Cagayan de Oro City News September 2016

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Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

DOE orders probe on low prices of fuel products in Mindanao

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 30 (PNA) -– The Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered fuel suppliers in Mindanao to explain if the “unusual” low prices of petroleum products on the island violate laws.

The DOE’s field office in Mindanao has reportedly observed that in a week’s time there was a huge reduction in fuel rates in Mindanao.

“[T]he price adjustment of the oil companies in Mindanao from the period [August 30 to September 6, 2016] was a huge PHP 3.00 rollback, which attracted the attention of the agency,” the DOE said in a statement.

While the reported fuel price reduction in Mindanao was a welcome development, the DOE cautioned that under the Oil Deregulation Law, the “sudden and sustained huge decreases in oil prices might qualify as an anti-competitive behavior.”

The market behavior, the DOE said, puts both the smaller oil players and the consumers in a disadvantageous position in the long run.

“Smaller oil players may actually lose its market share and end up closing, allowing the remaining oil players the chance to dictate prices to the detriment of the consuming public,” the DOE said in the statement.

DOE said that the retailing of gasoline through the “bote-bote” (bottle) scheme as well as the alleged smuggling of petroleum products from other countries may have an effect in the fuel price movement in Mindanao.

Usually found on roadsides, “bote-bote” vendors usually sell the petroleum products at a much lower price compared to the prices at gasoline stations.

In Cagayan de Oro, a liter of fuel bought from a roadside retailer may cost PHP5 lower than in legitimate outlets.

However, the DOE Mindanao field office has already coordinated with the local government units and the Bureau of Fire Protection to eliminate the “bote-bote” fuel retailing scheme.

On the alleged smuggling of oil products, the DOE said it is talking with the Bureau of Customs since the smuggling of oil may hurt the petroleum industry.

Aside from the petroleum industry, the economy and the delivery of basic services of the local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao and the rest of the country would also be affected due to “taxes lost.”

Health care, housing, financial aid eyed for public school teachers

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 29 (PNA) -- A lawmaker is pushing for health care, housing, financial aid, and expanded scholarship programs for public school teachers all over the country.

Party list Rep. Virgilio Lacson of the Manila Teachers Party (MTP), said that the MTP has started partnering with the education department to work on reforms that would protect the interests of the Filipino teachers.

The public school teachers had been regarded as the unsung heroes of the nation, particularly those working in strife-torn areas in Mindanao, Lacson said.

Lacson, who briefly visited here this week, said that the MTP would work to realize its mission of empowering the country’s teaching force through various scholarships and trainings and resource generation.

He said that the party-list would also support mass trainings for teachers for a minimum of three days and the establishment of the teacher training centers nationwide.

According to Lacson, the MTP would sponsor a four-year scholarship program for students who would take up teaching and teaching-related course, masters program for teachers, and doctoral program for aspiring school managers.

In the Calabarzon region, the MTP has extended education assistance to some 600 public school teachers where 28 teachers took units in the government’s master program.

In addition, a total of 326 beneficiaries has been granted with four-year college scholarship on teaching and related courses.

Lately, Lacson said, the MTP has launched its college incentive program, a one-time scholarship program that is transferable to the teacher’s next of kin wanting to avail of soft loans.

“Teachers from the Visayas and Luzon have already availed of the college incentive program as MTP envisions for all its advocacies and programs to Mindanao,” Lacson said.

The party-list has also been preparing its role on the occasion of the annual celebration of the World Teachers Day in Davao City on October 5, this year, he said.

MisOr benefits from DA Mechanization Program

(JLOlson, DA-RFO 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 28 (PIA) -- To drum up the farm mechanization assistance of the agency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Corn Program recently turned over about P4.2 million worth of farm machineries and equipment to the provincial government unit of Misamis Oriental (PLGU-MisOr), in a simple ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.

A total of two units farm tractor worth P1,810,000 per unit and two units silage chopper for P292,000 per unit were formally handed over to the province.

The PLGU-MisOr counter parted 10 percent of the farm tractors’ total project cost and the rest was shouldered by the DA-RF0 10, while the units of silage chopper were given to the province as full grant from the aggie dept.

Gracing the event to accept the projects in behalf of the farmer-beneficiaries is MisOr Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, who expressed his sincerest appreciation for the DA, in unwaveringly extending out assistance those targets to mechanize the operations among producers in their respective farmlands, since he has taken helm as governor of the province.

He also underscored the responsibility of accepting the projects by guaranteeing that of the province and the farmers’ role of apportioning funds for the repair and maintenance of the said farm machineries and equipment.

Meanwhile, Engr. Roxana H. Hojas, assistant regional director of DA-RFO 10, corroborated the governor’s statement saying that they should value the projects bestowed to them, as these are tailored fit to reduce their production cost, increase farm efficiency and ensure timeliness of farm activities, which would overall augment farmers’ productivity and income.

CDO upholds quality education in school bldg provision

By Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – “Kinahanglan ato gyud ning ipabangon ang high school in order to ensure nga ang atong mga bata dinhi sa Bonbon will have a chance to have a better tomorrow.”

(There is a need to uplift the high school in order to ensure that the children here in Bonbon will have a chance to have a better tomorrow), says City Mayor Oscar Moreno during the blessing and turn-over ceremony of the two-storey, eight-classroom with covered roof deck building in Bonbon National High School on September 26.

Funded by the Local School Board (LSB) through the Special Education Fund for Secondary Education, the establishment of the P11.5M school building aims to provide better, comfortable and conducive to learning environment to the students in the barangay.

In his message, Moreno stressed that there are only 360-380 enrollees in the said school and this number is a very small portion of the barangay’s big population. “Bonbon is not a small barangay,” he added.

Based on their study, the city government has found out that students in Bonbon prefer to enroll in Kauswagan, Bayabas and Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) due to lack of facility such as the classrooms in Bonbon National High School.

Prior to the establishment of the new school building, there were only 10 classrooms in the high school and two of these are even used as daycare centers.

Moreno also said that through providing good quality facility to the high school, people in Bonbon will “have an equal chance to grow and acquire wisdom through education.”

On October 3 this year, classes can already be held in the new building.

The city government, along with Bonbon Barangay Chair Jacky Lynne Merto, is optimistic that more youth in the barangay will be enticed to enroll in the said school with the establishment of the new facility.

The high school building is also the city government’s opportunity and privilege to help the people of Bonbon who have less in life but more in law.

Oro eyed as Northern Mindanao outsourcing hub

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies are eyeing Cagayan de Oro City as a potential BPO destination in Northern Mindanao, said Stephanie Caragos, information and communications technology city council president.

“Today, there are at least 15 BPO companies operating in Cagayan de Oro and employing some 2,000 agents,” said Caragos.

"In the future, 5,000 siguro ang atong ma-employ which is a very good number for employment here in Cagayan de Oro," she said.

Caragos was in the city last week, together with BPO leaders during the TV program of city Mayor Oscar Moreno to discuss Cagayan de Oro as an emerging city for the BPO industry.

Caraogs said Cagayan de Oro has been identified as one of the "next wave cities."

"We passed the scorecard which means we passed the factors that include the number of graduates we produce, quality of education here, peace and order, infrastructure, local government support and collaboration of all key players here, not to mention the cost of living and cost of operations. This propelled us to attract more investors," she said.

Yasushi Nishijo, chief executive officer of Envizion Philippines said they were looking forward to expand in the city saying Cagayan de Oro City has "young and talented people."

Envizion recently opened its 250-seating capacity contact center at Lifestyle District in Cagayan de Oro City on September 1.

Envizion is a Japanese company that provides online English tutorial for Japanese students using one-on-one video lessons via Skype.

Almira Absin, Azpired vice-president said this city has the best infrastructure and has a powerful presence of skilled and high quality manpower.

Azpired just opened 600-seating capacity contact center on Sunday, September 18.

On the other hand, Teleperformance assistant manager for external relations, Martin Antonio, said the city is attractive to BPO companies because it possessed a good number of schools, seen as a potential labor force, and was considered a financial capital in the region.

For his part, Moreno vowed to invest more in education and infrastructure, secure peace and order, and boost resiliency programs.

"For as long as you show your competitiveness and your edge, then we'll be in good place. Cagayan de Oro has many advantages, I'm sure investors are aware of this. It's very strategic, it's the logistics hub, the trade and education center, medical center, all of these cities in Mindanao is within 500 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro, so I can say it's the most-strategically located city in Mindanao,” he said.

Moreno said the whole region is contributing to the city's growth too citing the region's "intrinsic value" as the large contributing factor to progress.

"We should also be reminded that we as well have a duty not only to our customers, but we owe it to the whole region. As we move forward, we should ensure that everybody in the region walks with us," Moreno added.

PTA involvement in securing of school children pushed

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Cagayan de Oro city solon proposed that Parents Teachers Associations (PTA) be involved in securing the safety of school children.

In response to the special report of Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba regarding the stabbing incident in one of the city’s public schools, Councilor George Goking suggested that a safety and security committee be created in all schools to plan security measures.

The councilor shared his experience as a member of the PTA in some private schools in the city, where the parents and teachers were successfully doing their share in maintaining peace and order in the campus.

At start this drew resistance from parents but eventually, he said, they realized that the safety of their children is of prime importance.

Councilor Goking said he is optimistic that the PTA can compliment efforts of the city in promoting peace and order.

Creation of new offices, positions up for OK

(JAO/SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Cagayan de Oro City Council committee on finance, budget and appropriations convened on September 22 and discussed the proposed creation of offices and plantilla positions of different department/offices of the city government with a total Personnel Services (PS) appropriation for new positions amounting to P19,714,635.

Invited and present during the meeting were representatives from the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), the City Budget Office, department heads and representatives of concerned offices in the city government.

Deliberations were made particularly on the justifications of the 84 proposed positions, but the chairperson pointed out that not all of these can be approved at once.

Councilor Edna Dahino, chair of the committee, said that after thorough study and discussions with the members of the committee, only those that are urgent and of high importance at this time are being considered for approval.

Among these are the eight positions under the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), six positions for the Agricultural Productivity Office, 16 for the Roads and Traffic Administration, two positions for the City Information Office, one for the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), three for the City Budget Office and two for the Office of the Building Official.

These proposals with respective justifications were favorably endorsed and referred to the committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya for appropriate action.

CDO university among GUPES Green Gown Awards winners

(XU)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 23 -- Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan has been recognized as a GUPES Finalist for this year’s Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability Green Gown Awards.

XU was one of the four academic institutions in Asia and the Pacific in the Community Engagement category, along with Aklan State University (GUPES Finalist), De La Salle University (GUPES Highly Commended), and Fiji National University (GUPES Winner).

GUPES Green Gown Awards winners were announced at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, USA on September 13. Universities from five global regions went head to head to become the inaugural GUPES Green Gown Awards winners. Entries were wide ranging from solar dancing flowers to fog catchers to protecting Nemo to aboriginal engagement, among other initiatives.

'Solid Waste Management Program: The Ateneo Way'

As a Jesuit university, Xavier participates in the Jesuit mission of reconciliation with God, reconciliation with others, and reconciliation with creation. Environmental protection is embedded in the university mission. The "Solid Waste Management Program: The Ateneo Way" aims to improve the cleanliness of the university and to attain zero waste.

The program has achieved results that include support from top management; procurement of color-coded bins strategically located in grounds, hallways, and offices; operation of Materials Recovery and vermicomposting facilities; monthly revenue from recyclable materials; initiation of information, education and communication campaign; and recognition of University initiatives at local and international level.

The SWM process includes: 1) Segregation at the source; 2) Collection of solid material; 3) Cleaning, sorting and storage of recyclable materials; and 4) Disposal to the controlled dumpsite. Xavier University, as an academic institution, is considered a catalyst in supporting the Philippine government in its solid waste management program.

GUPES Green Gown Awards

Established in 2004, the GUPES Green Gown Awards is a joint initiative supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) that expands the Green Gown Awards further across the globe with an emphasis on recognizing and sharing successes for sustainability.

GUPES aims to position universities and colleges as leaders in sustainability as well as enabling them to continue their learning from global leaders. The GUPES Green Gown Awards were open to GUPES members across five regions (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America).

The GUPES Green Gown Award Winner from each of the regions will automatically be entered into the International Green Gown Awards contest.

“Universities are a rich source of innovation, commitment, and passion for a sustainable future of people and planet in harmony,” said Monika MacDevette of the UNEP. “The GUPES Green Gown Awards showcase this and provide a source of inspiration and can-do spirit that the UN Environment Programme applauds and celebrates.”

Role of the academe

A network of over 800 universities and colleges, the prestigious award-giving body lauds exceptional environmental sustainability initiatives and best practices.

The categories include Community Engagement for Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean; Continuous Improvement and Institutional Change for Africa; and Student Engagement for Europe and North America.

The education sector is a critical player in ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills and experience required to provide a sustainable future. The GUPES Green Gown Awards celebrate those that are taking the bold steps necessary to develop resilience and adaptability and to showcase the education sector’s contribution to society.

“All around the world universities are beacons of hope for a more sustainable future. The GUPES Green Gown Awards recognize and celebrate the powerful contribution of university staff and students and most importantly let us learn and benefit from their excellence,” said EAUC chief executive officer Iain Patton.

The GUPES Awards help to achieve the United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution “investing in human capacity for sustainable development through environmental education and training,” the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the outcome document from Rio+20 Summit: The Future We Want.

SP to revisit 1994 Codifed Ordinance

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The 22-year old Codified Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro will be updated by the 18th City Council.

During the regular session Monday, legislators adopted Resolution No. 12452-2016, authorizing City Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy to create a Codification Committee to update/revise the City Codified Ordinance in view of the number of ordinances enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod since its adoption in 1994.

In his special report, Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chair of the committee on laws and rules, said it is time for the legislative body to update the Codified Ordinance, which was enacted 22 years ago.

“I was a member then, being the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan federation, when the city council considered and introduced a laudable measure that would lump, codify and produce it into one book from all the legislative measures that were enacted in 1950s up to the time when the codified ordinance was approved in 1994,” Nacaya cited.

According to the councilor, many years have already passed and several laws have been enacted since 1994.

“It’s about time...a piece of legislation that we may perhaps consider as a legacy of the 18th City Council to the next generations of members of the sanggunian for any and all measures that our constituency or even from other sanggunians to look into... copying, imitating and or modeling, it would be the codified ordinance enacted by the 18th City Council,” Nacaya added.

SUPPORT

Councilor Zaldy Ocon was one of those who supported the resolution.

He cited that some provisions of the Codified Ordinance are not followed.

If there is a need, he said, the amendment of some of these laws should also be considered.

For his part, Councilor Romeo Calizo agreed that the amendment of the codified ordinance may be necessary in view of the changing times.

The councilor, who chairs the committee on police, fire and public safety, particularly cited ordinances on security, which may need to be reviewed.

“The security situation is very much different, we got to be proactive,” he cited, among others.

Councilor Calizo said a technical working group (TWG) should be organized to work on this.

“We need to immediately decide on who will be the members of the TWG that will work on the amendments, because indeed there is also a need to change some provisions,” he added.

600-seating capacity contact center opens in Oro

By Jennifer Valcobero

A CEBU-BASED business process outsourcing (BPO) company with a 600-seating capacity opened in Cagayan de Oro City. Company officials said they are expecting to hire at least 1,300 agents once they start with their operations.

Azpired Philippines opened its facility to media representatives during the company launch on Sunday, September 18.

“The reason why we came to Cagayan de Oro is that there is a lot of availability of talents; presence of skilled and high quality manpower. They are more driven and more serious,” said Almira Absin, vice president for operations.

“Cagayan has the best infrastructure based on our research”, Absin added.

Azpired Philippines positioned its contact center in one of the most visited night out destination in the city, the Lifestyle District. A number of food shops and entertainment bars open here from noon until the wee hours to accommodate the nightlife of young patrons and visitors - ideal for call center representatives who work mostly at night.

When Azpired Philippines started its operations in Cebu City, the company hired at least seven agents. At present, their Cebu branch has 1,300 agents.

Absin said they have already occupied two floors. Each floor can accommodate 300 agents with shift schedules. She said that by next year, they will add in two more floors with the same seating capacity.

“We offer them not just a job, but we want to offer them a career. We want them to start a career. They will grow faster compared to any other sectors, we have very competitive compensation package. All they need to possess is communication skills, the right attitude, and determination. All these three ingredients will make them successful”, Absin said on what the applicant can expect on working for their company.

The company’s clients are market sectors based in United States, Canada and Australia. Their services include customer service and technical support and accounting services, among others.

Azpired Philippines already had plans to expand their operations in this city since last year. American co-founder and chief executive officer, Scott Johnson earlier announced in July 2015 that the company expected to hire a total of 2, 000 agents.

The company opening is always welcomed by the City Government as this indicates positive growth and creates job opportunities.

The BPO sector has always been the country’s top industry to generate thousands of jobs each year. The Department of Trade and Industry has noted increasing revenue share from the BPO industry. Despite challenges that call center representatives face including adjusting to different time zones and stressful working environment, call centers remained to be the fastest companies to hire people with good compensation packages.

BPO companies are seen to be doing well with their operations here. The Synnex Concentrix located at uptown Lumbia area is one of the first contact centers to open in this city employing at least 1,000 agents.

DOLE 10 shifts focus to security of tenure, employment status of workers

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 20 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 10 has shifted its focus from labor standards and healthy and safe workplace to upholding the security of tenure and employment status of workers based on the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte to end contractualization.

Based on Department Order 18-A, series of 2011, registration of new applicants as contractors or subcontractors is suspended.

However, all certificates of registration of contractors/subcontractors issued prior to the order shall be respected, unless otherwise revoked through the exercise of the enforcement and adjudicatory powers of the Secretary of Labor and Employment or his duly authorized representative.

Atheneus A. Vasallo, Director II of DOLE region 10 said during a regional consultation on contracting and sub-contracting agreements with stakeholders on 20 September 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City that there are 540 establishments in Northern Mindanao who are contracting and sub-contracting.

He said they will be visiting and inspecting 50% of these establishments this year to check for prohibited practices. The department has set a target to end prohibited acts of these establishments by 50% in 2016 and to completely eliminate such acts in all establishments in 2017.

Meanwhile, Felixberto L. Labor of DOLE region 10 said that Labor Advisory No. 10 series of 2016 states that labor-only contracting shall be declared prohibited. This refers to an arrangement where the contractor or subcontractor merely recruits, supplies or places workers to perform a job, work or service for a principal.

Prohibitions against Labor Only Contracting include No Substantial Capital; and Contractor does not exercise right to control over the performance of the work of the employee.

According to Bernadette Hallazgo of DOLE 10 that a legitimate job contractor or subcontractor must be registered under D.O. 18-A; carries on a distinct or independent business, has substantial capital or investment; corporations/partnership/cooperatives paid up capital stocks/share of at least three million and service agreement must ensure compliance to labor laws.

Implementation of BuB projects seen

(SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 19 – Soon an P8 million worth of Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) projects will be implemented in Cagayan de Oro.

Supporting the national government’s Millennium Development Goals against poverty, the 18th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy is fast tracking the implementation of the 2016 BuB projects in Cagayan de Oro City.

The committees on public works, on finance, budget and appropriations and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Zaldy Ocon, Edna Dahino and Ian Mark Nacaya, respectively, endorsed the proposed ordinance confirming and ratifying the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) entered into by and between the city government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-10) covering the implementation of two more BUB projects.

The projects involve the construction of a multi-purpose evacuation center in Barangay Canitoan and implementation of the Community-Based Monitoring system in the city’s 80 barangays.

The proposed ordinance also earmarks the sum of P3.5 million from the “Non-Office-General Public Services: Special Purpose Funds-BuB Poverty Reduction Projects” in the 2016 annual budget to be made available as city’s counterpart fund.

Under the MOA, the DILG will provide an allocation of P4.5 million, P3 million for the construction of the evacuation center and P1.5 million for the monitoring system.

Legislators noted the certification of the City Budget Office that the amount of P20 million from the annual budget of 2016 under the poverty reduction project is available for BuB projects in the city.

The implementation of these projects is in line with the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016, which aims to reduce poverty in the country.

The proposed legislation will be tackled during the regular session, September 19.

Xavier University’s newest topnotcher

By Abigail Viguella

ZAYRA Blanche Correos did not expect to land in the top ten; she did not even know the exam results were already out.

So when Correos, a BS Psychology graduate of Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan, woke up on the morning of September 6, she could not contain her excitement and happiness when she discovered that the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) had announced the passers of the 2016 Psychometrician Licensure Examination at exactly 12 a.m.

A psychometrician is a person (as a clinical psychologist) who administers and interprets objective psychological tests.

The exam was given by the Board of Psychology last August 30 and 31 in different test centers in the country including Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro city.

Out of the 7,312 exam takers, only 3,690 passed all over the Philippines.

Correos ranked ninth.

"I was very shocked. I didn't know that the exam results were already out since I was fast asleep during the time of the release. When I woke up in the morning, I wondered why I received so many text messages and it was only then that I found out that I made it to the top ten. I was in complete disbelief," Correos said.

Correos had graduated last March and proceeded to take the Psychometrician Board Exam along with 115 fellow Xavier students.

She and some of her classmates then spent a few months to review at Peak Review center where Correos was awarded as the top student for the Psychometrician Pre-board exam.

"Psychology always had a place in my heart even when I was still in high school. I have always been intrigued by it and I believe that it is truly an interesting subject to take. Upon entering college, the primary reason I took psychology as a course was that I knew that it could help me understand myself more and I knew that I wouldn't regret taking it," Correos said as she shared her enthusiasm in the field she chose.

She sees her family as her greatest inspiration for her most recent achievement, in fact, in the phone call between her and her parents right after she knew of the results, she recalls hearing her mother cry over the phone.

She thinks a lot of her success also came from the dedication of her school to give them a thorough knowledge of Psychology.

"My parents have always been my inspiration in a lot of things. And, everything I do and every achievement that I accomplish is always for them. I want nothing more in life than to make them happy and proud. On the other hand, I do believe that our training in Xavier was very helpful. I owe a lot of what I know about psychology to my professors at XU. They have always been there to guide us and support us and without them, I would not have achieved anything like this," she said.

Like so many Psychology graduates in the country, Correos also went through so much stress and anxiety in the few months before taking the exams. Correos overcame all these by keeping her optimism and relying on her strong faith in God.

"Just like any other student, I did my best to study for the four subjects in the exam. I told myself that I needed to finish reading a book for each subject. However, I was only able to finish 2 books out of the 4 subjects. I was already cramming for the other 2 subjects days before the exam. Apart from that, I kept going back to the church to pray for the exam,” she said.

“I knew that with faith in God, I could pass the exam," Correos added.

Now that Correos has finally aced one of the biggest test of in her field, she can only see more good things in the future.

She sees her degree in Psychology opening many doors for her since it is a very flexible course.

"Flexible in the sense that I can pursue several other professions such as being a teacher, a guidance counselor, a human resource manager, a doctor, a lawyer, and so much more. I, however, do not really have any concrete plans as to what to do next but I am open to a lot of things such as either looking for a job or maybe pursue higher education like post-graduate studies," she said.

Her only message to her fellow psychology majors, graduates, and future Psychometrician Board exam takers is to always remain positive and to have faith in what one is doing and in God.

"Always believe in yourself. Never think that you will fail the exam. Anyone can achieve anything as long as he/she just puts his/her mind and heart into it. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Remember that faith in God propels you to pass the board exams. You shouldn't just prepare yourself mentally but emotionally and spiritually as well. Ika nga, do your best and God will do the rest."

"I found the exam really difficult and I was only praying to God that I did enough in the exam to get a passing score,” she said.

“He gave me so much more,” she said.

Sinaunang Baybayin: Reading the past

By Abigail Viguella

WITH her advocacy to highlight Filipino culture through the arts, Kagay-anon performing artist Denise Mordeno Aguilar is launching her 2016 theater project entitled 'Sinaunang Baybayin'.

The performance is a multidisciplinary art performance fusing together the performing, visual, and literary arts to highlight the main subject which is the ancient Filipino script, Baybayin.

Aguilar collaborated with Liceo de Cagayan's Office for Cultural and Public Affairs and got support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to officially launch the presentation at the Rodelsa Hall on October 7.

The Sinaunang Baybayin or the Alibata is the old alphabet of the inhabitants of the Philippines before the Spaniards came to the archipelago in the 1500s.

Aguilar's team of researchers and artists theorize that the Baybayin script was in use in parts of Mindanao and that majority of the languages that are present today in the country are rooted from cultures in Mindanao before they began to spread out to the other parts of the country.

"I got the inspiration for this new project when I was studying at the Intercultural Theater Institute (ITI) of Singapore back in 2012. There was this performance named 'Odissi' which is an ancient Indian dance featuring various Indian cultural dance styles including those of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Guru Deba Prasad ten, Guru Surendra Nath Jena, and Guru Mayadhar Raut. Each style was showcased by the region’s leading dancers and practitioners. And it was there that I got the idea of making a Filipino version of this dance featuring our very own 'Baybayin' or most commonly known as the 'Alibata'," Aguilar said.

Aguilar tapped the expertise of visual artist, researcher, and Sinaunang Baybayin expert, Emil Yap and some of his associates to translate Baybayin into modern language and transform Baybayin's strokes into artistic movements and forms.

Aguilar said that while she already knows that they aim for the performance to feature various disciplines of the art, they are still in the process of mapping out the entire performance. Starting last September 5, Aguilar and her partner artists have been doing workshops at Liceo de Cagayan to be able to construct the project.

"Indeed, there is a growing need to advocate the Sinaunang Baybayin today because we are facing globalization. Some children nowadays do not even know how to speak the vernacular languages of our county's regions and most of them are more interested about foreign cultures. While this is not entirely bad, it is still our responsibility to pass onto them the culture that we Filipinos have so that ours will not eventually die out," said Aguilar.

The Sinaunang Baybayin performance is a grantee of NCCA's program entitled "Go, Go, Kultura-Mindanao" which aims to disseminate and promote Mindanao culture and heritage through various media and art platforms.

NCCA will release a total fund of P800,000 for Aguilar's theater performance.

"We are very proud of this project that Denise has organized for the culture here in Mindanao and we are encouraging more artists, enthusiasts, and institutions to devise more projects like this. NCCA will be more than happy to support you." said Rene Napenas, the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office head.

Before October 7, Aguilar and her partners in Liceo de Cagayan will also hold a Baybayin workshop for teachers at Liceo de Cagayan on September 17. Tickets for the performance will be available at Liceo de Cagayan at about P100.

"Translating Sinaunang Bayabayin into the contemporary context of your creative discipline is quite a challenge and yet creativity is never limited. It only takes awareness and a never ending openness to take in and give away. What a wonderful world it will be when each and one of us concur to the idea of feeding the soul," Aguilar said.

EMB-10 offers ‘total solution’ to Philippines’ industrialization dilemma

By Mike Baños

The Duterte administration has set the full scale industrialization of the Philippines as the key to sustaining the country’s economic growth and curbing unemployment.

However, Environment Secretary Regina Paz ‘Gina” Lopez is determined to shut down coal fired power plants the Department of Energy deems necessary to power the President’s vision for industrialization.

PH coal-fired power plants

Based on DOE data, 70% of the 5,000 megawatts (MW) of power-generating capacity under construction or on the pipeline until 2020 are coal-based. DOE data shows 20 coal-fired power plants operating in the country today, with over 50 more in various stages of planning and construction across the country, according to the Global Coal Plant Tracker.

According to environment advocate group Greenpeace, the use of fossil fuels like coal as an energy source is the number one driver of global warming, being a top emitter of greenhouse gases.

The Climate Change Commission has urged a review of energy policy following government’s approval of 29 coal-fired power plants with more online expected to generate 56% of the country’s electricity by 2020, according to consultancy firm IHS.

“We want low carbon development but we need to identify an alternative first for coal for baseload. We need a level of safety to ensure energy security,” said Jesus Tamang, head of DOE policy and planning.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE) Philippine Energy Plan (PEP), the Philippines needs 13,167 megawatts (MW) of additional power capacity by 2030, of which 8,400 MW are baseload power.

Coal, which is sourced locally and abroad, has been touted as ideal for baseload because of its availability and the relative ease with which coal fired power plants (CFPPs) could be built anywhere in the country provided there is sufficient water supply.

However, latest data from DOE show that committed and indicative CFPPs already totals 11,992 MW, assuming all projects come to fruition. That’s already 43 percent over the country’s baseload energy requirements of 8,400 MW as specified in the PEP, and 592MW over the 11,400 MW (out of the required 13, 167 MW) open for private investment.

Shift to Renewable Energy

Environment Secretary Lopez has been steadfast against coal projects and is instead advocating a shift to renewable energy (RE).

“While China has closed all their coal plants – well about a hundred – and America closed all of theirs, we come up with 118 permits? I mean, what’s that all about?” she said.

Instead, Lopez stresses the Philippines should focus on wind, solar and geothermal projects to capitalize on falling RE costs and minimize emissions.

“Why allow more coal plants? Why commit to a form of energy that has no future?” Lopez said in an interview with Bloomberg. “I’m not keen on it. I’d have to be very convinced.”

Ms. Lopez said her family’s investments in energy firms First Gen Corp. and Energy Development Corp. have no bearing on her decisions.

“I’m not going renewable because of them. I’m going renewable because it’s for the Filipino people,” she said.

“And if they benefit, well, other people can also benefit. My thing to the businessmen, go renewable so you can also benefit.”

“Addressing global warming will be our top priority, but upon a fair and equitable equation,” the president said during his first State of the Nation Address.

“It must not stymie our industrialization,” he added.

EMB-10’s Total Solution

However, Regional Director Sabdullah C. Abubacar of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Region 10 believes Ms. Lopez’s advocacy to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions need not clash with the president’s industrialization track.

“For the past 10 years, we have successfully piloted a total solution in addressing the present dilemma with EMB-10’s partnership with STEAG State Power, Inc. (SPI), the first coal-fired power plant operating in Mindanao,” Abubacar said.

Under present regulations, environmentally critical projects (ECP) as classified by law are only required to provide self-monitoring equipment for their greenhouse gas emissions. Abubacar went one step further and persuaded SPI to link their system to the EMB-10 office to enable the latter to keep an eye on its emissions as well for regulatory purposes.

The Cagayan de Oro system is unique since it is the first, and so far the only one in the country, directly linked to the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) of a private company.

“Under the market based instrument which the government uses to calculate the comparative expense of its capital equipment, a two point monitoring test for ambient air quality costs P50, 000 in the commercial market,” Mr. Abubacar said. “With the Swedish-made Opsis open-path system, we can tap a company’s CEMS to do 24/7 remote monitoring of their industrial plant’s emissions at no cost to us since it does not require sampling.”

Companies emitting 100 metric tons (MT) annually were previously required by law to install CEMS for self-monitoring, but this was subsequently increased to 750 MT by another DENR Circular.

Using self-monitoring for regulation and transparency

EMB-10’s Air Quality Management System has been linked to two (2) remote CEMS stations, in SPI’s 210MW coal-fired power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental since 2004.

“The execution of this agreement is advantageous to EMB-10 since it can provide a clear picture in real time basis of the current air pollution levels and sources in a given area,” notes environment consultant Engr. Mario B. Sumalinog, DTE, CE, REE. “Since the collected data are displayed in the website, they are accessible for dissemination to the academe, media, and the general public for information and awareness.”

“This would assure the monitoring system would remain transparent, accountable and affordable,” Abubacar said.

“Even given an infinite number of environmentally critical firms, DENR Central Office can monitor individual projects and its regional offices 24/7 to ensure no hanky-panky under the table deals are entered into between companies violating emission standards and regional regulators,” he added.

The capital and maintenance and operating expense of monitoring equipment alone already makes the present situation a fertile ground for corruption.

A CEMS Open Path system costs at least P12-million to purchase and P200, 000 annually to operate and maintain. That’s P17 million over a project’s 25 year economic life. The more expensive industrial type point monitoring system costs P18-million for a single station, and is even more expensive to maintain at P1.5 million a year, so total expenses over a project’s 25 year lifespan could go up to P55-million per station.

If the DENR makes it a legal requirement for all ECP’s (i.e., those emitting at least 750 MT of CO2 annually) to link their CEMS systems with the EMB, this would enable the environment secretary to monitor any linked point at anytime from anywhere in the world.

Under present regulations, companies can be levied anywhere from P10, 000-100,000 a day per violation by the DENR until the offending emission is stopped. Ironically, there is no legal provision to date requiring government’s real time monitoring of the emissions, hence the temptation for corruption. But the benefits of EMB-10’s pioneering “Public-Private Partnership” does not end with real time monitoring of factory emissions from any point in the world and stopping corruption in its tracks.

Current environment regulations are only aimed at curbing pollution but not carbon emissions. For instance, SPI’s 210 MW CFPP emits an estimated 1,600,000 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide per year, of which 600,000 MT are carbon.

Since a hectare of forest can absorb 400 MT of carbon per year, EMB-10 asked SPI to plant and continually maintain a 1,200 hectare (ha.) “carbon sink” at Mapawa Nature Park in Malasag, Cagayan de Oro City to sequester its 600,000 MT of carbon emissions annually over the 25 year economic life of the project.

First carbon sink in Southern Philippines

This pioneer project has established the first ever carbon dioxide sink in Southern Philippines which aims to help improve air quality through ‘carbon sequestration’ a process that removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in the trees.

Through an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol, industrialized countries with a greenhouse gas reduction commitment (Annex 1 countries) are allowed by the Clean Development Mechanism (CDA) to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries as an alternative to what is generally considered more costly emission reductions in their own countries.

Such CDM projects are supervised by the CDM Executive Board under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

CDM projects are expected to generate investments in developing countries, especially from the private sector, and promote the transfer of environmentally-friendly technologies.

In SPI’s case, it invested P28-million in social and environmental projects even before it has started commercial operations. Among the latter are a Comprehensive Forest Conservation Program to develop and maintain a 1,200 hectare area in the Mapawa Nature Park at Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City in coordination with the DENR and E. Pelaez Ranch, Inc. (EPRI); and 25- year urban forestry projects in Villanueva and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental covering another 1,000 hectares.

“Forests such as these are vital to our environment and to man’s existence by producing clean air and retaining ground water. For every amount of carbon dioxide sequestrated by a living tree, it releases a corresponding amount of oxygen into the atmosphere and stores a substantial amount of water through its root system,” EPRI said in a statement.

“STEAG State Power, Inc.’s Forest Development Program is our contribution to improving the quality of life in Southern Philippines. We have a 500-hectare target area for planting, an existing 500-hectare plantation, and 200 hectares of natural forest that we maintain. We also protect the entire forest area from forest fires and timber poaching,” SPI said in a statement.

Restoring balance in nature

The Mapawa Carbon Sink project is one of the biggest private-sector led reforestation projects in the country. Besides addressing climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, providing livelihood and food security for tree farmers and the surrounding communities, it is also contributing to environmental stability, restoring biodiversity conservation and potable water for nearby barangays.

“Our surroundings have become cooler and we do not run out of water even during a long dry spell,” said EPRI forester Christopher Rivera.

“When I came here in 1995, this area was all brown and very hot during summer. But we now have a forest cover and the vegetative growth has returned. We now have a natural airconditioning,” said Dr. Cesar Nuevo, general manager of the Mapawa Industrial Forest.

Bird watchers have also started visiting Mapawa where some 108 species of local and migratory birds have been identified so far.

“We have the Silvery Kingfisher,” Nuevo said. “This endemic bird draws the bird watchers to Mapawa and helps make a vibrant niche in the local tourism industry. The sighting of the Philippine civet cat (known locally as melo or musang) means that we have a favorable environment for wildlife,” he added.

The Southern Silvery Kingfisher (Ceyx argentatus) is a rare bird in the family Alcedinidae that is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.

According to Bird Life International, this newly-split species qualifies as Near Threatened because its population is suspected to be undergoing a moderately rapid decline as a result of the loss and decline in quality of its forested lowland stream habitats.

Other rare birds which have found safe haven in the Mapawa carbon sink are the Red Bellied Pitta (Erythropitta erythrogaster) suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing destruction of lowland evergreen forests within its restricted range (del Hoyo et al. 2003) and Southern Philippines Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx mindanensis), classified as vulnerable due to extensive lowland deforestation of its habitat.

Besides restoring biodiversity, Mapawa Carbon Sink‘s many waterways never run dry, and this has made it the source of abundant potable water for at least three nearby barangays.

“Many don’t know this but we are also the source of potable water in the Sendong relocation area in the nearby relocation area in Barangay Indahag,” Rivera said.

Making carbon sinks mandatory

During a site inspection visit last 19 August 2016 as part of the agency’s nationwide benchmarking initiative to identify sound industrial practices on environmental protection and management, EMB Director Gilbert Gonzales was sufficiently impressed to mull its adoption as a model for public-private partnership in reforestation projects across the country and make it mandatory for all Environmentally Critical Projects in tandem with real time monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions as proposed by Abubacar.

Making carbon sinks mandatory for ECPs have the added benefit of ensuring the sustainability of the forests over a longer period of time, making it the perfect complement to the National Greening Program (NGP).

Under the NGP, farmers have been trained and hired to develop agro forestry plantations that involve timber, fuel wood, coffee, cacao, rubber, bamboo, rattan and fruit-bearing trees, to provide them with permanent livelihood and raise their level of living while also addressing poverty reduction, food security, environmental stability, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Director Ricardo Calderon of DENR’s Forest Management Bureau reported in a recent open letter published in a national daily that as of Aug. 5, 2016, the NGP had planted 1.08 billion seedlings on a 1.45 million-hectare spread and generated about 3.3 million jobs.

By the end of 2016, it would have 1.37 billion planted seedlings on 1.6 million hectares, thus exceeding its overall target of 1.5 million hectares, without exhausting its total allocation of 1.5 billion seedlings.

“Since ECP’s shall be mandated to maintain and protect their respective carbon sinks over the lifetime of their respective projects (usually 25 yrs., often renewed for another 25), they stand a better chance of sustainability while at the same time similarly addressing poverty reduction, food security, environmental stability, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation at no cost to the government,” Abubacar notes.

In Region 10 alone, EMB-10 has listed 33 ECPs, including five coal-fired power plants, of which two are already operating with a combined capacity of 585 MW, and another three under construction and in the pipeline with a total capacity of 1,005 MW.

The four new coal-fired power plants have a combined output of 1,380 MW which will spew an estimated 10,515,600 MT of carbon dioxide annually of which some 2,867,890.91 MT is carbon. Since each hectare of forest land can absorb approximately 400 MT of carbon a year, these four plants would require the planting of new carbon sinks in the region totaling 7,170 hectares over 25 years, making it a perfect vehicle for the NGP since all these forest will be planted, maintained and protected by the coal-fired power plant companies over the projects’ economic life.

Outstanding Environment Monitoring Project

Last June 2013, EMB and the Pollution Officers Control Association of the Philippines conferred two national awards on SPI during the 1st National Convention on the Philippine EIS System held in Manila Hotel.

SPI received the Outstanding in Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) and the Outstanding in Compliance and Validation Report (CMVR) Awards, “for exceeding the standards for self-monitoring and reporting under the Philippine Environmental Impact Study (EIS) System.”

Abubacar said the award is EMB’s way of promoting excellence in the Environmental Impact Assessment Reporting in the country and showcasing best examples of EIA reports following well-established scientific approaches, comprehensiveness and effectiveness.

“In tandem with our monitoring system, this carbon sink offers a total solution to the country’s dilemma to undertake industrialization while complying with the Paris Agreement,” Abubacar noted.

At the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal. The agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C. The agreement is due to enter into force in 2020.

The Philippines signed the agreement on April 22, 2016 but has not yet ratified it pending the findings of the Senate which was charged by the president to investigate its implications for the country.

Monitoring data spurs investments

The business sector is optimistic the pilot system gives Region 10 an advantage in attracting investments since potential investors can instantly be apprised of the feasibility of setting up their factories or plants in a specific area based on its carrying capacity as monitored by the system.

“Promote Cagayan de Oro supports the collation of data such as the CIC Louis Berger study thereby coming up with an environmental threshold map on types of indicated industries,” said Rodolfo L. Meñes, former president of the Oro Chamber and Promote CDO, a private non-stock, non-profit corporation dedicated to attracting investors in Cagayan de Oro and Region 10.”Investors can look at specific areas based on CDO’s comprehensive land use plan which should be dynamically updated by all sectors especially business.”

“This should prove to be an advantage to us since businessmen can instantly know based on real-time data whether or not they can put up a specific type of business in a particular area,” said Elpidio M. Paras, DOST Regional Ambassador for Science and Technology.

Quality of Life

EMB Director Gonzales plans to make the Mapawa Carbon Sink and Real Time Monitoring a pilot model for its eventual adoption as mandatory for environmentally critical projects as proposed by Abubacar.

“This is the missing link that reconciles President Duterte’s thrust for industrialization and DENR Sec. Lopez’s call for Quality of Life,” Abubacar stressed.

In her column From the Heart dated 28 July 2013 headlined “Wanted: Health, Peace and Happiness”, Lopez wrote:

“Quality of life is founded on a broader and deeper understanding of what we are all about, where we want to go. Inherent in quality of life is the understanding that life is not just physical, it is emotional, it is energy. This is exactly why the goals for the Green Initiative are manifold:

Environmental (clean, air, clean water)
Economic (when one has money many things follow provided we have the right values)
Health (it is difficult to be happy if you are not healthy or if the environment is not conducive to healthy living due to pollution, etc.)
Peace and order (how can one have quality of life if one doesn’t feel safe?)
Happiness (what use is all the money if one is not happy?)”

A Total Solution, indeed!

NYC to localize youth devt plan approach

By Jorie C. Valcorza (JCV/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 15 (PIA) – A regional consultation workshop was held in Cagayan de Oro city on 15 September, to come up with a comprehensive development plan for the youth. The ideas, inputs, and good practices gathered will form part of the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2017-2022.

National Youth Commission (NYC) Assistant Secretary Earl Saavedra said the activity intends to sustain the vision for the youth, pursue its goals and reset the priorities.

“PYDP is anchored on three major blueprints, the United Nations Program of Action for the Youth, Sustainable Development Goals and the Philippine Development Plan, to achieve something worthwhile,” Saavedra said.

It is the agenda of the NYC to institutionalize the implementation of the PYDP, acknowledging the youth’s lack of ownership to the blueprint, he stressed that development through localization which is part of the concept of federalism, is the way.

“Perhaps they do not know or understand what it intends to do for them, perhaps they don’t see how PYDP could champion their interest. The intention is very simple, for everyone to feel that development reaches even to the level of the grassroots,” he added.

Asec Saavedra likewise pointed out that youth development is the agenda of everyone and that in the roll out implementation or institutionalization of PYDP they need the passion, creativity, determination, consistency and courage of the duty bearers, youth leaders and partners.

Dads OK MOA with DA for corn production

(EF/SP)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The City Council during its regular session enacted Ordinance No. 13120-2016, authorizing the city mayor to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture, Regional Office Field No. 10 (DA-10), covering the grant of One Unit Corn Mill (Mobile) in Cagayan de Oro City.

Stipulated in the MOA is DA’s implementation of the Corn Program to enhance agricultural productivity and production and as a strategy of realizing the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP).

The DA is mandated to promote the agriculture sector through the provision of appropriate support services under the Corn Program.

One component of the said Corn Program is the provision of corn mill to local government units for the corn farmers in their locality. This is to provide the needs of local governments of a corn mill to enhance the value-adding capacities of the local corn farmers to increase their competitiveness, livelihood opportunities and income.

Under the MOA, the local government unit (LGU) will shoulder and provide for the maintenance and operations’ cost of the equipment as well as its storage.

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

Pag-IBIG fund to open Puerto branch

By Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 13 (PIA) – To serve and reach more members, Pag-IBIG Fund will soon open at the 2nd Floor, Vincent Yap Building (beside Cepalco building), National Highway, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City.

The service office will offer various services such as the membership/employer registration, acceptance of applications for multi purpose and calamity loans, and provident claims, and facilitate queries on membership, transfer of records and loan documentary requirements.

Currently, there are two member services branches in the city which are located in JR Borja-Mortola Street and Max Suniel Street Barangay Carmen.

CDO mulls creation of anti-illegal gambling task force

(PNA), LAP/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 12 (PNA) -- The local city council plans to create an anti-illegal gambling task force this week to run after illegal gambling operations here.

Councilor Zaldy O. Ocon, chair of the committee on games and amusement, said that the city’s police office would be the lead agency of the proposed anti-illegal task force.

The other members would be the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Misamis Oriental Cagayan De Oro Lotto Agents Association, and the village chiefs.

City Councilor Leon Gan, however, said Monday that Cagayan De Oro City already has anti-illegal ordinances, but the problem is the enforcement of the law.

Instead of approving a new anti-illegal gambling ordinance, Gan proposed the adoption of a resolution urging Congress to revisit the anti-gambling law.

He said that the coverage of the “gambling” should be expanded, the penalty increased, and the bail bond should be considered.

Acting City Police Chief Senior Supt. Ronnie Cariaga, said that the local police command would support the city’s anti-illegal gambling drive.

He said that the city police command has already conducted 20 anti-illegal gambling operations after he was installed as acting city police chief two months ago.

Humans of Cagayan de Oro

By JB R. Deveza, Abigail Viguella

EVERYDAY for the last three years, American Douglas Hero lugs his cameras and gear and walks to a photo shoot.

Every day, Hero goes to “work,” picking a series of random street corners, creating portraits of everyday people he meets mostly by chance, and then posting these of a page he created on Facebook.

The 34-year-old, six feet six and a half inches tall Mormon from Utah said he has been averaging 50 photos a day for the past three years, in the process creating enough photos to fill about seven 1-terrabyte-sized hard drives.

“People would see me taking pictures of other people and then they would ask me to take their pictures. Then, when they see their pictures in Facebook, they would be delighted and they would introduce me to some of their friends,” Douglas said.

Douglas says the portraits are for a personal project he calls “Humans of Cagayan de Oro,” a project patterned after the “Humans of New York” documentary project by Brandon Stanton whom Douglas met briefly before coming to the Philippines in 2012.

A mountain biker and former bicycle store owner in Orem, Utah, Douglas said he so admired Stanton’s project to create an exhaustive catalogue of New York City’s inhabitants that, after being in the city for a year, he decided to embark on a similar project.

Recounting the events that led him to his project, Douglas said he was taking a stroll at the MacArthur Park when a group of school girls in pink uniforms caught his attention. He said he took about 20 photos of the school girls.

“When I looked at those pictures of the Lourdes girls, I remembered this guy from New York,” he said.

“The guy Brandon of the ‘Humans of New York’ wanted other photographers like me to spread the practice of taking pictures of people in cities and post them on social media,” he said.

“Remembering him and looking at those photographs, I then decided to start my own version of his project here in Cagayan de Oro,” Douglas said.

“What is so lovely about this thing I’m doing is the fact that I meet and make so many friends along the paths I go to everyday,” he said.

He said he’s made so many friends that in all the time he has been here, he’s never gotten lonely.

Douglas said he is particularly interested in making photos of people in their everyday carefree selves.

His photographs have featured Kagay-anons in parks, in streets, in malls, in schools, and in almost any public place he might end up.

“Filipinos only have two poles when they are faced with a camera lens. It’s either they become very shy and they try to avoid the camera or walk out of the place entirely or they can be so camera loving that sometimes they would even ask me specific angles in taking my picture. But what I generally like about the people of this city and this country is that, even if it’s entirely different from where I came from, people really know how to smile and have some fun,” he said.

But taking random pictures of strangers can also sometimes lead to trouble, Douglas said.

“There was actually this time when I wanted to take pictures of these children who were playing in the park when suddenly adults came and shouted at me ‘Why are you taking pictures of these children!’ as if I was doing something really dangerous to them when in fact I only wanted to take some shots,” Douglas said.

The occasional trouble aside, Douglas said his stay in Cagayan de Oro has generally been pleasant, so much so that at the moment, he does not see himself leaving anytime soon.

Douglas said he never paid any heed to all the bad press concerning Mindanao.

“After I was here somebody was telling my dad that the place was not safe. Once I went to Claveria (Misamis Oriental) and somebody told me it was not safe to stay so I stayed the night,” he said.

“I think Filipinos are overly cautious. I’m overly not cautious. People are always saying be careful. If I wanted to be careful , I just would have stayed in Utah,” he said.

“The Philippines is not so different from America. Certain places here are exactly like places in America. I mean, they speak English here and it's like Southern California,” Douglas said.

“I didn’t really come with a plan. I still have no plan,” he said.

“I only planned to come here for two months. And then I missed my plane, I don’t know why. So I said to myself I’ll add two more months, and then after that, two more months,” he said.

It is not a smart idea, he concedes, and funds have been running low.

He said he gets by doing event photography for friends for a minimal fee, which, he adds with a smile, he spends on camera equipment.

Douglas said a foreigner like himself could not really make a decent living in Cagayan de Oro the way an expat could in, say, Bangkok, teaching English.

But, he said, he lives “really cheap” in a boarding house with 15 other people and a common bathroom.

He has also adapted to eating what the locals eat--rice and veggies.

“At some point I will have go back (to America),” Douglas said.

He said he will go back when he feels he can make a living making photographs.

“I really don’t know when I’ll go home since this place feels like home already. But I'm sure that no matter how many times I go back to my own soil, I will never be able to fight the urge to come back and see more of this country,” he said.

Asked why, he said unlike any other place he’s been, here “it never gets old to have people happy to see you.”

With that he slings his camera on his shoulders and once more goes on his way to shoot one more photo and capture one more smile.

BSP awards 8 stakeholders, partners in regions 10, Caraga

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

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas awarded today eight stakeholders and partners based in regions 10 and 13 during an appreciation lunch held in Cagayan de Oro City.

Monetary Board member Felipe M. Medalla led the awards ceremony with a theme “Sustained Partnership, Sustained Economic Growth.”

This year’s awardees in Northern Mindanao and CARAGA are Desmark Corporation as Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms and Osamco Manufacturing Corporation as Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms for the Business Expectations Survey (BES).

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Region X and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Caraga both obtained the award for Outstanding Partner for the Report on Regional Economic Developments.

The Outstanding Regional Partner for Currency Programs of the BSP for Demonetization of the New Design Series was awarded to the Philippine Information Agency Region 10 and Radyo Trumpeta Butuan.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Caraga Council of Dean and Business Educators Association, on the other hand, were individually recognized as the Outstanding Regional Partner in Implementing BSP Advocacy on the Conduct of Public Information Campaigns.

Each awardee received the “Dynamic Balance, Philippine Eagle” trophy crafted by visual artist and multi-awarded sculptor, Ferdinand Cacnio.

This year’s awards ceremony and appreciation lunch for stakeholders in Region 10 and 13 marks the second time that the BSP has awarded stakeholders in these regions and is the ninth in a series of 12 regional events for this year.

The annual awarding of BSP stakeholders and partners aims to further reinforce the alliances between the BSP and its stakeholders in information gathering and conduct of advocacy campaigns that will help the BSP carry out its objectives of maintaining price stability, promoting financial stability as well as ensuring an efficient payments and settlement system in the country.

Oro police to form anti-illegal gambling task force

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

CAGAYAN de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) chief Ronnie Francis Cariaga would soon form a task force to crack down illegal gambling operators in the city which he vowed to cripple in two months.

Speaking before the City Council session Tuesday, September 6, Cariaga said he would put an end to the long-overdue gambling problem in the city that led lotto operators in the locality to close some 20 lotto outlets for major losses in sales.

Astrid Bana, president of Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro Lotto Agents Association, suggested to the police chief that a task force should be created to chase after big and small illegal operators.

"I hope you realize that the menace of illegal gambling is as big as the illegal drug activities. These two are twin problems in the society," Bana said.

Bana said that six years ago, lotto operators can gain P20,000 per day but after illegal gambling became the trend, their income lowered down to P2,000 month.

Cariaga, for his part, related the difficulty in convicting illegal gambling operators despite doubled efforts in the arrests.

"Sa prosecutor pa lamang, drop na ang kaso. Isa sa reason is ang Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is dili mo-kaso. Lisod gayud ta mokuha og search warrant. Kasagaran ang atong madakpan, mapriso lage pero dili raman magdugay," Cariaga said.

Cariaga said in just two months after he assumed as officer-in-charge of Cocpo, they had already launched 20 operations against illegal gambling compared to the former Cocpo administration's nine operations in six months.

"Kulang man gyud kita ug manpower like in each of our police stations, we have only 5 to 7 operatives, and these operatives operate on all of the crimes. So ang solution is we strategize na dili ma-compromise and lain pud nato nga priority," he said.

Cariaga also furthered that just like the war against drugs, the barangay possesses a crucial role in identifying illegal gambling operators.

Completion of road asphalting of Cagayan De Oro highway nears

(PNA), RMA/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 7 (PNA) - The asphalting of the city’s 23 kilometers east to west national highway here is almost complete, a highway official announced Wednesday.

Vinah Maghinay, the regional spokesperson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), issued the announcement amid mounting plaints by the public about the unfinished project.

Both private and public car owners have raised the complaint in public forums about the inconvenience and accident prone road gaps of the unfinished road asphalting here.

Maghinay said that 100-millimeter-thick asphalt overlay from Bugo to Iponan was part of the nationwide project won by Chinan Henan Shuili, an international contractor.

“All works were done at night so that the workers would not get in the way of the daytime traffic,“ Maghinay said.

She said that the DPWH Unified Project Management Office directly supervised the road asphalting project in Cagayan De Oro City.

The asphalt overlay was needed for the 40-year-old highway, which was paved during the Marcos era, already manifested several cracks during a routine inspection last year.

Maghinay said that the gaps were created because the old asphalts were taken out in severe cracks in order that the road could be paved; otherwise, a durable repair could not be done.

She said that the project in Cagayan De Oro City started in December last year and was scheduled for completion in August this year.

Cagayan De Oro set to implement PHP17-M BUB projects

(PNA), LAP/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 6 (PNA) -- The city government here is set to implement more Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) projects worth PHP 17 million this year.

This, after the members of the City Council started a review of the proposed BUB projects during the regular session here Monday.

City Councilor Annie Y. Daba, chair of the City Council Committee on Agriculture, said that the proposed BUB projects have been endorsed favorably for the consideration of the Committee on Finance, Budget, and Appropriations.

She said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has appropriated the PHP17-million BUB projects in 2015 and is due for implementation this year.

The project involved a clustered community-based vegetable production, community-based livestock, Boar-Stud artificial insemination center, Livestock auction market, organic fertilizer production and composting facility and the acquisition of post-harvest facilities and equipment.

Daba said that the City Legal Office has found the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by and between the city government and the DA regional office here about the implementation of the BUB in order.

Under the MOA, the city government would be required to submit regular accomplishment reports about the progress of the project as well as the terminal report within 30 days after the completion of the project.

The DA would also issue the Certificate of Availability of Funds (CAF) for the total DA equity to the city government upon the obligation of the funds and upon written request of the local chief executive.

Daba said that the DA would, likewise, release the budgetary requirements of the project to the city government subject to the existing accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations of the government.

Shell holds bike fair in Oro

(AV)

PILIPINAS Shell held the second leg of its 2016 Shell Bike Fair with a day filled with games and entertainment for the company’s valued customers at the Limketkai Atrium Saturday, September 3.

Coming from a similar event last year, this year’s Bike Fair took things to the next level by hosting a bigger and grander Shell Bike Fair 2016.

To show Shell’s appreciation for the motorcycle community, this year’s Shell Bike Fair is a series of three grand events in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao made possible by Shell Advance, Shell V-Power Nitro+, and Shell Select.

The second leg held in the city comes after the first leg of the fair in Iloilo City last month.

"The Philippines is home to a strong 4-million motorcycle community that still continues to grow every day. The recent rise in number of motorcycle riders for the past couple of years has cemented the popularity of the two-wheeled vehicle, making it an indispensable mode of transportation for Filipinos all over the country,” Mark Malabanan, Shell Fuels brand manager, said.

“Here in Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro city is an emerging city which is becoming a hub for riders even from its neighboring cities which is why we are very optimistic in investing here," Malabanan said.

The Bike Fair included bike exhibits, performances by Filipino bands such as Callalily and Gracenote and other surprise celebrity appearances, and the awarding of several motorcycle clubs for their road safety advocacy.

The final leg of the Shell Bike Fair 2016 will be in the World Trade Center, in Metro Manila on September 24.

Football in public schools is thriving

By Jack Biantan
Late entry West City Central School makes presence felt in SunStar tourney

AS EXPECTED, football powerhouse Rosevale School and Corpus Christi High School dominated the recently-concluded SunStar Fiesta Cup Invitational Football Cup.

But the entry of teams from publics schools added lots of color to the two-day football festival.

The entry of public schools like West City Central School, Pagatpat Elementary School, Bulua Elementary School, Puerto National High School, and Bulua National High School made the tournament interesting.

Of course, except for West City Central School and Bukidnon National High School, most of them did not fare well as they showed up ill-prepared and lacked the skills that could compete against the top teams in Cagayan de Oro like Rosevale and Corpus.

However, they compensated it through sheer determination and enthusiasm. They showed up in full force with their coaches, mostly public school teachers and enthusiastic parents.

West City Central School kids even showed up on Saturday, Aug. 27 when the elementary matches were scheduled on Sunday Aug. 28.

When they came up, they have to beg to the organizers to join. They did not send any representative during the managers’ meeting, they did not have money to pay the entry fee of P1,000 or just come without any credentials.

They however promised to settle everything the next day.

After consultation with the other coaches, the organizers agreed to let them play provided they come early the next day and bring all the requirements.

The following day, they came on time with their credentials, and entry fee. They were allowed to play and well they did play well.

They were the only team which gave Rosevale School a scare in the elementary division losing only by two goals.

They were just unlucky to finish third after they lost to Iligan Medical Center College in their last match via penalty shootout to determine the second placer.

Bukidnon National High School was the strongest team in the high school division from the public schools. The Malaybalay boys managed to enter the championship against Corpus only to lose 1-0.

The organizers have some extra footballs donated by Sunsport-Onisuka. After the tournament, they were all given to the top three winners and then to some public schools.

The entry of several public school teams showed the disparity between the players in the public schools and the private schools except the Bukidnon boys.

The private school kids were bigger, and more skillful, as they also have better support from their families and their schools.

Despite of the the disparity the public school kids held their own and had decent showing.

Kudos to the coaches parents and the teachers who sacrificed a lot just to let their kids gain experience to compete in the tournament.

Without them the Sun*Star Fiesta Cup would not have been a great success. Let us give them more support next time. They might win the titles next time.

Cagayan de Oro Water District completes P7.2 M project

By PJ Orias

The Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) turned-over on Friday, September 2, a Level III water system to residents of Barangay Pagatpat Habitat Homeowners Association.

COWD spokesperson Ladelle Sagrado said the COWD spent about P7.2 million for the project, sourced from the water district's capital fund and from its allocated budget for projects endorsed by the City Government.

"Pasabot sa level III, naa nay individual water connection sa inyong balay. Ang level I ikaw pa ang mukalos ug tubig sa isa ka water source, ang level II is ang communal faucet," she said.

There are about 50 stub-outs for the 1,111 households that will benefit from the project, which would provide individual water connection lines to each of the houses.

The residents, Sagrado said, will only be spending for the pipeline from the stub-out to their houses, which was estimated at P1,800.

Sagrado said later this year, they will also turn-over another water system in barangay Calaanan relocation site.

"Sa 20 ka Sendong relocation sites, ang uban niana naa na individual connections, naa pud communal connections. Daghan pa tang target ana especially next year, kay capital intensive man gyud na so dili madali-dali," Sagrado said.

In his speech, City Mayor Oscar Moreno called on the residents to unite and set aside differences.

"Wala nay grupo kay pareho raman ta ug mga concerns. Kining ato serbisyo sa tanan, walay pili sa bolok sa pulitika. Dili sayon kining atong gibuhat, daghay natun-an nga mga leksyon sa atong housing group nga dili na mausab ang dili maayo nga pagka-organisa sa atong mga homeowners," he said.

The mayor assured the residents with more development projects to come.

"Daghan pa nga serbsyo ang atong itunol basta magtinabangay lang kita," he added.

Rene Salindato, president of Pagatpat Habitat Homeowners Association thanked the water district and the City Government for hearing their clamor.

"Mapasalamaton kita, ug among iassure nga ioversee namo ug tarong nga na carry out gyud sa among mga miyembro ilang mga responsibilidad," he said.

Sagrado, for her part, reminded residents to take seriously the responsibilities that comes with the new development such as paying the water bills honestly and conserve water.

"Para sa atong mga residente, dugay naman gyud ninyo ni nga clamor, pero naa pud dugang responsibilidad, mag-atiman nata sa atong water system, magtabang nata pagsamot sa pag-conserve sa atong water, naa na pud ang responsibility nga ireport pud ang illegal connections, and bayad gyud. We assure nga safe and adequate ug atimanon namo sad ilang mga linya in return," she said.

D’ Original La Paz Batchoy: Oro’s first ‘batchoy’ resto

By Abigal Viguella

FOR over four decades, Kagay-anons have been enjoying the fine tasting original Filipino noodle soup of La Paz Batchoy.

Considered as one of the oldest noodles specialty resto in the city, La Paz Batchoy has perfected the art of satisfying generations of Kagay-anons' hungry stomachs and has succeeded in burying its culinary mark deep in the hearts of the people of Cagayan de Oro. As they celebrated their 42 years in business on August 28, the beloved resto's manager, Noel Gomez, is thankful and proud of the success that their La Paz Batchoy has achieved.

"My mom originally started selling batchoy in 1974 serving only five tables. Our first cook before was a cook from a famous batchoy restaurant in Iloilo who was hired by my grandfather. Then after a year, they started to expand the business from five tables to creating a bigger one, and this was back in our place in Capistrano street," Noel says.

Through the years, La Paz Batchoy has mushroomed in different points in the city to better accommodate the demand of the public for their Batchoy noodle soup. From the Capistrano Street location, La Paz Batchoy decided to put a more enhanced branch in Mabini-Burgos streets. But then, because of its inaccessibility and its limited market, the owners decided to branch out to Divisoria along Cruz Taal street which is now closer to the public. The owner said that it took so many trials and errors before they got the perfect spot in Divisoria to settle in their business.

Noel said that their Batchoy is very different and very special from the other batchoys in the city because they perfectly season their batchoy according to how the Kagay-anons like it.

"We have of course went through so many hardships in this business before and the biggest one was to try and catch the taste of the people of Cagayan de Oro. We really tried before to perfect what the public wants to eat and so we really did a lot of adjustments to our dish. We made a day by day experiment on how the Kagayanons react to the batchoy. Because we are old in the business, we now know and we have already adjusted Batchoy in such a way that Kagay-anons will appreciate it but without taking its identity as an Ilonggo dish. We achieved our recipe in 1975 and we never changed it ever since," Noel adds.

Aside from the famous noodle soup, La Paz Batchoy it also serves other dishes such as the Lomi and the Tapsilog in both branches. However, batchoy still is the resto's bestseller.

"Before, my mother served so many dishes for this restaurant but then the other dishes did not really sell that much so she just crushed it out of the menu and decided to focus more on batchoy as the main dish," he said.

Gomez also shared that the business' greatest strength is in the fact that they were able to establish the first batchoy restaurant of Cagayan de Oro.

"Basically, anyone who tries to come after our business will have to compete and take over our soup. Then again, we have been here for the longest of time and the businesses we considered as competitions all died out years ago, so I can say that the our business is really strong," he adds.

Noel came back from graphic design school in the United States to help his mother, who is now 71, to run the business especially now that they are thinking of expansion to other cities in Northern Mindanao. For now, however, they are focusing on strengthening the business in Cagayan de Oro city and is planning to set up more branches throughout the city for the next year or so.

As La Paz Batchoy continues to serve its authentic Batchoy to the people of Cagayan, Noel and his mother continue to become one of the top model business proprietors in the city whose business has stood the test of time because of their consistency and dedication to making their dishes better each year.

"The main thing about business is that it is mainly about taking so much risks but still be firm and steadfast about it," Noel shares on the lessons he learned while handling the family business.

New substation power transmission strengthens Mindanao power grid

(PNA), FPV/CD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sept. 1 (PNA) -- The energization of the newly installed, 75-megavolt ampere (MVA) in Misamis Oriental would strengthen power grid supply in Mindanao, the National Grip Corporation of the Philippines announced Thursday.

Beth Ladaga, the NGCP spokesperson, said the newly upgraded and energized MVA, located at Opol Substation in Misamis Oriental, was energized last August 20.

She said the new facility would cater to the power needs of grid-users, specifically in the load centers in Northern Mindanao like in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan De Oro.

Misamis Oriental I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MORESCO I) and Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company (CEPALCO) are the main benefactors of the completed substation, Ladaga said.

The facility would also address load growth in the area, which increased since the opening of the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental in 2013, she said.

The newly installed 75-MVA transformer was compliant with the N-1 requirement of the Philippine Grid Code, which means that the grid could withstand a major system disturbance through a back-up equipment to prevent outage when other facilities were not available or on scheduled shutdown.

Ladaga said that the 75-MVA would ensure an improved power quality by addressing possible low voltage that may be experienced by customers in the area.

Apart from the Opol Substation, NGCP is also currently working on other projects such as the Mindanao 230-kV Transmission Backbone Project, which serves to provide an additional and stronger power corridor for the current and upcoming power plants in the northern and southern parts of Mindanao.

“We are committed to effect positive change in Mindanao, and the completion of the upgrades on the Opol Substation is a step closer to our goal of providing not only sufficient, but high quality power transmission services for the region,” the NGCP statement said.

The NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid with a 25-year concession contract to operate the country's power transmission network.

NGCP transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets.


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