Cagayan de Oro City News

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Cagayan de Oro - Archived News

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.
Cagayan de oro city river.jpg
Aerial View of Cagayan de Oro City

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.

DOST to hold food safety seminar for 30 street vendors in CDO

By Ma. Cristina Arayata (PNA)

MANILA -- The Department of Science and Technology - Region 10 (DOST-10) will organize a food safety seminar for 30 street vendors on May 28, a project assistant told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.

This will be held at SEARSOLIN, Masterson Avenue, Cagayan De Oro City.

"The slots are limited, and we have tapped the municipal government for the invitation," said Stephanie Ibarra, DOST-Food Safety Human Resource Development Project (DOST-FS HRDP) assistant.

She added that a letter was already sent to the City administration, and that DOST-10 is just waiting for its response.

"Through this workshop, DOST-10 aims to provide the street food vendors more knowledge on the principles of food safety, requirements of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and the importance of providing safe food to consumers," Ibarra explained.

Those who will train the street vendors are the participants of the food safety workshop that DOST-10 also organized last April 29-30.

With 39 attendees, the workshop last month aimed to produce food safety trainers that DOST can tap to train micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The participants were from DOST-10 Food Safety Team, as well as one participant each from 20 stakeholders from the Northern Mindanao- Food Safety Regulation Coordinating Board (NorthMin- FSRCB), according to Ibarra.

"We wanted to enhance first the capacity of the NorthMin-FSRCB and the DOST-10 Food Safety Team to become trainers of the MSMEs, street vendors, restaurants and other food handlers to improve the compliance and competitiveness, and increase the awareness of street vendors about food safety," she added.

Ibarra noted that 80 percent of MSMEs assisted through DOST's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in the region are engaged in food processing. However, only 20-30 percent of them have a license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration.

"Food borne and water borne illnesses continue to be a concern in Northern Mindanao," she added.

Meanwhile, Ibarra said this was not the first time that DOST-10 held a workshop on food safety.

"DOST-10 has been doing food safety trainings as early as 2002. This (particular) project, the DOST-FS HRDP, just started last February."

The project's goal is to have a harmonized training manual that will capacitate food safety stakeholders in the use of science and risk-based analysis in compliance to food safety regulations, she added.

Aside from food safety workshops, DOST-10 has been conducting workshops on cGMP for Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures (SSOP) to help MSMEs get their license to operate, Ibarra said.

JCI Kagayhaan brings smiles to SpED children

By JO ANN SABLAD

MORE than 45 children under the Special Education (SpEd) class of Bulua Central School benefited from the community programs of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kagayhaan Gold last Saturday, March 9.

In partnership with CFC Singles for Christ, JCI Kagayhaan Gold, through Camp Pag-ibig program, has showcased the talents of children with different special needs including those who were hearing impaired, those with autism, and others, through organizing various activities.

Camp Pag-big, according to JCI Kagayhaan Gold former president Owen Jaen, is national program adopted by JCI Philippines. It’s a program wherein they will be spending time with children with special needs, acknowledging their importance and also providing them an avenue to socialize.

“This is the first time our chapter is implementing Camp Pag-ibig because it has been adopted this year. It’s been going around for so long in Luzon but it’s the first time that it’s been institutionalize by JCI Philippines and adopted. So we are implementing it in our chapter because as a local organization, we are mandated to implement national program,” Jaen said.

JCI Kagayhaan Gold, under Project RAW (Read and Win), also donated books for the children’s special Library “so that they will also have their own set of books aside from those in the Central Library of the school.”

Project RAW is a recently implemented project by JCI that promotes education and improving the children’s academic performance through reading.

JCI will also be conducting a 3-hour self-defense training this coming Saturday, March 16, in celebration of the Women’s Month.

“[Through] Krav Maga, we would like to empower young women to take up self-defense and also for men who would like to defend women,” Jaen said, adding that the lessons will be done by a certified trainer from the International Krav Maga Federation Philippines.

The activity is in partnership with Anytime Fitness and will be held at the fifth floor of SM CDO Downtown Premier.

JCI Kagayhaan Gold is a non-profit organization composed of young professionals and businessmen in Cagayan de Oro City.

NorMin entrepreneurs to undergo DTI's mentoring program

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran (PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Some 108 entrepreneurs from Northern Mindanao are a step closer to achieving their dream businesses as the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program rolls its 18th round in the region.

Through the program, entrepreneurs will be equipped by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) with the right mindset and knowledge to scale up their business operations and fare better in domestic and international markets.

DTI Region 10 Director Linda O. Boniao said the KMME is the most expensive training program of the department but it is also the program that reached the biggest return of investment for government in terms of sales of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), their scaling-up, and their business success.

KMME is a coaching program that seeks to help micro and small businesses scale up through mentoring sessions on different areas of entrepreneurship.

For this round, 23 mentees from Bukidnon, 20 from Camiguin, 22 from Lanao del Norte, 21 from Misamis Occidental, and 22 from Misamis Oriental will undergo a ten-module mentoring to be conducted by 36 accredited successful business owners and local subject matter experts.

After completing the 10 modules, packets of services will also be provided to the mentees like access to finance, access to market, capacity building for the owners and workers, access to technology and innovations, and ease of doing business.

KMME has produced 399 graduates since the beginning of its implementation in 2016.

Boniao said the program is effective as it is now driving the entrepreneurial revolution all over the country.

Building Official earns P37M thanks to tech support

By JO ANN SABLAD, PJ ORIAS

THE Office of the City Building Official (OBO) of Cagayan de Oro City collected P37.9 million in building, occupancy, electrical and related permit fees in the first two months of 2019, an official from OBO reported.

According to engineer Isidro Obligado of OBO, during a discussion in the City Government's television program called “Ang Cagayan de Oro... Kagahapon, Karon ug Ugma,” the collected P37.869 million from the months of January and February comprised the 43.83 percent of their total collections this year.

Obligado said the increase in the collection is due to the upgraded and fully-operational electronic Building Permit Management System (e-BPMS).

The e-BPMS, developed by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, is an automated and computerized system where applicants can easily apply without getting into long queues and the tedious submission of requirements in the OBO.

They can also redeem their building permit sooner than before as the process are made easier and faster.

In 2018, the OBO, according to Obligado, collected a total of P86.4 million while in 2017, the said office collected P81.9 million.

Oro, DICT ink agreement for ‘Tech4ED’

By PJ Orias

THE Cagayan de Oro City Government is set to ink an agreement with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the turnover of the “thin client equipment” to the City Library.

The Technology for Education to gain Employment, train Entrepreneurs towards Economic Development or the (Tech4ED), is a DICT project that seeks to establish community e-Centers in different public libraries across the country.

According to DICT, recipients of the Tech4ED platform will receive the equipment package, which consisted of a server, desktop computers, among others. The thin-client equipment package is made available only to public libraries.

The center will serve as a knowledge area promoting digital literacy, business hubs and delivery channels of government services targeting out-of-school youth and adults, senior citizens, overseas Filipino workers and relatives, persons with disabilities, teachers, students, women, indigenous people and the general public.

The Tech4ED platform will be installed at the City Library which will undergo renovation this year.

UHC law expedites healthcare process - Philhealth

By Jasper Marie O. Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – The newly signed Universal Health Care (UHC) law will expedite health care process and will provide 100 percent coverage to all Filipinos.

Merlyn Ybañez, Public Relations Officer of Philhealth Region 10, during the Talakayan sa PIA explained that as of December 2018, coverage of Philhealth in Northern Mindanao is at 98 percent.

Through this new law, there is assured Philhealth coverage to all Filipinos.

Under the law, no more IDs needed and can be availed of anytime.

Dr. Jonathan Ortigoza, Chief of Health Care Delivery Management Division of PhilHealth-10, said there is no perfect policy.

This means, he said, along the way, there may be some things that need to be tweaked or enhanced in the law.

“Nalipay mi nga napirmahan na. Wala pa ang IRR, makig dialogue pa mi sa different stakeholders nato (We are happy that it has been signed. There is no Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) yet, we are still going to talk with various stakeholders),” said Dr. Ortigoza.

IRR will be released 180 days after the effectivity of the law.

This law, he said, will cover all Filipinos but with certain qualifications.

Right now, Philhealth implements 9/12 paying scheme, which means that for the past 12 months, the member should have paid at least nine months to avail of the benefits.

With the new law, Ortigoza explained that for one to avail of the benefits immediately, he or she needs to just pay the missed contribution plus 3 percent penalty.

This is challenging because it needs a big budget and one source will be the Sin Tax, according to Ortigoza.

“Is this sustainable? For how many years? We are really hoping this can be sustained,” he said.

Philhealth aims to address these issues once IRR will be released.

Because we are a social health insurance, this should be equitable for all, he added.

There is a tendency that contribution will increase because of factors like inflation, but Ortiga assured that this will be gradual and affordable to members.

Right now, contribution is still at 2.75 percent.

Ybañez said one good thing about Philhealth is it has its Customer Service Management System that addresses all complaints nationwide.

Philhealth has to address complaints within three days.

There is also a portal or online system in hospitals, said Ybañez.

Members no longer need to go to Philhealth to get their Member Data Record (MDR).

Through e-claims, the turnaround time for PhilHealth to pay the hospitals have improved.

Ortigoza said the turnaround time before was 77 days, and now it is 51 days.

“We have the second fastest turnaround time in Mindanao, since the implementation of electronic claims,” he added.

"Philhealth is the premier health financing insurance industry in the country today, meaning it is a social health insurance. The goal is financial risk protection. We say, 'bawal magkasakit' or we cannot get sick but in case it cannot be avoided, at least when you go to the hospital, there is Philhealth to help with your expenses," Dr. Ortigoza said.

MisOr school board earmarks P9-M to improve techvoc

(PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The provincial school board of Misamis Oriental has allocated at least PHP9 million for the improvement of school facilities and equipment for technical, vocational, and livelihood (TVL) education.

Dr. Randolph Tortola, head of the Department of Education's (DepEd) Misamis Oriental Division, said TVL is a skills-based training for students, which in the senior high school level is considered a concentration or a strand.

"There are existing ones (facilities and equipment) but, it cannot accommodate all population of students, and schools may end up just teaching the theories," he said on Wednesday.

Tortola, also the co-chairman of provincial school board, said the budget aims to improve in the development of students' skills as he admitted that not all who graduate from senior high school.

"All secondary schools have technology livelihood education, but not all are senior high school implementers because some have inadequate breathable space and school buildings," he said.

Jerome Mundo, secretary of the school board, said most requests they receive from public schools in the province are usually for classrooms and covered courts.

"There were requests that were disapproved because the projects they asked have already been listed by DepEd," he said.

Tortola said the provincial school board's priority projects are those that are not covered in DepEd's priority list.

He said the school board funds are sourced from the Special Education Fund, which totaled more than PHP161 million in 2018.

Skills training slots to open for PH youth

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- At least 370 slots for skills training that may lead to employment will soon be available for Filipino youths who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), an advocacy group providing opportunities for Filipino youths, signed five agreements with schools and organizations to provide technical-vocational education.

In a statement on Wednesday, PBEd said it signed memoranda of understanding with Miriam College, the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Punlaan School, and three Cebu-based organizations: Primary Structures Corp., School of Knowledge, Industrial Labor, Leadership and Service (SKILLS), and the Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise.

Under the agreements, Youthworks PH, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and partner schools and organizations will hold skills training programs in Manila and Cebu to the youth, especially those who are classified NEET, leading to employment.

PBEd said Punlaan School will open its doors to train at least 40 women in hospitality and culinary courses.

Miriam College will develop an Alternative Learning System Senior High School diploma in partnership with a leading construction company for training and employment.

Cagayan de Oro Chamber member companies will participate in the project’s work-based training program while Cebu-based organizations will support 330 youth in engineering technology and construction-related skills.

Launched in 2018, YouthWorks PH is PBEd’s five-year PHP1.7-billion workforce development project in partnership with the USAID. It will run until 2023.

It aims to make education and training more responsive to the needs of the economy by working with the government, industry and academe.

“Education must adequately prepare people for the 21st century workplace. Workforce development challenges, while global in nature, also have local nuances that require local solutions, and industry-academe-government collaboration is a key success factor in working global models of workforce development programs,” Brian Levey, director of the USAID Office of Education, said.

Karol Mark Yee, YouthWorks PH chief of party, said the partnerships show that the academe and industries can work together in developing the country’s workforce.

“Improving the state of our education is a task that is no longer exclusive to government and academic institutions, and workforce development is not the sole responsibility of the business sector,” he added.

The project will begin its recruitment drives in April nationwide, starting with Cagayan de Oro City.

There will be outreach programs and career caravans in the Greater Manila Area, Zamboanga City, Cebu, Iloilo, Gen. Santos City, and Davao City.

“YouthWorks PH will improve access for youth to training and employment opportunities, and engage the private sector in workforce development. Our partnership will create over 4,000 work-based training positions for youth and these positions will be complemented with classroom-based skills training and competency certification,” USAID Deputy Mission Director Patrick Wesner said.

Women's Day in Oro set on March 8

(SP/JAO, CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The city is all set for the celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8 at the City Hall Quadrangle.

The whole day activity aims to honor all women by giving them the opportunity to express themselves and make known their basic needs.

It will also be the proper time to recognize the vital role of women not only in community-building but most importantly in nation-building, said Councilor Edna M. Dahino, chair of City Council Committee on Women and Family Relations.

As the light of the family, every woman must be given a room for continuous education as this will give her a moral boost and will eventually develop in her four essential dimensions of life: spiritual intelligence, intellectual intelligence, emotional intelligence and physical intelligence, Dahino stressed.

She called for the support and participation of the public for the success of the event, which will give honor to women from all walks of life.

Anchored on this year’s theme for the Women’s Month of March: “We Make Change Work for Women,” the city government lined up some activities for the celebration which include Women’s Livelihood Display, Women’s Summit, Photo Exhibit, Personality Development and Search for Exemplary Women 2019.

There will also be a Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Orientation in four relocation areas, youth forum, and film showing about the celebration.

New boxing org keen on continuing boxing traditions

By Ercel Maandig (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A newly-formed international boxing organization is aiming to expand and continue to promote boxing in the Philippines, as it organized events here Sunday.

The Global Boxing Organization (GBO), although based in the United States, is run by a Filipino -- Reynaldo Rodis, its chairman. He just concluded five amateur fights and two main events at the Limketkai Mall on Sunday

Rodis, who started his boxing promotions in the city during the '90s, said that Sunday's event was its inaugural and launching fight for the Philippines and Asia Pacific, and also a preview in their Philippine Caravan in search of a new boxing hero after Manny Pacquiao.

"Manny Pacquiao probably changed the image of Filipinos abroad. But after Pacquiao became a boxing icon in the world, it created a big bang to the image of Filipinos not only in boxing but in general as a competitive country in sports and entertainment," said Fred Lumba, GBO chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Lumban is also a sportswriter and columnist.

He said that after the Cagayan de Oro launch fight on Sunday, they will be preparing for a big event dubbed as "Thrilla in Davao" in Davao City on May 25 as a tribute to international boxing promoter "Don King", who has been invited to grace the event, or a representative to receive his Life Achievement Award spearheaded by GBO and is expected to be presented by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The "Thrilla in Davao" will feature a Filipino undefeated heavyweight who has a 17-0 record against a Chinese opponent.

Davao, Mati, CDO part of 57-day journey of St. Camillus de Lellis’ incorrupt heart relic

By Antonio L. Colina IV (MindaNews)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) — The incorrupt heart relic of St. Camillus de Lellis, patron saint of the sick, doctors, nurses, and other health workers, will visit the cities of Davao, Mati, and Cagayan de Oro this month as part of the 57-day Journey of the Heart 2.0 in several cities and provinces in the Philippines from February 2 to March 31, 2019.

The heart relic will be brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City on March 13 from Bacolod City, according to the itinerary posted on the Facebook page of The Camillians.

The relic will be at the San Pedro Hospital on March 14 and San Pedro Cathedral on March 15 for Eucharistic masses and public veneration for the devotees.

The heart relic will depart for Mati City where it will be displayed at the Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino on March 16; St. Camillus Hospital on March 17; and St. Camillus Chaplaincy Community in Davao City on March 18.

In 2013, the heart relic arrived in the country and the cities of Davao and Mati were also part of its journey.

This year, Cagayan de Oro will be added to the Mindanao journey.

The relic will leave Davao City for Cagayan de Oro City onf March 19 where it will be venerated at the Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral until March 20.

The relic will return to St. Camillus Provincialate, Loyola Heights in Quezon City on March 21.

The nearly two-month journey of the heart relic will conclude on March 31 at the Manila Cathedral.

Enshrined at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, the relic will return to Rome, Italy on April 1.

In October 2018, Filipino devotees welcomed the heart relic of Padre Pio, an Italian priest and a mystic known to have received the gift of stigmata or the wounds of Christ.

CDO hometown hero Jalalon stars in Magnolia breakthrough vs Meralco

By JR Isaga (Rappler.com)

MANILA, Philippines – The Magnolia Hotshots finally broke through the win column in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup after a hard-fought 92-86 win over the Meralco Bolts in Cagayan De Oro City on Saturday, March 2.

Despite the win, however, the Hotshots are still entrenched at the bottom of the standings while Meralco stays at 10th with a 2-5 slate.

Still, hometown hero Jio Jalalon gave the CDO fans something to cheer about after netting a team-high 19 points plus 9 rebounds and 4 assists.

Star backcourt partner Paul Lee chipped in 15 markers off the bench while Mark Barroca added 11 points and 4 dimes.

Meralco was in control until midway through the 4th, where Baser Amer drove to the cup for the 82-78 lead. However, that advantage evaporated after a crucial 11-0 run by Magnolia, capped off with a deadly Jalalon triple at the four-minute mark for an 89-82 advantage.

The Bolts managed to bridge the gap to 3, 86-89, after a Nard Pinto pull-up, but Ian Sangalang cut the power to Meralco’s run after a dagger layup, 92-86.

Chris Newsome saw a 22-point, 7-board and 7-assist game go to waste in the loss. Amer churned out 18 markers and 7 rebounds while Cliff Hodge had 13 points and 5 rebounds.

300 'lambago' seedlings planted on CDO riverbank

By Nef Luczon (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--At least 300 seedlings of "lambago" trees were planted on Friday by different government agencies and city government departments to mark the 19th anniversary of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) here.

Engineer Armen Cuenca, head of Clenro, said that the seedlings were donated by Rhona Canoy, daughter of former city mayor Reuben Canoy, who is currently running for a city council seat.

The "lambago" (Hibiscus family) trees were planted along the banks of the Cagayan de Oro river fronting Duaw Park, beside the City Hall.

The "lambago" tree is widely considered as an important symbol in the city's history. Before the city was named Cagayan de Oro, it was known by the natives as "Kalambagohan."

"We are hoping that we can plant more (lambago) trees all throughout the banks of Cagayan River... let's hope that these trees will be back in the river and would again thrive here," he said.

Meanwhile, Clenro, in partnership with Nestlé Philippines, will launch later this month a facility for "eco-bricks", which are made of plastic wastes as a core component. It will be operated in the old sanitary landfill by a cooperative composed of former garbage scavengers, Cuenca said.

MisOr offers projects for barangays

By Nef Luczon (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Misamis Oriental provincial government's Office of the Barangay Affairs (OBA) said it still accepts project proposals from barangay local government unit (BLGUs).

OBA officer-in-charge Jener Alaba said Thursday most of the projects from BLGUs seeking funding consist of water system and covered courts. Misamis Oriental has 424 barangays.

Each BLGU can avail of PHP300,00 worth of project, but Alaba said the provincial government can fund more than that on a case to case basis.

"The funds come directly from the province, but their own municipalities can add (the amount) if the project has reached its funding limit," he said.

Engr. Tessie Gales, assistant provincial engineer, said the annual subsidy for barangays started in 2014.

But Gales recommends that a BLGU seeking funding must accomplish pending projects first to ensure prompt completion.

"There are still barangays (villages) that have not yet availed of the program. That's why we made an initiative to visit their sessions and explain to them about it," she said.

Under the Provincial Barangay Infrastructure Projects department, Capitol has already implemented 408 projects amounting to almost PHP150,731,145 between 2015 and 2018.

For 2019, at least 25 projects amounting to PP12.3 million are ongoing, while 46 projects are up for implementation amounting to PHP21 million.

Oro cited as Outstanding City Council for NorMin

By PJ ORIAS

CAGAYAN de Oro's City Council has been recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the Outstanding Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Council) Award in Northern Mindanao.

According to DILG-Northern Mindanao director Arnel Agabe, they already endorsed Oro's City Council to the Local Legislative Award (LLA) and will try its luck in the national level.

The city council is the official nominee of Northern Mindanao to the LLA national assessment.

“I hope that this award will inspire you more, and perhaps motivate other Sanggunians to produce significant legislation that will bring positive impact in the lives of their constituents,” said Agabe, and Philippine Councilors League (PCL-Northern Mindanao) president lawyer Oliver Owen L. Garcia, in their congratulatory message to the vice mayor.

LLA aims to give recognition to councils that has exemplary performance in building the foundation of meaningful local administration and development.

Provinces, highly urbanized cities, component cities and municipalities are the participants.

Participating councils submitted ordinances or resolutions highlighting innovation or excellence thereby attaining a desirable socio-economic and environmental outcome to the community.

Kagay-anon football goalie sets eyes on UAAP slot

By Jack Biantan (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- After a good year in her budding football career, young Eunice Roxanne Eduave is hoping to get a slot in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) this year.

A graduate of Xavier University in high school, she is now enrolled at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman’s College of Human Kinetics taking up Physical Education. Her latest feat was an impressive performance in the recently concluded 4th Pinay in Action (PIA) Football Cup held in Davao City last January 11-13.

The Davao trip is part of the UP Women's Football Team (UPWFT) of coach Anto Gonzales' preparation for the UAAP Women’s Football tournament that will start soon.

“I have always dreamed of playing in the UAAP. I did not try out for any team nor take any entrance test for any school in Manila. Yet I am here now in UP,” the 18-year-old said.

Eduave was the starting goalkeeper of the UP Women’s Football Team Y during the three-day competition organized by Taguig City representative and former senator Pia Cayetano.

The tournament was supported by the Davao City government, Ulticon Builders, Inc., the South Davao Regional Football Association, University of Southeastern Philippines, Frog Kaffee, Magic 89.1, and SunStar Davao.

With Eduave between the posts, UPWFT Y was impressive during the elimination round at the Tionko field in Davao City. They recorded two wins and one draw. The UP-Y girls beat the Red Corals of Zamboanga City 4-1, Tiago FC, 3-0, and Alab FC, 6-0.

They then drew with University of Santo Thomas Team A to advance to the quarterfinals, where they whipped local team Philippine College of Technology Medvil FC, 5-0 and make it to the semis. They met their sister team UP X in the semis but unluckily lost 2-4 via penalty shootout.

Their unlucky streak did not end there as they lost to a very strong UST Team A, 1-0, in the battle for third. Their sister team UP X team captured the title after beating UST Team B in the championship.

So far, Eduave is thankful for getting into UP when she was recruited after the Palarong Pambansa in Vigan last year. She was the starting goalkeeper of the Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) Girls Futsal team of coach Dhon Lazo. The Region 10 girls managed to advance to the quarterfinals but unluckily fell to the eventual champions Region 7 (Central Visayas).

“So far, I am okay in UP. I have new friends, new environment and most especially, I am having a higher level of training. College football is way far from high school,” she said.

She added that her student-athlete life now is much more intense compared to when she was still in high school at Xavier University. As a rookie, UP has given her free tuition but her parents Van Roger and Rowena Lyn Eduave have to pay for her board and lodging and matriculation and allowances.

As a lass from the province, the economic pressure in the Big City is strong for the 18 year old. That is why she tries to earn some money through her involvement in multi-level marketing company, Frontrow, where she sells beauty and wellness products.

It is still a long way for Eunice. She is just a rookie. There are four goalkeepers in the UPWFT right now and making the 22-women team for the UAAP is a steep ladder to climb for this Cagayan de Oro native.

Her priority right now is to make the UAAP line-up. With her hard work and dedication, Kagay-anons hope to cheer for her in the coming UAAP Women’s Football tournament.

Results

Champion -- UPWFT X; 1st Runner-Up -- UST B; 2nd Runner-Up -- UST A; 3rd Runner-Up -- UPWFT Y; Special Awards Best Defender -- Cassandra Alleje (UPWFT X); Best Midfielder --Charisa Lemoran (UST); Best Goal Keeper -- Nicole Adlawan (UPWFT X); Fair Play -- UPWFT; Top Goal Scorer -- Shelah Cadag 13 goals (UST B ); Most Valuable Players -- Cassandra Alleje (UPWFT X), Charisa Lemoran (UST B).

Oro council approves tattoo ordinance

By PJ ORIAS

THE Cagayan de Oro City Government has set standards for the operation of tattoo studios in the city.

This after the City Council passed on Monday, January 14, the ordinance regulating tattooing and body piercing and the operation of tattoo studios in an aim "to protect and promote the right to health of the people".

“This is to ensure the safety of the people against health risks and all possible complication that may arise in receiving a tattoo,” the ordinance stated.

Every tattoo parlor shall get all the necessary licenses including a permit from the City Health Office (CHO) which can only be obtained if CHO personnel conduct an inspection of the tattoo parlor.

Under the ordinance, the work surface of a tattoo parlor shall be cleaned with a hospital-grade disinfectant, and shall maintain adequate ventilation and hand-cleaning facilities.

The tattooer shall wear clean outer garments, maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness, and conform to hygienic practices while on duty.

Tattooers shall also use standard precautions while tattooing, for instance, if a tattooer is diagnosed with a communicable disease, he shall provide a letter to the City Health Office that his condition no longer poses a threat to public health.

Each tattooer is required to have the education, training and experience to practice techniques and prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

The ordinance also prohibits any person to perform tattoo work whose age is below 15 years old, those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol, pregnant women, among others.

Violations of this provision can face imprisonment of not less than 1 month or a fine of at least P5,000.

The CHO will also conduct periodic inspections of every tattoo parlor in the city to check their compliance of the ordinance.

John Nangkil, a tattoo artist, lauded the city for the new regulation saying this will educate aspiring tattoo artists about the risks of the job.

"I understand that they only want to protect the public. For me, I always see to it that I can attend seminars sponsored by the Department of Health on blood borne and cross contamination because it will be more expensive if one of our client dies," he said.

He, However, also called on the city not to be hard on the tattoo artists and instead help them be educated before starting their tattoo business.

Jasaan wins Kuyamis Festival Booth Competition

By JO ANN SABLAD

THE municipality of Jasaan was declared as the grand winner of the Kuyamis Festival 2019 Booth Competition during the awarding ceremony last Friday night, January 11, at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano personally handed over the cash prize worth P200,000 and trophy to the winning municipality.

The second place went to the municipality of Sugbongcogon while the third place was awarded to the municipality of Initao.

The judging of the Kuyamis Festival 2019 Booth Competition started last January 7 wherein 15 municipalities and one city of Misamis Oriental competed and showcased their respective products in their booths located in the capitol grounds.

The winners for the Kuyamis Photo Competition were also announced during the awarding ceremony.

For the Mobile Category, Brian Lonzaga from Iponan was declared the grand winner, followed by Zandrielin Cantutay of Balingasag as the second placer.

For the Conventional Category, Emmanuel Paller Jr. from Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City won first prize, while Jon Vill Quirog from Camella Homes, Cagayan de Oro City won second place.

All winning photos were displayed in the second floor hallway of Limketkai Luxe Hotel, just outside the Emerald Room where the Governor’s Night and awarding ceremony took place last Friday night.

Allianz PNB to set up agency office in Oro

By JO ANN SABLAD

THE German-based insurance company, Allianz, in partnership with the Philippine National Bank (PNB) will establish its permanent office in Cagayan de Oro City this year.

According to Noel Ellorenco, the chief agency officer of Allianz PNB Life, they have already started the construction of the agency office at the 5th floor of SM CDO Downtown Premier.

The 200-300 square-meter branch of the Allianz PNB Life Insurance will serve as an outpost in Cagayan de Oro City for the agents of Allianz and its customers or clients who would like to avail their insurance packages.

"Actually we are giving Cagayan de Oro one of the most beautiful offices ng Allianz," Ellorenco said.

The chief agency officer added that the construction of the office will be finished by March this year.

Meanwhile, clients who are interested to avail of the insurance packages of Allianz PNB Life while the construction is still ongoing, Ellorenco said they can visit the PNB branches in Cagayan de Oro.

Ellorenco also shared that the construction of the Allianz PNB Life office in Butuan City, located near Hotel Oazis, is already finished, while they are already started building the office in Davao City.

The chief agency officer added that Allianz is also planning to put an office in Bukidnon.

Allianz PNB Life is among the major life insurers in the Philippines, which began its operations in 2001. It has been in Cagayan de Oro City for two years.

Eager applicants flock to Kuyamis festival job fair

By PJ ORIAS

SOME 1,633 residents of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro participated in the province-initiated Kuyamis festival job fair on Wednesday, January 9, at the Provincial Capitol grounds.

Data from the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) shows that out of the 1,633 job seekers, 389 were applying for overseas jobs, while about 1,244 were looking for local employment.

PESO said 1,542 individuals were considered as qualified applicants, while 20 persons were hired on the spot.

The 2019 Kuyamis job fair offered about 3.946 jobs, 2,456 for local, and 1,490 overseas jobs.

Among the companies who offered jobs include UKC Builders, FDC Inc., RTMI, Watsons, the Mindanao International Container Terminal Services, Ford CDO, San Miguel Foods, Gaisano Balingasag, GAMA Foods, Virginia, Overseas PHR and Overseas Placewell.

CDO adopts measures to ensure smooth ‘Traslacion’

By JIGGER J. JERUSALEM (davaotoday.com)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The city police will now adopt a measure that will ensure proper management in case of a terrorist attack and other crisis situation during the annual “traslacion” or the procession of the Black Nazarene here.

Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) spokesperson Supt. Mardi Hortillosa said that starting authorities will practice the putting up of evacuation centers along the “traslacion” route.

Hortillosa it’s important to properly manage people in the event of a disaster, such as stampede or a terrorist attack.

“We are dividing the area into sectors, where the evacuation area is located. This is also where responders and quick response teams are on standby in case they are needed,” he said.

Hortillosa said an evacuation center is essential so responders will know where to bring people, and to give them medical attention if needed.

“Our medics will be there in case people will be brought to the hospital,” he added.

Supt. Robert delos Reyes, chief of the COCPO operations and plans branch, said they have identified four spots being utilized as evacuation centers.

The sites, delos Reyes said, are within the route of the procession and are located on wide spaces, namely, the Plaza Divisoria, City Central School, Vicente de Lara Park, and beside the Nazarene Church.

Fr. Julius Clavero, the Nazareno parish priest, said the parish has actually three Black Nazarene statues, one of which was the replica donated by the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene church in Quiapo, Manila City.

One of the statues, he said, is being lent to other parishes who wish to use the Black Nazarene for their own traslacion.

Meanwhile, about 250,000 people joined the traslacion here, Hortillosa said, adding that COCPO has also deployed more than 2,000 police officers and soldiers in addition to the force multipliers such as village watchmen and other volunteers.

He said the holding of the traslacion in the city was generally peaceful. Only two devotees suffered from hyperventilation.

Oro council approves P6.3-B 2019 budget

By PJ ORIAS

THE City Council has finally approved the P6.3 billion 2019 budget, but without the support of four councilors.

During its first session for this year, the City Council approved the budget slashing only about P200 million from Mayor Oscar Moreno's proposed P6.5 billion.

Majority of the councilors voted to pass the budget, except for opposition councilors Leon Gan, Nadya Emano-Elipe, and Lordan Suan.

In an interview, Gan said the approved budget is unreasonable as it exceeds the actual collection.

"Ang kita sa dakbayan nilabay na tuig wapa miabot sa target, labaw na siguro karon. Pipila lang ang malipay ana nga budget. Mag-antos gihapon ang katawhan," Gan said.

"Kung atong kita niabot ug P3 billion, ang ato pud untang gastuhon una ang ato lang nakita, pwede ra man dungagan pag abot sa tunga-tunga kung nidako ang income. Lisod man ang budget nga walay sakto ang basehan asa kuhaon ang pondo," Gan added.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya meanwhile said the approved budget is necessary for a growing city like Cagayan de Oro to operate and continue its momentum this year.

Nacaya said before its approval, the budget was carefully deliberated and scrutinized.

"Maybe it is now easier for the executive to achieve their target since we only approved the P6.3 billion," he added.

The bulk of the 2019 budget has been allocated for the economic services which will get P2.6 billion or 41.4 percent.

The city has also set aside its 20 percent Development Fund in the amount of P333 million, while about P1.2 billion has been proposed to fund various infrastructure projects.

Oro intensifies campaign vs plastic use

By PJ ORIAS

THE City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) is calling on the public to surrender their remaining plastic sando bags to its office to fully adopt the ecobag lifestyle.

Clenro chief Engineer Armen Cuenca said, residents can contact its office so the staff can come to the houses and personally collect or surrender the plastic cellophane to the Clenro themselves.

Cuenca advised the public to contact them to properly dispose the plastic bags.

Meanwhile, the environment office has started issuing temporary violation receipts to 5 malls in the city found violating the plastic use regulation.

Cuenca said they have monitored 20 violators: 11 stores are still issuing plastic bags in SM Uptown, 4 stores in SM Downtown, 2 stores each in Gaisano Mall and Ayala Centrio Mall, and 10 stores in Limketkai mall.

"In fairness, the supermarket stores in these malls have complied with the ecobag use, but their department stores are still issuing plastic cellophanes," he added.

Cuenca however said that biodegradable plastics are not prohibited, provided business owners can show a certification from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) proving their claim.

Cuenca also warned restaurants in the city to comply with the new regulation or face the P3,000 penalty for every plastic bag issued.

The Clenro chief also noted that some establishments circumvent the new regulation, by actually cutting out the handle of the plastic bag to get away with the penalty.

But despite this, Cuenca said they still have the support of the majority to continue the plastic-free campaign.

"We have the 95% support of the public," he said.

Nazarene devotees urged to be vigilant

By JO ANN SABLAD

TO ACHIEVE a peaceful observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) has reminded the public to heed and follow the authorities, especially on what not to do during the Traslacion on January 9.

According to Police Superintendent Robert delos Reyes, those who are attending the procession are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring something to eat and drink.

They should also bring their identification cards and make sure to have with them medical information and emergency contact numbers.

Devotees are also discouraged from bringing backpacks, umbrellas, ball caps, sharp objects, sunglasses, illegal drugs, jewelries, canned goods, and drinks.

They are also advised not to wear hooded jackets and slippers and use selfie sticks.

Vendors and flying unauthorized drones are also not allowed.

Persons with disabilities, elderlies and kids age 12 and below are also urged not to attend the procession.

Delos Reyes also urged the public to be vigilant and report for any suspicious personalities and movements during the procession via their hotline numbers: 0936-401-7888 or 858-3085 or via their Facebook page: PRCU_COCPO.

Cocpo expects an increase in the number of devotees and participants joining this year's celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene, more than the recorded 200,000 in 2018.

Sufficient number of policemen, barangay tanods and civilian volunteers will be in the area affected by the celebration to guarantee the safety and security of the public.

Oro preps for ‘Traslacion of Black Nazarene’

By JO ANN SABLAD

THE Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) has finalized its security set-up for the upcoming Traslacion of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

In coordination with the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao, Roads and Transport Authority and the Nazareno Parish Church, the Cocpo will provide area security inside the church and its immediate vicinity, and route security coverage along the major streets of the city where the procession will pass through.

According to Police Superintendent Robert delos Reyes, 836 uniformed personnel will be deployed to secure the safety of the parishioners, participants and devotees.

The Cocpo also coordinated with the Barangay Tanod Development Committee and civilian volunteers for additional manpower, especially with the expected increase of devotees and participants this year, Delos Reyes added.

“Sana maging maayos ang ating pag celebrate ng Black Nazarene. Sana mas marami pa ang magpunta ngayon dahil makakabuti ito sa image ng Cagayan de Oro, We hope that the celebration of Black Nazarene will go well. We hope that a lot would come because this will be a good image for Cagayan de Oro),” Delos Reyes said.

This year's observance of the fiesta of the Black Nazarene will have four major activities: transfer of the Black Nazarene from Nazareno Parish Church to San Augustine Cathedral on January 8; overnight activity at San Augustine Cathedral (last Novena Mass at 8 p.m.; Pahalik; opening salvo and homage to Black Nazarene); Traslacion (procession of the Black Nazarene from San Augustine Cathedral to Nazareno Parish Church) on January 9; and Holy Mass.

Delos Reyes said the police, barangay tanods and civilian volunteers will provide the security for the areas affected by the activities slated during the celebration of the fiesta of the Black Nazarene.

Those who are attending the Traslacion are advised to refrain from using selfie sticks to avoid causing injury and to avoid bringing valuables such as jewelries, cellphones and large amount of money.

“At kung pwede yung mga may sakit, yung mga may edad at medyo bata, ayaw na lang pag apil sa prosisyon,” Delos Reyes said.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is expected to draw more people and devotees not only from those in Cagayan de Oro but also outside the city.

“These are matters of faith sa mga tao. Makatabang ni sa ilahang pagtubo, sa ilahang ispirituanon nga mga kinabuhi. Kini magtudlo sa ato nga makakita gyud sila og daghang nga grasya sa pag debosyon sa mahal na Nazareno kay gawas nga magbalik-balik sila kada tuig, mas nidaghan pa gyud,” Father Julius Clavero, Nazareno Parish Priest, said.

Clavero added that they also tied up with the Department of Tourism-Northern Mindanao for promotion as the Nazareno Shrine is one of the local pilgrimages and religious sites in Cagayan de Oro City.

Oro gives financial aid to 82 Tesda graduates

By PJ ORIAS

SOME 82 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) received financial assistance from the Cagayan de Oro City Government for their business start-up.

According to City Administrator Teddy Sabuga-a, the cash assistance is part of the package that the city promised to the beneficiaries who have passed the skills training conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) from July to November last year. They were able to take short-term courses relating to cookery, housekeeping, and welding.

Sabuga-a said the P1,500 cash assistance for each of the 4Ps beneficiary should help the beneficiaries start their own business.

“This is a joint program of the city and DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) to really help the identified poor families to stand up on their own. The skills training is part of our after-care program and interventions for the 4Ps beneficiaries in the city,” he said.

This year, the DSWD and the city will choose another set of beneficiaries who are interested to change the direction of their lives, he added.

“We are looking for those beneficiaries that are willing and will not force others to join. We will prioritize those who are ready and prepared,” he added.

CDO cops to jam mobile signal during Black Nazarene procession

By Ercel Maandig (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) said it will again employ signal jammers in the upcoming Black Nazarene procession to temporarily cut off mobile telecommunications.

Supt. Mardy Hortillosa, COCPO spokesperson, on Wednesday said temporary blocking the reception or transmission of cell phone signal remains the most effective method to prevent any bombing attempt by terrorist elements.

Last year's Black Nazarene procession here attracted over 200,000 devotees, and police said the number is expected to grow this year.

Hortillosa said tight security will be implemented during the January 9 religious activity, along with the deployment of more police personnel on the streets.

Meanwhile, the chief of the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said the military has already coordinated with the police to strengthen security during the procession.

Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, 4ID commander, also assured the military's intelligence units are on top of the situation.

In a related development, Mayor Oscar Moreno said the jamming of cell phone signal may last up to four hours.

"The measure is very vital for the security of the thousand devotees who will attend the procession," Moreno said.

USTP-Claveria to host 12th Fasmin Student Congress

By JO ANN SABLAD

THE University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP)-Claveria will be hosting the 12th Federation of Agriculture Students in Mindanao (Fasmin) Congress and Skills Competition from January 28 to 31, 2019.

Fasmin is an annual gathering of students in the agriculture and allied fields from different Mindanao universities and colleges to keep abreast with local agricultural issues and development trends.

"It’s an annual olympics of skills sa agricultural students," Eric Randy Politud, who leads the organizing team for Fasmin of USTP-Claveria, said.

The event also promotes camaraderie among the agriculture students, he added.

According to Politud, around 700 to 1,000 delegates will be participating in this year's Fasmin, which is anchored in the theme: "Ensuring Quality Standards in Agri-prenuerial Innovations: A Game-changer to Sustain Global Market."

"We'll also be inviting mga high schools diri nga mo-observe sila, its one way to promote agriculture kung mo-eskwela sila sa college," Politud said, adding that they will be promoting not just the school but also the entire Claveria through its agricultural products.

The congress and skills competition is consist of six competitions: Crop-based competition; Livestock-based competition; Rodeo Skills (Cattle Events); Rodeo Skills (Non-Cattle Events); Literary Competition; and Musical Competition.

Each competition will have several activities. For Crop-based competition, it includes: Seed Identification; Weed Identification; Insect Identification (pests, predators, parasitoids); Fertilizer Identification; Cleft Grafting; Marcotting; Inverted T-budding; Dish Gardening; Flower Arrangement; Diversified Farming; Fertilizer Computation; and Plant Population Density Computation.

Livestock-based Competition includes: Forage and pasture crops identification; Feed Formulation; Liveweight Estimation of Ruminant (5 calves); and Feed Stuff Identification.

Rodeo Skills (Cattle Events) consists of: One-man Lassoing Throwing Down, Tying; Two-men Carambola; Four-men Carambola; One-woman Lassoing, tying to the nearest post; Two-women Carambola; Four-women Carambola; and Team Casting (Men-Women).

Rodeo Skills (Non-Cattle Events): Load Carrying (Men and Women); Tug-of-War; and Whip Cracking (Man-Woman).

Literary Competition: On-the-spot Essay Writing Contest; Poster Making; Extemporaneous Speech; Quiz Show; and Concept Paper/Research Proposal Making.

Musical Competition: Vocal Solo; Vocal Duet; Mr. and Ms. Fasmin; and Barn Dance.

Politud also established the general rules for participating in the competitions of this year's Fasmin.

According to Politud, all events will be participated by only one representative or delegate of the school except for the events with two or more participants.

Only bona fide agriculture students are allowed to participate during the competition, he added.

The Fasmin awarding ceremony is set to happen on the fourth day of the event, on January 31, 2019, at the university's auditorium.

"We'll showcase the best of Claveria," Politud said.

CDO's 'Hapsay Kable' trims 238-km dead wires, cables in 2018

By Nef Luczon (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A total of 238 kilometers of dead wires and cables were untangled and cleaned up by the city's Task Force "Hapsay Kable (cables in order)" throughout the year of 2018 or an additional of 104 more kilometers since its last report in June.

According to Teodoro Buenavista Jr., vice chairperson of the Task Force and Regional Director of National Telecommunications Commission in Region 10 (NTC-10), there were also 69 poles that were "retired" and another 108 alley arms removed.

In an earlier interview, Buenavista said the project would have its different phases, and that the recovered dead wires and cables would be donated to organizations that would in turn process them into reusable materials like additional garbage bins.

The Task Force was formed by virtue of Executive Order No. 172-2017, then known as the “CDO ICT Task Force on Cables and Wires," signed by Mayor Oscar Moreno in November 2017.

The project has become a joint initiative of the city, NTC-10, telecommunication players, civil society organizations, and professional groups.

Cagayan de Oro Archived News

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