President Aquino says his administration continues to pour huge investment to implement country’s electrification and infrastructure projects

(LUCBAN, Quezon) President Benigno S. Aquino III assured on Monday that his administration continues to pour huge investments to implement the electrification and major infrastructure projects in order to boost the agriculture, commercial and tourism sectors in the province.

In his speech during his meeting with local leaders and the community at the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) Gymnasium in Barangay Kulapi here, the Chief Executive said the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA), are working together in carrying out the electrification project in the entire country, including the province of Quezon.

"Reporma rin ang dahilan kung bakit ang dating tatlumpu’t anim na libong sitio na nangangapa sa dilim, unti-unti na nating nabibigyang-tanglaw. Sa ngayon po, may mahigit pitong libo at dalawandaang sitio na tayong napapailawan doon sa 36,000 na ‘yan, halos isandaan at limampu ay mula sa inyong lalawigan. Pumapaspas na po sa trabaho ang DOE at NEA para sa lalong madaling panahon, mapaliwanag na ang bawat sulok ng Quezon at ng buong bansa," the President said.

The Aquino government has put electrification at the forefront of the country's development measures through the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) that is being implemented by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide. The program involves the electrification of grid and off-grid sitios through the electric cooperatives.

The President said that a slew of infrastructure projects, including the Lucena Diversion Talao-Talao Port Road, will boost the province's tourism and commercial industries.

"Nariyan ang mahigit walong kilometrong Lucena Diversion Talao-Talao Port Road, kung saan ang pagbiyahe ng mga kalakal at produkto mula sa pantalan ng Talao-Talao ay makakarating sa lungsod nang mas mabilis. Idagdag pa natin ang halos animnapung kilometrong extension ng SLEX na babagtas mula Batangas hanggang Lucena," he stressed.

"Isama na rin po natin ang labing-anim na farm-to-market road projects sa Calauag, Gumaca, Quezon, at Tagkawayan para sa mabilis na pagdaloy ng mga produkto," the President said.

The government, through the Department of Agriculture (DAR) under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, continues to expand the agriculture sector, including the coconut industry.

"Kasama rin sa handog natin sa magsasaka ang halos walumpu't dalawang milyong piso para makumpleto ang labingwalong irrigation projects," he added.

According to the President, the government remains committed to implement programs for the improvement of public schools' infrastructure, equipment, facilities, among others.

"Kaya naman po sa loob lamang ng dalawang taon at sampung buwan, ang dating 66,800 eskwelahan na kakulangan ay malapit na pong mabura. Ang pangako sa atin ng DepEd, dito po sa katapusan ng 2013, wala na po tayong kulang na classroom. Dito lang nga po sa Quezon, may halos isanlibo’t pitondaang silid aralan na tayong naipatayo," he said.

The President expressed his gratitude to the people of Quezon who affirmed his administration’s commitment to tread the straight and righteous path in transforming the Philippines into a progressive nation.

"Umaangat na tayo, at ang dating bukbuking tahanan, ngayon ay tumitibay, umaayos, at lumilinis, at puno na rin po ng dekorasyon. Sa sobrang ganda nito, baka pwede na rin po nating isali sa Pahiyas Festival," he said.

Palace calls on government workers, media to participate in local absentee voting

Malacanang called on government workers and media practitioners to take advantage of the three-day local absentee voting period and exercise their right to vote.

“We encourage all eligible voters to participate in the electoral process and exercise your right to suffrage,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing on Monday in Malacanang.

The local absentee voting for the synchronized national, local, and regional elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao began last Sunday, April 28 and will end on April 30, Tuesday.

Pursuant to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 9637, s. 2013, those entitled to vote are some government officials and employees, members of the Philippine National Police, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and members of the media whose applications to avail of local absentee voting were approved by COMELEC.

“Today and tomorrow, all eligible voters under this scheme may cast their ballots from 8 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon,” said Lacierda.

Absentee voters could only vote for 12 senatorial candidates and a party-list as required in the local absentee voting.

This is the first time the COMELEC allowed media personnel to vote ahead of the Election day. In the past, only government officials and employees including policemen and soldiers, assigned to poll duties were permitted to participate in absentee voting.

Based on the COMELEC data, a total of 18,322 have applied for local absentee voting but only 12,732 have qualified, and 501 are media personnel.

President Aquino says country has started reaping the fruits of reforms instituted by his administration

(LUCENA CITY, Quezon) President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday that the Philippines has started reaping the fruits of the reforms that his administration instituted as he called on the people to continue their steady march towards the realization of their collective aspiration for equitable progress.

In his speech during his meeting with local leaders and the community at the Alcala Sports Complex Grandstand, Quezon National Highschool in Barangay Iyam here on Monday, the Chief Executive said the massive investments in the people through social services, education, and health, among others, have all led to the renewal of the people’s trust in their leaders.

"Halos magtatatlong taon pa nga lang po tayo sa panunungkulan, pero talaga naman pong ang laki na ng pinagkaiba natin sa sitwasyong ating dinatnan," the President said.

President Aquino said the reforms instituted in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure; and the establishment of a culture of integrity in governance have led to a resurgent economy in the face of uncertainties in the global arena.

"Sa problema sa bigas. Dati, talagang nasanay na po tayo sa pag-aangkat ng bigas na nagbaon sa atin sa utang. Dati pinaniwala tayo na ang kailangan nating angkatin na bigas para mapunan ang ating mga pangangailangan ay 1.3-million metric tons kada taon," he noted.

"Sa ating panunungkulan: halos 855,000 metric tons na lamang po ang kinailangan nating angkatin noong 2011. Kasama na po iyong buffer. Noong 2012, limandaang libong metriko tonelada na lang ang ating kinailangang angkatin. Ayon nga sa ating butihing Kalihim Procy Alcala, harinawa, ay hindi na natin kailanganin pang mag-import ng bigas. Kung papalarin pa, baka maging net exporter na rin tayo ng matataas na variety ng bigas kung makikisama ang panahon," the President said.

He said the government's electrification project is one of the major achievements during his leadership.

"Sa ngayon, umabot na sa mahigit pitonlibo at dalawang daan na sitio ang ating napailawan. Bago po mag-SONA, dadagdagan pa po natin," he assured.

Anchored on the principle of "Tuwid na Daan," the President stressed that his government was able to build on the gains of the anti-corruption campaign and reduce poverty.

"Binibigyang liwanag na rin natin ang kinabukasan ng kapus-palad nating kababayan. Kung dati, halos walondaang libo lang ang kabahayang benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program; ngayon po sa ating panunungkulan, napaabot na natin sa mahigit 3.9 million ang household beneficiaries ng programa. Kabilang po rito ang halos 92,500 na kabahayang natutulungan ng Pantawid Pamilya dito sa Quezon," he said.

The President said various initiatives and development projects are now in place to boost the tourism and business sectors.

"Dumako naman po tayo sa turismo, ang target po nating domestic tourist arrival para sa 2016, ay 35.5 million. Pero 2011 pa lang po, umabot na sa 37.5 million ang naitala nating domestic tourism arrivals. Kaya naman binago na po natin ang ating target ---ginawa na nating 56.1 million para sa 2016," he said.

"At alam po nating magtutuloy-tuloy pa ang pag-engganyo natin sa mga turista at paglago ng ating ekonomiya sa pagpapaunlad natin ng imprastraktura. Dito pa nga lang po sa Quezon, nariyan ang pagpapagawa natin sa susunod na taon ng limampu’t walong kilometrong South Luzon Expressway extension mula Batangas hanggang Lucena," he stressed.

"Isama na rin ang Quezon Eco-tourism Road na babaybay sa Sariaya hanggang Lucena, pati na ang pagpapaunlad natin ng mga daungan sa Lucena, San Andres, Mauban, Cotta, at Gumaca," he added.

Both the international and local communities recognized the positive changes in the Philippines as manifested by the latest Fitch rating, the President noted.

The Philippines has finally won its much-coveted investment grade status from Fitch Group, one of the three major international credit rating agencies that assess the government’s ability to pay back its debt and the chance of non-payment.

Nothing wrong with the President's health, he's in the pink of health, Palace says

There is nothing wrong with the health of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Malacañang said on Monday, in response to some observations that the Chief Executive may be under the weather given the tight schedules of activities that he was having since last month.

Prior to delivering his speech during his meeting with local leaders and the community in Quezon province early Monday, President Aquino was quoted apologizing to the public for having a hoarse voice owing to a cold virus.

“Hingi po ako ng paumanhin sa inyo sa umpisang-umpisa pa lang. Kung napapansin niyo ‘yung boses ko medyo hindi ho pang ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’—maliban na lang kung horror ang pinag-uusapan. Medyo nadale ho tayo ng konting sipon. Pero pipilitin pa rin nating maging maliwanag ang atin pong kailangang sabihin,” the President said.

Asked for a clarification on this statement, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters at a press briefing in Malacañang that it is just ‘natural’ for the President to be in such condition at times because of the changes in the weather.

“Siguro panay kampanya ni Presidente, e natural lang ‘yan sa kanya. He wants to campaign for his (candidates). But we have no indication of any problems.Siguro init-lamig lang but there are no indications of any illness,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda noted that while they were in Brunei last week, they were able to spend “quite a long time with the President” without any problem. He was even in high spirits when he gave an interview to the Philippine media delegation late Wednesday evening last week.

“He’s in the pink of health,” Lacierda added.

Since the campaign period started, the President has been busy doing some rounds of relentless campaigning in various provinces while doing governance work to ensure the victory of all his 12 senatorial candidates in the upcoming elections.

PNoy reiterates picking efficient leaders to continue economic boom of Misamis Oriental

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- One of the key points emphasized by President Benigno S. Aquino III during his speech in the town of Balingasag in the province of Misamis Oriental on April 22 was the evident economic growth in the province and how picking efficient leaders in the coming May elections will affect it.

Our economy is growing bigger; taxes collected are also contributing to this progress since we now have efficient tax collection, said the President.

“Kahit gaano kaganda ang intension nang pambansang gobyerno kung walang pakialam ang mga pinuno sa lokal na antas wala rin pong mangyayari, di po bah (No matter how beautiful the plans of the national government if local leaders don’t care, nothing will happen), “explained the President.

“Ang kailangan natin ay mga leader na hindi kukupad kupad, ang kailangan natin ay mga lingcod bayan na kung tumugon sa inyong mga pangangailangan ay sinbliis o mas mabilis pa sa kidlat (We don’t need leaders that are slow, we need public servants that address your issues and concerns as fast as the lightning or even faster),” stressed the President.

The biggest development project in the province by far and will soon open on June 15 this year is the Laguindingan airport. According to the President, total of Php7.8 billion has already been poured in to complete this project.

The President said he will not stop from putting more development projects here and that residents must have leaders that will attend to their needs fast and efficiently.

In the food sector, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also assured that while the country will be rice self-sufficient this year, it will further export to other countries, revealed the President.

“Kung akala natin imposible dati, ngayon nagiging posible na. Lahat ng pagbabagong ito, lahat ng katapangan at lahat ng inspirasyon ay sa inyo nagsimula (The things we thought impossible are now becoming possible. All these changes, courage and inspiration began from all of you),” the President said.

“Kayo ang boss ko (you are my boss),” concluded the President. (Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat/PIA10)

TESDA grants P14-M training assistance to typhoon affected families

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) region 10 has granted a total of P14-million training assistance to 1,905 priority beneficiaries, affected by typhoon Sendong.

For Cagayan de Oro City 1,136 beneficiaries have completed the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course amounting to P9.3 million and another set of 769 beneficiaries in Iligan City with funding assistance of P4.7 million.

Construction was the top choice among its beneficiaries, with 1,106 having successfully completed the course, 976 also submitted for national competency assessment and some 866 were awarded with certificates.

Other picks include tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), Electronics, metals and engineering, health, social, and other services.

The data was presented by TESDA in the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Technical Working Group meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.

The body seeks to check on the status of support and assistance from the different government agencies to the victims, as well as, identify areas of concern for DRR. (Marie-Zil G. Malinao/JCV/PIA)

PNP-Lanao del Sur Lady Officers Club holds oath taking of officers

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 29 (PIA) -- Officers of the newly-organized Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (LDSPPO) Lady Officers Club took their oath of office in a simple ceremony held at the LDSPPO Conference Room recently.

The oath taking was officiated in by LDSPPO Officer-In-Charge PSSupt Nickson Muksan. It was witnessed in by representatives of the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC), Regional Legislative Assembly, and fellow police women assigned in the province.

Sworn into office were PO2 Esnairah Lucman as president, PO3 Dycylyn Albellera as vice-president, PO3 Joy Marzonia as secretary, PO1 Laarni Palma as treasurer, PO3 Hamida Ibrahim as auditor, and PO3 Maria Fe Mortera as PIO.

Muksan, in his message, underscored the crucial role of police women not only in their respective homes but also in the community.

This was reiterated by Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis who stressed that police women officers remind the public of the rule of law through community presence and conversations.

On the other hand, PMWC President Padoman Paporo lauded the LDSPPO for empowering police women and organizing the lady officers club.

She said the PMWC will work closely with the club to address anything that involves the protection of children and women.

Club President Lucman meanwhile pledged that officers of the newly-formed club will do their best in performing their duties and obligations.

She said they will collaboratively work, with passion and commitment, to safeguard the welfare of the people in the province. (APB/PIA-10)

NGCP to rehabilitate Agus 6 switchyard, seeks ERC approval

QUEZON CITY, April 29 -- In order to improve the power situation in Mindanao, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC’s) approval to repair and upgrade its switchyard in Iligan City.

In its application to the Commission, NGCP highlighted the urgency to rehabilitate its 59-year old switchyard located in the vicinity of the Agus 6 Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP), which is owned and operated by the government through Napocor/PSALM.

According to NGCP, despite its regular maintenance, most of the devices in the switchyard are already old, defective, and prone to frequent breakdowns. Further, the equipment currently installed in the switchyard is already obsolete in the market, making replacement and repairs difficult for NGCP.

The project will have three components: the construction of a new 69-kilovolt (kV) facility; rehabilitation of the existing 138-kV facility; and construction of a new control room building. NGCP estimates the total project cost at Php 721 million, which is subject to ERC’s approval.

A large portion of Mindanao’s power supply comes from Agus 6 HEPP. It also provides contingency reserve to the grid, which makes the switchyard’s upgrading crucial.

“It is high time for NGCP to rehabilitate the Agus 6 Switchyard to improve its condition and ensure its reliable operations. An outage from the switchyard would be very critical to the stability of the power supply in Mindanao, which is badly needed,” explained Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza, NGCP Spokesperson.

The Agus 6 switchyard serves two major electric cooperatives, Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO) and Iligan Light Power, Inc. (ILPI), which distribute electricity in Lanao del Norte.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets. NGCP’s regular maintenance activities, expansion and upgrading projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to grid-connected customers like generators, distributors, and large industries. (NGCP/PIA10)

ARMM has most number of local candidates in the upcoming elections

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 29 (PIA) – The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the most number of local candidates seeking elective posts in the upcoming May 13 elections.

This, as the data of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has noted that among the 17 regions of the country, ARMM records a total of 4,174 local candidates or 9.44 percent of 44,221, the country’s total number of local candidates, as of Feb. 20, 2013.

Director Esmeralda Amora-Ladra of the Comelec Law Department submitted this data to the Comelec, after due course and verification, and said the ARMM candidates came from its five (5) provinces, namely: Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Meanwhile, the other regions, with an average ranging from four to six (4 to 6) provinces, had the following data on the number of their local candidates:

Region IV-A, CALABARZON, 3,916 or 8.85 percent, from Calamba, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces.

Region III, Central Luzon, 3,733 or 8.44 percent from Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales and Aurora and Region VIII, Eastern Visayas, 3,535 or 7.99 percent, from Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Southern Leyte and Biliran.

Region VI, Western Visayas, 3,408 or 7.71 percent, from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental and Region VII, Central Visayas, 3,276 or 7.41 percent, from Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Region V, Bicol, 3,080 or 6.96 percent from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon and Region I, Ilocos Region, 2,964 or 6.70 percent, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.

Region II, Cagayan Valley, 2,341 or 5.29 percent, from Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya and Quirino and Region X, Northern Mindanao, 2,334 or 5.28 percent, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental.

Region IV-B, MIMAROPA, 2,151 or 4.86 percent, from Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan and Region XIV, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), 2,134 or 4.82 percent from Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao and Mountain Province.

Region IX, Western Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, 1,832 or 4.14 percent, from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabela City and Region XIII, Northeastern Mindanao, Caraga, 1,828 or 4.13 percent Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Island.

Region XII, Central Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN,1,339 or 3.03 percent, from North South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and Gen. Santos City and Region XI, Southern Mindanao, Davao Region, 1,289 or 2.91 percent, from Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

National Capital Region (NCR), 887 or 2.00 percent, from 17 cities: Caloocan, Las Piňas, Makati, Malabon, Mndaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paraňaque, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela and Quezon. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

PNoy urges Misamisnons to walk with him along the straight path of inclusive growth

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 29 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III has urged the people of Misamis Occidental to walk with him in the straight path of inclusive growth even as he thanked them for giving him the mandate in the 2010 elections.

Donning his signature yellow T-shirt with black shoulder patch, the President, with Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in tow, arrived in Ozamiz City from General Santos City, last April 27, to meet the local leaders at the Misamis University (MU) Gym in the city.

It was his first time to visit the province, since he assumed the Presidency and he took time to thank the Misamisnons for giving him a landslide victory as the highest public official of the land, three (3) years ago.

He then thanked Dr. Sonia Feliciano, owner of the MU, for it was here where he said he launched his campaigns in the Second District of the province, first for the post of Senator and later for the Presidency.

“Bisan kanus-a, dili nako malimtan ang inyong suporta sa atong kampanya. Salamat sa adlaw-adlaw nga kaayuhan nga dala niini. (I will never forget the support you gave me in my campaign and thank you for the daily success it has brought our country),” he said in Cebuano.

“Hinaut nga dili kita molikay pagsubay sa dalan sa kalambuan ug nga kitang tanan mag-uban sa saktong dalan (I hope we will all together walk the straight path and will not leave anybody behind) for our objective of achieving inclusive growth,” the President also said.

Amidst shouts and cheers of the people in the meeting, every time he dabbled in Cebuano during his speech, the President, then made the appeal for the Misamisnons to exercise their suffrage and vote for his allies in the Senate, who will walk with him along the straight path that he mentioned earlier. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

PhilMech holds photo contest on their 35th Anniversary

By Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) - The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization holds a photo contest with the theme, “Postharvest Loss Prevention” and to qualify, the entries must capture the essence of different post harvest and mechanization scenarios.

The competition is open to photographers (professional and non-professional) of the Philippines. Entries must be exclusive to the said competition only and have not been submitted as an entry in previous contests.

Participants of the challenge retrain their original digital files as they will be requested to submit a high resolution copy (300 dpi) if they are selected as winners and can submit three (3) entries. They are also requested to sign in the registration form and must attest that the information entered is true.

The entries must be submitted with a duly filled out of registration form and should be place in a short brown envelope together with its data file. It must be submitted to PhilMech Photo Contest, applied Communication Division, PhilMech and CLSU Compound, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

Submission of entries is from May 3 to 5 (cut-off time is on May 5, 3:50 p.m.). At the same time, at PhilMech’s Main office, all entries shall be screened by the judges to get the top 35 finalists.

P35, 000 worth of prizes plus certificates are at stake with 3 major prizes and five consolation prizes.

By joining the contest, the entrant agrees to grant PhilMech license to use the winning entries for all advertising, advocacy and promotion activities (information, education, and public relation), including but not limited to photo exhibit, without liability.

Postharvest loss (PHL) refers to crops and products wasted after harvest, particularly during the handling, storage, transportation, and processing stages.(Yvonne Jimenez/RTP/PIA10)

SPF13 promotes peace, love for environment

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Summer Peace Festival 2013 (SPF13) headed by Good Karma Productions, Muni Productions and Ministry of Mushrooms, Inc. highlights various activities on April 26-May 1 for the promotion of peace, environmental recovery, support for local products and appreciation for culture and music.

According to Siri Svegler, one of the performers of the event, “Peace really comes from within and it is a step by step process that starts from awareness.”

Part of the event, is to promote the environment and a holistic approach not just only promoting the country itself but also for the conservation of the venue and promote rain forest station, cited Svegler.

The festival aims to create a portfolio of images and goes beyond environmental awareness; and expected to present a number of solutions created by various organizations and partners.

Further, it is a venue to promote good healthy habits such as exercising and eating well with everyone’s choice organic food providers.

Most of the people who got involved in the event came from other countries. It would be graced in by bands like Siri Svegler (Sweden); Isa Tabasuares & Thomas Walter (Berlin); Sinyma–(Nyko Maca’s new band) in Manila; Purple Kush (Cebu); The Mush Project (Barcelona); Ruska (Cagayan de Oro); Crowns Down (Butuan City); The Mo (Malaybalay) and many more.

Meanwhile, SPF 13 really needs a support of the public to spread the foundation so that people would be conscious with regards to the status of the Mother Earth, said Svegler.

Among of the highlights of the festival are fire session, concert, children’s workshop; and training the children on how to play the Filipino games and the like.

The event starts on Friday, April 26, 2013 and opens 10:00 a.m. and ends on Sunday, April 26, 2013 for the first league “LUNA MUSIKALAWAIG.” By April 29 to May 1 which is “PAZ MUSIKA DEL MAR” in Zamboanga for the second league. (Yvonne A. Jimenez/RTP/PIA10)

Pinoy solar integration, dev’t company holds solution to Mindanao power crisis

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 — A Filipino company that provides renewable energy solutions for all types of property owners said that solar energy is still the best option to solve the so-called Mindanao power crisis.

Solar energy is a solution to the power crisis in the southern Philippines and in the pursuit of a lasting and ultimately cheaper power sources in Mindanao, said Engr. Winston Lorenzana Mendoza, chief executive officer of Mendoza Solar, LLC.

Mendoza Solar, LLC is an energy company registered in California and Nevada, USA. It provides renewable energy solutions for all types of property owners. Its Philippine subsidiary, Lim Solar Philippines, is the biggest promoter in the country of the use of state-of-the-art portable fuel cell electric systems that address base energy needs, especially of remote areas.

Lim Solar Philippines, which is also chaired by Mendoza, has an ongoing solar integration and development projects with Dela Salle University, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Camp Aguinaldo, among others.

Another company under the Mendoza Group, the Lorenzana Energy International—a provider of global energy solutions—also has ongoing solar integration and development projects in Malaysia, Hawaii, Guam, California and Nevada.

“Solar energy as well as other renewable energy sources is very appropriate for Mindanao if we look at the long term and the impact of climate change, which exacerbates natural phenomenon such as typhoons and storms. For the last several years, Mindanao is now the favorite of natural disasters, whose impacts were exacerbated by climate change-inducing fossil fuels. We can no longer afford to let Mindanao suffer. Solar energy is abundant in the island and it provides clean energy,” Mendoza stressed.

Mendoza said that for Mindanao, Lim solar is willing to offer electric cooperatives very minimal prices for solar power as well as 100% financing scheme for residential and small businesses.

“For Mindanao, I will offer P7.47 per KWh to the electric coop and large megawatt level users and P8.50 to small users. I will also straight finance the residentials and small businesses,” he said.

Mendoza said he will be in Cagayan de Oro City on May 3 for a “lunch and learn” session with decision-makers in Mindanao.

“I am now concentrating in Mindanao because of the energy crisis,” he said. (Mendoza Solar/PIA10)

Closure of wood processing plants affects sawlog production in Region 10

CAGAYAN DE ORO, April 29 (PIA) – The lower demand for sawlogs brought about by closure of some wood processing plants has affected the total volume of sawlogs produced in Region 10 during 2012.

Reports gathered by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 10 show that the total annual production of sawlogs in the region decreased by 63 percent in 2012 compared to the production volume of 29,862.18 cubic meters in 2011.

These plants could not renew their permits as they failed to satisfy the requirement of Executive Order (EO) No. 23 for wood processing plants to present proof of sustainable sources of legally cut logs for a period of at least five years, said Engineer Cecilio Y. Clarete, NEDA-10 Chief Economic Development Specialist, in a media forum held recently here.

EO 23 was issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests.

For the fourth quarter of 2012 alone, all the provinces that submitted reports on sawlog production DENR-10 also experienced reduction with Bukidnon and Camiguin posting the biggest decreases at 57 percent and 79 percent, respectively.

Among the reasons cited for the production decline was the stoppage of the harvesting operation of Bukidnon Forest Inc. (BFI), Clarete said.

He said the BFI was reportedly ordered by DENR Secretary Paje on May 2012 to stop harvesting trees in its plantation until further notice.

Meanwhile, the volume of processed forest products which included plywood, blockboard and veneer reached 143,823 cubic meters in 2012 surpassing the 2011 production by 17 percent.

Clarete said the growth was attributed to the increase in demand for veneer and blockboard. (Jennica Rojas/APB/PIA-10)

Fish production in Northern Mindanao drops by 2% in 2012

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- Fish production in Northern Mindanao went down by almost two percent last year to 153,644.20 metric tons in 2012, compared to that of 2011.

Reports gathered by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in the region show that the decline in commercial and municipal fisheries contributed to the negative performance of the fisheries sector.

Commercial fisheries dropped by nine percent, from 39,853.61 metric tons in 2011 to only 36,205.35 metric tons in 2012 while municipal fisheries went down by almost three percent from 43,128.28 metric tons to 42,073.26 metric tons.

Engineer Cecilio Y. Clarete, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-10, said the drop in commercial fisheries was greatly attributed to the occurrence of southwest monsoon and the dry-docking of five fishing vessels in Sultan Naga Dimaporo in Lanao del Norte.

He said there was also lesser appearance of some species while three commercial fishing vessels were under repair in Misamis Occidental during the fourth quarter of 2012.

On the other hand, the slowdown in the municipal fisheries was due to the destruction of some fishing boats in Lanao del Norte which was affected by typhoon Pablo, Clarete further said. (Sweet Elah A. Mahinay/APB/PIA-10)

Farmers’ cooperative receives assistance from DA-HVCDP, BSWM

GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental, April 29 (PIA) – Anchored at creating a stronger partnership with agri-stakeholders in attaining the government’s bid on food self sufficiency and in support to the promotion of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2011, the Department of Agriculture-10 through its High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) supports the Lanzones Growers of Gingoog in Action (LANGGA) Producers Cooperative in the rehabilitation and expansion of their Farmers Organic Center (FOC).

The project was realized through a cost-sharing scheme wherein P 250,000 was provided by DA-HVCDP for the establishment of vermi-shed, 3 (1x10m) vermi-beds and provision of 4 fabricated steel vermi-beds. Meanwhile, the LANGGA Producers Cooperative also provided P 50,000 as their equity in the form of labor.

The FOC is LANGGA’s flagship project established in 2010 which produces organic fertilizers for sale to members and non-members of the cooperative for only P300 per bag. The rehabilitation of the FOC doubles the production capacity from 100 bags to 200 bags every two months, with increase earnings from P 30,000 to P 60,000 per harvest. This will encourage local farmers to venture on this business and support organic farming.

Furthermore, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) through the Expanded Modified Rapid Composting Project has provided organic shredder with separator and two compost tea brewers to the members of the LANGGA. With this equipment, processing of organic materials into substrate is easier and vermicast production is efficient.

The FOC’s inauguration was held on April 18, 2013 headed by HVCDP Regional Program Coordinator Chedy V. Ansale and Engr. Armando B. Arcamo, Regional Soils and Water Area Coordinator of BSWM with the representatives from the local government unit of Gingoog City, Provincial Agriculturist Office of Misamis Oriental and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). # (Vanessa Mae S. Siano, DA-RAFID 10/PIA)

DOLE-10 to hold Diskwento Caravan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 10 will hold a Diskwento Caravan on May 2 and 3 in line with the 111th Labor Day celebration in the region.

The two-day caravan, with the theme “Presyong Panalo ang Empleyado,” will be held at the Provincial Capitol Ground in Velez Street, this city.

Lawyer Johnson G. Cañete, DOLE-10 Regional Director, said the activity aims to provide an opportunity to the labor sector, most especially the marginalized workers, to buy commodities at lower prices.

Accordingly, suppliers of rice, canned goods, processed foods, soap, medicines and other basic commodities will be selling their products and discounted rates or prices.

The Diskwento Caravan was organized in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

Meanwhile, all interested suppliers of basic commodities are invited to join the caravan.

The organizers will provide one tent, one table and two chairs for each participating suppliers.

For further inquiry and coordination, they may contact DTI-10 Consumer Welfare Division at (08822)729-291 or RTWPB-10 at (088)856-6825 or (08822) 745-547. (APB/PIA-10)

Climate Change Commission to hold Greeneration Summit in CdeO

CAGAYAN DE ORO, April 29 (PIA) -- The Climate Change Commission will hold ‘Greeneration’ summit on July 23 here.

Dandy Gomez, consultant and press relations officer of the Commission said this summit aims to gather 1,000 youths specifically college students from different schools and universities for a green environment initiative.

‘Greeneration’ is intended for the youth.

Pebbles Sanchez, national youth leader of the Greeneration project said, “This is our way of raising awareness and consciousness on climate change and the target primarily is the youth because projections are by 2020-2050 medyo malala na po (climate change will get even worst) so we think that this generation should instigate movements for a greener Philippines, a greener nation.”

She added that they pushed for a Greeneration here in Mindanao after having it successfully done in Luzon and Visayas because according to PAGASA’s projection the whole Philippines will get warmer but Mindanao will experience more intense warmth. She also mentioned that according to historical records Mindanao is not usually hit by typhoons compared to what is happening now.

For this event they will be partnering with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to endorse the event to different schools.

In the meantime the group is working on an Eco Town Framework in order to implement their plans in the local level by incorporating vulnerability assessment, natural resource accounting, and eventually identify climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in the area.

Climate Change Commission (CCC) is defined as a sole-policy making body of the government tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate action plans of the government related to climate change.

Furthermore the group is continuing their pursuit to mainstream climate change in existing plans and programs of the government. (Jennica Rojas/JMOR/PIA10)