NPA attacks police station in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Dec. 12 – Approximately 100 fully armed New People’s Army (NPA) attacked Kibawe Municipal Police Station in Bukidnon, today, December 12, at 4:20 a.m.

According to PCSupt Catalino B Rodriguez Jr, Regional Director, Police Regional Office (PRO)-10, the incident resulted to the death of Senior Police Officer (SPO) 3 Rodelfin Alonzo and three others wounded: Police Officer (PO) 3 Jona Roban, PO2 Elizer Lacoste and PO2 Johnrey Mañigo.

After a brief firefight, the NPA withdraw towards barangay Tumaras of Kibawe town on board eight private vehicles: six Toyota Hilux, one Mitsubishi Strada pick-up and a Toyota Grandia van. Carted firearms are seven M16 Riffles, three caliber pistols and three 9mm pistols.

Immediately after the incident, PSSupt Glenn dela Torre, Acting Provincial Director, Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (PPO) together with troops from Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) 10 and Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) Bukidnon, conducted pursuit operation.

Upon reaching sitio Panamtapan, barangay Midkawayan, Damuluy, Bukidnon the pursuing troops were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was planted at the road side.

There was no casualty on the responding troops, but the vehicle was hit by shrapnel.

PNP troops are still conducting pursuit and clearing operation in the area. (PSupt Michael M Pareja/PRO/PIA)

Camiguin eyes to pool community kitchen volunteers

By Jorie C. valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, December 12 (PIA) – The provincial government here eyes on organizing and training volunteers, next year, to man the community kitchens in times of calamities.

The local government unit intends to harness at least 25 community volunteers for each of the identified evacuation sites around the province.

Social Worker Zenaida M. Cainglet said the team will automatically man the evacuation centers and take charge of the goods downloaded by the local disaster risk reduction management council (DRRMC), facilitating an orderly flow of food and goods inside the evacuation site.

To date, there were about 49 identified evacuation centers in the island that are expected to be served.

Meanwhile, the provincial DRRMC also conducted recently a public hearing on Disaster Risk Reduction / Climate Change Adaption – Enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (DRR/CCA-PDPFP) for the year 2013-2020. (JCV/PIA)

DepEd-Tangub sends delegation to the 2013 NMRAA Meet

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Education, Division of Tangub City sent a delegation of 254 persons to the 2013 Palarong Pampook or the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) Meet.

Hosted by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, the 2013 NMRAA Meet is set from Dec. 13-17, 2013, at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) in Pigcarangan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Dr. Victoria V. Gazo, Schools Division Superintendent of Tangub and head of the delegation, said.

Local school board chairpersons, particularly Provincial Governors and City Mayors, from the region’s five (5) provinces and nine (9) cities, have been invited to attend the Opening Ceremonies at MCC, on Dec. 13, at 2:00 p.m.

This annual sports activity aims to select qualified and competitive athletes to represent NMRAA in Palarong Pambansa or the National Athletic Association Meet (NAAM) 2014.

It also promotes the value of sportsmanship during the games and foster teamwork and camaraderie among the athletes in the entire duration.

In conformity with the Palarong Pambansa standards and in adherence to Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as “The Ecological Waste Management Act,” the activity shall observe Clean, Green and Eco-friendly activities.

Meanwhile, Gazo said these numbers of delegates from Tangub already include the game officials, medical and dental personnel, kitchen personnel, coaches, trainers and qualified athletes.

She said among these game officials are the Dean of Discipline, Accountant Cashier, Purchaser/Inspector, Supply Officer, Regional Screening Officer, Division Record Officer and Documentation Officer.

Also included are the Athletic Managers and their assistants, Training and Camp Directors, Sports Coordinators, Athlete Chaperons, and members of the Transportation Committee and Marketing Team. 

On the other hand, Gazo said the sports events to be participated by the Tangub delegation are as follows: Elementary - Athletics, boys and girls, Baseball, Chess, boys and girls, Softball, Swimming, boys and girls, Taekwando, boys and girls,  and Tennis, boys, only.

Secondary: Athletics, boys and girls, Archery, boys and girls, Baseball, Basketball, girls, Chess, boys and girls, Softball, Swimming, boys and girls, Table Tenis, boys and girls, Taekwando, boys and girls,  and Tennis, boys and girls. (RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Misamis Occidental holds lantern contest for Typhoon Yolanda survivors

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Dec. 12 (PIA) – The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental (PGMO) launched a Christmas Parol/Lantern Display Contest to raise funds for the Typhoon Yolanda survivors in the Visayan region.

With the central theme of “Pag-inambitay, Paghinigugmaay, Atong Kalipay! (Sharing and Loving: Our Happiness),” the contest is open to individuals, organizations, business establishments, schools, etc. in the province.

Governor Herminia M. Ramiro said participants of the contest are encouraged to donate a minimum of P300, as registration fee, all proceeds of which will be donated to the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda and to use materials at their expense and choice.

The main body of the display entry must be not less than one meter long and not more than three meters wide and displayed at the designated areas identified by PGMO.

Meanwhile, the installation of the Lantern/Parols started last Dec.6, highlighted by an “All You Can Eat,” dinner event for P150 per person, followed by a fireworks display and a live band concert at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, during which time the first judging took place.

Final judging will be on Dec. 20, 2013, based on the following criteria: Originality/ creativity/artistry, 30 percent, relevance to the theme, 20 percent, harmony and color combination, 30 percent and durability and improvements, 20 percent.

Prizes of the contest are as follows: 1st place, P7,000, 2nd place, P5,000, 3rd place, P3,000 and 10 consolation prizes of P500, each from the 4th to the 13th places, Governor Ramiro added. (RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

NYC holds youth forum in MisOr

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 11 – The National Youth Commission (NYC) this city conducted its 2nd Northern Mindanao Youth Forum on Leadership to 246 School Student Government (SSG) officers of national high schools in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

In partnership with Bridging Leaders for Sustainable Development Inc., this forum was held in the covered court of DG Sabal National High School on November 28.

The aim was to help inspire young leaders in the area to continue being good youth leaders and inform them of the issues affecting the sector, the possible solutions to these problems and the understanding of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Further, it aimed to help the student leaders come up with a localized action plan, based on their Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP), to help solve the youth issues in their municipality.

On the other hand, as one of the growing concerns of the youth today, Juliet Cagaanan of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) region 10 presented the ill effects of drugs and substance abuse.

NYC also discussed the Commission’s priority youth programs and how the different youth serving national government agencies provide services for young people as prescribed under PYDP 2012-2016.

The said forum is at the second of a series, led by the Northeastern Mindanao Cluster Head, Evanesa Pasamba and initiated and facilitated by an active youth organization headed by youth leader James Gregor Asuelo. (NYC/PIA10)

DDG Songco graces 99^th RDC-X meeting in Tangub City

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) --- Deputy Director General (DDG) Margarita R. Songco of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Development Office graced the 99th Full Council meeting of the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) held on December 5, 2013 in Tangub City-the Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines.

In her message, DDG Songco expressed appreciation of the RDC members’ initiatives in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR/CCA) into the physical and land use plans, recognizing these as excellent and concrete efforts in achieving a resilient Northern Mindanao.

She cited that at the national level, NEDA will continue to shepherd and capacitate the regions along DRR/CCA through a continuing and strengthened collaboration among concerned agencies and ODA communities to complement the needed resources in reducing the country’s vulnerabilities.

Presided over by RDC-X Vice-Chair Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr. of the NEDA Region X, the Council approved the 2013-2040 DRR/CCA-Enhanced Regional Physical Framework Plan for Northern Mindanao.

The body also adopted the Climate Change Information System for Planning (CRISP) which aims to enhance climate change and disaster risk assessments through a systematic sharing of geospatial information for planning and decision-making.

RDC-X also expressed support to the DRR/CCA-enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans (PDPFPs), 2013-2018 of the region’s five provinces (Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental) as well as the DRR/CCA-enhanced Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) of Valencia, Iligan and Cagayan de Oro Cities. These documents have been endorsed by the RDC-X’s Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) in its meeting last December 3 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Also endorsed were the Laguindingan Airport Development, Operations and Maintenance Project proposed by the DOTC to be implemented through a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) scheme and the Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan de Oro River (FRIMP-CDOR) to mitigate the flood risks in the Cagayan de Oro River Basin through structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures.

The Council also approved the proposals along road network development and disaster mitigation projects of the Municipality of Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental for inclusion in the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP). These disaster mitigation projects are aimed at ensuring zero casualties and preventing damages to lives, properties, crops and livestocks during calamities.

Tangub City Mayor Philip T. Tan, who hosted the meeting, thanked the members and guests for coming over not only for the meeting but also to witness the city’s 21st Christmas Symbols Festival.

With this year’s theme “Christmas Around the World,” the Christmas Symbols Festival highlight captivating displays of Christmas lights. It opened last December 1 and will be on display until January 8, 2014.

Tan also shared Tangub City’s best practice of ensuring scholarship opportunities for deserving students and the city’s perspective of maintaining a laid back position to serve as a rest and recreation city.

The meeting ended with a Christmas fellowship with the RDC-X members and the Secretariat. (PBA, DRD/NRO-X/PIA10)

GAD projects in Oroquieta City reach P12.871 million in third quarter

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Dec. 11 (PIA) – The city government spent at least P12.871 million for its Gender and Development (GAD) Projects, as of the third quarter, this year.

Topping the list of GAD Projects, in terms of expenditure, is the repair and maintenance of city/barangay roads and bridges, implemented by the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) under the infrastructure facilities/projects (IFP) in the amount of P2.64 million, Mayor Jason P. Almonte said.

Almonte, however, said most of the GAD projects were implemented by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Health Office (CHO), Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and the City Mayor’s Office (CMO).

Meanwhile, the other GAD Projects in the city, included  honoraria for day care workers, under its social services program (SSP), in the amount of P2.64 million and assistance to individuals in extremely difficult circumstances, also under the SSP with P2.06 million.

It also covered purchases of drugs and medicines, P1.6 million, while honoraria for barangay health workers under the health promotions program (HPP) amounted to P1.53 million and for child and youth welfare programs is P330,000.00.

Repair and maintenance of artesian wells, reservoir and pumping stations, under the Water Supply Project (WSP) is P330,000, while disbursements for Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) is P300,000, for the Program for the Elderly is P286,000, and  the purchase of medical, dental and laboratory supplies amounted to P275,000.

Other expenses under GAD projects are honoraria of barangay nutrition scholars (BNS), P248,400, subsidy to barangays for women’s month celebration, P235,000, family welfare program, P165,000 and Program for Persons with Disability, also P165,000, other GAD programs, P123,750, and women’s welfare program, P82,500. (RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

DepEd-Misamis Occidental bares list of 2013 Outstanding Personnel

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Dec. 11 (PIA) – The Department of Education, Division of Misamis Occidental (DepEd-Mis. Occ.) bared the list of  its  2013 outstanding teaching and non-teaching personnel. 

Awarding of these outstanding educational leaders and achievers will be done during the 2013 Regional SBM General Assembly Cum Education Week Celebration and Research Congress in Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, from Dec. 11-12, this year, Dr. Jonathan S. Dela Peňa, Schools Division Superintendent, said.

These awardees are: Eva A. Macalisang, Outstanding Elementary School Master Teacher,  Lakambini N. Sisi, Outstanding Secondary Master Teacher, Ruth D. Ng, Outstanding Elementary School Head, and Melchesidick Q. Bolanio, Outstanding Secondary School Head. 

Edgar B. Adlaon, Sr., Outstanding Education Program Supervisor,  Dr. Elmo B. Serano, Outstanding Non-Teaching Personnel,  and Best in Summer Reading Camp, Calamba NHS, for the secondary and Liloan CS for the elementary level.

Also recognized for their School-Based Management (SBM) are the following: Junedith G. Catalon, Liloan Central School (CS), Bonifacio West District, Minerva Barola, Sinacaban CS, Sinacaban District, Ruth D. Ng, Jimenez CS, Jimenes District, Tita Pita Bago, Calamba CS, Calamba District and Margarita L. Ruben, Clarin National High School (NHS).

Meanwhile, Dela Peňa said the assembly will be highlighted by the Writing and Speaking Skills Competition Festival (Comfest), in three (3) categories, namely: teachers, school heads and supervisor.

The Speaking Skills Competition will be held at Pearlmont Hotel and the Writing Skills Competition at the Regional Education Learning Center (RELC), in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Dela Peňa said, so far, he has issued a travel order to more than 50 teaching personnel from DepEd-Mis. Occ. who will participate in the Comfest, particularly in News Writing, Editorial Writing and Feature Writing, in English and Filipino, Memorandum Writing, English, and Impromptu, Humorous and Prepared Speech, also in English.(RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

JICA turns over rehabilitation project to COWD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 12 (PIA) – The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) turned-over on Thursday, December 12, the newly completed P40.9 million rehabilitation project to Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD).

It covers restoration of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Sendong. The works include  replacement of vertical turbine pumps with submersible pumps; installation of generating sets to the affected production wells; replacement of laboratory equipment with the new biosafety cabinet and chlorinating set and replacement of 5,562 damaged water meters in 13 barangays-Macasandig, Balulang, Barra, Bonbon, Kauswagan, Iponan, Bulua, Carmen, Pagatpat, Consolacion, Puntod, Canitoan and Burgos.

COWD for its part has lifted the roof of the old booster station in order to elevate the conductor copper cables donated by JICA. Existing transformers were also elevated upon the advice of JICA’s Sakiyama-san.

A platform at the new booster station was also installed for the control panel. Control panels at the Macasandig and Balulang Production Wells were elevated as well.

With the rehabilitation work in place, COWD expects better resiliency in its operations especially in times of calamities and better service to the water consumers in the city.

The turn-over was highlighted with the ceremonial switch-on of the booster pump and the signing of the deed of donation. (COWD/JCV/PIA)

Illegal firecrackers task force sets MOA signing

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 12 (PIA) – Establishing a stronger position for the Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing is set on Monday, December 16 at the city hall, enjoining as well the support of the Cagayan de Oro City Mayor, Oscar S. Moreno.

The Task Force is an inter-agency advocacy, partnership and cooperation to boost the campaign against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the region.

This was conceptualized in early 2009 by the Department of Health (DOH) region 10 in response to the rising occurrence of firecracker related accidents.  

The agency issued a regional special order to team up with key government offices and media establishments to augment the campaign.

Over the years it continued to conduct several activities like information dissemination campaigns, monitoring of commercial establishments selling illegal firecrackers and assisting the PNP in the confiscation and destruction of seized items.

The ceremonial singing on Monday will formalize and renew the members’ commitment to the campaign.

The Task Force membership includes the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government 10 (DILG), Police Regional Office (PRO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fire Protection Regional Headquarters (BFP), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd), Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro. (JCV/PIA)

Camiguin posts high distribution in durian and lanzones seedlings

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, December 11 (PIA) – Durian tops the distribution rate among high value crops procured outside the province.

High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of the Provincial Agriculture’s Office (PAO) latest available report recorded a total of 406 seedlings distributed here, for the month of October.

Durian posted more than half of the sales which totaled to 217 pieces, closely followed by mangosteen and rambutan.

Native lanzones seedlings, meanwhile, continue to post the highest sale for locally produced seedlings.

Agriculturist, Crescencio L. Loquellano reports a total of 1,181 fruit and forest trees ornamental seedlings distributed for the same month. Native lanzones remains on the top spot, followed still, by the grafted lanzones variety.

Two model farms are currently established and planted with 150 durian and 200 longkong lanzones seedlings in Lawigan, Catarman and Quiboro, Mambajao, respectively.  

Replacement of dead mangoes and durian seedlings were likewise initiated by PAO in all newly established farms. (JCV/PIA)