Cagayan de Oro City News October 2012

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Cagayan de Oro City Photo Gallery

Cagayan de Oro City Realty

Philippine News

Interactive Google Satellite Map of Cagayan de Oro City
Misamis oriental cagayan de oro.png
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
Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral cagayan de oro 01.jpg
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
Cagayan de Oro City buildings.jpg
Cagayan de Oro City Buildings
Terminal bus of bulua cagayan de oro city misamis oriental.JPG
Bus Terminal, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

‘MGB-10 not doing its job’ – CDO environment group

By Cong Corrales


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 31 Oct) – Members of the local environmental group Sulog lambasted the Mines and Geosciences Bureau here for its “Pontius Pilate-like” reaction on the illegal mining lawsuit they filed against two Chinese they “caught operating a gold mining barge” in Barangay Pagalungan here last week.

City Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag thrashed the complaint on the same day, last Monday, saying that the complaint will not hold in court on the grounds of “non-participation” of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and that the complaint documents lacked the apprehension affidavit of the arresting officer.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Sulog member Edwin Dael said that prior to the operations last week, they had a closed-door meeting to iron out the raid and assess the information given to them by their informants in the area.

“In that briefing, it was clear to all of us that the mining barges that are actively operating are in Pagalungan and not in Tumpagon,” said Dael. Although he admitted that they may have committed some lapses in the filing of the case, the city prosecutor dismissed the charges against Zhong Hengyuan, 43, and He Jiancheng, 42, both residents of the People’s Republic of China.

Both Chinese, who are allegedly operating gold mining barges along Iponan River, are not only overstaying aliens but are also in the country with a tourist visa.

“When we arrived in the area, I was really surprised why Engr. (Daniel) Belderol insisted on going to Barangay Tumpagon when it was already settled that we will go to Pagalungan since our informants in the area had already confirmed the ongoing mining operations,” said Dael.

For his part, MGB Regional Director Rex Monsanto supported Dael’s claim that there was a briefing before the operation. He said Belderol is the division chief of MGB’s Mines Management Division.

“There was indeed a briefing before the operation. As to the details, Engr. Belderol could provide,” Monsanto’s text message reads. He also forwarded this reporter Belderol’s cellphone number. As of this writing, Belderol has yet to respond.

In an earlier interview, Richard Nixon Baban, chair of Sulog member Bangon Kagay-an, has said that it is unfair to blame Macauyag for junking the illegal mining case last Monday since the agency tasked to protect the environment did not step up to its mandate.

“I don’t blame (City Prosecutor Fidel) Macauyag for junking the complaint. To blame him is unfair. The problem lies with DENR’s MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau),” Baban said.

Baban has vowed to file next week administrative cases against the MGB officials for “willful dereliction of duties.”

MindaNews quoted Monsanto as saying that the DENR staff that headed the raiding team went to Tumpagon, while the police, Army and Sulog members went to Pagalungan where the two Chinese overstaying aliens were caught on the barge.

He also said that they did not plan to file a case against the illegal aliens since their staff were not in the area during the raid and arrest.

“So whose fault was that? They were not in Pagalungan because they were busy putting stickers on the abandoned barges in Tumpagon. If they were really serious in stopping the illegal mining along Iponan River, then Belderol should have divided his team so that one of his staff could have accompanied us when we arrested Zhong and He,” said Dael.

Sulog member Bob Ocio, who also joined the raid last week, said he does not blame their members for the dismissal of the illegal mining charge.

“At least, I declared a citizen’s arrest because nobody in this city does. No, we are not going to blame ourselves for trying to do a job these people never perform,” said Ocio. (Cong B. Corrales / MindaNews)






Posting of character values, landmarks to be seen in PUJs

By (Lorebeth C. Requiroso/CdeOSP/PIA10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 30 – The Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) will be holding consultation with operators of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) regarding the posting of character values that will be assigned to each route.

This, after the city council committee on public utilities chaired by Councilor Alden Bacal agreed that it is about time that the city implemented Section 116 of Ordinance No. 08551-2007, otherwise known as the Traffic Code of Cagayan de Oro.

Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya, author of the Traffic Code, requested the committee to facilitate the implementation of the ordinance, which establishes a corresponding route code for every PUJ route in the city using the descriptive virtues of a good citizen.

Nacaya said this supports the declaration of Cagayan de Oro as a City of Character under Resolution No. 4496-99 and Resolution No. 7676-2006.

“What we are trying to do is to inculcate the virtues that we would like to see in the city,” he added.

According to the councilor, PUJs can select from among the virtues listed under Resolution No 7676-2006. The resolution urges all city-based government and private institutions, organizations, associations and business establishments to adopt any of these virtues.

Nacaya believes that the move will put an end to negative branding of PUJ routes like Patag Liner to “Patay (dead)” Liner, as routes will be known by the virtues they carry.

Through this, he added, students and the public will be able to identify the routes according to the virtues adopted.

Nacaya cited that this is a step towards positive changes in the city.

“If we will not begin anything to change attitudes, wala ta maabot (we won’t achieve anything),” he cited.

The committee also tasked the RTA to consult the transport group, coordinate with the City Tourism Office and City Tourism Board relative to the posting of landmarks that each route will pass by, which is also provided for in the traffic code.

Councilor Nacaya said those plying the Cugman route can have a sticker or picture that will enable the public to know that it is where Malasag Park is located. Other routes will do the same for landmarks in their respective routes, he added.

The move will boost the city’s tourism, said Councilor Bacal as he supported its implementation.

DOE, XU launch cassava research

By (Vanessa M. Gorra/XU/PIA10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 29 -- The Department of Energy (DOE) has granted Xavier University (XU) P3.3 million for research and development on cassava as source of bioethanol.

The research project seeks to evaluate the potential of several varieties of cassava in Northern Mindanao for the development of a pilot scale cassava bioethanol plant.

“We are very hopeful that the testing will yield positive results,” said DOE Undersecretary Jose Layug during the launching of the project on Oct 24 at the XU Covered Courts. “This will be a game changer for Mindanao.”

Layug said that one of the priorities of DOE is the promotion of alternative fuels. He shared that the country still lacks 300 million liters of biofuels. The study with XU’s Agricultural Engineering Department can contribute to the country’s attempt to become energy self-sufficient, he said.

Bro Noel Cantago SJ, XU vice president for Mission and Ministry, said the research is accordant with XU’s promotion of sustainable development. He added that part of XU’s goal is to align with the thrusts of the government. “Through this project, we hope to bring more development to Northern Mindanao.”

Northern Mindanao is one of the major cassava producing regions in the Philippines. Cassava is being used for food, feeds and for other industrial activities. Ethanol is produced from the fermentation of cassava using bacteria, fungi and yeast.






CU Alumni leads ‘10,000 Trees in 10 Sundays’ project

By Clifford Jose G. Roa, Contributor


THE Capitol University Alumni Association Inc. (CU Alumni) led more than 3,000 volunteers in planting, caring and growing trees in a project called “10,000 Trees in 10 Sundays,” which started on July 29 and ended on September 30.

The tree planting activity was held at the Balubal Tree Park in Barangay Balubal, located in the western part of the second district of Cagayan de Oro City, approximately 25 kilometers from the city proper.

“The ‘10K Project’ actually supports Executive Order No. 26 or the National Greening Program which aims to plant some 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares for a period of six years from 2011 to 2016. The programs seek to mobilize students identified by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education who shall be individually required to plant a minimum of 10 seedlings per year,” said Vernie Santi Pimentel, a board of director of CU Alumni.

Dr. Elizabeth Figueroa, the dean of the CU College of Business Administration who encouraged more than three hundred of her students, alumni and faculty, added that such activity also supports Republic Act (RA) 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007.

RA 9418 aims to inculcate volunteerism as a way of life in every Filipino and rekindle the time-honored tradition of bayanihan to foster social justice, solidarity and sustainable development.

Every Sunday, volunteers would always ask, “Why 10,000 trees and why 10 Sundays?”

“Ten thousand trees refer to the combined objective of planting, caring and growing the previously planted seedlings or those planted in the last three months and planting new seedlings in that area,” said Dr. Myrna Garde, another member of the CU Alumni Board.

Professor Ferdinand “Bong” Paurom said that though Sunday is reserved as rest and family day, this is a very appropriate time for students and workers so as not to disrupt their classes and work duties.

“If the volunteer can start planting at exactly 7:00 a.m., we can finish the activity at 10:00 a.m.,” he added.

The CU Alumni initiated this project but participation is not limited to alumni members only.

“We encourage participation from all groups, offices, student and campus associations, professional sector and civic or humanitarian organizations,” said Engr. Noli dela Rita.

Dela Rita even invited his High School Batch 1980.

Proof of participation from other schools and sectors was the involvement of selected staff of Cagayan de Oro Medical Center and faculty, students from Philippine Southfield School and members of the Rotaract Cagayan de Oro Clubs.

The local government unit of Balubal, headed by Captain Pablo Bactong, passed a resolution converting the planting area, a 2.5-hactare rolling and plane land, into a “Man-Made Tree Park.”

The Balubal Senior Citizens office was tasked to prevent the locals from building houses and cattle from grazing the planted materials.

In addition, every Sunday, Mr. Merlito Clavejo of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) guides the volunteers to make sure that the cropping, weeding and planting are performed well.

Alumni board directors Dr. Romeo Minoza and Second Mate Manuel Suganob brought the most number of volunteers from the College of Maritime Education and did the hardest tasks of preparing holes using digging bars and garden bolos.

Trees like shades, hardwood (teakwood, narra, mahogany, etc.) and fruit-bearing (like mango, jackfruit, marang, etc.) can be planted, cared and grown. A one-meter-by-one-meter distance is applied for shade trees and two-meter-by-two-meter for fruit-bearing trees.

Dr. Nanette Cano, the dean of CU College of Criminology, led one Sunday at least 400 volunteers for the tree-caring process wherein they made sure that the month-old trees survived by watering, clearing its perimeter and weeding out grass and herbs.

Clenro, thru the leadership and initiative of village chief Bactong, provided the seedlings for free thus the local government unit of Balubal is maintaining a sustainable supply thru its local nursery.

However, volunteers and their organizations may donate a minimum amount for each seedling as a way of helping and sustaining the supply.

Parents, pupils and faculty members of the Capitol University Basic Education Department led by its principal, Dr. Amor de Torres, also led the planting of the flaglets to identify the seedlings actually planted, cared and grown.

The CU National Services Training Program (NSTP) led by its director, Ms. Amor Mendoza, also helped in briefing the volunteers.

Louella Yap-Bout and Lorimar Sabellina, president of CU Red Cross Youth and Chair of the CDO Red Cross Youth Council, respectively, provided the supplemental first-aid support in addition to the Philippine Red Cross-Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro Chapter-provided ambulance in case of emergency.

The CU Alumni Batches who participated thrice or more Sundays were CCC High School Batch 1979, 1980, 1990, 1992, 1994 and Drum and Bugle Alumni Association.

This is the second tree planting activity initiated by the CU Alumni. The first initiative was held in May 2012 in partnership with the Philippine Nurses Association-Misamis Oriental Chapter wherein 100 Narra and Mahogany seedlings were planted along the riverbanks of Barangay Consolacion.

‘Sendong’ memorial opens in Oro

By Abigail C. Malalis and Nicole J. Managbanag


A MEMORIAL in honor of those who perished from “Sendong” last year was inaugurated inside Golden Haven Memorial Park in Barangay Bulua Thursday morning.

The blessing of the marker was led by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma together with Senator Manny Villar and his wife Cynthia.

The Villar couple owns the firm that develops Golden Haven Memorial Park.

The marker, bearing the names of those who were identified and confirmed dead, consists of 13 pillars with its base made of black granite and travertine. It occupies an area of around 716 square meters accented by a water fountain.


CAGAYAN de Oro Archbishop Anthonio Ledesma blesses the Sendong Memorial during Thursday’s inauguration. (Joey P. Nacalaban) It has a dedication that reads: “In loving remembrance of those affected by Tropical Storm Sendong that ravaged Cagayan de Oro on December 17, 2012: Those who perished and those that they left behind, the unsung heroes who risked their lives so others may live and those who generously gave so much that others may start a life anew. May pain and loss be not in vain and serve as a reminder to everyone to care for nature so that She may continue to nurture us. May the Lord help us all.”

The marker was donated by Villar Foundation and will be opened to the public on All Saints’ and All Souls’ days next week.

“The marker will stand as a tribute to the lives of those we lost during Sendong,” said Ms. Villar, who sits as the foundation’s chairperson.

She said the memorial will stand as a lasting tribute -- not to the death -- but to the lives of those whom they have lost, as well as to the people who have helped the city recover.

“This is to remind us that we should take care of the environment to prevent disasters in the future,” Ms. Villar said.

She claimed that Sendong was one of the worst natural calamities that ever hit Mindanao and one of the deadliest typhoons to hit the country in the last 12 years.

“Sendong, which many say was caused by climate change and deforestation, shows the pressing need for Filipinos to protect the environment. May this memorial would also serve as a reminder of the bitter lessons learned from the tragedy, particularly those concerning environment,” Ms. Villar said.

She assured that through the Villar Foundation, they would continue to help the survivors and families of the victims.

The Foundation is involved in various environmental-related projects particularly its flagship program “Sagip Ilog” that has won numerous international awards, including the United Nations Best Water Management award last year.

Thursday’s inauguration was attended by hundreds of ‘Sendong’ survivors, local government officials, members of rescue groups, religious groups, the academe and benefactors who have helped the victims.

DENR calls for LGUs action in solid waste management

By Jorie C. Valcorza


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- Most local government units in Northern Mindanao have not completed and submitted their 10-year solid waste management plan.

Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) region 10 solid waste management (SWM) coordinator Dovee Cherry I. Geollegue said as of July, only 21 local government units (LGUs) have submitted their SWM plans out of the 84 municipalities from the entire region.

She however admits that some of the plans have actually not reached their office as it was forwarded directly to the provincial governments.

Geollegue explained that prior to the formulation of the plan, LGUs must, however, organized or reconstituted the Municipal/City Solid Waste Management Board and the Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee, as well as, undertake the waste assessment and characterization (WACS).

She urged local officials not to hesitate in submitting status reports, as this will aid the agency in identifying what technical assistance to extend.

She added that if LGUs, sustain good SWM practices the more likely they would also avail of financial assistance to fund their SWM plans.

The SWM plan is in compliance to the provision of Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid waste Management Act which requires LGUs to come up with their respective solid waste management plans as a framework for continuity and direction.

RA 9003 prohibits the operation of open dumping and orders its conversion into controlled dumps for at least five years.

To date, all 5 provinces, 9 cities, 84 municipalities and 2,020 barangays in the region have established their respective solid waste management board but only few remains functional. (JCV/PIA 10)

DOE grants to fund research P3.3M XU

By Jorie C. Valcorza


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA) - The Department of Energy (DOE) has granted a P3.3 million research fund to Xavier University College of Agriculture (XUCA) for the cassava bioethanol project. DOE's Director for the Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), Mario C. Marasigan turned over the check to XUCA Dean Roel Ravanera. The collaborative research undertaking bioethanol intends to evaluate the potential of the different cassava varieties grown here in the region, as well as, developed a pilot scale plant for bioethanol production and utilization village level. Project leader, Engr. Fred Caesar Ynion specifically explained that the study intends to determine the bioethanol yield of the different cassava varieties as affected by agronomic Conditions and different enzyme activities. It likewise sets to utilize and evaluate the bioethanol production of cassava peelings and pulp. Xavier University Vice President Br . Noel B. Cantago DOE officials assured that the university will deliver what is expected from the project, adding that XU has always been exerting effort to promote clean environment and sustainable development. DOE Undersecretary Jose M. Layug, meanwhile, is hopeful that the project would Further the country's attempt to Become self sufficient in bioethanol production. "This could be a name changer for Mindanao, becoming the top bioethanol Producing region," he said pointing on maximizing the use charge for cassava farms . Layug bares that the country is only Producing around 100 million liters of bioethanol, when it needs 400 million liters. To bridge the gap, he added that the government is also enticing foreign investors into bioethanol production, showing potential plant sites and called on the university's cooperation on this. (JCV/PIA10)







SC establishes Contact Center ng Bayan

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has established a new avenue for lodging complaints in support of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA).

Known as the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), the new link was instituted to be the government’s main helpdesk where the public can express their concerns, complaints, feedback and recommendations on the quality of government frontline service delivery.

Lourdes Clavite-Vidal, regional director of CSC in Northern Mindanao, said the CCB is made available through telephone number 1-6565 and accessible through PLDT, SMART and Digital lines nationwide from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..

She said it is a ‘call facility’ with a charge of P5.00 per call plus value-added tax.

For its initial implementation, six agencies have interconnected their respective call centers to the CCB to provide information on the services and policies specific to each agency.

These agencies are the CSC, the National Computer Center, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the Department of Health for non-emergency concerns only, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The CSC is also enjoining all government agencies and offices, local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations, and state colleges and universities to support the CCB by posting the CCB 1-6565 tarpaulin in a conspicuous place in their respective offices.

Vidal said the design of the tarpaulin and the CCB Primer can be downloaded from the CSC website at www.csc.gov.ph.

Other information about the CCB can also be accessed through the CCB website at www.contactcenterbayan.gov.ph, she added. (APB/PIA-10)







Palace to leftist groups: Don't be ignorant of libel law

By Delon Porcalla


MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday advised leftist groups like Anakbayan not to be ignorant of the country’s laws on libel, as it shot down insinuations that the arrest of an anti-mining activist in Cagayan de Oro was related to the suspended Cybercrime Prevention Act.

“Let me tell Anakbayan, please don’t be ignorant of the issues. Yes, first, you’re entitled to your opinion but you are not entitled to your facts,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the wake of reports that a certain Esperlita Garcia was arrested for allegedly posting a libelous remark about a mining issue in Cagayan de Oro.

Garcia is president of Gonzaga Alliance for Environmental Protection and Preservation, network-member of the Federation of Environmental Advocates in Cagayan province and the national alliance pushing for mining policy reforms, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM).

She is also a member of the board of trustees of Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance Inc. (SSMNA Inc.) Both ATM and SSMNA Inc. are members of Green Convergence.

Garcia posted in her Facebook page the destructive black sand mining in Gonzaga municipality and the local authorities’ unbecoming behavior in dealing with those who oppose mining.

Lacierda, a lawyer by profession, explained that the cybercrime law – subject of a 120-day temporary restraining order of the Supreme Court (until January 2013) – cannot be the basis of Garcia’s arrest and subsequent alleged indictment.

“The basis for the arrest was not the cybercrime protection act which we all know has been restrained by the SC. The case stemmed from a libel case filed by the mayor,” he clarified.

It puzzles him, however, why the fiscal who found probable cause and filed the case in court, and the judge who issued the warrant for Garcia’s arrest, could have used as basis Republic Act 10175.

“As to why it was able to pass and the judge was able to issue a warrant of arrest in spite of a SC decision and the issue of publication when it comes to libel online, that’s something that the courts and also the fiscal would have to answer to,” Lacierda said.

“As to how the fiscal handling this particular case was able to file a case against the anti-mining activist, that’s something that I myself, as a lawyer, am wondering (about),” the spokesman pointed out.

Lacierda was emphatic that it was libel under the current Revised Penal Code that dealt with publications, especially since the bail set was only P10,000 as against cybercrime’s higher penalty provision. With Rhodina Villanueva

Mayor warns stiffer penalties for erring mining firms

By Nicole J. Managbanag


CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano on Monday warned mining operators to strictly comply with the cease and desist order he issued last Thursday against the stoppage of all mining operations in the city.

Emano said if these mining operators will not heed his order, they will face stiffer penalties.

“Mining operators who have been operating without my permission must give in to my order and to follow the demand of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other agencies,” he told Sun.Star.

Last Friday, representatives from the DENR, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and other agencies conducted a surprise visit on a mining company identified as Oikus Trading Services operating in Barangay Dansolihon.

The visit was in response to a complaint by a resident who claimed that his “boundary lot was affected by the company’s operations.”

Based on investigation, the company was given a special permit for exploration only.

However, it was believed that the company is operating in “large scale” as shown by the presence of heavy equipment inside the exploration area during the surprise inspection.

The company’s security guard at the site said they have already stopped operating one week ago.

But due to the “fresh traces of mining operation,” Emano ordered the company to stop its operation.

However, it was learned that the company continues to operate.

“If the company will not heed to my order, I will be forced to have them arrested. And they will face much stiffer penalties,” Emano said.

The mayor said he will send back the DENR team for another round of inspection.

“I will not tolerate miners in the city,” Emano said.







Defense Band: New tool vs dengue

By Nicole J. Managbanag


DEATH comes like a thief in the night. But after it comes a new dawn of hope, giving inspiration to someone to appreciate life more.

Just like the death of an eight-year-old girl who succumbed to dengue. American singer and composer Monte Carl Luttrell made her death as a turning point in making earnest campaign against dengue. He invented a perfect tool that would prevent a person from getting infected with the deadly disease.

Luttrell, popularly known as Ghetto White, has been traveling from his hometown in California to Cagayan de Oro for the past four years to share his talent in music and give his album to those who care to listen to his compositions -- for free.

But his direction in life changed after learning of the eight-year-old girl’s death, which haunted him until now. He made some research, partnered with friends and established a company that manufactures and sells Dengue Defense Band at a very affordable price.

Luttrell says he could still vividly recall the image of the little girl who always go with her mother and greet him every morning. They were his neighbors in Sitio Macanhan, Barangay Carmen in Cagayan de Oro where he lived.

He says he looks forward to the little girl’s greetings every morning.

But one morning, Luttrell says he only hears the mother greeting him. Curious, he asked for the girl’s whereabouts.

He says his heart sank and felt helpless after learning that the child died of dengue.

Luttrell says he returned to California, bringing along that sad memories, and studied everything about mosquitoes. He wanted to help save lives.

After a year of learning the lifestyle and the kind of mosquitoes that killed the little girl, he started studying repellants. He used his expertise as a chemist.

Luttrell admits he was once a multi-million dollar drug lord and was in federal prison for 17 years.

He says if he can perfectly create drugs that can destroy life, then he can create his own version of a repellant that can save life.

Having formulated the perfect ingredients for his repellant, Luttrell went to China to finalize the product and package it through the help of his partners, Peter and MJ.

Luttrell says the Dengue Defense Band has three ingredients with citronella as the main component that would provide an invisible shield against mosquitoes that carry dengue up to one meter and up to 240 hours.

He considers the product “a perfect band” with 99 percent effectiveness to fight against dengue, based on feedbacks from clients.

The Dengue Defense Band, according to him, is waterproof and safe even for newborns. It can be worn in the wrist or ankle.

“It is very unique compared to repellant lotions because you only have to wear it,” Luttrell says.

He says they are now saturating Cagayan de Oro and hope to expand to other cities and perhaps, the whole Philippines, to market the band “not for income but to help save lives.”

“I have done my part now. My mission has completed. Even if I die tomorrow, I am assured that my partners will continue my advocacy against dengue,” Luttrell says.

He hopes Filipinos will also do their share in fighting for dengue so that no more life of a child would be put to waste.






CDO coalition mulls Writ of Kalikasan

By Cong Corrales


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/ 20 October)—A non-government organization here has threatened to file a Writ of Kalikasan against the city government if it will not do something against the rampant illegal mining activities in the hinterlands of the city.

Orlando Ravanera, chair of the environment coalition Sulog, said they will give the city government “ a last chance” to do something about the unabated mining in the area, otherwise a petition for a writ will be filed against officials.

A Writ of Kalikasan is a legal relief that provides for the protection of one’s right to “a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” as enshrined in Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. It is the environmental counterpart of the Writ of Amparo.

In mulling the filing of a writ, Ravanera said that people should have learned hard lessons from tropical storm Sendong, the worst calamity that hit the city in decades.

“We should stop the bleeding of the earth and it is our responsibility to hold government to do their role in protecting its people from another man-made devastation,” said Ravanera.

He noted that it has been 10 months since Sendong (international codename: Washi) struck but the city government has yet to implement any serious preventive measures to assure the residents that a similar catastrophe won’t happen again.

In this city alone, Sendong claimed at least a thousand lives and a thousand more missing until now, feared to have been dead. The estimated damage to properties was pegged at P1.6 billion. The floods affected 1,144,229 individuals and swept 14,883 houses.

“We should act and not just wait for government’s delayed action in the defense of nature and for the survival of its people. The principle that we will follow is that the welfare of the people is the supreme law,” said Ravanera.

He added that no matter how painful it is for the survivors of Sendong, it is imperative that “we revisit and study what went wrong” and that people should be held accountable. (Cong B. Corrales/MindaNews)

Council impatient on slow probe into bombing

By Nicole J. Managbanag


A WEEK after a bomb exploded in Cagayan de Oro, the City Council is now reportedly starting to get impatient with the slow pace of investigation.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chair of the City Council committee on police, fire and public safety, said investigating team from the Philippine National Police (PNP) has not yet provided them with “concrete resolution of the case.”

Nacaya chided the PNP for acting slow on the case.

“What took them so long to provide us with updates? Time is running out and we cannot afford to allow the suspects to be still at large,” he said.

Earlier, officials of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), PNP regional office and the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) admitted during a session at the City Council that they lack an image viewer that would identify clearly the suspects captured at the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera of Maxandrea Hotel.

PNP-Northern Mindanao Director Gil J. Hitosis said they already have a lead on the suspects but they still need the image viewer for verification.

Nacaya, however, finds it hard to accept Hitosis’s reasoning.

“The PNP is a large organization and some of its offices have available image viewer that can be used to identify the three suspects seen at the CCTV camera of the hotel. I don’t think it will take more time to identify the suspects,” he said.

Nacaya said he will make a special report in next week’s regular session if police authorities will not speed up their investigation.

Last October 11, an explosive improvise device (EID) blew off near Maxandrea Hotel in J.R. Borja St., killing two civilians and wounding two policemen.

The hotel’s CCTV showed that three suspects left the cellophane with the bomb beside the hotel.

Later, around 7:30 a.m., another EID was discovered under the vehicle of local television network GMA.

Composite team from the police bomb squad and the Philippine Army 4th Infantry Division's explosive and ordnance division later detonated the bomb.

With this, the City Council recently adopted a resolution “condemning in the strongest possible term” the bombing incident.

Local legislators unanimously agreed to urge the PNP and other law enforcement agencies to exhaust all means to “bring to bar of justice the perpetrators of the crime.”






ECC, mining permits in Oro ordered cancelled

By Abigail C. Malalis


CAGAYAN DE ORO – The new regional director of the Environment department in Northern Mindanao has ordered for the cancellation of all environmental compliance certificates (ECC) and permits issued to different sand and gravel concessionaires in this city.

Ruth Tawantawan, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional director for Northern Mindanao, issued the order after discussing the problem in a dialogue with members of environment group Sulog on Wednesday morning regarding the unabated illegal mining activities along Iponan River.

The DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) had earlier issued ECCs to at least 20 sand and gravel concessionaires allowing them to operate along Iponan River.

Tawantawan said there must be a “stoppage” of any mining activities in these areas.

The dialogue came as a result of the 1st People’s Mining Summit held last October 6, which Sulog organized in the hope to seek for answers to the mining issues presented.

During the summit, it was revealed that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) knew all along about the continued mining activities in Iponan.

Earlier, City Mayor Vicente Emano issued an executive order prohibiting all barges operating along Iponan River that were believed to be doing “dredging.”

Acting on Emano’s order, the MGB later conducted a survey and padlocked the barges.

However, members of Sulog conducted an aerial survey on September 21 and discovered that six barges continued operating in the area.

The barges are reportedly “just a front for gold and mineral extraction,” and not dredging.

Orlando Ravanera, chairman of Sulog who is also the regional director of the Cooperative Development Authority, challenged the DENR officials to enforce the rule of law.

MGB regional director Rex Monsanto said he is determined to act on the orders of the DENR regional director.

Barangay Iponan was one of the areas in Cagayan de Oro that was affected by Tropical Storm Sendong in December 2011.

Tropical Storm Sendong caught thousands of residents living along the Cagayan and Iponan Rivers by surprise when heavy rains caused floodwaters to rise quickly and submerge houses, resulting in massive devastation and casualties.(Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Sunnex)






IPs support Bangsamoro framework deal

By Bong D. Fabe


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Indigenous peoples in Mindanao have thrown their support behind the recently signed Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB), as the former head of the Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue (ECID) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged unity among all communities in Mindanao for peace to bloom on the island.

“We IPs [indigenous peoples] are supportive of this agreement that will usher peace in our homeland and benefit all,” said Victorino “Datu Migketay” Saway of the Talaandig tribe of Lantapan, Bukidnon.

Saway— a member of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC), a grassroots network of indigenous peoples, Bangsamoro and Christian communities and leaders with their common vision for peace in Mindanao—said the FAB is a positive development for all IPs in the biggest island in the country as it “expanded the IPs’ vision of a genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao.”

The FAB, signed last Monday, “signals the start of trust of our Moro brothers and sisters in our government. For our Moro fellows, congratulations and mabuhay to our government for addressing peace in the south,” he said.

Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, former head of CBCP-ECID and a very active member of the Bishops-Ulama Forum (BUF), said that genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao will not automatically come after last Monday’s signing of the FAB.

“We have to work now in the grassroots for peace building and reconciliation,” he said, reiterating his earlier statements that the FAB is just “the beginning of the transformation of the whole Mindanao towards a culture of peace.”

Ledesma, prime mover of the Interfaith Forum for Peace, Harmony and Solidarity based here, said that sincerity to attain genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao from both government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is needed more than ever since the “roadmap to peace” has already been signed.

He said the FAB is just “part of the whole process to attain unity and solidarity” between and among the IPs, Bangsamoro and Christian settlers in Mindanao.

Saway said the tri-peoples of Mindanao have already reaffirmed their kinship, thus they are united and solid behind the FAB.

Last March 8, at least 18 IP tribes and 13 Bangsamoro tribes came together in Sungko, Lantapan, Bukidnon to perform the “Reaffirmation of Kinship” ritual, last done 492 years ago.

The ritual reaffirmed their shared ancestry and all those who attended, including Christian settlers and visitors who witnessed the historic event, vowed to respect and protect each other.

The reaffirmation of kinship by the descendants of the brothers Apu Mamalu and Apu Tabunaway was witnessed by representatives of various government agencies, the MILF peace panel members and the international community.

The last time the ritual took place was in 1520 in Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon, a year before the “discovery” of the Philippine islands by Ferdinand Magellan, the Anglicized name of Fernando de Magallanes.

Part of the ritual was the signing of a covenant on the observation of the Five Pillars of Kinship: mutual recognition and respect (kilalaha), mutual sharing of information (sayuda), cooperation (buliga), mutual protection and preservation of life (ˆ), and mutual obligation to help the needy (pagbatunbatuna). A marker commemorating the historic event was unveiled at the grounds of the School of Living Traditions of the Talaandig tribe.

“This event gives us the opportunity to remind us that we are one people, we have one goal and our struggle is also one,” said Abhoud Syed Lingga, a member of the MILF peace negotiating panel. “This is a very significant event because we also have a common problem regarding our land. And this will bind us together to preserve whatever remains of our homeland, our culture, political power and economic resources.”

Historically, the Islamized and non-Islamized natives of Mindanao are all “descended from Apu Agbibilin and Bae Ginamayung,” said Talaandig tribal chieftain, Adolino “Datu Makapukaw Kinulintang” Saway, elder brother of Datu Migketay.

Because of this reaffirmation of their kinship, the younger but more famous Saway said the IPs will no longer pursue their assertion to be represented in both peace negotiating panels.

The Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP), meanwhile, urged everyone in Mindanao to support the FAB.

“The peace talks have been an important, integral part of our social agenda for the past many years, and before us now stands the most crucial moment in our joint concern and unrelenting effort. Peace is in our hands, as we often say,” the IRSMP said in a statement.

In Photo: Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, left member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace negotiating panel, and Talaandig tribal leader Victorino “Datu Migketay” Saway shake hands before exchanging bolos on March 8, during the Reaffirmation of Kinship Ritual in Sungko, Lantapan, Bukidnon. (Bong D. Fabe)

LTO to standardize motor vehicle license plates

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to standardize the license plate design of all motor vehicles in the country starting January next year.

Simeon C. Gorra, LTO-Cagayan de Oro Chief Transportation Registration Officer disclosed this during the public consultation on motor vehicle license plates standardization program held yesterday at N Hotel, this city.

Gorra said all motor vehicles shall be required to change its license plates with the new plate design upon the renewal of its registration and every five year thereafter under the standardization program.

He, however, emphasized that motor vehicles will retain their plate numbers and only the plate design will be changed.

Gorra said the license plate standardization program is designed to improve the motor vehicle registration database system, facilitate vehicle identification, and enhance law enforcement, among others.

It will also help in preventing the proliferation of fake and tampered license plates, as well as, the illegal and indiscriminate transferring of plates.

He added the standardized plates will have enhanced security features such as bar code containing the vehicle’s plate number, chassis and engine numbers, serial number of the permanent plate locks and third plate sticker.

As added features, Gorra said the bottom portion of the standardized plates will also contain the region where the vehicle was initially registered for private vehicles, the name of agency for government vehicles, the franchised route for public utility vehicles, and the port of origin for other exempt vehicles.

He also stressed that only authorized LTO personnel are allowed to attach the replacement plates to the motor vehicles.

The standardized plate will cost P450 for motor vehicles and P120 for motorcycles.

Failure to replace plates once the program will be implemented shall be tantamount to operating or driving a vehicle which is unregistered or with invalid registration.

Gorra also disclosed that the issuance of commemorative plates will no longer be allowed upon the implementation of the standardization program. Existing commemorative plates will be allowed only until their respective expiration dates without further extension, he added. (APB/PIA-10)

Life imprisonment for rice hoarders proposed

By philstar.com


MANILA, Philippines - To ensure the nation’s food security and prevent future artificial rice shortage, a lawmaker insists that the act of rice hoarding and profiteering be declared as a crime of economic sabotage.

“The State must ensure food security/sufficiency to meet the needs of the people and should penalize hoarding and profiteering especially in time of disasters and calamities,” Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Abante Mindanao Party-list Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. declared.

The Cagayan de Oro City lawmaker proposes under HB 2733, referred to and under consideration by the House Committee on Justice, that rice hoarding and profiteering be declared a crime of economic sabotage to be penalized by life imprisonment and a fine of P100,000.

As food staple, rice dominates the diet of roughly half the world’s population, most of them poor, the authors noted.

“Ironically for us, the Philippines has 14 million hectares of agricultural lands, yet we still import rice. There were times we experienced rice shortage because of rising fuel prices, flooding due to climate change, development of farmlands for homes and even gold courses, reduced global stocks, rising affluence throughout Asia and Africa and pest outbreak in Vietnam, the world’s second largest rice exporters after Thailand,” they said.

To aggravate the situation, Rodriguez said rice farmers and traders, taking advantage of the situation, are hoarding rice.

“It is just timely not to wait until another rice shortage hits the country, whether artificial or not, for government to move and act to prevent such food crisis affecting mostly poor families that can’t afford the rising prices,” the authors added.

Downriver Challenge

By Mike U. Crismundo


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — All is set for a three-day 2012 October Rush Open Downriver Challenge at this region’s frontier and capital city of Northern Mindanao next week.

Paddling enthusiasts from all over the country, especially here in Mindanao are expected to converge here to participate in this prestigious outdoor giggle-thriller events of this year in this city.

Organizers said that the activity aims to bring back the essence of paddling as an official sport of Cagayan de Oro, to unify outdoor and paddling enthusiasts. This will showcase and promote the city by making it an annual event.

This river rafting challenge is being spearheaded by the Whitewater Junkies, an organization of river-guides who want to keep the legacy of the river of Cagayan de Oro alive.

Local and international tourists who are outdoor paddling sports enthusiasts and residents, 15 to 40 years old can select among the three disciplines: the Sprint, Head-to-Head (H2H) and Downriver challenge.

The sprint and head-to-head challenges will be held at the put-in of the lower section of the Cagayan de Oro River passing through two major rapids of class II and III, while the Downriver Challenge will be held at the put-in of the middle section down to the put-in of the lower section passing through nine major rapids of class II and III.

Meanwhile, the city council of Cagayan de Oro has endorsed the October Rush Downriver Challenge slated on October 26 to 28, this year.

At the regular session last week presided over by Councilor Ramon G. Tabor, the 16th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas adopted a resolution endorsing and supporting the activity, which will take place at the lower and middle section of the Cagayan de Oro River.






In Cagayan de Oro, SC ruling on premature campaigns has opened gates to... premature campaigns

By InterAksyon.com


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The regional director of the Commission on Elections in Northern Mindanao is expressing apprehension over a Supreme Court (SC) ruling seen to relax the rules on premature campaigning.

While acknowledging that they have no choice over the matter, Comelec regional director Mindanao Renato Magbutay said he fears the SC ruling is disadvantageous to candidates with less financial resources and limited political machineries.

Because the SC has spoken, Magbutay said the Comelec would not be able to do anything about the problem as of the moment. "They (poorer candidates) are at a disadvantageous position with this ruling. The candidates with the most funds will edge out the others in their campaigns," he said.

Magbutay was referring to the Sept. 11, 2009, SC ruling (Penera v. Comelec, G.R. No. 181613) that granted Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte Mayor Rosalinda Penera's motion for reconsideration to continue as local chief executive, and which overturned a Comelec en banc decision that had disqualified her on the grounds of premature campaigning in 2007.

The Comelec had disqualified Penera for staging a motorcade around her town a day before the start of the 2007 campaign period.

But the High Tribunal ruled in 2009: "Indeed, there is no 'election campaign' or 'partisan political activity' designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates to public office simply because there is no 'candidate' to speak of prior to the start of the campaign period. Therefore, despite the filing of her certificate of candidacy, the law does not consider Penera a candidate at the time of the questioned motorcade."

Magbutay said the ruling has opened the gates to a lot of premature campaigning, particularly by more moneyed candidates.

Advertisements, seen to be political and widely perceived to be premature campaigning, have started appearing on local TV shows and newspapers and heard on local radio stations. Politicians have also started flooding the city with tarpaulins with their faces on it.

Of the seven mayoral candidates Cagayan de Oro City, only two are considered the major contenders -Mayor Vicente Emano and Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno. A third candidate, businessman Elmer Francisco, is seen by some as a dark horse.

Teddy Sabuga-a, one of Moreno's campaign leaders, said his group would not take advantage of the SC ruling.

"We would never and will not allow our people to go down the level of those who employ dirty politics," Sabuga-a said.

For his part, Francisco called on candidates to set the standards higher.

"We have to change the way we do things in Cagayan de Oro. If we do what traditional politicians do, what would make us different from them?" Francisco said. "I'm not saying that they’re bad. According to Comelec, they can’t do anything about it. But it's unethical."

ruled in 2009: "Indeed, there is no 'election campaign' or 'partisan political activity' designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates to public office simply because there is no 'candidate' to speak of prior to the start of the campaign period. Therefore, despite the filing of her certificate of candidacy, the law does not consider Penera a candidate at the time of the questioned motorcade."

Magbutay said the ruling has opened the gates to a lot of premature campaigning, particularly by more moneyed candidates.

Advertisements, seen to be political and widely perceived to be premature campaigning, have started appearing on local TV shows and newspapers and heard on local radio stations. Politicians have also started flooding the city with tarpaulins with their faces on it.

Of the seven mayoral candidates Cagayan de Oro City, only two are considered the major contenders -Mayor Vicente Emano and Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno. A third candidate, businessman Elmer Francisco, is seen by some as a dark horse.

Teddy Sabuga-a, one of Moreno's campaign leaders, said his group would not take advantage of the SC ruling.

"We would never and will not allow our people to go down the level of those who employ dirty politics," Sabuga-a said.

For his part, Francisco called on candidates to set the standards higher.

"We have to change the way we do things in Cagayan de Oro. If we do what traditional politicians do, what would make us different from them?" Francisco said. "I'm not saying that they’re bad. According to Comelec, they can’t do anything about it. But it's unethical."

Police can’t say yet who was behind CDO bombing

By Cai Panlilio, Bobby Lagsa

Inquirer Mindanao


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—Police authorities here said Thursday’s bomb explosion outside a hotel in the city’s Cogon area that killed two people and injured two police officers should not be tied immediately to the framework agreement between the government and Moro rebels. Representative Rufus Rodriguez said earlier there was speculation the bombing was the handiwork of factions unhappy with the agreement. But Chief Superintendent Gil Hitosis, Northern Mindanao police chief, said people should stop speculating because it was not helping the investigation. Hitosis said the authorities still faced a blank wall with respect to the identities and motive of three men suspected to have planted the two bombs, one of which exploded, outside the Maxandrea Hotel here. “We are still gathering witness accounts and there is no definite picture yet that can be inferred,” Hitosis said following a command conference on Friday was attended also by Rodriguez and other officials. Rodriguez said what was definite was that the police had secured video taken by the hotel’s CCTV and it was being analyzed. Rodriguez said security has also been tightened in the city as the police were still trying to find out what group was behind the blast and what the motive was.

2 dead, 2 cops hurt in Cagayan de Oro bombing

By inquirer.net


CAGAYAN DE ORO City—Two people were killed and two police officers were wounded in an explosion outside a hotel here that authorities said was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) and which took place in a city not known for terror attacks in the past. A second bomb had been found and defused near where the first bomb went off. Police said the IED, which is known to be a weapon of choice of terrorists, exploded outside the Maxandrea Hotel near the Cogon Market here at 2 a.m. Thursday. As police were investigating the blast and conducting clearing operations, a second IED was found underneath a vehicle owned by TV network GMA 7 which was parked near the hotel. The second bomb was defused. The slain victims of the explosion were identified as Rudy Jute, a bar attendant of the nearby Welshire Inn, and Expidito Endan, 62, a jeepney barker.






Framework agreement a ‘light at the end of a dark tunnel’

By (Abigail Chee Kee Malalis of Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Mindanews/SDR/Sunnex)


CAGAYAN DE ORO -- A network of indigenous peoples, Bangsamoro and Christian communities and leaders in Mindanao hailed the government’s “framework agreement” with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), saying it seemed to be a “light at the end of the dark tunnel.”

The Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC), whose members are the ones directly affected by the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao, said peace is indeed possible with the crafting of the deal that seeks to create a Bangsamoro region.

The Bangsamoro will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm), which President Benigno Aquino III earlier considered as a “failed experiment.”

But Pastor Reu Montecillo, MPC co-chair, said information dissemination among Muslims, Christians and the indigenous people plays a crucial role in generating support and acceptance of the agreement.

“I urge all religious leaders to help explain and enlighten our brethrens on the contents and substance of the agreement,” Montecillo said.

The group also urged political leaders to provide avenues where people can take active part in the discussion and debate regarding the substance of the deal.

“It is also very crucial that this will be translated into major languages and dialects in order to promote better understanding of the contents,” the MPC said, citing that “the nature of the agreement is a political settlement, critical to its full implementation and sustainability.”

On Sunday, President Aquino announced that the government and MILF agreed to create Bangsamoro to replace Armm, which was established 23 years ago but has failed to solve problems such as war, poverty, election fraud, political patronage and warlordism.

The United Nations (UN) welcomed Tuesday the crafting of the agreement.

In a statement, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon commended Aquino for his vision and courage, as well as the commitment of the MILF leadership, in reaching the landmark agreement.

"The United Nations stands ready to provide assistance to the parties, as needed, in implementing the Framework Peace Agreement," he said.

Ban also expressed gratefulness to all national and international actors, in particular the Malaysian government, for their contributions to the success of the peace negotiations.

Malaysia acts as the third party facilitator in the peace process between the Philippine government and the MILF.

The secretary-general also expressed his heartfelt wishes for peace and prosperity to the government and the people of the Philippines, in particular the people of Bangsamoro.

However, Zamboanga Mayor Celso Lobregat said various provisions of the framework agreement need to be clarified, and even amended if needed.

Lobregat, who went over the framework agreement he downloaded online, said he initially observed the inclusion of some contentious issues, specifically on the provision about “territory.”

He noted that the agreement provides that contiguous areas may and can be included through a resolution of the local government unit or a petition of at least 10 percent of the qualified voters in the area.

The particular provision that Lobregat was referring to says: “The core territory of the Bangsamoro shall be composed of: (a) the present geographical area of the Armm; (b) the Municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte and all other barangays in the Municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit and Midsayap that voted for inclusion in the Armm during the 2001 plebiscite; (c) the cities of Cotabato and Isabela; and (d) all other contiguous areas where there is a resolution of the local government unit or a petition of at least 10 percent of the qualified voters in the area asking for their inclusion at least two months prior to the conduct of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the process of delimitation of the Bangsamoro as mentioned in the next paragraph.”

He also expressed concern over other provisions on the inclusion of other areas such as some barangays, which he said would mean carving out areas from cities and provinces. He said he will bring up the matter to the government peace panel.

The Philippine government and the MILF are set to sign the framework agreement on October 15.

City Councilors urged to lessen approval of ‘gambling permits’

By Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper


A CAGAYAN de Oro City councilor is urging his colleagues to minimize the approval of resolutions that are in favor of gambling operators in the city.

Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said Tuesday he is not totally against other forms of games.

However, he said the City Government must not allow the mushrooming of bet games in the city, especially those unregulated, citing that this might contribute to the development of “a mentality of gambling,” especially on children.

On Tuesday, a businessman has applied for a permit at the City Council for “poker games” in his establishment, which he said would be exclusive for Masons, Eagles and Rotarians.

But Cabanlas said aside from poker being one form of gambling that is not regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), the location of the businessman’s establishment is near a school and a church, which he claimed is against a city ordinance.

“If these easy making money games would continue to exist, then the children would have a notion that gambling is okay because the City Government has tolerated it. There are already several existing poker houses and e-bingo in the city. Let us give ourselves for some moratorium against these forms of gambling,” he said.

City Councilor Adrian Barba said he agreed with Cabanlas but assured that once the businessman’s application is approved, poker will only be played at night and no children would be allowed to go inside the establishment.

Barba said the businessman has already complied with all the requirements, including the safety of the players.

But even with Cabanlas’ argument, at least 11 city councilors approved the businessman’s application.






4ID launches youth organization for peace

By (4CMO/4ID/PIA10)


CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Oct 8 -- The Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division has facilitated the launching of a new organization composed of youth leaders from Regions 10 and 13 at the Division’s Grandstand last October 6 and 7.

The "Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through the Youth" (Pointy) was organized after conducting seven provincial-level youth leadership seminars to make youth more responsible, productive, and well-informed members of society.

Highlights of this two-day launching ceremony were the peace motorcade, the release of peace lanterns, solidarity night, and the election of officers and board of directors, October 6.

On October 7, the formal launching program was held, wherein the elected officers and board of directors were presented in an oath to uphold the rights and interest of their organization.

This was followed with the symbolic presentation of the organization as an officially registered organization by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the symbolic presentation of the organization as an affiliate organization of the National Youth Commission. There was also reading of congress statement by the president of the Pointyt, Grant M. Amoncio.

Representatives from the media sector, religious sector, National Movement of Young Legislators and the military likewise pledged to uphold the rights and advance the interests of the Filipino youth. Government line agencies such as Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education – Alternative Learning System, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, Commission on Human Rights, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police, and National Commission on Indigenous People also pledged to support said youth organization.

Pointy has 630 members, representing all the youth in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Further, it has its respective chapter organizations on these provinces.

“These youth leaders will be the future leaders of our country, let us prepare them for the challenges ahead. Helping them become the best is our critical contribution to the future of our country. Let us impart to them the best practices of leadership to inspire them as they journey as leaders of this organization,” Brigadier General Romeo L. Gapuz, acting commander, 4ID said.

“To our youth, we entrust to you the future of our society, make us proud, and propel our inherited nation forward - peaceful and developed,” Gapuz added.

Fire razes 16 homes in Cagayan de Oro

By Report from Fred Dellava, dzMM


MANILA, Philippines – Fire hit a residential area in Cagayan de Oro City Saturday morning, destroying 16 houses.

According to Dennis Dalis of the Cagayan de Oro Fire District, the fire started in the 2nd floor in the home of a certain Memberto Calingao.

The fire reached the 2nd alarm before it was put out.

Dalis said the fire quickly spread because the homes were made of light materials.

He added that the fire cost more than P300,000 in damages.

No casualties were reported.

The affected families are temporarily seeking shelter at a nearby covered court.

Oro firms safe from rotating brownouts

By Loui S. Maliza


BUSINESSES in Cagayan de Oro may worry not with the more than a month preventive maintenance shutdown (PMS) by the Steag State Power Inc. (SPI) in its two generation units coal fired power plant supplying a total of 210 megawatt (MW) power in Mindanao.

This is the assurance released by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (OroChamber) to business establishments in the city even as it announces that the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company Inc. (Cepalco) was able to augment its existing back-power supply from Mindanao Energy (Minergy).

On October 6 to November 4, SPI would shutdown Unit 1, 105 MW (net), while Unit 2, also supplies 105 MW power (net) is scheduled on October 29 to November 10, 2012.

According to National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the impact to the grid is about three to 12 hours of rotating brownouts, depending on the backup power supply of utility companies and electric cooperatives.

In a statement, SPI said carrying out the maintenance works as planned and scheduled will bring back in long-term benefits to the Mindanao power consumers in terms the power plant’s operational reliability.

It added that the generation company’s Mindanao power plant has sustained an impressive availability rate of 93.3 percent and a low unplanned outage rate of less than one percent during its first six years of operation.

SPI’s power plant is considered as the most modern and the biggest in Mindanao on a per unit capacity. It has so far delivered more than 8.3 billion kilowatt hours (kWH) of electricity representing about 20 percent of Mindanao’s total power supply.

The planned PMS has been approved by the NGCP as recommended by the Mindanao Grid Operations and Maintenance Planning Group composed of the NGCP, National Power Corporation and its Independent Power Producers.

Nat’l grand teachers’ day celebration to open in Oro

By Jorie C. Valcorza


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) -- Teachers representing all divisions in the region, including all teacher- delegates from Caraga, Cotabato, Davao, and Zamboanga will gatheri in the city Friday, October 5 for the national grand teachers’ day 2012 celebration at the Limketkai Mall Atrium.

Cagayan de Oro is host to the national teachers’ month culminating activity to highlight and honor heroic acts of teachers’, especially those, who have shown exceptional commitment when tropical storm Sendong devastated several schools in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City.

The celebration will kick off with an early morning motorcade, nationwide simultaneous prayer for teachers at 10 a.m. and other all fun activities which will be witnessed by head officials from the government.

Department of Education (DepEd) region 10 director Dr. Gloria D. Benigno said the celebration also intends to push into the consciousness of the public to honor teachers every 5th day of October.

Benigno likewise encouraged fellow teachers to strive doing what is best for the children and continue fulfilling their role in molding the students. (JCV/PIA 10)






LP disowns suspect in car, motorbike smuggling running for gov

By JB R. Deveza, Inquirer Mindanao


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The ruling Liberal Party (LP) has disowned an accused smuggler who had filed his certificate of candidacy for governor claiming he is a member of the LP. Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, a ranking LP leader, said in an e-mail to reporters that Lynard Allan Bigcas, who wants to run for governor of Bukidnon, is not and never a member of the LP. “His declaration that he is an LP candidate in Bukidnon is totally false,” Guingona said. When he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) last Tuesday, Bigcas told reporters he is running for governor under the LP. Lawyer Renato Magbutay, regional election director, said Bigcas’ COC is valid even after the LP disowned him. Magbutay said while the LP has to recognize Bigcas for Bigcas to officially be a LP candidate, “even without a certificate of official nomination and acceptance from the LP, his candidacy is still considered legitimate.” Magbutay said the Commission on Elections has not received any petition to declare Bigcas a nuisance candidate. “We only receive the COCs and somebody has to file a petition at the head office in Manila to declare somebody a nuisance candidate,” Magbutay said. Magbutay said Bigcas has every right to run for office as he is still not convicted of any crime. Bigcas first gained nationwide attention after his alleged involvement in the smuggling of luxury cars and motorbikes in May 2011. Twenty-one high-end motorcycles and four luxury cars, including the controversial $80,000 chopper that supposedly belonged to Hollywood scriptwriter Skip Woods, were seized from Bigcas by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in warehouses in Cagayan de Oro City and in Talakag, Bukidnon, last year. The NBI filed smuggling and illegal possession of firearms charges against Bigcas at the Regional Trial Court in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Northern Mindanao joins 23rd National Statistics Month celebration

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 2 (PIA) -- Northern Mindanao will join the Philippine Statistical System (PSS) in the celebration of the 23rd National Statistics Month (NSM) this October.

The whole month celebration here will be spearheaded by the Regional Statistical Coordination Committee (RSCC-10) while the opening ceremony will be hosted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10.

Brenda Lynn M. Castro, officer-in-charge of the National Statistical Coordination Board in the region, the celebration will start tomorrow, October 3, at the Liceo de Cagayan University, with Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics Director Ma. Teresa V. Peralta as keynote speaker.

She said other speakers from the Research Institute of Mindanao Culture, Regional Tripartite Wage and Regulatory Board, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency and Technical Skills and Development Authority will also be gracing the ceremony to share some relevant information for data dissemination and appreciation purposes.

As part of the celebration, the RSCC-10 will also hold a tree-planting activity on October 12 and 19 at Barangays Balulang and Cugman, respectively.

The tree-planting activity, which is also in support of the government’s National Greening Program, will be conducted in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The celebration is pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation No. 647, declaring the month of October of every year as the NSM. It intends to promote, enhance and instill nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics, and at the same time, to ensure the support of the public in improving and enhancing the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

This year’s NSM celebration highlights decent work statistics with the theme, “Monitoring Progress on Decent Work through Statistics: Pathway to Inclusive Growth.”

Castro said this is to emphasize the importance of decent work statistics as empirical basis on the progress of efforts to reduce poverty and in achieving equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. (APB-PIA10)

DOLE-MisOr supports nat’l greening program

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct 1 (PIA) -- Personnel from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Western Misamis Oriental Provincial Office took respite from work over the weekend and planted trees in support of the National Greening Program of the Aquino administration.

The DOLE-MisOr West personnel planted around 150 mahogany and narra seedlings along the main road in Barangay Lumbia, here.

The tree planting cum tree-growing activity is the latest effort of the DOLE provincial office in doing its share in the “Green Our DOLE Program,” said its provincial director Rodrigo A. Deloso.

With the Green Our DOLE Program, he said, the department hopes to contribute to the goal of planting 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares until 2016.

This is the second tree-planting activity of the DOLE provincial office, Deloso said.

The first was held last April in coordination with the National Youth Commission where an estimated 1,000 seedlings were planted along the riverbank of Cabula in Lumbia by the personnel of DOLE and other government agencies.

He also said that they will regularly monitor and visit the sites on a monthly basis to provide sufficient care for the newly planted seedlings. (EOR/APB/DOLE-MisOr West-PIA-10)

Retrieved from "http://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Cagayan_de_Oro_City_News_October_2012&oldid=605415"