Luchie. (VNL/PIO-LDN/PIA10)


Camiguin readies bigger cell for healthcare wastes
By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, January 14, 2012 (PIA) - Camiguin’s newly opened waste disposal facility houses bigger cell for healthcare wastes.            
This hazardous waste cell is the first one constructed in Northern Mindanao. 

Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment and Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) region 10 Director Dr. Sabdullah C. Abubacar claimed that it is the first bigger vault he saw in any other place or parts of the region.

In his visit to the province last week to grace the launching of the Camiguin Solid Waste Sanitary Landfill Management and Research Development Project (CS2MRDP), the director commended the province for pursuing the establishment of this facility.

“The operation of this landfill on this island is not a waste of money, it is a must. This is to prove that Camiguin is complying with Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management),” he stressed.

The biggest problem nowadays, Abubacar cited, is more on the hospital and hazardous waste management, noting on the local government units’ (LGUs) reluctance to fund a disposal facility for this kind of wastes in exchange of something else which they find more interesting and important.

Meanwhile, the sanitary landfill will also accommodate wastes generated from the households, commercial establishments and institutions around the province in the options that the municipalities at one time or another have mandated storage and segregation of waste before collection. (JCV/PIA)


Camiguin seals pact with CRMP for the Interpretive Center project
By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO CAMIGUIN, January 14 (PIA) – The Camiguin Interpretative Center was formally launched last week with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) and turn-over of the marker to the province and to the local government unit of Mambajao.

It showcases the island’s natural heritage and monuments, coastal habitats and coastal resource management initiatives. The center serves as the primary source of information on historical accounts founded by stories of the people in the island which unfolded from generation to generation.
               
The Interpretative Center was established with the technical and funding support from the New Zealand Aid Programme through the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project, while the provincial and municipal lgu are tasked to oversee the operation and management of the center, as well as, monitor and document its use.

Moreover the LGu will also provide a counterpart fund to cover its operational cost.
        
A committee will likewise be formed to foresee its operations and ensure the formulation of the Interpretative Center Plan which will spell-out tasks from all parties involved in order to achieve specific goal.

Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo for his part also expressed optimism to the project.

“With this, the more we will be identified- how beautiful our island province is,” the governor noted.

The Mambajao Mayor Maria Luisa De La Fuente Romualdo likewise urged townsfolk to help in promoting the interpretive center which can be found at the Tourism Pavillion in Poblacion Mambajao. (JCV/PIA 10)

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