Cagayan de Oro City News February 2016

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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.
Limketkai Center Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.jpg
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

NVAP, British Embassy roll out PWD Empowerment Project in CDO

(RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) in partnership with the British Embassy Manila rolls out an Empowerment Project to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Cagayan de Oro City to provide sustainable livelihood activities.

In a forum conducted by the association on 24 February Engr. Emer Rojas, NVAP president and PWD Empowerment Project manager said that it is the objective of the project to make the Executive Order 417 or the order that directs the implementation of the economic independence program for persons with disabilities, known to everyone.

He also shared that they already made a pilot project in Quezon City, Manila where they assisted the PWDs in acquiring sewing machine, cloth and other materials that they used in producing bed sheets, eco-bags, rags and more. The same means of getting such source of income will be implemented in the city.

“They don’t want to be a burden in the society,” Rojas expressed as he highlighted that the PWDs are willing to contribute in the economic stability of the country.

Since it is difficult to compete with the businesses in the industry, the association ties up with the local government units to make sure that the products of the PWDs will have a fair share in the market.

For his part, city mayor Oscar Moreno said that the ordinance is not a problem because the local government gives a special focus on uplifting the lives of the marginalized sector which does not only include the PWDs but also entails the street children, senior citizens, urban poor and more.

Thus, training programs for skills enhancement are conducted in the city to improve the competitiveness of the PWDs, Moreno added.

The PWD Empowerment Project is further targeted to implement the PWD Inclusive Development Agenda, develop technical and entrepreneurial skills, encourage community employment, raise awareness on basic PWD rights, and provide solutions to alleviate poverty.

Northern Mindanao reaps 15 awards in NSPC 2016

(PNA), BNB/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Feb. 28 (PNA) – Campus journalists from Northern Mindanao reaped 15 awards in individual and group contests during the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) in Central Mindanao, an education official said Sunday.

Angelina Bauron, campus coordinator of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Northern Mindanao, said that the competition was held in Notre Dame of Marbel University from Friday to Saturday in Koronadal City, Mindanao with 4,000 delegates from the country’s 18 regions.

She said that nine winners in editorial, news and science and health writing as well as in editorial cartooning and six group awards in collaborative publishing and radio broadcasting competitions came from Northern Mindanao.

Buaron that the Cagayan de Oro City’s Regional Science High School emerged the third best in collaborative publishing in Filipino category, while Misamis Occidental National High School of Oroquieta City secured the 7th and last spot in radio broadcasting in Filipino Category.

The seven-member Misamis Occidental National High School radio broadcasting team was fourth in infomercial and sixth in technical application while the script of the elementary-level radio broadcasting team (English category) also of Oroquieta was declared third best and the anchor was seventh best.

She said that the Kalilangan National High School of Bukidnon reaped the highest recognition for the region in the individual competitions, when Remuel de la Cruz topped editorial cartooning in Filipino.

Most productive was Camiguin’s Yumbing National High School with three winners; Earl Joy Lopina in news writing (2nd place, English), Trisha Mae Lopina in editorial writing, (7th place, Filipino) and Jay Ragas in editorial cartooning (7th place, English).

Bauron said that Trisha Mae Lopina also won second place for sports writing (Filipino) in the 2012 NSPC held in Ormoc City when she was still first-year (Grade 7) and one of this year's outstanding journalist awards at the secondary level.

Among the events, science and health/technology contest, now in its third year, Northern Mindanao has the most winners with four, namely; Desiree Kler Pojas of Vicente N. Chavez Memorial Central School of the town of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental (2nd place, English), Hannah Chrizeal Boyras of the town of Salay National High School in Misamis Oriental (3rd place, Filipino), Portia Luberas of Gingoog City Comprehensive National High School (5th, Filipino), and Princess Kristel Carreon from Bulua Central School in Cagayan de Oro (7th place, Filipino).

Ozamiz City Central School’s Juliana Fiel also won fourth place in news writing in Filipino category. Only seven of 54 contestants in every category were declared winners.

This year’s topics were based on the theme: “The Role of 21st Campus Journalists in Upholding Good Governance, Leadership and Training.

Opportunities for Newbies: JobStart Philippines

By Caryn Rose D. Escobido (DOLE-10 WMO PFO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Local Government Unit (LGU), of Cagayan de Oro City is ready for Jobstart Philippines.

In a flag raising ceremony held on 18 January 2016, the Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10), represented by Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Albert E. Gutib, turned over two personal computers, laptop with a printer, and an internet router to Mayor Oscar S. Moreno, witnessed by the Job Placement Bureau Head Rey Tagotongan and DOLE-10 Technical Support and Services Division (TSSD) Chief Atheneus VAsallo at the City Hall.

“These equipment will be used to expedite registration of applicants, job matching, and drafting of reports,” ARD Gutib encouraged. Further, he invited the youth to avail the program and register with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)-CDO for training/internship with some partner private establishments in the city.

Likewise, DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante strongly promotes Jobstart Philippines to the applicants. “This is an internship program in collaboration with Asian Development Bank and the Government of Canada, and likened to the current Government Internship Program (GIP) with field of exposures as distinction,” he said.

Unlike GIP, Jobstarters get their work experiences from private companies, while the GIP furnishes the young professionals with rounds of public service exposures.

Thru Jobstart, employers will benefit on the technical trainings and coaching provided to interns by scouting competent personnel to work in their company. Moreover, employers will only pay stipend equivalent to 75% of the minimum wage, and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.

The youth, on the other hand, will be provided with career guidance and employment coaching, access to labor market information and public employment services, life skills training, technical training and stipends, workplace experience, and certification from the DOLE for the completion of the program.

Agravante also revealed that applicants must be 18-24 years old, at least high school graduate, and has 0-12 months work experience, currently unemployed, not enrolled in school or in any training, and is actively seeking work.

Employers at the same time must be registered as a business operating in the surrounding area of a participating PESO, has the capacity to provide internships of up to three months with commitment to pay at least 75% of the minimum wage in the area and holds a certificate of compliance with labor standards from DOLE.

Just like a mother training a child, JobStart will also provide the necessary information on job hunting from trained career guidance advocates. These will be inclusive in the 10-day interactive life-skills training program. Employers will have flexibility in designing the training plans.

With the growing economy comes a growing work force. Newbies in this field should not feel inferior and lose hope because with every closed door a window opens; an opportunity one should always consider. And this is an opportunity the youth needs --- JobStart Philippines.

Cagayan de Oro to regulate junk shops

By Alwen Saliring

THE Cagayan de Oro City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) mulls to regulate junk shops in the city as part of their solid waste management programs.

Clenro Chief Edwin Dael said his office has already drafted an ordinance to be submitted to the City Council once finalized.

Dael also said junk shop should be monitored and regulated since most of junk shop operations do not have proper management of the different wastes.

“Para masiguro nato nga mabantayan nato ning mga junk shops kay ang uban walay sakto nga management unya hugaw ba ya na", Dael said.

A junk shop operating across the dumpsite was reportedly complained by residents for improper management.

The dumpsite is currently undergoing closure and rehabilitation works.

Clenro has been monitoring at the said junk shop which had secured a business permit.

City Council’s environment committee chairman Councilor Dometilo Acenas Jr., said he supports the proposal of Clenro.

“If it would be good for the public ato nang suportahan,” Acenas said.

Acenas would look into the proposal to ensure that the ordinance regulating junk shops would be fair-for public’s welfare and for the business owners.

“Klase-klase man pud ang junk shops and dapat naa gyud pud sakto nga management,” Acenas said.

Acenas added his committee is willing to work with Clenro in programs that would benefit the general public.

NYC to spearhead ‘In Her Shoes’ event in CDO

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 23 (PIA) – A first in Cagayan de Oro City, the National Youth Commission (NYC) Northeastern Mindanao together with various government and non-government agencies will spearhead an advocacy event dubbed, ‘In Her Shoes’ in celebration of women’s month.

To be held on 7 March 2016, ‘In Her Shoes’ will be conducted simultaneously in the National Capital Region, Naga, Baguio City, Cebu City, Iliilo City, Caagayan de Oro City, Davao and Zamboanga City.

During a meeting with participating agencies, Evanesa Q. Pasamba, clusterhead, Northeastern Mindanao, NYC said that the advocacy event aims to instil awareness on the significant roles of women in nation-building and development.

Further, it aims to provide an avenue for men to support the rights of women as equal partners of the community and to continue to fight sexual harassment and any forms of violence against women.

Pasamba said the highlight of the event will be the walk of men wearing heels or women’s shoes.

Wearing heels is symbolic of men’s commitment to reflect constantly on lives and conditions of women, their struggles in a society where their rights are not yet fully recognized. Further, it is a representation of men’s solidarity for the promotion of gender sensitivity and equality and to make men re-think their attitudes towards women.

Pasamba said this is the commission’s way of drawing attention to the need for women empowerment, particularly for those aged 15 to 30, or the youth, who are in crucial development stage.

About 150 participants are expected to attend this event in Limketkai Compound and a program will be held after the walk in the 2nd floor activity center of Limketkai Mall.

Partner government agencies include Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Boys Scout of the Philippines, National Service Training Program (NSTP), Gender and Development (GAD) offices, Local Government Units (LGUs), Youth Organizations, Universities and Colleges and other government agencies and institutions.

NGCP boosts public school facilities in Mindanao

(PNA), LAP/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 24 (PNA) -– The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is building classroom buildings in various villages in Northern Mindanao that host the power transmission lines, an official said Wednesday.

Beth Ladaga, NGCP spokesperson, said that the project is part of the company's community responsibility program.

NGCP identified the Pedro Molder Elementary School in the village of Cabilinan, Aurora, Zamboanga Del Norte (multi-purpose hall), the Dalama Elementary School in Tubod, Lanao Del Norte (two classrooms) and the Maria Cristina National High School (three-classroom buildings) in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte as recipients of the projects.

Ladaga said that the projects were to demonstrate the NGCP commitment to help communities in far flung villages where the major transmission lines of the power company pass through.

The village of Cabilinan hosts the NGCP’s Aurora Substation, which provides 138-kilovolt power transmission services to the entire Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, and parts of Lanao Del Norte.

In Lanao Del Norte, the Balo-I-Aurora 138-kilovolt transmission lines that deliver power supply from Agus 1 and Agus 2 power plants and to the rest of Mindanao is located in the village of Tubod.

Ladaga said that the Maria Cristina in Iligan City is the location of the regional office of the NGCP in Mindanao.“In building infrastructure, we consult the local government and school leaders, and consider the most urgent needs of the public schools,” Ladaga said.

She said that building schools and supporting the public education system, is NGCP's one way of giving back to the host communities as a way of ensuring the future of the youth by providing them with facilities conducive to learning and growth.

Oro market vendors to pay rent thru e-payments

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

MARKET vendors have now the option to pay their monthly stall rentals in the most convenient way possible – through electronic payments.

The first of its kind, the City Government partners with Globe to allow vendors make their GCash account to settle its rentals.

A caravan, dubbed as 'e-Bayad Tour' was launched at Cogon Market Tuesday to increase public knowledge of the electronic channels in paying local government and private sector fees to perform bank transactions.

Mayor Oscar Moreno said the e-payment aims at coinciding with the peak settlement and payment periods in the City Government.

"Nagpasalamat kita kay niabot kini sa Cagayan de Oro alang sa hapsay na nga pagbayad sa atong mga vendors gamit lang ang atong mobile phones," he said.

James Aujero head for Business Development of Globe's subsidiary Telecom 'Mynt' said it is also an affordable way of paying your bills.

Aujero said the Globe Telecom is thankful for the city's support in its search and effort for technological advancement.

"This would surely make the vendors' lives more convenient, given they're always busy," he added.

The program is made possible through the United States AID E-Public Employment Service Office, GCash/Mynt, and First Community Cooperative.

E-Peso has since been working with the City Government to support its effort in improving and expanding the availability of e-payments.

Real property tax, business permits, market stall rental can also be processed with the city's new mobile facility payments which provide convenient, fast, and secure operations of government fees.

The e-Bayad Tour will be at Yacapin street at Cogon market and inside Carmen market which will be free and open to the public.

Nutrition team sets evaluation in NorMin

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 22 (PIA) – The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) of region 10 set its schedule for Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) and Search for the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS) in the region during its first quarter meeting on 11 February 2016.

Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Dr. Nimfa Torrizo in her presence during the meeting said that these efforts are part of the nutrition millennium development goals of the government in its anti-hunger and anti-poverty alleviation.

She said that the DOH is in full support to the National Nutrition Council (NNC). She stressed that NNC together with the Technical Working Group from the different national government agencies must work together in a holistic and team approach to attain its goal of better health outcome.

Shiella Rose D. Cuñada, nutrition officer II of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) region 10 explained the processes and tools to be used by the team in Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) and Search for the Regional Outstanding Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS) set this year.

One of the guidelines or score sheets for evaluation of provincial/city nutrition programs is program efficiency where the team will rate a province, municipality or barangay based on nutrition program efficiency. This includes planning and implementation such as involvement of agencies, local departments, organizations in the formulation of Nutrition Action Plan as well as provincial, city ordinances, resolutions supportive to the Nutrition Action Program passed.

Evaluators will review and analyse pertinent nutrition documents; validate sites where there are nutrition projects and/or interview of family beneficiaries; validate weighing of children; interview nutrition committee members or BNS; and oral feedback of the initial results of the evaluation to the nutrition committee.

Cuñada said that this validation visit also aims to advocate for the continued support of the local government units to the nutrition program such as the use of iodized salt or food with sangkap pinoy seal, among others.

In terms of selection of sample areas to be evaluated, the team considered prevalence of under nutrition in identified municipalities.

During the meeting, the team elected Eva Pacturan of the Department of Agriculture (DA) region 10 as chairperson and Sheryl N. Ave of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) region 10 as vice-chairperson.

RNET members are composed of Genemar Salvo of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Glenford Labial of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Jorie Valcorza of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Blanche Villamor of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Telesfora G. Madelo of the Department of Health (DOH), Engr. Junelyn Ruiz of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Nila Cajarte of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

CSC resets application deadline for April 2016 CSE Paper and Pencil Test

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran (APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Northern Mindanao has reset the deadline for the filing of application for the April 17, 2016 Career Service Examination paper and Pencil test (CSE-PPT) from February 25 to February 26, 2016.

Interested applicants are advised to personally file their application at CSC Regional Office or at any of the CSC Field Offices.

Filing of applications shall be on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be closed earlier than February 26, 2016 once the allotted number of examinees had been reached.

Applicants are also reminded to meet the age requirement of at least 18 years old at the time and date of filing application.

Applicants can access the qualifications and complete list and specifications of application requirements per CSC Examination Announcement No. 07 series of 2015 posted at the CSC website, www.csc.gov.ph, or through the link http://www.csc.gov.ph/uncategorised/909-examination-announcement-no-07-,s-2015.

For further information, applicants may visit the CSC website or call the contact number 858-7563.

City Hall maps out measures vs drought

(CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Rapid Damage and Needs Analysis (RDANA) team in Cagayan de Oro convened on February 17 to map out mitigating measures against the crippling effects of drought due to El Niño phenomenon.

City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) officer Teddy Sabuga-a, Ret. Col. Mario Verner Monsanto of Cagayan de Oro City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Dr. Hector San Juan of Agricultural Productivity Office and Edwin Dael of City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) and team were alarmed over reports after drought validations were done on affected barangays.

Last year, the RDANA team declared some barangays under state of calamity due to drought so as to ensure that farmers can cope up with the situation. . For now, the RDANA team is looking for ways and alternative solutions in order to help farmers sustain their livelihood on farming.

Feature: A PWD kneading towards success

By Jamila M. Taha (DSWD/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 18 -- Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is a multi-stakeholder program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that aims to improve the standard of living of poor households by facilitating opportunities for development and management of resources viable for micro-enterprises, community empowerment through skills training and employment facilitation.

It gives significant priority to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) beneficiaries in all its interventions since they are considered to be the poorest of the poor as signified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

One of the modalities of the program provides Technical Skills Training, a capacity-building strategy to prepare program participants to better manage livelihood opportunities and pro-actively ensures optimum quality performance in managing their livelihood activities.

In 2015, the program produced about 3,500 graduates of technical courses with NC II certifications as assessed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). One of the notable recipients of this program is Aida A. Papel, a 50 year old mother of six children, a Person with Disability (PWD) and a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary of Barangay Pahindong, Medina, Misamis Oriental since 2011.

Realities of life

Medina is a forth class municipality located in the coastal and eastern portion of the province of Misamis Oriental, 106 kilometers drive from Cagayan de Oro City, with a population of 38,969 and home to 2,059 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries.

Aida is living in a neighborhood close to her relatives with her husband whose only source of livelihood is farming. “Life was difficult then, but we worked it out together to survive our daily needs," she says in vernacular. However, their simple living was challenged because of an accident that burned Aida's hands, almost burned their home and eventually cost her marriage. “Gibiyaan ko sa akong bana tungod kay wala kaagwanta ug atiman sa ako panahon sa kalisod (my husband left me when I was terribly ill, he couldn’t take care of me)," she adds.

Separated from her husband, Aida had to work harder and face life’s challenges alone, for her children’s welfare. She took every livelihood opportunity that she could despite her disability. She was neglected at first but eventually she found her way forward. Aida works as a sales agent, community volunteer and later on as a community leader. Well ahead, she was enlisted as one of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya in the area, which immensely made an impact to her family particularly her children who are still in grade school.

Gears toward success

At the beginning of the skills training provided by the department in partnership with the Skills Mastery Institute for this particular area, Aida was discouraged to partake due to her disability. Her burned hands which resulted to deformity may seem unsuited for massage therapy. However, Aida’s perseverance and determination to learn aided her to participate and complete the 25-day theoretical and hands-on training, which eventually earned her the National Certificate II on Massage Therapy along with her groupmates of 29 other beneficiaries.

Since then, the group has established their very own massage center, through the support of their local executive. They also have an exclusive contract of service with Duka Bay Resort which earns them P200 each per client apart from extra tips. “Isip usa sa mga nagdumala sa among massage center, nalipay gyud ko nga ang akong gi-eskwelahan kay nagamit gyud nako sa akong panginabuhi (being a part owner and manager of our massage center, I feel glad that I have used my learning for living)," she says.

Each member of the group shares part of their income to their group fund for the maintenance of their business. Even if the building and electricity is covered by the local government, they also anticipate the future operations of their business if there will be a change of government leadership in their municipality.

Beyond these junctures, Aida now harvests the fruits of her hard work. She has not only restored their house but has also uplifted the status of their family to the community. Her children can now go to school with new clothes, schools supplies and reasonable allowance. Above all, her experiences brought her self-worth and boosted her confidence and strength to move farther.

“Nagpasalamat ko sa DSWD pinangulohan ni secretary Dinky Soliman, sa gihatag nga oportunidad sa ako isip usa ka kabus ug benepisyaryo sa Pantawid Pamilya, nga makabakod ug mulambo ang panginabuhi pinaagi sa mga program niini. Sana magpadayon kini nga mga programa (I am thankful to the DSWD through the leadership of secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman for the opportunity they gave me being one of the poor and beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya, to develop and improve our lives through their programs. I hope these programs will continue),” she says.

She also calls out to her fellow PWDs to live a better life despite their condition saying, “Nanawagan ko sa akong mga kauban nga PWD nga dili mawad-an ug paglaum ug magpadayon kita sa pagpaningkamot alang sa kalambuan sa atong pamilya. Hindi hadlang ang iyong kapansanan para maabot mo ang iyong pinapangarap na magandang buhay (I am appealing to other PWDs not to lose hope and strive farther for the betterment of our families. Your disability is not a hindrance to achieve your dream of living a beautiful life),” she affirms.

DSWD, CSOs to implement program for Lumads in El Niño affected areas

By Shaun Y. Uy (DSWD/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Lumads in El Niño affected areas in northern Mindanao will be receiving help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and a number of civil society organizations that have expressed their commitment to help the tribe during the onslaught of the said dry spell.

The DSWD Region 10 facilitated the Whole of Nation Initiative Development and Social Protection Cluster Consultation Meeting for the Lumads on February 6 to consult with different stakeholders in the facilitation and implementation of an emergency food relief program for Lumads in the El Niño affected areas of Bukidnon.

The consultation meeting was participated by different regional government agencies, DSWD regional staff, stakeholders and Lumad representatives from Bukidnon and is in partnership with Unifrutti Foundation Inc. and Hineleban Foundation.

According to Unifrutti Foundation Inc, Hineleban Foundation Technical Consultant Raoul Geollegue during his presentation on the emergency food relief project proposal dubbed as Pantawid Lumad sa Tagtuyot, “Millions of people are at risk of suffering from hunger and poverty this year as one of the most powerful El Niño climatic events in history threatens a major humanitarian emergency especially among upland dwellers, considered as the poorest of the poor, anticipated be the hardest hit.”

DSWD 10 Regional Director Nestor B. Ramos stressed that a project of this magnitude should be properly coordinated with the different line agencies and stakeholders and must have a holistic approach in delivering social services.

Present during this meeting is DSWD Undersecretary for Promotive Services Camilo G. Gudmalin who presented the rationale of the said meeting. Gudmalin urged the different stakeholders to iron out some details of this project for fast and efficient implementation.

Gudmalin also presented that DSWD’s community-driven-development component, the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP), will be at the forefront of this endeavor.

Furthermore, the undersecretary relayed the directives from DSWD secretary Corazón "Dinky" Juliano Solíman to the regional staff which includes the immediate implementation of the construction of a total of 82 classrooms in different municipalities in Bukidnon for El Niño affected Lumads.

This project will kick off with Priority 1 areas, mobilizing available resources of the regional Kalahi-CIDSS program, in region 10 the identified priority area is San Fernando, Bukidnon. The area will have 22 classrooms distributed to 5 barangays and must be completed by June 2016 while the rest of the priority 2 and 3 areas will commence with the social preparations within the first quarter and second semester (after elections) respectively.

While San Fernando will be of top priority, areas are also included in other parts of Bukidnon which include the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, Impasugong, Kabanglasan, Kadingilan, Kitaotao, Lantapan, Malitbog, and Quezon. Iligan City of Lanao del Norte, Claveria and Gingoog City are also identified as key areas for the implementation of the project. This translates into a total of 28 barangays and 82 classrooms for Region 10 alone.

Regions 9, 11, 12, and 13 will also undertake this initiative and will give us an overview of a total of 605 classrooms in 251 sites.

USAID encourages vendors to adopt mobile payment system

(PNA)/JSV/CD/MF

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 16 (PNA) - - About 8,000 vendors would be using mobile payment system in processing market stall renewals here in the future, a local official said Tuesday.

Representatives from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the local government would be holding a two-day caravan on February 23-24, 2016 in the two biggest public markets here.

Dubbed as the “e-Bayad Tour 2016,” USAID and City Hall representatives would guide the vendors from the sprawling Cogon and Carmen public markets on how to speed up online transactions using cellular phones.

“The e-Bayad Tour focuses on setting up a wide-ranging collaborative events designed to build bridges between the local governments and e-payment providers,” Eileen E. San Juan, the city’s investment and promotion officer, said.

San Juan said the city government already adopted the mobile payment system in processing market stall renewals and other transactions since 2014.

The mobile payment system is meant to eliminate long lines and waiting hours, especially when settling the taxes that the local government collects from businessmen like the market vendors.

Similar caravans are also slated within the month of February in the cities of Batangas, Valenzuela, Quezon and Iloilo, the official added.

Telcom grooms public schools as ‘centers of excellence’

(PNA), LAP/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 15 (PNA) -- Two public elementary schools here have been selected by a giant telecom industry to become “centers of excellence” in innovative teaching.

The program known as “Global Filipino Schools” (GFS) is a project of Globe Telecom, Inc., which prepares the selected public schools into becoming the 21st century educational institutions.

Yolanda Crisanto, SVP, Globe Corporate Communications, said that the GFS program brings an innovative education to public schools by helping the skills of both the teachers and students to be globally competitive.

Crisanto identified the two public schools here as recipient of the GFS programs as the Indahag Elementary School and the Fr. William F. Masterson, SJ Elementary School in Upper Carmen, this city.

“The GFS program wishes to transform the selected public schools into centers of excellence in innovative teaching methods and information and communications technology,” Crisanto said.

Part of being a GFS is for the school to be fully utilized as a teacher training hub for the corresponding division in the Department of Education (DepEd) it is under.

Both the selected school and DepEd are tasked to conduct teacher training to neighboring public schools within their division, Crisanto said.

She said that each school has a collaborative learning area for group activities and is also provided with a newly constructed laboratory equipped with computers, Internet connectivity and other multimedia tools.

She said that the selected public schools would be provided with computer units in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation (AFI), the implementer of the GFS program.

Ruel Maranan, the AFI president, said that “empowering communities has long been at the heart of Ayala Foundation and education is one of the ways for us to do this.”

Maranan also said that the AFI Lead Com project was likewise introduced to Cagayan De Oro two years ago.

Global Filipino Schools is also being supported by Mitsubishi Corporation and Far Eastern University.

Beach wedding for Bajau couples in time of Valentine's day

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

AFTER more than five years of living together out of marriage, couple Sorayma and Arman Aralmani finally tied the knot together with 15 other Bajau couples in a mass wedding celebrated by an Imam at a beach resort in Barangay Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City.

The Aralmani couple who lives at Saint John in Barangay Puntod has been helped by the city government to make their union official.

Sorayma, 25, shared how hard it was for her to live with a man whom she hardly knew since Sorayma and Arman went through an ‘arrange union.’

"Sa sulod sa walo ka bulan, wala gyud ko nahigugma ana niya, hangtud nakita nako unsa siya makapasalig sa tanang trabahoon ug unsa iyang pagmahal sa among unang anak didto na dayon ko naka-feel ug gugma (Within eight months, I never felt love for him not until I saw how he stood for all the work and showed love to our first born, that’s the time I felt love to him)," Sorayma said in an interview.

Sorayma, close to tears, shared how thankful she was as the City Government shouldered the expenses to make their wedding possible.

She had since been dreaming of their wedding day, which for her makes their union strong and unbreakable.

"Lahi ra man kung kasal gyud mo, kay kung wala gani, murag sama ra mo sa mga hayop. Ug kung wala moy kasal, ang inyong anak sama ra pud sa hayop (It is just so different when you’re married because if you’re not, you’re like animals. And if you’re not married, your children would just be like animals)," Sorayma said.

"Daku gyud among pasalamat, nga bisan kami pobre, unya ubos pa gyud ang pagtan-aw sa amo sa mga tao kay kami Bajau, gipahalagahan gihapon mi nila (I am very much thankful that despite our poverty, and how the people look down at us because we are Bajau, they (government) give us importance)," she added.

Officiated by an Imam, the wedding rites started with the Bajau traditional dance performed by both men and women followed by the unique wedding ritual.

During the ceremony, the man, assisted by the Imam, searched for his pair among the women in the line.

Once the man found his pair, he would then place his thumb in her forehead to signify 'belongingness' or 'oneness' of the couple.

After that, they shared their 'bangkete sa kasal' (wedding banquet) prepared by the city government together with the sponsors.

Dr. Merle Adaza of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) said it is the first time in the history of Cagayan de Oro.

"Karon pa gyud na sa history sa syudad na gihatag bili ang mga Bajau. Karun ra pud na hatagan sila ug luna o lugar na matawag nila ug ila (This is first in the history of the city that it gives importance to the Bajau. This is also the first they are given space or area they can call theirs)," Adaza said.

Adaza was referring to the coming relocation wherein about 500 Bajau individuals from Barangay Puntod will be transferred to their new abode in Barangay Bayabas.

"This symbolizes new beginning, new hope, a new start for them," Adaza added.

Oro speeds up measures to curb El Niño impact

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

TO MITIGATE the effects of El Niño in the hinterland barangays in Cagayan de Oro City, the City Agriculture Office has been releasing fingerlings in the city's Iponan River.

About 23,000 tilapia fingerlings were released at Barangay Tignapoloan on Friday to curb possible reduction in the fish catch as the dry spell strikes.

Fishery Project coordinator Sirilo Pimentel Jr. said in an interview the 23,000 tilapia fingerlings are part of the 1.3 million fingerlings requested by the City Government from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Pimentel said that last year, 200,00 were released in barangays Tumpagon and Pigsa-an where residents were able to harvest them after about four to seven months.

"Surprisingly, dili lang tilapia ilang nadakpan, naay lain klase sa isda, this indicates na mapuy-an na gayud ang Iponan River sa bisan unsang matang sa isda," Pimentel said.

Next week, Pimentel added, Barangay FS Catanico will also receive its share of 250,000 tilapia fingerlings.

Pimentel said it is best to disperse the tilapia fingerlings in a river since fishponds are likely dry up during the onslaught of the drought.

He added barangay officials are tasked to monitor when the harvest season comes.

"Sila na dayon bahala kung ila ba ipamaligya or ila ba kining sud-anon," he said urging other barangay officials to establish its own tilapia growers association like that of Barangay San Simon.

"The organization would likely help in deciding what to do with the tilapia whether it is for livelihood which will be useful when the drought comes," he added.

Earlier, Dr. Jojo Bascug, assistant provincial Planning and Development coordinator, disclosed that El Niño phenomenon will not only devastate agricultural lands but would also likely affect the fish catches.

He said water volume from rivers emptying into the bay is likely to drop, with El Niño, thus reducing food for the fishes in the bay.

TESDA 10 provides services in 5th Serbisyo Caravan

By Louise Franche J. Hortelano (TESDA-Misamis Oriental)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA 10) Misamis Oriental Provincial Office provided various skills services as its contribution to the 5th Serbisyo Caravan in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on 3-4 February 2016.

The team was led by Director Leo V. Velez with Gerry Constantino C. Quiblat, and Regine Rex L. Acain, TESDA’s supervising technical education skills development (TESD) specialists and Cirilo A. Macalam, Jr., Kinoguitan National Agricultural School (KNAS) administrator.

Hiyasmin A. Apao, Gingoog City’s community training and employment coordinator (CTEC), was the team’s source of information for the caravan’s details.

TESDA Misamis Oriental together with various Technical Vocational Institution (TVI) providers and their services extended particularly (KNAS) – Food Preparation Demo, Lorenz International Training Academy, Inc. (LITAI) - Haircut, Lipunan Family Health Center, Inc. (LFHCI) – Body Massage, Global Mindanaw Polytechnic School, Inc. (GMPSI) – Body Massage, Orient Star Manpower Training Center, Inc. (OSMTCI) – Shakoy and Binangkal Preparation, and St. Nazarene Technological School, Inc. (SNTSI) – Nail Care Services, and various government agencies went up to barangay Kalipay, on the first day of caravan, February 3, to deliver and demonstrate socio-economic services to the residents of the barangay.

In addition, TESDA conducted an orientation and consultation on Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) and on the scholarship programs: Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) and Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA).

The event started in the morning and was graced by the presence of Gingoog City Mayor, Marie L. Guingona and other dignitaries involved.

DepEd Secretary, Bro. Armin A. Luistro, the keynote speaker, inspired the residents of his peace advocacy, the promotion of the new basic education thru K to 12, as a tool for improving the lives of every Filipinos especially the Lumads and all Indigenous People (IP) of Gingoog City, Agusan del Norte and Claveria.

He also stressed the importance of government agencies in merging to convey the services to the people, as indicated by priorities. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor, Oscar S. Moreno, chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council – X, arrived at the area in the afternoon. The activity was highlighted by the distribution and turning over of health and basic services equipment to the residents of the barangay thru LGU Gingoog.

On the second day 4 February, the caravan continued at Lugod Gym, Poblacion, Gingoog City attracting an estimated 20,000 people from over 50 barangays seeking government basic services.

Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) together with other government executives were present in the occasion.

All Gingoog City Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers in cooperation with CTEC Gingoog, KNAS, and TESDA X MisOr PO representatives led by Dir. Leo V. Velez participated the event.

The caravan with the theme: “Serbisyo alang sa katawhan; Kalambuan sa dakbayan! Let’s go na! Serbisyo na!” was an effort and initiative of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the City Government of Gingoog.

ARTA caravan brings gov’t frontline services closer to students

By Apipa Bagumbaran (APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) --- Students in Northern Mindanao got the chance to avail frontline services of 19 government agencies during the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Caravan organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The caravan held today at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) gymnasium aims to engage the students in improving public service delivery by increasing their awareness on the anti-red tape campaign, as well as, on their rights and responsibilities as clients of government services.

CSC chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said the holding of the ARTA caravan does not only brings government services close to the hearts of the people but it will also make the public aware of the improvements in public service delivery and what government agencies have done so far after the enactment of the ARTA Law.

She said the ARTA was enacted to eliminate bureaucratic red tape because many find government transactions frustrating due to red tape.

The ARTA mandates public servants to deliver service with compassion and aims for customer delight, she added.

The CSC chairperson also told students of the milestones of the anti-red tape campaign during the opening ceremonies of the ARTA caravan.

She said the results of the 2015 Executive Outlook Survey of the Makati Business Club conducted in mid-July of 2015 revealed that 38 government agencies got positive net satisfaction ratings while 31 government agencies improved their rankings from 2014. Moreover, the CSC was ranked among the top 10 agencies.

In addition, the 2015 Report Card Survey (RCS) conducted by the CSC showed that out of 246 service offices in Mindanao surveyed, only one agency got a failed rating

Chairperson Bala said the RCS is a tool used to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery.

Under the RCS, the agencies are rated in terms of compliance with the requirements of ARTA which include citizen’s charter, anti-fixer campaign, materials and helpdesk, and implementation of no noon break.

Government offices who joined the ARTA caravan are Civil Service Commission (CSC); Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Pag-IBIG Fund; Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP); Land Transportation Office (LTO); Philippine Statistics Authority; Social Security System (SSS); Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth); National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); and the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), among others.

CdO airport to be used for storage, not as base

By Sandy Araneta

THE Palace said Sunday that US forces will use part of Cagayan de Oro’s Lumbia Airport as a storage facility but not as a military base.

“We would like to clarify. The facility is a storage depot for equipment used during calamities. This is part of the HADR [humanitarian assistance and disaster relief] program which is an important element of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement [EDCA],” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in an interview over state-run radio dzRB.

“We all know that a US military base is not allowed, since we are implementing the Visiting Forces Agreement, [which allows only] a rotating presence [of military personnel],” Coloma said.

In calamities, such as typhoons and earthquakes, the facility can help to extend immediate assistance to affected communities, Coloma said.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin confirmed that Lumbia Airport would be converted into a US military depot.

“As a depot, the airport would be utilized for military equipment necessary for rescue operations during emergencies,” Gazmin said.

Lumbia Airport, about five kilometers southwest of Cagayan de Oro, stopped commercial operations after the opening of the new airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental in 2013.

The 500-hectare airport complex, owned by the Department of Transportation and Communications, is currently home to the 10th Tactical Operations Group of the Philippine Air Force.

A pending House bill urges the national government to return the lot to the city government of Cagayan de Oro.

The government’s clarification about Lumbia Airport came amid sustained criticism from leftist groups of American involvement in Philippine affairs.

The militant League of Filipino Students on Sunday told the US government to back off after US Ambassador Philip Goldberg criticized the Senate investigation of the Mamasapano massacre in which 44 police commandos were killed, saying that sensitive information was exposed during the inquiry.

“The US should back off. They have no right to tell us what to do in our own country,” LFS National chairperson Charisse Bañez said in reaction to Goldberg’s statement.

During the Senate hearings, military officials admitted the involvement of not only US troops but also “civilian types” possibly from the Central Intelligence Agency in Operation Wolverine, an operation to neutralize high-profile terrorists.

Goldberg said such information should have been discussed in closed sessions, but the LFS said this was a way to hide the truth from the Filipino people.

“We are fully entitled to know the particulars of the Mamasapano operation. It is part of the plight of the Filipino people in seeking justice and accountability. The US does not own a single right to keep us in the dark especially because the bungled foreign-engineered operation killed our countrymen,” said Bañez.

“It is clear that the US has engineered the Mamasapano operation. The overwhelming evidence leads us to believe that they planned, funded, directed, and executed every part of it,” said Bañez.

“The US fears that more information on the depths of their involvement will be revealed further. Also, the recent statement of Goldberg implies that the Mamasapano operation is just the tip of the iceberg with regards to the intensified intervention of US in our domestic affairs and local police and military operations,” she added.

Bañez said President Benigno Aquino III must be held accountable for allowing the US to perpetually disrespect the Philippines. She added that the Filipinos are just being used as pawns for the geo-political interest of US in the Asia-Pacific region.

Patient in Oro tests negative of Mers-Cov

By Alwen Saliring

THE Department of Health in Northern Mindanao said the patient confined at Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro City has tested negative of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (Mers-Cov).

Dr. David Mendoza, head of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit (RESDRU) of the DOH Northern Mindanao, confirmed Sunday that all laboratory tests taken from the patient and brought to Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), DOH’s national reference laboratory, for the verification of the samples were all found negative of Mers-Cov.

“Dili kinahanglang maguol ang katawhan kay negatibo ang pasyente sa Mers-Cov. (There is no need to worry because the patient is negative of Mers-Cov),” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said the patient is suffering from a lung problem and the hospital is continually giving medication for her possible pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB).

The 36-year-old female patient is a caregiver from Singapore for more than two years and arrived home last month due to overstaying. She has already been complaining of her health condition since December last year.

Mendoza said in an earlier interview that NMMC specialists have been working out on the diagnosis associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.

“I-isolate lang gihapon basin infectious disease sa baga pwede TB, Bronchitis or Pneumonia. (She will still be in isolation as she might have infectious disease in her lungs such as Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, or Pneumonia),” Mendoza said.

Mendoza added these diseases could be transmitted through close and direct contact with people.

“Dili siya airborne, direct contact siya pareha sa TB dapat dili ta magpaduol kung molabay ka sa tawo nga naay TB ok lang pero gawas kung mahangab nimo iyang ginhawa or inubhan. (It is not airborne, it's direct contact like Tuberculosis, we should be careful in getting near people who have Tuberculosis),” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said common symptom of advance TB is coughing out blood which the patient is currently experiencing. Mendoza said the residents may now eliminate fear and worries that the city has Mers-Cov case, as he warns irresponsible individual to stop spreading hoax messages to avoid panic.

Oro’s 1st Chinese New Year Festival

By Riain Alfonso

AS THE whole world celebrates and welcomes the year of the red monkey, Cagayan de Oro City stages the very first Chinese New Year Festival from January 30 to February 20, 2016.

The festival opened officially last January 30 with a launching ceremony at the Tourism Assistance Center in Divisoria. Also unveiled on that day is the ongoing photo exhibit located at the back of the Tourism Assistance Center.

“This is a good start para ang tao ma learn ang culture sa Chinese,” said Greg Marten Lao, the president of Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and president of Cagayan de Oro Bell Church Foundation, Inc.

Lao added that the relationship is very tight between the Filipino-Chinese community of Cagayan de Oro and the rest of the city but he also shared that with this first ever Chinese New Year Festival, the Filipino-Chinese community hopes that the tie becomes even more bonded and strong through a better understanding of the Filipino-Chinese culture.

Other activities for the said festival include Chinese New Year Cosplay last January 31st; a Chinese Movie Festival from January 30 to February 8 at the City Hall Complex; a Chinese Food Bazaar in Limketkai Center and SM City, and a Chinese Food Exhibit at Centrio Mall from February 5 to 8; Search for Campus Models on February 5th; Lion and Dragon Dance on February 6 and Community Performances on February 7 atSM City; also on February 7, the World of Fantasy Fashion Show, Dim Sum Sampling, Calligraphy Show, and Chinese Handicrafts in Limketkai, and Chinese Cultural Show by Kong Hua School at Centrio Mall.

A Fireworks Show at the Bell Church was also staged on February 7 which is the eve of the official New Year.

Today, February 8, the Filipino-Chinese community will also be distributing 2,000 boxes of Lucky Tikoy which is said to bring prosperity to those who receive them.

“Mas sweeter ang taste sa tikoy, mas magdikit ang mga tao,” said Lao, “Dili na mag away ang mga tao, peaceful ang relationships. Mao na ang prayer nato this year, peaceful life. Ga ask pod ta sa blessing sa Ginoo, na maghatag swerte sa tao. Ato pod prayer for next year is mas ma kwartahan, mas ma prosperous.”

Other activities on the 8th include the Lantern Parade with Lion Dancers; a lion Dance at Centrio; and a second staging, this time in Limketkai Rotunda, of the Chinese Cultural Show by Kong Hua School. There is also a Feng Shui consultation at SM Mall on the 9th of February.

The Filipino-Chinese community appreciates that the city government recognizes their contributions to the city. Some of their contributions to the city include shouldering the maintenance, gas, and other expenses for the Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade and their seven fire trucks, their immediate assistance to the victims of Sendong and the funding for the 300 houses built in the Filipino Chinese Friendship Village in Canito-an.

“Maybe next year, we can do this event again and make it even better,” added Lao. He also noted that there are a lot of citywide activities during the latter half of year but not so much during the start. He shared that the Chinese New Year Festival can be a big event for the city at the start of the year.

US to build facilities in old CDO airport in 2016

By Bobby Lagsa (Rappler.com)

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin says once the required documents are processed in the coming months, US troops can 'move in' to begin construction of their facilities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The US military will build facilities in the old Lumbia airport in this city under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin confirmed.

Gazmin, who was in the city earlier this week to attend the 46th Founding Anniversary of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, said that construction to upgrade the city airport will start within the year.

The defense chief said as soon as the required documents are processed in the coming months, US troops can "move in" to begin the construction of their facilities.

The Lumbia airport, the city’s old commercial airport, is now under the control of the 10th Tactical Operations Group of the Philippine Air Force, though the land belongs to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Department of Transportation and Communication.

Gazmin said that the Lumbia airport is one of the selected sites agreed upon by the Philippine government.

Under the EDCA, US forces are allowed to set up storage facilities and station forward personnel to maintain such facilities. These facilities must be being use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (READ: SC rules: PH-US deal constitutional)

The US military calls these facilities pre-positioning areas wherein supplies, equipments ordnance and vehicles can be pre-positioned in storage in preparation for possible conflict.

Warning

Cesar Renario, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-Northern Mindanao warned that the presence of US forces in Lumbia town would be disastrous for the city.

“Under the EDCA...US forces are allowed all forms of operations and activities in the agreed areas,” Renario claimed.

He said that EDCA allows the US military to station an unlimited number of troops, US military contractors, warships, fighter planes, arms including nuclear arms, without payment to the host government.

Renario also noted that Philippine authorities cannot even access these US facilities, just like the Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) compound inside Camp General Basilio Navarro, headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City where 700 American forces are stationed.

He added that US forces have used the Philippines as it staging area for its Asian pivot, which puts the Philippines as the next conflict area. “The US is protecting its Asian interest, not the interest of the Philippines,” Renario said.

The New People’s Army had earlier released a statement that US soldiers and facilities are legitimate targets of communist rebels.

DSWD spearheads 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

By Mitzie S. Santiago (PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 4 -- With this year’s theme, “End VAW Now! It’s Our Duty! Gains and Ways Forward,” the Department of Social Welfare and Development recently spearheaded the 18th Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and their Children and International Day Against Trafficking.

Some of the activities conducted in line with the celebration included a motorcade, TV guestings, advocacy forums on various Laws related to anti-violence against women and children.

Highlights of the week long celebration were the active participation of members of the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere and other government member-Agencies of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children.

The event was aimed to promote public awareness in the observance of the event and give emphasis on how far the government agencies and other stakeholders have gone in terms of programs and projects that address violence against women and children.

Protecting and upholding the rights of women and children has been one of the major initiatives of the DSWD.

DENR 10 set to release coffee table book

(With report from the Planning and Management Division/rpao_xyte-RPAO-DENR 10/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, February 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 10 (DENR 10) is set to release soon a coffee table book of Region 10 Protected Areas (PAs).

The Coffee Table Book is a compilation of nature photography, natural landscapes and objects in natural landscapes. It presents the conservation and preservation efforts of DENR underlining the PAs potentials in ecotourism.

Regional Director Ruth M. Tawantawan said, the DENR enforces the protection and management of the protected areas because of their recognized natural, ecological and/or cultural values.

She added that these areas are essential for biodiversity conservation, often providing habitat and protection from hunting for threatened and endangered species.

Region 10 has 10 protected areas under four categories - resource reserve, protected landscape, natural monument/landmark and natural park.

The resource reserve category includes the protected landscape and seascape areas of Initao-Libertad, Baliangao and Bacolod-Kauswagan.

The Mimbilisan Protected Landscape falls under the protected landscape category, while Mt. Timpoong-HibokHibok is under natural monument/landmark category.

Most of the Region’s PAs are categorized as natural parks including ranges of Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Kalatungan, Mt. Balatukan, Mt. Malindang and Mt. Inayawan.

Each PA is managed by its Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). All 10 PAMBs of Region 10 were able to pass a total of 170 resolutions in compliance to its mandate of strengthening and operationalization of the protected areas in the Region - 167 of which were approved.

The PAMBs also took steps in administering the Habitat Protection by designing restrictive, directional and interpretive signages based on standard design and specification of signs, buildings, facilities and other infrastructures that may be installed or constructed within the protected area. These signages are installed along the protected areas’strategic entry and exit points.

The objective in setting up these signages/billboards is to increase the level of awareness of the local communities living in the park and that of visitors/tourists. The billboards likewise convey the prohibited acts inside the Protected Areas as provided under RA 9304, RA 9147 and RA 7586.

Northern Mindanao joins worldwide Asian bird census

(PNA), LGI/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 2 (PNA) -- Environment officials in Northern Mindanao joined the annual Asian Waterfowl Census this year, as part of the conservation of bird species and the environment.

Lina Galvez, spokesperson of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the region, said on Tuesday that the bird count started January 13 until January 22, this year.

She said the annual activity is the largest bird count for migratory birds conducted simultaneously in 51 countries worldwide, including the Philippines.

Ruth Tawantawan, DENR regional director, said the annual bird count has a very significant role in the conservation and preservation of bird species in our ecosystem since record showed that migratory birds visit to the country's wetland areas have increased.

In 2015, a total of around 4,084 different migratory bird species were monitored mostly comprising of birds such as Egrets, Wild Ducks, Sand Pipers and Chinese Pond herons, she said.

The result of the annual Waterfowl Census would also be transformed into a database that would be made available for future studies, she added.

She said the bird count would likely boost local tourism since both foreign and domestic tourists would want to participate in a “bird watching” activity on known migratory bird places in the region.

Tawatawan said the DENR has identified various wetlands and coastal areas in Northern Mindanao where large presence of migratory birds have been observed.

She identified the presence of wetlands in the cities of El Salvador and Gingoog (all component cities of Misamis Oriental); Alubijid, Opol, Magsaysay, all towns of Misamis Oriental; and NAPOCOR dam in Maramag, Bukidnon.

The towns of Kolambogan and Lala in Lanao Del Norte and the wetland areas in the towns of Sinacaban and Bonifacio, all of Misamis Occidental are also famous for migratory birds.

Tawantawan said the identified wetlands and coastal areas in Northern Mindanao are the places where the bird count was conducted in January this year.

Northern Mindanao attains 94.2% employment rate

(PNA), BNB/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 1 (PNA) -- The employment rate in Northern Mindanao was pegged at 94.2 percent, while the unemployment rate was steady at 5.8 percent the last two years from 2014 to 2015, a labor official said Monday.

Albert E. Gutib, assistant regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Northern Mindanao, said that the underemployment rate also dropped from 31 percent to 22.6 percent during the two-year period.

Gutib said that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released the figures, citing the youth sector to have the biggest chunk of unemployment in the region.

He said that the DOLE is now addressing the unemployment rate among the youth through boosting the implementation of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

The SPES is targeting the poor, but deserving students and the out-of-school-youths (OSYs) who intend to pursue their education through the student employment program during summer, Christmas season, or any time of the year, Gutib said.

Under the program a qualified student may work for a minimum of 15 days and a maximum of 52 days where the employer pays 60 percent of the monthly pay and the remaining 40 percent by the DOLE, he said.

In addition, the DOLE is advancing another program tagged as 'Jobstart' through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), which the city of Cagayan de Oro is the only one implementing city in Northern Mindanao, Gutib said.The beneficiaries of the programs are the youth, in partnership with the city government, Asian Development Bank, and Government of Canada.

After undergoing the three month training under the 'Jobstart' program, the youths would be deployed in any offices and agencies for another three-month internship, Gutib said.

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