Cagayan de Oro City News December 2017

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Interactive Google Satellite Map of Cagayan de Oro City
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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.

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Cagayan de Oro City Public Market
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The river of cagayan de oro city
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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.
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Flood Waters in the streets of Cagayan de Oro City
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Cagayan de Oro City Buildings
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Bus Terminal, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

DOF to put up training center in Cagayan de Oro

By Jo Ann Sablad

THE Department of Finance (DOF) is planning to open a regional Philippine Tax Academy (PTA) Training Center in Cagayan de Oro City in 2018, the DOF undersecretary said.

According to Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, the DOF will put up regional campuses of the PTA in the Visayas and Mindanao with the main site in Northern Mindanao following a request by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) for the renovation of its regional office in Cagayan de Oro City to a PTA Center.

Beltran said the BLGF has requested a budget of P33 million to build the PTA Training Center and its offices in the bureau's 1,064 square meter property in the city.

According to the DOF, the agency said the planned PTA Training Center "will provide provincial employees of the BLGF, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Bureau of Customs (BOC) continuing professional education and training on improving tax collection competence and efficiency.

The PTA will "serve as a learning institution for tax collectors and administrators of the government and selected applicants from the private sector," the Republic Act 10143 or the Philippine Tax Academy Act stated.

RA 10143 added that the PTA is also tasked to "conduct lectures, seminars, workshops and other training programs designed to mold, develop, and enhance the skills and knowledge, moral fitness, efficiency and capability of tax collectors and administrators."

The Board of Trustees of the PTA shall include representatives from the DOF, BIR, BOC, BLGF and three representatives from the academe with at least five years of teaching experience in reputable school.

The main campus of the PTA will be at the University of Makati in Makati City while the University of the Philippines College of Economics in Diliman is being eyed to offer Executive Program certificate courses to interested DOF employees.

ASEAN info session with RAGCOM NorthMin held in CDO

(JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – An Information Session (Info Session) with the Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM) in Northern Mindanao was among the final highlights of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-info related activities set by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region 10 this 2017.

Held on 18 December 2017 at N Hotel Cagayan de Oro City, Elaine Ratunil, ASEAN focal person, shared the highlights of ASEAN achievements this year. The Philippines has been the chair of this year’s ASEAN’s 50th anniversary celebration with the theme, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

Among the important highlights of the 2017 ASEAN Summit was the cooperation on the six thematic priorities. First is people oriented and people centered ASEAN, where a consensus was signed to better promote and protect the rights of migrant workers, which will provide them better social protection, easier access to justice and health services and treated more humanely and fairly.

In terms of peace and stability in the region, ASEAN will counter and eradicate violent extremism and forge maritime security and cooperation. With the completion of the code of conduct in the South China Sea between ASEAN and China, the two parties will start the negotiations, which will help in resolving the tensions and potential conflicts.

Further, ASEAN and China have also agreed to cooperate to protect coastal and marine environment in the South China Sea.

Moreover, with regards to inclusive innovation led growth, free trade agreements, ASEAN will help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be integrated in the global value chain inclusive of business representing the interest of women, youth and underserved sectors, and encourage and reward firm and business that generate employment opportunities and harness science and technology and innovation for sustainable development.

On ASEAN’s resiliency, ASEAN will strengthen coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders in enhancing capacities to responding to disasters and health situations.

Ratunil said that this 50-year old regional organization continues to grow, envisioning a peaceful, stable and resilient community with enhance capacity to respond effectively to challenges.

She added that ASEAN recognizes that member states like the Philippines are ready for a globalized world; our interest as a region is furthered and our needs as a region is addressed – economic, social or political; peace and order prevails all over the ASEAN, which is foundational to economic growth and social development and that the ASEAN is ready to face challenges, including calamities and disasters.

The info session also included basic photography and social media for government for information officers.

FASTLANES: Zero “Vinta” death in Oro is newsworthy

By BenCyrus G. Ellorin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/27 December) – Zero death as Cagayan de Oro City suffered its 3rd 100-year cycle flood in six years is something to reckon with.

Floods are natural occurrences. Like other calamities, it is a natural hazard, beyond human control, also referred in legal contracts as ‘act of God.’ Human activities, however, either aggravate or mitigate the impact of natural calamities.

That is why it is understandable that people ask why calamities like the flood induced by severe tropical storm “Vinta” last Dec. 22, happen. These events point to certain human activities like logging, mining, urban planning and solid waste management, among others.

Disaster impact mitigation is the primary objective of disaster risk reduction. And when disaster strikes, the hierarchy of impact mitigation follows the law, like the Bill of Rights in the Constitution which starts with the primacy of life, property and liberty — in that order.

When Code Red is declared, like the City Hall did at 8:30 a.m. last Dec. 22, government may implement forced evacuation, which in effects stays the right to liberty of people in danger zones. But in doing so, government is exercising the protection of the highest right — the right to life. In disaster response, the priority is to save life first, before saving property.

In this regard, the city government of Cagayan de Oro and the various public and private rescue groups came up with high marks with the zero death in the Vinta flood.

As one observed, despite having the highest hazard exposure along the path of Vinta, Cagayan de Oro was not highlighted prominently in the news, which focused on body count. The city has highest hazard exposure as it has the highest population density and most built-up zones along the typhoon’s path.

In disaster risk reduction planning, impact is measured by the presence of natural risk. Low-lying areas along bodies of water have higher flooding risk compared to higher elevated planes. Putting people and communities in a flood high-risk area exposes them and their properties to higher flood hazard.

Now the hard question: Have we learned the lessons of Sendong?

My answer is YES and that is substantiated by the zero death in the Vinta flood. Not that the flood was not destructive and deadly, as it in fact left a swath of death, with reports ranging from 160-200 deaths and scores still missing along its path.

The difference? The city now has a functioning disaster risk reduction system and has built resilience as a governance agenda.

But there are still many things that need to be worked on. Construction of flood control infrastructure takes time to build. And these big infrastructure projects are administered by the national government. The P8-billion, 12-kilometer mega dike is still unfinished. There are still alignment and right-of-way issues along the stretch of the dike, which explains the gaps that served as “open” floodgates as waters from Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Kalatungan and the plateaus of Bukidnon rampaged down Northern Mindanao’s metropolis.

Also, the improvement and building of new drainage infrastructure in the city are still underway. In both the river flood control and drainage projects, funds from the national government come in trickles as continuing annual funds. Maybe these will be completed in three to five years.

There were efforts to address flood control issues up the 135,000-hectare Cagayan de Oro watershed, around 80 percent of which is in Bukidnon. Project Payment for Environmental Services which sought to reforest the CDO watershed has not really taken off, with LGUs where the watersheds are located not acting on it. The exception is the Cagayan de Oro local government and the ongoing PES initiative of Xavier University in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon.

In Cagayan de Oro, the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office has been relentless in stopping illegal logging in the part of it watershed that is within the city’s jurisdiction, in the Monigue subwatershed. Reforestation projects through the National Greening Program are also underway.

Last February, we made an aerial surveillance in the city’s watershed and we found fresh logging scars especially in the Mt. Kalatungan areas — in the Bulanog subwatershed in the mountains of Talakag, Bukidnon. Banana plantations have also made fresh incursions in the natural forest lines.

Then, there is social infrastructure post-Sendong which is a work in progress.

Relocation and settlement development also take time. Yes, there is no doubt people in the no-build zones need to be relocated. Of the over 15,000 displaced by Sendong and those living in danger zones, around 3,000 still have to be relocated. This means 80 percent have been relocated in six years.

The administration of Mayor Oscar Moreno has created the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) last year to rationalize and fast-track the city’s housing and settlement programs. And so far, they have done their best, I should say. The mayor in the inaugural of his second term said he would address the housing and settlement shortage. At the rate things are going, the balance of 20 percent could be done before 2019.

If civil infrastructure needs around 10 years to complete, natural methods may take more time as trees grow slower than concrete. Social reconstruction like housing and settlement also need more time and it is more complicated to deal with people than raw materials.

The abovementioned however are manageable governance issues. And indubitably things are being done and are moving.

The dire problem we are facing is FREQUENCY and SEVERITY of floodings. Climate change characterized by more frequent and severe storms is REAL.

The Sendong flood was considered a 100-year cycle flood as it was comparable to the flood that hit the city in 1916. It was followed by another flood of similar magnitude in 2012 when super typhoon Pablo whizzed past the city. And then Vinta on Dec. 22, 2017.

At our rate of recovery after Sendong, aggravated by Pablo and Vinta, we should be doing well.

In developed New Orleans of the US of A, it took them 10 years to conclude they have been rehabilitated after flattened by hurricane Katrina.

“One Sendong is Enough” has not been swept by the floodwaters.

Three 100-year cycle floods in six years is indeed very harsh. In a game of probability, it is no-brainer, we are not getting any upper hand.

But we are a resilient people. Cagayanons should never doubt that.

Cagayan de Oro City now under state of calamity

By Alwen Saliring

THE Cagayan de Oro City Council, in a special session on Wednesday, December 27, has placed the city under a state of calamity due to the destruction caused by flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Vinta last week.

Majority floor leader Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya said local lawmakers saw the need for the declaration so flood victims can be given immediate calamity assistance.

Nacaya and Vice Mayor Rainier Joaquin Uy initiated the plan to declare a state of calamity even without the proposal from the executive department.

None opposed the declaration.

"The City Council has to be proactive since walay proposal for the declaration nagpatawag mi ni vice mayor sa session because we need to support and assist the flood victims (The city council has to be proactive since there is no proposal for the declaration and we need to support and assist the victims)," Nacaya said.

Nacaya said “Vinta's” onslaught was devastating since thousands were displaced, houses were destroyed, water and power supply have been disrupted which affected various communities in the city.

He said through the declaration, the City Government can make use of the five percent calamity fund to support and assist the victims.

Nacaya also emphasized that victims may also avail of loan privileges from the companies where they are working, and from government agencies and banking institutions with the lowest interest.

"Mao ni ang effect sa declaration nato and ang national government sad makahatag og more support (This is the effect of the declaration and the national government can also give more support)," Nacaya said.

Nacaya stressed that everything that the City Government will be releasing will pass through legal processes and checks and balances pursuant to the guidelines.

City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) chief Teddy Sabugaa said initial damage to infrastructure such as roads, dikes and bridges is pegged at P9.5 million.

He also said around 549 houses were totally destroyed and 403 were partially damaged, which are now under validation.

"Mao ni initial nga report sa engineering pero basin posible motaas pa ni. As to the damage sa houses under validation pa ang figure (This is just the initial report and this is expected to go up. As to damages to houses, we are validating)," Sabugaa said.

Sabugaa said highly affected villages in the city were Consolacion, Macasandig, Carmen and Balulang.

The CSWD chief added the City Government is also assessing the damage to agriculture especially in the hinterland barangays.

Sabugaa said the social welfare office is attending to the needs of the displaced families staying at the evacuation centers.

Though, he said major concern now is the water supply, the City Government is closely working with the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and the fire bureau for the rationing and delivery of water.

"Daghan naman unta gusto mobalik sa ilang balay pero ang problema kay wala man gihapon tubig (Many want to go home but can’t because there is no water)," Sabugaa said.

City health office names best restaurants in Oro

By Jo Ann Sablad

THE City Health Office (CHO) in Cagayan de Oro has recognized the top three best restaurants in the city which complied with the food and sanitation standards set by the health office.

Fe Bongcas, CHO head, said the annual recognition of best restaurants in the city is to encourage compliance of the city health's standards in health and sanitation as part of the city administration's promotion of health and food safety in the city.

"We are doing this evaluation with the restaurants in order to promote health and sanitation in the whole Cagayan de Oro. So, we are encouraging those who have not entered yet, by next year, you should because this is good for you," Bongcas said.

According to Bongcas, eleven establishments entered the competition but only nine were evaluated as two restaurants failed to qualify.

The nine qualified restaurants were: (1) Cusina Higala, (2) Candy's Place, (3) Dear Manok, (4) Bucket O'Shrimp, (5) Country Village Hotel Restaurant, (6) Hungry Plate, (7) The Barn, (8) Buffalo Grill, and (9) Papsy's Bbq.

Only the top three establishments, Cusina Higala, Candy's Place and Dear Manok, were each given a plaque of appreciation.

The qualified restaurants were evaluated in terms of the establishments' (1) demerits; (2) water potability, if the restaurant conducted a regular sampling of water potability and has a sufficient supply of water; (3) permits and health certificates, wherein sanitary permit is displayed and the health certificate of the workers are updated; (4) food safety, no costumer complaints within a year and the protection of food displayed; (4) sanitary facility where the working condition in the restaurant, toilet facility and management of solid and liquid waste were inspected; and general sanitation wherein the general conditions of the staff and the equipment used in the restaurant are in good condition, Bongcas said.

The evaluation of the restaurants, according to Bongcas, started in October until November and the establishments were awarded and recognized on Monday, December 18.

DOLE Family Welfare Committee gathers for year-end assembly

By Mary Joyce Harnaiz (DOLE-X WMO PFO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment-Western Misamis Oriental (DOLE-WMO) Family Welfare Committee (FWC) gathered in a year-end assembly on Dec. 1, 2017 at the Mallberry Suites, Limketkai Cagayan de Oro City.

The assembly was participated by 21 active member-companies of the private sector as they assessed their accomplishments of the Family Welfare Program (FWP) of the year 2017, in terms of family welfare program dimensions implementation in their respective offices, and at the same time boost their camaraderie.

DOLE-WMO Provincial Field Office (PFO) Chief Ebba B. Acosta, who is also the vice chairman of the committee, reported that five out of six target activities were implemented in 2017. Of the 10 dimensions of the program the following activities were implemented: recollection and team building (spirituality or value formation dimension), general membership meeting with learning sessions (reproductive health and responsible parenthood, and medical healthcare), FWC regional convention (environment protection), FWC 2nd Mindanao Summit (income generation) and outreach & year-end assembly (nutrition).

On Dec. 2, they shared their blessings to abandoned and neglected children of the House of Joy (HoJ) Orphanage at Bontong, Camaman-an, this city as part of the said target dimensions.

The HoJ children showcased their talent by singing the Latin version of “The Prayer” led by the orphanage’s directress Columbian Sister Pat Cañas. Likewise, HoJ social worker Shuji Abecia expressed her gratitude to all the companies and DOLE-10 for the blessings shared.

WMO-Cagayan de Oro Family Welfare Committee Chairperson Lloyd Gabriel U. Castillo of Cagayan de Oro Electric, Power and Light Company (CEPALCO), shared in his message: “We hope these blessings we shared will be very beneficial and put to good use to all of you.”

Cañas shared that the orphanage began in 1998 with 120 children. They have already produced graduates who are now accountants, environmentalists, businessmen/women. Others took vocational courses and are also successful. The orphanage also caters to preschool through their Foundation of Our Lady of Divine Love Kindergarten.

“We also hope that people will value the importance of family so no children will be abused and neglected. Thank you sa inyo mga igsuon kay nagshare mo sa inyo blessings to our children. (Thank you brothers and sisters for sharing your blessings to our children),” she said.

The activity was filled with games, food and a lot of gifts. Jollibee mascot and magician Reuben Lardizabal were invited and made the children happier.

Almira Gonzales, 15 years old, was neglected by her parents. She conveyed her appreciation on behalf of the children. “I hope that your family will always be strong. Thank you so much because we are so full of the food you gave. I am so happy that we received a lot of blessings from you,” she said. Gonzales is a consistent first honor student in Gusa National Science High School and is planning to become a doctor someday.

Acosta emphasized the importance of a family since it is the foundation of the society. She also hoped that the committee will continue this endeavor to uplift the society as part of their social responsibility.

GAMA Foods Inc., Nestle Philippines Inc., Ororama Supercenter, Concentrix Services Corp., Red Lemon Digital Media, Liceo de Cagayan University, Capitol University Medical Center, R&A Medical Trading and Ms. Joyce Harnaiz of DOLE- WMO were the sponsors.

The outreach activity targets the FWP’s spirituality and values formation dimension. The FWP aims to promote not just the welfare of the workers, but also their families, which is a key to workplace productivity and improved worker-management relations. It is believed that a family-centered approach in the workplace will result to cooperation of workers and improved quality of life.

DOLE 10 holds confab to workers' federation in MisOr

By Parokha Manding (Job Order/DOLE-X Western Misamis Oriental PFO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 21 – Department of Labor and Employment-Western Misamis Oriental (DOLE-WMO) facilitated a Workers Organization Development Program (WODP) training workshop to 110 officers and members of the three Federation of Free Workers (FFW)-affiliated associations/unions on December 6, 2017 at De Luxe Hotel and Restaurant, Cagayan de Oro City.

DOLE-WMO Chief Ebba B. Acosta said that the training on “Highlighting Social Protection and Team Building for Productivity" imparts knowledge on social protection and developed team-building skills as part of their capability training.

Meanwhile, Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) Administrative Officer III Exequiel K. Salcedo III discussed the various employees compensation assistance that the participants can avail. Likewise, PhilHealth Social Insurance Officer Consuelo Karina C. Sabio and City Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane of the Committee on Health Sanitation and Health Insurance of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cagayan de Oro encouraged the participants to become PhilHealth members to ensure the basic level of social security.

Alfredo Tongco, Jr. and Paul Obedencio facilitated the teambuilding activities. They broadened the understanding of the participants about what team work really is and the importance of the company’s vision, mission, passion and actions towards the success of the organization regardless of the worker’s different attitude, abilities and level of hard work. Obendecio further emphasized that attitude towards other members of the team is most important against ability and hard work.

FFW Coordinator Lorenzo Tongco expressed his gratitude to DOLE-10 on behalf of the participants, “We are very thankful to DOLE for giving us this opportunity.”

Rose Pharmacy Employees Union-FFW member Irish Cabahug also shared that she felt fortunate to attend the WODP training workshop of DOLE. “This training is beneficial to me and to my co-workers to enhance our partnership and productivity at the same time. I also hope that there will be more beneficiaries of the WODP Training Program,” she further said.

WODP serves as an implementer in firming trade unions and other workers organization to develop the competencies of the workers and their organization to be able to perform their roles effectively and efficiently.


Cagayan de Oro police tighten security for Christmas holidays

By Alwen Saliring

THE top official of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) led on Monday, December 18, the inspection of the border checkpoints in the city to ensure security and safety of the public during the holidays.

City Police Director Robert Roy Bahian said the city is still under terror threat level 3A, which means there is extreme terror threat posed by different threat groups.

But Bahian said the city police are ready to counter all security challenges as there have been "reaction team" detailed on standby.

"Enough ang ating team sa checkpoints at may team tayo to react and to support," Bahian said.

Bahian visited the security checkpoint in Tablon highway to assess how the authorities checked every motorists and vehicles that are coming in the city.

Bahian said the manpower is enough but logistical support such as communication equipment and vehicles has to be improved.

But Bahian said he still needs the comments and feedback from the public in order to refine and enhance the conduct of checkpoint.

"We need to be ready for the Christmas holidays and this is the reason why I personally conducted an inspection though from time to time I have been ordering other Cocpo officials to do the inspection," Bahian said.

Apart from the border checkpoints in Tablon and in Lumbia, random mobile checkpoints were regularly conducted around the city.

Bahian said policemen in the city have already been directed to respond and counter all security challenges especially in this yuletide season, adding Cocpo can also ask an augmentation from the regional headquarters in case of emergency.

Bahian has asked the public especially the motorists to understand the little inconvenience during the conduct of checkpoints.

Joint committee study proposed law for handling, collection of hazardous wastes

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The joint committees on health, sanitation and health insurance and on environment and natural resources in Cagayan de Oro City will continue to study the proposed ordinance providing for the effective handling, collection, transport, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous and toxic wastes in the city.

The legislation is in line with Republic Act (RA) no. 6969, otherwise known as the Toxic Substances, Hazardous Waste, and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990; the RA no. 8749, or the Clean Air Act; and RA no. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2003.

The proposed law requires the registration of businesses involved in producing and handling toxic waste for data banking.

It provides that prior to collection by accredited transporters, toxic and hazardous wastes must be collected and stored in sealed leak-proofed bags. The proposed law also requires the proponent to establish a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility which shall be provided with all the facilities, in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), among others.

The proposed law will involve the participation of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the IPM Construction and Development Corporation.

The health, sanitation and health insurance committee is chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes Gaane while the committee on environment and natural resources is chaired by Councilor Zaldy Ocon.

Law requires seminar for food handlers

(JBD)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Cagayan de Oro City government requires seminar for food handlers before the issuance of health certificates.

This was after the 18th City Council during its regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted an ordinance amending Chapter 121 of Ordinance No. 43673-94, otherwise known as the Codified Ordinance.

Legislators added Section 535-A, which covered the conduct of food handler seminar.

Section 535-A requires all food handlers to undergo a food handler’s seminar conducted by the City Health Office before the issuance of their health certificates.

The food handler certificate will have a validity of three years reckoned from the date of issuance.

The City Council also amended Section 536 covering the posting of Health Certificate.

It provides that the health certificate shall be clipped at the upper left portion of the garment of the employee while working.

The owner or manager of the establishment shall be responsible for requiring all employees to secure and wear the health certificate.

The legislation was reviewed and favorably endorsed by the committees on health and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Maria Lourdes Gaane and Ian Mark Nacaya, respectively.

Proposed budget of CID for 2018 pegged at P21.9 M

(JAO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 17 – The P21.9 million proposed budget of the Community Improvement Division (CID) for 2018 was approved in principle by the 18th City Council Committee of the Whole headed by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy during its budget hearing of the Cagayan de Oro Executive Budget (General Fund and Special Account-Economic Enterprises/Utilities) for Calendar Year 2018 presided over by Councilor Teodulfo E. Lao, Jr.

With this development, the office will be able to implement its major programs formulated to alleviate poverty thru alliance/linkage with different sectors of the society.

These programs include advocacy and information, education and communication (IEC) on the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (AHYDP) with a proposed budget of P1.6 million, City College Scholarship Program (P1 million), Livelihood Development Program or the Operation of Livelihood Training Center (P5.4 million), Cooperative Program (P2.5 million) and Responsible Parenting & Natural Family Planning program (P12 million).

NGOs, Cagayan de Oro City to address child trafficking

By Jo Ann Sablad

THE Plan International, Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (BMFI), and the Cagayan de Oro City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on December 11 for the launching next year of a project that will protect children against trafficking.

The MOA, called "Collaboration for Protection against Child Trafficking," Plan International and BMFI will conduct a barangay-based project that will prevent children from exploitation.

The project will be conducted in three selected barangays in Cagayan de Oro City -- barangays Tuburan, Carmen and Lapasan.

Threjann Ace Noli, the CSWD Social Protection division chief, said Barangay Tuburan was selected because of it is a hinterland village; Lapasan was picked for its large number of informal settlers; and Barangay Carmen was chosen because it has the biggest population in the city.

"Per record, kaunti lang cases of child trafficking (the number of cases in child trafficking is low) but other cases such as child abuse mataas (is higher) in these barangays... Hitting two birds at a time, ma-address ang child trafficking at the same time ang child abuse (we can address the child trafficking and at the same time the child abuse)," Noli said.

According to Noli, the recorded number of child trafficking cases in the city from 2014 to 2017 is only 22, all were cases intercepted in the city's sea port, wherein six were not from Cagayan de Oro and the other 16 are from barangays Carmen and Canitoan, among others.

The youngest trafficking victim was 9 years old while the oldest was 17 years old, Noli said, adding that one of the factors in child trafficking cases is poverty and the corresponding enticement from the suspects such as offering education for the children.

Although there were only a few number of child trafficking cases recorded in the city, Noli said there are still unreported cases that were not intercepted in bus terminals.

"Isang (One) challenge is the bus terminals kasi pwede namang sumakay doon sa Iponan, pwede namang sumakay diyan sa Bulua. Yan ang isa sa mga challenge na tinitingnan ngayon ng (because child traffickers will be able to catch a ride in Iponan or in Bulua. That is one of the challenge observed by the) City Inter-Agency Committee against Trafficking or CIACAT, kasi sa seaport madali, how about sa mga bus terminals (because it’s easy to intervene in seaports, but how about in bus terminals)," Noli said.

The one-year project, Noli said, will have three phases: (1) Social Preparation, (2) Project Implementation, and (3) Evaluation of the Project.

He added that the CSWD's role in the project will be to promote the recently implemented Parental Responsibility Code of Cagayan de Oro, to provide social workers needed in the project, and to conduct the aftercare program of CSWD.

“Isa sa na raise namin (One of the things we raised) with Plan International and BMFI sabi namin, maganda ang takbo ng Cagayan de Oro in terms of child protection (we said that the flow of Cagayan de Oro in terms of child protection is good) but in terms of child trafficking na knowledge, yung mga tao hindi pa masyadong alam kung ano ang child trafficking (the public do not have any knowledge of what child trafficking is all about),” Noli said.

Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. is a Filipino Mindanao-based and Mindanao-focused non-government organization which primarily engaged in promoting equity-based development and sustainable peace, and has been in partnership with the City Government since 2013.

Plan International, meanwhile, is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

Another hospital to rise soon in Lumbia

By Pamela Jay F. Orias (With reports from Crystel Perpetua, Mary Ross Odchigue/USTP Interns)

RESIDENTS of Cagayan de Oro City's eastern mountain barangays can expect fast and better health services starting next year.

A P50-million, three-storey hospital is set to rise in Barangay Lumbia in 2018, which will serve as a satellite hospital of the JR Borja General Hospital, otherwise known as the City Hospital.

City officials led the groundbreaking ceremony of the 25-bed capacity hospital, expected to rise late next year.

Dr. William Bernardo, officer-in-charge of the City Health Insurance Office (CHIO), said the city chose Lumbia as it serves as the catchment area of the hinterland barangays.

"We are careful that we don't build a white elephant establishment, but a very useful hospital for the patients. So initially, based on ratio proportion of the Department of Health, 1 bed per 1,000 residents, that's why here in Lumbia, we will start with 25 beds," he said.

Bernardo clarified that the hospital's category is still infirmary, and can only take in patients with "basic diseases".

The hospital will still not cover surgical operations, so patients that require surgery, will have to be referred to the city hospital in barangay Carmen.

The infirmary hospital will stand in a 1-hectare lot, beside the Boystown Orphanage.

Dr. Ramon Nery, chief of the city hospital, said the new hospital will serve the curative needs of the highlands and nearby places in Bukidnon.

It will also decongest the 100-bed city hospital in Carmen, which serves 200 patients per day.

Services that will be offered in the new infirmary hospital will be free of charge.

Bernardo said after a year-long operation of the soon-to-rise hospital and patients admitted are increasing, an expansion will also be underway.

"Of course we also foresee that population will grow in this part of the city, the demand for health care will also increase, and once we see that the need is there, then we will upgrade to Level I hospital, that's why we named it Cagayan de Oro Hospital-Lumbia even if it's still an infirmary so that we won't have to change it again, if we shift to a level I hospital soon," he said.

"We will all do this slowly, because it's not easy to prepare, especially budgetary-wise, manpower, we have to have facilities, to be able to satisfy our patients," he said.

Mayor Oscar Moreno for his part, said improving health care services is part of the priorities under his administration, along with building roads in the hinterlands, and building more schools.

"Gone were the days when the barangays were dominated and controlled by the former administration. There were no roads back then, no schools and health service is neglected, all just to control the people. But that is not the case now, the barangays are now emancipated and empowered with the delivery of our services," he said.

Lumbia village chief Wilhelm Valencia meanwhile called the new project an "early Christmas gift" to the residents.

Valencia related how hard to avail medical services because hospitals are far.

"Aside from the distance of the hospitals, the traffic is also worsening that's why for us, the project is really an early Christmas gift, we thank you for this," Valencia told city officials.

The City Government also bared its plan to build another hospital to serve the 2nd district of the city, particularly in barangay Tablon.

Aside from building new health facilities, the city government is also expanding the city hospital. The City Government has started the demolition of the old entrance of the city hospital.

A P70.5 million North Wing Building will soon rise at the site of the hospital’s old entrance.

148 City Hall employees undergo surprise drug tests

By Pamela Jay Orias

SOME 148 personnel of the Cagayan de Oro City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) were made to undergo surprise drug tests Tuesday morning, December 12, at the City Hall.

This is the second round of drug testing among City Hall employees. The first surprise drug tests were done last September in which councilors submitted themselves to drug testing.

Councilor Reuben Daba said the drug tests conducted at the City Hall were unannounced to catch habitual drug users and to get more accurate results.

"It is important that especially our disaster personnel are mentally and physically fit because they are our frontliners in the conduct of rescue operations during disasters," Daba said.

"All City Hall employees, no one is exempted in our campaign against illegal drugs, so we hope all our employees will submit to drug testing. After all, we are all serving the people and at the same time, their model too," he added.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Northern Mindanao said the result will be out in two days.

The PDEA said based in the Civil Service Policy, first offenders or those who tested positive of illegal drugs for the first time will be made to undergo a six-month rehabilitation.

The City Government has allocated an estimated P1.2 million for the mandatory drug testing of the 6,119 City Government employees, including barangay officials.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) requires public officials and employees to undergo drug testing, in support of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

In an order dated March 15 but released only April 19 this year, the CSC said it is the mandate of the 1987 Constitution and the Administrative Code of 1987 to ensure that morale, efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness, and courtesy shall be widely observed, to ensure that government service shall be drug-free as provided by the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Oro booters in blistering start

By Jack L. Biantan

RELYING on superior skills, the Cagayan de Oro City high school and elementary booters also got a lot of help from the potholes of the dangerous Pelaez Sports Complex pitch in thrashing early round foes of the ongoing Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) football competition here.

COAA’s secondary team, bannered by Corpus Christi skybooters, was held by the gritty El Salvador side scoreless in the first half action, amusingly a standoff partly attributed by the moon-like surface on the left side of the rain-soaked pitch.

It was a different story, however, in the second half as the host team of coach Webbie Racines came out seething in blasting off the El Salvadoreans, 7-0.

The rain that filled the holes with water apparently made it difficult for COAA bets to deliver a goal in the first half battle. But when they changed courts, Racines’ wards were able to execute their offensive plays en route to a merciless finish.

Greg Tacandong, Miguel Hojas and PJ Celdran scored one goal each, while Carl Facturanan booted in two. Subs Khalid Katiil and Juan Miguel Arcadio added one goal apiece to cement COAA’s victory.

Completing the CdO team are Germaine Averia, Gio Cahiles, James Go, Kenneth Guion, Thomas Marfori, Emelio Rubio, Jon Subesa, Daniel Uy, Dustin Uy and Lexin Yuson.

In contrast, the CdO elementary team of coach Mario Sumampong was dominant right from the start even when they the bad side of the pitch to defend.

The boys who are from Rosevale School, St. Mary’s School, and Corpus Christi School scored three goals in the first half and added another one in the second half to whip Iligan City, 5-0.

Ace striker Sam Salingay of Rosevale School once again came up charging for two early goals in the 3rd and 4th minutes. While the ‘Silent Assassin’ Vinson Manubag, also of Rosevale School, scored one in the 7th minute to put the CdO kids ahead by three goals.

An own goal by an Iligan City defender after a deflection of a Kinsey Drew Yañez strike then put CdO beyond reach leading by four goals at the half.

Sweeper Aaron Magadan then sealed the win with a long range free kick that caught the Iligan City goalkeeper off guarded.

Other members of the CdO Elementary team are Jared Tan, Jrand Hortilano, James Allado, Jeff Irvin Cascara, Kyle Chaves, Andy Lugod, Iverson Samboan, McDo Acoon, John Quinito, Carlo Bongocan, and Rawinque Gementiza. Assistant coaches are Dennis Bongocan and Rowenn Clemeña.

Other matches in secondary category saw Malaybalay nipped Tangub City 1-0, Misamis Occidental downed Oroquieta City, 1-0; and Valencia City won over Misamis Oriental, 2-1.

In elementary level, Gingoog City bested Lanao del Norte, 3-0 and Misamis Oriental defeated Bukidnon, 1-0. Competition resumes at 6 a.m. today.

6 CDO private hospitals to halt ‘deposit-first policy’

By PJ Orias (With reports from Crystel Ann Perpetua, Mary Ross Odchigue, SunStar Cagayan de Oro)

SIX private hospitals in Cagayan de Oro City have signed an agreement with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to end the hospitals' deposit policy.

The Polymedic-Velez and Medical Plaza, Madonna and Child Hospital, Cagayan de Oro Medical Center (COMC), Sabal Hospital Inc., and Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital all signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) to signify their support to the "No Deposit Policy".

Of the city’s roster of private hospitals only the Cagayan University Medical Center (CUMC) did not sign the MOA.

With the MOA, Datu Masiding Alonto Jr., PhilHealth area vice president for Mindanao, said all PhilHealth-eligible members can now avail of health care without giving advance payments or deposits.

Alonto said the MOA, the first of its kind in the country, strengthens the Republic Act 10932, as amended by R.A 8344, otherwise known as an Act penalizing the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency or serious cases.

"We will formalize these small gains to convert this partnership with PhilHealth into an active advocacy to ensure unfettered access to quality care," he said.

"Under this agreement, the accredited providers shall not impose a deposit requirement for eligible PhilHealth members. This is true regardless of the patients' need, emergency medical care or not. We believe that membership of PhilHealth is a sufficient guarantee. And this is a fundamental logic of this agreement, this is the fundamental logic of this insurance," Alonto said.

But Dr. Jesus Jardin, CUMC medical director, refused to sign the agreement yesterday saying he is not authorized to sign the MOA on the owner's behalf.

"About two days ago, that was the first time I was able to see the contract because I was out of the country most the time. That's why I cannot really commit immediately. However, I sat down and talk the owner, she is out of town today, and since we are not authorize to sign on her behalf, but in principle we do agree," Jardin said.

"It is the duty and responsibility of the hospitals to admit emergency patients and render necessary services without asking for deposit. So, that's already a practice and it does not need any more further reenactment," he said.

While Dr. Reuben Go, medical director of both Polymedic Velez and Medical Plaza signed the agreement, he however asked the city government to give hospitals tax credit, and a possible discount on the hospitals' electricity and water expensive bills.

"Our policy is that, if the patient is admitted to the intensive care unit, we ask the family to go to the cashier to ask for a slip. Then we will take care of the patients, his medicines, and stabilize their vital signs. If the patient needs surgery, it depends on the doctor, if he or she accepts just the PhilHealth card," he said.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno for his part, called the move an achievement for the health care system in the city.

Moreno said the new agreement will benefit the indigents the most.

"History is being made. Health is non-negotiable, and now the challenge is how to improve more. There are technical questions, I understand, but more than the legal documents and questions raised, is the partnership, where stakeholders move together in one direction," Moreno said.

Aussie firm to introduce solar-powered jeepney

By PJ Orias

WITH the jeepney modernization program underway, an Australian company is introducing solar-powered jeepneys to replace the old public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Cagayan de Oro City.

Rolando Laurel, Star 8 Green Technology Corporation managing director, said they are initially allocating over a thousand vehicles in the city, a number which could increase depending on the acceptability of the public.

A solar-powered jeepney is valued at P1.4 million for a 20-passenger unit and P1.6 million for the 25-passenger unit, he said.

Laurel, who was in the city last Friday, said there are many potential partners of the project in the city such as the transport groups.

The firm, however, is still ironing out the agreement with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the local government, especially for the franchise.

"There is this program called the Land Transport Programs and Route Plan which the local government will initiate and will be approved and endorsed by the LTFRB para malaman na anong sasakyan or mga auto na ilalagay dito," he said.

For a growing city like Cagayan de Oro, Laurel said, the jeepneys they have are fit, especially on being able to save energy keeping the city free from pollution.

Laurel said the challenge now is the funding of the project.

"We will still have a lot of discussions with the LTFRB so that we can discuss it somehow. So iiwan namin ang sasakyan para ma testing and para malaman kung hindi ba ninyo magugustuhan, and kung ganyan, paano talaga tayo mag mo-move forward pero wWe don’t be are confident naman na ito ay talagang effective (We will leave the vehicle behind so it can be tested and so we will know how to proceed. But we are confident that it will be effective)," he said.

The same company has offered the Cagayan de Oro's First Taxi Driver's Allegiance (Cafitada) 500 units, for free.

Cafitada President Bernie Jamaca said the firm committed to give it to them for free, given they undergo the training and seminars which will be conducted by Star 8.

While Jamaca welcomed the firm's plan, transport group Starex-Piston's secretary-general Ringo Lago said the firm's offer is too good to be true.

"Kami dili mutuo nga ang maong offer walay epekto sa mga gagmay na operators ug drivers. Ang ilang ingon nga mas naay security sa drivers sa modernization program is panglinlang lang kini sa gobyerno aron makatuo ang mga drivers (We don’t believe the offer won’t have an effect on small operators and drivers. What they say about the jeepney modernization is just fooling the drivers)," he said.

Lago said what the country needs is not modernization but rehabilitation of the country’s transport system.

The jeepney phase out order was signed last June 19 under the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines by the Department of Transportation to modernize jeepneys and lessen accidents.

President Rodrigo Duterte on October said that all public utility jeepneys will be phased out next year and those who will defy this will be arrested and their units impounded.

University honors troops who fought for Marawi freedom

By Angelo Lorenzo (XU Comm)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of the Xavier University (XU) Festival Days celebration held on November 29 to December 2, 2017, the university’s Office of Mission and Ministry, together with the Social Development cluster, attributed the second day’s afternoon for the soldiers who fought for Marawi’s freedom.

On November 30, the tribute honoured the soldiers as the country’s present-day heroes for their valor in reclaiming and defending the Islamic City of Marawi from the ISIS-inspired Maute group. Lasting for nearly six months, they emerged victorious in the battle.

“Xavier University pays tribute to the troops deployed in Marawi for their loyalty, bravery, and strength,” the event's poster read. “We salute them for the hardships endured during the Marawi Siege and for their willingness to sacrifice their lives so that others may live.”

Gratitude to the nation’s heroes

Gathered within the university’s Peace Park, an open communal ground beneath a domed roof which resembles a shed for shelter, soldiers of different cultural and religious backgrounds paid respect to the Philippine flag as the national anthem played in the background.“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for all of what you have done for Marawi, for our people, and for our country,” said XU’s Vice President for Mission and Ministry Irene Grace Guitarte in her opening remarks.

“Let us continue to be grateful,” Guitarte added. “Let us be hopeful for peace to be possible.”

The message of gratitude was amplified by Araiz Buyog, President of the farmers’ cluster of Marawi City’s Barangay Bito Buadi Itowa, a resettlement site for refugees which was adopted by XU-Ateneo.

“Kami pong mga IDPs (internally displaced persons), nagpapasalamat din kami. Hindi namin malilimutan hanggang sa kamatayan (The IDPs also thank you. We will never forget this even after death),” he said.

Inspiring the youth

As part of the tribute, students from different levels of the XU-Ateneo community recited letters and poems dedicated to the soldiers.

Ivan and Ivy Cutob, both twin siblings and six graders from the XU Grade School department, read aloud the letters which they had originally written. “You and your comrades are always in our prayers,” Ivan said. “Your courage and strength make you our heroes,” Ivy added.

English major Nicole Rose Baculio from the university’s School of Education shared poems she was inspired to write about the tragedy of the Marawi siege.

“Three shots, three lives; the ashes will rise. The shots will diminish. Marawi will rise again,” spoke one verse in her poem titled “Three Shots.”

“Saang sulok man, iba’t ibang tinig ang naririnig; bata, matanda, Muslim o Kristiyano man, mga himig na naghahangad sa pag-asa para sa bayan (In every corner, voices were heard from young and old, Muslim or Christian, a melody for the nation’s hope),” declared another verse from a poem which Baculio entitled “Himig.”

One elementary pupil also confessed in his speech that he was honored to see real-life superheroes by witnessing the presence of the soldiers; apart from the action figures he occasionally asked as presents.

Living the legacy of St. Francis Xavier

In his inspirational message, Xavier Ateneo President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap likened the soldiers’ undertakings to that of St. Francis Xavier.

“We salute you like St. Francis Xavier for being ready to be sent for a mission,” Yap said.

The namesake of Xavier Ateneo and one of the founding fathers of the Society of Jesus, the congregation which runs all Ateneo schools and universities all over the country, St. Francis Xavier traveled across countries he had never been prior to the admonition of his superior, in order to spread the Gospel in the 16th century.

According to Yap, the soldiers have exemplified the qualities of loyalty, bravery, strength, and sacrifice that were akin to Xavier’s traits in his divine mission.

“From our hearts, we thank you,” Yap said.

The ceremony concluded with Yap laying medals and handing certificates to each soldier in front of the applauding crowd. Engraved on the medals were the words Saludo sa Bayaning Pilipino! (Salute to Filipino Heroes!).

“There is always a hero in everyone,” said Brigadier General Tyne Banyas of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), also the Assistant Division Commander of the 4th Infantry in his response speech.

“Each of us is a hero in our own way,” he emphasized. (Angelo Lorenzo/XU Comm) Buyog also expressed that if it weren’t for the soldiers, the civilians wouldn’t have taken refuge in safety and security when they had evacuated.

Cocpo reactivates anti-drug unit

By Alwen Saliring

THE City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) has been reactivated and its anti-drug operatives recalled after President Rodrigo Duterte directed the police back at the front lines of the administration's war on drugs.

Cocpo spokesperson Chief Inspector Mardy Hortillosa II said a counter-check will be made for CDEU members who were previously reassigned to other units to ensure they are not, in any way, involved in illegal drug activities.

The CDEU, composed of two 8-man teams, had been disbanded after Duterte handed over the sole power to conduct anti-drug operations to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) nearly two months ago.

"Ibalik na nato mga personnel sa CDEU pero i-subject gihapon nato sila sa counter-checking sa ilang record para masiguro nga dili sila involved sa drug activities (We will assemble again the personnel of CDEU but they will be subjected to counter-checking of their records to ensure that they are really not involved in illegal drug activities),"Hortillosa said.

"Mag depende pud sa atong city director kung dugangan ba ang personahe sa CDEU (It will depend on the city director if he will add more personnel to the CDEU)," Hortillosa added.

Hortillosa said the anti-drug teams of every police station will also be reassembled.

The Cocpo emphasized it is ready to take the lead again of the government's anti-illegal drug campaign as it aims to make the city free from illegal drugs.

But, Hortillosa said the Cocpo will wait for the implementing guidelines before carrying out all drug-related operations to avoid violating protocols.

"Di pami kasugod kay gahulat pami sa implementing guidelines kung unsay buhaton kay gumikan sa nahitabong irregularities nga gihimo sa ubang police sa kaulohan nadamay tanan kay siguro mi nga naay bag-ong guidelines (We can't start yet because we are still waiting for the guidelines on what or how to do the mandate because due to some irregularities committed by some policemen in Manila, the entire organization was affected)," Hortillosa said.

In the meantime, Cocpo is reviewing all records of drug personalities and their transactions in the city so operatives are well prepared in ending the illegal drug menace and in bringing drug players in courts.

Hortillosa said using body cameras during drug operations will help the police justify the legitimacy of the operations.

Hortillosa said the implementation of the war on drugs in the city is not deadly but he maintains that once the drug suspect fought back during the operation, the police will never think twice to use deadly force to pin them down.

On the other hand, he said, drug personalities who submit themselves to the authorities and signify their intent to shun illegal drugs will receive help from the government.

"Kung dili mo (drug personalities) moundang pasayloa lang mi nga kung during sa operation mosukol mo, amo pud paningohaon nga dili kami ang madisgrasya kay dili mi makonsensya kung mag cause ni sa inyong kinabuhi. Pero kung mo-surrender mo maningkamot sad mi nga matabangan mo," Hortillosa said.

‘Talakayan sa PIA’ tackles education growth in response to ASEAN

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Northern Mindanao have gathered in one episode of ‘Talakayan sa PIA’ on 5 December 2017 at Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City to discuss about the changes in education sector in line with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration.

Education Program Supervisor and Senior High School Coordinator of DepEd Region 10 Dr. Ninian Alcasid shared that there had been significant change in the basic education in the country beginning on the implementation of K to 12 program. With the addition of Junior and Senior high school, students are being prepared for the real world of work, entrepreneurship and higher education.

According to Alcasid, DepEd crafted Philippines Qualifications Framework to align with ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework particularly with K to 12. Among the preparations for ASEAN include improved basic education, improved competitiveness of Filipino professionals, and exploration of complimentary venture between foreign and local professionals.

"The graduates of the program will not only be mere graduates of basic education, but will also be equipped with skills and knowledge to take the next road," said Alcasid. These graduates now have the option to be part of the skilled work force if they choose the tech-voc path or entrepreneurship or go on with higher education if they choose the academe.

Meanwhile, CHED has also prepared an outcome-based curriculum in line with ASEAN and in effect of K to 12. Natalie Igot, Supervising Education Program Specialist of CHED 10 said that since junior and senior high school of K to 12 would now take up the first two years of college, CHED has crafted a different curriculum to cater to the changes of education in the country.

Igot shared that they are giving orientations to various colleges and universities regionwide to implement the new curriculum in 2018 for new freshmen who graduated from the K to 12 program. They will no longer have the subjects that were taught in the previous curriculum for freshmen year but they will be given general education that will fit all types of courses. Igot said through this, they hope to develop critical thinking skills, intellectual competencies, creative thinking and multiple forms of expression and civic competencies in the community and country among new freshmen starting 2018.

On the other hand, Leo Velez, Provincial Director of TESDA Misamis Oriental shared that there are only two things they want to accomplish through ASEAN, which is to produce quality and competitive workforce.

Velez said that one of the developments of TESDA in the ASEAN integration is the signing of ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Tourism Professionals. This will enable TESDA to facilitate mobility of Tourism Professionals/ Workers; exchange information on best practices in competency-based education and training for Tourism Professionals; and provide opportunities for cooperation and capacity building across ASEAN Member States.

Meanwhile, DOLE Assistant Regional Director Estrella Pahalla shared that we must produce graduates that fit the industry needs. Right now, among the industries that top the list are construction, service sector and Information Communications Technology (ICT).

She said that based on statistics, the youth composes almost half of the unemployed population in Northern Mindanao which comprises 1.29 million aged 15 to 24 years old. Meanwhile youth unemployment rate in Northern Mindanao is 13.6 which is double the national rate.

Pahalla explained that DOLE has come up with various programs to address this, including the Job Start and Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), among others.

Juvenile justice committee holds creativity contests for CICL, CAR

By Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – To provide a venue for children-at-risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL) to display and hone their skills in various areas and further aid in their personal development, the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee culminated the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week with various creativity contests on November 24.

CICLs and CAR from the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Gingoog, Bahay Pag-Asa in Claveria, Tahanan ng Kabataan in Cagayan de Oro City, and Balay Pangarap in Gingoog City participated in the slogan, poster making and dance contests during the said event.

Rose Marie Conde of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 said that they held various activities that will capacitate the CICLs and CAR while head for a brighter tomorrow.

“We consider these children as gifts from God,” Conde said as she stressed the importance of observing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week in upholding the rights of the children.

This year’s theme, “Mapagkalingang Hustisya: Ugaliin at Pagtibayin,” highlighted the concept of restorative justice, and refered to the principle of resolving conflicts with the maximum involvement of the offender, offended and the community.

Roundtable discussion tackles 3Q economic performance of Northern Mindanao

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran (APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) – The economic performance of Northern Mindanao for the third quarter of 2017 was reviewed and validated in a roundtable discussion (RTD) conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on December 5.

Economic indicators on agricultural production, livestock and poultry production, meat and fishery production, investments, exports, labor and employment, tax and customs collections, infrastructure-related development, and peace and order were deliberated by heads and/or representatives of regional line agencies during the RTD.

Engineer Cecilio Clarete, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-10, said the RTD is being conducted quarterly to review how the different sectors have managed and whether their performance have contributed to the economic growth in the region.

The draft 3rd Quarter Regional Economic Report showed both positive and negative variances in terms of agricultural productivity. But Clarete sees a promising economic situation compared to the same quarter in 2016, which was affected by the impact of El Niño.

Growth was also noted in both DTI-monitored and SEC-registered investments. Macro indicators, on the other hand, showed a better image during the quarter.

NEDA-10 will consolidate the results of the validation and will announce them to the public through a media forum scheduled next week.

Misamis Oriental's P3M for good governance award will fund Negosyo Center

By Alwen Saliring

THE Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental is mulling on putting up a Negosyo Center from the money it would be receiving after bagging the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award for the second time around.

Governor Yevgeny Emano said the Capitol may get around P3 million from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), which will be used for the construction of the Negosyo Center.

Emano said the Negosyo Center may rise within the Capitol compound, either near the Vicente De Lara Park or at the building vacated by Regional Trial Court Branch along Luna street.

The Capitol's top official said he envisions a state of the art two-storey Negosyo Center to be made up of steel as foundation covered with glass around.

The second floor will house the tourism office that will also serve as storage of products on the ground floor from the One Town One Product (Otop) project in the province.

A LED television will be installed in a coffee shop to make it more enticing for tourists to take a visit at the Negosyo center.

"We get around P3 million and it is for the Negosyo Center. This is how I envisioned it and I hope maigo ang kwarta," Emano said.

Emano said the Negosyo Center will remind all the capitol employees of their hard work in achieving the SGLG award.

Aside from the monetary reward, the governor said the SGLG will be a come-on for more investors and draw more joint projects with the National Government agencies.

"If we want to borrow money to buy equipment SGLG can be used. It can also help access more projects from the national agencies because this is our key," Emano said.

The Provincial Government was among the local government units in the country awarded with SGLG for 2017 after it had complied and passed the four core mandatory criteria on good financial housekeeping, social protection, disaster preparedness and peace and order and the essential assessment areas on business friendliness and competitiveness, tourism culture and the arts and environmental protection and management.

Emano personally received the award including the SGLG plaque in Manila last week.

Emano assured that the Provincial Capitol and its employees will continue to sustain and maintain the best public service it could offer to protect the legacy of the hard-earned award.

Oro’s Symphony of Lights will glitter until February

By Pamela Jay Orias

THE City Government has launched its million peso project for the holiday season, the “Symphony of Lights,” which will run from December 1 until February next year, for the Chinese New Year.

Hundreds came to witness the ceremonial switching on of the lights last Friday night, December 1. It is a project in which the City Government wishes to embark every year on Christmas season.

Councilor Jay Roa Pascual, chairman of the committee on tourism, said the project is called Symphony of Lights because aside from the changing lights it produces, a music will also be played to accompany it.

Pascual said rich cities such as Makati and Quezon City have their own version of the Symphony of Lights, piloted by Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.

Aside from the P6 million allocation of the City Council, private sponsors such as the A Brown Company, SM Mall, Ayala Mall, and Gaisano Mall, among others, have donated millions to achieve the project.

“A Brown donated P1 million, SM another P1M, while Ayala gave us P500,000, ug and Gaisano with 200,000 for this project, but many more partners also expressed interest to help us maintain this initiative,” Pascual said.

“These are high-tech Christmas lights, because it produces different lights, unlike the usual na series lights which only has one or two colors, but the Symphony of Lights, this is multi-colored, that’s why it’s expensive,” he added.

Pascual said the City Government also plans to put up the same kind of Christmas lights along Ysalina Bridge, and make the whole vicinity of City Hall an annual tourist attraction during the holidays.

“The joy that Christmas lights give to people, especially to kids is magical, somehow it gives us hope, and this is what we want to achieve. Amid, the security crisis that we experienced here in Mindanao, at least we can give joy to the people, which is exactly the essence of Christmas,” he said.

Mayor Oscar Moreno hopes that 2018 will be a far better year for Cagayan de Oro and for the whole country.

Xavier University to inaugurate sports complex on Dec. 16

By Jo Ann Sablad

JESUIT-RUN Xavier University will be inaugurating the crown jewel of its sports facilities, the Xavier Ateneo Sports Complex, in El Camino Real Avenue, Pueblo de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City, on December 16, an official of the university said.

Dulce Dawang, the university’s vice president for Basic Education, said the sports complex is better than most gyms in the city as it was built to follow standards set by various sports clubs in the country.

The 4.5-hectare Xavier Ateneo Sports Complex consists of a basketball court with four sub-courts for practices, retractable bleachers of more than 2,000 seats, four badminton courts, a semi-Olympic size swimming pool, shower area and locker rooms, an eight-lane track and field oval, regulation-size football field, and a parking space for more than 200 vehicles.

Dawang said the sports complex was primarily built to be used by basic education students, grade school to senior high, and faculty of Xavier University.

It can be used, however, for non-university sports events provided the events do not conflict with the school’s set schedule.

"We have a lot of students on campus already. Our present gym could not accommodate to all the needs for the PE (Physical Education), athletes and all the events," Dawang said.

She said there are still other facilities that are yet to be built like tennis courts. Space for these sports facilities, however, has already been set aside.

She also said the guidelines for the usage of the sports complex is still being discussed and finalized.

Dawang said the guidelines include the time of which the sports complex will be open, how many people or personnel are needed to man the facilities, and safety guidelines, among others.

The sports complex already has a facilities manager, coaches, and sports coordinators but Dawang said they still need security guards, life guards and other personnel.

Dawang said use of the sports complex will be based on a "prioritization of usage plan of Xavier Ateneo Sports Center" with three levels of scheduled priority.

In the Intra Area for Basic Education units, Level 1A will be for academics and student-activity classes, physical education classes, Intramurals and graduation ceremonies; while Level 1B is for varsity team practices.

Inter Area for Basic Education units, Level 2A will be for varsity tune-up matches, varsity athletic program sports camps, and summer sports clinics.

For College and Outside requests or the Extra Area, Level 3A is for college physical education classes such as swimming and athletics; Level 3B for other requests which will be subjected to approval and depending on availability; and Level 3C is for outside requests which will be subjected to approval of the Office of the President of Xavier University and depending on availability.

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