Cagayan de Oro City News May 2012

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Some Oro dorms, boarding houses violate Fire Code

by Annabelle L. Ricalde and Nicole J. Managbanag


SEVERAL dormitories and boarding houses in Cagayan de Oro City that were inspected by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reportedly violated the Fire Code of the Philippines.

City Fire Marshal Ceriaco Talines of the Cagayan de Oro Central Fire Station said all six dormitories that they inspected committed minor violations such as defective smoke detecting equipment, fire extinguishers, and fire exits.

The boarding houses inspected by the BFP also have common violations of the fire safety laws and standards.

“At the dormitories we inspected, there is firefighting equipment but only serves as ‘decoration’ since it can’t be used anymore. There are fire exits but defective, so it appears that it’s only for compliance purposes,” Talines told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

However, Talines said the minor violations can easily be fixed.

He failed, however, to give the exact number of inspected boarding houses and dormitories in the city.

The BFP will issue a “notice to comply” to first-time violators, “notice to correct violation” for those second-time violators and order of payment of administrative fines and closure for non-compliance despite notices.

The BFP is also tasked to inspect school buildings.

The team that will conduct the inspection will have to make sure of the fire safety compliance of the schools. The team should also distribute fire safety campaign materials.

Related to this, the City Council has created a composite team that would look after the safety of the public during occurrence of fires and other disasters.

Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chair of the City Council Committee on Police, Fire and Public Safety, said the composite team will conduct regular inspections of all buildings and infrastructures in the city to check on compliance with the building and fire codes.

The team is composed of the city fire marshal as chairperson, the city building official as vice chairperson and the city planning coordinator, city police director of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) and head of the Barangay Assistance Center as members.

The creation of the team was made after the City Council noticed that the city’s BFP cannot cover the inspection of all buildings in one year due to the increasing number of applications for building construction.

Councilor Roger Abaday said the team must take heed in requiring fire safety permits during every issuance of business permits.

“There should be strict compliance of requirements from the business sector before they can acquire their permits to operate,” Abaday said.

Councilor Ramon Tabor proposed that boarding houses and dormitories should be prioritized by the composite team, especially that classes are about to start.

NEDA, PNVSCA celebrate Nat’l Volunteer Month

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, May 30 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-10) are inviting agencies and organizations to participate in the celebration of the National Volunteer Month (NVM) in December 2012.

The activities may include organizing relevant volunteerism activities, conduct of advocacy through media, and other promotional events and putting up of NVM streamers in strategic locations.

The National Volunteer Month is observed to build nationwide public awareness and appreciation of volunteerism and its role in national development, create an environment for encouraging voluntary action and recognize volunteers and their contributions to society.

This year’s highlight of the NVM celebration is the 2012 Search for Outstanding Volunteers. The search will be for Individual, and Group categories; winners will be chosen for National Outstanding Volunteer Award and Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.

For years now, Region 10 has been a consistent recipient of NVM awards such as Teresita B. Doydora, President of Valencia City Federation of Tribal Councils, Inc. in 2006; Romeo de M. Asis of Mindanao University of Science and Technology (Individual category) and Year of Service Program (YOS) of Xavier University (Group category) in 2010; and Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc. of Liceo de Cagayan University (Group category) in 2011.

To sustain and uphold the same honor and fame, the NVM Regional Search Committee (NVM-RSC) would like to invite qualified applicants to this Search. Deadline of submission of applications and nominations to the NVM-RSC is on or before August 17, 2012. Conferment of Awards will be in December 2012 in Manila.

Applications and nominations may be addressed to Engr. Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., Regional Director, NEDA-10 and Chair, NVM Regional Search Committee, Regional Development Council Bldg., Capistrano-Echem Street, Cagayan de Oro City.

For more information, please contact PNVSCA (website: www.pnvsca.gov.ph) at telephone nos. (02) 927 68 51 and 435 79 99; Fax no. 929 63 76 or email info@pnvsca.gov.ph. (Peleta B. Abejo/NEDA-PIA10)

NGCP inaugurates Mindanao Regional Control Center in Cagayan de Oro City

by (PNA)

LDV/ASF/mec


MANILA, May 29 (PNA) – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has invested P147 million to build a new power control center for the Mindanao grid. Constructed from October 26, 2010 to April 19, 2012, the new building located in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City houses state-of-the-art SCADA/EMS systems and telecommunications equipment and also serves as the office of the Mindanao System Operations, which was previously based in Iligan City. The new regional control center serves as the nerve center for grid operations in Mindanao equipped with modern power monitoring and control systems. The building was constructed as part of the infrastructure upgrade under the third regulatory period. Carmen substation located in the heart of Cagayan De Oro City was chosen after an extensive evaluation of its the technical, business and security viability. Considering that load center of power generation and the expansion of NGCP backbone facilities has moved geographically away from the Agus Complex in Iligan City to the northeastern and southern parts on Mindanao, NGCP deemed it best to move the regional control center as well. Taking cue from the knowledge and experience of its partners from the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) that Regional Control Centers in China are located in the heart of urbanized cities and not in far-flung substations, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City was selected as the new site for being the nearest and most accessible to customers and stakeholders, an international airport, commercial amenities, and military and police installations, which will be able to respond to any emergencies at once. NGCP, the country’s sole power system operator and transmission service provider, uses the SCADA/EMS system in its day-to-day operations of the nationwide power grid.

DILG-10 Field Officers undergo training on ARTA RCS

by (DILG/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 28 –--To advocate the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) or Republic Act 9485 more aggressively in local government units, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) here conducted a series of trainings on ARTA Report Card Survey (RCS).

The survey shall generate feedback on compliance of the local government units (LGUs) to ARTA requirements, specifically on the frontline service delivery performance.

Last April 24 to 27, DILG field officers from Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental participated in the first batch of said training, while the group from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Iligan City participated in the second batch last May 8 to 11.

The local government operations officers underwent series of workshops and field simulation exercises facilitated in by DILG and CSC Regional personnel.

After the training, the DILG field officers are expected to apply their learnings to their respective LGUs, and start the ARTA RCS data collection, reports writing and the usage of ARTA RCS encoding system.

DILG-10 Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos urged every officer to give his attention to the field practice that will be held afterwards.

Results of the RCS will be included in the Seal of Good Housekeeping and as a third criterion on Full Disclosure Policy.

The SGH is a mechanism comprising a set of criteria aimed at recognizing LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping. Among the components of the SGH criteria are the compliance to the mandates of ARTA as well as the Full Disclosure Policy.

The Xavier Stage to hold ‘Akay sa Mga Bata’ outreach program

by (Vanessa M. Gorra-XU/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 27 -- The Xavier Stage, one of Xavier University’s theater companies, will have an outreach program, "Akay sa Mga Bata," for the children of Gugma sa Kabataan, Inc on May 31 from 1:30-4:00 p.m.

Part of the program will be presentations about values education, sanitation, and hygiene, gift giving, feeding, and giving out of books and bags from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

The Xavier Stage actors will also perform “New Yorker sa Burgos,” an adaptation of Marcelino Agana Jr’s play “New Yorker in Tondo.”

The project is the company’s way of promoting cultural and values education. It is set to benefit the 40 children of Gugma sa Kabataan, Inc, an organization that provides street children with an alternative place to stay and an opportunity to develop themselves.

Cop shot dead by communist rebels

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


A POLICE officer was shot dead Thursday afternoon by suspected communist rebels in Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental, a top police official said.

Killed was Police Officer 1 Al Tinampay, a resident of Lagonglong town and was assigned as intelligence operative at the Lagonglong Municipal Police Station.

Senior Superintendent Graciano Mejares, Misamis Oriental Provincial Police director, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that the victim was shot dead around 3:25 p.m. Thursday while conducting intelligence surveillance in Barangay Umagos.

Mejares said the victim was shot by five suspected members of the Sparrow Unit of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The attackers, who were reportedly armed with .45 caliber handguns, approached the victim and fired at him at close range.

Tinampay succumbed to two gunshot wounds in the head.

Authorities recovered some empty shells of .45 caliber at the crime scene.

Mejares said they cannot determine yet the motive of the killing, though they already suspected the NPA rebels behind the crime, especially since the victim’s 9mm service firearm is missing.

Responding policemen and soldiers conducted pursuit operation and scoured neighboring villages and towns where the NPA rebels reportedly fled.

Mejares ordered an alert status of the entire Misamis Oriental including the conduct of checkpoints while pursuit operation is ongoing.

“I am calling on our policemen to be always vigilant and consider their personal security. If they have operations especially in ‘hot spot areas,’ they should go in teams,” he said.

Passengers hurt as jeepney overturned

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


A FEMALE passenger suffered fracture in her left leg while dozens more were injured when the public utility jeepney (PUJ) they were riding overturned along Tondo, Barangay Pagatpat in Cagayan de Oro Thursday morning.

The ill-fated Pagatpat liner bound for the city proper suddenly overturned while proceeding at the curve portion of the road, said Jomar Lagrada, the PUJ’s conductor.

Lagrada said the female passenger, whose name is not available as of this writing, was reportedly seated at the front.

He said the passenger’s left leg got stuck when the PUJ overturned.

Lolita Bacus, 61, a resident of Zone 1 Camarahan in Barangay Pagatpat, who sustained head injury and bruises in different parts of her body, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that the PUJ was overloaded with passengers.

“The PUJ was also running fast even when it was approaching a curve that’s why it overturned,” Bacus said.

Feliza Daayata, 54, who sustained minor bruises, said the driver was having a race with another PUJ.

“We even told him to slow down,” Daayata said.

The passengers were rushed to the J.R. Borja Memorial Hospital. Some of them are still undergoing treatment as of this writing.

Lagrada said the PUJ’s owner, whom he identified as a certain Eduave, promised to shoulder all the hospital expenses of the passengers.

The PUJ’s driver, who suffered minor bruises, was turned over to operatives of Bulua Police Station by a concerned citizen in the area.

However, police personnel at the Bulua Police Station were not able to provide the name of the driver saying that their traffic investigator who brought with him the police blotter is not around.

A follow up investigation on the incident is underway.

Young Sendong survivors volunteers for other children

by (Martin Nanawa/ChildFund/PIA10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 24 -- Six months since tropical storm Sendong ripped through Northern Mindanao, youth and parent volunteers continue to volunteer at Child-Centered Spaces, normalizing activities designed to help children overcome trauma of calamity, and the irregularity of living in relocation camps.

One hundred eighty-two youth and parent volunteers trained with ChildFund, first to process their own trauma, and then to help other kids overcome theirs.

Support from government and non-profit aid agencies poured into Cagayan de Oro and Iligan throughout December and January, bringing immediate food and non-food aid to populations displaced by the flooding. Many also invested in extending psychosocial support to families, particularly to the children.

Long after most organizations concluded their work, however, Child-Centered Spaces continued, thanks to ChildFund’s partner Kaabag sa Kalambuan pinaagi sa Kabtangan sa Katilingban (KKKK), and the parent and youth volunteers, who gave hours of their day, everyday, conducting normalizing activities for young survivors.

All the ChildFund Child-Centered Space (CCS) youth volunteers, however, are themselves survivors of Sendong. These youth hailed from Isla de Oro, hardest-hit during the tropical storm. They all lost their homes, belongings, and many relatives and friends in the flood. The youth and parent volunteers joined workshops conducted by ChildFund and KKKK, to help them process their own experiences, and to equip them to do the same for others.

Even more remarkable is how the CCS Team – youth volunteers, their parent counterparts, ChildFund and KKKK staff - sustained CCS activities for 6 months now. Where many organizations called it “mission accomplished” after just five days, the CCS team kept it going for half a year. Even now, management and continuation of the activities are being handed over to relocation camp management.

ChildFund National Director Katherine Manik, will recognize these young heroes on May 26, at the Xavier University’s Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute in Cagayan de Oro.

UNICEF, a major contributor in support of sustained CCS operation, and Globe Telecoms, which provided material support to the operation, will join ChildFund in recognizing the volunteers.

Emergency employment for Sendong survivors launched in Cagayan de Oro

by (EOR/APB-PIA10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- An emergency employment, livelihood recovery and reconstruction project for Tropical Storm Sendong survivors in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan has been launched on Monday, May 21 in Barangay Balulang, this city.

The project, dubbed the Community-Based Emergency Employment and Reconstruction Project (CBEERP), was a collaborative undertaking of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), International Labor Organization (ILO), Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the local government units as part of their continuing efforts to provide relief to Sendong survivors.

It consists of three phases, namely, emergency employment, livelihood recovery and production of guides and manuals on emergency employment approach, said Nori T. Palarca, chief technical adviser of the ILO-Employment Intensive Investment Program.

He said the emergency employment component involves a 15-day clean-up activity that includes de-clogging and dredging of the drainage canals in Sendong affected-barangays. The qualified beneficiary will be paid a daily wage of P215 or 75 percent of the approved minimum wage for the city.

The livelihood recovery component, Palarca said, aims to re-establish the lost livelihood of the victims. It will be implemented through infrastructure development that will need alternative livelihood like local resource-based hollow blocks production.

He also said that part of the interventions of ILO is to provide skills training to those workers that will engaged in the recovery and reconstruction work such as skills on carpentry, masonry and welding, among others.

On the other hand, the manual to be developed will serve as guide to the other areas in cases calamities or similar situations, he added.

Meanwhile, Crispin D. Dannug, Jr., assistant regional director of DOLE-10, disclosed that a total of 847 beneficiaries were already identified through the interviews administered by DOLE at the different relocation sites and from the database of the respective barangays.

The DOLE-10 earlier announced that 722 beneficiaries will be involved in the 15-day clean-up program and 125 workers will work in the respective relocation sites.

Accordingly, the DOLE-10 will provide the hand tools and protective gears like wheel barrow, shovel, rake, digging bar, picks, dust pan, broom and rubbers boots while the ILO will provide the work clothing and cover the costs of health insurance for the work crew. The pay loaders and dump trucks for hauling and dumping of the debris will be provided by the City Planning and Development Offices.

Dannug further disclosed that the launch will also be done in Iligan City next week.

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 22 -- The Regional Development Council (RDC)-X has adopted a new logo during its 93rd Full Council Meeting held in Bukidnon last May 17.

Replacing the logo, which was prepared way back in the 1970s to represent the old region 10 geopolitical jurisdiction, which included the Surigao and Agusan provinces, which are now part of the Caraga region, the logo also depicts the economic activities and resources, which are no longer part or have only little significance to the economic make up of the current Northern Mindanao.

The logo is a product of the logo design contest launched by the RDC through the Macro and Development Administration Committee (MacroCom).

Based on the 18 entries, the MacroCom secretariat designed the logo to convey the following: the outer circle bearing “Regional Development Council, Region X, Northern Mindanao,” which denotes unity in purpose and aspiration among various players in the region. The circle also suggests community, dynamism (always in the move), integrity, and perfection. It is also colored green to represent the abundance of resources, peace, and balance.

The laurel wreath denotes prestige, a symbol signifying approval or distinction. The number of leaves also represent the number of RDC members. The color orange also denotes the warmth, energy and enthusiasm of the members. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) logo at the intersection of the laurel wreath indicates the strong support that the NEDA, as the RDC secretariat, provides to the council in coordinating and harmonizing activities of the various development players.

The inner circle, which is dominantly colored red, blue, and yellow (with streaks of white), represents the Philippine flag.

The yellow sun rays, which denote optimism, enlightenment, and happiness, give the region a promise of positive future. The five bigger rays represent the five provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental while the nine smaller rays represent the cities of Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador, Iligan, Gingoog, Malaybalay, Oroquieta, Ozamiz, Tangub, and Valencia.

The map is the current geo-political configuration of the region, colored green to emphasize the abundance of resources.

The embedded figures, the blue cog wheel, the golden grains and the family indicate the balance in economic activities among the agriculture, industry and services sector.

The family is placed on the center to further emphasize that the development of the region is people-centered.

The eagle figure is the Philippine Eagle of which the region has the highest number in the wild. It has the widest wingspan among flying birds which could also represent the current status of the Region X having the biggest geopolitical jurisdiction and the biggest and fastest growing economy in Mindanao. The eagle could also represent the rallying point in protecting and keeping the balance of our ecological environment. (EOR/PIA10)

DOLE-MisOr West holds family welfare committee election

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- Forty-four labor and management representatives from different companies in Western Misamis Oriental attended the formal re-organization of the Misamis Oriental West Provincial Federation of Family Welfare Committee (FFWC).

The MisOr West FFWC reorganization and election of officers was held May 9 at the De Luxe Restaurant and Hotel, this city.

Elected vice-chairman for management sector was Clavel Carag of Ororama chain of stores while Rollen Rocha of Del Monte Philippines Incorporated was the vice-chairman for labor sector. Other officers were Joy Achas of Asia Brewery as secretary, Lerio Flores of LBC as treasurer, Merlin Martos of Ororama Chain of Stores as auditor, and Carmencita D. Jubas of Liceo de Cagayan University as business manager.

FFWC aims to promote the welfare of workers and their families as a key to workplace productivity and improved worker-management relations. It is in line with the Family Welfare Program (FWP) mandated under the Department Order No. 56-03, series of 2003 of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which requires establishments employing more than 200 workers in any locality to form a FWC.

The FWC will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing an in-plant FWP that centers on 10 dimensions, namely, reproductive health and responsible parenthood; education, gender equality; spirituality or value formation; income generation, livelihood or cooperative; medical health care; nutrition; environmental protection, hygiene and sanitation; sports and leisure; housing; and transportation.

The MisOr West FFWC will represent the province on the FFWC-10 19th Annual Convention slated on June 21 to 23 in RA7 Resort and Hotel, Clarin, Misamis Occidental. (Glenford C. Labial/Dole-MisOr West Provincial Office/APB/PIA-10)

IIEE hosts Mindanao Power Forum Update in Cagayan de Oro City

by Mike Banos


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 20, 2012) - The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines is hosting a Mindanao Power Forum Update in Cagayan de Oro City in northern Mindanao.

The forum will be held at the Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center on May 24.

It will focus on the technical aspects of the Mindanao Power Development Plan and its role in the current power crisis sweeping the island. Although most of the participants would be convention delegates, she added it would also be open to the general public.

Undersecretary Josefina Patricia Asirit, Chief of Staff of the Department of Energy, will present the status of the Mindanao Power Development Plan which was conceived by the National Power Corporation in the 1980s.

Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, president of the Mindanao University of Science and Technology, which hosts the Institute of Power Sector Economics will also present the think tank’s proposal to update the plan with new developments which have arisen after the Electric Power Industry Reform Act went into effect in 2004 and options for power development with “Transitions to sustainable power in Mindanao (How to get it right)”.

Engr. Maxim Adiong, head for Mindanao Systems Operations of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, is also expected to present a status report on the load curtailment of the Mindanao Grid; and to be followed by Engr. Rudy Brioso, vice president for Mindanao-Generation of the National Power Corporation who will discuss how the present situation affecting the grid arose and what is being undertaken on the supply side to address it.

Five discussants representing the generation companies (suppliers), consumers , private utilities and electric cooperatives would next present their reactions to the previous presentations - Engr. Ernesto Pantangco, Executive Vice President, Energy Development Corporation; Manuel Orig, Vice President for Mindanao, Aboitiz Power Corp., Engr. David Tauli, spokesperson of the Mindanao Coalition of Power Consumers; Ralph Paguio, Vice President, Cagayan de Oro Electric Cooperative and Clint Djanggo Pacana, Executive Director of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives.

An open forum to address queries not covered by the presentations and reactors will cap the afternoon’s forum.

RDC-X holds 93rd meeting in Bukidnon

by (Peleta B. Abejo/NEDA/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 19 -- Bukidnon hosted on May 17 the 93rd full council meeting of the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Council (RDC) in Malaybalay City.

Governor Alex P. Calingasan thanked the body for holding the meeting in the province as he is also given the opportunity to show the grandeurs of Bukidnon and for bearing with them the problem of traffic congestion in its roads due to the ongoing repairs/rehabilitation.

With 66 percent of the members in attendance, the Council endorsed/approved projects, including, additional $200 million loan financing for the Mindanao Rural Development Plan (MRDP) Phase 2; proposed complementing hi-technology radar system for weather and climate monitoring, forecasting and warning capabilities of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration project; regional technical education and skills development plan, 2011-2016; and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, among others.

The body adopted the localization of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition and the use of the 2010-based interim population projections for Region X by province/highly urbanizedcities and municipalities (2011-2016). It also expressed support on the strengthening of the presidential commission of the urban poor. The Council also urged all concerned agencies and institutions to address the priority action areas in the 2011 Regional Development Report.

The occasion also marked the official launching of the “enhancing capacities on disaster risk reduction and management/climate change adaptation” project with a ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement between the National Economic and Development Authority and the local government units/concerned government agencies.

OroChamber conducts maximizing productivity and job hazard analysis

by (Lourdes Enjambre/OroChamber/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 18 -- The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OROCHAMBER), in partnership with AGF Consulting Group Cebu, shall conduct a two-day training on Maximum Productivity in the Workplace and Effective Job Hazard Analysis on May 24 and 25 at the OroChamber-PUM Training Room.

Modules on Maximum Productivity in the Workplace shall be discussed on the first day of the training while topics on Job Hazard Analysis shall be tackled on the second day.

Maximum productivity introduces participants to the main elements of productivity and provides them with guidelines on how to evaluate and improve productivity in the workplace. Participants will also learn how to consistently and systematically apply processes to resolving productivity problems in the work environment.

On the other hand, job hazard analysis is a technique that focuses on tasks as a way to identify hazards before they even occur. The training shall focus on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools and the work environment. The one day course is intended to provide information that will greatly help improve the quality of work environment, manage and reduce, if not eliminate, work-related hazards, improve absenteeism, help maintain a healthier workforce, reduce injury and illness rates, and make workers feel good about their work.

Expected participants for this training are supervisors, managers, executive secretaries, and assistants who directly report to supervisors and managers.

This training event is supported by BusinessWeek, Cagayan de Oro Electric Power and Light Company, Coke, Magnum Radio, PARASAT Cable, Pryce Plaza, Sunstar, and Zest-o.

Oro press club mourns death of its ex-president

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


THE Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) is mourning over the loss of one of its members who also served as the club’s president in 1991.

Lawyer Frederico Gapuz died last Saturday afternoon from lung problems due to some complications. He was 77.

Msgr. Elmer Abacahin, COPC president, said the COPC is mourning over the loss of an active member and a former leader who fought for press freedom.

Gapuz was popularly known as “Tatay” or “Manong” to the members of his founded Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) where he served as chairperson.

He was also president emeritus of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

Gapuz died in his home in Alubijid town, Misamis Oriental.

Until his demise, Gapuz served as the UPLM chair since it was founded in July 2005 and as chair, he lent a strong voice in Mindanao on campaigns for defense of human rights and respect of social justice.

For so many years, Gapuz served as a lawyer and confidant of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano until his falling out in late 2003.

He also once served as a director of the Cagayan de Oro Water District.

His wake will be transferred today, Thursday, at the Philippine Independent Church in Barangay Bulua from his home in Alubijid.

GSIS scholarship program to benefit students in Region 10

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- Deserving students in Region 10 will soon benefit from the enhanced College Scholarship Program of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Ma. Luz Ilano-Briones, GSIS Cagayan de Oro branch manager, said the GSIS has opened 200 college scholarship grants for the school year 2012-2013 and 11 slots are allocated for the region.

She said the scholar will be entitled to the actual cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees not exceeding P20,000 and a monthly stipend of P2,000. He/she may also opt to take a four- or five-year course but must meet the scholastic requirements set by the school for student retention under the program.

This week, the GSIS announced that it has revised the scholarship program to ensure that low-income members will be given the opportunity to send their children to colleges and universities that provide quality education.

Under the revised program, the selection of scholars will no longer be done through an electronic raffle but instead through the nomination of low-income members or those with a salary grade of 24 or below, or its equivalent. The nominee of parents with the lowest salary grades will be given priority in the scholarship grant.

However, the nominee must be a child of the member and an incoming freshman accepted in the schools identified by the pension fund.

Briones said the list of GSIS-accredited educational institutions is available at their office or at their website www.gsis.gov.ph. (APB/PIA-10)

MinDA launches Mindanao 2020 document

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) formally launched today the Mindanao Peace and Development Framework Plan for 2011-2030, also known as the Mindanao 2020.

The unveiling of the Mindanao 2020 Document was spearheaded by MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati R. Antonino and Australian Agency for International Aid (AusAID) Philippines Governance Adviser Sam Chittick during the opening preliminaries of the Mindanao Economic Policy Forum held at N Hotel, this city.

Secretary Antonino said the Mindanao 2020 is a holistic, integrative, and multi-dimensional plan that hopes to transform Mindanao into a peaceful, integrated, cohesive, and dynamic island-economy that will be at the forefront of the country’s sustainable development within the next 20 years.

She said the 20-year peace and development roadmap for Mindanao addresses various challenges and opportunities in the island-region not only within the context of securing peace amid a history of conflict but also in terms of harnessing its inherently rich economic potentials for the benefit primarily of Mindanawons.

MinDA created Mindanao 2020 through a process that took two years in the making. It has engaged the participation government, private sector, non-government organizations, civil society, academe, interfaith groups, women, and youth in the formulation of the plan. (APB-PIA 10)

Fire razes 7 houses in Oro village

by Annabelle L. Ricalde


ANOTHER fire gutted down on Sunday seven houses in sitio Kabina, Barangay Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City.

The conflagration started around 11 a.m. allegedly from the house of the Capute family. It quickly spread to six other houses, leaving five families homeless.

Two other houses were damaged. No one was hurt in the blaze, but around P200,000 worth of properties went up in smoke.

Firefighters of the Cagayan de Oro Central Fire Station and other sub-stations, including Fire Volunteer Brigade, were able to place the fire under control after 30 minutes.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Victor Naive said they are still investigating the blaze of a still unknown origin that broke out when most members of the affected families were not around.

Some of them were either in church attending the Sunday Mass or having a social gathering.

"Wala gyud koy nabitbit kay nagsimba man ko (We weren’t able to get anything because I was attending a Mass)," said one Aileen Geronimo, who was in tears when interviewed by a local radio reporter.

Habitat builds homes for CDO, Navotas folk

by Jerry Botial and Jigger Jerusalem


Manila, Philippines - Thousands of young volunteers braved the scorching heat of the summer sun to help build houses for families affected by typhoons in Cagayan de Oro City and Navotas City yesterday.

The volunteers from different schools and organizations joined Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ Habitat Youth Council in the construction of 100 homes at the permanent relocation site for ty[hoon victims at Indahag village in Cagagan de Oro.

Former beauty queen and TV personality Miriam Quiambao flew in from Manila to join the volunteers.

Habitat Youth Council founder Alexandra Eduque and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco led some 1,800 volunteers in building homes for 2,000 families in Barangay Tanza left homeless by typhoon “Pedring” last year.

Tiangco, for his part, said it was a privilege for Navotas to be chosen as one of two sites in the country for Youth Build 2012.

The group has raised some P40 million for 400 homes in Calauan, Laguna and Navotas since the council was organized in 2010.

Incoming council president Kevin Yang said, “Thousands of lives were rebuilt with the outpouring of support and involvement of volunteers.”

Youth Build 2012 aims to involve the youth in helping victims of typhoon “Sendong” get back on their feet, according to Jan-Hannah Awitin, Habitat for Humanity’s marketing coordinator in Cagayan de Oro.


The Youth Build is an activity under the youth programs of Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ “I Build” campaign chaired by Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

“Our youth are so aggressive to do their share in rebuilding Cagayan de Oro,” Awitin said.

Awitin said Habitat intends to build more houses in Indahag on the next two Saturdays.

Aside from the youth volunteers, Awitin said skilled workers and construction experts were also present to ensure that the houses were built according to industry standards.

Although she declined to divulge the amount raised for the project, Awitin said the funds came from various donors all over the world.

The 100 residential units will form part of the 6,000 houses that Habitat has pledged to build for the families displaced by Sendong in Cagayan de Oro.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a non-profit organization that serves families and helps transform lives by building responsible and self-reliant communities.

This year, Habitat Philippines is part of the Asia-Pacific-wide Youth Endeavor which targets to gather 5,000 volunteers from China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.






Mindanao NGO urged to recall origin, purpose on 16th anniv

by Bong D. Fabe


CAGAYAN DE ORO City, May 12, 2012—As Balay Mindanao Foundation, Inc. (BMFI) forges ahead in breaking new grounds towards the achievement of peace, equity and development of Mindanao, it is challenged to always get its direction and sense of purpose from its origin and history.

“Quo vadis, Balay Mindanaw?” asked Monsignor Elmer Abacahin, SSJV, during the Eucharistic Celebration that kicked off the 16th anniversary celebration of BMFI on May 8.

Abacahin, who pastored the Immaculate Conception Parish in Barangay Bulua, where BMFI is now headquartered, urged all BMFI staff and personnel to always remember three things as they continue to “fight” for peace, equity and development of Mindanao: Remembrance, thankfulness and challenge.

“We have to go back and then express our gratitude. And accompanying our expression of gratitude — in every task there is always an equivalent responsibility and challenge — we are challenged to go ahead with a sense of purpose, which we take from our remembrance of our past,” he said.

Abacahin said remembering one’s history every now and then is very important as one takes on so many challenges as it will keep one from diverting from his chosen goal and purpose.

“We have to thank God for the gift of memory, the faculty to remember. It is difficult to go back without memory…Even the Lord, if you listen closely to the words during the consecration of the Eucharist during mass, the concluding statement of the priest quoting Jesus is ‘Do this in remembrance of me’.”

“Ang pagkalimot sa Kagikan, sa gamut, mao usab ang pagkaguba sa paingnan, sa kaugmaon (Forgetfulness of one’s origin, of one’s roots, is the cause of the destruction of one’s future),” he said.

The BMFI began to base its operations in 1996 in an old building along JR Borja and Capistrano Streets, where the Balay Mindanao Formation House hosted BMFI’s trainings and other activities done by an original staff of three.

From that very humble beginnings, BMFI stayed on course and now continues to scale new heights in establishing a “balay that is a house, a home, a family” where there is “kaangayan, kalambuan, kalinaw” for the Moros, the Lumads, and the settlers not only in Mindanao but the entire Philippines and the world.

With so much accomplishments in so short a time — becoming a global brand in peace, equity and development work —BMFI must always show gratitude to the “Prince of Peace, God” for giving its very being meaning and purpose, Abacahin urged.

“In remembering, in our going back to our origin, our root, we cannot help but express our gratitude…[especially since] there is nothing is this life that we can call our own; everything comes from God, even the gift of peace,” he said.

Abacahin also reminded BMFI to remain true to its calling as channel of blessings and peace.

“We have lots of problems, especially in Mindanao and most especially in our very own city Cagayan de Oro. Our experience with Sendong is an eye-opener. But what is important is we help…the poor…We have been made into channels of relief and blessings…We are just instruments,” he said.

As BMFI begins another year, Abacahin encouraged all staff to continue to work for peace.

“When we work for peace we work for and with God because God is the Prince of Peace,” he stressed.

XU grads, stude named writing fellows for nat’l writers workshops

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 10 -- Two Xavier University alumni and a current Computer Studies student have been chosen to participate in two prestigious national writers’ workshops this month.

Al Gerard de la Cruz, BS Development Communication major in Development Journalism class of 2009, and Eric John Villena, AB Sociology-Anthropology class of 2011, have been selected for the 11th Ateneo National Writers Workshop on May 21-25 at the Ateneo de Manila University sponsored by the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices. De la Cruz and Villena will be participating in the English short story category.

Meanwhile, second year BS Information Systems student, Kristen Anne Senajon, will be joining the National Commission for Culture and the Arts 19th Iligan National Writers Workshop on May 14-18 at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology and Elena Tower Inn in Iligan City. Senajon, who is also an actor of The Xavier Stage, XU’s very own theater company, was chosen out of 106 applicants to partake in the Sebuano Play category.

As fellows, de la Cruz, Villena and Senajon will have the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of top writers, poets and playwrights in the country, such as Palanca awardees Alexis Abola, Mikael de Lara Co, Kristian Cordero, Merlie M. Alunan, Antonio R. Enriquez, Leoncio P. Deriada, and Steven PC Fernandez, among others, as panelists. (XU/PIA-10)






XU grads, stude named writing fellows for nat’l writers workshops

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 10 -- Two Xavier University alumni and a current Computer Studies student have been chosen to participate in two prestigious national writers’ workshops this month.

Al Gerard de la Cruz, BS Development Communication major in Development Journalism class of 2009, and Eric John Villena, AB Sociology-Anthropology class of 2011, have been selected for the 11th Ateneo National Writers Workshop on May 21-25 at the Ateneo de Manila University sponsored by the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices. De la Cruz and Villena will be participating in the English short story category.

Meanwhile, second year BS Information Systems student, Kristen Anne Senajon, will be joining the National Commission for Culture and the Arts 19th Iligan National Writers Workshop on May 14-18 at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology and Elena Tower Inn in Iligan City. Senajon, who is also an actor of The Xavier Stage, XU’s very own theater company, was chosen out of 106 applicants to partake in the Sebuano Play category.

As fellows, de la Cruz, Villena and Senajon will have the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of top writers, poets and playwrights in the country, such as Palanca awardees Alexis Abola, Mikael de Lara Co, Kristian Cordero, Merlie M. Alunan, Antonio R. Enriquez, Leoncio P. Deriada, and Steven PC Fernandez, among others, as panelists. (XU/PIA-10)

SPES-TWSP convergence set to benefit OSYs in 28 NorMin LGUs

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- Out-of-school youth (OSY) in 28 local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao are set to benefit from the implementation of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) convergence in the region.

According to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Office X, the convergence program will cover the poorest areas in the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental as identified by the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster.

These are the towns of Damulog, Impasug-ong, Kalilangan, Kitaotao, Talakag, Baungon, Cabanglasan, Don Carlos, Kadingilan, Malitbog, San Fernando, Kibawe, and Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon; Mahinog in Camiguin; Lala, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Tubod, Bacolod, Kapatagan, Kauswagan, Matungao, and Tagoloan in Lanao del Norte; as well as Bonifacio, Clarin, and Don Victoriano Chiongbian in Misamis Occidental.

OSYs from the cities of Malaybalay, Iligan, and Ozamiz will also benefit from the convergence program.

The SPES-TWSP Convergence is a joint poverty alleviation program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the TESDA that aims to provide trainings and employment opportunities particularly to those belonging to the marginalized sector, especially OSY.

Under the program, OSY beneficiary will be enrolled in training programs registered with TESDA for a minimum of 20 days (160 hours) and a maximum of 52 days (416 hours). The training will be conducted within the premises of TESDA or in TESDA-identified institutions.

Interested OSYs may file his/her application and required documents at the nearest Public Employment Service Office (PESO) or TESDA Provincial Office.

For more inquiries, they may refer to the nearest TESDA, DOLE, or PESO offices in their areas. (with report from Michelle Recanel/APB/PIA-10)






Task force demolishes illegal structure fronting DSWD 10

by Oliver Badel Inodeo


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- A joint task force demolished an illegal structure in front of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office – 10 along Masterson Avenue, Upper Carmen here.

It took almost 10 years for the authorities to clean and to demolish the store which was encroaching on the road-right-of-way of the national highway and the office of the agency.

Manuel M. Borres, Chief Administrative Officer of DSWD – 10, said he is thankful to the operatives of the joint task force, headed by Police Superintendent Antonio C. Montalba, for implementing the demolition on May 4.

The task force was composed of operatives from Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, City Engineering Office, Office of the City Building Official, City Health Officer, City Social Welfare Office, City Fire Marshal, and City Economic Enterprise Division.

The Chief Administrative Officer is grateful to the legal counsel of DSWD-10 Atty. Remedios Llego for her support to the cause of the agency against informal settlers. (Oliver Badel Inodeo-DSWD/PIA10)

More than 2,500 hired on the spot in Labor Day job fair in CdO

by Glenford Labial/Apipa P.Bagumbaran-PIA 10, Cagayan de Oro


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 8 (PIA) -- More than 2,500 job seekers were instantly hired during the Labor Day Job Fair of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) held last May 1 at SM City here.

Lawyer Johnson G. Cañete, director of DOLE Regional Office 10, said that 54.4 percent, or 2,583 of the 4,743 applicants referred and interviewed, were considered hired-on-the-spot.

He said 1,220 of them were hired locally while 1,363 were for overseas employment.

The Labor Day job fair also featured skills demonstrations for technical-vocational courses, such as Barrista of Jamaican F & B Training Center, Inc., beauty care services by Touche Technical Institute, bed making by Internation Labor Force-Skills Mastery Institute, table skirting and flower arrangement by Pro-Link Educational & Training Specialist, Inc., massage therapy by Pilgrim Christian College, bartending by Flairtending/Professional World Academy Misamis, Inc., and the 2D-3D animation by the Iligan Computer Institute.

Moreover, national government agencies showed their support to the job fair by conducting one-stop-shop services.

These agencies included the Department of Foreign Affairs for the application of passports of the overseas job seekers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for overseas Filipino workers, and the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency on the monitoring of the overseas recruitment agencies.

Also present were Department of Science and Technology for recruiting scholars in line with courses in Science and Technology, National Statistics Office for acquiring of birth and marriage certificates, National Bureau of Investigation for pending cases, Pag-IBIG Fund for application of membership and other services, and Social Security System for membership applications.

City hall tackles request of vendors

by goldstardailynews.com


THE Cagayan de Oro City Council's committee on economic enterprises, chaired by Councilor Emmanuel Abejuela, during its recent meeting endorsed to the City Economic Enterprises Department for information and appropriate action the request of the vendors at the Miscellaneous Section of Carmen Market, who are survivors of Typhoon Sendong, to pay their business permit and stall fees on the 3rd and 4th quarters of this year. According to Sant iago Canoy Sr., president of the association, the stall holders are still recovering from the calamity.

He said he was one of those who lost his properties as a result of the fl ood, which was followed by a fi re incident at Zone 2, Vamenta, Carmen. Based on the list submitted to the committee, 15 vendors were affected by the calamity. It may be recalled that in consideration of the plight of the affected city residents, the City Council enacted Ordinance No. 12243-2012 fi xing the assessment for the computation of basic taxes on the renewal of business licenses for CY 2012 of all business establishments affected by Typhoon Sendong to be based on the CY 2011 Business Renewal Assessment of Gross Sales, to be paid on or before Jan. 20, 2012. JBD

Furniture pavilion to boost intra-ASEAN trade

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 6 (PIA) -- Intra-ASEAN trade is expected to increase with the planned establishment of furniture pavilion in each ASEAN country, including the Philippines.

"With this, we can promote each country's furniture. And I see that the Philippines will standout because of our unique products and (excellent) design of our furniture," said Emmanuel Padiernos, vice president for market development of Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP).

Padiernos bared that the Philippines and five other member countries of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) have agreed in principle to create the AFIC pavilion in each country around next year.

He said that aside from the Philippines, the pavilion will be also established in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Padiernos, the chief delegate of the Philippines to the AFIC, said he proposed the creation of such pavilion which can serve as a venue for trade shows.

"They asked me to map out the mechanisms/details which I am going to present during the next AFIC meeting by September. Our target (for the creation of the pavilions) is March 2013 or 2014," he said.

Apart from this initiative meant to boost Philippine furniture exports to ASEAN, Padiernos said, industry players are keen on penetrating more markets particularly the huge Chinese market.

"China is now becoming a consumption economy rather than an export economy. I think China will become the next economic power in the future because of its large population and high economic growth," he noted.

To this end, Padiernos said the Chamber is working on the possibility of establishing a permanent furniture showroom in China. (Danielle Venz-PIA 10)

City council and DOE tackle oil price concerns

by Elaine O. Ratunil


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 5 -- The City Council discussed with a representative of the Department of Energy (DOE) and a gasoline company the issues pertaining to gasoline prices, during its regular session last May 3.

Presided over by Councilor Ramon G. Tabor, the legislative body invited the management of different oil companies and the DOE to shed light on the discrepancy of oil prices in the city compared with other cities and provinces of Mindanao.

Only one gasoline dealer was able to attend the regular session, Joel Orsillada of SEAOIL.

Councilor President D. Elipe, chair of the committee on energy, said the dealers were invited by his committee regarding the different prices among gasoline dealers but the invitation was reportedly ignored that is why the matter was brought to the body.

Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas said the price in Tagum City and other cities and provinces in Mindanao is lower than Cagayan de Oro by almost P3.60.

Orsillada informed the legislative body that one of the reasons for higher prices is the freight and handling expenses that could add to the price of the petroleum products and the price war in the area. Another factor considered is the locality where the establishment is located. It was observed that price is lower in Canitoan than in the city proper.

According to DOE’s Delia U. Sy, the DOE cannot dictate the price of oil as it depends upon the small players. The department's duty is to monitor, she said.

The oil industry is governed by Republic Act. 8479, which provides that it shall be the policy of the state to liberalize and deregulate the downstream oil industry in order to ensure a truly competitive market under a regime of fair prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmentally-clean and high quality petroleum products. (APD/PIA-10)

NorMin Police, RLECC gear up National Greening Program anew

by (PSupt. Ronnie Francis Cariaga/PRO/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 4 (PIA) -– Enforcers of the Police Regional Office (PRO) and the members of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Council (RLECC) in Northern Mindanao planted 3,500 seedlings at barangay Indahag, this city on April 25.

This is in consonance to Executive Order No. 26 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III ordering and declaring the implementation of a National Greening Program as a government priority.

Meanwhile, Police Chief Superintendent Jufel C. Adriatico said the region is a geo-hazard region. Thus, there is a need to take action and saturate the area with trees, he said.

Prior to the tree planting, RLECC members met at the Multipurpose Hall of Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City, to discuss law enforcement matters affecting the condition of peace and order, economy and environment in Northern Mindanao.

At about 3:00 p.m., the members convoyed to two relocation centers in Brgy. Indahag where they distributed assorted goods to 132 recipients. A short program was held and the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was entered between the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) and the Barangay City Council of Indahag.

The said MOA is concerned about the watering and nurturing of the planted seedlings by RLECC members which shall be under the care of the Barangay leaders and officials.

City hall employees volunteer at the relocation sites on Labor Day

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


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 3-- A large group of city hall employees toting picks, shovels, paint brushes, and other equipment trooped to the relocation sites in Upper Camaman-an and Calaanan to help in the construction of the houses for the tropical storm Sendong survivors.

These volunteers answered the call of City Mayor Vicente "Dongkoy" Y. Emano who asked for volunteers from city hall employees to contribute through actual physical labor in the relocation sites after CdO’s Gawad Kalinga frontman Tootsie Besinga conveyed their need for more volunteers, and with the idea of making Labor Day memorable for city hall employees through a labor of love for those who survived Sendong.

Thus, the Upper Camaman-an and 2.7-hectare Calaanan relocation sites saw crowds of employees sweating it out under the hot summer sun digging with picks and shovels for the houses’ foundations, moving concrete hollow blocks, mixing concrete grout, painting walls, and other similar activities.

“Dako akong pasalamat sa migahin sa ilang panahon ug kusog aron matukod ang mga panimalay sa mga biktima sa bagyong Sendong. Ako nanghinaot nga unta sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga panahon, ilang ipadayon kini dili lamang alang sa mga empleyado sa City Hall kon dili lakip na sa mga katawhan sa dakbayan (My deepest gratitude to those who shared their time in the construction of houses for Sendong survivors. I am hoping not only the employees of the city government but the residents of the city as well to do the same)," the Mayor stated.

Another series of volunteer work awaits city hall employees as June 12 to 15 are scheduled for further "labor of love" on the relocation sites on Independence Day. Mayor Emano also invited everyone from all organizations to come join in the volunteer work with the Gawad Kalinga.

Xavier University offers tuition assistance for Sendong survivors

by (Vanessa M. Gorra/XU/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 2 -- To offset the impact of fee increases that may adversely affect survivors of Sendong, Xavier University (XU) is offering financial assistance to affected students for school year 2012-2013.

XU is giving grants-in-aid of P1,500 for grade school, P2,000 for high school, and P3,000 for college students, on top of any discounts and scholarships.

Current students need only to present their University assistance access card to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for those in the tertiary level, or the principal for those in elementary and high school, prior to enrollment. New students may present their Department of Social Welfare and Development cards.

This school year 2011-2012, XU offered an assistance package in the form of deferment of tuition payment, a new set of uniform and ID card, and a gift certificate of P500 for school supplies to students who were affected by Sendong. The University also provided cash and tuition assistance for students who lost their parent/s in the tropical storm, and gave a death-aid grant of P50,000 to families of a few of its students who were lost to Sendong.

Likewise, affected XU employees were given assistance packages such as Sendong calamity grant, multi-purpose loan, housing loan, and rent-to-own plan.

They also have the option to transfer to Xavier Ecoville following the necessary process of availment.

548 beneficiaries complete 400-Hour skills training

by (CIO/PIA-10)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 1 --Five hundred forty-eight (548) participants in the Technology-Based Community Skills Training Program for Tropical Storm Sendong survivors formally completed their 400-hour training on April 30, 2012, said Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Y. Emano.

Among the free courses offered for the beneficiaries are beauty care services, general sewing, commercial cooking, massage therapy, automotive servicing, and welding.

Representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) served as instructors/trainors for the participants in the 400-hour training, in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) and the Community Improvement Division (CID) of the local government.

“Ako naga-panghinaut nga ilang magamit sa panginabuhian ug panarbaho ang ilang natun-an sa maong skills training program aron hingpit na silang makabangon gikan sa trahedya, (I hope what they learned from the skills training program will be used as their means of livelihood for them to recover from the tragedy) ” the Mayor said.

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