Cagayan de Oro City News May 2018

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Interactive Google Satellite Map of Cagayan de Oro City
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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.

Public market of cagayan de oro city misamis oriental.JPG
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

Micab gets ready to ride into CDO, Davao this year

(KOC)

TAXI-hailing app Micab expects to end the year with 15,000 partner-taxis as it expands operations to Cagayan de Oro and Davao cities this year.

At present, Micab app is available in Cebu City, Metro Manila, Baguio, Bacolod, and Iloilo. It has about 5,000 partner-taxis, of which 3,000 are based in Cebu.

Eddie Ybañez, Micab Systems Corp. founder and chief executive officer, said that Micab is on an expansion mode this year following its accreditation as a Transport Network Company (TNC) by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board last April 30.

“Ever since the TNC accreditation was created, we’ve recognized it a milestone for the country. It’ll allow tech companies to legally innovate mobility and transportation in the Philippines. Now that Micab has been extended this recognition, we look forward to revitalizing the taxi industry with our vision for Taxi 2.0,” said Ybañez.

Taxi 2.0 envisions cabs that will be clean, modern, and inviting and, more importantly, driven by well-trained drivers who are friendly, polite, and kind, said Ybañez.

Besides expanding in other areas this year, the Cebuano tech entrepreneur is also negotiating with a group of Singapore-based venture capitalists to raise the company’s capitalization requirement of $1 million to $5 million for other expansion projects, including logistics, cargo, and health care services.

Ybañez added they are also looking at deploying the app for other modes of transportation like jeepneys, passenger vans, and buses.

“All we need to do is tweak the app and make it friendlier to public utility vehicles,” said Ybañez.

Micab eliminates the long queues of passengers in taxi stands. It also provides drivers of assured passengers.

The app has its own call and chat interface that gives users and the drivers real-time communications. It has a built-in ticketing system, an electronic wallet for payments, and rewards points for the drivers as incentives.

In April, CNN Philippines reported that the LTFRB had accredited two ride-hailing apps, Hype and HirNa, in addition to Grab and U-Hop

Micab has logged 90,000 user registrations. The app is available for download in both the App Store and Google Play Store.

Disaster-resilient evacuation center to rise in Tablon

By PJ ORIAS

CAGAYAN de Oro will soon have another disaster-resilient evacuation center which is set to rise in Barangay Tablon.

Considered as a flood and landslide prone area, Cagayan de Oro City is the recipient of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) project that will address immediate and quick response to multiple hazards such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.

The P35.46-million project will be funded by the national government. A memorandum was signed between the city, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and OCD early this year to realize the project.

The evacuation center shall be designed to be resilient from flood, earthquake, typhoon and other extreme weather events, among others.

The City Council said by using a geohazard map, the city chose Barangay Tablon as the recipient of the project. Geohazard maps are said to be helpful in identifying evacuation centers that are safe.

This is the second disaster-resilient evacuation center in the city as the city government already built the same facility worth P10 million in Barangay Indahag.

Less than five days before the city remembers the wrath of typhoon Sendong, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno turned over the P10-million worth evacuation center to the village officials with the message of disaster awareness.

The two-storey building is mounted in a one-hectare area property donated by Indahag village, with seven rooms, nine comfort rooms, and a roof deck that is estimated to accommodate more or less 500 individuals during evacuations.

The building is funded by the DILG through its Bottom-Up Budgeting, which is worth P7.2 million while the city for its part, gave P2.8 million for the project.

NorMin MSMEs urged to improve product branding, packaging

By Nef Luczon (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Owners of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Northern Mindanao should change their "mindset" in considering branding and packaging as important components of their products to increase global competitiveness, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Linda Boniao, director of DTI 10 (Northern Mindanao), said local entrepreneurs commonly harbor reservations in improving their branding and packaging.

Boniao attributed this to the additional production costs that branding and packaging may entail, which would affect pricing and could in turn discourage consumers from buying.

"It would be unfortunate for these good products (from local traders) not to create an impact in the international market simply because of bad packaging," she said in an interview Thursday.

She added that while products from other countries have good packaging, some of them are of lower quality compared to Philippine-made goods.

Boniao pointed this out as the DTI is on the thick of launching its "Pack! Pilipinas", a roadshow that enables local traders to meet and consult with packaging and branding consultants and suppliers.

For the Visayas leg, the roadshow visited Tacloban City on May 3-4, while the Mindanao leg concluded in Cagayan de Oro City last week, from May 16-17. The final leg in Luzon will be held in Carmona, Cavite on May 29-30.

Boniao said the roadshows aims to encourage MSME entrepreneurs to consider improving their branding and packaging styles to entice wider markets and consumers, as visual appeal remains a major factor among buyers.

DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya, who graced the opening event, said the agency can provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs wanting to avail of the program, which includes computations and payment schemes aimed at making it easy for traders to access packaging supplies.

Oro gov’t, tertiary schools sign Scholarship Code

By BUTCH ENERIO

THE City Government and the various colleges and universities in Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday, May 22, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a more meaningful scholarship program.

The 2018 Scholarship Code which was approved in January 8, 2018, covers a comprehensive and inclusive opportunity for the deserving and qualified students, particularly those coming from the marginalized sector, regardless of race, status and political affiliation.

The 2018 Scholarship Code, which was authored by Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba, Committee on Education chairperson, and the members of the City Council approved the code to address the education of students who showed exemplary academic records, but could not pursue higher education because of dire economic want.

Mayor Oscar Moreno said that education is foremost for a meaningful development of the city such that he pursued for the continuation of the scholarship program of the previous administration giving hope to the scholars to finish their college education.

“My administration does not adhere to the practices of traditional politicians that remove development programs started by the previous administration when in power, leaving the beneficiaries in quandary. Education is everybody’s right and that we will find more means to accommodate more deserving students in the future,” Moreno said.

The city is looking forward to increasing the number of scholars to 4,000 next school year.

“This is because we want the students, the beneficiaries of the scholarship program to enjoy the real meaning of public service under my administration. And produce top graduates,” Moreno said.

This year’s application ballooned to 2,046 students, but only 1,309 applicants were admitted to the program for this school year. And with the current scholars who are graduating this year, the total number of city scholars has increase to 1,504 or more than 100 percent increase from the previous 600 scholars.

All scholars will enjoy the privilege of full tuition and matriculation and monthly stipend. The city approved a P40-million budget for the program.

The participating schools of the scholarship program are the Cagayan de Oro College, Capitol University, Lourdes College, Pilgrim Christian College, Southern de Oro College, University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines, Xavier University and Liceo de Cagayan University.

Oro media group calls for truthful reporting

By JIGGER J. JERUSALEM

THE biggest media group in Northern Mindanao has reminded journalists to be truthful and fair in their reports to counter the proliferation of fake news in the country.

Rufino Magbanua, president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC), has urged media persons to adhere to truth-telling and observe ethical standards in reporting to avoid misinforming the public.

The COPC is celebrating the Press Freedom Week, which kicked off with a Holy Mass and motorcade on Monday, May 21, with this year’s theme “#EmbraceResponsibleJournalism.”

“We are sending a strong message to all journalists that they have the responsibility to be factual, balanced and truthful in their report in the face of false information being circulated on social media,” Magbanua said.

He said reporters must adhere to ethical reporting now more than ever so that the people will not be deceived by a slew of fake information being posted and shared online.

Magbanua emphasized that the COPC has its own code of ethics which acts as guideline for local media practitioners.

“Accuracy: We shall be guided at all times by accuracy, fairness, independence and balance, and should not deliberately mislead or misinform the public. We shall aim to disclose all known, relevant facts,” read a part of the club’s code of ethics.

The code also includes COPC’s guiding principles on the following: comment and fact, advocacy, honesty, personal interest and influence, attribution, ratification and the right of reply, privacy, discrimination, and sensitivity.

On May 22, Tuesday, a whole-day medical outreach program sponsored by Bukidnon 1st district Representative Malou Acosta-Alba will be held at the COPC, while the annual sports festival will formally open on the same day.

A forum on social media will be conducted on May 23, Wednesday. The club will also be involved in a tree-planting project on May 25, Friday.

The weeklong commemoration will close with a culmination night on May 26, Saturday. There will also be fellowship dinners in between.

The COPC, with more than a hundred members coming from the city’s quad-media practitioners, is considered as the oldest press club in the Philippines having been established on Nov. 11, 1951. It is now on its 67th year.

2,894 teachers get honoraria for election service

By PJ ORIAS

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started releasing honoraria for the 2,894 teachers who served the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in Cagayan de Oro.

City Comelec Officer Ramil Acol said the honoraria are released through cash cards which will be distributed to all the teachers who were chairpersons and members of electoral boards in various polling precincts.

As of this writing, Acol said they have released half of the cash cards and the distribution is expected to be done today, May 22.

Based on Republic Act 10756 or the Election Service Reform Act, poll workers are entitled to the corresponding honoraria: Chairperson of the Electoral Boards, P6,000; Members of Electoral Boards, P5,000; Department of Education Supervisor Official P4,000 and Support Staff P 2,000.

They are also entitled to a travel allowance of PHP 1,000 each.

However, the honoraria are not "tax-free" as requested by a group of teachers here last week.

The Comelec explained that the imposition of tax on the honoraria is not a Comelec decision, but the call of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

There has been no issued order to stop the implementation of the said BIR circular which imposed the tax on the election honoraria.

"It is still with tax but those having an annual gross income of P250,000 are tax exempt," Acol said.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in Northern Mindanao meanwhile is saddened that their call for a tax-free honorarium has fallen into deaf ears.

The teachers group said they will continue to call for tax-free honoraria and hoped it will be implemented in the next elections.

Oro booters join Ceres Cup

By JACK BIANTAN

SIX teams from Cagayan de Oro City are entered in two-day Ceres Cup football festival on May 19 to 20 at three venues in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Higala FC of coach Weng dela Rairte are joining in the Boys U12, Boys U13, Boys U15, Boys U17 and girls U16 while CdO United of coach Mario Sumampong is competing in the Boys 15.

“We have prepared for this tournament for two months. I hope we will win some titles,” said Dela Riarte.

The Higala FC players left Cagayan de Oro last Thursday and have seen action as of this writing. They will also play today.

The strong CDO United team will play today. The core of the CdO United team are players from Rosevale School and are supported by football parents of the Rosevale School led by Charlston and Menchu Dy, Jeff Cascara, Marlon Casas, Aldwin Gementiza, and Gigi Butaslac.

The team is bannered by Lyle Dy, JL Cascara, Zac Orate, John Gementiza, Ino Butaslac, Dave Mendoza, Dale Anoya, July Vicente, Luigi Awayan, Francis Mendoza, and Ivan Rosales.

CDO United is a fast rising club in Cagayan de Oro today. The Oro boys won the U15 title in the Thirsty Cup last February in Cebu City.

The 7-aside tournament on May 19 is for Mixed 9, Boys 12, Boys 14, Girls 13, Ladies 18, Boys 17 and Men’s 40 while on May 20 competition will be for Mixed 10, Boys 13, Boys 15, Girls 16, Boys 18, Ladies Open and Men’s Open.

More than 400 teams from all over the country are joining the tournament held at Ceres FC North Field, Sta. Maria Field also and Carlos Hilado Memorial College.

Ceres Cup is a project of the Ceres Football Club, the biggest professional football club in the Philippines today. It is supported by the Villacar Transport Group of Company, the biggest public transport company in the country today with almost 2,000 buses running daly nationwide.

Oro gov’t accepts some 1,494 scholars

By PJ ORIAS

THE City Government has accepted some 1,494 scholars out of the 2,406 applicants for this year's expanded scholarship program of Cagayan de Oro.

Of the 1,494, 150 of them fall under the “income-based” category while the other 1,306 fall under the “performance-based” category.

Income-based scholars are the ones who are identified as within the poverty line and only need to maintain a 75 percent grade, while the performance-based scholars need to maintain 85 percent grade to keep their scholarship program.

The city's education focal person Maria Dulce Potenciano said the scholars are chosen carefully through a difficult screening process, as they have to background check the applicants to see if they fall under the categories set.

"This year we have the highest number of city scholars because aside from the 1,306 new set of scholars, we still have existing 188 scholars," she said.

The city's expanded scholarship program includes low income families, only earning P5,000 or less per month.

The City Council said this new type of scholarship program is the first of its kind in the country as it only requires 75 percent grade requirement.

The city has allocated P60 million for the scholarship program.

DA-10 funds livestock auction market in CDO

By Recthie T. Paculba (DA/RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Livestock farmers in Cagayan de Oro City will now have a place to sell their farm animals as the Livestock Auction Market will soon rise in Barangay Mambuaya, this city.

The project is funded under the Bottoms-Up Budgeting Program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10).

A check worth P3.57 million was handed over to city government representative Hector San Juan, DVM, city agriculturist of the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO).

The check was turned over by DA-10 Administrative and Finance Division Chief Lester Jaducana in behalf of Carlene Collado, DA-10 officer-in-charge regional director.

The total cost of the project amounts to P5 million, wherein the city government's counterpart is P1.43 million.

This is intended for the construction of four buildings within the one-hectare agricultural lot, for Cattle and Pig Holding Shed, Admin Building, and the livestock auction facility.

This will be managed and operated by the City Economic Enterprise Department (CEED) in partnership with the Project Management Team.

The project is seen to provide economic opportunities for the indigenous farmers in the hinterlands and will likewise increase livestock population in the city.

'PH needs to focus on innovation to keep up with Industry 4.0'

(Claire Gigje/APB/PIA 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Philippines needs to focus on innovation to benefit from the changes driven by Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

This is one of the recommendations of the World Economic Forum (WEF) after conducting an assessment on the readiness of countries in terms of producing for the future, according to Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, assistant secretary of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Asec. Aldaba said the recent assessment report of WEF showed that Philippines has a low level of readiness for future production which they attributed to the country’s weak institutional framework, human capital, technology and innovation.

The main recommendation of the report is for the Philippines to focus its efforts on upgrading its technology, reskilling and up-skilling its workers, and innovation, she said.

Innovation, which is the animating force behind Industry 4.0, is also critical in addressing the challenges from robotics, artificial intelligence, and other new technologies.

Asec. Aldaba said competition is expected to intensify with Industry 4.0 which will drive companies and industries to engage more on innovation.

This is also the secret on how the country can sustain the strong economic growth it has been experiencing.

It was reported that the Philippine economy grew 6.4 percent from 2010 to 2017 amid economic and global uncertainty.

The economic growth was driven by the manufacturing industry led by food manufacturing, electronics and chemicals.

However, most of the country’s regional economies are still dependent to agriculture, forestry and fishery.

Manufacturing is largely concentrated in CALABARZON, followed by NCR and Central Luzon while Central Visayas and Davao are still catching up.

Asec. Aldaba said other countries have been preparing for Industry 4.0.

For instance, China has its own “Made in China 2025,” Thailand has “Thailand 4.0,” and India has “Made in India”.

The Philippines, she said, can also face the challenges and even tap the opportunities of Industry 4.0 with the right strategy.

Thus, the DTI and the Department of Science and Technology are conducting regional consultations and validation workshops to finalize the Filipinnovation and Entrepreneurship Roadmap which one of the five pillars of the Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (i3s).

Asec. Aldaba said the overall goal of the i3s strategy is to create globally competitive and innovative industries by building innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

“With this ecosystem, we will be able to upgrade and develop new industries, attract more investments, and remove the obstacles to growth.

Collaborative innovation key to industry dev’t

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Strong collaboration among government agencies, the academe, and industry stakeholders is a crucial factor to put regional industries in a better position to face the challenges in both domestic and export markets.

Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) assistant secretary for Industry and Development, said the main recommendation from the different regional consultations conducted by DTI was the building of connected, creative, and innovative communities highlighted by more research and development (R&D) collaboration; strong support of legislation in terms of policies that would strengthen R&D; integration of innovation and entrepreneurship in the education curriculum; and improving the quality and utilization of government’s shared infrastructure such as shared service facilities, Fablabs, and food innovation centers.

According to Asec. Aldaba, studies conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) have shown that there is a weak linkage between industry and academe in terms of innovation due to widespread mistrust between the university and industry communities.

“What is happening is that there are more competition than collaboration. There is also a lack of strong culture of research in universities,” she noted.

These findings, she said, somehow support the low ranking of the country in terms of innovation efforts.

The Philippines ranked 73rd in the Global Innovation Index 2017, scoring lowest in creative outputs, human capital, and market sophistication.

While the private sector is seen as a major driver of growth, the government also plays a important role particularly on the crafting and implementation of policies that will support the growth of regional industries.

“By improving our business and policy environment, we can attract more investments which are going to be the source of jobs, emerging new tech industries, as well as new products and services leading to improved productivity and competitiveness,” Aldaba said.

Close coordination among government agencies is also critical.

Aldaba said collaboration and closer coordination within government can be promoted by expanding DOST-DTI innovation memorandum of understanding to include the Department of Information and Communications Technology which has a mandate over physical innovation infrastructure; the Department of Agriculture because of the R&D support it provides to the agricultural sector; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Commission on Higher Education to grant more market-oriented research, commercialization support, and reforms in the curricula; the National Economic and Development Authority for the monitoring of innovation policy and evaluate implementation; the Department of Finance for fiscal support; and the Department of Interior and Local Government to link up with local government units.

PAL flights to Cagayan De Oro, Puerto Princesa now use Terminal 2

By Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Philippine Airlines said Thursday all flights from Manila to Cagayan de Oro and Puerto Princesa began using Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

The new terminal assignment took effect on Wednesday, PAL said in an advisory. Flights from Manila to the 2 cities used to operate from Terminal 3.

Passengers arriving in Terminal 2 can avail of transfer service if they have connecting flights in Terminal 3, the airline said.

PAL Advisory: Effective May 16, 2018 (Wednesday), all Manila – Cagayan de Oro – Manila and Manila – Puerto Princesa – Manila flights will depart from / arrive at NAIA Terminal 2. pic.twitter.com/Ur3TUOY1Wf — Jacque Manabat (@jacquemanabat) May 17, 2018

HOAs to receive livelihood program in June

(ALR/PIA 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) is set to implement the Social Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) for the livelihood applicants of the Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) from the different relocation sites of the city.

Around P2 million has been allocated as initial capital for the livelihood program of the HOAs.

Engr. Ermin Stan Pimentel, head of CHUDD, clarified that the program aims to help increase the income of families who are beneficiaries of the existing housing communities.

However, there are only six HOA’s that submitted their livelihood proposal to CHUDD and these include San Juan 1 Lapasan Homeowners Association Inc. which proposed rice trading as a livelihood; Cagayan de Oro Resettlement Socialized Housing Project 3 (CDORSHP-3) of Barangay Iponan that focuses on hollow block making; GK-Shell Calaanan, Barangay Canitoan, rug making; Bueno Oro Homeowners Association Inc. (BOHAI), rice trading; Oro Habitat Phase 2-A, rice trading; and FS Catanico Homeowners Association Inc., rice trading.

Pimentel clarified that the target number of HOAs who can avail the livelihood program is 20 and each group will be given P100,000 as capital.

Before the capital is given, the approved beneficiaries will undergo some training to understand the concepts on basic management and product development.

Doing so will aid the beneficiaries gain knowledge on how to handle their business.

CHUDD now urges other HOAs to submit their project proposal to the office of CHUDD so that their proposals will be included before the start of the program in June.

TWG starts discussions on proposed Public-Private Partnership code

By Elaine O. Ratunil (eor/CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the City Council Committee on Ways and Means sat down on May 9 to start discussions on the proposed city code on Public-Private Partnership for the People’s Initiative for Local Governments (LGU-P4).

It may be recalled that the City Council Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Councilor George Goking created the TWG to study the proposed ordinance, which contains the procedure for selecting private sector proponents for various priority projects and a contract management framework.

The TWG is headed by Assistant City Legal Officer Atty. Reymond Villablanca with Nimfa-Along Albania of the Oro Trade and Investment Promotions Center, City Budget Officer Atty. Percy G. Salazar, City Engineer Rolando Pacuribot, and Atty. Jose Sabanal.

The draft is adopted from DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2016-120, which provides the guidelines for the private sector participation in the provision of public infrastructure and social services.

The proposed code aims to provide better, affordable, and timely services to the community and ensure that these projects are feasible, affordable and bankable.

The proposed legislation was endorsed by the Committee on Planning and Development chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya.

Evacuation center to rise in Tablon

By Elaine O. Ratunil (eor/JAO/CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Cagayan de Oro will soon have a geohazards-free evacuation center.

The 18th City Council during its 82nd regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy, enacted an ordinance authorizing the City Mayor to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) covering the construction of an Evacuation Center in Barangay Tablon.

Considered as a flood and landslide prone area, Cagayan de Oro City is the recipient of the OCD project that will address immediate and quick response to multiple hazards such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.

The construction of the Evacuation Center will be funded by the National Government in the amount of P35,460,000.00 which will be released upon completion of the necessary requirements for the project.

Under the MOA, the OCD regional office shall oversee the implementation of the project and take appropriate measures to ensure that the fund transferred to DPWH is used for the intended purpose.

It shall specifically conduct regular consultation and dialogues with DPWH and the city to facilitate the resolution of implementation issues.

Moreover, it shall also conduct regular monitoring and inspection of the project.

Meanwhile, the DPWH shall act as the implementing party of the project.

It shall ensure that the evacuation center shall be implemented in areas, locations or sites that are not included in critical geo-hazard areas or no-build zone identified by the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB).

Furthermore, it shall also design and build the evacuation center to be resilient from flood, earthquake, typhoon and other extreme weather events, among others.

For its part, the city shall provide an area for the evacuation center and ensure the location to be free from geo-hazards or no build zone identified by the MGB.

Furthermore, it shall undertake the proper maintenance of the facility upon acceptance and shall include in their annual appropriation funds the cost of maintenance and operation of the completed facility.

This legislation was reviewed and favorably endorsed in the committees on police, fire and public safety, and on laws and rules respectively chaired by Councilors Romeo Calizo and Ian Mark Nacaya.

CDO turns over 4 vehicles to COCPO

(ALR/Roven Larroza/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- “Just ensure that you do your job.”

This was the challenge of City Mayor Oscar Moreno to police personnel during the turnover ceremony of the four new vehicles to Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) on May 7.

Moreno together with City Councilor Jay Roa Pascual led the simple ceremony where they handed over the three Toyota Hilux and one Isuzu Mux to COCPO through City Police Director P/SSupt Nelson Aganon.

The vehicles amounted to P6,485,200.

The three Hilux vehicles were handed over again to the station commanders of Police Station 1 Divisoria, Police Station 3 Agora, and Police Station 4 Carmen.

Moreno is hoping that the city will be the model of peace and order, along with solidarity and mutual assistance.

He also added that the police force can always count on the constant support of the city government.

Workshop on strengthening school governing councils held

  • Source: pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1007860
  • Saturday, May 12, 2018
By Lea May Caburatan (/XU Comm, PIA 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- “Ano nga ba ang isang matatag na School Governing Council (What is a stable SGC)?” asked Synergeia Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr. Milwida “Nene” Guevara during a third-level workshop on SGC development held April 27 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The workshop, called “Building Communities that will Make Education Work,” was part of a series initiated by the Synergeia Foundation in line with the Education Governance Effectiveness (EdGE) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The event was participated by representatives from the city local government unit and the Department of Education (DepEd) - Division of Cagayan de Oro City, parents, barangay officials, school heads, district supervisors, and teachers from districts Central I, East I, East II, North I, North II District, South, Southwest, West I, and West II.

The workshop centered on how the participants could strengthen their respective SGCs by translating their goals into tasks and by learning the concept of metrics and performance indicators.

They were also guided on the process of identifying problems and solutions and developing their own brand.

CDO Mayor Oscar Moreno, one of the Top 10 Education Champions in the country, also attended the event.

In his message to the participants, he said: “Marami na tayong nagawa, pero marami pang kulang. (We have done a lot, but we still lack more.) We will not stop. We know that education is very important. As we continue our journey, we thank Synergeia for being with us.”

Through his administration, Cagayan de Oro City has been awarded the Seal of Good Education Governance in April 2018.

“They [Synergeia] are here to help us, kasi nakikita nila that the community is also eager to work para sa ating mga sarili (They are here to help us, because they see that the community is also eager to work for ourselves),” Moreno said.

“We are a good partner, a good implementer, and in terms of implementation, I’m just [setting] a direction, you are the ones that will make it happen. Kayo [You all] will be the ones who will bring us to reality,” Moreno added.

Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan has been working together with Synergeia Foundation to improve access to quality education and livelihood skills in areas afflicted by conflict and poverty, particularly in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

As the social development arm of the Xavier Ateneo’s School of Education, the Arrupe Educational Center (AEC) seized the workshop as an opportunity to understand further the concerns of the community and to take an active part in the formulation and implementation of programs and projects in education.

Women coaches talk challenges, hopes for sports in Mindanao

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (jmr/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The women coaches, who are members of the Mindanao Peace Games, shared the challenges they have encountered in a seemingly male-dominated environment and their aspirations for sports development in Mindanao during a kapihan (coffee) session in April.

The group aims to empower more women into leadership positions, particularly in the field of sports.

In her talk, karate coach Jessica H Esparrago from Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan shared that stereotypes and gender norms should not prevent women athletes to excel and succeed in their chosen sport.

“Women in sports should be able to explore and develop their potentials in their chosen fields. We can achieve this by creating games focused on women athletes and events hosted or officiated by the women officials,” she said.

Esparrago continued: “Sad to say that in our society, men are being given a lot of privileges in some sports like basketball, soccer, and others. But I am happy that through the Mindanao Peace Games, women are being highlighted and serve as the prime movers of peace through sports. In the MPG, activities like Ted talks, movie nights, and media exposure are being provided.”

Esparrago is an XU Physical Education faculty member and Dan Blackbelt-holder of Japan Karate Association - Asia Pilipinas.

“I am proud to be a coach. I am a coach. I dress well during games and set myself as a role model to the athletes,” she declared.

“As a female coach, my participation in leadership summits, conventions, and seminars have empowered me to achieve my full potential as a leader. That is why together with Dr. Vincent Padilla (Xavier Ateneo Athletics Office director), we hosted this kapihan for all women coaches in the region to share our challenges and aspirations for sports in Mindanao.”

Elizabeth Jaramillo, a former national Dragon Boat player, also shared her experience at the gathering.

“Despite being poor, I was able to travel and see the world, through sports,” she said.

Jaramillo is now the coach of the basketball women team of Pilgrim Christian College (PCC) in Cagayan de Oro City.

Besides the former national Dragon Boat player, the kapihan, held on April 14, was able to gather seven leading women coaches from different fields (badminton, basketball, karatedo/arnis, and volleyball).

On behalf of the coaches, Esparrago appealed for support to advance their cause.

“As coaches, we are eager to develop further our coaching and officiating skills. There is a need for capacity-building programs and good venues for our practice sessions and games, particularly for those who are in the far-flung areas of Mindanao. We really need support from the government and private sector to strengthen our sports program in schools and barangays.”

The Mindanao Peace Games (MPG) organization is a group (founded by the athletics leaders from the three Jesuits universities of Mindanao) composed of coaches, athletes, and sports educators from private universities and colleges in Mindanao. They aim to promote peace on the second largest island of the Philippines through sports and education.

University in CDO receives 'Bamboo Grant' from United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia

(jmr/PIA10/XU Comm)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan, through its College of Arts and Sciences, has been awarded the Bamboo Grant from the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia for the project proposal entitled “A Journey Towards a New Paradigm: Transitioning from Discipline-based to Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning.”

The Bamboo Grants Program of the United Board awards grants up to US$5,000 that enable innovative educators to launch small-scale, start-up activities and pedagogical experiments to enhance whole-person education in their institutions.

Through this Bamboo Grant, Xavier Ateneo’s College of Arts and Sciences is set to conduct a two-day seminar-workshop for its faculty on May 17-18, 2018 at the AVR 1 (XU Old Library).

Prof. Leung Mei Yee, director of the University General Education of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and Prof. Tina Clemente, associate professor of the Asian Center of the University of the Philippines Diliman, will serve as resource speakers during the seminar-workshop.

Their presentations will focus on interdisciplinary teaching and learning.

Faculty mentoring also forms part of this program.

The United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia is a non-government and non-profit organization committed to education that develops the whole person – intellectually, spiritually, and ethically.

It draws strength from its Christian identity and values and its collaboration with Asian colleges and universities.

Xavier Ateneo is one of the active members of the network institutions of the United Board.

DOH-10 launches Ligtas Tigdas in Misamis Oriental

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) Region 10 launched today its Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity in Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental with a ceremonial immunization of 20 children from six to 59 months of age.

DOH Regional Director Dr. Nimfa Torrizo shared that they have intensified their campaign for this program following a measles outbreak in the country where the affected majority is in Mindanao.

She said that since February 2018 they have been conducting house-to-house immunization of measles to children less than five years old regionwide as outbreak response immunization.

But despite this, there is still a growing number of measles cases.

Based on data from Epidemiology Bureau, there are over 4,000 measles cases reported nationwide from January to March 26, 2018.

Of the total, 723 cases were laboratory confirmed with a total of 13 deaths.

Most of the confirmed cases came from Region 11 (27.73%), ARMM (21.59%), IX (14.32%), XII (10.45%) and X (10%).

Provinces in Region 10 with most cases include Lanao del Norte with one case in 2017 but rose to 17 cases in 2018.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental had a 50 percent increase of measles cases from just eight in 2017 to 16 this year.

To address sustained measles transmission, Ligtas Tigdas was launched in Northern Mindanao.

Dr. Torrizo said that they hope to reach parents, caregivers, and guardians, emphasizing the lifesaving benefits of measles vaccination.

She admit that people have mixed emotions about vaccination from DOH due to the Dengvaxia incident, but explained that this program is different and has been going on for years.

Measles vaccine is safe and has been provided by the department since 1970s and has saved millions of lives, she reiterated.

Meanwhile, Sheena Marie Conol, 27, a mother of a baby boy and a recipient of the ceremonial measles vaccination in Balingasag, shared that she is also cautious about getting vaccines for her child but explained that measles vaccination has been present for years and has proven to be effective so she is confident that her baby will be fine.

She is thankful to DOH because she is now assured of the safety of her son against measles.

The schedule of measles vaccination in Northern Mindanao is from May 9 to June 9, 2018 in all health centers in the region. (JMOR/PIA10)

271 PMA cadets visit Oro for Southern Cruise tour

By PAMELA JAY F. ORIAS

SOME 271 cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 2020 arrived on Monday, May 7, in Macabalan Port, Cagayan de Oro City, for their one-week Southern Cruise tour.

PMA spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Reynaldo Balido Jr., said Cagayan de Oro is their fourth stop, as they already toured Palawan, Zamboanga, and Davao for this year's annual training program.

Balido said the cadets will be exposed to the daily grind of police and military force in this part of the country to guide them in choosing which branch of the law enforcement unit they want to join after they graduate.

"We want them to visit these different places so that their experience is also diverse. In their visits, they will be briefed about the problems that are confronted in the area so that they will know and be ready," he said.

Balido said the cadets will also visit schools in Cagayan de Oro in an aim to invite aspiring students to enroll at the PMA.

Of the 271 cadets, 18 are from Northern Mindanao with only one female.

First Lieutenant Tere Ingente, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the cadets pay a courtesy visit at 4ID headquarters in Camp Evangelista and at the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao in Camp Alagar. They also performed a silent drill yesterday at the Pelaez Sports Center.

Ingente said the cadets will participate in tree planting activities and will get a chance to visit a center for the Marawi Internally Displaced Persons in the Municipality of Initao.

Oro creates task force to investigate drowning incident

By PAMELA JAY F. ORIAS

FOLLOWING the fatal drowning incident in the City Government-run resort over the weekend, the City Government has created a task force to investigate the death 16-year-old James Cloyd Casiño who drowned at Kagay-an Lawndale Spring Resort.

City Administrator Teddy Sabuga-a said the task force aims to conduct a thorough investigation to ferret out the circumstances behind the drowning incident.

"This, even as the City Government has already extended immediate assistance as it expressed its deepest sympathy and condolence to the bereaved family," the City Hall statement said.

The Task Force would be headed by the City Legal Office as Chair, and to be Co-Chaired by City Councilor Jay Roa-Pascual, being the chairman of the Committee on Tourism. Other members are: City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, Human Resource Management Office, City Information Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, City Budget Office and Regulatory and Complaints Board.

Casiño, a resident at Talongan in sitio Calaanan, Barangay Canitoan was incidentally found submerged underwater around 9:47 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, by an unidentified swimmer, who then immediately called the attention of lifeguards on duty: Jesus Javier, Alexis Ceasar Rosales and Lorenzo Almonte. The lifeguards were still able to perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to revive the victim.

Emergency medical assistance from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) arrived after 20 minutes, and the victim was brought to the JR Borja General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

In an interview, Sabuga-a said the investigation will determine if there were any lapses committed by the lifeguards on duty, to be able to hold them responsible for the unfortunate incident.

"There have been many drowning incidents in the resort and we have countless successful rescues too, just this one is isn't successful. So the investigation should look at the circumstances to see how we can improve more our services and prevent this unfortunate incident to happen again," he said.

An Oro Rescue team will be on standby every Saturdays and Sundays where most people are expected to come, especially that it is summer season, Sabuga-a said.

In April last year, the City Government has completed the restoration of Lawndale resort and opened it to the public, in time for summer too.

The city has spent a total of P20 million for the restoration of the spring resort where swimming competitions are usually held, with Olympic-sized pool which can be used for practice by athletes before competitions.

The resort has three pools available for adults and four pools that can be used by children.

8 cops relieved for abandoning posts

By PAMELA JAY F. ORIAS

EIGHT policemen of Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) were relieved from their duties for abandoning their posts, City Police Director Senior Superintendent Nelson Aganon said.

Cocpo spokesperson Police Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa identified the relieved cops as Police Officer 1 (PO1) Chris Lanzaderas, PO2 Lorgen Ysalina, PO3 Elnes Concha, PO1 Eldefonso Moralidad Jr., PO3 Bebelito Casing Jr., PO1 Raymung Daisog, PO1 Ramel Murro, and PO1 Alfie Tagapulot. All of whom were assigned at Police Station 2 in Cogon.

Lanzaderas will be reassigned to Police Station 7 in Bulua, while Ysalina, Casing, Daisog, and Murro to Police Station 8 in Lumbia, and Tagapulot to Police Station 10 in Barangay Cugman.

Hortillosa said the policemen, after a surprise visit of city director Aganon, were not in their assigned posts last May 1.

The city police chief yet again surprised the Cogon police with a visit on Friday morning, May 4, and warned all police personnel to be responsible at all times.

Hortillosa said Aganon also warned the rest of the station commanders to monitor or keep tabs their police personnel if they are indeed doing their duties.

Hortillosa said the city police director is also planning to transfer the 8 cops to another police office, outside of Cocpo, after elections.

Since Aganon assumed as the city police director last April 2, this is the first time that he has ordered to remove policemen.

Aganon has been vocal and in fact, it was his first order of business that policemen should report for work at dawn, ahead of most ordinary working men and women. He ordered the first shift changed from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m., saying that before people go out to the streets, police must already be there.

During his visit at the city council, Aganon also vowed to increase police visibilty to further deter crimes in communities.

Resolution meant to 'correct bad policy'

By PJ ORIAS

CITY Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya on Thursday, May 3, clarified that the resolution that was passed on Monday reaffirming the city government's support to the PhilHealth program aims to correct the "bad policy" of the then Padayon Pilipino-dominated city council.

City Council's majority floor leader Nacaya said the passed resolution was not meant to help the mayor to supposedly get away from his wrongdoings, but it was done to correct the "errors of the past.”

Nacaya said the previous city council almost zeroed the budget allocation for City Mayor Oscar Moreno's priority program.

Moreno's PhilHealth program has since enrolled some 85,000 "poorest of the poor" residents of Cagayan de Oro. In 2015, the previous council however did not allocate a budget for the city's PhilHealth program.

"Tungod sa atong resolution, kung aduna pay gipangresibohan sa PhilHealth nga wala pa nato nabayran, angayan na nga mabayaran (Under the resolution, if there are still people who were not paid but were given receipts by Philhealth, they will be paid)," Nacaya said

Nacaya added that the resolution was not illegal, insisting that the City Council s allowed to modify previous actions regardless of the members, citing that the council is a continuing organization.

If mayor Moreno indeed committed mistakes in the PhilHealth implementation, Nacaya said the resolution holds no power to correct those mistakes.

"The resolution passed was about the continuity of the program, not about the cases, we just corrected the error of the past because it was a bad policy and done in a political move," he said.

Nacaya said the city's health program also benefited city health centers and improved maternal care and delivery services.

"The question should be, why did the previous council gave zero budget to a priority program? A healthy population translates to healthy human resource, healthy economy. And the city council now is all out in supporting programs that are good for our people," he said.

The majority of the city councilors voted to pass the resolution that ratified and confirmed the city government's payment to the Philhealth premiums through the annual and supplemental budgets and executive orders issued prior to and after the approval of the said resolution.

Gan and Councilor Nadya Emano-Elipe, voted against the passage of the resolution. Gan said the resolution would mean that the City Council, in one way or another, absolved the mayor for a fault or wrongdoing, that is, paying PhilHealth premium contributions without the approval of the previous council.

Asked for comment, Moreno said Gan's allegations are "obnoxious and preposterous," and "not worth the dignity of a response."

Although the city already spent millions of pesos for the health program, Moreno said the returns for this particular investment are four times bigger.

"For this investment, our returns are at least 4 times: Philhealth payments for both health facility and medical personnel, per family payment rate, and the amount corresponding to the services to our people which are provided free because of the Philhealth enrollment," Moreno said.

Cagayan de Oro boxers shine in Mindanao finals

(BusinessMirror)

POWERHOUSE Cagayan de Oro City dominated the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-Senator Manny Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup Mindanao Finals by harvesting 10 gold and one silver medals recently at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center in Davao City.

John Paul Panuayan proved too strong for Kidapawan City’s Jan Reyan Daperan in a referee-stopped-contest verdict 25 seconds in the second round of their youth boys lightweight division clash.

John Ignatius Macas, Kim Bryan Cabrillos, John Erl Palivino, Mark Lester Durens, Jessa Lycca Caranagan, Elaide Pamisa and Dave Bryan Caspe bagged one gold medal each for the Cagayan de Oro stable.

Macas scored a unanimous 5-0 win over Jobert Paala of Sultan Kudarat in youth boys flyweight division of the tournament coorganized by the PSC and the Philippine Sports Institute.

Pamisa and Caspe pulled off walkover wins over Allysa Gleza Mae Balaba in youth girls light flyweight and Kim Delmar Macaangga of Digos City in junior boys bantamweight, respectively.

Cabrillos (junior boys light bantamweight), Palivino (junior boys flyweight), Durens (junior boys light flyweight) and Caranagan (junior girls light light flyweight) also demolished their respective opponents.

Cabrillos defeated Almar Rigor of Digos, 5-0, while Palivino beat Rhonan de la Peña of General Santos City, 5-0. Durens also clinched the gold over Rey John Apale of Digos, 5-0, as Caranagan overcame Kidapawan’s Mearyldyan Manso, 4-1.

Cagayan de Oro missed an 11th gold medal when Peter John Payla lost to Joven Paala of Sultan Kudarat in a split decision, 3-2, in a junior boys pinweight collision.

Pomolok’s (South Cotabato) Jake Sone Saludar, brother of former Asian Games champion Rey Saludar, defeated Ariel Almamento of General City, 5-0, in youth boys light flyweight.

Cagayan de Oro Coach Elmer Pamisa thanked Mayor Oscar Moreno for his all-out support to the team.

Pamisa said their boxers’ discipline in training and the support of Moreno were key to their dominance in amateur boxing in recent years. Northern Mindanao to which Cagayan de Oro belongs also emerged overall champion in the recent Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Sur.

“We won’t be as dominating if not for Mayor Moreno’s support,” said Pamisa, hoping that the city also win gold medals as the tournament progresses with the preliminary round of the national championship in Mandaluyong City on June 16 and 17.

PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, meanwhile, said the grassroots boxing program is the bridge for boxers to realize their dreams.

“I believe the first Olympic gold will come from Mindanao, and boxing plays a big part in making it happen,” said Maxey, who presented a plaque of appreciation to host Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Sports Development Division chief Michael Denton Aportadera received it on her behalf.

More than 4,000 applicants on Labor Day job fair

By PAMELA JAY F. ORIAS

A HUGE turnout of job seekers was noted in the first day of the two-day job fair sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Northern Mindanao which started on May 1 until May 2.

Mildred Dablio, Dole-Northern Mindanao information officer, said as of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, some 4,668 job applicants were registered to the job fair, while 2,424 applicants were qualified to the job position they are applying.

A total of 132 job applicants were hired on the spot.

Some 14,975 job opportunities are available for the Mega Job Fair at the Limketkai Atrium in Cagayan de Oro City. There are about 118 companies, 96 are private firms, 13 are agencies for overseas work, and 9 are government agencies that are opening their doors for job seekers.

Most of the local job vacancies offered came from construction and call center companies, while most of the overseas manpower services are needed in the United Arab Emirates and middle-east countries.

Labor militant group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), however, took a jab at the job fair, saying most of the offered jobs are still not assuring security of tenure for workers.

Records show that most of the offered job vacancies are from construction companies, and KMU spokesperson Wildon Barros said these are still considered "uncertain jobs".

Barros said construction work only has a fixed amount of time and will not be giving the worker a lifetime opportunity to earn a living.

"If the construction work is finished, what is next for them? They are once again jobless," he said.

"Same with the job offered by the military and police, not all of those who passed the exam makes it and be an official member of police and army," Barros added.

Barros lamented the continued contractualization of workers throughout the country, pointing out that 70 percent of Northern Mindanao's workforce comprise of contractuals, while only 30 percent are regular workers.

Barros cited that a food company in Cagayan de Oro who employs 7,000 people only regularized 2,000 employs, while the rest are contractuals.

"We cannot blame the workers though because they need the job so they will take what they can take," he added.

CSWD, Xavier Ateneo hold training for volunteer-teachers

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (Lea Mae N. Caburatan/XU Comm)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Arrupe Educational Center (AEC) of the School of Education (SOE) of Xavier Ateneo, in collaboration with the Cagayan de Oro City Social Welfare Department (CSWD), recently conducted a training for Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) volunteer-teachers at the XU-AVR1.

Dubbed as "Effective Early Learning Through Supervised Neighborhood Play," the training was participated by 33 SNP volunteer-teachers from various CDO barangays.

Supervised Neighborhood Play is "a home-based Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program which serves as a good alternative to day care services. SNP utilizes play and various enrichment activities in stimulating the psychosocial development of a child."

The training was aimed at equipping SNP volunteer-teachers with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes so they can be effective providers of early learning through child-centered (play-based) activities and child-rearing support for the parents.

The training was conducted by Dr. Roderick M Aguirre, co-author of the kindergarten curriculum and consultant for the ECCD program of the Philippines.

Aguirre shared that SNP program serves children as young as age one, where playing is central to their growth.

For him, children learn best through playing games, including singing, storytelling, and art activities.

He also emphasized that SNP volunteer-teachers must learn how to employ play as an activity-based technique where learners participate actively and as an opportunity for children to engage using their mental and physical processes.

During the three-day training, participants were able to create local-based stories, core word list for children, and transition songs in the mother tongue (Binisaya).

They were also given a session on creating materials for various games as well as playing techniques.

These materials for playing are commonly found at home, such as empty boxes and water bottles.

“[This is] the best training I have ever had in the field of teaching," said Aipsecel Mondelo, SNP volunteer-teacher from Upper Kiam-is, Lumbia.

"I hope that there would be more training [programs] related to this,” she added.

The event culminated with teaching demonstrations by the SNP volunteer-teachers.

Hirna launches taxi-hailing service in Oro

By PJ ORIAS

ANOTHER taxi-hailing application was launched in Cagayan de Oro on Friday, April 27, breaking the monopoly in the ride-hailing industry.

Hirna is Davao's homegrown taxi-hailing application which, unlike other apps, offers zero booking fee by tapping existing taxi fleets.

Hirna is partnering with Cagayan de Oro Taxi Operators Association (CDOTOA), which groups 40 major operators and represents over 50 percent of the city's active taxi units.

"Cagayan de Oro and Iligan are our first expansion areas outside of Davao, consolidating our market stronghold in Mindanao. Expect more cities joining the rapid growth (of the) Hirna family in the next few weeks," Francisco Coco Mauricio, Hirna president and chief executive officer, said.

"We are honored to work with the taxi operators and drivers of CDO and Iligan as our partners in serving the public. What we bring to CDO and Iligan as we begin our expansion from Davao to the rest of the country is fair competition that provides more passenger options and results in a healthy and innovative transport industry for all stakeholders," he added.

Lawyer Samuel Jardin, executive director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), said compared to its competitor, Hirna's fare matrix is the cheapest.

Jardin said this is a welcome development for the transport network services as the LTFRB continues to make sure that transportations are safe, convenient, and cheap for the public.

Hirna's business model maximizes existing taxi fleets to avoid adding to the traffic situation with new cars, he said adding, that this ensures less waiting time for commuters. Unlike other taxi-hailing app, Hirna does not charge drivers transaction fees to drivers which often eat up most of their income.

The app is also unique for offering a 24/7 customer service support to answer queries and even assist passengers with no smartphones to book a ride.

Mauricio said the app can be downloaded from both iOS App Store and Google Playstore for android phones.

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