Cagayan de Oro City News March 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

DPWH submits list of completed infra projects in Oro

(JBD/CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some infrastructure projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Cagayan de Oro have been completed.

This is based on the monthly status report of various construction projects submitted by the DPWH-2nd District Engineering Office to the Office of City Mayor Oscar Moreno copy furnished to the City Council committee on public works.

Shown in the report, as of February this year, the completed projects are the construction of Balubal National High School (NHS), Macasandig NHS and Agusan NHS.

The list includes the repair of multi-purpose buildings in barangays Consolacion, Camaman-an, Balubal, Bugo, Macasandig, Agusan, Tablon, Cugman, Macabalan, Barangays Nos. 5, 13, 15, 17, 18, 26 and 35 and the repair and maintenance of the Agusan River Control.

The rehabilitation of the drainage along Tin-ao, Agusan, Lapasan, Villa Ernesto, Gusa, along Julio Pacana, Puntod, Macabalan and the improvement of the DPWH building are also included in the list of completed projects.

According to the DPWH, the submission of the report is in line with the agency’s policy of close collaboration and coordination with local government units in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the region.

16 LGUs in Northern Mindanao join agri congress

(PNA), LAP/CD/MARK D. FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 30 (PNA) -– Sixteen local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao took part in a two-day congress about Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) in agriculture last Monday and Tuesday here.

Participants from the LGUs are mostly farmers from within their localities as well as the municipal agricultural officers in the cities of Malaybalay and Oroquieta and the following municipalities – Kadingilan, Libona, Cabanglasan, Don Carlos, Kibawe, Impasug-ong, Kalilangan, Dangcagan, Mambajao, Mahinog, Sagay, Plaridel, Aloran and Jasaan – all of which are located in Region 10.

CPAR is a decade-old tried and tested approach in agriculture where technology packages are introduced to farming communities by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

During the two-day affair, LGUs also proudly exhibited their showcase - all byproducts of rice, corn, vegetables and potato-based farming systems.

DA 10 director Lealyn A. Ramos said she was elated that the CPAR communities in the region have started venturing into the so-called value-added food and non-food products to diversify their income, thereby creating sustainable livelihood.

For the efforts, the CPAR communities were all recognized through the conferment of outstanding CPAR farmer-organizations, outstanding provincial and municipal local government units and 10 outstanding agricultural extension workers. Not one of the 16 CPAR communities went home empty-handed.

Ramos said that since 2005, the CPAR communities here have evolved because they are now producing product lines such as food crunchies, chips, "kakanin", milk, soap and other products made with corn, sweet potato, white potato, soybean, adlay and others.

“We are backing our farmers up through trainings and support on production, post-harvest, technologies, market linkages, among others,” she said.

CPAR is also being supported by the department’s Bureau of Agricultural Research.

DRRM body updates plan for NorMin

(OCD10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Office of Civil Defense in Region 10 jumpstarts the series of workshops for the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (RDRRM) Plan updating for Northern Mindanao.

The plan sets the direction of the RDRRMC 10 Programs/Projects/Activities (PPAs) for the next six years, a major undertaking of the Council as emphasized by OCD 10 Regional Director Ana C. Cañeda. The 2013-2016 version of the Plan approved in 2012 is due for updating.

The first of the series is the review and assessment of the Plan, the accomplishments as well as the gaps and challenges in its implementation for the last four years, for each thematic area in disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, disaster recovery and rehabilitation.

This will be an input to the RDRRM Plan Formulation for the inclusive years 2017-2022 set on 16-18 May 2016.

The first committee for the workshop on March 28 is the Prevention and Mitigation headed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and participated by its member agencies such as the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Housing Authority (NHA), Cagayan de Oro Water District, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Education (DepEd), Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECoWEB) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) . For the rest of the committees, they are set to hold the workshops on 29-31 March 2016.

150 Cagayan De Oro City scholars to graduate this year

(PNA), LAP/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 28 (PNA) -– A total of 150 of the 568 city-sponsored scholars would graduate this school year 2015-2016, the city’s committee on education said Monday.

City Councilor Adrian Barba, chair of the city council committee on education, said that four of the city scholars would graduate as “cum laude” in their chosen profession.

He said that the city sponsored scholars studied for their choice of profession in any of the 10 universities and colleges in the city with full tuition paid by the city government and a monthly stipend of Php 1,000 to Php 1,500.

The scholars are poor, but deserving students who came from various villages in the city and passed the required qualifying examination, Barba said.

He said that the incumbency of former city Mayor Vicente Emano established the city scholarship program to provide an opportunity to poor, but deserving students to pursue their college education.

Barba said that the budget of the city scholarship program is included in the approved annual budget of the city government.

Marissa Tagarda, Vice Chair of the City College Scholarship Program, said that the budget for the city scholars for the school year 2016-2017 would likely increase because almost all schools in the city have applied for an increase in school fees.

Tagarda also announced that the city scholarship program is now receiving applications for the incoming first year college students who have not been enrolled in college ever since.

Johndorf Ventures to build homes for middle class

(Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro)

HOMEGROWN developer Johndorf Ventures Corp. (JVC) is back in Cagayan de Oro City with another major development that will open 600 new homes for economic to middle-class families in the uplands of Carmen and Balulang near SM City and Xavier University.

The company introduced Montierra Subdivision to some 300 brokers and agents in a gathering at Mallberry Suites recently when it also got the license to sell (LTS) from the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

“We are happy that our LTS came just in time when enthusiasm has gone high among our partner sellers,” said Michele Chiu-Bacungan, JVC sales and marketing manager.

She said the company will officially launch the project within April with a special event at the site in Panginuman, Upper Balulang near what was Lumbia airport, a few meters ahead from Rosevale School.

Before the official launch, JVC will hold a pre-selling activity on April 8 also at Mallberry Suites.

JVC allocated P600 million for this project, part of the P2 billion capital outlay for five years that began in 2013, according to CEO Richard Lim.

Montierra is a master-planned residential community with a commercial hub that sits on a 7.5-hectare property. It features two-storey contemporary Asian townhouses with car ports enclosed by an 18-meter high perimeter fence that has a grand 15-meter wide entrance, he said.

New trademark

The introduction of Montierra in Cagayan de Oro comes in the heels of the successful marketing of Portville Davao in the Southern Mindanao city as well as Portville Prime, Navona and Astana subdivisions in Cebu.

“The string of successes in our recent projects has encouraged us to launch Montierra, especially that it’s been quite a time that we had a project in the city. We want to provide the market in northern Mindanao with a better choice for living in a safe gated community,” Lim said.

“Montierra is for value-driven homeowners who aspire for a livable community, especially start-up families and overseas Filipino workers who have gained some degree of economic freedom,” noted Bacungan.

“It is built for professionals and entrepreneurs who seek for a meaningful life, those who venture into challenges if only to achieve it, even crossing seas and enduring storms,” she added.

Priced at P2.8 million to P3 million, “owning a home at Montierra fulfills their family’s dream,” she pointed out.

Johndorf boasts of Montierra as the only economic housing project in Mindanao whose residents will relish the amenities and facilities almost akin to a mid-to-high end subdivision, a new trademark by the company in this market category.

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

Its main road will be 12-meters wide and secondary road 10-meters wide, while connecting roads will be eight-meters wide, all of these to be paved with 15-inch thick concrete over a comprehensive underground drainage system and a separate sewage treatment plant.

Benchmark

The townhouses at Montierra are grouped in clusters of green, peach and yellow. Each unit is designed to be spacious at about 63 square meters in floor area and stands on 54 to 108 square-meter subdivided lot, each with three bedrooms and two toilet-and-bathrooms.

With smooth wall finish when turned over to the homeowner, every townhouse will have a wooden staircase, tiled toilet and bath with complete fixtures, kitchen cabinet with stainless sink and granite countertop, while the master’s bedroom features a small balcony.

“The concept, as our studies show, attracts businessmen and professionals, young entrepreneurs and some foreigners who seek for the right choice for a home to live in,” Bacungan said.

"Montierra will now set the benchmark of what affordable living truly is with these well-planned and innovative amenities and facilities," she added.

The project will appeal so well to the discriminating taste of the market despite the competition with other developments and condominium residences.

Johndorf is blessed to have developed after 30 years of building quality homes and livable communities uniquely applied construction procedures that hasten the development without compromise to cement curing.

“This made it possible for us to deliver the residential units to the buyers ready for them to occupy even earlier than they expect,” she noted.

“And this also worked quite well with the brokers we work with and the agents they manage as our projects yield for them faster and earlier returns,” she added.

Farmers assn gets accredited

(CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Through Resolution No. 12313-2016, the City Council of Cagayan de Oro accredited the Salimbal, Tignapoloan Cagayan San Isidro Community Farmers Association (STCSICFA) for purposes of membership in the city’s Local Special Bodies.

This is pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-70 and Article 64, Rule XIII of the Rules and Regulations implementing the 1991 Local Government Code.

The resolution was favorably endorsed by the committees on agriculture and fisheries and on laws and rules by Councilors Annie Y. Daba and ramon G. Tabor, respectively.

Solo parents finish general sewing skills training

(CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Twenty solo parents from barangay Carmen graduated on skills training on General Sewing on March 19.

The program was initiated by Noeme L. Mandac # 45-Order of the Amaranth, in coordination with the city government of Cagayan de Oro, Carmen Barangay Council, Plum and Level Club, Inc and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Teddy Sabuga-a thanked those who supported the solo parents by giving them skills training as their means of livelihood.

Sabuga-a added that city mayor Oscar Moreno is eager to help the sector as it is also mandated by law under Republic Act 8972, an act providing benefits and privileges to solo parents and their children.

80,000 devotees leaving home for a pilgrimage on Maundy Thursday

By Cris Diaz [(PNA), RMA/CD]

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) – About 80,000 Roman Catholics in Misamis Oriental would be leaving home on Maundy Thursday to fulfill a vow to “commune” with the Creator in “silence.”

All of them would be climbing mountains, crossing rivers and seas to reach a destination – a scene prevalent in a predominantly Roman Catholic country during the annual observance of the Holy Week.

Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano, of Misamis Oriental, said that about 20,000 people would likely trek the stiff “Sipaka” island in Talisayan, a coastal town east of Misamis Oriental.

He said that another 20,000 devotees are also expected to climb the 200 steps staircase to reach the top of the Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador City, west of Misamis Oriental.

In Cagayan De Oro City, about 30,000 believers would also negotiate the rivers (now shallow because of El Nino) in a bid to venerate the “Birhen sa Guadalupe” (Our Lady of Guadalupe) in the mountain village of Balubal.

The devotee has to walk four kilometers, cross the nine rivers, and climb mountains from the village of Tablon, 13 kilometers east of here, to reach the village of Balubal.

Florencia Arbes, 60, who come from Bukidnon, said that she had been fulfilling her vow to venerate the “Lady of Guadalupe” for about 30 years now.

“I am compelled to fulfill the obligation since the Lady of Guadalupe has given all the things that we wished, like good health, and success in family endeavor,” Arbes said.

Southwest of Balubal is the Malasag Reservation Area in the village of Cugman where about 30,000 people are expected to climb to the mountain peak to have a glimpse of the panoramic view of the Macajalar Bay area.

Aware of the largest movement of people, the law enforcers in Misamis Oriental has adopted security measures to ensure the safety of the devotees.

The local government units have also deployed emergency health personnel to extend the medical needs of the devotees in various convergence areas in the province.

Chief Supt. Lyndel Desquitado, the regional police director in Northern Mindanao, has ordered the provincial police command to deploy additional police personnel to secure the convergence areas in Misamis Oriental.

Apart from Misamis Oriental, the entire regional police command had been ordered on heightened alert in observance of the Holy Week, Desquitado said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Northern Mindanao has also issued various fire prevention advisories to keep the house safe when the devotees leave home during the Holy Week.

“Unplug all electrical outlets at home, lock doors, and ask a neighbor the favor to take notice of possible intruders when away from home,” the BFP said.

The local police also urged the devotees to report any suspicious looking persons in the crowd, be aware of items or bags being left unattended, and refrain from carelessly throwing cigarette butts, which might start a fire.

Desquitado said that the police were always working to secure the devotees. “The police are among the “million devotees in the country who pray for a quiet and safe observance of the Holy Week,” Desquitado said.

36 PWD, senior citizens receive housing units

(ALR-CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Habitat for Humanity Philippines (H4H Phils.) turned over 36 single-detached housing units at Calaanan 3 Resettlement site in barangay Canitoan to the city government on March 22 whose priority recipients are homeless senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).

Shelter and Housing Development Multi-sectoral Task Force (SHDMTF) chair Ramon Fernandez shared that the project costs P4 million where the Habitat for Humanity served as the builder of the project.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno led the distribution of Certificate of Awards together with Ermin Pimentel of the SHDMTF, H4H Phils CDO Project Coordinator Lerma Bernadette and officers of the Homeowners Association in Calaanan.

In his message, Moreno said that they are planning to evenly distribute the land so that every housing unit of the beneficiaries will have a separate title.

So if in case something will happen, the beneficiaries will be able to pass on the title to their children, Moreno added in vernacular.

City dads endorse PEZA accreditation of Cagayan de Oro BPO firm

(PNA), LAP/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 22 (PNA) -– The local legislative body here has approved a resolution endorsing a firm for accreditation with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Vice Mayor Ian Acenas said that no one in the city council objected to the application of Monte Carlo Realty and Development Corporation for the declaration of its eight-floor-building located in Corrales St. here as an Information Technology (IT) Center and Business Process Outsourcing building.

Acenas said that the city council committees had thoroughly reviewed and studied the application of the firm prior to the passage of Resolution No. 12318-2016.

In the letter of application, Jude C. Uy, general manager of Monte Carlo, said that the project is anchored on the company’s corporate philosophy that gives priority to Northern Mindanao development in terms of use of resources.

He said that once completed, the BPO firm would cost about Php 8O million and employ about 5,000 call center agents.

“I went through the application of the realty firm. I feel proud that an investment of this nature has risen in the city,” City Councilor Ramon Tabor said.

Oro barangay holds fire, rescue olympic

(AS)

TO EQUIP residents in responding to fire incidents, officials of Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City conducted a whole day fire and rescue Olympic on the weekend.

Barangay chairman Omar Labuntog believed the residents are the first responders to emergency situations like fire, thus proper training should be given importance.

“This is the second time that we do this activity and himoon na natong ning annual,” Labuntog said.

The barangay has allocated some P100 thousand for the said activity inclusive of prizes and other necessary items needed to make the event successful.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Northern Mindanao supervised the fire Olympic where more than 200 participants were given inputs on the dos and don’ts during fire incidents.

The workshop followed in the afternoon where participants competed in the bucket relay contest.

Labuntog said the activity aims to test the quickness of the residents including their presence of mind in responding to fire incidents.

“Importante kaayo kay mga silingan baya ang una makabalo pinaagi niini makita ilang kapaspas pagsumpo sa sunog apil ilang presence of mind,” Labuntog said.

Barangay Lapasan has only one fire truck at present which has been used during fire drill but Labuntog sees the lack of fire hydrants as the major problem in the barangay.

Labuntog will propose to the proper agencies and the city officials to put up more fire hydrants even in the remote areas so that fire fighters wouldn’t have a hard time taking the fire under control until fire out is declared.

“Sa karun okay atong fire truck medyo problema lang ta sa mga fire hydrants and kana atong i-address puhon,” Labuntog added.

Labuntog urged the residents to respond and report to authorities when fire occurs.

The fire olympic is part of the barangay's participation in the observance of Fire Prevention Month.

“Pasalamat ta sa mga residente nga andam motubag sa tawag sa emerhensiya,” Labuntog said.

Oro riders join Earth Hour

By Erwin M. Mascarinas

ABOUT 1,000 bicycle riders together with a small contingent of skateboarders and participants who choose to walk the 6.7-kilometer night ride across the busy streets of the city highlighted the observance of Earth Hour in Cagayan de Oro City.

“We want to show a way of helping and in saving Mother Earth through encouraging everyone an alternative clean and sustainable way of transportation. It’s our way of giving back to nature by means of lessening the use of fossil fuel and hopefully conserving energy,” said Eduardo Solana Jr., event organizer and general manager of Habagat Philippines.

Salona pointed out that the event dubbed as Earth Hour night ride in Cagayan de Oro City is different from all the other venues because of its diversity.

“This is the 4th year here in Cagayan de Oro City but the only Earth hour venue in the Philippines that we’ve seen such diversity in the participants from those who participated by walking to skateboarders and bicycle riders. The participants from the Philippine National Police to the Army and professional riders, we have them all here tonight. We have long boarders and even bicycles with sidecar are participating in our event tonight,” said Salona on Saturday.

The event organizer explained the activity was a nationwide simultaneous event.

“Ten areas are participating in this nationwide event, we have Metro Manila, Tarlac, Ormoc, Samar, Dumageute, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga and here in Cagayan de Oro City,” said the event organizers.

The youngest to participate in the event was 5-year-old Dwayne Stephon Rucat who rode his bike with his father and relatives.

“My son started biking when he was 3 years old, but it was just recently that he took off his side wheels. Initially I was afraid of him joining this event and so far it was a good ride for them with his father and he never gave up,” said Jasper Marie Rucat, mother of the youngest rider.

Romeo Billedo at 74 years and 3 months old from Barangay Kauswagan here was the oldest bicycle rider who participated in the night ride.

“I’ve been biking for around 30 years now, I’ve used road bike when I was younger now I’m using the mountain bike. I guess being earth friendly also means taking care of your health, I’ve reached this age and stayed fit with biking as well as eating the right food,” said Billedo.

Graduating city scholars commended

(ELB/CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Council commitee on education and the City College Scholarship Program (CCSP) of Cagayan de Oro congratulate the 150 city scholars who will graduate this month from 10 universities and colleges in the city.

Councilor Adrian Barba, chair of the committee commended the four scholars who will graduate as Cum Laude in their respective courses. They are Mary Antonette Magallanes (Cum Laude, BS Devcom) and Jimar Reyes (Bachelor in Education) from Xavier University. Magallanes hails from Patag while Reyes is from Barangay Carmen.

The two others who will graduate as Cum Laudes are Jayson Gayrama (Lourdes College) and Sara Valiente (Liceo de Cagayan University). Gaymara and Valiente are residents of Taglimao and Pagatpat, respectively.

Gilda Takiang, secretariat of the CCSP, stressed that the list of graduates with honors might increase like in previous school years since other schools will still have their graduation after Holy Week.

Out of the 150 graduating students, 35 completed their courses last October 2015, she added.

The 115 scholars who will graduate this month are from Mindanao University of Science and Technology(25 scholars); Xavier University (21); Liceo de Cagayan University (9); Cagayan de Oro College (Phinma)(20); Capitol University (22); Lourdes College (6); Bukidnon State College (2); Tagoloan Community College (5); and Southern Philippine College (3).

The CCSP secretariat also said that the P1.2 million January-February monthly allowance of the scholars was already released. This week, the scholars are receiving their March allowance of P1,000 (for urban barangays) and P1,500 (rural barangays). A total of P648,500 will be released for the 568 scholars, she said.

In a related development, Marissa Tagarda, city social welfare officer and officer-in-charge of Community Improvement Office and vice chair of the CSSP said that the budget for the CCSP for school year 2016-2017 will increase considering that almost all schools will increase their tuition and matriculation fees.

Tagarda is informing the public that the CCSP is now receiving applications from first year college students who have not enrolled last school year.

Solar farm to supply 12.5MW to Oro consumers

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE first solar farm in Northern Mindanao region has started full operations Thursday, feeding power to its lone customer, the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company Inc. (Cepalco).

Built on a 15-hectare land in Barangay San Martin in Villanueva town, the Kirahon Solar Farm has begun supplying power for Cagayan de Oro City’s 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. energy needs.

Speaking during Thursday's inauguration, Kirahon Solar Energy Corporation chairman Vicente Perez Jr. said the solar farm will produce 10 megawatts of electricity for the 23,500 households covered by Cepalco.

The power plant, ran by Minergy Business Park and Phividec Industrial Estate, which began initial operations in October last year, has 40,720 panels for power generation.

Perez said the electricity is directly interconnected to Cepalco's 34.5kV distribution line.

"Bawat kilowatt ay pumupunta sa Cepalco kasi kailangan ng Cepalco ngayon ang kuryente, should we choose to connect this to the National Grid, ang maaring maka-generate ay ang whole Mindanao," Perez said.

The P1.1-billion project offers cheaper electricity rate for consumers.

Perez, however, said the project does not only provide cheap electricity but also a clean and environmental-friendly renewable energy.

"Ito ay literal na environment-friendly dahil hindi na tayo mag-iimport ng 4.5 million liters of diesel fuel and we are able to avoid 14 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions every year," Perez said.

Perez said expansion of the solar farm is also underway.

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano, who attended the inauguration, said the solar farm has a positive effect to the tourism industry in the province.

"This would surely attract mga tourists, mga students who want to know how the solar power works," Emano said.

Emano added that he is looking forward that Misamis Oriental Electric Cooperative (Moresco) would be one of the customers in the planned expansion.

"Well, for one, the development of Cagayan de Oro is the also the development of Misamis Oriental. Nagsugod napud kog hinabi sila na sa expansion, pwede ba nila maapil ang moresco 1 and 2 and we are hopeful with that," Emano said.

Oro CDRRMC braces for the Holy Week

By Alwen Saliring

TO PLAN out security measures for safe and successful observance of the Holy Week, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) convened the different organizations and rescue groups on Tuesday.

Allan Porcadilla, CDRRMC administrative officer, said two areas in the city are being monitored – Malasag in Barangay Cugman and Guadalupe in Barangay Tablon where mostly Catholic faithful and devotees are expected to flock.

Porcadilla said the meeting on Tuesday was aimed at plotting the security plan for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

An incident command post will be installed in Malasag as the Incident Management Team (IMT) is set for activation on Wednesday night (March 23) and will fold up by Good Friday.

Fire trucks, Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) personnel and police officers are ordered to be visible in the identified areas.

The City Health Office will take care of the emergency medical team that could respond to emergency cases.

For Guadalupe in Barangay Tablon, nine rescue groups have been instructed to assist the faithful in crossing the rivers.

The Eagles club rescue group is in-charge of the first station; the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) search and rescue group at the 2nd station; Oro Rescue for the 3rd station; PNP rescuers for 4th, 5th, and 6th stations; the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is assigned at the 7th station; and Oro Rescue for the 8th and 9th stations all at Malasag.

Porcadilla said the IMT expressed worries on incidents of grass fire and heat stroke after the team conducted inspection at Malasag and Gualupe.

Barangay officials of Cugman have been urged to put up drums filled with water in every station of the cross at Malasag.

"Para naa diretso magamit nga tubig in case of grass fire kay magdagkot ra ba kandila ang mga devotees. Sa atong inspection grabe gayud ka uga sa mga dahon (So that water can be used right away in case of grass fire since the devotees are likely to light candles. During the inspection, we found out there is intense dryness [particularly the leaves], Porcadilla said.

Porcadilla advised the faithful to bring water to prevent dehydration and bring something to cover them from the heat.

By Sunday, the team will monitor the beaches for the Easter Sunday celebration as these will surely be crowded and drowning incidents had been recorded in the past.

Pet owners urged to avail of city vet services

(ELB/CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 15 – As the city joins the nation in the observance of Rabies Awareness Month, the City Council committee on health and sanitation of Cagayan de Oro reminds everyone, especially pet owners, of Ordinance No. 9852-2005.

The ordinance provides the rules and regulations for the control and welfare of animals and imposes penalties for violations.

Chapter III, Section 13 of the ordinance, requires owners of dogs and cats to have their pets vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine.

According to City Veterinarian Dr. Perla Asis that her office gives vaccination to dogs and cats that are below three months old. At age three months and every year after that they will be re -vaccinated, she said.

Under Section 20, a registration of P20.00 will be collected for every dog or cat vaccinated.

Dr. Asis said a certificate will be issued to pet owners together with an information education material about rabies for their guidance.

The City Veterinary Office caters to walk in clients as well as conducts rabies vaccination in barangays, she added.

As this developed, Councilor Dante Pajo, chair of the committee, encourages pet owners to bring their pets to the City Veterinary Office to avail of these services.

“Kon mahimo, ayaw na paghulat sa schedules sa inyong barangay, mahimong dalahon na kini sa buhatan. Angayan usab kaligoan permi ang mga iro ilabina karon nga ting-init (Dont wait for the schedules in the barangays, if possible bring them to the office. Keep giving your dogs a bath this hot season),” Pajo said.

AWARENESS DRIVE

In a related development and for purposes for bringing the awareness to young children, the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association R-10 recently sponsored a Poster Making Contest in coordination with the City Schools Division.

This morning at the flag raising ceremony, Dr. Asis presented the winners of the contest, namely: Clark Romeo Naces (1st Placer, South City Central School); Fiona Mae Go (2nd Placer, City Central School); Lloryn Angel Quiñones (3rd Placer, South City Central School); Cyril Jude Yañez (4thplacer; South City Central School) and Jules Miquel Guigao (5th placer, City Central School).

Councilor Pajo congratulates all the winners and commends the sponsoring group.

The slogan of this year’s Rabies Awareness Month is “End Rabies, Now Na.”

Feature: A Glimpse of Bukidnon’s Kaamulan festival is in CDO

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – An all in-one package of Bukidnon food, culture, arts, tradition and tourism is brought to Cagayan de Oro for a special trade fair feast in celebration of Kaamulan Festival, an annual and month long festival in Bukidnon that celebrates the bounty of the province and a colourful parade of its hill tribes.

Through the cooperation of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office in Bukidnon, provincial government of Bukidnon and SM Mall Cagayan de Oro City, “A Glimpse of Kaamulan at SM mall CDO” was launched on 10 March 2016 at SM Mall Cagayan de Oro to signify the ongoing Kaamulan celebration in Bukidnon, entice Kagay-anons and all travellers to visit Bukidnon as the province celebrate Kaamulan which started on 4 March and will end on 2 April.

According to DTI Bukidnon Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang, the stalls in SM mall are all devoted for the province’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He said that they have brought in products such as fresh and processed foods, coffee and cacao products, organic products, peanut products and banana chips, abaca, wood and bamboo crafts, art works and bead works. Further, they have also incorporated investment opportunities and tourism.

Abang said that apart from the trade fair, this activity also aims for more awareness and appreciation of Bukidnon heritage and culture.

Meanwhile, lawyer Albert R. Lagamon, Bukidnon provincial board member said that they are thankful for the opportunity to bring a glimpse of Kaamulan in Cagayan de Oro city. He said that instead of just being known as the food basket of Mindnao, they want to be known as the kitchen of Mindanao. This is because they are already processing food and providing packaged food products all over the island and the country.

He also invited everyone to experience Bukidnon, to feel the cool wind but most importantly experience the warmth of its people.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Catalino E. Chan III further said that Bukidnon is the place where the clouds kiss the mountain. In terms of the must go places in the region, Bukidnon has also put its mark. Aside from Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin, Bukidnon has become among the most visited places in Northern Mindanao, he said.

Among the most renowned adventure sites in Bukidnon are the longest dual zipline in Asia located in Dahilayan Advenure Park, Mt. Kitanglad as one of the ASEAN heritage parks and a new adventure rock climbing and rappelling in Quezon, Bukidnon.

The launching started with a ribbon cutting by DTI, DOT, SM and provincial government of Bukidnon. A ritual from one of the tribes of Bukidnon was performed to start the program and various singing and dancing and tribal performance was made by the Bukidnon State University chorale to drumbeat the trade fair held on 9-13 March inside the mall.

Dream Home Festival highlights March 12 Turnover Ceremony

(PR)

Cagayan de Oro’s first mid-rise, resort-inspired condominium with its showcase Asian-Balinese motif, becomes the first downtown condominium to turn over its first batch of units to home owners which started in February 2016.

Building 1 of Filinvest’s flagship project in Northern Mindanao, One Oasis Cagayan de Oro, will turn the first 60 units of the seven storey building at the project site in Bgy. Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City during a simple turnover ceremony on Saturday, March 19, 2016

However, the simple turnover ceremony scheduled to start at 4PM will be preceded by a day-long Dream Home Festival for prospective home owners starting 9:00AM with a Grand Open House Unit Viewing.

Families searching for their dream homes not only get to select their choice from the available units in Building 1 but get the chance to furnish and finance them as well!

A Home Design Expo will run concurrently with the Open House where prospective home owners get to meet interior designer/contractors; furniture & fixtures, appliance & pest control suppliers at the One Oasis Clubhouse to help bring their dream home to reality!

Once you’ve selected the unit of your choice and contracted for its interior decoration and furnishings, you can proceed to the Home Loan & Investments desk nearby where you can get fast and easy financing approvals for your dream home with this One-Stop-Shop facility for home loan application with partner banks and Pag-IBIG.

Not to forget investors looking to get a better return on their investments through the high value and location advantaged One Oasis units, the property management group of Pro Excel is ready to advise you on how to get a good return on your unit’s rentals or resale.

For more details, please visit Filinvest office at the ground floor, Bo’s Café Bldg., Don A. Velez St., 9000 Cagayan de Oro City or contact 0917-305-8888 or check our official page at facebook.com/oneoasis.cagayandeoro.

ICT technocrats want to expand BPO to the countryside

(PNA), LAP/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –- The Cagayan De Oro Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Business Council is now working to expand the ICT industry to the countryside, an ICT technocrat here said Thursday.

Jonathan Arvin D. Adolfo, council executive director, said that the ICT wants to tap the local academia, considered a “stagnant” group and lagging behind the industry, to keep up with the ICT demands in the country.

He said that the problem is that the academia – for instance, the seven universities and colleges and two vocational training institutions in Cagayan de Oro would still seek approval from the education commissions in the adoption of changes in the curriculum.

Adolfo said that the graduates, in order to land a profitable job in the local ICT industry like the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, must first need enhancement training to cope with the new innovations.

Aside from aligning the thrust of the local academia to cope with the demands of the ICT, there is now also a move for the inclusion of Cagayan De Oro City in the next round of the “Tholons Report” of “The Next Wave Cities of the Philippines,” Adolfo said.

He said that in its report, the “Tholons,” a reputed consultant in global outsourcing, listed only the cities of Bacolod, Iloilo, Sta. Rosa (Laguna) and Davao as ICT destinations in the country today.

Raymond A. Lacdao, executive director of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines, said that the ICT industry in the country is shifting from a contact center-focused field to one which offers diverse BPO services.

“The health sector is the fastest rising field in the BPO industry in the Philippines. Our North American clients are now hiring US-certified nurses and other health professionals from here,” Lacdao said.

He said that the BPO and ICT industries are now also working to expand the BPO industry to the countryside, beyond the confines of Metro Manila.

“The national capital is already congested while, given the right infrastructure and the thrust of the industry, there are lots of talents in the countryside like in Cagayan De Oro City that the industry could tap,” Lacdao said.

RDC, RPOC in Northern Mindanao brace region’s peace agenda

By Hannah Mae S. Salugsugan (APB/NEDA-X)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) --- The Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Northern Mindanao support peace and development initiatives in a joint RDC-RPOC-X meeting held 3 March 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The meeting was presided over by RDC-X chair, Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo and co-presided by RPOC-X chair, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno.

In recognition of the need to align the region’s peace and security efforts with the national and regional development frameworks, and development plans at the national, regional and local level, the body jointly adopted a Regional Peace and Development Convergence Framework (RPCDF).

The RPCDF is a general and directional framework that puts in coherent and results oriented form the relationship between the region’s peace initiatives, and the societal goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

The RDC-X secretariat (NEDA) and RPOC-X secretariat (DILG), in consultation with selected agencies (OPAPP, NCMF, AFP, NCIP), drafted the RPCDF which will serve as a guide for all stakeholders in implementing peace and security initiatives in response to the need for convergence of agency programs and coordination among agencies at different levels, private sector, and other development partners in implementing the region’s peace agenda.

“Peace and security is one of the key strategic interventions to realize our development vision, and in general our societal goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction. We also know that the poorest areas in the region are likewise most vulnerable to conflict,” Director Mae Ester T. Guiamadel, Secretary of the RDC-X and Assistant Regional Director of the NEDA-X, said in her presentation of the RPDCF to the joint body.

The RPCDF is considered an active framework and will be continuously updated to respond to emerging peace and development issues, and national and regional policy directions, among others.

In the same meeting, the body jointly adopted the following resolutions: (a) Joint Resolution No. 8, “Creating a Task Force under the RPOC to Handle Peace and Security Issues Involving the Indigenous Peoples of Northern Mindanao;” (b) Joint Resolution No. 9, “Denouncing the Permit to Campaign (PTC) and Permit to Win (PTW) Demand of the NPA & Urging All Political Candidates Seeking Public Office not to Yield to such Threat during the National & Local Elections;” (c) Joint Resolution No. 10, “Requesting the PNP National Headquarters to Take into Consideration the Growing Number of Transients as an Additional Criteria in the Deployment of Police Personnel Particularly in Cities;” (d) Joint Resolution No. 11, "Requesting the Most Reverend Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D., Archbishop of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, to become Lead Convenor for the Possible Observance of Local Ceasefire in Northern Mindanao;” (e) Joint Resolution No. 12, “Soliciting the Opinion of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) Relative to the Installation of Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D. Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro as Lead Convener for a Possible Observance of Localization of Ceasefire;” (f) Joint Resolution No. 13, "Adopting of the Inter Agency Security Plan: Hapsay Northern Mindanao;” and, (g) Joint Resolution No. 14, "Endorsing the Request for Change of Project from “Spring Development” to “Provision of Draft Animals with Farm Implements” in Barangay Pagayawan, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, Funded under the FY 2015 Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).”

The body also jointly endorsed the Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park as Cooperation Site for the Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (COSERAM) Program Phase 2 in Region X.

The following briefings/information were also presented to the joint body: (a) Regional Peace and Order Situationer (1st and 4th Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army (PA) and the PNP Regional Office X); (b) Updates and Strategic Direction of the Peace Process with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People's Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) (Dir. Eileen Jose-Salvador of the PCCU, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAAP)); (c) Power Outlook and Issues/Concerns Relating to Security (Atty. Cynthia Felipa P. Alabanza, Head of Corporate Communication of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines); (d) Contingency Plan in relation to possible Power Interruption on the 2016 Election Day (Atty. Gina Luna Zayas-Sabio, Regional Election Attorney of the Commission on Election-X); (e) Human Rights Situation Reports (Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights-X); and, (f) Status/Updates on the PPA Implementation of the Kalabugao Plain Peace and Development Plan (Dir. Arnel M. Agabe, Regional Director of the DILG-X).


Phivolcs acquires new data satellite device

(PNA), FFC/CD/GERALD LEIGH C. LAQUINON

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 10 (PNA) --- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in the region has installed a new and high-tech equipment donated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), an official said Thursday.

The donation includes a Data Satellite Communication device and a Solar power system that could assist the “less equipped and understaffed” office in monitoring earthquake incidents in the region, Marshal Labidinay, the Phivolcs regional director in Northern Mindanao, said.

He said that the new equipment has the capacity to “read, record and transmit data through SMS to the central office in events of earthquakes.”

The modern device, already installed at the Phivolcs office would automatically perform the reading, recording and transmission of data without the need for any personnel, Labidinay said.

He said that the equipment boosts the Phivolcs monitoring systems as it is capable of providing accurate and real-time information.

“These are a big help to us since we really lack manpower to do the monitoring,” Labidinay said.

The Phivolcs central office received from JICA last October 2015 the first real-time warning equipment worth about 1 billion yen or nearly PHP400 million. The equipment is now installed throughout the country.

Labidinay said that Japan and the Philippines share common experiences and vulnerabilities when it comes to disasters since both lies atop the Pacific Ring of Fire.

He said that JICA is committed to continue helping the Philippines prepare better for disasters and other emergencies by sharing technology and experience.

US exchange students in Mindanao ‘pass on’ governance training

(PNA), LAP/CD/MARK D. FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 9 (PNA) -– A group of former exchange students to the United States from Mindanao have banded together to pass on to young community leaders from the island about the governance training they have learned.

The group calling itself United States Alumni for Institutional Reforms (US-AIR) has already conducted two training programs – one in 2015 for the environment and another one last week on governance.

The July 2015 training has netted 60 participants from all over the island. All of them have submitted project proposals relating to environmental concerns and were evaluated by the US-AIR for funding consideration from the United States Embassy.

“Their proposals are just micro-level ones to be implemented in the villages. But at least, they can jump-start awareness on whatever advocacies they are, whether on environmental or governance,” Jerlie Luis-Requerme, United States Alumni for Institutional Reforms coordinator, said.

Luis-Requerme, now serving as a judge serving on the municipal circuit trial court in Bukidnon, was a US exchange student grantee in 2012 when she was already practicing law.

After she returned a year later, she founded the United States Alumni for Institutional Reforms to help up and coming leaders in Mindanao.

Together with a dozen other exchange student alumni from Northern Mindanao, the US-AIR helped craft the syllabuses in their short-term trainings.

One of the trainees, a community organizer from Zamboanga Del Norte, said the training has done much to help him improve the voluntary services that he and his group has done in that province.

“I have learned a lot of things here, especially in community development and how to encourage the people to participate in governance in their respective villages by actively engaging not just the village officials, but involving the whole community,” Rancid Cszar Villano, one of the leaders of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, said.

The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation started as a movement to help children who used to swim to school in a farfetched village of Zamboanga City. The foundation is one of the groups that gets assistance from the United States Alumni for Institutional Reforms.

“I hope through the coordination of the United States Embassy, we will be able to help more organizations here in Mindanao as they assist the underprivileged in their respective communities for the betterment of society,” Ms. Luis-Requerme said.

Feature: Panaghugpong: Weaving an inclusive experience in the arts

By Stephen J. Pedroza (XU)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 8 -- Art is often reputed to be elitist, inaccessible to the man on the street. Gradually, however, art forms, like paintings and classical music, are being brought to the consciousness of many due in large part to the growth and mainstreaming of art in our time.

In the Philippines’ artistic and cultural milieu, this trend is gaining momentum. We’ve seen an increase in the number of museums, more localized art programs and fellowships, manageable art medium brought about by the new media and more. Efforts of academic institutions, like Xavier University, help bring the appreciation of art closer to the communities, eliciting an inclusive experience.

Bringing art closer to people

For eight years now, Xavier has been holding “Panaghugpong,” an endeavor to make arts and culture more accessible to the public. The umbrella term for the Xavier Arts Festival, “Panaghugpong” is true to its English definition, “a convergence or coming together.”

“With Panaghugpong, we are trying to converge the seven arts (sculpture, painting or visual art, music, poetry, dance, performance art and architecture). All our arts companies present their creative products as part of our arts program and formation,” says Hobart Savior, director of Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) and author of Panaghugpong.

“We want to be inclusive; we don’t want to be insular. Although this is Xavier Art Festival, this not exclusive to the Xavier community,” the director explains. “This is really a partnership with different institutions to nurture the culture and arts scene in Cagayan de Oro City and Northern Mindanao. It becomes collective for everyone to consume and partake and interact and engage.”

Given this context, it also means that audiences are integral in keeping art alive.

“There will be no artists if there is no audience who will appreciate, who will patronize our works,” Savior continues, adding that “We are very glad to have institutional support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.”

Forming part of the National Arts Month every February, Panaghugpong has been a celebration of milestones in the fields of drama, music, dance, literature, visual arts, film architecture and allied arts in this part of the country since its inception in 2008.

This year, Panaghugpong featured Circulo de Arte’s mixed media artworks in “Juxtaphoria,” a blending of juxtaposition and euphoria at the Fr Francisco Demetrio Gallery of Museo de Oro.

Xavier Philharmonia, XU Glee Club and XU Soundtable wooed the hearts of Kagay-anons with different renditions of love songs in their respective concerts.

Dulaang Atenista staged Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” while The Xavier Stage presented Rody Vera’s “Pinatay si Mayor,” a satirical play on the travesty of Philippine politics.

The VDay Monologues, inspired by the exceptional stories of and interviews with hundreds of women across the globe about their womanhood, also had a successful run at XU.

Other arts companies also took part of the eighth installment of Panaghugpong.

Recognizing home-grown artists

On one hand, the month-long Panaghugpong festival highlights the commitment to make art available for public consumption in hopes of nurturing the Filipino identity.

“We have formed partnerships with communities and organizations to bring art to them — to see, taste, feel, hear, smell, and appreciate the humanities,” Savior says.

On the other hand, it also seeks to recognize local talents and the developments in Cagayan de Oro City’s art scene.

Panaghugpong launched this year its first Lambago Art Awards to honor deserving artists, arts groups, cultural workers and institutions based in CDO. The Awards blossomed from the CDO Arts Forum organized last year to encourage Kagay-anon artists to continue tapping into their limitless imagination, ingenuity and creativity to produce more home-grown art.

Sixty-two personalities and organizations were recognized during the awarding ceremony on February 20. The Lambago Art Awards take its title from CDO’s original name “Kalambaguhan.”

“May these awards make us appreciate more our being artists whose responsibilities are to challenge [the status quo] and to facilitate in building a better community, republic and a better nation. May these awards humble and make us complement, cooperate and collaborate with other artists,” Savior adds.

XU president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ supports Savior saying that art plays an important role in the preservation of culture.

“We need to contribute. We need to remember. And we need to preserve our culture through our arts if we wish to strengthen our identity as Filipinos,” he says.

DPWH to implement road projects in Oro

(JBD/CdeOSP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 7 – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-10) will soon implement various road construction projects in Cagayan de Oro city.

This is based on the information provided by Engr. Leowald Pecore, Project Engineer of DPWH-10 to the Office of City Mayor Oscar Moreno, a copy of which was received by the City Council committee on public works chaired by Councilor Alden Bacal.

The proposed projects involve the rehabilitation, reconstruction and upgrading of damaged paved national roads including drainage based on Pavement Management System/Highway Development and Management-4 (HDM-4) Intermitted Section, Sayre Highway in Upper Puerto.

Pecore said in view of this, traffic flow in the area might be affected and minimized as the operation starts since the affected area is the main carriageway along the station limits.

The engineer said the contractor will start the project at its own risk. However, he said, the date for its implementation is still on process.

OBO PROJECT

Meanwhile, the request of the Office of the City Building Official (OBO) for the approval of the repair and improvement of the lobby area as extension for the processing of permits will soon be tackled by the committee.

In her letter request to Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas, Maria Concepcion Alcantara, OIC-OBO, said OBO intends to provide a much comfortable area for clients while waiting for the release of permits and an express lane for Persons with Disability (PWDs), senior citizens and pregnant women.

She informed the vice mayor that the Building Permit Management System (BPMS), which is an online building permit application created to improve the services to the transacting public, will have its official public launching on March 2, 2016.

BPMS is a project of the city government in partnership with the Mindanao University of Science and Technology.

Considering the small area of the office, it could not compress in the additional service as planned, she said.

P1M worth of medicines given during “Operation Bigay Lunas"

(CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- One million pesos worth of medicines were given free to the residents from barangays Gusa, Lapasan, Cugman and other neighboring areas of Cagayan de Oro during the “Operation Bigay Lunas.”

The event sponsored by Mercury Drug Store Foundation Incorporated as they celebrate its 71st anniversary on March 1, 2016.

Rowena Boloron, area coordinator of Mercury Drug Store-northern Mindanao, led the medical mission in partnership with the city local government.

City mayor Oscar Moreno thanked the group for initiating the annual activity as hundreds of residents avail free medicines, medical consultations, tooth extraction, free eye check-up and many others.

Since the start of their operation in 1999, the Mercury Drug Store Foundation Inc pursued its social responsibility, mission and commitment to serve its loyal patrons who are in dire need, especially on medical care.

Enforcement activities jumpstart 2016 tax campaign in Northern Mindanao

By Apipa Bagumbaran (APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) --- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Northern Mindanao kicked-off its tax campaign for this year with enforcement activities.

Revenue Region 16 implemented closure orders and suspended the business operations of four establishments for alleged violations of the tax code particularly on the under declaration of sales using unregistered point-of-sale machine.

It also conducted simultaneous tax compliance verification drive to verify compliance of business establishments to BIR regulations.

We have step-up our drive, do our job, and spread the burden so that everyone contributes to the development of the country, said Regional Director Glen A. Geraldino.

The BIR-RR16 targets to collect P15 billion tax revenues this year.

Misamis Oriental embarks on house-to-house reproductive health campaign

(PNA), JBP/CD/GERALD LEIGH C. LAQUINON

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 4 (PNA) -- Misamis Oriental is set to conduct a house-to-house reproductive health campaign this month.

The program, a joint effort of the Provincial Population Office and the Population Commission of Region X, would educate the households in various villages about the importance of family planning, safe sex and responsible parenthood.

"We have just retrained our Barangay Population Volunteer Officers (BPO) last month and they are now ready for the home visitations," said Nestor Andrew Gapuz, Provincial Population Officer.

The program seeks to regulate the population increase in the province by bringing to residents' homes relevant information about their options and responsibilities on matters concerning sex and having a family.

Gapuz said that in the next two days, the BPOs would start their work by spot mapping their respective barangays (villages).

He said the BPOs are "embarking this kind of program to ensure the proper implementation and monitoring of the provisions in the Reproductive Health Law."

Based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, Misamis Oriental, excluding Cagayan de Oro, has a total population of 813,856 or an average population growth rate of 2.05 percent since year 2000.

DSWD proposes PHP885-M budget for El Nino mitigation

(PNA), FFC/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 3 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has proposed a PHP885-million budget to mitigate the effects of El Nino phenomenon, a welfare official said Thursday.

Nestor Ramos, the DSWD regional director in Northern Mindanao, said that the budget would be divided into two main programs: the “Cash for Work” and the “Cash for Food” programs.

He said that under the cash for work program, the beneficiary would be entitled to a daily PHP230 cash assistance on top of the “cash for food” assistance.

The El Nino phenomenon has affected more than 11,000 farmers in the region’s central province of Bukidnon, the Department of Agriculture reported Wednesday.

Ramos said that the DSWD has already prepared a PHP47-million financial plan as assistance to the farmers in Bukidnon province.

“The DSWD is now coordinating with the provincial government of Bukidnon along with the agricultural department in order to acquire an accurate data,” Ramos said.

Ramos said that the DSWD is also validating the report that the five provinces in Northern Mindanao have been adversely affected by the long dry spell.

He said that the DSWD initially sent “food packs” to 2,127 families who were gravely affected by the El Nino phenomenon in the landlocked town of Claveria in Misamis Oriental on Thursday.

Italpinas sets CDO ‘Primavera City’ launch in Q2

(PNA), LGI/PR/LDV

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Certified green builder Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) has set for the second quarter of this year the launch of its new huge and groundbreaking project – Primavera City – in Cagayan de Oro City.

IDC made its mark in the real estate industry as the first Philippine company certified by the International Finance Corp. (IFC) - World Bank Group Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) for its flagship project also in Cagayan de Oro City, the Primavera Residences.

IDC chairman and chief operating officer Romolo Valentino Nati, an Italian architect, said Phase 1 of Primavera City involves the construction of two towers of integrated multifunctional buildings comprising commercial, office and residential project with 11 floors each.

Located at the Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, the project entails an investment of PhP653 million.

“Primavera City is a fitting follow-up to our highly successful and multi-awarded Primavera Residences, which caught the fancy of not just Filipino but even foreign buyers and property experts for its modern Italian design infused with eco-friendly architecture,” Nati said.

The start of construction of the Primavera City Phase 1 is third quarter of 2016.

IDC targets the completion of the project and the turnover of its units to their owners by the third quarter of 2018.

IDC president Jose D. Leviste III said the two towers of Primavera City Phase 1 is designed to have 337 units, 57 of them commercial units; 231 are studio-type; 22 are one-bedroom units, and 27 are two-bedroom units.

Leviste said targets buyers include local entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, overseas Filipino workers, young professionals and retirees with gross family income of at least P50,000.

Nati said Primavera City is envisioned to be another IDC award-winning sustainable-development project, with its passive green features, such as increased natural ventilation, shaded façade and semi-transparent photo-voltaic panels covering the amenities located on the rooftop, among others.

The project has been recognized as highly commended condo by the Climate Technology Initiative Private Financing Advisory Network (CTIPFAN) in Singapore in 2014.

International Finance Corp. (IFC) Global Green Building Specialist Prashant Kapoor, IFC World Bank Legal Advisor and IFC Philippines head of Green Building Program Tess Lacerna, and IFC Country Manager Jane Xu awarded the certificates to Primavera Residences Tower A & B as the “First Completed Condominium Project in East Asia Certified by EDGE.”

EDGE is an innovation of the IFC - World Bank Group. It helps property developers build and brand their properties “green.” It is the highest and most desirable program in the international real estate industry.

EDGE is supported by a software that encourages solutions to reduce energy, water and energy consumption by at least 20 percent, which is the standard for EDGE certification.

IDC has notched a series of milestones and achievements. It recently had its successful listing at the Philippine Stock Exchange.

2-week exchange program to U.S. bared

(PNA), LAP/CD/ERCEL MAANDIG

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 1 (PNA) -– The city government on Tuesday announced the availability of the two-week exchange program in the United States with volunteer host families.

The city’s human resource management office said that preference is for professionals, especially teachers who would be staying in Norfolk, Virginia, United States.

Officials said that the exchange program is part of the city’s policy of creating and sustaining a relationship between the city of Norfolk and its sister city of Cagayan De Oro.

The city of Cagayan De Oro wants to develop a mutually beneficial opportunities and programs on art, education, and commerce with Norfolk, the city officials here said.

Interested applicants are required to report to the city’s human resource management office at the city’s executive building where they could get the application form.

The filled up application form would then be scanned and emailed to dulcep_912@yahoo.com. Deadline for the submission of application is on March 8, 2016.

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