Cagayan de Oro City News April 2017

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

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

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

Cagayan de Oro City Photo Gallery

Cagayan de Oro City Realty

Philippine News

Interactive Google Satellite Map of Cagayan de Oro City
Misamis oriental cagayan de oro.png
Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Public market of cagayan de oro city misamis oriental.JPG
Cagayan de Oro City Public Market
Cagayan de oro city river.jpg
The river of cagayan de oro city
Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral cagayan de oro 01.jpg
St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

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

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

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

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

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Limketkai Center Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.jpg
Flood Waters in the streets of Cagayan de Oro City
Cagayan de Oro City buildings.jpg
Cagayan de Oro City Buildings
Terminal bus of bulua cagayan de oro city misamis oriental.JPG
Bus Terminal, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

SP enacts GAD code

(JAO/SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The 18th City Council during its 37th regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted an ordinance approving the Cagayan de Oro City Gender and Development Code (CdeO GAD Code) of 2017.

Authored by Councilor Edna M. Dahino, the code shall serve as the blueprint that will provide policy direction for the formulation of programs and strategies that will mainstream women’s concern in sectoral development plan.

It will also provide policies and programs, intensify awareness campaign on women’s issues and concerns, provide gender responsive relief and rehabilitation programs with special focus on women and children’s needs, among others.

Moreover, GAD shall also refer to the development perspective, which recognizes the equal contribution of women, men, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), child, elderly and indigenous people in all development spheres.

This involves the process of searching for new innovative initiatives to transform unequal gender relations into opportunities, which are equally beneficial to all men, women, children, elderly and indigenous people and including the LGBT sector.

Section 39 of the GAD ordinance provides that the city shall create a Women and Children’s Police Deck (WCPD) Complaint Relation Section and appoint WCPD Officer in all police stations in the city to specifically handle concerns on women.

It also creates a Medico-Legal Desk for Women at the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) to cater to specific women problems and concerns.

Section 46 of the GAD Code provides that a reasonable portion of the health-related budget of the city shall be allocated for women’s health and services and other relevant comprehensive health care program for women and children.

A City GAD Program Office shall also be created to ensure consistency in the implementation of the code.

Its functions include monitoring and coordinative and regulatory functions, as stated in Section 126.

The legislation was reviewed by the committees on women and on finance, budget and appropriations, both chaired by Councilor Dahino and on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya.

Misamis Oriental inmates hold annual sports festival

By Nicole Roa Managbanag (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) – The Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ) is holding its annual sports festival in line with its efforts to rehabilitate the inmates, Jail Warden Dominador G. Tagarda said Friday.

Tagarda said the sports festival started last March 24 and would end on May 31.

He said the annual MOPJ sports festival is known as “Over Seer’s Cup,” which was strongly endorsed by Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano.

Governor Emano wants the sports festival to develop camaraderie among the inmates as he takes into account their physical and mental well-being while serving time in prison, Tagarda said.

He said that Emano believes that with the inmates involving themselves in sports activities, it would help transform them into better and productive persons once they return to mainstream society after serving their prison term.

The sports festival includes basketball, volleyball and chess. The activity is a collaboration between the provincial government and the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

There are around 800 inmates at the provincial jail.

LTFRB checks safety compliance of passenger buses in Region 10

By Jigger J. Jerusalem (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 27 (PNA) – To ensure the safety of the riding public and to prevent tragic loss of lives like the recent road accident in Luzon, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10) has conducted inspections in the city’s terminals this week.

The inspection of public utility vehicles (PUVs), particularly buses, is a preventive measure that could save lives, said LTFRB-10 regional director Aminoden Guro Thursday.

At the integrated bus terminal in Agora, Barangay Lapasan, LTFRB-10 personnel checked if the buses plying the Bukidnon, Davao and Caraga routes have complied with all the safety measures set by the government.

Guro said the three major bus companies—Pabama Tours, Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. and Super 5—have followed the safety protocols.

LTFRB has also made mandatory that all drivers only drive for six hours a day so they would be at their best when on the road.

“We have to see to it that both PUVs and drivers are in good shape to avoid any road accidents. Violators of road regulations will be penalized,” Guro said.

Clazzitals hone young music talents of Cagayan de Oro

By Rejiann Ammor R. Maygay (Liceo de Cagayan University Intern)

THERE is a place uptown where music is made in tune and of tone. They call it Clazzitals Music Studio.

The studio teaches students various kinds of musical genre like classical, jazz, metals and more.

Located at Xavier Square Masterson Avenue, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City, it is a place where talents in music are nurtured, cultivated, and treasured.

The husband and wife tandem of 29-year-old “Sir Jopep” Jose Perignon Ramientos, his wife 26-year-old Charis have their hearts for music and they make sure that their students learn.

Both were music graduates from Liceo University. They got married in 2012, and built the studio last year.

When they started, they just wanted to fulfill their dreams, to teach music to children. So, they conducted home service for anyone, who wanted to have voice lessons and learn to play musical instruments.

As time went by they started to have more students. To accommodate more clients, the couple decided to find a convenient place where everyone can surely be taken care of.

According to “Sir Jopep,” the center envisions for all the students to not just gain experience as their talents are being molded at the studio then be exposed to their performances during family affairs.

“We also seek to let our students engage in performing to great masses. We also want from their students to become disciplined, courageous and have that persistence to reach at their full potential,” he added.

Since the studio was founded, bands have been founded and they have already performed to more than 25 gigs.

All their teachers are music majors. While both of them still continue their home service, the teachers focus in the students enrolling at the music studio. Not unless client/s will request for the Ramientos couple, they would like to have as mentors, then they'll formally hold lessons? at Clazzitals.

However, they are confident enough that their teachers can manage well all the students.

"Amazing and awesome" are the words Joel Matematico Jr., a teacher under the voice lesson program for almost two years already, in describing his students.

He also added that the challenge of being a music teacher lies upon the differences of the voice quality of students. Yet he joyfully expressed that he loves music that much which overcomes any challenge he may go through.

As how Mr. and Mrs. Ramientos define music as “it's for everyone,” Clazzitals music studio have the flexibility for all ages to cater for it has no age limit at all.

Cagayan de Oro City hosts PBA All-Star

By Jonas Terrado

The PBA formally kicks off its All-Star Week today with a series of activities in Cagayan de Oro City, the host of the first of three games pitting some of the league’s best players against members of Gilas Pilipinas.

A courtesy call on Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno starts the festivities following the arrival of the PBA delegation through two morning Philippine Airlines flights followed by a meet-and-greet session at the Centrio Mall.

Star Hotshots coach Chito Victolero will host a basketball clinic on Wednesday before coaching the Mindanao All-Stars against Gilas at the Xavier University gym. Before the game, Mindanao-born players Cyrus Baguio, Glenn Khobuntin and Jio Jalalon take part in the Shooting Stars contest.

They will then play for the Mindanao selection alongside Troy Rosario, Mark Barroca, Scottie Thompson, PJ Simon, Rafi Reavis, Mo Tautuaa, Sonny Thoss, Carlo Lastimosa and Baser Amer for the match against Gilas, which is using the game as part of its preparation for next month’s SEABA Championship.

Leading the Gilas team under coach Chot Reyes are June Mar Fajardo, Terrence Romeo, LA Revilla, Mike Tolomia, RR Pogoy, Matthew Wright, Kevin Ferrer, Carl Bryan Cruz, Alfonso Gotladera and Bradwyn Guinto.

“I’m happy and excited to be playing the first leg of the PBA All-Star Week here in Cagayan de Oro. The people of CDO have been a very generous host to the PBA in all its undertaking. They deserve nothing but the best and I guarantee they will have a wonderful time watching their own battle against Gilas Pilipinas,” said PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa.

Following the Cagayan de Oro City leg of the All-Star Week, the delegation will head to Lucena City for Friday’s game between Gilas and the Luzon selection before going to Cebu for Sunday’s match pitting Gilas and the Visayas team.

The All-Star activities are sponsored by HMR Trading, Mueller, Peak, Crystal Clear, Anako, Davco, Smart, Cloudfone and Petron.

Oro to provide jobs for displaced scavengers

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

ABOUT 450 former scavengers are set to be given livelihood opportunities by the Cagayan de Oro City Government as city officials vowed to assist families affected by the closure of the open dump site in Upper Dagong, Carmen village.

Julius Pamisa, division head of the City Social Welfare and Development's (CSWD) Community and Social Development, said a family member will be given employment through the CSWD's cash for work program.

Pamisa said they will be employed in cleaning the old dumpsite, sweeping the city streets, and helping segregate wastes.

Some will also be hired by private contractors in need of construction workers.

"Ga-limit ang mga work sa kung unsa lang ilang kaya basta lang ang target is maka-income sila ug P200 to 300 per day (We limit the work depending on their capacity, as long as they earn at least P200 to 300 per day)," Pamisa said.

He added that what the city wants is a long-term livelihood opportunity for the scavengers.

"In the meantime, ang atong short-term nga intervention, mag-distribute ug food packs, atong first nga paghatag is three kilograms lang ug mga food packs pero last Thursday, naghatag ta ug 10 kilograms na gyud nga rice (Our short term intervention is to distribute food packs, the first wave of distribution consists of 3 kilograms of rice with food packs, but last Thursday, we distributed 10 kilos of rice and with also food packs)," he said.

Aside from the livelihood programs, about 200 persons are enrolled in the City Improvement Division for skills training.

In the next 30 days, he said, some will undergo training while the others will start working.

"Kung pasagdahan ni nato sila, kita ra gihapon ang mag-problema, so ihurot nalang gyud nato ang tanang resources (If we neglect them, the problem will still be blamed, so we will exhaust all our resources to help them)," he added.

Lorna Medio, 60, one of the scavengers, said although she cannot work anymore with her age, said she will enroll her family members to the livelihood programs.

Medio thanked the City Government for providing them opportunities when they need it most.

"At least, maka-minus sa atong kaguol kung asa mi mangita ani ug panginabuhian (At least it lessens my worry on where to find work)," she said.

Cagayan de Oro to host Minbizcon

By PJ Orias

THE Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. is gearing up for what is tagged as the biggest gathering of business executives and policy makers in Mindanao, the 26th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizcon) on September 7 to 9, 2017, at the Xavier Estates Sports and Country Club, Upper Balulang, this city.

About 1,000 business executives, investors, industry players, policy makers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to attend this year's business conference with the theme "Emerging Opportunities-One Mindanao".

Oro Chamber President Robert Pizzaro said foreign guests from the United States and Russia have expressed interest in attending the event.

President Rodrigo Duterte will be the event’s keynote speaker.

Pizarro said the Russians are particularly interested in Mindanao's agricultural products, and are also looking at helping develop the agriculture sector in the island.

Ruben Vegafria, chairman of MinBizcon 2017 said both government and private sectors are set to discuss issues and concerns surrounding the business community in Mindanao, which focuses on agri-business industry.

"There should be a government perspective and a private perspective to help us craft policies and action plans," Vegafria said.

Vegafria said papers the MinBizcon papers will form part of the action and policy agenda of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to submit to the President during the annual Philippine Business Conference held every October.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno for his part lauded the Oro Chamber for its track record in holding MinBizcon, which the city hosted for about five times already.

"What is important is, I think the strength of Cagayan de Oro is its business community, wherever you are, in any community that seeks to attract investors, it’s very important that you have a good business group because it is through them, that the investors also assess the potentials of the place," Moreno said.

"The city is good in efficiency, the most important thing is also the teamwork between the government and business sector," he said.

"With us hosting, this is Northern Mindanao’s announcing to the world that we are here and we are a good investment destination." Moreno added.

Last year's host was the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and has tackled issues on Mindanao's capability to sustain inclusive growth including concerns affecting the agricultural and tourism sector, among others.

Issues which will be taken up by this year's MinBizcon remains to be seen as roadshows will still be taken up in cities in Mindanao to determine the whole businesses' concerns.

BPI kicks off ‘Lifestyle Madness’ in Cagayan de Oro

By Jennifer Valcobero

THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has kicked off its two-day event dubbed as “Lifestyle Madness” at Centrio Mall, from April 20 to 21. Great deals on cars, real estate, and more investment options await prospect clients.

“Lifestyle madness of BPI started since 1997. It started in Cebu. The purpose of this is to create a one-stop shop for our clients. Way back in 1997, we started with auto loans because there are those clients who can decide immediately. Later on, it evolves into a lifestyle madness which includes housing loans, housing developers, credit cards, personal loans, insurance, and all. It’s all here,” said Wilbert Yu, assistant vice president of BPI Family Savings Bank.

He also said that when clients decide to have a housing loan, they have real estate developers. When they want to go for insurance, BPI gives them what they need.

The car companies joining the event were, namely: Hyundai, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Foton, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Isuzu. Real estate developers were also present, including Avida, Filinvest, Alveo, Italpinas Development Corporation, Davao Joyful Homes, Camella-The Loop, Abrown, and Johndorf Ventures Corporation.

“I am happy to say that, in terms of Auto Loan we are always number one. When doing this event, this is what people are looking now every year, and twice a year, to just go to one place. For the market share, I am safe to say that BPI is always at the top 3,” Yu added.

In this event, BPI is offering promos and low rates that would benefit its clients. So, apply now and take home the exciting surprises!

Cagayan de Oro cops gear up for ASEAN Summit meeting

By Cris Diaz (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 21 (PNA) – The police command here is now in the thick of security preparations for this city's hosting of an ASEAN Summit meeting in July.

In an interview Friday, Chief Inspector Mardi Hortilloza, spokesperson of the Cagayan De Oro City Police Command Office (COCPO), said the local police, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, has doubled its efforts in securing the city.

“The police had already mapped out an initial contingency plan, which could be changed when the actual days and the number of participants could be determined,” Hortilloza said.

He said that the local police command received an initial report that about 150 delegates would be participating in the scheduled ASEAN summit meeting here.

Hortilloza said that securing 150 delegates from various ASEAN countries, local technocrats, industrialists and stakeholders "is not a joke."

According to Hortilloza, transportation is one of the most important elements in securing the delegates.

“During the initial meeting with the local government unit and other stakeholders here, the problem of transportation was one of the agenda that has not been resolved,” he said.

He said that securing a delegate also requires officers who were trained in providing security to very important persons (VIPs).

The K-9 unit is also a necessary as part of the security team in securing the city and the delegates, Hortilloza said.

He said that the local police had already adopted security measures by conducting various checkpoints in and around the city in preparation of the ASEAN Summit meeting here.

“We have doubled the security personnel assigned in checkpoints to preempt possible security breach by elements who plan to sow terror before, during and after the summit,” Hortilloza said.

TESDA sets onsite assessment for OFWs

(TESDA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 19 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has announced that it is going to give an on-site assessment to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are bound for the Middle East.

Secretary Guiling "Gene" Mamondiong, TESDA director-general said that the Onsite Assessment Program (OAP) aims to find out if the OFWs possess the competencies required in a preferred work.

Mamondiong disclosed that a delegation from TESDA will go to the Middle East to conduct the onsite assessment in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO).

The TESDA onsite assessment is scheduled at Comsofil in Riyadh; POLO, Dubai; ICSA, Kuwait City and Total Care International in Jeddah.

OFWs who are interested in the onsite assessment may visit the POLO in the scheduled areas. Jeddah and Dubai have already submitted a list of assessment candidates, Mamondiong said.

Workers may take the assessment in the following qualifications: Technical Drafting NC II; Visual Graphics Design NC II and Computer Systems Servicing NC II for Riyadh. In Dubai, Technical Drafting NC II, Visual Graphics Design NC III, Massage Therapy NC II and Caregiving NC II.

In Kuwait, included in the qualification of assessment are Technical Drafting NC II, Visual Graphics Design NC III and Computer Systems Servicing NC II. In Jeddah, Massage Therapy NC II and Caregiving NC II.

“The program seeks to support the goal of bringing the Filipino overseas workers out of low skilled, low paying and oppressive service work, and assist them to land in higher skilled, better paying and decent work," said Mamondiong.

Cogon market to install sanitary treatment plant

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE Cogon market is set to install, operate, and maintain a sanitary treatment plant to address market wastes released every day.

With the sewage treatment plant, the city government will try to address market waste, which is similar to domestic sewage that are composed of fish scales, bones, blood, meat bits, dirt, and filthy water that could pollute streams and rivers if discharged untreated to bodies of water.

City Councilor Ian Nacaya, chair of the committee of City Economic Enterprise Department (CEED) said the state-of-the-art equipment will help preserve rivers by ensuring domestic used water, from the barangays it will serve, is no longer a pollutant when it is returned to our waterways.

"Our drainage contains a tank which is called the sanitary treatment plan, this means that before the wastes enter our canals or waterways, they will undergo and be processed to remove toxic chemicals," Nacaya said.

According to CEED Engineer Salic Darimbang, the tank has three compartments, responsible for processes which include physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove these contaminants and produce environmentally safe treated wastewater.

The new equipment is part of the P17-million Cogon renovation plan of the city government aimed at maintaining a clean and healthy environment for both shoppers and vendors.

To date, the repair of the P6.8 million drainage system project has started and is expected to be completed after 45 days while the whole renovation could take up about a year, Darimbang said.

Nacaya said the drainage system would not only help the market but would also help address the flood woes in the market's nearby barangays.

Future Maldita to lead NMRAA Futsal in Palaro

By Jack Biantan

SEVENTEEN-year-old Khryztel Anne Munich Muring of Xavier University High School is the best girl footballer in Cagayan de Oro.

She is very impressive on the pitch and very comfortable with the ball. She has also great passing ability and a scoring threat anytime she is in front of the goal.

She is one half of the Northern Mindanao Region Athletic Association (NMRAA) deadly duo in the High School Girls Futsal team that will represent the region in Palarong Pambansa in San Jose, Antique this coming April 24 to 29.

Just like most Filipina girls, she also has a kilometric name but she prefers to be called by her third name Munich.

The name given to her by her aunt when she was born. Munich is also the third largest city in Germany and the host of the Olympics in 1972.

The second sibling of Joseph and Ethel May Muring of Manolo Fortich Bukidnon, Munich will lead the NMRAA in the Palaro together with her striking partner Patricia Ching of St. Mary’s School.

Both of them also play for the Higala Football Club and together they have led the club to countless of titles in the local football scene.

Munich has several scholarships offer to play for various football playing schools in Manila like Far Eastern University and the University of the Philippines. She, however, prefers to concentrate first in the Palaro where she will play with her “sisters” from various schools in region.

“I am very close to all my team mates since we have been training and playing together for a long time now,” she said.

Her “sisters” are Patricia Ching, Rodelyn Perez of Bukidnon National High School of Maramag, Andrea Cabactulan of St. Mary’s School, Caroline Acelo also of St. Mary’s, Eunice Eduave of Xavier University, LJ Lazo also of Xavier University, Justine Gonzales of Alae National High School, Louisse Peregrine Bongocan of Rosevale School, Melgrace Camarillo of PN Roa Natonal High School and Cristy Tago of Liceo de Cagayan University.

Coaching the team is Xavier University High School mentor Awing Maagad who Munich considers as her second father.

“He is probably the most forgiving, understanding and loving coach I have. He is the role model. We look up to him. He is selfless, always thinks about what's best for us, the team,” she said.

Awing is getting help from his assistants Niño Lazo, and Jerney Miaco.

Munich believes that they are a strong contender in the Palaro as they have prepared for a long time.

“We will give our best, have fun and give outstanding results,” she added.

Munich started playing the beautiful game at 12-years-old through the advice of her Higala FC coach Weng del Riarte.

She was a fast learner as aside from football, she was already playing volleyball.

Her shift to football was a blessing for her as she fell in love with the sport. She practiced and trained in her free time.

Munich efforts paid off when national U14 coaches, Let Salvador Dimzon, Joyce Landagan, Buda Bautista and Isa Marquez came to Cagayan de Oro to recruit players for the National U14 team. She immediately got noticed, made the team and even earned a starting eleven place.

They played in Vietnam in June of 2013 and then was also part of the U16 team that saw action in Malaysia in 2015.

She played with top youth players in the country like Isabelle Carmona, Arantxa Trebol, Itsuko Bacatan, Tenelyn Otom, Tejanee Isulat, Alex Ceniza. Mikhaela Jumawan. Tashka Lacson. Cecile Deita, Chloe Hails, Jennifer Baroin, Kailtyn Dabalos, Bianca Almeda, and Icee santiago. These bunch of girls are the future of Philippine women’s game and she is part of it.

Munich at young age is already a role model to the younger players. She advises them to always listen to their coaches and parents.

“The decisions you make today will surely benefit you in the future. Never give up and always do something to improve yourself every day,” Munich said.

She also advises young players to pray and thanked all her coaches, her family and all her friends for believing on her dreams.

At a young age, Munich is really focused in football. Give her few years and she will definitely be a Maldita.

3,000 Cagayan de Oro senior citizens receive social pension

By Pamela Jay Orias

ABOUT 3,000 senior citizens in Cagayan de Oro City have availed the social pension of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which was distributed from April 10 to 12.

Julius Pamisa, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) development officer said there are over 40,000 senior citizens in the city. But only those who are registered at the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca) received the pension.

Pamisa said the city is set to expand and 1,500 senior members on May this year.

Pamisa said along the process of application, DSWD has made sure that these 3,011 senior citizens are prioritized help and assistance, such as those bed-ridden citizens, and those whose age is 80 years old and above.

Senior citizens receive P1,500 social pension per quarter or equivalent to P500 per month.

Qualified senior citizens can still apply at the Osca, the CSWD, or at the DSWD Regional Office.

Applicants or their representatives must bring an Osca ID, birth certificate and certificate of indigence upon the application of the program.

However, the DSWD has clarified that only citizens aged 60 and above who have no pension from private or government institutions, regular income, or support from their families may enroll in the program. Those who have pensions from Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System will not be accepted in the program.

Devotees flock to pilgrimage sites on Maundy Thursday

(ABS-CBN News with reports from Maria Cecilia Butardo and Claire Cornelio, and Joanna Tacason)

The Catholic faithful flocked to religious sites across the country on Maundy Thursday to reflect on the passion of Jesus Christ.

In Cagayan de Oro City, some 14,000 people trekked to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Igbalalay Hills, including Ching Turno and two of her friends.

"We wanted to see the Guadalupe and we also took advantage of this trekking opportunity," Turno said.

Marian devotees had to cross nine bodies of water and walk 4.5 kilometers to reach the shrine.

In Davao City, the faithful trooped to the Saint Francis Xavier Parish where Christ's journey to Calvary is recreated in sculptures that date back to 1975.

In Pangasinan, devotees of the Virgin Mary flock to the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Bugallon town, seeking healing from sickness.

The church houses several images of the Blessed Virgin, including Our Lady of Manaoag, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, at the Poon Inang Bato. ---

Cagayan de Oro March to be sung in all programs, functions of CH

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Cagayan de Oro March will be sung in all official functions or programs of the city government of Cagayan de Oro and its departments and offices, as well as of public schools and barangays.

This, after the 18th City Council during its regular session, April 3, 2017, enacted Ordinance No. 13221-2017, amending Ordinance No. 3661-93, which adopts the Cagayan de Oro March as the official song of the city.

The amendatory ordinance, authored by Councilor Edna M. Dahino, provides that the Cagayan de Oro March must be sung regularly in all official and semi-official gatherings of both government and private sectors in the city to inculcate devotion and loyalty to the city.

She said this will show that Kagay-anons are proud of their city, which will also be instilled in the minds and hearts of the children.

The Cagayan de Oro March was composed by the late City Superintendent of Schools Esteban Sarmiento and arranged by the late Col. Juvito Lagnada of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

The ordinance was endorsed by the committees on tourism and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Jay R. Pascual and Ian Mark Q. Nacaya, respectively.

Councilors Pascual and George S. Goking said the City Council should also start singing the Cagayan de Oro March during its sessions.

Creation of Security Dept pushed

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 10 -- The City Council committee on police, fire and public safety in Cagayan de Oro proposed the creation of a City Security Department that will manage the security needs of the city in terms of planning, execution and logistics upkeep.

In his special report during the regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy, Councilor Romeo V. Calizo, chair of committee, cited unconfirmed reports of some terroristic and insurgency threats.

He said people are asking what the city is doing about this.

He added that the Holy Week is also fast approaching, which involves security measures.

The councilor said he also received information that the city will host one of the meetings of the ASEAN Summit, with about 150 delegates.

“Part of their itinerary disclosed by the Department of Tourism is a decentralized tour of some tourist destinations of the region including Camiguin. I can just imagine the security requirement,” Calizo stressed.

According to the councilor, it is the responsibility of the city to ensure that the local police office is fully-equipped to meet these challenges.

“As a matter of coming up with a police that we can be proud of in the future, the responsibility of the city is to provide them with proper logistics,” he stressed.

The councilor said there is an apparent negligence on the part of the city in monitoring these logistics.

He clarified that this is not the responsibility of the city mayor nor the City Council.

There must be a department that will look into all these security concerns, he stressed.

Vice Mayor Uy said the proposal of the councilor will be discussed by all members of the 18th City Council as a Committee of the Whole.

Traffic scheme for Holy Week in Cagayan de Oro bared

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) has imposed a new traffic scheme in Cagayan de Oro City to ensure a peaceful and safe observance of the Holy Week.

All motor vehicles are not allowed to enter Malasag Road, except for the vehicles of city officials, police and RTA service vehicles, fire trucks, ambulance or City Disaster Risk Reduction Department (CDRRMD) vehicles, media-marked vehicles, and vehicles of residents living along the area.

In Tablon area, a no parking, no loading and unloading rule is imposed about 200 meters from the Guadalupe Shrine.

Two areas in the city will be closely monitored by the CDRRMD, Malasag in Barangay Cugman and Guadalupe in Barangay Tablon, where mostly Catholic faithful and devotees are expected to flock.

Allan Porcadilla, CDRRMD chief said its office will set up three camps for the Incident Command Team particularly in villages Balubal and Tablon for trekkers who want to reach Our Lady of Guadalupe, and another camp in Cugman village for its Malasag Hills.

An emergency operations center will also be set-up in the City Hall, ready to respond distress calls.

Police and rescuers visibility will be heightened during this time, Porcadilla said, and that they will be deployed particularly in between rivers to reach to Guadalupe.

"Para sa atong mga pilgrims, una magdala ug water to avoid dehydration, unya in kaso mokalit ug bundak ang ulan or moinit kaayo, magdala gyud ta ug payong, jacket, cap, unya ug muadto didto, bawal magdala ug mga hinagiban, posporo ug lighter, ilimnon nga makahubog (For the pilgrims, we advise you to bring water to avoid dehydration, and in case if it rains or heat is extreme, bring your umbrellas, jacket, cap. It is also prohibited to bring sharp objects, these will be confiscated by our police officers)," he added.

Also, a CDRRMD team the team will monitor the beaches for the Easter Sunday celebration as these will surely be crowded and drowning incidents had been recorded in the past.

BOC Northern Mindanao collects Php 1.266 B in taxes

(PNA), MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 8 (PNA) - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Saturday said that the Northern Mindanao district of the Port of Cagayan De Oro has collected a total of Php 1.266 billion for the first quarter this year from January to March 2017.

The amount represented actual collections from duties, taxes and fees at the port. It does not include yet the value of smuggled items that were intercepted during the same period.

Also, the amount was 44 percent more than the Php 879.3 million goal BOC earlier set, customs officials said.

The Port of Cagayan De Oro is part of the BOC district in Northern Mindanao which has been waging a relentless anti-smuggling campaign since 2016 up to the present.

As a result, the district here is one of the 17 customs districts nationwide that has exceeded its collection targets for the first quarter this year.

The Bureau of Customs cited the Manila International Container Port as the top revenue collector with an Php 11.721 billion, or 3.7 percent more than its intended target; followed by the Port of Batangas (Php 8.50 billion or 3.7 percent more); Port of Cebu (Php 1.680 billion or 4.8 percent more); Port of Davao (Php 1.321 billion or 24.1 percent more); Port of Clark (Php 131 million or 5.4 percent more);

Port of San Fernando (Php 244 million or 30.2 percent more); Port of Legaspi (Php 77 million or 276.1 percent more); Port of Iloilo (Php 219 million or 8.7 percent more); and Port of Zamboanga (Php 32 million, or 128 percent more from its target during the three month period).

SP authorizes MoU with parenting group for advocacy on breastfeeding

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The advocacy on breastfeeding and baby care will be strengthened in Cagayan de Oro city.

The City Council during its regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted Ordinance No. 13217-2017, authorizing Mayor Oscar S. Moreno to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Modern Nanays of Mindanao, Inc.

The MoU covers the implementation of the advocacy on Expanded Breastfeeding Program in the city, as endorsed by Councilor Reuben R. Daba, chair of the committee on social services.

Under the MoU, the city government shall collaborate with the Modern Nanays of Mindanao to further advance its advocacies with respect to the promotion of breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diaper changing, and the general welfare of mothers and their children.

It provides that the city government, with the assistance of the organization, will adopt measures and programs to further advance the implementation of RA 10028, otherwise known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, and other pertinent laws, such as but not limited to the drafting of city ordinances, establishment of Lactation Stations, and information and education campaigns.

Both parties will, likewise, conduct research and further studies, research and consultations to further advance the implementation of pertinent laws.

The Modern Nanays of Mindanao is a group of young mothers who come together to share their experiences in parenting. It is one of the national finalists of the 14th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) awards in the country for its continuous advocacy for the promotion of breastfeeding, babywearing and cloth diaper changing.

P17-M drainage repair in Oro's busiest market begins

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE repair of the Cogon market's drainage system has officially started on Wednesday, April 5, the first part of the P17 million rehabilitation project of the busiest market in the Cagayan de Oro City.

According to Rodney Quiblat, focal person of the project, the first part of the rehabilitation is worth P8.5 million and is expected to be completed within 45 days.

The construction started along Yacapin Street to Capt. Vincente Roa streets, and will include the drainage inside the market, particularly in the fish and meat sections.

Quiblat said the new drainage is 6 meters deep, unlike the existing drainage which is only .06 meter, causing the water to overflow immediately when it rains.

"Ang kamabaw sa daan nga drainage wala mohaom sa main drainage hinungdan nga matag karon ug unya magpahigayon ug declogging ang City Economic Enterprises Department o CEED (The depth of the old drainage does not match with the main drainage of the market, this is why the CEED conducts declogging in the area every now and then)," Quiblat said.

Quiblat said the new drainage can make the market clean and less smelly, which has been the prevailing scenario since time immemorial.

In 2016, a CEED team went on a trip to Maramag, Bukidnon to see firsthand its market, known for its cleanliness, standard design and discipline of its vendors.

City Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chair of the committee on economic enterprise said the total renovation, which is worth P17 million will include the repair of the drainage system, design and resectioning, and arranging the stall holders, among others.

Also, Nacaya has assured that all affected vendors of the rehabilitation project that in planning and rehabilitation, all licensed and registered stall holders will be accommodated in the distribution of stalls inside the market.

The City Government's intention to overhaul all city's public markets is aimed at making these public markets competitive with big malls and grocery stores in the city and visualize public markets not only a market of goods and services but also as facilities where customers can enjoy shopping and buying grocery items.

SP fast tracks re-opening of Kagay-an Resort

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 5 -- The much-awaited re-opening of the city’s very own Kagay-an Resort at Taguanao, Barangay Indahag is expected to take place soon.

The City Council committees on tourism and on ways and means chaired by Councilors Jay R. Pascual and George Goking favorably acted on the proposal to impose new rates for entrance fees and use of facilities at the resort.

City Tourism Council chair Dorothy Jean Pabayo informed the committee on tourism that all is set for the re-opening of the resort, which underwent major reconstruction.

She said the entrance fee used to be only P5 for adults and P2 for children.

The proposed entrance fee is P50 for adults and P30 for children, which is still the cheapest in the city, she said.

Meanwhile, the proposed rates for the use of bamboo huts at the resort is P500, and P2,000 for the use of the gazebo for four hours.

Pabayo said the resort has six swimming pools, for adults, children and PWDs and an Olympic-size pool.

It also has modern comfort rooms and dressing rooms, she announced.

According to Pabayo, the dry-run opening was held the other Sunday, with an overwhelming response of almost a thousand guests.

“Grabe ang response ng mga tao (The response of the people is overwhelming),” she cited.

Councilor Edna M. Dahino said the approval of the ordinance should be fast tracked.

“We want Cagayan de Oro to enjoy,” she added.

The resort was formerly named Lawndale Spring in deference to a twinning agreement between Lawndale City in California, U.S.A. and Cagayan de Oro City.

In 2005, it was renamed Kagay-an Spring through Ordinance No. 9504-2005.

The proposed ordinance imposing the new rates was endorsed to the committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya for appropriate action.

67 vendors to benefit P3-M worth of food cart business

Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE Cagayan de Oro City Government has allocated P3 million for the development of the food cart industry in the city.

The City Government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) and City Poverty Reduction Team, identified some 67 beneficiaries who are vendors from Cogon and Carmen markets, and even vendors in the Divisoria area.

CSWD chief Teddy Sabuga-a said part of the package is the distribution of new food carts to the vendors, to replace their old wooden carts.

He clarified that vendors must undergo a seminar first to know the proper conduct of selling in the streets, and remind them of the right time when they are allowed to display.

"Our purpose for conducting this is really to capacitate our vendors, that when they practice the food cart selling, they do this properly, they do this having in mind what are the limitations," Sabuga-a said.

"In the seminar, we teach them discipline because as you can see in our markets now, the carts are not orderly, sometimes they block our streets which then cause traffic," he added.

The CSWD team will also see to it that the vendors have proper sanitation when they sell their products.

The project, which is under the Customer Service Entrepreneurship and Financial Management of the Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BuB) Food Cart Project, is also in line with the Cogon market's impending renovation.

The renovation will not only involve the structure of the market but also the organization of the ambulant vendors.

Sabuga-a said another batch will undergo the seminar in the next weeks, adding that eventually, the City Government hopes that all ambulant vendors will avail the program.

Interested vendors who want to undergo the seminar may go the CSWD office for inquiries, he said.

'Free tuition' in state colleges 'likely' in June - university exec

(PNA), MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) – A university official on Wednesday (March 26) expressed confidence that President Rodrigo Duterte would sign into law the “Affordable Higher Education Act” before June so that the free tuition fee in all state-owned colleges and universities can take effect for school year 2017-2018.

Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, president of the University of Science and Technology of (Southern) Philippines (USTP), said the passage of the bill last March 13 signals the holding of the bicameral conference committee between the two houses of Congress before President Duterte could sign it into law.

“Once signed into law, the free tuition fee in all college levels would start in the next academic year, which will start on June 2017,” Rotoras said.

He said that the signing of the Affordable Higher Education Act would also allay the fears of students of the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental that the “merger” of MOSCAT and USTP would trigger a tuition hike.

Former Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City authored a law that merged the state-owned colleges in 2014 as one of the pre-requisites prior to the approval of the creation of USTP, formerly known as the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) that was created in 1991.

MOSCAT was originally created in 1927 and held classes at the now Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGHS) in the city’s downtown along Velez Street here. MOSCAT later transferred to Claveria, Misamis Oriental and was then known as Claveria Municipal High School.

Labor office in Northern Mindanao announces 898 ‘summer jobs’

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) - Northern Mindanao announced that there are 898 slots available for students in Misamis Oriental province who want to work this summer.

The Dole, along with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, said students can avail the Special Program for Employment of Students (Spes) in the province.

Provincial Public Employment and Service Office (Peso)-Misamis Oriental staff Zorobabel Rabe said the hiring is ongoing at their office from Mondays to Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rabe said qualified summer job seekers should be 15 to 30 years old.

Interested applicants, she said, should bring their certified school credentials, including identification cards for the school year 2016-2017.

Applicants are also required to secure community tax certificates (cedula).

Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano, for his part, assures equal opportunity for all students, as long as they comply with the necessary requirements.

Emano said the beneficiaries, aside from experiencing actual work training, will also receive P4,000 for working from May 4 to 31, this year.

In a statement, the Dole-Northern Mindanao said that SPES is mandated under Republic Act No. 9547 otherwise known as "An Act To Help Poor But Deserving Students Pursue Their Education By Encouraging Their Employment During Summer and/or Christmas Vacations, Through Incentives Granted to Employers, Allowing Them to Pay Only Sixty Per Centum of Their Salaries or Wages and The Forty Per Centum Through Education Vouchers To Be Paid By the Government, Prohibiting and Penalizing The Filing of Fraudulent and Fictitious Claims, and For Other Purposes".

The Spes is open to all qualified high school, college or vocational students or drop-outs as well as interested employers.

Students-applicants may apply at any Dole Regional/District/Provincial Office, Pesos, or other deputized entities, while employers may signify their intention to hire students by signing a Pledge of Commitment and submitting it to the nearest Peso and Dole Regional offices.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Cagayan_de_Oro_City_News_April_2017&oldid=1000839"