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Cagayan de Oro City News June 2014

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Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

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

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

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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

DFA satellite consular office opens in Cagayan de Oro mall

By Matikas Santos (INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Monday the opening of its Consular Affairs office in a mall in Cagayan de Oro province.

“The DFA Office of Consular Affairs, in partnership with Ayala Land Inc., has successfully moved its satellite office in Cagayan de Oro (DFA Cagayan de Oro) to a new location at the Ayala Centrio Mall,” DFA said in a statement.

“DFA Cagayan de Oro is the 16th mall-based DFA consular office established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement intended to help the DFA provide better services to the public by upgrading its consular facilities in strategic locations at minimum or no cost to the government,” it said.

“DFA Cagayan de Oro started operations at its new location last June 23. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Saturday,” the statement added.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), the DFA has opened several satellite consular offices in malls that offer passport services.

These include the DFA NCR-East in Megamall, DFA NCR-Central in Robinsons Galleria, DFA NCR-West in SM City Manila, and the latest, the DFA NCR-Northeast in Ali Mall Araneta Center.

Other DFA satellite consular offices in located in malls are in Pampanga, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Lipa City in Batangas, Lucena City in Quezon, and Legazpi City, Albay.

City Council studies amendment of curfew law in CDO

(PNA), CTB/CD/ARAUT/CD/RSM

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The City Council on Monday would start reviewing the city’s existing Curfew Ordinance here to determine whether its provisions are consistent with existing laws.

City Councilor Enrico Salcedo said that the proposal to amend the city’s curfew law would focus on the provisions of Section 485 and 486 of the City Codified Ordinance of 1994.

Salcedo said that the review is necessary after Councilor Teodolfo Lao reported to the city council that the Curfew Ordinance that took effect on June 1, 2014 is contrary to RA 9433, otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

Lao said that the violators of the Curfew Ordinance will have to pay a fine of not less than P500 or more than P1500 or face imprisonment of not less than one month and 10 days.

He said that the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which states that children 15 years or under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal liability.

Lao has proposed the amendment of the existing curfew ordinance and sought interventions instead of penalties as provided for by law.

According to CSWD’s Stella Herrarez minors caught violating the Curfew Law are sent to the Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC). The attention of their parents are called as they are held liable for their children in implementing interventions, she said.

BCPC will provide necessary assistance to the curfew offenders and coordinate with the barangay officials to locate their respective areas, she added.

Herrarez said that the minors who violated the curfew ordinance should not also be brought to the “Tahanan ng Kabataan’ (Home for the Children), because only clients with court orders are sent there.

She said that the BCPC handles curfew offenders through the barangay.

CDO formulates integrated coastal management plan

(PNA), CTB/CD/MARK FRANCISCO/CD/RSM

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 28 (PNA) -- After almost a decade, this seaport capital of Northern Mindanao has finally decided to form an integrated coastal management plan, Julius Bona, the city’s environmental specialist said on Saturday.

Bona said that the formulation of the integrated coastal management plan is mandated under Executive Order No. 533 of 2006.

He said that an integrated coastal management plan includes fisheries management, wildlife sanctuary management, mangrove management, coral reefs/seagrass management, and delineation of coastal areas in each of the coastal villages under the plan.

The establishment of coastal environment-friendly enterprises, strict adherence to appropriate fishing practices, coastal law enforcement and coastal hazard management, such as upsurge and flood contingency plans are also included in the coastal management plan, Bona added.

Interventions like the establishment of supplementary livelihood of the fishing community in the affected coastal villages and the identification of the market linkage system. An eco-tourism strip straddling the coastal stretches of Cagayan De Oro is also integrated in the coastal management plan, Bona said.

He said that the city government might also bankroll in the hiring of the third party experts who would study and introduce the digital map of the whole underwater area of Macajalar Bay here.

Bona identified the coastal villages that are directly affected by the project as Agusan, Bayabas, Bonbon, Bulua, Bugo, Cugman, Gusa, Lapasan, Macabalan, Puerto and Puntod, all located in the city’s northern coastlines.

He said that in the formulation of the integrated coastal management plan, a series of meetings and public forums would be conducted in the villages concerned.

Once the integrated coastal management plan is completed, the draft would be submitted for the approval of the city council for adoption of the city government, Bona added.

CDO holds first barangay film festival in the country

By Mark Francisco [(PNA), CTB/CD/MF/UTB]

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 27 (PNA) -- A coastal barangay in the east coast of this capital city of Cagayan De Oro has just concluded an ambitious project – creating a film festival participated exclusively by residents in the village.

Internationally-acclaimed filmmaker Gutierrez Mangansakan, of Maguindanao, who came as one of the judges of the competition, said that the barangay festival in Puerto, Cagayan De Oro City was the first barangay film festival ever in the country.

The first ever “Puerto Layag Film Festival” netted a total of four entries, all of them narrating stories within the barangay of Puerto. The cast and crew, including the directors, were all amateurs and residents of the barangay.

Awarded best film was Eskina, helmed by Jophet Tundag, telling the dilemma of a small-time shabu pusher who has to feed his family by dealing drugs in an “Eskina” or street corner.

Jurist Nef Luczon, an indie filmmaker from Davao City, said he was impressed with the director’s familiarity of the subject and how he translated it into a 30-minute film, despite working on a meager budget and a crew of amateurs, who are mostly out-of-school youths.

The second place was Pang-pang, a story about a lowly craftsman who has to dangerously rappel down a “pang-pang” or ravine just to get “Nito” vines used for making indigenous crafts for tourists.

Garnering the third spot was “Kariton,” the tale of a boy who has to fetch water downtown in barangay Agusan because their community in upper Puerto doesn’t have potable water.

Every day, the boy has to fill in a dozen water gallons and compress them in a “Kariton” or cart to be towed by a passenger jitney in going up the steep path towards their community.

Garnering special citation is “Pamela,” the story of a real-life 15-year-old student of the Puerto Elementary School who suffers from low IQ but excelling in athletics and has won awards in track and field even in national competitions.

Puerto barangay chairman Rustico Christian Achas conceptualized the first barangay film festival here after watching an indie movie in a downtown university here last year.

“Here in CDO, we already have film competitions among college and high school students. So I thought out loud, why not bring that among the grassroots level? After all, everybody loves movies. And we can maybe discover potential story writers, filmmakers and actors here in Puerto,” Achas said.

Even Mangansakan, who conducted a rigid five-day training workshop with the potential filmmakers, agreed.

Mangansakan, whose work Limbunan was featured as the closing film in the prestigious 2010 Venice International Film Festival, observed that Puerto, as a coastal barangay, has a rich culture which can be potential plot points.

“You can spin a story about fishermen, about the water concerns in upper Puerto, about a returning OFW for instance. I am excited about this project and the barangay captain’s vision,” Mangansakan said.

To make the film festival come together, Mangansakan was assisted by two indie filmmakers from Davao and Cagayan de Oro –Luczon (whose works have appeared in indie film conventions around Asia) and Xavier University’s Cinemagis 2014 grand winner Joe Bacus.

Despite that, it is a daunting task ahead, admitted Mangansakan.

“For one, we are dealing with people from the grassroots. These are not college film students. These are real residents in the place. But I am confident we can pull it off,” Mangansakan said.

Around 50 Puerto residents attended the five-day workshop in the Puerto barangay hall which culminated last Monday. They were taught the basics in script writing, directing, acting, cinematography and editing.

At the end of the workshop, the group was split into five groups. Each group of potential filmmakers would comprise the crew of the short film they would produce.

Ryan Casiño, organizer of the festival, said that each competing film has its setting and shot only within Puerto and all of the cast were also residents of Puerto.

Mayor: Seafarers are the country's ambassadors

By Butch D. Enerio

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) gave seafarers due recognition Wednesday as the country celebrates June 25 as the “Day of the Seafarer.”

With this year’s theme “Pinoy Seafarers: Proudly Moving the World,” Marina, as the program’s lead implementer, lined up a series of activities – the dressing of all ships at port, simultaneous blowing of ships’ horns, floral offering and ecumenical prayer, honoring the departed seafarers, and a motorcade around the city.

Mayor Oscar Moreno, who was the guest speaker, lauded the contribution of the seafarers in the country whose sacrifices made the country proud.

He said the monetary consideration of being a seafarer is not everything.

“But what’s more important is the image you bring of our country. You are the Philippine ambassadors that wherever ports of call you maybe, you bring the image of the Filipinos, you being the best seafarers in the world,” Moreno said.

At the atrium of SM Mall, a mass was celebrated followed by a program at the car park where different line agencies – the Philippine Coast Guard and its auxiliary, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Maritime police, and students from the different maritime schools and shipping companies – joined in the celebration.

Engr. Emmanuel Carpio, Marina regional director for northern Mindanao and Caraga, said that the celebration is a yearly occasion to give honor to the seafarers of the country, who represent 25 percent of the total seafarers in the world.

“As to the Philippines registered vessels operating overseas manned by Filipino seafarers, our statistics show that we have reached our highest peak in 2009 and 2010 with 170 ships with the corresponding high number of Filipino crew. In 2012, Marina recorded the lowest number of registered ships and Filipino seafarers,” Carpio said.

Marina said its objective is to nurture and strengthen the competitiveness of the Philippines maritime industry and enhance functional performance as the single Maritime Administration in the implementation of the 1978 Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers.

CDO City Council approves creation of 2 PLEBs

(PNA), SCS/CD/UTB

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 25 (PNA) -– The City Council here has approved an ordinance on the creation of two People’s Law Enforcement Boards (PLEBs), Councilor Ramon G. Tabor said on Wednesday.

Tabor, author of City Ordinance No. 12800-2014, said that the creation of the two PLEBs is provided under Republic Act No. 8551 that amended R.A. 6985, also known as the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.

He said that under R.A. 8551, the city or municipal council could create PLEB whenever necessary provided “that there shall be one PLEB for every 500 city or municipal police personnel, and for each of the legislative districts in a city.

Section 4 of Napolcom Memorandum Circular 2002-010 also provides that upon enactment of a resolution formally organizing the PLEB, a copy should be given to the city/municipal mayor who shall, within five days from receipt thereof, issue the appropriate executive order adopting the resolution.

The trade hub of Cagayan De Oro City has two legislative districts known as District 1 that covers 24 urban and rural barangays while District 2 covers 56 urban and rural barangays.

The PLEB was created in 1991 to receive and adjudicate all citizens complaints or cases formally filed against any uniformed member of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Tabor said that Mayor Oscar Moreno, through Executive Order No. 073-14, already constituted the City People’s Law Enforcement Board District 1 and District 2 of Cagayan de Oro City without the ordinance creating the second PLEB.

Local officials call for support to coastal cleanup, mangrove planting drive

(PNA), FPV/CD/ARAUT/UTB

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 24 (PNA) -– The City Council on Tuesday urged residents in coastal villages to support mangrove planting and coastal cleanup initiatives of various organizations here.

City Councilor Annie Y. Daba, chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, specifically called on members of the Federation of Coastal Barangays Fisherfolks Assocation to extend assistance and support to all coastal cleanup and mangrove planting activities in the city’s coastlines.

Daba said that the city government has a year round mangrove planting and cleanup drives in the fishing village of Bonbon, some six kilometers north of the city, that need all out support of the residents in the area.

The city agriculture department has already planted 2-hectare mangrove in Bonbon and the planting continues until the mangrove covers the 10-hectare area, Daba added.

She said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is providing necessary mangrove seedlings in an effort to fully plant mangroves in the coastal areas of Bonbon.

Aside from the city agriculture department, other non-government organizations are also engaged in coastal cleanup drive and mangrove planting in an effort to rehabilitate the city’s coastal areas, she said.

All initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting the environment and the coastal area are deserving of people’s support as part of the government national drive to mitigate climate change, Daba said.

Daba has expressed the optimism that the project will help in the rehabilitation of coastal areas. It will prevent big waves and continually serve as the spawning ground of fish.

Cagayan de Oro electric distributor to expand solar power plant

By Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo (InterAksyon.com)

MANILA - Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co Inc (Cepalco) plans to expand the country's first solar farm in Cagayan de Oro City to help ease the power crunch in Mindanao.

Jose Maria A. Abaya, Cepalco director, told reporters last week that the company will increase its 1-megawatt (MW) solar power plant by another 10.

"We’re planning to expand it sa 10 MW. Not in the same area, but still within the franchise area of Cepalco hopefully next year," he said.

Cepalco in partnership with Kirahon Solar Energy Corp will put up the project in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. The joint venture will commence with the project next year for completion by 2015.

Building a 10-MW solar farm would cost P1.31 billion.

Abaya said the solar plant will help address Cepalco's requirements given the Mindanao grid's power supply deficiency.

"Well Mindanao still has a deficiency in supply so even if 10 MW does not solve the entire problem, it’s still part of the solution," he said.

P360M outlay for Olongapo City distribution

Beyond Mindanao, Cepalco has allocated P360 million for the next 3-5 years to improve Olongapo City's electricity distribution system.

Cepalco, through Olongapo Electricity Distribution Co Inc (OEDC), took over the power distribution operations of that city’s Public Utility Department (PUD) in June last year.

The PUD's operations was privatized after the local government amassed over P5 billion in debt to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp, the caretaker agency of state-owned National Power Corp, for unpaid power supply bills.

Abaya said OEDC has brought down the system losses of PUD from 37 percent to 14 percent in less than a year. System loss is the volume of electricity lost through pilferage.

"We’re still not finished and majority of the system is old and obsolete, rotten poles. We already changed some voltage problems, so it's really a massive system rehab," he said.

Also, OEDC has increased collection efficiency from only 50 percent to 100 percent.

"Ngayon nakaka-100 percent collection naman kami. But even with 100 percent collection efficiency, their losses are still high so talo ka pa rin," Abaya said, adding that there is a need for further investments in the utility.

AFP to deploy soldiers in 6 Oro villages

By Alyssa C. Clenuar and Butch D. Enerio

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will deploy soldiers in six villages in Cagayan de Oro City for its Bayanihan Alert for Peace and Development (BAPD).

Bayanihan, which means working together in the Philippines, is an approach of the AFP for a close coordination with the community in working for the safety of the citizens.

The 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade (403 IB) is set to deploy its soldiers in the villages of Balulang, Tagpangi, Bonbon, Tuburan and Agusan. Each village will host a platoon of enlisted personnel.

“We are here as front liners and get involved in the affairs of the community and find out from the people their needs and then for us to act as catalysts for those needs to materialize,” said Col. Francisco Pabayo, 403 IB commander.

The soldiers are expected to initiate activities like youth leadership and community leaders’ enhancement seminars; establish livelihood projects; and strengthen existing village defense system in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders.

“PNP is very willing to support the program. But because of the big population size in barangays, we also need help in the maintenance of the peace and order. We are here to back up the AFP and vice versa,” said Superintendent Dexter Paje, Police Community Relations Officer of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo).

Paje assured that police visibility will be frequent in the identified villages.

Immediate response

Mayor Oscar Moreno, who graced the send-off ceremony at Balulang village covered court on Friday, said the program will help giving immediate response to the villages.

Moreno lauded the military and asked the cooperation of the concerned communities.

“This is to bring projects to the people with the military. This partnership goes beyond Cagayan de Oro and even Misamis Oriental. This is for the whole Northern Mindanao,” he added.

Different perception

Tuburan village councilor Charlito Yañez, however, said “residents have a different perception of the military presence" in their place.

“Whenever they see people in fatigue uniforms, they get scared. In 1983, military men massacred families in Tuburan. But later on, some of the people knew that they were rebels dressed in AFP uniforms. So it will be a problem when there is a military presence there since not all have understood yet,” Yañez said.

“But we whole-heartedly accept this kind of program. It will just take some time for the residents to get used to your presence there,” he added.

Balulang chairman Alfredo Carcosa said his village’s concern is on the peace and order.

“We have a peace and order problem here in Balulang because of the high count of [carjacking] cases. But with the help of the military, although it is not their job, but they can maintain peace and order in our community,” Carcosa said.

Aside from peace and order, AFP will also conduct trainings in case of disasters like typhoon Sendong in 2011.

“We have trainings for the people in the community. Trainings will involve first aid, dos and don’ts, among others. We also have an information education for the people wherein we invite weather forecasters that are in authority to talk on earthquakes, typhoons and the like,” said Captain Invinzor Meneses, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 43rd Civil Military Operations (CMO) company.

CDO tops in LGU e-readiness survey

By Camcer Ordonez Imam

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The city topped the E-Readiness Survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology recently.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno received the award during the Innovation and Connectivity through Technology Forum, held last June 18, at InterContinental Hotel in Makati.

The forum was attended by various local government units (LGUs) and was organized by the Department of Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Deutsche Gesellschaft for Internationalle Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Canadian Government.

The City Government of Cagayan de Oro took the lead in the e-Readiness Survey Award, with 9 other LGUs — Valenzuela, Batangas, Makati, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Fernando — recognized based on the results of the BPLS Survey and e-Readiness Survey for Cities and Municipalities, 2014.

The Survey included human resource, hardware and software capacities, and compliance on business processing and licensing system (BPLS) standards.

Cagayan de Oro’s current automated business process and licensing system (BPLS) was developed in-house, low-cost and has been a best practice shared with other LGUs.

“This year, with a grant from DOST and support from USAID on its computerization, more enhancement and innovation have been introduced, including the development of billing and payment kiosks,” Moreno said.

The city’s distinction for e-Readiness was further confirmed by no less than USAID Mission Director, Ms. Gloria D. Steele, in her message at the forum when she said” we were impressed at what we saw a few weeks ago when we visited Cagayan de Oro together with Acting Deputy Director for Asia, Denise Rollins, and the result of a streamlined BPLS, showing almost 40 percent increase in revenue for the first quarter this year compared to the same period last year.”

During the one day ICT Forum, Mayor Moreno also gave a five-minute presentation of Cagayan de Oro’s “Hassle Free Payments,” featuring the tax payer friendly, time saving billing and queuing kiosks located at the finance office of city hall.

4 drug suspects nabbed

By Mario C. Manlupig Jr.

FOUR suspected drug personalities were arrested by the police in a series of entrapment operations Thursday.

Mario Miranda, 36, resident of Balongis, Barangay Upper Balulang, was arrested by the Agora police led by Senior Inspector Evan Viñas in a drug-bust operation around 4 p.m. Thursday along Vamenta road in Barangay Carmen.

Recovered from the suspect was a P500 bill that was used by the undercover agents in buying the illegal substance.

However, Miranda belied the drug-bust operation. He stressed that the Agora police nabbed him without an arrest warrant.

“I have read the police report and I was surprised to see it because it said they seized ‘shabu’ from me,” Miranda told Sun*Star Cagayan de Oro Thursday.

Miranda has asked for further investigation asserting he had no idea why he was arrested.

According to Viñas, Miranda is a suspect in a robbery at an establishment and took away about P500,000 May this year.

In another entrapment operation, the Macabalan police led by Senior Inspector Gerry Ligan apprehended Jason Yongco, 34, resident of Barra, Barangay Macabalan this city, around 1:20 a.m. Thursday at Piaping Itum of the same barangay.

Recovered from the suspect were two P100 and a P200 bill, which were used by the police operatives, and a sachet of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

Yongco was nabbed by police authorities due to complaints of the neighbors who were disturbed whenever he went berserk.

Yongco, however, refused to answer queries from reporters.

Meanwhile, two suspected drug suspects were turned over by Ronnel Ligtas, Barangay 35 chairman after they found a suspected ‘shabu’ in their possession.

According to barangay tanod members Modesto Ligtas III and Benhur Yamit, Mayolito Bolinao, 29, resident of Barangay 31 was suspected to have been hiding a sachet of shabu in his tricycle’s cash box.

Bolinao denied the accusation saying his two unidentified passengers put it in his box after seeing the barangay tanod.

In another instance, Florendo Tabasan, 34, resident of Barangay 32, was arrested by village watchmen while he was on his way home around 12 midnight.

The suspect denied the allegations saying he was framed by bystanders in the area.

The guards recovered one sachet of suspected shabu each from Bolinao and Tabasan with an estimated street value of P500 each.

Bolinao and Tabasan are detained at the Cogon police station.

At press time, all four suspects are waiting for the result of their urinary tests.

Kidney Month 2014 kicks off

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 19 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Region 10 - Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) kicked off the Kidney Month celebration this year through a motorcade and an orientation and open forum with the theme "A Healthy Lifestyle Makes your Kidneys Smile."

Dr. Sandra Oliveros of the Philippine Society of Nephrology Inc. said that healthy lifestyle is key to preserving the kidneys.

However, she said that kidney function goes with age.

According to the National Kidney Foundation of USA, at age 40, kidney starts to deteriorate. One in 10 or 10% of adult population worldwide has kidney damage: one in five men; one in four women between ages of 65 and 74.

In the country, prevalence of kidney disease is 9.4% from 2003 to 2008, which constitutes to 5.64 million Filipino adults.

High risk factors of kidney disease include obesity, diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.

Further, in cases of End-Stage or Kidney Failure, the patient must undergo a dialysis or transplantation. However, Dr. Oliveros said that the latter is the best treatment.

In region 10, the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) is able to operate organ transplantation for End-Stage Kidney Disease.

Alice Ong, Renal Transplant Supervisor in NMMC said that the process of organ donation and transplantation is very careful and critical. There are rules and regulations in organ donation. Usually, the donor undergoes series of medical tests and even psychological evaluation.

However, she said that there is no difference with a person with one kidney than with another with two. Living donors can live a normal life after operation and can go back to lifting and doing regular work after three months.

Jericho Ventic donated his kidney to his father Jerome Ventic. He said that after donation, he did not feel anything different. It has been seven years since the operation and both of them are doing fine.

Elena Angco also donated her kidney to her sister Rubina Sanchez. She too felt perfectly fine after the operation.

From January to March 2014, a total of 200 Hemodialysis patients are undergoing treatment in Northern Mindanao.

City tackles measures to rescue abused children

(PNA), LAP/CD/SGP

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 18 (PNA) –- Ensuring the success of rescuing abused and battered children would be tackled during a committee meeting of the city’s social services here on Thursday, City Councilor Eric Salcedo said on Wednesday.

Salcedo said that the successful rescue of the one-year-and-three-month-old baby in one of the barangays here who became a victim of maltreatment by a drug dependent-father would be lengthily discussed in the meeting.

According to Salcedo, personnel of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (SCWD) successfully rescued the baby during a rescue operation and tense negotiation.

“From the recent experience, the committee wants to learn the methodology in the handling of a successful negotiation to rescue children whose lives are threatened,” Salcedo said.

He said that the committee will also discuss the extent and effect of the curfew law for minors, which the city government has implemented at the start of regular classes this year.

The 10 p.m. curfew for minors covers children with ages 15 below, he added.

The committee has invited the representatives of the CSWD, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Cagayan De Oro City Police Office and the City Legal Office, Salcedo said.

Dismantling of illegal terminal in CDO eyed

(PNA), LAP/CD/UTB

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 17 (PNA) -– The City Council’s committee on public utilities would look into complaints of the proliferation of illegal transport terminal at the city’s public markets here, City Councilor Roger Abaday said on Tuesday.

The “habal-habal” motorcycles (a motorcycle used for conveying passengers) as a public transport is not sanctioned or recognized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) because it jeopardizes the safety of passengers.

Abaday said that the Agora West Bound Transport Operators/Drivers Association (AWTODA) has sought the intervention of the city council to stop the operation of “habal-habal” motorcycles in the public market.

He said that AWTODA has made many attempts to stop the operation of “habal-habal” within the area but these failed. “Obviously, the habal-habal was tolerated since it has become a source of livelihood of the motorcycle owners,” he said.

The city’s Road and Traffic Administration (RTA) has reiterated that the “Habal-Habal” operations are not allowed within the city proper, Abaday added.

He said the City Council would study the necessary measures to stop the operations of the Habal-Habal in the city in close coordination with the RTA and local traffic enforcers.

The “Habal-Habal” operations have been rampant in Cagayan De Oro City, particularly at night, where motorcycle owners hang around the street corner in Licoan-Claro M. Recto Avenue and in the corner of Carmen’s Vamenta Blvd and Seriña street.

Local residents and concerned citizens have been complaining about the presence of the illegal habal-habal motorcycles in the city, but the city government has apparently turned deaf of the complaints.

Mayor’s 'Soca' highlights people empowerment

By Butch D. Enerio

FOR the administration of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, the nagging issue and the fight against poverty can be won through the empowerment of the people.

Moreno in his State of the City Address (Soca) Sunday morning underscored increased opportunities for the poor by providing them the necessary training and education and access to both the local and international job markets, as more concrete solutions to uplift the lives of the Kagay-anons apart from the efficient delivery of social services and assistance which can supplement the needs of the indigent and physically challenge citizenry.

He reported that with the city’s thrust to address the unemployment problem, job fairs were held every month since August 2013 through the Public Employment Services Office (Peso) that has so far employed 6,804 applicants.

Aside from the job fairs, the Peso has ongoing postings of jobs and a continuing program to assist job seekers and jobless constituents to find employment.

Moreno said that the “heart and conscience of the city,” which is the social welfare services, has done tremendously in addressing the protection and the development of the less privileged.

“My administration with the Team CdeO, are working closely for the marginalized and the vulnerable sector of society to become self-reliant, breaking the chain of servitude to a sustainable total development,” Moreno said.

Less privileged

In combating malnutrition among the city’s children, the Moreno administration sees a decrease of the recorded malnourished from 487 male and 532 female from the previous years to 247 male and 232 female at present.

“We are determined to achieve the ‘zero street kids by 2015’ program... we have already rescued 139 street kids delivering them from becoming children in conflict with the law,” he said.

The rescued street children were given shelter and counseling services, received medical treatment and are now reunited with their respective families, while the sexually and physically abused children are undergoing the needed intervention by the experts on the field.

More than 60,000 women, children and the elderly received the attention they deserved under the Moreno administration through the supplemental feeding program, educational and medical assistance, benefitting from the facilities and care of the Boy’s Town, Social Development Center, Tahanan ng Kabataan, Residential Care for the Elderly and Mental Patients, Home Care for Girls, among others.

The more than 20,000 elderly in the city are now well organized that their concerns, especially on benefits are addressed, particularly the 380 social pensioners, those who are 75 years old and above.

The city’s support to the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) and the creation of the Council of Elders for Senior Citizens has renewed the faith of the elderly in government for the protection of their rights and general well-being, at the same time forging unity among them.

The persons with disability (PWD) were given their shares to purchase discounted medicines and grocery. They were issued wheelchairs, assistive devices, food assistance for the visually impaired and also oriented on skills training.

Disaster preparedness

“No more like Sendong will hurt us,” was a campaign promise of Moreno turning the city from being a reactive to a proactive local government protecting its constituents from human-induced and natural disasters.

In line with this, identifying evacuation centers were undertaken; capacitating volunteers and rescuers were massively done; and the standardizing of camps and centers were given extra attention to protect the internally displaced persons from human rights violations.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) has been working to keep city residents out of harm’s way through the creation of hazards and risk assessment, strengthened weather monitoring capability, maintenance of flash flood alert system and well-defined plans and programs in prevention and mitigation.

Peace and order

Moreno emphasized the professionalization of the police force and an efficient emergency response program, which answers calls for police protection against criminality, fire, and natural disasters. They have been placed to ensure peace and order.

A unified command system has been established to act during disasters, criminality and other events that need government response.

Constructing a building for the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (Cocpo) and providing logistical support is what Mayor Moreno deemed necessary for a strong and responsive police force in the city.

Increased revenue

A landmark achievement of the Moreno Administration is the increase in revenues enabling the city to fund its operation and effectively deliver the needed services of the Kagay-anons.

This year, business tax collection increased by 33.62 percent from the previous year translating to a total increase of P101,165,826.

The increased collection was achieved through information campaigns and proper implementation of tax laws, efficient tax mapping and business tax inspection, close monitoring of compliance of existing ordinances, among others.

The modernization of the City Treasurer’s Office through the Kiosk Billing System and Digital Queuing system was done through the assistance of the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID).

The Treasurer’s Office now serves over 1,000 taxpayers per day, which yielded faster transactions, increase in collection, and more efficient services.

Taking the cue from Moreno’s instruction to increase the city’s revenue, the City Assessor’s Office has embarked on vigorous campaign to completely and efficiently appraise to assess building, machineries, and other real properties, which resulted to an increase in the city’s real property tax income.

More classrooms

On infrastructure, the City Government through the City Engineers Office spent a total of P209,519,088 for the classrooms, covered courts, roads, drainage, building, barangay halls, perimeter fences, and others.

On education, the Moreno administration is committed to provide free and quality education that is at par with the best private schools.

He reconstituted the Local School Board by expanding and empowering its members from seven to 15.

The city has projected to avail the public schools of enough classrooms within the year where a total of 209 classrooms for elementary and secondary levels in the different schools which constructions are ongoing.

From 11 national high school annexes, eight are within their own school sites now.

Scholarship grants through the reconstituted scholarship committee and the introduction of the conduct of qualifying exams have benefitted 827 scholars for the City College Scholarship Program taking up college and vocational programs in the various private schools in the city.

“I hope that there will be more funding through the city council and other donors so that we can increase the number of qualified students for the program.” Moreno said.

The City Government through the Community Improvement Division and in cooperation with TESDA has produced a total of 1,726 scholars for the six-month program on commercial cooking, food processing, beauty care services, dressmaking, bread and pastry production, among others.

Reforestation efforts

On the environment, the city through the City Local Environment and Resources Office (Clenro) continues to reforest inland and the shorelines.

Among the actions taken by the Clenro are the incessant operations in the illegal logging and mining campaigns apprehending illegally transported forest products and eight illegal mining operations by issuing stoppage orders and the conduct of 22 operations resulting to cases filed in court pending deliberation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Education and training programs are ongoing with barangay folks and other stakeholders.

In championing his mission to provide an excellent health care program, especially for the poor, Moreno’s first directive was to strengthen the City Health Office and rehabilitated the city hospital that is now fully operational and serving hundreds of patients mostly indigents.

Despite the lack of resources, the city government has enrolled more than 50,000 PhilHealth members and families.

As a result the PhilHealth capitation fund per family-payment rate worth P12.5 million was reinstated and used to purchase medicines, rehabilitate/renovate health facilities and general medical equipment.

Pregnant women need not go far to deliver their babies as the Maternal Care Package in 18 barangay health centers are duly accredited by PhilHealth. The accreditation of another 10 barangay health centers is also on-going.

The J.R. Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) was renovated and the commissioning of the 3rd floor south wing with the additional 66 beds with air condition wards for senior citizens, government employees, pediatric, medical, respiratory, gastro-intestinal and cardio patients, as well as health facilities, private rooms, doctors quarters, nurse’s station and a multifunction room.

The Point of Care System enrollment of the PhiliHealth is a respite for the poor patients who need not worry of hospital bills.

The rehabilitated JRBGH recorded an increase in income by 52 percent, from P1.3 million to P2.7 million, as its income from PhilHealth claim increased by 12 percent.

Housing

Housing and resettlement posed a big challenge to Moreno as he inherited the land problem from the previous administration coupled with the Typhoon Sendong victims’ ongoing relocation.

With the collaboration of generous donors, local and international agencies, and partner governments the Moreno administration awarded a total 6,343 houses to the Sendong victims and the incoming 3,400 houses will soon be distributed.

The processing for documentation ready for titling to five associations of the controversial “Piso-Piso Program” beneficiaries is also ongoing.

The agricultural and fisheries sectors in the city have served 46,539 farmers, beneficiaries of the various programs that the city is implementing aside from the improved farm to market roads and implements.

Moreno in his speech enjoined the city council to do its part for the people of Cagayan de Oro and set aside politics.

“I do not need your political loyalty, what I need is your collaboration so that we can do more in serving the people of Cagayan de Oro,” Moreno said.

Solons propose road courtesy, traffic safety subject in school

By Kristine Angeli Sabillo

MANILA, Philippine—Should road courtesy be taught to elementary and high school students? A pair of lawmakers is proposing just that.

Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez and his brother Abante Mindanao Maximo Rodriguez Jr. filed House Bill 4160 in Congress, which proposes the introduction of a subject called road courtesy, discipline and traffic safety education to students enrolled in Grade 1 to 4th year high school.

“There seems to be a growing number of traffic accidents in the country which can be attributed mainly to the sheer disregard of traffic laws or ignorance,” the congressmen said in a statement.

Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, they pointed out that the share of road traffic injuries compared to the number of total deaths is expected to increase to 3.5 percent in 2030 from 2.2 percent in 2004. Traffic-related fatalities are projected to become the 5th leading cause of death behind heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lower respiratory infections.

Meanwhile, WHO said 7,000 Filipinos die each year due to road traffic accidents.

Since many traffic accidents are attributed to “sheer disregard of traffic laws or ignorance,” the lawmakers said education of students on traffic discipline will help address the problem.

They said the best way to inculcate road courtesy in Philippine culture is by starting with children.

Under the proposed measure, students will be taught traffic signs, rights and obligations of pedestrians and drivers, as well as laws on driving.

DTI opens ‘One Town, One Product’ store in CDO’s shopping mall

By Ercel Maandig [(PNA), CTB/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/RSM]

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 14 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Oriental will open the “One Town One Product (OTOP)” store in SM mall Cagayan De Oro on Sunday for the 64th City Charter Day Celebration here.

The OTOP store will feature more than 50 local products from all over Misamis Oriental including meat products, pastries, native sweets, concoctions, beverages, bags and other creations.

The outlet was conceived to help promote local produce and to provide a venue for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to sell their products.

“Our local products are excellent, but most of them are not accessible in the groceries. We are proud to bring them to SM Cagayan de Oro. It is time for us to experience and patronize our very own,” said DTI provincial director Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore in a statement to media..

Pabillore said that the DTI has also invited manufacturers of locally made products for display and selling in the OTOP, particularly from the neighboring provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao Del Norte and Misamis Occidental.

The OTOP at the SM Mall here is an ideal venue to display locally made and manufactured products whose owners want exposure in the local and international markets, she said.

Oro’s tax revenues up by P412-M in Q1

By Alyssa C. Clenuar

THE increase in Cagayan de Oro City’s tax revenues from January to March 2014 is due to the proper collection of taxes from the business sector, said City Treasurer Glenn Bañez on Wednesday.

“It was really the right way of collecting taxes that paved way to the great figures we have today. The sharp or dramatic increase is due to the right gross sales and the strict rules on the requirements that the businessmen have to follow,” Bañez said.

The City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) statistics shows that there is P412 million total revenues for this year’s first quarter, around 3 percent increase compared to last year’s P297 million.

During the visit of the United States Aid for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Asia acting assistant administrator Denise Rollins last June 6, 2014, Bañez announced that there are 16, 659 business permit applications that came in from January to March.

He added in a separate interview with Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that the strict rules implemented in their office and the proper coordination among employees and the ‘appealing’ lounge are some of the factors that drew more taxpayers to pay their business taxes.

“Because they saw that we have a proper coordination here such as refurbishing the area where they could sit and feel like they are in bank, there is an aircon for them to feel comfortable and there is a television that will tell the numbers queued unlike before that they have to stand in long lines under the sun,” he said.

For his part, Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) president Efren Uy agreed that there is already a ‘fast track’ system inside the CTO.

“When businessmen would like to renew business permits, it will only take up to less than two hours. Previously, for renewal, there must be 10 signatories. Now, they only have three, which makes everything less time-consuming,” Uy said.

He said that requirements now are stricter but they are hassle-free. Bañez added that with the improvement of manner of collecting taxes from taxpayers, it really is helpful to welcome more investors in the future.

“Cagayan de Oro is called as the trade capital in Misamis Oriental because we get favorable feedback from our taxpayers. We always bear in mind that they are the city’s main client because they help run everything in the city. From schools to pavement of roads, they help build all of those through the taxes they pay,” he furthered.

Isla Cupa residents soon to get land titles

By Alyssa C. Clenuar

RESIDENTS at Isla Cupa in Barangay Consolacion may soon have their land titles from the Registry of Deeds under the Urban Poor Emancipation Program (Upep) of the government.

One of those residents, Robert Bolong, who has been living in Isla Cupa since he was eight, applied for the program when he first heard it in 2000.

“The help it could give to me and my family is a great one. Imagine, only one peso will be paid to the government for the title that we will get. However, almost 13 years have passed, I still haven’t received the title yet,” Bolong, former Consolacion barangay chair, said.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro, Bolong said that his concerns are also the same that of his neighbors.

“I even doubted that maybe the program is illegal since there was really no title distributed to us,” he added.

The ‘Piso-Piso’ program, the brainchild former city mayor Vicente Emano, was created to help the landless gain land titles by paying only one peso to the local government.

Isla Cupa is one of the many areas that applied for it when the Piso-Piso was first launched in 2000.

According to Cagayan de Oro city information office blogsite at wordpress.com, the Piso-Piso, formally known as the Comprehensive Socialized Housing Program for the underprivileged and homeless citizens of the city, centered around the 67-hectare off-site resettlement in Calaanan, Canitoan, one of the first sites where the program was implemented.

Not the same occupants

The City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) is currently evaluating and verifying if the awardees of the program and the actual occupants of the land are the same.

Flores Sabuga-a, officer in charge of the city’s Estate Management Division, said that there are really cases that the awardees and the occupants are not the same, prompting their office to do a re-profiling. “I have heard that there are cases when the awardees or the beneficiaries will sell their land. According to the ordinance, this is already a violation. Anybody who is caught doing this will definitely be disqualified from the program. There will be no titles given to them and the government will also retrieve the land immediately,” Sabuga-a said.

Individuals who will apply for the program will be given only three months to build a house on the lot they are to occupy.

She added that many were not able to ‘endure’ since they could not construct a house immediately.

“Some will just plant, some will build houses wherein the owners are nowhere to be found. Some of the owners are even dead so they might have given the house and lot to their heirs. They are the ones we are evaluating,” she said.

There are 35 project areas in which CPDO has been evaluating including barangays Bugo, Lapasan, Gusa, Cugman, Balubal, Macabalan, Puntod, Consolacion, Camaman-an, Macasandig, Kauswagan, Bonbon, Macanhan, Carmen, Canitoan and Iponan.

Isla Cupa, once approved, will be considered as the pilot area of the program.

Sabuga-a also said that during Sendong tragedy in 2011, “everyone was focused in giving immediate shelters for the victims so people under the program may have felt neglected in giving attention to their problem. But now, with one pilot, the rest will definitely follow.”

She also disclosed that in the future, once the residents of the 35 project areas given titles, they will also look into giving titles to the Sendong survivors who are relocated in some of the areas in the city, as well.

Currently, CPDO issued a letter to the Registry of Deeds for the fast tracking of Isla Cupa’s land applicants.

CDO commemorates 116th Philippine Independence with coastal clean up, mangroves planting

(PNA), LAM/CD/ARAUT/UTB

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 11 (PNA) -– Replaying history and environmental awareness would highlight the city government’s commemoration of the 116th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day on Thursday.

City Administrator Roy Raagas said on Wednesday that the city government has started coastal clean ups in the city’s coastlines apart from planting mangroves since Tuesday as prelude to the Independence Day Celebration on Thursday.

He said that a Flag Caravan highlighting the evolution of the Philippines Flag since the birth of the revolutionary movement against the Spanish colonial government in the 16th Century would signal the start of the celebration on Thursday morning.

Raagas, head of the organizing committee, said that 11 horsemen from various district in the city in ‘revolutionary regalia’ would carry the Philippine Flag, including today’s flag, as the horses amble toward the historic Divisoria Plaza here for the flag raising ceremony.

Raagas said that a wreath laying at the national heroes memorial statues would be held along with a full military ceremony to be witness top local and national officials, invited guests, and civil society groups.

He said that a history film showing freedom and cultural show would be also be held Thursday evening at the Divisoria Plaza.

According to Raagas, this year’s theme: Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino Tungo sa Malawakan at Permamenteng Pagbabago” is timely as the country tries to overcome various predicaments such as the “pork barrel scam” and the territorial dispute in the country’s west Philippine seas.

Raagas said that the Philippine Independence Day celebration here also coincides with the commemoration of the city’s 64th Charter Day anniversary.


P155-M MisOr road project seen to spur econ growth

By Lenesse Marie Libres

RESIDENTS of Misamis Oriental now have something to look forward to as more than P155 million has been allocated for the improvement of the national highway connecting the province to some parts of Mindanao.

The Department of Public Works and Highways-region 10 (DPWH-10), through the initiative of Misamis Oriental 2nd district Representative Juliette T. Uy, held a groundbreaking ceremony in El Salvador City and in the municipalities of Alubijid, Laguindingan and Opol on June 6.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in line with the upgrading of road projects in Cagayan de Oro, Opol, Laguindingan, Alubijid, Iligan, and Butuan.

The project amounts to more than P155 million and to be completed come April 2015.

The improvement of the national highway in Misamis Oriental is seen to increase the economic growth in the cities and municipalities that benefit from it.

From two lanes, the road widening project along Butuan to Iligan road will expand into four lanes addressing the problem with traffic congestion particularly since the opening of Laguindingan Airport.

At the intersection of Laguindingan Airport and the national highway, a rotunda with a miniature of an airplane indicating that visitors have arrived at the airport will soon serve as a landmark.

Local government officials shared their delight in the improvement of their areas.

“We encountered these problems: condensed traffic, big trucks which delay transportation. I am pleased that El Salvador City is a recipient of this project,” said El Salvador mayor Alfredo Q. Tan.

Opol town mayor Maximo B. Seno shared his excitement for Opol. “You saw Opol in 2013, you will see Opol in 2016. The results will show in the coming years.”

Retrieving the road right-of-way

“The development of the national highway in Misamis Oriental will be successful if the local barangay officials of each city and municipality and DPWH will work together,” said Engr. Lilibeth Aparicio of DPWH-10.

Aparicio appealed to local officials of the recipient cities and municipalities to coordinate with them in retrieving the road right-of-way.

Residents and street vendors refused to vacate the street side since it is their home where they also earn.

According to DPWH’s Highway Rights, the road right-of-way shall not be less than 20 meters but such minimum width may be reduced to fifteen meters in highly urbanized areas.

DPWH want to implement such strict measurements for the benefit of the public but the residents' refusal to give way to the construction might cause the project to slow down.

The 360-calendar-day span of the road projects is a huge allowance with regard to disturbances in nature and the clearing of the residents living along the highway.

Solar-powered lighting poles along the highway

In 2015, solar-powered lighting poles are expected to be up along the national highway.

“Even before I entered politics, I noticed that our roads do not have proper lighting or worse, none at all. With lights, crime and road disasters will decrease,” Uy said.

Last December 2013, Uy announced to the mayors about the plan to put up lighting poles.

However, this solicited hesitations from them due to the lack of funding to pay for additional electricity bills.

Fortunately, these solar-powered street lights, to be put up along Opol to Lugait and Tagoloan to Jasaan as far as Claveria, will not cost the national government even a peso.

“A private sector has agreed to fund the project which will include LCDs and CCTVs. This project will push through after the upgrading of the road projects as what we have discussed with Secretary Singson,” Uy assured.

CDO solon eyed to head House panel on Bangsamoro law

By XIANNE ARCANGEL

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is being eyed to head the special ad hoc committee that will deliberate on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the House of Representatives, Majority leader Neptali Gonzales II said Monday.

“He is one of those being considered,” Gonzales said in a text message.

News reports have named Rodriguez as the chairman of the ad hoc committee on the BBL, which will be formed after Congress receives a copy of the draft law from Malacañang.

Sought for confirmation, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said a decision on who will head the special House panel has not been reached.

“No such decision has been made as we have not even received a copy of the agreement,” he told GMA News Online.

Belmonte earlier said a lawmaker from Mindanao will head the ad hoc committee, although he deferred from mentioning names.

Lawmakers have yet to receive the draft of the proposed legislation even though Congress is set to adjourn on June 11.

Last week, Belmonte said he has told Malacañang it would be advisable to submit the draft BBL after President Benigno Aquino III delivers his State of the Nation Address on July 28.

According to Palace officials, the Office of the President is still reviewing the draft law to ensure it will be able to withstand legal scrutiny.

Malacañang has said it wants the BBL to be passed into law before 2014 ends so the plebiscite in the “envisioned core territory of the Bangsamoro” can be held by mid-2015 or earlier.

The measure will formalize the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, as stipulated in the peace agreement reached between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Primavera Residences to pour more investments in Oro

By Lenesse Marie Libres

DESPITE allegations that Mindanao is a poor ground for investment, international investors have been eyeing it this year.

Cagayan de Oro, along with Batangas and Iloilo, are selected by the USAID as secondary cities to promote economic growth. USAID assistant administrator for Asia Denise Rollins and mission director Gloria Steele along with other officials visit Primavera Residences on June 7, 2014.

Primavera is known for its eco–friendly and modern Italian-styled buildings. The company promotes sustainable architecture by using photovoltaic solar panels which generates green electricity from sunlight. The building is designed to save 32 percent on the energy consumption because of its natural ventilation and heat reduction.

Arch. Romolo Nati, CEO and executive chairman of Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-Development Corporation (ITPI) encourages businessmen to invest in Cagayan de Oro. “We think Cagayan de Oro is a major city in Mindanao. It is moving upward. There are opportunities here and it is very promising.”

Combining profit and advocacy

In 2010, Primavera was recognized by the Climate Technology Initiative-Private Financing Advisory Network (CTI–PFAN) as a Promising Clean Energy Investment Opportunity and in 2013, Primavera City, ITPI’s upcoming development project in the city placed among the top 10 most promising clean energy investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Nati voices their interest in alternative location. “People can work and enjoy life in their provinces without going to Metro Manila. We like to say that we go where no one has gone before. We do business in a sustainable way: Economic, Environmental and Social Sustainability. We have to do business with integrity. We cannot do business and destroy the environment or disregard the social impact our venture will cause.”

With the world relying too much on technology, Primavera uses nature as their role model.

Centering on performance in an environment that sustains itself, Primavera Residences aims to contribute to the well–being of the entire community through respect and love of nature.

USAID exec renews US pledge to promote cities as ‘engines for growth’

By Butch D. Enerio (Correspondent)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—A regional executive for Asia of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) visited this city last week to renew the US government’s commitment to promote cities as engines of growth under the Cities Development Initiative (CDI) of the US-Philippines Partnership for Growth.

Welcomed by Mayor Oscar Moreno, Denise Rollins conducted a walking tour of the City Hall’s Business One Stop Shop (BOSS), which was established with the assistance of USAID through its Investment Enabling Environment Project (Invest).

This effort in Invest enabled CdO to achieve significant progress in streamlining its business-permitting process, significantly reducing processing time for renewals from 19 days to less than an hour in 2014, provided all necessary documents and requirements are complete.

Launched in 2012, the CDI seeks to promote economic development outside Metro Manila to disperse economic opportunities and enable the country to accelerate and sustain higher, broad-based inclusive growth.

Rollins was accompanied by USAID Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele.

Rollins visited program sites and engaged with local leaders and families representing the wide scope of USAID’s work in the Philippines, from government officials, to business and community pioneers, to survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda.

Moreno said his administration is doing well and that expectations are met in line with Invest. “We have to do more to show that indeed, we are a growing city and an investment destination in northern Mindanao,” Moreno said.

As proof, Moreno said the city has done tremendously in its revenue collection, exceeding the previous years’ figures.

In January to March 2012 the collection amounted only to P274,527,431. During the same period in 2013, the city’s collection was P297,276,880. In 2014 revenue collection amounted to P412,401,098.

This city has been one of the first cities to set up a Satellite BOSS, (outside the City Hall) during the January 2013 and January 2014 renewal period. The city’s efforts to streamline its business processes and cut red tape earned it the distinction of being the No. 1 most competitive city in the Philippines in 2012, based on a study by the National Competitive Council.

“Cagayan de Oro City is indeed on track in making itself known in the Philippines as an ideal place for business and investment,” Rollins said.

She said this city will continue to generate volumes of additional investments and increased economic activity to help achieve broad-based, inclusive and resilient growth.”

As part of the CDI, the US government and partner cities—currently CdO, Batangas, and IloIlo—hold mutual responsibility for promoting growth through appropriate incentives and policies, greater transparency and accountability and increased competitiveness.

Thousands join CDO tree planting on World Environment Day

By Ercel Maandig [(PNA), LAM/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/UTB]

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 5 (PNA) -– Thousands of people in this seaport capital of Northern Mindanao joined the tree planting activities on Thursday as the country celebrates the environment month of June and “World Environment Day,” an environment official said on Friday.

Ruth Tawan-Tawan, regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here, said that the participants came from various government agencies and private stakeholders in Cagayan De Oro City and Misamis Oriental.

She said that workers of public and private institutions, civil society groups, the youth, the academia and the local media joined hands in the planting of about 5,000 mangrove seedlings in the coastal village of Taytay in El Salvador City on the western coast of Misamis Oriental.

Another group led by the National Irrigation Administration in the region also held a tree planting activity on Friday at the Malasag Tree Park in Upper Cugman, Tawan-Tawan said.

She said that the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) in Northern Mindanao Region (NMR) is also spearheading a massive tree planting activities in the coastal village of Bonbon in Opol in Misamis Oriental on June 12, 2014 as part of the World Environment Month/Day that also coincides with the National Eagle’s Week celebration.

Tawan-Tawan said that the World Environment Day every 5th of June is being used by the United Nations to stimulate worldwide awareness of environmental issues and encourages political action.

Included is global warming which causes ocean levels to rise at an increasing rate. When global temperature rises, water expands and occupies more space. Ice melts which also contributes to rise of sea level.

A study released by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) revealed that the global sea levels had risen from 10 to 25cm over the last 100 years.

As the temperature heats up, extreme weather events, such as heat waves, floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, and hurricanes become more frequent and severe, Tawan-Tawan said.

Tawan-Tawan said that DENR Region 10, in cooperation with the people’s organization, indigenous people, academe, local government units (LGU), other government agencies and stakeholders reforested 46,395 hectares from 2011 to 2013.

The DENR is also focusing on the country’s coastal areas as the depletion of the 500,000 hectares mangrove forest due to coastal development, land conversion, and reclamation, Tawan-Tawan said.

She said that, more or less, only about 100,000 hectares mangrove forests are visible today including the mangroves in Taytay.

There is an urgent need to protect the mangroves since these coastal forests protect the people and communities who are living along the coastlines as buffer shields during typhoons and storm surges.

The mangrove forest also serves as the nursery ground for fish, prawns, and crabs aside from supporting the production of fish in coastal waters, Tawan-Tawan said.

She said that the celebration of the World Environment Month/Day is a call for solidarity in mitigating climate change where the positive action of every person would contribute in the world’s struggle against climate change and the sustainable preservation of the world environment.

Oro’s senior citizens still enjoy free movies

By Lenesse Marie Libres

THE city’s lolos and lolas (grandparents) will still have an excuse to go out and get those legs some exercise.

Each Monday, the senior citizens of Cagayan de Oro get to pick any movie at Ayala and Gaisano mall cinemas during the first screening which falls around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., depending on the movie.

The free movie can be availed of by presenting their Senior Citizen IDs. The person who owns the ID must be present, as well.

The appeal to all the theater and cinema owners in the city to grant complimentary movie access to senior citizens is just one of the benefits and privileges provided as stated in Republic Act No. 9994, also known as The Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010.

Verna Casiño, an employee at the Gaisano cinema, said that senior citizens have frequented the movie house during Mondays.

“Some even come with their apos or the whole family. I think it increases the sales of the cinema because grandparents rarely go to the movie house alone. It also promotes family time,” Casiño said.

The free move is a joint endeavor of the Regulatory Complaints Board (RCB) and the Cagayan de Oro City Movie Operators.

Their goal of this is to enhance the leisure of the senior citizens who have given service and contributed to the growth of our city for the past years.

Even teenagers voiced their opinion on the free movies for their grandparents.

Van, 17, and Elaiza, 14, usually goes to the movies with their lola. They said it has become a bonding time for them during the summer where they can go out on a Monday when classes haven’t started yet.

Movie privilege given to senior citizens is also implemented in other cities such as Quezon City, Iloilo, Makati City, Pasig City, and Manila. Mondays and Tuesdays at Centrio

Prior to the city-wide launch of “Sine Libre Para sa Senior Citizen” last December 2013, Centrio Ayala have started this giveaway since September, last year.

According to Maria Lou Layon, Cinema Cashier of Centrio, the order came from their head office.

The order specified that Ayala Malls are to grant free movies to senior citizens unless they fail to present their ID card.

“We are very strict with our policies,” Layon said.

Recently, Centrio added Tuesday as one of the Free Movie Day for senior citizens.

Although rumors have circulated that this will stop when classes resume, the Centrio management has assured that they will continue this privilege.

“Ayala Malls is pleased to continue to grant this privilege to our senior citizens,” Layon added.

Paje bats for increased upland productivity, not just palm oil

(DENR/RPAO 10/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 4 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is pushing for increasing the productivity of degraded upland areas, but such should be done in an “ecologically sustainable manner” using various crops not just palm oil.

“We need to develop and make our lands productive. But we will only allow this if this is in accordance with our needs and it is ecologically sustainable,” DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said.

According to Paje, there are around 8 million hectares of denuded and degraded areas in the country, but said his agency’s proposal is to utilize these to establish ecologically-sustainable plantations using native forest species and other high value crops that would strategically address not only the food needs of the Filipino people but also should have high economic value, like rubber and palm oil.

Contrary to news reports, Paje stressed that there is no plan to convert the entire 8 million open and degraded areas to palm plantations.

“While we have big opportunity to learn from the lessons of other countries, both best and worst practices, we are not recommending the massive monoculture of palm and rubber,” Paje stressed.

In the same manner, Paje stressed that the whole 8 million hectares could not be converted into food production such as rice and vegetables as this will engender soil erosion and floods.

“As I have cited in Cagayan de Oro City during the launching of the Mindanao Barangay Strategic Forest Project (BSFP) and the Payment for Ecosystem Service (PES) Project, we are recommending upland perennial crops that will improve the water holding capacity of uplands and generate revenues that improve the level of living of upland communities,” he said.

Confab on Mindanao economy, its prospects and future set

(PNA), LGI/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/UTB

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 3 (PNA) -- Key transport and customs officials, economists, as well as supply-chain executives will gather for the Mindanao Shipping Conference on June 18 at a downtown hotel here.

Lawyer Oswaldo Page, acting district customs collector here, on Tuesday said the conference would tackle issues on the Mindanao shipping trade prospects, and the role of Northern Mindanao in sustaining the country’s economic growth.

He said the stakeholders would also focus on the government’s logistics strategies for Mindanao, the impact of the ASEAN economic integration in the transport sector, and the Bureau of Customs policies in support of trade facilitation.

Page said the delegates would also get a chance to participate in a high-level networking with the shipping industry executives, manufacturers, importers, and exporters.

He said that highly acclaimed resource persons who are considered expert in their fields have been invited to share their insights on a particular topic during the one-day conference.

Among those invited were Dr. Adora Navarro, a senior research fellow of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, who would discuss about the state of preparedness of the Philippine logistics industry as the economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations integrate next year.

Former Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. will talk on the Philippine macro-economic prospects for the next three years, as well as his forecast for Mindanao trade.

Leon Dacanay, regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in Northern Mindanao, will speak about growth in Mindanao maritime trade, particularly cargo volumes, direction of trade and how shippers should respond.

Police sets up Public Assistance Desk in school premises

(PNA), LGI/CD/UTB

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 2 (PNA) -– The Cagayan De Oro City Police has set up public assistance desk in various public schools in this trading hub of Northern Mindanao during the formal opening the school year 2014-2015 on Monday.

Police Supt. Graciano Mijares, head of the city police force, said the public assistance desk intends to respond to parents and students who might need assistance as more than 300,000 students trooped to public schools here on Monday.

He said the public assistance desk which supervised by the police officers would also preempt commission of petty crimes that usually take place around the school premises during the opening of classes.

“Petty crimes such as snatching, pickpockets, and bullying of students sometime take place within the school premises during opening of classes,” Mijares said.

He said the local police command has already outlined various contingency measures to secure the school premises prior to the opening of classes on Monday.

Aside from setting up the public assistance desk, the local police command has also deployed plain cloth police officers in and out of the school premises, Mijares added.

RTA, police ready as classes open today

By Alyssa C. Clenuar

WITH students coming back to school after the two-month summer break, the city’s Road Traffic Authority (RTA) and the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (Cocpo) assures the public of securing the opening of classes in public schools today.

City’s traffic consultant lawyer Jose Edgardo Uy said there are no major changes in the flow of tasks as their prime duties are to lessen traffic congestion in the city and secure people’s safety on the road.

For the entire school year, two RTA personnel are assigned in every school to ensure safety of the elementary and high school students.

“Nothing has changed much as back-to-school is typical already. But we have planned things out on how and where to deploy our personnel and additional enforcers in the field,” Uy said.

With almost 9000 students in Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS), RTA will close the entry to Tiano-Makahambus streets to ease the congestion in Velez-Makahambus streets.

With 180 traffic enforcers deployed to the field, Uy assured that every school will have an RTA officer who can accommodate the people in the area.

In Divisoria, the pilot project of Hapsay Dalan where strict rules on jaywalking, illegal parking and loading and unloading are imposed, RTA deployed 20 more enforcers there.

Cocpo spokesperson Lemuel Gonda also assured there would be police visibility in the city as the police prepare for the school opening.

Gonda said they have received a directive two weeks ago that there should be maximization of police deployment in every school and ‘hotspot’ areas in the city.

“Just like RTA, every school will have two personnel that will be assigned to guard the safety of the people and the students especially and to assist RTA in whatever circumstance they will encounter,” Gonda said.

Cocpo also tapped the barangay police (tanod) for the security they could give to their community since there are also schools in their barangays.

“Expect that the police presence will be at maximum level since there will be roving too […] Since the directive has been passed to us, we immediately readied ourselves. This will continue even after the school year ends,” he said.

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