Cagayan de Oro City News December 2015

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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
Cagayan de oro city river.jpg
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

Two more MSMEs receive DOST SETUP assistance

By Junelyn B. Ruiz (DOST PSTC Misamis Oriental)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 31 - Before the year 2015 ends, another two Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from Cagayan de Oro City were given assistance through the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) on Monday, 28 December 2015 by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 10.

These two MSMEs are from the food sector and from the metals and engineering sector.

The DOST’s intervention to the food processor through provision of Dough Roller, Spiral Mixer, Stainless Steel Fabricated 3-Deck Steamer, 18-tray capacity Gas Oven, Tray Rack and Stainless Steel Working Table would result to an increase in sales of the firm by 35% on the first year and will increase the firm’s productivity by 99%.

On the other hand, the DOST’s intervention to the firm fabricating various processing equipment through provision of Lathe Machine, Vertical Turret Milling Machine, Mechanical Motorized Shear and Radial Drill Press would dramatically increase the production of fabricated equipments such as Decorticating Machine that supports the Abaca Industry not only in the Philippines but also internationally since the firm has been supplying orders as far as Costa Rica.

DOST SETUP is a nationwide flagship program of the Department Of Science and Technology that helps the enterprises improve their businesses through science, technology and innovation interventions. DOST SETUP boosts the productivity and improves the quality of products produced by the assisted firms.

The Regional Director of DOST-10, Alfonso P. Alamban together with the Provincial Science and Technology Directors (PSTDs) and OICs of the five provinces in region 10 hope to assist more MSMEs in the coming year 2016. Those who are interested and qualified MSMEs may come and visit the nearest DOST Office in their area. DOST-PSTC Mis. Or. Office is located in A. Luna St., Cagayan de Oro City.

DSWD, KALAHI-CIDSS carry out annual monitoring, evaluation forum

By Shaun Y. Uy (DSWD/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 30 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 gathered the regional Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) National Community Driven Development (NCDDP) staff to its three-day Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Forum at Chali Beach Resort on December 14-16.

Deputy regional program manager Teofreda Dingal expressed her congratulations to all area coordinating teams who have strived to complete the important milestone of the program, “We know this is not an easy job but you have sustained your commitment to work the department, the annual forum is a venue for all the key staff to sit down together and share information, data, initiatives and best practices in your respective area of assignments.”

KALAHI-CIDSS aims to empower communities through their enhanced participation in community projects that reduce poverty by providing seed funds for community infrastructure, common service facilities, capability-building initiatives, and improve governance by providing training programs and capacity strengthening for local government units (LGUs) as local institutions.

Among the goals of this program is the improved delivery of basic services that will likely impact on better community health, sanitation and welfare to enhance human development, and alleviate local poverty.

Regional Monitoring Evaluation Specialist Gemina G. Lopez said that the objective of the Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Forum include the presentation of the status of the Area Coordinating Teams (ACT) in terms of database, increase skills in handling of computer units for an efficient database management, venue for information sharing, best practice and initiatives, and give due recognition to ACT and Municipal Database Managers (MDMs) in their exemplary performance and contribution.

Lopez also stressed that to fully appreciate the importance of an accurate database, one must be diligent and efficient with their respective tasks to be able to tell the story of each municipality and barangay covered in the KALAHI-CIDSS program.

The 135 participants were treated to a series of skills enhancement lectures such as efficient data encoding, files/records management, data quality assurance, data and system recovery, keeping your personal computer or laptop among others.

Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte Area Coordinator Binladin Tiolo shares his learning insights on the forum saying that “As a newly hired area coordinator of the KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP, the annual monitoring and evaluation forum provided a venue for sharing and learning from other municipalities which can be replicated in our covered municipality, especially on improving data management techniques and innovations to assure efficient delivery of quality data.”

Tiolo also said, “It is very important to note that reports are nothing without relevant data backed up, the forum helped us to better understand how important data management is in our work, we have a lot of gathered data from every Community Empowerment Activity Cycle (CEAC) activity but if the team does not know how to manage data, it’s nothing.”

“The recognitions we have received during the forum does not guarantee that we perform well, it is however a big challenge to do more, do better and be stronger,” Tiolo says.

The closing ceremony of the forum paved way for the recognition of several outstanding ACTs and MDMs.

The Most Responsive Municipal Database Managers were Alejandro Arellano of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte; Catherine Ycoy and Janice Olano of Lala, Lanao del Norte, and Junel Uayan of Sagay, Camiguin.

Meanwhile, the Most Responsive Area Coordinators were Arline May Pacudan of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental; Carolyn Caw-it of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte; Ian Putong of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental; Jabbar Usman of Mambajao, Camiguin; Mary Crisa Ebcay of Sagay, Camiguin; and Gilmar Yamba of Panaon, Misamis Occidental.

Certificates of recognition recognition were also given to the top 10 area coordinators in their support to the success of the Municipal Talakayan: Irene Pulangas of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte; Carolyn Caw-it of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte; Grace Lindo of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental; Ruth Quilab of Calamba, Misamis Occidental, Ellen Paulo of Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental; Potri Taha of Malitbog, Bukidnon; Jurafe Lagradilla of Guinsiliban; and Marsha Alone of Catarman, Camiguin, and Subaida Parnan of Matungao, Lanao del Norte.

The Flash Award is given to the area coordinating teams who submit their reports on or before the deadlines: ACT of Sagay, Camiguin; ACT of Kibawe, Bukidnon, and ACT of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

Agri department, media strengthen partnership through press corps

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 28 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) region 10 and the newly elected officers of the DA press corps express their commitment through an oath of office during the induction of officers on 22 December 2015 at Harbor Lights Hotel Cagayan de Oro City.

DA Assistant Regional Director Roxana H. Hojas said that the department commits to support the endeavors of the DA press corps. This includes trainings and briefings to help media understand of technicalities of government programs and projects.

She said that the department and the media are now partners in development.

In terms of information dissemination, Hojas said that the government has limitations. That is why a third party like the media can really help in disseminating the good news of the government. She expressed hoped that through this DA press corps, the government and the media will have strengthened partnership forward.

Butch Enerio, Sunstar and Business Mirror correspondent and DA press corps president in his message said that this is the high time that the DA sought assistance from the media to help them in letting the public know what they are doing.

He said that media should be a tool for government offices so that they can share information coming from an expert and those knowledgeable of their work like the Agriculture department. In this way, media can broadcast correct information.

However, he said that being in DA does not mean they are embedded with the department but moreover support their efforts and make their accomplishments known to the public. If DA has anomalies then the press corps can also verify from the DA personnel.

Enerio said that the most important thing is to help media with correct information. Media should be able to understand issues in the agriculture sector particularly on food security, food production, land conversion and rice importation among others.

The newly elected officers of the DA press corps are Butch Enerio of Sunstar and Business Mirror as president, Gerry Valenton of Katarungan Newsweekly as vice president, Jorie Valcorza of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as secretary, Romy Capinpuyan of DXIM Radyo Ng Bayan as treasurer and Patrick Tablon of Bombo Radyo as auditor.

Task force intensifies campaign against illegal firecrackers

By Michelle Love Hilario (PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- In its campaign against illegal firecrackers, the Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers (RTFIF) in Region 10 conducted on December 22 a simultaneous inspection of fireworks stores in Cagayan de Oro: Agora, Carmen, Cogon, Bulua and Puerto.

Department of Health (DOH) airs concern over firecracker injuries in the region based on its firecracker injury registry over the last 10 years.

Data shows the numbers of reported cases on illegal firecrackers are increasing all over Northern Mindanao.

In the previous year, a total of 87 cases fireworks and pyrotechnics related injuries were recorded. Majority of the cases were males and most cases come from Misamis Oriental, said Dr. Adriano P. Subaan, assistant regional director, DOH in northern Mindanao.

Seventy One (71%) percent involved children younger than 14 years old.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) bared the list of illegal firecrackers. It include big triangle, super lolo and equivalents, mother rocket, OG, plapla, pillnox, piccolo, pop-pop, watusi, goodbye Philippines, goodbye Earth, other firecrackers/pyro devices that could endanger life and limb, unlabelled firecrackers/ pyrotechnic devices and instructions attach, imported firecrackers/ pyrotechnic devices.

Among the list, piccolo is still the leading cause of firecracker-related injuries.

Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacturer, Distribution and Use of Firecracker and other Pyrotechnic devices under 2012 revised limits the number and type of firecrackers and pyrotechnics manufactured to promote health and safety.

This year, DOH campaigns the message, "Sa Ingay Walang Sablay, sa Paputok Goodbye Kamay."

For its part, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) revealed point of sale (with special permit issued by the city government of Cagayan de Oro) to sell firecrackers in the city are only JR Borja display area, SM, Savemore, and LimKetkai.

If ambulant vendors have no permit, automatically it is illegal. All the items displayed therein or offered for sale are already illegal. Regardless if there is DTI or content of gun powder or branding, these are no longer issues because of the mere fact that they are selling in the areas which are not designated by the Local Government Units (LGUs).

Those areas that were given special permits by the LGUs do not necessarily mean that because they were given permits, all they sell is legal.

Consistent with and in furtherance of public health, safety, order and national security, RTFIF was created as an inter-agency initiative, advocacy, partnership and cooperation to boost and/or augment the campaign of FOH and the BFP against the use of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in Region 10.

It is also created to support the PNP in their campaign, monitoring and enforcement of RA 7183.

RTFIF, is composed of DOH, DILG, PNP, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureauf of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), Cagayan de Oro City Fire Department and Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro.

Psalm completes consultations in Mindanao

By Lenie Lectura

THE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (Psalm) recently completed a series of consultative meetings with industry stakeholders in Mindanao aimed at addressing power-industry specific concerns on power generation and management issues.

The state-run company said it completed last month its sixth and last consultative meeting for the year in Butuan City. These meetings, it said, complement the annual Mindanao Power Customers’ Fora held in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City in October.

“Psalm convened the representatives of Mindanao power-distribution utilities and large industrial customers to discuss their contracted energy and equivalent demand allocation for 2016, considering the available capacity of the remaining Psalm-IPP [independent power producers] plants against current demands and Interim Electricity Market [Imem] concerns,” it said.

Imem is designed to provide an immediate venue for transparent and efficient utilization of additional capacities to address Mindanao’s energy-supply shortfall.

This commercial electricity market will allow energy distributors to sell power supply from its embedded generators to areas having deficit. All of the distribution utilities and other generation capacities connected to the Mindanao power system are mandated to participate in the Imem.

The Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC), operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), launched an interim electricity market in Mindanao in 2013. However, the market was placed under “intervention” in February 2014, effectively halting its operations. This was mainly because of the power shortage in Mindanao sometime February last year, brought about by the shutdown of the 210-megawatt coal power plant.

“The temporary pause has turned into an opportunity for PEMC and the DOE [Department of Energy] to thresh out technical and commercial issues with NGCP [National Grid Corp. of the Philippines], Psalm and Imem participants through the conduct of coordination meetings and focus group discussions,” PEMC President Melinda Ocampo said.

Wurtzbach a welcome boost in HIV-Aids campaign

By Alwen Saliring

THE Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro City Aids Network (Mocan) said it welcomes the intent of newly-crowned Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach to champion HIV-Aids awareness and said it is eagerly awaiting Wurtzbach’s plan of action on her avowed advocacy.

Mocan chairperson Fritzie Estoque said Wurtzbach’s answer to the question and answer portion of the Miss Universe pageant is timely and relevant.

According to the Department of Health’s (DOH) Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS), Cagayan de Oro City is ranked second in the whole country with a prevalence of 9.3 percent focused on MSMs or male having sex with other males.

Estoque said Wurtzbach’s influence would be a big help in their campaign to raise people’s awareness.

“Saying she would like to help in HIV advocacy is one thing but seeing a relevant and a concrete action to this affect is another thing,” Estoque said.

Cagayan de Oro City is Wurtzbach’s second home.

“Seeing Miss Pia’s action pertaining to her pronouncement is what we will hope for in the next few days of her reign,” Estoque said.

Estoque said the Mocan is more than willing to work with Wurtzbach in HIV awareness advocacy.

“We continue to learn and grow in this advocacy. We correct misconceptions, we educate properly both the young and general population in schools, in communities, in churches, and in different institutions and companies. We continue to speak, collaborate, and engage with officials so that we can level-up and sustain our campaigns,” Estoque said.

Estoque said Mocan will continue to work to enjoin health care providers to give complete and genuine health care to people with HIV-Aids.

She said their task also includes campaigning to raise people’s understanding of HIV-Aids to eliminate stigma and discrimination.

“Having HIV is not a life sentence. There is life after getting infected with HIV. Free treatment is available and if one seeks for help voluntarily, we can assure utmost confidentiality and respect,” Estoque said.

Estoque said the Mocan plans to embark on a more creative and technology-based approach in its advocacy campaigns to effectively capture the minds of the people.

She said Wurtzbach’s concern is an inspiration for Mocan to persevere.

“With the newly-crowned Miss Universe 2015 amidst all these gigantic challenges, we, the Mocan will be honored to work with her in this cause,” Estoque said.

Wurtzbach had said that being Miss Universe is both an honor and responsibility and that she will use her voice to influence the youth and raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness.

“This is timely and relevant to my country. I want to show the world, the universe rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart,” Wurtzbach said.

DTI: Take caution in buying fireworks, firecrackers

(EOR/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry reminds anew the public to be always cautious in choosing the fireworks and firecrackers they buy.

The public are advised to look for the Philippine Standard (PS) mark when purchasing fireworks and firecrackers to be assured of the products safety when used according to instructions," said Atty. Fel Lester Brillantes, legal officer and consumer welfare division chief, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), region 10, during the simultaneous inspection of fireworks in stores in Cagayan de Oro—Agora, Bulua, Carmen, Cogon and Puerto spearheaded by the Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers (RTFIF), December 22.

Fireworks and firecrackers are under mandatory certification by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) under the DTI.

Under the BPS Product Certification Scheme, manufacturers of fireworks are required to apply for PS license prior to distribution or sale of products.

In the absence of accredited testing laboratory, DTI-BPS conducts in-plant testing of fireworks to check its compliance with the said standard.

Only those manufacturers who comply with the requirements of the Philippine National Standard on fireworks (PNS 1220-2:1994) are issued with the PS license and are authorized to use the PS mark on their products.

With the same intentions against illegal and unsafe fireworks and firecrackers, the Philippine National Police (PNP), regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices as mandated in Republic Act 7183.

Meanwhile, the PNP has started monitoring the market for banned firecrackers such big triangle, super lolo and equivalents, mother rockets, OG, plapla, piccolo, pop-pop, watusi (per FED-PNP Memorandum dated January 17, 2002), Goodbye Philippines, other firecrackers/pyro devices that could endanger life and limb, unlabelled firecrackers/pyrotechnic devices and instructions attached, and imported firecrackers/pyrotechnic devices.

The list continues to grow so the PNP advices the public to be wary of the allowed specifications for fireworks to be sure that they are buying legal firecrackers.

For firecrackers, only .02 grams or 1/3 teaspoon of firework/gun powder is allowed per firecracker. Buyers should also check if the length of the fuse is too long or too short and if the powder mixes are right.

The Act also requires the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to secure a license or permit prior to sale and distribution of their products and prohibits the sale of imported firecrackers.

Manufacturers or retailers found violating the RA 7183 shall be penalized with a minimum fine of P20,000.00 or imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court in addition to the cancellation of his license and business permit and the confiscation of inventory or stock.

Among those fireworks brands issued with PS license, Atty. Brillantes said are: Phoenix, Dragon and DGN.

The PS license issued to these companies are only for specific types of fireworks such as fountains, mines, hand-held sparklers, shells, bangers, party poppers, wheels, rockets, and excludes the products banned by the PNP.

Further, Brillantes reminds the public to not only search for the PS mark on the fireworks they buy but to also check the package for proper labels.

According to him, always check if the fireworks are properly labeled with name of the firework, classification and intended use, brand or trade name, name and address of manufacturer, and the words “Made in the Philippines.”

It should also specify the effects of the firework such as “Emits shower of spark,” and/or “Produces bangs,” and warning and precautionary signs such as “Keep away from eyes and skin,” “Do not put in mouth,” and “Use only under adult supervision.

And more importantly, use the product as per its specified appropriate instruction to avoid the risk of injury and damage to property.

CDO wants to hold homecoming for Miss Universe

By Froilan Gallardo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 22 Dec) – The local government here is planning to hold a big homecoming for newly crowned Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach if pageant organizers will permit her to visit her second hometown.

Maricel Casino Rivera, chief of the Cagayan de Oro Information Officer, said the planned homecoming is dependent on the approval of the Miss Universe pageant organizers who sets the schedule of the beauty queen.

“We are in gratitude that Pia considers Cagayan de Oro as her second home. This is why we want to honor her,” Rivera said.

Mayor Oscar Moreno said Cagayan de Oro is deeply honored that Pia considers the city as her second home next to Manila.

“Just like the homecoming we had for her when she won the Binibining Pilipinas title, we are looking forward on holding another one to our Miss Universe,” Moreno said.

Pia attended kindergarten classes at Kong Hua High School and later at Corpus Christi High school for her primary education.

She stayed at Corpus Christi until Grade 4 when her mother, Cheryl Alonzo, separated from her German father, Uwe Wurtzbach.

Pia grew up at the Golden Village Subdivision here and would frequently go to nearby Iligan City where her mother’s family sells tasty buko bar ice cream.

In her interview with the local media during her homecoming early this year, Pia said she considers Cagayan de Oro her second home even if their family has no relatives in the city.

She said she was frequently teased by her classmates because of her height and that bothered her so much that she became an introvert preferring to be alone rather than mingle with other children.

“At school, I was a wallflower. I was always the last person in the flag ceremony because I was the tallest. It was difficult to have a crush because you are too tall for the boys,” Pia was quoted by SunStar as saying.

Pia though have fond memories of her mischief during her childhood days stealing buko bar from the family store in Iligan, the Real BukoBar & Cold Products.

Her parents separated when Pia was 11 and her mother brought her to Malabon, where the Alonzos also have a buko bar business started by her grandfather.

Pia was born on Sept. 24, 1989 in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Her win elicited a storm among young Cagayan de Oro residents who have eagerly followed the Miss Universe Pageant on Monday.

“We are so proud of this woman. Congratulations Pia!!! All your hard work and sacrifices have finally paid off,” Sarcy Corpus, presidents of the Jaycees here, said in her FB post.

Mary Mikaela Montalban said, “Way to go Pia! You never gave up to reach your dreams. You are an inspiration. So proud of you. You brought pride and honor to our city, Cagayan de Oro, and our country, Philippines.”

Oro police strengthen security for Christmas rush

By Alwen Saliring

THE Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) is beefing up security, especially in terminals, where commuters are expected to flock as they rush to go home to their provinces on Christmas.

Cocpo director Faro Antonio Olaguera said security plans for "Paskuhan 2015" is already in full swing.

City Public Safety Company (CPSC) chief Roy Magsalay said they have also started to tighten security for the safety of the public.

The Bomb squad and Explosive Ordnance Divisions have also started patrolling public terminals in the city.

"Ang mga K9 dogs nato anaa napud nag-paneling aron masiguro nato nga luwas atong mga terminals (We have our K9 dogs on paneling to ensure our terminals are safe)," Police Superintendent Magsalay said.

Magsalay said the CPSC supports the police stations which are also doing their mandates especially those that have terminals under their area of responsibility.

"Daghan na gayud mga pasahero mao gi-strengthen nato ang security (There will surely be many passengers that’s why we strengthened our security),” Magsalay said.

Last week, a bike patrol unit composed of some 25 police was launched to help implement security measures.

Meanwhile, the acting head of Philippine Coastguard in Cagayan de Oro, Lieutenant Azra Riza Suangco, said they are also looking at the security of the vessels as passengers start to swell this holiday season.

Suangco said they monitor the number of passengers to prevent excess in the ships.

"Dili na gayud ta anang hangyo. No to excess passengers ta. Busa amo nang ginasiguro (We won’t allow negotiation, that’s why insist on ensuring ‘no to excess passengers’),” Suangco said.

A passenger assistance center has been put up to attend to passengers’ concerns.

Suangco is reminding passengers to avoid bringing items such as firecrackers.

Oro government commits to help curb carbon emissions

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno has committed to address climate change and help shape the new climate agreement that was concluded this week in Paris.

Moreno was among the 18 city mayors who joined the country's Compact of Mayors, a global coalition of city leaders committed to save Mother Earth.

The coalition was launched on November 12, 2014 where Moreno sent a letter of intent through a representative.

Moreno said it is one's social responsibility to put an effort to cut greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions for Kagay-anon's future.

Recently, nearly 200 world leaders gathered in Paris who reached a climate change deal.

The deal says developed and developing countries would limit global warming to under 1.5°C thus the cutting of GHG emissions.

Elvisa Mabelin, head of the City Solid Waste Management Division, said the City Government has been putting much effort especially with the closure of the dumpsite in Zayas Landfill in Barangay Carmen.

Although facing uncertainties, Mabelin said they are hoping the budget will be approved sooner to complete the remaining phase of the process, prioritizing its transfer to Barangay Pagatpat.

"Ang atong buhatan naningkamot para masulosyunan ang problema sa basura ilabina ang dugay nang open na dumpsite nga usa sa mga hinugdan sa greenhouse gases emission," Mabelin explained.

She added that figures show there are 70 percent of the total-energy related carbon emissions in cities near the coast including Cagayan de Oro city.

Included in the compact are developed cities in the country such as the cities of Makati, Cebu, Quezon, Batangas, among others.

The coalition which was launched last year, has given its commitment to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience to climate change, and track their progress publicly.

It also outlines mitigation and adaptation commitments within the next three years which include public reporting of emissions inventory and the climate hazards faced by the city, within one year or less, emissions reduction target and the climate vulnerabilities faced by the city, within two years or less, and its climate change mitigation and adaptation plan, within three years or less.

Oro's first green condo opens

By Riain Alfonso

THE first eco-friendly condominium in Cagayan de Oro City and the first green and sustainable building in Northern Mindanao officially opened its doors to residents last December 16, 2015.

Located at Trade Street, Pueblo Business Park, Upper Carmen, the 2nd tower of Primavera Green Residences combines modern features and facilities with eco-friendly architecture.

The event was attended by City Mayor, Honorable Oscar Moreno who led the ribbon cutting ceremony along with Italpinas Development Corporation CEO and multi-awarded Italian architect Romolo Nati and the President of IDC, Atty. Jose Leviste, III. The event also served as a ceremonial turnover between the developer and the unit owners.

“We really believe that Cagayan de Oro has a growth rate that’s much more exciting than other cities,” said Atty. Leviste when asked why they decided to invest in the city, “The Philippines itself is growing very fast but I think it’s time now to be more sophisticated about where we go within the Philippines because we can see that there is growth within the growth. There are stories that are definitely hyper-prospective for investors and CdeO, we believe, is one such story. We think that our experience so far has proven that.”

Primavera is the first building in Southeast Asia to be accredited as a green building by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, through the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification system.

IDC and Primavera also won the 2014 International Property Awards for the Asia Pacific regional competition in the mixed-use development category.

Architect Nati said in an interview that it was termite hills that inspired him when designing both Tower 1 and 2 of Primavera.

“Termite hills are very interesting because the flow of the air inside is optimized and the temperature is maintained constant the entire year,” he said. He added that natural ventilation in the building is enhanced because it is designed in such a way that the inner courtyard allows the air to circulate freely all throughout the structure. This was done without additional cost in construction. Thus, unit owners are able to save energy because the ventilation of the building reduces their use of air-conditioning. “You don’t feel hot even during the hottest hour of the day because the inner courtyard works as a natural chimney, the hot air goes up and it sucks the cold air in.”

“The façade is shaded by this cantilever structure so the sun doesn’t hit the windows. We reduce the greenhouse effect, the temperature is maintained low inside the rooms,” he added. Because of this, Primavera offers its unit owners up to twenty percent reduction in energy consumption.

Primavera Green Residences is conveniently located close to one of the city’s big shopping centers, several schools, and a golf course and offers its unit owners first class amenities including a pool, gym, a multi-purpose hall, and 24/7 security. There are also shops and restaurants on the ground floor. Several units are still available to own or rent with flexible payment schemes.

Aside from the various amenities previously mentioned, Primavera also has a lot of outdoor spaces. This was mentioned by Architect Nati as he compared the building with other condos in the city. “In some way we lost some buildable area in order to give open spaces to the unit owners, which is quite unique in the business.”

“In the future, there are plans for this particular precinct of the city to be developed, for other parts of CdeO to be developed. So the dynamic is changing, the center of gravity is changing in CdeO itself as a growing city, so all of these represent unprecedented opportunity,” furthered Atty. Leviste, “We do have plans to develop our second project, also here in uptown CdeO, so we look forward to presenting that once it’s ready.”

The said event was also attended by Msgr. Florencio Salvador who did the building blessing, as well as Eileen Escobar-San Juan, the Local Economic and Investment Promotions Officer of CdeO.

Coconut product exports up in Northern Mindanao

(PNA), LGI/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 18 (PNA) -- Coconut product exports in Northern Mindanao posted a 120,220 metric tons this year, up 28 over that of last year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported Friday.

Cecilio Clarete, an economic specialist of the NEDA here, said the export coconut products have an equivalent value of US$ 4.810 million.

He said these products were in the form of coconut chemicals, coconut cream, coir fiber, coconut milk powder, shell charcoal, coconut oil, coconut water, copra cake, desiccated coconut, activated carbon and reduced fat coconut.

For fruit crops, banana posted the highest increase at 496,625 metric tons for the same period this year. This was followed by pineapple, mango and durian.

In terms of meat production, livestock and poultry recorded a 4.7 percent increase from 86,356 metric tons to 90,369 metric tons (live weight).

Total fish production also went up by almost four percent, buoyed up by massive aquaculture production all over the region, including the landlocked province of Bukidnon.

DOLE awards labor compliant, child-labor free establishments

By Mildred E. Dablio (DOLE-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A total of 10 private establishments in Northern Mindanao were awarded with Tripartite Certificate of Compliance with Labor Standards (TCCLS) and six companies with Child Labor-Free Certificate during the Department of Labor and Employment region 10 (DOLE 10) 82nd Anniversary held on 4 December 2015 in Opol, Misamis Oriental.

With the theme, "82 Taon ng Mahusay na Serbisyo sa Manggagawang Pilipino," the celebration was attended with more than 200 participants including the members and employees of the Regional Coordinating Council-10 (RCC-10), attached agencies of the Department like, National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) 8th Division, NLRC Regional Arbitration Branch, National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Office of Workers Welfare Assoociation (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Association (POEA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) League of Region 10.

TCCLS, the first level seal of good housekeeping under the Incentivizing Compliance Program (ICP) of the Labor Law Compliance System, aims to promote voluntary compliance with the labor standards. This is issued by the DOLE Regional Office in coordination with the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC).

The incentives included entitlement of the Secretary’s Award, and the Tripartite Seal of Excellence (TSE), priority access to technical assistance and services of DOLE and its attached agencies, and use TCCLS in promotional activities and advertisement of its products/services.

DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante was very pleased with the recipient-companies that voluntarily complied with the labor standards. "I urge the companies to continue and strengthen their status as labor-laws compliant," Agravante added.

"We are happy to inform the awardees with the certificates they have just received that they are qualified to be nominated for the Secretary’s Award and the Tripartite Seal of Excellence, and on top of these recognitions, we at the DOLE-10 are more than willing to give priority access on our technical assistance and services," Agravante further said.

The 2015 TCCLS awardees were: (1) Republic Biscuit Corp. of Damilag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; (2) Multi-Rich Corp. of Damilag; (3) JBC Food Corporation of Damilag; (4) FG Power Plant Corp. of Damilag; (5) Dole Philippines, Inc. (North Skyland Zone of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; (6) Integrated Livestock and Poultry Raiser’s Cooperative of Tablon, this city; (7) Granexport Manufacturing Corp. of Kiwalan, Iligan City; (8) Petron Corp. – Iligan Depot of Cabili, Iligan City; (9) Lorenzo Tan Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Lorenzo Tan, Tangub City; and (10) RTM Sales & Consumer Group, Inc. of Ozamiz City.

Engr. Mark Gerard J. Rosales, depot superintendent of Petron Corp., expressed his gratitude to DOLE-X, "This award will surely boost the image of our company, thereby increasing the productivity of our people and at the same time more customers will patronize our products."

Likewise, companies that issued policy prohibiting employment of child laborers were awarded Child Labor-Free certificates, namely: (1) NPC-Agus 7 Hydroelectric Plant; (2) NPC-Agus 6 Hydroelectric Plant; (3) Filipinas Eslon MFG, Corp.; (4) Risa Traders Marketing Corp; (5) Paglaum Multi-Purpose Cooperative; and (6) Medina General Hospital.

"We are very pleased being declared by DOLE-10 as a Child Labor-Free establishment," Gerardo Clet, union president of Filipinas Eslon MFG. Corp, said.

Child Labor-Free establishments comply with the child labor laws and regulations on minimum employable age, minimum hours of work, prohibition against worst forms of child labor, and hazardous work and activities for persons below 18 years of age.

On the other hand, with the celebration of the Department on its 82nd Anniversary of continued quality service to all the private workers in the Region on 8 December 2015, DOLE-X also culminated its RCC Sportsfest which started last September, this year. Members of the RCC-X played among each other sports like basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and dart every Friday at 3:00 PM at Marco Hotel Sports Arena, this city. Director Agravante, being the RCC-X Chairperson, awarded the trophies to all the winners. TESDA-X was declared as the over-all champion of the sportsfest.

The celebration continued throughout the day with the fun games among the RCC-10.

Investors, owners to receive keys to their Primavera Tower B units

(BusinessMirror)

Italpinas Development Corp. (IDC) delivered on its commitment to complete the Tower B of its flagship development in Cagayan de Oro (CdO) City called the Primavera Residences before year-end.

With this, IDC announced that it is set to turn over the condominium units to their rightful owners on December 16.

“Italpinas aims to build in alternative locations with a real housing demand and where a sustainable green modern design brings innovation and offers quality and Italian lifestyle to the upper middle-class of the Philippines,” emphasized Arch. Romolo Valentino Nati, COO and chairman of IDC.

“The company’s flagship project, Primavera Residences, is the first of its kind in Cagayan de Oro City and is setting the bar for condominium projects in the area with its modern Italian design infused with eco-friendly architecture with its second tower ready for turnover,” IDC President lawyer Jojo D. Leviste III added.

The series of milestones and achievements IDC received made the company even more stable than it has ever been; from being one of the first IFC EDGE-certified condominium projects in East Asia and its final listing at the Philippine Stock Exhange, IDC’s twin-tower building—Primavera Residences—is now complete and ready for turnover.

IDC’s sustainable designs have already been widely recognized by prestigious international organizations. The company, in fact, has bagged a number of awards in International Property Development in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and in Manila in 2014.

Its Primavera City development project also in CdO City has been awarded by the Climate Technology Initiative Private Financing Advisory Network as the “Most Promising Clean Energy Investment Opportunities” in 2013.

Both a commercial and residential building, Primavera is sustainably built in CdO, in Pueblo de Oro township, strategically located near SM Cagayan de Oro, a call center, and major establishments uptown. The building is built to maximize natural ventilation and light and equipped with photovoltaic solar panels on the rooftop of the building.

Further, the presence of a green inner courtyard helps the building mitigate the high temperature during the entire year.

Also, the cantilevers create shadow effect to protect the units from the sun’s direct radiation with a dramatic decrease in temperature. These are just a few of the special features that will help the building and its residents save more than 20 percent in energy consumption.

IDC believes that nature holds the answer to sustainable design. Taking a cue from Mother Nature herself, the company strives to develop self-sustaining, flood-free, and earthquake-resistant structures which are inspired by the beauty and functionality of nature. These green structures fuse human technology with the best that nature has to offer.

DTI anchors support to improve productivity, expand market for MSMEs

By Mariel B. Urdaneta (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 10 together with the provincial offices during a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro City on 11 December 2015 emphasized their support for productivity improvement and market expansion of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), among others.

Provincial Director Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore of DTI Misamis Oriental explained that they focus their assistance based on the SME development plan which comprises of four areas of concern particularly enabling business development, access to finance, access to market and productivity and efficiency.

Negosyo Centers have been established around the region for would be and present entrepreneurs to avail of free trainings and seminars.

In fact, DTI has established eight Negosyo Centers for the region including Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Negosyo Center which served as the first established Negosyo Center in the country and received a recognition having 86 training being the most number of trainings conducted nationwide this year. Meanwhile, provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental have also already established the same center in their areas.

The development of Negosyo Centers is relative to provision of Republic Act 10644 ”An Act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth through the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises” or the “Go Negosyo Act.”

Throughout the year, DTI has participated to national and international fairs aiming to promote the local products to buyers namely, International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Phil – Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show and MANILA FAME at SMX Convention Center, and another is SIAL-ASEAN food Exhibition at World Trade Center.

Entrepreneurship trainings done by SME Roving Academy (SMERA) have reached to 209 out of the 112 target of the DTI, Misamis Oriental having the most number of trainings with 86, Bukidnon (52), Misamis Occidental (34), Lanao del Norte (21) and Camiguin (16). SMERA is a way to continue development of micro, small and medium enterprises to be competitive in the domestic and international markets.

For the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) program, DTI has approved 31 projects in five provinces, 12 municipalities and four cities with P24,563,251.00 total budget allocation for 2015.

While the Industry cluster program of DTI has achieved 5,972 jobs generated having 22% contributions to regional accomplishment. The six industry clusters supported by the DTI and has been prioritized were cacao, coffee, coco coir, rubber, processed fruits and nuts and support to tourism.

The Shared Service Facilities (SSF) of Malingao Community Services Cooperative (MCOCO) in Lanao del Norte was Best SSF Nominee in this year. While Bukidnon shines in Consumer Welfare Month Quiz Bee as it placed second next to Lanao del Norte. This month, DTI continues to monitor Christmas lights and prices of noche buena products to make sure they are sold according to its suggested retail price (SRP).

P47 million set for Oro workers’ bonuses

By Alwen Saliring, Pamela Jay F. Orias

IT WILL be a merry Christmas for Cagayan de Oro City Hall employees as the City Council approved on Monday the ordinance granting every regular and casual employees a Personnel Motivation Incentive (PMI).

The City Council approved on Monday an ordinance (number 2015-130) that appropriates the budget of P47,677,929 for the 2,307 regular and 426 casual employees of the City Hall.

According to the ordinance, the incentive, which is under the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (Praise), is equivalent to a City Hall employee's one month basic salary.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno announced the “good news” during Monday's flag raising.

Before its approval, City Councilor Prexy Elipe argued why Moreno suddenly proposed such big amount when earlier this year he vetoed the council's proposal for a Loyalty Award for employees who have been in service for more than 10 years.

"Iyang gi-veto kay ni-sobra na daw sa limit, when in fact, mga around P30,000 rato, pero this one, almost P50,000 pero wala nisobra," Elipe said.

Elipe said he is not against the cash incentives since it is for the employees but only questioned Moreno's inconsistent sentiments, calling the mayor a “liar.”

"Dili gayud niya ma-approve ang loyalty award tungod kay ang iyang mga alipores wala paman na mga 10 years," Elipe added.

Moreno's administration has so far released six incentives including the mandatory ones.

Among the cash incentives are, Productivity Incentive release on February which amounts to P2,000, Anniversary bonus on June with P3,000, Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) which was equal to one month salary, 13th month pay also equal to one month pay, cash gift with P5,000, and the PMI to be released this month.

MisOr to get bonuses this week

Meanwhile, employees of Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol will start receiving their bonuses this week, Governor Yevgeny ‘Bambi’ Emano said on Monday during the weekly flag raising ceremony.

The Provincial Government is allocating P9.7 million for the remaining half of employees’ bonuses.

Employees had already received half of their bonuses in the middle of this year.

Provincial Capitol has 1,572 regular and 313 casual employees.

Provincial Information Officer Allyn Peñalosa said the budget allocation has been approved by the Provincial Board and would be released this week.

“Mao gayud ang instruction ni Gov. Bambi nga before the week ends madawat na sa mga empleyado ang ilang bonus,” Peñalosa said.

“Half kini sa bonus kay ang other half is nadawat naman sa mid-year,” Peñalosa added.

The total budget allocation for employees’ bonuses amounted to P19.4 million.

Earlier, Emano released cash gifts for 1,237 teachers in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental amounting to P2.2 million.

It was distributed during the teacher’s day program last December 10.

Emano also gave cash gifts for 6,250 teachers gathered at Limketkai Mall, this city last December 11 amounting to P10.9 million.

Paskorela held in Oro

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

FIFTEEN motorelas participated in Saturday's 2nd Paskorela competition.

Themed "Christmas for Children," motorelas were dressed up for the Christmas season.

Aileen San Juan, head of the City Tourism Office, said the celebration is a reminder to the Kagay-anons how important the Christmas season is.

"It is the season of giving, so it's about time to also appreciate one of Cagayan de Oro's pride and product, the motorelas," she said.

The event kicked off with Pasko de Oro parade from Tiano streets, Velez, and ended at Divisoria.

The parade was added with cheers from five schools in the city bringing their drum and lyre corps.

Among the schools which participated were Bugo Elementary School, City Central School, P.N Roa Elementary School, Consolacion Elementary School, and Tablon Elementary School joined in the parade.

For the dress-up-your-motorela competition, one motorela participant must be commercially operational, and they may have sponsorship but must be not related to a politician.

"We are very proud that the motorela are recognized and still exist since it started in the 1960s. It's CdeO's best, its unique quality is something we should be proud of," Mayor Oscar Moreno said.

Motorela number 8, operated by Corazon Tangub from Barangay Camaman-an, got the third place, while motorela number 4, owned by Marife Tee, also a resident of Barangay Camaman-an, placed second.

Lionel Sogoc, motorela number 10 from Barangay Carmen, took the grand prize.

Geeky Wednesday at Loretos

By Riain Alfonso

TRIVIA lovers and geeks at heart came in droves to Loreto’s Bar and Grill at Tomas Saco Street last Wednesday, December 9, 2015, for the weekly Geek Wars competition. It was a full house that night with twenty-two teams occupying the entire second floor of the said establishment.

“Officially, Geek Wars started in January 2014,” said Jones Villanueva, a founding member of the said event.

The group is composed of friends Lawrence Que, Anthony Tisara, husband and wife Wabin and Maia Poblete, Shor Macalbe, Jones and his wife Amor, among others. Most of them were part of Kili Elites, one of the teams that dominated the discontinued regular trivia nights at an artisanal breadshop in Limketkai.

The group first held a trivia night competition in partnership with the organization JCI Kagayhaan Gold as a fund raising event for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in December of 2013. Seeing the overwhelming clamor for more such events, the group decided to officially create what Geek Wars is now known as. “There was a hole as far as trivia night events are concerned in Cagayan de Oro. There no longer was a trivia night event anywhere and we know very well that there are so many teams in CdeO who want events like this. So we decided, why not give them what they want?”

The Geek Wars started July 15, 2015 in its current home at Loreto’s. The ‘wars’ is on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM where twenty to twenty-six teams participate on a regular basis. It is, however, open to walk-ins and anybody who just happen to be there at the opportune time.

“Some of the team started as walk-ins. They just happen to be here at the right time tapos they enjoyed the categories that night so the following week, they come back here and made their own team,” added Amor.

The event is much awaited by the ‘trivia’ community which typically means a jam-packed venue. “Heavy down pour, exam week, holidays, they all still come here,” said Jones. Those who are interested to combat other trivia buffs are encouraged to come early.

The Geek Wars is divided into three main categories: the Words category, fondly called the boring category by the regular participants, where each team try to answer correctly the questions asked; the Visuals where participants are shown pictures which will be the basis for their answers; and, the Audio category where the teams answer based on the audio recordings played.

Each main category is then subdivided into specific trivia categories. That night, Words had trivia questions coming from the categories current events, dinosaur names, the number zero, and middle initials. Visuals had players guessing the UFC legend, the visual artist who painted the painting, and the TV series by Christmas special being shown on the white screen.

Audio was loads of fun as the competitors listened to clips from Nicholas Sparks films and songs that had a day in the week in its title. According to the organizers, the highest score a team may get is 76 points. However, since the inception of Geek Wars, no one has yet to get a perfect score.

Despite the fierce competition, participants were having loads of fun and were very supportive of each other and the other teams as well. Applause went up the room each time a team gets the answer right and even louder cheers each time nobody answers correctly.

“It’s nice clean fun,” said Amor, “We get our high when people get very excited, when we see their faces that they’re very elated and excited to answer the questions, na kabalo sila na maka tubag sila, that’s really something for us.”

“After a very long work day, pag abot namo diri, murag bitaw mawala ang tanan, na nakita namo sila, na daghan tao, na bibo kaayo. So it’s also like a break, nahimo siyang stress reliever also,” added Maia.

The night’s winners were the Pabobo Boyz who edged out two of Geek Wars more competitive teams, Y Khurat! who placed second and Fuzzy Virtue who placed third. Teams received Loreto’s GCs and other freebies.

“It’s our first time to actually win first place so it’s kind of very special,” said Tristan Roño of Pabobo Boyz, “It feels surreal right now.”

Joining since the first Geek Wars in Loreto’s, the team is composed of male friends and their girlfriends, hence the team name. The team shared that the weirdest category they encountered was the one about female underwear, “It was awkward but we learned new things like the C-string, that was the first time we saw a C-string.”

Fuzzy Virtue on the other hand is composed of twelve friends who make it a point to really join each Geek Wars event.

“We make it a point to make ourselves available,” said Jun Daumar, whose team is proud to say that they’re a bit nerdy, “It’s really fun and we get to laugh at ourselves if we don’t get anything right.”

“There’s something really exciting about finding out the questions that we already know the answers to,” added Shane Tagupa. They are one of a few teams participating since the now defunct trivia nights in Limketkai.

Family and friends compose the team Y Khurat! who have been monthly winners for three months straight, from August to October. “It’s our pastime,” said Junel Ares, “The goal isn’t necessarily to win but to have fun, winning is secondary.”

Kale Ramos added, “The feeling of being founts of useless trivia can be realized here. Some of us know things that would not be useful in the real world but here we get recognized for it, and it’s a great feeling.”

Team Tsong, relatively newbies to the wars, have been participating for two months only. “We were passing by here and we saw the banner,” said Nice Importante.

“It’s not something you see every day. It’s that one day a week where you can just really geek out and do stuff and share info that most people don’t know on a daily basis.” The team has not yet won a war but said that they’re getting there, “The competition is really overwhelming sometimes, kung battlefields pa ni, nagdugo-dugo na mi taman. But it’s really fun. It’s that one time where you can just really have fun with no hesitation, no bars, no judgment from others.”

Geek Wars also accepts gigs for companies and organizations. They’ve done several trivia style parties with Misamis Oriental Medical Society, the CDO-ICT Council, VEST, and was even a part of the first ever CDO Toy Show last November 14 and 15, 2015.

Oro boys to gun for gold in NMRAA football

By Jack Biantan

THE Cagayan de Oro elementary boys football team will aim for no less than a golden finish when they go to war on the pitch in Northern Mindanao Region Athletic Association (NMRAA) regional meet football competition set to start on Nov. 14 in Oroquieta city.

The core of the Oro team is from the football powerhouse of the City of Friendship, Rosevale School, in the posh village of Xavier Estates Uptown.

Four other players from different football hotbeds, Xavier University Grade School, Corpus Christi Elementary School, Abbas School and JR Reyes Elementary School in Anhawon complete the formidable line-up of coach Mario Sumampong.

All the players admit that they are excited and fully prepared to go to war against top teams from Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Gingoog, Oroquieta, and other Northern Mindanao teams.

They have been practicing relentlessly every day since the team was formed several months ago right after the Cagayan de Oro Division meet in which Rosevale captured the gold medal.

They have even hired a conditioning coach to make the kids fit for the grueling week long competition.

Emilio Raphael Rubio, an addition from Corpus Christi Elementary School and one of the veterans of the team, admits that he is 100 percent ready for action. He has played in the regionals once in 2013 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte when he was only 10 years old. He was not picked last year.

However, this year his talent was not left out and coach Mario made sure he is with the team.

Realistically, the team is capable of winning the gold. They play flawless football with all players possessing close ball control. Individually, they are fun to watch as they are a bunch of young and talented kids who showcase the future of Philippine football.

Anchoring them is the heart and soul of their offense Charlson Caryle ‘Kyle’ Dy son of Engr. Charlston and Menchu Dy. The ‘smiling maestro’ is king in the midfield. His peripheral vision is impressive and his passes are very accurate.

But what is very dangerous about this kid is his shooting skills. He could shoot from the outside of the penalty box which could terrorize every opponent’s goalkeeper.

Giving support to Kyle in the midfield are talented bunch of skillful midfielders, Kent Quieta from Abbas School, Terrence Mayne, and Jeff Lawrence ‘JL’ Cascara.

Mayne one of the youngest in the group is the son of English expat Christopher Mayne and Filipina Esmeralda Berro Mayne.

Cascara is the son of ardent Rosevale football program supporter and businessman Jeff Cascara and Shermay Cascara. Jeff has a younger son, Jeff Irvin ‘Mamat’ Cascara who is also a member of the team.

Mamat at 10-years-old, is the youngest and the smallest in the team. He is a talent and has polished his skills by his constant exposure to his elder brother’s matches.

Up front, the Oro kids have a reliable striker Josh ‘Tsong’ Go. This speedster has excellent finishing and has been named MVP and top scorer a number of times in local competitions. The son of Engr. Regner and Mercy Go, will surely create havoc in front of the goals.

Supporting Go up front is another speedster Renz Arada, son of Engr. Ramon and Marsha Arada. Renz is another threat that the opponent’s defenders have to contend with. He is also a scorer by most of the time provide the passes and the scoring the opportunity to Josh Go.

Defensively the Oro team is as strong as the Ice Wall of the Seven Kingdoms in the Game of the Thrones.

The Oro kids have Paulo Ino Butaslac and John Gementiza alternating in central defense while the reinforcement from Xavier University Grade School Andrea Robert L. Tagle Jr. is a defensive gem at the right back.

Tall and strong Marjon Reyes, a reinforcement from JR Reyes Anhawon Elementary School is the left sided defender. He will also alternate as goalkeeper if the first goalkeeper Dave Mendoza gets injured or is sent off.

Butaslac, son of Gigi and Roland Butaslac is a great partner of John Gementiza in the middle of defense. He just recovered from a sprained ankle which he suffered during the practice match against a Bukidnon team few weeks ago. He is however, ready for the regionals.

John Gementiza, the son of another ardent supporters of the Rosevale football program Aldwin Gementiza and Quennie Gementiza, is the backbone of their defense. This kid has played in two regionals and has even played in the Palaro. He is a pillar in the ‘Ice Wall’.

Dave Mendoza, the reliable kid between the sticks has been a leader in the defense. The strong and tall kid idolizes Bayern Munich and German international Manuel Neuer and Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

He is constantly inspired by his constant companions aunt Merle Casas and uncle Marlon Casas in the absence of his New York based parents Sheryll and Edwin Mendoza. Merle Casas is the sister of his mom Sheryll.

Completing the team are defenders Faris Bin Abdulla Mangatara, and Simon Simene son of Gigi and Edmarcil Simene.

The team will leave for Oroquieta City on Saturday.

NYC, youth organize short film fest on HIV/AIDS

By Jonathan Macas (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 10 (PIA) -- The National Youth Commission (NYC) spearheaded by Tingug-CDO, Inc. a Cagayan de Oro based organization has designed a project concept entitled “Tingug-CDO Short Film Festival on HIV and AIDS.”

During the preparatory meeting with the Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC) region 10 on 8 December 2015, it was discussed that the event’s concept is to scale up the key messages for HIV prevention services among MSM and Transgender in the city of Cagayan de Oro and some parts of Northern Mindanao.

The Short Film Festival focuses on the stories related to MSMs, Bisexuals, and Transgender who were victims of HIV and AIDS.

The festival has the theme “Pag-amuma” which is a Cebuano dialect that means to care for and provide with a strong support.

“Pag-amuma” depicts the live of MSMs and Transgender in their daily sexual health and HIV/AIDS concerns. The organization focuses on these genders since they are the victims of stigma and discrimination.

Tingug-CDO Inc. has tapped schools to participate in the event and said this is an open category.

The top 10 film finalists will be screened on January 20, 2016. The contest proper and the awarding ceremony will be on February 10, 2016, and the lucky winner will receive P15,000 for the grand prize, P10,000 for the 1st placer and P8,000) for the 2nd placer.

Other awards are to be given on the special category like best in cinematography, best actors and actress, best director and including the viewer’s choice award which are judged according to the preference of the audience.

Winning film will be used for campaign and advocacy by partner stakeholders.

‘Sendong’ Memorial Day in CDO, Iligan pushed

(PNA), FPV/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) – Lawmakers are pushing for a bill that would declare December 16 of every year as “Sendong Memorial and Disaster Preparedness Day” in the cities of Cagayan De Oro and Iligan.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, of Cagayan De Oro City, said that House Bill No. 1973, originally introduced as HB 5955, has already passed third reading in the House of Representatives but remains pending in the Senate.

Rodriguez and Party List Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. of Abante Mindanao (Abamin), said that the declaration of Dec. 16 as a Sendong Memorial Day in Cagayan De Oro City and Iligan City would constantly remind people of the wrath of Mother Nature.

The Bill stated that the Sendong Memorial Day would bring memories of both survivor victims and the rescuers the need to mainstream adaptations and disaster reduction in all areas concerned.

The “Sendong Memorial Day” would also become appropriate for exhibits and fora on disaster awareness, disaster readiness is conducted along with other activities which would remind us of the damage that Mother Nature can bring if the environment is not taking care of, the proposed Bill said.

Typhoon Sendong (international code named “Washi”) struck on the night of December 16, 2011 and wrought havoc in the wee hours on December 17, 2011 as rampaging flash flood that overflowed along the Cagayan De Oro River destroyed houses and carried away hundreds of people who were trapped in their houses on that day.The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that typhoon Sendong affected at least 92,964 families or 641,098 persons.

Also, there were reports that about 1,010 people died and around 200 persons remain missingto these days, the proposed Bill narrated.

PAMANA project set to release P63M in 2016

(JCV/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, December 08 (PIA) – Conflict-affected communities in Northern Mindanao is set to receive P63.5 million in 2016 through the PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayaNAn (PAMANA) convergence program.

Dr. Ulyssess P. Ortega, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO 10) PAMANA focal person reported that as of December this year, some 157 projects were identified, 23 of which have been completed, 94 are on-going and 40 are yet to commence.

Ortega said these consist mostly of livelihood projects, construction of farm-to-market roads, mini-rice mills and small-scale irrigation projects mostly in placed in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon.

He however clarified that the agency has no hand in the process of identifying what projects to take, and it is the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), together with the government security sector, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army (PA) who identifies what development interventions to take to improve the quality of life in the communities identified.

He stressed that strengthening the economic activity of these communities, impacts on the government’s peace building efforts.

City distributes 570 hearing aids

(PNA), LAP/CD/EM

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) –- Exactly 570 individuals here with impaired hearing were given the “gift of hearing” by a foundation based in the United States, an official said Monday.

Teddy Sabugaa of the city’s social welfare and development office, said that the Deaf Action Philippines, a non-government organization based here, provided the name of the beneficiaries.

He said that the beneficiaries, mostly coming from the towns of Villanueva, Salay, Balingasag, Libertad, Alubijid, all of Misamis Oriental.

Sabugaa identified the US-based foundation as the Starkey Hearing Foundation of the United States of America founded by William F. Austin 50 years ago in Minnesota, U.S.A.

Officials said that Starkey Hearing Foundation has already provided the “gift of hearing” to 1.8 million people around the world in the pursuit of the philanthropic efforts of the founder.

DSWD holds camp for street families

By Oliver B. Inodeo (DSWD/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in northern Mindanao hosted a Family Camp for 106 street family-beneficiaries here of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) project to provide opportunity for the homeless street families (HSF) to experience various activities geared towards character building and personality development.

The family camp conducted in two batches was held at the Manresa Farm of Xavier University’s College of Agriculture.

Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, regional director of DSWD northern Mindanao, said that the family camp is a strategy wherein social services will be provided for the street families all throughout the camping period. It will also serve as a venue to strengthen their parental capability.

“The event will let them temporarily forget their everyday struggle on the streets and hopefully experience a real family life,” said Atty. Solamillo.

The 106 street families are from the different areas of Cagayan de Oro city like Iponan, Bugo, Macabalan, Puntod, Cogon, Canitoan, Carmen, among others.

The children-beneficiaries participated in various activities such as discussion on children’s rights, story-telling sessions, supervised neighborhood play, film showing, seminar on harmful effects of illegal drugs, zoo tour and other sports activities such as basketball.

Loucell Delusa, case worker of DSWD, said that through these activities they will develop the values of sportsmanship and teamwork as well as build character and gain positive self-esteem.

On the other hand, the parents were engaged to Family Development Sessions, skills trainings, spiritual enhancement, gender sensitivity and empowerment training.

Modified Conditional Cash Transfer Homeless Street Families (MCCT-HSF) is an expansion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which provides assistance to street families. The program gives them access to social services, shelter and economic opportunities to improve their living conditions.

In northern Mindanao, a total of 211 families have been registered in the program. Of this number, 105 families are from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and 106 are from this city. MCCT-HSF is implemented only in the highly urbanized cities in northern Mindanao so far.

The MCCT-HSF also reaches out to street dwellers and assesses them for possible inclusion in the program. If they are not qualified for the program, they will be given access to other DSWD and local government programs and services.

After the camp, each families received food packs from DSWD.

Role of local government units

While the DSWD implements the MCCT-HSF, Atty. Solamillo reiterated that local government units and the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) still have the main responsibility of assisting street children and street families in their respective jurisdictions.

Local governments take the lead in the provision of social welfare services.

In this city, the City Social Welfare and Development Office is in close coordination with DSWD in serving the street families.

Aside from program implementation like the MCCT-HSF, DSWD has also intensified its advocacy to help street children through the Twitter account @savestreetkids. The public can report sightings of street children and street families to this account.

The MCCT for Street Families covers poor families who were not included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program because of their mobile lifestyle and indefinite residence.

The MCCT provides a complete package of assistance to the street families which are not limited to education and health grants but also include safe and responsive housing assistance with access to social services and economic opportunities for the improvement of their living conditions.

The street families under the MCCT project will also receive monthly cash grants for health and education soon, provided that they comply with the modified conditions.

The conditions that they should comply with are: parents should ensure that their children do not stay or work on the streets; parents/guardians should participate/attend the Family Life Education and Counseling, and Family Development Sessions conducted in their locale; children should be attending any mode of learning, either regular school, Alternative Learning System (ALS), School on Wheels or Supervised Neighborhood Play; parents/guardians should bring their children to health centers for immunizations, weight and height monitoring and preventive check-ups; and household beneficiaries must stay in alternative residences after identification, relocation and/or provision of shelter assistance for them.

DSWD brings "PaskuJuan' fun fare, bazaar in CDO

By Oliver Inodeo (DSWD/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in northern Mindanao has converged here at SM City Cagayan de Oro for the 2015 PaskuJuan, bringing funfare and bazaar to shoppers.

The one-day festivity complements the positive response from the recently concluded National Pantawid Pamilya Family Day.

"PaskuJuan" featured a bazaar showcasing the various products crafted by the beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries.

It also showcased a variety Christmas Show featuring dancers of Cagayan de Oro City National High School, two-time winner of the recently concluded Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago Dance Contest along with the DSWD Chorale.

"PaskuJuan" aims not only to share the spirit of love and joy in celebration and thanksgiving for the gift of family but also to showcase various ideas in making different crafts as a form of livelihood.

Dubbed as "Sama-Sama sa Landas ng Pag-unlad," DSWD northern Mindanao regional director, Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo said the PaskuJuan is a nationwide festival and bazaar featuring local products of the DSWD livelihood participants.

Solamillo said the PaskuJuan aims to encourage partner-beneficiaries to be active in promoting and marketing their produce as well as generating linkage for product movement not only in their community but in a bigger market like this city.

DSWD has invited schools, media, private establishments, technical-vocational institutions accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), partner agencies and some 300 Pantawid Pamilya households to the day-long fiesta.

The concessionaires, who displayed their products inside the mall at the constructed booths, were SLP beneficiaries from the five provinces of northern Mindanao, selling products such fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit tars, wines, dried squids, home decors, baskets and bags, slippers, milk, bracelets/necklaces, preserved and a variety of processed foods.

“The success of PaskuJuan last year prompted us to institutionalize it as a yearly activity. It is one way of helping the beneficiaries market their products to the public,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman has said.

SLP is a community-based capacity building program that seeks to improve the socio-economic status of program participants or the beneficiaries. It is implemented through two tracks: Micro-enterprise Development and Employment Facilitation.

The Micro-enterprise Development track supports micro-enterprises in becoming organizationally and economically viable, whereas the Employment Facilitation track assists participants to access appropriate employment opportunities.

Both tracks are executed based on the Community-Driven Enterprise Development (CDED) approach, which equips program participants to actively contribute to production and labor markets by looking at available resources and accessible markets.

Strict implementation of anti-mendicancy law pushed

(PNA), CTB/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) – A city official urged people to consider the welfare of those asking for alms on the streets while pushing for stricter implementation of the anti-mendicancy law here. City Councilor Annie Daba said on Thursday that the anti-mendicant law should be strictly implemented after noting the prevalence of children and adults begging for alms on the city streets.

“We have noticed that these beggars are pestering on families that visit the parks on weekends,” Daba said.She said that the beggars often get angry if one does not give in to their demands for anything that includes food and money.

Daba underscored the need to strictly implement the anti-mendicancy law for fear that some criminals might pose as “beggars” to carry out criminal activities during the Christmas holidays.

The city councilor also noted the safety of the children who race against vehicles on the streets and block pathways of terrified students.

“It is time for us to also take into consideration the safety of these beggars, especially the children, on the street,” Daba said.

She said that the Anti-Mendicancy Law of the city’s codified ordinance of 1994 prohibits persons to enter any establishment for the purpose of begging or soliciting goods, alms, or gifts.

These establishments include eateries, restaurants, hotels, refreshment parlors, or any establishment where food is served to the public or any place of worship where the service is performed.

Daba urged concerned government agencies to adopt measures to address the growing mendicants in this seaport capital of Northern Mindanao.

BFAR allots PHP120-M to boost PHL’s crab production

(PNA), BNB/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 3 (PNA) -– The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has allocated PHP120 million for crab production in the country, BFAR 10 Regional Director Visa Tan Dimeren said on Thursday.

Dimeren said BFAR Director Asis G. Perez made the disclosure during his visit in the city in November which aims to assess the status of the crab and prawn production in Northern Mindanao.

She said that the amount would be utilized for Crab Fattening and Soft Cell Crab Production in the country.

Misamis Occidental could get a bigger slice of the fund due to the existing prawn and crab farming in the area, Dimeren added.

The official identified the cities of Tangub and Ozamis whose coastal areas lie along Panguil Bay as the pilot areas of the project.

According to Dimeren, the coastal areas of the Panguil Bay along the cities of Tangub and Ozamis were once the largest suppliers of crab and prawns in the country.

Crab and prawn production in the area diminished in recent years because of illegal fishing known as “Sanggab” (fine nets) where small crabs and prawns are caught prematurely, the BFAR official said.

She said that the BFAR and the local government units (LGUs) in Misamis Occidental and in Kolambugan, Lanao Del Norte are now jointly working to address the illegal “Sanggab” fishing.

“So far, the campaign against “Sanggab” has been initially successful following the destruction and seizure of about 1,000 “Sanggab” nets in the Panguil Bay area as of November this year,” Dimeren said.

Cagayan De Oro remains a peaceful city, safe for tourists

(PNA), SCS/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 2 (PNA) – Cagayan De Oro City, the premier capital of Northern Mindanao, remains one of the safest places for tourists in the country, Vice Mayor Ceasar Ian Acenas said on Wednesday.

Acenas issued the statement to dispel insinuations by some candidates of “Mr. and Miss PanContinental International Global Beauty Pageant” that Cagayan De Oro City is not a safe place for foreigners.

Pageant candidate Nicole Harding of New Zealand said in published reports that she was warned that “Cagayan de Oro is worse than Afghanistan.”

“Harding’s statements were aired by local and foreign media and if not corrected will adversely affect the efforts of the city government to lure more investors and foreign visitors here,” Acenas said.

He said everyone should know that Cagayan de Oro has always been and is still a very peaceful place.

"In fact, Cagayan De Oro City remains a favorite convention and tourist destination, nothing has changed and that the statement of Harding was unfounded. We also have many foreign residents and guests who are happily living in our city,” Acenas said.

He called on concerned government agencies to look into the pageant mess and to find ways to ensure that the incident would not happen again.

“All those who are visiting the city should have the best experience as I believe that is what we, Kagay-anons, want to give them,” he said.

Oro Girls Futsal team targets gold medal

By Jack Biantan

THE Cagayan de Oro girls Futsal team will aim for no less than the gold medal when the girls compete in the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) regional meet in Oroquieta city in the middle of December.

Coach Wing de Riarte has assembled a tough team comprising of girls from the different high school teams which participated in the Cagayan de Oro Athletic Association (COAA) division meet here in October.

The head coach of St. Mary’s School and the founder of Cagayan de Oro’s biggest football club Higala FC, has picked 10 players from St. Mary’s School, Corpus Christi High School, Abba’s Orchard School, Liceo University High School, Xavier University High School and Pedro ‘Oloy’ Roa Sr. High School.

“These girls are the cream of the crop. I have the best players available and in fact I only have four players from my team, St. Mary’s School,’’ De Riarte said.

He added that unlike the team last year, this team is more prepared and have been training everyday right after the division meet.

De Riarte is also optimistic of his selection. “I have selected the players base on their skills, and if they could work with my system. They just need a little chemistry. The most important is the understanding of the game because my aim is to get the gold and qualify for the Palaro,’’ he said.

The CDO girls will lean heavily on their most experience player and team captain, Patricia Ching of St. Mary’s. She is the deadliest among the girls in front of the goal. She has scored in almost all matches during the division meet including the equalizer in the final against Xavier University-West 1.

“Patricia is a threat inside the pitch and in front of the goal. She is a free kick specialist, very good in ball distribution and also very solid in defense,’’ De Riarte said about his prize player.

Another prize possession of coach De Riarte is striker Louisse Bongocan, the daughter of Rosevale coach Dennis Bongocan. She is a recruit from Corpus Christi High School and she bolstered the lineup of SMS during the division meet.

She gifted De Riarte’s trust during the division meet when she scored the winning goal in the remaining seconds against Xavier University.

Left winger Andrea Cabactulan of Liceo, defender Bridget Estrada also of Liceo, and goalkeeper Coline Acelo of SMS are also among the key players in the squad. They played in the regionals last year and expect to lead the team to a better finish this year.

Coach De Riarte has also recruited another prize striker Andrea Cabactulan from Liceo University High School to make the team more deadly. The willy left winger scored the first goal for Liceo in the division meet to put give her team an early 1-0 lead.

Completing the Oro girls team are striker Lea Angela Sobremisana of St. Mary’s School, defender Anna Pauline Barnido also of St. Mary’s School, defender Mayumi Tiesling of Abba’s School, goalkeeper Eunice Roxanne Eduave of Xavier University, and striker Mel Grace Camarillo of Pedro ‘Oloy’ Roa High School.

NMRAA has not yet won a Futsal title in the Palaro. The best it could finish was a bronze three years ago. The CdO team has potential but before it could advance to the Palaro it has to hurdle first the defending champion in the regionals, Misamis Occidental.

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