Cagayan de Oro City News February 2017

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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.

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
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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.
Limketkai Center Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.jpg
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

DICT braces for installation of fiber optic cable network in NorMin

By Elaine O. Ratunil (EOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) rallied stakeholders in Northern Mindanao to prepare for the Regional Installation of Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) Network.

Participated by technical staff, DICT conducted on Feb. 24 a consultation meeting in Cagayan de Oro City to discuss details on the Regional Installation of FOC Network.

DICT Mindanao Cluster II Director Evamay C. Dela Rosa said the Electronic Government Masterplan (eGMP) developed by DICT aims to provide efficient, responsive and transparent online services for the Filipino people through the integrated and optimum use of information and communications technologies throughout the government.

The ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure projects under iGovPhil Project entails collaboration with other government agencies aimed to fully realize a network of interconnected agencies and institutions via FOC Network.

The implementation of this project will enable a faster and more efficient accessibility and utilization in providing quality government services to citizens, said Dela Rosa.

Government Network (GovNet)—which is geared towards interconnecting all national government agencies in the country through fiber optic cable (FC) network—has a pilot project in Cebu City connecting 15 agencies and in the National Capital Region including Manila, Quezon City, Pasay, Pasig and Taguig connecting 160 national government agencies.

The success of this pilot project paved the way to implementing it in the regional level dubbed “Regional GovNet.”

The Regional GovNet Phase 1 project involves Tuguegarao, Iloilo, Pampanga, Baguio, Legaspi, Palo-Leyte and Butuan with a total of 317 agencies connected.

A second phase is being developed for 2017.

DICT is consulting eight regions that will be included in Regional GovNet Phase II to include La Union, Batangas, Cebu, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cotabato and Marawi City with the aim of connecting 485 agencies.

Cagayanons feed 400 children to celebrate 31st EDSA People Power anniversary

(PNA), CVL/CD/JIGGER J. JERUSALEM

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 25 (PNA) -- Supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte and Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III commemorated the 31st anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution by serving food to hundreds of children in a coastal village here Saturday afternoon.

About 400 pre-school kids benefited from the “Libre Kusina sa Mindanao” (Free Kitchen in Mindanao), a mobile Duterte-Pimentel feeding program launched in Barangay Macabalan in this city.

The event was organized by supporters of President Duterte and Pimentel, in cooperation with local leaders of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban).

In a statement, Teresa Pimentel, convenor of the event, said the feeding program was the Mindanaons’ way of celebrating the anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution that led to the downfall of the Martial Law regime.

She said it was in Mindanao that the seeds of the protest movement against the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos also took root when then opposition mayor, former Senate president Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. of this city openly criticized him.

The elder Pimentel’s opposition to the Marcos rule resulted in his imprisonment several times on trumped-up charges, becoming one of the steadfast leaders of the resistance against martial rule.

Part of his legacy was the founding of the PDP Laban in 1982.

Meanwhile, Barangay Gusa chairman Marlo Tabac, PDP Laban city council president for Cagayan de Oro, said the free “lugaw” (porridge) was for everyone, especially the less fortunate residents of the city.

For his part, Barangay Macabalan chairman Norbel Saa said the office of Senator Pimentel got in touch with him to prepare the activity.

Saa said he chose pupils of six daycare centers in the villages here as the main beneficiaries of the program.

“We are very thankful that Macabalan was chosen as the venue for the feeding program. This is indeed an honor for us, and most importantly, for our children who benefited from the activity,” he added.

Inter-school chessfest set on Feb. 25

(LLS)

ELEMENTARY pupils in Cagayan de Oro get the chance to pit wits in the Invitational Inter-School Chess Challenge on Saturday, February 25, at the Inilog Grill along Tiano-Kalambaguhan Streets in this city.

Rosevale coach Silverio Abasolo, who initiated the day-long competition for children, said categories on tap are in team event (3 players) for grades 3 to 5 only and individual for grades 1 and 2 only.

Trophies, medals and cash will be up for grabs in the said tournament which has entry fees of P500 for team and P150 for the individual event. Participants are required to bring their own chess sets.

Abasolo said that those who can produce chess clocks for their own use will be able to avail the P50 discount of the registration.

Robredo cites Xavier University's social dev’t efforts

By Abigail Viguella

VICE president Leni Robredo lauded Xavier University (XU) on Monday, February 20, for its social development efforts teach students the values of empathy, dignity, and liberty.

"In today's polarized society where the values of empathy, dignity, and liberty are constantly being eroded teaching our young to be inclusive envelops them in courage and hope. It allows them to experience firsthand that people deserve respect rather than disdain, that the good will always triumph over the bad,” Robredo said.

Robredo took part in the launching of XU’s Social Development week celebration and for the signing of a memorandum of agreement between XU’s Social Development Cluster and the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to implement the OVP’s "Angat Buhay" program.

As part of her advocacy to raise the quality of life of every Filipino, the "Angat Buhay" program has been reaching out to impoverished and far-flung areas in the country to tackle the problems of the citizens.

The Social Development week celebration will be from February 20 to 24 and will carry the theme, "Engaging Peripheries for Inclusive Development."

This year's celebration aims to put focus on the Indigenous People communities that were adopted by Xavier University such as those in Talaandig and Hiagonon in Miarayon, Sumilao, Imbatug, Baungon, Talakag, Bukidnon and Opol, Misamis Oriental.

"One of the messages given by the Pope when he visited the country is that the Jesuit community should go to the peripheries and the poor communities and try to help in these people. This is where the Social Development cluster is rooted and Xavier University has been active in social development," Reverend Father Roberto Yap, S.J., president of Xavier University said.

"It (Angat Buhay) works well with the thrust of Xavier University to serve the community. So we want to get there and serve, we want to use the expertise of our students nurses, medical student, engineers, and everybody to go out and use these in service of others," Yap said.

Aside from introducing the "Angat Buhay" program, the Vice President also featured the Istorya ng Pag-asa (INP) traveling photo exhibit at XU's Little Theater.

INP tells the stories of hope and everyday heroism in the lives of ordinary Filipinos. It seeks to unify and inspire people by highlighting stories such as those of Kagay-anon Rusty Quintana who was a former street child exposed to drug use and crime at a young age.

Robredo cited Quitana’s difficult journey from a "Drugista to Atenista" as an example worthy of emulation.

From his life as a street urchin, Quintana became a student of Xavier University and eventually graduated in 2015 with a degree in Development Communication.

"Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. We need more of it to counter the negativity in this era of post truth, fake news, trolls, or alternative facts. We need more of it to nourish our sense of dignity as a nation, to build our people's trust in liberty and freedom in the fight for truth in the age of lies. So pag lahat negative 'wag na tayong dumagdag. We can choose light over darkness all the time (So if everything is negative, let's not add up to it)," Robredo said.

Cagayan de Oro health summit set on March 2

By Abigail Viguella

TO BRING together concerned local government officials and address the pressing health issues in Cagayan de Oro, the City Council's Health and Sanitation Committee in cooperation with the City Health Office will spearhead the first citywide Health Summit which is set on March 2.

The summit is themed "All Health towards Health for All in CdeO" which will be participated by 80 village chieftains in the city and their respective health councilors, and also of officials coming from related health stakeholders in the city such as the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth.

"The health summit was initiated to tackle the health concerns of the city's 700,000 residents and to empower local leaders and health officials on the matter of health services to their constituents. This is done to provide positive health outcomes in the city and to pinpoint possible improvements in health," City Councilor Maria Lourdes Gaane, chairperson of the Health and Sanitation Committee said.

Among the topics that will be included in the summit's discussion are the city's major health concerns like vector borne diseases primarily Dengue fever, Chikunggunya, and the Zika virus. These mosquito borne diseases are, according to DOH representative Dr. Joselito Retuya Jr., the most rampant in the city especially dengue.

"The prevention and the services for these diseases is one of the major concerns here in Cagayan and especially now that we have the rainy season," he said.

Gaane said that the summit will also tackle how the city health offices could better take part in the handling of the rehabilitation of the drug surrenderies from President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs program and to discuss the possibility of making an ordinance to make the city smoke-free.

In connection to this, Councilor Reuben Daba announced that there are discussions and propositions on making city ordinances that will strengthen the law against smoking in the city.

"We are fashioning this from Davao city where we have observed that there are absolutely no one smoking in public places. We are looking at implementing strict fines and deputizing some of our local officials such as kagawads to lessen the number of people smoking in the streets or in public places," Daba said.

One relevant topic in the summit will also be the rate and management of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Cagayan de Oro. Retuya clarified that major steps especially in the prevention and diagnosis of this virus has always been done by the DOH. One project that they are currently working on is the opening of Sundown clinics in the city wherein people who suspect they have HIV will be able to avail diagnosis even after office hours.

"The number of people living with HIV doesn't matter. What matters is that the city's health offices are working together to tackle this issue and that fair and indiscriminate dissemination of information is practiced in the media for the benefit of all," Retuya said.

Among the guests that will attend the summit is Senator Risa Hontiveros who will be discussing her own health initiative as the chairperson of the Senate Health Committee. This would include her bill to increase the honoria of village health workers nationwide.

She would also be tackling her proposed "Tres Marias" bills: Senate no. 1251 which seeks to punish those behind misogynistic and homophobic attacks on social media, Senate bill 1252 or the Anti-rape Act, and Senate Bill 1250 or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill.

IRRI launches rice crop manager app

By Sarah Beebout (SB, DA-RFO 10/PIA 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – A Rice Crop Manager (RCM) app was developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for the Philippines. An information and communication technology-based decision support-tool that provides irrigated and rain-fed rice farmers with location-specific crop management recommendation to increase production and income.

RCM is accessible though desktop computers and smart phones aiming to contribute to the implementation of appropriate ‘modern precision farming’ by providing farmers with personalized crop and nutrient management recommendations matching their location –specific rice growing conditions.

The project is backed also by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

A nationwide dissemination campaign was likewise launched participated by various government agencies, and was held early this month in Cagayan de Oro City, graced by DA Assistant Secretary for Operations, Federico E. Laciste, Jr..

TESDA announces 1,574 scholarship slots for Northern Mindanao

(PNA), LAP/NYP/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- The provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Misamis Oriental announced Thursday the availability of 1,574 scholarship slots in the region.

Leo Velez, the TESDA provincial director in Misamis Oriental, said that the training for work scholarship program (TWSP) would be available in Misamis Oriental and Northern Mindanao provinces this year.

TWSP is intended to fill up the skills gaps and job requirements of priority industries and sectors with high employment demand from the village level.

For a start, survey forms were distributed to all the villages in Northern Mindanao to be filled out by village officials on the possible vocational courses that the village residents would take if given a chance to be a TESDA scholar.

Velez said that the TESDA later found out that the vocational courses on Housekeeping and Shielded Metal Arch Welding were generally appealing to the underprivileged who reside in the hinterland villages of Northern Mindanao.

The underprivileged residents include out-of-school youth, formerly engaged in illegal drug activities, unemployed persons and suspected prostitutes, among others.

According to Velez, the accredited ten technical and vocational educational institutions (TVEIs) in Northern Mindanao could offer as many as 82 tech-voc courses.

Interested applicants may walk in or course their applications at the village level or through online.

He said that the national government has allocated PHP 12,691,000 in 2016 for TWSP’s implementation in Misamis Oriental alone.

Korosh Keyka opens in Oro, offers Japan-made quality equipment

(AV)

KOROSH Keyka International Corporation has opened its second branch in Cagayan de Oro City on February 10. The company brings in Japan-made quality trucks and heavy equipment in its office in Kolambog, Lapasan.

Korosh Keyka International Corporation is a domestic corporation engaged in the business of rebuilding and dealing with trucks, parts, and heavy equipment.

It is the sister company of K Car Incorporated of Japan which has been doing the business of buying and selling surplus units for more than 30 years.

Three years ago, Korosh Keyka opened in Davao City and has successfully established itself as one of the premier truck rebuilders in Mindanao.

With the fast-paced and robust economic and social development of Cagayan de Oro, Korosh Keyka is pleased to open its branch in the city to serve the market's need for superior quality trucks, parts, and heavy equipment at moderate prices.

"This corporation is relevant and timely because, as we can see buildings and companies are slowly growing here therefore the need for these vehicles and equipment is on high demand," said Irene Floro, partner distributor of the corporation.

Korosh Keyka owner Farhad Nouri Someeh assures that their products are realistically priced and come with an after sales service and minimal warranty.

Someeh said even if most of the products were slightly-used in Japan, maximum usage can run from five to ten years or more depending on care.

Korosh Keyka also accepts a 10 percent reservation fee for every unit, or depending on the kind of unit and the corresponding amount involved. In the case of a malfunction, they can arrange for technical support such as providing a mechanic on site to conduct necessary repairs for units.

For inquiries, interested customers may call 09176240785 or 09778134711.

SM to build 15 malls by 2018; 1 in Cagayan de Oro City, 2 more in Mindanao

By Manuel Cayon

DAVAO CITY—The SM Group of Companies plans to construct 15 more shopping malls by 2018, including a posh premier mall in Cagayan de Oro City and two others elsewhere in Mindanao.

That would bring the total number of shopping malls to 75 in the Philippines, said Oliver R. Tiu, vice president for operations-Mindanao of the SM Shopping Center Management Corp.

The slew of construction was already planned years earlier and intended to “double the number of malls by 2018,” he said.

SM has 60 malls right now.

The new mall in Cagayan de Oro City would be the second for the city and the second premier mall in Mindanao to capture the high-end market in the region. It would be built in an area of 175,000 square meters and will have five floors.

The other malls to be constructed in Mindanao would be the one in Butuan on a 2-hectare property, and in Tagum City in Davao del Norte, from a location totaling 3.7 hectares bought earlier.

The construction of the malls in the cities of Butuan and Cagayan de Oro was previously announced by SM President Hans Sy, president of the SM Prime Holdings Inc.

Lynette Lopez, manager of the SM City Ecoland, said the SM Development Corp. would also start constructing four buildings at eight stories each at the back of the mall here, and a five-story car park.

The construction would start by the third quarter this year.

Tiu said Mindanao accounts for 18 percent of total revenues of all SM malls.

In a separate business conference on February 10, dubbed the Philippine Economic Outlook for 2017, Corazon Guidote, senior vice president for investor relations and corporate communications head of SM Investments Corp., said the company’s growth has already outperformed the country’s GDP during the last 10 years.

In terms of nominal GDP, SM posted an 8.71-percent growth, higher than the country’s 6 percent to 7 percent posted in the latter years of the 2006-to-2016 period.

She said the performance of the three SM operations—the SM malls, SM Prime Holdings and Banco de Oro—occupied slots in the top-5 publicly listed companies in the Philippine Stock Exchange.

In the comparative years ending 2005 and February 7 this year, SM’s market capitalization of P127 billion (or $2.56 billion) placed it on the third spot, improving to second spot this year with its capitalization of P821.5 billion (or $16.5 billion).

Over the same comparative years, SM Prime Holdings gained the top spot with P879.3-billion capitalization ($17.6 billion), from its eighth place, with P78.43-billion capitalization ($1.58 billion).

BDO was then on the 13th spot, with its P31.95 billion ($0.64 billion), but with a higher P499.1-billion capital ($10 billion), it became No. 5.

Guidote told business and political leaders SM’s “journey toward optimal growth” has been compared as highly similar to the performance of the Philippine economy.

She said, compared to global leading corporations, “SM is still miniscule,” and added SM would “continue to look at these world’s leading corporations for inspiration”.

PRO 10 celebrates 26th PNP Foundation Day

(RPIO/PRO10)

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City, Feb. 13 – Men and women of Police Regional Office (PRO) Region 10 commemorated the 26th year of service of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to the Filipino people, Feb. 13.

PRO 10 regional director PCSupt Agripino G Javier vowed it will continue to take the big leap on administration, transformation and operations for the police organization to be better prepared, more equipped and confident in addressing the peace and order issues in the country.

Furthermore, Northern Mindanao police office extended its gratitude to the continued support of President Duterte, stakeholders, and the public who have been supporting the law enforcement campaigns of the PNP.

PRO 10 is hopeful that this strong partnership and cooperation will continue to foster in the years to come, said PCSupt Javier.

After the people’s revolution in 1986, a new constitution was promulgated providing for a police force, which is “national in scope and civilian in character.”

The PNP inaugurates its founding anniversary after the effectivity of Republic Act (RA) 6975 entitled, “An act establishing the Philippine National Police under a reorganized department of the interior and local government in January 1991.

To further strengthen the PNP into a highly efficient and competent police force, RA 8551 otherwise known as “PNP reform and the reorganization act of 1998” was enacted. The PNP shall be a community and service oriented agency responsible for the maintenance of peace and order and public safety.

Series of developments followed through various initiatives in line with the integrated transformation program to resolve organizational dysfunctions, improve the quality of police services, strengthen law enforcement capabilities and enhance the welfare and benefits of its personnel and dependents.

Oro online flower shop sends Filipinos love at the doorstep

By Abigail Viguella

THE desire to express our affection for the ones we love is a classic Filipino trait. Now that Valentine’s Day is near, we are once again finding unique and affordable ways to say "I love you" in the day of hearts, this week. This is the main reason why Marc Redila of Bukidnon founded the very first online flower shop business in the country, Bulaklak.com.

Bulaklak.com was established with the aim of making it easier for people to give gifts to their loved ones on Valentine ’s Day or in any time of the year. This website is patterned after online shopping sites wherein customers could select their bouquet of choice with its corresponding price and have these delivered directly to the receiver and paid through bank or a remittance service center.

The company can arrange and deliver any type of flower arrangements from the classic red rose dozen to elaborate mixed wedding bouquets with over hundreds in display in their website. People could send bouquets for as low as P300 in Cagayan de Oro.

Bulaklak.com started with only 80 florist partners in Cagayan de Oro city with their head office in Barangay Gusa back in 2014. Now, they have over a thousand flower shop partners all over the Philippines and has even served Filipinos overseas. As the foremost online flower shop service in the country, Bulaklak.com has received commendations locally and internationally.

Redila said that their business is rooted from he and his wife’s fondness of giving gifts to their loved ones. Since flowers are the most common way of expressing one's care and appreciation, they thought of using today's internet technology to make this act easier and to connect Filipinos who are far fromeach another.

According to Redila, some of their customers are Filipinos working as far as the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Qatar, and Australia who want to surprise their families or lovers who are left in the country.

However, as the years passed since the start of Bulaklak.com, the company has expanded their market and has even started offering other treats such as cakes, chocolates, stuffed toys, fruit baskets, and even roasted pig or lechon baboy.

During Valentine’s day, they even have a special promo wherein a group of hired singers would serenade the customer's loved one. In its three years, this Kagay-anon e-commerce business has grown from just being a delivery service but as a way for Filipinos to connect and strengthen bonds.

Aimee Diron, who was working in Canada as a quality inspector, is one of the satisfied customers of Bulaklak.com. Thrilled with surprises and gifts, Diron wanted to surprise her mother who celebrated her 58th birthday last year here in Consolacion village. However, as she cannot go home because of her job, she was troubled on how she could make her mother happy on her special day. Through the recommendation of a friend, she made use of Bulaklak.com to send a bouquet and a cake to her mother.

"She called when they received my gift. She said that it was not only her but also my Ate who was touched because of what I did. I guess, when you are working abroad, it is easy to lose contact with your family even if you call each other as often as you can. Services like this allow people to get connected even across oceans," she said.

Now, Bulaklak.com has also set up their own foundation named “ONE BUY. ONE FILIPINO.” Through this, every flower arrangement purchased gives school supplies like notebooks, pencils, and ball pens to student beneficiaries. These students are located in remote villages in the country who are in dire need of school materials and educational support.

With the success of their online business, Marc and Annabelle have moved to New York City with their daughter who is now studying flower design. The online shop maintains an administrative team that manages day-to-day transactions.

Oro’s new inter-public school caging underway

By Raul A. Fuentes

THE Cagayan de Oro Inter-Public Schools Basketball Challenge 2017, dubbed as "Foundation Conference," successfully opened last Saturday, February 4, at the West City Central School covered courts in Carmen village, Cagayan de Oro City.

The basketball tournament for public schools is a project initiated by the newly-organized Cagayan de Oro City Public Schools Basketball Association in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) through its city division in Cagayan de Oro.

It also has the support of the Samahan ng mga Basketbolista sa Pilipinas (SBP)-DepEd in Northern Mindanao.

The program aims to discover talents from the public schools, train skills of the student-athletes, build character, values and develop self-confidence as well.

It has semblance with Oro Speed Inter-Public School Basketball League, where talents from the public schools were scouted and recruited by prestigious private schools.

The association tends to be like that, but this time all participating teams numbering to at least 21 in elementary and secondary levels become stakeholders as well.

The said program was facilitated by the project team and tournament management group headed by the Schools Division Superintendent Elena Borcillo.

Among the members of the team are Assistant Division Superintendent Reynaldo Manuel, Jr. Ph. D., Chief SGOD Rosalio Vitorillo, Division Sports Coordinator Ray Maghuyop, Interim Chairman Bismark Labadan, and the members of the Board of Trustees.

This program must be undertaken because this will help the players to achieve success in all phases of life and become a better person.

It is the answer to the clamor of student-athletes, teacher-coaches and parents as it gives them the opportunity to impart their expertise in the higher level of competition.

One of DepEd’s battle cries is “Education for all” since many of the youngsters will be attracted to and will eventually let them be part of the educative system as a requirement to be able to avail the said program.

During the opening, the master of ceremony Ryan Blanco smoothly ran the program starting with the invocation.

Then, Vitorillo has warmly welcomed everyone in his speech.

A message of hope and challenge for everyone was given by Stephen Dacoco representing the City Mayor Oscar Moreno.

Dhana Marie Dalagan, a 3-time Palarong Pambansa player, led the oath of sportsmanship before Maghuyop formally declared the opening of the tournament in behalf of Borcillo.

Wet and wild in Cagayan de Oro

By Ida Anita Q. del Mundo (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Bugsay River Rafting is named after the “bugsay” or paddle. Rightly so, since the paddle is all you have as you and your team brave the rapids. The guide’s number one rule was to never let go of the paddle – no small feat when your instinct tells you to hold on to the straps of the inflatable boat for dear life.

The adrenaline-pumping white water rafting adventure is offered in three packages – the Lower Section for beginners is great for families or groups of varying ability and confidence. Along the 12-km stretch the group will encounter some 14 class two and class three rapids, spanning some three hours. The Middle Section is a bit more advanced and is suitable for the more adventurous and experienced paddlers. It is 16 kms long, with 21 class two and class three rapids and can last for three to four hours. Finally, the most advanced package is the experienced paddlers-only Upper Section which is 16 kms, with 14 class three and class five rapids.

The best time to try rafting is in the morning. Transportation is provided by Bugsay and the jeep ride from the city takes some 45 minutes to the beginner’s jump off point, while the ride back is just about 15 minutes.

Stepping into the shallows to learn the paddling commands, we could already feel the strength of the current. According to our guides, the youngest to ever ride was a 2-year-old child and the eldest an 82-year-old!

Despite apprehensions, we were put at ease by the two able guides that steered the group of eight from the back of the boat. Bugsay’s experienced guides are trained by the International Rafting Federation. They are also knowledgeable in first aid, as trained by Red Cross International.

Just seeing the raging river is enough to give you a little rush of excitement – and fear. Before anyone could back out, we were off. The parts of the river with rough rapids required coordination with our team, while the calm parts gave us time to marvel at the lush surroundings along the river that intersects Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon. Feeling the cool air is so refreshing – until you get smacked in the face by the river at a sudden rough drop!

Bugsay Rafting also offers a lunch served boodle fight-style, which rafters can stop to enjoy on a small island in the middle of the trip. Overnight camping is also possible on the small river island for real nature enthusiasts.

Three to four hours of rowing may seem tiresome, especially for the non-athletic, but you hardly notice it from the excitement and fun along the whole stretch of river. We visited only days after incessant rains flooded CDO, so the water level was high – which was a good thing, our guides assured us. It made for a faster and more thrilling ride, which we completed in only around two and a half hours. Both the floods that week and the rapids were displays of the power of nature. Conquering the rapids left the group tired but content, with a healthy respect for nature but also a sense of triumph and confidence that we can face anything that nature – and life – has to offer.

For inquiries, visit http://cdorafting.com/ or email cdobugsayrafting@yahoo.com.

200,999 Oro business permit applicants renewed in 2016

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

MORE than 200,000 establishments have renewed their business permits for last year, a report from the Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD) of the Cagayan de Oro City Government shows. Vivian Sabuga-a, BPLD chief said about 200,999 business permits were issued by its office last 2016.

Sabuga-a said they aim to surpass last year's figure for this year since the City Council last month voted to move the deadline of business permit renewal from January 20 to February 28.

She said the extension should give more time for businessmen to pay their dues as its office targets a double figure this year.

It can be recalled that the City Council on January 24, has given consideration to businessmen who were affected by the flood last January 16.

The business sector has noted over P200 million worth of damages caused by flashfloods on January 16. The City Government also collected over P1.2 billion business taxes from January to November 2016, the City Treasurer's Office said.

City Treasurer Glenn Bañez said the income came from the business taxes which amounted to P757 million, real property taxes collected worth P163.8 million, fees and other charges are at P163 million, from the income of the economic enterprise worth P72 million, other local taxes worth P65 million, and other income collected which amounted to P765,000.

RDC-10 draws up RIDP 2017-2022

By Franklin P. Gumapon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) – Guided by the Regional Development Plan (RDP) framework for 2017-2022, the member-agencies together with the private sector representatives of the different committees of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-10 converged here yesterday to formulate the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) for 2017-2022.

The region’s RDIP for the next five years centers on “Malasakit” (enhancing the social fabric), “Pagbabago” (reducing inequality) and Patuloy na Pag-unlad” (increasing potential growth).

In her message before the presentation of the programs, activities and projects by each agency, Regional Director Annabelle M. Atillo of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-10 disclosed that region 10 got an allocation of more than P83 billion comprising funds for the “departments” and constitutional commissions, and the special purpose funds.

Atillo said the bigger chunk of the budget went to the Department of Education (DepEd) with 45 percent followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with 16 percent and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with 12 percent.

On the other hand, the Department of Information Communication Technology (DICT), Department of Tourism (DOT) and DBM have each received .03 percent.

RDC-10 secretariat will then process and consolidate the RDIP from the programs, activities and projects submitted by the member-agencies of the committees on social development, economic development, infrastructure, and the macro and development administration.

The RDIP for 2017-2022, which will serve as a mechanism in implementing the RDP in support of the national and regional development agenda, will be presented to the RDC members in a full council meeting for approval come Feb. 27.

Newly-created cmte starts work to raise planning standards in Oro

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 7 -- The newly-created City Council committee on planning and development has started the work to elevate the standards and performance of Cagayan de Oro City in terms of planning for its development.

During its first meeting, the committee, chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya with Councilor Romeo V. Calizo, vice chair, discussed the Revised Citizen’s Charter of the city as submitted by the Office of the City Mayor for approval.

The approval of the Citizen’s Charter is in line with Republic Act 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), which seeks to reduce inefficiencies in the public sector and prevent graft and corruption.

According to Oliver V. Egypto of the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), only offices providing frontline services to the public are included in the Citizen’s Charter.

Councilor Nacaya, however, stressed that all offices should be included in the Charter to better guide the public. He said the city of Cagayan de Oro should raise its standards above what is required by law.

“Let’s define the rationale of its existence. On top of the minimum requirement mas maayo motaas ang Cagayan de Oro,” he stressed.

MORE INFORMATION

Aside from the services given by various city hall departments, councilor Nacaya said the public should also know about incentives being given by the government to athletes who bring home medals as provided for in a city ordinance, as well as tax incentives for businesses.

The Citizen’s Charter should also have pictures of institutions like the executive and legislative departments, local police office, and others for the appreciation of the public, Nacaya added.

ONE BOOK

Instead of having another book for the process flow of transactions, Councilor Edna Dahino proposed that this also be incorporated in the Revised Citizen’s Charter. She said all the information the public would need should all be there.

“Like a Bible to guide the public,” she cited.

For his part, councilor Calizo said the whole structure of the city must be presented in the Citizen’s Charter.

Councilor Nacaya cited that it is the consensus of the City Council that the city should go above the minimum standard set by the national law.

“We would like to provide premium sa atong panerbisyo (in our services),” Nacaya stressed.

Councilor Nacaya requested the Technical Working Group (TWG) to include all these proposals and to submit the revised Citizen’s Charter to the committee on March 3, 2017 for its review.

The committee was created to study, investigate and report on all matters and measures pertaining to city planning, zoning, land classification, land use and management, urban community development in the city, among others.

Iponan village opens Kalumpangan festival

By Jaime A. Frias II

THE village of Iponan's 10-day Kalumpangan Festival 2017 officially opened on Wednesday, February 1, at the Iponan Open Grounds.

Kalumpangan Festival is the mother of all festivals in Iponan village while other unique special events including the Humba and Suman Festivals, are held in separate occasions.

This year, the village council decided to have a retro night group dance competition of the 70's as its opening salvo.

Participants with colorful outfits and enthusiastic moves filled the stage of the star-studded night.

Around 16 groups from different sectors and village zones participated in the retro dance competition inspired by the genres of the ABBA, Beegees and Rick James.

Urban Poor topped the competition with 93 percent from the three judges led by Abs Cbn's Mommy Jay.

Urban Poor banked on their energetic performance and superb interpretation of the genre music through their choreography.

Bulao Elementary School landed second for their portrayal of the 70's music during the regime of the then and late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Their performance included adlibs from Tagalog movies including the one where Nora Aunor became infamous of her line: Walang himala. Completing the third spot was Zone 5.

The council also presented 16 young candidates of this year's Miss Iponan.

The queen festival of the village was conceptualized through Iponan's endangered and rare tree "Kalumpangan", a tree commonly used for clothes and oil.

"We named the festival to that tree because it's rare and we tend to preserve it through naming in it in this festival," said village official Anthony "Gaga" Brellita.

The festival is originally honoring the feast of San Guillermo, the patron saint of the village.

A round of activities are set until February 10.

For the love of art and literature

By Abigail Viguella

CAGAYAN de Oro has been a hub of talent and originality for contemporary arts and literature with the city’s art scene being dominated by creative individuals in their own right.

While some artworks need more exposure, a number of personalities are making names here. Two Kagay-anon emerging artists are already taking the spotlight in the field of art today.

Kristyn Maslog-Levis, known as KM Levis, is bringing Filipino creative writing internationally while Emmanuel Mulawan II, a visual artist is gracing the city streets and establishments with his art.

These two artists are Filipino contemporary art's young bloods who are now making their own artistic brands and earning the respect of many artists in their fields.

Krystin Maslog-Levis was born in Cagayan de Oro city on December 25, 1978.

In her childhood days, she has always been fascinated with literature and the effects of good storytelling to people.

She has spent most of her time exploring the literature of many writers.

“I think being a writer is always inside you from the moment you are young.

It’s either you’re a writer or you’re not. I remember always writing and reading.

I kept journals, wrote for the school publication, wrote short stories.

I was always fascinated by the stories in my head and the stories I read from other writers.

I wouldn’t have been able to ignore it even if I wanted to,” said Levis.

Levis started as a reporter in ABS-CBN Cagayan de Oro in her younger years but later headed to Singapore to finish her degree in communication.

From there, she migrated to Australia to become a journalist for various print media organizations until she finally started to write her own fiction stories.

Today, Levis is popularly known as the author of “The Girl Between Two Worlds” which has sold millions nationwide since its publication last year.

Levis is now known to fuse Philippine mythology to foreign setting and portray the plight of strong modern women with her work.

“I take inspiration from everything. It can be a simple question of ‘what if’. It can be a societal injustice that I see.

It can be any ordinary daily thing with a dash of new problem. I see inspiration everywhere. I read a lot too and get inspired by other authors that I read,” Levis explained. The publication of her novel lead her to fame in the local Kagay-anon writing community as she has repeatedly been invited to speak in various writing workshops by writing guilds in the city.

Happy with the acceptance that she got from publishing her novel, Levis plans to write more fiction from her home in Sydney, Australia.

In the next years, she plans on releasing the two other novels that she is currently working on. “I think literature is always going to be important no matter how technologically advanced we become.

There is truth in fiction. Societal issues that are relevant in the real world can easily be discussed in fiction. This is how it’s been done since forever.

I don’t think it’s ever going to change. Reading keeps your mind sharp. I feel bad for those who move away from reading because of social media.

They are missing out on so many wonderful stories,” she said.

While she can’t point a single writer as her biggest influence in writing, Levis aims to continue to inspire other emerging writers and wants to remind not to give up in their passion to write.

“There is no single person that I look up to when it comes to writing. I am, however, forever in awe of those who kept going despite the odds.

The single mothers who kept on writing even when the rejection letters piled up. The writers who worked three jobs, those who kept going despite discouraging feedbacks. Every time I read about these writers and their success I am always inspired,” she added.

Like Levis, the appreciation of one’s self and inner art is the artistic advocacy of Emmanuel Mulawan II, whose artworks are spread all over the city today.

Lifestyle districts in the city as well as various events led by the City Government have featured the works of Mulawan.

The 23-year-old Mulawan has put his art in various commercial establishments such as Ranchero’s Steak house in Malaybalay City, Kenya Kafe in Lifestyle District, Mom’s Pig Out in SM City, One Yoga Wellness Studio in Velez St., and in many events in the city such as Miss Cagayan de Oro 2015 Stage and the Miss Earth Philippines.

When he was younger, Mulawan was fascinated by the stories and the characters of the cartoons he watched.

His art then started there as these became the subject of his first few drawings as a child.

He said at that time, he did not basically know what art was but he just continued to draw because it was his love.

Throughout his elementary years, Mulawan did not stop drawing and showing off his works in art contests in and outside school.

These then paved the way for his fame when people from the City Tourism office and the Tourism council discovered his artworks and hired him to become the official artist for the City Government’s events.

Since then he has been a part of the Marketing and Promotions and Research and Planning Department of the City Tourism Council and renders his skills in graphic design, lay-out, and architectural design.

Mulawan is an Architecture graduate of Cagayan de Oro College. Mulawan said in the future, he wants to become a fashion designer since that is his biggest dream.

For now, he encourages other aspiring artists to be more confident in their art and to be honest in their own selves because it is only through self-acknowledgement that one can truly realize their dreams, he said.

CDO Negosyo Center sets February activities for entrepreneurs

Loraine Brillantes(LB/DTI Misamis Oriental)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Following the transfer of Cagayan de Oro Negosyo Center to a new address at Ground Floor State Investment Trust Building, Tiano Brothers corner Hayes Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) now resumes organizing activities intended to empower and benefit entrepreneurs.

Among the set seminars include: Tax Tulungan with XU-SBM Accountancy Department and XU-JPIA on 8 and 15 February 2017 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Consultation and tax return facilitation with XU-SBM Accountancy Department and XU-JPIA for all entrepreneurs needing advice on matters concerning taxes and preparation of annual income tax return. Interested MSMEs must bring their 1701Q from 1st to 3rd quarter of 2016, monthly 2550 or 2551 and 2551Q and records of income and expenses if there are no financial statements for 2016.

Meanwhile, Franchising Seminar: How to invest in the Right Franchise will be on 10 February 2017 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Learning session for possible entrepreneurs looking into the right franchise to invest in and Franchising Seminar: How to franchise your business February 10, 2017 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Learning session for those who are contemplating to franchise their business.

Further, Entrepreneurship Development will be on 16 February 2017 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 nn. This is a learning session for individuals who are aspiring to be entrepreneurs.

Also, Business Plan Writeshop on 16 February 2017 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. will be a workshop on how to put your plans for your business into writing and Registering a Business on February 17, 2017 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 nn, Learning session of the requisites of business licensing and registration.

Finally, Pricing and Costing will be on 17 February 2017 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

All scheduled activities listed will be conducted at Cagayan de Oro Negosyo Center. Confirmation is necessary to ensure allocation of slots. For reservation and inquiry, kindly contact DTI +63 88 8574034 or email at r10.misamisoriental@dti.gov.ph.

Power grid to connect Visayas-Mindanao in 2020

(PNA), RMA/NYP/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) -- The proposed power grid connection between the Visayas and Mindanao is expected to be completed in 2020, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) here announced Thursday.

Mae Roselle Curiano, communication officer of the NGCP here, made the announcement after the NGCP completed the Hydrographic Survey aimed to unify the nation’s three power grids through a viable route that would connect the Visayas-Mindanao power grid.

She said that the study known as “Hydrographic Survey” conducted in September until November 2016, has now identified the viable route beginning in Cebu and terminating in Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte.

With the identification of the viable route, the interconnection of the power grid between the Visayas and Mindanao would commence soon.

The Luzon and Visayas grids have long been connected via the NGCP’s Naga – Ormoc High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) line, Curiano said.

Considering the large undertaking in connecting the power grid between the Visayas and Mindanao, the NGCP would employ a state-of-the-art technology that would ensure a lasting power sharing grid between the two islands.

For instance, Curiano said, the NGCP has considered many factors in the design and implementation of the project, including the changing weather conditions.

The NGCP ensures that the quality and reliability of power transmission services to both the Visayas and Mindanao power subscribers would be given utmost importance, Curiano said.

She said that considering that project would gain headway under all normal conditions, the timetable for completion is estimated on December 2020.

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