Cagayan de Oro City News January 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.

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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
Cagayan de Oro City buildings.jpg
Cagayan de Oro City Buildings
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Bus Terminal, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan De Oro to host ASEAN meeting in July

(PNA), RMA/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) – A run-up meeting of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is scheduled in this port capital of Northern Mindanao in July this year.

In a post in the ASEAN website, the ASEAN council said that the meeting would be a run-up leading to the 50th anniversary of ASEAN celebrations to be held in November in Clark.

The special meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council would be part of the country’s responsibility in hosting the ASEAN for the whole year of 2017.

The ASEAN council is focused on nurturing the human, cultural and natural resources for sustained development in a harmonious and people-oriented ASEAN.

The council said that the ASEAN meeting would promote a culture of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect for religions and interfaith dialogue.

Various arts, film festivals, and heritage programs would also form part of the meeting as an introduction to the various cultures of the ASEAN member-states, the council said.

Along the way, special attention would be focused on the 20 UNESCO-listed world cultural heritage sites, all found in Southeast Asia.

The council would also document more cultural sites for possible UNESCO enlistment in the future, especially sites of historical importance that remind the people’s achievements through the ages.

Bureau of Customs in Northern Mindanao posts higher collection of PHP 9.7B in 2016

(PNA), LAP/NYP/CD/JIGGER J. JERUSALEM

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) -- The Bureau of Customs in Northern Mindanao collected PHP 9.7 billion in customs duties and taxes in 2016, which is slightly higher than the previous year's, customs officials said Friday.

Alvin Enciso, the chief of the local customs intelligence bureau, said the collections had made this port capital consistently one of the country’s top revenue generating ports of entry.

In 2015, the customs bureau here chalked up PHP 9 billion in revenue collection on customs duties, tariff, and other earnings such as proceeds from the auction on seized smuggled products and items.

Enciso said that the sustained drive against smuggling has resulted in the improved collections, although the bureau regained its shape in mid-2016 as prices of oil in the world market changed.

From January to August 2016, the customs collections slowed down as the prices of oil in the world market nosedived, the customs official said.

But Nash Guro, collector of the sub-port at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagolo-an, Misamis Oriental, said importers remained the big contributors to the revenue earnings of the customs bureau here.

The Bureau of Customs in Northern Mindanao comprises four sub-ports -- in Iligan City, Ozamis City, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan De Oro City port.

CSWDO extends aid to flood victims for faster recovery

Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 27 (PIA) -- To ignite hope and help the 331 families, whose houses were considered totally damaged, recover from the damages of the recent urban flooding in Cagayan de Oro, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) held the “Moving Forward: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery” program for flood victims at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Barangay Carmen on January 27.

The activity is held to conduct the profiling and assessment of the flood victim families for possible interventions such as the provision of livelihood, relocation, debriefing or psychosocial services.

Jong Pamisa of the CSWDO said that the Ayala Foundation has already donated P1 million to provide livelihood to the victims and the city will still have to augment the amount since it will not suffice the needs of the 331 families.

As for the kind of livelihood to be offered, Pamisa said that the profiling will help them determine the strengths and inclinations of the families. He cited buy and sell, food processing, selling of used clothes (ukay-ukay), and vending as among the frequent businesses mentioned by the families.

Since there are still families who took refuge in temporary shelters, the CSWDO looks after their welfare, provides their necessities and is currently on the lookout for possible relocation sites so the flood victims will no longer go back to the flooded areas.

On the other hand, the debriefing or psychosocial service will become the venue for the victims to share their ideas, experience and stories about the flood. The CSWD psychosocial team will also observe the victims’ gestures to determine if the latter is very traumatized from the incident.

The 331 families came from Barangay 35, Bugo, Puerto, Agusan, Tablon, Gusa, Cugman, FS Catanico, Camaman-an, Lapasan, Canitoan, Carmen, Iponan and Baikingon.

Pamisa also added that they are also serving some 900 families whose houses were reported as partially damaged.

Finance cmte backs MOA with DPWH for FMR projects

(JAO/SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Finance committee of Cagayan de Oro City Council supported the Farm-to-Market (FMR) Road projects for the city.

The 18th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy through the committee on finance, budget and appropriations chaired by Councilor Edna M. Dahino last week, discussed the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be executed by and between the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Engineering Office (DPWH-CDO II DEO) and the local government of Cagayan de Oro City, for the implementation of approved Farm-to-Market (FMR) Road projects for CY 2016.

The MOA provides that the amount of P4,500,000 shall be provided by the city government as its 10-percent LGU counterpart for the project.

Under the MOA, the DPWH-CDO II DEO shall cause the preparation of Program of Works (POWs) and Detailed Engineering Design (DED), noted by the DA. The 10-percent counterpart fund thru LGU-CDOC shall be included in the POWs in the form of cash. It shall then issue an official receipt to the LGU-CDOC upon receipt of the 10% counterpart for the implementation of the FMR road projects. Moreover, it shall also secure Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or Certificate of Non-Coverage if applicable and adhere to its provisions and the other social safeguard measures, undertake the bidding and award of contract for the projects’ civil works in accordance with Republic Act 9184 also known as “Government Procurement Reform Act”, conduct the procurement of the total project fund (DA Project Fund + LGU-CDOC counterpart fund) per approved POWs/DEDs, shall designate a project engineer in every FMR project identified who shall supervise all the project activities the entire duration of the projects, among others.

For its part, the City shall issue CAFs to the DPWH-CDO II DEO for the necessary 10-percent counterpart fund signed by the City Local Finance Committee and shall be downloaded upon approval of the MOA, shall monitor the implementation of the mentioned FMR projects as identified under the MOA and lastly, shall maintain the good condition of the enumerated FMR projects after completion and turn-over from the DPWH-CDO II DEO.

Upon careful deliberation, this was favorably endorsed to the committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya for appropriate action.

This matter was previously reviewed and recommended by the Committee on public works chaired by Councilor Zaldy O. Ocon.

DTI-10 bats for 'Mentor ME' program

(DTI10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 25 - “I was grappling my way into what I [was] doing, and because of the help of the ‘Mentor ME’ program, nasayun; natagaan og kahibalo (things became easier when I learned more about the process) and then with that, dako kaayo ang tabang sa ako sa pagpadagan sa among Negosyo (this helped me improve the way I run our business),” expresses Jamie Contreras, the owner of Contreras Soy Store.

Contreras has recently graduated from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) “Mentor ME” program on 6 December 2016 in Cagayan de Oro. Along with her are 21 other entrepreneurs who went through two phases of seminars and trainings under the “Mentor ME” program in Misamis Oriental.

DTI selects and informs clients from the provincial offices’ existing portfolio to join trainings under “Mentor ME” Phase 1 which comprises courses on entrepreneurial mind-setting and values formation. The participants also acquires learnings on market trends, basic accounting and are introduced to the different ways to develop products. Subsequently, consultations are made by the provincial offices to decide who among the participants will get to join the next phase.

In Misamis Oriental, 22 entrepreneurs were selected and had the privilege to move on to Phase 2, the final stage of “Mentor ME” series of trainings which has advanced modules on operations management, human resource management, taxation, supply and value chain, financial management, contracts and obligations, and business plan development.

The Mentor ME (micro entrepreneurs) falls under DTI’s Negosyo Center programs. With a principle that entrepreneurship is the best alternative to job seeking, unemployment as well as working abroad, the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) partners with DTI to achieve the goals of the “Mentor ME” program. PCE pushes through their advocacy of building an enterprising nation by conducting summits, workshops, media fora, and producing books for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

PCE and DTI works hand in hand in looking for Angelpreneurs, or leaders and motivators who are experts in their chosen fields, to provide skills and expertise training to DTI’s selected participants.

In Lanao del Norte, 16 mentees completed all 11 modules under the “Mentor ME” program. Fe Suico Melmida, the owner of Feh’s Sweet Products in Lanao, can only utter good words for her “Mentor ME” experience. She specifically pointed out how the “variable and fixed costs” course has positively helped her assess the financial clauses in her business.

DTI’s Regional Operations Group (ROG) Assistant Secretary Blesila Lantayona conveyed her highest hopes for the program through a speech delivered during the "Mentor ME” culminating activity in Lanao del Norte. “I have been to six (6) business improvement plan presentations and nakita nako nga very organized ang Region 10 (I saw how organized DTI Region 10 was). I am sure that the next batches will be more organized, given the experience and the systematic approach done by DTI Region 10,” Lantayona exclaimed.

Meanwhile, one of Cagayan de Oro’s mentees, Nenette Tan of Bestfriend Goodies, was all smiles when she conveyed her appreciation towards the “Mentor ME” program. “I'd like to thank DTI for giving me the opportunity to be part of this program. I'm willing to share all my learnings to beginners. I would also like to encourage all the beginners to have the courage to step up, move forward, and be brave enough if you have plans to expand your business,” Tan said.

DTI doubles negosyo centers in 2016

By Maria Sozina Alamban (MSA/DTI10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has doubled the number of Negosyo Centers (NC) in Northern Mindanao for 2016.

DTI had only nine NCs in 2015 while in 2016, 20 were launched.

With Northern Mindanao having six new Negosyo Centers in the province of Bukidnon, one in Camiguin, four in Lanao del Norte, three in Misamis Occidental, and six in Misamis Oriental, entrepreneurs can now expect more seminars.

Northern Mindanao’s trade department advises existing and potential MSMEs and young entrepreneurs to keep posted of Negosyo Center training and seminar set in their respective areas so they can get the most out of the modules and topics provided.

In Bukidnon, 16 participants have attended seminar on Frontline Quality Service held at NC–Manolo Fortich on 17 January aimed to provide knowledge and overview of excellent customer service concepts to members of the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), potential entrepreneurs, and employees of several local government units.

As of January 18, the Trade Department in Bukidnon has concluded four seminars. Three other seminars were NC Malaybalay’s “Packaging and Labeling” seminar, Valencia’s “Fiscal Incentives for MSMEs thru Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) Act of 2002” seminar, and Maramag’s “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” seminar.

DTI Bukidnon has scheduled another 17 seminars for the month of January. Three will be in NC Manolo Fortich, five in Malaybalay, four in Valencia, three in Maramag and two in Don Carlos.

Japan to fund infra projects in Mindanao’s four cities

(PNA), LAP/NYP/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- Only four cities in Mindanao would be eligible for infrastructure funding by the Japanese government, the mayor here said Monday.

The cities are those of Davao City, General Santos City, Butuan City, and Cagayan De Oro City, the official said.

Cagayan De Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno said he had the privilege to talk to Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the latter’s visit in Davao City last week.

The Japanese official promised to extend financial assistance to various infrastructure projects in four Mindanao cities, which include Cagayan De Oro City, Moreno said during Monday’s flag ceremony here.

According to Moreno, the Japanese government has now also adopted a new policy of releasing funds through direct dealings with the local governments instead of with the national government.

The Japanese government through the Japan International Coordinating Agency (JICA) has been implementing major infrastructure in Cagayan De Oro, the latest of which was the multi-billion river dike.

The JICA approved the funding of the ongoing construction of the eight-kilometer flood dike along the stretch of the Cagayan De Oro River during the incumbency of former City Mayor Vicente Emano.

At present, JICA has expressed the interest of funding the first 100-kilometer of the first phase of the Mindanao railway that would start from Tagum City to Digos City in Davao.

The proposed 4,000-kilometer Mindanao railway project would traverse the Davao-Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, and Iligan City route.

Fishing: A new sporting hobby in Cagayan de Oro

By Jaime A. Frias II

FISHING is slowly getting attraction as a new sporting hobby in Cagayan de Oro City.

Fishing becomes a fad these days after the Kauswagan-Puntod National Bridge was fully constructed few years ago.

Since then, many took the liberty to set-up chairs and fishing rods along the sideways of the new bridge.

Later, some groups evolved themselves to river and sea advocates out of their hobby. One of them, the Macajalar Warriors Anglers Club.

The Macajalar Warriors went to compete in different fishing events like the now thriving jerking competition in Dipolog City that lured in the participation of local celebrities like actor-turned Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez.

In order to continue fishing in clean waters, the Macajalar Warriors have decided to make a commitment to protect the sea waters in the city.

“We’ve seen some fishermen using dynamite and poisons that will eventually destroy the water system or the eco-system in general,” said one club member, Vernon Dingal.

Dingal acknowledged Jam Mana as the leader of the group with Doctors Earl Papaguy and Engar Mamu among the strong supporters.

Lately, they had been catching big fishes in the clean waters in Taguanao and the hinterland villagesin the city.

“Gawas sab, ang grupo makabantay unsay panghitabo sa suba labina sa mga quarry activities,” Dingal told SunStar Cagayan de Oro.

Another club member Luigi Beja even caught an eight-kilo carp in the waters of Taguanao, Indahag village, this city.

Northern Mindanao cancer detection center opens

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

EARLY detection of cancer among the underprivileged is now possible with the opening of Northern Mindanao Cancer Detection Center of JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH).

Dr. Evelyn Perez, JRBGH chief of hospital urges the public to visit the city hospital for a free screening of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer.

Perez said the opening of the detection enter marks another milestone for the city hospital as it strives to serve not only for the people in the city but also for the whole region.

With the city hospital earning increasing revenues, JRBGH is expected to add more buildings this year.

Aside from the opening of the cancer center, construction of the north wing and east wing buildings of the city hospital is also in the pipeline this year.

The construction of the North wing building, which will serve as the doctors' quarters, will cost about P40.5 million.

The East wing will house 14 more private and five semi-private rooms which will exclusively be for use of government employees and middle-income groups.

For his part, Dr. Ramon Nery, JRBGH chief executive officer expressed the importance of early detection as early treatment will follow.

Nery said the screening schedule for the breast and cervical center falls on the second Saturday of every month and for prostate cancer, on the third Saturday for each month, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the city hospital's room 13.

Dads OK pact with DA for farmers

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To boost production of farmers in Cagayan de Oro City, legislators have approved agreement between the city government and Department of Agriculture (DA).

The City Council during its regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted Ordinance No. 13180-2017, authorizing Mayor Oscar Moreno to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture Regional Office (DA) Region 10 and Paradise Village Carp Beneficiaries and Farmers Irrigators Association.

The MOA covers the grant of a power tiller floating, mudboat type machine to the association under certain terms and conditions.

Pursuant to the MOA, the DA shall regularly monitor the activities of the beneficiaries, provide assistance as grant scheme for the acquisition of the equipment, provide other support or assistance to ensure the successful implementation of the program, among others.

For its part, the city government shall assist the association in terms of technical information regarding the use of the equipment, and regularly monitor the performance of the equipment.

The beneficiary shall provide a garage to properly secure the unit from any climate condition and adversities during non-operation, utilize the equipment in accordance with its intended use, allow access and use by farmers, among others.

The MOA was reviewed by the committees on agriculture and fisheries and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Annie Daba and Ian Mark Nacaya, respectively.

ECCP to set up Northern Mindanao office in Oro

(PR)

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is set to put up its Northern Mindanao headquarters in the third quarter of 2017, with Cagayan de Oro as its central hub.

With this initiative, ECCP is expected to provide stronger support to existing European businesses in Northern Mindanao, as well as a boost in the promotion of local businesses in Asean countries and in Europe.

ECCP also sees this as an opportunity to share the European Union's "Generalised Scheme of Preferences" to Northern Mindanao Filipino exporters that allows developing countries to pay less or no duties on their exports to the European Union's single market of 500 million+ end consumers.

"ECCP has, aside from its main office in the Makati central business district, already established branches in the Visayas (Cebu City), and Southern Mindanao (Davao City) regions, because we recognize the need to expand the organization's foot print to the rest of the country.

By expanding its foot print to Cagayan de Oro, ECCP is taking a step forward to better serve existing European businesses in Northern Mindanao as well as helping promote Northern Mindanao through ECCP's vast network in Asean and Europe.

This is in line with ECCP's aim to support and contribute to the inclusive growth of the Philippines," said ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein.

ECCP is a service-oriented membership organization that fosters close economic ties and business relations between the Philippines and Europe.

Established in 1978, the ECCP offers a wide range of business services and linkages between companies, organizations, and individuals with existing or potential business interests in Europe and the Philippines.

The ECCP provides services ranging from client, supplier, distributor/agent, and partner matching, market intelligence and research, company pooling, events management, and training programs.

The chamber also organizes various recreational and networking events for its members such as the ECCP Football Cup, the ECCP Annual Golf Challenge, Joint Foreign Chambers Networking Night, and the ECCP Coffee Mornings, alongside advocacy geared events, such as forums that allow the business community to dialogue proactively with heads of the Philippine government.

ECCP is recognized by the European Commission as the official European Business Organisation (EBO) in the Philippines.

It is a part of the EU Market Access Team and manages EU projects in the Philippines.

TESDA scales up service quality, scholarship grants

By Jorie C. Valcorza (JCV/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – Reinforcing the administration’s priority in human capital development, the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) is pumping up in streamlining its 17-point reform and development agenda.

TESDA Region 10 Information Officer Rafael Abrogar II in his interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) relayed how TESDA was able to strengthen its programs and empower the people, especially the excluded and displaced (marginalized) sector.

Abrogar said Technical audits were carried to all TESDA accredited schools, to put in place quality assurance mechanisms for its providers.

The agency, he said, has also firmed up its action plan in collaboration with the Department of Health for assistance of drug dependents who have completed their treatment and rehabilitation sessions.

These training opportunities’ are likewise extended to the families of the concerned individuals.

Same priority is given to rebel returnees, displaces Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and to the family of military and police personnel killed in action or wounded, among others.

Some 45,000 slots were likewise committed, this year, by TESDA Secretary Guiling A. Mamondiong for Northern Mindanao.

Abrogar said this is record breaking as in the past, two or three years, the average scholarship grants given pegged only at about 10,000 to 12,000 for the entire region.

“This is a good opportunity to everybody, 18 years old and above, as the latest scholarship guidelines now allow multiple availment of the courses offered,” Abrogar added.

Mom advocates to shape seeds of potential, seek more volunteers

By Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – To uphold proper infant care and help build a society of confident mothers and families, the Modern Nanays of Mindanao (MNM) now seek for more volunteers in implementing various activities for 2017.

“We need more mothers, fathers, titas, grandparents and other family members to strengthen our advocacy in raising healthy and happy children,” said Nadine Casiño, founder of MNM.

Casiño also highlighted the major activities of the organization for this year including the Great Cloth Diaper Change (GCDC), Peer Counselor Training, Nanay Meet Ups, Tamang Kain Seminar, Hakab Na and more.

The GCDC will tackle the details on the usage, care and benefits of cloth diapers. Various activities are also lined-up to step up drive on composting, recycling and upcycling, and obtaining a toxin-free home.

Furthermore, to respond to the increasing number of inquiries from mothers and family members on breastfeeding and infant care, the Peer Counselor Training will be held to equip the volunteers and organizers in various parts of Mindanao with the right knowledge from the experts.

Nanay Meet Ups, Tamang Kain Seminar and Hakab Na are intended to provide basic and practical know-how to mothers and family members including those from the grassroots on proper child care.

Since most of the inquiries, clarifications and knowledge sharing are currently presented and discussed in the Modern Nanays of Mindanao Facebook page, the organization urges more mothers and family members to be part of the various MNM committees and fully materialize and reap the fruits of the lined-up activities.

The recruitment of volunteers will be on January 28. Pre-registration, profiling and details of the recruitment are also available at the Modern Nanays of Mindanao Facebook page.

NWPC opens 2017 Productivity Olympics to MSMEs

(JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) opens its biennial national competition for best productivity improvement programs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide dubbed ‘2017 Productivity Olympics.’

According to NWPC, an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the goal of the Olympics is to intensify national awareness and commitment to quality and productivity.

Also, to encourage MSMEs to adopt productivity improvement programs/practices, and showcase best productivity improvement programs.

This is in coordination with its 17 Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs).

To join, MSMEs must be duly registered with the appropriate government agency such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), among others.

They must also have a productivity improvement program existing for at least two years preferably under the NWPC’s productivity program, compliant with labor standards and have never been a recipient of productivity Olympics award at the national level.

These MSMEs must be in the Agribusiness, Service and Industry sector.

Awards for this competition include trophy, cash award, use of productivity Olympics logo for publicity, priority endorsement to other training programs and will qualify for the DOLE-ICP award.

Last day of submission of nomination forms is on 30 May 2017. For details, mechanics, visit nearest RTWPBs office in your area.

For Cagayan de Oro, they are located at 3/F FICCO-Tiano Bldg., Tiano-Abellanosa St., Cagayan de Oro City with telephone numbers (088) 880-3920 or (08822) 745-547 or visit their website at www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph.

Job seekers flock Kuyamis career fair

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

OVER 1, 000 jobseekers have visited the capitol grounds for the province-initiated Kuyamis festival job fair on Wednesday, January 11, which indicates a positive turnout, reported the Public Employment Service Office-Misamis Oriental (Peso).

Data from the office showed that over 1,122 job applicants attended the one-day job fair at McArthur Park, Capitol grounds on January 12.

However, only 11 job applicants were hired on-the-spot, nine were hired in local jobs while the other three applicants were hired for overseas work.

Despite the low number of hired applicants, Peso records showed that about 837 applicants are qualified for a final interview, which will be conducted accordingly by the different participating companies in their own offices.

The data also showed that about 105 persons qualified for screening process in one of the biggest malls here which is set to open this year.

Irene Labuga, one of the applicants who applied for local work, said the duration of the job fair was not enough for her and for other applicants. "Kung ako lang is gusto nako malibot tanan nag-offer so kulang siya.

Although happy ko kay bisan wala ko na-hire on the spot pero natawag ko for a final interview," she said.

About 16 companies offered overseas jobs, namely: EuroAsia Philippines Inc., YHMD, International Manpower Services, FVJ Overseas Placement Inc., MHD Manpower and Human Development Inc., Pisces International Placement Corporation, Joseline International Manpower Corporation, GBLMT Manpower Services, Placewell International, Al Assal Manpower Inc.,. HMO International Human Resoirces, Concept Placement Resources, True Force International, Ed-Fro-Bon Manpower, and SkyHigh Manpower.

About 26 companies offered local jobs like Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant, Alrose Group of Companies, FDC Misamis Power Corporation, Del Monte Philippines, Ororama, Fama Foods, Filinvest, Aboitiz, Amaia Land, Nestle, SM Store and SM Premiere, among others.

"Nagpasalamat mi sa tanang nitambong sa among job fair, apil na sa mga coordinators nga naningkamot," Vanessa Bayaras, Peso-MisOr coordinator.

The Kuyamis Festival not only features the job fair, but also the remaining activities such as its booth competition, Meat and Livestock Show, Tiangge sa Kapitolyo, Partners Bazaar, MisOr Food Expo, Destination Photo and Visual Arts Exhibits, Explore MisOr Modern Dance Contest, Municipal Cultural and Variety Shwo, Kuyamis Tree Planting, MisOr Cooking Demo and Food Fair, and the coronation of Miss Kuyamis 2017 which was held Thursday.

Read more: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/business/2017/01/12/job-seekers-flock-kuyamis-career-fair-519852 Follow us: @sunstaronline on Twitter | SunStar Philippines on Facebook

Enterprising women

By Abigail Viguella

IN THIS small urban village of Consolacion, women are proving that starting a business with a little help will always reap good returns in surviving these difficult times.

The Women's Development Committee of Consolacion village has earlier been a recipient of a fund grant from the National Government’s Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB). The Women's group was able to form rice retailing system or "bigasan" in their area. This project particularly caters the women constituents of Consolacion village who were given an opportunity to manage the "bigasan" business.

It was October 28, 2016 that the committee, together with village officials, first conceptualized the bigasan business which they will award to eligible residents of the village.

Village chief Dante Roa said this project was largely initiated because they want to tackle the issue of poverty in the village. "Consolacion has a very high poverty rate.

A large chunk of our 11,000 population does not have sustainable livelihoods and are living below the poverty line. We think that this is one point that we should really focus on in our projects to achieve development like other barangays (villages) in the future," Roa said.

Rhodora Bulosan, president of Women's Development Committee, stressed that in this particular investment by the village, the women should be allowed to handle the bigasan stores.

This is to further tap manpower from the residents. "The stereotypical woman really exists in this village - women who only stay at home, doing chores or looking over the children. While of course there is nothing wrong about that, we thought that the Barangay should also give opportunities for women to maximize their abilities and contributions to the community," Bulosan said.

Since the granting of the P467,000 BUB fund on November 28, the nine chapters of the Women's Development Committee of Consolacion village were supplied with rice by the Village Council to be sold in their respective areas.

Bulosan estimated that at least 500 women now own and manage their own bigasan stores throughout Consolacion.

"As of now, there are issues regarding management among women rice retailers. I guess this is due largely to the fact that the project is new and we are sizing up the issues surrounding it.

However, what I like most about this bigasan livelihood project is the fact that I can see more women now in our area who are actually busy about something productive. It is heartwarming what our idea last year brought to our women residents today and, hopefully in the next years," Bulosan said.

Bulosan said the rice are being bought by the Village Council from various suppliers through the fund that was given by the government and are distributed to the women rice retailers every end of the month.

About 60 percent of the money goes to the women retailers and the remaining goes back to the village for the purchase of rice.

Nenita Rojas, 45 years old and a mother of six, is one of the women who were granted the bigasan livelihood project. She said it was a leap of faith for her and her husband when they first decided to be involved in this business.

But now, as the money from their bigasan in front of their house makes ends meet in their household, Rojas could not be more thankful for the investment.

Rojas and her husband, Eñigo, live in the heart of Consolacion village. Eñigo, works as a motorela driver. Most days, Nenita recounted, the money that her husband brings home could not suffice the expenses of the whole family. Her children are attending school with two of their six children in Senior High School.

"I can really say that financial budgeting in those days is hard on us. While we can sometimes buy food and other necessities in the house, we can never save enough. We almost thought that we would not be able to send our children to college. However, this business allowed us to gain another way to make money and now, we can plan for our family's future," Rojas said. Bulosan said about the hundred other women whose families are now benefiting from the project and are slowly contributing to the development of Consolacion village.

Cagayan de Oro dads enacts 93 ordinances in 6 months

(PNA), NYP/CD/

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) -- Legislators here had enacted a total of 93 local laws through approved ordinances in six months from July to December 2016, City Vice Mayor Rainier Uy said Thursday.

Uy, who chairs the city council, said that the ordinances were hammered during the 22 regular session from July 2016 toward the end of December 2016.

The major legislations included penal and regulatory ordinances, which focused on the health and welfare of the city’s residents.

For instance, Uy said, the City Ordinance No. 13102-2016, regulates all smoke-belching vehicles plying and traversing the territorial jurisdiction of the city.

Another ordinance, Ordinance No. 13121-2016, prohibits any person from selling and retailing unsafe and sub-standard petroleum products using plastic bottles, jugs, and similar containers.

Uy said that one of the most important ordinances was the approval of the City Ordinance No. 13178-2016, which consolidated all local laws otherwise known as the Comprehensive Socialized Housing Program of the city government.

He said that the local legislators also approved Ordinance No. 7783-2001, which increases the rates of financial assistance to victims of calamities while Ordinance No. 13129-2016 approved the closure and the rehabilitation of the city’s dumpsite in the village of Carmen here.

Uy said that the city council also approved Ordinance No. 13130, which spelled out the 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan of Cagayan De Oro for the calendar year 2014 t0 2024.

Misamis Oriental's Kuyamis festival seen to boost the province’s tourism, coconut industries

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 12 (PNA) -- The celebration of Misamis Oriental’s annual “Kuyamis Festival” is seen to boost the tourism and coconut industries in the province, Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano said Thursday.

The “Kuyamis” is derived from the sweet native coconut trees, which was endemic only in the province of Misamis Oriental prior to the coming of the Spaniards.

Now on its fourth year, the festival, which kicked off last Monday and runs until Friday, converted the Provincial Capitol grounds into an agri - fair with Misamis Oriental towns displaying their mainly coconut-based local products.

Emano said that promoting the province through tourism is one of the flagships of the provincial administration.

“I believe that the 'Kuyamis Festival' could become one of the sustainable tourism projects that could help the provincial government attain its goal of promoting and developing the tourism industry in Misamis Oriental,” Emano said.

He said the festival also serves to highlight the multiple uses of the coconut that can help farmers increase their income.

Emano said that coconut farmers could earn more, if the other parts of the coconut tree other than the copra meat, could be utilized for various commercial purposes.

Data released by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) revealed that Misamis Oriental ranked fifth top coconut producer in the country.

The PCA said that Misamis Oriental has about 36,000 coconut growers who planted over 8 million coconut trees in 102,622 hectares of land in Misamis Oriental.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistical Authority, the PCA said that the country has around 329 million fruit bearing coconut trees planted on 3.517 million hectares of land or 26 percent of the country’s total agricultural land.

Cagayan de Oro to become metro by 2025

By Pamela Jay Orias

CAGAYAN de Oro City (CDO) officials said on Tuesday, January 10, the city is well on its way to becoming a metropolis but said they are pleased with the renewed focus of President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic managers to transform the city into Metro Cagayan de Oro by 2025.

The National Economic Development Authority (Neda) uploaded Tuesday a draft of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 in which Cagayan de Oro City is seen as becoming the next metropolitan center in the country because of projected population growth and its functional role as major gateway and transshipment hub in Northern Mindanao.

City Councilor George Goking, committee chair of trade and commerce, said he was not surprised with Neda’s projection.

“I agree with the statement, ang CDO bisan unsaon ug pugong sa kalambuan, ang business thrust naa gyud sa ato (no matter how CDO stops progress, the business thrust is with us),” he said.

Goking cited political stability as one of the factors why the city is developing.

“Just last year, naa ta bag-o nga gi-approve nga call center sa (we had a newly approved call center in) Limketkai area that will be made into an IT Park, just like Cebu’s.

We approved it with the hope nga 80 percent of the jobs in this new company will be offered to the Kagay-anons,” Goking said.

“Atong na-obserbahan nga daghan na kaayong gapanganhi diri, daghay gapamalit ug yuta, kay nakita nila ang (We observed that many come here to buy land, because they see that) Cagayan de Oro will grow into a more developed city.

Kami sad sa part sa mga councilors, ang paglakaw-lakaw namo dili man kini gasuroy-suroy, nagimbitar man mi sa mga investors nga muanhi ug mo-invest sa atong dakbayan (In our part as councilors, our trips are not for leisure but we are inviting investors to come and invest in our city),” Goking added.

City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) chief Teddy Sabuga-a said the projection should pose as a challenge for the city officials to do better.

Sabuga-a said although 2025 is eight years away, he said the actions made and projects implemented now will shape the future.

“Ang education is thrust man gyud ni Mayor Moreno, ug kita sa CSWD, naningkamot nga ma-promote ang education, for example kining mga street families and their children, atong gipaningkamotan nga maka-graduate sa high school because they are the human capital (Mayor Moreno’s thrust is education and we in CSWD are working hard to promote education, for example in street families and their children, we work hard for them to graduate high school),” he said.

“Sakto lang nga mag-invest kita sa edukasyon kay mao man kini ang mo-determine sa kalamboan sa syudad (It’s right to invest in education because this will determine the progress of the city),” he added.

With a population of 600,000, Cagayan de Oro otherwise known as the “City of Golden Friendship” is home to shopping malls and business process outsourcing (BPO) hubs.

In 2016, there are about 15 BPO companies operating in the city and are employing some 2,000 agents. The number of jobs in these BPOs is projected to hit 5,000 this year.

New sanitary landfill conforms solid waste management law

(PNA), NYP/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG/

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 10 (PNA) -- The construction of the PhP 100 million sanitary landfill of this port capital of Northern Mindanao conforms with the solid waste management law, a city official said Tuesday.

Edwin Dael, head of the city’s environment and natural resources, said that the new sanitary landfill is expected to be completed in May this year otherwise the city government would face legal action with anti-graft court.

“We are fast tracking the completion of the new sanitary landfill after half of the existing landfill in the village of Carmen has been closed,” Dael said.

He said that the ten hectares of the 17-hectare existing sanitary landfill was closed after the National Solid Waste Management Council filed a case with the Ombudsman against the city government for maintaining a dump site that violates the Solid Waste Management Act.

According to Dael, the fast tracking of the construction and development of the new sanitary landfill in Pagalungan, an outskirt village of the city, was necessary in order that the closed could dump site could be converted into the city’s Agri-tourism site.

He said that the construction of the new dumpsite started last year after the city’s local legislature approved PHP 100 million for the development of the new site.

18,000 devotees join the Black Nazarene procession in Cagayan De Oro

(PNA), NYP/CD/

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan 9 (PNA) -- About 18,000 devotees of the Black Nazarene from the Visayas and Mindanao joined the procession amid intermittent rain spawned by tropical storm “Auring” here Monday morning.

More than 800 police, army, and elements from the regional Philippine Coastguard joined forces to secure the crowd that walked about 10-kilometer distance around the city’s major thoroughfare here during the procession.

P/Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, the regional police director, said that the elaborate security measures were undertaken to preempt possible disturbance during the procession here.

Prior to the procession early morning Monday, the devotees held a mass and a novena in the sprawling Pelaez Sports Center at Velez St. here Sunday night.

The procession ended when the carriage bearing the Black Nazarene reached the Church of Nazarene along Claro M. Recto Avenue here amid an overflowing crowd that have waited to glimpse the miraculous image of the Black Nazarene.

A priest in Quiapo, Manila sent part of the original piece of the Black Nazarene here about six years ago as a “gift,” Msgr. Rey Monsanto, the parish priest of the Church of Nazarene here said.

Since then, the local parishioner had their own version of the Black Nazarene celebration every January 9 here, which was patronized by hundreds of devotees from the Visayas and Mindanao, Monsanto said.

He said that vendors, who sell memorabilia and tokens related to the Black Nazarene from Manila, also come to Cagayan De Oro City to avoid the congestion in Manila during the Feast of the Black Nazarene there.

Oro collects P1.2-B business taxes

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

CAGAYAN de Oro City Government has collected over P1.2 billion business taxes from January to November 2016, as shown by the records from the City Treasurer's Office.

According to City Treasurer Glenn Bañez, 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.

Bañez said he is positive the figure would still increase, especially the month of December is not yet included in the calculation.

Since City Mayor Oscar Moreno assumed office in 2013, about P730 million business taxes were collected by the City Government, which spiked in 2014 and 2015, with a total of P950 million and P1.086 billion total tax collection, respectively.

Bañez said the city is optimistic that the tax collection would increase, particularly this year, with the establishment of new businesses. For Moreno, he said the increasing trend of the tax collection should be attributed to the collection reforms implemented in the treasurer's office like the new online tax payment system which will kick off this month.

With the new system, going to the treasurer's office would now just be an option.

Taxpayers will be able to log on to cagayandeoro.gov.ph and pay business permits and real property taxes, traffic citations, market stall rentals, sales taxes, transfer taxes, business permit orders of payment, and even city building fees.

Aside from paying taxes online, residents can also register or renew business permits online.

Moreno vowed to improve tax collection so as to improve the delivery of basic services but he clarified that improving tax collection does not mean higher taxes this year.

City hospital’s income from PhilHealth hits P140M

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE previously old and dilapidated JR Borja General hospital (JRBGH) has been recognized as the second hospital with the highest PhilHealth paid claims for the year 2016 in Northern Mindanao.

The City Hospital is next to Northern Mindanao Medical Center which placed first and paid the most to PhilHealth.

Records show that the City Hospital paid some P140 million to PhilHealth in 2016, higher compared to the previous year’s P120 million.

About 93 percent of the patients of the said hospital are PhilHealth beneficiaries and are able to avail of free services. From January to September 2016, the City Hospital’s income spiked to P135 million, from only P19 million in 2013.

In 2014, the hospital’s revenues reached P65 million and finally reached P120 million in 2015.

The highest recorded monthly income in 2016 was in March that reached P23 million. Hospital executive officer Ramon Nery said PhilHealth is the hospital's bread and butter, noting that all patients admitted to the hospital are automatically enrolled in the said insurance system.

“Because of PhilHealth benefits nga atong na-utilize, diha napalambo nato ang (that we utilized we were able to improve the) JR Borja and things are getting bright for this hospital,” he said.

The hospital will be expanding this year as it plans to hire 11 doctors, 40 additional nurses, and 60 administrative support staff. Construction of the north wing and east wing buildings of the city hospital is also in the pipeline this year.

The construction of the North wing building, which will serve as the doctors' quarters, will cost about P40.5 million.

The East wing will house 14 more private and five semi-private rooms which will be exclusively for use of government employees and middle-income groups.

The planned expansion of the city hospital also aims to de-congest the halls and rooms of the JRBGH.

DTI Region 10 urges early registration of biz name

By Maria Sozina Alamban (MSA/DTI10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 6 – Seventy Three (73) new business name registrants have applied through the Negosyo Center located at Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 office for January 3 and 4 this year.

Given this initial volume of business name applicants, DTI reiterates it is not advisable to submit requirements on the last minute.

Hence, DTI 10 Consumer Welfare Division Chief and Lawyer Fel Lester Brillantes urges entrepreneurs to renew their Business Name Registration early at DTI to avoid getting caught in the rush to beat the January 20 deadline set by local government units for the renewal of business permits.

The trade department’s business name registration is one of the requirements needed by business owners to complete their business permit. Entrepreneurs also need not to worry about long queues days before the deadline.

Brillantes assures business owners that the renewal of DTI Business Names can now be acquired in a span of only 30 minutes.

New business name applicants need to submit duly accomplished application form and to present one valid government-issued Identification card (ID) complete with the registrant’s name, photo and signature.

Varied fees also apply to different categories.

For Barangay level, registrants need to pay P200; P500 for City/Municipality level; P1,000 for Regional level; and P2,000 for businesses which extends up to the national level.

Applicants also need to pay P15 for the documentary stamp.

Entrepreneurs who wish to modify their business ownership should surrender their original Business Name certificate and submit an affidavit of waiver.

For business owners who wish to cancel their businesses, they need to surrender the original Business Name certificate and to submit an affidavit of cancellation.

Meanwhile, representatives who are tasked to file in behalf of the owner need to bring with them an authorization letter; one original valid ID bearing the owner’s signature; and his or her own original valid ID.

Registrants residing in Cagayan de Oro can also submit their requirements to DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Office Negosyo Center located at the Ground Floor of State Investment Trust Incorporated along Tiano-Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro City.

Conversion of LTO satellite office to district office in Cagayan De Oro mulled

(PNA), NYP/CD/MARK FRANCISCO/

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 5 (PNA) -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 10 would transform its satellite office in the city’s east district section here to a district headquarters if a wider area would be made available, LTO Regional Director Oscar Salcedo said Thursday.

Salcedo said that without a wider area, the LTO would be compelled to close the satellite office and transfer all its transactions to the regional office in Bulua, a village west of the city.

He said that the present LTO satellite office is located adjacent to the village hall, health center, and covered court of Puerto area here.

"The office is located about 20 meters from the national highway and has no ample parking space, which resulted in traffic congestion in the area because hundreds of applicants for driving, vehicle registration and renewal of vehicles occur daily", Salcedo said.

He said that without the ample space, the LTO regional office would transfer the Puerto mobile office to the regional office to decongest traffic in the area.

However, Salcedo said, he would elevate the status of the satellite office into a district office once the local government unit could find a wider space to accommodate the growing LTO clientele in the area.

The LTO’s satellite office in Puerto, a village east of the city, started operation in 2001 to cater to the needs of clients in Misamis Oriental’s eastern district and the nearby towns north of Bukidnon.

The Puerto-LTO office also contributes more than PHP 20 million annual revenue to the LTO regional office and help perk the economic activity of the village of Puerto.

Devotees flock to Black Nazarene Shrine in CDO

By Angelo Andrade (ABS-CBN News)

CAGAYAN DE ORO - Days before the feast of the Black Nazarene, devotees are now starting to flock to the Shrine of the Black Nazarene in the city.

As the home of the replica of the Black Nazarene from Quiapo, Manila, the shrine has been an alternative pilgrim site of devotees from Visayas and Mindanao.

Alex Bantulan, 65, took the opportunity to visit the shrine and offer prayers.

Bantulan, who suffers from blood and gall bladder complications for years, believes that the Black Nazarene plays a big role in healing his sickness.

Trinidad Dimaano, 50, was also emotional when she visited the shrine. She will be celebrating her birthday on January 9, the same day of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

She said the Black Nazarene never fails to answer her prayers.

Last year, police estimated 200,00 devotees joined the annual Traslacion in the city. They are expecting more devotees to join this year.

Cagayan de Oro-Davao chess duel set

(ABM)

THE Davao City All-Stars will try to defend its title when they face Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental (CDO-MisOr) team during the chess tournament on January 7 at the Tablon Gymnasium in Cagayan de Oro City.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) regional director James Infiesto, in a Facebook chat with SunStar Davao, bared that they defeated CDO-MisOr by two points in the team event in 2015.

The latter, according to him, are heavy favorites due to their higher average rating.

Infiesto expects a tough competition this year since CDO-MisOr beefed up its roster with three titled players.

"We will do our best to defend our crown," Infiesto said.

Aside from Infiesto, the Davao All Stars is also be composed of national masters (NMs) Alex Lupian and NM Cedric Magno along with Jason Salubre, Henry Lopez, Harrison Maamo, Lyndon Sombilon, Reynaldo Quiñonez, Jimmy Dano, Rhynan Arce with Engineer Allan Diez and Darwin Bermudez as the team co-captains.

CDO-MisOr, for its part, is bannered by NMs Rustum Tolentino and Levi Mercado, Lennon Hart Salgados, Jhonnel Balquin, Nazario Ubanan, Antonio Chaves Jr., Basilio Pandan Jr., Bryan Jose, Randolph Dalauta, Ismar Irenick Roa Estrella, and Domingo Oga.

The event, organized by Fr. Vic Arellano, aims to showcase Mindanao's best chessers and to also promote the sports.

A cash prize of P24,000 awaits the winner of the duel sponsored by Tablon village, CDO in cooperation with Explore MisOr and Mindanao Chess.

Cagayan de Oro’s Pagente advances in Andrada Cup netfest

By Jean T. Malanum [(PNA), CVL/JEAN T. MALANUM/NOD]

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) -– Top seed Gennifer Pagente of Cagayan de Oro cruised into the next round of the 28th Andrada Cup Junior Tennis Championships after posting a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Justine Alvarado, 6-0, 6-0, on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Pagente, double champion in the PSC-Philta event last December, will be up against No. 8 Justine Maneja, who scored a 6-3, 6-1 win over Lila Salvacion.

Other matches saw third seed Micaella Vicencio winning over Trish Romero, 6-0, 6-0, and unranked Crystal Mildwaters elimianating fourth seed Blanche Lagrisola, 6-1, 6-0.

Meanwhile, Julia Ignacio outplayed Frenchesca Elise Cruz, 6-4, 6-4; Kryshana Brazal rallied past Mica Ella Emana, 6-0, 2-6, 10-7; and Bettina Catoto downed Trish Romero, 6-0, 6-1 to advance in the next round of the Group 1 tournament supported by former Philta vice president Manuel Misa of Altamar Shipping, Thaddeus Sporting Goods and official ball Babolat.

In the boys’ 16-under division, Daniel Estanislao outplayed Lucas Fernandez, 6-3, 7-5; Jerome Ignacio prevailed over Keno Enriquez, 6-1, 6-0; and Jeremiah Macias IV won over Sam Mamaril, 6-2, 6-3.

Other winners were Shant Nuguit over Keno Enriquez, 6-1, 6-0 and Marco Macalintal over Ezequiel Jicutan, 3-6, 6-4, 10-6, in the boys’ 14-under category while in the boys’ 12-under category, the winners were Lance Fernandez over Joshua Diva, 6-2, 6-2; Sherwin Nuguit over Ethan Gunida, 6-0, 6-2; and Chad Cuizon over Kidlat Estogero, 6-3, 6-0.

Mindanao is in the heart

By Stephen J. Pedroza (Contributor)

A festival of rich stories–from broken dreams to vivid aspirations–about the country’s second largest island

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Mindanao’s diverse narratives took center stage at the 10th Tanghal University Theater Festival held in November at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

The festival was composed of three main performances from XU’s The Xavier Stage, Mindanao State University Marawi’s Sining Kambayoka Ensemble, and La Salle University Ozamis’ Teatro Guindegan, and two fringe presentations from Xavier’s Dulaang Atenista and Pasundayag Community Arts of Cagayan de Oro City.

Through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ National Committee on Dramatic Arts, the 10th installment of Tanghal formed part of the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2016. ADVERTISEMENT

This year’s festival had “Yuta” (Earth) as theme. The host institution Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) curated plays that explored Mindanao as the “Land of Promise and Peace” and talked about issues of ethnicity, hopes and origins.

All plays were open to the public and were held at the XU Little Theater.

The Moro question

The Xavier Stage (TXS), a resident repertory theater company of Xavier University, presented a twin bill of Dr. Arthur Casanova’s “Nang Lumuha ang mga Tala sa Gitna ng Lawa” and Romeo Narvaez’s “Dula Ta.” This amalgamated production was titled “Singanin,” a Meranao term for “aspiration.”

“Singanin” depicted the struggles of the Moro people who were victims of the Mindanao conflicts in the areas of North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Casanova’s play touched on the issues of land grabbing, hunger and poverty, and the clashes between the Ilaga and the Barracudas, paramilitary groups created by local warlords in 1971, a year before martial law.

Narvaez’s “Dula Ta,” meanwhile, poignantly reflected the contemporary Mindanao conflict through the eyes of two children witnessing the ravages of war at a tender age.

“Singanin” was staged under the artistic direction of Hobart Savior, also the director of XCCA.

“Mindanao theater is alive!” said Savior. “Through this theater festival, we hope to highlight the issues in the peripheries as well as the historical injustices in Mindanao. It has been one of the missions of The Xavier Stage to showcase plays with social relevance and with peace as an aspiration.

Under the rain of bullets

For its part, Mindanao State University Marawi’s Sining Kambayoka Ensemble staged its critically acclaimed “Sa Ilalum sa mga Nag-ulang Tingga” (Under the Rain of Bullets), directed by Pepito Sumayan, a Meranao native who is also an actor, writer and cultural worker based in Lanao del Sur. “Under the Rain of Bullets” was written by playwrights Marili Fernandez-Ilagan and Sunnie Noel.

Completing the three major offerings of the 10th Tanghal festival was La Salle Ozamis’ Teatro Guindegan’s “Ang Tawo.”

Directed by Felimon Blanco, the play is about the death of “Tawo,” an allegorical figure who fails to convince friends and family to accompany him to the other side. His last resort is to approach Paghigugma (Love), whom he has forgotten for a long time.

Improv shows

The Tanghal festival also offered fringe performances.

The 28-year-old Dulaang Atenista, the resident theater company of Ateneo de Cagayan, performed the crowd favorite “No Prob, It’s Improv,” a live improvisational performance under the artistic direction of Ray Anthony Lao.

“No Prob, It’s Improv,” was formed after a few DA members were exposed to “Whose Line is it Anyway?” by the Bacolod Improv Group in 2010. Later, they were able to use Peque Gallaga’s modified Viola Spolin workshops to further refine their skills and live skits.

Documentary-demonstration

The Pasundayag Community Arts and Production (formerly known as Pasundayag Theater and Arts Collective) also presented a documentary-demonstration performance.

Pasundayag project director Denise Mordeno Aguilar shared her experiences as a scholar of the program leading to a Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theater (Major in Acting), at the Intercultural Theatre Institute, Singapore. Her scholarship was made possible by NCCA and the Kuo Pao Kun Foundation.

Part of Aguilar’s discussion was a documentary film on our “Sinaunang Baybayin,” or early writing—the outcome of a series of activities from a workshop facilitated by Emil Yap, an expert on the ancient Filipino writing system.

Pasundayag is a community arts group in Mindanao whose theater apprentices now form the young blood not only of Mindanao theater, but also of the national stage and pop entertainment, such as Mark Bautista and Johnny Macanas. Since its first production in 1998, Pasundayag has become a platform for multidisciplinary initiatives on culture and the arts in the region.

The recently concluded Tanghal University Theater Festival was a reflection of Mindanao’s rich narratives, from broken dreams to sharp-witted vignettes to vivid aspirations for the second largest island of the Philippines.

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