Cagayan de Oro City News April 2012

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Sanchez: Filipino

by Benedicto Q Sánchez


“FILIPINO” is not just our common nationality in the Philippines; it’s also the language that we speak.

Filipino was the lingua franca here in Cagayan de Oro during the Annual General Assembly and the silver anniversary of Amnesty International Philippines.

AI Ph is the Philippine Section of the London-based Amnesty International, the well-known global human rights organization and movement.

For the first time, the AGM is being held outside of Metro Manila. The biggest growth in membership is now in Mindanao, far outstripping Luzon, Metro Manila and the Visayas.

Here in the heart of the Cebuano-speaking region of northern Mindanao, Marco Hotel in upscale Alwana Business Park, the dominant language during the AGM deliberations is Filipino, the country’s Tagalog-based national language.

Except, of course, it’s not even pure Tagalog, but Taglish. The national language also contains a lot of Spanish words, which probably would turn Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar, the preeminent poet of the Tagalog language, in his grave with the invasion of so many foreign words.

The “Tagalog” that we speak here at the AGM -- if it could even be called that -- is now similar to the evolution of literary English that arose in the 13th century based on the speech of London. The local dialect that has become the national standard in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and New Zealand and the rest of the world in the 21st century.

Except here during the AGM, Cebuano-speaking members from Mindanao, Cebu and Dumaguete, Tausug-speaking Muslim members, Hiligaynon-speaking members of Western Visayas, the Ilocanos of Northern Luzon and Metro Manila all spoke, deliberated and debated in Filipino.

AI Ph Youth Board member Rodney Balagtas from Silliman University spoke fluently in Filipino when he presented the Youth report. Yet he spent most of his life in Dumaguete, with occasional forays in Manila or conversations in Filipino with non-Cebuano speakers in Negros Oriental.

Charlene Keith Chong, one of the Bacolod delegates, or Dennis Febre from Iloilo sometimes even spoke to me not in Hiligaynon but in grammatically correct Filipino. In fact, none of the non-Tagalogs apologized for any deficiency in speaking the language because of their confidence in speaking Filipino.

So what’s the big deal about speaking the national language? The big deal is that it is during these national meetings that delegates, especially the younger members, create bonds; Filipino the national language has bonded us not as Negrenses, Cebuanos Tausugs, Ilocanos, and Tagalogs but as Filipinos.

The official documents and the PowerPoint presentations, however, are all written in largely American English -- something that the Japanese and other foreigners find perplexing because Filipinos speak and write different languages in many national conferences. Talk about speaking in tongues!

Filipino IS the national language and the shared experiences in human rights work makes one feel the bond of nationhood, compared to say 20 or 30 years ago when Negrenses thought of themselves first as Negrosanons, largely not just on the basis of geography but in Hiligaynon, the regional language that Western Visayans speak.

Nowadays, non-Tagalogs who complain of being forced to speak in “Tagalog” are reduced into demographics, not geography. Those who can’t speak in Filipino reveal their old age not simply on the basis of their wrinkles and silver hair but of their poor command of the language. Negrenses who hold such views belong to a dying breed.

Those in their middle and younger ages have embraced Filipino, once attributed by snooty Negrenses as the language of the Alogs. Now even Tausug Muslim member HJ. Isa A. Awalie calls it “speaking in the national language.”

The national language Filipino has indeed evolved to Filipinos what Bahasa Indonesia has become to the Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese in Indonesia, or the Beijing dialect of Mandarin Chinese that has morphed into the standardized form of spoken Chinese based on in China and Taiwan.






Balingoan women receive livelihood grant from DOLE-10

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The Balingoan Federation of Women Organization received a livelihood grant from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Regional Office 10.

DOLE-10 Regional Director Johnson G. Cañete and Eastern Misamis Oriental Provincial Head Rogelio Doydora recently turned-over the grant amounting to P399,650 to the federation, in the presence of Balingoan Mayor Perlita Espero and Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Noris Babiera.

The federation is composed of 12 women organizations with some 200 women-members.

The livelihood project, which aims to aid in improving the welfare of the Balingoan women by providing them seed capital, involves processing of foods into kalamay, peanuts, binagkal, banana chips, coco pie, cassava cakes, and cassava chips. (DOLE-10/PIA-10)

PNoy awards livelihood assistance checks to Sendong survivors

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 28 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has awarded livelihood assistance checks totalling P975,000 to 10 associations in the city whose members are mostly Sendong survivors.

The president, assisted by Social Welfare and Development Sec. Corazon Soliman, distributed the checks today at the Calaanan Permanent Resettlement Site in Barangay Canitoan, this city.

The checks were received by the respective presidents and treasurers of the 10 Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) associations.

These SEA-K associations are the Sendong Pag-asa, Sendong Survivor, and San Miguel, who received P125,000 each; X-Factor Group, Sang Guco Survivor, and Lucky Team with P100,000 each; as well as, Fortunate, Community Team, Fatima, and Calaanan Uno associations who got P75,000 each.

The livelihood assistance was given in line with the SEA-K program of DSWD, a livelihood and capacity building program aimed at enhancing the socio-economic skills of poor families towards establishing, and managing sustained community based credit organizations for entrepreneurial development. (APB/PIA-10)

CDO mayor, barangay officials support bill postponing village polls

by Cong Corrales


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/26 April)—The bill filed by this city’s 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez postponing the barangay elections and amending the terms of office of barangay officials, has gained the support of City Mayor Vicente Emano and the Liga ng Barangay, who called the bills “valid and well-founded.” Emano today said he sees no problem with Rodriguez’ bill. “I don’t see any problem with postponing the barangay elections. Uyon kaayo ko ana,” (I’m very agreeable to it) he said. The city’s Liga ng Barangay, echoing the sentiment of its national counterpart, passed Resolution 011-2012 expressing “support to the various bills pending in Congress, calling for the resetting of barangay elections with the end in view of extending the term of office of barangay officials to more than three years.” In an interview today, Barangay Consolacion Chair Cesar Pagapulaan said postponing the barangay elections will not only enable the Aquino administration to cut on government spending but would also give the incumbent barangay officials ample time to “wrap up their various revenue generation and livelihood assistance projects.” The bill proposes to add two more years to the term of incumbent barangay officials. Rodriguez, the bill’s principal author, said the postponement will enable the national government to save up to P3 billion. “Imagine how much the national government spends for the barangay elections every three years for the 42,000 barangays in the country. This government spending could be better used for various infrastructure and livelihood projects directly to the barangays,” said Pagapulaan. Ha also said that a three-year term hardly gives them enough time to “effectively implement development and livelihood projects.” “Organizing for livelihood assistance project alone takes up at least a whole year to do. You could not really assess if a certain project has had any meaningful impact in the community. Even the continuity of programs implemented by the incumbent officials cannot be assured.” Pagapulaan added. He cited the practice of “traditional politics of new programs by every new slate of barangay officials.” Pagapulaan further proposed that the savings from the postponement should be distributed equally to the 42,000 barangays “directly.” He said that for the longest time ever, “barangay units are constantly at the mercy of the city government.” “We know the problems in our barangays because we are on the ground. I am not against the incumbent leadership at City Hall but I do not want to be trampled also. I know I am just a tributary, I have to eventually go to the river,” said Pagapulaan.

For his part, Barangay 23 Chair Jaime Frias II said the proposed postponement of the barangay elections all depends on President Benigno S. Aquino III. “It depends on P-Noy. While majority in Congress favors the postponement, but P-Noy’s allies in Congress—though only few—killed the proposal (at the committee level). (This) could happen again,” Frias said in an emailed statement today. He cited their experience during the National Liga ng mga Barangay Convention where they expected President Aquino to “announce or proclaim (the) postponement of barangay elections.” “Village chiefs were expecting it, but P-Noy just delivered his speech for around three minutes and walked out. It was a bum for all of us,” he said. Frias added the savings that can be had by postponing the elections may mean additional funds for infrastructure and livelihood project for the barangays. “I have a funny feeling if the contention of the bill is that (postponement) could save billions. What if Congress decides to synchronize the barangay elections with the senatorial and local elections just because of that contention? There are already rumors spreading that it could happen,” he said. (Cong Corrales/MindaNews)






Infantry division to enhance soldiers’ competence

by (Major Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV/4ID/PIA 10)


CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, April 26 -- Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division opened the Restructured Reenlistment Training (RRT) Class 03 at the Division’s Grandstand last April 24 here.

This training is undertaken by each soldier before they can be reenlisted again to the regular force, which they have to do every three years.

A total of 195 enlisted personnel composed the RRT CL-03. This is the third RRT conducted for this year and at present, 535 soldiers of this Division have already undergone this training.

This training is also known as Back-to-Basic Training which means that a soldier is again taught the basics of soldiery vital in the performance of their role as a combatant in the battlefield.

In the training, soldiers are taught Air-to-Ground Operations, Combat Life Saver, Immediate Action Drill, Communication Security, Mechanized Infantry Drill, Forward Observer, and Marksmanship. Likewise, they are reminded of upholding the individual rights of the people whom they swear to serve and protect.

The soldiers have to learn all of these in two weeks time before they go back to their respective units.






BFAR 10 to hold investment forum on mariculture park project in MisOcc

by Noel M. Saldajeno


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, April 25 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 10, in collaboration with the local government unit (LGU) of Lopez Jaena, will conduct an investment forum on April 26 at Rhovic’s Place Hotel and Restaurant, Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.

This activity is in line with government’s goal of developing new areas for aquaculture (rearing of fish in an enclosure in a water environment) to increase fish productivity and consequently generate job for coastal communities.

This forum is in support to the existing Mariculture Park/Zone (MP/Z) in Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental. The park sprawls a stretch of 313.26 hectares and is zoned for different aquaculture activities. The coastal waters of the mariculture zone encompasses Barangays Katipa, Biasong, Eastern Poblacion, Western Poblacion, and Sibugon.

The establishment of Mariculture Park has become a priority program of BFAR. To date, there are already three mariculture parks, an area in the sea with more or less a block of 100 or more hectares suitable for fish cage culture operations (aquaculture), sea ranching, seaweed culture, fish sanctuary, and mangrove reforestation, in Northern Mindanao.

These are located in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte; and the newly established MP/Z in Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental.

The concept is similar to an industrial estate where locators (termed as investors) rent a specific area for a fee.

The conduct of an investment forum is hoped to encourage prospective investors to venture in the park in profitable income thereby accelerating development of the Mariculture Park. The park generates employment to coastal dwellers as caretakers, watchmen, and laborers.

The technical resource speakers in the said forum will be BFAR Assistant Director Gil Adora and Dr. Arnil Emata, who will present the overview and rationale of the mariculture parks in the Philippines and the value chain of milkfish, respectively.

BFAR 10 Regional Director Visa Tan-Dimerin is hoping that this investment forum will open investment opportunities for ancillary industries such as cage fabrication, feeds supply, transportation, and bangus fingerling production of 40-50 average body weight, and will provide additional income for the fisherfolk who will avail of the fish cage for livelihood program of the bureau. (BFAR)






Trade office crushes uncertified Christmas lights

by (Michael Andrew W. Yu)


ABOUT P67,884 worth of uncertified Christmas lights were destroyed Monday by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Oriental.

Eliza Pabillore, DTI provincial director, said the uncertified lights were the second batch confiscated after their monitoring held last December in Cagayan de Oro City.

Pabillore said at least one of five business establishments monitored violated and given a penalty of P17,500. However, she refused to identify the violator.

Pabillore said most of the uncertified Christmas lights destroyed were LED lights, which are usually expensive compared to ordinary lights.

She added that there are a series of penalties with corresponding amounts imposed like P17,500 penalty if the violator voluntarily pays immediately and if “mitigating” is applied for first offense and P37,500 if mitigating is applied for second offense.

“Usually, the graduation of penalties imposed is P25,000 for the first offense and P50,000 for the second offense,” Pabillore said.

She claimed that administrative proceedings for the violation and penalty that will be imposed to violators will be handled by the DTI regional office while the DTI provincial office will serve as the witness and the one who will file the formal charges.

On suspension and cancellation of business permits, she said it will depend on the frequency, gravity and nature of offense.

“If the violation is repeated, that’s the time we may resort to recommendation for suspension and cancellation of business permits,” she added.

Pabillore said certified Christmas lights have undergone proper testing in order to identify safety for usage and prevention of fire.

The DTI also reiterated that all Christmas lights/lighting chains should bear the appropriate Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers/PS Mark; ICC Certificates should be available for inspection at all times; and LED Christmas lights are covered by mandatory certification hence should also bear the appropriate ICC stickers.

With this, Pabillore is urging the public and business establishments not to sell uncertified Christmas lights since it will be confiscated.

The first batch of uncertified Christmas lights was destroyed last January following DTI’s monitoring held last October and November.

The DTI also confiscated uncertified Christmas lights in Gingoog City which were turned over to the local government unit for destruction.

GK, Xavier Ecoville yield 1st batch of formation grads

by (Xyla Mercedita Gualberto/XU/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 23 -- Two Hundred Twenty Six (226) residents in Xavier Ecoville composed the first batch of graduates who completed the seven-Sunday formation program organized by Gawad Kalinga.

Xavier Ecoville is the relocation and resettlement project in Lumbia of Xavier University for Tropical storm Sendong survivors in the city.

The graduation rites took place after the Sunday mass at Xavier Ecoville and the beneficiaries gathered in the multipurpose center and cheered, “Walang Iwanan!” vocalizing their spirit of oneness during the graduation ceremony.

Attendance to the formation program, facilitated by volunteers of Gawad Kalinga, is a requisite for all relocatees to Xavier Ecoville. It aims to strengthen the relationships of the residents and to introduce them to a set of shared values to be upheld in their new community, said Ma. Theresa Rivera, Xavier Ecoville community development committee head.

At the graduation, the graduates took an oath to take responsibility for one another as brothers and sisters in one community. Present in the event were the GK formation team, the camp management team under the direction of Estrella Borja and the Xavier Ecoville community development committee. The graduation lasted until evening as there were presentations and a shared dinner, again marking the values of being each other’s keeper.

Meanwhile, the formation program is in coordination with the Gawad Kalinga (GK) and the city government of Cagayan de Oro.






Zero duty on capital imports extended for five years

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 22 (PIA) -- Enterprises may now enjoy the extended zero percent duty on any importation of capital equipment, spare parts and accessories by Board of Investment (BOI) - registered new and expanding enterprises located within the economic zones and freeports for five more years.

This is after President Aquino signed Executive Order No. 70 last March 29 following the expiry of the five-year effectivity of EO 528 that imposed zero duty on such equipment back in 2006.

Importation of capital equipment was reported to be one of the major cost burdens of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their start-up operations.

In EO 70, the zero percent duty is granted provided importations of machinery, equipment, spare parts and accessories shall not be used to manufacture domestically in sufficient quantity, of comparable quality and at reasonable prices. The policy also requires that such importations should be reasonably needed and will be used exclusively by the enterprise in its registered activity, unless prior approval of the BOI is secured.

The order further read that "allowing the zero percent duty importation will make the country more competitive in attracting investments in the face of an increasingly competitive Asian market for foreign direct investments."

It however prohibits BOI-registered enterprises to sell, transfer, or dispose the capital equipment, machinery, spare parts and accessories without prior BOI approval within five years from the date of importation. Otherwise, the BOI-registered enterprise will be solidarily liable to pay twice the amount of the duty foregone or five hundred thousand pesos, whichever is higher. (Gelo Udaundo-PIA 10)

Couple to file complaint vs mall

by (With Mindanao State University interns Mike Ariel Plaza, Mary Louise Omelio, Mario Manlupig Jr.)


TWO customers are mulling to file a complaint against a mall administration after they reportedly noticed a cockroach in a meal they ordered at the mall's food court.

Venus Olivar and her boyfriend, Mark Gregor Tropel, said they took their lunch at the food court in a mall in Cagayan de Oro last April 9.

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Tropel, who went to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro office Thursday to air his disgust, said that after several bites, they noticed a dead cockroach at the meal of Olivar, adding they first thought it was a black bean.

Tropel said they took pictures of the dead cockroach and confronted the head officer of the food gallery.

However, he said, the official merely said to her crew to have their meals refunded, amounting to P60.

Tropel said Florita Taposoa, the attending officer of the mall, acknowledged the “presence of the cockroach” but told them “she hopes and pray that nothing will happen to her girlfriend.”

He said Taposoa later referred them to the top management of the mall.

“We just left because we felt insulted on how we were treated and tried to forget what happened,” Tropel said.

However, after several days, Tropel said they decided to bring the matter to the City Health Office and requested for an investigation on the mall and its commissary.

“We brought this matter to the media to expose to the public the unsanitary way of preparing their food. We hope that the City Health Office will really investigate the incident and give proper sanction to the mall,” he said.

Councilor Dante Pajo, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Health and Sanitation, urged Tropel to file a written complaint against the mall for proper investigation.

Meanwhile, Gabby Bacarro, the mall manager, admitted that the incident was true.

However, Bacarro said it was an isolated case and that sometimes, “situations such as these cannot be avoided.”

“We cannot perfect everything. We already asked for an apology. We don’t have the plan of making them (the customers) eat cockroaches. It just happened without any intentions,” he said.

Bacarro said the mall administration already responded to the complaint and immediately terminated their employees who are in-charge of the food gallery.

“It appeared like black beans. They waited for the feet to come out but it didn’t so they believed that it was really black beans,” Carlita Ladao, a checker at the mall’s food court, said.

He added that the management would make sure that such incident would never happen again.

However, Tropel said the termination of the employees is not the solution to the issue.

“It cannot solve the sanitation problem of the food gallery. There must be proper investigation because I heard same complaints from other customers dining at their food court,” he said.

Bacarro said the mall management cannot do anything to stop Tropel from filing a case.

He said they will just “answer whatever is asked from them.”

Sendong victim wants wife declared dead

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


FOUR months after Tropical Storm Sendong ravaged most areas in Cagayan de Oro, the husband of one of the victims who remain missing filed a petition last week before a family court to have her wife declared dead.

The petition filed before the Family Court of Cagayan de Oro is considered to be the very first case filed in the country’s courts, according to lawyer Danilo Quilisadio, counsel of petitioner Rex Aldo Catajoy.

Quilisadio told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that Catajoy filed a petition for declaration of death instead of presumptive death, which is the normal and usual procedure.

“There has never been a case like this filed before in any of our courts but I believe it will be successful because his wife’s employer will not release her accrued salary, including the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), because they required death certificate,” he said.

Quilisadio added the Civil Registrar could not also issue the death certificate considering that the victim is still missing and could not be declared dead because it is still four months since the storm struck.

Catajoy’s wife Thelma was last seen by witnesses being hit by a log that struck the wall of their two-storey house along Acacia Street in Barangay Carmen.

Witnesses said Thelma was carried away by flood waters on the night of December 16, 2011 at the height of the storm.

Despite thorough search, Catajoy said her wife has not been seen or heard of until now.

Quilisadio said the Catajoys are both working at the post office in Opol town, Misamis Oriental. Thelma was the post master, while Rex Aldo is a mail carrier.

Under the Family Code, petition for declaration of presumptive death provides for a period of two years for extraordinary absence of a person like in war, shipwreck, storm, among others, or four years for ordinary absence to be able to go to court and file a petition for declaration of presumptive death of the missing spouse.

The court will, however, require the petitioner to present proof that he or she exerted earnest and diligent efforts to locate the whereabouts of the missing spouse.

These efforts include asking the police or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for help in locating the missing spouse, using the media like newspapers or radio, etc.

The court will reportedly deny the petition if no such evidence is presented.

But Quilisadio said Catajoy could no longer wait for two or four years for his wife to be declared dead.

“His purpose in filing the petition is to get the benefits of his wife, especially because they have kids. And besides, witnesses saw that his wife was carried by flood waters,” he added.

Quilisadio said he intends to establish the fact of Thelma’s immediate death and will not rely on presumption that can be availed or used after two to four years.

RDC-10 eyes establishing regional government center in Pueblo

by (PIA 10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, April 19 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council 10 (RDC 10) is looking into the feasibility of establishing a government center in a 7,000-square meter lot donated by the Pueblo de Oro Corporation.

It is now identifying potential and interested agencies as well as markets for the office spaces that may be available for lease to the national government agencies in the region.

RDC 10 has also started collecting and consolidating pertinent information from interested agencies and other market requirements.

National Economic Development Authority 10 Director and Vice-Chairperson of the RDC 10 said that these information, gathered through a survey, will serve as basis of the proposed size and configuration of the buildings that will be constructed.

Details such as length of lease period and rental fee were gathered as a benchmark information in determining the appropriate lease pricing.

The area is within the Pueblo de Oro Subdivision in Upper Carmen and just about 500 meters away from SM City Cagayan de Oro.

Govt body to monitor Oro construction sites

by goldstardailynews.com


WITH the rise of the construction industry in Region 10, particularly in Cagayan de Oro City, the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the Department of Labor and Employment will step up its monitoring of construction sites. Engineer Rynie T. Zamuco, unit head of the OSHC-Cagayan de Oro extension offi ce, said the construction industry is the fourth industry with the most accidents in the country. Leading the way is manufacturing, followed by agriculture and wholesale/retail. Zamuco said construction activities in Cagayan de Oro are being monitored to ensure the safety of workers. Cagayan de Oro has at least four major construction activities including hotels and malls. Zamuco added that DOLE's Department Order 13 series of 1998 gives teeth to the monitoring and implementation of safety in the work environment as well as prosecution for violators.

He said they are closely monitoring the compliance of construction activities including the road works of the Department of Public Works and Highway in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental provinces which are implemented by private construction companies to ensure the Zero Accident Program of the department. Zamuco added that being safety-conscious is one of ways to prevent accidents in the work place. "If construction company owners think that training in safety is expensive, try ignorance to the danger of the accidents," he said.

Kirk Patrick Corrales, safety inspector of OSHC, said the cost of accidents in the work place is far greater than the cost of training in safety. Corrales added that some construction owners provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for their workers but they charge it to the laborer and deduct from their salary. "D.O. 13 states that the cost of the PPE should be part of the cost of the project and thus should not be deducted from their salary, this is a violation on the rights of the worker to a safe work environment and to D.O. 13," Zamuco said.

Zamuco said the cost for medical expenses, equipment damage, wasted raw materials, insurance premiums and litigation expenses for an accident is too costly for construction companies to ignore, "thus their choice is to bear the cost of safety rather than the accident." Zamuco added that the in-direct cost to injured workers leads to lesser productivity due to interruption on day of injury, loss in effi ciency, loss of income, among others. "It's not enough for a foreman to hand out PPE, it should be coupled with other interventions such as engineering plan and initiative," he added.

Mayor approves casino entry in Oro

by Stephanie Viovicente-Berganio

CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano reportedly expressed his support to the possible entry of casino in the city.

Emano said three casino operators from China, Israel and Malaysia have expressed interest to operate in Cagayan de Oro City.

He said, however, only businessmen and tourists who own passports can enter the casino.

Emano also said the “entrance fee” will have to be “higher” to regulate the entry of people inside the casino.

“Aside from the beautiful scenery that our city’s tourism has to offer, there will also be a casino where businessmen and tourists could enjoy,” Emano said.

However, several religious people from the Catholic Church expressed objection to the plan.

Gina Tomawis told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that it is not the casino that will help boost the city’s tourism.

“If boosting our tourism industry is really the goal, there are a lot of destinations that could be developed,” she said.

Emano said, however, that he respects the stand of the Catholic Church on the matter.

But he appealed to Church officials to allow the operation of casino in the city.






DOST introduces ceramics water filter at resettlement sites

by (Zendelyn Navarro/Tess Superioridad Baluyos/DOST/PIA 10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The ceramics water filter is being introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as part of its assistance to tropical storm Sendong survivors. A demonstration/field testing was recently conducted at Calaanan Tent City and Lumbia Resettlement Area, Cagayan de Oro City. The demonstration was headed by DOST-10 assistant director Jacinto Taran, Sr. and facilitated by Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) Representatives Josefina Celorico and Edmar Casa.

The technology applies a water purification system (WPS) by using ceramic filters developed by the ITDI, an agency of the DOST. The system was first tested in Muntinlupa City last year in collaboration with the National Housing Authority and was found to be effective in preventing water-borne diseases brought by the micro-organism E.coli bacteria that causes diarrhea.

The ceramic water filter is primarily developed for the people in remote areas that have problems with safe drinking water. One unit of the ceramic water filter costs P400 and lasts for about three years, which is therefore affordable for the target consumers.

"It is also an easy-to-use water filter shaped like a pot and placed at the top of a water container. It is made of red clay which is covered with nano-colloidal silver which acts as the anti-microbial agent that helps prevent water-borne diseases," said DOST-10 regional director Alfonso Alamban.

Several clay samples from the region were tested and one in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro city has been found to be appropriate for the production of the clay water filters. Interested individuals and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to adopt the technology and to mass-produce the clay water filters, Alamban stressed.

"The purpose of this demonstration is to provide a safe source of drinking water to the victims of Sendong. Since there are problems in water sources, and some have high contamination, providing this type of cheap filtration system, therefore, is a big help to them,” said ARD Taran.

DoLE, OSHC cite importance of safety, health in construction

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 15 (PIA) -- “Safety and health in the construction industry cannot be compromised.”

This was emphasized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) during the Basic Orientation on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for Media Practitioners,” held on April 13 at the De Luxe Hotel, this city.

Engr. Rynie T. Zamuco, unit head of the OSHC-Cagayan de Oro Extension Office, said construction continues to be a major cause of work-related death and disabilities.

He said a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that every year at least 60,000 fatalities around the world occur at construction sites, and 17 percent of all fatalities at work are construction fatalities.

With this, Zamuco underscored the need to comply with the OSH standards and guidelines for the construction industry in order prevent the occurrence of accidents.

He said prevention of accidents is not only humane but also avoids medical, insurance and litigation costs.

On the other hand, occurrence of accidents will lead to lesser productivity for the injured workers due to interruption on the day of injury, and loss of efficiency for other employees out of sympathy to the injured worker.

It could also result to loss productivity due to work stoppage, investigation and inspection, as well as, additional costs for hiring and training of replacement workers, among others. (APB/PIA-10)

Aquino thanks Aussie donation for 'Sendong' victims

by Delon Porcalla


MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino thanked Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce for her government’s Aus$6.3-million donation for victims of typhoon “Sendong” in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities last December.

“Australia’s generous donation of Aus$6.3 million has gone a long way toward rebuilding the lives and communities of our countrymen who were affected by the disaster,” he said Thursday night when he hosted a state dinner for the visiting foreign official.

“The relation between Australia and the Philippines has always been characterized by solidarity and mutual cooperation, a shared desire to work for the benefit of our people and the readiness to lend a helping hand,” he added.

Bryce’s visit to Manila, according to Aquino, added another feather in the cap of the 66-year-old relations between the Philippines and Australia. Bryce arrived in the Philippines Wednesday for a two-day state visit.

In his speech, Aquino said Australia is one of the Philippines’ long-standing partners in meeting its development challenges.

In 2010, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) was the country’s biggest development donor for grants, and has supported the Philippine government’s programs to attain the Millennium Development Goals.

Aquino also hailed the success of the 16th high-level consultation on development and cooperation held in Canberra, Australia last month, providing both countries with greater opportunity for wider cooperation so that development challenges are met.

GSIS meets with public sector unions

by Karen Dequiňa & Metavelle Suyao


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 13 (PIA) -- In its bid to be more consultative, transparent, and service-focused, members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Board of Trustees conducted a dialogue with representatives of the public sector unions in Northern Mindanao last April 11.

Held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the GSIS Cagayan de Oro regional office, the meeting was aimed at informing its stakeholders on the various initiatives implemented by the current GSIS management and Board and soliciting suggestions on how to further improved such initiatives.

Trustee Karina Constantino-David said the Board aims to make policies that are more member-friendly, hence the need to listen to the feedbacks of members.

“These are valuable inputs in formulating policies responsive to the various concerns of the members,” she added.

On the other hand, Trustee Mario J. Aguja underscored the importance of discussing directly with the public sector.

He said the Board intends to empower the GSIS members, and one way of empowering them is through an open communication.

Thus, he expressed hope that the dialogue will provide the necessary link between the public sector unions and the branches of the GSIS in ensuring that members get better services from the GSIS, before and after retirement. (Karen Dequiňa & Metavelle Suyao-PIA 10)

Police employ strict security in bus terminals

by Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper


THE Cagayan de Oro Police Office (Cocpo) is implementing stricter security in all bus terminals in the city following the bombing incident last Wednesday in North Cotabato that killed three people and injured 18 others.

Cocpo Director Gerardo Rosales said he had ordered every unit to make use of K9s to check every bus compartment and seats.

Rosales said he felt upset about the recent bombing incident.

A bus owned by Rural Transit of Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) exploded Wednesday morning when a bomb went off while it was about to depart from Carmen in North Cotabato toward Cagayan de Oro.

Authorities believed extortion was the motive of the bombing.

Killed were Gladzin Himpiso, 10; Rona Mae Causing, 18; and another unidentified old woman, all who were seated near the area where the bomb was placed.

The wounded victims were rushed to Kabacan Medical Specialist Center at Kabacan, North Cotabato and North Cotabato Provincial Hospital at the Amas Complex, Kidapawan City.

They were identified as Guiariah Danggo, Marvin Marvicnal, Basilisa Aninipot, Sonny Balanag, Leo Limsiano, Alvin Diaz, Lovina Ayco, Lea Faviona, Analyn Suyco, Demia Causing, Hara Janine Cosca, Allan Himpiso Sr., Allan Himpiso Jr., Judy Ann Sumaylon, Ezleta Luneza, Rosa dela Garbo, Alberto Isidro, and Jenny Bergonia.

Police authorities said the incident was the second recorded case of bombing involving the RTMI bus.

"We saw here a pattern. The suspects would board the bus from Tacurong City-Carmen highway and the blast would happen from Kabacan-Carmen highway," said Salinas.

The bus company continuously received threats from armed lawless groups, including Al Khobar, an extortion ring that is believed to have links to terror groups in southwest Mindanao.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda condemned the bombing on Wednesday.

"Any act of violence against the civilian population is an act that is always condemnable and certainly we will look into the incident," Lacierda said. (SVB)





3 killed, 16 wounded in Cotabato blast

by RENE ACOSTA / REPORTER


THREE passengers were killed while 16 others were wounded on Wednesday after a bomb rocked a passenger bus that was on its way to Cagayan de Oro City.

Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesman for the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command, said the explosion ripped through a Rural Transit bus as it reached the company’s terminal in Carmen, North Cotabato, at around 10:25 a.m.

The fatalities were identified as Rona Causing, 18, Gladzin Himpiso, 10, and Dima Causing, 62.

The wounded were taken to the Kabacan Medical Specialist Hospital where they were treated for shrapnel wounds.

An initial report earlier said that 10 people died during the blast while two others were wounded, but this was corrected by officials.

The bomb was placed at the luggage compartment of the bus bearing license plate KVS-740 and body number 2922.

Galon said the bus came from Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and was on its way to Cagayan de Oro City when it made a stopover at its terminal in Poblacion, Carmen, North Cotabato, where the explosion happened.

Based on the post-blast investigation conducted by the military’s 63rd Explosive Ordnance Team, a 60mm mortar shell was used as the main charge for the bomb.

Lt. Col. Benjie Hao, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion which is based in Carmen, said policemen were looking into the motive of the bombing and were not ruling out extortion.

A separate report from Senior Supt. Cornelio Salinas, North Cotabato police commander, said investigators have already identified the bomber.

He said the suspect was among the individuals who have carried out previous bombings against other buses of Rural Transit.

Salinas said investigators were still trying to determine the suspect’s affiliation.

A number of Rural Transit buses had been bombed or found with homemade bombs before, and these were connected with attempts by extortion groups to ask money from the management of the bus company.

Malacañang on Wednesday condemned the bombing of a bus in Carmen, North Cotabato, which reportedly killed two people.

“Any act of violence against the civilian population is an act that is always condemnable and certainly we will look into the incident,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a news briefing.

Lacierda said the Department of the Interior and Local Government would determine what assistance can be provided to the victims.

Asked if the government will give financial assistance to the victims, Lacierda said, “Yes, but we will verify first. We will investigate first. We’ll have to defer to Secretary [Jesse] Robredo as to the status and we will ask him if we can provide any assistance to those who were affected, injured and slain in that bombing incident.”

4ID distributes water in CdO

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, April 9 –- The 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division distributed bottles of drinking water in Barangay Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City last April 3.

A total of 140 families from Barangay Indahag received drinking water for their families for the meantime.

The people in Indahag is still suffering from lack of water in their community since tropical storm Sendong struck, which prompted this unit to have this Lenten season as an opportunity to help them, knowing the importance of water in our daily life.

Each family received six liters of bottled water.

4ID has a weekly commitment to deliver water every Saturday.

"We will continue our commitment and we will find ways on how can we help the people more. We can feel for the people, we know how important water is and how hard it is if this is not readily available. Rest assured that the weekly water delivery will continue until such time that water system in the barangay is fixed," MGen. Victor A. Felix, Commander, 4ID, said. (4ID/PIA-10)





Cagayan mayor files libel raps vs radio anchor

by NUJP (PR)


TUGEGARAO CITY — The mayor of Lal-lo town in Cagayan has filed libel charges against a radio anchor allegedly for “deliberate and malicious” comments over a radio station in Tuguegarao City.

Mayor Florante Pascual accused Rogelio Sending Jr., radio anchor and assistant station manager of dzGR Bombo Radyo here, of imputing him to the crime of kidnapping in a January18 broadcast. Sending, however, dismissed the charges as plain harassment. “This is a clear case of harassment to stop me from my anti-mining stand and advocacy. Truth will prevail,” he said. The mayor’s charges stemmed from a broadcast aired in Sending’s “Bombohanay Big Time”, which supposedly linked local employees of the town government of Lal-lo to the abduction of a leader of one of the groups opposing black sand mining operations in the province. “Isa pang residente dyan na dumalo sa FAMAC meeting of Federation of Anti-mining Advocates of Cagayan pwersahang kinuha ng ilang mga indibidwal na nauugnay sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Lal-lo (One resident who attended a FAMAC meeting was abducted by certain individuals linked to the local government of Lal-lo),” Sending was quoted in his broadcast as saying. In an undated complaint-affidavit filed before the provincial prosecutor’s office in Aparri town, Pascual said he felt alluded to in Sending’s commentary because he is the town’s chief executive. “Considering my pro-stance in (sic) responsible mining, (Sending’s) deliberate and malicious remarks is (sic) intended to induce the listeners of his program that I am doing or will do everything, whether legal or not, just for mining activities to go on in Lal-lo and in the province of Cagayan and would be willing to silence those who go against it by any means,” he said. Local officials in Cagayan led by Governor Alvaro Antonio have been criticized by residents and media for allowing the allegedly “illegal” extraction of magnetite sand from the northern beaches of Cagayan, and along rivers there. In Lal-lo, the Chinese firm San You Philippines Mining Trade Ltd. operates a magnetite separation facility in Catayauan village that processes sand collected from the Cagayan River in what officials claimed was part of dredging operations. In an interview, Pascual said that while Sending did not directly mention him in his commentary, it implied that he ordered the alleged abduction because the people implicated were under his office (“tao ko”). To back his charges, Pascual used a sworn statement, also undated, issued by Ophelia Marallag, Cagayan information officer, who claimed that a radio interview “would imply that (Sending) was sticking on (sic) his accusation”. (Or baka may kulang lang dito kanina at di ko nakuha ang context?) Sought for comment, Sending, however, said he never accused any one of kidnapping.“It was not true that I apologized to the mayor because I have always stood by what I had said, including that interview with (Marallag),” he said. According to Sending, his commentary was based on a January 19 incident when he covered a prayer rally against black sand mining held at the Saint Dominic De Guzman church in Lal-lo, which was led by Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg. He said a leader of a farmers’ group, Isabelo Adviento, reported to him that one of their officers, Renato Dela Cruz, had not showed up hours after he was seen leaving the venue with an employee of the town government. This prompted FAMAC officers to have the matter recorded in the police blotter, Sending said. The next day, it turned out that the farmer leader was told not to get involved in the rally and just leave. The town employee, identified as Felix Soria, supposedly accompanied him home to Barangay Bangag, the radio anchor said.

2010 Census released; Cagayan de Oro City population now 602,088

by cdodev.com

The population of Cagayan de Oro City has reached 602,088 as of May 1, 2010 based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing under Proclamation No. 362 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on March 30, 2012.

Outside Metro Manila, Cagayan de Oro is the 4th most populous city after Davao (1,449,296), Cebu (866,171), and Zamboanga (807,129). CDO is still ahead of General Santos (538,086), Bacolod (511,820), Iloilo (424,619) and L apu-Lapu (350,467).

Based on the figures, Carmen is still the most populated barangay with 67,583, followed by Lapasan (41,903), Kauswagan (34,541), Balulang (32,531) and Bulua (31,345). Barangay 39 is the least populated with just 46.

Meanwhile, the province of Misamis Oriental has a total population of 813,856 as of May 1, 2010. Gingoog City has 117,908 with Balingasag the most populous town with 65,876 followed by Tagoloan (63,850), Opol (52,108), and Jasaan (50,121). Click the images below for barangay level figures.

Girl, 7, helps storm, quake victims by collecting toys

by Carlos Arnaldo, a volunteer at Henfling’s cause


MANILA, Philippines – If a seven-year-old girl can make a huge difference in the lives of others, all of us can, too.

Bronte Henfling, an Australian who visited the Philippines with her parents last month, took a phone video of herself asking for 1,000 toys for children who were affected by tropical storm Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

“Please send us your toys and plushies, even old ones that you don’t want anymore. The kids here need them,” she said in the two-minute video, which was played in classrooms in Australia.

A lot of Australians responded to her plea.

Although her father worked in the production of Hollywood movie “The Bourne Legacy,” Henfling did not use big media for her cause.

Meg, her mother, uploaded her short clip on YouTube to reach more people. Within days, over 5,000 toys were collected.

And when an earthquake hit Negros Oriental in February, the little girl again distributed toys to children in Guihulnan, where a sitio had been destroyed and very little aid had been getting through.

Companies here in the Philippines gave their support to Henfling’s cause. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila helped collect the toys, LBC sent hundreds of boxes to Cagayan and Iligan, while Cebu Pacific provided air transportation.

Government agencies pitched in, too. The Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for instance, lent vehicles and other resources.

It is still uncanny as to how a little girl could set this mission in motion. How did Henfling get the companies, government agencies and non-government organizations to cooperate?

For once, emergency and relief took on a human face. It was when Henfling said: “It isn’t right for children to lose their toys, and suffer these floods and earthquakes.”

If you don’t believe in angels, you may just have to meet this girl.

Maternity clinic robbed; nurse on duty ‘raped’

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


A MAN armed with a kitchen knife robbed a maternity clinic and allegedly raped the nurse on duty Wednesday dawn along Corrales Extension in Cagayan de Oro.

Police Officer 1 Annievic Villame of Police Station 3 in Agora, Lapasan said based on their initial investigation, the still unidentified suspect entered Van Dave Maternity Clinic owned by Dr. Edna Palabrica located along Corrales Extension corner Gaabucayan St. in Barangay 22 at around 2:40 a.m. Wednesday.

Villame said based on the account of the 23-year-old nurse, she was allegedly raped by the suspect and later fled towards the direction of Barangay Puntod.

She said the suspect carted away the nurse’s iPhone, wallet with P1,400 cash and important documents such as Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) license, among others.

However, it was not known where and how the suspect was able to enter the maternity clinic without the nurse noticing him.

Villame said the nurse will undergo medical examination to determine if she was really raped by the suspect.

Police operatives at the Agora Police Station are still conducting further investigation and pursuit operation against the suspect.

It was learned that the maternity clinic was located a few meters away from a police outpost.

However, it was reported that no police personnel was present at the outpost when the incident happened.

Based on the logbook found at the outpost, police had their last duty on January 9, 2012.

Villame admitted that the police outpost is still under the jurisdiction of the Agora Police Station.

However, she said the station lacks police personnel thus they cannot assign any police to man the outpost.

But she said only her station commander can answer any queries related to the “police outpost.”

Following God’s calling

by Nicole J. Managbanag


“KNOWING God through experience is radically different than knowing God through theology books.”

This is one of the best inspirational words adopted by Luz Prieto who chose to live a simple life, living one day at a time and experience deeply the divine providence with contentment.

Prieto, at present, is an apostolate of the order of Carmelite Discalced Secular (OCDS) whose mission is to bring the healing Christ to the sick and suffering and to serve the poorest of the poor not only thru alms and financial assistance but through emotional support as well.

She says her house in Corrales Extension, Cagayan de Oro is open to those who are in need. Every day, people, some of whom she doesn’t know, knock on her door asking for food. Some come with a weary heart.

Prieto says her life is centered in God. Morning prayers have always been a part of her routine. She has embraced the teachings of the saints and tried to imitate their good deeds to become a good person

Her devotion to the saints, especially to Saint Joseph, pushed her to collect religious images, now numbering more than 300. She says she asks for intercession from the saints whenever she needs guidance and help.

Prieto says having these religious images doesn’t mean she idolizes them.

“It is just a representation of the saints that hopes to remind us of their good deeds for us to follow,” she says.

Prieto works at the Provincial Library inside the Capitol compound. She says she has denounced herself from social gatherings. She is not even wearing any ornaments in her body and she always wear a brown dress signifying simplicity as a member of the brown lady’s in Carmelite.

“I am a contended woman. I believed that everything on earth have its purpose. There maybe sufferings but it doesn’t mean that God has punished us. Thru prayer, we will know what is our true purpose,” she says.

But before becoming what she is now, Prieto says she was the exact opposite. She is a highly educated lady. She graduated a course on chemical engineering but did not take the board exam. She was once an employee of Limketkai in the early 80’s.

She says her original calling was to join the Santa Clara nuns Manila right after graduation in 1983. But her aunt, who used to work there, did not agree on her idea after months of prayer intercession, telling her that the convent is not her calling as her desire is different.

At that time, Prieto moved on with her life and married a fellow employee, Boy Caesar, a mechanical engineer whom she deeply asked from God. They were given two wonderful sons -- Coke Daryl and Kim Drexel. They live a good life.

At first, she says her life was almost perfect. But she became very ill while she was still pregnant with Kim Drexel. Her calcium was depleting, a rare disease that not even doctors can explain. Her savings were exhausted. She had to stop working because of her condition.

At that time, she says she had full of trials. She was afraid of death. She was always worried and that she has to look for money for the welfare of her children.

However, she says a great miracle happened in 2007 when she was completely healed of her disease thru healing priest Father Nelson S. Osorio, OSJ.

After this “great miracle,” Prieto says she became a changed person. She and her family cast their burdens and worries to God and believed that God will do the rest.

“After we offered ourselves to God, everything was in place. There may be worries and slight problems but God always provides us more than we desire,” she says.

As Catholics observe the Lenten season, Prieto advises them to deeply pray to God and ask for His intervention and guidance.

She urges everyone to thank God for all the things He had done, may it be trials or blessings.

“What is important is your relationship with God regardless of religion. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. And we must love our neighbors and to fulfill to love God. Lip service is not important; it’s the good deeds that count,” Prieto shares.

Mirano Tops Nat’l Junior Chessfest

by mb.com.ph


Jan Francis Mirano of Aklan defeated Keith Duval Ibaoc of Cagayan de Oro in the sixth and final round to rule the boys division of the 2012 Gov. Oscar S. Moreno National Juniors Chess Championships at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol Grounds.

Mirano, member of the vaunted Far Eastern University chess team, tallied 5.0 points to share the top spot with Kenneth Norman Honculada of Misamis Oriental and Lennon Hart Salgados of Cagayan De Oro City.

He emerged with the highest tiebreak total while Honculada grabbed second and Salgados settled for third.

Salgados had a chance to snatch the title in the event serving as the Mindanao leg of the National Juniors Chess Championships but was held to a draw by Mc Dominique Lagula of Nueva Vizcaya.

Rounding out the top five qualifiers who will advance to the grand finals slated on April 23 to 30 in Tanauan, Batangas were Chester Jason Coquilla of Misamis Oriental and Lagula.

4th Infantry Division of AFP participates in Earth Hour

by (Major Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV4ID/PIA-10)


CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, April 2 (PIA) -- Soldiers of the Philippine Army have participated in the world-wide event Earth Hour on Saturday.

The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division of the Philippine Army and all of its subordinate units observed Earth Hour by turning off all unused lights at their respective camps from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. as a response to this world-wide call.

Earth Hour is a worldwide event organized by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and is held on the last Saturday of March annually, encouraging households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change.

It was conceived by WWF and The Sydney Morning Herald in 2007, when 2.2 million residents of Sydney participated by turning off all non-essential lights. Following Sydney's lead, many other cities around the world adopted the event in 2008.

Meanwhile, Earth Hour’s main goal is to create awareness around the world on climate change issues and to express that individual action on a mass scale can help change our planet for the better.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, being a widespread government agency in the country, its soldiers have seen and experienced the effect of climate change to the people; with that it included to its mandate the protection of the environment in order to address its adverse effects, said MGen. Victor A. Felix, Commander, 4ID.

Felix said through the clean-up drives and tree planting activities, the organization has continuously showed its support in taking care of the environment.

He pointed out caring and protecting our environment is just like securing the future of our children and grandchildren. “If we will not do this now what world is waiting for them? I urge all subordinate commanders to turn off unused lights, conserve energy and help save our planet. Let us remember that environment protection is one of our priorities,” Felix said.

Houses For ‘Sendong’ Victims Completed

by ELLALYN B. DE VERA


At least 100 housing units under the Core Shelter Program (CSAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were completed for the permanent relocation of the victims of tropical cyclone "Sendong" in Cagayan de Oro City.

DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said the housing units were constructed through the help of the Habitat for Humanity at the Calaanan permanent site in Cagayan de Oro City.

DSWD has partnered with Habitat for Humanity and All-Hands-Network in the construction of 2,901 housing units in Cagayan de Oro City, amounting to P203,070,000 or P70,000 per unit.

Soliman said an additional 400 houses are expected to be completed in the area.

The DSWD chief explained that one quadruplex unit measures 160 square meters or 40 square meters that can fit one typical family.

The CSAP is the provision of typhoon-resistant shelter for disaster victims whose houses were destroyed by man-made or natural disasters.

"Our goal is to move 80 percent of the 5,000 families from evacuation centers to tent cities and finally to their permanent settlement by June 2012," she said.

Meanwhile, P242,130,000 under the CSAP was allotted for the permanent relocation of affected families in Iligan City.

Soliman urged the new graduates of Social Work and other graduates of social sciences-related courses to assist the agency in providing psychosocial intervention and building houses for disaster affected families in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities.

"We want to encourage more volunteers especially during the summer season to do a ‘summer build’ so we can move the families to their permanent homes as soon as possible. Volunteers are encouraged to go to the nearest DSWD Office for details," she said.