Cagayan de Oro City News July 2018

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Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

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

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

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Cagayan de Oro City Public Market
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The river of cagayan de oro city
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St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

DepEd: SPED enrollees increase to more than 5T

By Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Over 5,300 students are now enrolled at the Special Education (SPED) program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Ellen Delante, DepEd SPED focal person, said the number has increased from the previous 4,265 enrollees which include elementary, secondary, and senior high school students, for School Year 2017-2018 during the Talakayan sa PIA on July 16 at SM CDO Downtown Premier here.

"Ang Region 10 ga-cater for learners with special education need. Busa ang regular schools nag-open sa SPED (Region 10 caters to learners with a special education need. Thus, the regulars schools have opened SPED program)," Delante said as she elaborated that Deped is working on and looking forward to the policy approval on opening and training of SPED to all schools.

Delante stressed the opening of SPED program in regular schools, involvement of parents and accessibility of such program even to marginalized families, have contributed to the increase of enrollees this year.

Teachers, especially in the mainstream, were also trained to handle children with special needs.

"Hopefully next year mag-mass training na sa regular teachers para andam mudawat sa mga kabataan nga PWDs nga musulod sa mga classroom (Hopefully next year there will be a mass training for regular teachers so they can readily accommodate PWD children who will attend classes)," Delante added.

The SPED focal person also noted the change of behavior among parents towards educating their children with special needs.

"Nakita na sa parents nga (The parents now see that) the kids are capable of learning and can be productive citizens in this country," she said.

With the theme "Kakayahan at Kasanayan Para sa Kabuhayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran," Delante said the 40th celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week serve as a guiding principle to all educators and advocates of the rights of PWDs to continue on strengthening the learning programs for the sector, and later on reap the fruits of having an inclusive form of government.

CAO: Container gardening, tool in securing food in urban areas

By Jasper Marie O. Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) – Cagayan de Oro City has enabled its communities in the barangays to adopt food container gardening to address the issue of food insecurity.

Joseph Borja, Urban Agriculture Coordinator of Cagayan de Oro City Agriculture Office (CAO), explained during the Talakayan sa PIA on Nutrition Month celebration that the local government is focusing now on urban container gardening because of its impact on nutrition among families and children. Through this, they can also promote eating healthy, nutritious and chemical-free food.

He shared people are leaving rural areas and relocating to urban areas.

“Pero pag-abot sa urban, daghan problema. Wala pud pagkaon kay wala pud na-produce didto sa rural. So meaning kailangan ibalik ang pagkaon. I-secure gyud ang pagkaon sa urban (However, when they reach the urban, there are so many problems. There is no food because there is no production in the rural areas. It means, there is a need to bring back food. We need to secure food in the urban)," Borja said.

In the field, when they try to introduce a new technology, Borja said only 25 to 30 percent adopt. However, others follow when those who adopted have already started.

He said they are focusing now on the poorest of the poor, identified Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The good thing about 4Ps, he said is that 60 percent of their income goes to food.

Meanwhile, their biodegradable waste is also 60 percent. This means they will recycle their food in the nutrient loop. The waste will become compost for their gardening. And soon, when the seed bears fruit, this will also become their source of food.

He said he doesn’t believe that people do not know how to plant. It is just a matter of change of mindset.

Dr. Vivian Tuason of the Department of Education (Deped) Misamis Oriental shared that Gulayan sa Paaralan or Vegetable Garden in the schools both elementary and secondary is still being implemented and sustained.

The reason for this is also to provide for the school based feeding program to address the prevalence of malnutrition among school children. These learners are usually found in fourth, fifth and sixth class municipalities with low academic performance.

Tuason said the challenge now is that only a few enroll in Agriculture [courses].

Based on Deped's survey, either learners lack interest or are not motivated or they don’t appreciate farming or get bored of it. That is why, she said, only two schools in Claveria, Misamis Oriental-- an agricultural area, offer agriculture program.

The National Nutrition Council's (NNC) role is to encourage local government units (LGUs) and schools to promote food gardening. Garden produce will then be used as ingredients for cooking.

Gladys Mae Fernandez of NNC-10 said the nationwide problem is stunting (low in height). “Daghan putot or pandak sa region 10 (Many are stunted in region 10).

About 36.5 percent stunted are children below five years old. Wasting or niwang is four percent. Among the five provinces, the high prevalence of stunting is in Lanao del Norte with 45 percent while Bukidnon is 37 percent. Other factors of malnutrition include micronutrient deficiency or obesity prevalence among adults.

NCCA calls for proposals on competitive grants 2019

By Jasper Marie O. Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) has called for project proposals specifically coming from Mindanao for implementation in 2019.

In a press conference on July 12, here, Hobart Savior, National Committee on Cinema and director of Xavier Center for Culture and Arts (XCCA) shared the call of NCCA application for competitive grants is important because there is a drift of applications coming from Mindanao.

He said in 2018, there are only 34 projects approved from Mindanao, (about 19 percent in the country) low in comparison to Luzon and Visayas approved grants.

"Many of our institutions have not really submitted their proposals that is why NCCA really strived hard to conduct technical assistance on proposal writing so that artists and art institutions can really submit," Savior said.

Savior, however, added there was an impression on how difficult it is to write a proposal, how tedious also are the requirements.

On writing a proposal, Savior said, "Clarity is important. You have to know what it is really about, the description, background, and purpose. You must identify key result areas and impact as well."

Further, the project proposal should have an impact to the society. And in order for participants to create impact, they also need to create credibility and integrity.

He said for a new entry to apply at NCCA, the proposal should speak about the merit of one's project and as a person or institution.

There is no discrimination, he said, because there is always the first time, therefore, the proposal should be in full integrity and credibility.

Second, if one is already a comeback proponent, for example, Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts for 10 years is supported by NCCA. The track record will be the basis for such submission.

NCCA has the resources, they have the grants and the technical assistance to anyone who would want to avail, Savior added.

Dr. Pilar Banaag, vice head for National Communication Committee said they conducted proposal writing at Deluxe Hotel, here, however, there are only 20 participants from local government units (LGUs) and various groups from the 50 anticipated.

“We need this because we in Mindanao also need to come out and showcase that we have culture,” she said.

She said this is the first time culture is integrated into the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 from a Mindanao President, focusing the area of culture emphasizing promoting Philippine culture and values.

She explained, "What the present administration is doing is pushing through, a pending bill in the Senate, to create Department of Culture. We are left behind by other ASEAN countries as they have already their Ministry of Culture."

Dr. Banaag said the 2019 competitive grants is open to all proponents, civil society and even local government units to submit proposal to NCCA, the deadline is July 31, 2018. For more info, interested participants will just have to visit www.ncca.gov.ph.

DOLE: sustainability, capacity building vital in projects

(DOLE-X/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, July 12 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod cited during 7th Informal Sector Labor Day celebration, here that projects for the informal sector should be sustained and members capacitated.

Maglungsod said DOLE helps and assists every worker regardless if they are from the formal or informal sector, like the Indigenous People (IPs), fishermen, or farmers.

He also said the sustenance of the projects should be concretely supported by the economic cluster of the government. He then advised the beneficiaries to approach their nearest DOLE Provincial Field Office for assistance.

The theme, “Manggagawa sa Impormal Sektor, Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Patas na Makabuluhang Pagbabago,” is anchored with the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) thru the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

DOLE-10 Regional Director Lawyer Joffrey M. Suyao reported that 40 livelihood beneficiaries region-wide attended the said event.

Further, the winning livelihood success story videos of Tingco-tingco Boat and Fishing Project of Kahugpungan sa Masilakong Mangingisda (KASAMMA) Organization of Sagay and the PisoNet project of Axel Salise of Mambajao, Camiguin under the search for the Best DOLE-assisted Livelihood Projects in the entire country, were shown to encourage the beneficiaries to pursue and sustain their respective projects.

DOLE-10, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Regional Tripartite Workers Productivity Board (RTWPB) attended the open forum by as panelists.

Each group or association presented their project proposals for livelihood enhancement where the panel suggested ways and means to make their projects viable and sustainable.

Likewise, Department Order No. 173-17 or the Revised Guidelines on the implementation of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program was presented.

For the province of Camiguin, the KASAMMA organization presented a proposal for project enhancement, a diversification to bottled sardines similar to Panghiawan Farmer’s Association’s Meat Shop Project.

Associations from other provinces also presented their proposals which will be enhanced for another activity showcasing their projects with the presence of BWSC officers.

With the inputs of the panel, the groups/associations will finalize their proposals for implementation under DOLE-10 budget next year.

No fare increase for PUJs in CDO, NorMin: LTFRB-10

By Jigger Jerusalem (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 10 (Northern Mindanao) has warned public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and operators not to jack up their rates as no increase in fares has been implemented in the region.

LTFRB-10 Director Aminoden Guro said those who collect fares that are higher than what the board has approved, would be penalized.

Guro’s warning came following complaints from several passengers that jeepney drivers, especially those plying the Bugo-Cogon route, have increased their fares by PHP3 to PHP5.

In particular, he said the board has received reports from the public that Bugo-Cogon PUJs are now asking PHP25 per passenger, which marks a PHP5 increase.

He said the LTFRB has not implemented any fare adjustment, particularly in Northern Mindanao, as the board’s approval of the PHP1 provisional fare increase has been implemented only in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, and Calabarzon.

“There is no increase in fares anywhere in the region,” Guro said.

Those who are proven to be collecting more than what the LTFRB-10 has imposed will be penalized, he said, noting that the penalty for first offense will be PHP5,000; second offense, PHP10,000; and third offense, PHP15,000.

Guro said drivers must also display the fare matrix issued by the LTFRB for the guidance of passengers.

“Non-displaying of the fare matrix is also a violation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB-10 chief said transport groups that have petitioned for an increase in public utility vehicle fares in the region have yet to substantiate their demand.

Guro said his office is ready to receive any petition from transport groups "but that this must be justified."

Self-service info terminals provide easier access to services

(SSS/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (PIA)--Members of the Social Security System (SSS) can now inquire on their contributions, loans, benefits, and ID information using the Self-Service Information Terminal (SSIT) located in SSS branches nationwide.

Members can also use the SSIT for UMID card activation, salary loan application, maternity notifications for self-employed/voluntary members, SSS Web registration, technical retirement application, Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP), change of contact information for retiree-pensioners, and submission of feedback and concerns.

In addition, the SSIT provides access to the SSS Website and the agency's Citizen's Charter.

To access their SSS account using the SSIT, scanning of the SSS ID or UMID card and fingerprint matching are required.

Members can print acknowledgment receipts of their transactions.

P32 NFA rice selling like 'hotcakes'

(NFA10/PIA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Php32 per kilogram National Food Authority (NFA) rice is fast moving, selling like hotcakes in the different Institutionalized Bigasan sa Palengke (IBSP) outlets in public markets here in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.

The government allocates 50 bags a week to IBSP retail stores, which are also sold a maximum limit of five kilograms to every consumer-buyer.

"This quality cheap rice should be enjoyed by the most number of our consumers and not taken advantage of by unscrupulous enterprising rice traders. We are doing everything that this will happen," Regional Director Fernando Nunez assured in his meeting with provincial managers in the region.

The NFA Region 10 management is considering to calibrate its distribution track reducing the volume limit to three kilograms per buyer to sustain the stocks and so more buyers can avail of the cheap quality rice.

The agency also considers increasing its allocation to its accredited outlets, Nunez revealed.

This is also being done as NFA continues to increase its number of retail outlets in the barangays in the City and Misamis Oriental. Barangay-based Bigasang Bayan Outlets (BBOs) are allocated each 20 bags weekly to sell at P32 per kilogram.

BFT accreditation

The NFA here is likewise still evaluating other Department of Agriculture (DA)-sponsored barangay food terminal (BFT) applicants operated by farmer groups, fisherfolks and LGUs for accreditation to distribute the subsidized rice according to the demographic profile of the BFT and actual evaluation done by the joint team of NFA and DA.

BFTs in far-flung, depressed barangays with no NFA rice retail outlet will be authorized to sell the Php27/kg NFA rice. Otherwise, the BFT outlet will be given the Php32.00/kg allocation.

As of this reporting, NFA has approved about seven BFTs which operate as its retail outlets.

DA-10 Regional Director Carlene Collado and NFA-X RD Nunez led the launching of the BFT as rice distribution outlet in Barangay Agusan, this City, which was lauded by no less than DA Secretary Emmanuel Pinol as the first BFT rice outlet which should be emulated and replicated throughout the country on June 28.

Collado for his part exhorted the “significant tie-up” between DA and NFA and hope that this partnership will continue and become stronger.

BFT is a barangay-based food center where farmer-producers bring and directly market their fresh food products like meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruits for display primarily for the consumers to buy.

This system directly links the producers direct to the consumers, eliminating the trading levels of food distribution and cutting the cost of food of carry-over incidental expenses and levels of profits to the most minimum in favor of not only the producer-seller but also the consumer-buyer.

This way, prices of food products are maintained at the barest and lowest level. DA-RFO 10 thru its Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Division (AMAD) spearheads and oversees the establishment of BFT’s in the region.

Under this program, DA grants Php300,000 to Php400,000 to their beneficiaries to cover costs for building, equipment and facilities, and start-up /operating capital.

In addition to this financial package, DA in partnership with the Philippine Center for Enterpreneurship (PCE) facilitates preparatory trainings for the BFT operators thru the Kapatid Agri Mentor Me Program that covers as follows: bookkeeping lessons; capability enhancement; value formation; and other trainings significant to agribusiness.

Collado said, Cagayan de Oro City to this date, has 10 operational, active BFT’s, while Region 10 has 55 and 11 municipal food terminals.

22nd Kumbira culinary show set

By JO ANN SABLAD

KUMIBIRA 2018 Culinary Show and Live Competitions will once again take center stage on August 15 to 17 to showcase various food and beverage competitions, cooking seminars and demonstrations by experts in the food industry, trade exhibits on hotel and restaurant equipment and supplies, among others.

Kumbira, a flagship project of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (Cohara), is a major event in time for the annual fiesta of Cagayan de Oro City in honor of its patron, St. Augustine.

Now on its 22nd year, this year's Kumbira will center on the theme: “The Kitchens of Mindanao,” which will highlight and focus on Mindanao cuisine.

The culinary show will present nine competitions for the Professional category, 13 for the Student Division, two for the Kiddie Division, four for the Junior and Senior High Division, one for Brand Competition, and two for Open Competition.

The competitions of the 22nd Kumbira are in partnership with the 2018 National Food Showdown, a production of Alimentaria Inc.

The winning team of Chef Wars-Mindanao will compete in the finals during the 2018 National Food Showdown in October 26 to 27 to be held at Elements at Centris, Eton Centris, EDSA cor. Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

Online registration for the Kumbira 2018 is now available.

MSMEs, DTI staff join ProPak Asia 2018

By JO ANN SABLAD

A HUNDRED and six delegations from Northern Mindanao have joined the Propak Processing and Packaging Technology Event for Asia held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exposition Center (Bitec) in Bangkok, Thailand last June 13 to 16.

ProPak Asia is the largest industry event of its kind in Asia and the best platform to connect to the regions rapidly expanding processing and packaging industries.

ProPak Asia 2018 presented 1,581 exhibitors from 44 countries, and 18 international pavilions from 13 countries: Australia, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and United States.

The event has attracted 48,799 buyers from 79 countries, with 9.19 percent increase from last year.

There was also an exchange of knowledge and essential information during the ProPak's seminars. These include: Food Innovation Asia Conference 2018, Food Innovation Contest 2018, Asia Drink Conference 2018, PharmaTech Seminar 2018, The Department of Industrial Promotion Seminar 2018, SME focused workshops and packaging seminars, and among others.

“ProPak Asia is truly the number one industry show in Asia, staged in Thailand - one of Asia’s strongest domestic markets, and located in Asia - one of the world’s strongest regional markets. The Asian region is still a strong growth driver for the processing and packaging industries, and ProPak Asia is a hub that brings many facets of regional industry and global technologies together on one show floor,” Justin Pau, General Manager of UBM Asia (Thailand), said.

Aside from the packaging expo at Bitec, DTI-Northern Mindanao said one of the important benchmarking activities conducted was the Thailand OTOP Midyear Exhibit 2018 held at the Impact Arena Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong, Thailand last June 14.

According to DTI, the exhibit showcased One Tambon, One Product (OTOP) brand of products.

A “tambon” is a local government in Thailand, the equivalent of the country’s town.

Both food and non-food products were displayed at a 60,000-square meter arena with a total of over 2,000 exhibitors.

CDO mulls ‘lockdown’ policy in future disaster response ops

By Danilo Adorador, III (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--The repeated occurrence of flooding in the city's main roads has prompted the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to consider a “lockdown” policy for the safety of people stranded in flooded areas.

CDRRMO chief Verner Monsanto presented this proposal during a post-evaluation briefing on July 11, following waist-deep flooding in one of the city's major thoroughfares a day earlier.

Caused by hours of heavy rainfall, the flash flood trapped hundreds of people, who had to be rescued by trucks.

“Our intention here is to make this policy as an ordinance, so that the public, especially the parents (of stranded students), would not worry," Monsanto said. "It’s part of the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and security of the people.”

Monsanto said a "lockdown" means people inside flooded schools, businesses, and other establishment will not be allowed to venture outside until rescue arrives.

In addition, he said flooded streets should be sealed off from motorists.

The CDRRMO chief noted that some motorists often insist on negotiating flooded streets, resulting in a gridlock that hampers rescue effort.

Monsanto said the "lockdown" rule may be implemented during major weather anomalies, such as typhoons, the presence of a low-pressure area, and thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall.

Acting City Administrator Teodoro Sabuga-a Jr. acknowledged that the "lockdown" proposal would require broad support from the public. He said the provision of food and other necessities for trapped people during a lockdown should also be taken into consideration.

Sabuga-a noted that based on their monitoring, floodwaters usually subside after an average of four hours. If flooding occurs in the evening, stranded people "need to at least consume small servings of food and water."

Meanwhile, City Councilor Teodulfo “Bong” Lao Jr., who heads the city council’s committee on public utilities, said the legislative body will tackle the CDRRMO’s recommendations for the crafting of an appropriate ordinance and corresponding implementing rules and regulations.

Lao also said the city's disaster response and preparedness have recently seen significant improvements with the activation of deputized civilian enforcers at the barangay level. These civilian volunteers, he said, are being trained to assist disaster response teams.

The CDRRMO said it will continue monitoring the torrential rain that has been going on since July 9, which the state weather bureau attributed to the southwest monsoon affecting Northern Mindanao.

City to tap P4 projects, councilor says

By PJ ORIAS

CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor George Goking said more projects will be implemented in the city as soon as the Public-Private Partnership for the People (P4) initiative project will be approved.

Goking, chairman of the City Council committee on ways and means, said the P4 projects will include social services, education and health projects for the city constituents.

Projects under the city's Local Development Plan for general welfare can also be implemented through the P4 project.

Goking said he was impressed with how the local governments of Iloilo City and Mandaluyong City are using their private partnerships to implement government projects, this is why he wanted the team to visit these cities for bench marking purposes.

Goking said he had initial talks with the Iloilo City officials during his visit there last month for the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), who expressed their willingness to help Cagayan de Oro in its new endeavor.

"Mandaluyong City is also willing to help us," he said.

After a series of discussions with the Local Economic and Promotions Office, City Legal Office, and other concerned offices, the proposed code was approved in the committee level and is now forwarded to the committee on laws and rules.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged local government units to engage in public-private partnerships (PPP) to improve their competitiveness and promote ease of doing business in their localities.

The LGU P4 program is a vehicle for the private sector to participate in government projects for the provision of infrastructure and social services at the local level. The DILG has developed an LGU P4 portal or database where there will be an exchange of information and best practices on PPP between LGUs and the business sector, including maps of PPP projects, project profiles and summary of information of the project, among others.

National Nutrition Council bats for food gardening

By PJ ORIAS

THE National Nutrition Council (NNC) is campaigning to make food gardening a way of life for this year’s Nutrition Month.

Gladys Mae Fernandez, nutrition program coordinator of NNC-Northern Mindanao, said this campaign aims to contribute to improved nutrition by increasing the number of households, schools, and communities engaged in food gardens.

Fernandez said food gardening prevents micronutrient deficiency, provides a diverse diet, reduces food insecurity, and increases consumption of fruits and vegetables.

According to NNC-Northern Mindanao, seven out of 10 households practice food gardening at home. About 79.1percentof households with home gardens utilize their produce for personal consumption, while only 17.6 percent consume and sell their produce.

Fernandez said food gardening in households not only improves one’s nutritional status, but it also has health benefits.

“It reduces depression, anxiety, and body mass index, physical activity levels as well as increases in life satisfaction, vigor, psychological well-being, sense of community, and cognitive function,” she said.

To promote gardening in homes, the City Government has launched the urban container gardening program in an aim to combat the rising problem of malnutrition, poverty, and high drop-out rates among school-age children in the city. Impoverished families in at-risk communities are taught to feed themselves by planting their own vegetables with their own, sometimes limited, space.

The City has incorporated the program to families of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and was used as cash-for-work program of the Marawi internally displaced persons.

Joseph Borja, City Agriculture Office’s urban agriculture coordinator, said they are promoting container gardening, particularly in Barangays 1-40, but this year, the program has already reached Barangays Consolacion, Nazareth, and Macabalan where malnutrition is prevalent.

“Among gatutukan nga ang families na naay children especially tong children nga identified as malnourished, especially sa Macabalan isa sa among gatutokan nga area,” he said.

“Although ang malnutrition situation in the city has greatly improved, we really want to zero in the number of malnourished kids in the city, ingon si Mayor Moreno, kung mahimo unta before his term ends, there will be no more malnourished kids in Cagayan de Oro,” he added.

DepEd-Northern Mindanao launches Oplan Kalusugan

By JO ANN SABLAD

THE Department of Education (DepEd)-Northern Mindanao launched its OK sa DepEd program to contribute to the government's plan to end hunger and improve the health of Filipinos.

OK sa DepEd or Oplan Kalusugan is the convergence of DepEd's five flagship health and nutrition programs that address the health and nutrition problems in the school level.

"We want nga ang usa ka learner or estudyante mosulod sa eskwelahan i-provide nato ang tanan niyang needs nga para efficient og mahimong nga maayo ang performance sa school og pati na ang iyahang participation og ang iyahang attendance ma-improve and at the same time ang iyang achievement (to provide all the necessities that a learner or student need so they can perform efficiently in school and to improve their attendance and achievement level)," DepEd-Northern Mindanano Medical Officer IV Myra Yee said.

The program, according to DepEd, aims to provide all public school learners with health and nutrition services to allow them to attain their full educational potential.

This includes: (1) school-based feeding program; (2) national drug education program; (3) adolescent reproductive health education; (4) water, sanitation and hygiene wash in schools; and (5) medical, dental and nursing services.

For school-based feeding program, DepEd-Northern Mindanao Nutrition and Dietitian Sheila Rose Balbanida said will run for 120 days to ensure the rehabilitation of malnourished children, from kinder to Grade 6, "to reach their normal nutritional status."

National drug education program, on the other hand, aims to integrate drug education in the curriculum, a holistic approach to reduce the drug problem in the Philippines.

"We want nga ang atong mga bata dili ma drop out og malipay sila sa eskwelahan (that the children will not choose to drop out of school). They will go to school and they will stay in school," Yee said.

DepEd-Northern Mindanao is also calling on to the schools to assist on implementing the program.

"If we keep focus on the welfare of the learners, dili ma deviate ang atong attention sa atong serbisyo (our attention will not deviate from our sevices)," DepEd Dentist III Dr. Rey Ignacio Calang said.

DTI-10 gets recommendation for ISO 9001:2015 certification

(DTI-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Having been trained to relevant knowledge and technicalities related to the transition of an office from ISO 9001:2008 to the 2015 version, employees of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 10 finally went through the second leg of ISO 9001:2015 external audit on May 29, 2018.

External auditors from AJA Registrars, Incorporated, first checked the processes in the provincial offices of DTI-10 in Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental before conducting its audit for the regional office. Selected process owners were also made to explain the existing processes and its improvements which were aligned to the 2015 version.

The 2015 version falls under the umbrella of ISO 9000 or the set of standards which are continually being developed by nominated standards experts from 160 nations. Prior to the second-stage external audit on ISO 9001:2015, most employees participated in the orientation on the DTI-10 Quality Management System conducted by leaders of the DTI-10 Internal Quality Auditors last May 18, 2018.

Participants who attended the orientation learned the importance of the two (2) new concepts of the 2015 version: the (1) the Context of the Organization (COTO) and (2) Risk-Based Thinking (RBT).

During the closing ceremony of the actual second-stage audit, AJA auditors Joel Ravanilla, Jr. and Virginio Aris laid all the details where DTI-10 can improve on.

Having reviewed all the necessary actions and details on the existing processes, the AJA auditors then declared that DTI-10 is recommended for the certification of ISO 9001:2015. All offices under DTI 10 have maintained the standardization clauses under the ISO 9001:2008 for eight years.

The last re-certification received by DTI 10 was back on December 15, 2016, which was duly certified by AJA Registrars, Incorporated. (DTI-10/PIA-10)

PSA-X conducts FIES in 10,293 households

(PSA-X/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Region X is conducting the 2018 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) in 10,293 households all over the region.

Some 363 trained Statistical Researchers collect data from the selected households in the five provinces in the region.

Of the total number of target households, 1,558 are in Bukidnon, 768 in Camiguin, 1,680 in Lanao del Norte, 1,564 in Iligan City, 1,549 in Misamis Occidental, 1,556 in Misamis Oriental and 1,618 in Cagayan de Oro.

The FIES is a nationwide survey of households undertaken every three years. It is the main source of data on family income and expenditure, which include among others, levels of consumption by item of expenditure as well as sources of income in cash and in kind, the PSA said.

The results of FIES provide information on the levels of living and disparities in income of Filipino families, as well as their spending patterns; provide benchmark information to update the weights used in the estimation of Consumer Price Index (CPl), and provide inputs in the estimation of the country's poverty threshold and incidence.

The 2018 FIES enumeration is conducted twice – the first visit in July 2018 and the second visit will be in January 2019.

The same set of questions will be asked for both visits. The first visit has a reference period of January-June 2018 while the second visit has a reference period of July-December 2018.

In line with this, the PSA-X is encouraging everyone in the region, especially the selected sample households, to support and cooperate in the conduct of the 2018 FIES.

Data collection period of the first visit will be from July 9 to July 31.

City to build home for juvenile delinquents

By PJ ORIAS

THE Cagayan de Oro City Council has allocated a total of P9 million for the establishment of the Bahay Pag-Asa, a home for juvenile delinquents in Maitum, Barangay Puerto.

The councilors' allocation is on top of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council's (JJWC) P10-million budget and the City's P5-million fund for the six-bed capacity two-storey building shelter for kids.

City Councilor Reuben Daba, chairman of the committee on social services, said the P9 million is included already in the city's 2017 budget.

The Bahay Pag-Asa will stand in 10-hectare land in Maitum, which was donated by the Cagayan Capitol College in 1990.

Daba said it will serve as a shelter to rehabilitate and transform child offenders, and part of the city's dream to build an Oro Care Center Village to provide a child-friendly environment for kids in the city.

Section 49 of Republic Act 9344, or an Act establishing a Comprehensive Juvenile Justice and Welfare System, states that local government units shall set aside an amount to build youth detention homes as mandated by the Family Courts Act. Youth detention homes may also be established by private and non-government organizations licensed and accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in consultation with the JJWC.

Crimes in NorMin down in first half of year: Police

By Jigger Jerusalem (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Northern Mindanao’s crime incidence significantly decreased in a span of six months this year, police said. Based on the records of Police Regional Office 10 (Northern Mindanao), 4,986 crimes occurred from January to June this year, a 40.27-percent slide from figures in the same period last year.

“This clearly shows that our crime prevention programs are effective,” Chief Supt. Timeteo Pacleb, regional police director, said on Friday.

PRO-10 records also showed a remarkable 65.9 percent decline in robbery cases and 71.52 percent in theft incidents over the January to June period.

The significant drop in crime volume placed PRO-10 on the top spot, besting all other regions nationwide, Pacleb said.

“I wish to convey my appreciation and gratitude to all units that had led to the high percentage reductions in crime volume, average monthly crime rate, index crime volume, and average monthly index crime rate in Northern Mindanao for the first semester of 2018, as compared to the same period last year," the police official said.

"Let us carry on until we attain a crime and drug-free Northern Mindanao,” Pacleb said.

Supt. Surki Sereñas, PRO-10 spokesperson, said the achievement was noticed by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, who congratulated the regional police office’s achievement.

Meanwhile, more than 600 individuals were arrested by PRO-10 following the implementation of local ordinances and special laws across the region in line with the anti-“tambay" (loiterer) campaign, Sereñas said.

Since June 13, law enforcers have arrested 179 persons for drinking in prohibited places, 88 for smoking in public areas, 292 for violating curfew hours, and 50 for alarms and violation of other laws and local ordinances.

Pacleb said the strengthening of police presence, especially in crime-prone areas and places of convergence, will continue.

“This is purposely to address the nationwide issue of increasing street crimes. We just have to sustain our effort to keep our street safe and crime-free,” he said.

However, Pacleb reiterated that police officers must follow procedures in making arrests, saying those who violate the police code of conduct will be properly dealt with.

“We are constantly reminding our personnel to strictly observe operational protocols, adhere to the rule of law and respect human rights,” he said.

5,944 NorMin TVET grads ready for Build, Build, Build

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO (PIA) -- Around 5,944 technical-vocational education and training (TVET) graduates in Northern Mindanao are ready for the implementation of the Build, Build, Build program of the national government.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-X Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi said of the total graduates, 970 completed masonry; 400 for carpentry; 216 for plumbing; 1,630 for welding; 1,812 for electrical; 369 for pipefitting; and 547 for scaffolding, tile setting and others.

Mapandi said they have aligned some of their projects to be able to supply the needed demand for the national program.

The TESDA’s Train to Build, Build, Build Project aims to expand the capacity of the TVET subsector to support in construction-related training programs and train skilled workers to respond to the requirements of the Build, Build, Build program.

Mapandi said TESDA-X will conduct skills training on construction-related courses for 10,000 workers and another 10,000 for other courses to support the re-building Marawi program.

Other interventions being pursued by TESDA for this project are the implementation of the training-cum-production, provision of free training for trainers and assessor for industries and their associations, and increasing the scholarship slots for construction-related courses.

The project also encourages training institutions to register construction-related programs and for construction companies to offer training programs through apprenticeship or in-company/enterprise-based training programs.

In a related development, the Regional Development Council (RDC)-X vowed to support and advocate the TESDA’s Train to Build, Build, Build project during its 115th RDC-X Full Council Meeting.

The Council enjoined all development stakeholders, including government and private sector industries, to actively engage and participate in activities related with the TESDA project to make the TVET subsector responsive to the development priorities of the current administration.

RDC-X supports HB 2912 passage to develop PH rubber industry

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO (PIA)-–The Regional Development Council (RDC)-X expressed support to the passage of House Bill (HB) 2912 to hasten the development of rubber industry in the country.

The council believes that HB 2912 will strengthen all rubber players and stakeholders and generate employment in the countryside.

HB 2912 is entitled “An act to develop the rubber industry, establishing for the purpose the Philippine Rubber Industry Development Board, defining its powers and functions and appropriating funds therefor.”

Dr. Rosalina Huerbana, vice-chairperson of the RDC-X Economic Development Committee, said the house bill is aligned with the agriculture sector outcome as indicated in Chapter 80 of the Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 of expanding economic opportunities in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Huerbana, who presented the proposal to the body, said it is expected that the passage of the HB 2912 will respond to critical issues such as low quality, less productivity, and low access to the market as experienced in the region.

Rubber production in Northern Mindanao grew only by 4.5 percent to 12,964 metric tons in 2017 from 12,402 metric tons in 2016.

Huerbana further said that the region’s natural rubber production was recorded at 1.4 metric tons per hectare in 2016 as against Thailand, the world’s largest producer and exporter, which posted a very high yield of 76 metric tons per hectare.

Section 2 of the House Bill indicates that the government shall undertake to develop the Philippine rubber as a major participant in the rubber global value chain by accelerating the industries overall growth through expanding the improving the productivity and quality of natural rubber production among all regions in the country.

The region has 8700 hectares of area planted with rubber with the province of Bukidnon comprising about 84 percent of the total area planted.

DOE presents EO streamlining energy projects processing

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO (PIA)--The Department of Energy (DOE) presented the salient features of Executive Order (EO) No. 30 which aims to expedite processing of permits and licenses relative to energy projects.

Patrick T. Aquino, director of the DOE Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, said during the 115th Regional Development Council-X Full Council Meeting that the EO was signed by the President last year creating the Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) to streamline the regulatory procedures affecting energy projects of national significance (EPNS).

EPNS are major energy projects which are aligned with the Philippine Energy Plan and possess any of the following attributes: significant capital investment of at least Php3.5 billion, significant contribution to the country’s economic development, significant consequential economic impact, significant potential contribution to the country’s balance of payments, significant impact on the environment, complex technical processes and engineering designs, and/or significant infrastructure requirements, DOE said.

Under the EO, the processing of EPNS shall be within a maximum period of 30 days.

“What we are asking for is action. It doesn’t necessarily mean a favorable action,” he further said.

Aquino said there is a portion in the EO which provides that when government agencies don’t get to act, the DOE gets to issue the permit under the concept of the presumption of a deemed approval.

As of June 28, there are 46 applications for certificate of EPNS.

These include 12 coal projects, 11 oil and gas, 22 renewables and 1 transmission project.

The Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) got the first CEPNS after the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations.

CEPNS applications for Northern Mindanao include two coal projects and three hydro projects.

These are the Ozamiz coal project, Minergy coal-fired project, Pulangi IV hydro project, Katipunan hydro project, and the Sawaga hydro project. (APB/PIA-10)

CDO highlights food gardening in nutrition month kick off

By Jasper Marie O. Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The city of Cagayan de Oro joined the entire nation in kick-starting nutrition month on July 3 with a motorcade participated by 80 barangay nutrition scholars and health workers, and a program at Cagayan de Oro City Hall Mini Park citing the many benefits of food gardening to families.

Dr. Fe Bongcas, co-chairman of City Nutrition Committee, said communities and families should have backyard gardening like fruits and vegetables.

The problem of the city is stunting.

Bongcas said, "During pregnancy wala ma-emphasize ang good nutrition, gikan pag conceive.. dapat proper nutrition hantod ang bata mu-abot sa two years old (It was not emphasized during pregnancy the importance of good nutrition, from conception it should be proper nutrition until two years of age)."

Meanwhile, City Mayor Oscar Moreno urged the active participation of barangays. He said national government, city and the barangays should have a good partnership to deliver services together.

He said, although the city has received a green banner award from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) region 10 for implementation of nutrition activities and programs in the barangay level, there is still room for improvement.

The most important part of the process, he said is to enhance the system.

As the city improves, the region as well improves.

He also added to continue consciousness for the need of proper nutrition and continue to grow.

PSA-10 enjoins public to support National Migration Survey

(PSA10/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (PIA)--The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Office 10 encourages the public, especially the sampled households and local officials, to support and cooperate in the National Migration Survey (NMS).

"The NMS aims to provide information on the mobility of Philippine population in orders to assist policymakers and program managers in evaluating and designing strategies for improving services and assistance to people going abroad or moving within the country," according to the PSA.

PSA conducsts the survey in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) in 45,000 housing units over 900 cities and municipalities across the country from May to August 2018.

In Northern Mindanao, the UPPI through its partner, Xavier University-Research Institute for Mindanao Culture (RIMCU) hired 20 enumerators and four field supervisors to collect information in 2,543 housing units region-wide.

The UPPI/XU-RIMCU team will be visiting 389 housing units in Bukidnon, 192 in Camiguin, 403 in Lanao del Norte, 389 in Misamis Occidental, 390 in Misamis Oriental, 395 in Iligan City and 385 in Cagayan de Oro City.

"The PSA-RSSO X, through its five Provincial Statistics Offices, will assist the UPPI/RIMCU team during the enumeration period," the PSA said.

Households within the 2,543 housing units will be interviewed using the Household Questionnaire (NMS Form 1) to collect demographic and socio-economic information on all usual members of the household. The respondent for this questionnaire is the head of the household. In case the household head is absent, any responsible adult member of the household who is knowledgeable of information pertaining to the household members will be interviewed, enumeration mechanics bare.

The NMS Form 1 permits the interviewer to identify household members eligible to be interviewed with Individual Questionnaire (NMS Form 2).

All the household members 15 years old and over with migration experience, and one non-migrant household member are eligible to be interviewed using NMS Form 2.

The NMS Form 2 collects information that directly concerns the individual respondent’s migration experience.

In particular, topics include: first-ever migration and migration in the past five years, pre-migration situations, motives for moving, job/business in the host city/municipality (in the case of internal or within the country migration) or host country (in the case of international migration), migration networks and assistance received in host city/municipality or country, engagement/membership in migrant associations and training/education received (abroad), return migration, current job/business, remittances, migration intentions, and experience on involuntary labor/work arrangement.

The Region X team started the enumeration on June 25 and will end on August 30, 2018, according to the PSA.

Gov’t rolls out first barangay NFA rice outlet in Cagayan de Oro

(Politiko Mindanao)

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Food Authority (NFA) have launched in Cagayan de Oro City an accredited rice outlet where the public could buy government-subsidized rice at a lower price.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said Friday the first Barangay Food Terminal NFA-accredited rice outlet in Cagayan de Oro will receive a weekly allocation of 20 bags to be sold at P27 per kilo.

NFA Region X Director Fernando Nuñez and DA X Regional Director Carlene Collado led Thursday, June 28, the launching of a program which could be replicated in other parts of the country as well, he said.

Traditionally, Pinol noted that NFA rice was only sold in retail outlets in public markets by accredited members of the Grains Retailers Confederation (GRECON) who receive weekly allocations from the NFA.

But he said there were accusations that the system was prone to corruption as some of the rice being allocated to the retailers ended up in the warehouses of traders who repacked the rice and sold this at the price of commercial rice which was at least P40 per kilo.

“Earlier, I have issued an appeal to consumers’ groups and ordinary citizens to be vigilant in monitoring the distribution of the NFA rice to prevent the anomalies of the past which deprived poor consumers access to government-subsidized rice,” the DA chief said.

The bags of rice at the market now were recently imported from Vietnam after the NFA stock was depleted for two months.

“With the arrival of the imported rice, plus the local rice production which supplies 93% of the national rice requirement, the Philippines now has a buffer stock of rice good for 60 days,” Pinol said.

DOH-10 trains physicians for community drug rehab program

By Jasper Marie O. Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Department of Health (DOH)-10 has trained its physicians, paramedics and barangay health workers (BHWs) on proper identification and classification of drug dependency level of Persons Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) as part of the ongoing community drug rehab program of the government.

DOH Regional Director Nimfa B. Torrizo during the Talakayan sa PIA on June 26 shared, this is crucial to identify needed intervention or management for the drug dependents.

The regional director said they have conducted seven batches of training for Municipal Health Officers, nurses and paramedics from September 2016 to November 2016.

Meanwhile, from August to September 2017, a total of 157 physicians and paramedics and 185 BHW presidents and coordinators were trained for community mental health – substance use disorder.

As of now, there are 75 local government units (LGUs) engaged in the program, 45,294 PWUDs screened and assessed, 6,306 graduates/ completers and 16,682 currently enrolled in the said program.

Torrizo shared they were caught off guard with the overwhelming influx of PWUDs in Region 10.

Based on a report, Northern Mindanao ranked second in the most number of surrenderers with 72,288 recorded by Philippine National Police (PNP). Although the training were hampered last year due to Marawi siege, DOH continues to implement Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program.

Dr. Benson Go of DOH Drug Rehab and Treatment Center said it takes six months to treat an in-patient.

“Daghan tag asikasohon, aside sa physical dependence, naa pud ta'y psychological dependence. Aside from that, ato pa silang i-rehabilitate unsaon nato nga mabalik siya as a productive member of society (We attend to so many things, aside from physical dependence, there is also psychological dependence. We also rehabilitate them how we can bring him back as a productive member of society)," explained Go.

We test their physical, emotional and spiritual needs to be rehabilitated back to society, he added.

The treatment center in Cagayan de Oro City is already crowded; patients are coming in from all over Mindanao. He said, however, there is an upcoming drug treatment center in Malaybalay, Bukidnon which would allow better distribution of in-patients.

DOH has a standardized assessment tool.

Go said they have a checklist to determine the classification of a drug dependent such as low, average or severe. If the patient is classified low, the center will put him in the community-based treatment program; moderate could be for out-patient services. If the outpatient improves, he or she can go to a community-based treatment program, if not, the patient needs to go to a treatment facility. The DOH drug treatment facility in CDO, located in Upper Puerto, costs Php6,000 per month per person.

Go explained that although there is a payment from the patient, this being a government facility, also considers the paying capacity of the drug dependent. Some are not charged while some only pay 25 percent of the amount. Based on their computation, he revealed that the government is spending Php20,000 per month per person in the rehab center. He said the government is spending a lot to treat a person who uses drugs.

CDO to implement SCoPSA project in Pagalungan

(CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The implementation of the Sloping Corn Production in Sloping Areas (SCOPSA) in Barangay Pagalungan is in the offing. The 18th City Council during its regular session on June 24 presided by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted an ordinance authorizing Mayor Oscar S. Moreno to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and the Department of Agriculture-Regional Office 10 (DA-RFO-10) for the purpose.

SCoPSA is an approach geared to introduce land contouring technique to farmers in hilly or sloping lands.

DA is implementing the project to enhance corn productivity by adopting sustainable adaptive technologies in sloping areas.

Under the MOA, the BSWM, DA-RFU and the city shall closely coordinate with each other to ensure that the establishment of SCoPSA model farms and other related activities are in accordance with the work and financial plan of the project.

The three parties agreed to promote the project through massive information education campaign using tarpaulins, posters and the tri-media and to implement good agricultural practices in managing sloping areas cultivated to corn.

The technology will help lessen soil degradation which is evident on sloping areas usually occupied for corn production.

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

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