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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.

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.

BIR reminds banks to accept payments on March 31

by (EOR/RCA-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 30 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Misamis Occidental reminded all the authorized agent banks (AAB), in the province, to accept tax payments on March 31 and April 14, both Saturdays, this year.


These AABs are also reminded to extend their banking hours from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. during the period April 2 to 16, for the same purpose, Judith G. Seno, Assistant Revenue District Officer of the BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) 100, said.


Seno said this reminder is in accordance with the provisions of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) executed by the AAB’s, BIR and the Bureau of Treasury, more particularly item 2.1.2 of the bank obligations which states that the AAB shall open bank operations two Saturdays, immediately prior to April 14 of every year.


However, April 7 is Black Saturday, so the AABs will do it on March 31, the Assistant Revenue District Officer said.


Likewise, she said the same MOA provides that these AABs shall extend banking hours from 3:00 to 5: 00 p.m. during the period April 1 up to the income tax payment deadline.

Meanwhile, RDO-100 has continued to strengthen its campaign for taxpayers to pay the annual income taxes for 2011 before this year's deadline on April 16.

In Ozamiz City, the campaign started early this month with a motorcade around the main thoroughfare of the city and the ceremonial signing of the pledge of support by the tax payers.


It also included the reminder to the tax payers to ask for official receipts (ORs) everytime they buy goods or services from the store or establishment where these items are bought.

In fact, RDO-100 advocates that asking for ORs should be made a habit by every tax payer to help the government in its tax collection efforts as taxes are the source of funds for development projects for the general welfare of the people.

Aquino seeks dismantling of private armies

by Jaime R. Pilapil and William B. Depasupil, Reporters


SAYING that he wants the very first elections to be held under him to be the most peaceful and orderly, President Benigno Aquino 3rd on Wednesday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to dismantle all private armies in the country, most of which are believed maintained by politicians.


“I’ve tasked the PNP specifically for the continuing efforts to remove all of these private armed groups that exist, not only in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM),” President Aquino said during a Cabinet cluster meeting on voter registration in the Muslim autonomous region.

The President announced that a private army in Kalinga province had been neutralized, while the incidence of violence in Abra province—an alleged haven for assassins—had gone down.

“They’ve arrested quite a number of people identified with this [Kalinga] private armed group, filed the necessary charges and confiscated firearms. In Abra, we are told that there is a marked diminution of the violence normally being experienced in the province,” Mr. Aquino said.

He recently met with police officials for a “cursory evaluation” of the remaining private armies.

“We assessed the private armed groups and the result of that meeting was a revalidation of whether or not the data are still correct,” President Aquino said.

In June 2011, 28 private armed groups were dismantled by the police and 106 persons were arrested and charged.

The President first ordered the dismantling of private armies weeks after he assumed office.

On August 4, 2010, then-PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa and then-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David signed Joint Letter Directive 05-2010 that set in motion the PNP-AFP joint campaign to dismantle the remaining partisan armed groups or private armies in the countryside, particularly in the violence-prone provinces of Abra, Masbate and Misamis Occidental.

Based on the latest validation of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence, there are still 107 private armed groups all over the country, but only 65 are active.

Among the notorious private armed groups is the Kuratong Baleleng, which is based in Misamis Occidental. The group later evolved into an organized crime syndicate.

Rep. Loreto Leo Ocampos of Misamis Occidental said that the group was founded in the 1970s by Octavio Parojinog, the father of former Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog of Ozamiz City, who the lawmaker claimed is now the group’s alleged leader.

Ocampos claimed that the group has about 100 to 200 fully-armed members and some 1,000 sympathizers.






PhilHealth revokes accreditation of Misamis Occidental hospital

by BONG D. FABE


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in Northern Mindanao has revoked the accreditation of a medical clinic in Misamis Occidental province for fraud. Datu Masiding M. Alonto Jr., PhilHealth-X regional vice president, said PhilHealth found Bonifacio Medical Clinic in Bonifacio town, Misamis Occidental filed fraudulent claims for “ghost” patients aside other misrepresentations.

Alonto said the clinic, located at Purok 4, Poblacion, Bonifacio furnished “false and incorrect information.”

With the revocation, the clinic can no longer process claim reimbursements of PhilHealth members effective March 16, 2012, he said. He said PhilHealth filed a number of cases against the clinic for various irregularities since the approval of its accreditation in 1998. Twenty-nine of these were later found to be fraudulent claims for “non-admitted” patients.

These cases were filed after PhilHealth-X Legal Office found irregularities on the legitimacy of the patients’ confinement after a trend of family confinement and mandatory admission of 3 days was 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 Nov. 14, 2011, the Arbitration Office found Bonifacio Medical Clinic 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 RA 7875 as amended by RA 9241.

“BMC undermines the goal of PhilHealth to provide secured hospitalization for its members,” Alonto said.

PhilHealth-X Legal Office chief lawyer Allan G. Panolong said his office has received decisions for BMC for 12 counts of revocation and 6 orders of suspension with an aggregate fine of P710,000.

PhilHealth was created in 1995 as the government’s answer to the clamor for a more responsive and comprehensive government health care program. President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law Republic Act 7875 on Feb. 14, 1995 creating the PHIC, which is mandated to provide social health insurance coverage to all Filipinos.

PhilHealth assumed the responsibility of administering the former Medicare program for government and private sector employees from the Government Service Insurance System in October 1997, from the Social Security System in April 1998, and from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in March 2005.







PhilHealth revokes accreditation of Bonifacio Medical Clinic in MisOcc

by ( Merlyn Ybañez/PhilHealth-10/EOR/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- 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, an agency statement said.

PhilHealth Regional Vice President for Northern Mindanao Datu Masiding M. Alonto Jr. said Bonifacio Medical Clinic (BMC) 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 which were later found to be fraudulent claims for “non-admitted” patients.

The cases were filed after PhilHealth 10 – Legal Office has found irregularities on the legitimacy of the patient’s confinement, since a trend of family confinement and mandatory admission of three (3) 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.

School in Mis. Occ. wins Sayawit National Competition of DepEd

by (Pat Nano/PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.) )


TUDELA, Misamis Occidental, March 26 (PIA) -- Another national award has been added to the province of Misamis Occidental.

This, after the contestants of Tudela Central School, this town, won two of the major prizes of the Sayawit National Competition conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) in Baguio City.


Mrs. Luzvisminda Tactacon, School Principal said these two major prizes are 1st place in the Teacher Category and 4th place in the Pupils Category of the said competition.

Participants of the Tudela Cental School were indeed very lucky to make it as finalists from among 15 entries, nationwide, Tactacon said.

She said the school’s presentation depicted the current situation of the environment, especially relating to climate change.

Just recently, the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental has lined-up activities, to place itself, not only in the national map but in the world map, as well.

The achievement of Tudela Central School in the Sayawit National Competition has surely placed Misamis Occidental in the national map and every Misamisnon should be proud of it, Governor Herminia M. Ramiro said.

Meanwhile, she said the province also plans to join national competitions where the name of Misamis Occidental will be at stake, such as, the search for beauty queens, and other festivals

P 498-M worth of projects implemented in Mis. Occ. under MRDP-2, CFAD

by (EOR/RCA/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Mar. 25 (PIA) – A total of P 498.09 million worth of projects have been implemented in Misamis Occidental under the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) Rural Infrastructure Sub-Projects, Phase 2 and the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) last year.


Of this amount, P 488.76 million was spent on some 62 road projects with a total length of 292.13 km. under the MRDP 2 while P 9.25 million was spent under the CFAD.


Both programs were intended to further improve the income and achieve food security through the development of rural infrastructure, agri-fishery, livelihood and bio-diversity conservation activities of the residents in the rural areas.


Meanwhile, during the recent meeting of the Mis. Occ. Provincial Development Council (PDC) in the city, Teresa B. Calamba, Chairperson of the Road Sector Committee and Secretary to the PDC reported the following status and accomplishments of the rural infrastructure sub-projects:


One (1) of the projects with a length of 2.68 km. amounting to P 2.384 million have been fully liquidated while two (2) others with a length of 3.44 km. amounting to P 6.7 million have been accepted by MRDP and turned-over but not yet fully paid.


Four (4) of the projects with a length of 35.94 km. amounting to P 25.58 million, is still on-going and has an accomplishment of above 50 percent while the implementation of five (5) others with a length of 25.28 km. amounting to P 55.90 million which is also on-going, has an accomplishment of below 50 percent, Calamba said.


Contracts for eight (8) projects involving 24.22 km. amounting to P 66.14 million have been awarded but not yet started while six (6) projects involving 11.10 km. amounting to P 32.54 million have been bidded out but not yet awarded.


The bid documents and feasibility studies for 12 other road project with a length of 58.30 km. amounting to P 86.10 million have been readied for bidding while 24 others with a length of 131.16 km. amounting to P 213.39 million, are currently under review for additional funding.


Likewise, of the P 9.25 million worth of projects implemented under the CFAD for the province, last year, P 7 million was released for the poultry and livestock production of the municipalities of Aloran and Sinacaban at P 2.25 million, each, and Calamba and Panaon at P 1.25 million, each.


The other P 2.25 million is also to be downloaded to the different barangays of Sinacaban, the PDC Secretary added.

PAL suspending Ozamiz flights starting March 25

by LBG, GMA News


Citing "commerical" reasons, flag carrier Philippine Airlines will suspend its flights to Ozamiz City starting Sunday, March 25.

But PAL, in a news release, said passengers between Manila and Ozamiz may be served through a "code-share" agreement with AirPhil Express.

AirPhil Express operates its flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, PAL said.

"Ozamiz-bound passengers have the option to take the PAL flights to Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte, the nearest PAL station to Ozamiz. PAL flies to Dipolog six times a week using the 134-seater Airbus A319 aircraft," it added.

It advised Ozamiz passengers holding PAL tickets to visit PAL ticket offices or call PAL Reservations at 855-8888 for endorsement of their tickets and rebooking with AirPhil Express.

PAL used to fly seven times a week using the Airbus A320 and A319 jets to Ozamiz, one of just three cities of Misamis Occidental.

The flag carrier did not give any indication of when it will resume flights to Ozamiz.

“GO HERMIE” sets 2012 Mis. Occ. Development Plan

by (EOR/RCA-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 23 (PIA) -- The development direction of the province is set on the present administration’s executive blueprint by the acronym “GO HERMIE.”

GO HERMIE stands for good governance, order of law, health and social services, and human resource development, education and youth development, microeconomic stability, investment opportunity and tourism and institutional development, and improved delivery of services and environment and agriculture development.

This will be the gist of the monitoring and evaluation report on Year 1 of Misamis Occidental’s Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) presented during the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting yesterday, March 22.

The three-year comprehensive ELA of the province clearly articulates the development direction of both the executive and the legislative branches of government of Misamis Occidental.


The last component of GO HERMIE is also gearing towards agri-forest and eco-tourism development with focus on the protection of the Mt. Malindang Natural Range Park.

The meeting was attended by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the chief executives of the local government units of Mis. Occ., and heads of national agencies, as well as non-government and other sectoral organizations in the province.

Cha-cha bill won’t be passed

by Charissa M. Luci


Manila, Philippines – Charter change (Cha-cha) advocates in the House of Representatives should start yielding its campaign for the Cha-cha bill after the chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments admitted the non-passage of the infamous measure in the 15th Congress. Misamis Occidental Rep. Loreto Ocampos said the House will not be able to pass the measure that seeks to amend certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. “As of this time, it is too late already for Cha-cha,” Ocampos said. He earlier warned that the Cha-cha bill faces death by “mid-year” if there are no “concrete” major developments on the proponents’ proposals and if the Executive fails to give green light to the measure. Ocampos said “it is reality” that without Malacañang’s support, the passage of the bill in the 15th Congress is unlikely. “It is a complete surrender as far as the Cha-cha bill is concerned,” he said.

BFP-Tangub City conducts activities to raise awareness on fire prevention

by Judith Bayog-Tablan


TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 21 (PIA) -- Various activities have been lined-up by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here to raise the people’s awareness on the observance of the Fire Prevention Month of March this year.

Among such activities were the drawing, poster-making, and essay-writing contest on the theme "Makiisa, Makialam, Makipagtulongan Upang Sunog Ay Maiwasan (be united, get involved and cooperate, so fire can be avoided),” Senior Fire Inspector Butch Baulete, City Fire Marshall, said.

Held at the Tangub City Function Hall 1, last March 9, the poster-making and essay-writing contests were participated by high school students, while the drawing contest was geared towards elementary students.

First prize winners in the three categories automatically became the city’s official entries to the provincial level of the contests, Baulete added. (EOR/JBT-CIO/PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)

BFP intensifies training of barangay volunteer fire brigades in Ozamiz

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 20 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has intensified the training and organization of the Barangay Volunteer Fire Brigades, especially in the densely populated areas of the city.

“We are doing this because we want to have force multipliers in all the barangays of the city, who will serve as the first responders, during the occurrence of fire in their areas,” Sr. Insp. Clint S. Cha, city fire marshall said.

Cha said the problem of the absence of roads and accessibility to these areas prevents the fire trucks and other fire-fighting equipment to go where they are needed during fire incidents.

He said training these volunteers on fire prevention and safety, as well, as skills on fire suppression, such as bucket relay, rappelling, evacuation, first aid, can help whenever there is fire in their areas since they themselves live in the communities.

Meanwhile, Cha said the BFP in the city has lined-up other activities in observance of the Fire Prevention Month of March, all focused on the theme: “Makiisa, Makialam, Makipagtulongan, Upang Sunog ay Maiwasan (be united and involved. Cooperate, so fire can be avoided).”

This includes the intensified fire safety inspection on buildings and other similar structures, including the business establishments, to see if they have complied with the requirements of the Accessibility Law and the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Also included in the month-long activities are the intensified fire prevention awareness program and the inspections of the city’s fire hydrants, Cha said. A holy mass held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral followed by a motorcade around the city last March 1 kicked-off the month-long celebration in the city. Cha said a fire drill competition will be held tomorrow, March 21, at the Ozamiz City Hall grounds, to be participated in by the different fire volunteer brigades of the city. (EOR/RCA-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)

AFP’s IPSP Bayanihan gains support of the Mis. Occ. provincial government

by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 19 (PIA) -- The Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has gained the support, not only of the local government units (LGUs) but of the provincial government as well.

Thus declared Col. Rommel Almaria, Commander of the 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB), Philippine Army, based in Misamis Occidental, who said he is thankful for the strong support of Governor Herminia M. Ramiro in all their activities, particularly, during the recent disaster preparedness training for their soldiers.

Almaria said their mandate from the AFP is to serve and protect the people within its area of responsibility (AOR) under the guidelines set in its IPSP Bayanihan that calls for unity and cooperation of the people.

Included in 55IB’s AOR is the whole Misamis Occidental, nine towns of Zamboanga del Sur, and four towns of Zamboanga del Norte.

Thus, the 55IB Commander said they have closely coordinated with the LGUs of the cities of Tangub, Ozamiz and Oroquieta to orient the people on ISP Plan Bayanihan, particularly on the aspect of preparedness for any disaster or calamity, either natural or man-made.

Meanwhile, Almaria said they will monitor, not only the insurgency activities in the province, but also the safety of the civilians within their AOR during calamities.

Based on the monitoring they have done, Almaria said they found out that there are still insurgency activities happening in the outskirts of the province because they still get the support of the people in the area.

That is why he has warned the people not to be deceived by these groups and instead stop giving them their support, the 55IB Commander said.

Relative to this, he said they have conducted the social awareness symposium and the youth leadership summit among students in the far flung and hinterland barangays of Oroquieta City and the neighboring areas in coordination with the LGUs.

A youth summer camp will also be conducted this summer in coordination with the church, Almaria added. (EOR/PN-PIO/PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)

Ozamiz barangays to receive P50,000 financial aid from Mis. Occ. provincial government

by Pat Nano


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 15 (PIA) -- The 51 barangays of Ozamiz City have started receiving the P50,000 financial help from the provincial government of Misamis Occidental.

Funds for the purpose have been included in the provincial budget approved by Governor Herminia M. Ramiro for the development projects of the 490 barangays of the province.

As such, almost all the barangays of the first district of the province already received the funds, which they have used for the improvement of their barangays.

Included in the first district are the cities of Tangub and Ozamiz and the towns of Bonifacio, Clarin, Tudela, Sinacaban, Jimenez, and Panaon. (RCA/PN-PIO/PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)

Gov. Ramiro vows to give priority to the welfare of provincial government employees

by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – The welfare of the provincial government employees of Misamis Occidental will always be a priority of Governor Herminia M. Ramiro.

This was revealed by the Governor who saw how happy the employees were to receive their salary differential, productivity enhancement bonus and clothing allowance for this year.

During a recent flag raising ceremony, Gov. Ramiro thanked the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) headed by Vice-Governor Henry Oaminal for approving the budget of the said benefits of the provincial employees.

She also thanked the department heads for their good work performance, which is a pre-requisite of the productivity incentive and their support to the present administration.

Meanwhile, she informed the employees of the other projects intended for their welfare, one of which is the housing project located in Oroquieta City.

Last week, officials of PAG-IBIG or the Home Mutual Development Fund had already visited the province to talk about a partnership regarding the implementation of the project, she said.

Priority will be given to the employees of the provincial capitol for the 250 units of house and lot that will be put up by PAG-IBIG, Gregorio Luba, Jr., Head of PAG-IBIG, Pagadian City Branch. (PIO/PIA-Mis. Occ.)

BIR RD-100 in Mis. Occ. confident to hit this year’s collection target

by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 13 (PIA) -- Despite the present economic situation, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Misamis Occidental is confident to hit its collection target this year.

This was the optimistic view of Atty. Maria M. Alfonso, Revenue District Officer for RD 100 based in the Ozamiz City, who said their tax collection target is increased every year, yet they have always been able to meet it.

Alfonso said for 2012, their target is P642 million, higher by P92 million or 16.72 percent, compared to last year’s P550 million, which they have successfully achieved.

However, there are quarters when the collection is low but there are also others when they have exceeded their targets, she said.

She also thanked the tax payers for their cooperation and support for paying the correct taxes and assured them that these will go back to the people through the programs and projects implemented in the localities.

Meanwhile, she said the collection during the second quarter is expected to increase in the second quarter of the year after collections in the first quarter experienced a slowdown, especially, during the month of February.

One of the reasons for this was because there were only few construction projects that were undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways during the period.

Aside from the individual income and business taxes, BIR is depending on the infrastructure sector for the needed tax collection, because Misamis Occidental is basically an agricultural province, Alfonso added. (RCA/PN-PIO/PIA Mis. Occ.)

Phil. Army’s 55IB undergo disaster preparedness training in Mis. Occ.

by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 12 (PIA) -- The 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB), 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in the province, participated in the Disaster Preparedness Program of the Misamis Occidental provincial government.

Headed by Col. Rommel B. Almaria, Commander of 55IB, t members of the Misamis Occidental Search and Rescue Team (MOSART) headed by Gain Paul De Barras in the said training.

Almaria said there is a need to be prepared for any calamity or disaster that may happen anytime without warning and encouraged all members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to have enough skills in performing rescue operations.

Aside from threats of flashfloods and landslides, Almario said Mt. Malindang, in whose foot the province of Misamis Occidental is settled, is actually a volcano that has been continually monitored by the members of MOSART. (RCA/PN-PIO/PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)





Misamis Occ LGU creates river systems monitoring group

  • Source: Misamis Occ LGU creates river systems monitoring group
  • Sunday 11th of March 2012
by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 11 (PIA) – The provincial government has approved recenlty the creation of a committee that will oversee activities of river systems in Misamis Occidental.

Governor Herminia M. Ramiro has signed Executive Order No. 007-2012 creating the Misamis Occidental River Basin Management Committee (MORBMC). Signing of the said EO was witnessed by the heads of the different groups from the government and non-government organizations, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and people’s organizations, such as the Misamis Occidental Search and Rescue Team (MOSART) after a wide consultation with the stakeholders was done.

Creation of MORBMC aims to monitor and study the activities of the river systems in the province relative to climate change and will be headed by Ramiro with Dennis Leopoldo, Head of the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO), as co-chairpersons.

Leopoldo said there are 18 major watersheds in Mis. Occ. that needs the attention of MORBMC in the wake of the recent floodings resulting from climate change.

Meanwhile, the MORBMC has given priority to monitor and study the activities of the water basin in the towns of Clarin and Tudela, which experienced floodings that resulted in huge damage to properties, last month.

It will now be the responsibility of MORBMC to look for ways so that a repeat of what happened to the two towns can be prevented.

As recalled, a Memorandum Circular have been issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to all LGU’s to ensure the safety of the residents from possible disasters and calamities in their respective areas. (PIO/EOR/RCA/PN-PIA10 Mis. Occ.)

Mis. Occ. provincial capitol to retain its old structure

by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 9 (PIA) -- The provincial capitol of Misamis Occidental will remain to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. This assurance was given by Governor Herminia M. Ramiro to the members of the Advisory Council for National Committee on Monuments and Sites of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) who came to the city recently.

Headed by Architect Dominic Calicia, the said group purposely came to the city to take a look and to study the structure of the provincial capitol building and make sure its old structure, which was designed by Architect Juan Arellano in 1930, will be retained.

Arellano also designed the Metropolitan Theater and National Museum and many other structures in Manila, which are now considered “endangered American era neo-classical buildings” in the country.

Architect Galicia said the provincial capitol building of Misamis Occidental is one of the most beautiful building in the whole Philippines and he is happy that its old structure will be retained.

In line with this, Governor Ramiro said a regular meeting between the contractor of the renovation of the Capitol and the NCCA will have to be done to make sure this will be carried out.

The decades-old capitol building, which houses the different offices of the provincial government, will undergo renovation since its dilapidated state causes the rain water to get inside causing damage to the documents and also posing a threat to the health of the employees.

The renovation will be completed within a duration of one year. (PN/PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.).

Revenue bureau intensifies tax campaign in Misamis Occidental

by Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office 100 (RDO-100) here intensified campaign to remind the taxpayers in the province to pay their obligation during the first quarter in 2011, during the first quarter of the year.

Revenue district officer lawyer Maria M. Alfonso said the campaign’s kick-off activity was coincided with the renewal of business registrations.

She hopes RDO-100 will be able to achieve this year’s tax goal with the full cooperation and support of the taxpayers.

The campaign started with a motorcade around the main thoroughfare of the city. After which, a ceremonial signing of the pledge of support by the tax payers took place.

Meanwhile, the district revenue official reminded the taxpayers to ask for official receipts in their every transaction with stores, noting that it is government’s advantage.

She said consumers must make it a habit to ask for receipts for the Revenue department to determine the amount of taxes it will be collecting from the establishments. (PIA)

BIR intensifies tax campaign in Misamis Occidental

by Pat Nano


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 7 (PIA) -- The Revenue District Office 100 (RDO-100) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue here has intensified its campaign to pay the annual income taxes for 2011.

Such campaign aims to remind the tax payers in the province to pay their obligation for the year 2011, during the first quarter of the year, which also coincide with the renewal of business registrations, Atty. Maria M. Alfonso, Revenue District Officer said.

Alfonso hopes RDO-100 will be able to achieve this year’s tax goal with the full cooperation and support of the tax payers.

The campaign started with a motorcade around the main thoroughfare of the city recently after which, a ceremonial signing of the pledge of support by the tax payers took place.

Meanwhile, Alfonso has reminded the tax payers to ask for official receipts (ORs) everytime they buy goods or services from the store or establishment where they bought them.

Not asking for the ORs from these establishments is a loss to the government as the ORs provide information if they really pay the correct taxes, Alfonso said.

In fact, it should be made a habit by every tax payer to help the government in its tax collection efforts as taxes are the source of funds for development projects for the general welfare of the people, Alfonso added. (RCA/PN-PIO/PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)

Aquamarine park posts P6.53-M income in 2011, expects to double this year

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental, Mar. 6 (PIA) -- Prospects are high that the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) located in Barangay Libertad Bajo here will double this year, with its 2011 income of P6.53 million.

This is the assessment of Manolito V. Yap, project manager of MOAP, who said that the bookings for their function rooms and dormitories have started early for 2012 compared to last year, when the bookings were made only after the renovations of some of it facilities were completed after the first quarter of the year.

The park consists of fish hatcheries, and houses a mini zoo and the entrance to Dolphin Island, which serves as the rehabilitation center for bottle-nosed dolphins that are washed ashore and those which seek shelter from fishermen.

Owned by the Misamis Occidental provincial government, MOAP is described as a tangible manifestation of its vision to promote aquamarine production, environmental protection, and ecotourism, geared towards the provision of livelihood opportunities to the Misamisnons.

The project was started by then Governor Leo Loreto S. Ocampos, who is now the Congressman of the 2nd District of the province supported by then Congresswoman Herminia M. Ramiro of the said district, who is now the governor of Misamis Occidental.

It also gained financial support from Sen. Francis Pangilinan and then Senators Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. and Richard Gordon, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism when the MOAP was opened to the public.

Meanwhile, in his operations report to Governor Ramiro, Yap said the gross income from the dormitories and function rooms of MOAP from January to December last year amounted to P456,160.06, while the gross entrance amounted to P301,165.

He said the highest income was noted during the month of November with P381,248 because of the pre-Christmas gatherings followed by the summer months of June, P334,295.31, and May, P274,392.7. (RCA/EOR-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)

Member of Alferez organized crime group nabbed

by Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 5 -- Combined forces of the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office and Joint Task Force Panguil arrested suspect Rommel Alferez, who allegedly has a pending arrest warrant for the crime of carnapping issued by Judge Alan Flores, Regional Trial Court (RTC) of the 12th Judicial Regional Region, Branch 7, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, after he was sighted inside the cockfighting arena in Barangay 6, Tangub City, Feb. 25.

Tangub City Police Chief, PSupt. Elias Hampac said the Police Anti-Carnapping Emergency Response (PACER) team based in Iligan City is looking into the suspect’s possible involvement of other crimes committed in Metro Manila.

Rommel was frisked after the lawful arrest, resulting in the confiscation of an illegally possessed 0.45 caliber pistol and ammunitions.

PSupt. Hampac added that Rommel is the uncle of Jojo Alferez, whom he and his police personnel encountered last Dec. 7 in a shootout that resulted in the wounding and arrest of Nelson Balos. PSupt. Hampac was likewise hit in his right shoulder.

The Alferez Organized Crime Group is believed to be operating in Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Dipolog and other neighboring cities. Their members are also linked to many criminal activities in Cebu and Metro Manila. (EOR/RFMC-PRO/PIA 10)

Tangub city receives Seal of Good Housekeeping Award from DIlG

by Pat Nano


TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, March 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) to Tangub City for 2011.

The award was given after the city government was able to follow the guidelines set by the DILG in the implementation of the open disclosure policy in tax collection and Sound Fiscal Management in the use of public funds.

Along with the SGH Award was the cash amount of P3 million, which has helped the city so much in adding up to its development projects.

Meanwhile, Mayor Philip Tan thanked Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, on the occasion of the city’s 44th Charter Anniversary, recently, for the financial subsidy that Tangub received during her administration.

The Mayor also acknowledged the help of the Governor and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), headed by Vice-Governor Henry Oaminal for their continued support for development projects of the city.

One of these projects was the drainage improvement in one of the streets of Tangub and the P3.0 million that the Governor gave to the city in a congratulatory bid after it won the 2011 SGH Award.

These subsidies which the city government of Tangub has been using for its development projects have been much appreciated, Mayor Tan added. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)






DepEd, beneficiary of confiscated lumber from DENR checkpoints

by Pat Nano


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) will be among the first beneficiaries of the lumber confiscated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

This assurance was given by Forester Clark Carbonilla, Chief of Forest Management Service in Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Ozamiz City, regarding the lumber that have been confiscated by the Philippine National Police in the province and in the city as well.

He said the confiscated items will never go to waste, especially those classified as the good lumber because it will be turned over to DepEd to be made into chairs, desks and so forth.

Carbonilla clarified that transporting logs without the proper documents would mean that the cutting of logs have been illegal and would require the logs to remain in their custody.

He said CENROs are given the task to dispose of the confiscated lumber as per administrative order signed by the regional office of the DENR. (PN-PIO/PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)






Mis. Occ. Provincial Gov’t vies for the DOH Red Orchid Awards

by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Misamis Occidental has been nominated for the Red Orchids Award of the Department of Health (DOH).

The awarding will be done in Manila during the World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

These institutions are the Department of Education (DepEd)-Misamis Occidental, the Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital (MOPH), and the provincial government of Misamis Occidental.

Jun Galban, Jr. regional information officer of DOH-10, said the DOH-10 the Red Orchids Award is awarded to local government units, which may be composed of a province, city or municipality, government hospitals, government centers, and DOH Centers for Development that have a policy advocacy against smoking.

All nominees of the Red Orchid Awards will receive certificates of recognition with a specially designed trophy and a P100,000-worth of nicotine replacement therapy equipment to be used in their smoking cessation services, Galban said. (PN-PIO/PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)






Children’s Int’l Phil., Inc. donates medical supplies to Mis. Occ.

by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- Another batch of assorted medicines and medical supplies was given by the Children’s International Philippines Inc., (CIPI) to the provincial government of Misamis Occidental.

Governor Herminia M. Ramiro said these items were divided and given to the eight public hospitals in the province to be used by the indigent patients who will be brought to their hospitals.

Together with the hospital supplies in-charge, the governor thanked CIPI since it no longer easy to request for medicines considering the very long process of procurement from the concerned offices of the Provincial Capitol, because it has also to pass the bidding process.

Provincial Administrator Ken Regalado also thanked CIPI for continuously donating to the province not only medicines but also wheelchairs, assorted medical supplies, and educational materials and books for children. (PN-PIO/PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)






P498-M Misamis Irrigation System Up

by MIKE U. CRISMUNDO


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – At least 2,123 farmer families in the two towns of Misamis Oriental are expected to benefit when the construction of the P498-million irrigation system will be completed.

Once completed, the irrigation system is also expected to increase the production of the thousands of farmers, not only in the towns of Balingasag and Lagonglong, but also in other nearby areas.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has asked National Irrigation Administration (NIA) head Antonio Nangel to closely supervise the ongoing construction in an effort to hit the timeline of the project.

Alcala made the directive following his visit to the Balingasag River Irrigation Project in Balingasag town.

The irrigation system will serve at least 2,500 hectares in the area, local officials said.

Last year, the province of Misamis Oriental produced close to 26,500 metric tons of palay from 6,400 hectares, where 5,950 hectares of which are irrigated.

The completion of the Balingasag irrigation system will greatly contribute to increase the province’s palay harvest in succeeding years, and attain self-sufficiency within the next two years, said Alcala.

In another development, the Region-10 office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-10) has recently released more than P2 million to 14 organizations of “Pantawid Pamilya” families in 14 barangays (villages) in the four municipalities of Misamis Occidental.

Under the Self-Employment Assistance “Tungo sa Kaunlaran Program” of the DSWD, the fund was released by DSWD-Misamis Occidental to the targeted beneficiaries that were identified through the National Household Targeting System (NHTS).

The 14 villages covered by the program include Biasong, Katipa, Eastern Poblacion and Western Poblacion in Lopez Jaena, Bagumbang, Calolot, Digson, Kanaw-Kanaw, Lumapas and Poblacion in Bonifacio, Sibulin, Looc Proper, and Puntod in Plaridel, and Sinuza in Tudela town.

The DSWD-Misamis Occidental, together with the provincial government headed by Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, and the local chief executives, instituted ways to help poor families in the province through its various programs.

In line with this development, the DSWD and the Misamis Occidental provincial government are very hopeful that these programs can make the targeted beneficiaries improve their lives.

Meanwhile, leaders from the six regions in Mindanao signed an agreement to have a collaborated and unified disaster planning and response for disasters that may occur in their respective regions.

The leaders in Mindanao, including various Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) also pledged to have effective and coordinated efforts on capacity-building disaster risk reduction (DRR), preparedness, reconstruction, resettlement, and rehabilitation.

This developed after the Mindanao leaders, DRRMC staff and officers, and all concerned government agencies signed an agreement during the recently concluded two-day Mindanao Summit on DRR and Geo-Hazard Awareness at a hotel and convention center here.

The Mindanao Declaration on DRR Priorities (MDDRRP) was also strengthened after local government units (LGUs) vowed to allocate a bigger budget in their respective localities for disaster mitigation and relief operations.

The Mindanao declaration was spearheaded by Senators Aquilino Pimentel III, Teofisto Guingona III, and lawmakers from the various congressional districts in the country’s second largest island.

The two senators are both from Northern Mindanao, where the recent typhoon “Sendong” struck their region, killing many people, and inflicting millions of pesos worth of damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

“We declare our unity, commitment, and resolve to reduce the risks of disasters in our island,” part of the Mindanao DDRRP declaration stated.





DSWD releases P2-M to 14 orgs of Pantawid Pamilya in Mis. Occ.

by Pat Nano


LOPEZ JAENA, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released more than P2 million to 14 organizations of the Pantawid Pamilya families in 14 barangays from fourmunicipalities of the province.

Under the Self-Employment Assistance Tungo sa Kaunlaran Program of DSWD, the fund was released by DSWD-Mis. Occ. to the targeted beneficiaries identified through its National Household Targeting System.

The 14 barangays covered by the program are the following: Biasong, Katipa, Eastern Poblacion and Western Poblacion in Lopez Jaena; Bagumbang, Calolot, Digson, Kanaw-Kanaw, Lumapas and Poblacion in Bonifacio; Sibulin, Looc Proper, and Puntod in Plaridel; and Sinuza in Tudela.

DSWD-Mis. Occ., together with the provincial government headed by Governor Herminia M. Ramiro and all the local chief executives, instituted ways to help poor families in the province through its various programs like the Pantawid Pamilya, SEA-K, and CIDSS.

In line with this, DSWD and the Mis. Occ. provincial government are very hopeful that these programs can make the target beneficiaries get out of poverty and improve their lives. (PN-PIO/PIA 10 Mis.Occ.)






PhilHealth-X awards outstanding partners in Northern Mindanao

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has bestowed recognition to 14 partner-employers and collecting banks and agents in Northern Mindanao for their valuable contribution to the success of the National Health Insurance Program, during the awarding rites held today at the Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan De Oro City.

Maria Rhodella Pare, head of the PhilHealth-X Management Services Division, said the awarding aims to give credit to accredited collecting agents and banks who provided avenue to which PhilHealth members may conveniently pay their premiums and to employers who dutifully remitted and reported the contributions of their respective employees to ensure the viability of the social health insurance fund.

Recognized as best collecting banks for the year 2011 were Philippine Postal Savings Bank in Cagayan de Oro area, Bank of Commerce, Maramag Branch in Bukidnon area, Philippine National Bank, Gingoog Branch in Misamis Oriental area, and China Banking Corporation, Iligan and Ozamiz branches in Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental areas, respectively.

On the other hand, the five employers awarded as Best Employers for 2011 were C-One Trading Corporation of Cagayan de Oro, Dole Philippines, Inc. – Stanfilco of Bukidnon, Iligan Medical Center College, Inc., Integrated Port Services of Ozamiz, and the City Government of Gingoog.

Meanwhile, the One Network Bank in Ozamiz City was conferred as the Best Collecting Rural Bank, the local government of Kibawe was the Best Collecting Local Government Unit, and the Universal Storefront Services Corporation in Tagoloan as the Top Non-Bank Collecting Agent in the region for the year 2011.

The Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Multi-Purpose Cooperative was given a special citation for being the only organized group in Northern Mindanao that has managed a successful partnership in the implementation of the KASAPI program thereby giving its cooperative members easy access to healthcare services. (APB-PIA 10)





DPWH to help in solving flooding in Tudela and Clarin

by Rutchie C. Aguhob and Pat Nano


TUDELA, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Even if their concern is only the national highways and bridges, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is always ready to extend technical help in finding solutions to the problem of flooding in Tudela and Clarin.

This assurance came from Engr. Dario Pusod, district engineer of the Second Engineering District of Mis. Occ., who said the DPWH infrastructure in the area were also affected by the flooding in both towns.

The district engineer pointed out that the recent flooding in the area had almost destroyed the foundation of a bridge in Tudela because of the debris that piled up under the structure brought about by the floods.

He said every time there is heavy rain, water overflows at the Paca Irrigation Dam, which is under the National Irrigation Administration. “Now, if they would need our technical help, we’re just too glad to help in any way, so that the residents will be protected from any flooding tragedy,” Engr. Pusod added. (RCA/PN/PIO-PIA 10 Mis.Occ.)






Medical mission, bloodletting highlight DXDD AM’s 42nd anniversary

by pia.gov.ph


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- A medical mission highlighted Radio Station DXDD AM’s 42nd anniversary, last Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Held at the GSK Entablado, Tambalan ng Cathedral, here, the activity was actually a year thing for DXDD AM, a radio station run by the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, Wendell Talibong, Program Director, said.

It was aimed at helping Ozamiznons, especially the poor, who need the services most, Talibong said.

Included in the medical mission was a bloodletting activity from blood donors who are supporters of the station’s “Dugo Pagpapaalam” Program.

Meanwhile, Talibong thanked Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, who he said had always been there to support their annual activity.

He said the Governor Ramiro’s help often came in the form of medicines, medical personnel, and other logistics for the Medical Mission Outreach Program of the province. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)





LGU Tudela to make another round of damage assessment in the flashflood-affected barangays

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


TUDELA, Misamis Occidental – Another round of damage assessment and needs analysis (DANA) will be done by the local government unit (LGU), here, after yesterday’s repeat of the flash floods that occurred, last Feb. 10.

Again, the continuous heavy rains on the night of Feb. 14 resulted in the swelling of Paka River, affecting 16 or 49 percent of its 33 barangays, namely:

Sebac, Basirang, Pan-ay Diot, Yanong, Locsoon, Barra, Cabul-anonan, Centro Napu, Taguima, Nailon, Tigdoc, Silongon, Upper Centro, Napurog, Hulpa and Gala.

As of 3:00 p.m. yesterday, Mayor Estela R. Obut- Estaňo had activated the Disaster Response Operations, Monitoring and Information Center, for a round the clock service, at the Health Center in the Poblacion.

She also activated the Tudela Search and Rescue Team (TSART) who got ready with their SAR equipment, such as ropes, life jackets, salvabida or floaters for any emergency after receiving reports that the water level in Paka River, had gone up to as high as a man’s breast.

Likewise, she sent the TSART members to alert the residents, thru the public address system, of the flood situation in the concerned barangays, so they can move to higher grounds for safety.

Meanwhile, Mayor Estaňo said a total of 1,338 families with 5,772 members were affected by the flashfloods, last Feb. 10, due to the previous night’s heavy rains.

No one died but 10 persons were hurt because of the incident which also damaged 225 houses, i.e., 15, totally and 210, partially.

However, only 57 families with 342 members stayed inside the evacuations centers, the Mayor said.

She said, so far, the LGU through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) has distributed the following: blankets, 300 pcs., mosquito nets, 301 pcs. and mats, 302 pcs. (PIA-Mis. Occ.)





MisOcc LGU to allocate P30-M for rehab of flood-control dike in Tudela and Clarin

by Rutchie C. Aguhob and Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- The provincial government has allocated P30 million for the planned rehabilitation of the flood-control dike in the municipalities of Tudela and Clarin that was damaged by the flashfloods last Feb. 10.

“The money will be used to make the project withstand, during the occurrence of heavy rains resulting in flashfloods,” Governor Herminia Ramiro said.

Ramiro also planned to meet with the officials of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the province for the needed repair of the collapsed flood control dike. The incident damaged not only a good number of houses, but also the agriculture and infrastructure in both municipalities.

Ramiro wanted an immediate action to protect the residents of Barangay Pan-ay Daku and Dolores and hopes NIA can provide a solution to the problem. (RCA/PN/PIO-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)





Last night’s rain results in a pocket landslide in Ozamiz

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- A pocket landslide occurred some 20 meters away from the Guimad Elementary School, Ozamiz City this morning.

Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez, Chairperson of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) said that no one was hurt in the incident which was brought about by last night’s rain.

Meanwhile, she has called on the barangay leaders of the city’s 51 barangays, especially those located in the coastal areas, to take pre-cautionary measures against possible rise in coastal waters.

The mayor issued the warning based on the 24-hour public weather forecast issued at 5:00 a.m., Feb. 15, 2012, by the Operations Center of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The NDRRMC advisory said that at 2:00 a.m., the active low pressure area (ALPA) was estimated at 400 kilometers east of Mindanao.

As per forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Mindanao, Visayas, and Southern Luzon will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms with widespread rains over Eastern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of Luzon will have mostly cloudy skies with light rains.

Parojinog-Echavez ordered the crisis intervention unit to go on emergency mode, as she called on all the barangay DRRMCs to warn the people living in mountain slopes and other low-lying places to remain alert for flashfloods and landslides. (RCA-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)





DENR supports implementation of EO 001

by Rutchie C. Aguhob and Juvy L. Canumay


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has thanked the city government of Ozamiz for implementing Executive Order 001, Series of 2012, of Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez.

The said EO suspended the quarry operations along the river systems and banned the cutting of trees within the city.

Forester Mercy Uy of the City Environment and Natural Resources said the implementation of EO 001 is a great help in their daily tasks since it has been the practice of some sawmill operators in the province of Misamis Occidental to resort to name dropping using the name of former Mayor Aldong Parojinog in their illegal trade.

Per EO 001 of Mayor Parojinog-Echavez, transport of logs and other tree products along the streets of the city is declared illegal since no permit to cut trees has been renewed by the city.

“This is a pro-active measure so that damage to property and loss of lives due to flashfloods and landslides can be prevented unlike what happened to the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro because of Typhoon Sendong,” the Mayor said.

Meanwhile, Ozamiz City Police Office Police Supt. Jonas Amparo said he will strictly enforce EO 001 and bring to justice those who will oppose it.

For her part, Forester Uy suggested that sawmill operators who will be caught red-handed will have their sawmills dismantled and their equipment confiscated and will be returned only after their permits will be renewed. (RCA/JLC/CIO-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)






Araw ng Calamba, Mis. Occ. to feature indigenous Filipino games

by Rutchie C. Aguhob and Pat Nano


CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The local government unit in Calamba has embarked on an indigenous way of celebrating its 64th foundation anniversary that falls on Feb. 14, this year, through the conduct of Filipino games.

Focusing on the theme: “Gugma: Tulay sa Kahiusahan, Kalinaw ug Kalamboan” (Love: Bridges Unity, Peace and Development), the Valentine’s Day celebration will involve games that are meant to bring about happiness and jubilation of the residents and their visitors.

Calamba Tourism Oficer Yzel Villanueva said the games will include inter-sectoral ball games and some Filipino games, such as Maria and Mario Went to Town, Driving the Pig Home, Pop The Balloon, Fish Relay using a paper replica of a fish flown on air, Treasure Hunting, and Tanging Hinga Mo Contests. Also included is the Search for “Hara sa of Calamba 2012” (Queen of Calamba 2012).

An added feature is the “Pailog sa Pagdakop sa mga Baktin” (Chasing the Piglet) which is to be participated only by the “Punong Barangays” of the town’s 19 barangays. (RCA/PN/PIO-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)





CDRRMC warns Ozamiznons of possible flashfloods

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 12 (PIA) – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) here has warned people living in the low-lying and coastal areas of the city to take pre-cautionary measures against possible rise in coastal waters.

This, as a low pressure area (LPA) was estimated, at 2:00 a.m., today, in the vicinity of Hinatuan City, at latitude 8.6 degrees North, 126 degrees East, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said.

In its 24-hour Public Weather Forecast issued as 5:00 a.m., today, Feb. 12, 2012, PAGASA said Mindanao, the Visayas, as well, as Central and Southern Luzon will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

There will also be widespread rains over Mindanao, the Visayas, Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides, while the rest of Luzon will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds will be blowing from the Northeast and East over the Visayas and from East to Northeast over Mindanao and the coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.

Meanwhile, the Ozamiz CDRRMC has called on all the Barangay DRRMC’s to warn the people living in mountain slopes and other low-lying places to remain alerted for flashfloods and landslides.

Likewise, fishing boats and other small sea crafts in the city are advised to take precautionary measures before going out into the sea, while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.

Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez, who is also the Chairperson of CDRRMC has reminded the Barangay DRRMC’s to take appropriate pro-active actions to aim for “zero” casualty focused on evacuation, rather than rescue.

Heavy rains last Feb. 9 resulted in knee-deep flashfloods the following morning that affected eight (8) barangays of the city, namely: Baňadero, Aguada, Carmen Annex, Gango, Lam-an, Maningcol, Carangan and San Antonio.

The incident also resulted in pocket landslide along the highway in Sapang Dalaga town that affected three (3) barangays, namely: Bitibot, Poblacion and El Paraiso where one (1) house was damaged. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)





GSIS extends moratorium to members in Sendong-affected areas

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is granting a moratorium on loan repayments for its members affected by Tropical Storm Sendong.

The moratorium program which defers payment of loan amortization, without interest and penalties, is undertaken by the GSIS to directly and immediately help members-borrowers affected by Sendong, said Ma. Luz Ilano-Briones, GSIS Cagayan de Oro Field Manager.

She said the program which will be implemented in two phases will cover the following areas in Northern Mindanao: Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Matungao and Tubod towns in Lanao del Norte, Clarin and Ozamiz in Misamis Occidental province, as well as, the entire provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

The first phase, she said, automatically suspends the loan repayments for the months of January to March 2012 for all active members who were granted emergency loans due to Sendong.

This implies that qualified members in the specified affected areas need not file an application for the three-month moratorium, she emphasized.

The second phase, on the other hand, grants an additional nine months moratorium on the payment of loan amortization, from April to December 2012, for members residing and/or working in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and pensioners residing in both cities.

Unlike the first phase, qualified members who are interested to avail of the benefits of the second phase are required to file an application for moratorium not later than February 29, Briones said.

She further said application for moratorium should be filed at the Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Field Offices, adding that any application filed through the GSIS website, email or regular mail shall not be honored.

Loan covered under the moratorium program includes all active housing loans without record of unpaid amortization for more than six (6) months as of December 31, 2011 and all emergency loans granted as a result of Sendong.

Also included are active service loans such as consolidated loans, eCash advance, policy loans, and pension loans, provided, that the loan was granted on or prior to December 31, 2011 and the account has no record of unpaid amortization for more than six (6) months as of December 31, 2011.

Briones, however, stressed that due and demandable accounts as of December 31, 2011 are not qualified for the program.

Meanwhile, monthly amortization on qualified loan accounts that are due and paid within the moratorium period shall be directly applied as payments to the outstanding balance of the loans in the following order: penalties/surcharges, loan redemption insurance, interest, and principal.

According to Briones, requests for refund of payments already received and receipted by the GSIS shall not be allowed.

Furthermore, fire insurance and service/housing loan redemption insurance will continue to be enforced during the moratorium period, she added. (APB/PIA-10)






Floods swamp Ozamiz City, other towns

by Ryan Rosauro and Julie S. Alipala

Inquirer Mindanao


OZAMIZ CITY, Philippines—Ten hours of continuous heavy rains starting Thursday evening flooded several areas in Misamis Occidental, including this city, on Friday, but no casualties have been reported, officials said. Residents fled to higher ground as floodwaters, aggravated by high tide, swamped their homes. Mayor Estela Obut of the town of Tudela said 241 families were rescued from up to neck-deep waters that submerged 11 of the town’s 33 barangays. “No one was reported hurt as we were able to respond to rescue needs in time,” she said. Obut said the Paca River overflowed and flooded low-lying areas of the municipality. She said several areas in the neighboring municipality of Clarin were also inundated. “Initial disaster survey showed that 16 houses had been damaged,” she said. Obut said that as of noon Friday, at least three villages remained isolated from the town center because of the deep water. Only those with boats, she said, had access to the villages of Yahong, Luksoon and Silongon. In Ozamiz City, Mayor Nova Princess Echavez ordered the suspension of classes at the elementary and high school levels due to the floods. Minor landslides in the village of Bitibot in the municipality of Sapang Dalaga blocked half of the national highway, constraining the flow of traffic, according to reports from other officials. Meanwhile, in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, floods as deep as eight feet in many areas had receded by Friday, according to Alemario Dagpin, secretary to the mayor. Councilor Apple Agolong said displaced residents from the city’s 12 flooded districts were returning home. “So many houses were destroyed, some were washed out to sea. We are still conducting our assessment,” Dagpin said. Adriano Fuego, director of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in Western Mindanao, reported that 13,052 individuals were directly affected by the Dapitan flooding. A bridge had also collapsed, he said. Maribel Enriquez of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration office in Zamboanga City said the floods that hit Misamis Occidental and Dapitan were caused by a cold front and the northeast monsoon. Enriquez said rains were also expected in other Mindanao areas. “We are also monitoring a low pressure area in Southern Mindanao coupled with the tail of the cold front,” she said.





Fish scare grips Iligan City after Dec. 17 disaster

by Ryan D. Rosauro

Inquirer Mindanao


ILIGAN CITY, Philippines—The sale of fish caught in Northern Mindanao has taken a steep dive as talk continues to circulate about fish feeding on human corpses washed out to sea at the height of the Dec. 17 disaster here and in Cagayan de Oro City. Workers at restaurants here report of customers first asking where fish being offered on the menu were caught before ordering these. People still hesitate to eat fish caught in the region’s fishing grounds, said a waiter in one restaurant here. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) sought to dispel the rumor. Visa Tan-Dimeren, the regional director of BFAR, said fish are safe to eat if thoroughly cleaned and their internal organs are removed. Fish, said the BFAR official, should also be cooked well. Evie Lumingkit, the BFAR fish health officer, said BFAR could back up its assurance that fish from the region are safe to eat with results of a survey conducted in December that showed no ill effects of eating fish among consumers. “There were no reported cases of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness and headache associated with food poisoning caused by landed fish catch from the coastal waters of this region,” said Lumingkit. She said the survey was conducted in communities in the coastal areas of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Camiguin after the Dec. 17 disaster that struck at the height of Tropical Storm “Sendong.” Prices of fish have gone down as a result of a decline in consumption. The effects of the fish scare are most felt in Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte where large numbers of coastal communities are dependent on fishing. In Misamis Occidental, fish prices went down by as much as 50 percent. Market vendors in Ozamiz City said prices of small squid suffered the heaviest hit. It now sells P10 to P20 per kilogram and yet no one’s buying. The sale of tilapia and milkfish grown in fish cages or ponds was spared. Their sale continues to be brisk. Last week, officials of Misamis Occidental tried to convince people it was safe to eat fish from the province by eating fish in a public ceremony.






PAGASA issues General Flood Advisory No. 4 for Northern Mindanao

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- People living near rivers, streams, mountain slopes, and low-lying areas in all provinces of Region 10 are again warned of possible flashfloods by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-Region 10.

This, after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued General Flood Advisory No. 4 for Northern Mindanao at 9:00 a.m., Feb. 8, 2012.

PAGASA said the present weather shows that Mindanao and Visayas will experience scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms while Luzon will have isolated light rains over the eastern section.

Isolated light rains are expected in the next 24 hours, which will likely affect the waterways of all the provinces in the region, namely Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin Island, and Bukidnon.

Among these river systems are the Oroquieta River and other rivers and tributaries in Misamis Occidental, Agus River, Liangan River, Maranding River, Mandulog River, Dapao River and Mataling River in Lanao del Norte, Odiongan River, Tagoloan River, Cagayan de Oro River, Manduloy River, Cabulig River, and the other nearby rivers in the province of Misamis Oriental.

Regional Director Ana Cañeda of the Office of Civil Defense and Chairperson of RDRRMC-10 said the local DRRMCs are also reminded to take appropriate pro-active actions to aim for “zero casualty” focused on evacuation rather than rescue. (RCA-PIA 10 Mis. Occ.)





RDRRMC-10 updates show 69,666 families were affected by Typhoon Sendong in region 10

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- A total of 69,666 families with 384,431 members had been affected by typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao, according to the updated data of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), Region 10.

Of this figure, 47,009 families involving 281,740 members were from Misamis Oriental, of which 38,071 families with 228,576 members were from Cagayan de Oro City (CDO), while the rest came from eight of its municipalities, namely: Lugait, Manticao, Naawan, Alubijid, Opol, Tagoloan, Villanueva, and Kinoguitan.

This was followed by Iligan City with 20,249 families with 90,285 members and Bukidnon with 2,408 families with 12,406 persons from Valencia City and the towns of Baungon, Libona, Malitbog, Cabanglasan, Manolo Fortich, Talakag, and Impasug-ong.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Ana Cañeda of the Office of Civil Defense, Region 10, said 4,572 families with 18,273 members still remain in 35 evacuation centers (ECs), of which 18 are located in CDO and 17 in Iligan City.

Of those who remain inside the ECs, 1,795 families with 7,390 members are from CDO and 1,617 families with 5,657 members are from Iligan City, while some 1,159 families with 5,226 members have gone to the transitory relocation sites.

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) outside the ECs has also been noted at 46,245 with 262,682 members, Cañeda, who is also the chairperson of RDRRMC-10, said.

About 24,482 of these families with 148,667 members are from CDO, and 10,472 families with 48,813 members from Iligan City.

Also living outside the ECs are 8,886 IDP families with 52,904 members from Misamis Oriental and 2,404 IDP families with 12,298 members from Bukidnon. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)






Misamis Oriental observes world wetlands day

by Cedric Dayta


LUGAIT, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Lugait town in the province of Misamis Occidental celebrated World Wetlands Day 2012 with a massive cleanup.

Led by Mayor Wellie Lim, together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Misamis Oriental, the cleanup started at around 6:00 a.m. along the three coastal barangays in Lugait: Poblacion, Biga and Calangahan signifying support to the World Wetlands Day 2012.

Mayor Lim, on other hand, issued a memorandum enjoining all officers and employees in the local government to participate in the celebration.


Meanwhile, the international theme for World Wetlands Day 2012 is 'Wetlands and Tourism - a great experience.' This aligns with the theme of the 11th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention-- 'Wetlands, Tourism and Recreation'-- which will be held in July 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997.

Since then, government agencies, non-government organizations and community groups have celebrated World Wetlands Day by undertaking actions to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

These activities include seminars, nature walks, festivals, launchings of new policies, announcement of new Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio interviews and wetland rehabilitation. (PIO/PIA-10)





New PNP bldg in Mis Occ, now ready for occupancy

by Pat Nano


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Misamis Occidental is now ready to occupy its newly completed building inside the Provincial Police Service Compound (PPSC), in the city, after its recent blessing.

Located inside the Camp Naranjo Headquarters, the building was constructed through the financial assistance worth P2 million from Governor Herminia Ramiro.

The governor gave the amount for the construction of the building to house the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (PPO) for the convenience of the members of the Misamis Occidental PPO and inspire them to give out effective service to the people and implement peace and order in the province.

Police Chief Jufel Adriatico, Regional Director of PNP-10 was represented by P.Chief Superintendent Catalino B. Rodriguez, Jr., Deputy Director of the PNP Regional Office 10. Governor Herminia Ramiro was represented by Atty. Ric-Ric Lumantas and Jim Delos Santos, Board Member of the First District of Misamis Occidental.

In line with this, the PNP leadership in the province, as well, as in the region, has thanked Governor Ramiro for the project. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)





Sendong-damaged infrastructure reaches P1.286B

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- Latest estimates of damage to infrastructure, mostly on roads, flood control projects, and irrigation structures and facilities due to tropical storm Sendong in Northern Mindanao have reached P1.286 billion.

Reports submitted by the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 10 (DPWH-10) to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) show the amount of damages in the following areas: Misamis Oriental, P25.99 million, Misamis Occidental, P191.89 million, Bukidnon First District Engineering Office (DEO), P4.4 million, Bukidnon 3rd DEO, P25.30 million, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) 1st DEO, P220 million, CDO 2nd DEO, P360 million, and Lanao del Norte 2nd DEO, P192.15 million.

Previous reports received by RDRRMC-10 from DPWH said the restoration cost of the Cagayan de Oro River revetment which was totally washed out have been estimated at P640 million, which already includes a new study and master plan for the project.

Meanwhile, the CDO 1st DEO is just awaiting funds for the repair of the flood control works involving 600 lineal meters along the CDO River Basin in Barangays Carmen, Kauswagan, and Bonbon of CDO.

The CDO 2nd DEO also said clearing of the collapsed soil that blocked the CDO-Airport-Bukidnon Road, Dansolihon and Dansolihon-Uguiaban Sections, as well, as the Lumbia-Uguiaban By-pass Road, Mangalay Section, have been 100 percent completed.

In Lanao del Norte’s 2nd DEO, particularly, Iligan City, the replacement of the P130 million Mandulog Bridge 1, with a span of 86.5 meters in length, five slabs and two piers which totally collapsed, have been estimated at P160 million.

Traffic in the area have been rerouted to the Misamis Oriental - Ma. Cristina Boundary Road via Mandulog Bridge 2, while removal of damaged structure, realignment, and raising-up of finish grade for Mandulog Bridge 1 is still ongoing.

The Sta. Felomina-Bonbonon-Digkilaan-Rogongon Road, also of Iligan City, is now passable to four-wheel drive vehicles after the landslide debris had been cleared while the restoration of 32 sections of the road is ongoing.

In the Bukidnon 3rd DEO, construction of a spillway type of access road, amounting to P800,000 is ongoing with that of the cross drainage along junction Manolo Fortich-Libona-Indahag (MFLI) Road in Libona.

Provision of slope protection using sheet piles and gabions costing P15 million and request for its immediate funding had also been recommended for the Agusan Canyon Bridge, along junction MFLI Road.

Soil and rock slope failure that blocked the carriageway at the junction of MFLI Road has been cleared and is now passable but needs immediate release of funds for its repair.

Likewise, repair of the damaged slope protection of the Uguiaban Bridge, along the CDO-Dominorog-Camp Kibaritan Road in Talakag, needs immediate release of funds.

In the Bukidnon 1st DEO, the following roads have also been made passable, after being cleared of the collapsed soil and debris:

Aglayan-Zamboanguita Road, specifically, Mapulo and Silae-Mapulo Sections, Malaybalay City and 11 sections of the Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia Road, particularly those in Lumbayao, Valencia City, Makalungay, Sitio Paso, Mabuhay, Cawayan, Mahayag, San Jose and Nabunturan Sections, in San Fernando.

Funding for repairs have also been requested for the following bridges in the district: Salug Bridge in Kalagangan, Mampilo Bridge in Kayaga and Pusod Bridge, in San Jose, all of San Fernando town and Batangan Bridge, in Batangan, Valencia City, which is still under construction. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)






Ozamiz CDC approves P59.77-M annual investment plan for 2012

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 3 (PIA) --The Ozamiz City Development Council (OCDC) has passed a resolution endorsing, for final approval, the program,projects, activities of the city’s 2012 Annual Investment Program (AIP) 20% Development Fund Component, in the amount of P59,770,743.

Said resolution was passed during the first full council meeting of the OCDC, last January 17, held in the city. The full council passed CDC Resolution No. 001-2012, s. of 2012 after it deliberated the proposed programs/projects and activities and found them in line with the development thrusts and objectives of the city. The OCDC, pursuant to Article 182, Rule XXII of the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Local Government Code of 1991 serves as the main development advisory arm of the Local Executive and Sangguniang Panglungsod, to set the direction of economic and social development of the city.

Meanwhile, Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez, Chairperson of OCDC, said Php57,670,743 or 96.49% of the amount in the AIP will be spent for the economic development activities, while Php2,100,000 or 3.51%will be for the social development activities of the city.

Breakdown of the economic development activities and their respective allocation is as follows:

Improvement of urban/rural road links, Php8.4M, all weather rural road maintenance, Php100,000, Bridge Finance Loan Amortization for farm to market road improvement of the Dimaluna-Balintawak-Cavinte-Kinuman Norte Road, Php5.713M, and construction support facilities loan amortization, Php3.535M.

Integrated Livelihood Programs, Php1.95M, agricultural livelihood sustainability, Php650,000, preferred development investment support projects, Php2.55M, and loan amortization for the improvement/rehabilitation of Ozamiz City Public Market, Php14.65M.

Environmental management, Pp200,000, Bio-diversity conservation and management, Php470,000, solid waste and ecological management program, Php730,000, debt servicing for acquisition of sanitary landfill heavy equipments and financial charges, Php15.49M and debt servicing for Kinuman Norte Sanitary Landfill Development, Php3.24M.

The social development activities include the Barangay Comprehensive Social Development Projects, Php1.8M, city street lights projects, Php200,000, and rural water system repair/ rehabilitation, Php100,000. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)


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