Cagayan de Oro City News July 2016

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Interactive Google Satellite Map of Cagayan de Oro City
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Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

DA to implement 'Rice Productivity Enhancement Project'

By Abigail Viguella

THE Department of Agriculture (DA)-Northern Mindanao will execute the Rice Productivity Enhancement (Ripe) project this year in the region, the agency announced in a press conference held at the MASSSPECC Cooperative Development Center on Monday, July 25.

“This program is part of the new administration’s aim to help the agricultural sector of the country to significantly increase the yield of rice in the Philippines” said DA Regional Director Lealyn Ramos.

The main feature of the project will be the usage of the hybrid rice seed in order to produce better harvest in both wet and dry season.

Ramos said that for the first two seasons of the program, the government, through the Department of Agriculture, will provide assistance to the farmers with regards to the hybrid seeds that will be used.

“The government will provide the hybrid seeds to the farmers in the pilot seasons of the program. Furthermore, financial assistance for the seeds and the fertilizers will be provided amounting to 10,000 pesos during the wet season and 15,000 pesos during the dry season” added Ramos.

The farmers shall have to make bank accounts in order for them to receive the financial assistance.

Ramos also discussed that the program shall only cover 25 percent land area of every farmer during the wet season and 58 percent in the dry season for the first few seasons. This is to allow adjustment for the farmers who use other types of seeds such as the inbred seeds and the good seeds.

Just this month, DA Secretary Manny Piñol discussed the Ripe program to DA employees for the project’s execution in the country.

“It has now become a must for this country to achieve sufficiency in rice and other basic food commodities. It is no longer a choice.” Seceratary Piñol pointed out. With the implementation of the Ripe, the government expects that the country will be able to avoid shortage of rice due to climate change and other environmental calamities.

Piñol called for a comprehensive review of water management and irrigation policies, the conduction of a nationwide soil analysis, an extensive program to improve rice farming technology, the introduction of high-yielding rice varieties, effective soil rehabilitation and fertilizer program, and modern and post-harvest facilities to minimize losses.

It is estimated that the program would achieved its full effect by year 2019.

DTI MisOr holds consumer information campaign in CDO

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental led the conduct of consumer information education campaign (IEC) on 28 July 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City together with front line national government agencies as well as its local counterparts in the city to encourage consumers to assert their right and also tap government agencies in case of complaints so that businesses can comply with requirements of the law.

DTI MisOr chief of consumer welfare division Almer Masillones shares that part of the function of the department is regulation that is why they conduct regular monitoring of products to check whether these are complying with standards set by the law. They look into violations of Consumer Act and Trade and Industry Laws such as in business name, gift checks/certificates, chain distribution/pyramid, mandatory product certification and credit/debit/ATM surcharge. DTI also looks into violation of price act which involves mandatory price tag in goods, among others.

In terms of online shopping, Masillones said that they are the silent competitors of retail shops. However, she warns consumers to be extra cautious of these online stores since buyers cannot touch, feel and try these products personally before purchase. In some cases, buyers are not satisfied after purchase. She said they have received complaints about online purchases in their office and have conducted mediation over these complaints.

Meanwhile, Department of Energy (DOE) Mindanao Field Office Edmar A. Derla warns consumers on the illegal refilling of butane canister. He says that these canisters are for one time use only and cannot be refilled. He also urges students to not use them indoors such as in their apartments or pads since they are designed for outdoor use.

He said there are already recorded fire incidents in Davao City due to use of butane canisters.

Moreover, Derla shared that together with the police they have recently busted and confiscated an illegal refilling station in Bukidnon recently. Derla said only certified companies can refill even Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). He says consumers must be cautious in buying these products and inspect if they are safe to use.

In terms of “bote-bote” or liquefied petroleum product sold in soda liter bottles along the road, Derla said these are illegal and risky to fire. He said that this is one of the proliferating problems they have right now and are crafting strategies to address it. In fact, he said they are scheduled with a meeting in the coming week with the local government of Cagayan de Oro to craft an ordinance on “bote-bote” which will then be the basis of all other ordinances in the country.

Meantime, he said that residents can report to the local government unit (LGU), local police and even the Bureau of Fire Protection since these are fire hazards along the street and could cause damage if neglected.

In response, Rodulfo Yana of Cagayan de Oro City Economic Enterprise Development says he is open and willing to accompany DOE to personally inspect the markets in the city to put a stop in these illegal trade such as refilled butane canisters, among others.

City Livelihood Skills Training Program orientation set on Aug 2

(MAG-CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 29 – The orientation for the trainees of the City Livelihood Skills Training Program is scheduled on August 2 in Patag covered court, Cagayan de Oro city.

The activity is spearheaded by the Community Improvement Division (CID) led by Marisa Tagarda, officer-in-charge.

Tagarda reminded the trainees not to shift to other courses as they strictly implement the “no shifting policy.”

The enrolment for Massage Therapy and Cookery was also held on July 27-28.

The City Livelihood Skills Training Program is implemented to provide skills training preferably to the margiinalized sector in the city and give opportunities to out-of-school youth, and the unemployed to become competent and productive members of the community.

Northern Mindanao posts 5.5% GRDP growth in 2015

By Apipa Bagumbaran (APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- The economy of Northern Mindanao posted a 5.5 percent year-on-year growth in 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

PSA Regional Director Eddie Nasol said the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of Northern Mindanao was recorded at P283 billion in 2015, up by P15 billion from the region’s economic output in 2014.

GRDP covers the value of goods and services in the region. It measures the relative contribution of three major economic industries: Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry & Fishing (AHFF), Industry, and Services.

But such increase is lower from the 7.1 percent GRDP growth posted in 2014, Nasol said.

According to him, the deceleration of the regional economy was attributable to the slowdown in the Industry and Services.

Industry decelerated by 4.2 percentage points from 8.5 percent in 2014 to 4.3 percent in 2015, while Services slowed down by 0.9 percentage point from 8.3 percent to 7.4 percent.

Manufacturing, which accounted the biggest chunk of the total output in the Industry sector, decelerated from 5.8 percent to 3.2 percent. Construction also slowed down from 26.2 percent to 10.8 percent. Mining and quarrying

Nasol said the deceleration in the Services was attributed to the slow down of Trade and Repair which decelerated from 10.2 percent to 6.6 percent. Such sub-sector accounted for the biggest share in the total output of services.

Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities and Public Administration & Defense also slowed down from 11.9 percent to 5.6 percent and from 5.4 percent to 2.5 percent, respectively.

However, the slowdown was cushioned by the improvement in the Other Services sector which grew from 7.7 percent to 11.3 percent. Similarly, Transport, Storage & Communication posted faster growths from 4.6 percent to 8.7 percent while Financial Intermediation grew from 6.7 percent to 6.9 percent.

The recorded deceleration in the Industry sector was attributable to the slowdown of all its sub-industries. Manufacturing, which accounted the biggest chunk of the total output in the Industry sector, decelerated from 5.8 percent t0 3.2 percent. Construction also slowed down from 26.2 percent to 10.8 percent while Mining & Quarrying decelerated from 16.7 percent to 15.2 percent. Electricty, Gas & Water further showed a decline of 0.1 percent due to the drop of power generation of the hydroelectric plants.

On the other hand, the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry & Fishing (AHFF) grew faster from 3.2 percent in 2014 to 3.9 percent in 2015. The improvement was attributed to the rebound of Fishing from negative 0.7 percent to 11.7 percent despite the slowdown in the Agriculture and Forestry from 3.8 percent to 2.8 percent.

DA in Northern Mindanao deploys ‘automatic weather stations’

(PNA), BNB/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has deployed eight “automatic weather stations” all over Northern Mindanao to anticipate possible crop damage in case of storms, an agriculture official said Wednesday.

Lealyn A. Ramos, the DA regional director here, said that the DA has adopted the measures in anticipation of the weather disturbances in the coming months.

She said that the “automatic weather stations” were deployed on all farming stations in Northern Mindanao as a measure to anticipate possible crop damage in specific areas when typhoon or storms occurred.

The “automatic weather stations” have the capability to forecast the estimated farm destruction on an incoming storm, Ramos said.

One of the measures, Ramos said, is the deployment of combined harvesters, mechanical transplanters, mechanical threshers and hand tractors to salvage “palay” ready for harvest, a few days before a cyclone would hit a particular area in the region.

She said that the agriculture department has also stored 16,000 bags of rice, 20,184 bags of corn and 520 kilos of assorted vegetables ready for transport to calamity-stricken areas in Northern Mindanao.

Ramos said that the DA has also readied the supply of multivitamins and vaccines for livestock worth PHP385,000 ready to roll out in the event of a calamity.

1,074 police in Northern Mindanao get promotions

(PNA), LAP/CD

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan De Oro City (PNA) -- The police regional command here announced the promotion of 1,074 personnel on Monday.

PSupt. SURKI A. SEREÑAS, spokesperson of the regional police command here, said that of the promoted personnel, 88 were Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs),and 986 were Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) assigned in various police units in the region.

In his congratulatory message, Police Chief Supt. Noel Constantino, the regional police director, told the newly promoted personnel that the promotion implies greater responsibility.

He said that the promotion to the higher rank does not mean greater authority, but a reminder that the demands of the higher positions mean greater accountability.

Constantino urged the newly promoted police personnel to be appropriately responsive to the demands of the higher positions as part of career development in the police profession.

Sereñas said that the regional police command is always aware of the deserving police personnel and akin to their performance as professional police officers.

He said that as the police regional command offers the best opportunity for advancement of the police personnel who are faithful to their avowed obligations, the command is also equally unforgiving to the rogue police personnel.

Sereñas said that since the regional command implemented the anti-illegal drug campaign among its rank and file last June, 41 police personnel have been found positive of “drugs.”

Of the 41 police personnel, 30 have been summarily dismissed, seven are still under investigation, two voluntarily resigned, and two others have just recently been found positive of “drugs.”

Sereñas said that the regional police command now conducts surprise drug test to police personnel in various police stations of the regional command to weed out the scalawag police personnel.

Brgy, micro businesses get incentives through BMBE registration

(JMORucat/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 25 (PIA) – Entrepreneurs with an asset of not more than P3 million may now get incentives through registration under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) at the nearest Negosyo Center or Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office.

Specifically, major incentives and benefits of being a BMBE are income tax exemption, exemption from the coverage of the minimum wage law, priority to a special credit window set up and technology transfer, production and management training, marketing assistance programs for BMBEs.

According to Lawrence Cabeltes, OIC chief of Assessment Section of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office 98 Cagayan de Oro City that income tax exemption for BMBEs are stipulated under the BIR – Department of Finance (DOF) Department Order 17-04 dated 20 April 2004, which enumerates the guidelines to implement the registration of BMBE and the availment of tax incentives under Republic Act (RA) 9178.

Cabeltes said that BMBEs are exempted from income tax, for income arising from the operations of the enterprise. Meanwhile, there is also exemption from gross receipt tax (GRT) of interest, commissions and discounts derived from the loans by Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corporation (SBGFC) granted to BMBEs as well as loans extended by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) to their respective member-employee who wish to establish BMBEs.

However, BMBE does not include entities rendering services in connection with exercise of profession by a person duly licensed by the government after having passed a government licensure exam such as lawyers, doctors among others.

Cabeltes further explained that BMBEs are exempted from income tax but they are still subject to all applicable taxes imposed by the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997 such as Value Added Tax, Percentage Tax, Excise Tax and Documentary Stamp Tax.

He said BMBEs are still required to issue receipts, keeping of books of accounts and filing of annual information returns together with duly audited financial statements.

Meanwhile, Atheneus A. Vasallo, director of Technical Support Services Division of DOLE region 10 said that BMBEs will be exempted from paying minimum wage to workers. He said that an agreement from the employer and employee will serve as contract on the agreed salary of the worker. However, when a BMBE will improve and exceed assets to more than P3million after two years, then minimum wage will be automatically implemented.

Further, Vasallo said that DOLE supported organizations will be assisted to register with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as organizations registered with SEC are the only ones recognized by BIR.

Meanwhile, DTI will still require BMBE applicants’ business registration from the local government units said DTI provincial director Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore.

DTI is the sole agency to issue BMBE Certificate of Authority to applicant who is eligible and qualified. This certificate will be one of the requirements needed to get exemptions from BIR and DOLE.

Jesusa Abear, Senior Trade Industry Development specialist of DTI MisOr said that BMBE Certificate of Authority is effective for two years commencing from the date of issuance and renewable every two years thereafter subject to compliance with the eligibility requirements as prescribed by law. Application to BMBE is free from fees and charges.

The forum was conducted by DTI Misamis Oriental on 25 July 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City based on the RA 9178 Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) Act of 2002 as amended by RA 10644 otherwise known as the “Go Negosyo Act” DTI Department Administrative Order No. 16-01, series of 2016 to hasten country’s economic development. For more information, you may email dti.r10.misamis.oriental@gmail.com or visit www.r10.dti.gov.ph.

Batas Kasambahay technical working group created

By Glenford C. Labial (GCL/DOLE-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment region 10 (DOLE-10) leads the creation of the Technical Working Group (TWG) relative to intensify efforts in disseminating batas kasambahay to the public prescribed general labor standards, rights and privileges of domestic workers as contained in Republic Act (RA) 10361.

DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante disclosed that the Social Security Systems, Philhealth, Pag-Ibig, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, TESDA and the LGU Cagayan de Oro City finally created the TWG on 15 July 2016 at the Mayor’s Conference Hall, Cagayan de Oro City.

Cagayan de Oro City sets as pilot city in Northern Mindanao in the implementation where a memorandum of agreement will be signed pertaining to its creation on 8 August.

Then President Benigno Aquino III enacted the Kasambahay Bill into law last 18 January 2013 with prescribed monthly minimum wage and more social benefits for close to two million domestic workers in the country.

The Kasambahay Law has set the monthly minimum wage of house helpers employed in NCR at P2,500.00 while in chartered cities and municipalities at P2,000 a month and other municipalities at P1,500.

In a statement, Mayor Oscar Moreno reveals that "The city government is ready to help our kasambahays. I am happy for this inter-agency collaboration. In this manner, we will further improve our services.”

The TWG, as part of its action plan, will invite the Liga ng mga Barangay to facilitate the invitation of 80 barangay officials and subdivision home owners' association presidents for their town hall forum that requires employers to register the workers in the barangay.

The barangay chairman shall be responsible for the registry of workers within their jurisdiction and submit the list to the LGU through its kasambahay desk focal person.

The Kasambahay Law aims to ensure better working conditions for the household service workers in Northern Mindanao.

Agravante said that with the law’s full implementation, employment of household service workers shall now be covered by an employment contract that shall conform to the model contact issued by DOLE.

For more details on RA 10361, please visit DOLE-10 regional office and look for focal person Ralph O. Labnao.

DOST-10 hosts free Innovation & Technology Forum

(PR)

Indigenous, home-grown technology developed by Filipino scientists and engineers take center stage on Monday, July 25th as the Department of Science and Technology Region 10 celebrates National Science and Technology Week 2016 to be held at the Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

At the Philippine Information Agency Region 10’s “Talakayan sa PIA” latest episode, DOST-10 Regional Director Alfonso P. Alamban said the Innovation and Technology Forum will showcase DOST programs and projects during its morning session including the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), One Expert, oneSTore, and RxBox.

SETUP is the DOST’s nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt technological innovations to improve their products, services, operations and level up their productivity and competitiveness.

Engr. Cesar Alba, CEO of McAlba’s Foods Corp. will share his experience as SETUP Adoptor which made the firm a national finalist for DOST’s Best SETUP Adoptor.

DOST have prioritized the following sectors for SETUP assistance: food processing; furniture, marine and aquatic resources; gifts, housewares & decors; horticulture & agriculture; metals & engineering; health products and services/pharmaceuticals; and ICT/electronics.

To date, DOST Region 10 have provided 270 technology interventions to 200 existing firms and 73 start-up firms. These firms were able to generate employment of 5,808 man-months and gross sales of PhP 429.11-million following SETUP interventions.

One Expert (1E) is an interactive web-based national pool of science and technology (S&T) experts which aims to provide technical advice and consultancy services to Filipinos anywhere in the country.

DOST-FNRI campaigns innovative food for healthy lifestyle

By Hazel Mae Pacturan (HMP/JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the Food Innovation Forum and Exhibit on 20 July campaigned the early start of healthy lifestyle and the healthy choices of food to prevent lifestyle diseases

Joyce R. Tobias, Supervising Science Research specialist of the FNRI-DOST presented the health issues that are present in our world and even in our own country.

According to statistics, about 795 million people do not have enough food to lead a healthy active life while Asia appeared to be the continent with the most hungry people.

In the Philippines, the double burden of malnutrition is still present. Three out of 10 children from birth to five years old are overweight while two out of 10 are underweight. This is according to FNRI’s eighth National Nutrition Survey done last 2013.

DOST has done several programs to address these health issues. One of which is the Malnutrition reduction program where several machines and equipments are distributed to different areas in the country. In Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao University of Science and Technology and Xavier University are included in the said program.

Feeding programs for children are also done including the production of healthy foods for children from zero to 60 months who are considered as the most vulnerable ones.

With the health issues Tobias said to always look for healthy foods.

Innovative foods are also presented such as the use of vegetables and fruits as a substitute for food coloring. This way, the appearance of the food is enhanced and can have additional nutrition as well.

Participants in the forum are encouraged to be innovative with the food they eat to help in achieving a healthy lifestyle.

The forum was attended by various micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and hosted by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental with the intention to propell food processors to further innovate, create and improve.

Gov't extends support to PWDs

By Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 21 (PIA) -- Various national government agencies (NGAs) shared the programs and services they offer to the persons with disabilitties (PWDs) to highlight the 38th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week slated annually on July 17-24 during the conduct of Philippine Information Agency's radio program, Lambo Dyes on July 15.

With the theme, "Karapatan ng Maykapansanan, Isakatuparan … Now Na," the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in northern Mindanao discussed the agencies' efforts on the realization of the fundamental freedom and rights of persons with disabilities as provided for in existing international mandates and national laws.

DOLE's Glenford Labial said that they are encouraging establishments to provide employment opportunities to PWDs by giving awards and recognizing the businesses that employ PWDs that comprise at least 1 percent of the total workforce. He also said they are providing livelihood programs to PWDs such as the massage therapy business where the blind sector of the city serves as the recipient.

Meanwhile, DOH's Genena Jacot shared that they are conducting health and wellness activities and programs for the PWDs such as the monitoring of glucose and cholesterol as well as urinalysis. The department also held an orientation to the Deaf Association of Misamis Oriental (DAMOR) on HIV/AIDS, renal disease and national tuberculosis control program, healthy lifestyle and nutrition, and parents with children having visual impairment as well as the reunion of children with disabilities.

In making education accessible to all and ensuring a brighter future for the PWDs, Dr. Arlita Amapola Minguez of CHED-10 said that there are available scholarship slots for the PWDs through the state scholarship and Tulong Dunong Program. Elaine Borromeo of TESDA-10 added that aside from tertiary education, the government also offers skills training programs to PWDs and they will just have to visit their respective local government units to determine the courses offered in their areas.

When it comes to monitoring and ensuring accessibility of public buildings, facilities, streets and other areas, DPWH's Vinah Maghinay said that they continuously encourage NGAs and local governments to observe standard materials and design for the PWDs.

Lawyer Kristine Gaudiel of CHR-10 announced the schedule of activities for the NDPR Week celebration as this year's host agency. To advocate for the rights of the PWDs, a motorcade was held on July 18 followed by a thanksgiving mass at Limketkai Mall. The opening program was also conducted in the afternoon.

Other activities set include the symposium and quiz bee held in Centrio Mall on July 19; inter-barangay sports festival, July 20; variety show, July 22 at SM Cagayan de Oro; and Zumba for a Cause on July 24 at Centrio Mall.

Italpinas recognized for sustainability efforts

By CATHERINE TALAVERA

LISTED green builder Italpinas Development Corp. is set to represent the Philippines in an Asia Pacific green building awards event with its Cagayan De Oro-based Primavera Residences project.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Italpinas said it recently received the Leadership in Sustainability Design Award from the Philippine Green Building Council for its Primavera Residences project, a 10-story, twin-tower mixed-use development in uptown Cagayan de Oro City.

As part of winning the said award, Primavera Residences will represent the Philippines in the coming World Green Building Council Asia Pacific Regional Network Leadership Awards.

“Italpinas’ flagship development was recognized for its two eco-friendly strategies: the use of passive green energy, involving an inner courtyard, a cross-ventilation layout and shaded facades; and the use of renewable energy from rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, to power and light common areas and to afford its residents savings of 20-32 percent in air-conditioning costs,” Italpinas said.

Earlier this year, Primavera Residences was also recognized for its eco-friendly design, as it received the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, making it the second development in the country to receive the certification.

Italpinas chairman and chief operating officer Romolo Nati said that at present, 82 percent of the 328 units of both towers of Primavera Residences have already been sold, with only six units remaining in the first tower.

Following the success of Primavera Residences, the company has recently launched a follow-up project called Primavera City, which is also located in Cagayan De Oro City.

In an earlier interview, Italpinas president Atty. Jose Leviste III said they were bullish about the outlook for emerging markets outside of Metro Manila such as Cagayan De Oro. “So far, we’ve been happy in CDO, and we want to find other places where a similar dynamic will be discovered,” Leviste said.

At their company’s annual stockholders’ meeting, Leviste said they are looking at potential growth areas similar to CDO such as Batangas, Mindoro, Davao and Negros.

Dads tackle plan to open mental, rehab centers in CDO

(PNA), PGL/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 19 (PNA) -- Local officials here started to tackle plans to operate a mental facility and a rehabilitation center in this port capital of about 800,000 people in Northern Mindanao.

City Councilor Reuben Daba, chair of the city council committee on social services, said that the city has inadequate facilities to process and rehabilitate persons with mental problems.

Daba also noted that the local police has no facilities to process individuals with drug related problems who voluntarily give up at the height of the anti-illegal drug campaign here.

During the committee meeting, Dr. Evelyn Perez, of the city hospital here, said that the city J. R. Borja General Hospital was not equipped to accommodate drug related cases because the treatment of drug dependent patients requires a large space.

A representative of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), said that 3,884 drug personalities voluntarily surrendered in response of the “Oplan Tokhang” (Toktok Hangyo/Knock and Appeal) operations conducted by the local police here.

Doctors also told the committee that the treatment of the drug dependents and mental patients is not the same.

City Health Officer Dr. Rachel Dilla said that a drug user starts as a normal person, but eventually suffers from brain damage while those who were mentally ill could still become normal through adequate treatment.

Dilla said that a separate facility for mentally ill patients is needed because they have to be hospitalized while drug dependents need a rehabilitation center where doctors could supervise for the withdrawal treatment from drug dependency.

CDO hosts PAP regional assembly

(XU Comm)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 18 —The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), together with Xavier University’s (XU) Psychology Department, conducted this year’s regional assembly in the City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan de Oro City.

Psychologists, psychometricians, mental health practitioners, and members of the academe, including current PAP members and prospects attended the said event held at the XU Little Theater.

Established in 1962, PAP is “an organization committed to the promotion of excellence in the teaching, research, and practice of Psychology, and its recognition as a scientifically-oriented discipline for human and social development.”

Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences dean Dr Juliet Q Dalagan welcomed the participants of the regional assembly aimed at strengthening members’ involvement in the organization.

PAP’s vice-president Dr Margaret Helen Alvarez, internal relations officer Dr Nelly Limbadan, and board of directors’ member Dr Glenn Glarino facilitated the talk on the changes to be implemented in the organization. They noted that 2016 is the transition period for PAP and the new guidelines will take effect next year.

During the consultation part of the assembly, the three PAP leaders addressed various concerns of the attendees on the membership system, licensure and license renewal requirements, certification in different fields of the psychology practice, continuing professional education, PAP special interest groups, and regionalization.

This event also provided the student-members of XU Psychology Society a glimpse of the professional benefits and perks of being a PAP member, including the opportunity to meet other people with whom they share the same interests.

XU academic vice-president Fr Rene Tacastacas SJ, in his closing message, hopes that PAP continues its commitment to fortify and capacitate its members towards personal and professional growth and social transformation.

PAP will hold its 53rd annual convention from September 14 to 16 in Clark Angeles, Pampanga.

Nutrition Month Feature: DepEd 10 experience indicates CCTs key to improving malnourished school children’s health

By Mike Baños

There appears to be a direct correlation between the improvement in school children’s health and nutritional status and the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) their families have been receiving under the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Department of Education Region X Dir. Allan G. Farnazo said because parents, especially the mothers, of students classified as malnourished or severely wasted, have been closely monitoring their children’s attendance in school, the school attendance has increased tremendously, and as a result, these children have been successfully reached by the agency’s supplemental feeding program.

“We noticed the mothers are very involved in the program,” Farnazo said. “If you call their attention about their children’s absences, they become worried it would remove them from the program. As a result, when students are physically present in school, natututukan ang kanilang nutrition kaya nag-improve.”

Jefi M. Hona, a nutritionist/dietician consultant charged with DepEd-10’s supplemental feeding program, said figures on the children’s individual nutrition status, height and weight have shown a marked improvement over the past years the program has been implemented.

From School Year (SY) 2010-2011 to SY 2014-2015, DepEd-10 records for elementary school children in Region X show the number of severely wasted children declining 68% from 16,187 to 5,240; wasted children declined 15% from 53,352 to 20,468; overweight children decreased 67% from 10,966 to 3,609 and obese children declined 63% from 1,908 to 698.

Since the 4Ps program was implemented, Farnazo said the budget for the supplemental feeding program which covers 120 feeding days every school year has increased from PhP 25-million in 2012 to PhP168-M in 2016 and implementation transferred from the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) to the individual schools.

“So we captured the severely malnourished and severely wasted children in the schools and improved their nutritional status,” Farnazo noted.

Although the supplemental feeding program is hobbled by budgetary constraints which still allocates a mere PhP18 per child for lunch, it has tremendously expanded its coverage and now covers more children with better meals made possible by technological improvements such as rice mongo blend and rice mongo crunchies developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST).

The CCTs, coupled with the supplemental feeding program and the strict implementation of the DepEd ban on the sale of soft drinks and junk foods in school canteens, all appear to have contributed to the marked improvement in school children’s nutrition, attendance and academic performance.

Further on, DepEd-10 would like to see enhancements in the program which is being administered by the Health and Nutrition Dept. of the DepEd Central Office in Manila.

Although the regional offices can only make recommendations based on their experience on the ground, Farnazo believes they can still contribute significant improvements in this manner.

For instance, an improvement in the coverage and scope of supplemental feeding program for pre-school children aged 5 years old and below, would be a welcome step forward for the Early Child Care & Development (ECCD) of local government units down to the barangay level which are implementing it with DSWD in Day Care Centers around the region.

This is strongly indicated in data from the Cagayan de Oro City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) office which set its Supplementary Feeding Program as a priority thrust through the doubling of its fund allocation from PhP 9-million in 2013 to PhP 19-million in 2016 for the health and nutrition of children in Day Care Centers/Child Development Centers.

As a result, the number of severely underweight children under the program dropped 72.4% for the three year period (from 118 to only 9); the underweight children count decreased 76% (from 756 to only 182), while the number of overweight children was reduced 27% (from 372 to 272). Consequently, the number of normal children monitored under the program increased by 2,300 or a 10% increase to 26,081.

Data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region X (DSWD-10) appear to confirm the improvement in the nutritional status of children attending day care centers around the region.

From the 1st (SY 2011-2012) to the 5th cycle (SY 2015-2016) of implementation, figures from the supplementary feeding program comparative nutritional status report show that although the total day care children served increased 42% from 101,891 to 144,842, the number of underweight children decreased 56% from 7,661 to 3,365; severely underweight dropped 35% from 461 to 298; overweight children decreased 50% from 817 to 370; and the total number of malnourished kids dropped an impressive 55% from 8,122 to only 3,663 by the 5th cycle.

As a result, the incidence of malnutrition in the region declined from 8% to only 2.5%, while the total number of children rehabilitated increased 36% from 10,367 to 14,140 by the end of the 5th cycle; and the number of normal children increased 50% from 93,082 to 139,958.

“We are serving Day Care Children enrolled in the LGU-Managed DCCs regardless of 4Ps or Non-4Ps beneficiaries, whether they are Normal Nutritional Status or Malnourished as long as they are enrolled in the Day Care Centers and within the target of LGUs,” sources at DSWD-10 said.

“The earlier we address health problems caused by malnutrition the better,” Farnazo stressed.

“We are not yet there, but we feel that slowly our social infrastructure is getting in place in terms of assisting the child. If we pull out 4Ps now without a better alternative, we will constantly be going back to zero.”

“I think we should continue the 4Ps, we just need to improve the implementing mechanism like who should benefit and who should be excluded,” Farnazo said. “Effects are better felt compared to earlier when there were none.”

However, he notes the general perception that the schools can do it all is a real challenge which needs to be addressed and articulated.

“When the child is in school, everyone expects us to rehabilitate the children from their physical to their mental health, but the children just spend some of their time with us and are mostly elsewhere.”

“DepEd is a showcase of what kind of economy we have, the capacity and priorities of our government,” Farnazo said. “Remember, while we continue discoursing on the pros and cons, the child remains under our care and must be attended to for all his needs meantime.”

OCD rallies youth leaders towards gender DRRM

By Melanie Jel A. Gamat(MJAG/OCD10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 16 -- The Office of Civil Defense Region 10 spearheaded the conduct of the Mainstreaming Gender and Development in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management to the second batch of youth leaders in northern Mindanao.

This is in line with the observance of this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month with the theme: Kahandaan at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa (Readiness and response to crisis: Everybody’s duty).

OCD Regional Director Ana C. Cañeda believes that "positive youth exuberance, energy and passion will go a long way towards fresh influence in ownership of the plans, programs and policy development in the direction of a more gender-sensitive, humane and relevant community empowerment and resilience."

“The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council acknowledges the important role of the youth in mainstreaming gender into DRRM and climate adaptation programs. Further, the youth are not only partners during response efforts as force multipliers, but also, as potential partners in preparedness and even disaster prevention activities,” Caňeda added.

The workshop emphasized that mainstreaming gender into DRRM requires focused intervention on both men and women concerns and deliberate efforts to include the gender framework in the design and implementation of plans and projects.

The seminar workshop held July 11 to 13, 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City was participated by youth leaders coming from the different youth organizations in the region accredited by the National Youth Commission (NYC).

Community-based rehab proposed in Oro

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

WITH the rising number of suspected drug users and pushers "surrendering" to authorities, the Cagayan de Oro City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Cadac) plans to conduct a community-based rehabilitation in each barangay.

City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) head Teddy Sabuga-a said the community rehabilitation will be facilitated by medical professionals such as social workers and psychologists.

To achieve this, a separate profiling of those who yielded will be done by the anti-drug council to identify possible interventions that could best fit them.

"Once ma-process sila sa ilang pag submit sa police, unya makita nato na kinahanglan gayud sila isulod sa rehab center, we will have to. Pero kung madala lang sa community lang ang treatment, okay lang, nga at least makauli lang sila after lugar sa treatment process," said Sabuga-a.

Sabuga-a said the plan is being studied to avoid the congestion of the lone government-owned treatment and rehabilitation center in Upper Puerto.

"Karon, anaa na daw sa more or less 2,000 ang mga alleged drug personalities nga nag-submit sa police. So, as the number continues to rise, nahisgutan napud ang problema sa rehabilitation which is kulang gayud," Sabuga-a said.

Presently, the 50-bed capacity rehab center in Upper Puerto has already 166 male clients.

Sabuga-a said the anti-drug council will also establish its own office to assist, particularly the minors who yielded.

He said the move aims to avoid trauma that the process could do to children once they submit themselves to police officials.

The office will also be open to accept all drug-dependents who want help and assistance from professionals.

Erwin Rommel Lingad, Treatment and Rehab Center health education designation officer, said in an interview that the community-based rehab include conducting seminars and other activities that can be useful to drug-dependents.

"Kung unsa man gani ang intervention nga ma-innovate sa local government, we will be in full support for all of it," Lingad said.

"Basta ang amo lang is dapat ang police would appear not as enemies, but as persons who are willing to help drug-dependents," Lingad added.

MASS-SPECC on-the-spot painting contest features art’s role in promoting cooperation

By Apipa Bagumbaran (APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 14 (PIA) --- The Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies – Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC) will hold an on-the-spot painting contest to highlight the role of visual arts in promoting and strengthening cross-cultural understanding of cooperation.

The competition, to be held on July 19-20, this year, is one of the highlights of the MASS-SPECC golden anniversary celebration.

It is open to all amateur artists who have not won prizes or mentions in any other major competition.

Carmel Neri of MASS-SPECC Federation said they will be selecting two representatives/entries per region.

Entries must be in line with the celebration’s theme “50 Years of Growing Cooperatives into a Movement.”

All artworks will be in a 25” x 35” canvass using pastel, acrylic or oil as the medium.

The artworks will be judged by a contest jury, coming from entities and institutions with lineage to the visual arts, based on the following criteria: centrality to the theme (40%), artistic merit (30%), originality (20%), and effort (10%).

The awarding of prizes will be held during the culmination activity of the golden celebration on August 9.

MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center is now the biggest regional cooperative federation with more than 300-member cooperatives in Mindanao.

CDO to finally construct donated housing units

(ALR-CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The 722 housing units donated by the Japan Government for the Sendong survivors in Cagayan de Oro city will finally be built upon the approval of the City Council of the budget allocated for the land where the houses will be constructed.

The Shelter and Housing Development Multi-Sectoral Task Force (SHDMSTF) led by Ramon Fernandez is more than glad to build the houses at the end of the month since the Sendong survivors have waited long enough to have their own houses.

Roger Bolanon, Federation of Urban Poor president, also expressed his gratitude as he joined the session saying, “Positibo kita nga mahatagan na ug pagtagad sa Konseho ang 7-Point Agenda sa Urban Poor so dako ang akong kalipay (We are very positive that the City Council will finally give importance to the 7-Point Agenda of the Urban Poor and with that, I am very happy.”

The housing program is one of the priorities of Mayor Oscar Moreno where they will not only serve the Piso-Piso beneficiaries, Sendong survivors and informal settlers but also the employees of the City Hall who still do not own a house.

Aside from giving proper relocation, Moreno also aims to provide the beneficiaries their own land title so they will have a security of tenure.

On July 11, the city council approved the P27.5 million budget for the acquisition of land that is currently owned by the Gador family and located at Sitio Pahiron, Barangay Lumbia.

Shell to open PHP6-B petroleum depot in Cagayan De Oro

(PNA), FFC/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 12 (PNA) -- The Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation will open its PHP6-billion petroleum depot in this trading hub of Northern Mindanao next week, a company statement said Tuesday.

In a statement released to the local media, the Shell officials said that the petroleum depot, that took three years to construct since 2013, could store 170,000 cubic meter of petroleum products at a time.

The new import facility in Northern Mindanao is scheduled to operate on July 19, which would boost activity at the Port of Cagayan De Oro after most of its cargo clientele.

The facility is expected to accommodate petroleum imports consisting of motor gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, the statement said.

It said that the project directly addresses the growing power and energy needs of the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Shell officials also said that the depot could serve as an additional source point of fuels that can be distributed to smaller depots in the area and will increase local storage capacity for finished petroleum products.

Pilipinas Shell operates a refinery, 22 oil depots and over 960 retail stations nationwide. Its sole refinery blends and transports a range of fuels, lubricants, bitumen and other specialty oil-based products with a refining capacity of 93,000 barrels per day.

Its sister company Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., operates the Malampaya deepwater gas-to-power project in Palawan.

Grad students ready to use learning from immersion in rural dev’t

(XU Comm)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 11 -- After a successful immersion, the students of the cross-country Master in Public Management major in Rural Development (MPM-RD) course hosted by Xavier University’s Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (Searsolin) are now ready to integrate their learning in rural development projects.

The grad students expressed that the immersion activities have provided additional perspectives to their Action Plan and Project (APP), a paper that represents an ambitious but doable initiative intended for implementation in their respective institutions and policy fields.

Moreover, they said the immersion has given them good exposure to the communities’ best practices on rural development.

Searsolin hosted the fourth series of face-to-face sessions and an immersion for the MPM-RD students from June 23 to July 4.

This program is led by the Development Academy of the Philippines in consortium with the Ateneo School of Government, University of the Philippines Diliman - College of Social Work and Community Development, and XU.

The MPM-RD students are various officers from the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources across the country.

The program employed the blended-learning approach which included a series of face-to-face sessions where the students can directly interact with their professors, as well as online classes through the Open Virtual Learning Environment (OVLê), a digital platform maintained by the UP-Diliman Interactive Learning Center for learners outside UP.

XU handled two subjects in the said graduate course, namely, Agricultural and Rural Development Productivity Tools (ARDPT) and Asset Reform and Natural Resources Governance (AR-NRG).

ARDPT provided students with a toolkit of the different approaches aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity towards food security, anchored on the principles and philosophy of sustainable agriculture development. It focused on inclusive development, emphasizing the crucial roles of value chain and communication to achieve equitable opportunities for the rural poor.

On the other hand, AR-NRG introduced the students to the importance of asset reforms to sustainably govern and manage natural resources for rural development. It included topics on ecosystems-based approach management, land tenure and property rights, historical perspective of asset reform, peasant typology, and global land competition.

Select Xavier faculty members and its partner pool of experts handled the said subjects and other learning activities.

During their immersion, the students were divided into two — coastal and upland groups.

The coastal group visited the Tubajon Aquamarine Park in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental where they learned about mangrove conservation in the discussion of Barangay Tubajon chairman Terry Daroy. They also trooped to the XU Marine Research Station in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental where they were given a site tour by Gertrude Garcia, director of Xavier’s McKeough Marine Center, followed by a farm visit at the Menzi Orchard Farm in Damilag, Bukidnon in order to grasp the idea behind the ridge-to-reef approach.

The upland group went to the indigenous people (lumad) community in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon. They visited agricultural farms and the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) project site, as well as the tribal hall of the Miarayon-Lapok-Lirongan-Tinaytayan Talaandig Tribal Association (MILALITTTRA). Lumad leader Datu Dungkuan “Rio” Besto and barangay captain Robert Sinulat shared the challenges and opportunities in the highlands with the grad students.

Datu Rio also discussed the land resources of the areas covered in their ancestral domain.

The students ended the immersion activity with a learning exchange together with the representatives from the local community and volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon chapters.

XU-Searsolin is looking forward to hosting more batches of the MPM-RD students to showcase ongoing development initiatives, challenges, resources, and potential of rural areas in Mindanao.

New Northern Mindanao police chief named

By Jigger Jerusalem (Inquirer Mindanao)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Northern Mindanao got a new police director in Chief Supt. Noel Constantino, who was installed on Friday.

Constantino, who once headed the Philippine National Police Academy, replaced Chief Supt. Lyndel Desquitado, whose retirement immediately took effect.

In his installation speech, Constantino vowed to wage a relentless war against illegal drug and criminality, regardless of who were involved.

“If you refuse to surrender peacefully and insist on doing with your illicit activity, we will throw the book at you, we will hit you hard and hit you harder again and again until you are no longer able to do your illegal activity,” he said.

Constantino said police officers suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade would be treated “just like any other ordinary criminal.”

“Make no mistake, there will be no rest, there will be no letup in the total war against illegal drugs and other forms of organized crime in this region,” he said.

To date, 37 noncommissioned police officers in the region had been found positive for illegal drug use. Twenty of them had already been booted out of service while the rest were still undergoing dismissal process.

Johndorf launches Montierra townhomes

(Cebu Daily News)

JOHNDORF Ventures Corp. (JVC) launched last month its latest project in Cagayan de Oro City, and has since been pleased by the reception of the market in the city and the rest of Mindanao.

Montierra, a subdivision of Asian-themed townhouses for the middle-class, also drew interest from Cebu-based clients who travel often to the Misamis Oriental capital for professional or trading reasons.

It introduced the project in Cebu in mid-April after the company presented the project to the brokers with their agents and prospective homeowners, with quite a number of them opting to buy in time for project’s launch last month.

A number of the initial buyers from Cebu and elsewhere in Mindanao wanted a second home in Cagayan de Oro, she noted.

Bacungan expressed confidence that Montierra will further “sell like hotcakes” as the company experienced with Portville Mactan, Portville Prime, Astana and Navona here in Cebu and with Portville Davao in southern Mindanao.

She said the ability of the company to develop and construct 2-storey townhouses faster than usual allows the early turnover of the housing units that also yields earlier returns to the brokers and agents.

With an investment of P600 million, Montierra is master-planned as a community of 600 new homes with a commercial hub that sits on a 7.5-hectare property near the former Lumbia airport.

Bacungan said the project is positioned for start-up families of emerging professionals and entrepreneurs as well as overseas Filipino workers who can afford homes priced between P2.8 million to P3 million.

Residents will enjoy the use of a grand clubhouse with a spacious swimming pool, landscaped parks and playgrounds, basketball court and jogging trail, it was learned.

Each townhouse is designed to be spacious than usual at about 64 square meters in floor area and stands on 54 to 108 square-meter subdivided lot, each with three bedrooms and two toilet-and-bathrooms.

For more details, one may contact any accredited broker or visit the Johndorf office at the 14th floor of Ayala Life – FGU Center across the Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu, call 266-6190, or visit their website by clicking <http://johndorfventures.com.ph/ Johndorf Ventures>.

CDO intensifies campaign against trafficking

(RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 8 – To promote human dignity, protect the people from any threat of violence and exploitation, and mitigate pressures for involuntary migration and servitude of persons, the City Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking - Violence Against Women (CIACAT-VAWC) in Cagayan de Oro urges victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) to report cases to authorities.

Since 2010, there were already eight persons convicted with TIP and were sentenced with life imprisonment in the city based on the IACAT’s record. However, the CIACAT-VAWC stresses that there are still a lot of TIP cases that need to be addressed and more victims to educate on the acts that promote TIP.

Currently, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-10 (BJMP) conducts information drive on the advocacy of CIACAT-VAWC to their personnel and inmates as part of the agency’s welfare and development program. They also facilitate meetings for female inmates where they discuss the Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004), RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), and RA 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012).

For investigation, surveillance, arrest, seizure, rescue operation, filing of criminal cases and referral of victims of TIP cases, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), region 10 encourages victims or witnesses to produce written complaints and/or referral letters. The office is located at Provincial Capitol Compound, with telephone number 722835 or 8564188.

Victims or witnesses could also call or visit Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) since the office investigates cases involving women and children, conduct or assist rescue operation together with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and conduct advocacy programs to schools and barangays pertaining to the rights of women and children. COCPO is located at Gumamela Extension, here, and can be contacted at 8583085.

For human rights protection services, investigation, legal aid and counseling, jail visitation, and financial assistance, victims of TIP may coordinate with the Commission on Human Rights. The agency can be reached at 724525 or 8511519.

The CSWDO also assists women and children who are victims of TIP and they can be reached at 09175979513 or 8586325.

CIACAT-VAWC is tasked to provide protection and assistance to trafficked persons. The law also mandates government agencies to establish and implement preventive, protective and rehabilitative programs in line with the mandate of the state.

DTI 10 to hold ‘Negosyo Konsumer at iba pa’ for MSMEs, consumers

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 7 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 10 announced during Lambo Dyes, a weekly radio program of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region 10 that as part of their Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) week celebration in July, they are prepping for a big event dubbed “Negosyo Konsumer at iba pa’ slated on August this year.

Irwin Jayson Jamaca, DTI senior trade development specialist said that the department is committed to prioritize MSMEs. He said they have made the MSME week into MSME month for the entire month of July with various services in all provinces of region 10. Further, he said that one of the big events they are preparing since last year is the “Negosyo Konsumer at iba pa’ to be held in Cagayan de Oro City on 17-19 August 2016.

Jamaca said that the first day of the event will hold the launching of fabrication laboratory, innovation technopreneurship and Negosyo Center at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) wherein a total of 250 participants are expected to attend.

The Fabrication Laboratory (FABLAB) will provide equipment to entrepreneurs who are into fabrication of metal crafts and handicrafts among others. This laboratory holds equipment for fabrication that is all mechanized. Jamaca said that this is open to all MSMEs and designers who want to try their designs.

Apart from that, the department will also conduct an e-commerce forum entitled Consumer Standard Blits where around 300 people are expected to participate. This will help businessmen in expanding their business and shift their marketing platform through e-commerce.

By the second day, 18 August, Negosyo Konsumer at iba pa will be opened with more than 500 participants and will be graced by the new DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Among the topics to be discussed during the ‘Negosyo Consumer at iba pa’ are training of catapulting business for global market, food market encounter, designs, Intellectual property rights, copyrights to be registered from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Investment briefing.

Further, Jamaca said DTI will conduct Diskwento Caravan from on 19-20 August from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Kahimunan Trade Fair will open on 19 August and will run for 11 days, about two weeks up to the Cagayan de Oro City fiesta on 28 August. This is a great venue to find new and local products of Northern Mindanao.

Meanwhile, according to Jamaca, as of May 2016, the department has created 5,183 jobs for MSMEs region wide. They have also assisted 1,393 MSMEs, domestic sales of up to P256.93M sales and 132 established Shared Service Facility. According to him, DTI is pouring efforts into helping small businessmen to improve the quality of their products and tap global market.

University in CDO improves standing among top law schools in PH

(XU Comm)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Xavier Law of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan emerged three places higher in the latest nationwide ranking following the results of the 2015 bar examinations, as certified by the Bar Confidant of the Supreme Court.

From being the tenth top-performing law school, Xavier Law has landed on the seventh spot with the passing rate of 45.95%, after 17 out of 37 XU examinees successfully took last year’s bar exams.

Xavier shared the seventh place with Silliman University in Dumaguete City.

“We gladly note that XU has improved its standing,” said XU president Fr. Roberto C. Yap SJ in his message to the academic community. “From the 10th top-performing school nationwide during the past 3 bar exams (2012, 2013 and 2014), XU emerged top 7 among law schools with at least 20 examinees for the 2015 bar exams.”

XU is the lone university in Region 10 included in the said top 10 list. Based on the comparative performance ratings of law schools per region, XU also garnered the highest passing rate in Northern Midnanao.

Meanwhile, among Ateneo law schools across the country, Xavier Law ranked third, after Ateneo de Davao University (75%) and Ateneo de Manila University (79.58%).

Yap also expressed his commendations to the people behind this latest feat of Xavier Law.

“Let us thank and congratulate once again dean Raul R Villanueva, the faculty and staff of the College of Law for the guidance and support they have given our students,” he said. “Ad majorem Dei gloriam!”

In the November 2015 bar results, Xavier Law graduate Soraya Salubo, who garnered 85.85%, emerged as top 8, along with two other successful takers.

Out of the 6,608 examinees across the Philippines, only 1,731 passed the test reputed for being one of the hardest in the world.

DOLE-NRCO awards livelihood starter kits to undocumented Pinay OFW-returnees

By Marry Gil A. Damasing(MGAD/NRCO-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 4 -- The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10), thru its National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) awarded various Livelihood Starter Kits to three undocumented Pinay OFW returnees recently at the DOLE-10 Worker’s Organization Development Program (WODP) Training Center Cagayan de Oro City.

DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante awarded P10,000.00 each OFW retunrees worth of starter kits as start-up business projects.

Director Agravante said that the NRCO’s Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP) was established in 2011 through the Administrative Order No. 77 Series of 2011and aims to provide grants for livelihood assistance to returning OFWs.

Agravante said, “Formerly known as the 10K Livelihood Assistance Program, the Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP) has been reformulated in 2014 to cater to undocumented OFWs.”

From the reports from CY 2011 to 2014, Agravante has accounted that LDAP has reached more than 15,000 beneficiaries, nationwide, and has provided livelihood projects such as sari-sari stores, beauty parlor, rice trading, machine shop, furniture making, among others.

Nimfa Amora, a resident of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, used to work as a household worker in Dubai, was a victim of misfortune events and padlocked twice by her former employer. She found hope when she was granted by DOLE-10 various goods for a Sari-Sari Store.

“Umuwi po ako ng walang-wala at baon pa sa utang. Akala ko wala na akong pag-asang makakita ng mapagkakitaan ko. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa DOLE-NRCO at dahil sa ibinigay nila na Sari-Sari store ay maipagpapatuloy ko na ang aking paghahanapbuhay,” (I came home with no money and in debt. I thought I could not have any source of income anymore. I am so thankful to DOLE-NRCO for giving me a Sari-Sari store so I can continue with my livelihood.) Amora expressively relayed.

Likewise, Charalyn Tolentino, also a household worker from Dubai, though did not have any major encounters while working abroad was also undocumented. She thanked all the government agencies especially DOLE and NRCO for the Sari-Sari Store livelihood project she received.

According to her, she will now be able to revive her previous income-generation in their town of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

It was also tearfully recounted by Bhilcen Padero, a resident of Opol town, Misamis Oriental her mishaps when she used to work as a household worker in Singapore.

“I was threatened by the strange actions by the son of my former employer since we both were left in the house. He did not want me to lock my bedroom at night, which prompted me to be paranoid. I then decided to go home to the Philippines,” Padero shared.

Padero’s misfortune did not end there. Upon her return to Opol, she met an accident with her husband, which gave her some body ailments. This impelled her to retain in the country and look for jobs to financially sustain her family.

“I am so thankful with the Rice Trading Livelihood Project of DOLE-10 and I promise to let it grow,” she said.

“I am moved to hear the beneficiaries’ promising aspirations, in spite what they have been through abroad. I hope to see them in the next six months with successful livelihood projects. May their success give inspiration to all of us,” said Agravante.

The availees of this program shall be any undocumented OFW who has returned to the Philippines. An undocumented OFW is defined as: those who acquired their passports through fraud or misrepresentation; those who possess expired visa or permits to stay; those who have no travel documents whatsoever; those who have valid but inappropriate visa; or those employment contracts which were not processed by the POEA or subsequently verified and registered on-site by POLO, if required by law or regulation.

Qualified availees shall submit their requirements to the DOLE Regional Office based on the location of their planned business. The beneficiaries will receive a business enterprise start-up kit worth P10,000 which consist of the materials of their proposed business. All availees of the LDAP are required to finish the Small Business Management Training and Financial Awareness Seminar to prepare them in managing a small business enterprise.

“We (DOLE) are your companion in uplifting your lives,” Agravante said especially to those interested to avail the program.

Tsada awards: ‘Mga Garbo sa Cagayan’

By JG Cader (MSU-Marawi Intern)

RECOGNIZING Cagayan de Oro individuals who contributed to extraordinary achievement that brought pride in the fields of business, culture and arts, education, sports among others, the ABS-CBN in northern Mindanao together with its partners organized this year the first ‘Tsada Awards.’

Cagayan de Oro is one of the highly urbanized cities in the country and this didn’t happen overnight. It took years for these people who put their bright ideas into actions.

For this year, ABS-CBN held the awarding ceremony at Centrio Ayala Mall activity center last June 24, 2016 where the first awardees were recognized publicly.

Donna Cruz, ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao station manager, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that it is high time to acknowledge the contribution of some Kagay-anon trailblazers who helped the city become what it is today.

Tsada Awards has grown out from ‘Bilib sa Kagay’anon’ recognition handed down every Charter Day celebration of the city.

“I used to work at ABS-CBN Cebu for five years but I am from here, however I was assigned there. I was in the TV production and there I saw how patriotic and loyal the Cebuanos are of their own creations and achievement. So, when I came back, we talked about launching a project that recognizes people for their contribution in the society. Since it was a preparation of activities for the city’s Charter Day commemoration, ‘Bilib sa Kagay’anon was born and later evolved into the now ‘Tsada Awards,’ Cruz narrated how the awards came to be.

For this year, Tsada Awards recognized Col. Fidencio Laplap Sr. as the city’s local hero. Laplap’s daughters got his award on his behalf. For the Sports, it went to Joselino Roa; Raphael Floreindo for his ‘motorela’ Invention; Carlos Arce for visual arts; Ma. Soledad Reyes Nery-Fortich for Literature; Anita Quirit-Santos for Performing Arts; the late Archbishop James Hayes, S.J. for education and whose recognition was represented by Fr. Ceballos; Melvin Lachica in the field of Fashion; Wadhu Dharamdas in Business who was represented by his family member; and Reuben Canoy for Public Service represented by his daughter Rona Canoy.

Most of them who were interviewed by Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro said that achieving one’s goal isn’t a bed of roses but hard work for no success comes without sweat.

OCD first mobile photography contest opens

By Hazel Mae Pacturan (HMP/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 2 -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) conducts its first Resilience Mobile Photography Contest to students aged at least 16 years old, all over the country.

The said contest aims to show the resiliency of the Filipinos, or their ability to adopt and recover from hazards and emergencies. This includes various programs, activities and projects that deal with disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation and recovery.

Thus, said Floy Francisco, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 10 during Regional Development Council (RDC) "Ang Rehiyon Karon" radio program over DXIM Radyo Ng Bayan. He said this among the activities lined up for this year's National Disaste Consciousness Month with the the theme "Kahandaan at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa."

Each participant is required to register and allowed to submit a maximum of three entries through the official website of OCD, www.ocd.gov.ph. Moreover, a participant is not allowed to use multiple email addresses in sending their entries.

The entry to be submitted should have a corresponding photo title and caption. The caption must indicate the place where the image was taken, and must have an accurate description of what the photo is about.

Photos containing watermarks are not allowed. Participants should not violate a person’s rights and privacy. Photos submitted should also not contain images of elected government officials and should not be edited or enhanced using a desktop or laptop.

Criteria for judging are the following: adherence to the theme, 25%; composition, 25%; photographic quality, 25%; and visual impact, 25%.

Fifty entries will be included in the preliminary adjudication. All entries that passed the initial screening will be reviewed and the final 12 entries shall be featured in an exhibit wherein the selected guests will determine the final set of winners.

The winners will receive cash and plaque. P60,000 will be given to the first placer. Second placer will receive P50,000. Third placer will be given 40,000. Fourth placer will receive 30,000 and Fifth placer will be given P20,000. There will also be seven consolation prizes of P10,000 each. Most popular photo will receive P30,000.

Deadline for the online submission is on 20 July 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Siblings, children or grandchildren of OCD employees are not allowed to join the said contest.

Oro now better prepared in handling disasters

By Pamela Jay F. Orias (With reports from BGUMPA and NSALIC/MSU-Marawi Interns)

CAGAYAN de Oro City is now 'highly capable' to respond to disasters, an official of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said during the kickoff of the National Disaster Consciousness Month at Xavier University on Friday, July 1.

Devastated by typhoon Sendong in 2011, the city is now capable in preparing for disasters especially with the backing of city ordinances such as the crafting of a flood contingency plan, identifying flood-prone barangays, and on implementing a no-build zones in the city according to OCD-Northern Mindanao director Ana Cañeda.

Cañeda said the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) is now being updated by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

"In terms of preparations, the city has undergone trainings and have set its priorities particularly in flood-prone areas," Cañeda said.

Response assets such as dump trucks and other transportation, an improved communications protocol, and integrated flood warning equipment have been purchased, which she said, are important for disaster response.

"Ang unang concern ay ang pagbutang sa tao sa safety, katong along the creeks and riverbanks. Kana sila ang priority," she said.

“Gi-improve na tanan sa local government units ang mga evacuation center. Naay tubig, naay suga, gidugangan ug toilets ug ang covered courts ang atong mga communities para lang maka-preparar kita," Cañeda said.

Cañeda also cited the constant practice of responders in rainfall reading from areas of Libona, Talakag, Manolo Fortich and Baungon which, she said, may help in warning residents of flood-prone areas of the city.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recently identified that the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental as critical areas for flashfloods.

Among the government agencies which participated during Friday’s static display at Xavier University are the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Police Regional Office 10, Department of Education, National Nutrition Council, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Red Cross, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, 5th Infantry Brigade of Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, National Economic and Development Authority, Smart Telecommunications, and Xavier University Engineering Resource Center.

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