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Cagayan de Oro City Photo Gallery

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Interactive Google Satellite Map of Cagayan de Oro City
Misamis oriental cagayan de oro.png
Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Public market of cagayan de oro city misamis oriental.JPG
Cagayan de Oro City Public Market
Cagayan de oro city river.jpg
The river of cagayan de oro city
Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral cagayan de oro 01.jpg
St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Limketkai Center Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.jpg
Flood Waters in the streets of Cagayan de Oro City
Cagayan de Oro City buildings.jpg
Cagayan de Oro City Buildings
Terminal bus of bulua cagayan de oro city misamis oriental.JPG
Bus Terminal, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1461354183599

By (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- The Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro AIDS Network in coordination with the City Health Office held a poster-making contest in observance of the World AIDS Day at the City Tourism Hall.

Seven students from Lumbia National High School, Capitol University Basic Education, Gusa Regional Science High School, Cagayan de Oro National high School, Lourdes College High School, Corpus Christi School and Agusan National High School competed in the competition. The contest was open for all public and private high schools in the city.

Dr. Joey Retuya, Social Hygienic Clinic-STI/HIV and AIDS Surveillance Officer of City Health Office said the activity is conducted to “give correct information on how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and prevented.”

With this year’s theme, “Getting to Zero,” the posters should be able to highlight the three targets of the Department of Health namely, Zero New HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero related to HIV/AIDS death.

The contest was limited to 25 participants who were required to use oil pastel only and 18X22 inch illustration board.

Announcement of the winners will be held on December 1, 2012 during the culminating activity of the celebration at Kiosko Kagawasan, 2p.m.







Dads back 'Pradyek Tiniil' Program

By (CdeOSP/PIA10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 29 -- City Hall is supporting a program that aims to raise 100,000 pairs of slippers for pupils in the different schools of Cagayan de Oro.

At the City Council regular session Tuesday presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas, legislators adopted a resolution supporting “Pradyek Tiniil: Putting our feet on their ground” which will be held at 1 p.m. on November 30.

It was learned that the program is being spearheaded by Partner’s Management in cooperation with volunteers from various organizations such as Couples for Christ – Gawad Kalinga Community, Pilipinas Natin, Gawad Kalinga, and other non-government organizations with volunteers from corporate partners such as BMW, KIA Motors, Sun Cellular, and SM Cagayan de Oro and also students from different high schools, colleges, and universities.

The activity aims to showcase the spirit of Bayanihan in the city.






Councilor hits ‘misquoted news report’

By Nicole J. Managbanag


A CITY councilor cried foul over alleged “misquoted reports” regarding issues on the payment of the private company tasked to collect Cagayan de Oro City’s garbage.

Councilor President Elipe said the problem with some media is that they publish “misquoted reports to craft misinterpretations to their readers.”

Elipe is referring to a headline of a newspaper quoting that the garbage deal had no approval from the City Council. He said the news report has created an issue.

Based on the report, Elipe said Basura at Iba Pa and the City Government entered into a contract without the City Council’s go signal and that Mayor Vicente Emano, being the local chief executive, has used the funds intended for the General Services Office to pay the firm without again permission from the City Council.

But Elipe clarified that the Local Government Code gives the local chief executive the power to enter into procurement contracts even without the authority of the Council.

“This power of the local chief executive is pursuant to the law, which is sanctioned by the local government code,” he said.

Elipe said accordingly, once a budget for a particular procurement contract is already authorized by the Council via an annual or supplemental appropriation ordinance, the chief executive no longer needs to secure any further authorization from the Council.

Recently, the City Council deliberated on the 2013 annual budget and discussed the P60 million appropriation as supposed payment to Filipino-Chinese businessman Roland Ramos, who owns Basura at Iba Pa.

Elipe said to set the record straight, the garbage project had undergone “fair bidding” in October last year and the contract was awarded to Basura at Iba Pa in December “for its consistency in collecting the city’s garbage.”

“That is why the City Council has appropriated a budget for the payment next year. The writer of that article should come up with facts and not twist the issue, making it appear like we are not abiding with the protocol being mandated by law,” he said.

Elipe said the City Council also has limitations since its role is only to legislate and approve ordinances.

During the budget deliberation, Councilors Edgar Cabanlas and Roger Abaday questioned the P60 million appropriation, citing it was made without the consent of the City Council.

But Elipe said both Cabanlas and Abaday have already identified on where the amount will go during the deliberation.

“The appropriation is very practical because the City Government can save on expenses, unlike before when it was not yet privatized, the city spent a lot by purchasing additional dump trucks, payment of employees and gasoline expenses. Now, we are only charged per cubic meter of garbage collected, which is cheaper,” he said.

Meanwhile, City Councilor Adrian Barba said writers should verify first their sources before publishing their articles so as not to ruin the credibility of their sources.

“Lessons have learned here,” Barba said.






Cagayan de Oro, gov't agencies to create flood forecasting, warning center

By (LCR/CdeOSP-PIA 10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 27 -- A memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be forged between the city government, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) for the establishment of a Flood Forecasting and Warning Center. The city will provide the lot for the Cagayan de Oro Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (CDORFFWC), which will serve as the hub for all flood forecasting and warning activities for the Cagayan de Oro River Basin and all its tributaries and allied rivers. It will likewise assist the Pagasa-DOST team in establishing the Center; enter into a cost-sharing scheme with the concerned agencies in the construction of the Center and in the establishment of a monitoring network. The city will also assist Pagasa-DOST in the conduct of operation and maintenance activities of the monitoring stations, among others. For its part, the DOST-10 will assist in all the activities such as the site survey, hydrographic survey and the conduct of information and education campaign and assist in the conduct of monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of hydrometeorological hazards in the city. Meanwhile, pursuant to the MOA, Pagasa-DOST will design and identify strategic location of the monitoring facilities such as the Automatic Weather Station, Rain Gauge Stations, and Water Level Monitoring Stations and install the monitoring facilities and provide Pagasa information packages such as weather, flood and climate flood advisories and bulletins, astronomical information to the city. It will likewise take charge of the overall operation of the River Center and the operation and maintenance of monitoring facilities, including the yearly calibration of the installed equipment.

Cagayan de Oro, gov't agencies to create flood forecasting, warning center

By bworldonline.com


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The city of golden friendship saw intense competition as veteran runner Jeff Sotto renewed a staunch rivalry with four-time regional champion Arnold Unabia at the 36th Milo Marathon Cagayan de Oro race yesterday.

Three-time Milo marathon king Cresenciano Sabal also graced the 21-k tracks to wrap the top three cast of the men’s division race. The rivals treated spectators to a thrilling showdown of agility as they fought to win the last qualifying leg of the season.

Sotto stopped the clock at a commendable 1:13:10, barely beating Unabia (1:13:41) and Sabal (1:13:55).

The distaff division also saw a heated race unfold as Aileen Tolentino dominated the 21-k track at 1:30:39 ahead of Michelle Ann Sampang (1:31:16) and last year’s regional champion Cresabel Cadion (1:35:45).

Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive National High School (MOGCHS) earned double wins in the Biggest Delegation and Fastest Delegation awards. MOGCHS posted a total of 1,177 finishers and an aggregate time of 23:50.45 besting other participating schools.

Media killings: Lessons in impunity, protection

By J.B. Deveza


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—WHEN broadcaster James Licuanan was shot and seriously wounded a day after journalists nationwide commemorated the second anniversary of the Ampatuan Massacre last year, Licuanan, or his assailants, wouldn’t have known that the case would validate what many in media have been saying all along—the culture of impunity lingers. The attack on Licuanan is typical of the many cases of assaults on journalists in the Philippines that peaked after martial law under the rule of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but continued under the reign of her successor, who had vowed to be the opposite of Arroyo, President Aquino. Licuanan was on the way home past 9 p.m. on Nov. 24 last year when two men sharing a motorcycle ride came and began firing their guns at him. That Licuanan would be attacked, to people who knew him, had been a question of how and when, not why. He had used his program, called Bombohanay Bigtime on radio network Bombo Radyo, to launch a flurry of attacks against crime syndicates that operated with impunity in Cagayan de Oro. It was not a surprise that, soon enough, he would receive threatening text messages on his mobile phone. He didn’t take them seriously, though.

Danger zone Licuanan is among few journalists who had been routinely attacking the operations of drug syndicates in Cagayan de Oro and elsewhere. Many others steered clear of the subject knowing all too well that it is a danger zone. In October 2011, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) launched a campaign here to help journalists identify threats and their sources long before these take the form of motorcycle-riding assassins. NUJP called it risk map and database. Pieces of information that could help journalists cope with threats are culled from the experiences of veteran and rookie print, TV and radio journalists. Small groups of journalists are assembled and the discussion focuses on which subjects of news reporting are likely to become sources of threats, among them illegal drugs and illegal gambling. After its launching here, the campaign has gone to three other cities—Zamboanga, Butuan and Kidapawan. Feedback from the discussions were nearly identical in all four areas where the campaign was launched—reporting on corruption, crimes and political feuds are the biggest sources of threats to journalists. See no evil One troubling thought, however, also emerged from the discussions. Many journalists, especially those far from urban centers, believe that the best way to avoid threats, or physical harm, is simply to avoid reporting on subjects like crimes and corruption of officials. While ways have been devised to protect local journalists, such as printing their stories without bylines, these have not guaranteed the safety of media men. “It is difficult to pinpoint the source of threats when reporting on illegal activities,” a Zamboanga City TV reporter said. “Often, police, local politicians, businessmen and criminal syndicates are in cahoots,” said the reporter, who requested anonymity. Research work done by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has identified crime as one of two topics that generate threats to journalists reporting on them. The other one is corruption in government. According to the CPJ, 35 percent of journalists killed worldwide since 1992 covered these two topics. “Local reporters pay the highest price,” the CPJ said in a report. “Nearly nine out of 10 journalists killed worldwide are journalists reporting on issues in their own community,” said the group. “Self-censorship in many nations is common because of extreme risks,” it said. Persistence Journalists are likely to continue reporting on these subjects, however, despite the risks. The CPJ report is backed by findings by the NUJP’s safety office. Consider these cases: In March 2009, radio journalist Nilo Labares was shot and seriously wounded in Cagayan de Oro. He had been commenting on illegal gambling. Rodge Cultura, a local ABS-CBN reporter, and Sassie Babar, a reporter of radio network RMN, have received threats for reporting on illegal logging in Butuan City. Licuanan’s case is the latest. On Nov. 11, 2011, two media workers in General Santos City were killed—Alfredo Velarde Jr., circulation manager of a local newspaper, and Christopher Guarin, reporter of another local paper. Their killings are widely believed to be the work of crime syndicates in General Santos but police have yet to make progress in their investigation. Among the things that make local journalists more vulnerable to attacks is the size of the news outfits that they belong to. Journalists in the provinces often work for small organizations that have little, or no, capacity to protect their staffers. Often, journalists under threat have little or no support from their organizations. This led to another troubling idea that surfaced in the NUJP discussions—that journalists should arm themselves. One encouraging result of the discussions is the commitment of journalists to keep reporting on so-called danger topics despite the risks of doing so.

Protection Some of the possible protective measures identified in the NUJP campaign is to identify who among law enforcers can be trusted; collaborate on reports regarding so-called dangerous topics and establish links with civil society, church and other groups. Top local media officials met in this city early this year to discuss another dangerous topic—illegal mining. The discussion was prompted by threats received by Nef Luczon, former GMA 7 reporter who suffered harassment while doing a story on illegal mining in an upland village of this city. Following the threats, groups of journalists here decided that it was best to set aside professional rivalry and report on illegal mining together. “The coverage has run for several weeks now but no other journalist has been threatened,” said Cong Corrales, freelance correspondent of several local and national media outfits. “We are keeping our fingers crossed,” he said.

USAID, BPI offer financing options for SMEs

By Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 24 -- Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the cities of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo have another financing option to grow their businesses.

A $35-million credit facility was launched recently by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and the BPI Family Savings Bank (BFSB).

"We hope that this facility will expand access to capital for Filipino entrepreneurs to allow them to improve and expand their businesses," said USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele in a business conference.

She earlier said that the credit facility would help reduce SME collateral requirements and allow entrepreneurs to explore new markets.

Steele said the eight-year facility is intended to encourage lending to SMEs in cities outside Metro Manila that were selected in USAID Cities Development Initiative (CDI).

After piloting the credit facility in the cities of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo, it will be scaled and expanded to additional cities in subsequent years.

Steele expressed optimism that this increased access to credit would encourage the creation of more businesses and translate to more income and employment opportunities for Filipinos.

An integral part of the U.S-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG), the CDI aims to develop secondary cities as economic growth areas.

"Cities can serve as centers for industrial production, delivery of essential services, marketing and distribution points, and gateways for trade and investment that effectively link the rural sector to the urban economy," said Steele.

Apart from this credit facility, the USAID CDI is supporting high-growth industries in the area of human resource development in a bid to promote economic growth.

Steele said the agency has partnered with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) to provide support to establish or strengthen industry-academe partnerships in the CDI sites.

"Not only will this address the gap between market demand and skills production, this will also spur science, technology and innovation, especially in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors," she said. (Danielle Venz/PhilExport/PIA10)

Journalists hold Impunity Funeral March today

By Abigail C. Malalis


THE members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines – Cagayan de Oro Chapter (NUJP-CDO) will be holding an Impunity Funeral March today, Friday, in commemoration of the third year of the gruesome Maguindanao massacre.

The march will start at the Kiosko Kagawasan at 3:30 p.m. and ends at the Press Freedom Monument.

The march is a nationally coordinated protest action led by different chapters of NUJP to commemorate the worst single attack on journalists in the recent Philippine history.


The protest action has also gained support from the International Press Freedom and free expression groups as they have declared November 23 as International day Against Impunity.

The groups said aside from the massacre that killed 32 journalists in one single attack, the killings and attacks against Filipino journalists remain unabated.

In a statement, NUJP national chairperson Nestor Burgos Jr. said the International Federation of Journalists, Committee to Protect Journalists, Unesco and other groups will also release statements and hold activities in solidarity with Philippine media organizations.

To date, 152 journalists have been killed since 1986.

The families of massacre victims together with the local media will also hold a funeral procession in General Santos carrying 58 mock coffins, which is set to end at the Forest Lake cemetery where a Mass will be held.

Among the activities lined by the NUJP-CDO chapter was a forum on “Stopping The Killings, Ending Impunity: A Forum on the Ampatuan Massacre and Other Issues,” which was held Thursday at Xavier University.

The forum aimed to strengthen the media’s cry against oppression in the Philippines.

Every 23rd of the month, members of the media in Cagayan de Oro commemorate the gruesome massacre through a Mass and candle lighting.

Because of this, Regional State Prosecutor Jaime Umpa is encouraging other media organizations in the country to replicate how the city’s journalists habitually honor and remember those who are killed in the massacre every 23rd day of the month.

“Other media groups should also make a sound to magnify their call for justice, to make the government aware that the media means business in their call. As the saying goes, the more you make a sound, the more they will be pressured,” Umpa said.

He said the case has been delayed since the prosecution panel had a hard time cross examining the witnesses.

“If we follow the old process, it would take another century to give closure to the case. But the united protest of all media is a powerful tool. The magnitude of its voice would put pressure to the government and the people handling the Maguindanao case,” Umpa said.

On November 23, 2009, some 200 armed men blocked a convoy carrying family members and supporters of Maguindanao province gubernatorial candidate Esmael Mangudadatu on their way to file Mangudadatu’s certificate of candidacy for the 2010 elections.

Fifty-eight people including 20 relatives and supporters of Mangudadatu, 32 journalists and media workers, and six passersby of the Ampatuan highway were brought to a hill, ordered them out of their vehicles, and shot them all.

The massacre, the worst in recent Philippines history, resulted in charges against senior members of the Ampatuan family, which controlled Maguindanao province for more than two decades.

The family ruled through a private army of 2,000 to 5,000 armed men comprised of government-supported militia, local police and military personnel.

Mangudadatu stood as the strongest political rival of the Ampatuans thus the plot to stop him from running, witnesses said in one of the trials.

Mangundadatu is the current governor of the province.

At least 197 identified suspects belonging to the Ampatuan clan were charged in court including senior members of the clan who are currently in jail and on trial.

But of the number, many are still at large and only 99 have been arrested and 81 have been indicted. One of the jailed suspects died while one was released after charges were dropped against him. (With reports from Nicole J. Managbanag)

City Hall employees to get 4th tranche of wage hike

By www.sunstar.com.ph


CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano has reportedly recommended the approval of the fourth and last tranche of salary increase for City Hall employees under Republic Act 6758 or the Salary Standardization Law.

City Councilor Simeon Licayan, chair of the committee on finance, said the salary increase was already incorporated into the General Fund’s projected budget of P1.98 billion for 2013.

Licayan said before the end of the year, they are through with the deliberation of the budget so that the City Council can enact an ordinance for the salary increase, to be approved by the Department of Budget and Management.

He said the City Government has allotted P30 million for the fourth tranche of the increase.

Aside from the salary increase, Licayan said City Hall employees will also receive the remaining P2,500 of their P5,000 cash gift allowance.

The P2,500 was already given early this year. (NJM)






6 hurt in Cagayan de Oro grenade blast

By www.philstar.co


MANILA, Philippines - Six people were hurt in a grenade explosion in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday morning.

Police said that the grenade was lobbed at a lending company's office in Barangay Lapasan at around 7:00 a.m.

Initial reports said that a policeman was among those injured. All of the victims were rushed to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center.

Police have yet to identify the grenade thrower.






Relocation Houses

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its commitment to help the indigent community folks and internally displaced persons (IDP’s) in Northern Mindanao, President Benigno S. Aquino lll released fund for the construction of at least 3,000 relocation houses at this region’s frontier and capital city of Cagayan de Oro.

The funding, amounting to P105 million is intended for the construction of relocation houses in a lot bought by the city government in Barangay Pagatpat here.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-Region 10) is set to turn over the amount to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano.

Meanwhile, Mayor Emano said the total amount will be given directly to the Habitat for Humanity as they are the ones who will construct the 3,000 houses that will be turned over to the internally displaced persons and indigent folks in the city.

“This way, there would be less chance of political interventions marring plans and projects intended for the city’s poor citizens,” stressed Mayor Emano.






Cagayan de Oro: City of Honest Drivers

By sunstar.com.ph


THE Department of Tourism (DOT) in Northern Mindanao, in coordination with the Cagayan de Oro Transport Cooperative (CdOTransCo), conducted a Taxi Driver’s Summit last November 6 at the atrium of SM City.

The activity was participated in by taxi drivers and operators in the city.

The one-day seminar for drivers, who are considered as front-liners, served as the venue to enhance their skills in dealing with passengers and an opportunity to address concerns about their daily operations.

Resource speakers came from different agencies such as the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Roads and Traffic Administration, Department of Transportation and Communication, DOT, Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, City Government of Cagayan de Oro and CdOTransCo.

The activity aimed to elevate the standards of services that the drivers provide, recognizing the important roles that they are playing in the tourism industry.

Several sessions and discussions on how to improve customer service, hygiene, crisis management and traffic rules and regulations were shared to create and inculcate values, maintain positive image and equip them to handle a bigger influx of tourists into the city and the region.

Also part of the seminar was the emphasis on the values of honesty and integrity of the drivers in the country.

One of the drivers of Kelco Taxi operating in the city has strengthened the foundation of honesty and integrity of Kagay-anons.

Last November 12, CdoTransCo, an organization of taxis in Cagayan de Oro City, returned an Acer laptop to the DOT office.

The laptop was left behind in the back seat of the taxi by a passenger during the rush on her way home.

Mr. Bennie Go, the taxi driver, didn’t notice the laptop because it was placed on the floor at the back seat of his taxi.

According to him, the next passenger noticed the black bag and asked him who could have left the bag inside the vehicle.

He checked the bag and he found a laptop. Thinking of the possibility that the owner would look for the laptop, he immediately coordinated with the CdoTransCo officers to help him find the owner.

The officers of the organization brought the laptop to the DOT office and coordinated on how to find its owner.

The day after, the DOT was able to contact the owner of the laptop through the information retrieved inside the bag.

Ms. Catalina Gaite, a communications director in one of the universities in the city, came over and happily claimed her laptop.

She said she left the laptop inside the taxi on her way home together with her family.

Files and reports were saved in the laptop that she has worked hard for a couple of days and how to retrieve them was her priority. But when she received a phone call informing her about her laptop, tears of joy flowed.

At the office of the DOT-Northern Mindanao, the paths of the taxi driver who returned the laptop and the owner teacher crossed. Words of gratitude abound and the recently held training was underscored. Then the honorable legend of the honest Kagay-anon driver commenced.

It can also be recalled that the director of the DOT himself, Catalino Chan, left his cellphone inside a taxi four years ago.

In similar incidents, two of his staff left behind their personal belongings and cellphones inside a taxi as well. But all items were recovered and returned to their owners complete and the soonest time possible.

These gestures only show and prove that Cagayan de Oro, indeed, is not only the City of Golden Friendship but also the City of Honest Drivers. (PR)






DSWD earmarks P105M for Cagayan de Oro relocation houses

By Raoul J. Chee Kee


The crowd that gathered last week to witness the opening of Centrio, the new Ayala Mall in Cagayan de Oro City, had been expected given how this was the company’s first mall in the southern city. What surprised this writer, however, were the two giant acacia trees lording it over the space at opposite ends of the quadrangle. The trees had been standing there for decades when the property was still owned by the Anflo Group of Companies. Now, the Centrio development is a project of Cagayan de Oro Gateway Corp., a joint-venture company between Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and the Anflo Group. When blueprints were being drawn up for the mixed-use project, the trees were always a part of it. This environmentally conscious stand of the mall was shared by officials who listed other steps they had undertaken to limit their carbon footprint. These include installing a cooling system that takes into consideration the needs of the tenants and adjusts accordingly, and a rainwater collection unit for the property’s many plants and shrubs, among others. Even the questions from local reporters did not stray from the ramifications of the 3.7-hectare project that will consist of the mall, an urban lifestyle hotel, residential condominiums and an office development. After the heartbreaking tragedy caused by Tropical Storm “Sendong” in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan last year, locals cannot be faulted for being on edge. Still, ALI president Antonino “Tony” Aquino remarked how the “unprecedented crowd at a mall opening” was proof that “Cagayan de Oro has bounced back a year after the unfortunate natural disaster.” Optimistic tenants Some of the Manila-based tenants at Centrio who attended the opening likewise expressed optimism on the success of the mall. Richard C. Santos, managing director for Esprit and Clarks, said that while the market in Cagayan de Oro might not be as big as the one in Davao, he was confident the brands they distribute will do well. “I decided to just bring in the casual line of Esprit because it is the most saleable of our three ranges that includes the Esprit collection and EDC. We believe in the potential of Ayala because their market is really our customers,” Santos said. Aside from the sight of the giant acacia trees, first-timers at Centrio might also be surprised at the huge Starbucks occupying an enviable space overlooking the quad. Unlike its other branches in Manila that are more compact, the one at the new mall is as big as a midsize restaurant. Enrique Antonio Tantoco Lopez, planning manager for store development at Rustan Coffee, told Inquirer Lifestyle that they chose to open a 170-square meter space because “coffee drinking has become part of the lifestyle of many Filipinos. They feel at home with the Starbucks brand that is celebrating 15 years in the Philippines next month.” One of the biggest local lifestyle brands is also opening a number of stores at Centrio. Bryan Lim, vice president for business development at Bench, said that aside from Bench, they are also opening Human, Kashieca, Face Shop, Cotton On and Aldo at the mall. “We have long been aware that the Cagayan de Oro market is a strong one since we have branches at the other malls in this city. We have seen how the market has grown and are excited with the opening of Centrio,” Lim said. Homegrown brands In an earlier interview, Rowena Tomeldan, ALI vice president and head of operations for commercial business group, said that whenever they open a new retail center, they make it a point to advocate 10-15 percent of local concepts. These are local brands, whether food or retail, that have grown their businesses and are ready to open at the mall. At Centrio, the list includes homegrown food merchants Bigby’s, Candy’s, Thai Me Up, Oro Shawarma, Nai Cha, SLERS and Barkadahan Grill. Candy Lu, owner of the prettily designed Candy’s, which serves savory items and sweet desserts, recounted how her confidence increased when she was approached by ALI and asked if she wanted to open at Centrio. “I only have one other branch but now, I want more people to know that they can eat at a really nice place without having to pay so much,” Lu said. The homegrown nonfood merchant list at Centrio includes Bettina, Children’s World, Mag’s, Treasures, Parasat, Hair Chemistry, I Lash Salon, Solidmark, Spacecom, Vanity Works, St. Jude Optical, Technomart and Oro Graphic. “We really allot spaces for these local brands. In fact, we want more of them to join us,” ALI’s Tomeldan said.

DSWD earmarks P105M for Cagayan de Oro relocation houses

By Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will turn over P105 million funding to start the construction of relocation houses in a lot bought by the city government in Barangay Pagatpat.

This appropriation was communicated by the DSWD to Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Y. Emano, November 7.

The mayor said the total amount is best given directly to the Habitat for Humanity as they are the ones who will construct the 3,000 houses that will be turned over to the internally displaced persons and indigent folks in the city.

This way, there would be less chance of political interventions marring plans and projects intended for the city’s poor citizens, said the mayor. (CIO/PIA10)

DSWD-10 helps Sendong survivors

By Recthie T. Paculba


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development - 10 is currently providing the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) that will augment resources of affected families who chose not to transfer to a resettlement site.

It will also allow qualified beneficiaries to purchase materials needed in constructing or repairing damaged houses as a result of tropical storm Sendong on December 2011.

According to lawyer Araceli Solamillo, DSWD-10 director, there are two types of assistance implemented in the region and these are the assistance for totally damaged houses and assistance for partially damaged houses.

For totally damaged houses, the ESA is the provision of limited housing materials or financial assistance to families; with totally damaged houses however, this does not qualify the beneficiary with the core shelter or modified shelter assistance in the absence of relocation site or with geographical considerations such as inaccessibility of transportation.

For partially damaged houses, the ESA is the provision of limited housing materials or financial assistance to families with partially damaged houses that will augment their resources in repairing their houses on site or the same location but still compliant with the safety requirements.

DSWD issues at least P5,000 but not more than P10,000 to qualified beneficiaries for the repair and reconstruction of their houses.

ESA qualified beneficiaries are the following: A family not a recipient of any other housing assistance from any other agency; families with houses that have been partially or totally damaged by Sendong and have limited resources to repair or reconstruct their permanent shelter units which compel them to live with relatives or friends, in evacuation centers, or in other makeshift shelters; a family of six whose monthly income should be below the food threshold that is P10,936 in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City; families with or without land ownership but are located in safe areas; families not willing to be resettled and chose to stay in the same location but compliant with the safety requirements.

The Department will conduct scheduled interviews of ESA beneficiaries and the latter may claim their checks at the regional office upon approval of the DSWD social worker assigned in the barangay. Schedules for the interviews will be updated by the barangay officials.

Families with houses established at no-build zones such as sitio Calacala, Isla de Oro, Isla Delta, Isla Bugnao, Isla Baksan, Tambo-Macasandig, and Isla Puntod who were informed that they can no longer go back to these areas cannot avail the ESA as they are provided with permanent shelters under the Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP).

As Solamillo emphasized, the Department gives priority to those who are included in the master list which was issued and approved by the Local Inter-Agency Committee. However, those who were not included in the master list will be accommodated after the completion of providing the ESA to those who are included in the master list. (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA10)

Investigation team created to look into EMB burglary

By pia.gov.ph


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 15 (PIA) - An independent fact-finding committee has been created by DENR 10 Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan to investigate on the burglary at the office of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) here.

Tawantawan has issued a special order creating the fact-finding committee composed of personnel from the DENR regional office. Aside from coordinating with the police, the team is expected to recommend measures on how to further secure office equipment inside the DENR 10 compound located at barangay Macabalan, this city.

Meanwhile, Tawantawan was assured by EMB regional director Sabdullah Abubacar that Central Processing Units (CPUs) were not stolen by the thieves.

It can be recalled that the DENR-EMB was victimized by unidentified thieves on November 9, 2012 carting away three (3) computer monitors, three (3) computer keyboard and three (3) computer mouse and a computer camera (webcam). The incident was reported to Police Station No. 5 of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office.

It was gathered that the police conducted initial investigation and a personnel from Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) was able to conduct fingerprint lifting since there were fingerprints left by the culprits. The DENR 10 is waiting for the result of the investigation conducted by the police. (RPAO-DENR 10/FMGM/PIA 10)






Entire family killed in Cagayan de Oro

By Bobby Lagsa


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—A family of four was killed and the bodies dumped in a septic tank at the back of their house in GSIS Subdivision in Barangay Canitoan here, police reported Wednesday. Senior Police Officer 1 Ansari Pagador, investigator of the Bulua Police Station, identified the victims as Christopher Lastimosa, his wife Leah, and their children Christian, 9 and Chanly, 6. Pagador said the bodies were discovered after Chona Pepito, Leah’s sister, reported to the police that the family had been missing since Monday. Chona said she went to the Lastimosas’ house and found Armand Abuyin, Christopher’s helper-mechanic, who claimed that the family had gone to Manila. Chona said she suspected that something was wrong when Abuyin prevented her from entering the house. With policemen, Chona entered the house at around 10 a.m. Wednesday and found bloodstains in the kitchen which led them to the toilet. Pagador said the bodies, already in a state of decomposition, were found inside the septic tank. Abuyin is now detained at the Bulua Police Station. Pagador said neighbors heard a commotion inside the Lastimosa house at dawn Monday.

P64.5M for school buildings

By Tarra Quismundo


The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has partnered with nonprofit Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in a A$1.5 million (P64.5 million) project for the reconstruction of public schools affected by deadly flash floods in Northern Mindanao in December 2011. Three schools in the disaster-stricken region were chosen to receive the assistance from the project, “Catching Up: School Building Construction for Sendong-affected Shools in Cagayan and Iligan Cities.” Beneficiary schools include Bonbon Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City, East 1 Central School and Northeast 1-A Central School, both in Iligan City, where some 6,000 students are enrolled and 200 teachers work. Tropical Storm “Sendong” damaged some P114.93 million worth of education facilities, equipment and materials in December, affecting 482 classrooms in 60 schools around Northern Mindanao, according to data from the Department of Education.

27 micro enterprises in Oro undergo seminar on DOLE’s TAV program

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA) --- Some twenty-seven (27) establishments here have participated in the Technical Assistance Visit (TAV) seminar conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Western Misamis Oriental Provincial Office, recently.

DOLE Provincial Head Rodrigo A. Deloso said owners and top management of the 27 micro enterprises attended the seminar, wrote their action plans and indicated their commitment to make their establishments better in terms of productivity and profitability.

Deloso said the seminar was aimed at orienting micro-enterprises on labor, health and safety standards, and work improvement in small enterprises (WISE).

He said establishments that undergo the TAV Program will have temporary “immunity” from regular inspection, provided they have developed worked strategies within six months to one year, leading to labor standards compliance.

The certificate of participation in the TAV warrants inspection on the conditions and benefits of workers.

DOLE inspectors will act as acting as Labor Compliance Officers during monitoring visits. They will advice and closely supervise establishments to apply good practices and standards, he said.

The establishments who participated in the seminar were Golden Era Food Chain, Inc.; Snowpy Ice Cream; RL Pharmacy; Joy Ann Drugstore; Centro Photo Shop; Claritas Enterprise; Printpage Enterprise; D’ Shoppers; International Star Jewelers Pawnshop, Inc.; Brewberry Café; Jonathan Marketing; Lovely Emms Kakanin; Cyberclub Carmen; Punchbowl Music and Booze; Mighty L & K Food’s, Inc.;

Also present were Prito De Oro, Inc.; New Leaf; Ambria Pawnshop; Ban Sabai Thai Massage; Lokal Grill and Seafood; Abrillo Furniture; Business Depot; Waphi Pharmacy; Cagayanon’s Lechon; Michael Ann Bakeshop; Mars Internet Café; and Bro’s Grill Sisig and BBQ. (Aloha Balhon-Jaudian, DOLE-MisOr West/APB, PIA-10)

Ayala Land opens new shopping mall in Cagayan de Oro

By Rochie Lou A. Embodo


CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Local consumers and those from neighboring provinces flocked at Centrio Mall last Friday as it opened its doors to the public. “This is a subset of what we have already done in Makati as we wanted to put Cagayan de Oro more prominent among the cities in Mindanao,” said Antonino T. Aquino, president of Ayala Land, Inc., during a press briefing. Centrio is a joint venture of Ayala Land and the Davao City-based Anflo Management and Investment Corp. (Anflocor).

Mr. Aquino said the city has great potential and is one of the two cities the company is giving more focus in Mindanao, aside from Davao, where the same partnership launched the upscale Abreeza Mall two years ago.

“We wanted to be part of the solution to promote economic progress,” Mr. Aquino added.

The Centrio Mall is a proof that economic progress is possible without putting the environment at risk as shown on its contemporary and unique structure, the company said in a statement.

Mr. Aquino said what makes Centrio Mall unique among all other shopping malls in the city is the preservation of old acacia trees that accentuated its landscaping and thus providing its patrons with a relaxing environment.

The management, the Ayala Land official said, also values the conservation of local culture and believes that the city has an excellent potential in tourism. “With so many positive elements in the city, we would like to encourage tourist-oriented facilities to come here,” Mr. Aquino said.

The mall is now home to over 300 establishments composed of the retail brands that have their roots in Cagayan de Oro, as well as foreign and home-grown dining concepts.

The Rustan’s fresh supermarket, which is set to open before the end of the month, is something that every Kagay-anon should look forward to as it would then be the first in Mindanao, the company official said.

Centrio Mall is located at the old Anflocor site on the national highway between the LimketKai shopping complex and Gaisano shopping mall.

It is a 3.7-hectare mixed-use, master-planned commercial community consisting of the shopping mall, an urban lifestyle hotel, residential condominiums, and an office development.

The shopping mall has 44,000 square meters of leasable space.

Known as the gateway to Northern Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro is a major Mindanao destination among local and foreign tourists.

The city is also accessible to some of the most popular tourism sites.

About an hour-and-half ride from the city proper, one can zoom through lush greenery and breathtaking views and adventures at the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon.

Forest fringed Camiguin island is also just a three-hour ferry-ride from the city port. Mayor Vicente Y. Emano said he is grateful to the people behind Centrio for putting its trust to the city as it does not only mean more investments but more jobs as well.







Cops nab wanted person

By Annabelle L. Ricalde


JOINT elements of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) City Special Operations Group and Anti-Theft and Robbery Section (CSOG/ATRS) arrested a wanted person Wednesday in Barangay Cugman.

Police Senior Inspector Harvey S. Abellanosa, CSOG/ATRS chief, said Gene T. Lambarte, a resident of Barangay Tablon in Cagayan de Oro City, was arrested around 7:00 p.m.

His arrest was made with the strength of a warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Rolando Venadas Sr. of Branch 8 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon for the crime of frustrated homicide.

Venadas recommended the amount of P24,000 for the suspect’s temporary liberty.

The suspect was temporarily detained at the Maharlika Detention cell and was committed to the RTC in Malaybalay City.

In a related development, CSOG/ATRS operatives recovered a suspected carnapped vehicle on Tuesday noon in Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

Abellanosa said they recovered a Suzuki Raider 150 motorcycle with color combinations of gray, red and black without plate number

The recovery was made after concerned barangay tanods reported to their office about the vehicle believed to be abandoned for almost 13 hours at the area crossing Barangay Patag.

Abellanosa said the motorcycle was is now under the custody of the CSOG/ATRS office for proper disposition.






4 foreigners, 11 Filipinos sued for illegal mining in N. Mindanao

By Bobby Lagsa


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Northern Mindanao has sued four foreign nationals and 11 Filipinos and their companies for alleged illegal gold mining activities along the Iponan River. MGB regional director Rex Monsanto said Friday he and lawyer Christine Lu, the bureau’s legal officer here, filed the charges before the city prosecutors’ office and the Misamis Oriental prosecutor’s office. Those charged, identified with KFNET Corp., were Koreans Kim Hyo Soeg and Kim Hyong; and Filipinos Oliver Paningbatan, Zarex Ramirez, Elmer del Rosario, Leo Ching and Onofre Contreras. On the side of the Philippine Long Sangda Mining Corp., charged were Chinese nationals Yuan Xue Song and Huang Ying Yiang; and their Filipino associates Johnry Loreja, Lucille Sy, Janette Go Sy, Roberto Buniales, Marilou Alquizar and Ivy Edong. Monsanto said the 15 were identified as directors or incorporators of the companies conducting illegal gold mining operations along the Iponan River, based on documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Monsanto said the MGB filed the complaint against KFNET at the provincial prosecutor’s office after they were able to determine through GPS tracking that the firm was operating in the Opol, Misamis Oriental side of the Iponan River. Philippine Long Sangda, on the other hand, was found to have been operating in the Cagayan de Oro side of the river, he said. Monsanto said the MGB had ordered the companies to stop their activities as early as February but they ignored it. He said the MGB had acquired pieces of evidence, including photographs and documents, which showed that the companies continued to operate despite the cease and desist order. City prosecutor Fidel Macauyag said he would carefully study the MGB complaint and help the bureau in building a strong case against the suspects based on an order given by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. De Lima was here recently and had instructed prosecutors to help in strengthening cases against illegal mining activities. Incidentally, Macauyag was the same prosecutor who dismissed the illegal mining complaint filed by the environment watchdog Sulog against two Chinese nationals last week “on the basis of technicalities.” The suspects, Zong Hengyuan and He Jiancheng, were arrested in late October by the multi-sectoral task force against mining, which included Sulog, for illegal mining activities along the Iponan River.

Mining bureau files case vs 2 mining firms

By Abigail C. Malalis and Annabelle L. Ricalde


THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) filed on Wednesday charges for violation of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, against two mining companies operating in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.

The MGB filed before the City and Provincial Prosecutors’ Office cases against KF Net Corporation and Philippine Long Sangda Mining Corp. for illegal exploration and theft of minerals.

Rex Monsanto, regional director of MGB, said the mining companies and their incorporators are also facing charges for “disobedience to authority.”

Daniel Belderol, MGB specialist, added they will also file charges against “two other identified mining companies.”

The companies’ mining barges are allegedly located and anchored along the river in Barangay Canitoan in Cagayan de Oro and in Opol, Misamis Oriental.

The cases are in connection with the arrest of two Chinese nationals late last month during a raid in a barge in Sitio Araw-Araw, Barangay Pagalungan in Cagayan de Oro City.

However, the charges were dismissed by the City Prosecutor’s Office.

City Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag said the filing of the complaint “did not carry the imprimatur by the DENR or any of its authorized representatives.”

Monsanto earlier expressed dismay over the allegations that their office has been uncooperative resulting to the dismissal of the cases.

He said they will be filing the charges but it has to be thoroughly studied and should not be speedily done.

Monsanto said that under the Philippine Mining Act, the case to be filed would only be “theft of mineral and illegal exploration.”

Macauyag said that with the DENR's filing of the case, he is optimistic “it will have enough evidences and basis.”

Amnesty International says ‘no to death penalty’ in the Philippines

By Bong Fabe


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 7, 2012) - The Nobel Peace awardee Amnesty International said Wednesday that amending the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 - as contained in House Bill 4510 - now being pushed by two lawmakers will only "open the door for the state to kill again".

The HB 4510 being pushed by Cagayan de Oro City Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, CDP) and his younger brother, Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (Abante Mindanao party list) will amend the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and add the clause: “If the violator of any of the provisions of this act is an alien, the penalty to be imposed shall be the penalty prescribed by their national law.”

Dr. Aurora Parong, Amnesty International Philippines director, said what the Rodriguez brothers are proposing is dangerous as this will allow the imposition of capital punishment if the convicted foreigner is from a country that allows death penalty.

“When we abolished the death penalty in the Philippines we have directed the Philippine state to respect the right to life of everyone, not just Filipinos. The Rodriguez brothers are opening up the door for the state to kill again and we are not allowing that. We call on our legislators to stand fast on their commitment to human life and withdraw House Bill 4510 from Congress. We call all members of the legislature not to lend their support for this bill,” Parong said.

Parong warned that Amnesty International Philippines is ready to lead massive public actions against the bill if it remains in Congress as she noted that there is a global trend towards abolition of the death penalty.

Amnesty International said that there were less people executed in 2011. An overwhelming majority of countries did not use the death penalty in 2011. Only 21 out of 198 countries carried out executions – a big decrease from that of the last decade.

Parong also urged the elder Rodriguez, who claims to be pro-life, not to waver from his opposition to the death penalty following his reported saying that “human life is sacred.”

“Human life is indeed sacred as you said; there are no ifs or buts. Please don’t waver from your anti-death penalty stand Congressmen Rodriguez,” she said.

Parong said that Amnesty’s position for all cases, regardless of crimes, remains the same: “No to death penalty.”

She said that death penalty is not a deterrent to crime and it violates the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Philippines abolished the death penalty in 2006 and President Aquino has rejected calls for the return of the death penalty.

“We have all worked hard to abolish the death penalty in the Philippines and Amnesty International is still campaigning to protect everyone around the world from state sanctioned killings. Working for ‘equity and reciprocity’ with regard to death penalty should not mean that we should execute foreigners just because Filipinos are being punished by death penalty abroad. Instead, we should all work persistently to abolish death penalty from each and every country that still sanctions state killings,” she said.

In pushing for HB 4510, the elder Rodriguez cited the cases of Filipinos who faced death penalty sentences abroad, like in China, as his reason for doing the same to foreigners in the Philippines, invoking “the rule of equity and reciprocity.”

“While there is no reason to question the laws of foreign countries, we must however ensure that our countrymen do not suffer the short end of the stick. As such, there is a need to amend our laws to ensure that foreign nationals caught violating our laws on drugs be also convicted on the harshest penalties that their national law imposes,” he said.

Amnesty International supports the UN Moratorium on Executions and is campaigning towards the abolition of the death penalty. Amnesty International Philippines has been actively campaigning against the executions in China and other parts of the world.






Berjaya turns over 200 houses in Oro

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran


BERJAYA Philippines recently turned over at least 200 houses to families who were greatly affected by Tropical Storm Sendong at the Berjaya GK Village in Upper Bolonsiri, Barangay Camaman-an in Cagayan de Oro City.

The turnover was led by Berjaya Philippines country manager Paul Soo.

Berjaya GK Village sits on a two-hectare property and was built in cooperation with the City Government of Cagayan de Oro.

Throughout the two-month construction period, Berjaya officials and employees took time out to volunteer and paint the structures, which are now homes to some 700 individuals.

Berjaya Philippines is one of the first companies to respond to the needs of the typhoon victims.

As soon as Berjaya Group's founder Tan Sri Dato Seri Vincent Tan knew about the disaster, Berjaya Philippines reached out to Gawad Kalinga and committed to build 200 homes. (PR)

DSWD-10 celebrates Children’s Month

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-10), through its children center, has participated in the observance of Children’s Month with this year’s theme “Bright Child ay Siguraduhin, Responsableng Pamamahayag ay Palalaganapin.”

Several activities in line with the celebration was held October 25 by the Home for Girls, a rehabilitation center of the DSWD-10 that helps female minors undergoing difficult circumstances.

These activities included discussions on the value of team-building and coping measures against depression; there was also a film showing of the children’s film “Lorax.”

The activities have helped them understand the essence of teamwork and how to deal with their feelings when depression arises, the participant children said.

They also said that the film “Lorax” have taught them the importance of taking care of the environment.

The DSWD is a strong advocate of children’s rights and ensures that the children enjoy a good and healthy quality of life. (EOR/APB-PIA 10/DSWD-10)

Jamaican F&B Center studes pass Tesda exam

By Nicole J. Managbanag


THE management of Jamaican Food & Beverages Center in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City congratulates its students for recently passing the NC III Food and Beverage and NC II Bartending examinations conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Technology (Tesda).

Among the students who passed the NC III Food and Beverage exam with flying colors are Ailel Ross D. Barcelona, Rhyn Heard Y. Beltra, Jearwin L. Camahalan, Glenda Mae O. Chavez, Ma. Isabelle I. Firmacion, Cherry May B. Ferrer, Aevrylle Kathryne V. Gerong, Iraine O. Gonzales, Milagros C. Gulmatico, Frederick P. Labnao, Mayla G. Leones II, Angela Joyce T. Laxamana, Emmar S. Layug, Mary Rose N. Maestrado, Felipe C. Moring, Deven Lloyd Y. Rivera, Joanna Franchesca M. Sangalang, Jeffrey L. Ochavillo, Dave M. Pairat, Lyndon A. Recera and Jeffrey N. Sumania.

Meanwhile, the passers for the NC II Bartending exam include Ma. Angela S. Banawan, Dave James R. Cagara, Angela O. Cambel, Mariel M. Claros, Amelito L. Fortun Jr., Elton John E. Gono, Gwen L. Lactao, Jurey N. Orimaco, Mark Dwayne L. Paculba, Lyndon A. Recera, Mark Anthony F. Sagut, Jeffrey N. Sumania and Richele J. Tuliao.

Renato S. Sumania, proprietor of Jamaican Food & Beverages who personally manages the center’s operations, said the students underwent a month-long rigid training at their Jamaican training café in Carmen.

Sumania said he is proud of his students for passing the Tesda exam, making them competent for their future endeavors.

“We at the Center have done our part in imparting knowledge to them that they can use in whatever plans they would do in the future,” he said.

Sumania said they aim to provide their students with bartending skills and be competent in preparing food, drinks and beverages.

He said the students can use the skills if they plan to open a café, work as a barista or are just passionate to learn about coffees to impress their love ones.

“The food and beverage course covers the making and preparation of all coffees -- from espressos to Italian style Cappuccinos,” he said.

He said they also introduce specialty Italian coffee techniques.

“Here at our training café, we really value the money our students that is why we offer invaluable tips and advices to prepare them for work and how to continue and develop their new skills,” Sumania said.

Cops warn vs water meter robbery in MisOr

By Nicole J. Managbanag


POLICE authorities in Opol town, Misamis Oriental warned residents to be on guard against bandits who steal water meters.

Police Senior Inspector Rogelio Labor said he received numerous complaints from residents in the town about cases of lost water meters since last week.

Labor said the number of complaints he received in a day would reach a minimum of five, which he claimed is very alarming.

“Based on our initial investigation, some people would be interested to steal water meters because of its high value if sold in junk shops and other buyers. We suspected that somebody is behind the series of robbery,” he said.

Labor said thieves have usually attacked during the wee hours of the morning.

“We have already checked all junk shops in Cagayan de Oro but there are no traces of stolen water meters,” he said.

Labor said he had created a task force that would investigate and go after water meter thieves in the town.

He said the task force will do foot patrol every night.

With this, Labor urged the residents to also be vigilant and report any unusual occurrences in their areas.

Police: ‘Undas’ in Oro generally peaceful

By Annabelle L. Ricalde


THE observance of All Souls’ Day in Cagayan de Oro on Friday was peaceful and orderly despite the thousands of Filipinos who flocked to the cemeteries to pay respect to their dearly departed.

Police Superintendent Antonio C. Montalba, deputy city director for administration of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), told Sun.Star that there was no significant untoward incident reported during the commemoration of “Undas.”

“Medyo gamay na ang tawo sa mga cemeteries ug luag pud kaayo ang traffic but expected na ni nga situation kay naandan naman nga sa petsa uno sa hapon paingon sa gabii ang daghan og tawo,” Montalba said.

He said police personnel and barangay tanods were guarding cemeteries to check visitors of sharp objects, liquor, and glass bottles.

Traffic enforcers were also deployed in cemeteries to facilitate traffic and enforce parking restrictions.

However, roads within the vicinity of cemeteries were still congested.

Security and police visibility were also intensified in various convergence areas such as churches, malls, transport terminals, seaport and airport.

At the Bolonsori City Cemetery in Camaman-an, barangay tanods confiscated two bottles of liquor from a group of visitors.

“Mas disiplinado na karon ang katawhan nga mosulod sa mga sementeryo especially nga daghan kaayo mga polis nagbantay so medyo careful na pud sila,” Montalba added.

He attributed the generally peaceful and orderly situation to the advance preparations laid out by police units to ensure safety of motorists, commuters and the public in general.






Oro inks sisterhood ties with Korean city

By sunstar.com.ph


THE City Government of Cagayan de Oro inked an agreement with the local government of Gwangyang in Korea on Monday to formalize the sisterhood ties of both cities.

Gwangyang Mayor Lee Sung-Woong and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano signed the friendship agreement, which was witnessed by representatives of both cities.

After the signing, both Emano and Lee formally declared the official friendship of the two cities.

The sisterhood agreement is expected to improve mutual development and prosperity based upon close cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

Pursuant to the agreement, both parties will facilitate economic exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, port logistics and business and explore new areas of cooperation in education, culture, tourism and sports through supporting friendly exchanges.

The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Gwangyang will likewise make strong effort to ensure that the mutual exchanges will bring sustainable and substantial benefits to each other through active cooperation from both governments and private sector participants

Although the mutual exchanges can be constrained by each party’s budget and legislative situations, the friendship agreement stipulates that the two cities will provide the same level of support to each other based upon the principle of mutual equality.

Emano said the sisterhood agreement with Gwangyang is a great opportunity for Cagayan de Oro to develop economic growth, provide more jobs and export products.

“This is a win-win for both cities but we can benefit more since their country is more progressive than us,” he said.

Emano recalled that at the height of Tropical Storm “Sendong,” Gwangyang immediately sent help and donated money to build houses for the victims.

“I hope that our ties with Korea will form a lasting friendship that would lead to better relationship and progress,” he said.

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