Cagayan de Oro City News March 2012

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Humanitarian organization lauds CdeO's resilience

by (Cheryl C. Moncay-CIO/EOR/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 31 -- A representative from a humanitarian organization here as lauded the people of Cagayan de Oro for their resilience in the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Tropical storm Sendong.

Mr. Mariano Naval, a representative of the Oro Habitat for Humanity and Cluster Coordination Officer of the International Organization for Migration, said the pace at which Cagayan de Oro progressed in the development and construction of its housing projects for the survivors displaced by tropical storm Sendong is nothing short of a miracle.

According to him, based on their organization’s experience in assisting in human emergencies all over the world, what the city has come up with in as little as four (4) months usually takes two (2) years in other places under the same circumstances.

The team from the Citizens’ Commission led by former Mayor Reuben R. Canoy, on the other hand, also expressed the same awe at the city’s quick response especially in the area of housing for its internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Mr. Nava further said that he is thankful for the leadership of City Mayor Vicente ‘Dongkoy’ Y. Emano and his administration’s foresight in embarking into land banking several years back, which is now seen to be one of the keys to the city’s resilience in the face of the recent disaster’s aftermath.






Energy efficiency and conservation confab slated in CdO on March 30

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 29 (PIA) –- A multi-sectoral orientation seminar on energy efficiency and conservation program is slated on Friday, March 30, 1:00 p.m. at the Pilgrim Christian College Auditorium, in Cagayan de Oro City.

Jointly undertaken by the Department of Energy (DOE), World Wildlife Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the seminar is part of DOE’s National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP), which aims to implement the use of energy efficiency and conservation measures to gain access to affordable, cost-efficient, and environment-friendly energy sources.

Participants will be oriented on the impact of climate change including the threat of global warming. Topics include DOE's Energy Efficiency Plans and Programs and household tips on energy conservation.

The activity targets 300 participants from the local government units, academe, businesses, non-government organizations, regional line agencies, and various consumers.

The seminar is also in preparation from the WWF-spearheaded “Earth Hour,” a global campaign addressing global warming through a simultaneous switching off of lights and other non-essential electric devices set on March 31 at 8:30 p.m.

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007. In just three years it has grown to be the largest voluntary mass-action event in human history, uniting over one billion people worldwide.

Cops nab 3 suspected drug traders

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


OPERATIVES of Police Station 1 in Divisoria arrested three suspected traders of illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation early Thursday morning.

Arrested were Deasir Maranda, 20, a resident of Purok 2-B Tambakan, Iligan City; Manolo F. Tumada, 28, of Saray, Tibanga also in Iligan City; and Tumada’s live-in partner identified as Leah Micayabas, 32, a resident of Juan Luna, Purok 12, Saray, Iligan City.

Senior Inspector Ariel Philip Pontillas, Police Station 1 commander, said the three suspects were arrested after Tumada sold a sachet of believed to be shabu to an undercover police who acted as poseur-buyer.

Confiscated from Tumada’s possession were two packs of shabu, while drugs paraphernalia were also confiscated from Maranda.

More than 20 pieces open plastic sachets with shabu residue were also confiscated from the suspects.

Pontillas said Micayabas was arrested after Tumada turned over to her the money he received as payment for shabu.

Investigation showed that Micayabas is currently connected at Freelancer.com as a writer/editor.

Pontillas said the three suspects are temporarily staying at room 311 of Oro Inn located along Rizal-Cruz Taal Streets.

However, he said the operation was conducted outside the lodging house around 4:30 a.m.

Pontillas believed the three suspects were alleged suppliers of drugs to commercial sex workers based along the streets of Cruz Taal and the adjacent area, including those working in different beerhouses and bars.

“Talamak ang drugs sa area na ‘yan. We have been monitoring this but the problem is that those people in the area won’t cooperate,” he told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

City Councilor Dante Pajo, chairperson of the City Council committee on health and sanitation, said his committee could not do something on commercial sex workers who are into drugs.

Pajo said the weekly hygiene of these commercial sex workers is more on sanitation, and not to determine whether they are using drugs.

“We can’t also require them to undergo drug test. So in this case, it is the responsibility of our policemen to arrest these people as part of their saturation campaign,” he said.

The arrested suspects are now detained at the Maharlika detention cell, pending the filing of a case of illegal possession of illegal drugs and selling under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 against them.






RDRRMC-10 calls on the public to join Earth Hour 2012

by (EOR-PIA 10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 28 (PIA) -– The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) enjoins the residents in Northern Mindanao to participate in the observance of Earth Hour 2012 on March 31.

One that day, residents are urged to switch off lights for one hour starting at 8:30 p.m. as a stand against global warming and to ensure a sustainable future.

Director Ana C. Cañeda of the Civil of Defense, Region 10, and Chairperson of RDRRMC-X said all heads of departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations are encouraged to organize their own Earth Hour event in their respective community or locality to widen the reach of the campaign by switching off lights in the respective homes and communities, and to use various communication channels to promote Earth Hour 2012, including official websites, community newsletters, and blogs.

Earth Hour is a global campaign to showcase what can and is being done all over to combat climate change. Earth Hour is a worldwide initiative showing how individuals, communities, businesses, and governments can address the threat of global warming if we resolve to work on it together.

Meanwhile, Earth Hour began in one city in 2007 when more than two million individuals and 2000 businesses in Sydney, Australia turned off their lights for one hour, Saturday March 31, 2007.

Sendong survivors start to occupy bunk houses in CdeO

by ( Cheryl C. Moncay/CIO/EOR/PIA-10)



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 27 -- Bunk houses in Calaanan, barangay Canitoan, this city are now occupied by tropical storm Sendong survivors.

Approximately 40 beneficiaries who occupy the Tent City 3 are now transferred to bunk houses last March 24 whom most of these are flood survivors from barangay Macabalan.

Likewise, there are another 19 families who are still staying in Isla de Oro next to be settled today, March 27, in the said bunk houses constructed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) inside the relocation site of the city government.

Meanwhile, the IOM built 125 bunk houses and the occupants will have a temporary access of water through a bladder water tank to be handed in by the Action Contrela Faim (ACP).

To date, the application for water connection is underway with the Cagayan de Oro City Water District.

4ID conducts 2nd Youth Leadership Seminar

by (EOR/Major Noli P. Kanashiro,4ID/PIA-10)


CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, March 26 (PIA) -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division thru the 4th Civil-Military Operations “Kasaligan” Battalion and 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion formally closed the three-day live-in Provincial Youth Leadership Seminar (YLS) at Headquarters, 10th Regional Community Defense Group, yesterday, March 25.


Anchored on the theme, “Responsible, Productive and Well-informed Youth of our Society,” the purpose of this YLS is to provide an avenue for the youth to enhance their leadership and awareness.


There were 67 participants that include students and young leaders coming from different municipalities of Misamis Oriental. Guest lecturers and subject-matter-experts were invited, from the selected local government units, line agencies, academe and NGOs to share their expertise and inform the participants about the different programs of the government.


We are expecting that thru this seminar, participants will share what they learn to their peers when they return back to their respective communities.


Major general Victor A. Felix said with the year 2020 projection of having a 20 million youth population in the country, it is very important that we prepare them early so that they will become responsible, productive and well-informed leaders and members of our society in the future.

Barangay Award

by Mike U. Crismundo


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least 11 barangays from various cities and municipalities in Northern Mindanao will be conferred Monday as winners for the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award (LTIA) Calendar Year 2011.

Top officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) led by Region 10 DILG Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos will present their respective award and recognitions to be held at DILG Regional Office Conference Room here on Monday.

The LTIA gives recognition to outstanding barangay lupons nationwide in the promotion of the barangay justice system in the country.

New radio station opens in Oro

by (Nicole J. Managbanag)


A NEW radio station, owned by the family of businessman Jun Suan of Ultracraft Advertising, recently opened in Cagayan de Oro.

DxRU or Radyo Ultra, which opened on March 17, is sporting the radio frequency formerly owned by Bombo Radyo, which is 1188.

Bombo Radyo gave up the frequency but is still going on air with a different frequency.

“The frequency was freely given to us because according to the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission), no radio station must operate with two frequencies,” Suan said.

Suan said it took him more than a year to acquire the frequency and waited for the go signal from the NTC before going on air.

He admitted he always wanted to put up a radio station, citing that his wife Girlie loves to share about her religion to other people.

“Thru Radyo Ultra, my wife could easily disseminate religious information to her listeners as well as offer public service to those who are in need,” he said.

He said they chose the name “Radyo Ultra,” which is taken from the name of his business, Ultra Craft Advertising, for easy recall.

Radyo Ultra is reportedly offering a unique radio program concept anchored by veteran announcers.

Jao Gumapac, DxRU station manager, said their program includes accurate news reporting from well-screened field reporters, public affairs program and live drama.

Gumapac said they also have a joke segment, Dr. Love that offers advice to the listeners and public service.

“To provide more public service, we had a slot for religious organizations for free where they could go on air live and discuss their point of views,” he said.

Aside from this, Gumapac said they would also play on air the nightly lotto draw to keep listeners updated with the winning numbers.

“With great combinations between public service and veteran anchors, more listeners would tend to switch to DxRU, not to mention the Bombo Radyo die-hard fans,” he said.

Suan assured that DxRU will not be bias and will be fair to everybody, regardless of political affiliation.

“Our news would be accurate, coming from reliable sources,” he said.

Calamity brings out the best in people

by KIDD PALER RC Bay Area Past President


IN this part of the Rotary World, Cagayan de Oro City Rotary Clubs have been, and still are, in the thick of conducting parallel activities to provide relief assistance to survivors of Calamity Sendong that battered the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan on December 17, 2012. Like the typhoon itself, unprecedented in the history of this region in Mindanao or throughout the nation, Rotary Clubs likewise conducted unsurpassed massive relief efforts to do whatever they can to alleviate the plight of many affected humanities.The Rotary Club of Bay Area initiated its own share of relief-giving operations in two schedules: first, on January 10, 2012, and the second, on February 22, 2012. The fi rst event took place in barangay Consolacion, a downtown barangay where most fl oodwaters from the upper part of the city swept through and spilled over to adjoining areas. Not a single square foot of this barangay was spared because of its geographically disadvantaged location.

The water left behind dirt and mud and which took so much time and work just to remove the fi lth and garbage. Aware of the fact that riverbank occupants are not wellorganized for the purpose of receiving aids, convenors took pains to distribute tickets early in the morning of that day to ensure that intended recipients will be serviced. Marginalized areas are those that cannot be reached by centralized distribution like those in evacuation centers. The resources gathered for this fi rst operation was a conglomeration of benefactors from Mandaluyong City and Oroquieta City and the Club's own sourcing. Three hundred fi fty families were recipients of variety of goods - rice, groceries, clothing, toiletries, plastic basin, a gallon of mineral water, all packed and handed through a systematic distribution.

Then on February 22, 2012, the Club conducted its second relief-giving operation in a far-off evacuation site. Over 200 families relocated in Tent City 2 in barangay Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City were recipients of goods pooled together from benefactors: Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada - the Filipino-Canadian Association and the Calvary Baptist Church with the association's president spearheading a consensus and sent cash relief assistance in the amount of P130,000++ remitted to the Club account. This amount enabled the purchase of kettles and flashlights all handed out during the distribution with the Lions Club of New York, friends from Australia, the alternative Alliance for Marginalized Filipino Youth and Lucio Tan Group of Companies.

In both occasions, distribution would take only about a couple of hours to complete. However, the laborious preparations and sorting out of goods by volunteers (at the Popcom regional office as relief operations center) would take days before the final packages were hauled by vehicles to the distribution site. Aside from club-initiated relief distribution events, the club is also involved with District relief-giving schedules set at different dates and places.

The setbacks left by Sendong will be here to stay and for long. The proofs can be visualized by ocular survey at the Tent Cities and other areas where hundreds tents are spread and occupied by evacuees still waiting to be moved to more decent relocation places. Areas of the cities not affected have proceeded with living normal lives. However, the trauma of those badly hit, with lost loved ones and hard-earned possessions gone forever, cannot be easily dismissed from memory. If there are 10,000 survivors, there are also 10,000 stories to tell because each individual went through a peculiar and personal experience on the disaster.

The unexpected silver lining of the calamity brought the best in people from throughout the globe. Solicited and voluntary assistance came ike windfall , thanks to supreme volunteerism in Rotary which enabled the conduct of countless humanitarian efforts, pro bono. The kind hearts who made the donations and enabled the conduct of the relief operations have exercised exemplary gestures in stewardship. Laus Deo. To God We Return All the Glory.

‘Sendong’ victims get temporary shelters

by Ellalyn B. de Vera


Philippines – Over 300 individuals or 67 families displaced by tropical cyclone “Sendong” have moved to their temporary shelters in Cagayan de Oro City. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the families moved to their temporary shelters located at Hayes Street in Barangay 40, near Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City. These families have been staying at the evacuation centers in RER, Carmen and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Cagayan de Oro prior to their transfer, DSWD said. The families will occupy the temporary shelters while waiting for their transfer to permanent houses in designated relocation sites. “Our goal is to move 80 percent of the 5,000 families from evacuation centers to tent cities and finally to their permanent settlement by June 2012,” DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said. The newly-built houses covered with Amakan or bamboo strips were constructed by the DSWD, Catholic Relief Services, International Office for Migration, Social Action Center of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, and the local government of Cagayan de Oro under Project Bangon. The lot where the temporary shelters are built is owned by the archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma who welcomed the families called the new community in the area as Amakan Village.

Kidnappers of 2 teachers demand P4-M ransom

by Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Updated 3 p.m.) -- The armed men, who seized Monday two public school teachers in Iligan City, demanded P4 million in exchange for the victims' release.

Philippine National Police-Northern Mindanao spokesperson Police Superintendent Ronnie Francis Cariaga said Wednesday they received reports that the armed men behind the abduction of Rene Somodang and Tino Sanchez, both teachers of Limonsudan elementary school and residents of Tubod village in Iligan City, were members of a kidnap-for-ransom group.

The two were riding tandem in a motorcycle along with three other teachers aboard two motorcycles traveling to their school from downtown Iligan City when waylaid and fired by the gunmen around 2:40 p.m. Monday in Rogongon village, Army 103rd Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Daniel Lucero said.

The other three teachers, whose identities were not immediately available, managed to escape, Lucero said.

Military troops and the police are tracking down the whereabouts of the two missing teachers, he added.

The troops are also tracking down the whereabouts of Roselyn Kiram, 54, a health worker who remained in captivity in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu province.

Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Ninok Sapparis seized Kiram, a midwife of Patikul municipality, around 3:15 p.m. Monday together with five other health workers who were freed an hour after they were abducted.

The victims were aboard an L-300 van en route to Jolo town coming from the village of Taglibi, Patikul when the bandits waylaid them. (Sunnex)

PNP SAF accepts applicants for recruitment

by Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 20 -- Police Director Catalino S. Cuy, Special Action Force (SAF) Director, announced the nationwide recruitment of 289 applicants who wish to join this police unit.

Interested applicants from this region are advised to submit their respective application folders with the prescribed requirements. Applicants must keep five copies of the requirements for later purposes should they qualify for the initial recruitment process.

SAF is a rapid deployment force of the PNP. Members are assigned regionally or within Metro Manila for various police functions such as counter-terrorist operations in urban and rural areas, commando type unconventional warfare against lawless elements over extended periods of time with minimal direction and control, search and rescue operations anywhere during calamities and catastrophes, and civil disturbance management operations.

They likewise address the requirements of stability and security operations in times of civil disobedience on a national scale.

For additional information concerning SAF recruitment, applicants are advised to visit the office of the Regional Personnel and Human Resources and Doctrine and Development Division of Police Regional Office-10, Cagayan de Oro City, or SAF’s Special Action Company in Fatima, Abuno, Iligan City. (EOR/RFMC-PRO/PIA 10)

7 local govts get system to monitor anti-poverty drive

by goldstardailynews.com


ENERGY firm Steag State Power Inc. (SPI) turned over recently some P2 million worth of hardware and software materials to seven local governments in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City. The local governments of Jasaan, Tagoloan, Opol, El Salvador, Medina and Laguindingan each received a set of computer software and hardware, including servers and printers, which will aid them in planning their social development interventions following the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) approach.

The Community Based Monitoring System or CBMS, is among others one of the introduced tools to the local governments to diagnose the extent and causes of poverty in the area, to help in formulating policies and programs, to aid in identifying target beneficiaries and to facilitate assessment of the impact of those policies and programs. CBMS incorporates the design and methodology for data collection and processing, validation and utilization. SPI also provided support in the upgrading of Cagayan de Oro City's Geographic Information System (GIS) particularly for its tax mapping enhancement, disaster management, and Land use planning. IT personnel of the recipient local governments also went through a series of trainings in order to optimize utilization of the tools and equipment.

The recent equipment and tools turnover was part of the on-going implementation of Project Empowering (Enhanced Monitoring System on Poverty Watch for a more Effective and Responsive Approach in Governance) which aims to build local government's capability in social and economic development planning, development management and monitoring. Leading the simply turnover rites were SPI plant manager Dr. Carsten Evers, SPI community relations manager Ghaye Alegrio and Xavier University president Fr. Bobby Yap. The project was undertaken in partnership with Xavier University, the Department of the Interior and Local Government; the CBMS Network Coordinating Team; Assist Asia and the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, with funding support from Steag State Power and the German Development Agency DEG through its Public- Private-Partnership (PPP) Programme. *

Soft drink multinational gives livelihood options for retirees and retrenched employees

by Glenford C. Labial


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 18 (PIA) -- A well-known soft drink multinational will be holding a seminar for its retirees and retrenched employees on entrepreneurial undertakings as their source of income. The local government unit of Western Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro is supporting the initiative of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) in holding a seminar on Career Opportunity Fair with the focused session on Livelihood Plan Development Workshop (a sequel to Introduction to Livelihood) held recently in Cagayan de Oro City.


The team, spearheaded by Leila P. Labor, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) together with Bernadette P. Hallazgo, LEO III, presented the concept on Entrepreneurial and Development Program (EDP) participated in by 15 retirees and retrenched employees.


Providing preparatory measures prior to retirement through seminar is an excellent initiative by the CCBPI Management with the participation of the different government agencies like the Department Of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for livelihood, Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Security Systems (SSS) and PhilHealth for social benefits, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for skills training, said Labor.


She further said the reintegration of livelihood training program will equip the participants with new knowledge and skills and provide alternative employability options and income generation. (DOLE/PIA-10)

Center for environmental protection and sustainable development works on criteria for food services

by Danielle Venz


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 17 -- Green food service providers offering healthy and safe food will soon be available in the country.

June M. Alvarez, the executive director of the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI), said the country is in the process of developing environmental criteria for food services.

Alvarez said the scope of food services include casual dining, fine dining, fast foods, catering services, canteens, and cafeterias.

This initiative is part of the implementation of National Eco-labeling Programme-Green Choice Philippines (NELP-GCP) which promotes the production and purchase of environmentally friendly products and services. The PCEPSDI administers the program.

Alvarez said the NELP-GCP technical working group (TWG) is divided into four subgroups with each environmental concern to tackle: nutritional value, food safety, waste management and resource management.

He said various health and food safety considerations are now being validated in the TWG meetings, including the food fortification laws, sanitation code of the Philippines, solid waste management programs, and food-handling practices.

"There are internationally accepted standards being considered like the Servsafe of United States. Similar eco-labelling criteria from the US and European countries as well as our partner from the programs from the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) where we want aim to harmonize standards are also being considered," he noted.

Alvarez said the final draft criteria will be approved by the NELP-GCP technical committee and its board.

He stressed that part of the drafting of criteria is the stakeholders' consultation meetings where target applicants, its suppliers, and related business will be given the chance to comment on the criteria.

"After this, our organization will start accepting applicants for the application and certification process," he added. (EOR/DV-PNF/PIA 10)






Investments in Northern Mindanao reach P9.97-B in 2011

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 16 (PIA) -- Investments monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry in Northern Mindanao reached P9.97 billion last year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Region 10.

Engr. Cecilio Clarete, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-10, said P4.17 billion of the total regional investments or 41.8 percent was poured in Misamis Oriental.

He said majority of these investments went into the infrastructure and services sectors such as the construction and expansion of tourism-related facilities like hotels, pension houses, dormitories, restaurants, and recreation facilities.

Also, part of the provincial investments was the construction of an air separation plant by a leading gas manufacturing/distributor company, as well as, the construction of a food-based manufacturing plant which are both located at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate, he added.

Investments in the province of Bukidnon, on the other hand, amounted to P3.09 billion, sharing 31 percent of the total regional investments most of which were agri-based such as the expansion of plantation areas, building improvement and acquisition of machinery for pineapple and banana production and for poultry production as well.

A total of P1.31 billion investments were also recorded in Lanao del Norte last year which accounted for 13.2 percent of the regional total while Misamis Occidental and Camiguin accounted for 11.4 and 2.5 percent shares, respectively.

Clarete said the investments in Lanao del Norte registered an overall decrease of 27.19 percent as compared to the P1.8 billion investments in 2010 due to the completion of sizeable investments in 2010.

Meanwhile, investments in Misamis Occidental were mostly in the service sector while major investments in Camiguin included the construction and expansion of tourism-related facilities and display center, as well as, sports complex, and outdoor adventure facilities. (EOR/APB-PIA 10)





Tax collections in NorMin up by 14% in 2011

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- Tax collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Northern Mindanao last year was recorded at P5.8 billion, higher by 14 percent from the P5.1 billion collections in the year 2010.

This was disclosed by Engr. Cecilio Clarete, chief economic development specialist of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Region 10, during the media forum on the regional economic situationer held yesterday at the NEDA Conference Room.

He said the improvement in collections was reportedly due to the BIR’s intensive implementation of its programs such as the Oplan Kandado and the Run After Tax Evaders.

Based on the data furnished by the BIR Revenue District Region 16, income taxes accounted for the largest share of its tax collections with P3.7 billion followed by collections from Value Added Taxes with P1.4 billion, he further said.

He added that percentage taxes and excise taxes were recorded at P306 million and P1.8 million, respectively, while collections from other taxes amounted to P394 million.

Clarete said Cagayan de Oro City remains the top collection district of the region which posted P3.3 billion collections, sharing 42 percent of the total collections.

Iligan City District Office ranked second with P911 million collections followed by Bukidnon with P818 million, Ozamiz City with P560 million, and Gingoog City with P229 million.

In terms of increases in collections, Iligan City recorded the highest increase of 21 percent followed by Ozamiz and Bukidnon both by 19 percent, Gingoog City by 15 percent, and Cagayan de Oro City by 10 percent. (EOR/APB-PIA 10)

Diplomats praise storm survivors’ efforts

by Bong Fabe, Cagayan de Oro


European ambassadors to the Philippines and representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) met with survivors of tropical storm Washi yesterday.

The storm caused widespread damage and killed around one thousand people last December.

Swiss ambassador Ivo Sieber said: “It is very impressive to see all of you here and the determination you have to rise above the situation.”

Switzerland donated some 300,000 Swiss francs ($324,539) to support the government’s rehabilitation efforts for victims of the disaster.

The Swiss government also dispatched a team of water and sanitation experts to flood-ravaged areas in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Group chooses to stay transparent, honest

by Michael Andrew W. Yu


THOUGH its recall campaign has already been terminated, Save CDO Now Movement said it still chooses to stay on the course of transparency and honesty.

Tito Mora, spokesperson of the movement, said they did not purposely file the petition with spurious signatures just to make a point.

“Save CDO Now Movement is not just about making a point. It is about pointing to the direction of our vision of a safe Cagayan de Oro. That is where we want to go to, that is where all this leads to and that is what we want to build,” Mora said.

He said they respected the pronouncement of the city’s political leaders from “politicizing” their cause.

“We rejected the temptation to shortcut the process. We paid out of our pockets and people donated, that even just one peso was so precious to us,” he added.

Last week, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) called off some petitions for recall election filed at its offices due to “lack of budget and time.”

But even with this, Mora said the movement still stands firm in its call for “no to mining and logging; no to political expediency; no to political manipulation of the barangays, transport sector, street vendors and informal settlers; no to prostitution of the members of media, the business, religious, civic and educational institutions by City Hall.”

“We are all out in the open. Let us enjoy the freedom and bask in the light. We have kept the faith and our dignity. It is time for the people of Golden Friendship to shine. Asdang Kagayanon!” Mora said.

The movement earlier conducted signature campaign for a recall election in Cagayan de Oro.

It earlier aimed to gather at least 45,000 signatures to recall Mayor Vicente Emano, based on the requirement of Comelec.

The group was able to gather 53,000 signatures but only 38,000 were considered valid upon checking.

Based on Comelec’s requirement, all signatures must bear the complete names, addresses and barangay voting precincts of registered voters during the last 2010 elections.

Sixto S. Brillantes Jr., Comelec chairperson, earlier told Sun.Star Cebu that a recall of election is “close to impossible” because the Congress did not approve the budget and the commission is running out of time.

BIR intensifies initiatives to increase revenue collections

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is stepping-up its taxpayer service, automation and enforcement initiatives to improve taxpayer compliance and increase its revenue collection.

Thus announced Reymarie Dela Cruz, chief of the Bureau’s Taxpayer Information and Education Division (TIED), during the kick-off program of the 2012 tax campaign in Northern Mindanao.

As part of the BIR taxpayer service, he said, the bureau is trying to clean-up its database and update its registration information records emphasizing that a clean database helps taxpayers comply with their obligations without any inconvenience or hassle.

“We are also trying to re-engineer our processes in our revenue direct offices particularly our business registration process in consonance with our quest to have a better quality management system,” he said.

The TIED chief also disclosed some programs to support their enforcement activities such as the computer audit system tools and techniques, which will speed up the process of auditing, verifying and examining taxpayer’s books of accounts. Other automation initiatives to facilitate transactions with the BIR included that of the Document Processing Division.

He said this is to systematize and rationalize the processing of tax returns and other declarations that taxpayers file with BIR. (EOR/APB-PIA 10)






'Buntis Day' aims for world record

by Nicole J. Managbanag of Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Sunnex


CAGAYAN DE ORO -- The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) in Northern Mindanao gathered around 600 pregnant women on Saturday at the Grand Caprice Restaurant for the “Araw ng mga Buntis 2012.”

Pregnant women all over the country take center stage Saturday as the soon-to-be moms gather together for the annual National Buntis Day activity spearheaded by the POGS.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

The activity, centered on the theme “Maabilidad na P-nay, malusog na Nanay,” is part of the country’s attempt to land in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most number of pregnant women attending a simultaneous pre-natal class.

So far, there is no record to break since there had not been any entry yet for the same category.

Dr. Jana Joy R. Tusalem, regional director of POGS-Northern Mindanao, said the activity aims to educate the women on pregnancy-related issues.

"Buntis Day" primarily aims to instill the importance of pre-natal check-up for soon-to-be moms so that maternal deaths will be avoided.

“It also hopes to reduce mortality and morbidity rates by 2015 considering that our country is among the top, based on a study,” Tusalem said.

She said to attain their target, they asked the midwives to encourage pregnant women to give birth in hospitals or in rural health units while discouraging giving birth at home.

Tusalem said they are also encouraging pregnant women to undergo regular prenatal check-ups to prevent complications.

During the activity, pregnant women were given prenatal classes by gynecology experts.

“Ginang Buntis” pageant was also held while the pregnant women were treated with games and entertainment, raffles and other surprises.

The pregnant women were also given freebies such as vitamins and other gifts from sponsors.

Tusalem said this year’s attendance has surpassed their expectation.

“We only expected about 500 pregnant women to attend the activity,” she said.

Saturday’s activity was held simultaneously in other venues nationwide.

Aside from Cagayan de Oro, other areas in Mindanao that participated include Butuan City, Iligan City, Bukidnon province and Surigao as organizers aimed to gather around 1,000 pregnant women to add up to the numbers in other venues.

5 Cagayan cops face charges over NPA raid

by Charlie Lagasca


BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya ,Philippines – A police captain and four of his men are facing charges for alleged laxity, which led to the raid by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on their detachment in Cagayan, where they were also divested of several firearms.

Meanwhile, a town police chief of Isabela was also removed from his post pending investigation into last week’s burning of multimillion-peso logging equipment by communist guerrillas in his turf.

The relieved Cagayan policemen were Inspector Efren Barsabal, PO2 John Tabulog and PO1s Ruben Andres, Flomar Simeon, and Chery Udaundo, all from the Second Maneuver Company of the Second Regional Public Safety Battalion.

They were on duty when some 20 armed insurgents, onboard two vehicles, swooped down on their detachment in Allacapan town without any resistance from them on the night of March 1.

The rebels reportedly did not harm the surprised cops. However, they divested them of three M-16 Armalite rifles, an M203, a Taurus .45-caliber pistol, 20 fully loaded M-16 magazines, and 14 rounds of ammunition for M203.

Barsabal and his men are now facing administrative charges for alleged negligence, which resulted in the NPA raid on their detachment.

In Isabela, the police chief of Jones town, Chief Inspector Marlon Alejo, has been placed on floating status while he is being investigated for possible administrative lapses in connection with the burning of the logging equipment of Alliance Sawmill by NPA guerrillas also last week.

Senior Superintendent Franklin Mabanag, Isabela police director, said Chief Inspector Ceferino Calayan took over Alejo’s post in an acting capacity while the investigation is going on.

Mabanag said they would also look into reports that the rebels had put up a checkpoint and were able to confiscate a number of firearms from policemen while 20 of their comrades in camouflage uniform were raiding the sawmill compound.

Among the equipment burned were a dump truck, a six-by-six truck, a crane, a road grader, a loader and three forklifts as well as a generator set and saws.

The rebels, on board several vehicles, including a Delica van, eventually fled toward the foothills of the Sierra Madre after torching all the equipment. – With Ric Sapnu, Alexis Romero

BFP and Kitaotao ink MOA on the establishment of fire station

by Noli P. de la Rita


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 9 -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Northern Mindanao bolstered its firefighting capacity with the establishment of its new fire station in the province of Bukidnon.

During this year’s observance of Fire Prevention Month, BFP-10 representatives headed by its Regional Director, Supt. Lindy Lauzon signed a memorandum of agreement with the municipal government of Kitaotao represented by Mayor Rodito Rafisura to seal off the intention to establish a fire station in the said town, held at the municipal building March 7.

“The latest development leaves Bukidnon to only 10 percent short of completing our mission at least one fire station in every municipality within our area of responsibility (AOR),” said Supt. Lindy Lauzon.

Among the 20 towns of the province, there are now only two left without a fire station: Baungon and Damulog.

The local government of Kitaotao and the BFP vowed to be partners in providing fire protection and various emergency services such as rescue and evacuation of injured people at fire-related incidents, and in general, all fire prevention and suppression measures to secure the safety and of life and property of the people. (EOR/NPDR//BFP-PIA 10)





Council to hold meeting on oil price hike

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


THE City Council’s committee on energy will be conducting a consultative meeting today, Thursday, to hear and gather suggestions and opinions of all stakeholders on the continuing oil price increase.

Transport groups, Oro Chamber of Commerce, the public and all concerned individuals are encouraged to join the meeting as the committee is also inviting local gasoline dealers to air their side on the issue.

Councilor President Elipe, chairperson of the committee on energy, said the meeting aims to seek effective means to help the City Council solve the perennial problem on oil prices, especially in Cagayan de Oro where a state of calamity is still in effect due to Tropical Storm Sendong.

“I cannot do it alone and even if we pass so many resolutions, so we really need the help of the public and other groups,” Elipe told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

Elipe attributed the defiance of local gasoline dealers to lower down the prices of fuel to the Oil Deregulation Law.

He said the government has no power to hold these big gasoline dealers in whatever increase they would implement.

At the same time, Elipe also lambasted the Department of Energy (DOE) for “doing nothing” to solve the problem.

Related to this, Zambales Representative Mitos Magsaysay chided DOE for its reactive monitoring and trending system with regard to price movements in liquefied petroleum gas in the world market.

Magsaysay said the DOE should at least take the initiative of monitoring the prices in the international market and release forecasts to guide consumers on any possible movements in prices instead of waiting for oil firms to inform them of price hikes it will impose.

“This is not a minor issue and is a matter of the DOE doing its job and working for the interest of the general public,” she said.

Magsaysay’s reaction was made after DOE announced that recent increases in the contract price of the commodity in the world arena would shoot up the price of LPG by P7 per kilogram in the local market, resulting in the highest ever price increase for the product in recent years.

Magsaysay added that the government should be sensitive to the plight of regular Filipino consumers whose budgets are being stretched to the limit by these unabated rounds of inflation.

“The problem here is that when these firms inform the DOE, there is nothing else consumers can do,” she said.

DOLE-10 steps-up anti-child labor drive

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Johnson G. Cañete disclosed in a media interactive forum held on Monday at the DOLE-10 Regional Office that they recently launched the “Child Labor-Free Bukidnon” campaign as part of its child labor prevention and elimination drive.

He said the campaign was piloted in Barangay Butong in the town of Quezon as a survey conducted by the Xavier University revealed that child labor is rampant in the area due to the presence of sugar plantations.

A groundbreaking ceremony of a four-classroom building donated by Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines was held during the launching.

These classrooms will be answered by another four classrooms from the BUSCO Sugar Milling Co. Inc., and the Sugar Industry Foundation Inc. (SIFI), he added. Cañete emphasized that putting such structures and providing other interventions towards developing a child will help in the prevention and elimination of child labor. He also reiterated that DOLE-10 is continuously monitoring the other provinces for child labor and strengthening its anti-child labor drive to realize a child labor-free Northern Mindanao. (EOR/APB-PIA 10)

Bukidnon watch-listed drug personality nabbed

by Juliet Caga-anan


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 6 -- A watch listed drug personality (WLDP) of Bukidnon Province was apprehended by the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 10, Bukidnon Provincial Special Enforcement Team (PSET), March 3.

Led by IO 1 Randy T. Pulmano in a buy-bust operation at around 3:00 p.m. at Brgy. 1, Springside, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, suspect Rasmiah Carbal Alim a.k.a. Rasmie Carbal (watch listed), female, 38 years old, and her husband Moalim Alim,39 years old, were arrested.

Regional Director Roberto S. Opeña said that one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu was bought by a PDEA undercover agent. Also recovered from their possession and control were 33 packs of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance allegedly to be shabu with an estimated weight of 60 grams amounting to P750,000 and one fragmented hand grenade.

Also arrested during the operation were Cairo Gango (sister of Rasmie Carbal), Tago Fai, male, 43 years old, Omar Diampoan, male, 34 years old, and Dima-Arig Barobaro, male, 45 years old.

Arrested persons are now temporarily detained at Malaybalay Police Station Detention Facility for booking and documentation while confiscated drug items were brought to Philippine National Police Provincial Crime Laboratory for comprehensive examination. Cases for violation of RA 9165 are being prepared and readied for filing appropriate charges in court. (EOR/JC-PDEA/PIA 10)

Excess funds to be used to acquire more land for the poor

by Cheryl C. Moncay


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 5 -- The city government is contemplating on purchasing additional land in line with its land banking program.

Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Y. Emano declared there is more than enough funds coming from the donations and aid from the national government for the construction of the 1,000 houses in Calaanan. The money left after the construction of the permanent houses, he suggested, would be put to best use by buying more land for the poor.

In fact, the mayor revealed that there are already some parties who are interested to offer their land for sale to the city government. He, however, said that the city needs to deliberate on this beforehand prior to making any move.

The latest update so far puts the total at P68,409,317.82 received by the city from donations and P50 million from the national government. (CCM-CIO/PIA 10)\

Apl.de.ap Gets Warm CDO Welcome

by www.mb.com.ph


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — His visit to disaster-struck Cagayan de Oro, days after Tropical Storm “Sendong,” left a lasting impact on him.

Now, Apl.de.ap of the famous Black Eyed Peas was back in CDO, warmly welcomed by students, teachers and residents at the Balulang Elementary School, which was damaged by “Sendong.”

Hastily-made posters welcomed the Fil-Am international rapper to their school, while “student-disaster survivors” sang “The Power of your Love,” which put everyone in a reflective mood.

“Thank you for the warm welcome you've given me. I was touched by your song,” Apl.de.ap said in his message to the students. “Continue to dream... study hard. I was once like you. I was adopted when I was a child. Continue dreaming,” he told the students.

Apl.de.ap (a.k.a. Allan Pineda-Lindo, Jr.) was in Cagayan de Oro recently for the ground-breaking ceremony of a 2-story, 4 classroom schoolbuilding he donated for students of Balulang Elementary School. He was accompanied by Rafael Lopa, head of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and president of the Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF).

Balulang Elementary School sustained major damage due to Sendong's wrath. Nine of its students remain missing and presumed dead while another one was recovered. The school was submerged in six-feet deep floodwaters during the deluge last December.

After the simple ground-breaking rite, Apl.de.ap gamely accepted the crowd's request for him to rap a sample of his hip-hop composition. The audience made up mostly of survivors swayed and joined Apl in his rendition of “Bebot.”

Apl.de.ap's last stop was at the Ecoville Relocation site for survivors in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City. At least 130 families have already moved in to the five-hectare relocation area donated by Xavier University when Apl.de.ap visited the place.

Kids at the relocation site recognized and called him “idol,” then rushed towards the hip-hop artist to talk to him.

Apl. talked to some of the kids at the site who readily recognized him.

Apl.de.ap together with NCAF and PBSP, spearheads the “We Can Be Anything” Education Advocacy Campaign that helps marginalized students, youths and communities.

Before leaving Cagayan de Oro on a barrowed private jet, Apl.de.ap made a wish: That is, to come back and inaugurate the school building he donated to students of the Balulang Elementary School.

WFP donates IT equipment for disaster response and preparedness to DSWD

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 3 (PIA) – As part of its disaster preparedness and response program, funded in large part by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development/Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) gave four laptop computers, one tower server, and one blade server, with a total value of around P650,000, to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last March 1.

The hardware is part of a long-term initiative to better harness information and communication technologies to improve DSWD’s logistical tracking and information flows during natural disaster responses.

DSWD, thru Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera, accepted the assistance of WFP led by Country Director and Representative Stephen Anderson, Coordinator of Disaster Preparedness and Response Abraham Abatneh, Head of Logistics Dragoslav Djuraskovic, and USAID Program Officer Karen Smith. (APB-PIA 10)

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