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==SUBANEN TRIBE WELCOMES MAKAMASANG TUGON IN MIS. OCC. TOWN==
==School Year 2012-2013 starts on June 4==
*Source: http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=328:subanen-tribe-welcomes-makamasang-tugon-in-mis-occ-town&catid=65:articles
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451336638174
*By: Charmaine P. Tadlas,
*Friday, May 11, 2012
*Date: ''August 10, 2011-www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph''
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob


Communities in Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental which is being resided by a majority of the Subanen Tribe welcomed the Makamasang Tugon during the launching of the Project last August 9, 2011.


Makamasang Tugon, an initiative that integrates the KALAHI-CIDSS Community-Driven Development processes and principles to the Local Planning Process (LPP) of the Local Government Unit by way of an LGU-led implementation. However, the Project is exclusively given to municipalities who have successfully implemented three cycles of KALAHI-CIDSS as their incentive—as in this case, the municipality of Don Victoriano is a beneficiary.
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 11 (PIA) -- The coming school year (SY) will start on June 4 and end on March 22, 2013.  


KALAHI-CIDSS, in turn, is a community-driven development project authored by Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman which empowers communities in overcoming poverty through capability building and participation in development planning. KALAHI-CIDSS, through World Bank, provides grants to the communities while the local government units share their counterpart for the implementation and completion of subprojects in the areas.
Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro, FSC, issued the School Calendar for SY 2012-2013 to synchronize all core events and teaching-learning activities in order to maximize the use of the required 200 school days, Rebonfamil Baguio, Asst. Superintendent, Ozamiz City Schools Division, said.  


The Subanen Tribe is one of the targets of KALAHI-CIDSS in empowering them for their inclusion to the local development planning since they themselves know and experience the socio-economic conditions of their communities, such as lack of basic facilities like schools, health stations, bridges, and roads.
This will then include the 180 days to be used for non-negotiable teacher-pupils/students contact time and the five days In-Service Training (INSET) break and parent-teacher conference, he said.  


By enabling the tribe in identifying the needs of their communities and during the construction of subprojects armed with capability building trainings, they will become empowered to participate in other community activities in the future.
Private schools, however, may deviate from the School Calendar, as long as they will not start their classes earlier than June 4, 2012 and not later than the last day of August, this year, as provided in Republic Act (RA) No. 7797 entitled “An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from 200 Days to Not More Than Two Hundred Twenty-Two (220) Class Days.”


During the launching of Makamasang Tugon in Don Victoriano, they had ceremonious tribal dance and chants that expressed their appreciation for the government’s initiative in including them as beneficiaries of the said Project. According to the tribe leader, who is also the barangay captain of Barangay Mansawan, Sergio Barimbao, the Subanen tribe has long desired to be recognized as contributory to the development in the country, specifically in Mindanao.
Schools may also observe national and local celebrations/activities and holidays, provided that the total number of school days is maintained and make-up classes shall be conducted to compensate for the school days spent for such activities.  


“The Makamasang Tugon will surely give us an opportunity to show the world that we too can make a difference,” said Sergio.
Meanwhile, Secretary Luistro, per DepEd Order No. 26, series of 2012, has issued the following guidelines for the schools to conduct in preparation for the opening of classes for SY 2012-2013: early registration of pupils/students in the schools where they wish to study held last Jan. 29; and National Schools Maintenance Week (Brigada Eskwela) on May 21-26, to enable the community and the school to prepared their facilities and In-Service Training (INSET) activities to be held a week before the opening of classes.  


==LGU Baliangao, Mis. Occ. receives LQF machine from Nabcor==
Likewise, as part of the opening rites, all schools are expected to conduct a general assembly for the purpose of orienting stakeholders on the curriculum and co-curricular programs and ancillary services lined-up for the year in support of learner development and continuous improvement of school outcomes.  
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=47922
*By: www.pia.gov.ph
*Date: ''August 09, 2011-www.pia.gov.ph''


BALIANGAO, Misamis Occidental– A Liquid Quick Freeze (LQF) machine worth P 4.65 million had been turned-over by the National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor), to the local government unit (LGU), here, yesterday, Aug. 8.
For the secondary level, the general orientation shall include a career exposure program for the first- to third-year students to acquaint them with the various career pathways, which they wish to pursue.  


This brings to seven (7), the total number of LGU’s, in region 10, that has received the facility. The other six (6) are: Sapang Dalaga and Sinacaban also in Mis. Occ., Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) and Tubod, in Lanao Norte, Balingasag in Mis. Oriental, and Mambajao in Camiguin.
For the fourth-year students, schools are encouraged to conduct Career Guidance Program in preparation for the careers or courses they prefer to pursue after high school.  


Established through a counter-parting scheme, the machine was provided by Nabcor, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), while the shed, single phase line, water system and manpower for the initial operation of the machine is shouldered by the LGU at an estimated cost of Php500,000.
On the other hand, the school year will be divided into four quarters: 52 days each for the 1st and 2nd quarters and 50 days and 46 days, for the 3rd and 4th quarters, respectively.  


Ma. Jayd-da Mayoralgo, Nabcor Vice-President, said the LQF uses a revolutionary method of freezing through the use of a super conductive liquid that can instantly freeze agri-fishery products due to its very low temperature, preserving its flavor and freshness.
A mid-term break will be observed at the end of the 2nd quarter to appraise individual-teachers and their collective performance, and on this basis, conduct INSET activities, in support of continuing professional development.  


She said aside from its freezing capability, the LQF can also make ice blocks which can benefit not only the fishing industry but other business establishments like restaurants.
Christmas break, as indicated in the school calendar, will begin on December 22, Saturday, and classes will resume on January 3, 2013, Monday.  


“It is envisioned that the LQF will be treated as a business enterprise and when put into maximum use will trigger the development of the agri-fishery industry in the area and contribute to the economic development of the locality,” Mayoralgo added.
Summer classes will begin on April 15, 2013, and ends on May 27, 2013, which is the last day for the final examination.  


Set up in Barangay Mitacas, Baliangao town, the LQF machine has been considered a new milestone for the agri- fishery industry of this coastal area in the province with its vast marine resources.
It shall consist of a three-hour daily sessions per subject area from Monday to Saturday for 36 days, exclusive of May 1, which is a legal holiday. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
Meanwhile, Regional Director Visa Dimerin of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), region 10, said they are in full support to the town’s endeavor by encouraging the locality to engage in projects supportive of developing fishery production.


Present during the LQF turn over and blessing were: Mayor Svetlana P. Jaloslos, Vice-Mayor Agapito E. Yap III, Sangguniang Bayan members, and Municipal Agriculturist Jude Bueno, local fisherfolk.


Also present were Provincial Agricultural Officer Jose Satorre, Nabcor Area Manager Samuel Simbajon and Ma. Tita B. Rodriquez, Head, Presidential Management Staff in the region.


==‘3 members’ of Ozamiz robbery group nabbed==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2011/08/06/3-members-ozamiz-robbery-group-nabbed-171276
*By: Kevin A. Lagunda
*Date: ''August 06, 2011-www.sunstar.com.ph''


POLICE arrested three alleged members of a robbery group in Barangay Bankal, Lapu-Lapu City yesterday morning.


Nelson, Harold and Eldie were caught by operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch, led by Senior Insp. Mark Sucalit.


Their arrest came after a suspected drug pusher was caught in a buy-bust in Bogo City last Wednesday.


'''Last names withheld'''


Cebu Provincial Police Office Acting Director Patrocinio Comendador asked reporters to withhold the family names of the suspects, who are in their mid-20s, because they are still conducting follow-up operations.


He said he received reports the suspects, who hail from Zamboanga del Sur, belong to an Ozamiz robbery group.
==SEC-REGISTERED INVESTMENTS IN REGION 10 UP 73.93% IN 2011==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?keywords=Region%2010
*Thursday, May 10, 2012
:by (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


They are also not discounting the possibility the three men are guns-for-hire, he said.


Comendador said they caught the suspects after they served an arrest warrant against their companion, who has a murder case.
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 10 (PIA) -- A total paid-up capital of P734.74 million from 333 firms have been registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Region 10 last year.  


Two .45 pistols with 12 bullets, a .38 revolver with five bullets, a hand grenade, four sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia were allegedly recovered from them.
This amount of paid-up capital was actually higher by P534.74 million or 73.93 percent compared to P191.54 million, and higher by seven firms or 2.5 percent compared to 326 firms during the previous year, Atty. Renato V. Egypto, Regional Director, SEC-10, said.  


Nelson denied they are robbers and paid killers. He said he and his cou-sin Harold are jeep-ney conductors.
About 314 of these firms or 94.29 percent were new registrations of stock corporations and partnerships, while the other 19 firms or 5.71 percent were stock corporations which expanded or increased their capital stock.  


'''More denial'''
Meanwhile, the paid-up capital of the new registrations amounted to P281.66 million, posting an increase of 233.33 percent compared to P87.11 million in 2010, Jesher M. Radaza, Securities Specialist II of SEC-10 said.


“Binuang na nga esturya (The accusations are not true),” he said.
Likewise, the paid-up capital of the stock corporations, which had increased their capital stocks to P453.08 million, was higher by 333.84 percent compared to P104.43 million, also in 2010.  


Eldie, for his part, said he has been a construction worker for four years.
For the new registrations, the year-end data of SEC-10 show that of the five provinces/areas where these firms are located, the Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro City Cluster registered the biggest paid-up capital of P249.57 million and the biggest number of 236 firms.  


Nelson said the .45 pistol was given to them by a friend. However, he denied they owned the other guns, grenade and the sachets of shabu.
This was followed by the Misamis Occidental/Ozamiz City Cluster with P13.41 million in paid-up capital from 17 firms, Lanao del Norte/Iligan City Cluster with P9.88 million from 28 firms, Bukidnon with P8.69 million from 31 firms and Camiguin with P112,500 from two firms.  


Comendador said they are coordinating with the Mandaue City Police Office because the suspects might be involved in the death of businessman Antonio Ouano. He said the group’s hideout is in northern Cebu.
Again, for the stock corporations with increased capital, the Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro City Cluster registered the highest paid-up capital stock of P339.30 million from 14 firms, followed by Bukidnon with P113.15 million from four firms and Lanao del Norte/Iligan City Cluster with P625,000 from one firm.  


No increase in capital stocks, however, was registered in the Misamis Occidental/Ozamiz City Cluster and Camiguin in 2010, Radaza added.


==Cops seize suspected shabu, video karera==
==Cell sites spout in Region 10==
*Source: http://goldstardailynews.com/northern-mindanao-x/5271-cops-seize-suspected-shabu-video-karera.html
*Source: http://www.mindanaodailybalita.com/content/?p=6577
*By: ELENA S. PELARE
*Wednesday, May 9, 2012
*Date: ''August 03, 2011-goldstardailynews.com''
:by mdb-admin


OZAMIS CITY-Police scores twenty seven units of video Karera Machines and forty seven sachets of suspected shabu in a raid conducted at the residence of a certain Anselma Labida the other day at Barangay San Roque. P/Supt. Gervacio Balmaceda Jr., the chief of police of Ozamiz, said the raid was conducted at Labida's residence by virtue of the search warrant issued by Judge Edmundo Pintac of Regional Trial Court Branch 15.


He said, the operation was well-planned however the subject house was protected with the long-way of foot-bridge of which a great advantage for the pusher or the home owner together with the users to run from the law enforcers.  
OZAMIZ City – A total of 579 mobile phone cell sites have been put up by major service providers in Northern Mindanao, as of the 4th quarter of 2011. This figure is actually 8.63 percent higher that the 532 mobile phone cell sites that have been put up, as of the same period of 2010, said Director. Teodoro Buenavista Jr of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC-10). The most number (282 cell sites) are in Misamis Oriental, followed by Bukidnon (119), Misamis Occidental (77), Lanao del Norte (72) and Camiguin (29).


No persons were caught during the raid because of delayed entrance of the raiding team.
==Air traffic in Region 10 up by 15.55% in 2011==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451336447044
*Tuesday, May 8, 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob


"The markers given by my informant were all accurate and the subjected house on the search warrant ay tama din, kaya lang na-delayed kami ng pasok dahil sa mga harang na nilagay sa daanan," PSupt Balmaceda explained. The police searched the rooms of Labida's house and found small rolls of foils with small packs of white substance believed to be shabu, hidden under the bed of the third room. The subjected residence is having three rooms.


The raiding team found a bag almost filled with used foils right at the counter where shabu trading is being made.  
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 8 (PIA) -- A total of 8,596 incoming and outgoing flights have been noted in the two primary local airports that cater to commercial flight operations in Region 10 last year.  


PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has conducted several operations against shabu in Barangay San Roque for the past weeks and captured number of pushers and users in buy bust operation.
These airports are the Ozamiz Airport located in Barangay Labo, Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental and the Cagayan de Oro Airport in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.  


Superintendent Balmaceda said, there is a marching order of Ozamiz City Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez to continually run after this shabu traders in the city. Appropriate charges against Anselma Labida is now being filed in the court and the evidences were brought to the provincial crime laboratory for proper identification.
“These number of flights actually increased by 15.55 percent compared to 7,439 flights during the previous year,” Engr. Naga Rascal, Area Manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Region 10, said.  


==Officer's wife to NPA: Please release my husband==
As shown by the Comparative Data on Commercial Air Traffic of CAAP, the number of incoming passengers increased from 745,598 to 848,096 or 13.75 percent, and the outgoing passengers from 762,263 to 853,133 or 11.93 percent.  
*Source: http://www.interaksyon.org/article/9928/officers-wife-to-npa-please-release-my-husband
*by: Ria Rose Uro
*Date: ''August 02, 2011-InterAksyon.com''


OZAMIZ CITY, Philippines -- The wife of a jail officer abducted by New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas last July in Bukidnon has appealed for the release of her husband “for the sake of our daughters.”
Overall, the volume of incoming cargoes increased from 9,392,298 to 9,425,414 kilograms (kg) or 0.35 percent but the outgoing cargoes declined from 16,244,155 kg. to 10,044,026 kg. or down by 38.17 percent.  


“Our two daughters have been asking why their father has not yet returned home,” said an emotional Carylle Bajuyo, wife of Jail Officer 1 Rolando Bajuyo assigned at a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility here.
For their individual outputs, the number of incoming passengers at the Ozamiz Airport increased from 101,870 to 117,657 or 15.50 percent and the outgoing passengers, from 104,489 to 112,190 or 7.37 percent.  


Their two children, aged four and seven, knew that Bajuyo was going away on July 20 to escort eight sentenced prisoners to be jailed at the Davao Penal Colony, Carylle said.
Its number of flights also increased from 1,144 to 1,274 or 11.36 percent and its outgoing cargoes, from 1,492,241 to 1,822,123 kg.  


But early the following morning, over a hundred communist guerrillas blocked the team in Kitaotao, Bukidnon and rescued a comrade, Dennis Rodenas, whom the rebels claimed was “unjustly” convicted by a Misamis Occidental court on trumped-up charges.
However, incoming cargo at the Ozamia Airport declined from 1,899,650 to 1,416,274 kg. or down by 25.45 percent, Engr. Rascal said.  


As the rebels escaped, they took away 13 firearms and for human shields Bajuyo, Jail Inspectors Murphy Todyog and Eric Llamasares, and Senior Jail Officer 2 Rogelio Begontes.
As far as the Cagayan de Oro Airport is concerned, its number of incoming passengers increased from 643,728 to 730,439 or 13.47 percent and its outgoing passengers from 657,774 to 740,993 or 12.65 percent.  


“I trust that the NPA understands they are not combatants,” Carylle appealed.
The number of flights also increased from 6,295 to 7,322 or 16.31 percent and its incoming cargoes, from 7,492,648. to 8,009,140 kg. or 6.89 percent. But its outgoing cargoes declined from 14,751,914 to 8,221,903 kg. or down by 44.27 percent. (RCA-PIA 10, Mis. Occ.


Their seven-year old daughter seems to already know that her father is in the custody of the rebels; she has had fever for the past several days, possibly from the anxiety brought about by the situation, Carylle said.  
==DTI monitors P1.14-B investments in Mis. Occ. in 2011==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451336291774
*Monday, May 7, 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob


“She is very close to him. He puts her to sleep every night,” the mother said.


The BJMP regional office has assured the families of the jail officers that it has been negotiating for the safe and speedy release of the captives, although nothing much seems to have moved forward, added Carylle.
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 7 (PIA) -- A total investment of P1.14 billion, mostly on services, had been monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Occidental last year.  


“We assure their families and loved ones that they are in good health and are treated well by the NPA and the revolutionary mass base,” said a July 30 statement of Rigoberto F. Sanchez of the NPA’s Merardo Arce Command in southern Mindanao.
These investments were actually higher by 18.05 percent compared to the P965.32 million of investments in the province, during the previous year, Regional Director Linda O. Boniao of DTI-Region 10, said.  


“Their basic rights are respected and their well-being ensured,” Sanchez added.
In terms of share in the total regional investments, however, Misamis Occidental contributed a share of 11.4 percent.  


The rebels justified the continuing captivity of the BJMP personnel for supposedly “performing police work in the reactionary state's prisons which serve as a vital cog in the (government’s) counterrevolutionary war.”
Meanwhile, Boniao said a total of P9.97 billion have been monitored by DTI in Region 10, during the year, of which P4.17 billion or 41.8 percent was poured in Misamis Oriental, mostly in the infrastructure and services sectors.  


“There is no question that the four are armed, active and regular officers of the armed counterrevolutionary and coercive apparatus of the reactionary government,” said Sanchez.
These investments included the construction and expansion of tourism-related facilities like hotels, pension houses, dormitories, restaurants and recreation facilities, like the Ayala Center, Primavera Residences, and Paseo de Rio Hotel.  


The rebels have demanded a halt to existing pursuit operations so that negotiations for the release of the four captives can be pursued.  
Also included were the construction of an air separation plant by a leading gas manufacturing/distributor company and of a food-based manufacturing plant which are both located inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate.  


==Rice subsidy==
On the other hand, investments in the province of Bukidnon amounted to P3.09 billion contributing a share of 31 percent to the total regional investments. Most of these were in agri-based investments including the expansion of plantation areas, building improvement, and acquisition of machinery for pineapple, banana, and poultry production.  
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/329111/rice-subsidy
*by: MIKE U. CRISMUNDO
*Date: ''August 01, 2011-www.mb.com.ph''


A big number of poor farmers and fisherfolk already benefited from the government’s rice subsidy program (RSP) in the five provinces of Northern Mindanao.
Investments from Lanao del Norte also amounted to P1.32 billion or 13.2 percent, which were mostly on news registrations and infrastructure projects after the rehabilitation projects of HOLCIM Phil., a cement plant, and additional construction for the expansion of Gaisano Store and Pillsbury Flour Mills, Co. were recorded the previous year.  


Benefiting from the RSP are the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, '''Misamis Occidental''', Camiguin, and Bukidnon.
Likewise, investments in Camiguin amounted to P252.29 million or 2.5 percent for the construction and expansion of tourism-related facilities and display center, sports complex, and outdoor adventure facilities, Boniao added. (PIA10, Mis. Occ.)


The RSP concept is the Cash for Training and Cash for Work (CFT/CFW) program of the national government intended for the poorest of the poor villages in the countryside, especially those in far-flung communities.


The RSP through a four-day Cash for Training, and a seven-day Cash for Work program is also a short-term intervention to provide temporary employment to small-scale farmers and fisherfolk particularly to families who are distressed/displaced or needing assistance during the lean season by participating in or undertaking preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation or risk reduction projects and activities in their communities or in evacuation centers.


The program is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the support of the respective local government units (LGUs).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==May 5, Ozamiz Day is special working day in Mis. Occ.==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451336108912
*Sunday, May 6, 2012
:by  AL JACINTO
 
 
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Soldiers arrested a health worker accused by the army as communist rebel in the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte, the human rights group Barug Katungod Mindanao said.
 
It said soldiers and policemen arrested Helen Igloria, now being held on murder charges, among others. The group also released a photograph of Igloria while being escorted by policemen to a prowl car.
 
Igloria, an administrative officer of the Community-Based Health Services and a founding member of the women’s group called Gabriela in Zamboanga del Norte, was arrested last week.
 
The group branded the charges as “fabricated” and accused the military and police of harassing Igloria, who is active in human rights advocacy in the province. It said the woman is being held in Tangub City in Misamis Occidental province.
 
“Igloria’s arrest shows that health workers are still targets of the state security that considers this sector as threats, similar to the case of the Morong 43 detained for more than a year,” Barug Katungod Mindanao said in a statement.
 
Morong 43 refers to a group of 43 health workers arrested by the army in February 2010 in the town of Morong in Rizal province after accusing them as NPA rebels.
 
President Benigno Aquino ordered the release of the health workers after communist rebel leaders who were negotiating for peace demanded their release.
 
“This [arrest of Igloria] also shows the continuing vilification and harassment of human rights defenders in the Zamboanga Region in Mindanao in the past six years,” Barug Katungod Mindanao said.
 
It cited the 2006 murder of a pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines by motorcycle gunmen in Calamba town in Misamis Occidental, and the killing of an organizer of a church peasant group in Oroquieta City.
 
“Legal offensives are part of the Armed Forces’ ploy to neutralize human rights defenders. These legal maneuvers include the arbitrary insertion of names in lieu of John or Jane Does in existing criminal charges,” Barug Katungod Mindanao said.
 
The 1st Infantry Division did not issue any statement about the allegations and its spokesman Captain Albert Caber also ignored repeated telephone calls from journalists.
 
==May 5, Ozamiz Day is special working day in Mis. Occ.==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451336108912
*Friday, May 4, 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 4 (PIA) -- The City of Ozamiz will be celebrating the 114th birth anniversary of the late Senator Jose Fortich Ozamiz, a hero and martyr, tomorrow, May 5.
 
The day has been declared a special working day in the province of Misamis Occidental and its component cities per Republic Act 6738, enacted into law was by the House of Congress and the Senate and approved by the late President Corazon C. Aquino on Aug. 4, 1989.
 
 
Born on May 5, 1898 in Aloran, Misamis Occidental, to parents Genaro Ozamiz and Basilisa Fortich, Senator Ozamiz was elected as the First Representative of Misamis to the House of Representatives in 1931, and got re-elected to the same position in 1934.
 
The following year, he was elected to the 16th Constitutional Convention representing the lone district of Misamis Occidental.
 
In 1936, he was again elected as the first and only Senator to come from the province and nominated as Assistant Minority Floor Leader of the Senate in 1940.
 
He was a reserve officer of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) with the rank of Major, during the Second World War, on December 8, 1941.
 
Senator Ozamiz was arrested by the Japanese on Feb. 11, 1944, and imprisoned in Fort Santiago, Manila for his involvement in the guerilla movement and was beheaded a few months later.
 
It was only two years after the beheading when his body was found, along with 29 other Filipino guerrillas who suffered the same fate under the Japanese.
 
In his inaugural speech at the Luneta Park, the late President Manuel A. Roxas, upon his installation as the First President of the newly independent Philippine Republic, said, “Senator Jose Ozamiz is a man whose loyalty, integrity and courage stand out as an example for all to follow. He could have lived an easy life, by relaxing on his principle and his conscience. I am one of those with reason to be grateful that he did not, for had he chosen to live, he would be where I am today, and I would be where he is.”
 
The late Congressman Hilarion Ramiro of the Second District of Misamis Occidental passed in 1988, Republic Act No. 6736, “An Act Declaring May 5 of every year as Ozamiz Day and a Special Working Holiday in the province of Misamis Occidental and the component cities, thereof, in honor of the late Senator Jose F. Ozamiz.”
 
It was then enacted into law by the House of Senate headed by Jovito Salonga, Senate President and House of Representatives headed by Ramon Mitra, Speaker of the House of Representatives on June 8, 1989.
 
Meanwhile, Mayor Nova Princes E. Parojinog-Echavez of Ozamiz, will lead the memorial ceremony for Senator Ozamiz at the Heroes Park, Port Road, this city, tomorrow, May 5.
 
The activities will start at 7:30 a.m. with an invocation by Rev. Fr. Marvin O. Osmeňa, Asst. Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
 
It will be highlighted by a floral offering, to be done by the Mayor, together with Carmen F. Ozamiz, daughter of the late Senator, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice-Governor Henry S. Oaminal, the Ozamiz City Council and the Association of Barangay Councils led by former Mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., among others. (PIA 10, Mis. Occ.)
 
==DTI-monitored investments in Region 10 up 2.85%==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451336023335
*Thursday, May 3, 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 3 (PIA) -- A total investment of P3.10 billion in Northern Mindanao was monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10, during the last quarter of 2011.
 
This amount actually represents a 2.85-percent growth compared to P3.02 billion in the same period of the previous year, Director Linda O. Boniao of DTI-10 said.
 
By sector, the highest investment of P1.58 billion or 51.01 percent came from infrastructure and services, followed by servicing with P614.11 million or 19.80 percent, she said.
 
Agri-based investments were also monitored at P599.65 million or 19.33 percent, trading, P115.14 million or 3.71 percent, “other” investments, P114.11 million or 3.68 percent, consumer manufacturing, P63.82 million or 2.06 percent, forest-based investments, P9.73 million or 0.31 percent, energy, P1.55 million or 0.05 percent, metals, P1.0 million or 0.03 percent, and mining and metallurgy, P0.57 million or 0.02 percent. ]
 
In terms of growth, however, the “other” investments posted the biggest increase of 941.15 percent, followed by consumer manufacturing, 631.04 percent, mining and metallurgy, 470 percent , forest-based investments, 88.57 percent, trading, 39.78 percent and infrastructure and services, 5.24 percent.
 
Boniao said servicing and agri-based investments, during the period, declined by 15.89 percent and 11.18 percent, respectively.
 
Meanwhile, the annual total investments in 2011 declined by 16.33 percent, from P11.91 billion to P9.97 billion due to the pull-down of the investments in the following sector: chemical-based investments, down by 99.90 percent, mining and metallurgy, down by 84.57 percent, servicing, down by 51.44 percent, infrastructure and services, down by 33.61 percent and trading, down by 18.75 percent.
 
But increase in investments for the year were noted on metals, the largest, with 1,025 percent, followed by forest-based investments, 470.43 percent, “other” investments, 324.83 percent, consumer manufacturing, 185.58 percent and agri-based investments, 39.17 percent.
 
In terms of the total regional annual investments (TRAI), still the investments on infrastructure and services was the biggest contributor with P3.63 billion or 36.45 percent, followed by agri-based investments with 2.28 billion or 22.90 percent and servicing, P1.43 billion or 14.935 percent.
 
The other sectors posted the these shares in the TRAI, onsumer manufacturing, P990.39 million or 9.93 percent, “other” investments, P928.26 million or 9.31 percent, and trading, P563.79 million or 5.66 percent.
 
Forest-based investments, P132.51 million or 1.33 percent, energy, P2.85 million or 0.03 percent, metals, P2.70 million, another 0.03 percent, mining and metallurgy, P1.04 million or 0.01 percent and chemical-based investments, P0.55 million, another 0.01 percent. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
 
==Summer over? Pagasa to test its first rainfall warning system==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/185887/summer-over-pagasa-to-test-its-first-rainfall-warning-system
*Wednesday, May 2, 2012
:by  Kristine L. Alave
 
 
Has the monsoon season come unusually early this year?
Metro Manila cooled down on Tuesday as grey clouds brought unexpected downpours and a cooler breeze, giving city folks a respite from the infernal summer heat.
Moderate rains in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces were reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
So, it is timely for Pagasa to launch a rainfall warning system (RWS) for Metro Manila. The first of its kind in the country, the RWS will be different and apart from Pagasa’s public storm signal warnings.
At 10 a.m. Tuesday, the temperature at Pagasa Science Garden in Quezon City was recorded at 33.8 degrees Celsius.  By 2 p.m., said Pagasa forecaster Jori Loiz, it was down to 33.1 degrees Celsius, definitely a more tolerable temperature compared to the year-high 36.6 degrees Celsius at the same time on Monday.
Pagasa noted that the moderate rainshowers were not caused by any weather disturbance.
“There are still isolated rainshowers because we are surrounded by oceans,” Loiz said, adding there would be more clouds and rains in the coming days.
The southwest monsoon, the weather system associated with thunderstorms and afternoon showers, ordinarily comes by the second or third week of May, especially in the western seaboard where the capital is located.
Pagasa usually declares the onset of the wet season by the end of May or early June.
But the Pagasa satellite image showed large masses of clouds over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao on Tuesday.  Rains have been reported not only in Metro Manila but in other parts of the country as well.
The agency said the rains in these regions were caused by a low pressure area off the coast of Palawan province and the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Mindanao
In Mindanao, umbrellas are the handiest fashion accessory to have as protection from both the sun and the rain.
In General Santos City, occasional rain showers have become a welcome respite on a hot day.
In Cotabato City and Maguindanao, brief rains fall almost every night, sometimes even in the early afternoon.
Rains have also drenched the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte the past two days, occurring in the afternoon toward the evening.
In Zamboanga City, where it has rained every day, summer seems to have said goodbye. The hot days came as early as March but since last week, the weather has been mostly cloudy, with a good chance of rain.
Warning system
Dr. Susan Espinueva, chief of the hydrometeorology division, said they planned to test the  three-level warning system this month.
According to Espinueva, warning 1 would advise residents to expect rain in their area.  Warning 2  would mean a high probability of rain and would give a more exact location for the concentration of rain. Warning 3 would mean residents should be prepared to evacuate.
Espinueva noted the RW would help Metro Manila residents get ready for disruptions in traffic, a main problem in the city.
It would also enable communities to plan for flash floods and river overspills, she said, even when there is no typhoon.
 
==Value of coco exports in Region 10, up 26.56%==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451335597570
*Sunday, April 29, 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 29 (PIA) -- A total freight-on-board (FOB) value of $ 528.59 million had been noted on the coconut exports, consisting of 17 commodities of Region 10, last year.
 
This was actually higher by 26.56 percent compared to the FOB value or transport cost shouldered by the country of destination of $417.66 million for these export commodities in the previous year, Regional Manager Luis G. Cruz of the Philippine Coconut Authority, Region 10, said.
 
Topping the list of these exports, in terms of FOB value, was coconut chemicals with $228.99 million, followed by coconut oil with $222.066 million, and desiccated coconut, $28.76 million.
 
The rest of the commodities and their FOB values were coconut shell charcoal, $13.35 million; copra cake/meal, $12.25 million; coconut water with $10.01 million; coconut milk powder, $4.795 million; activated carbon, $3.36 million; and coconut cream, $3.27 million; reduced fat coconut, $915,758; sweetened coconut, $379,610; palm oil fatty acid, $235.36; coconut shell, US$130,196.96; coconut vinegar (“sukang pinakurat”), $24,269; and coconut coir fiber, $6,500.
 
No exportation was done of fresh coconuts and fresh coconut fruit shells in 2010, but in 2011 they posted FOB values of $25,671 and $4,044, respectively, Cruz said.
 
In terms of growth in FOB, coconut water posted the highest increase of 1,326.01 percent compared to its previous year’s FOB value of only $702,212.
 
This was followed by coconut vinegar, which posted an increase in FOB of 341.90 percent; coconut shell, 156.87 percent; reduced fat coconut, 146.16 percent; coconut cream, 108.25 percent; coconut shell charcoal, 96.15 percent; desiccated coconut, 91.88 percent; coconut milk powder, 77.36 percent; activated carbon, 65.09 percent; coconut oil, 22.58 percent; coconut chemicals, 21.26 percent.
 
But declines in the FOB values of the following commodities were noted: coconut coir fiber, down by 90.52 percent and copra cake/meal, 32.71 percent.
 
Meanwhile, in terms of production, coconut oil posted the biggest volume of 135,641.70 metric tons (MT), followed by coconut chemicals with 88.782.69 MT; copra cake/meal, 68,514.32 MT; coconut shell charcoal, 19,689.96MT; desiccated coconut, 12,953.86MT; and coconut water, 11,321.1 MT.
 
In terms of growth in production, coconut water posted the biggest increase of 1,087.81 percent, followed by activated carbon, 199.68 percent, coconut cream, 52.18 percent, coconut shell, 42.08 percent, coconut milk powder, 41 percent, reduced fat coconut, 39.44 percent, coconut vinegar, 12.40 percent, coconut shell charcoal, 11.14 percent, and desiccated coconut, 8.49 percent.
 
Cruz said a downtrend in production was noted on coconut chemicals, down by 18.79 percent, coconut coir fiber, down by 86.91 percent and coconut oil, down by 33.21 percent. (PIA 10, Mis. Occ.)
 
==Integrated gov’t services to highlight Labor Day celebration in Mis. Occ.==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451335428203
*Saturday, April 28, 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 28 (PIA) -- An integrated government service delivery package will highlight the Labor Day celebration in Misamis Occidental on May 1.
 
Focused on the Labor Day theme, “Pagtutulungan, Pagbabago, Disenteng Trabaho” (Cooperation, Changes and Decent Jobs), this one-stop-shop service will be held at the Oroquieta City ABC Gymnasium.
 
It will include the following activities: setting up of the Skills Registry System Desk by the Oroquieta City Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Presyo Diskwento Caravan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with DOLE; blood-letting by the Philippine National Red Cross, medical and dental services by the Department of Health-Integrated Provincial Health Office-Oroquieta City Health Office (DOH-IPHO-CHO); issuance of Security Paper (SECPA) certification of birth/marriage, etc. by the National Statistics Office; application for membership/premium payment to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Social Security System; skills demonstrations and counseling by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority; and entrepreneural coaching by the DTI and livelihood counseling and career and employment coaching by DOLE.
 
Meanwhile, Jose G. Robles, provincial head of DOLE-Mis. Occ., said the one-stop-shop will be preceded by a mass at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Oroquieta City, followed by a motorcade around the main thoroughfares of the city.
 
To give their labor day messages are Mayor Jason P. Almonte of Oroquieta City and Governor Herminia M. Ramiro of Misamis Occidental.
 
Robles also said the whole day activity will be held in coordination with the Mis. Occ Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, the city government of Oroquieta, the provincial government of Mis. Occ., and the Mis. Occ. PESO Managers’ Association. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
 
==Ozamiz has highest participation rate in formal education system of region 10==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451335428203
*Friday, April 27, 2012
:by (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
 
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 27 (PIA) -- Ozamiz City posted the highest participation rate (PR) of 97.54 percent in the elementary and 75.07 percent in the secondary level of the formal education system of region 10, during the school year (SY) 2010-2011.
 
This was revealed by Regional Director Luz Almeda of the Department of Education (DepEd), region 10, who said PR is one of the basis and key indicators that reflects the children’s interest in going to school.
 
Almeda said an average PR of 90.04 percent in the elementary and 52.21 percent in the secondary level were noted in the formal education system of the region, which is composed of 13 schools division, during the previous school year.
 
The DepEd data on the Performance Indicators By Division For Both Elementary and Secondary, SY 2010-2011, also show the PR’s in the elementary level of the following:
 
Cagayan de Oro City, 97.42 percent, Tangub City, 96.72 percent, Misamis Oriental, 96.19 percent, Iligan City, 95.66 percent, Valencia City, 95.61 percent, Malaybalay City, 92.26 percent, Gingoog City, 91.27 percent, Oroquieta City, 90.08 percent, Bukidnon, 87.67 percent, Misamis Occidental, 85.28 percent, Camiguin, 82.91 percent, and lowest in Lanao del Norte with 77.49 percent.
 
Likewise, the PR’s in the high school level were: Oroquieta City, 72.74 percent, Misamis Oriental, 68.35 percent, Malaybalay City, 64.66 percent, Tangub City, 63.90 percent, Iligan City, 63.05 percent, Valencia City, 56.77 percent, Cagayan de Oro City, 56.23 percent, Camiguin, 55.09 percent, Gingoog City, 54.21 percent, Misamis Occidental, 53.34 percent, Bukidnon, 38.34 percent, and Lanao del Norte, again, the lowest, 34.37 percent.
 
Almeda said an average cohort survival rate (CSR) of 66.90 percent in the elementary level and 71.20 percent in the secondary level were also noted in region 10, during SY 2010-2011.
 
The CSR computes the percentage of enrollees at the beginning grade or year in a given school year who are able to reach the final grade or year of the elementary/secondary level, Grade 6/Fourth Year.
 
Posting the highest CSR in the elementary level was Camiguin with 86.46 percent, followed by Cagayan de Oro City, 80.17 percent, Misamis Occidental, 78.68 percent, Oroquieta City, 78.44 percent, Valencia City, 74.05 percent, Malaybalay, 74.01 percent, Lanao del Norte, 70.12 percent, Misamis Oriental, 68.25 percent, Gingoog City, 66.36 percent, Iligan City, 62.91 percent, Ozamiz City, 62.18 percent, Bukidnon, 55.38 percent and Tangub City, 50.07 percent.
 
In the secondary level, the highest CSR was posted by Bukidnon with 85.56 percent, followed by Oroquieta City with 85.09 percent, Valencia, 83.39 percent, Camiguin, 80.44 percent, Misamis Occidental, 78.76 percent, Cagayan de Oro, 75.54 percent, Tangub City, 72.80 percent, Misamis Oriental, 72.78 percent, Gingoog City, 72.15 percent, Lanao del Norte, 71.43 percent, Iligan City, 67.92 percent, Malaybalay City, 64.00 percent, Ozamiz City, 63 percent.
 
Again, Almeda said the region posted an average retention rate of 90.55 percent in the elementary level and 88.21 percent in the secondary level, during SY 2010-2011.
 
The retention rate determines the percentage of pupils/students in a particular year who continue to be in schools in the succeeding school year.
 
Posting the highest retention rate in the elementary level was Camiguin with 95.54 percent, followed by Cagayan de Oro, 94.59 percent, Oroquieta City, 93.31 percent, Misamis Occidental, 93.29 percent, Misamis Oriental, 91.76 percent, Malaybalay City, 91.64 percent, Lanao del Norte, 91.44 percent, Valencia City, 91.36 percent, Ozamiz City, 90.22 percent, Gingoog City, 90.21 percent, Iligan City, 89.57 percent, Tangub City, 86.58 percent and Bukidnon, 86.49 percent.
 
On the other hand, the highest retention rate in the secondary level was posted by Oroquieta City with 93.31 percent, followed by Valencia City, 92.80 percent, Camiguin, 91.88 percent, Misamis Occidental, 91.14 percent, Cagayan de Oro City, 89.45 percent, Misamis Oriental, 89 percent, Tangub City, 88.95 percent, Lanao del Norte, 88.62 percent, Gingoog City, 88.47 percent, Iligan City, 86.85 percent, Malaybalay City, 85.83 percent, Bukidnon, 85.56 percent, and Ozamiz City, 84.39 percent.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==BFAR-Ozamiz conducts investment forum on bangus production==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451335330884
*Thursday, April 26, 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 26 (PIA) -- An investment forum is being conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10 for new players in aquaculture production in Misamis Occidental today, April 26 in Oroquieta City.
 
The forum is in line with the government’s goal of developing new areas for aquaculture of rearing fish in an enclosure of a water environment to increase fish productivity.
 
Regional Director Visa Tan-Dimerin of BFAR-10 said the activity is envisioned to consequently generate job for coastal communities and in support of the existing Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental Mariculture Park.
 
She said the forum is an offshoot to the successfully established 1st Northern Mindanao Mariculture Park in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, which was launched in March 2007.
 
Another mariculture park in Lopez Jaena that sprawls a stretch of 313.26 hectares and presently has two existing model high-density polyethylene cages for production was launched in February last year.
 
Meanwhile, Gilda N. Abao, Provincial Fishery Officer of the BFAR-Ozamiz City, said testimonies and success stories in marine cage operations, and best practices at the Balingasag Mariculture Park, as well as the economics of the bangus fish cage technology, will be among the presentations during the forum.
 
Also included are the bangus market potentials, small enterprise technology upgrading and small, medium enterprise lending facilities, and insurance coverage. (PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)
 
==Shellfish from Murcielagos Bay, Mis. Occ. still unsafe to eat - BFAR==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451335250508
*Tuesday 24th of April 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 24 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned that all types of shellfish from Murcielagos Bay continues to be unsafe for human consumption.
 
The BFAR warning includes “alamang” or minute shrimps, commonly called “uyap” or “uyabang,” in the local dialect.
 
The same warning was issued by BFAR last January, after shellfish gathered from the bay, located between Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte, tested positive of the red tide toxin.
 
Hence, the public is again advised not to harvest, not to eat, not to sell, and not to buy them, Atty. Benjamin F.S. Tabios Jr., Officer-in-Charge of BFAR, said.
 
Published in BFAR’s Shellfish Bulletin No. 09, Series of 2012, the warning was issued after the latest laboratory results showed that the shellfish collected in the area have been found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.
 
However, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs gathered from the area are safe for human consumption, provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking.
 
Also unsafe to eat, the BFAR said, are the shellfish collected in the following areas: Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, and Masinloc Bay in Zambales.
 
Meanwhile, Gilda N. Abao, Provincial Fishery Officer of the BFAR-Ozamiz City, said the following coastal waters have been found to be free from toxic red tides, therefore, the shellfish gathered from these areas are safe to eat: Taguines Lagoon in Benoni; Mahinog; Camiguin Island; and Hinatuan, Bislig, and Lianga Bays in Surigao del Sur. (PIA 10, Misamis Occidental)
 
==USAID Integrates Family Planning into Immunization Program to Improve Service Delivery==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451334820933
*April 13, 2012
:by  admin
 
 
In partnership with the Department of Health, USAID introduced an innovation that integrates family planning (FP) into the expanded immunization program (EPI) of the country.  USAID-trained health workers provide FP counseling to mothers who bring their children to health facilities for vaccines to determine their unmet FP need. They are then given FP referral messages to help them access their desired FP services. In Misamis Occidental, 706 out of 932 (76%) mothers interviewed in selected health centers had unmet need for modern FP and 497 (70%) wanted to visit a health facility for more information and counseling. If replicated nationwide, the model can potentially benefit 4.9 million women of reproductive age who want to plan their families but lack information and access to do so.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Tourists arrival in Region 10 up by 10.07%==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451334820933
*Friday 20th of April 2012
:by Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 20 (PIA) -- A total tourists arrival of 1,632,862 was noted in Northern Mindanao, Region 10, last year, higher by 10.07 percent compared to 1,483,525 tourists in 2010.
 
Of this figure, 83,732 or 5.13 percent were foreigners, while 1,549,130 or 94.87 percent were domestic tourists, Director Catalino E. Chan III of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Region 10, said.
 
He said the number of foreign tourists increased by 89.89 percent from the previous year’s 44,094, while the domestic tourists also increased by 7.62 percent from 1,439,431 tourists in 2011.
 
Chan said Bukidnon was the most favorite destination of the foreigners with the most number of 46,748 representing 55.83 percent of the total foreign tourists followed by the Cagayan de Oro (CdO)-Misamis Oriental (CDO/Mis. Or.) Cluster with 26,550 or 31.71 percent.
 
Camiguin was next with 8,552 or 10.21 percent, Iligan City-Lanao del Norte (IC/LDN) Cluster, 1,049 or 1.25 percent and Ozamiz City-Tangub City-Misamis Occidental (OC/TC/Mis. Occ.) Cluster, 833 or 0.99 percent.
 
The most visited destination of the domestic tourists was the CdO-Mis. Or. Cluster with the most number of 409,158 representing 26.41 percent, followed by the OC/TC/Mis. Occ. Cluster with 364,428 or 23.52 percent.
 
The other destinations of the domestic tourists were Camiguin, 362,100 or 23.37 percent, Bukidnon, 291,667 or 18.63 percent and IC/LDN Cluster, 121,777 or 7.86 percent.
 
Meanwhile, Chan said the number of Filipino Balikbayans increased from 6,241 to 22,176 or 255.36 percent.
 
The DOT data also show the increases of foreign tourists from the following countries: Europe, from 393 to 453 or 15.27 percent, Middle East, from 360 to 413 or 14.72 percent, Association of Southeast Asian countries, from 1,182 to 1,282 or 8.46 percent and Oceania, particularly, Canada and USA, from 2,058 to 2,078 or 0.97 percent.
 
However, foreign tourists from South Asia decreased from 680 to 512 or a decline of 24.71 percent, North America, from 10,676 to 9,435 or a decline of 11.62 percent and East Asia countries, from 11,423 to 11,172 or a decline of 2.20 percent.
 
Chan added other foreign tourists not classified under the countries mentioned above also posted a significant increase from 8,205 to 51,396 or 526.40 percent. (PIA 10, Misamis Occidental)
 
==IN MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL Mascot tilt caps Women’s Month==
*Source: http://www.goldstardailynews.com/life-style/9086-in-misamis-occidental-mascot-tilt-caps-womens-month.html
*Thursday, 19 April 2012
:by  pia.gov.ph
 
 
OROQUIETA CITY - A mascot competition brought life and color to the recent culmination of the Women's Month Celebration in Misamis Occidental, here. Held for the second year, such competition focused on the theme Women's Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone's Responsibility and was participated in by the different women's organizations from the 14 towns and three cities of the province.
 
Led by the female members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), a foot parade preceded the activities, after which the talent competition of the mascots followed: Mascot No. 1 came from the women's group from Ozamiz City with the image of Gov. Herminia Ramiro expressing and thanking the residents of the province for their support for her programs on environmental care and protection.
 
Mascot No. 2 came from the women's group of the Mothers for Peace in Oroquieta City headed by Councilor Jessilie Borbon with the image of Dora telling the people what a mother can do to protect the environment for the future of her children. Mascot No. 3 from Oroquieta City depicted a street sweeper who said the women's activities of cleaning in and out of the household and proper segregation of biodegradable and nonbiodegradable waste can help in environmental protection.
 
Mascot No. 4 from Aloran town with the image of Mickey Mouse, saying that women can help much in the campaign to save the environment by not only planting trees but really growing them. What the mascots have shown only clarifi ed the role of the women in protecting the environment and preventing the occurrence of calamities and disasters brought about by environmental degradation, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) said.
 
The offi ce also congratulated Mascot No. 2 for coming out as the winner in the Mascot Competition. Meanwhile, in her message to the participants, Ramiro, through Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Lovely Liezl Yape, said the mascot competition was held to remind the women of the signifi cance of their participation in the programs for the protection of the environment of the province. PIA
 
==BIR tax collections in Region 10 increase by 14% for 2011==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451334558664
*Wednesday 18th of April 2012
:by  pia.gov.ph
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 18 (PIA) -- A total of P5.81 billion in tax revenues was collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Revenue Region 16 (RR-16) in Northern Mindanao, for last year.
 
"This collection actually exceeded by P706.32 million or higher by 14 percent compared to the collection of P5.11 billion in the previous year," Atty. Alberto S. Olasiman, Director of BIR-RR-16, said.
 
By tax type, income taxes remained the top revenue earner with a collection of P3.74 billion exceeding by P604.89 million or higher by 19 percent compared to the collection of P3.13 billion in 2010.
 
This was followed by the value added taxes, which also increased from P1.35 billion to P1.38 billion with an excess of P25.97 million, or 2.0 percent.
 
Percentage taxes, also increased, from P230.89 million to P305.82 million with an excess of P74.93 million or 32 percent and excise taxes, from P1.16 million to P1.80 million with an excess of P642,261.55 or 55 percent.
 
On a per Revenue District (RD) performance, RD-101 of Iligan City covering Lanao del Norte, posted the highest increase of 21 percent, from P749.71 million to P910.76 million, or an excess of P1612.044 million.
 
==Region 10 supplies 63.90% of Mindanao power grid’s dependable capacity==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451334501336
*Monday 16th of April 2012
:by  Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 16 (PIA) -- The electric power plants of Northern Mindanao have an installed capacity of 1.063.70 megawatts (MW) with a dependable capacity of 791.87 MW last year.
 
This actually represent 57.95 percent of the Mindanao Power Grid’s installed capacity of 1,835.48 MW and 63.90 percent of its dependable capacity of 1,239.25MW, Engr. Leon Dacanay, Jr., Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, said.
 
Dacanay said the installed capacity means the number of MW that a power plant can produce while dependable capacity is the number of MW produced during peak hours.
 
Data gathered by NEDA from the National Power Corporation (NPC) show that Region 10’s dependable capacity in 2010 was 799.20MW but was reduced by 7.33MW or 0.92%, in 2011, due to El Niňo that caused the decrease of the water levels in Lake Lanao and Pulangi River affecting the water supply that ran the turbines of the hydro-electric plants (HEP).
 
Meanwhile, Dacanay said the total dependable power source of the region in 2011 had a power generation mix of HEP, coal-fire, and solar plant, as no diesel power plant was operational in the entire year.
 
These sources posted the corresponding shares in the dependable capacity of the region: 580.87 MW or 73.35 percent from the HEPs, 210 MW or 26.52 percent from the coal-fired plant, and 1.0 MW or 0.13 percent from the solar plant.
 
The location of these power plants, their installed and dependable capacity were as follows: Agus 4 HEP in Nangka, Balo-I town, Lanao del Norte, with installed capacity of 158.10 MW and dependable capacity of 152MW; Agus 5 HEP in Ditucalan, Iligan City with installed capacity of 55 MW and dependable capacity of 53.543MW and Agus 6 HEP in Maria Cristina, Iligan City with installed capacity of 200MW and dependable capacity of 136 MW; Agus 7 HEP in Fuentes, Iligan City with installed capacity of 54 MW and dependable capacity of 26 MW and Pulangi 4 HEP in Kiuntod, Camp 1, Maramag town, Bukidnon with installed capacity of 255 MW and dependable capacity of 213.33 MW; Mindanao Coal in Barangay Balacanas, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, with installed capacity of 232MW and dependable capacity of 210 MW and the photo-voltaic solar plant in Indahag, Cagayan de Oro owned by the Cagayan de Oro Power and Light Co., (CEPALCO) with an installed capacity of 1.0 MW and the corresponding dependable capacity of also 1.0 MW. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
 
==Paid-up capital of cooperatives in region 10, up 0.79%==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451334388174
*Sunday 15th of April 2012
:by  Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 15 (PIA) – A paid-up capital of P1.217 billion have been accumulated by a total of 1,436 cooperatives in region 10, as of the end of December 2011.
 
This amount is actually 0.79 percent higher compared to the accumulated paid-up capital of only P1.208 billion during the previous year, Director Orlando Ravanera of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), region 10, said.
 
Ravanera said the number of cooperatives also increased, from 1,354 to 1,436 or 6.06 percent, and the number of members, from 264,226 to 267,569 or 1.27 percent.
 
In terms of the accumulated paid-up capital by province, Misamis Oriental had biggest amount of P817.28 million, higher by 0.93 percent compared to P808.765 million in 2010.
 
He also said the number of coops in the province increased, from 581 to 636 or 9.47 percent and the members, from 135,824 to 138,064 or 1.65 percent.
 
Meanwhile, the following increases in the accumulated paid-up capital of the coops in the other provinces of the region were noted:
Bukidnon, from P216.685 million to P217.166 million or 0.22 percent, Lanao del Norte, from P76.84 million to P78.199 million or 1.78 percent and Misamis Occidental, from P92.55 million to P92.73 million or 0.19 percent.
 
Likewise, the increase in the number of members were noted: Bukidnon, from 66,971 to 67,515 or 0.81 percent, Lanao del Norte, from 21,239 to 21,525 or 1.35 percent and Misamis Occidental, from 32,049 to 32,322 or 0.85 percent.
 
As to the number of coops, the following increases were also noted: Bukidnon, from 298 to 310 or 4.03 percent, Lanao del Norte, from 262 to 272 or 3.82 percent and Misamis Occidental, from 160 to 165 or 3.13 percent.
 
However, the accumulated paid-up capital, the membership and the number of coops in Camiguin, remained the same at P12.515 million, 53 coops and 8,143 members, Ravanera added. (EOR/RCA-PIA10 Mis. Occ.)
 
==Electric cooperative hopes government intervention will stop power interruptions==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451334214731
*Friday 13th of April 2012
:by  (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
 
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 13 (PIA) -- The Misamis Occidental Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOELCI) II, here, is hopeful that the power interruptions will stop once the government will implement measures to solve the present power crisis in Mindanao.
 
This optimism is shared by Jemilo L. Pelimer, General Manager of MOELCI II, who said they have continued to implement the daily rotational brown-out in their service or franchise areas, starting last March 1 up to April 15, this year, as reflected in the copies they have distributed to the consumers.
 
“These power interruption was based on the Mindanao System Operation Load Curtailment implemented to all customers of the National Grid of the Philippines grid-wide at 240 MW, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 300 MW, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.,” Pelimer said.
 
Thus, the rotational power interruptions have been observed, during the period from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the following service/franchise areas of MOELCI II: Panaon, Jimenez, Sinacaban, Tudela, Clarin, Bonifacio, Ozamiz North, Ozamiz South, and Tangub City.
 
“Although the power interruptions are scheduled for a minimum of four hours, MOELCI II has been scheduling a two-hour daily load curtailment of two hours in each of their power service feeder stations,” Pelimer said.
 
He also said that no increase in power rates have been implemented by MOELCI II, as of the moment, but that this might change when the power barges from the Visayas will come or when the power is generated from the thermo-marine stations.
 
Pelimer said all the 253 or 100 percent of the potential barangays in MOELCI II’s service or franchise areas have been energized, as of February 2012.
 
Likewise, 72,801 households or 96 percent of the 76,017 potential households, in these areas, now have electric power connections, the most number of which are in Ozamiz City North with 15,549 followed by Ozamiz City South with 15,510 connections.
 
Pelimer said MOELCI II has now a total of 65,269 members with the most number of 13,080 registered in Ozamiz City North, followed by Ozamiz City South, 12,481.
 
==PhilHealth Revokes Accreditation of Bonifacio Medical Clinic in CDO==
*Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/news/2012/revokes_accreditation.html
*April 12, 2012
:by  philhealth.gov.ph
 
 
 
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The PhilHealth Regional Office 10 has revoked the accreditation of a medical clinic in Misamis Occidental for fraudulently filing claims for non-admitted patients and other misrepresentations.
PhilHealth Regional Vice President for Northern Mindanao Datu Masiding M. Alonto Jr. said Bonifacio Medical Clinic located at Purok 4, Poblacion, Bonifacio town was found guilty for misrepresentation by furnishing false and incorrect information and can no longer process claim reimbursements of PhilHealth members effective March 16, 2012.
Alonto said the order came after a thorough investigation conducted by PhilHealth Regional Office 10 – Legal Office and that the revocation of BMC's accreditation is permanent effective March 16, 2012.
PhilHealth has already filed a number of cases against the clinic for various irregularities since the approval of its accreditation in 1998. Twenty-nine (29) of these were later found to be fraudulent claims for "non-admitted” patients.
The cases were filed after PhilHealth 10 – Legal Office found irregularities on the legitimacy of the patient’s confinement, since a trend of family confinement and mandatory admission of three days were detected, Alonto said.
Alonto said these acts are tantamount to grave breach of the warranties of accreditation, which is punishable by revocation of the clinic’s status as an accredited PhilHealth provider.
In its decision dated November 14, 2011, the Arbitration Office found BMC violating Section 141 or Claims for Non-admitted Patients of Rule XXVIII of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Health Insurance Act of R.A. 7875 as amended by R.A. 9241.
"BMC undermines the goal of PhilHealth to provide secured hospitalization for its members," Alonto added.
As of this writing, Atty. Allan G. Panolong, Head of the Legal Office of PhilHealth 10 received decisions for BMC for 12 counts of revocation, six orders of suspension and aggregate fine of P710,000.00.
Meanwhile, Alonto advised members to instead avail themselves of their PhilHealth benefits in other accredited facilities in the city. (END)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==Secondary tech-voc graduates in Mis. Occ. to undergo TESDA assessment==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451334119171
*Wednesday 11th of April 2012
:by  (Dr. Cenil G. Cortes/TESDA/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
 
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 11 (PIA) -- A total of 726 graduates of secondary technical-vocational education (STVE) schools in Misamis Occidental will undergo skills assessment in the qualifications of industry sectors under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Department of Education (DepEd) Competency Assessment and Certification (TESDEDCAC) program.
 
The said program provides opportunity for the STVE graduates to be recognized as passers of the TESDA National Competency Certification (NCC) and be able to perform the job specified in the qualification.
 
“The TESDA NCC will augment the participants of the TESDEDCAC program in engaging income generating activities through recognition of their competent skills,” Provincial Director Leo Velez of TESDA-Mis. Occ. said during the recent program launching at the Ozamiz City School of Arts and Trade (OCSAT) here.
 
Included in the skills competency assessment are the automotive, construction, electronics, fisheries, furniture, garment trade, health and social services, information and communication technology, tourism, and refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.
 
Velez said DepEd Memorandum No. 59 s. 2011 emphasized the strengthening of STVE schools and the competency assessment subsidy in the amount of P692,926.37 for the public STVE schools of Misamis Occidental.
 
The memorandum provides that students of STVE schools in the province can avail of the competency assessment, and acquire Certificate of Competency, National Competency (NC) Levels 1 and 2 certificates from TESDA.
 
Velez said the development of the career of the secondary school graduates, especially for those that can not afford to pursue higher levels of education, may be sustained with doable employment through skills certification.
 
The STVE schools will submit to TESDA-Mis. Occ. the required documents of the CAC program and make available the CAC assessment venue, facilities and administrative support required for the conduct of assessment.
 
TESDA will then conduct the CAC and Trainers Training Methodology Course to all the STVE school teachers to facilitate the delivery of quality tech-voc education and training.
 
Likewise, TESDA and the public secondary schools will jointly monitor and render documented report of the undertaking, while TESDA-Mis. Occ. will conduct CAC assessment to qualified students and graduates, and issue the corresponding NCC.
 
The launching was attended by Dr. Rebonfamil F. Baguio, officer-in-charge/superintendent of Ozamis City Schools Division, and TESDA Provincial Training Center Chief Lee R. Catane.
 
==Mis. Occ. bids out P54.95M-worth of road rehab projects==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451334014430
*Tuesday 10th of April 2012
:by  Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
 
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 10 (PIA) -- Some P54.95 million-worth of rehabilitation projects under the Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF) Year 2, have been bidded out in Misamis Occidental, as of Feb. 6 this year.
 
This brings to P108.10 million, the total amount of the PRMF projects for both Year 1 and Year 2 in the province, as of the period.
 
 
With a physical target of 12.85 kilometers (km.), the notice of awards (NOA) for the PRMF Year 2 projects have already been issued and received by the contractors, Governor Herminia M. Ramiro said.
 
The Governor also said that the documents are now being prepared for signing by the contractors, who are only waiting for the notice to proceed (NTP) with the projects.
 
The PRMF is one of the fund sources that support the Mis. Occ. Provincial Road Network Development Plan (PRNDP), resulting in the improved delivery of basic services and increased traffic count of motor vehicles.
 
Teresa B. Calamba, head of Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Team (PMET) and chairperson of the Roads Sector Committee of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) said these PRMF Year 2 projects include the rehabilitation of the following provincial roads:
Maular-Monte Rico Road in Aloran town with a length of 6.2 km. worth P31.86 million, Bunawan-Dapacan Bajo Road in Calamba with 2.65 km. worth P10.12 million, and Sapang Dalaga-Medallo Road in Sapang Dalaga with 4.0 km. worth P12.92 million.
 
To ensure the smooth implementation of the PRMF Year 2 projects, the following activities/trainings have been conducted by the Misamis Occidental: Road Sector Delivery, Strategic Financial Management Financial Planning, Planning and Budgeting Linkages and Project Monitoring and Evaluation (PME), Climate Change Adaptation, Records Management, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Gender and Development and networking.
 
Meanwhile, two of the projects under PRMF Year 1 posted the following status: Maular-Monterico Road in Aloran town, completed last September and Luminapac-Mabini-Punta Sulong Road in Baliangao, also completed last December. The third project, Malibancao-Guba-Sebasi Road in Clarin, however, posted an accomplishment of only 28 percent, as of the end of 2011 and was terminated.
 
Among the reasons for the termination was the contractor’s non-compliance to some specifications of the project, Calamba added. (PIA10, Mis. Occ.)
 
==Prov'l gov't to focus on strat plan and HR mgmt==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451333687914
*Sunday 8th of April 2012
:by  Rutchie C. Aguhob
 
 
 
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 8 (PIA) -- Implementation of Strategic Financial Management and Human Resource Management and Development Plans remain on top of the good government focus of the macro sector of the provincial government of Misamis Occidental.
 
This was explained by Gov. Herminia M. Ramiro, during the recent meeting of the Provincial Development Council.
 
She said the development interventions and strategies of Mis. Occ.’s Executive-Legislative Agenda has been divided into foursectors, namely Macro, Infrastructure, Social and Economic.
 
Along the macro sector, the focus on good governance of the province includes the operationalization of the Information, Communication and Technology-General Information System Office of the province and the Provincial Internal Audit Office (PIAO).
 
Also included is the paperless legislation that incorporates corresponding legislative support by way of ordinances passage to all corresponding programs/projects/activities of the plans to ensure the success of its implementation, the governor said.
 
Citing performances of the macro sector, Ramiro said there has been an improvement of systems and procedures in the Provincial Government of Mis. Occ. resulting from the on-going implementation of the paperless legislation.
 
“Now, the retrieval and production of legislative documents have been made fast and easy,” Ramiro said.
 
Likewise, the Bids and Awards Committee has been strengthened in the transparency of the procurement system while the PIAO Operation has been institutionalized as a department.
 
“There is now an improved linkage between the plans and budget allocation while the targeted increases in local revenues have been attained,” the Governor also said.
 
Another achievement of the macro sector is the implementation of peace and order strategic action plan and its course of action resulting in the low incidence of crime, both index and non-index in the province with Ozamiz City having a total of 658, the highest number and Concepcion town with the lowest number of four, the governor added. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==BFP-Ozamiz collects P1.58-M in fire code fees==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R10&article=1451333342797
*Monday 2nd of April 2012
:by (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)
 
 
 
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 2 (PIA) –- A total of Php1.58 million in fire code fees have been collected by Bureau of Fire Protection, this city (BFP-Ozamiz City), last year, the highest amount of which was recorded in the first quarter of the year.
 
Sr. Insp. Clint S. Cha, City Fire Marshall, said this could be because it was during this time when renewal of business licenses and building permits were done.
 
Particularly, the highest collection was recorded in January with Php735,077.20, followed by February with Php383,689.82 and March with Php114,092.23.
 
Collections during the rest of the year also showed the following amounts: April, Php47,619.07, May, Php30,002.33, and June, Php48,314.78.
 
July, Php24,213.53, August, Php30,056.12, September, Php53,631.49, October, Php35,125.90, November, Php54,191.17 and December, Php24,098.27.
 
Meanwhile, Cha said hopes are high that all the six fire trucks of BFP-Ozamiz will be put back to its running condition with the implementation of Republic Act 9514.
 
This was the optimistic view of the City Fire Marshall, who said only four of these fire trucks can be used during fire emergencies because the other two still needed repairs.
 
Cha, however, said they cannot just let go of the vehicles, even if they were bought in the early 70’s yet, because they have special features which are not found in the new units sold in the market, today.
 
He said RA 9514 otherwise known as the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, has authorized the City/Municipal Fire Stations to assess the prescribed fire code taxes, fees/charges and fines and to collect such in their respective jurisdictions.
 
The same RA 9514 also provides a source of funds for the modernization of the BFP, pursuant to Section 13, as well, as the utilization of the 20% local government unit’s share, exclusively for the use of the operation and maintenance of their local fire stations, including construction and repair.
 
==Ramon Aboitiz Foundation gives out 5th Triennial Awards for Visayas-Mindanao icons==
*Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/41865/ramon-aboitiz-foundation-gives-out-5th-triennial-awards-for-visayas-mindanao-icons
*1:30 am | Sunday, April 1st, 2012
:by  Jaime Picornell
Philippine Daily Inquirer
 
 
 
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) held its 5th Triennial Awards at the ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. The awards are granted every three years to an exemplary individual and an outstanding institution in the Visayas and Mindanao. Intense research and deliberation are involved to come up with five finalists.
Dominica Chua, Rafi’s chief operating officer, says the awards were launched in 1996, to recognized those committed to building a more humane, equitable and caring society. Honored are men and women who, through their abnegation, bring about change and improve the lives of the less privileged.
Essentially, they reflect the philanthropic and humanitarian ideals and values of the late Ramon Aboitiz and his son, the late Eduardo Aboitiz.
On stage to welcome everyone was Rafi president Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz who gave the rationale of the awards, specially significant this year when Rafi celebrates its 40th anniversary. He recognized the presence of Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale among the many prominent guests.
Bobby Aboitiz and his wife, Ma. Christina “Marian” Cabarrus de Aboitiz, presented the search committee: chairperson Margarita de la Cruz; businessman Jonathan Aldeguer; journalist Valeriano Avila; Bro. Crispin Betita, FMS (from the academe); and Leonardo Moneva (NGO sector).
Well-documented Powerpoint presentation features the five finalists of each category. All were most deserving but just one in each would be the winner. Chosen for the Don Eduardo Aboitiz Most Outstanding Institution Award was the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, represented by Manuel Margate, who quipped, “Yes, I am a man!”
The foundation has moved women from poverty to financial independence. It follows the precepts of microfinancing and has gone beyond the boundaries of Negros Island.
The other finalists: Agri-Aqua Development Coalition of Mindanao, spurring sustainable development through coalitions; Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, pump priming growth in rural communities, with 184 sites in Visayas, Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines; SOS Children’s Village Philippines, nurturing abandoned and/or orphaned children through family and home care, a concept originating in Austria but well-adapted to the Philippines; and the Great Physician Rehabilitation Foundation. It champions the disabled who may be in wheelchairs but are mostly useful in Oroqueta City, Misamis Occidental, and beyond.
Accomplished individuals
After a beautiful performance by University of the Visayas Chorale, it was time for the Don Ramon Aboitiz Exemplary Individual Award. It went to most of everyone’s favorite among the finalists: Rene Vendiola.
He used to be a slash-and-burn farmer destroying precious woodlands. He had a change of heart and, for over 20 years now, he has advocated the protection of the environment through intensive tree planting.
A one-hectare property of his in Negros Oriental has been turned into a veritable rain forest. Among the plants at his Liptong Woodland is the endemic and endangered Magnificent Maiden flower, which he propagates.
Other exemplary individual finalists were as follows:
Fr. Angelo Benavides, who is based in the Diocese of Marbel in Mindanao. He has opened lines of communication between the T’Bolis, the Christians, the Muslims and even the military.
Professor Estrella Cantallopez of Notre Dame University in Cotabato City. She was stunned by witnessing war carnage and has dedicated her life to the attainment of peace.
Apolinario Leyson, abandoned at the age of 6, and a street child at Cebu’s Carbon Market, he ended up working at the canteen of nearby University of San José Recoletos. Scouting transformed him and made his career.
Fr. Dennis Tamayo, a missionary assigned in Basilan under Claret Foundation. He has uplifted the living condition of the Bajaus, heretofore considered marginalized and lowly. The transformation has been short of miraculous.
As it has become a tradition of the Rafi awards, Marian Aboitiz was on stage to recite the poem “A Future Not Our Own,” whose words are attributed to Archbishop Oscar Romero, martyred in El Salvador in 1980. Marian recited the first part while the rest was read by her daughter Amaya Aboitiz, a deputy director at Rafi.
Before the program ended, Rafi vice president Jon Aboitiz announced that everyone would get a booklet about the finalists of the 5th Triennial Awards. As he said, it is an excellent documentation, capturing the spirit behind the noble work of the finalists, all worthy of emulation.
Among those present were Jon and Bobby’s mother Paqui Aboitiz; their aunt Quina Melendeze; Fr. Ernesto Javier; lawyer Manuel Go; and Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, who is with the Rafi cultural program of Casa Gorordo Museum.
Joy said this year’s “Gabii sa Kabilin” will be on May 25, a Friday. That’s Heritage Night in Cebu, with 75 museums and historical sites designated for nocturnal visitation. There are so many this year they may have to use up the whole weekend.
 
 
==[[Misamis Occidental Archived News]]==
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Province of Misamis Occidental - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Misamis Occidental

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.

School Year 2012-2013 starts on June 4

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 11 (PIA) -- The coming school year (SY) will start on June 4 and end on March 22, 2013.

Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro, FSC, issued the School Calendar for SY 2012-2013 to synchronize all core events and teaching-learning activities in order to maximize the use of the required 200 school days, Rebonfamil Baguio, Asst. Superintendent, Ozamiz City Schools Division, said.

This will then include the 180 days to be used for non-negotiable teacher-pupils/students contact time and the five days In-Service Training (INSET) break and parent-teacher conference, he said.

Private schools, however, may deviate from the School Calendar, as long as they will not start their classes earlier than June 4, 2012 and not later than the last day of August, this year, as provided in Republic Act (RA) No. 7797 entitled “An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from 200 Days to Not More Than Two Hundred Twenty-Two (220) Class Days.”

Schools may also observe national and local celebrations/activities and holidays, provided that the total number of school days is maintained and make-up classes shall be conducted to compensate for the school days spent for such activities.

Meanwhile, Secretary Luistro, per DepEd Order No. 26, series of 2012, has issued the following guidelines for the schools to conduct in preparation for the opening of classes for SY 2012-2013: early registration of pupils/students in the schools where they wish to study held last Jan. 29; and National Schools Maintenance Week (Brigada Eskwela) on May 21-26, to enable the community and the school to prepared their facilities and In-Service Training (INSET) activities to be held a week before the opening of classes.

Likewise, as part of the opening rites, all schools are expected to conduct a general assembly for the purpose of orienting stakeholders on the curriculum and co-curricular programs and ancillary services lined-up for the year in support of learner development and continuous improvement of school outcomes.

For the secondary level, the general orientation shall include a career exposure program for the first- to third-year students to acquaint them with the various career pathways, which they wish to pursue.

For the fourth-year students, schools are encouraged to conduct Career Guidance Program in preparation for the careers or courses they prefer to pursue after high school.

On the other hand, the school year will be divided into four quarters: 52 days each for the 1st and 2nd quarters and 50 days and 46 days, for the 3rd and 4th quarters, respectively.

A mid-term break will be observed at the end of the 2nd quarter to appraise individual-teachers and their collective performance, and on this basis, conduct INSET activities, in support of continuing professional development.

Christmas break, as indicated in the school calendar, will begin on December 22, Saturday, and classes will resume on January 3, 2013, Monday.

Summer classes will begin on April 15, 2013, and ends on May 27, 2013, which is the last day for the final examination.

It shall consist of a three-hour daily sessions per subject area from Monday to Saturday for 36 days, exclusive of May 1, which is a legal holiday. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)





SEC-REGISTERED INVESTMENTS IN REGION 10 UP 73.93% IN 2011

by (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 10 (PIA) -- A total paid-up capital of P734.74 million from 333 firms have been registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Region 10 last year.

This amount of paid-up capital was actually higher by P534.74 million or 73.93 percent compared to P191.54 million, and higher by seven firms or 2.5 percent compared to 326 firms during the previous year, Atty. Renato V. Egypto, Regional Director, SEC-10, said.

About 314 of these firms or 94.29 percent were new registrations of stock corporations and partnerships, while the other 19 firms or 5.71 percent were stock corporations which expanded or increased their capital stock.

Meanwhile, the paid-up capital of the new registrations amounted to P281.66 million, posting an increase of 233.33 percent compared to P87.11 million in 2010, Jesher M. Radaza, Securities Specialist II of SEC-10 said.

Likewise, the paid-up capital of the stock corporations, which had increased their capital stocks to P453.08 million, was higher by 333.84 percent compared to P104.43 million, also in 2010.

For the new registrations, the year-end data of SEC-10 show that of the five provinces/areas where these firms are located, the Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro City Cluster registered the biggest paid-up capital of P249.57 million and the biggest number of 236 firms.

This was followed by the Misamis Occidental/Ozamiz City Cluster with P13.41 million in paid-up capital from 17 firms, Lanao del Norte/Iligan City Cluster with P9.88 million from 28 firms, Bukidnon with P8.69 million from 31 firms and Camiguin with P112,500 from two firms.

Again, for the stock corporations with increased capital, the Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro City Cluster registered the highest paid-up capital stock of P339.30 million from 14 firms, followed by Bukidnon with P113.15 million from four firms and Lanao del Norte/Iligan City Cluster with P625,000 from one firm.

No increase in capital stocks, however, was registered in the Misamis Occidental/Ozamiz City Cluster and Camiguin in 2010, Radaza added.

Cell sites spout in Region 10

by mdb-admin


OZAMIZ City – A total of 579 mobile phone cell sites have been put up by major service providers in Northern Mindanao, as of the 4th quarter of 2011. This figure is actually 8.63 percent higher that the 532 mobile phone cell sites that have been put up, as of the same period of 2010, said Director. Teodoro Buenavista Jr of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC-10). The most number (282 cell sites) are in Misamis Oriental, followed by Bukidnon (119), Misamis Occidental (77), Lanao del Norte (72) and Camiguin (29).

Air traffic in Region 10 up by 15.55% in 2011

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 8 (PIA) -- A total of 8,596 incoming and outgoing flights have been noted in the two primary local airports that cater to commercial flight operations in Region 10 last year.

These airports are the Ozamiz Airport located in Barangay Labo, Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental and the Cagayan de Oro Airport in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

“These number of flights actually increased by 15.55 percent compared to 7,439 flights during the previous year,” Engr. Naga Rascal, Area Manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Region 10, said.

As shown by the Comparative Data on Commercial Air Traffic of CAAP, the number of incoming passengers increased from 745,598 to 848,096 or 13.75 percent, and the outgoing passengers from 762,263 to 853,133 or 11.93 percent.

Overall, the volume of incoming cargoes increased from 9,392,298 to 9,425,414 kilograms (kg) or 0.35 percent but the outgoing cargoes declined from 16,244,155 kg. to 10,044,026 kg. or down by 38.17 percent.

For their individual outputs, the number of incoming passengers at the Ozamiz Airport increased from 101,870 to 117,657 or 15.50 percent and the outgoing passengers, from 104,489 to 112,190 or 7.37 percent.

Its number of flights also increased from 1,144 to 1,274 or 11.36 percent and its outgoing cargoes, from 1,492,241 to 1,822,123 kg.

However, incoming cargo at the Ozamia Airport declined from 1,899,650 to 1,416,274 kg. or down by 25.45 percent, Engr. Rascal said.

As far as the Cagayan de Oro Airport is concerned, its number of incoming passengers increased from 643,728 to 730,439 or 13.47 percent and its outgoing passengers from 657,774 to 740,993 or 12.65 percent.

The number of flights also increased from 6,295 to 7,322 or 16.31 percent and its incoming cargoes, from 7,492,648. to 8,009,140 kg. or 6.89 percent. But its outgoing cargoes declined from 14,751,914 to 8,221,903 kg. or down by 44.27 percent. (RCA-PIA 10, Mis. Occ.

DTI monitors P1.14-B investments in Mis. Occ. in 2011

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 7 (PIA) -- A total investment of P1.14 billion, mostly on services, had been monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Occidental last year.

These investments were actually higher by 18.05 percent compared to the P965.32 million of investments in the province, during the previous year, Regional Director Linda O. Boniao of DTI-Region 10, said.

In terms of share in the total regional investments, however, Misamis Occidental contributed a share of 11.4 percent.

Meanwhile, Boniao said a total of P9.97 billion have been monitored by DTI in Region 10, during the year, of which P4.17 billion or 41.8 percent was poured in Misamis Oriental, mostly in the infrastructure and services sectors.

These investments included the construction and expansion of tourism-related facilities like hotels, pension houses, dormitories, restaurants and recreation facilities, like the Ayala Center, Primavera Residences, and Paseo de Rio Hotel.

Also included were the construction of an air separation plant by a leading gas manufacturing/distributor company and of a food-based manufacturing plant which are both located inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate.

On the other hand, investments in the province of Bukidnon amounted to P3.09 billion contributing a share of 31 percent to the total regional investments. Most of these were in agri-based investments including the expansion of plantation areas, building improvement, and acquisition of machinery for pineapple, banana, and poultry production.

Investments from Lanao del Norte also amounted to P1.32 billion or 13.2 percent, which were mostly on news registrations and infrastructure projects after the rehabilitation projects of HOLCIM Phil., a cement plant, and additional construction for the expansion of Gaisano Store and Pillsbury Flour Mills, Co. were recorded the previous year.

Likewise, investments in Camiguin amounted to P252.29 million or 2.5 percent for the construction and expansion of tourism-related facilities and display center, sports complex, and outdoor adventure facilities, Boniao added. (PIA10, Mis. Occ.)







May 5, Ozamiz Day is special working day in Mis. Occ.

by AL JACINTO


ZAMBOANGA CITY: Soldiers arrested a health worker accused by the army as communist rebel in the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte, the human rights group Barug Katungod Mindanao said.

It said soldiers and policemen arrested Helen Igloria, now being held on murder charges, among others. The group also released a photograph of Igloria while being escorted by policemen to a prowl car.

Igloria, an administrative officer of the Community-Based Health Services and a founding member of the women’s group called Gabriela in Zamboanga del Norte, was arrested last week.

The group branded the charges as “fabricated” and accused the military and police of harassing Igloria, who is active in human rights advocacy in the province. It said the woman is being held in Tangub City in Misamis Occidental province.

“Igloria’s arrest shows that health workers are still targets of the state security that considers this sector as threats, similar to the case of the Morong 43 detained for more than a year,” Barug Katungod Mindanao said in a statement.

Morong 43 refers to a group of 43 health workers arrested by the army in February 2010 in the town of Morong in Rizal province after accusing them as NPA rebels.

President Benigno Aquino ordered the release of the health workers after communist rebel leaders who were negotiating for peace demanded their release.

“This [arrest of Igloria] also shows the continuing vilification and harassment of human rights defenders in the Zamboanga Region in Mindanao in the past six years,” Barug Katungod Mindanao said.

It cited the 2006 murder of a pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines by motorcycle gunmen in Calamba town in Misamis Occidental, and the killing of an organizer of a church peasant group in Oroquieta City.

“Legal offensives are part of the Armed Forces’ ploy to neutralize human rights defenders. These legal maneuvers include the arbitrary insertion of names in lieu of John or Jane Does in existing criminal charges,” Barug Katungod Mindanao said.

The 1st Infantry Division did not issue any statement about the allegations and its spokesman Captain Albert Caber also ignored repeated telephone calls from journalists.

May 5, Ozamiz Day is special working day in Mis. Occ.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 4 (PIA) -- The City of Ozamiz will be celebrating the 114th birth anniversary of the late Senator Jose Fortich Ozamiz, a hero and martyr, tomorrow, May 5.

The day has been declared a special working day in the province of Misamis Occidental and its component cities per Republic Act 6738, enacted into law was by the House of Congress and the Senate and approved by the late President Corazon C. Aquino on Aug. 4, 1989.


Born on May 5, 1898 in Aloran, Misamis Occidental, to parents Genaro Ozamiz and Basilisa Fortich, Senator Ozamiz was elected as the First Representative of Misamis to the House of Representatives in 1931, and got re-elected to the same position in 1934.

The following year, he was elected to the 16th Constitutional Convention representing the lone district of Misamis Occidental.

In 1936, he was again elected as the first and only Senator to come from the province and nominated as Assistant Minority Floor Leader of the Senate in 1940.

He was a reserve officer of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) with the rank of Major, during the Second World War, on December 8, 1941.

Senator Ozamiz was arrested by the Japanese on Feb. 11, 1944, and imprisoned in Fort Santiago, Manila for his involvement in the guerilla movement and was beheaded a few months later.

It was only two years after the beheading when his body was found, along with 29 other Filipino guerrillas who suffered the same fate under the Japanese.

In his inaugural speech at the Luneta Park, the late President Manuel A. Roxas, upon his installation as the First President of the newly independent Philippine Republic, said, “Senator Jose Ozamiz is a man whose loyalty, integrity and courage stand out as an example for all to follow. He could have lived an easy life, by relaxing on his principle and his conscience. I am one of those with reason to be grateful that he did not, for had he chosen to live, he would be where I am today, and I would be where he is.”

The late Congressman Hilarion Ramiro of the Second District of Misamis Occidental passed in 1988, Republic Act No. 6736, “An Act Declaring May 5 of every year as Ozamiz Day and a Special Working Holiday in the province of Misamis Occidental and the component cities, thereof, in honor of the late Senator Jose F. Ozamiz.”

It was then enacted into law by the House of Senate headed by Jovito Salonga, Senate President and House of Representatives headed by Ramon Mitra, Speaker of the House of Representatives on June 8, 1989.

Meanwhile, Mayor Nova Princes E. Parojinog-Echavez of Ozamiz, will lead the memorial ceremony for Senator Ozamiz at the Heroes Park, Port Road, this city, tomorrow, May 5.

The activities will start at 7:30 a.m. with an invocation by Rev. Fr. Marvin O. Osmeňa, Asst. Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

It will be highlighted by a floral offering, to be done by the Mayor, together with Carmen F. Ozamiz, daughter of the late Senator, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice-Governor Henry S. Oaminal, the Ozamiz City Council and the Association of Barangay Councils led by former Mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., among others. (PIA 10, Mis. Occ.)

DTI-monitored investments in Region 10 up 2.85%

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 3 (PIA) -- A total investment of P3.10 billion in Northern Mindanao was monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10, during the last quarter of 2011.

This amount actually represents a 2.85-percent growth compared to P3.02 billion in the same period of the previous year, Director Linda O. Boniao of DTI-10 said.

By sector, the highest investment of P1.58 billion or 51.01 percent came from infrastructure and services, followed by servicing with P614.11 million or 19.80 percent, she said.

Agri-based investments were also monitored at P599.65 million or 19.33 percent, trading, P115.14 million or 3.71 percent, “other” investments, P114.11 million or 3.68 percent, consumer manufacturing, P63.82 million or 2.06 percent, forest-based investments, P9.73 million or 0.31 percent, energy, P1.55 million or 0.05 percent, metals, P1.0 million or 0.03 percent, and mining and metallurgy, P0.57 million or 0.02 percent. ]

In terms of growth, however, the “other” investments posted the biggest increase of 941.15 percent, followed by consumer manufacturing, 631.04 percent, mining and metallurgy, 470 percent , forest-based investments, 88.57 percent, trading, 39.78 percent and infrastructure and services, 5.24 percent.

Boniao said servicing and agri-based investments, during the period, declined by 15.89 percent and 11.18 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, the annual total investments in 2011 declined by 16.33 percent, from P11.91 billion to P9.97 billion due to the pull-down of the investments in the following sector: chemical-based investments, down by 99.90 percent, mining and metallurgy, down by 84.57 percent, servicing, down by 51.44 percent, infrastructure and services, down by 33.61 percent and trading, down by 18.75 percent.

But increase in investments for the year were noted on metals, the largest, with 1,025 percent, followed by forest-based investments, 470.43 percent, “other” investments, 324.83 percent, consumer manufacturing, 185.58 percent and agri-based investments, 39.17 percent.

In terms of the total regional annual investments (TRAI), still the investments on infrastructure and services was the biggest contributor with P3.63 billion or 36.45 percent, followed by agri-based investments with 2.28 billion or 22.90 percent and servicing, P1.43 billion or 14.935 percent.

The other sectors posted the these shares in the TRAI, onsumer manufacturing, P990.39 million or 9.93 percent, “other” investments, P928.26 million or 9.31 percent, and trading, P563.79 million or 5.66 percent.

Forest-based investments, P132.51 million or 1.33 percent, energy, P2.85 million or 0.03 percent, metals, P2.70 million, another 0.03 percent, mining and metallurgy, P1.04 million or 0.01 percent and chemical-based investments, P0.55 million, another 0.01 percent. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)

Summer over? Pagasa to test its first rainfall warning system

by Kristine L. Alave


Has the monsoon season come unusually early this year? Metro Manila cooled down on Tuesday as grey clouds brought unexpected downpours and a cooler breeze, giving city folks a respite from the infernal summer heat. Moderate rains in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces were reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). So, it is timely for Pagasa to launch a rainfall warning system (RWS) for Metro Manila. The first of its kind in the country, the RWS will be different and apart from Pagasa’s public storm signal warnings. At 10 a.m. Tuesday, the temperature at Pagasa Science Garden in Quezon City was recorded at 33.8 degrees Celsius. By 2 p.m., said Pagasa forecaster Jori Loiz, it was down to 33.1 degrees Celsius, definitely a more tolerable temperature compared to the year-high 36.6 degrees Celsius at the same time on Monday. Pagasa noted that the moderate rainshowers were not caused by any weather disturbance. “There are still isolated rainshowers because we are surrounded by oceans,” Loiz said, adding there would be more clouds and rains in the coming days. The southwest monsoon, the weather system associated with thunderstorms and afternoon showers, ordinarily comes by the second or third week of May, especially in the western seaboard where the capital is located. Pagasa usually declares the onset of the wet season by the end of May or early June. But the Pagasa satellite image showed large masses of clouds over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao on Tuesday. Rains have been reported not only in Metro Manila but in other parts of the country as well. The agency said the rains in these regions were caused by a low pressure area off the coast of Palawan province and the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Mindanao In Mindanao, umbrellas are the handiest fashion accessory to have as protection from both the sun and the rain. In General Santos City, occasional rain showers have become a welcome respite on a hot day. In Cotabato City and Maguindanao, brief rains fall almost every night, sometimes even in the early afternoon. Rains have also drenched the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte the past two days, occurring in the afternoon toward the evening. In Zamboanga City, where it has rained every day, summer seems to have said goodbye. The hot days came as early as March but since last week, the weather has been mostly cloudy, with a good chance of rain. Warning system Dr. Susan Espinueva, chief of the hydrometeorology division, said they planned to test the three-level warning system this month. According to Espinueva, warning 1 would advise residents to expect rain in their area. Warning 2 would mean a high probability of rain and would give a more exact location for the concentration of rain. Warning 3 would mean residents should be prepared to evacuate. Espinueva noted the RW would help Metro Manila residents get ready for disruptions in traffic, a main problem in the city. It would also enable communities to plan for flash floods and river overspills, she said, even when there is no typhoon.

Value of coco exports in Region 10, up 26.56%

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 29 (PIA) -- A total freight-on-board (FOB) value of $ 528.59 million had been noted on the coconut exports, consisting of 17 commodities of Region 10, last year.

This was actually higher by 26.56 percent compared to the FOB value or transport cost shouldered by the country of destination of $417.66 million for these export commodities in the previous year, Regional Manager Luis G. Cruz of the Philippine Coconut Authority, Region 10, said.

Topping the list of these exports, in terms of FOB value, was coconut chemicals with $228.99 million, followed by coconut oil with $222.066 million, and desiccated coconut, $28.76 million.

The rest of the commodities and their FOB values were coconut shell charcoal, $13.35 million; copra cake/meal, $12.25 million; coconut water with $10.01 million; coconut milk powder, $4.795 million; activated carbon, $3.36 million; and coconut cream, $3.27 million; reduced fat coconut, $915,758; sweetened coconut, $379,610; palm oil fatty acid, $235.36; coconut shell, US$130,196.96; coconut vinegar (“sukang pinakurat”), $24,269; and coconut coir fiber, $6,500.

No exportation was done of fresh coconuts and fresh coconut fruit shells in 2010, but in 2011 they posted FOB values of $25,671 and $4,044, respectively, Cruz said.

In terms of growth in FOB, coconut water posted the highest increase of 1,326.01 percent compared to its previous year’s FOB value of only $702,212.

This was followed by coconut vinegar, which posted an increase in FOB of 341.90 percent; coconut shell, 156.87 percent; reduced fat coconut, 146.16 percent; coconut cream, 108.25 percent; coconut shell charcoal, 96.15 percent; desiccated coconut, 91.88 percent; coconut milk powder, 77.36 percent; activated carbon, 65.09 percent; coconut oil, 22.58 percent; coconut chemicals, 21.26 percent.

But declines in the FOB values of the following commodities were noted: coconut coir fiber, down by 90.52 percent and copra cake/meal, 32.71 percent.

Meanwhile, in terms of production, coconut oil posted the biggest volume of 135,641.70 metric tons (MT), followed by coconut chemicals with 88.782.69 MT; copra cake/meal, 68,514.32 MT; coconut shell charcoal, 19,689.96MT; desiccated coconut, 12,953.86MT; and coconut water, 11,321.1 MT.

In terms of growth in production, coconut water posted the biggest increase of 1,087.81 percent, followed by activated carbon, 199.68 percent, coconut cream, 52.18 percent, coconut shell, 42.08 percent, coconut milk powder, 41 percent, reduced fat coconut, 39.44 percent, coconut vinegar, 12.40 percent, coconut shell charcoal, 11.14 percent, and desiccated coconut, 8.49 percent.

Cruz said a downtrend in production was noted on coconut chemicals, down by 18.79 percent, coconut coir fiber, down by 86.91 percent and coconut oil, down by 33.21 percent. (PIA 10, Mis. Occ.)

Integrated gov’t services to highlight Labor Day celebration in Mis. Occ.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 28 (PIA) -- An integrated government service delivery package will highlight the Labor Day celebration in Misamis Occidental on May 1.

Focused on the Labor Day theme, “Pagtutulungan, Pagbabago, Disenteng Trabaho” (Cooperation, Changes and Decent Jobs), this one-stop-shop service will be held at the Oroquieta City ABC Gymnasium.

It will include the following activities: setting up of the Skills Registry System Desk by the Oroquieta City Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Presyo Diskwento Caravan of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with DOLE; blood-letting by the Philippine National Red Cross, medical and dental services by the Department of Health-Integrated Provincial Health Office-Oroquieta City Health Office (DOH-IPHO-CHO); issuance of Security Paper (SECPA) certification of birth/marriage, etc. by the National Statistics Office; application for membership/premium payment to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Social Security System; skills demonstrations and counseling by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority; and entrepreneural coaching by the DTI and livelihood counseling and career and employment coaching by DOLE.

Meanwhile, Jose G. Robles, provincial head of DOLE-Mis. Occ., said the one-stop-shop will be preceded by a mass at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Oroquieta City, followed by a motorcade around the main thoroughfares of the city.

To give their labor day messages are Mayor Jason P. Almonte of Oroquieta City and Governor Herminia M. Ramiro of Misamis Occidental.

Robles also said the whole day activity will be held in coordination with the Mis. Occ Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, the city government of Oroquieta, the provincial government of Mis. Occ., and the Mis. Occ. PESO Managers’ Association. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)

Ozamiz has highest participation rate in formal education system of region 10

by (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 27 (PIA) -- Ozamiz City posted the highest participation rate (PR) of 97.54 percent in the elementary and 75.07 percent in the secondary level of the formal education system of region 10, during the school year (SY) 2010-2011.

This was revealed by Regional Director Luz Almeda of the Department of Education (DepEd), region 10, who said PR is one of the basis and key indicators that reflects the children’s interest in going to school.

Almeda said an average PR of 90.04 percent in the elementary and 52.21 percent in the secondary level were noted in the formal education system of the region, which is composed of 13 schools division, during the previous school year.

The DepEd data on the Performance Indicators By Division For Both Elementary and Secondary, SY 2010-2011, also show the PR’s in the elementary level of the following:

Cagayan de Oro City, 97.42 percent, Tangub City, 96.72 percent, Misamis Oriental, 96.19 percent, Iligan City, 95.66 percent, Valencia City, 95.61 percent, Malaybalay City, 92.26 percent, Gingoog City, 91.27 percent, Oroquieta City, 90.08 percent, Bukidnon, 87.67 percent, Misamis Occidental, 85.28 percent, Camiguin, 82.91 percent, and lowest in Lanao del Norte with 77.49 percent.

Likewise, the PR’s in the high school level were: Oroquieta City, 72.74 percent, Misamis Oriental, 68.35 percent, Malaybalay City, 64.66 percent, Tangub City, 63.90 percent, Iligan City, 63.05 percent, Valencia City, 56.77 percent, Cagayan de Oro City, 56.23 percent, Camiguin, 55.09 percent, Gingoog City, 54.21 percent, Misamis Occidental, 53.34 percent, Bukidnon, 38.34 percent, and Lanao del Norte, again, the lowest, 34.37 percent.

Almeda said an average cohort survival rate (CSR) of 66.90 percent in the elementary level and 71.20 percent in the secondary level were also noted in region 10, during SY 2010-2011.

The CSR computes the percentage of enrollees at the beginning grade or year in a given school year who are able to reach the final grade or year of the elementary/secondary level, Grade 6/Fourth Year.

Posting the highest CSR in the elementary level was Camiguin with 86.46 percent, followed by Cagayan de Oro City, 80.17 percent, Misamis Occidental, 78.68 percent, Oroquieta City, 78.44 percent, Valencia City, 74.05 percent, Malaybalay, 74.01 percent, Lanao del Norte, 70.12 percent, Misamis Oriental, 68.25 percent, Gingoog City, 66.36 percent, Iligan City, 62.91 percent, Ozamiz City, 62.18 percent, Bukidnon, 55.38 percent and Tangub City, 50.07 percent.

In the secondary level, the highest CSR was posted by Bukidnon with 85.56 percent, followed by Oroquieta City with 85.09 percent, Valencia, 83.39 percent, Camiguin, 80.44 percent, Misamis Occidental, 78.76 percent, Cagayan de Oro, 75.54 percent, Tangub City, 72.80 percent, Misamis Oriental, 72.78 percent, Gingoog City, 72.15 percent, Lanao del Norte, 71.43 percent, Iligan City, 67.92 percent, Malaybalay City, 64.00 percent, Ozamiz City, 63 percent.

Again, Almeda said the region posted an average retention rate of 90.55 percent in the elementary level and 88.21 percent in the secondary level, during SY 2010-2011.

The retention rate determines the percentage of pupils/students in a particular year who continue to be in schools in the succeeding school year.

Posting the highest retention rate in the elementary level was Camiguin with 95.54 percent, followed by Cagayan de Oro, 94.59 percent, Oroquieta City, 93.31 percent, Misamis Occidental, 93.29 percent, Misamis Oriental, 91.76 percent, Malaybalay City, 91.64 percent, Lanao del Norte, 91.44 percent, Valencia City, 91.36 percent, Ozamiz City, 90.22 percent, Gingoog City, 90.21 percent, Iligan City, 89.57 percent, Tangub City, 86.58 percent and Bukidnon, 86.49 percent.

On the other hand, the highest retention rate in the secondary level was posted by Oroquieta City with 93.31 percent, followed by Valencia City, 92.80 percent, Camiguin, 91.88 percent, Misamis Occidental, 91.14 percent, Cagayan de Oro City, 89.45 percent, Misamis Oriental, 89 percent, Tangub City, 88.95 percent, Lanao del Norte, 88.62 percent, Gingoog City, 88.47 percent, Iligan City, 86.85 percent, Malaybalay City, 85.83 percent, Bukidnon, 85.56 percent, and Ozamiz City, 84.39 percent.






BFAR-Ozamiz conducts investment forum on bangus production

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 26 (PIA) -- An investment forum is being conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10 for new players in aquaculture production in Misamis Occidental today, April 26 in Oroquieta City.

The forum is in line with the government’s goal of developing new areas for aquaculture of rearing fish in an enclosure of a water environment to increase fish productivity.

Regional Director Visa Tan-Dimerin of BFAR-10 said the activity is envisioned to consequently generate job for coastal communities and in support of the existing Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental Mariculture Park.

She said the forum is an offshoot to the successfully established 1st Northern Mindanao Mariculture Park in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, which was launched in March 2007.

Another mariculture park in Lopez Jaena that sprawls a stretch of 313.26 hectares and presently has two existing model high-density polyethylene cages for production was launched in February last year.

Meanwhile, Gilda N. Abao, Provincial Fishery Officer of the BFAR-Ozamiz City, said testimonies and success stories in marine cage operations, and best practices at the Balingasag Mariculture Park, as well as the economics of the bangus fish cage technology, will be among the presentations during the forum.

Also included are the bangus market potentials, small enterprise technology upgrading and small, medium enterprise lending facilities, and insurance coverage. (PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)

Shellfish from Murcielagos Bay, Mis. Occ. still unsafe to eat - BFAR

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 24 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned that all types of shellfish from Murcielagos Bay continues to be unsafe for human consumption.

The BFAR warning includes “alamang” or minute shrimps, commonly called “uyap” or “uyabang,” in the local dialect.

The same warning was issued by BFAR last January, after shellfish gathered from the bay, located between Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte, tested positive of the red tide toxin.

Hence, the public is again advised not to harvest, not to eat, not to sell, and not to buy them, Atty. Benjamin F.S. Tabios Jr., Officer-in-Charge of BFAR, said.

Published in BFAR’s Shellfish Bulletin No. 09, Series of 2012, the warning was issued after the latest laboratory results showed that the shellfish collected in the area have been found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

However, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs gathered from the area are safe for human consumption, provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking.

Also unsafe to eat, the BFAR said, are the shellfish collected in the following areas: Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, and Masinloc Bay in Zambales.

Meanwhile, Gilda N. Abao, Provincial Fishery Officer of the BFAR-Ozamiz City, said the following coastal waters have been found to be free from toxic red tides, therefore, the shellfish gathered from these areas are safe to eat: Taguines Lagoon in Benoni; Mahinog; Camiguin Island; and Hinatuan, Bislig, and Lianga Bays in Surigao del Sur. (PIA 10, Misamis Occidental)

USAID Integrates Family Planning into Immunization Program to Improve Service Delivery

by admin


In partnership with the Department of Health, USAID introduced an innovation that integrates family planning (FP) into the expanded immunization program (EPI) of the country. USAID-trained health workers provide FP counseling to mothers who bring their children to health facilities for vaccines to determine their unmet FP need. They are then given FP referral messages to help them access their desired FP services. In Misamis Occidental, 706 out of 932 (76%) mothers interviewed in selected health centers had unmet need for modern FP and 497 (70%) wanted to visit a health facility for more information and counseling. If replicated nationwide, the model can potentially benefit 4.9 million women of reproductive age who want to plan their families but lack information and access to do so.






Tourists arrival in Region 10 up by 10.07%

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 20 (PIA) -- A total tourists arrival of 1,632,862 was noted in Northern Mindanao, Region 10, last year, higher by 10.07 percent compared to 1,483,525 tourists in 2010.

Of this figure, 83,732 or 5.13 percent were foreigners, while 1,549,130 or 94.87 percent were domestic tourists, Director Catalino E. Chan III of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Region 10, said.

He said the number of foreign tourists increased by 89.89 percent from the previous year’s 44,094, while the domestic tourists also increased by 7.62 percent from 1,439,431 tourists in 2011.

Chan said Bukidnon was the most favorite destination of the foreigners with the most number of 46,748 representing 55.83 percent of the total foreign tourists followed by the Cagayan de Oro (CdO)-Misamis Oriental (CDO/Mis. Or.) Cluster with 26,550 or 31.71 percent.

Camiguin was next with 8,552 or 10.21 percent, Iligan City-Lanao del Norte (IC/LDN) Cluster, 1,049 or 1.25 percent and Ozamiz City-Tangub City-Misamis Occidental (OC/TC/Mis. Occ.) Cluster, 833 or 0.99 percent.

The most visited destination of the domestic tourists was the CdO-Mis. Or. Cluster with the most number of 409,158 representing 26.41 percent, followed by the OC/TC/Mis. Occ. Cluster with 364,428 or 23.52 percent.

The other destinations of the domestic tourists were Camiguin, 362,100 or 23.37 percent, Bukidnon, 291,667 or 18.63 percent and IC/LDN Cluster, 121,777 or 7.86 percent.

Meanwhile, Chan said the number of Filipino Balikbayans increased from 6,241 to 22,176 or 255.36 percent.

The DOT data also show the increases of foreign tourists from the following countries: Europe, from 393 to 453 or 15.27 percent, Middle East, from 360 to 413 or 14.72 percent, Association of Southeast Asian countries, from 1,182 to 1,282 or 8.46 percent and Oceania, particularly, Canada and USA, from 2,058 to 2,078 or 0.97 percent.

However, foreign tourists from South Asia decreased from 680 to 512 or a decline of 24.71 percent, North America, from 10,676 to 9,435 or a decline of 11.62 percent and East Asia countries, from 11,423 to 11,172 or a decline of 2.20 percent.

Chan added other foreign tourists not classified under the countries mentioned above also posted a significant increase from 8,205 to 51,396 or 526.40 percent. (PIA 10, Misamis Occidental)

IN MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL Mascot tilt caps Women’s Month

by pia.gov.ph


OROQUIETA CITY - A mascot competition brought life and color to the recent culmination of the Women's Month Celebration in Misamis Occidental, here. Held for the second year, such competition focused on the theme Women's Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone's Responsibility and was participated in by the different women's organizations from the 14 towns and three cities of the province.

Led by the female members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), a foot parade preceded the activities, after which the talent competition of the mascots followed: Mascot No. 1 came from the women's group from Ozamiz City with the image of Gov. Herminia Ramiro expressing and thanking the residents of the province for their support for her programs on environmental care and protection.

Mascot No. 2 came from the women's group of the Mothers for Peace in Oroquieta City headed by Councilor Jessilie Borbon with the image of Dora telling the people what a mother can do to protect the environment for the future of her children. Mascot No. 3 from Oroquieta City depicted a street sweeper who said the women's activities of cleaning in and out of the household and proper segregation of biodegradable and nonbiodegradable waste can help in environmental protection.

Mascot No. 4 from Aloran town with the image of Mickey Mouse, saying that women can help much in the campaign to save the environment by not only planting trees but really growing them. What the mascots have shown only clarifi ed the role of the women in protecting the environment and preventing the occurrence of calamities and disasters brought about by environmental degradation, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) said.

The offi ce also congratulated Mascot No. 2 for coming out as the winner in the Mascot Competition. Meanwhile, in her message to the participants, Ramiro, through Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Lovely Liezl Yape, said the mascot competition was held to remind the women of the signifi cance of their participation in the programs for the protection of the environment of the province. PIA

BIR tax collections in Region 10 increase by 14% for 2011

by pia.gov.ph


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 18 (PIA) -- A total of P5.81 billion in tax revenues was collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Revenue Region 16 (RR-16) in Northern Mindanao, for last year.

"This collection actually exceeded by P706.32 million or higher by 14 percent compared to the collection of P5.11 billion in the previous year," Atty. Alberto S. Olasiman, Director of BIR-RR-16, said.

By tax type, income taxes remained the top revenue earner with a collection of P3.74 billion exceeding by P604.89 million or higher by 19 percent compared to the collection of P3.13 billion in 2010.

This was followed by the value added taxes, which also increased from P1.35 billion to P1.38 billion with an excess of P25.97 million, or 2.0 percent.

Percentage taxes, also increased, from P230.89 million to P305.82 million with an excess of P74.93 million or 32 percent and excise taxes, from P1.16 million to P1.80 million with an excess of P642,261.55 or 55 percent.

On a per Revenue District (RD) performance, RD-101 of Iligan City covering Lanao del Norte, posted the highest increase of 21 percent, from P749.71 million to P910.76 million, or an excess of P1612.044 million.

Region 10 supplies 63.90% of Mindanao power grid’s dependable capacity

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 16 (PIA) -- The electric power plants of Northern Mindanao have an installed capacity of 1.063.70 megawatts (MW) with a dependable capacity of 791.87 MW last year.

This actually represent 57.95 percent of the Mindanao Power Grid’s installed capacity of 1,835.48 MW and 63.90 percent of its dependable capacity of 1,239.25MW, Engr. Leon Dacanay, Jr., Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, said.

Dacanay said the installed capacity means the number of MW that a power plant can produce while dependable capacity is the number of MW produced during peak hours.

Data gathered by NEDA from the National Power Corporation (NPC) show that Region 10’s dependable capacity in 2010 was 799.20MW but was reduced by 7.33MW or 0.92%, in 2011, due to El Niňo that caused the decrease of the water levels in Lake Lanao and Pulangi River affecting the water supply that ran the turbines of the hydro-electric plants (HEP).

Meanwhile, Dacanay said the total dependable power source of the region in 2011 had a power generation mix of HEP, coal-fire, and solar plant, as no diesel power plant was operational in the entire year.

These sources posted the corresponding shares in the dependable capacity of the region: 580.87 MW or 73.35 percent from the HEPs, 210 MW or 26.52 percent from the coal-fired plant, and 1.0 MW or 0.13 percent from the solar plant.

The location of these power plants, their installed and dependable capacity were as follows: Agus 4 HEP in Nangka, Balo-I town, Lanao del Norte, with installed capacity of 158.10 MW and dependable capacity of 152MW; Agus 5 HEP in Ditucalan, Iligan City with installed capacity of 55 MW and dependable capacity of 53.543MW and Agus 6 HEP in Maria Cristina, Iligan City with installed capacity of 200MW and dependable capacity of 136 MW; Agus 7 HEP in Fuentes, Iligan City with installed capacity of 54 MW and dependable capacity of 26 MW and Pulangi 4 HEP in Kiuntod, Camp 1, Maramag town, Bukidnon with installed capacity of 255 MW and dependable capacity of 213.33 MW; Mindanao Coal in Barangay Balacanas, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, with installed capacity of 232MW and dependable capacity of 210 MW and the photo-voltaic solar plant in Indahag, Cagayan de Oro owned by the Cagayan de Oro Power and Light Co., (CEPALCO) with an installed capacity of 1.0 MW and the corresponding dependable capacity of also 1.0 MW. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 15 (PIA) – A paid-up capital of P1.217 billion have been accumulated by a total of 1,436 cooperatives in region 10, as of the end of December 2011.

This amount is actually 0.79 percent higher compared to the accumulated paid-up capital of only P1.208 billion during the previous year, Director Orlando Ravanera of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), region 10, said.

Ravanera said the number of cooperatives also increased, from 1,354 to 1,436 or 6.06 percent, and the number of members, from 264,226 to 267,569 or 1.27 percent.

In terms of the accumulated paid-up capital by province, Misamis Oriental had biggest amount of P817.28 million, higher by 0.93 percent compared to P808.765 million in 2010.

He also said the number of coops in the province increased, from 581 to 636 or 9.47 percent and the members, from 135,824 to 138,064 or 1.65 percent.

Meanwhile, the following increases in the accumulated paid-up capital of the coops in the other provinces of the region were noted: Bukidnon, from P216.685 million to P217.166 million or 0.22 percent, Lanao del Norte, from P76.84 million to P78.199 million or 1.78 percent and Misamis Occidental, from P92.55 million to P92.73 million or 0.19 percent.

Likewise, the increase in the number of members were noted: Bukidnon, from 66,971 to 67,515 or 0.81 percent, Lanao del Norte, from 21,239 to 21,525 or 1.35 percent and Misamis Occidental, from 32,049 to 32,322 or 0.85 percent.

As to the number of coops, the following increases were also noted: Bukidnon, from 298 to 310 or 4.03 percent, Lanao del Norte, from 262 to 272 or 3.82 percent and Misamis Occidental, from 160 to 165 or 3.13 percent.

However, the accumulated paid-up capital, the membership and the number of coops in Camiguin, remained the same at P12.515 million, 53 coops and 8,143 members, Ravanera added. (EOR/RCA-PIA10 Mis. Occ.)

Electric cooperative hopes government intervention will stop power interruptions

by (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 13 (PIA) -- The Misamis Occidental Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOELCI) II, here, is hopeful that the power interruptions will stop once the government will implement measures to solve the present power crisis in Mindanao.

This optimism is shared by Jemilo L. Pelimer, General Manager of MOELCI II, who said they have continued to implement the daily rotational brown-out in their service or franchise areas, starting last March 1 up to April 15, this year, as reflected in the copies they have distributed to the consumers.

“These power interruption was based on the Mindanao System Operation Load Curtailment implemented to all customers of the National Grid of the Philippines grid-wide at 240 MW, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 300 MW, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.,” Pelimer said.

Thus, the rotational power interruptions have been observed, during the period from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the following service/franchise areas of MOELCI II: Panaon, Jimenez, Sinacaban, Tudela, Clarin, Bonifacio, Ozamiz North, Ozamiz South, and Tangub City.

“Although the power interruptions are scheduled for a minimum of four hours, MOELCI II has been scheduling a two-hour daily load curtailment of two hours in each of their power service feeder stations,” Pelimer said.

He also said that no increase in power rates have been implemented by MOELCI II, as of the moment, but that this might change when the power barges from the Visayas will come or when the power is generated from the thermo-marine stations.

Pelimer said all the 253 or 100 percent of the potential barangays in MOELCI II’s service or franchise areas have been energized, as of February 2012.

Likewise, 72,801 households or 96 percent of the 76,017 potential households, in these areas, now have electric power connections, the most number of which are in Ozamiz City North with 15,549 followed by Ozamiz City South with 15,510 connections.

Pelimer said MOELCI II has now a total of 65,269 members with the most number of 13,080 registered in Ozamiz City North, followed by Ozamiz City South, 12,481.

PhilHealth Revokes Accreditation of Bonifacio Medical Clinic in CDO

by philhealth.gov.ph


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The PhilHealth Regional Office 10 has revoked the accreditation of a medical clinic in Misamis Occidental for fraudulently filing claims for non-admitted patients and other misrepresentations. PhilHealth Regional Vice President for Northern Mindanao Datu Masiding M. Alonto Jr. said Bonifacio Medical Clinic located at Purok 4, Poblacion, Bonifacio town was found guilty for misrepresentation by furnishing false and incorrect information and can no longer process claim reimbursements of PhilHealth members effective March 16, 2012. Alonto said the order came after a thorough investigation conducted by PhilHealth Regional Office 10 – Legal Office and that the revocation of BMC's accreditation is permanent effective March 16, 2012. PhilHealth has already filed a number of cases against the clinic for various irregularities since the approval of its accreditation in 1998. Twenty-nine (29) of these were later found to be fraudulent claims for "non-admitted” patients. The cases were filed after PhilHealth 10 – Legal Office found irregularities on the legitimacy of the patient’s confinement, since a trend of family confinement and mandatory admission of three days were detected, Alonto said. Alonto said these acts are tantamount to grave breach of the warranties of accreditation, which is punishable by revocation of the clinic’s status as an accredited PhilHealth provider. In its decision dated November 14, 2011, the Arbitration Office found BMC violating Section 141 or Claims for Non-admitted Patients of Rule XXVIII of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Health Insurance Act of R.A. 7875 as amended by R.A. 9241. "BMC undermines the goal of PhilHealth to provide secured hospitalization for its members," Alonto added. As of this writing, Atty. Allan G. Panolong, Head of the Legal Office of PhilHealth 10 received decisions for BMC for 12 counts of revocation, six orders of suspension and aggregate fine of P710,000.00. Meanwhile, Alonto advised members to instead avail themselves of their PhilHealth benefits in other accredited facilities in the city. (END)






Secondary tech-voc graduates in Mis. Occ. to undergo TESDA assessment

by (Dr. Cenil G. Cortes/TESDA/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 11 (PIA) -- A total of 726 graduates of secondary technical-vocational education (STVE) schools in Misamis Occidental will undergo skills assessment in the qualifications of industry sectors under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Department of Education (DepEd) Competency Assessment and Certification (TESDEDCAC) program.

The said program provides opportunity for the STVE graduates to be recognized as passers of the TESDA National Competency Certification (NCC) and be able to perform the job specified in the qualification.

“The TESDA NCC will augment the participants of the TESDEDCAC program in engaging income generating activities through recognition of their competent skills,” Provincial Director Leo Velez of TESDA-Mis. Occ. said during the recent program launching at the Ozamiz City School of Arts and Trade (OCSAT) here.

Included in the skills competency assessment are the automotive, construction, electronics, fisheries, furniture, garment trade, health and social services, information and communication technology, tourism, and refrigeration and air conditioning sectors.

Velez said DepEd Memorandum No. 59 s. 2011 emphasized the strengthening of STVE schools and the competency assessment subsidy in the amount of P692,926.37 for the public STVE schools of Misamis Occidental.

The memorandum provides that students of STVE schools in the province can avail of the competency assessment, and acquire Certificate of Competency, National Competency (NC) Levels 1 and 2 certificates from TESDA.

Velez said the development of the career of the secondary school graduates, especially for those that can not afford to pursue higher levels of education, may be sustained with doable employment through skills certification.

The STVE schools will submit to TESDA-Mis. Occ. the required documents of the CAC program and make available the CAC assessment venue, facilities and administrative support required for the conduct of assessment.

TESDA will then conduct the CAC and Trainers Training Methodology Course to all the STVE school teachers to facilitate the delivery of quality tech-voc education and training.

Likewise, TESDA and the public secondary schools will jointly monitor and render documented report of the undertaking, while TESDA-Mis. Occ. will conduct CAC assessment to qualified students and graduates, and issue the corresponding NCC.

The launching was attended by Dr. Rebonfamil F. Baguio, officer-in-charge/superintendent of Ozamis City Schools Division, and TESDA Provincial Training Center Chief Lee R. Catane.

Mis. Occ. bids out P54.95M-worth of road rehab projects

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 10 (PIA) -- Some P54.95 million-worth of rehabilitation projects under the Provincial Roads Management Facility (PRMF) Year 2, have been bidded out in Misamis Occidental, as of Feb. 6 this year.

This brings to P108.10 million, the total amount of the PRMF projects for both Year 1 and Year 2 in the province, as of the period.


With a physical target of 12.85 kilometers (km.), the notice of awards (NOA) for the PRMF Year 2 projects have already been issued and received by the contractors, Governor Herminia M. Ramiro said.

The Governor also said that the documents are now being prepared for signing by the contractors, who are only waiting for the notice to proceed (NTP) with the projects.

The PRMF is one of the fund sources that support the Mis. Occ. Provincial Road Network Development Plan (PRNDP), resulting in the improved delivery of basic services and increased traffic count of motor vehicles.

Teresa B. Calamba, head of Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Team (PMET) and chairperson of the Roads Sector Committee of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) said these PRMF Year 2 projects include the rehabilitation of the following provincial roads: Maular-Monte Rico Road in Aloran town with a length of 6.2 km. worth P31.86 million, Bunawan-Dapacan Bajo Road in Calamba with 2.65 km. worth P10.12 million, and Sapang Dalaga-Medallo Road in Sapang Dalaga with 4.0 km. worth P12.92 million.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the PRMF Year 2 projects, the following activities/trainings have been conducted by the Misamis Occidental: Road Sector Delivery, Strategic Financial Management Financial Planning, Planning and Budgeting Linkages and Project Monitoring and Evaluation (PME), Climate Change Adaptation, Records Management, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Gender and Development and networking.

Meanwhile, two of the projects under PRMF Year 1 posted the following status: Maular-Monterico Road in Aloran town, completed last September and Luminapac-Mabini-Punta Sulong Road in Baliangao, also completed last December. The third project, Malibancao-Guba-Sebasi Road in Clarin, however, posted an accomplishment of only 28 percent, as of the end of 2011 and was terminated.

Among the reasons for the termination was the contractor’s non-compliance to some specifications of the project, Calamba added. (PIA10, Mis. Occ.)

Prov'l gov't to focus on strat plan and HR mgmt

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 8 (PIA) -- Implementation of Strategic Financial Management and Human Resource Management and Development Plans remain on top of the good government focus of the macro sector of the provincial government of Misamis Occidental.

This was explained by Gov. Herminia M. Ramiro, during the recent meeting of the Provincial Development Council.

She said the development interventions and strategies of Mis. Occ.’s Executive-Legislative Agenda has been divided into foursectors, namely Macro, Infrastructure, Social and Economic.

Along the macro sector, the focus on good governance of the province includes the operationalization of the Information, Communication and Technology-General Information System Office of the province and the Provincial Internal Audit Office (PIAO).

Also included is the paperless legislation that incorporates corresponding legislative support by way of ordinances passage to all corresponding programs/projects/activities of the plans to ensure the success of its implementation, the governor said.

Citing performances of the macro sector, Ramiro said there has been an improvement of systems and procedures in the Provincial Government of Mis. Occ. resulting from the on-going implementation of the paperless legislation.

“Now, the retrieval and production of legislative documents have been made fast and easy,” Ramiro said.

Likewise, the Bids and Awards Committee has been strengthened in the transparency of the procurement system while the PIAO Operation has been institutionalized as a department.

“There is now an improved linkage between the plans and budget allocation while the targeted increases in local revenues have been attained,” the Governor also said.

Another achievement of the macro sector is the implementation of peace and order strategic action plan and its course of action resulting in the low incidence of crime, both index and non-index in the province with Ozamiz City having a total of 658, the highest number and Concepcion town with the lowest number of four, the governor added. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)






BFP-Ozamiz collects P1.58-M in fire code fees

by (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 2 (PIA) –- A total of Php1.58 million in fire code fees have been collected by Bureau of Fire Protection, this city (BFP-Ozamiz City), last year, the highest amount of which was recorded in the first quarter of the year.

Sr. Insp. Clint S. Cha, City Fire Marshall, said this could be because it was during this time when renewal of business licenses and building permits were done.

Particularly, the highest collection was recorded in January with Php735,077.20, followed by February with Php383,689.82 and March with Php114,092.23.

Collections during the rest of the year also showed the following amounts: April, Php47,619.07, May, Php30,002.33, and June, Php48,314.78.

July, Php24,213.53, August, Php30,056.12, September, Php53,631.49, October, Php35,125.90, November, Php54,191.17 and December, Php24,098.27.

Meanwhile, Cha said hopes are high that all the six fire trucks of BFP-Ozamiz will be put back to its running condition with the implementation of Republic Act 9514.

This was the optimistic view of the City Fire Marshall, who said only four of these fire trucks can be used during fire emergencies because the other two still needed repairs.

Cha, however, said they cannot just let go of the vehicles, even if they were bought in the early 70’s yet, because they have special features which are not found in the new units sold in the market, today.

He said RA 9514 otherwise known as the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, has authorized the City/Municipal Fire Stations to assess the prescribed fire code taxes, fees/charges and fines and to collect such in their respective jurisdictions.

The same RA 9514 also provides a source of funds for the modernization of the BFP, pursuant to Section 13, as well, as the utilization of the 20% local government unit’s share, exclusively for the use of the operation and maintenance of their local fire stations, including construction and repair.

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation gives out 5th Triennial Awards for Visayas-Mindanao icons

by Jaime Picornell

Philippine Daily Inquirer


The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) held its 5th Triennial Awards at the ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. The awards are granted every three years to an exemplary individual and an outstanding institution in the Visayas and Mindanao. Intense research and deliberation are involved to come up with five finalists. Dominica Chua, Rafi’s chief operating officer, says the awards were launched in 1996, to recognized those committed to building a more humane, equitable and caring society. Honored are men and women who, through their abnegation, bring about change and improve the lives of the less privileged. Essentially, they reflect the philanthropic and humanitarian ideals and values of the late Ramon Aboitiz and his son, the late Eduardo Aboitiz. On stage to welcome everyone was Rafi president Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz who gave the rationale of the awards, specially significant this year when Rafi celebrates its 40th anniversary. He recognized the presence of Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale among the many prominent guests. Bobby Aboitiz and his wife, Ma. Christina “Marian” Cabarrus de Aboitiz, presented the search committee: chairperson Margarita de la Cruz; businessman Jonathan Aldeguer; journalist Valeriano Avila; Bro. Crispin Betita, FMS (from the academe); and Leonardo Moneva (NGO sector). Well-documented Powerpoint presentation features the five finalists of each category. All were most deserving but just one in each would be the winner. Chosen for the Don Eduardo Aboitiz Most Outstanding Institution Award was the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, represented by Manuel Margate, who quipped, “Yes, I am a man!” The foundation has moved women from poverty to financial independence. It follows the precepts of microfinancing and has gone beyond the boundaries of Negros Island. The other finalists: Agri-Aqua Development Coalition of Mindanao, spurring sustainable development through coalitions; Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, pump priming growth in rural communities, with 184 sites in Visayas, Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines; SOS Children’s Village Philippines, nurturing abandoned and/or orphaned children through family and home care, a concept originating in Austria but well-adapted to the Philippines; and the Great Physician Rehabilitation Foundation. It champions the disabled who may be in wheelchairs but are mostly useful in Oroqueta City, Misamis Occidental, and beyond. Accomplished individuals After a beautiful performance by University of the Visayas Chorale, it was time for the Don Ramon Aboitiz Exemplary Individual Award. It went to most of everyone’s favorite among the finalists: Rene Vendiola. He used to be a slash-and-burn farmer destroying precious woodlands. He had a change of heart and, for over 20 years now, he has advocated the protection of the environment through intensive tree planting. A one-hectare property of his in Negros Oriental has been turned into a veritable rain forest. Among the plants at his Liptong Woodland is the endemic and endangered Magnificent Maiden flower, which he propagates. Other exemplary individual finalists were as follows: Fr. Angelo Benavides, who is based in the Diocese of Marbel in Mindanao. He has opened lines of communication between the T’Bolis, the Christians, the Muslims and even the military. Professor Estrella Cantallopez of Notre Dame University in Cotabato City. She was stunned by witnessing war carnage and has dedicated her life to the attainment of peace. Apolinario Leyson, abandoned at the age of 6, and a street child at Cebu’s Carbon Market, he ended up working at the canteen of nearby University of San José Recoletos. Scouting transformed him and made his career. Fr. Dennis Tamayo, a missionary assigned in Basilan under Claret Foundation. He has uplifted the living condition of the Bajaus, heretofore considered marginalized and lowly. The transformation has been short of miraculous. As it has become a tradition of the Rafi awards, Marian Aboitiz was on stage to recite the poem “A Future Not Our Own,” whose words are attributed to Archbishop Oscar Romero, martyred in El Salvador in 1980. Marian recited the first part while the rest was read by her daughter Amaya Aboitiz, a deputy director at Rafi. Before the program ended, Rafi vice president Jon Aboitiz announced that everyone would get a booklet about the finalists of the 5th Triennial Awards. As he said, it is an excellent documentation, capturing the spirit behind the noble work of the finalists, all worthy of emulation. Among those present were Jon and Bobby’s mother Paqui Aboitiz; their aunt Quina Melendeze; Fr. Ernesto Javier; lawyer Manuel Go; and Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, who is with the Rafi cultural program of Casa Gorordo Museum. Joy said this year’s “Gabii sa Kabilin” will be on May 25, a Friday. That’s Heritage Night in Cebu, with 75 museums and historical sites designated for nocturnal visitation. There are so many this year they may have to use up the whole weekend.


Misamis Occidental Archived News

The older news reports are kept here

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