Cagayan de Oro City News February 2018

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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

DSWD-Northern Mindanao marks adoption consciousness week

By PJ Orias

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Northern Mindanao announced that 7 'special children' are up for adoption even as it urges childless parents to adopt only through legal means.

Pamela Balais, DSWD-Northern Mindanao focal person for adoption resource and referral service, made the statement in the occasion of the Adoption Consciousness Celebration Week with the theme "Pagmamahal Palaganapin, Legal na Pag-aampon Ating Gawin".

To date, DSWD-Northern Mindanao has 5 children with certificates declaring the children legally available for adoption as well as the 7other children with special needs.

Balais said the celebration is aimed at raising awareness and helping prospective parents understand the importance of adhering to the legal process of adoption.

"Adhering to legal adoption will ensure that any orphaned, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered children would have a secure, permanent and a loving family they deserve, because they all deserve it," Balais said in a press conference Tuesday at the SM City Cagayan de Oro.

Legal adoption also protects the rights of children, she said.

Balais however noted that adoption could take some time, approximately 1 or 2 years. But she said the wait is worth it.

"A child finds her worth through legal adoption, because it gives security not only to the child but to his or her future parents, that they wouldn't have to fear that someday, the child they learned to love will be taken away from the biological parents," she said.

Rosanel Pague, head of the Reception and Study Center for Children-DSWD, for her part related the difficulty in finding the prospetive parents for the children with special needs.

Pague said these children have been with the DSWD for a long time since they could not find parents who are willing to take in the child.

"It seems hopeless because we tried for many years, so they have been with us since, of course we provide them the best care they deserve, the medicines, physical therapist every week. It's up to the mercy of the people if they find it in their hearts to accept these kids," Pague said.

Meanwhile, Balais emphasized that adoption isn't only for a man-woman couple but also for single parent, and gay parents.

Balais said the law does not discriminate, as long as the prospective parent has the parental capability to raise a child.

Prospective parents will undergo a strict assessment conducted by a social worker. The assessment will determine the financial capability and the support system, among others, of the parent who wants to adopt.

"We don't focus on the sexual orientation because anyone can abuse the children or put the life of a child at risk," she said.

New ride-hailing firm eyes CDO for expansion

By Jigger J. Jerusalem (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A new player in the ride-hailing industry is training its sights on making this city the second area in the country to launch its services, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 10 said.

Hirna, a company that offers convenience to the taxi-riding public, said Cagayan de Oro will be the next city to establish its operation.

Hirna, a play on the phrase “here na” or “here already”, said it will open business in this city following its launch in Davao City last month.

Aminoden Guro, LTFRB-10 director, said Hirna’s entry will redound to the benefit of local passengers, noting that the popular ride-hailing companies Uber and Grab have not yet established a significant presence here.

Francisco Mauricio, Hirna chief executive officer and president, said by choosing Davao and Cagayan de Oro, they aim to establish a foothold in Mindanao and work their way up to Visayas and Luzon once the business starts to pick up.

Maurico said one of the key differentiating factors of Hirna is the “driver rating system” that keeps track of the drivers’ disposition on the road.

Mauricio said Hirna has data analytics that look at the number of rejections made by drivers, citations, attitude problem, and other negative issues.

“It [analytics] will collate to a driver rating system that would be shared between taxi operators and the LTFRB. The driver is then rated. We will know who the model drivers are and who are not,” he said.

He also assured the drivers and operators that Hirna will have favorable effect on their income as the new player will not be imposing extra charges but only a minimal fee.

Guro hopes the driver rating system will change the drivers’ outlook since their driving behavior and how they treat their passengers will be monitored. This will enable the agency to take appropriate action if the drivers violate existing transportation laws, he added.

Among the complaints that LTFRB has been receiving from passengers included rejection, bad hygiene, and drivers wanting in good manners.

At present, the city has 2,691 taxi units and close to a thousand operators, who were encouraged by the LTFRB-10 to consolidate their franchise by forming a cooperative or a corporation so they could be united, Guro said.

Allianz PNB Life offers insurance to Oro entrepreneurs

By Jo Ann Sablad

LEADING insurer and asset manager Allianz PNB Life, as part of its business expansion in Mindanao, is offering its "Life Changer Program" for entrepreneurs who would like to build a business as a financial associate of the insurance company.

Dr. Olaf Kliesow, Allianz PNB Life president and chief executive officer, said the Life Changer Program is a career opportunity program that encourages those who would like to start a business, be it old or young business-minded individuals, as a trusted financial partner under Allianz.

"Allianz and the Kagay-anons value entrepreneurship. We offer the 'Life Changer' career opportunity program to Kagay-anons and to make them agents of change. As a company, we advocate financial literacy and we would like more Filipinos to have a financially secured future," Kliesow said.

As some Filipinos are not invested or interested in acquiring life insurances, Kliesow said their advocacy on financial literacy and education can address the matter.

Allianz, in partnership with the Philippine National Bank (PNB), is on its process of growing its agency channel in Mindanao and chose to start in Cagayan de Oro City.

According to Kliesow, Cagayan de Oro City is a crucial growth area, being the regional center and logistics and business hub of Northern Mindanao.

"The city (Cagayan de Oro) is one of the most progressive and competitive cities in the Philippines. Allianz is making the strategic decision to grow its agency channel in Mindanao starting in Cagayan de Oro," Kliesow said.

Allianz has been in a partnership with PNB through a 15-year bancassurance deal in 2016. It has recently activated its agency channels in Davao, Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod, among other areas in the country.

“We are here to give sound advice to bridge the protection gap in every Filipino family. Philippines has a strong sense of family and we would like to be every Filipino family’s partner in exploring life opportunities,” Kliesow said.

BIR exceeds tax collection target in North Mindanao

By Jigger J. Jerusalem (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s regional office here has reported it surpassed its collection target in Northern Mindanao last year as it vows to renew its efforts to go after erring taxpayers.

Lawyer Hermeno Palamine, regional director for BIR Revenue Region 16, said they collected more than PHP13 billion in 2017, mostly from income taxes, contributing to the agency’s total collection of PHP1.779 trillion last year.

Palamine attributed the achievement to the relentless tax collection campaign of the BIR, especially those in the regional field offices.

But the challenge, he pointed out, is that the national government upped its collection target for this year to P15 billion, which he noted is about 20 percent higher than last’s year goal.

“We cannot yet tell if we can achieve it (this year’s collection target), but we will do our best,” he said, adding that the BIR is apprehensive of the effects of the Tax Reforms for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Palamine said the agency’s performance in January was on target as they were able to reach their monthly collection goal. However, he said the BIR is on a wait-and-see situation as far as its collection effort for February and the succeeding months due to the effects of the government’s tax reform measures.

Palamine said February, in particular, would be “dramatic” as the effects of the TRAIN law would likely be felt by both the consumers and business operators.

“Tan-awon nato ang epekto (we will have to see the effect) before we can judge [the outcome of the TRAIN law] in the coming months,” he said.

According to the Department of Finance, the goal of the TRAIN law is “to create a more just, simple, and more effective system of tax collection, as per the constitution, where the rich will have a bigger contribution and the poor will benefit more from the government’s programs and services.”

CDO, Digos boxers prevail in Mindanao PSC-Pacquiao Cup

By Lito Delos Reyes (PNA)

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Young boxers from Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and Digos City won all their respective bouts in Day 1 of the Mindanao Quarter Finals of the PSC-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup at the Kidapawan City Gym last Saturday.

Five boxers of CDO prevailed over their separate rivals at the start of the two-day event sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission in cooperation with the office of Senator Manny Pacquiao.

PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey was the guest speaker while Mayor Joseph Evangelista gave the welcome address and declared the commencement of the fights.

Fifteen-year-old Peter John Payla, nephew of 2006 Asian Games flyweight champion Violito, scored the first win for CDO via a unanimous decision (UD) against Davao City’s Emmanuel Canubas in the Jr. Boys pinweight division.

It was followed by another UD victory by Mark Lester Durens, who outclassed Ben John Rey Yagahon of Barangay Aglayan in the Jr. Boys light flyweight category.

John Erl Palivino, Kim Bryan Cabrillos and Dave Bryan Caspe then gave the City of Golden Friendship the next three victories in contrasting ways.

Palivino won by a UD over Malungon’s Jebnel Loayan in the Jr. Boys flyweight while Cabrillos easily advanced into the semi-finals by a walk-over against Axel Trajano of Labangal who was a no-show in the Jr. Boys light bantamweight category.

Caspe escaped with a split decision (3-2) win over Labangal’s Nelson Mark Ciudad in the Jr. Boys bantamweight division.

“Masayang masaya po kami at lahat ay nanalo. Sana tuloy tuloy na ito bukas (We are very happy that we all won. I hope this continues tomorrow),” said head coach Elmer Pamisa , who was assisted by ex-pro Daryl Basadre and Dandy Payla.

Digos, on the other hand, earned four wins from Elmer Catesio, Rey John Paul Apale, Jester Dapidran and Almar Rigor to also make their presence felt.

Catesio beat Labangal’s James Errol Gahaton by a split decision (4-1) in the Jr. Boy’s pinweight, while Apale scored a walk-over win against Sultan Kudarat’s Jayson Brillo in the Jr. Boys light flyweight.

Dapidran, 15-year-old old younger brother of pro Jonel and nephew of 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, scored a UD win over Davao’s Cyril Ivan Revilla in the Jr. Boys flyweight category.

Rigor also won a UD against Aglayan’s Rodrigo Bocillo in the jr. boys light bantamweight division.

Gensan’s Rhohan dela Pena scored the lone referee-stopped-contest of the day over Aglayan’s Ryan Garcia in 1:18 of Round 2 in the Jr. Boys flyweight category.

The other results:

Jr. Boyrs Pinweight (44-46 KG.)
Joven Paala (Sultan Kudarat) def. Allen Iver Munar (Koronadal) by UD Gabriel dela Pena (Gensan) def. Renard Mancao (Kidapawan) by UD
Jr. Boys Light Flyweight (48 KG.)
Reymond Albupera (Davao) def. Rex Ayuban (Gensan by Split Decision (3-2) Generick Cabucos (Polomolok) def. Calixto Abapo Jr. (Malungon) by UD
Jr. Boys Flyweight (50 KG.)
Jeesly Batiancila (Polomolok) def. Roger Ocum (Kidapawan) by Split Decision (4-1).

Fil-Am youth embraces Filipino mom's influence

By Susan Palmes-Dennis

A FILIPINO-American youth whose mother came from Cagayan de Oro was invited to attend a special session by Stanford University's law school this March.

Kaelan Everhart, who turns 17 years old on February 21 this year, is the son of Omaey Los Banos of Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, who moved to Don Carlos, Bukidnon, some years ago. Omaey always considers Cagayan de Oro his home.

The Los Banos family was originally from Samal Island in Davao and relocated to Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro.

Kaelan was invited by Stanford Law School and Envision to attend the Intensive Law and Trial next month, as shared by the very excited mother.

Only a few are invited to attend the short-term course that would eventually offer seniors the chance to pursue law in college or related courses.

In the invitation letter sent to the parents, the school stated that even if the invitee chose not to pursue law at the end of the program, the invitee can still be a life changer in any disciplines in policy, local government and law enforcement.

By attending the Intensive Law and Trial Kaelan, the invitee will get the opportunity to study stimulating subject areas while experiencing dormitory living at Stanford University.

Kaelan is now a senior at Union Grove Christian School at Lexington, North Carolina, and is a straight A student with the highest Grade Point Average (GPA), his mom Omaey said.

“He is also a member of the school's Honor Society. During his free time, Kaelan mostly reads all kind of books especially on law and philosophy. It stems from my persistence on law and morality,” the mom said.

“I have recently started playing chess, kendama and yo-yo as a creative outlet and to improve dexterity,” Kaelan said.

Though he isn't interested in medicine, Kaelan said most of his teachers suggested that he should consider pursuing it.

“I was number 1 in science and biology in tests done by the North Carolina state. I’m interested in technology but the only branch of science I want to pursue is psychology because I want to know how God allowed the human brain to function after the fall of man,” he said.

He is the sweetest and obedient kid that you could ever have.

"He loves to go church and love the Lord dearly," Omaey added.

Omaey is the former president of the Filipino-American Association at Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It was during this time that the God-fearing Kaelan had associated with the Fil-American group. He said he helped her mom in medical missions in the Philippines during her presidency at the group.

“It was a great experience,” Kaelan said.

He said he hopes the Filipino-American community in the US would be united in engaging and empowering other minority communities in the US.

Born of a Filipino mother, Kaelan grew up adopting Philippine culture.

Among those he counts as his influences were Ben Shapiro, whom he credits for stirring his interest in government, two Bible teachers named Beverly, and Mr. Gilmore “who taught me so many things to remember.”

“Of course, how will I forget my mother who taught me the value of money and how important family is? I cannot, nor can anyone else, see where we will be in 10 years. But I hope to have my law degree and working in my local government and working through state to federal government,” Kaelan said.

Farmers’ market at Capitol earns P500,000

By Pamela Jay Orias

EARNINGS of the Provincial Government's Farmers’ Market has reached P577,670 on its fourth week since it was launched last January 8.

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano said earnings have been P125,000 on its first week, P240,000 on its second week, P212,000 on the third, and P577,670 this week.

The province launched the farmers' market as one of the highlights of the Kuyamis Festival.

Emano, who fancies himself a farmer in his spare time, said the initiative was to give chance to the Misamis Oriental farmers to showcase their produce within the Capitol compound.

The market, supposed to be only until January 12, was extended due to the high earnings.

Emano noted that the store owners of the farmers' market close early because the products sell out early.

Capitol spokesperson Nicole Managbanag said all the earnings of the market will go straight to the store owners themselves.

One of the best-sellers is the province-produced Oolong tea, known for its ability to reduce chronic health conditions such as heart diseases, inflammatory disorders, and high cholesterol levels.

Because of the Oolong tea's success, Emano said he is allocating some P4 million to establish a processing plant for the tea in Kalagonoy, Gingoog City.

"We are so lucky to have such an herbal tea that has many health benefits. I believe that the establishment of the plant will boost the income of the farmers that definitely alleviates their living condition," he said.

"This is part of our health and livelihood program in the province not only as a bid to boost income but this will also strengthen our promotional efforts of our product which is only found in Misamis Oriental," he added.

AMS Jaguars up vs City High tonight

By Jaime A. Frias

DEFENDING champion Assumption Montessori School (AMS) and City High will face each other for the last seat to the final in the SM NBTC Cagayan de Oro Leg tonight at Xavier University gym in this city.

The AMS Jaguars of coach James Racines will go all out against the City High Tigers of coach Bismark Labadan in their bid for another national finals this year.

With new faces around, the Jaguars will be turning on to Milo Janao jr. as their go to guy.

It will not be easy for the Jaguars as the title hungry Tigers are ready to showcase their high-octane offensive and dynamic defense.

City High has grown mature from being a rookie team three years ago and finally winning titles in the under-17 Loyola Cup and CDOBF tourney.

Red-hot guards Cocoy Hermoso and Jomarie dela Piedra have blended well in the team and coach Labadan has also Jerek John Ranido and Angelo Mercado as potential new recruits.

Lately, City High defeated two of the most noted teams in bracket B namely Southern de Oro Philippines College (SPC) Jr. Sharks and Xavier University High School.

The Jaguars however remain as the heavy favorite to prevail after a 5-0 sweep in bracket A.

“There’s one thing to find whoever wins on Friday,” said commissioner Arvin Martinez.

2-storey Negosyo Center to rise at Capitol Grounds

By Alwen Saliring

MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano said a "Negosyo Center" worth some P10 million will soon rise at the provincial capitol grounds.

He said the Provincial Government already received some equipment intended for the said project from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The equipment include air conditioners and laptop computers, among others.

The two-storey Negosyo or Pasalubong Center will be built in front of the tennis court beside the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regional office.

Emano said the facility will mostly be made of glass and steel.

"Duha kini ka andana nga dunay gidak-on nga 253.75 square meters ug gama sa espiho ug puthaw buot pasabot haruhay ug hayahay," Emano said.

The building's second floor will be for the provincial tourism office, including the office's conference room, rest rooms, and tourism department head office.

On the other hand, the Negosyo center, working area, bar counter, display area and coffee shop will be situated at the ground floor.

"Sa unang andana mao ang pasalubong center diin mapalit ang mga nagkadaiyang produkto nga nagikan sa Misamis Oriental," Emano said.

Meanwhile, tents, tables and chairs will be installed outside the building so consumers and the public can comfortably stay while having their cup of coffee or tea.

A big LCD screen or monitor will also be put up at the facade of the building where audio-video presentations of the different tourist attractions and destinations in the province will be showcased.

Emano said the P10-million budget for the construction has been prepared already where 20 percent comes from the Development and General fund, P3 million from the financial incentives received through the Seal of Good Local Governance and half million from the DTI.

Cagayan de Oro traffic office gears up for Chinese New Year celebration

By Jo Ann Sablad

THE Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) is gearing up for the week-long celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cagayan de Oro City starting on Saturday, February 10.

According to RTA officer-in-charge Nonito Oclarit, Capistrano-Chaves Street in front of Jollibee until Capistrano-Gaerlan Street in front of the City Hall will be closed to traffic at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 10.

Oclarit said the road closure is to make way for the preparations of the City Government and the Filipino-Chinese Community for the opening program at 5 p.m. in the City Hall mini-park.

He added that vehicles passing through the road, such as jeepneys going to Barangay Bonbon, NHA and Limketkai, will be rerouted.

"Bale magkakaron tayo ng temporary rerouting. Doon na iikot sa may Chaves (Street) likod ng Lourdes College. Doon na sila iikot tapos doon na sila lalabas sa may maternity hospital (Cagayan de Oro Maternity-Children's Hospital and Puericulture Center). Dadaan sila sa may Rizal Street then dadaan sila ng Gaerlan Street papuntang Carmen bridge (We will have a temporary rerouting. They will pass through Chaves Street, in the back of Lourdes College and will proceed to the Cagayan de Oro Maternity-Children's Hospital and Puericulture Center by passing through Rizal Street. Then they will be traveling the Gaerlan Street going to the Carmen bridge)," Oclarit said.

During the opening program on Saturday, students from Kong Hua School and Oro Christian Grace School will be performing a lion and dragon dance.

At 8 p.m. of the same day, the City Hall will also open its Symphony of Lights wherein Chinese Songs will be played in sync with the dancing lights.

On February 15, ceremonies will be conducted in the Bell Church in Barangay Macasandig and a fireworks display will be held in the evening.

Oclarit said traffic enforcers will be assigned outside the Bell Church to manage the traffic along the Biasong-Tinib Road during the event.

"Ima-manage namin yung harap doon na daan yung Biasong-Tinib Road. Maglagay kami ng traffic enforcers maski sa bandang gabi hanggang matapos yung program sa loob (We will manage the traffic flow of the Biasong-Tinib Road which is in front of the Bell Church. We will assign traffic enforcers there all throughout the evening until the program inside the Bell Church ends)," Oclarit said.

He added that there will be no closed roads during the motorcade on February 16, the day of the Chinese New Year, which will begin from Rodelsa Circle going around the city until the Bell Church.

"Normal flow [ang traffic] kasi doon sila mag a-assemble sa gilid [ng daan]. So hindi naman sila sa gitna talaga ng daan. Diyan lang sila sa pinaka outermost ng lane ng road. hindi naman yung buong daan. Walang closure (The flow of traffic will be normal since they will just assemble on the side of the road. They won't be occupying the whole lane since they will be passing through the outermost side of the road. There will be no closure)," Oclarit said.

Inspections to deter rice hoarding pushed

By PJ Orias

RICE traders may have to open their warehouses to inspectors from the City Price Coordinating Council (CPCC) to answer reports of rice hoarding, a Cagayan de Oro City councilor said.

Councilor George Goking said he ask the City Council to convene rice retailers in the city this Friday to shed light on reports of rice hoarding purposely done to manipulate prices of the staple food.

In a visit to the National Food Authority- Northern Mindanao Office, Goking said the CPCC saw enough rice supply for the city and said reports of a shortage may be due to alleged hoarding.

"There is no shortage, we really did an inspection to look into these allegations. But now that we saw there is no shortage and hoarding in their part, we will now call on the sellers maybe they are the ones holding the rice supply," Goking said.

The CPCC is set to conduct surprise inspections to rice retailers to put the hoarding issue to rest.

The move is also in response to Senator Nancy Binay's statement that the NFA rice shortage is real and is raising prices of the staple food.

"We want to make sure we have enough and affordable rice especially with the threat of rising prices because of the TRAIN law," Goking said.

But CPCC chairman lawyer Edgardo Uy meanwhile clarified that while basic price commodities are expected to shoot up with the new tax reform law, Cagayan de Oro is still exempted as the price freeze is still in effect.

However, the price freeze in the city is only until February 20. The price freeze was immediately implemented after the city was devastated by Typhoon Vinta last December.

The prevailing price for rice is still at P45 to P50 per kilo, depending on its quality, but with the tax reform, a P2 to P3 per kilo increase could be noted.

"For now, we are still at normal prices, we haven't monitored major price increase of basic commodities so far," Uy added.

DENR awards land patent, seized logs to Cagayan de Oro Army men

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has awarded to the Army in Cagayan de Oro a special patent covering over 4 hectares of land within Camp Evangelista.

The special patent was awarded by Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu to the 4th Infantry Division (ID) during its 48th founding anniversary commemoration on February 2, the DENR reported in a news statement.

The special patent for 43,547 square meters of public land was received by Lt. Gen. Rolao Joselito Bautista, who turned it over to 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Ronald C. Villanueva.

At the same time, the DENR chief, a former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff himself, signed the deeds of donation covering 50,000 board feet of confiscated lumber to the 4th ID and the 103rd Infantry Brigade (IB) of the 1st ID based in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.

The 4th ID got a total of 40,000 board feet, while the 103rd IB got the remaining 10,000 board feet.

The donations will be used for the repair and construction of facilities in the two military camps.

Cimatu, who once served as division commander of the 4th ID, meanwhile, gave DENR-Region 10, led by its Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable, a pat on the back for its accomplishment and lauded the official for facilitating the award of the special patent to the 4th ID of the Army.

A special patent is awarded by the DENR on public land actually occupied and used for public schools, municipal halls, public plazas or parks and other government institutions.

The Caraga regional office of the DENR facilitated the donation of the lumber, composed mostly of lauan species.

The DENR is in partnership with the AFP, particularly the Army, in its campaign against illegal- logging activities, particularly in areas that are considered illegal-logging hot spots. There are currently 23 illegal-logging hot spots in the Philippines mostly in Mindanao.

Abba’s celebrates ’beautiful game’

By Jack Biantan

THE 4th edition of the Abba’s Orchard School Cup football festival is one way for the school to celebrate according to owner Christopher Barrameda during his inspirational message to hundreds of participants, officials and parents who attended the opening ceremony at their La Granja Estates campus in Baungon, Bukidnon, boundary of Cagayan de Oro City up on the hills of Indahag.

“I welcome you all to the 4th Abba’s Orchard Football Cup. For two Saturdays we will celebrate for three reasons,’’ he quipped.

He added that first they celebrate the competitive ideal of human spirit in the sports of football. “One that pushes us all to excel and be the best in what we have been gifted to be.”

“Two we celebrate the camaraderie and the fellowship and brotherhood as we enjoy the games as athletes and spectators,’’ he said.

He also said that the most important of all is that we celebrate the Giver of Life, Abba Father, “Who allows us to recreate the wonders of the human body in the sport of football. The Abba’s Orchard is humbled to contribute to these celebrations,’’ he ended.

On behalf of the Abba’s Board of Directors, facluty and staff he declared this year’s tournament open.

More than fifty including some out of town teams led by Abba’s Orchard Cebu Campus of coach Robert Nicart are entered in today’s tournament.

Abba’s Orchard School has 12 campuses all over the country and two of them are in CdO.

Teams joining include Rosevale School, Liceo University, Corpus Christi School, Higala FC, Bulua Strikers FC, Lumbia FC Raptors. Out of town teams come from Gingoog, and Iligan.

As of press time action were still on going in the 7-Aside competitions in the U-9 (2009), U-11 (2007), U-13 (2005), U-19 Boys (1999) and U18 Girls (2000).

The 11-Aside competition on Feb. 10 will feature only the U-19 Boys (1999) and U18 Girls (2000).

CDO to build P60-M parking facility to ease traffic

By Mark D. Francisco (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The city government will build a four-storey parking building at Divisoria, the city’s oldest commercial center, to relieve vehicle congestion in the downtown area.

City Engineer Rolando Pacuribot said the project would be funded both by the local and national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Senate President Aquilino Martin Pimentel III has also committed to help seek for additional funding, Pacuribot added. He explained that the city government could not afford to finance the project on its own.

Pacuribot said the city government would need to shell out an equity of P60 million for the four-deck four-deck structure, based on initial studies. He expected the project to start within the year if the city could obtain the additional funding.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro traffic czar Nonito Oclarit said the city would continue to implement traffic decongestion measures, one of which was enforcing discipline among motorists.

For instance, Oclarit said the Divisoria area would become a no-park zone and that vehicle owners would need to walk if they wanted to shop within the six-block commercial centre.

“Without parking in the narrow street sides of Tirso Neri and Abejuela, we can expect a smoother flow of vehicles in that area,” Oclarit said.

He said the JR Borja portion at Cogon market was also being opened as a two-way street.

In the next few months, he said the agency would turn its attention at the area surrounding westbound public market in Bulua, where traffic flow would imminently increase in the light of the opening of a mall there.

CDO collects P576-M from biz permit renewal

By Mark D. Francisco (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The city government has collected P576.4 million from business permit renewals for 2017, which represents a 27.45 percent increase from the previous year.

City treasurer Ramon Mendoza attributed the increase to City Hall's automated system, which enables businesses and individuals to transact online.

“For example, kung magkuha ka sa imo billing, dili ka na necessary moanha sa City Hall. You just have to do it online in the tips of your phones,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza pointed out that when the online transaction wasn't fully implemented yet in 2016, the city's collection from business permit renewals only stood at P452 million.

The local government has reported that it has already already collected P10 million from its online payment system since it became fully operational last year.

In addition, Mendoza said the City Treasurer's Office is expecting a steady increase in collection for business applications in the years to come because of the recent reforms implemented by the local government. These included the speedy approval process for business permits as well as the strict implementation of the government's anti-red tape campaign.

Mendoza said the City Finance Office has already wrapped up its annual processing of business permits last January 31, with the final number of registered enterprises, both recurring and new, tallied at more than 14,000.

The figures represented an increase of 3,000 compared with the 2017 record of only 11,000.

Mendoza said the local government is now focusing on the renewal of business permits of the hundreds of concessionaires in its public markets and other LGU-controlled enterprises.

Oro to celebrate Chinese New Year on Feb 16

By Jo Ann Sablad

THE City Government of Cagayan de Oro City, together with the Filipino-Chinese community, has started its preparation to celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 16.

According to John Baclig of the City Tourism Office, the City Government has prepared events such as an opening program on February 10 to start the celebration, ceremonies at the Bell Church in Barangay Macasandig, and fireworks display in Rodelsa Circle at midnight on February 15.

“Like the opening ceremony on February 10, they have already coordinated with the RTA (Roads and Traffic Administration) for the closing of the road... We will close the road from Capistrano, in front of Jollibee, to kaning diri sa Chams dapit (the Chams convenience store in front of the City Hall). They will close, I think, at 4 p.m. for the show [on February 10],” Baclig said.

He added that the students of Kong Hua School and Oro Christian School will also be performing the Lion Dance and Dragon Dance during the opening program of the Chinese New Year celebration.

Baclig also said that a motorcade will be conducted at 8 a.m. on February 16, starting from the Rodelsa Circle, going around the city and will end in the Bell Church, wherein food such as “misua” and “tikoy” where prepared to be given to the public.

Malls and other big establishments in the city will also be having their own activities celebrating the Chinese New Year, the tourism officer said.

RTA officer in charge engineer Nonito Oclarit, meanwhile, said the RTA has already prepared an initial plan for the observance of the Chinese New Year although it is still going to be finalized during a meeting this February 1.

Oclarit said part of the plan is to control the traffic in Rodelsa Circle during the fireworks display on February 15 as an influx of people will be there to witness the event.

“Walang sarado na daan pero iko-control namin yung area na hindi mao-obstruct yung maga sasakyan na dadaan doon at tsaka ma-control namin yung mga tao na pupunta doon kasi hating gabi na ito pero maranming mag wi-witness nun (There will be no close roads but we will control the area to avoid obstruction of vehicles and also control the people attending the event because even if it’s going to be held at midnight, there will be several people to witness the event),” Oclarit said.

Baclig, for his part, also urged the public to celebrate Chinese New Year with the city and the Chinese-Filipino community.

“Witness our third year of celebrating the Cagayan de Oro Chinese New Year Festival, we hope they could come and see what we have for this year,” Baclig said.

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