Cagayan de Oro City News March 2017

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Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

Cohara holds Humba festival

By Jaime A. Frias II

ABOUT 12 member establishments of Cagayan de Oro Hotels and Restaurants Association or Cohara showcased mouth-watering food plating presentations of the traditional Filipino dish, "Humba" to open the Humba de Oro Festival at the Limketkai Mall Atrium Thursday, March 30.

The festival marked Cohara’s third straight year on food display and tasting since 2015. The activity was also in celebration of the Madrid Fusion Manila, which is the first Asian edition of Madrid Fusion - a traditional gastronomy celebration in Madrid, Spain.

“This is our third year of our food presentation and we chose humba this year,” said Nelia Lee, Cohara president.

Cohara started with the Sinuglaw Festival in their first year and succeeded with the Binaki and Kape Festival last year.

Present with their presentation yesterday Thursday, March 30, were from Apple Tree Hotel, Chali Beach Resorts and Hotels, Luxe Hotel, Grand City Hotel, Seda Centrio, Ah Fong Asian Cuisine, Cagayan Riverview Inn, VIP Hotel, Kagay-anon Restaurant and Boy Zugba.

Former Barangay Iponan chairman and now Kagawad Anthony Brellita, a respected humba critic, personally witnessed the activity. Over the years, Brellita founded the annual Humba Festival in Barangay Iponan which became popularly known in the city that takes place every July.

“Majority of them had a lot of innovations from their chefs and they are particular of their presentations that are good in the eyes,” said Brellita.

Like the one from Seda, its presentation was cooked to a kind of belly lechon but has the taste of humba.

“We made it differently than the traditional one but it still has the taste of humba,” said Randy Dreisback, food and beverage manager of Seda.

He added that the pork was marinated for two days so as the taste of humba would prevail.

Brellita noted that the presentations from Apple Tree, Ah Fong and Grand City were close to the traditional ones but has some innovations. “The presentations reflect that the culinary community of the city is brimming with pride,” Brellita said.

DOLE-10 conducts LEGS to 884 graduating students

By Mary Joyce A. Harnaiz (MJAH/LEO III/DOLE MisOr)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 30 – A total of 884 graduating students of Southern Philippines College (SPC) were educated on what to expect in the workplace through Labor Education for Graduating Students or LEGS by the Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10), through its Western Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Office (WMO PFO) on 14 March 2017.

DOLE-10 WMO PFO Head Ebba B. Acosta said that LEGS is an orientation seminar which provides an outlook to the future employees in the world of work.

“To intensify its implementation, we collaborated with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC),” said Acosta.

Discussed were the obligations and rights of both employees and employers, and the employees’ statutory monetary benefits. Likewise, tips on how to make a good resume and acing the job interview for the students land a job after graduation.

For those students who were aspiring to work abroad, POEA Regional Extension Unit Head Ann Apasra S. Abas conducted a pre-employment seminar (PEOS) where the students were told on how not fall a victim of illegal recruitment. She also shared on the usual reasons why Filipinos want to go abroad and the requirements for overseas employment.

Meanwhile ECC-X Stella D. Obice said that future workers have a “helping hand” in times of accident, sickness and even death that is work-related.

On behalf of the students and the school administration, Annabelle T. Verula, gave her gratefulness to DOLE-X and the attached agencies for making their students more prepared for their employment whether local or overseas.

As of to date, a total of 1,226 graduating students from different schools were already LEGS oriented.

Roundtable Discussion for Women in Coffee Industry staged

(MTLugares, DA-RFO 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Citing the low participation rate of women in the economic aspect of development, the Philippine Commission on Women partnered with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) to host a Roundtable Discussion which looked into the state of women in the coffee industry.

The event was held on March 23, 2017 with other concerned agencies namely: Department of Trade and Industry Region 10 (DTI-10), Department of Science and Technology Region 10 (DOST-10), Philippine Coffee Alliance, Philippine Coffee Board, Rural Improvement Club (RIC)Kape Maramag, Coffee for Peace, Marayag Coffee/Rubber Farmers Association (MACORFA), Central Mindanao University (CMU), DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), and DA-PhilMech.

PCW under its GREAT Women Project 2 (GWP-2) spearheaded the event which aimed to enable and promote gender equality and gender equity in the case of Women Micro-entrepreneurs (WMEs).

“This project aims to upscale opportunities for women in medium and small businesses,” Patrick Asiñero, GWP-2 assistant project manager said.

Asiñero said that in spite of the praises for ranking highest in gender equality and women empowerment in the Asia-Pacific region, Filipinas still continue to experience gender biases and issues.

The activity revolved around the objectives of identifying constraints and opportunities for WMEs in the coffee industry. Issues on whether there are gender discrimination on government assistances was also a topic of the discussion.

DA-RFO 10 Assistant Regional Director Roxana H. Hojas clarified that the DA interventions are geared towards mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) thus termination of programs and projects are directed to both men and women in the agriculture sector.

GAD is an approach which promotes gender-responsiveness governance and enhances the ability for all, regardless of gender, to contribute to and benefit from development.

Tertiary school in CDO holds 10th Job Fair

By Mary Joyce Harnaiz (MJH/DOLE-X Western Misamis Oriental PFO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 28 - Attended by some 56 participating companies with 1,768 vacancies both for local and overseas, Lourdes College in Cagayan de Oro City through the support of Department of Labor and Employment - Western Misamis Oriental (DOLE-WMO) and city's Public Employment Service Office (PESO) held its 10th Job Fair on 10 March 2017 with the theme, “Explore and achieve your portrait of success.”

DOLE-WMO Head Ebba B. Acosta said that for this year, the school opened their job fair not just to their soon-to-be graduating students and alumna, but also to the public. This move was made to expand their reach to the jobseekers in our city.

“Your attitude towards work is very important. If you don’t have the right attitude, you will not succeed in your career,” Acting City Social Welfare Development Office Chief Teddy Sabugaa, shared in his inspirational message.

Sabugaa added, “Opportunity knocks only once. So if you will be hired, love your work for it will be your foundation in your career. Track record is important in your employment for it is what employers check, just like our current Mayor Oscar S. Moreno. He only applied once, and the rest he was referred because of his excellent track record. This may also happen to you, so have the right attitude and love your work.”

Acosta reported that there were 456 jobseekers who participated.

Just like the good weather during the day, the applicants had a great time since they have a lot of choices in the posted vacancies in the job shopping area.

Roxanne Abarrientos, a BS Secondary Education graduate shared, “The best thing of the Job Fair is that it is well-managed for we just have to choose from the job shop area the job that fits our qualifications. There is a wide-range of choices from different types of industries. I also love the staff for they welcomed us and guided us on the job fair procedure, which is very helpful since I am a first timer.”

“I am looking forward to attend other Jobs Fair and recommend it to my friends, since it almost hassle-free unlike walk-in application. I just need to prepare my resume and myself for the interview, and I am one step for employment,” Abarrientos added

Acosta further said that as of this writing, Lourdes College documented nine Hired-On-The-Spot (HOTS) jobseekers.

Job Fair is an event which allows employers to meet potential employees in an informal setting. It also gives job seekers the opportunity look for potential employers and opportunities available.

MPIC awarded Cagayan de Oro bulk water project

By Imee Charlee C. Delavin

METRO PACIFIC Investments Corp. (MPIC), through its unit MetroPac Water Investments Corporation (MWIC), has been awarded a P2.8-billion bulk water project in Cagayan de Oro.

The infrastructure conglomerate told the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday that it received the notice of award for the project on March 23. It will pursue the project through a joint venture company, with MWIC owning 95% and 5% taekn up by the Cagayan de Oro Water District.

The 100 million-liter per day (MLD) Bulk Water project involves the acquisition and construction of a 100 MLD water treatment plant, construction of new water transmission lines and rehabilitation of the Camaman-an Reservoir, to supply the Cagayan de Oro Water District, which has approximately 90,000 service connections.

The award has a term of 30 years, renewable for another 20 years. The definitive agreements implementing the joint venture are expected to be signed upon completion of the requirements in the notice of award.

The MPIC unit was also earlier awarded the P2.8 billion Iloilo bulk water project which aims to provide up to 170 MLD of bulk water to Metro Iloilo Water District in the next 25 years.

Aside from the Iloilo water project, MPIC has several other water projects in the country through Maynilad, including Philhydro Inc., Subic Water and the Carmen bulk water supply project.

MPIC is one of three Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp. Hastings Holdings, Inc. -- a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc. -- maintains interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.

MPIC closed at P6.03 on Friday, down from its previous finish of P6.11.

Establishment of GAD center pushed

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- City Council committee on women and family relations proposed the establishment of a Gender and Development (GAD) Center in Cagayan de Oro.

Councilor Edna Dahino, chair of the committee, said the city has a Women’s Center in Macanhan, but it is only a small facility.

She said the GAD center, which the city should open, must be able to cater to all women. This is where battered women and others can get counseling, livelihood training and other needs, she explained.

The councilor proposed that this be included in the city’s short and long-term plan, which is now being mulled by the City Council committee on planning and development chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya.

Dahino said there is a need to secure data needed to come up with the city’s 25-year plan.

“We must find ways to get information. We can’t get the desired results if we will not get all the information available,” she added.

Councilor Dahino stressed that the City Council should not only plan for 2017 to 2019.

She said imagination must be leveled up. “Let’s not stop there,” she added.

Filinvest launches One Oasis phase 2 in Cagayan de Oro

By Abigail Viguella

FILINVEST Land Incorporated launched Phase 2 of its project, One Oasis CDO, at Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City last week.

The grounbreaking follows the success of its first building, with at least 57 percent occupancy. Upon completion, this master-planned community will have a total of five residential mid-rise buildings with resort inspired amenities spread on a lush 2.7-hectare property.

One Oasis CDO is Filinvest's offering to urban dwelling professionals, expatriates, and growing families looking for a space to serve as their haven in the city. It is conveniently located in Barangay Lapasan, placing it near lifestyle essentials, business communities, recreational hubs, schools, and medical facilities.

“Building two is One Oasis CDO's offering to the growing Cagayan de Oro community. It is an ideal place to raise a family, allowing you access to enjoy life's pleasures. Here, the possibilities for quality leisure time are endless, right outside your doorstep,” said Tristan Las Marias, Senior Vice President and Cluster head for Visayas and Mindanao of Filinvest.

One Oasis CDO brings a distinct freshness to urban living. The stylish condominium buildings set against a backdrop of verdant greens is a welcome contrast to the typical city setting.

With over 55 percent of the property allocated for open spaces, leisure facilities, and refreshing gardens, residents enjoy living in a low density community with the generous amenity of breathing spaces.

The building two of One Oasis will be an eight-story building that offers well appointed two-bedroom units designed for convenient and comfortable living. The units typically measure 32 square meters and are also free of beams and columns for a bigger and unobstructed livable space.

Along with the feeling of serenity that One Oasis CDO offers, safety is also ensured within its sheltered grounds. A perimeter fence surrounds the entire community and a 24-hour security system provides safety within the premises. A property management team is also in place to ensure that all facilities are properly maintained.

Filinvest North Mindanao Area Manager Maria Arabelle Solidum assures prospect homeowners that One Oasis CDO is also well equipped to survive calamities and accidents. She discussed their buildings have technology that can detect fire and call for help even before the fire has spread.

“We have also taken account the recent earthquakes that have occurred in Surigao and in Cebu and we are happy to say that our facilities have survived and less damage have befallen homeowners and the buildings. With this we are confident to say that you will be safe here in One Oasis,” Solidum said.

MPIC unit bags P2.8B CDO water project

By Doris Dumlao-Abadilla (Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

A unit of infrastructure holding firm Metro Pacific Investments Corp. has bagged a P2.8-billion bulk water project for Cagayan de Oro, a center of trade and commerce in Northern Mindanao.

The project will be implemented through a joint venture company to be 95-percent owned by MetroPac Water Investments Corp. (MWIC) and 5-percent owned by the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD), based on a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday.

MWIC received the notice of award for the bulk water project on March 23. This will have a term of 30 years, renewable for another 20 years, involves the acquisition and construction of a 100-million liters per day (MLD) water treatment plant. The project also includes the construction of new water transmission lines and rehabilitation of the Camaman-an Reservoir to supply the COWD, which currently has about 90,000 service connections.

LED lights installed in major Oro streets

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE City Engineer's Office started the installation of P19.5 million-worth of streetlights in Cagayan de Oro City's major streets.

City Engineer Rolando Pacuribot said the old sodium lights will be replaced with light emitting diode (LED) lights.

Pacuribot said they have started putting the LED lights in Capistrano Street, Tiano St., Osmena St., parts of Iponan village, and in Mastersons Avenue, Upper Carmen.

He said they target that all streets, whether it is in an urban area or the most remote area of the city, will be placed with these lights.

He said the LED lights could very much help in saving energy and reduce the cost of lighting public places.

City Councilor Edna Dahino welcomed this development, saying this could lessen crime incidence in the city.

Dahino has sought to replace the streetlights as dim streets could be seen as an opportunity for criminals to attack.

She cited the recent incident where a working student was raped and killed by five persons who were reportedly drinking alcohol at the JR Borja Bridge before the crime happened.

She said the bridge is dim-lighted which could be a venue for minors to hang out and drink.

"We really need to focus on prevention, on how are we going to avoid this kind of incident from happening again. And so far, the lack of streetlights, lack of police visibility are the problems we observe," she said.

Dahino, chairperson of the committee on women and family relations, said the City Council will continue to support anti-criminalities projects of the current administration.

Chinese investors eye Misamis Oriental

(PNA), BS/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) – Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano on Tuesday disclosed that some Chinese businessmen are interested to invest in his province.

Emano said a known Fil-Chinese businessman in this city visited his office to relay the intention of some businessmen from China to put up an investment in Misamis Oriental.

He said the Chinese businessmen need seven to 10 hectares of land to house a potential manufacturing plant.

“Of course, I would welcome any investors who want to put up businesses in Misamis Oriental because it would mean more employment opportunities,” Emano said.

He said that Misamis Oriental is the only province in Northern Mindanao with an “industrial economic zone” complete with power and an international port.

Emano said that the 3,000 hectare Phivedec Industrial Economic Zone in Tagolo-an, Misamis Oriental could provide an appropriate site for interested investors – both local and foreign.

At present, Phivedec hosts at least 28 firms involved in various ventures, Emano said.

NEDA presents six-yr reg'l investment program

(APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) --- The National Economic and Development Authority in Northern Mindanao (NEDA-X) presented the 2017-2022 Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) to members of the media and government communicators in a forum held Thursday, March 16.

The 2017-2022 RDIP is a document that will guide the implementation of programs and projects in the region in the next six years.

"This document translate our Regional Development Plan into concrete and actional programs and projects in order for us to meet or achieve our development outcomes for the period," said NEDA-X Assistant Regional Director Mae Ester T. Guiamadel.

Nestor Lisondra, chief economic development specialist of NEDA-X who presented the highlights of the 2017-2022 RDIP, said the six-year program is anchored on the national development agenda which is founded on three main pillars: Pagbabago, Malasakit, and Patuloy na Pag-Unlad.

"Under the RDIP, we need a total of P650 billion in order to fund the programs and projects of national line agencies and local government units in the region in the next six years," Lisondra said.

Infrastructure development got the biggest chunk in the RDIP with P130 billion requirements followed by the programs and projects for building resiliency of the economy.

"This requirement is in line with the national agenda of accelerating infrastructure infrastructure spending to trigger economic development," he said.

Among the big ticket infrastructure projects are the Panguil Bay Bridge Project connecting Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod in Lanao del Norte; Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan de Oro River; Bukidnon Airport Development Project in Don Carlos, Bukidnon; Laguindingan Airport Operations, Maintenance, and Development Project; and the establishment of Regional Government Center in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.

"Out of the P650 billion total requirements, we will get a slice of P130 billion to support the 2018 Annual Investment Program (AIP). This includes programs and projects that will be funded by the national government under the General Appropriations Act," he further said.

Lisondra said infrastructure development still got the bigget requirements in the 2018 AIP.

Aside from the RDIP, NEDA-X also revealed the performance of the regional economy last year.

Guiamadel said the annual regional economic situation for 2016 will serve as basis for policy and decision making in the region.

The report will provide some directions, especially to investors and local government units in terms of planning for economic development in the region, she added.

Infant, child feeding task force to enforce breastfeeding seat policy

By Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – To provide comfort and convenience to nursing mothers while traveling, the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Regional Task Force is pushing for the Resolution on Breastfeeding Seats in all public buses of Region 10.

The task force proposes that the second seat after the driver (left side of the vehicle) should be intended for lactating mothers.

The Department of Health (DOH)-10 said that this is ideal since the space is just near the vehicle’s door hence, mothers will find it easier to travel with an infant.

Moreover, such resolution is intended to fully realize the DOH’s advocacy of helping mothers, especially passengers to breastfeed their babies even in mobile situation. This is also in relation to the implementation of the Republic Act No. 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009.

DOH-10 Regional Director Nimfa Torrizo said that the full implementation of the resolution is one way to work on the department’s direction for this year, “All for Health Towards Health for All, ACHIEVE” (Addressing Community Health Care Issues: Empowering Vigilance thru Education).

As of press time, the task force awaits for the approval of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the effectivity of the resolution.

DA introduces SCoPSA to local govt, farmers

(MTLugares, DA-RFO 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) - Regional Field Office 10 conducted a farm layout workshop to introduce one of its technologies dubbed as the Sustainable Corn Production in Sloping Areas (SCoPSA) on March 9-10, 2017.

SCoPSA is an approach geared to introducing land contouring technique as an advantage for farmers with hilly or sloping lands. The said technology will also aid to lessen soil degradation which is evident on sloping areas usually occupied for corn production.

Participants were comprised of farmer-leaders and agricultural technicians from the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental.

The two-day affair kicked off with discussion on soil erosion and sustainable land use management.

On the second day, an on-field application of discussed topics took course at barangay Balubal, Cagayan de Oro, where participants had their first-hand experience on lay outing contour lines on a sloping land.

2 new flights from CDO to boost Mindanao tourism

(PNA), JBP/ANP

MANILA (PNA) -- More tourists are expected to visit the Mindanao region with the launch of two new flights from Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) in Misamis Oriental.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) made this remark during the inauguration of two new Cebu Pacific flights -- the Cagayan de Oro-Tagbilaran and Cagayan de Oro-Bacolod -- on Wednesday at the Laguindingan Airport.

Tourism Undersecretary for Media Affairs Kat de Castro described these flights as a welcome development noting that this would improve air connectivity and boost domestic tourism.

“The two newly-opened air routes will enhance the cluster or regional tourism concept, in this case visitors, who went wild water rafting in Cagayan de Oro, can quickly fly to see the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers in Bohol,” De Castro said.

She noted that this is important especially for the Philippines which does not enjoy cross-border travel like neighboring countries and heavily relies on air connectivity between gateways.

Cebu Pacific will fly four times weekly between Cagayan de Oro (Laguindingan) and Tagbilaran and three times weekly to and from Bacolod, in addition to flights to and from Iloilo, Cebu and Davao cities.

Before the launch of these new flights, transporting between the Visayas and Mindanao meant traveling so many hours by land, getting on roll-on/roll-offs, or boarding an overnight trip by ship.

DOT Region 10 Director May Salvana-Unchuan, for her part, said the resulting influx of domestic and international tourists will economically benefit the marginal sectors of the tourism industry including indigenous tribes.

Unchuan assured guests of a memorable and safe visit aside from the unbelievable hospitality of the people of the region that include Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte and the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Tangub, Ozamiz, Oroquieta, El Salvador, Gingoog, Malaybalay, and Valencia.

She said the government is working closely with travel and tour operators to offer more competitive and attractive packages to visit the region.

Xander Lao, president of CEBGO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cebu Pacific, said that this was only the start of the airline company’s expansion as tourism and aviation continue to grow.

Lao said that the airline company is also eyeing the opening of new air routes to Siquijor and Masbate “due to insistent demand.”

Cagayan De Oro declares March 13-17 as 'Gen. MacArthur Week'

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 13 (PNA) -– The local government of Cagayan De Oro City on Monday declared March 13-17 every year as “Gen. Douglas MacArthur” week to commemorate the 75th year of MacArthur’s historic arrival here on his way to Australia.

The declaration of the “Gen. Douglas MacArthur” week became official during today's reenactment of MacArthur’s arrival at the Macabalan Port here.

The reenactment depicted local actors acting as MacArthur’s military contingent and his family as he disembarked at the Macabalan port, part of his escape route, before proceeding to Dicklum, in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon to board a plane that took him to Australia.

“It’s always good to see parts of the Philippines [working] to preserve the Filipino-American history. It’s very significant,” said Lieutenant Commander Patrick Panjeti, of the United States Navy and an officer of the Joint United States Military Assistance Group Philippines (JUSMAGPHIL), who represented Sung Kim, the American Ambassador to Philippines.

In 2008, the present MacArthur shrine was built, which was recognized as a historical site by the National Historical Commission and by the American government when then Ambassador to the Philippine Kristie Kenney visited the marker.

The MacArthur shrine in Cagayan De Oro depicted only MacArthur’s Philippine Army Field Marshal’s Cap, making it unique from other sites such as the ones in Norfolk, Viriginia, USA, where he and his wife were buried, and in Inchon, South Korea.

Former Cagayan De Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula, then ordered the construction of the MacArthur Shrine in a “marker” in a port area where MacArthur and his party purportedly landed.

Jaraula then said that since the city cannot top the other MacArthur sites in other countries, it might as well make a unique marker that will distinguish it from other shrines.

DA 10 polishes corporate rice farming program

(DA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A meeting was called to polish the agreements made for the Corporate Rice Farming Program in region 10.

The program aims to address the lack of accessibility and availability of rice, especially to the marginalized sectors of the society without sacrificing the welfare of rice farmers.

Director Lealyn A. Ramos from the Department of Agriculture-Central Office presented the business side of the program to the Maramag Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MACO MPC) represented by their Chair, Calixto Daquiado as the identified pilot farm service provider (FSP) that will implement the program.

Also presented was the marketing aspect in relation to rice farming for the FSP in order to help attain rice production and answer the needs of the people. Given the chance to augment income to FSPs and local farmers, also presented were the potential institutional buyers in the city and the province of Bukidnon.

With this partnership, DA will provide the appropriate farm inputs, technologies, and services to the FSP to increase their farm productivity and ensure adequate supply of rice in the locality. By providing an assured market for the farmers, the program will encourage them to venture into rice production that will contribute in hitting the goal for a rice self-sufficient Philippines.

Also in attendance are Pepito Descadero & James Cipriano, MACO MPC BODs; Daquiado; Sheila Mae de Gracia, (PCIC-10); Ma. Lilith Turan, PAgO-BUkidnon; Chedy Ansale, Chief Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division; Corazon Balabat; NFA Assistant Regional Director Victoria Duray; Roseminda Simon (NFA); Director Ramos; and Gerard Catambacan (DA-RFO 10).

DA-10 to conduct OPLAN RED confab

(AMBManto, DA-RFO10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 10 – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) is set to hold their “Operational Plan for Rabies Elimination in Dogs (OPLAN RED), also known as Rabies Medium Term Plan (MTP) 2017-2022” training-workshop on March 16-17, 2017.

Aligned with the Rabies Awareness Month this March, DA seeks to introduce OPLAN RED, which aims to eliminate dog-mediated human Rabies by 2020, to 25 veterinarians coming from the different Provincial and City Veterinary Offices in the region and inform them regarding the updates on Manual of Operation (MOP).

The two-day training workshop seeks to assess the current implementation of the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program (NRPCP) of the local government units (LGUs) and gather their ideas and concerns regarding the elimination of Rabies in the country.

The annual observance of the Rabies Awareness Month aims to further intensify the national campaign on the awareness, prevention and elimination of the said disease, to this effect, DA is also coordinating with Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the different local government units (LGUs) for the conduct of a mass vaccination.

Pact signing for NHIP highlights Health Summit

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 9 -- The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city government and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of indigent beneficiaries took place as one of the highlights of Cagayan de Oro city’s first Health Summit.

Mayor Oscar Moreno and Datu Masiding M. Alonto, Jr., regional vice president of Philhealth Region 10 signed the MOA in the presence of Senator Risa Hontiveros, Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, chair of the committee on health, sanitation and health insurance with Councilors Jay R. Pascual, Suzette Magtajas-Daba, George S. Goking, Reuben Daba and Yan Lam Lim.

It may be recalled that the 18th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted Ordinance No. 13200-2017, authorizing the city mayor to enter into and sign the MOA with Philhealth covering the implementation of the program.

PROVISIONS

Pursuant to the MOA, Philhealth shall assist in activities leading to the enrollment of qualified beneficiaries under the Partial Subsidy Scheme in accordance with applicable rules and guidelines and conduct information, education and communication activities on the policies, rules and regulations relative to program benefits, among others.

For its part, the city government shall allocate funds, ensure the accreditation or contracting of public health institutions and facilities under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the accreditation standards set forth by in Republic Act 7875, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations and shall continuously strive for the expansion of the program covering within its jurisdiction, among others.

The MOA was reviewed and favorably endorsed by the committees on health, sanitation and health insurance and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Gaane and Ian Mark Q. Nacaya, respectively.

Cagayan de Oro public hospital served 134,418 patients in 2016

(PNA), CVL/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 8 (PNA) –- The J.R. Borja General Hospital, the lone public hospital here, served a total of 134,418 patients, most of them children, in 2016, hospital director, Dr. Ramon Nery, reported Wednesday.

Nery made the disclosure during a local health summit that was attended by some 400 village officials and health workers.

He noted that of the 134,418 patients, 94 percent were covered by PhilHealth, the government national health care program, while the remaining 6 percent were excluded because they were not city residents.

He said the public hospital also extended 3,316 free vaccines to patients needing animal bite treatment.

According to Nery, the city hospital has adopted a “no balance billing policy” and all patients were given free medical services.

Cokaliong Shipping to serve Oro to Cebu, Oro to Jagna routes

By Jennifer Valcobero

CEBU-based Cokaliong Shipping Lines Incorporated is now in Cagayan de Oro City to serve the Cagayan to Jagna and Cagayan to Cebu routes.

Passengers can now take the boat from Cokaliong Shipping Lines’ 15th port of call even as the shipping line launched its newest passenger vessel, M/V Filipinas Jagna on Saturday, March 4.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno, Chester Cokaliong, Alda Go and Alex Co led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“As of now, mao pa ni among latest, Cagayan de Oro. We’re serving three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Kung maayo ang dagan, hopefully, ma-daily,” said Chester Cokaliong, founder and chief executive officer of Cokaliong Shipping Lines.

Cokaliong’s passenger vessel schedule will serve the Cagayan to Cebu route three times a week, while serving Cagayan to Jagna route every Sunday. The M/V Filipinas Jagna is the 12th vessel owned by the company.

“Kani siya ang first na vessel na e-assign diri sa Cagayan de Oro (This is the first vessel assigned here in Cagayan de Oro). But coming May of this year, we’re going to add sistership for this. So, eventually, duna na gyud ta’y vessel every day (we will be having a vessel to route everyday). Kay karun every other day paman ta (Because, as of now, we are having one day interval.) Isa paman ka barko (one vessel to route yet),” said Cokaliong manager Ardex Mejares.

Cokaliong is now 27 years in the industry, with a total of 12 vessels, both passenger and cargo.

“This is a cargo-passenger vessel so we will accept passengers, cargoes. We could carry lose cargo, LCL, and container cargoes,” Mejares added.

“Siguro, mga half-full. Kay starting paman (Probably, it’s half-full because we just started),” said Mejares noting on the company’s anticipation of ticket sales.

“Cokaliong Shipping Lines has always been voted and chosen as the most, and the best shipping lines in 2016. And then, each vessel is always chosen as the cleanest. That is the trademark of Cokaliong. When you say Cokaliong, it always comes with its association of cleanliness,” Mejares said on the company’s edge on competitors.

The entry of Cokaliong ship in this city is expected to boost passenger and freight service, not just here, but to Visayas and Mindanao.

50,000 indigent families given Philhealth access

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

INDIGENT families in the city will now have access to health care as the City Government enrolled some 50,000 poor families to the state-run healthcare agency, PhilHealth.

PhilHealth Regional vice president Datu Masiding Alonto Jr. said the city has enrolled 50,000 families last year to its point-of-care program and the partnership will continue as the City Government inks another memorandum of agreement which adopts another 50,000 poor families for free healthcare benefits.

"Our indigent families will enjoy Philhealth benefits to what is accorded to PhilHealth members," he said.

In Northern Mindanao, the JR Borja General hospital (JRBGH) has been recognized as the second hospital with the highest PhilHealth paid claims last 2016, tailing Northern Mindanao Medical Center which placed first and paid the most to PhilHealth.

Records showed that the City Hospital paid some P140 million to PhilHealth in 2016 which increased from the previous year’s P120 million.

This year, Alonto said the City Government might have to pay higher than what it paid last year as the they plan to expand the program from P50,000 to P75,000 beneficiaries enrolled to the healthcare program.

Dr. Ramon Nery, hospital executive officer, said about 93 percent of the patients of the said hospital are PhilHealth beneficiaries and are able to avail of free services.

From January to September 2016, the City Hospital’s income spiked to P135 million, from only P19 million in 2013, noting that PhilHealth is the hospital's bread and butter, as all patients admitted to the hospital are automatically enrolled in the said insurance system.

With this development, Nery said the City Council has allocated P120 million for the hospital to jump from Level I to a Level II hospital.

The City Government could self-regenerate using revenues from health care services, in turn, revenues raised from Philhealth payments would be channeled right back to the hospital through medicines and other services for the people, said Nery.

Stronghold Insurance expands in Cagayan de Oro City

By Jennifer Valcobero

STRONGHOLD Insurance Company Inc. (Sici) officials are optimistic that establishing office in Cagayan de Oro City will lead to the firm’s positive growth this year.

Sici President and General Manager Romulo delos Reyes Jr. led the company’s groundbreaking ceremony of its new location last February 17.

Sici will have its new office in Tiano-Yacapin Street.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno and company officials, Vice President Pilarcita Roa Pearson, Regional Manager Laarnie Pearl Roa Pearson and Corporate Secretary Florentino Garces also graced the event.

With the company’s commitment on providing their clients with excellent service, the establishment has already gone far beyond their goals.

Sici Vice President Pilarcita Roa Pearson said it’s been a long plan of the management, with the approval of their chairman and president, to look for a new office location.

“As plan of the company, this is to cater our clients and agents like home for them, our second home. Most of all, our top priority is to have our Regional office here in Cagayan de Oro,” Pearson said.

The Sici president said in order to deliver quickly their services to the public, they put their investments and autonomous operation in the city.

He also added that the decisions will be made in Cagayan de Oro and not in Manila.

“If we can do that, if we will have our own office here, we can put more people to work on a lot of things. That’s why we’ve done major decisions that can be facilitated here. So, that’s the fastest way of delivering service to the ensuring public,” De los Reyes said.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the site construction will start anytime this month, said officials.

“I am grateful for Stronghold for deciding to invest so much in this project. It is not just for the future of Cagayan de Oro, but also for Northern Mindanao. Kaya po kami (That’s why we), in behalf of the city and the region, would want re-assure Stronghold na hindi ho kayo nagkakamali sa desisyon na inyong kinuha (that the decision you made wasn’t a mistake), because we are not just talking about competitive city, hindi lang (not only) convergent city, hindi lang (not only) e-readiness city, and so on an so forth, but now we are already talking of Metropolitan Cagayan de Oro,” said Mayor Moreno.

Oro Comelec to conduct special registrations for women

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) is set to conduct special satellite registrations, which aim to prioritize women in support of Women's Month this March.

Comelec-CDO said in a statement that they will dedicate two days for women's special registration on Saturday, March 4, at the 4th floor of JR Borja General Hospital and on March 8, at Barangay Macabalan's barangay hall, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For the satellite registration, Comelec-CDO will assign a special lane for women that will guarantee quick processing of their application, especially for those admitted and confined in the city hospital's ward.

"We are also doing this to empower women by encouraging them to be more involved with nation-building and equipping them through their participation on this coming October 23, 2017, the Katipunan ng Kabataan and Barangay elections," Comelec-CDO said.

The Comelec will receive application for registration, transfer, reactivation, correction of entries and change of status.

The requirements include valid identification card (ID) with current residence address for the new registrants and those who wish to transfer their registration.

For voters aged 15 to 19 years old, valid IDs and three copies of birth certificate are required, while only three birth certificates are required for those who wish to correct any of their entries.

For change of status, three copies of the couple's marriage contract are required.

The registration for the Katipunan ng Kabataan and Barangay elections will end this April 29.

Misamis Oriental supports BIR’s tax collection efforts

(PNA), LAP/NYP/CD/NICOLE MANAGBANAG

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 2 (PNA) -- Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano of Misamis Oriental on Thursday assured the provincial Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of the province's full support to its tax collection efforts.

Emano said that the tax would mean a lot for the development of the province because as the collection grows, more projects are pouring in for the benefit of his constituents in the form of infrastructures and social services.

The governor has called on taxpayers in Misamis Oriental to religiously “return what is due to the government and retain what is due to them (taxpayers).”

He said that the provincial government is gladly implementing the BIR’s current tax collection programs.

BIR inspects establishments in CDO for tax compliance

By Elaine O. Ratunil (EOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region 16 conducted on March 1 a tax compliance verification drive (TCVD) or mapping operation in an attempt to verify compliance of establishments in Cagayan de Oro City.

Led by BIR RR16 Director lawyer Hermeno A. Palamine, the campaign aims to verify compliance with registration, invoicing and bookkeeping requirements provided for under existing internal revenue laws, put in check tax violators, stamp out payment irregularities and generate more tax revenue.

For his part, Cagayan de Oro Revenue District Officer Venerando B. Homez said the taxpayer owning, leasing or otherwise controlling the sales outlets or service equipment is liable to register with the BIR office and pay the corresponding annual registration fee of P500.

Homez said that in addition to this, a Certificate of Registration (COR) provided by the tax agency should be securely attached to the sales machine or equipment and should be conspicuously displayed to the public.

He further said that the COR shall be non-transferable to another taxpayer or from one location to another and should any changes be made as to its ownership and location, re-registration is required.

The provision fully supports BIR’s tax collection efforts and TCVD.

The registration would help the BIR have an updated record of taxpayers’ sales outlets and service equipment and enable the agency to better track the activities and operations of taxpayers.

Tax mapping is usually done unannounced by the BIR representative. For this round, TCVD was conducted as among the highlights for the 2017 Tax Campaign Drive with the theme, “Tunay na Pagbabago, Para sa Bayan” aimed to mobilize sector support for the payment of taxes.

Charges on non-compliance or violation to BIR rules of business establishment ranges from penalties amounting to P1,000 to P50,000, depending on the nature and scope of the violation. Some violation, however, can lead to permanent closure of the business establishment, criminal charges on the owners or imprisonment.

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