Difference between revisions of "Cagayan de Oro City News December 2014"

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==Illegal firecrackers seized in NorMin==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461420017256/illegal-firecrackers-seized-in-normin
*Wednesday, December 31, 2014
:(EOR/PIA)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 31 (PIA) – The Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers (RTFIF) in northern Mindanao seized today assorted illegal firecrackers in a crackdown on firecracker vendors in Cagayan de Oro city.
This is in accordance to Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic devices, said Atty Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10.
RA 7183 limits the manufacture, distribution, sale and use to a limited number of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to promote public health and safety.
For firecrackers, accredited manufacturers with appropriate business permits and licenses are allowed to produce “baby rockets,” “bawang,” “small trianggulo,” “pulling of strings,” “paper caps,” “el diablo,” “Judah’s belt,” “sky rocket or kwitis,” and other types with limited explosive contents.
For pyrotechnics, those allowed are “mabuhay,” “Roman candle,” “trompillo,” “whistle device,” “butterfly,” “foundation,” “jumbo regular,” “luces,” “sparklers,” all kinds of pyrotechnic “pailaw.”
Under the law, certain firecrackers and pyrotechnics including “atomic big,” “trianggulo,” “super lolo,” “giant whistle bomb” and other types of firecracker with more than 0.2 grams or more 1/3 teaspoon of explosives, firecrackers which are oversized, firecrackers which fuse burns in less than 3 seconds or more than 6 seconds are prohibited.
The order specifically mentioned the danger of using improvised guns, particularly “boga” made of polyvinyl chloride pipe which became popular among Christmas and New Year revellers.
Atty. Burdeos said RTFIF is interagency cooperation composed of DILG, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Education (DepEd),and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Commission on Higher Education (CHED); and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), primarily tasked to promote health and safety of the public in support to DOH.
With the confiscation of these illegal firecrackers, the safe celebration of New Year in the region has been assured, Burdeos said.
According to DOH, they will treat all injured by firecrackers during new year festivities. But a damaged future has no cure. Dont use fireacrackers to welcome the new year, urged DOH.
DOH reiterated its call not to let children play with fireworks during the holiday season as latest data revealed that 67% of all fireworks injuries from December 21-29 were caused by piccolo.
The piccolo is likely to be mistaken for candy especially by children. It contains yellow phosphorus, which can kill humans if 50 to 100 mg of it is ingested, says DOH.
Meanwhile, the PNP encourages the public to report any related matters to the local authorities; and urges the public to document and report illegal discharge of firearms and any other related incident, according to police senior superintendent Sergio A. Dimandal, officer-in-charge, Police Regional Office (PRO)-10.
PSSupt Dimandal also said that as the PNP maximize police visibility, we encourage the community to focus in safeguarding their properties against theft.
The seizure activity is in cooperation with the city government of Cagayan de Oro.
Earlier this month, the city government convened firecracker vendors to remind them of the law.
==RDRRMC: LGUs did a 'good job' for proactive stance==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/12/30/rdrrmc-lgus-did-good-job-proactive-stance-384367
*Tuesday, December 30, 2014
:(With reports from Mindanews)
THE presence of the local chief executives at command centers as Tropical Storm ‘Seniang’ hovered over Misamis Oriental made the disaster preparations and responses effective.
This is what Ana Cañeda, RDRRMC and Office of the Civil Defense-10 chief, observed among the LGUs that were preparing and responding for the 'Seniang' onslaught.
“The presence of the LCEs overseeing the disaster preparations and responses had a great impact on the implementation of the plans as ‘Seniang’ passed through Misamis Oriental,” Cañeda said.
She said the actions were proactive and the residents who followed protocols made it easier for the LGUs.
“Malacañang through the Department of Interior and Local Government closely monitors the LGUs. There are no excuses allowed on preparations and responses. Doing the preemptive actions following protocols could help save lives. Properties can be replaced, lives are irreplaceable. It is better to be stranded than be sorry,” she said.
The past weather disturbances had sharpened and put into practice the theories being learned in disaster management training and protocols, she added.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno and Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano had been overseeing the incident command posts as Seniang passed by Monday and left millions of properties damaged and three persons killed in Northern Mindanao.
In Misamis Oriental, the Mambayaan bridge in Barangay Mambayaan in Balingasag town has been rendered impassable for vehicles Monday night and only motorcycles and commuters have been allowed to cross the bridge. As the commuters reach the other side, they transfer to another vehicles for them to get to their destinations.
Misamis Oriental recorded 35,188 residents who took shelter in 135 evacuation centers.
Edmundo Pacamalan Jr. said the initial damages on agriculture and infrastructure in the region have reached P400 million.
Misamis Oriental is placed under the state of calamity on Monday following Seniang’s onslaught.
In Cagayan de Oro City, 11,403 residents were evacuated to 23 centers on Monday to take refuge for the night and allow the waters to ebb before returning home Tuesday morning.
City Social Welfare chief Teddy Sabuga-a said some false information had been spreading at the height of Seniang. “I am urging these people who spread wrong information to stop doing it. What they’re doing could come around and might victimize their relatives. In disasters, the lack of information poses more dangers to the communities,” he said in a radio interview Tuesday.
But, Cañeda said the RDRRMC couldn’t give yet an estimate on the damages since it will take time to assess the agriculture and infrastructure losses. On the count of casualties, she said, the Department of Health does the verification to ensure the deaths are related to the disaster and do not involve other lingering diseases as reasons of death.
Flights to Manila left on schedule Tuesday morning. Shipping vessels docked in Cagayan de Oro port also waited for the lifting of the storm warning signals in their various destinations before they could sail.
:Power outage
In Caraga, Seniang toppled a transmission line of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines causing power outage in three provinces of Caraga Region.
The outage started around 7 a.m. Monday after a flash flood caused a steel tower of NGCP in Barangay Balangbalang in Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) town in Agusan del Norte to collapse.
Seniang, the last storm to hit the country this year, made landfall over Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur around 3:45 a.m. Monday.
An advisory sent to MindaNews 1:30 p.m. Tuesday by Engr. Sergio Dagooc, general manager of Siargao Electric Cooperative and Dinagat Electric Cooperative said power is yet to be restored in Surigao del Norte including Surigao City, several towns in Surigao del Sur and a large part of Agusan del Norte.
“Responders could not immediately repair the damaged tower yesterday because of the strong water current and there were several roads in the area that are not passable,” Dagooc said.
Quoting an NGCP advisory, Dagooc said it was impossible to restore power Tuesday due to the volume of work needed to replace the damaged tower.
“Affected places are Surigao City including 20 towns of Surigao del Norte. Five towns in Surigao del Sur such as Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza,” he said.
He said the towns of RTR, Tubay and Jabonga, Cabadbaran City and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte were also affected.
Meanwhile, in Surigao City, the skies have cleared and trips going to different islands have resumed Tuesday, said Geoffrey Gervo, station commander of Philippine Coast Guard-Surigao.
At least 824 passengers and 111 rolling cargoes and vehicles were stranded in two seaports in Surigao City since Monday until late morning Tuesday.
The City Government and Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte gave free meals to the stranded passengers.
On Monday, 202 families sought refuge in different evacuation centers in Surigao City, said Annette Villaces, the city information officer who also serves as secretary to the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
No casualty was reported in Surigao City as Seniang exited Mindanao.
==Back to the Future with Slow Food Circa 1850==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/28/14/freed-soldiers-remain-hospital
*Monday, December 29, 2014
:By Mike Baños
“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinangalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.”
That famous Filipino salawikain (proverb) most commonly (some say erroneously) credited to our national hero Gat Jose Rizal perhaps sums up best the excitement that’s come up over Cagayan de Oro’s latest foodie craze.
:Circa Origins
Circa 1850 is a direct offspring of Sentro 1850 started by partners Rene Sia and Eric Yap in 2001. Shaped by Chef Eric with a “Distinctly Sentro” menu, which describes as ‘Modern Global Cuisine in homage to its South East Asian Heritage.’
Circa 1850 was mostly built from recycled timber and bricks taken from the shuttered Jacinto steel mill in Lugait, Misamis Oriental. Check out the timbers and bolts on this section of the ceiling
Sentro 1850 has since established a loyal clientele with its savory creations inspired by the family culinary tradition such as Tuna Tataki Salad with Lime Vinaigrette, Steamed Fish Hainanese, and Balinese Swordfish, which has since attained cult status with its patrons.
When a 242 square meter space at the ground floor of the new Tune Hotel became available over a year ago, Chef Eric dropped by and instantly saw an opportunity to “improve on everything that made Sentro and make an even better restaurant”.
:Achitecture & Interior Design by Arch. Ramon Rodriguez (photo by Shaun Alejandrea Yap Uy)
“I am a very simple, down to earth person and I am not really sold on haute type cuisine.  No dress code, come as you are and enjoy your meal. We like to tab Circa as an unpretentious dining experience. We are a home-style, family-oriented restaurant.”
And culinary pedigree Chef Eric has in spades, with a golden lode of kitchen secrets handed down through generations from his grandmother, mother and his famous aunt, the late Gloria Dychauco of the famous Pots’n’Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop, who was Cagayan de Oro’s celebrity chef in its salad days when it was still a sleepy, laid back town in the 70s and 80s.
:Slow Food Movement
As a family oriented restaurant first, Circa 1850 is inspired by the Slow Food Movement started in Italy by Carlo Petrini  in 1986. A counter culture to fast food, it advocates the preservation of traditional and regional cuisine, encourages the farming of plants, seeds and livestock indigenous to the local ecosystem.
:Carlo Petrini
Its goals of sustainable foods and promotion of local small businesses are paralleled by a political agenda directed against globalization of agricultural products. At its heart is the aim to promote local foods and centuries-old traditions of gastronomy and food production. Conversely this means an opposition to fast food, industrial food production and globalization.
Slow Food is a global, grassroots organization, founded to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, counteract the rise of fast life and combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us. (source: Wikipedia)
“The umbilical cord that had once connected the worlds of farmer and consumer was cut,” Petrini noted. “Today hardly anyone buys their wine directly from their trusted wine maker, or goes to the farm to buy eggs and a chicken or a rabbit; hardly anybody knows the baker who makes their bread, the charcutier who slaughters the pigs and cures the meat, the man who churns the milk of his sheep or goats to make cheese.”
Not long ago the local grocer’s shop and the pub, as well as being sources of food, were places for the exchange of information and knowledge, where customers did their shopping and eating informed by the wise words of people who were closely in touch with the sources of supply. But all these fonts of food wisdom were being swept away by modernization, in the form of supermarkets and fast food (URL: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/carlo-petrini-the-slow-food-gourmet-who-started-a-revolution-1837223.html)
:Good, clean, and fair food
Since its beginnings, Slow Food has grown into a global movement involving millions of people, in over 150 countries, working to ensure everyone has access to good, clean and fair food
Slow Food believes food is tied to many other aspects of life, including culture, politics, agriculture and the environment. Through our food choices we can collectively influence how food is cultivated, produced and distributed, and as a result bring about great change
Circa advocates making the dining experience purer, and is inspired by cooking methods used in local heirloom recipes as contrasted with haute cuisine.
:Circa 1850 Signboard
“We want to introduce new concept in Cagayan de Oro in contrast to fast foods and other commercial restos found in malls,” Chef Eric related during a food sampling conducted for local media and bloggers recently. “As the name Circa denotes, it is retro, vintage, traditional –the way food should taste, like Mom’s home cooking.”
“Preparation of foods is as close to natural as possible, with minimal condiments like salt, with food enhanced instead of smothered by gravy.”
“Our cuisine is focused around what fresh ingredients are immediately available in the locality  which we execute in unique uncommon ways. All our recipes are our rendition of heirloom recipes.”
:Eco-friendly construction
Circa 1850’s architecture and interior design takes a similar bow to its Slow Food Movement roots with recycled materials carefully hand-picked by Architect Ramon Rodriguez to dampen the impact of its construction on the environment.
Door jambs made from recycled timber from the shuttered Jacinto steel mill in Lugait, Misamis Oriental dampen the new resto's impact on the environment. _ at Circa 1850.
“Most of our door jambs, wooden beams and iron fittings are taken from the shuttered Jacinto steel mill in Lugait, Misamis Oriental, as are most of the bricks in our walls are fire bricks recycled from its kiln,” Chef Eric relates.
The fire bricks are particularly interesting, coming from places as distant as Torpedo, Scotland; Sandy Bay in Devon, England, and Fixed Chimney Kiln (F.C.K.) bricks from India and Pakistan.
The right tools for the right job
Since he first took a look at the space at Tune Hotel, Circa 1850 took nearly a year to plan and execute, in a bow towards how projects such as these are executed in the Slow Food Movement.
“All details of this project have been carefully thought of in meticulous detail in advance so we can be very proud  that our cookware, bake ware, kitchen and bar tools, serving and entertainment are among the very best in the world.”
For instance, the investors didn’t pinch the pennies when it came to the new resto’s cooking wares: Staub cast iron skillets with enamel coating, Le Creuset Cookware & Bakeware, Vulcan stove, Toastmaster Grill made in  USA, a fully air-conditioned kitchen,  and an ISO 14001 compliant anti bacterial coating in its kitchen floor ensure food preparation is the safest, cleanest and best.
“All these are designed so the dishes retain their original flavor. We have to pay attention to minute details because of our clientele. We may be a small resto but we have the cutting edge in culinary technology.”
For example, a La Coccote cast iron casserole made in France by Staub is prized by celebrity chefs like Mario Batali for fowl because it retains all the flavors of the dish. Staub’s cocottes have nubs on the interior of the lids, which enables condensation to collect and drip down to baste foods uniformly as they are cooking.
:La Coccote by Staub
Le Creuset’s fine porcelain-enamel cookware has been manufactured in the small French village of Fresnoy-le-Grand since 1925. Chefs worldwide value Le Creuset’s elegance and performance, especially the way the cast-iron core distributes heat throughout the enamel. Gourmets find the complete, basic, nearly indestructible cookware set worth the expense. Any enamel construction can chip, but such is Le Creuset’s confidence in its enameled cast-iron pans that they carry a lifetime limited warranty against defects.
:Kumbira Gold Winners
However high the quality of the tools for the job at hand, the products they produce could only be as good as the craftsmen and artisans who wield them, and Circa 1850 did not settle for second best.
“All our chefs are minimum gold medal winners of Kumbira competitions, we demand a high level of professionalism,” Chef Eric relates, adding how many of his best cooks gained invaluable experience working for the former La Vetta Restaurant and Cafe at nearby Limketkai Center under the tutelage of Meister Chef Carsten Radke of Berlin, Germany. 
And the quest for a complete dining experience extends to their food servers who are trained to pronounce the foreign terms (mostly Italian/French) properly but not make a fuss over customers who insist on their way of pronouncing them. “Our focus should remain on the total dining experience and not the proper pronunciation of words.”
:Regional Cuisine with a Global Twist
Chef Eric has noted that the Circa 1850 menu is best appreciated by foodies and frequent travelers to Metro Manila, hence his advocacy to spread the gospel of Slow Food to as many diners as possible, preferably the locals.
He recommends that the complete dining experience is usually best started with a salad like their flagshipShrimp Scotch Eggs with Roasted Sesame Dressing, Beefsteak Tomato and Tuna Tare-Tare Salads.
The Scotch Eggs salad is most probably the first (and only one so far, we think) dish in Cagayan de Oro to usesous-vide, a method of cooking food sealed in airtight, food grade plastic bags in a water bath or in a temperature-controlled steam environment for longer than normal cooking times at an accurately regulated temperature much lower than normally used for cooking.
“Sous-vide is frequently used by top chefs Thomas Keller and Ferran Adrià, because we want to raise the bar high in Cagayan de Oro,” he notes.
According to Nathan Myhrvold, founder of The Cooking Lab, co-author of Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking, “The intention is to cook the item evenly, ensuring that the inside is properly cooked without overcooking the outside, and retain moisture”
“When the food reaches your target temperature or time, you take it out, give it a quick sear or other finish, and serve it. That’s it. And the delicate, custard-like texture of an egg poached at precisely 65 °C / 149 °F is amazing.”
“When cooking sous-vide, most foods will taste just as good even if they spend a few extra minutes at a target temperature, so you can relax and devote your attention to the more interesting and creative aspects of cooking.”
Beefsteak Tomato Salad has no beef. It’s a salad tomato known as Beefsteak Tomato in other countries, topped with white goat’s cheese, organic arugula (sourced locally)  and olive oil. A very simple, light salad.
Not the least, Tuna Tare-tare Salad is made from raw sashimi grade tuna sent fresh daily from General Santos City by reefer van trucks. “Our version is tuna mixed with sriracha aioli (a type of home-made Thai hot/chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt), mayo based concoction mixed with greens.”
:Tuna Tare-Tare Salad
“All greens are organic from Bukidnon, raised in greenhouses under controlled temperatures. Now second only to Baguio in terms of greens farming, Bukidnon has very high standards, and many Baguio farmers have farms in Bukidnon, we are so lucky.”
Circa 1850’s best selling dish is Uni Pasta with River Shrimp. Uni is sea urchin known locally as  swaki.
“This should taste very briny, naturally sweet, but not salty,” says Chef Eric. “Our uni is sourced from Laguindingan area to support local fishermen while the river shrimp comes from Lanao area.”
:Bistecca Fiorentina
For an unforgettable gustatory experience though, try Circa 1850’s take on the  Bistecca Fiorentina, billed as the flagship of Florentine cuisine and often served as the secondi piatti (main course) of a typical Tuscan meal.
“This is our best selling beef dish good for four or five, inspired by Florence, Italy where it originated,” Chef Eric said. “Come and eat it with your family. After you’ve done with the meat, send the bones back to the kitchen and we’ll re-grill it for you so you can eat it with your hands.” Ummmmmm….
“It’s very lightly seasoned with salt and pepper because we try our best to make the natural flavor of the meat come out, without any grave to smother it,” he adds. “We have gravy in case the customer really wants it but we don’t encourage it so the customer can enjoy the full experience of the meat’s flavor.”
“The dish is topped with arugula to balance the richness of the meat with the freshness and nuttiness of thearugula.  This is the way it’s done in Florence. The arugula is a cultivated variety from Bukidnon and beef is barley-fed Angus from Canada.
Served in a Lodge Iron Skillet, the softest part of the bistecca is the tenderloin. A bit pricey for local standards, it’s PhP 1,480.00 good for 4-5 persons. Originally priced at PhP 2,000.00,  the partners decided to price it down to introduce and educate the consumers. A similar serving could easily cost PhP 5,000 in premium hotels and restos in Metro Manila.
“Call in your orders (reservations at tel#8521850 or 741850) especially during weekends  since we only allocate around 5 orders of this item daily because it takes so long to cook so we pre-cook a little to be able to serve it quicker.”
Takeout orders are accepted but Chef Eric recommends dining-in to enjoy the full “Slow Food” dining experience. Circa 1850 opens daily  7am-2pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm at the ground floor of Tune Hotel, Cagayan de Oro, C.M. Recto Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City.
==Freed soldiers remain in hospital==
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/28/14/freed-soldiers-remain-hospital
*Sunday, December 28, 2014 6:27 pm
:With report from Angelo Andrade (ABS-CBN News Northern Mindanao, ABS-CBNnews.com)
CAGAYAN DE ORO -- The two soldiers released by the New People's Army (NPA) the day after Christmas are still under observation in a hospital, authorities said.
According to the 4th Infantry Division, PFC Marnel Cinches and PFC Jerrel Yorong are still in a hospital, where their condition is being monitored.
Yorong and Cinches were kidnapped by the NPA and were held captive for three months.
Both soldiers showed symptoms of typhoid fever and fatigue.
The 4th Infantry Division considered the actions of the NPA as propaganda, especially since the two soldiers were freed in time for the 46th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
The military added that the rebels were forced to free the soldiers because of continued offensive and rescue operations, despite the rebels' call for a 10-day suspension of military operations.
The NPA, however, boasted that the military failed to rescue the two soldiers.
==Motorized caretelas star in Cagayan de Oro  Xmas parade==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/396120/news/regions/motorized-caretelas-star-in-cagayan-de-oro-xmas-parade
*Saturday, December 27, 2014 8:10 am
:By Joel Locsin / LBG (GMA News)
Motorized caretelas or "motorelas" decked with Christmas decorations starred in a Christmas parade in Cagayan de Oro City.
Twelve such vehicles are part of "Paskorela 2014" and will show the Christmas spirit when they go around the city, GMA Northern Mindanao's Kaye Mercado reported.
"They will be part of their festivities, and also so that when they go around they give the color of Christmas for all; you know, to see and enjoy riding in that motorela," said city tourism council head Dorothy Pabayo.
Some motorelas were decked with Christmas hats while others had child-friendly themes.
But the winner of the contest was one with a Belen (Nativity scene), decked with materials such as dried corn and coconut husk.
Oscar Floirendo, whose father Raphael invented the motorela in the 1960s, said they are "very happy and very proud" that his father's legacy has been recognized.
"...It's an honor for the recognition bestowed upon our family with regards to my dad's legacy," he said.
==Green Eagles win Puerto civic crown==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/sports/2014/12/26/green-eagles-win-puerto-civic-crown-383726
*Friday, December 26, 2014
:(LLS)
WAWAY Arocha scored 30 points, and the Green CdeO Eagles finally completed revenge against the Samboy Uy-led Acidu's Farm.
With Arocha on fire and the Eagles' foursome of Eulogio Moreno Jr., Rodelio Gelogo, Rex Armojallas and Ulyssis Romulo also gamely responding to the challenge, the Green CdeO defeated Acidu's Farm, 96-89 to capture the civic division crown of the 2014 Puerto Christmas Basketball Tournament concluded recently at the covered court of Barangay Puerto in Cagayan de Oro.
The Eagles, who lost their last three matches against Uy and company, played a solid game this time around with Tata Salera, Cyrus Diango, Tata Bajao and Sol Mercado subbing well for a quality rotation play.
"We were able to maintain the lead from start to end kay nakuha na gyod nato ang ensakto nga timplada. Dako og tabang ang tulo nga nadugang sa atong linya," said team-playing manager Anjun "Con-Air" Gomez, referring to Moreno, Armojallas and Diango.
The Eagles made it to the finals after conquering early round tormentor Natumolan of PBA legend Buboy Tanigue by 19 points.
Gomez said the presence of fellow team managers `Baby James' Abucejo, Engr. Arnel Baby and a generous kuya from Germany inspired even more the Green CdeO Eagles to surmount the challenge.
"Wala nakadula atong duha ka saligando (Dr. Welbourne Neri and Jerwin Marcojos) unya wala sab ‘mi nangiskor ni Stev Naz, maayo na lang kay nag-double effort atong MVP (Arocha)," said Gomez who expects another title finish in Gusa next week.
==Paskorela: A Kagay-anon Heritage Christmas Festival==
*Source: http://www.kagay-an.com/paskorela-a-kagay-anon-heritage-christmas-festival/
*Thursday, December 25, 2014
:By Mike Baños
When three of the Cagayan de Oro City most creative minds got together to brainstorm the creation of a truly Kagay-anon Christmas Festival, it was perhaps inevitable it would lead them to the Paskorela.
A contraction of the words Pasko (Christmas) and Motorela (Cagayan de Oro’s iconic poor man’s taxi), this year’s first salvo exceeded expectations and has left many Kagay-anons eager to see more next year as one of its cherished Christmas traditions.
“I got the idea from my Christmases spent in Australia a few years back,” said Robert de la Serna, who together with Mozart Pastrano and Eileen San Juan, conceptualized Paskorela as a “Dress Up Your Motorela” Christmas festival. “This would have been much grander had we gotten to it earlier with an eclectic mix of bands playing, street dancers, and the rela floats in between but it’s a good start. I’m happy with this small beginning. Next year it is!”
“I consolidated our ideas and came up with a Dress-Up-Your-Motorela festival with the ‘Christmas is for Children’ theme,” Pastrano said.
Cagayan de Oro’s iconic poor man’s taxi was invented by the late Rafael D. Floirendo, Sr. in 1964 and issued patent no. 2243 by the Phil. Patent Office.
A contraction of the words Motorized and Caretela (horse drawn carriage), the Motorela has since evolved into a Cagayan de Oro icon and has also been adopted in nearby cities and towns of Northern Mindanao. (from a story by Ann Gorra from City of Gold: People Who Made Their Home and History in Cagayan de Oro-available from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/City-Gold-People-History-Cagayan/dp/1897435444)
The initial Paskorela was participated by 12 motorelas with entry no. 15 of Elma Abao winning the grand prize of PhP 40,000 with its indigenous materials of corn, coconut and meticulously designed Belen on its roof. The second prize of P25,000 went to entry no. 12 of Santos T. Mejos sporting a similar them and belen topside replete with flashing lights and a sound system blaring Christmas carols while the third prize of PhP 15,000 was garnered by entry no. 1 of Clandestine Ponferrada with its Christmas wreaths theme carrying the signature greenery of Agusan artisan Roldan Yacapin.
Criteria for judging included Creativity (30% -concept and relevance to the theme), Implementation (20% -structural integrity of the entry’s design), Production Elements (20%- music, lights, and other technical wizardry) and Christmas Spirit (30% -how the entry captures the spirit of Christmas).
Under the guidelines drawn up by the Paskorela committee, participating motorelas  had to be roadworthy, operating commercially as a public utility and registered with the city government. Participants could be motorela drivers or operators, as well as sponsoring individuals or entities.
The Board of Judges was composed of prize-winning Kagay-anon film maker Joe Bacus, Engr. Jefferson Valiente of Xavier University, Judee Dizon Chavez of Smart, Dottie Pabayo of the City Tourism Council and Robert de la Serna, project manager of the XU-CRS FARM Collaboration Project, as chairman.
This wasn’t the first time the motorela figured in the local culture and the arts.
Last year, a group of local artists who dubbed themselves “Siete Pesos” (after the minimum fare then for the motorela), brought their “Project 2243: Moving Forward” art exhibit to Singapore’s 4th Bienale 2013, an exhibit showcasing contemporary art from Singapore, Southeast Asia and Asia. (the number 2243 references the patent number for the motorela registered in 1964 with the Phil. Patent Office by the late Faeling.)
The seven artists included Oscar A. Floirendo, son of the late motorela inventor Rafael Floirendo, Jr., Nicholas Aca Jr., Errol P. Balcos, Michael E. Bacol, Michelle Hollanes Lua, Jericho Valjusto Vamenta and Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo. The exhibit ran for October 26, 2013 to February 16, 2014 at Our Museum, Taman Jurong, Singapore.
==Police beef up security for holidays==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/12/24/police-beef-security-holidays-383599
*Wednesday, December 24, 2014
:(Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro)
CAGAYAN DE ORO – Security alert in the city has been upped since December 16, at the start of Misa de Gallo in the country, where the Catholic faithful flock to the churches at early dawn for nine days.
Today is the last day of the nine-day novena masses prior to Christmas.
Police Chief Inspector Lemuel Gonda, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (Cocpo), said “Oplan Pamasko 2014” and “Oplan Bagong Taon 2015”are nationwide police security measures for this yuletide season.
Gonda said despite the 33-day ceasefire with the Communist guerrillas beginning December 18 until January 19 which includes Pope Francis’ visit in the country, security must remain tight.
"The police are on guard as heightened security measures have been in place especially in areas where there are huge crowds these Christmas and New Year celebrations like the malls, churches, bus terminals, seaports, banks and any business and financial establishments around the city," he said.
:Security plans
Gonda said security officers and salesladies in the malls have been briefed with regard to threats and crimes in the city. This includes reporting immediately to police suspicious looking persons who might leave their bags that may contain explosive devices targeted to harm a huge throng of people.
“There are tourist police and city patrol units in the malls. However, it is vital that the malls should also take care of their own security measures that can reinforce with the police to ensure maximum security to shoppers,” he said.
In churches, the Archdiocese and the parishes here have been briefed on what they can do to be more vigilant in all forms of threats including crimes like theft or robberies during Misa de Gallo.
With regard to the security in bus terminals, Gonda said checkpoints have been put up and tight coordination with the bus companies have been established to avoid any repeat of the recent bus bombing in Bukidnon that resulted to the deaths of 10 and wounded more than 40 in the December 9 bus blast in Maramag town. The police also briefed the bus companies on terror threats and in handling maximum security for their passengers.
Gonda added aside from the K9 dogs trained to detect possible presence of bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs), they also stationed dogs trained to search for drugs inside any luggage.
The Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime police units have been alerted to provide more security in the sea ports which are also congested these days.
Gonda said strengthening the participation of the barangay tanods, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), security guards, vendors and drivers of public utility jeepneys and vans is vital in achieving successful security measures. They are part of the force multiplier mobilization securing the public to the possible threats of terrorism.
:‘Buses are still not safe’
“We did not take the bus going to Wao because for me buses are still not safe. And most of the passengers going there took the van because like me they are afraid too,” Florie Mae Bobadilla, 20, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
Bobadilla added she feels safe riding a van than the bus because of the explosion incident in Maramag. “Aside from that, vans are nonstop and I am assured that the passengers who are with us are really going to Wao and not a terrorist. With that, I feel safe and secure whereas if it is a bus, you can never tell who is who,” Bobadilla said.
==Metro Pacific to operate bulk water facility in CDO==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/metro-pacific-to-operate-bulk-water-facility-in-cdo/
*Tuesday, December 23, 2014
:By James A. Loyola
Metropac Water Investments Corporation (MWIC), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), has entered into an agreement to operate and maintain a bulk water facility supplying Cagayan de Oro City.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, MPIC said MWIC will operate the 100 million liters per day bulk water facility of Rio Verde Water Corporation (RVWC) in Baungon, Bukidnon.
The agreement will be implemented through a subsidiary to be incorporated by MWIC.
RVWCI is the exclusive supplier of bulk surface water to Cagayan de Oro Water District which supplies the water needs of more than 80 percent of Cagayan de Oro’s population of 640,000.
MWIC will utilize the expertise of its water affiliates to improve operational efficiency, minimize operating losses, ensure uninterrupted service, and extend the life of the assets.
MPIC said MWIC’s O&M appointment is expected to allow RVWCI to more efficiently supply Cagayan de Oro City with its municipal water needs, allowing it to eventually decommission deteriorating deep wells that are depleting and damaging CDO’s water tables.
“This O&M engagement is in line with MWIC’s strategy of improving the quality and consistency of water available to millions of Filipinos across the country,” said MPIC.
RVWC was organized in response to the dire need of the local water districts and local government units to outsource bulk water supply from private entrepreneurs.
Local industrialist Jose Ch. Alvarez spearheaded to organize RVWC by tapping experienced engineers and hydrologists as shareholders and project developers and designers.
RVWC shareholders and staff have constructed and operated bulk potable water facilities, bulk industrial water and waste water treatment systems in the country.
These bulk water facilities have been operating for more than two decades. The engineers who built and operated these facilities are the core group of RVWC.
==Salt fertilization project improves coconut production==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521419153114/salt-fertilization-project-improves-coconut-production
*Monday, December 22, 2014
: (APB/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) --- Matured nuts productivity in all of the provinces in northern Mindanao has improved during the third quarter of 2014 due to the salt fertilization project, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region said.
Data gathered by NEDA from the Philippine Coconut Authority shows that matured nuts production in the region reached 494,948,967 during the quarter, up by 1.11 percent or 5.4 million nuts from the production in the same period last year.
Although the increase in production is minimal, all the provinces in the region recorded positive growths, said Engr. Cecilio Clarete, chief economic development specialist of the Development Research Division of NEDA-X.
Bukidnon posted the biggest growth at 3.61 percent with a production of 13,626,242 nuts. On the other hand, production in Misamis Occidental, the top producing province, rose by 1.75 percent to 170,227,000 nuts.
The salt fertilization project aims to fertilize fruit-bearing coconut trees using common salt to increase coconut productivity and improve coco resistance to pest and diseases.
Accordingly, salt is the cheapest and best source of chlorine to increase copra yield.
Aside from the salt fertilization project, Clarete said favorable weather condition also contributed to the positive growth in nut production.
The good buying price has likewise motivated more farmers to harvest matured nuts.
==CDO Energy Press Corps Organized==
*Source: http://www.kagay-an.com/cdo-energy-press-corps-organized/
*Sunday, December 21, 2014
:By Mike Baños
The officers and members of the Cagayan de Oro Energy Press Corps were formally inducted into office last 17 December 2014 at a local hotel dubbed “Media Appreciation Day.” 
Inducted officers were Thelma Oliver, regional director of the Philippine Information Agency Region X (PIA-10) as president; Gil Emmanuel “Butch” Enerio, correspondent, Business Mirror as vice president; Christine Cabiasa, lifestyle editor, Mindanao Daily News, secretary; Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy, editor, Cagayan de Oro Times, treasurer; Romeo Capinpuyan, broadcast producer-announcer II, dxIM Radyo ng Bayan, auditor; Rene Michael Baños, freelance journalist, PRO and Ercel Maandig, correspondent, Philippine News Agency (PNA), business manager.  The CDO Energy Press Corps is an initiative of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and was organized last November 24, 2014 along with the election of officers. 
“At the end of the day, accurate information and important energy-related news will still need the proper vehicle and channel to reach its audience. And I personally believe that a seamless, healthy, and professional relationship between the source of information and the heralds make for a strong formula in arming the general public with knowledge,” said Nelson S. Bautista, Head-Regional Communications Division.  “In NGCP, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our friends from the media in information dissemination.  The broadsheets, tabloids, websites, and television and radio stations are the most effective ways for us to inform and educate the public,” he added.  Among the activities lined up by the new organization for next year are trainings in Power 101 and site visits of NGCP facilities in Mindanao. It also expects to play a major role in providing the proper forums 
“As presented to us earlier on the rationale and objectives of this press corps, the challenge is great. Realizing that we will be dealing with behavior change of different communities, our campaign therefore in support to NGCP should be strategic,” Ms. Oliver noted in her acceptance speech.  “As a communicator, I highly appreciate if we will be provided with baseline study about the knowledge, attitude and practices of these communities. So that our communication interventions will be strategic by maximizing the use of different media platforms.”  During the Nov. 24 organizational meeting, NGCP officials led by Bautista expounded on the critical role played by media in disseminating important information to the public which affects them as consumers, like the deliberate planting of trees in areas identified as Right-of-Way (ROW) for power transmission lines, thereby putting at risk the welfare of consumers all over Mindanao.  “We call this a ‘partnership’ because both the NGCP and the media are sure to benefit and learn from each other. NGCP will listen to the press corps’ recommendations and suggestions in designing more effective information dissemination programs. With the proper guidance from our media partners, we can ensure to proactively seek resolutions before making public announcements of emerging issues,” Bautista said. 
“The members of this press corps will be entitled to easy access to information. You will also be given the opportunity to learn and understand more about NGCP and the power and energy industries through sponsored trainings and facility tours,” he added.  For her part, Oliver cited the key role the CDO Energy Press Corps would be playing in the emerging issues affecting the power industry.  “The challenge now – are we going to stop because we will then be tired of addressing the recurring issue of the communities planting trees within the danger zone or we will not stop until our job is done? Ladies and gentlemen the answer is in our hands,” she stressed.  Besides Bautista, other dignitaries present for the induction rites included Reynaldo Maraunay-President of KBP-MisOr Chapter and Station Manager of DXCC-AM; Jerry Orcullo-President of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club; Engr. Jesselito Abamonga-Head of District 3 Mindanao O&M, NGCP and Atty. Vermin Quimco, Head for Mindanao Legal Department of NGCP who was also the inducting officer. 
The whole affair was organized by Ms. Elizabeth Ladaga, regional corporate communications and public affairs officer for NGCP District 3 covering the Zamboanga Peninsula, the two Lanao provinces, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
==Cagayan de Oro tops Palarong Pampook regional meet==
*Source: http://www.cdodev.com/2014/12/20/cagayan-de-oro-tops-palarong-pampook-regional-meet/
*Saturday, December 20, 2014
: (EOR/PIA)
The Cagayan de Oro Athletic Association (COAA) won the over-all championship in the just concluded 2014 NMRAA Palarong Pampook held in the city and various towns of Misamis Oriental.
Team Rafters won in both the Elementary & Secondary Levels with 85 golds, 60 silvers and 49 bronze medals. The Misamis Oriental Blazers won 1st runner-up while the Iligan Volts bagged 2nd runner-up honors.
The sporting event was participated in by 14 contingents representing 8 cities and 5 provinces of region 10: Bukidnon (Gallopers), Cagayan de Oro (Rafters), Camiguin (Waves), El Salvador (Warriors), Gingoog (Fortunes), Iligan (Volts), Lanao de Norte (Mighty Peacemakers), Malaybalay (Mountaineers), Misamis Occidental (Transformers), Oroquita (Wranglers), Ozamiz (Cotta), Tangub (Stars), Valencia (Millers) and host province Misamis Oriental (Blazers).
==NorMin task force intensifies anew campaign vs illegal firecrackers==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461418964129/normin-task-force-intensifies-anew-campaign-vs-illegal-firecrackers
*Friday, December 19, 2014
: (EOR/PIA)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec 19 – The Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers (RTFIF) of Region 10, during its meeting on December 16, intensified its drive against illegal firecrackers this Yuletide season.
Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10, echoed the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 s. of 2014 issued of December 4, 2014 to enjoin coordinative efforts between DILG, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs and Local Government Units, on the regulation of the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers, polyvinyl pipe “boga” and other pyrotechnic devices, and the adoption of advocacy campaigns and preventive measures from firecracker and firework injuries or death and damage to properties, during Christmas and New Year’s celebration.
This circular is in furtherance of public safety, order and national security, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices, and the promotion of health and safety and general welfare of the people, in accordance with Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, said Atty. Burdeos.
He reminded all concerned to strictly enforce existing laws prohibiting the sale of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices that may cause injuries or death during the celebration of the Yuletide season.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are directed to conduct “intensified joint inspections” of manufacturing sites and warehouses to avoid disaster in stockpiling of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and barangay captains are likewise reminded of their roles and responsibilities under Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices in accordance with Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160.
RA 7183 limits the manufacture, distribution, sale and use to a limited number of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to promote public health and safety.
For firecrackers, accredited manufacturers with appropriate business permits and licenses are allowed to produce “baby rockets,” “bawang,” “small trianggulo,” “pulling of strings,” “paper caps,” “el diablo,” “Judah’s belt,” “sky rocket or kwitis,” and other types with limited explosive contents.
For pyrotechnics, those allowed are “mabuhay,” “Roman candle,” “trompillo,” “whistle device,” “butterfly,” “foundation,” “jumbo regular,” “luces,” “sparklers,” all kinds of pyrotechnic “pailaw.”
Burdeos reiterated the local officials are to coordinate with the PNP and BFP to prevent the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of “deadly” firecrackers and pyrotechnics and devices that lead to tragic deaths, injuries or cause destructive fires particularly during the Christmas and New Year revelries.
Under the law, certain firecrackers and pyrotechnics including “atomic big,” “trianggulo,” “super lolo,” “giant whistle bomb” and other types of firecracker with more than 0.2 grams or more 1/3 teaspoon of explosives, firecrackers which are oversized, firecrackers which fuse burns in less than 3 seconds or more than 6 seconds are prohibited.
The order specifically mentioned the danger of using improvised guns, particularly “boga” made of polyvinyl chloride pipe which became popular among Christmas and New Year revellers.
Further, Burdeos reiterated to the Provincial Government, through the Governor, to order the city and municipal local government units (LGUs) to take the lead in conducting information campaign against the use of deadly firecrackers within their respective areas of jurisdiction.
He said the local officials are advised to convene their respective Peace and Order Councils and approve measures ensuring the safety of their constituents, including the designation of “manufacturing zone”, “display center” or “firecracker and pyrotechnic zones”, and “fireworks exhibition zone.”
The manufacturing zone, under section 7 of RA 7183, should be 300 meters away from the nearest residential area, while display centers should be separated from each other with firewall and fire-prevention equipment such as fire extinguisher put in place.
Smoking, testing of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, and anything that could trigger fire should be kept away from these zones.
==DILG to launch ‘Operation Listo'==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/12/18/dilg-launch-operation-listo-382610
*Thursday, December 18, 2014
:By Butch D. Enerio
LOCAL executives can be administratively liable when found remiss in their duties in mitigating disaster in their respective localities, said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Rene Burdeos, DILG regional director for northern Mindanao, said with the government’s unified preparedness program to lessen the impact of a foreseen disaster, there is no reason for communities to suffer huge losses of lives and properties.
DILG-10 launched on Monday the Operation “Listo Tamang Paghahanda, Tamang Aksyon” a Local Government Units Disaster Preparedness Manual – a checklist of early preparation for mayors to organize their respective responses prior, during and after a calamity.
Northern Mindanao was first to launch Operation Listo in the entire country where agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, the Office of Civil Defense and the local offices of the DILG were first to be appraised of the substance of the manual and for them to disseminate to the their respective Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (DRRMCs) the intent of government for a an orderly, timely and effective responses.
The manual assists LGUs in the formulation of disaster preparedness plans, allowing them to know if they are ready, and what they need to do to meet the minimum levels of readiness.
DILG said the local executives in the region would have their seminar workshop on Operation Listo in the coming weeks.
The Listo manual has detailed the checklist of early and minimum critical preparations for the LGUs, especially those prone to disasters or areas within the typhoon belt.
The checklist provided to the LGUs from the time a typhoon poses a looming threat in the horizon, to the time it does arrive in a locality. This ensures that they are able to take the correct steps in responding to the typhoon and the aftermath.
“It’s high time that we take a proactive approach to the challenges we face now that disasters happen practically anywhere in the country. Although we have shown resilience in dealing with and recovering from disasters, we cannot allow to aggravate the sufferings of the victims simply because we have not done mitigating measures,” Burdeos said.
“And if proven that the town’s chief executive has not provided risk reduction measures and safety to his constituents, he will be administratively charged and be held answerable.”
DILG said the LGUs are the frontliners in the response to any natural disaster as mandated by law. They are the ones most familiar with the terrain and resources, the ones that interact directly with the residents. With whatever every adverse weather phenomenon brings unique effects to a community, which accounts for differences in planning that every LGU encounters.
==Tripartism: Raising one voice in northern Mindanao==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611418802899/tripartism-raising-one-voice-in-northern-mindanao
*Wednesday, December 17, 2014
:By Glenford C. Labial (DOLE X/PIA10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 17 -- Thirty officers from different provincial Tripartite Industry Peace Councils (TIPCs) representing 15 from labor sector and 15 from management or a total of 21 companies convened recently in raising one voice for tripartism in the region.
This developed after these representatives successfully elected the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) calendar year 2015-2017 officers on November 28, 2014 at the Deluxe Hotel, this city.
DOLE-X aims to establish good labor-management relationship, economic and social policies in succeeding industrial peace between labor and management representatives from six TIPCs namely Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental East and Misamis Oriental West convened to unanimously elect the RTIPC-X officers.
Regional director Raymundo G. Agravante, in his message, thanked the outgoing RTIPC officers and gave emphasis to tripartism as a tool to deliberate issues and concerns affecting the industry, set-up voluntary modes of complying the labor standards laws and assist DOLE in the formulation of policies for the benefit of both labor and management sectors.
RTIPC-X officers elected were: vice-chairman for labor – Atty. Gregorio A. Pizarro (National President of FDLO); vice-chairman for management – Rebecca V. Inubio (Granexport Manufacturing, Corporation) with the following board of directors for labor sector: Abraham Romano (Crystal Sugar, Corporation); Jennifer Astillo (Dole Skyland-South); NerioAlbao (Dole Skyland-North); GodofredoSandigan (Lafarge); Gerardo Clet (Fil-Eslon); VirgilioLomonsod (Newtech Pulp); Agustin Orot (RCEU-FDLO); RamirLabadan (Philippine Sinter Corporation); Redentor Sala (Vicmar); Rudy Megalbio (Ororama); Billy William Barsumo (Nestle Phils., Inc.) and ArquipoCababaros (OroportCargohandling Services Inc.). While Kristine Baguio (Pilmico); EmBobbykins Sun (Mabuhay Vinyl, Corporation); Lita D. Gaid (DL Bonita Merchandise); Eugenio C. Olandria (Pilipinas Kao, Incorporated); Maristela M. Maape (Apple Tree Resort and Hotel); Clint Harvey Maestrado (Vjandep); Estrella Pabecca (St. Mary’s Academy of Tagoloan) represent the management sector.
Other officers include secretary Maristela Maape (Apple Tree Resort and Hotel); treasurer (Merlyna Macaambac (Nestle Phils., Incorporated); auditor Sister Ma. Maricor Valdehueza, RVM (St. Mary’s Academy of Tagoloan) and PRO EmBobbykins Sun (Mabuhay Vinyl, Corporation).
Meanwhile, TSSD chief Atheneus A. Vasallo presented the Incentivizing Compliance Program and addressed concerns raised by the participants. Among those include the devising on contracting/sub-contracting; and Department Order (DO) 18-A.
In his acceptance speech, labor sector vice-chairman Pizzaro accented that the RTIPC serves as the venue of the TIPCs in various labor-management concerns, thus raising the same as the “voice for an effective tripartism in northern Mindanao” that primarily protects workers by providing them social protection and protection from labor only contract system.
The undertaking is to rationalize the role of government on labor policy enforcement and promote industry self-regulation and code of good industry practices, inclusive tripartism is one of the reform packages that DOLE targets to institute in achieving the current administration's 22-Point Agenda on Labor and Employment.
Oath taking ceremony is scheduled on the 1st quarter of 2015.
==DOLE-X launches poverty reduction action confab for three provinces==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611418802071/dole-x-launches-poverty-reduction-action-confab-for-three-provinces
*Wednesday, December 17, 2014
:By Glenford C. Labial (DOLE X/PIA10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 17 -- The Department of Labor and Employment-X (DOLE-X) sets the Provincial Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) meeting to the local chief executives (LCEs) from their respective local government units (LGUs) and focal persons along with the nine participating agencies that implement the Grassroots Participatory Projects (GPP) for Calendar Year (CY) 2016.
In attendance were National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) regional and provincial focal persons, regional project coordinator and the community organizers in northern Mindanao.
The convergence will also present respective program menus for the GPP as well asgiving a venue to discuss prevailing issues and concerns per agencies.
LPRAT orientations were held in the provinces of Misamis Occidental covering 17 municipalities including the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamiz and Tangub on November 18-19 at Villa Amor Hotel, Oroquieta City, meanwhile Province of Lanao del Norte on November 20-21 including the city of Iligan at Maria Cristina Hotel, Iligan City with a total of 22 municipalities; and the Province of Camiguin with five municipalities on November 25 at Villa Paraiso Hotel, Mambajao.
Participants are the composition of LPRATs that includes both from the city and municipal LCEs; Sangguniang Panglunsod/Sangguniang Bayan Member Chairman on Appropriations; Planning Development Coordinators; Local Government Operations Officers; GPP Regional Coordinator, DILG Provincial Directors, GPP Provincial Focal Persons, Community Organizers and representatives of the Congressmen.
The orientation highlights the new joint Memorandum Circular No. 5 that stipulates the guidelines in the implementation of GPP CY 2016 and the presentation of project menus per agency as well as the discussion on the challenges and issues encountered.
Regional GPP Focal Person Hazel L. Occeña said that after the workshop, the LGUs are likewise expected to conduct their respective workshop in preparation of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans (LPRAP) from November 15 until the first week of December.
Thereto forth, project briefs are expected to be submitted in the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on December 15, 2014.
The agencies who attended the activity include Department of Agriculture; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC); Technical Educations Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); DILG; Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Department of Social welfare and Development (DSWD); and DOLE.
GPP was known as the Bottom-Up-Budgeting in 2012-2014.
==Dads okay Comprehensive Development Plan of CdeO==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461418719999/dads-okay-comprehensive-development-plan-of-cdeo
*Tuesday, December 16, 2014
:(CdeOSP)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 16 – Through Ordinance No. 11883-2014, the 17th City Council during the regular session yesterday presided over by vice mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas approved the Comprehensive Development Plan of the Cagayan de Oro City for 2014 to 2019.
The CDP aims to have a city managed through good governance and to empower its citizenry to thrive in a highly competitive economy and a sustainable environment nurturing its diversity and multi-cultural heritage towards a resilient, progressive and inclusive future.
Strategies to be implemented under the CDP’s social development plan will be focused on employment and livelihood, housing and resettlement, sports and recreation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (DRRM).
It will also involve programs for the improvement of health facilities and services, and construction of health centers in all relocation areas; water and sanitation services, retrofitting of at risk school buildings, provision of adequate educational facilities, construction of day care centers in all relocation areas, information advocacy programs, among others.
Meanwhile, under the economic development plan, the city will expand areas for urban greening, streamline business registration process, strengthen investment promotion, establish post-harvest facilities, develop rural road network linking to primary farming areas, maintenance of identified natural sites for eco-tourism, and others.
Strategies under  the infrastructure and physical development plan include the provision, rehabilitation and establishment of quality infra support such as dikes, protection wall, upgraded drainage canal; the formulation of Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan, improvement of road network, establishment of sewerage system and improvement of river channel, among others.
The CDP also includes the city’s Environmental and Management and Institutional Development Plans.
The ordinance was reviewed and favorably endorsed by the committees on public works and on laws and rules chaired by councilors Alden Bacal and Ramon Tabor, respectively.
==27 couples tie knot during mass wedding in CDO==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=716364
*Monday, December 15, 2014
:(PNA), CTB/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/SSC
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 15 (PNA) -– Twenty-seven couples tied their knots Saturday in a mass wedding held at a newly opened parish church inside a commercial complex in Lapasan this city.
Bishop Antonio Ledesma, of the Archdiocese of Cagayan De Oro City, officiated the mass wedding in the newly opened parish “Birhen sa Manaoag” at the Limketkai Commercial Complex.
Most couples, who have been living together for over 15 years, availed of the mass wedding sponsored by the National Statistics Office (NS0) and the city government.
Nelson Nagac said he was happy that he and his girlfriend of more than 15 years of living together has finally tied their knots.
“I am happy that after 15 years, I and my wife are now a legitimate husband and wife,” Nagac told the PNA.
Ricardo Manalwang was ecstatic that after 35 years of living together, he and his wife are now officially considered as husband and wife.
“Five of my eight grandsons witnessed our wedding. I have nothing to say anymore, but being extremely happy now,” Manalwang said.
==Clenro doubts use of biomass on proposed power plant==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/local-coops-addressing-power-problems/
*Sunday, December 14, 2014
:By Jigger J. Jerusalem
THE Cagayan de Oro City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) is doubtful that the proposed power plant in Barangay Tablon will only resort to coal as a “final option.”
Clenro chief Edwin Dael said the planned power plant to be constructed by Cagayan de Corn Products Corp. (CCPC), a corn processing facility, will employ biomass by using plants, such as napier, as fuel for its generator.
Dael said the proponent reasoned the power plant will be built inside the CCPI compound to help address the energy problem in Mindanao so that its operations will not be affected once it generates its own power.
Once operational, the company is said to generate six megawatts of power.
But with the daily requirement of 300 metric tons of organic materials like napier, with five to seven percent moisture content, Dael doubts if CCPC could produce that much to power its turbine.
He said the firm would actually need at least 2,000 to 4,000 hectares of land to plant napier and other plants needed for the biomass.
Threaten region’s food security
If this huge tract of land would no longer be planted with corn and other food staples but for the materials needed for the power plant, Dael said it’s possible this would threaten the region’s food security.
Besides, the company would need irrigated lands to sustain the production of napier.
Also, he expressed worry that forest areas would be cleared to make way for plantation of napier and other plants.
Because of this, Dael said it would be convenient for the firm to use coal since they could just import it.
But the problem with coal, he said, is for the company to comply with the environmental laws and install pollution control devices that will monitor and mitigate the release of toxic materials into the atmosphere.
“Big coal-fired power plants like Steag can install these devices since they can afford them, but such would add burden to a small company,” Dael said.
He said if CCPC would mainly use biomass as fuel for its power generator, the environmental impact would be lesser since the company will only be dealing with the release of carbon dioxide into the air, aside from issue on food security.
But in the case of coal, Dael said big power plants use sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that toxic materials coming from the burnt material will not cause harm to the people’s health.
In a previous news report, CCPC maintenance engineer Rodrigo Escalante was quoted as saying “they would resort to using coal as a last option.”
Also, Tablon village councilor Angelo Pomar said most of the residents living near the CCPC agree to the proposed construction of the power plant.
Dael fears that once the City Council would issue a resolution signifying the approval of putting up the power plant, Clenro could no longer intervene.
==AirAsia starts twice daily flights from Cebu to Davao and Cagayan de Oro==
*Source: http://outoftownblog.com/airasia-starts-twice-daily-flights-from-cebu-to-davao-and-cagayan-de-oro/
*Saturday, December 13, 2014
:By  Melo Villareal
AirAsia Philippines, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for six consecutive years from 2009 – 2014, today started its twice daily flights from Cebu to Davao and Cagayan de Oro City with 30 street kids from Batang Opon  Foundation,  Cebu City Task Force on Street Children Foundation,  SOS Children’s Village and Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights Incorporated on board its maiden flights.
AirAsia Zest Director for Flight Operations Captain Dexter Commendador said, “We’re extremely excited to celebrate the return of AirAsia flights from Cebu to Davao and Cebu to Cagayan de Oro – and what’s more memorable is that we celebrated our inaugural flights by fulfilling the dreams of 30 kids. Like these kids, AirAsia started with a dream – to make flying affordable to everyone.”
Accompanied by caretakers, 20 children from Batang Opon Foundation and  Cebu City Task Force on Street Children Foundation flew via AirAsia Zest flight Z2 523 from Cebu to Davao at 9:10AM and another batch of kids from SOS Children’s Village took the first flight from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro City via AirAsia Zest flight Z2535 departing on time at 12:35PM.
In Davao City, 10 kids from Tambayan Center for Children’s Right were on board AirAsia Zest flight Z2524 from Davao to Cebu. They were given a tour of Mactan Shrine, Bluewater Resort and guitar factory – famous attractions in Cebu hosted by Galeon San Pedro Tours.
Aside from free airfare the kids also toured famous tourist spots and parks in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu in partnership with Department of Tourism. They also received surprised Christmas gifts and toys from AirAsia while passengers get welcome presents from Mactan Cebu International Airport management.
A ceremonial ribbon cutting and brief program at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIAA) was held attended by MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete, MCIAA Assistant General Manager Ahmed Cuizon, GMR Megawide President Louie Ferrer, Department of Tourism Region 7 Senior Tourism Operations Officer Judilyn Quiachon, Cebu Provincial Tourism Officer Grace Paulino and Capt. Dexter Comendador, AirAsia Philippines Director of Flight Operations.  During the program, guests and kids placed their messages of hope and wishes on a Christmas tree. AirAsia, MCIAA and partner NGOs will join forces to help fulfil the kids’ wishes.
To commemorate the event, AirAsia Philippines is offering promo fares from as low as P1.00 base fare for flights to/from Cebu City to Manila, Davao and Cagayan de Oro including flights to/from Manila, Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa(Palawan), Tagbilaran (Bohol) andTacloban.
Airfares for international destination from Manila to Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai, and Incheon/Seoul are also available for P1.00, one-way and base fare only for travel period starting January 7 to June 30, 2015.
All promotional fares are available for booking via www.airasia.com starting today until 14 December 2014. Guests may also get as much as 20% discount on pre-book meals and other online bargain deals.
For more updates on AirAsiaPhilippines and its latest promotions and activities, follow them on social media through Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaphilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh).
==DILG to launch disaster preparedness manuals==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461418357022/dilg-to-launch-disaster-preparedness-manuals
*Friday, December 12, 2014
: (DILG10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 12 -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to conduct on December 15-16 a regional launching cum orientation on Oplan Listo in Cagayan de Oro.
Oplan Listo is one of the initiatives of the Department to strengthen further the capacity of the local government units in responding to disasters.
As the overall responsible agency for disaster preparedness, DILG has identified sets of relevant interventions that aim to create an enabling environment for local government units (LGUs) toward mitigating the adverse impacts of disasters and climate change. One of these interventions is the Oplan Listo, of which the LGU Disaster Preparedness manuals are developed as guide for LGUs’ actions.
According to Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, DILG-10, the launching will provide a clearer vision of the objectives and rationale of the manuals and also identify the key roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders.
These disaster preparedness manuals will serve as checklists of early preparations for local chief executives and will help determine the LGU’s readiness in times of disaster. It shall also assist them in the formulation of its respective disaster preparedness plans.
Participants to the activity are selected members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and DILG-10 field directors and officers.
The activity is also part of the capacity enhancement component under the Department’s program on Enhancing LGU Capacity on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation.
==1,116 sacks of rice distributed to womens' group==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2601418266522/1-116-sacks-of-rice-distributed-to-womens-group
*Thursday, December 11, 2014
:By Jofinni Agustia Pabillore (CIO/PIA10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 11 (PIA) -- A total of 1,116 sacks of rice were distributed yesterday to 72 womens’ groups who are beneficiaries of the “Bigasan ng Barangay Project," a joint venture of the city Government of Cagayan de Oro and the Department of Labor and Employment-10 (DOLE-10).
The group happily received 15 and a half sacks of rice to start their “Bigasan ng Barangay Project." Aside from that, they also received weighing scales and packs of cellophane.
The womens’ group from Lumbia and Tagpangi were very thankful to mayor Moreno for the opportunity to avail of the rice-selling project. The DOLE-10 has set aside P2.240 million and P960,000 from the city as seed capital of the project.
After the distribution, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) conducted values formation seminar, headed by CSWD officer Teddy Sabuga-a, which was attended by 33 members who were trained on how to handle business.
The DOLE-10 has put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure good management and successful implementation of the “Bigasan ng Barangay Project”.
==8-year-old boy helps catch robber in Cagayan de Oro==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=714381
*Wednesday, December 10, 2014 3:50 pm
:By Joel Locsin / LBG (GMA News)
An eight-year-old boy helped police catch a man who held him and his mother up in Cagayan de Oro City Tuesday morning.
Police arrested Christian Noel Alfonso after the boy identified him from a picture gallery, GMA Northern Mindanao's Joane Tabique reported Wednesday.
Investigation showed the boy was about to go a private school in Barangay Macasandig when the suspect approached him and forcibly took his mobile phone and money.
"Parang dadalhin niya ang bata pero nakatakbo ang bata. Ito kasing suspek nadala na noon sa Police Station 9, na-identify ng bata doon sa picture gallery," said Inspector Jose Duallo, deputy chief of the Macasandig police.
Alfonso declined to comment on the allegations against him and now faces charges of robbery and child abuse.
==3,000 people celebrate International Human Rights Day in CDO==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=714381
*Tuesday, December 9, 2014
:(PNA), LAP/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/SSC
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- About 3,000 people from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon converged Tuesday in this trading hub to commemorate the end of the week-long International Human Rights week.
Father Chris Ablon, Secretary General of Karapatan-Northern Mindanao, said that the people who represent the urban poor, Lumads, workers, farmers, and students will hold an “A Solidarity Program” Tuesday night here.
Ablon said that the program would dramatize the people’s struggle in the pursuit of the rights to own lands, to fair wages, and against the commercialized education.
Part of the program would call the government to stop the militarization in the countrysides and the cities, stop using the military for the interests of mining and plantation companies.
He said that the group would also dramatize the demands of the government to respect the rights of the Indigenous People to ancestral domain and self determination, recall all strategic lawsuits against People's Participaiton and uphold the human rights at all levels.
Selda, an organization of the victims of the Martial Law regime, will also offer a fitting presentation of the political prisoners who have been detained on trumped up charges, Ablon said.
On Wednesday, the group will march to the Freedom Park in the heart of the city where various human rights group, including the labor sector would join hands to sound the clarion call for “Peace in Mindanao.”
The political detainees at the provincial jail in Misamis Oriental signaled the start of the celebration of the 66th United Nations Declaration of the Human Rights Week last December 2 when they started a hunger strike that would also culminate on Wednesday.
==Thousands flock to DOLE job fair in CDO==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=713983
*Monday, December 8, 2014
:(PNA), CTB/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/NOD
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 8 (PNA) -– Thousands of job seekers flocked to the job fair in a commercial center here Monday on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Raymundo A. Deloso, DOLE assistant regional director, said that the agency expects more job seekers during year end job fairs since more employers would need more workers in the coming year.
He said that Northern Mindanao has the highest employment rate at 97.4 percent compared to other regions in Mindanao.
Deloso said that it is normal for thousands of job seekers to flock to Cagayan De Oro every time there is a job fair because the city is the “gateway” to various regions in Mindanao.
He said the DOLE observed that there is an influx of job seekers from the towns of the Caraga Region in the eastern part of Mindanao and Lanao Del Norte in the western part of the island.
“More often, there are also job applicants coming from the Visayas region,” Deloso said.
He said that two government agencies are hiring on Monday’s job fair here with the Department of Social Welfare and Development offering 49 slots and the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division has an opening for 310 enlisted personnel.
==DSWD-10: No food pack distributed during ‘Ruby’==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/12/07/dswd-10-no-food-pack-distributed-during-ruby-380780
*Sunday, December 7, 2014
:By Jigger J. Jerusalem
AS TYPHOON Ruby (international name: Hagupit) was expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Wednesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Northern Mindanao said not a single food pack was distributed in the region since it did not report any displacement of residents that may have been affected by the weather disturbance.
DSWD-Northern Mindanao supply officer Elmer Canios said the 8,000 food packs they had prepared in anticipation of Ruby were left untouched in a warehouse.
“We did not make any releases since no one was affected (by Ruby),” Canios told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro by phone Sunday.
He said they were expecting Ruby to hit Camiguin but even the island province was spared from the disaster.
He added DSWD-designated vehicles were on standby ready to transport the relief goods to Camiguin when Ruby passed by Northern Mindanao.
But Canios said they would still continue packing additional food items as they are planning on having a stock of 30,000 packs by December 15 in preparation for any eventuality.
“Our repacking is ongoing,” he said, adding that DSWD-Northern Mindanao's present inventory is part of the P6.6 million worth of supplies that they purchased last month, excluding the 3,000 bags of rice they bought from the National Food Authority.
A packed food item contains six kilos of rice, four cans of sardines, two cans of corned beef, two cans of beef loaf, eight packs of instant noodles, and eight sachets of 3-in-1 coffee.
Of the 8,000 packs available, about 5,000 of those were still leftovers from the 18,000 food items that they had distributed at the height of the Typhoon Yolanda sometime in November, 2013, he said.
Part of those that were not given last year was also distributed to other provinces affected by calamities, he added.
==RDC-X has a new chairperson==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521417788166/rdc-x-has-a-new-chairperson
*Friday, December 5, 2014
:By Peleta B. Abejo (NEDA-X/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo as the new chairperson of the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) for the term 2013-2016.
Governor Dimaporo is a third termer as Governor of Lanao del Norte. He is presently the Vice-President of the Confederation of Provincial Governors, City Mayors and Municipal Mayors League President of Mindanao (CONFED Mindanao) and Chair of the RDC-Social Development Committee. He has also served as Chair of the RDC-Infrastructure/Utilities Development Committee in 2007-2010.
Governor Dimaporo finished his Bachelor of Arts in International Economics (2002) at the University of San Francisco in California where he also earned his Master’s Degree in Development Economics (2003) with honors. He also holds a Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Economics (2004) from the Texas A & M University in the United States.
A Resident of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Governor Dimaporo was born on February 16, 1980 to Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo and Imelda Dela Cruz Quibranza. He is married to Christina Mendoza Kahanding and has four children, Isa Abdullah (7), Noah Abdullah (6),Adan Abdullah (4) and Zakeriya Abdullah (3).
==4,000 jobs available in DOLE-X 81st Anniversary Job Fair==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611417658771/4-000-jobs-available-in-dole-x-81st-anniversary-job-fair
*Thursday, December 4, 2014
:pia.gov.ph
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 4 -- The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE) will commemorate on December 8 its 81st Anniversary, with the theme, “81 Taon na, Umaarangkada pa Tungo sa Disenteng Trabaho at Maunlad na Negosyo.”
Highlight of the celebration will be a Job Fair at the Activity Center of Centrio Mall, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City, opening at 9:30 a.m. As of the December 2, 2014, some 26 companies already signified to join with 4,019 job vacancies.
From the said Job Fair report, 20 local companies will participate with 983 job vacancies.
The following companies include Concentrix with 510 job vacancies; Timog Integrated Factors Corporation with 15 vacancies; Pilipinas Kao, Inc. – three; Asia Pro Cooperative, 45; Northpoint Manpower Services, 11; UKC, nine; Optimo Global Group, Inc., 30; Alrose Group of Companies with 42 companies; Candole Manpower Services, 74; Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc., 16; Lapanday Diversified Products Corp., 17; UNIFRUTTI Philippines, Inc., four; Arriba Telecontact with 30 call center representatives vacancies; Camella Homes with 50 Sales Clerks/Representatives vacancies; Liceo de Cagayan University, six; (16) Department of Social and Welfares Development with 49 vacancies for their special projects; Army Recruitment for Mindanao with 15 vacancies for enlisted personnel; LCG Group of Companies with 24 Sales, Accounting, and MIS vacancies; Accolade Resources with 30 vacancies of Call Center representatives; and McDonalds with eight vacancies for Management Trainees.
Top available jobs for local vacancies are Call Center Professionals (300 vacancies); Customer Care Professionals (100 vacancies); Product Support Professionals (100 vacancies); Repackers (50 vacancies); Service Crews (20 vacancies); Baggers (20 vacancies); Sales Representatives (15 vacancies); Sales and Marketing Associate (15 vacancies); Supervisory Trainees (10 vacancies); and Mechanical Technician (6 vacancies).
Meanwhile, some six overseas job companies, include: GBMLT Manpower Services with 793 job vacancies bound for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Ethiopia; Pisces International Placement Corp. with 66 vacancies for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; East West Placement Center, Inc. with 778 vacancies for Qatar and the KSA; Admiral Overseas Employment Corp. with 1,150 vacancies for Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and KSA; Landbase Human Resources Co. with 180 vacancies for KSA; and Joseline International Manpower Corp. with 28 vacancies for Riyadh, Al Khobar, Damman, KSA, and Jeddah.
Top available overseas job vacancies are: Civil Construction/Maintenance (427 vacancies); Carpenter/Mason/Steel Fixer (400 vacancies); and Electrician/Erector (300 vacancies).
Pre-registration of interested job applicants are still accepted until Friday, December 5, 2014, 5:00 p.m. at the DOLE-X Western Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Office, Ground Floor of the Monte Carlo Building (fronting RER Phase II gate), RER Phase I, Kauswagan National Highway, Cagayan de Oro City. Pre-registered applicants will proceed directly to the Referral Section during the Job Fair proper.
All applicants are directed to bring copies of their respective resumes and wear their corporate attires for interviews by their prospective employers during the Job Fair on December 8.
Job Fair is an employment service strategy of the DOLE that facilitates the meeting of job seekers and employers, local and overseas licensed recruitment agencies, and registered job contractors and sub-contractors in one activity and venue.
Moreover, the DOLE team composed of its attached agencies or the Regional Coordinating Council will also be providing its services through Help Desks. The services include, legal advice (NLRC 8th Division); receipt of complaints for the Single Entry Approach and the Compulsory Arbitration (NLRC RAB-X); receipt of application for the renewal of Professional Licenses (PRC-X); receipt of OFW Dependent Scholarship (OWWA-X); availability of technical/vocational scholarships (TESDA-X); Pre-Departure Orientation (POEA REU-X); and advocacy of wages and productivity programs (RTWPB-X). (Mildred E. Dablio, DOLE-X LCO/DOLE-X)
==Local disaster councils gear up for ‘Hagupit’==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/12/03/local-disaster-councils-gear-hagupit-379913
*Wednesday, December 3, 2014
:(Vaneza M. Kimilat of Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Linette Ramos-Cantalejo/Justin K. Vestil/Davinci S. Maru/Flornisa M. Gitgano/Sun.Star Cebu/PNA/Sunnex)
CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Local government units and disaster councils are gearing up as Tropical Storm Hagupit is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week.
The state weather bureau said Tuesday that the weather disturbance outside the PAR has intensified into a tropical storm and is expected to enter the country by Thursday evening or Friday morning.
In its 11 p.m. Tuesday bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the cyclone, with international name "Hagupit," was spotted at 1,825 kilometers (km) east of Mindanao.
It has maximum winds of 105 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 135 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 30 kph.
Once Hagupit enters PAR, it will be locally named Tropical Storm Ruby, the 18th tropical cyclone to enter the country in 2014.
:Northern Mindanao
With this, Mario Verner Monsanto, officer-in-charge of the Cagayan de Oro City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRMO), said the agency is already monitoring the storm's movement.
“The city has always been prepared and will respond as quick and effective as it can,” Monsanto said.
The Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) also started sending advisories to all town mayors of the province and all Association of Barangay Captain (ABC) presidents in various towns.
“We have conducted the inventory for the additional food stocking, rescue gears and equipment and advisories to volunteers. So far, it is our primary preparation and precaution for the typhoon,” said Provincial Administrator Eduardo Pacamalan.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Northern Mindanao has also been preparing since the cyclone has been spotted.
Noli dela Rita, regional information officer of BFP, said the agency is on a heightened alert status due to the monitored tropical storm.
“We have coordinated with all the local government units (LGUs) in the region and active responders in the city. We are ready for any possible incidents when Hagupit enters PAR. We have also coordinated with the Cagayan de Oro Fire District and CDRRMC. We are getting ready,” dela Rita said.
In an interview with Sun.Star Pilipinas, Sun.Star’s noontime webcast, Pagasa weather forecaster Meyma Casilagan said Hagupit will either make landfall in some parts of Visayas or will change course and head to Japan.
She said there are two scenarios as to how the weather disturbance will move. It might turn toward Japan due to the presence of a high-pressure area and a northeast monsoon or hit Luzon and Visayas.
Casilagan said that based on Pagasa’s international models, Hagupit’s formative stage is similar to typhoons Yolanda (Haiyan), which devastated central Philippines in November 2013, and Pablo (Bopha), which made landfall first in Davao Oriental in Mindanao in 2012.
But for now, she said Hagupit is still too far to affect the country.
:Cebu
In Cebu, though, barangays and concerned government agencies were already urged Tuesday to clear waterways and prune trees in preparation for Hagupit, as Cebu City Hall starts checking evacuation centers and prepares to deploy rescue and heavy equipment if the typhoon hits Cebu.
The typhoon threatens to be as strong as typhoon Yolanda, City Councilor Dave Tumulak said, that is why the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Managemet Council (CCDRRMC) ordered an inventory of all rescue and communication equipment as early as last Monday.
If the typhoon does not change its course, the CCDRRMC will ask the City Council to declare the city under a state of preparedness in Wednesday's council session.
In Tuesday's Police Coordinating and Advisory Council, Tumulak requested the Cebu City Police Office not to allow any policeman to go on leave this week so they can assist in the evacuation of residents.
“We need the manpower when the typhoon comes so all government employees, especially the City Government workers, will be tapped as volunteers in a worst-case scenario,” said Tumulak, who also sits as head of CCDRRMC.
He said the City has learned from the lessons of Yolanda.
“We lacked manpower and communication equipment when Yolanda hit us and we’ve learned from that... We anticipate that all communication will bog down that’s why we will provide emergency communication equipment and connectivity. We will also see to it that all medical supplies are ready, as well as food packs, water and relief items,” he said.
In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes has been meeting with the City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and other leaders concerned with the preparation.
Felix Suico of the DRRMO said heavy equipment, evacuation centers and food packs are ready.
He said weather updates will be relayed to the barangays through handheld radios and text message.
In Lapu-Lapu City, DRRMO radio operator Jonathan Antonio said they will be monitoring coastal barangays, such as Pusok, Looc, Canjulao, Maribago, Marigondon and Suba-Basbas.
Antonio said they’ve been sending weather updates to the barangays also through text message, landline and handheld radios.
Members of the Lapu-Lapu DRRMO recently underwent training on disaster preparedness conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
:Negros Oriental
In Negros Oriental, the PDRRMC, chaired by Governor Roel Degamo, called on the people to remain calm and to continue monitoring the development of the tropical storm.
Degamo told the people not to panic as he enjoined them to listen to advisories coming from official warning agencies.
PDRRMC executive officer Adrian Sedillo said the Provincial Government and PDRRMC will base their actions on official announcements from Pagasa.
International weather stations are saying Tropical Storm Hagupit is a Category 3 cyclone with its uncertain track baffling meteorologists who are keeping a close eye on it as it is expected to be over the Micronesian Islands of Yap and Palau by Wednesday.
The PDRRMC in Negros Oriental has been on standby alert since Tropical Depression “Queenie” sliced across Negros Oriental last week, causing massive flooding in Dumaguete and other parts of the province and leaving at least four people dead and few others missing.
Meanwhile, Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete called on the people to pray unceasingly as the country faces the threat of yet another tropical storm, possibly a strong one toward the end of the week.
Bishop Cortes also said the diocese will collaborate with the local governments on disaster preparedness.
Some of the parishes are already prepared for disaster preparedness and response after undergoing training earlier this year, Cortes added.
==35 chosen from the archdiocese to see Pope Francis==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/12/02/35-chosen-archdiocese-see-pope-francis-379692
*Tuesday, December 2, 2014
:By Vaneza Kimilat
A TOTAL of 35 individuals from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro have been chosen to attend the mass at the Manila Cathedral in which Pope Francis will preside on his visit to the country on January 15, 2015.
The 10 priests chosen from the vicariates of the Archdiocese are Rev. Fr. Perseus P. Cabunoc, SSJV, rector of San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral; Fr. Jose Isagani Villamil, Fr. Raul Dael, Fr. Jobel Gulisao, Fr. Rosauro Valmores, Fr. Ramir Colanse, Fr. Eleuterio Datoy, Fr. Jose Alan Pulgo, Fr. Wilfredo Tuquib, and Fr. Joel Oga.
Among the five nuns are Sr. Elsie Gonzales of Canossian Daughter of Charity; Sr. Teresita G. Balberan of Carmelite Missionaries; Sr. Maria Perla Victoria Balbastro of Daughter of Charity; Sr. Carmelita Buot of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres; and Sr. Lorna Cababaan, MCM of of Missionary Congregation of Mary.
“The other 20 come from the laity. I am not sure of their names, but part of that number would be the survivors of Sendong and from the different groups in the archdiocese,” Rev. Fr. Raul B. Dael, SSJV, Vicar for the Clergy and Religious Missionary, said.
Fr. Dael said choosing the representatives were drawn by lots within the 10 vicariates of the archdiocese and those chosen consulted their respective delegates to get representatives.
The archdiocese will fund the accommodation of the city’s representatives while the plane fares will be divided by the archdiocese and the parishes.
“It’s a moment of grace for the Philippines especially that the Pope is visiting those affected by Yolanda. That would be a great encouragement for the people; it will be a great inspiration for the people,” Fr. Dael said.
“For now, we don’t have the plan on what the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City will do while the Pope visits Manila and other provinces. Maybe next week we will come to that,” Rev. Fr. Perseus P. Cabunoc, SSJV Rector, San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral said, referring to what church-related activities will be prepared while the Pope is in the country.
:Papal visit, the route
On its website papalvisit.ph.com, Pope Francis is expected to arrive in Manila on January 15.
On January 16, the pontiff will be officially welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang Palace and will also meet Philippine authorities and members of the diplomatic corps.
Pope will go on a motorcade to the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (the Manila Cathedral) for a mass with bishops, priests, religious men and women. And then will meet with families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
On January 17, the Pope will be at the Leyte Province in Eastern Visayas and visit the Archdiocese of Palo. He will offer mass near Tacloban airport and will have lunch with the some of the survivors of Yolanda.
He will then bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor in Palo, Leyte and will visit the Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration to meet with priests and religious people there.
On the 18th, the Pope will meet religious leaders and some youth groups at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila. And then he will go on a motorcade for the concluding mass at Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park.
The pontiff will then leave for Rome on the 19th.
For the detailed itinerary of Pope Francis's visit, go to papalvisit.sunstar.com.ph.
==Anti-discrimination ordinance ‘needed’==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/12/01/anti-discrimination-ordinance-needed-379498
*Monday, December 1, 2014
:By Jigger J. Jerusalem
AS THE World Aids Day is being observed today, December 1, all over the globe, an advocate feels there is still a tremendous amount of bias and discrimination against individuals who have contracted this disease and those who have different sexual orientation.
Rey Namocatcat, of the local advocate group Tingog-CdeO, said the best way to stop this animosity is for the city legislature to craft an ordinance that will protect people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), as well as those belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual (LGBT) communities.
While the two proposed bills have been pending at the Senate and the House of Representatives, Namocatcat said it would also be helpful for the PLHIV and LGBT sectors if local government units will pass anti-discrimination ordinances, like what the cities of Cebu and Davao already did.
In the Lower House, House Bill (HB) 110 was filed by then Akbayan partylist and now Dinagat Island Representative Arlene Bag-ao.
Its counterpart legislation in the Senate, Senate Bill (SB) 1022 was authored by Senator Ramon Revilla.
Both lawmakers filed their respective bills sometime last year.
Once enacted into a law, HB 110 and SB 1022 will fine and imprison violators for discrimination of LGBTs, for the following offenses: denial of access to public service, including military services, to any person on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity; inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as the disclosure of sexual orientation, in the criteria of hiring, promotion and dismissal of workers, and in the determination of employee compensation, training, incentives, privileges, benefits or allowances and other terms and conditions of employment; refusal of admission or expulsion of a person from educational institutions on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; refusal or revocation of accreditation, formal recognition, and or registration of any organization, group, political party, institution or establishment solely on the basis of sexual orientation; denial of a person access to medical and other health services open to the general public, as well as access to or the use of establishments, facilities, utilities or services including housing, open to the general public; to subject or force any person to any medical or psychological examination to determine and/or alter the person's sexual orientation; and harassment by members of institutions involved in the enforcement of law and the protection of rights, such as the PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).
Violators will be penalized with a fine of not less than P100,000 but not exceeding P500,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years or both.
Since Cagayan de Oro has no related ordinance on this yet, Namocatcat said people who are victims of discrimination should file appropriate charges for a crime that stemmed from the act, for example, physical abuse.
He said in the absence of the antidiscrimination ordinance, other existing criminal laws can be used to protect the PLHIV and LGBT members.
He added that victims of discrimination could also cite the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights as the Philippines is one of the signatory-countries.
Part of the group’s agenda, he said, is to ask the City Council to create an anti-discrimination law.
At present, Namocatcat said Tingog and other advocate groups are strengthening the capacity of their peer educators, so proper information could be relayed to the PLHIV.
He said PLHIV are encouraged to undergo voluntary counseling and early diagnosis for HIV antibody testing.
After the testing, that person is also urged to get the test result in person since no one can do that for him/her.
In addition, Namocatcat said the LGBT communities in Cagayan de Oro City are being made aware on the sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (Sogie), a framework that will help the “sexually closeted” individual.
==Rep. Rodriguez says support for Bangsamoro Basic Law is “universal”==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/11/30/rep-rodriguez-says-support-for-bangsamoro-basic-law-is-universal/
*Sunday, November 30, 2014 8:13 pm
:(MindaNews)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/30 Nov) — Despite some concerns, the proposed Bangsamoro Law is receiving overwhelming support  from residents  in Northern Mindanao, the chair of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law said.
“I saw the universal support for the proposed Bangsamoro law. It is undeniable,” Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, (2nd district, Cagayan  de Oro City) told MindaNews .
Rodriguez said he got a sense of the sentiments after a round of public hearings in the cities of Marawi, Iligan, and Cagayan de Oro; and in Tubod, Lanao del Norte last week from November 27 to 29.
Rodriguez said he no longer sees any major problem arising from sectors questioning the constitutionality of the proposed Bangsamoro Law.
He said despite manifestation from those who oppose the law, he saw only several issues that they would have to fix before submitting their final draft to the Senate by January next year.
The major issue they have to resolve, according to Rodriguez, is the question of inclusion of some towns and barangays into the new Bangsamoro region through a plebiscite.
He said they have to study the issues raised by Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat and former Iligan Mayor Lawrence Cruz that the Constitution does not allow any province, city, town or barangay to be divided, merged with or its boundaries altered without conforming with the requirements provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991.
The core territory of the proposed Bangsamoro includes the five-province, two-city Autonomou Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the six towns in Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays in North Cotabato that voted for inclusion in the ARMM in the 2001 plebiscite.
The six towns are Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar , Tagoloan and Tangkal town.
Also in question are some barangays in Iligan City: and in the towns of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigcawayan, Pikit and Midsayap in North Cotabato province.
“I find this ironic because most of these areas are dominated by Muslims,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said his committee will conduct ten more public hearings before they would meet in plenary session.
The scheduled public hearings are Baguio and Laoag cities on Dec. 5; Buluan, Maguindanao and Koronadal, Dec. 10; Davao City, Dec. 11; Kabacan and Midsayap towns in North Cotabato, Dec. 12; Butuan City, Dec. 13; and Cebu and Iloilo cities on Dec. 15.
In mid-November, Rodriguez told MindaNews that the public hearings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law “will be the most comprehensive and inclusive consultations in the history of the House of Representatives.”
Rodriguez added that the Ad Hoc Commitee “will then deliberate on the bill when we resume session on January 19.”
Plenary debates are “expected starting Feb 2 and approval by end of February,” Rodriguez said.
Congress takes a break from December 20 to January 18, 2015, will resume sessions from January 19 to March 20 and will go on break again from March 21 to May 3.
==‘Dear Pope Francis’ campaign gets going==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/dear-pope-francis-campaign-gets-going/
*Saturday, November 29, 2014
:(PIA)
Cagayan De Oro City — The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), has launched a Letter Writing Campaign for the Papal Visit in 2015 entitled “Dear Pope Francis.”
PHLPost Central Mindanao area director Nimia S. Acebes said that this project aims to create awareness about the papal visit to further strengthen the faith of the Filipinos in God and to develop the skills, especially the youth in composition-writing and their ability to express their thoughts clearly.
The campaign is open to all Filipinos. With title ‘Dear Pope Francis,” the composition must be recent, unpublished and original.
It should also be in the form of a letter containing its basic elements (heading, salutation, body of the letter, complimentary close and signature).
All letters must be originally done by the participant. And on a separate sheet of paper, the participant must indicate the following information: complete name and home address, gender, age and date of birth, name and address of school; grade or year level and contact number of school and participant telephone, fax and cellphone numbers.
The deadline for submission of the ‘Dear Pope Francis’ entries is on December 5, 2014. All letters to the Pope should be dropped in Special Drop Boxes located in all designated post offices.
A Special Committee shall select the best letter and will be represented to the pope.
For more information and inquiries, you may look for Cecille A. Cotapte, market specialist of PHLPost Central Mindanao Area, Macabalan Cagayan de Oro City with number (088) 856-7124 or you may visit the Post Office in your locality.
==Oro residents block access road in Macajalar==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/11/28/oro-residents-block-access-road-macajalar-379022
*Friday, November 28, 2014
:  Jigger J. Jerusalem
FOR blocking the road leading to their homes, more than a thousand residents of a neighborhood in Barangay Lapasan found themselves inconvenienced, and in turn barricaded a public street, bothering motorists at Macajalar road Thursday morning.
The residents at Sitio San Miguel in Barangay Lapasan said they find it hard to get to their residences or to go some place from their homes as the private road going there was fenced by the owner of the property whom the residents identified as Mindanao Health Care (MHC) Wednesday night.
San Miguel is located on a hilly side bounded by Barangay Camaman-an and located near a shopping mall. Below the houses is a firing range said to be owned also by MHC.
Because of the blockade, resident Jojie Nonot, 53, said it would be difficult for him and the more than a hundred families to go home as part of the road was affected, resulting in the excavation allegedly ordered by the MHC management.
“What will happen if there is an emergency? Garbage could no longer be collected. The other day, a resident who had just a dialysis couldn’t proceed to San Miguel. He was carried instead by the neighbors. He got soaking wet because it was raining,” Nonot, a farmer and board member of the neighborhood association, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro Thursday.
Aside from the San Miguel residents, people going to and from the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Northern Mindanao headquarters at Camp Alagar and students at the Lapasan National High School use the road as shortcut, he added.
Nonot said the owner of the property did not inform them in advance when fencing the road.
He said they were told by the security guards, numbering more than a dozen who were deployed in the area and armed with shotguns, that the road is a private property and using it was prohibited.
He said the homeowners can pass through, but they have to hurdle the barbed wire near where a “private property, no entry” sign is hanged.
In retaliation, the residents also blocked a portion of the Macajalar road just a few meters away from the entrance of the firing range.
Access road
The Macajalar road serves as an access road going to the national highway and a nearby mall. Motorists had to find other alternate routes because of the blockade.
The obstruction, said Rita Zarsosa, 36, and a San Miguel dweller, caused a motorcycle owner to flare up as he shouted invectives at the residents early morning on Thursday. He eventually turned around.
But Zarsosa said that was the only incident that figured an angry motorist. Other drivers, once they saw the blockade, turned back without complaining.
She said only Mayor Oscar Moreno can help them solve their problem, but she heard he could not directly intervene since the property in question is privately owned.
Nonot said they had to do that (obstruction) so City Hall and other concerned government agencies would listen to them and do something about their situation.
SPO1 Jonathan Mulleon, a member of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (Cocpo) Traffic Unit, said they were deployed to augment law enforcers from the Agora police station to ensure violence would not erupt on site.
Nonot said their neighborhood is a piece of land acquired by the former employees of Coca Cola, then owned by San Miguel, hence the name of the housing subdivision, in 1967.
Some of the first residents of San Miguel have been living there for 40 years, Nonot, a homeowner for 22 years, added.
He said they could not figure out why after more three decades of using the road, it is only now that the owners decided to close it, but he added they suspected that the 1.6-hectare property, which the road is part of, will be bought by a company.
Agreement
But he said about three years ago, the homeowners signed an agreement with former MHC president, Vicente Cabrera, who provided three meters and the owner of the adjacent lot another three meters for access road intended for the residents’ use.
It was also agreed that the road will not be closed provided MHC will be paid by the city government through the expropriation of the lot.
He said the agreement was witnessed by sitio leaders of Hillside and San Miguel, City Legal Office, and a Lapasan barangay official.
Nonot said Lapasan barangay chairman Omar Labuntog issued a hold order for the excavation to stop and remove the fence, but it went unheeded.
He said they have yet to have a dialogue with MHC new president Manolo de Leon.
When Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro tried to get the side of the MHC management inside the firing range, the guards stationed inside the property said only employees are allowed to enter the compound.
The guards also said no one in the management was around to answer queries from the media.
==1st Go Negosyo Center opened in CDO==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611417052699/1st-go-negosyo-center-opened-in-cdo
*Thursday, November 27, 2014
: (JMOR/PIA10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 27 (PIA) – “It is not enough to teach people accountancy and basic financial literacy but an entrepreneurial mindset.”
This was made clear by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV during the opening of the first ever Negosyo Center in the country on November 13, 2014 here in Cagayan de Oro City.
He said that there is an allotted P93.5M for the Go Negosyo Act where 100 Go Negosyo centers will be established nationwide by November of 2015 and 2,500 in total within the next five years.
Senator Aquino said, “We want the Negosyo Centers to be a front line organization.” Isang lugar na pwedeng mahanap, pwedeng makita ng ating kapwa Pilipino na naghahanap ng tulong sa kanilang maliit na negosyo. (A place which can be easily located can be accessed by fellow Filipinos looking for help with their small businesses.)
There are some Negosyo Centers in pilot areas that will be found in city halls, malls, commercial areas, and others to be housed in state universities and colleges, the Senator said.
The purpose of the center is to help micro enterprises become small enterprises and the small enterprises become medium and the medium become large and export and join the global market.
According to him, micro enterprises comprise 92% of the country and graduating from micro to small is really one of the challenges.
There is the regulatory challenge because entrepreneurs go from underground to regular economy. It is also a minimum wage challenge from going to non-minimum wage to minimum wage. It’s a Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) challenge if you are a food entrepreneur. You need to get the regulations to get to the supermarket for example.
“I am hoping that this can make a big difference in terms of our fight against poverty. There is no way we can get out of poverty if there are no jobs, no enterprises,” the Senator said.
If you have a good business you might not need to go abroad. There are many benefits of having a business and having a job in the country. It’s time to focus efforts on fighting poverty. And the way to help our people fight poverty is by providing jobs and supporting their enterprise.
Senator Aquino said the center represents an actual physical program, actual method, and actual process to develop in our country.
He said, finance institutions are present and will give opportunity to the formal or regulated micro financing groups to read brochures or have training sessions here to take them away from the “5/6” or other loan sharks. So that will be part of this center.
This will be a proactive center where the organization doesn’t just wait for people to come but seek out opportunities for our countrymen. Even the farming communities are welcomed for them to find a way so their products and services will be delivered to the market. Meanwhile the center may be also used by the private sectors for meetings, events. There will be a partnership between private sector, government officials, and local officials.
This is just the start, there is so much further we want to achieve, the Senator said. We have a very good start. If we can make it work here in Cagayan de Oro, we can make it work anywhere in the Philippines. We will make sure that the Negosyo Centers are funded, supported and we will continue bringing in private sector to support the Negosyo Centers.
DTI as leading agency for the Go Negosyo Center in CDO
According to Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya, the Negosyo Center is a dream come true. It is really a realization of making services available to Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs).
Because that’s always what they ask about, “Where do we go? How do we do? How can we ask for help?” Now, they only have to remember the address of the Negosyo Center whether it is in DTI, local government, or in a mall.
According to Jerry T. Clavesillas, Assistant Director of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises Development (BSMED) that this is the first Negosyo Center established under the Go Negosyo act RA 10644.
Further, it is cross sectoral, cross agency. A Negosyo Center is primarily under the supervision of small and medium enterprise development council of which the membership covers a lot of agencies.
He said that this is really to promote the ease of doing business. Further, requirements are simplified for those who want to go into business and also facilitate other regulatory requirements and even support services we can provide to the MSMEs.
Moreover, the center is for the promotion of MSMEs. MSMEs only need to approach this center. Meanwhile, personnel  will not be purely from DTI but ultimately an inter-agency collaboration. So other agencies and private companies like Microsoft are also willing to provide training especially with Information Technology (IT) solutions. These are the things that we can get out of the Negosyo center, he said.
:Local government participation
Cagayan de Oro first district Representative Rolando “Klarex” Uy said this is a huge leap for businessmen and would be businessmen in the city. “Ang negosyo maoy kinabuhi sa gobyerno. Kung wala ang negosyante, ang gobyerno dili mugana og walai pangimpliyo. Importante ang negosyante. Kai kung wala sila, unsa man ang employment sa local nga kagamhanan?” he said. (The business is the life of the government. If there are no businessmen, the government could not work and there won’t be employment. The businessmen are important. If they do not exist, what would be the employment in the local government?) 
Meanwhile, 1st Congressional District of Misamis Oriental Representative Peter Unabia congratulated the courage of Provincial Director Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore.
He said that this is a big help to aspiring businessmen. He also challenged that the center will be sincere in providing assistance to develop micro entrepreneurs to become small to become employers themselves.
On the other hand, Cagayan de Oro vice mayor Ian Acenas said the city is so lucky and so blessed and that the opening of Negosyo Center is so timely because the city has been declared 2nd most competitive city after Makati just this year.
:Programs Offered
The Negosyo Center shall offer services like Trainings in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Technology, Financial Management, Productivity and Efficiency, Business registration services, Business consultancy/ coaching, Product Development, Market Development and Promotions and Business Ideas and Information.
The center is located at the ground level of Antolin Building, Tiano-Akut Sts., Cagayan de Oro City.
Roll-out for the full multi-phase implementation of the Negosyo Centers will begin in 2015 as provided for in the Transitory Provisions of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Go Negosyo Act.
The Center is a pilot project of Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aguino IV.
==Oro to develop relocation sites==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/11/26/oro-develop-relocation-sites-378786
*Wednesday, November 26, 2014
:By Jigger J. Jerusalem
AFTER more than two years, Cagayan de Oro City's relocation areas still need further development so residents could live a quality life.
In a statement sent through email to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Oscar Moreno was quoted as saying that one of his plans is develop the permanent resettlement sites through the construction of added amenities that dwellers could commonly use such as parks and churches.
Moreno said the additional facilities would complement the facilities recently donated by Habitat for Humanity Philippines in a ceremonial turnover.
Among the structures being donated by the group are multipurpose livelihood centers, a health center, day care facility, as well as police outposts to be put up in various relocation sites in the city.
A multipurpose building and health center will be put up in the resettlement area in Barangay Indahag, while a relocation site Barangay Pagatpat will have its own day care school and a police outpost.
The relocation areas in Canitoan will be recipients of a multipurpose structure and a police outpost.
During the turnover, Moreno expressed his gratitude to Habitat for the continued assistance it has extended to the City Government, especially to the relocated residents whose lives should be enhanced given their condition.
Also, Moreno is planning on subdividing the land on the resettlement sites so they could become the legal owners of the lots they are living in at present.
Most of the settlers living at the relocation areas are survivors of Tropical Storm Sendong that devastated villages in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan where hundreds of people were either declared dead or missing and millions of pesos in properties were damaged on December 17, 2011.
Among the villages in the city that experienced the most destruction brought by Sendong were Carmen, Camaman-an, Balulang, and Iponan where residents perished in the flood.
Aside from the different infrastructure the organization has donated to the city, it also handed out seven water-testing kits that were received by city health officer Dr. Fe Bongcas.
Bongcas said the City Health Office has yet to identify the villages that they are going to distribute the kits to.
==Farmers protest DAR Bukidnon executive==
*Source: http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20141124103405
*Tuesday, November 25, 2014
:  Mindanao Examiner
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some 200 landless farmers on Monday protested the continued defiance of the Department of Agrarian Reform to implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in Bukidnon province in northern Mindanao.
The farmers also demanded the resignation of Julio Celestiano, the provincial agrarian reform officer, for his failure to implement CARP in Bukidnon, especially in the estate of the Fortich family.
Rosendo Emat, chairman of the Fortich Farm Landless Farmers Beneficiaries Association and a member of the national peasant federation Task Force Mapalad, accused Celestiano of violating the CARP.
“While the DAR is among the top agencies tasked to fulfil the state’s Constitutional mandate to pursue agrarian reform with the welfare of the landless farmers and farm workers receiving the highest consideration, the department ironically has a top CARP violator within its ranks in the person of Celestiano, who has been tolerating the Fortich family in blocking the implementation of agrarian reform in a landholding that they don’t even own,” Emat said.
The 331-hectare portion of the 1,178-hectare banana, pineapple and papaya plantations in Valencia City consisting of three lots are being claimed by Carlos Fortich and daughters Maria Teresa Zarraga and Pilar Morasa, according to Emat, who said that government records show that the Fortich family is not the registered owners of the lots.
He said in 2006, the DAR, through issuance of notices of coverage, placed the three lots being claimed by the Fortich family under the CARP so these could eventually be distributed to farmer-beneficiaries of the program.
However, in 2011, as the distribution of the lots to beneficiaries neared, the Land Bank of the Philippines refused to value the landholdings and determine the compensation that the government would give to the landowners in exchange for placing their properties under the CARP after it found out that the lots were untitled and not owned by any private individual.
==24 hurt as bus, dump truck collide in Cagayan de Oro==
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/389577/news/regions/24-hurt-as-bus-dump-truck-collide-in-cagayan-de-oro
*Monday, November 24, 2014
:Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News
At least 24 people were reported injured after a bus and a dump truck collided in Cagayan de Oro City shortly after noon Sunday.
The collision occurred along the national highway at Barangay Tablon in Cagayan de Oro City, GMA Northern Mindanao's Sozie Alamban reported Monday on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."
The injured, which include the bus driver and two children who were on the bus, were brought to a hospital.
The left side of the bus sustained heavy damage.
Initial investigation showed both vehicles were heading for Cagayan de Oro City when the accident happened. Police said the truck was about to enter a compund when the bus hit it.
Meanwhile, the husband of one of the injured asked the bus company to shoulder the medical expenses of the injured.
"Obligasyon nila kasi mga pasahero nila 'yun at saka sagutin nila ang nangyari dahil problema nila 'yun baka wala ng sumakay sa kanilang bus kung ganon ang style nila," said Vergilito Puyos.
The bus company has yet to comment on the incident, even as police continue their investigation into who should be held liable for the collision.
==CDO’s emerging foodie trail==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/lifestyle/2014/11/23/cdo-s-emerging-foodie-trail-378234
*Sunday, November 23, 2014
:(DZRH News)
CAGAYAN de Oro City is a place known to many domestic and foreign tourists as an adventure destination. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit CdeO just for the whitewater rafting alone. Adventure-seekers also find more exciting activities a few minutes away from the city.
Not many, however, would come to CdeO just for its delicacies (except maybe for the ham), since CdeO has never been known as a foodie stop. Unknown to many, a lot of the family-owned businesses in CDO are related to food, mainly because Kagay-anons appreciate good grub.
Lately, a number of quirky restaurants have sprouted all over town. In Divisoria alone, unique places to eat can be found in almost every corner, where the ambience is as interesting as the menu.
The newly opened Backyard Grill is one of the restaurants that serve affordable grilled fare, with a lot of their meals at P99. Aside from the usual silog meals, it also serves meals on a hot plate: sizzling Sisig, sizzling (spa)Ghetti and even sizzling Brownie Ala Mode! Its hefty serving of baby back ribs will keep you coming back for more. Backyard Grill is located at Marfori Compound, Gaerlan St.
==Alaska Aces back at top of standings==
*Source: http://dzrhnews.com/alaska-aces-back-top-standings/
*Saturday, November 22, 2014 9:01 pm
:(DZRH News)
Alaska Aces guard Cyrus glides in for a layup against a GlobalPort Batang Pier defender. The Alaska Aces bounced back with a vengeance by beating the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 87-84, Saturday, Nov. 22 in Cagayan De Oro City to grab first place in the standings of the 2014-2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. PBA Image/Nuki Sabio
Alaska Aces guard Cyrus glides in for a layup against a GlobalPort Batang Pier defender. The Alaska Aces bounced back with a vengeance by beating the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 87-84, Saturday, Nov. 22 in Cagayan De Oro City to grab first place in the standings of the 2014-2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. PBA Image/Nuki Sabio
The Alaska Aces bounced back with a vengeance by beating the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 87-84, Saturday, Nov. 22 in Cagayan De Oro City to grab back first place in the 2014-2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
The Aces took command of the game early in the fourth period. Vic Manuel started the scoring binge with three consecutive field goals then Calvin Abueva completed the Alaska run, with back-to-back baskets of his own, which pushed the Aces ahead for good, 79-65, with 7:31 to go in the game.
The Batang Pier cut the gap but the Aces relied on their defense to preserve the victory. Abueva, with 19 points and six rebounds, went on to win Player of the Game honors.
With the victory the Aces (7 wins, 1 loss) grabbed solo leadership in the standings ahead of the San Miguel Beermen (6-1).
The other teams include the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters (5-2), Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (5-3), the Meralco Bolts (4-3), the Talk N Text Tropang Texters (4-3), GlobalPort (4-4), the Purefoods Star Hotshots (3-3), the NLEX Road Warriors (3-4), Barako Bull Energy (2-5), the Kia Sorento (1-7) and the Blackwater Elite (0-8).
GlobalPort jumped out to an early nine-point lead, 20-11, after a three-point play by Yancy De Ocampo who converted a followup and a bonus free throw with 1:15 to go in the first quarter. Alaska eventually trailed, 15-22, after the first period.
The Aces started the second quarter breathing fire. RJ Jazul and Jvee Casio drilled a pair of triples to start the Alaska scoring spree. Abueva then capped the 10-3 Alaska run with a drive (plus a blocking foul that was not called) to tie the count at 25-all, with 8:09 to go in the second period.
Cyrus Baguio and Casio completed the Alaska run as the Aces suddenly erected a five-point advantage, 31-26, in the second quarter.
But GlobalPort made its own run late in the period, outscoring the Aces 11-2 the rest of the way as Alaska found itself facing a four-point deficit at halftime, 33-37.
Abueva turned to “Beast Mode” early in the third period converting four consecutive field goals right in the first seven minutes of the period. Alaska outscored GlobalPort, 18-13, to grab the lead. Abueva capped the run with a hookshot as Alaska took over the driver’s seat, 51-50, with 6:29 to go in the third period.
Alaska’s second unit, led by RJ Jazul and Eric Menk, then picked up where Abueva left off. Jazul drilled a triple and then Menk converted a pair of free throws to push the Aces to a six-point advantage, 66-60, after the third quarter.
SCORES:
ALASKA ACES 87 – Calvin Abueva 19, Jvee Casio 14, Cyrus Baguio 10, Sonny Thoss 10, RJ Jazul 8, Eric Menk 7, Vic Manuel 6, Chris Banchero 4, Ping Exciminiano 4, Dondon Hontiveros 3, Rome Dela Rosa 2, Sam Eman 0, Tony Dela Cruz 0.
GLOBALPORT BATANG PIER 84 – Terrrence Romeo 26, Stanley Pringle 15, Alex Cabagnot 15, Mark Isip 12, Yancy De Ocampo 6, Ronjay Buenafe 5, Jewel Ponferada 3, Keith Jensen 2, Paolo Taha 0, John Pinto 0, Prince Caperal 0, Nonoy Baclao 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 15-22, 33-37, 66-60, 87-84.
==DOLE-X joins regional launching of nutrition council’s “10 Kumainments”==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611416549038/dole-x-joins-regional-launching-of-nutrition-council-s-10-kumainments-
*Friday, November 21, 2014
:By Glenford C. Labial (DOLE-X)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 21 -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office No. X joined the regional launching of the “10 Kumainments” of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) on November 14 at the Dynasty Court Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.
NNC-X coordinator, Marissa DM. Valles, said that the “10 Kumainments” are approved by the NNC Governing Board, as a campaign to help prevent malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJDD, steered the unveiling of the huge standee together with retired National Economic Development Authority region 10 (NEDA-X) regional director Myra V. Balandra.
With its 10 dimensions under the Family Welfare Program (FWP), as emphasized under Department Order (D.O.) 56-03 s. 2003 “Rationalizing the Implementation of Family Welfare Program”, DOLE intensifies the mandateto stakeholders to comply “Nutrition” as part of said dimensions, as well as implementing lactation station in workplace.
Aside from the FWP directive, the department commits to NNC the facilitation of emergency employment and capacity building of workers on counseling for the poor and vulnerable workers in the region.
DOLE is part of the Technical Working Group together with the Department of Education (DepEd); Department of Agriculture (DA); NEDA; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Health (DOH).
The launching was attended by non-government organizations like the World Food Programme; World Vision Development Foundation, Inc.; inter-agency partners that include DA; NEDA; DepEd and the trimedia partners.
As part of the programme, NNC presented the Results of the 2013 Nutrition Survey in Northern Mindanao and the Updated Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2014-2016.
The event was participated by Glenford C. Labial, Labor and Employment Officer-III and DOLE-X FWP regional focal person.
The launching bears the theme “Strengthening Partnership in Scaling-up Nutrition Action”.

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Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

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Cagayan de Oro City Public Market
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The river of cagayan de oro city
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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.
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Flood Waters in the streets of Cagayan de Oro City
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Cagayan de Oro City Buildings
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Bus Terminal, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

Illegal firecrackers seized in NorMin

(EOR/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 31 (PIA) – The Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers (RTFIF) in northern Mindanao seized today assorted illegal firecrackers in a crackdown on firecracker vendors in Cagayan de Oro city.

This is in accordance to Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic devices, said Atty Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10.

RA 7183 limits the manufacture, distribution, sale and use to a limited number of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to promote public health and safety.

For firecrackers, accredited manufacturers with appropriate business permits and licenses are allowed to produce “baby rockets,” “bawang,” “small trianggulo,” “pulling of strings,” “paper caps,” “el diablo,” “Judah’s belt,” “sky rocket or kwitis,” and other types with limited explosive contents.

For pyrotechnics, those allowed are “mabuhay,” “Roman candle,” “trompillo,” “whistle device,” “butterfly,” “foundation,” “jumbo regular,” “luces,” “sparklers,” all kinds of pyrotechnic “pailaw.”

Under the law, certain firecrackers and pyrotechnics including “atomic big,” “trianggulo,” “super lolo,” “giant whistle bomb” and other types of firecracker with more than 0.2 grams or more 1/3 teaspoon of explosives, firecrackers which are oversized, firecrackers which fuse burns in less than 3 seconds or more than 6 seconds are prohibited.

The order specifically mentioned the danger of using improvised guns, particularly “boga” made of polyvinyl chloride pipe which became popular among Christmas and New Year revellers.

Atty. Burdeos said RTFIF is interagency cooperation composed of DILG, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Education (DepEd),and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Commission on Higher Education (CHED); and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), primarily tasked to promote health and safety of the public in support to DOH.

With the confiscation of these illegal firecrackers, the safe celebration of New Year in the region has been assured, Burdeos said.

According to DOH, they will treat all injured by firecrackers during new year festivities. But a damaged future has no cure. Dont use fireacrackers to welcome the new year, urged DOH.

DOH reiterated its call not to let children play with fireworks during the holiday season as latest data revealed that 67% of all fireworks injuries from December 21-29 were caused by piccolo.

The piccolo is likely to be mistaken for candy especially by children. It contains yellow phosphorus, which can kill humans if 50 to 100 mg of it is ingested, says DOH.

Meanwhile, the PNP encourages the public to report any related matters to the local authorities; and urges the public to document and report illegal discharge of firearms and any other related incident, according to police senior superintendent Sergio A. Dimandal, officer-in-charge, Police Regional Office (PRO)-10.

PSSupt Dimandal also said that as the PNP maximize police visibility, we encourage the community to focus in safeguarding their properties against theft.

The seizure activity is in cooperation with the city government of Cagayan de Oro.

Earlier this month, the city government convened firecracker vendors to remind them of the law.

RDRRMC: LGUs did a 'good job' for proactive stance

(With reports from Mindanews)

THE presence of the local chief executives at command centers as Tropical Storm ‘Seniang’ hovered over Misamis Oriental made the disaster preparations and responses effective.

This is what Ana Cañeda, RDRRMC and Office of the Civil Defense-10 chief, observed among the LGUs that were preparing and responding for the 'Seniang' onslaught.

“The presence of the LCEs overseeing the disaster preparations and responses had a great impact on the implementation of the plans as ‘Seniang’ passed through Misamis Oriental,” Cañeda said.

She said the actions were proactive and the residents who followed protocols made it easier for the LGUs.

“Malacañang through the Department of Interior and Local Government closely monitors the LGUs. There are no excuses allowed on preparations and responses. Doing the preemptive actions following protocols could help save lives. Properties can be replaced, lives are irreplaceable. It is better to be stranded than be sorry,” she said.

The past weather disturbances had sharpened and put into practice the theories being learned in disaster management training and protocols, she added.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno and Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano had been overseeing the incident command posts as Seniang passed by Monday and left millions of properties damaged and three persons killed in Northern Mindanao.

In Misamis Oriental, the Mambayaan bridge in Barangay Mambayaan in Balingasag town has been rendered impassable for vehicles Monday night and only motorcycles and commuters have been allowed to cross the bridge. As the commuters reach the other side, they transfer to another vehicles for them to get to their destinations.

Misamis Oriental recorded 35,188 residents who took shelter in 135 evacuation centers.

Edmundo Pacamalan Jr. said the initial damages on agriculture and infrastructure in the region have reached P400 million.

Misamis Oriental is placed under the state of calamity on Monday following Seniang’s onslaught.

In Cagayan de Oro City, 11,403 residents were evacuated to 23 centers on Monday to take refuge for the night and allow the waters to ebb before returning home Tuesday morning.

City Social Welfare chief Teddy Sabuga-a said some false information had been spreading at the height of Seniang. “I am urging these people who spread wrong information to stop doing it. What they’re doing could come around and might victimize their relatives. In disasters, the lack of information poses more dangers to the communities,” he said in a radio interview Tuesday.

But, Cañeda said the RDRRMC couldn’t give yet an estimate on the damages since it will take time to assess the agriculture and infrastructure losses. On the count of casualties, she said, the Department of Health does the verification to ensure the deaths are related to the disaster and do not involve other lingering diseases as reasons of death.

Flights to Manila left on schedule Tuesday morning. Shipping vessels docked in Cagayan de Oro port also waited for the lifting of the storm warning signals in their various destinations before they could sail.

Power outage

In Caraga, Seniang toppled a transmission line of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines causing power outage in three provinces of Caraga Region.

The outage started around 7 a.m. Monday after a flash flood caused a steel tower of NGCP in Barangay Balangbalang in Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) town in Agusan del Norte to collapse.

Seniang, the last storm to hit the country this year, made landfall over Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur around 3:45 a.m. Monday.

An advisory sent to MindaNews 1:30 p.m. Tuesday by Engr. Sergio Dagooc, general manager of Siargao Electric Cooperative and Dinagat Electric Cooperative said power is yet to be restored in Surigao del Norte including Surigao City, several towns in Surigao del Sur and a large part of Agusan del Norte.

“Responders could not immediately repair the damaged tower yesterday because of the strong water current and there were several roads in the area that are not passable,” Dagooc said.

Quoting an NGCP advisory, Dagooc said it was impossible to restore power Tuesday due to the volume of work needed to replace the damaged tower.

“Affected places are Surigao City including 20 towns of Surigao del Norte. Five towns in Surigao del Sur such as Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza,” he said.

He said the towns of RTR, Tubay and Jabonga, Cabadbaran City and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte were also affected.

Meanwhile, in Surigao City, the skies have cleared and trips going to different islands have resumed Tuesday, said Geoffrey Gervo, station commander of Philippine Coast Guard-Surigao.

At least 824 passengers and 111 rolling cargoes and vehicles were stranded in two seaports in Surigao City since Monday until late morning Tuesday.

The City Government and Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte gave free meals to the stranded passengers.

On Monday, 202 families sought refuge in different evacuation centers in Surigao City, said Annette Villaces, the city information officer who also serves as secretary to the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

No casualty was reported in Surigao City as Seniang exited Mindanao.

Back to the Future with Slow Food Circa 1850

By Mike Baños

“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinangalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.”

That famous Filipino salawikain (proverb) most commonly (some say erroneously) credited to our national hero Gat Jose Rizal perhaps sums up best the excitement that’s come up over Cagayan de Oro’s latest foodie craze.

Circa Origins

Circa 1850 is a direct offspring of Sentro 1850 started by partners Rene Sia and Eric Yap in 2001. Shaped by Chef Eric with a “Distinctly Sentro” menu, which describes as ‘Modern Global Cuisine in homage to its South East Asian Heritage.’

Circa 1850 was mostly built from recycled timber and bricks taken from the shuttered Jacinto steel mill in Lugait, Misamis Oriental. Check out the timbers and bolts on this section of the ceiling

Sentro 1850 has since established a loyal clientele with its savory creations inspired by the family culinary tradition such as Tuna Tataki Salad with Lime Vinaigrette, Steamed Fish Hainanese, and Balinese Swordfish, which has since attained cult status with its patrons.

When a 242 square meter space at the ground floor of the new Tune Hotel became available over a year ago, Chef Eric dropped by and instantly saw an opportunity to “improve on everything that made Sentro and make an even better restaurant”.

Achitecture & Interior Design by Arch. Ramon Rodriguez (photo by Shaun Alejandrea Yap Uy)

“I am a very simple, down to earth person and I am not really sold on haute type cuisine. No dress code, come as you are and enjoy your meal. We like to tab Circa as an unpretentious dining experience. We are a home-style, family-oriented restaurant.”

And culinary pedigree Chef Eric has in spades, with a golden lode of kitchen secrets handed down through generations from his grandmother, mother and his famous aunt, the late Gloria Dychauco of the famous Pots’n’Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop, who was Cagayan de Oro’s celebrity chef in its salad days when it was still a sleepy, laid back town in the 70s and 80s.

Slow Food Movement

As a family oriented restaurant first, Circa 1850 is inspired by the Slow Food Movement started in Italy by Carlo Petrini in 1986. A counter culture to fast food, it advocates the preservation of traditional and regional cuisine, encourages the farming of plants, seeds and livestock indigenous to the local ecosystem.

Carlo Petrini

Its goals of sustainable foods and promotion of local small businesses are paralleled by a political agenda directed against globalization of agricultural products. At its heart is the aim to promote local foods and centuries-old traditions of gastronomy and food production. Conversely this means an opposition to fast food, industrial food production and globalization.

Slow Food is a global, grassroots organization, founded to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, counteract the rise of fast life and combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us. (source: Wikipedia)

“The umbilical cord that had once connected the worlds of farmer and consumer was cut,” Petrini noted. “Today hardly anyone buys their wine directly from their trusted wine maker, or goes to the farm to buy eggs and a chicken or a rabbit; hardly anybody knows the baker who makes their bread, the charcutier who slaughters the pigs and cures the meat, the man who churns the milk of his sheep or goats to make cheese.”

Not long ago the local grocer’s shop and the pub, as well as being sources of food, were places for the exchange of information and knowledge, where customers did their shopping and eating informed by the wise words of people who were closely in touch with the sources of supply. But all these fonts of food wisdom were being swept away by modernization, in the form of supermarkets and fast food (URL: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/carlo-petrini-the-slow-food-gourmet-who-started-a-revolution-1837223.html)

Good, clean, and fair food

Since its beginnings, Slow Food has grown into a global movement involving millions of people, in over 150 countries, working to ensure everyone has access to good, clean and fair food

Slow Food believes food is tied to many other aspects of life, including culture, politics, agriculture and the environment. Through our food choices we can collectively influence how food is cultivated, produced and distributed, and as a result bring about great change

Circa advocates making the dining experience purer, and is inspired by cooking methods used in local heirloom recipes as contrasted with haute cuisine.

Circa 1850 Signboard

“We want to introduce new concept in Cagayan de Oro in contrast to fast foods and other commercial restos found in malls,” Chef Eric related during a food sampling conducted for local media and bloggers recently. “As the name Circa denotes, it is retro, vintage, traditional –the way food should taste, like Mom’s home cooking.”

“Preparation of foods is as close to natural as possible, with minimal condiments like salt, with food enhanced instead of smothered by gravy.”

“Our cuisine is focused around what fresh ingredients are immediately available in the locality which we execute in unique uncommon ways. All our recipes are our rendition of heirloom recipes.”

Eco-friendly construction

Circa 1850’s architecture and interior design takes a similar bow to its Slow Food Movement roots with recycled materials carefully hand-picked by Architect Ramon Rodriguez to dampen the impact of its construction on the environment.

Door jambs made from recycled timber from the shuttered Jacinto steel mill in Lugait, Misamis Oriental dampen the new resto's impact on the environment. _ at Circa 1850.

“Most of our door jambs, wooden beams and iron fittings are taken from the shuttered Jacinto steel mill in Lugait, Misamis Oriental, as are most of the bricks in our walls are fire bricks recycled from its kiln,” Chef Eric relates.

The fire bricks are particularly interesting, coming from places as distant as Torpedo, Scotland; Sandy Bay in Devon, England, and Fixed Chimney Kiln (F.C.K.) bricks from India and Pakistan.

The right tools for the right job

Since he first took a look at the space at Tune Hotel, Circa 1850 took nearly a year to plan and execute, in a bow towards how projects such as these are executed in the Slow Food Movement.

“All details of this project have been carefully thought of in meticulous detail in advance so we can be very proud that our cookware, bake ware, kitchen and bar tools, serving and entertainment are among the very best in the world.”

For instance, the investors didn’t pinch the pennies when it came to the new resto’s cooking wares: Staub cast iron skillets with enamel coating, Le Creuset Cookware & Bakeware, Vulcan stove, Toastmaster Grill made in USA, a fully air-conditioned kitchen, and an ISO 14001 compliant anti bacterial coating in its kitchen floor ensure food preparation is the safest, cleanest and best.

“All these are designed so the dishes retain their original flavor. We have to pay attention to minute details because of our clientele. We may be a small resto but we have the cutting edge in culinary technology.”

For example, a La Coccote cast iron casserole made in France by Staub is prized by celebrity chefs like Mario Batali for fowl because it retains all the flavors of the dish. Staub’s cocottes have nubs on the interior of the lids, which enables condensation to collect and drip down to baste foods uniformly as they are cooking.

La Coccote by Staub

Le Creuset’s fine porcelain-enamel cookware has been manufactured in the small French village of Fresnoy-le-Grand since 1925. Chefs worldwide value Le Creuset’s elegance and performance, especially the way the cast-iron core distributes heat throughout the enamel. Gourmets find the complete, basic, nearly indestructible cookware set worth the expense. Any enamel construction can chip, but such is Le Creuset’s confidence in its enameled cast-iron pans that they carry a lifetime limited warranty against defects.

Kumbira Gold Winners

However high the quality of the tools for the job at hand, the products they produce could only be as good as the craftsmen and artisans who wield them, and Circa 1850 did not settle for second best.

“All our chefs are minimum gold medal winners of Kumbira competitions, we demand a high level of professionalism,” Chef Eric relates, adding how many of his best cooks gained invaluable experience working for the former La Vetta Restaurant and Cafe at nearby Limketkai Center under the tutelage of Meister Chef Carsten Radke of Berlin, Germany.

And the quest for a complete dining experience extends to their food servers who are trained to pronounce the foreign terms (mostly Italian/French) properly but not make a fuss over customers who insist on their way of pronouncing them. “Our focus should remain on the total dining experience and not the proper pronunciation of words.”

Regional Cuisine with a Global Twist

Chef Eric has noted that the Circa 1850 menu is best appreciated by foodies and frequent travelers to Metro Manila, hence his advocacy to spread the gospel of Slow Food to as many diners as possible, preferably the locals.

He recommends that the complete dining experience is usually best started with a salad like their flagshipShrimp Scotch Eggs with Roasted Sesame Dressing, Beefsteak Tomato and Tuna Tare-Tare Salads.

The Scotch Eggs salad is most probably the first (and only one so far, we think) dish in Cagayan de Oro to usesous-vide, a method of cooking food sealed in airtight, food grade plastic bags in a water bath or in a temperature-controlled steam environment for longer than normal cooking times at an accurately regulated temperature much lower than normally used for cooking.

“Sous-vide is frequently used by top chefs Thomas Keller and Ferran Adrià, because we want to raise the bar high in Cagayan de Oro,” he notes.

According to Nathan Myhrvold, founder of The Cooking Lab, co-author of Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking, “The intention is to cook the item evenly, ensuring that the inside is properly cooked without overcooking the outside, and retain moisture”

“When the food reaches your target temperature or time, you take it out, give it a quick sear or other finish, and serve it. That’s it. And the delicate, custard-like texture of an egg poached at precisely 65 °C / 149 °F is amazing.”

“When cooking sous-vide, most foods will taste just as good even if they spend a few extra minutes at a target temperature, so you can relax and devote your attention to the more interesting and creative aspects of cooking.”

Beefsteak Tomato Salad has no beef. It’s a salad tomato known as Beefsteak Tomato in other countries, topped with white goat’s cheese, organic arugula (sourced locally) and olive oil. A very simple, light salad.

Not the least, Tuna Tare-tare Salad is made from raw sashimi grade tuna sent fresh daily from General Santos City by reefer van trucks. “Our version is tuna mixed with sriracha aioli (a type of home-made Thai hot/chili sauce made from a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt), mayo based concoction mixed with greens.”

Tuna Tare-Tare Salad

“All greens are organic from Bukidnon, raised in greenhouses under controlled temperatures. Now second only to Baguio in terms of greens farming, Bukidnon has very high standards, and many Baguio farmers have farms in Bukidnon, we are so lucky.”

Circa 1850’s best selling dish is Uni Pasta with River Shrimp. Uni is sea urchin known locally as swaki.

“This should taste very briny, naturally sweet, but not salty,” says Chef Eric. “Our uni is sourced from Laguindingan area to support local fishermen while the river shrimp comes from Lanao area.”

Bistecca Fiorentina

For an unforgettable gustatory experience though, try Circa 1850’s take on the Bistecca Fiorentina, billed as the flagship of Florentine cuisine and often served as the secondi piatti (main course) of a typical Tuscan meal.

“This is our best selling beef dish good for four or five, inspired by Florence, Italy where it originated,” Chef Eric said. “Come and eat it with your family. After you’ve done with the meat, send the bones back to the kitchen and we’ll re-grill it for you so you can eat it with your hands.” Ummmmmm…. 

“It’s very lightly seasoned with salt and pepper because we try our best to make the natural flavor of the meat come out, without any grave to smother it,” he adds. “We have gravy in case the customer really wants it but we don’t encourage it so the customer can enjoy the full experience of the meat’s flavor.”

“The dish is topped with arugula to balance the richness of the meat with the freshness and nuttiness of thearugula. This is the way it’s done in Florence. The arugula is a cultivated variety from Bukidnon and beef is barley-fed Angus from Canada.

Served in a Lodge Iron Skillet, the softest part of the bistecca is the tenderloin. A bit pricey for local standards, it’s PhP 1,480.00 good for 4-5 persons. Originally priced at PhP 2,000.00, the partners decided to price it down to introduce and educate the consumers. A similar serving could easily cost PhP 5,000 in premium hotels and restos in Metro Manila.

“Call in your orders (reservations at tel#8521850 or 741850) especially during weekends since we only allocate around 5 orders of this item daily because it takes so long to cook so we pre-cook a little to be able to serve it quicker.”


Takeout orders are accepted but Chef Eric recommends dining-in to enjoy the full “Slow Food” dining experience. Circa 1850 opens daily 7am-2pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm at the ground floor of Tune Hotel, Cagayan de Oro, C.M. Recto Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City.

Freed soldiers remain in hospital

With report from Angelo Andrade (ABS-CBN News Northern Mindanao, ABS-CBNnews.com)

CAGAYAN DE ORO -- The two soldiers released by the New People's Army (NPA) the day after Christmas are still under observation in a hospital, authorities said.

According to the 4th Infantry Division, PFC Marnel Cinches and PFC Jerrel Yorong are still in a hospital, where their condition is being monitored.

Yorong and Cinches were kidnapped by the NPA and were held captive for three months.

Both soldiers showed symptoms of typhoid fever and fatigue.

The 4th Infantry Division considered the actions of the NPA as propaganda, especially since the two soldiers were freed in time for the 46th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The military added that the rebels were forced to free the soldiers because of continued offensive and rescue operations, despite the rebels' call for a 10-day suspension of military operations.

The NPA, however, boasted that the military failed to rescue the two soldiers.

Motorized caretelas star in Cagayan de Oro Xmas parade

By Joel Locsin / LBG (GMA News)

Motorized caretelas or "motorelas" decked with Christmas decorations starred in a Christmas parade in Cagayan de Oro City.

Twelve such vehicles are part of "Paskorela 2014" and will show the Christmas spirit when they go around the city, GMA Northern Mindanao's Kaye Mercado reported.

"They will be part of their festivities, and also so that when they go around they give the color of Christmas for all; you know, to see and enjoy riding in that motorela," said city tourism council head Dorothy Pabayo.

Some motorelas were decked with Christmas hats while others had child-friendly themes.

But the winner of the contest was one with a Belen (Nativity scene), decked with materials such as dried corn and coconut husk.

Oscar Floirendo, whose father Raphael invented the motorela in the 1960s, said they are "very happy and very proud" that his father's legacy has been recognized.

"...It's an honor for the recognition bestowed upon our family with regards to my dad's legacy," he said.

Green Eagles win Puerto civic crown

(LLS)

WAWAY Arocha scored 30 points, and the Green CdeO Eagles finally completed revenge against the Samboy Uy-led Acidu's Farm.

With Arocha on fire and the Eagles' foursome of Eulogio Moreno Jr., Rodelio Gelogo, Rex Armojallas and Ulyssis Romulo also gamely responding to the challenge, the Green CdeO defeated Acidu's Farm, 96-89 to capture the civic division crown of the 2014 Puerto Christmas Basketball Tournament concluded recently at the covered court of Barangay Puerto in Cagayan de Oro.

The Eagles, who lost their last three matches against Uy and company, played a solid game this time around with Tata Salera, Cyrus Diango, Tata Bajao and Sol Mercado subbing well for a quality rotation play.

"We were able to maintain the lead from start to end kay nakuha na gyod nato ang ensakto nga timplada. Dako og tabang ang tulo nga nadugang sa atong linya," said team-playing manager Anjun "Con-Air" Gomez, referring to Moreno, Armojallas and Diango.

The Eagles made it to the finals after conquering early round tormentor Natumolan of PBA legend Buboy Tanigue by 19 points.

Gomez said the presence of fellow team managers `Baby James' Abucejo, Engr. Arnel Baby and a generous kuya from Germany inspired even more the Green CdeO Eagles to surmount the challenge.

"Wala nakadula atong duha ka saligando (Dr. Welbourne Neri and Jerwin Marcojos) unya wala sab ‘mi nangiskor ni Stev Naz, maayo na lang kay nag-double effort atong MVP (Arocha)," said Gomez who expects another title finish in Gusa next week.

Paskorela: A Kagay-anon Heritage Christmas Festival

By Mike Baños

When three of the Cagayan de Oro City most creative minds got together to brainstorm the creation of a truly Kagay-anon Christmas Festival, it was perhaps inevitable it would lead them to the Paskorela.

A contraction of the words Pasko (Christmas) and Motorela (Cagayan de Oro’s iconic poor man’s taxi), this year’s first salvo exceeded expectations and has left many Kagay-anons eager to see more next year as one of its cherished Christmas traditions.

“I got the idea from my Christmases spent in Australia a few years back,” said Robert de la Serna, who together with Mozart Pastrano and Eileen San Juan, conceptualized Paskorela as a “Dress Up Your Motorela” Christmas festival. “This would have been much grander had we gotten to it earlier with an eclectic mix of bands playing, street dancers, and the rela floats in between but it’s a good start. I’m happy with this small beginning. Next year it is!”

“I consolidated our ideas and came up with a Dress-Up-Your-Motorela festival with the ‘Christmas is for Children’ theme,” Pastrano said.

Cagayan de Oro’s iconic poor man’s taxi was invented by the late Rafael D. Floirendo, Sr. in 1964 and issued patent no. 2243 by the Phil. Patent Office.

A contraction of the words Motorized and Caretela (horse drawn carriage), the Motorela has since evolved into a Cagayan de Oro icon and has also been adopted in nearby cities and towns of Northern Mindanao. (from a story by Ann Gorra from City of Gold: People Who Made Their Home and History in Cagayan de Oro-available from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/City-Gold-People-History-Cagayan/dp/1897435444)

The initial Paskorela was participated by 12 motorelas with entry no. 15 of Elma Abao winning the grand prize of PhP 40,000 with its indigenous materials of corn, coconut and meticulously designed Belen on its roof. The second prize of P25,000 went to entry no. 12 of Santos T. Mejos sporting a similar them and belen topside replete with flashing lights and a sound system blaring Christmas carols while the third prize of PhP 15,000 was garnered by entry no. 1 of Clandestine Ponferrada with its Christmas wreaths theme carrying the signature greenery of Agusan artisan Roldan Yacapin.

Criteria for judging included Creativity (30% -concept and relevance to the theme), Implementation (20% -structural integrity of the entry’s design), Production Elements (20%- music, lights, and other technical wizardry) and Christmas Spirit (30% -how the entry captures the spirit of Christmas).

Under the guidelines drawn up by the Paskorela committee, participating motorelas had to be roadworthy, operating commercially as a public utility and registered with the city government. Participants could be motorela drivers or operators, as well as sponsoring individuals or entities.

The Board of Judges was composed of prize-winning Kagay-anon film maker Joe Bacus, Engr. Jefferson Valiente of Xavier University, Judee Dizon Chavez of Smart, Dottie Pabayo of the City Tourism Council and Robert de la Serna, project manager of the XU-CRS FARM Collaboration Project, as chairman.

This wasn’t the first time the motorela figured in the local culture and the arts.

Last year, a group of local artists who dubbed themselves “Siete Pesos” (after the minimum fare then for the motorela), brought their “Project 2243: Moving Forward” art exhibit to Singapore’s 4th Bienale 2013, an exhibit showcasing contemporary art from Singapore, Southeast Asia and Asia. (the number 2243 references the patent number for the motorela registered in 1964 with the Phil. Patent Office by the late Faeling.)


The seven artists included Oscar A. Floirendo, son of the late motorela inventor Rafael Floirendo, Jr., Nicholas Aca Jr., Errol P. Balcos, Michael E. Bacol, Michelle Hollanes Lua, Jericho Valjusto Vamenta and Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo. The exhibit ran for October 26, 2013 to February 16, 2014 at Our Museum, Taman Jurong, Singapore.

Police beef up security for holidays

(Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro)

CAGAYAN DE ORO – Security alert in the city has been upped since December 16, at the start of Misa de Gallo in the country, where the Catholic faithful flock to the churches at early dawn for nine days.

Today is the last day of the nine-day novena masses prior to Christmas.

Police Chief Inspector Lemuel Gonda, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (Cocpo), said “Oplan Pamasko 2014” and “Oplan Bagong Taon 2015”are nationwide police security measures for this yuletide season.

Gonda said despite the 33-day ceasefire with the Communist guerrillas beginning December 18 until January 19 which includes Pope Francis’ visit in the country, security must remain tight.

"The police are on guard as heightened security measures have been in place especially in areas where there are huge crowds these Christmas and New Year celebrations like the malls, churches, bus terminals, seaports, banks and any business and financial establishments around the city," he said.

Security plans

Gonda said security officers and salesladies in the malls have been briefed with regard to threats and crimes in the city. This includes reporting immediately to police suspicious looking persons who might leave their bags that may contain explosive devices targeted to harm a huge throng of people.

“There are tourist police and city patrol units in the malls. However, it is vital that the malls should also take care of their own security measures that can reinforce with the police to ensure maximum security to shoppers,” he said.

In churches, the Archdiocese and the parishes here have been briefed on what they can do to be more vigilant in all forms of threats including crimes like theft or robberies during Misa de Gallo.

With regard to the security in bus terminals, Gonda said checkpoints have been put up and tight coordination with the bus companies have been established to avoid any repeat of the recent bus bombing in Bukidnon that resulted to the deaths of 10 and wounded more than 40 in the December 9 bus blast in Maramag town. The police also briefed the bus companies on terror threats and in handling maximum security for their passengers.

Gonda added aside from the K9 dogs trained to detect possible presence of bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs), they also stationed dogs trained to search for drugs inside any luggage.

The Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime police units have been alerted to provide more security in the sea ports which are also congested these days.

Gonda said strengthening the participation of the barangay tanods, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), security guards, vendors and drivers of public utility jeepneys and vans is vital in achieving successful security measures. They are part of the force multiplier mobilization securing the public to the possible threats of terrorism.

‘Buses are still not safe’

“We did not take the bus going to Wao because for me buses are still not safe. And most of the passengers going there took the van because like me they are afraid too,” Florie Mae Bobadilla, 20, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

Bobadilla added she feels safe riding a van than the bus because of the explosion incident in Maramag. “Aside from that, vans are nonstop and I am assured that the passengers who are with us are really going to Wao and not a terrorist. With that, I feel safe and secure whereas if it is a bus, you can never tell who is who,” Bobadilla said.

Metro Pacific to operate bulk water facility in CDO

By James A. Loyola

Metropac Water Investments Corporation (MWIC), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), has entered into an agreement to operate and maintain a bulk water facility supplying Cagayan de Oro City.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, MPIC said MWIC will operate the 100 million liters per day bulk water facility of Rio Verde Water Corporation (RVWC) in Baungon, Bukidnon.

The agreement will be implemented through a subsidiary to be incorporated by MWIC.

RVWCI is the exclusive supplier of bulk surface water to Cagayan de Oro Water District which supplies the water needs of more than 80 percent of Cagayan de Oro’s population of 640,000.

MWIC will utilize the expertise of its water affiliates to improve operational efficiency, minimize operating losses, ensure uninterrupted service, and extend the life of the assets.

MPIC said MWIC’s O&M appointment is expected to allow RVWCI to more efficiently supply Cagayan de Oro City with its municipal water needs, allowing it to eventually decommission deteriorating deep wells that are depleting and damaging CDO’s water tables.

“This O&M engagement is in line with MWIC’s strategy of improving the quality and consistency of water available to millions of Filipinos across the country,” said MPIC.

RVWC was organized in response to the dire need of the local water districts and local government units to outsource bulk water supply from private entrepreneurs.

Local industrialist Jose Ch. Alvarez spearheaded to organize RVWC by tapping experienced engineers and hydrologists as shareholders and project developers and designers.

RVWC shareholders and staff have constructed and operated bulk potable water facilities, bulk industrial water and waste water treatment systems in the country.

These bulk water facilities have been operating for more than two decades. The engineers who built and operated these facilities are the core group of RVWC.

Salt fertilization project improves coconut production

(APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) --- Matured nuts productivity in all of the provinces in northern Mindanao has improved during the third quarter of 2014 due to the salt fertilization project, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region said.

Data gathered by NEDA from the Philippine Coconut Authority shows that matured nuts production in the region reached 494,948,967 during the quarter, up by 1.11 percent or 5.4 million nuts from the production in the same period last year.

Although the increase in production is minimal, all the provinces in the region recorded positive growths, said Engr. Cecilio Clarete, chief economic development specialist of the Development Research Division of NEDA-X.

Bukidnon posted the biggest growth at 3.61 percent with a production of 13,626,242 nuts. On the other hand, production in Misamis Occidental, the top producing province, rose by 1.75 percent to 170,227,000 nuts.

The salt fertilization project aims to fertilize fruit-bearing coconut trees using common salt to increase coconut productivity and improve coco resistance to pest and diseases.

Accordingly, salt is the cheapest and best source of chlorine to increase copra yield.

Aside from the salt fertilization project, Clarete said favorable weather condition also contributed to the positive growth in nut production.

The good buying price has likewise motivated more farmers to harvest matured nuts.

CDO Energy Press Corps Organized

By Mike Baños

The officers and members of the Cagayan de Oro Energy Press Corps were formally inducted into office last 17 December 2014 at a local hotel dubbed “Media Appreciation Day.”

Inducted officers were Thelma Oliver, regional director of the Philippine Information Agency Region X (PIA-10) as president; Gil Emmanuel “Butch” Enerio, correspondent, Business Mirror as vice president; Christine Cabiasa, lifestyle editor, Mindanao Daily News, secretary; Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy, editor, Cagayan de Oro Times, treasurer; Romeo Capinpuyan, broadcast producer-announcer II, dxIM Radyo ng Bayan, auditor; Rene Michael Baños, freelance journalist, PRO and Ercel Maandig, correspondent, Philippine News Agency (PNA), business manager. The CDO Energy Press Corps is an initiative of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and was organized last November 24, 2014 along with the election of officers.

“At the end of the day, accurate information and important energy-related news will still need the proper vehicle and channel to reach its audience. And I personally believe that a seamless, healthy, and professional relationship between the source of information and the heralds make for a strong formula in arming the general public with knowledge,” said Nelson S. Bautista, Head-Regional Communications Division. “In NGCP, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our friends from the media in information dissemination. The broadsheets, tabloids, websites, and television and radio stations are the most effective ways for us to inform and educate the public,” he added. Among the activities lined up by the new organization for next year are trainings in Power 101 and site visits of NGCP facilities in Mindanao. It also expects to play a major role in providing the proper forums

“As presented to us earlier on the rationale and objectives of this press corps, the challenge is great. Realizing that we will be dealing with behavior change of different communities, our campaign therefore in support to NGCP should be strategic,” Ms. Oliver noted in her acceptance speech. “As a communicator, I highly appreciate if we will be provided with baseline study about the knowledge, attitude and practices of these communities. So that our communication interventions will be strategic by maximizing the use of different media platforms.” During the Nov. 24 organizational meeting, NGCP officials led by Bautista expounded on the critical role played by media in disseminating important information to the public which affects them as consumers, like the deliberate planting of trees in areas identified as Right-of-Way (ROW) for power transmission lines, thereby putting at risk the welfare of consumers all over Mindanao. “We call this a ‘partnership’ because both the NGCP and the media are sure to benefit and learn from each other. NGCP will listen to the press corps’ recommendations and suggestions in designing more effective information dissemination programs. With the proper guidance from our media partners, we can ensure to proactively seek resolutions before making public announcements of emerging issues,” Bautista said.

“The members of this press corps will be entitled to easy access to information. You will also be given the opportunity to learn and understand more about NGCP and the power and energy industries through sponsored trainings and facility tours,” he added. For her part, Oliver cited the key role the CDO Energy Press Corps would be playing in the emerging issues affecting the power industry. “The challenge now – are we going to stop because we will then be tired of addressing the recurring issue of the communities planting trees within the danger zone or we will not stop until our job is done? Ladies and gentlemen the answer is in our hands,” she stressed. Besides Bautista, other dignitaries present for the induction rites included Reynaldo Maraunay-President of KBP-MisOr Chapter and Station Manager of DXCC-AM; Jerry Orcullo-President of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club; Engr. Jesselito Abamonga-Head of District 3 Mindanao O&M, NGCP and Atty. Vermin Quimco, Head for Mindanao Legal Department of NGCP who was also the inducting officer.

The whole affair was organized by Ms. Elizabeth Ladaga, regional corporate communications and public affairs officer for NGCP District 3 covering the Zamboanga Peninsula, the two Lanao provinces, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.


Cagayan de Oro tops Palarong Pampook regional meet

(EOR/PIA)

The Cagayan de Oro Athletic Association (COAA) won the over-all championship in the just concluded 2014 NMRAA Palarong Pampook held in the city and various towns of Misamis Oriental.

Team Rafters won in both the Elementary & Secondary Levels with 85 golds, 60 silvers and 49 bronze medals. The Misamis Oriental Blazers won 1st runner-up while the Iligan Volts bagged 2nd runner-up honors.

The sporting event was participated in by 14 contingents representing 8 cities and 5 provinces of region 10: Bukidnon (Gallopers), Cagayan de Oro (Rafters), Camiguin (Waves), El Salvador (Warriors), Gingoog (Fortunes), Iligan (Volts), Lanao de Norte (Mighty Peacemakers), Malaybalay (Mountaineers), Misamis Occidental (Transformers), Oroquita (Wranglers), Ozamiz (Cotta), Tangub (Stars), Valencia (Millers) and host province Misamis Oriental (Blazers).

NorMin task force intensifies anew campaign vs illegal firecrackers

(EOR/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec 19 – The Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers (RTFIF) of Region 10, during its meeting on December 16, intensified its drive against illegal firecrackers this Yuletide season.

Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10, echoed the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 s. of 2014 issued of December 4, 2014 to enjoin coordinative efforts between DILG, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs and Local Government Units, on the regulation of the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers, polyvinyl pipe “boga” and other pyrotechnic devices, and the adoption of advocacy campaigns and preventive measures from firecracker and firework injuries or death and damage to properties, during Christmas and New Year’s celebration.

This circular is in furtherance of public safety, order and national security, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices, and the promotion of health and safety and general welfare of the people, in accordance with Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, said Atty. Burdeos.

He reminded all concerned to strictly enforce existing laws prohibiting the sale of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices that may cause injuries or death during the celebration of the Yuletide season.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are directed to conduct “intensified joint inspections” of manufacturing sites and warehouses to avoid disaster in stockpiling of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and barangay captains are likewise reminded of their roles and responsibilities under Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices in accordance with Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160.

RA 7183 limits the manufacture, distribution, sale and use to a limited number of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to promote public health and safety.

For firecrackers, accredited manufacturers with appropriate business permits and licenses are allowed to produce “baby rockets,” “bawang,” “small trianggulo,” “pulling of strings,” “paper caps,” “el diablo,” “Judah’s belt,” “sky rocket or kwitis,” and other types with limited explosive contents.

For pyrotechnics, those allowed are “mabuhay,” “Roman candle,” “trompillo,” “whistle device,” “butterfly,” “foundation,” “jumbo regular,” “luces,” “sparklers,” all kinds of pyrotechnic “pailaw.”

Burdeos reiterated the local officials are to coordinate with the PNP and BFP to prevent the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of “deadly” firecrackers and pyrotechnics and devices that lead to tragic deaths, injuries or cause destructive fires particularly during the Christmas and New Year revelries.

Under the law, certain firecrackers and pyrotechnics including “atomic big,” “trianggulo,” “super lolo,” “giant whistle bomb” and other types of firecracker with more than 0.2 grams or more 1/3 teaspoon of explosives, firecrackers which are oversized, firecrackers which fuse burns in less than 3 seconds or more than 6 seconds are prohibited.

The order specifically mentioned the danger of using improvised guns, particularly “boga” made of polyvinyl chloride pipe which became popular among Christmas and New Year revellers.

Further, Burdeos reiterated to the Provincial Government, through the Governor, to order the city and municipal local government units (LGUs) to take the lead in conducting information campaign against the use of deadly firecrackers within their respective areas of jurisdiction.

He said the local officials are advised to convene their respective Peace and Order Councils and approve measures ensuring the safety of their constituents, including the designation of “manufacturing zone”, “display center” or “firecracker and pyrotechnic zones”, and “fireworks exhibition zone.”

The manufacturing zone, under section 7 of RA 7183, should be 300 meters away from the nearest residential area, while display centers should be separated from each other with firewall and fire-prevention equipment such as fire extinguisher put in place.

Smoking, testing of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, and anything that could trigger fire should be kept away from these zones.

DILG to launch ‘Operation Listo'

By Butch D. Enerio

LOCAL executives can be administratively liable when found remiss in their duties in mitigating disaster in their respective localities, said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Rene Burdeos, DILG regional director for northern Mindanao, said with the government’s unified preparedness program to lessen the impact of a foreseen disaster, there is no reason for communities to suffer huge losses of lives and properties.

DILG-10 launched on Monday the Operation “Listo Tamang Paghahanda, Tamang Aksyon” a Local Government Units Disaster Preparedness Manual – a checklist of early preparation for mayors to organize their respective responses prior, during and after a calamity.

Northern Mindanao was first to launch Operation Listo in the entire country where agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, the Office of Civil Defense and the local offices of the DILG were first to be appraised of the substance of the manual and for them to disseminate to the their respective Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (DRRMCs) the intent of government for a an orderly, timely and effective responses.

The manual assists LGUs in the formulation of disaster preparedness plans, allowing them to know if they are ready, and what they need to do to meet the minimum levels of readiness.

DILG said the local executives in the region would have their seminar workshop on Operation Listo in the coming weeks.

The Listo manual has detailed the checklist of early and minimum critical preparations for the LGUs, especially those prone to disasters or areas within the typhoon belt.

The checklist provided to the LGUs from the time a typhoon poses a looming threat in the horizon, to the time it does arrive in a locality. This ensures that they are able to take the correct steps in responding to the typhoon and the aftermath.

“It’s high time that we take a proactive approach to the challenges we face now that disasters happen practically anywhere in the country. Although we have shown resilience in dealing with and recovering from disasters, we cannot allow to aggravate the sufferings of the victims simply because we have not done mitigating measures,” Burdeos said.

“And if proven that the town’s chief executive has not provided risk reduction measures and safety to his constituents, he will be administratively charged and be held answerable.”

DILG said the LGUs are the frontliners in the response to any natural disaster as mandated by law. They are the ones most familiar with the terrain and resources, the ones that interact directly with the residents. With whatever every adverse weather phenomenon brings unique effects to a community, which accounts for differences in planning that every LGU encounters.

Tripartism: Raising one voice in northern Mindanao

By Glenford C. Labial (DOLE X/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 17 -- Thirty officers from different provincial Tripartite Industry Peace Councils (TIPCs) representing 15 from labor sector and 15 from management or a total of 21 companies convened recently in raising one voice for tripartism in the region.

This developed after these representatives successfully elected the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) calendar year 2015-2017 officers on November 28, 2014 at the Deluxe Hotel, this city.

DOLE-X aims to establish good labor-management relationship, economic and social policies in succeeding industrial peace between labor and management representatives from six TIPCs namely Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental East and Misamis Oriental West convened to unanimously elect the RTIPC-X officers.

Regional director Raymundo G. Agravante, in his message, thanked the outgoing RTIPC officers and gave emphasis to tripartism as a tool to deliberate issues and concerns affecting the industry, set-up voluntary modes of complying the labor standards laws and assist DOLE in the formulation of policies for the benefit of both labor and management sectors.

RTIPC-X officers elected were: vice-chairman for labor – Atty. Gregorio A. Pizarro (National President of FDLO); vice-chairman for management – Rebecca V. Inubio (Granexport Manufacturing, Corporation) with the following board of directors for labor sector: Abraham Romano (Crystal Sugar, Corporation); Jennifer Astillo (Dole Skyland-South); NerioAlbao (Dole Skyland-North); GodofredoSandigan (Lafarge); Gerardo Clet (Fil-Eslon); VirgilioLomonsod (Newtech Pulp); Agustin Orot (RCEU-FDLO); RamirLabadan (Philippine Sinter Corporation); Redentor Sala (Vicmar); Rudy Megalbio (Ororama); Billy William Barsumo (Nestle Phils., Inc.) and ArquipoCababaros (OroportCargohandling Services Inc.). While Kristine Baguio (Pilmico); EmBobbykins Sun (Mabuhay Vinyl, Corporation); Lita D. Gaid (DL Bonita Merchandise); Eugenio C. Olandria (Pilipinas Kao, Incorporated); Maristela M. Maape (Apple Tree Resort and Hotel); Clint Harvey Maestrado (Vjandep); Estrella Pabecca (St. Mary’s Academy of Tagoloan) represent the management sector.

Other officers include secretary Maristela Maape (Apple Tree Resort and Hotel); treasurer (Merlyna Macaambac (Nestle Phils., Incorporated); auditor Sister Ma. Maricor Valdehueza, RVM (St. Mary’s Academy of Tagoloan) and PRO EmBobbykins Sun (Mabuhay Vinyl, Corporation).

Meanwhile, TSSD chief Atheneus A. Vasallo presented the Incentivizing Compliance Program and addressed concerns raised by the participants. Among those include the devising on contracting/sub-contracting; and Department Order (DO) 18-A.

In his acceptance speech, labor sector vice-chairman Pizzaro accented that the RTIPC serves as the venue of the TIPCs in various labor-management concerns, thus raising the same as the “voice for an effective tripartism in northern Mindanao” that primarily protects workers by providing them social protection and protection from labor only contract system.

The undertaking is to rationalize the role of government on labor policy enforcement and promote industry self-regulation and code of good industry practices, inclusive tripartism is one of the reform packages that DOLE targets to institute in achieving the current administration's 22-Point Agenda on Labor and Employment.

Oath taking ceremony is scheduled on the 1st quarter of 2015.

DOLE-X launches poverty reduction action confab for three provinces

By Glenford C. Labial (DOLE X/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 17 -- The Department of Labor and Employment-X (DOLE-X) sets the Provincial Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) meeting to the local chief executives (LCEs) from their respective local government units (LGUs) and focal persons along with the nine participating agencies that implement the Grassroots Participatory Projects (GPP) for Calendar Year (CY) 2016.

In attendance were National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) regional and provincial focal persons, regional project coordinator and the community organizers in northern Mindanao.

The convergence will also present respective program menus for the GPP as well asgiving a venue to discuss prevailing issues and concerns per agencies.

LPRAT orientations were held in the provinces of Misamis Occidental covering 17 municipalities including the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamiz and Tangub on November 18-19 at Villa Amor Hotel, Oroquieta City, meanwhile Province of Lanao del Norte on November 20-21 including the city of Iligan at Maria Cristina Hotel, Iligan City with a total of 22 municipalities; and the Province of Camiguin with five municipalities on November 25 at Villa Paraiso Hotel, Mambajao.

Participants are the composition of LPRATs that includes both from the city and municipal LCEs; Sangguniang Panglunsod/Sangguniang Bayan Member Chairman on Appropriations; Planning Development Coordinators; Local Government Operations Officers; GPP Regional Coordinator, DILG Provincial Directors, GPP Provincial Focal Persons, Community Organizers and representatives of the Congressmen.

The orientation highlights the new joint Memorandum Circular No. 5 that stipulates the guidelines in the implementation of GPP CY 2016 and the presentation of project menus per agency as well as the discussion on the challenges and issues encountered.

Regional GPP Focal Person Hazel L. Occeña said that after the workshop, the LGUs are likewise expected to conduct their respective workshop in preparation of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans (LPRAP) from November 15 until the first week of December.

Thereto forth, project briefs are expected to be submitted in the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on December 15, 2014.

The agencies who attended the activity include Department of Agriculture; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC); Technical Educations Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); DILG; Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Department of Social welfare and Development (DSWD); and DOLE.

GPP was known as the Bottom-Up-Budgeting in 2012-2014.

Dads okay Comprehensive Development Plan of CdeO

(CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 16 – Through Ordinance No. 11883-2014, the 17th City Council during the regular session yesterday presided over by vice mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas approved the Comprehensive Development Plan of the Cagayan de Oro City for 2014 to 2019.

The CDP aims to have a city managed through good governance and to empower its citizenry to thrive in a highly competitive economy and a sustainable environment nurturing its diversity and multi-cultural heritage towards a resilient, progressive and inclusive future.

Strategies to be implemented under the CDP’s social development plan will be focused on employment and livelihood, housing and resettlement, sports and recreation and Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (DRRM).

It will also involve programs for the improvement of health facilities and services, and construction of health centers in all relocation areas; water and sanitation services, retrofitting of at risk school buildings, provision of adequate educational facilities, construction of day care centers in all relocation areas, information advocacy programs, among others.

Meanwhile, under the economic development plan, the city will expand areas for urban greening, streamline business registration process, strengthen investment promotion, establish post-harvest facilities, develop rural road network linking to primary farming areas, maintenance of identified natural sites for eco-tourism, and others.

Strategies under the infrastructure and physical development plan include the provision, rehabilitation and establishment of quality infra support such as dikes, protection wall, upgraded drainage canal; the formulation of Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan, improvement of road network, establishment of sewerage system and improvement of river channel, among others.

The CDP also includes the city’s Environmental and Management and Institutional Development Plans.

The ordinance was reviewed and favorably endorsed by the committees on public works and on laws and rules chaired by councilors Alden Bacal and Ramon Tabor, respectively.

27 couples tie knot during mass wedding in CDO

(PNA), CTB/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/SSC

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 15 (PNA) -– Twenty-seven couples tied their knots Saturday in a mass wedding held at a newly opened parish church inside a commercial complex in Lapasan this city.

Bishop Antonio Ledesma, of the Archdiocese of Cagayan De Oro City, officiated the mass wedding in the newly opened parish “Birhen sa Manaoag” at the Limketkai Commercial Complex.

Most couples, who have been living together for over 15 years, availed of the mass wedding sponsored by the National Statistics Office (NS0) and the city government.

Nelson Nagac said he was happy that he and his girlfriend of more than 15 years of living together has finally tied their knots.

“I am happy that after 15 years, I and my wife are now a legitimate husband and wife,” Nagac told the PNA.

Ricardo Manalwang was ecstatic that after 35 years of living together, he and his wife are now officially considered as husband and wife.

“Five of my eight grandsons witnessed our wedding. I have nothing to say anymore, but being extremely happy now,” Manalwang said.

Clenro doubts use of biomass on proposed power plant

By Jigger J. Jerusalem

THE Cagayan de Oro City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) is doubtful that the proposed power plant in Barangay Tablon will only resort to coal as a “final option.”

Clenro chief Edwin Dael said the planned power plant to be constructed by Cagayan de Corn Products Corp. (CCPC), a corn processing facility, will employ biomass by using plants, such as napier, as fuel for its generator.

Dael said the proponent reasoned the power plant will be built inside the CCPI compound to help address the energy problem in Mindanao so that its operations will not be affected once it generates its own power.

Once operational, the company is said to generate six megawatts of power.

But with the daily requirement of 300 metric tons of organic materials like napier, with five to seven percent moisture content, Dael doubts if CCPC could produce that much to power its turbine.

He said the firm would actually need at least 2,000 to 4,000 hectares of land to plant napier and other plants needed for the biomass.

Threaten region’s food security

If this huge tract of land would no longer be planted with corn and other food staples but for the materials needed for the power plant, Dael said it’s possible this would threaten the region’s food security.

Besides, the company would need irrigated lands to sustain the production of napier.

Also, he expressed worry that forest areas would be cleared to make way for plantation of napier and other plants.

Because of this, Dael said it would be convenient for the firm to use coal since they could just import it.

But the problem with coal, he said, is for the company to comply with the environmental laws and install pollution control devices that will monitor and mitigate the release of toxic materials into the atmosphere.

“Big coal-fired power plants like Steag can install these devices since they can afford them, but such would add burden to a small company,” Dael said.

He said if CCPC would mainly use biomass as fuel for its power generator, the environmental impact would be lesser since the company will only be dealing with the release of carbon dioxide into the air, aside from issue on food security.

But in the case of coal, Dael said big power plants use sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that toxic materials coming from the burnt material will not cause harm to the people’s health.

In a previous news report, CCPC maintenance engineer Rodrigo Escalante was quoted as saying “they would resort to using coal as a last option.”

Also, Tablon village councilor Angelo Pomar said most of the residents living near the CCPC agree to the proposed construction of the power plant.

Dael fears that once the City Council would issue a resolution signifying the approval of putting up the power plant, Clenro could no longer intervene.

AirAsia starts twice daily flights from Cebu to Davao and Cagayan de Oro

By Melo Villareal

AirAsia Philippines, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for six consecutive years from 2009 – 2014, today started its twice daily flights from Cebu to Davao and Cagayan de Oro City with 30 street kids from Batang Opon Foundation, Cebu City Task Force on Street Children Foundation, SOS Children’s Village and Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights Incorporated on board its maiden flights.

AirAsia Zest Director for Flight Operations Captain Dexter Commendador said, “We’re extremely excited to celebrate the return of AirAsia flights from Cebu to Davao and Cebu to Cagayan de Oro – and what’s more memorable is that we celebrated our inaugural flights by fulfilling the dreams of 30 kids. Like these kids, AirAsia started with a dream – to make flying affordable to everyone.”

Accompanied by caretakers, 20 children from Batang Opon Foundation and Cebu City Task Force on Street Children Foundation flew via AirAsia Zest flight Z2 523 from Cebu to Davao at 9:10AM and another batch of kids from SOS Children’s Village took the first flight from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro City via AirAsia Zest flight Z2535 departing on time at 12:35PM.

In Davao City, 10 kids from Tambayan Center for Children’s Right were on board AirAsia Zest flight Z2524 from Davao to Cebu. They were given a tour of Mactan Shrine, Bluewater Resort and guitar factory – famous attractions in Cebu hosted by Galeon San Pedro Tours.

Aside from free airfare the kids also toured famous tourist spots and parks in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu in partnership with Department of Tourism. They also received surprised Christmas gifts and toys from AirAsia while passengers get welcome presents from Mactan Cebu International Airport management.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting and brief program at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIAA) was held attended by MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete, MCIAA Assistant General Manager Ahmed Cuizon, GMR Megawide President Louie Ferrer, Department of Tourism Region 7 Senior Tourism Operations Officer Judilyn Quiachon, Cebu Provincial Tourism Officer Grace Paulino and Capt. Dexter Comendador, AirAsia Philippines Director of Flight Operations. During the program, guests and kids placed their messages of hope and wishes on a Christmas tree. AirAsia, MCIAA and partner NGOs will join forces to help fulfil the kids’ wishes.

To commemorate the event, AirAsia Philippines is offering promo fares from as low as P1.00 base fare for flights to/from Cebu City to Manila, Davao and Cagayan de Oro including flights to/from Manila, Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa(Palawan), Tagbilaran (Bohol) andTacloban.

Airfares for international destination from Manila to Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai, and Incheon/Seoul are also available for P1.00, one-way and base fare only for travel period starting January 7 to June 30, 2015.

All promotional fares are available for booking via www.airasia.com starting today until 14 December 2014. Guests may also get as much as 20% discount on pre-book meals and other online bargain deals.

For more updates on AirAsiaPhilippines and its latest promotions and activities, follow them on social media through Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaphilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh).

DILG to launch disaster preparedness manuals

(DILG10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 12 -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to conduct on December 15-16 a regional launching cum orientation on Oplan Listo in Cagayan de Oro.

Oplan Listo is one of the initiatives of the Department to strengthen further the capacity of the local government units in responding to disasters.

As the overall responsible agency for disaster preparedness, DILG has identified sets of relevant interventions that aim to create an enabling environment for local government units (LGUs) toward mitigating the adverse impacts of disasters and climate change. One of these interventions is the Oplan Listo, of which the LGU Disaster Preparedness manuals are developed as guide for LGUs’ actions.

According to Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, DILG-10, the launching will provide a clearer vision of the objectives and rationale of the manuals and also identify the key roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders.

These disaster preparedness manuals will serve as checklists of early preparations for local chief executives and will help determine the LGU’s readiness in times of disaster. It shall also assist them in the formulation of its respective disaster preparedness plans.

Participants to the activity are selected members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and DILG-10 field directors and officers.

The activity is also part of the capacity enhancement component under the Department’s program on Enhancing LGU Capacity on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation.

1,116 sacks of rice distributed to womens' group

By Jofinni Agustia Pabillore (CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 11 (PIA) -- A total of 1,116 sacks of rice were distributed yesterday to 72 womens’ groups who are beneficiaries of the “Bigasan ng Barangay Project," a joint venture of the city Government of Cagayan de Oro and the Department of Labor and Employment-10 (DOLE-10).

The group happily received 15 and a half sacks of rice to start their “Bigasan ng Barangay Project." Aside from that, they also received weighing scales and packs of cellophane.

The womens’ group from Lumbia and Tagpangi were very thankful to mayor Moreno for the opportunity to avail of the rice-selling project. The DOLE-10 has set aside P2.240 million and P960,000 from the city as seed capital of the project.

After the distribution, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) conducted values formation seminar, headed by CSWD officer Teddy Sabuga-a, which was attended by 33 members who were trained on how to handle business.

The DOLE-10 has put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure good management and successful implementation of the “Bigasan ng Barangay Project”.

8-year-old boy helps catch robber in Cagayan de Oro

By Joel Locsin / LBG (GMA News)

An eight-year-old boy helped police catch a man who held him and his mother up in Cagayan de Oro City Tuesday morning.

Police arrested Christian Noel Alfonso after the boy identified him from a picture gallery, GMA Northern Mindanao's Joane Tabique reported Wednesday.

Investigation showed the boy was about to go a private school in Barangay Macasandig when the suspect approached him and forcibly took his mobile phone and money.

"Parang dadalhin niya ang bata pero nakatakbo ang bata. Ito kasing suspek nadala na noon sa Police Station 9, na-identify ng bata doon sa picture gallery," said Inspector Jose Duallo, deputy chief of the Macasandig police.

Alfonso declined to comment on the allegations against him and now faces charges of robbery and child abuse.

3,000 people celebrate International Human Rights Day in CDO

(PNA), LAP/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/SSC

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- About 3,000 people from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon converged Tuesday in this trading hub to commemorate the end of the week-long International Human Rights week.

Father Chris Ablon, Secretary General of Karapatan-Northern Mindanao, said that the people who represent the urban poor, Lumads, workers, farmers, and students will hold an “A Solidarity Program” Tuesday night here.

Ablon said that the program would dramatize the people’s struggle in the pursuit of the rights to own lands, to fair wages, and against the commercialized education.

Part of the program would call the government to stop the militarization in the countrysides and the cities, stop using the military for the interests of mining and plantation companies.

He said that the group would also dramatize the demands of the government to respect the rights of the Indigenous People to ancestral domain and self determination, recall all strategic lawsuits against People's Participaiton and uphold the human rights at all levels.

Selda, an organization of the victims of the Martial Law regime, will also offer a fitting presentation of the political prisoners who have been detained on trumped up charges, Ablon said.

On Wednesday, the group will march to the Freedom Park in the heart of the city where various human rights group, including the labor sector would join hands to sound the clarion call for “Peace in Mindanao.”

The political detainees at the provincial jail in Misamis Oriental signaled the start of the celebration of the 66th United Nations Declaration of the Human Rights Week last December 2 when they started a hunger strike that would also culminate on Wednesday.

Thousands flock to DOLE job fair in CDO

(PNA), CTB/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/NOD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 8 (PNA) -– Thousands of job seekers flocked to the job fair in a commercial center here Monday on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Raymundo A. Deloso, DOLE assistant regional director, said that the agency expects more job seekers during year end job fairs since more employers would need more workers in the coming year.

He said that Northern Mindanao has the highest employment rate at 97.4 percent compared to other regions in Mindanao.

Deloso said that it is normal for thousands of job seekers to flock to Cagayan De Oro every time there is a job fair because the city is the “gateway” to various regions in Mindanao.

He said the DOLE observed that there is an influx of job seekers from the towns of the Caraga Region in the eastern part of Mindanao and Lanao Del Norte in the western part of the island.

“More often, there are also job applicants coming from the Visayas region,” Deloso said.

He said that two government agencies are hiring on Monday’s job fair here with the Department of Social Welfare and Development offering 49 slots and the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division has an opening for 310 enlisted personnel.

DSWD-10: No food pack distributed during ‘Ruby’

By Jigger J. Jerusalem

AS TYPHOON Ruby (international name: Hagupit) was expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Wednesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Northern Mindanao said not a single food pack was distributed in the region since it did not report any displacement of residents that may have been affected by the weather disturbance.

DSWD-Northern Mindanao supply officer Elmer Canios said the 8,000 food packs they had prepared in anticipation of Ruby were left untouched in a warehouse.

“We did not make any releases since no one was affected (by Ruby),” Canios told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro by phone Sunday.

He said they were expecting Ruby to hit Camiguin but even the island province was spared from the disaster.

He added DSWD-designated vehicles were on standby ready to transport the relief goods to Camiguin when Ruby passed by Northern Mindanao.

But Canios said they would still continue packing additional food items as they are planning on having a stock of 30,000 packs by December 15 in preparation for any eventuality.

“Our repacking is ongoing,” he said, adding that DSWD-Northern Mindanao's present inventory is part of the P6.6 million worth of supplies that they purchased last month, excluding the 3,000 bags of rice they bought from the National Food Authority.

A packed food item contains six kilos of rice, four cans of sardines, two cans of corned beef, two cans of beef loaf, eight packs of instant noodles, and eight sachets of 3-in-1 coffee.

Of the 8,000 packs available, about 5,000 of those were still leftovers from the 18,000 food items that they had distributed at the height of the Typhoon Yolanda sometime in November, 2013, he said.

Part of those that were not given last year was also distributed to other provinces affected by calamities, he added.

RDC-X has a new chairperson

By Peleta B. Abejo (NEDA-X/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) --- President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo as the new chairperson of the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) for the term 2013-2016.

Governor Dimaporo is a third termer as Governor of Lanao del Norte. He is presently the Vice-President of the Confederation of Provincial Governors, City Mayors and Municipal Mayors League President of Mindanao (CONFED Mindanao) and Chair of the RDC-Social Development Committee. He has also served as Chair of the RDC-Infrastructure/Utilities Development Committee in 2007-2010.

Governor Dimaporo finished his Bachelor of Arts in International Economics (2002) at the University of San Francisco in California where he also earned his Master’s Degree in Development Economics (2003) with honors. He also holds a Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Economics (2004) from the Texas A & M University in the United States.

A Resident of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Governor Dimaporo was born on February 16, 1980 to Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo and Imelda Dela Cruz Quibranza. He is married to Christina Mendoza Kahanding and has four children, Isa Abdullah (7), Noah Abdullah (6),Adan Abdullah (4) and Zakeriya Abdullah (3).

4,000 jobs available in DOLE-X 81st Anniversary Job Fair

pia.gov.ph

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 4 -- The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE) will commemorate on December 8 its 81st Anniversary, with the theme, “81 Taon na, Umaarangkada pa Tungo sa Disenteng Trabaho at Maunlad na Negosyo.”


Highlight of the celebration will be a Job Fair at the Activity Center of Centrio Mall, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City, opening at 9:30 a.m. As of the December 2, 2014, some 26 companies already signified to join with 4,019 job vacancies.


From the said Job Fair report, 20 local companies will participate with 983 job vacancies.


The following companies include Concentrix with 510 job vacancies; Timog Integrated Factors Corporation with 15 vacancies; Pilipinas Kao, Inc. – three; Asia Pro Cooperative, 45; Northpoint Manpower Services, 11; UKC, nine; Optimo Global Group, Inc., 30; Alrose Group of Companies with 42 companies; Candole Manpower Services, 74; Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc., 16; Lapanday Diversified Products Corp., 17; UNIFRUTTI Philippines, Inc., four; Arriba Telecontact with 30 call center representatives vacancies; Camella Homes with 50 Sales Clerks/Representatives vacancies; Liceo de Cagayan University, six; (16) Department of Social and Welfares Development with 49 vacancies for their special projects; Army Recruitment for Mindanao with 15 vacancies for enlisted personnel; LCG Group of Companies with 24 Sales, Accounting, and MIS vacancies; Accolade Resources with 30 vacancies of Call Center representatives; and McDonalds with eight vacancies for Management Trainees.


Top available jobs for local vacancies are Call Center Professionals (300 vacancies); Customer Care Professionals (100 vacancies); Product Support Professionals (100 vacancies); Repackers (50 vacancies); Service Crews (20 vacancies); Baggers (20 vacancies); Sales Representatives (15 vacancies); Sales and Marketing Associate (15 vacancies); Supervisory Trainees (10 vacancies); and Mechanical Technician (6 vacancies).


Meanwhile, some six overseas job companies, include: GBMLT Manpower Services with 793 job vacancies bound for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Ethiopia; Pisces International Placement Corp. with 66 vacancies for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; East West Placement Center, Inc. with 778 vacancies for Qatar and the KSA; Admiral Overseas Employment Corp. with 1,150 vacancies for Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and KSA; Landbase Human Resources Co. with 180 vacancies for KSA; and Joseline International Manpower Corp. with 28 vacancies for Riyadh, Al Khobar, Damman, KSA, and Jeddah.


Top available overseas job vacancies are: Civil Construction/Maintenance (427 vacancies); Carpenter/Mason/Steel Fixer (400 vacancies); and Electrician/Erector (300 vacancies).


Pre-registration of interested job applicants are still accepted until Friday, December 5, 2014, 5:00 p.m. at the DOLE-X Western Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Office, Ground Floor of the Monte Carlo Building (fronting RER Phase II gate), RER Phase I, Kauswagan National Highway, Cagayan de Oro City. Pre-registered applicants will proceed directly to the Referral Section during the Job Fair proper.


All applicants are directed to bring copies of their respective resumes and wear their corporate attires for interviews by their prospective employers during the Job Fair on December 8.


Job Fair is an employment service strategy of the DOLE that facilitates the meeting of job seekers and employers, local and overseas licensed recruitment agencies, and registered job contractors and sub-contractors in one activity and venue.


Moreover, the DOLE team composed of its attached agencies or the Regional Coordinating Council will also be providing its services through Help Desks. The services include, legal advice (NLRC 8th Division); receipt of complaints for the Single Entry Approach and the Compulsory Arbitration (NLRC RAB-X); receipt of application for the renewal of Professional Licenses (PRC-X); receipt of OFW Dependent Scholarship (OWWA-X); availability of technical/vocational scholarships (TESDA-X); Pre-Departure Orientation (POEA REU-X); and advocacy of wages and productivity programs (RTWPB-X). (Mildred E. Dablio, DOLE-X LCO/DOLE-X)

Local disaster councils gear up for ‘Hagupit’

(Vaneza M. Kimilat of Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Linette Ramos-Cantalejo/Justin K. Vestil/Davinci S. Maru/Flornisa M. Gitgano/Sun.Star Cebu/PNA/Sunnex)

CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Local government units and disaster councils are gearing up as Tropical Storm Hagupit is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week.

The state weather bureau said Tuesday that the weather disturbance outside the PAR has intensified into a tropical storm and is expected to enter the country by Thursday evening or Friday morning.

In its 11 p.m. Tuesday bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the cyclone, with international name "Hagupit," was spotted at 1,825 kilometers (km) east of Mindanao.

It has maximum winds of 105 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 135 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 30 kph.

Once Hagupit enters PAR, it will be locally named Tropical Storm Ruby, the 18th tropical cyclone to enter the country in 2014.

Northern Mindanao

With this, Mario Verner Monsanto, officer-in-charge of the Cagayan de Oro City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRMO), said the agency is already monitoring the storm's movement.

“The city has always been prepared and will respond as quick and effective as it can,” Monsanto said.

The Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) also started sending advisories to all town mayors of the province and all Association of Barangay Captain (ABC) presidents in various towns.

“We have conducted the inventory for the additional food stocking, rescue gears and equipment and advisories to volunteers. So far, it is our primary preparation and precaution for the typhoon,” said Provincial Administrator Eduardo Pacamalan.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Northern Mindanao has also been preparing since the cyclone has been spotted.

Noli dela Rita, regional information officer of BFP, said the agency is on a heightened alert status due to the monitored tropical storm.

“We have coordinated with all the local government units (LGUs) in the region and active responders in the city. We are ready for any possible incidents when Hagupit enters PAR. We have also coordinated with the Cagayan de Oro Fire District and CDRRMC. We are getting ready,” dela Rita said.

In an interview with Sun.Star Pilipinas, Sun.Star’s noontime webcast, Pagasa weather forecaster Meyma Casilagan said Hagupit will either make landfall in some parts of Visayas or will change course and head to Japan.

She said there are two scenarios as to how the weather disturbance will move. It might turn toward Japan due to the presence of a high-pressure area and a northeast monsoon or hit Luzon and Visayas.

Casilagan said that based on Pagasa’s international models, Hagupit’s formative stage is similar to typhoons Yolanda (Haiyan), which devastated central Philippines in November 2013, and Pablo (Bopha), which made landfall first in Davao Oriental in Mindanao in 2012.

But for now, she said Hagupit is still too far to affect the country.

Cebu

In Cebu, though, barangays and concerned government agencies were already urged Tuesday to clear waterways and prune trees in preparation for Hagupit, as Cebu City Hall starts checking evacuation centers and prepares to deploy rescue and heavy equipment if the typhoon hits Cebu.

The typhoon threatens to be as strong as typhoon Yolanda, City Councilor Dave Tumulak said, that is why the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Managemet Council (CCDRRMC) ordered an inventory of all rescue and communication equipment as early as last Monday.

If the typhoon does not change its course, the CCDRRMC will ask the City Council to declare the city under a state of preparedness in Wednesday's council session.

In Tuesday's Police Coordinating and Advisory Council, Tumulak requested the Cebu City Police Office not to allow any policeman to go on leave this week so they can assist in the evacuation of residents.

“We need the manpower when the typhoon comes so all government employees, especially the City Government workers, will be tapped as volunteers in a worst-case scenario,” said Tumulak, who also sits as head of CCDRRMC.

He said the City has learned from the lessons of Yolanda.

“We lacked manpower and communication equipment when Yolanda hit us and we’ve learned from that... We anticipate that all communication will bog down that’s why we will provide emergency communication equipment and connectivity. We will also see to it that all medical supplies are ready, as well as food packs, water and relief items,” he said.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes has been meeting with the City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and other leaders concerned with the preparation.

Felix Suico of the DRRMO said heavy equipment, evacuation centers and food packs are ready.

He said weather updates will be relayed to the barangays through handheld radios and text message.

In Lapu-Lapu City, DRRMO radio operator Jonathan Antonio said they will be monitoring coastal barangays, such as Pusok, Looc, Canjulao, Maribago, Marigondon and Suba-Basbas.

Antonio said they’ve been sending weather updates to the barangays also through text message, landline and handheld radios.

Members of the Lapu-Lapu DRRMO recently underwent training on disaster preparedness conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Negros Oriental

In Negros Oriental, the PDRRMC, chaired by Governor Roel Degamo, called on the people to remain calm and to continue monitoring the development of the tropical storm.

Degamo told the people not to panic as he enjoined them to listen to advisories coming from official warning agencies.

PDRRMC executive officer Adrian Sedillo said the Provincial Government and PDRRMC will base their actions on official announcements from Pagasa.

International weather stations are saying Tropical Storm Hagupit is a Category 3 cyclone with its uncertain track baffling meteorologists who are keeping a close eye on it as it is expected to be over the Micronesian Islands of Yap and Palau by Wednesday.

The PDRRMC in Negros Oriental has been on standby alert since Tropical Depression “Queenie” sliced across Negros Oriental last week, causing massive flooding in Dumaguete and other parts of the province and leaving at least four people dead and few others missing.

Meanwhile, Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete called on the people to pray unceasingly as the country faces the threat of yet another tropical storm, possibly a strong one toward the end of the week.

Bishop Cortes also said the diocese will collaborate with the local governments on disaster preparedness.

Some of the parishes are already prepared for disaster preparedness and response after undergoing training earlier this year, Cortes added.

35 chosen from the archdiocese to see Pope Francis

By Vaneza Kimilat

A TOTAL of 35 individuals from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro have been chosen to attend the mass at the Manila Cathedral in which Pope Francis will preside on his visit to the country on January 15, 2015.

The 10 priests chosen from the vicariates of the Archdiocese are Rev. Fr. Perseus P. Cabunoc, SSJV, rector of San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral; Fr. Jose Isagani Villamil, Fr. Raul Dael, Fr. Jobel Gulisao, Fr. Rosauro Valmores, Fr. Ramir Colanse, Fr. Eleuterio Datoy, Fr. Jose Alan Pulgo, Fr. Wilfredo Tuquib, and Fr. Joel Oga.

Among the five nuns are Sr. Elsie Gonzales of Canossian Daughter of Charity; Sr. Teresita G. Balberan of Carmelite Missionaries; Sr. Maria Perla Victoria Balbastro of Daughter of Charity; Sr. Carmelita Buot of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres; and Sr. Lorna Cababaan, MCM of of Missionary Congregation of Mary.

“The other 20 come from the laity. I am not sure of their names, but part of that number would be the survivors of Sendong and from the different groups in the archdiocese,” Rev. Fr. Raul B. Dael, SSJV, Vicar for the Clergy and Religious Missionary, said.

Fr. Dael said choosing the representatives were drawn by lots within the 10 vicariates of the archdiocese and those chosen consulted their respective delegates to get representatives.

The archdiocese will fund the accommodation of the city’s representatives while the plane fares will be divided by the archdiocese and the parishes.

“It’s a moment of grace for the Philippines especially that the Pope is visiting those affected by Yolanda. That would be a great encouragement for the people; it will be a great inspiration for the people,” Fr. Dael said.

“For now, we don’t have the plan on what the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City will do while the Pope visits Manila and other provinces. Maybe next week we will come to that,” Rev. Fr. Perseus P. Cabunoc, SSJV Rector, San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral said, referring to what church-related activities will be prepared while the Pope is in the country.

Papal visit, the route

On its website papalvisit.ph.com, Pope Francis is expected to arrive in Manila on January 15.

On January 16, the pontiff will be officially welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang Palace and will also meet Philippine authorities and members of the diplomatic corps.

Pope will go on a motorcade to the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (the Manila Cathedral) for a mass with bishops, priests, religious men and women. And then will meet with families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

On January 17, the Pope will be at the Leyte Province in Eastern Visayas and visit the Archdiocese of Palo. He will offer mass near Tacloban airport and will have lunch with the some of the survivors of Yolanda.

He will then bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor in Palo, Leyte and will visit the Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration to meet with priests and religious people there.

On the 18th, the Pope will meet religious leaders and some youth groups at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila. And then he will go on a motorcade for the concluding mass at Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park.

The pontiff will then leave for Rome on the 19th.

For the detailed itinerary of Pope Francis's visit, go to papalvisit.sunstar.com.ph.

Anti-discrimination ordinance ‘needed’

By Jigger J. Jerusalem

AS THE World Aids Day is being observed today, December 1, all over the globe, an advocate feels there is still a tremendous amount of bias and discrimination against individuals who have contracted this disease and those who have different sexual orientation.

Rey Namocatcat, of the local advocate group Tingog-CdeO, said the best way to stop this animosity is for the city legislature to craft an ordinance that will protect people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), as well as those belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual (LGBT) communities.

While the two proposed bills have been pending at the Senate and the House of Representatives, Namocatcat said it would also be helpful for the PLHIV and LGBT sectors if local government units will pass anti-discrimination ordinances, like what the cities of Cebu and Davao already did.

In the Lower House, House Bill (HB) 110 was filed by then Akbayan partylist and now Dinagat Island Representative Arlene Bag-ao.

Its counterpart legislation in the Senate, Senate Bill (SB) 1022 was authored by Senator Ramon Revilla.

Both lawmakers filed their respective bills sometime last year.

Once enacted into a law, HB 110 and SB 1022 will fine and imprison violators for discrimination of LGBTs, for the following offenses: denial of access to public service, including military services, to any person on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity; inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as the disclosure of sexual orientation, in the criteria of hiring, promotion and dismissal of workers, and in the determination of employee compensation, training, incentives, privileges, benefits or allowances and other terms and conditions of employment; refusal of admission or expulsion of a person from educational institutions on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; refusal or revocation of accreditation, formal recognition, and or registration of any organization, group, political party, institution or establishment solely on the basis of sexual orientation; denial of a person access to medical and other health services open to the general public, as well as access to or the use of establishments, facilities, utilities or services including housing, open to the general public; to subject or force any person to any medical or psychological examination to determine and/or alter the person's sexual orientation; and harassment by members of institutions involved in the enforcement of law and the protection of rights, such as the PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).

Violators will be penalized with a fine of not less than P100,000 but not exceeding P500,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years or both.

Since Cagayan de Oro has no related ordinance on this yet, Namocatcat said people who are victims of discrimination should file appropriate charges for a crime that stemmed from the act, for example, physical abuse.

He said in the absence of the antidiscrimination ordinance, other existing criminal laws can be used to protect the PLHIV and LGBT members.

He added that victims of discrimination could also cite the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights as the Philippines is one of the signatory-countries.

Part of the group’s agenda, he said, is to ask the City Council to create an anti-discrimination law.

At present, Namocatcat said Tingog and other advocate groups are strengthening the capacity of their peer educators, so proper information could be relayed to the PLHIV.

He said PLHIV are encouraged to undergo voluntary counseling and early diagnosis for HIV antibody testing.

After the testing, that person is also urged to get the test result in person since no one can do that for him/her.

In addition, Namocatcat said the LGBT communities in Cagayan de Oro City are being made aware on the sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (Sogie), a framework that will help the “sexually closeted” individual.

Rep. Rodriguez says support for Bangsamoro Basic Law is “universal”

(MindaNews)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/30 Nov) — Despite some concerns, the proposed Bangsamoro Law is receiving overwhelming support from residents in Northern Mindanao, the chair of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law said.

“I saw the universal support for the proposed Bangsamoro law. It is undeniable,” Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, (2nd district, Cagayan de Oro City) told MindaNews .

Rodriguez said he got a sense of the sentiments after a round of public hearings in the cities of Marawi, Iligan, and Cagayan de Oro; and in Tubod, Lanao del Norte last week from November 27 to 29.

Rodriguez said he no longer sees any major problem arising from sectors questioning the constitutionality of the proposed Bangsamoro Law.

He said despite manifestation from those who oppose the law, he saw only several issues that they would have to fix before submitting their final draft to the Senate by January next year.

The major issue they have to resolve, according to Rodriguez, is the question of inclusion of some towns and barangays into the new Bangsamoro region through a plebiscite.

He said they have to study the issues raised by Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat and former Iligan Mayor Lawrence Cruz that the Constitution does not allow any province, city, town or barangay to be divided, merged with or its boundaries altered without conforming with the requirements provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991.

The core territory of the proposed Bangsamoro includes the five-province, two-city Autonomou Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the six towns in Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays in North Cotabato that voted for inclusion in the ARMM in the 2001 plebiscite.

The six towns are Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar , Tagoloan and Tangkal town.

Also in question are some barangays in Iligan City: and in the towns of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigcawayan, Pikit and Midsayap in North Cotabato province.

“I find this ironic because most of these areas are dominated by Muslims,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said his committee will conduct ten more public hearings before they would meet in plenary session.

The scheduled public hearings are Baguio and Laoag cities on Dec. 5; Buluan, Maguindanao and Koronadal, Dec. 10; Davao City, Dec. 11; Kabacan and Midsayap towns in North Cotabato, Dec. 12; Butuan City, Dec. 13; and Cebu and Iloilo cities on Dec. 15.

In mid-November, Rodriguez told MindaNews that the public hearings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law “will be the most comprehensive and inclusive consultations in the history of the House of Representatives.”

Rodriguez added that the Ad Hoc Commitee “will then deliberate on the bill when we resume session on January 19.”

Plenary debates are “expected starting Feb 2 and approval by end of February,” Rodriguez said.

Congress takes a break from December 20 to January 18, 2015, will resume sessions from January 19 to March 20 and will go on break again from March 21 to May 3.

‘Dear Pope Francis’ campaign gets going

(PIA)

Cagayan De Oro City — The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), has launched a Letter Writing Campaign for the Papal Visit in 2015 entitled “Dear Pope Francis.”

PHLPost Central Mindanao area director Nimia S. Acebes said that this project aims to create awareness about the papal visit to further strengthen the faith of the Filipinos in God and to develop the skills, especially the youth in composition-writing and their ability to express their thoughts clearly.

The campaign is open to all Filipinos. With title ‘Dear Pope Francis,” the composition must be recent, unpublished and original.

It should also be in the form of a letter containing its basic elements (heading, salutation, body of the letter, complimentary close and signature).

All letters must be originally done by the participant. And on a separate sheet of paper, the participant must indicate the following information: complete name and home address, gender, age and date of birth, name and address of school; grade or year level and contact number of school and participant telephone, fax and cellphone numbers.

The deadline for submission of the ‘Dear Pope Francis’ entries is on December 5, 2014. All letters to the Pope should be dropped in Special Drop Boxes located in all designated post offices.

A Special Committee shall select the best letter and will be represented to the pope.

For more information and inquiries, you may look for Cecille A. Cotapte, market specialist of PHLPost Central Mindanao Area, Macabalan Cagayan de Oro City with number (088) 856-7124 or you may visit the Post Office in your locality.

Oro residents block access road in Macajalar

Jigger J. Jerusalem

FOR blocking the road leading to their homes, more than a thousand residents of a neighborhood in Barangay Lapasan found themselves inconvenienced, and in turn barricaded a public street, bothering motorists at Macajalar road Thursday morning.

The residents at Sitio San Miguel in Barangay Lapasan said they find it hard to get to their residences or to go some place from their homes as the private road going there was fenced by the owner of the property whom the residents identified as Mindanao Health Care (MHC) Wednesday night.

San Miguel is located on a hilly side bounded by Barangay Camaman-an and located near a shopping mall. Below the houses is a firing range said to be owned also by MHC.

Because of the blockade, resident Jojie Nonot, 53, said it would be difficult for him and the more than a hundred families to go home as part of the road was affected, resulting in the excavation allegedly ordered by the MHC management.

“What will happen if there is an emergency? Garbage could no longer be collected. The other day, a resident who had just a dialysis couldn’t proceed to San Miguel. He was carried instead by the neighbors. He got soaking wet because it was raining,” Nonot, a farmer and board member of the neighborhood association, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro Thursday.

Aside from the San Miguel residents, people going to and from the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Northern Mindanao headquarters at Camp Alagar and students at the Lapasan National High School use the road as shortcut, he added.

Nonot said the owner of the property did not inform them in advance when fencing the road.

He said they were told by the security guards, numbering more than a dozen who were deployed in the area and armed with shotguns, that the road is a private property and using it was prohibited.

He said the homeowners can pass through, but they have to hurdle the barbed wire near where a “private property, no entry” sign is hanged.

In retaliation, the residents also blocked a portion of the Macajalar road just a few meters away from the entrance of the firing range.

Access road

The Macajalar road serves as an access road going to the national highway and a nearby mall. Motorists had to find other alternate routes because of the blockade.

The obstruction, said Rita Zarsosa, 36, and a San Miguel dweller, caused a motorcycle owner to flare up as he shouted invectives at the residents early morning on Thursday. He eventually turned around.

But Zarsosa said that was the only incident that figured an angry motorist. Other drivers, once they saw the blockade, turned back without complaining.

She said only Mayor Oscar Moreno can help them solve their problem, but she heard he could not directly intervene since the property in question is privately owned.

Nonot said they had to do that (obstruction) so City Hall and other concerned government agencies would listen to them and do something about their situation.

SPO1 Jonathan Mulleon, a member of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (Cocpo) Traffic Unit, said they were deployed to augment law enforcers from the Agora police station to ensure violence would not erupt on site.

Nonot said their neighborhood is a piece of land acquired by the former employees of Coca Cola, then owned by San Miguel, hence the name of the housing subdivision, in 1967.

Some of the first residents of San Miguel have been living there for 40 years, Nonot, a homeowner for 22 years, added.

He said they could not figure out why after more three decades of using the road, it is only now that the owners decided to close it, but he added they suspected that the 1.6-hectare property, which the road is part of, will be bought by a company.

Agreement

But he said about three years ago, the homeowners signed an agreement with former MHC president, Vicente Cabrera, who provided three meters and the owner of the adjacent lot another three meters for access road intended for the residents’ use.

It was also agreed that the road will not be closed provided MHC will be paid by the city government through the expropriation of the lot.

He said the agreement was witnessed by sitio leaders of Hillside and San Miguel, City Legal Office, and a Lapasan barangay official.

Nonot said Lapasan barangay chairman Omar Labuntog issued a hold order for the excavation to stop and remove the fence, but it went unheeded.

He said they have yet to have a dialogue with MHC new president Manolo de Leon.

When Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro tried to get the side of the MHC management inside the firing range, the guards stationed inside the property said only employees are allowed to enter the compound.

The guards also said no one in the management was around to answer queries from the media.

1st Go Negosyo Center opened in CDO

(JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 27 (PIA) – “It is not enough to teach people accountancy and basic financial literacy but an entrepreneurial mindset.”

This was made clear by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV during the opening of the first ever Negosyo Center in the country on November 13, 2014 here in Cagayan de Oro City.

He said that there is an allotted P93.5M for the Go Negosyo Act where 100 Go Negosyo centers will be established nationwide by November of 2015 and 2,500 in total within the next five years.

Senator Aquino said, “We want the Negosyo Centers to be a front line organization.” Isang lugar na pwedeng mahanap, pwedeng makita ng ating kapwa Pilipino na naghahanap ng tulong sa kanilang maliit na negosyo. (A place which can be easily located can be accessed by fellow Filipinos looking for help with their small businesses.)

There are some Negosyo Centers in pilot areas that will be found in city halls, malls, commercial areas, and others to be housed in state universities and colleges, the Senator said.

The purpose of the center is to help micro enterprises become small enterprises and the small enterprises become medium and the medium become large and export and join the global market.

According to him, micro enterprises comprise 92% of the country and graduating from micro to small is really one of the challenges.

There is the regulatory challenge because entrepreneurs go from underground to regular economy. It is also a minimum wage challenge from going to non-minimum wage to minimum wage. It’s a Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) challenge if you are a food entrepreneur. You need to get the regulations to get to the supermarket for example.

“I am hoping that this can make a big difference in terms of our fight against poverty. There is no way we can get out of poverty if there are no jobs, no enterprises,” the Senator said.

If you have a good business you might not need to go abroad. There are many benefits of having a business and having a job in the country. It’s time to focus efforts on fighting poverty. And the way to help our people fight poverty is by providing jobs and supporting their enterprise.

Senator Aquino said the center represents an actual physical program, actual method, and actual process to develop in our country.

He said, finance institutions are present and will give opportunity to the formal or regulated micro financing groups to read brochures or have training sessions here to take them away from the “5/6” or other loan sharks. So that will be part of this center.

This will be a proactive center where the organization doesn’t just wait for people to come but seek out opportunities for our countrymen. Even the farming communities are welcomed for them to find a way so their products and services will be delivered to the market. Meanwhile the center may be also used by the private sectors for meetings, events. There will be a partnership between private sector, government officials, and local officials.

This is just the start, there is so much further we want to achieve, the Senator said. We have a very good start. If we can make it work here in Cagayan de Oro, we can make it work anywhere in the Philippines. We will make sure that the Negosyo Centers are funded, supported and we will continue bringing in private sector to support the Negosyo Centers.

DTI as leading agency for the Go Negosyo Center in CDO

According to Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya, the Negosyo Center is a dream come true. It is really a realization of making services available to Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

Because that’s always what they ask about, “Where do we go? How do we do? How can we ask for help?” Now, they only have to remember the address of the Negosyo Center whether it is in DTI, local government, or in a mall.

According to Jerry T. Clavesillas, Assistant Director of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises Development (BSMED) that this is the first Negosyo Center established under the Go Negosyo act RA 10644.

Further, it is cross sectoral, cross agency. A Negosyo Center is primarily under the supervision of small and medium enterprise development council of which the membership covers a lot of agencies.

He said that this is really to promote the ease of doing business. Further, requirements are simplified for those who want to go into business and also facilitate other regulatory requirements and even support services we can provide to the MSMEs.

Moreover, the center is for the promotion of MSMEs. MSMEs only need to approach this center. Meanwhile, personnel will not be purely from DTI but ultimately an inter-agency collaboration. So other agencies and private companies like Microsoft are also willing to provide training especially with Information Technology (IT) solutions. These are the things that we can get out of the Negosyo center, he said.

Local government participation

Cagayan de Oro first district Representative Rolando “Klarex” Uy said this is a huge leap for businessmen and would be businessmen in the city. “Ang negosyo maoy kinabuhi sa gobyerno. Kung wala ang negosyante, ang gobyerno dili mugana og walai pangimpliyo. Importante ang negosyante. Kai kung wala sila, unsa man ang employment sa local nga kagamhanan?” he said. (The business is the life of the government. If there are no businessmen, the government could not work and there won’t be employment. The businessmen are important. If they do not exist, what would be the employment in the local government?)

Meanwhile, 1st Congressional District of Misamis Oriental Representative Peter Unabia congratulated the courage of Provincial Director Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore.

He said that this is a big help to aspiring businessmen. He also challenged that the center will be sincere in providing assistance to develop micro entrepreneurs to become small to become employers themselves.

On the other hand, Cagayan de Oro vice mayor Ian Acenas said the city is so lucky and so blessed and that the opening of Negosyo Center is so timely because the city has been declared 2nd most competitive city after Makati just this year.

Programs Offered

The Negosyo Center shall offer services like Trainings in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Technology, Financial Management, Productivity and Efficiency, Business registration services, Business consultancy/ coaching, Product Development, Market Development and Promotions and Business Ideas and Information.

The center is located at the ground level of Antolin Building, Tiano-Akut Sts., Cagayan de Oro City.

Roll-out for the full multi-phase implementation of the Negosyo Centers will begin in 2015 as provided for in the Transitory Provisions of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Go Negosyo Act.

The Center is a pilot project of Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aguino IV.

Oro to develop relocation sites

By Jigger J. Jerusalem

AFTER more than two years, Cagayan de Oro City's relocation areas still need further development so residents could live a quality life.

In a statement sent through email to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Oscar Moreno was quoted as saying that one of his plans is develop the permanent resettlement sites through the construction of added amenities that dwellers could commonly use such as parks and churches.

Moreno said the additional facilities would complement the facilities recently donated by Habitat for Humanity Philippines in a ceremonial turnover.

Among the structures being donated by the group are multipurpose livelihood centers, a health center, day care facility, as well as police outposts to be put up in various relocation sites in the city.

A multipurpose building and health center will be put up in the resettlement area in Barangay Indahag, while a relocation site Barangay Pagatpat will have its own day care school and a police outpost.

The relocation areas in Canitoan will be recipients of a multipurpose structure and a police outpost.

During the turnover, Moreno expressed his gratitude to Habitat for the continued assistance it has extended to the City Government, especially to the relocated residents whose lives should be enhanced given their condition.

Also, Moreno is planning on subdividing the land on the resettlement sites so they could become the legal owners of the lots they are living in at present.

Most of the settlers living at the relocation areas are survivors of Tropical Storm Sendong that devastated villages in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan where hundreds of people were either declared dead or missing and millions of pesos in properties were damaged on December 17, 2011.

Among the villages in the city that experienced the most destruction brought by Sendong were Carmen, Camaman-an, Balulang, and Iponan where residents perished in the flood.

Aside from the different infrastructure the organization has donated to the city, it also handed out seven water-testing kits that were received by city health officer Dr. Fe Bongcas.

Bongcas said the City Health Office has yet to identify the villages that they are going to distribute the kits to.

Farmers protest DAR Bukidnon executive

Mindanao Examiner

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some 200 landless farmers on Monday protested the continued defiance of the Department of Agrarian Reform to implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in Bukidnon province in northern Mindanao.

The farmers also demanded the resignation of Julio Celestiano, the provincial agrarian reform officer, for his failure to implement CARP in Bukidnon, especially in the estate of the Fortich family.

Rosendo Emat, chairman of the Fortich Farm Landless Farmers Beneficiaries Association and a member of the national peasant federation Task Force Mapalad, accused Celestiano of violating the CARP.

“While the DAR is among the top agencies tasked to fulfil the state’s Constitutional mandate to pursue agrarian reform with the welfare of the landless farmers and farm workers receiving the highest consideration, the department ironically has a top CARP violator within its ranks in the person of Celestiano, who has been tolerating the Fortich family in blocking the implementation of agrarian reform in a landholding that they don’t even own,” Emat said.

The 331-hectare portion of the 1,178-hectare banana, pineapple and papaya plantations in Valencia City consisting of three lots are being claimed by Carlos Fortich and daughters Maria Teresa Zarraga and Pilar Morasa, according to Emat, who said that government records show that the Fortich family is not the registered owners of the lots.

He said in 2006, the DAR, through issuance of notices of coverage, placed the three lots being claimed by the Fortich family under the CARP so these could eventually be distributed to farmer-beneficiaries of the program.

However, in 2011, as the distribution of the lots to beneficiaries neared, the Land Bank of the Philippines refused to value the landholdings and determine the compensation that the government would give to the landowners in exchange for placing their properties under the CARP after it found out that the lots were untitled and not owned by any private individual.

24 hurt as bus, dump truck collide in Cagayan de Oro

Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News


At least 24 people were reported injured after a bus and a dump truck collided in Cagayan de Oro City shortly after noon Sunday.

The collision occurred along the national highway at Barangay Tablon in Cagayan de Oro City, GMA Northern Mindanao's Sozie Alamban reported Monday on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."

The injured, which include the bus driver and two children who were on the bus, were brought to a hospital.

The left side of the bus sustained heavy damage.

Initial investigation showed both vehicles were heading for Cagayan de Oro City when the accident happened. Police said the truck was about to enter a compund when the bus hit it.

Meanwhile, the husband of one of the injured asked the bus company to shoulder the medical expenses of the injured.

"Obligasyon nila kasi mga pasahero nila 'yun at saka sagutin nila ang nangyari dahil problema nila 'yun baka wala ng sumakay sa kanilang bus kung ganon ang style nila," said Vergilito Puyos.

The bus company has yet to comment on the incident, even as police continue their investigation into who should be held liable for the collision.

CDO’s emerging foodie trail

(DZRH News)

CAGAYAN de Oro City is a place known to many domestic and foreign tourists as an adventure destination. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit CdeO just for the whitewater rafting alone. Adventure-seekers also find more exciting activities a few minutes away from the city.

Not many, however, would come to CdeO just for its delicacies (except maybe for the ham), since CdeO has never been known as a foodie stop. Unknown to many, a lot of the family-owned businesses in CDO are related to food, mainly because Kagay-anons appreciate good grub.

Lately, a number of quirky restaurants have sprouted all over town. In Divisoria alone, unique places to eat can be found in almost every corner, where the ambience is as interesting as the menu.

The newly opened Backyard Grill is one of the restaurants that serve affordable grilled fare, with a lot of their meals at P99. Aside from the usual silog meals, it also serves meals on a hot plate: sizzling Sisig, sizzling (spa)Ghetti and even sizzling Brownie Ala Mode! Its hefty serving of baby back ribs will keep you coming back for more. Backyard Grill is located at Marfori Compound, Gaerlan St.

Alaska Aces back at top of standings

(DZRH News)

Alaska Aces guard Cyrus glides in for a layup against a GlobalPort Batang Pier defender. The Alaska Aces bounced back with a vengeance by beating the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 87-84, Saturday, Nov. 22 in Cagayan De Oro City to grab first place in the standings of the 2014-2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. PBA Image/Nuki Sabio

Alaska Aces guard Cyrus glides in for a layup against a GlobalPort Batang Pier defender. The Alaska Aces bounced back with a vengeance by beating the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 87-84, Saturday, Nov. 22 in Cagayan De Oro City to grab first place in the standings of the 2014-2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. PBA Image/Nuki Sabio

The Alaska Aces bounced back with a vengeance by beating the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 87-84, Saturday, Nov. 22 in Cagayan De Oro City to grab back first place in the 2014-2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

The Aces took command of the game early in the fourth period. Vic Manuel started the scoring binge with three consecutive field goals then Calvin Abueva completed the Alaska run, with back-to-back baskets of his own, which pushed the Aces ahead for good, 79-65, with 7:31 to go in the game.

The Batang Pier cut the gap but the Aces relied on their defense to preserve the victory. Abueva, with 19 points and six rebounds, went on to win Player of the Game honors.

With the victory the Aces (7 wins, 1 loss) grabbed solo leadership in the standings ahead of the San Miguel Beermen (6-1).

The other teams include the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters (5-2), Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (5-3), the Meralco Bolts (4-3), the Talk N Text Tropang Texters (4-3), GlobalPort (4-4), the Purefoods Star Hotshots (3-3), the NLEX Road Warriors (3-4), Barako Bull Energy (2-5), the Kia Sorento (1-7) and the Blackwater Elite (0-8).

GlobalPort jumped out to an early nine-point lead, 20-11, after a three-point play by Yancy De Ocampo who converted a followup and a bonus free throw with 1:15 to go in the first quarter. Alaska eventually trailed, 15-22, after the first period.

The Aces started the second quarter breathing fire. RJ Jazul and Jvee Casio drilled a pair of triples to start the Alaska scoring spree. Abueva then capped the 10-3 Alaska run with a drive (plus a blocking foul that was not called) to tie the count at 25-all, with 8:09 to go in the second period.

Cyrus Baguio and Casio completed the Alaska run as the Aces suddenly erected a five-point advantage, 31-26, in the second quarter.

But GlobalPort made its own run late in the period, outscoring the Aces 11-2 the rest of the way as Alaska found itself facing a four-point deficit at halftime, 33-37.

Abueva turned to “Beast Mode” early in the third period converting four consecutive field goals right in the first seven minutes of the period. Alaska outscored GlobalPort, 18-13, to grab the lead. Abueva capped the run with a hookshot as Alaska took over the driver’s seat, 51-50, with 6:29 to go in the third period.

Alaska’s second unit, led by RJ Jazul and Eric Menk, then picked up where Abueva left off. Jazul drilled a triple and then Menk converted a pair of free throws to push the Aces to a six-point advantage, 66-60, after the third quarter.

SCORES:

ALASKA ACES 87 – Calvin Abueva 19, Jvee Casio 14, Cyrus Baguio 10, Sonny Thoss 10, RJ Jazul 8, Eric Menk 7, Vic Manuel 6, Chris Banchero 4, Ping Exciminiano 4, Dondon Hontiveros 3, Rome Dela Rosa 2, Sam Eman 0, Tony Dela Cruz 0.

GLOBALPORT BATANG PIER 84 – Terrrence Romeo 26, Stanley Pringle 15, Alex Cabagnot 15, Mark Isip 12, Yancy De Ocampo 6, Ronjay Buenafe 5, Jewel Ponferada 3, Keith Jensen 2, Paolo Taha 0, John Pinto 0, Prince Caperal 0, Nonoy Baclao 0.

QUARTER SCORES: 15-22, 33-37, 66-60, 87-84.

DOLE-X joins regional launching of nutrition council’s “10 Kumainments”

By Glenford C. Labial (DOLE-X)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 21 -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office No. X joined the regional launching of the “10 Kumainments” of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) on November 14 at the Dynasty Court Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

NNC-X coordinator, Marissa DM. Valles, said that the “10 Kumainments” are approved by the NNC Governing Board, as a campaign to help prevent malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJDD, steered the unveiling of the huge standee together with retired National Economic Development Authority region 10 (NEDA-X) regional director Myra V. Balandra.

With its 10 dimensions under the Family Welfare Program (FWP), as emphasized under Department Order (D.O.) 56-03 s. 2003 “Rationalizing the Implementation of Family Welfare Program”, DOLE intensifies the mandateto stakeholders to comply “Nutrition” as part of said dimensions, as well as implementing lactation station in workplace.

Aside from the FWP directive, the department commits to NNC the facilitation of emergency employment and capacity building of workers on counseling for the poor and vulnerable workers in the region.

DOLE is part of the Technical Working Group together with the Department of Education (DepEd); Department of Agriculture (DA); NEDA; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Health (DOH).

The launching was attended by non-government organizations like the World Food Programme; World Vision Development Foundation, Inc.; inter-agency partners that include DA; NEDA; DepEd and the trimedia partners.

As part of the programme, NNC presented the Results of the 2013 Nutrition Survey in Northern Mindanao and the Updated Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2014-2016.

The event was participated by Glenford C. Labial, Labor and Employment Officer-III and DOLE-X FWP regional focal person.

The launching bears the theme “Strengthening Partnership in Scaling-up Nutrition Action”.

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