Ozamiz City DRRMC lines-up activities to celebrate the Earth Day

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 22 (PIA) -- Several activities have been lined-up by the Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC), relative to the celebration of the Earth Day on April 22, this year.

Focused on the theme: “Earth Day: The Face of Climate Change,” these activities include the conduct of a costal clean-up along Cotta Beach, this city, today, April 22, Grace Ongco, General Services Officer and Concurrent City Administrator, said.

The other activities are the Youth and Children Festival initiated by Gitib, Inc., April 20-23, the launching of Vertical Farming in Barangay Triunfo on April 24 and the Installation of Trash Traps at the Misamis University (MU) on April 25.

Ongco said a tree planting activity was also conducted in Barangay Guimad, last April 19, participated in by representatives of the different members of the City DRRMC and other organizations involved with environment protection and preservation.

Meanwhile, every April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day, the single biggest environmental celebration in the world participated in by more than 150 countries and over a billion people worldwide, the Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc., a non-profit, non-stock corporation, said.

“More than 2,000 entities from different sectors of Philippine society working for environmental protection and conservation and celebrating Earth Day to highlight their successes of the past year,” comprise the Network.

In the Philippines, the celebration focuses on the different environmental issues that we face as a country, including the organizations, local government units (LGU’s), businesses, churches and schools that actively celebrate the Earth Day, Ongco also said. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Comelec to deputize CCS Operators to assist Board of Canvassers

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 22 (PIA) -- Each board of canvassers shall be assisted by an information technology-capable person authorized to operate the Consolidation and Canvassing System (CCS) to be known as the CCS Operator.

This ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is stipulated in its Resolution No. 9648, which provides that the CCS Operator shall be deputized by the Comelec from among the agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including the government-owned and controlled corporations.

The CCS Operators shall be designated by the Provincial Election Supervisors (PES) concerned, in the case of the city/municipal board of canvassers (BOC) outside the National Capital Region (NCR).

Meanwhile, the Regional Election Directors (RED) concerned shall designate the CCS Operator, in the case of the provincial BOC in regions outside the NCR and the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The per diem of the CCS Operator shall be the same as that of the members of the BOC.

However, the CCS Operator must neither be related within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity with the other members of the BOC, which he /she will assist, or to any of the candidates whose votes shall be canvassed by the BOC, which he will assist.

On the other hand, in case of non-availability, absence, disqualification due to relationship, or incapacity for any cause, of a BOC chairman, a ranking lawyer of the Comelec shall be appointed as substitute, Resolution 9648, also provides. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental) 

COMELEC-10 bares preparations 2013 elections

By Francis Jane M. Lumacang

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 22 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Office 10 showed their preparations for the coming 2013 national and elections this May.

The Comelec has already conducted training for the members of the Boards of Canvassers (BOC) and Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) last March 4-6 and March 8-26, respectively, Assistant Regional Election Director Atty. Maria Dulce C. Banzon disclosed in a media forum held recently, here.

She said they have also conducted site survey and ocular inspection of municipal, city and provincial canvassing venues as well as checked and inventoried electronic network devices for the VSAT and DSL services.

Banzon disclosed that the COMELEC Packing and Shipping Committee has commenced on March 16 the dispatch of election forms and supplies to the designated forwarders Air 21 and 2GO Express.

The forms included Election Day Computerized Voters List, BEI appointment forms, Certificates of Votes Obtained, O.R. of Election Returns, various envelopes, General Instructions for BEIs, Secrecy Folder.

“Kaning election forms and supplies dli ni siya katong mga accountable forms and dli pud ni siya ang official ballots, kato paning mga gamiton lng sa mga BEIs during elections (this forms and supplies are not yet the accountable forms and official ballots but this will be used by the BEIs during elections), she said.

According to her the official ballots will be shipped on April 20.

Banzon further said that the training for PCOS technicians was already held last April 2-7 adding that the PCOS technicians will be stationed at the polling centers and will serve as the troubleshooters in case of technical glitches of the PCOS machines.

Comelec-10 also commenced on April 15 the delivery of Voter’s Information and Instruction Sheets (VIIS) to all cities and municipalities for distribution to the registered voters.

Every voter will be given VIIS to know the instructions on how to vote and where to find their precincts, among others, she added.

Moreover, Comelec Packing and Shipping Committee commenced the release of PCOS and CCS Kits to the sub hubs on April 16.

Banzon said the sub hubs in the region are located in Ozamis City for Misamis Occidental, Iligan City for Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City for Camiguin, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

Region 10 has five provinces, nine Cities, 89 Municipalities, 2,022 Barangays with 1,025 elective positions at stake for the May 13, 2013 elections. (Francis Jane M. Lumacang/APB/PIA10)

President Aquino comes to Marawi, Balingasag, Cagayan de Oro

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 22 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III visits Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, and both Cagayan de Oro city and Balingasag town in Misamis Oriental today, April 22.

According to schedule, the President will attend and witness the groundbreaking of the College of Information Technology Building at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus in Marawi city. He will also get the chance to meet with the local leaders and community there.

He will then fly to Balingasag to engage with the local leaders and community. The venue is set at the Jose Pelaez Roa Park just at the heart of the municipality.

Finally, he will return to Cagayan de Oro as his final engagement in the province. He will meet with the local leaders and community at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Complex here in Cagayan de Oro. (JMOR/PIA10)

DepEd-Ozamiz to build 18 classrooms this year

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 22 (PIA) -- At least 18 classrooms in areas experiencing shortage within the Ozamiz City Schools Division is being proposed this year.

City Division Superintendent Rebonfamil A. Baguio said the proposed amount is P20.8 million to include the cost of hauling of materials, site improvement and construction of the following:

Two-storey, four (4)-classroom building at the Ozamiz City National High School (OCNHS), P4.847 million and at the Ozamiz City School of Arts and Trade (OCSAT), P5.147million.

Two-storey, two (2)-classroom buildings at the San Antonio NHS, P2.513 million, Montol NHS, P2.333 million, Kalabayan NHS, P2.297 million and OCNHS Annex in Malaubang, P2.263 million.

One-storey, one (1)-classroom buildings at Tabid NHS and Mintalar Elementary School, Sangay Diot Pilot School, P700,000, each.

Baguio said funding for these classroom projects will be taken out of the P14.11 billion that the national government allocated for the implementation of the Basic Educational Facilities (BSF) for Fiscal Year 2013.

Under the BEF, priority in the construction of classrooms is given to areas experiencing acute classroom shortage, Baguio said.

This actually refer to those areas where the number of students divided by the existing number of classrooms results in a student-classroom ratio of 50:1 or 50 students per one (1) classroom or more.

It also refers to those areas where classrooms are temporary in nature or are makeshift structure or those without classrooms, at all, Baguio also said. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

4ID facilitates free circumcision for children

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, April 22 -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division in partnership with the Leonardo T Pañares Masonic Lodge Number 220, Cagayan de Oro City Chapter conducted free circumcision at the 4ID Gymnasium, April 21.

This medical mission was conducted by the Leonardo T Pañares Masonic Lodge Number 220, Cagayan de Oro City Chapter to provide free health services to people especially living in far flung areas. This is done annually and this year the chosen beneficiaries are the children living within the vicinity of the camp.

Medical Doctors and Aidpersonnel from Camp Evangelista Station Hospital headed by Colonel Catherine N Gosingan, Commanding Officer of Camp Evangelista Station Hospital helped and participated in the activity together with the doctors and nurses from the Northern Mindanao Medical Center. They have circumcised 169 children within the camp and coming from the Barangay Patag benefited in this activity.

This is one of the non-traditional roles of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, providing and facilitating the delivery of the basic services to the less fortunate communities within the division’s area of responsibility.

Major General Nestor A Añonuevo, Commander, 4ID said, “In behalf of the officers and men of the 4ID, I’m very thankful to our civilian partner in choosing Camp Evangelista to be the venue and beneficiary of this timely service of free circumcision to our children. Simple as it may seem, this have helped our soldiers and other residents within the vicinity of the camp to save money supposedly intended for availing this service. Rest assured that your soldier and the 4ID will be your constant partner in undertakings that aims to serve the people not only here but in other areas covered by the Division.” (4CMO/4ID/PA/PIA10) 

World Vision conducts voters’ education

By Mary Nathalie Soldevilla

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Apr.22 (PIA) -- World Vision Foundation, Inc. in partnership with several civic organizations conducted a Voters' Education for Good Governance training with the theme, "Hatid ng Boto ko, Pagbabago" to community-based organizations, interfaith organizations and community leaders here, April 18-19.

Among the partners of World Vision who helped in the training were Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), Malamboong Katawhan sa Katilingban sa Misamis Oriental (MAKSAKA MO, INC.) and Christian Convergence for Good Governance.

The training highlighted the basic steps on how to respond on election violations by knowing the election laws and concrete actions they could take such as the skill on writing an affidavit.

It was attended in by 30 participants coming from the different sectors in the community like NGOs, church leaders, teachers, and young people in Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Surigao del Sur.

Ryan Tampus, Project Officer for LENTE Mindanao said that the ultimate goal of their partnership was for them to reach out to the community and increase awareness on electoral process among the lay.

Aside from promoting peaceful and clean elections, the training also motivated the participants to influence voters to consider children when voting, and to choose leaders who can stand and fight for children’s rights.

“Third ang mga bata sa sector na nagkalisud gyud and sila ang pinakadagko’g population nga nagkinahangla’g services sa government, pero tungod kay dili sila maka botar, dili siya priority sa candidate ang concerns ng mga bata.” (The children are considered as the third poorest sector and they have the biggest population that needs government services but because they could not vote yet, candidates do not prioritize the concerns of the children) Maricel Vina Villar, Program Advocacy Specialist for World Vision said.

The organizers expect that out from the training, the participants will be able to relay the message and re echo it to their respective organizations and communities. The team will be in Saranggani and South Cotabato next week to conduct the same training and modules.

Launched last May 2010 Elections, “Hatid ng Boto ko, Pagbabago” is a program advocacy that seeks to promote clean, honest and credible elections, as citizens participate through an informed choice. With this, the advocacy is active in equipping people and communities in the different parts of the country on their role and responsibilities as empowered citizens during the elections. (PIA10) 

NEDA-10 conducts media forum

By Peleta B. Abejo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 21 (PIA) -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office 10 conducted a media forum last April 18 and presented the economic performance of the Northern Mindanao during the year 2012.

Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete of NEDA-10 emphasized in his presentation the positive performances noted in agricultural production, tax and customs collections) and investments.

According to him, agricultural production and tax and customs collections increased by 22 percent and 10 percent, respectively while investments went up by 39 percent compared to the previous year.

The media forum, attended by 45 media practitioners in the region, was also graced by Commissions on Elections (Comelec) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP-Area IX).

Lawyer Maria Dulce C. Banzon, assistant regional election director, reported on Comelec's preparations for the May 13, 2013 elections and explained Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act with emphasis on the lawful election propaganda.

CAAP-Area IX Airport Manager Mohamad Naga S. Rascal, on the other hand, informed the media about the April 16, 2013 press release of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announcing the postponement of the opening of the Laguindingan Airport to June 15, 2013 to avoid disrupting passengers’ travel plans over the summer.

Rascal and his technical personnel also explained the readiness of the Laguindingan Airport using the Visual Flight Rule.

NEDA-10 conducts the media forum once every quarter to facilitate information sharing on regional developments with the media practitioners. (Peleta B. Abejo/NEDA-10/APB/PIA-10

Lanao del Sur gears up for PNoy’s first visit

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 21 (PIA) -- The entire province is gearing up its preparations for the visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday, April 22.

The President is expected to arrive at around 10 a.m. at the main campus of the Mindanao State University (MSU) to grace the groundbreaking ceremony of the College of Information Technology (CIT).

Upon arrival, President Aquino will be assisted by MSU President Macapado Muslim and a representative from the Commission on Higher Education at the groundbreaking activity.

The building project is designed to improve the college’s capability in delivering its services as the IT service arm of the university.

After the groundbreaking activity, the President will meet local leaders and the community at the gymnasium of the Provincial Capitol.

President Aquino’s arrival is his first visit to the city and province since he assumed the highest post in the country in 2010. (APB/PIA10) 

DOLE-Misamis Occidental prepares for “Lakaw Ta” on May 1

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 19 (PIA) – Preparations are underway for holding the “Lakaw Ta Para sa Bata sa Tibuok Amihanang Mindanao,” in Misamis Occidental to be held on May 1.

The activity is a regionwide simultaneous walk-for-a-cause for the working children of Northern Mindanao aimed at raising funds for the identified working children and provide them with their school needs, such as, school uniforms and school supplies.

This is led by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) who champions on the advocacy campaign against child labor, Jose Robles, Provincial Director of DOLE-Misamis Occidental, said.

With a minimum donation of P20, each participant of the walk is entitled to a baler with “LAKAW TA” tagline and will have to finish the 3 kilometer walk with a prescribed route in each province.

Meanwhile, Robles said the walk will start along the Seawall of the Oroquieta City Public Plaza at 6:00 a.m., followed by a Hataw Physical Exercises and a short program.

It will be participated in by the employees of the DOLE Provincial Field Offices (PFO), government agencies (GA’s), government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC’s), the organized and unorganized workers, the informal sector workers, Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC), Career Guidance Network (CGN) and Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

Also participating are beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), Federation of Family Welfare Committees (FFWC), Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNET), Local Government Units (LGUs), business sector, private sector, schools and universities and the media.

On the other hand, Robles said DOLE-10 targets a total of 10,000 participants, regionwide and expects to reach the amount of P 200,000 as pledged by the different DOLE PFO in the region. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

CAAP clarifies issues on the opening of Laguindingan airport

By Jennica Rojas

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 19 (PIA) – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) here has clarified some issues regarding the opening of the Laguindingan airport especially on the use of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in its operation.

In a media forum initiated by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in the region on Thursday, CAAP-10 Director Moh’d Naga S. Rascal gave assurance on the safety of passengers on the new airport.

Though not yet fully-equipped, the new airport will ensure the safe take-off and landing of every flight through the use of a radio, he said.

The government earlier announced that the Laguindingan airport will be temporarily operated by CAAP this month using VFR until its air navigation equipment is fully in place by May 2014.

Rascal also pointed out that the new airport will still be operational during rainy season as long as the visibility requirement is met.

“Sa Lumbia airport pag-umuulan, the visibility is 5 miles at open naman po ang airport. Ganyan din ang mangyayari sa Laguindingan airport, maski umuulan pero ang visibility is 5 miles or more, mag-oopen po ang airport natin. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na kapag umuulan, magsasarado na yung airport, basta na meet lang yung required visibility, open po ang airport.” (In Lumbia airport the visibility is 5 miles and the airport is still open. The same thing in Laguindingan airport, even if it rains as long as the visibility is 5 miles or more the airport will open. It doesn’t mean that if it is raining, the airport will be closed. As long as it meets the required visibility the airport is open), he said.

He further invited media to a dry run at the Laguindingan airport on April 23 to witness the testing of the airport using small private airplanes.

Meantime, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) decided to defer opening of the new airport to June 15, this year, to ensure the convenience of passengers during the summer season. (Jennica Rojas/APB/PIA10) 

Comelec Law Department to issue certificates of exception

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Apr. 18 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given its Law Department the responsibility for evaluating requests for issuances of Certificates of Exception of projects from the public works ban.

Per Comelec Resolution No. 9660, promulgated last March 22, the Director of the Comelec Law Department shall issue the Certificate of Exception should the requests conform to the guidelines set in this Resolution and is authorized to charge a certification fee P500 per request.

Written requests for the issuance of said certificates, however, must be accompanied by the documentary requirements enumerated in Sections 2 to 6 of Resolution 9660 depending on the nature of the public works project subject of the request.

Particularly, these requests include the following: Maintenance of existing and/or completed public works project, public works projects undertaken by contract through public bidding or by negotiated contract awarded, before 29 March 2013.

Payment for the usual cost of preparation of public works project for working drawings, specification of bills of materials and estimates, purchase of materials and equipment, and other procedures preparatory to actual construction.

All incidental expenses for wages of watchmen and other laborers employed for such work in the central office and field storehouses before 29 March 2013.

Emergency work necessitated by the occurrence of a public calamity but limited to the restoration of the damaged facility.

Ongoing public works projects started before the campaign period or other similar projects under foreign agreements.

However, the prohibition against the issuance, use and availment of treasury warrants or any device undertaking future delivery of money, goods, or other things of value chargeable against public funds from March 29, 2013 to May 13, 2013 under Sec. 261 of the Omnibus Election Code shall remain without exception. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)