Cover Story LANAO DEL NORTE – Seven National High Schools from various municipalities of Lanao del Norte competed for Sagayan Festival as part of the colorful tourism day on July 3 at Mindanao Civic Center Grandstand.
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The provincial government of Lanao del Norte adopted the Sagayan Festival in its Resolution No. 140, series of 1994. “Sagayan” has been considered then as the provincial cultural dance which narrates the exploits, mysterious powers and remarkable character of Datu Bantugan, the epic hero of “Darangen.” Magsaysay National High School
bagged the first place of the competition with 500,000 pesos cash prize as it presented its best interpretation of “Sagayan”, a war dance portraying the war between the good and evil. Lala National High School nagged the second prize, and third prize went to Maigo National High School. Marie Elaine Salvaña-Unchuan, regional director Department of Tourism region 10 encouraged the
people of Lanao del Norte to value the culture and heritage of the province. She said, “Know your treasures, preserve and protect what we have, and proudly present the beauty of Lanao del Norte.” “This is our achievement. Making our beloved province progressive and developed, for the good of the people of Lanao del Norte,” said Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo to the 22 municipalities and its barangays headed by the municipal mayors on July 4, 2018. Among the other highlights of the celebration were the Unity Run, 2-day Night Super cross and Circuit Race, Invitational Football Festival
and Friendship Games during the Sports Day; Tree Planting during the Environment Day; Mass Feeding, Job Fair, Non-Government Organization/ National Government Agencies Services, and Medical/Dental Services during the People’s Day; 2nd Drum and Lyre Bugle Corps competition, Crazy Duo and Missing Felimon Band Concert, and Ilaw ng Lanao del Norte (A fireworks display) during the Tourism Day. The celebration was also graced by guests who are public officials from different provinces in Mindanao. Among them were the Maguindanao 2nd District Representative, Cong. Zajid “Dong”
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1-15 July 2018 Mangudadato during the Tourism Day; Davao City 1st District Representative, Cong. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles and PBA Partylist Representative, Cong. Mark Aeron H. Sambar who were the guest speakers during the culmination program on July 4, 2018 at MCC Gymnasium. In his message, Cong. Nograles, the chairman on the Committee of Appropriations of the House of Representatives, promised that he
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will prioritize allocation of budget for massive infrastructure projects and programs in the province along with his vice-chairman, Cong. Mohammad Khalid Quibranza-Dimaporo, the 1st District Representative of the province. The unity of Muslim and Christians with the leadership of Gov. QuibranzaDimaporo have driven the Province of Lanao del Norte towards becoming a progressive community. (PIA-LDN)
RDC-X recognizes NorMin achievers CAGAYAN DE ORO – The Regional Development Council (RDC)-X awarded achievers from Northern Mindanao during its 115th RDC-X Full Council Meeting.
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The RDC X handed a plaque of recognition to Dr. Alexander L. Ido, dean of the College of Engineering and Technology of the University of Science and Technology (USTP) Claveria campus, for being one of the 2017 Ten Outstanding Movers of the Philippines. The RDC-X Full Council acknowledged Dr. Ido for being an advocate for the protection and promotion of life and the environment through research studies. The RDC also recognized Dr. Agnes A. Centino, assistant city health
officer of Gingoog City Health Office, for being chosen as an awardee of the Department of Health (DOH) 2016 Bayani ng Kalusugan Award. Mae Ester T. Guiamadel, RDC-X Secretary and Assistant Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority-X, said the RDC acknowledges Dr. Centino’s excellence in work, leadership, commitment and innovation that contributed in moving the region closer to the universal health care. Berly F. Tatoy, Ph.D., agricultural researcher of the Northern Mindanao
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Integrated Agricultural Research Center, also received a plaque from RDC-X for being awarded as the Outstanding Agricultural Researcher 2016-2017 on the 47th Year of Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Farmers and Fisherfolks. Guiamadel said her research contributed to the development of the agricultural sector and empowered the farmers and stakeholders of the region. The RDC-X also awarded a certificate of completion to Angelie Azcuna-Collera and Renato L. Base, Ph.D. for successfully completing the
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paper “Metropolitan of Cagayan de Oro: A Perspective-Based on Proposed LGU Coverage, Priority Areas of Cooperation, and Governance. Guiamadel said the paper, which is under the Faculty-Immersion Partnership Program between the USTP and the RDC-X, shall serve as valuable input of future planning activities for the development of the region. The recognition of achievers was one of the highlights of the 115th RDC-X Full Council Meeting held on June 28 at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, this city. (APB/PIA-10)
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RDRRMC urges strengthened adaptation measures to Climate Change
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC)-10 called for strengthened adaptation and mitigation measures especially among local government units (LGUs) to withstand impacts of Climate Change. In Talakayan sa PIA, media forum on July 4 at SM CDO Downtown Premier, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director and RDRRMC Chair Rosauro Arnel Gonzales, Jr. said, “We are already conscious about our disaster management activities, that is why we should level up and consider coming up with programs that would really contribute to disaster resilience. Part of that is observing the National Disaster Resilience month.” Being in the grassroots, they are in the frontline thus, the council has
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to capacitate them in risk reduction management. He added, “Not only in the barangays, but also the families, if they become resilient, it shows that the communities in the barangays will become resilient.” Meanwhile, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Director Alfonso Alamban, also the disaster prevention and mitigation vice-chair, said, “All our disasters are effects or impact of Climate Change.
1-15 July 2018 Pinaka-uyokan sa atong flooding is climate change (the root cause of our flooding is climate change),” he said. As of now, DOST has 111 equipment (automatic rainwater gauges, water level sensor and weather stations) spread all over the region particularly those near major river basins. This year, 11 sensors were added to various municipalities. “Since DOST’s function is on prevention and mitigation, Alamban said aside from equipment which are immediate means to preventing disaster, we must also conduct medium-term and long-term research and development. Medium term is our campaign to stop using plastic, he said. “Plastic makasampong sa atong drainage, source of baha (Plastic theat can clog the drainage and eventually the source of flooding).” He said however, there are numerous research studies being done today in the fields of agriculture, and even culture and history which will help in long-term disaster prevention and mitigation. To make sure LGUs are prepared, Hazel Occeña, division chief, Local Government Capacity Development Division of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and vice chair for disaster preparedness explained that each LGU is mandated to allocate at least 5 percent from their regular sources, every year for disaster activities. The 5 percent budget allocation is divided into two: 70 percent for disaster preparedness activities on prevention and
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mitigation for response operation during disaster event, rehab activities especially for infrastructures that were damaged; and 30 percent for quick response fund and can only be released if there is a declaration of state of calamity issued by the Local Sanggunian. Occeña explained that disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) plans of the LGUs are not subject for review by the DILG, but “We guide them on how to prepare, utilize, provide technical assistance to LGUs. It will go tthrough the usual process of budgeting and planning in the LGUs.” “The plan should be approved by local DRRM council. They have to integrate their plan to local development plan to their annual investment program to be included in the annual budget,” she reiterated. As for disaster response, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Regional Director for Administration Manuel Borres, also the vice chair for disaster response, said they are ready for relief augmentation. “As long as there are evacuation centers, we will sustain relief goods.” Borres also said they are implementing supplemental feeding to address nutrition situation in evacuation areas. Marawi City has been by far the longest relief operations for DSWD 10. He said until now, they are still providing relief not just in evacuation centers but home-based internally displaced persons (IDPs). (JMOR/PIA10)
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DILG Camiguin conducts SK federation orientation, election CAMIGUIN - In accordance with the implementation of Republic Act 10742 (Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015) specifically on the organization and election of officers of SK federations, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Camiguin conducted a two-day Panlalawigan SK Orientation and Elections at the DILG Camiguin Provincial Office.
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Among the topics discussed during the orientation were: Servant Leadership by the Head Chaplain Value Restoration Advocate for Camiguin Chapter Nador J. Nacua where he
emphasized some of the characteristics and activities of servant-leaders that will enable them to work tirelessly and eventually develop genuine leadership skills.
1-15 July 2018 “The servant-leader is a servant first where it creates the natural feeling that one wants to serve first. Then mindful choice brings one to aspire to lead,” Nacua said. Meanwhile, OIC Principal Alberto Ladao of Mambajao National High School discussed the Organizing Knowledge Enhancement of Youth Skills to further help the newlyelected officials to handle their responsibilities. To capacitate the SK officials on their new roles as leaders, DILG Provincial Director, Rhona G. Pedraza-Abadilla discussed the Legal Bases of SK Pederasyon; Powers and Functions
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of SK Pederasyon Officials; Trends, Issues and Challenges in Governance Affecting the Youth: Anti-Illegal Drugs, Federalism, Anti-Terrorism, AntiCorruption and Reproductive Health. The newly-elected SK Federation of Camiguin include Lucile D. Salvanipresident, Patrick Joel S. Panaliganvice president, Rhea V. Uba- secretary, Dheno D. Estrada- treasurer and Ivan G. Janopol- auditor. Five SK federation presidents from Mambajao, Catarman, Mahinog, Guinsiliban and Sagay participated in the said activity. (DILG Camiguin/ PIA10)
Enhanced competitiveness drives investment in NorMin CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Influx of investments in Northern Mindanao
reached P31-billion in 2017, more than double than the investments that poured into the region in 2016, a fact the Regional Development Council here credited to enhanced competitiveness. Engr. Modesto Babaylan, co-chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) reported this during the 115thRDC-X Full Council meeting held here on June 28. Babaylan said the growth in investments was mainly due to the efforts to improve the region’s
competitiveness through the enhancement of business registry processes and conduct of trade and investment missions. Improved access to Negosyo Centers, technology support to micro, small and medium enterprise operations, and the development of business-friendly local government
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units (LGUs) also contributed to positive business optimism in the region. Babaylan said 74 LGUs in the region has fully complied with the enhanced business permits and licensing system (BPLS) standards as of 2017 which effectively reduced the cost of doing business by reducing the number of steps, days, and signatories in securing and renewing business permits. All LGUs in the region also participated in the competitiveness
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ranking in 2017, an indication that they recognized the need to be competitive. In the 2017 national competitiveness ranking, Bukidnon, and Camiguin were ranked 9th and 10th most competitive, respectively, among the provinces in the country. Cagayan de Oro City remained within the country’s top 10 most competitive cities, while Mambajao in Camiguin ranked first in the 3rd to 6thclass municipality category. (APB/ PIA-10)
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Disaster response assets highlight Ozamiz disaster month parade MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL - It was a show of force and assets, as blinkers and sirens contribute to the already eyecatching visuals and noise as firetrucks, ambulances and disaster response vehicles took to the streets to drum-up attention to disaster reduction and mitigation in Ozamiz City early morning of July 1.
It was the kick-off activity of the 2018 National Disaster Resiliency Month celebration and Ozamiz City Government through its City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) intends to heap up more awareness on disaster prevention and mitigation. The activity aims to raise public awareness in disaster preparedness and resiliency as the City is one with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in observing the National Disaster Resiliency Month celebration with the theme,
“Katatagan sa Kalamidad ay Makakatamtan Kapag Sapat and Kaalaman sa Kahandaan.” CDRRMC Head Rico Guangco encouraged everyone to participate in the series of activities lined up for the celebration. “I remind everyone to do their job well in disaster preparedness and operations especially in observing protocols,” Guangco said. During the National Disaster Resiliency kick-off, Ozamiz City Councilor Lawyer Nestor Montemor said, “it is essential that we are ready all the time as lives are very important to us.” The month of July is declared as the National Disaster Consciousness Month by virtue of Executive Order 137 signed by former Philippine President Joseph Estrada in 1999. Later, the celebration became a National Disaster Resilience Month. (Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon/PIA-Misamis Occidental)
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Farm-to-market road brings benefits to MisOr town MISAMIS ORIENTAL - Residents in the Municipality of Initao are now experiencing faster delivery of their products from farm to the market with cheaper transportation cost since the completion of the P27-million Gimampang-AlunaCasilihon farm-to-market road (FMR).
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Not so long ago, farmers here used to travel to and from the town of Initao by foot or carabao. They had to endure the high transportation cost and long travel time that greatly affect the quality of their products and their income. “Before, we spent so much time in delivering our goods because we need to transport it twice. First, by
carabao and then by motorcycle,” said farmer and Barangay Kagawad Abelardo Fabricas. “The road was really in a poor condition and it was very hard for us to transport our goods. After we harvested our crops such as corn and coconut, we had difficulties in selling it because hauling cost was too expensive. Our situation before
1-15 July 2018 was so bad that we need to carry our supplies because motorcycles can’t surpass the roughness of the road,” said Barangay Kagawad Daisy Sacay. These were some of their struggles until the Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project came bringing the road concreting project to the
town of Initao. FMR project serves as catalyst in improving rural economy and one of its goal is to reduce the poverty incidence in recipient communities by 10 percent at the end of year 2020. The socio-economic indicators that relate to the development of the project also include increase in household income by 15 percent and increase in farm profitability by 10 percent. In 2016, the 3.02km FMR was completed and now serving the 950
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus households in the area which changed their livelihood for the better. Farmers are now venturing to new crops and expanding their farms. “Before, Falcata is not visible in our community. Now, a lot of people here are planting Falcata because vehicles can access the road easily for delivery. Also with dwarf coconut and cacao fruits, a lot of residents here are planting such crops because the new road makes it easier to bring the planting materials to the area,” said Sacay. She added that buyers are now coming to their area since the concreted road opens the door for active trading among farmers and traders. “Now buyers go directly to us. We are thankful to PRDP because we are now experiencing all these positive changes brought by the project they implemented in our area,” said Sacay. The FMR’s emerging benefits now provide safety to students when going to school. The creek that imposed danger during rainy days is now eliminated since PRDP concreted this part of the road. (PSO Mindanao InfoACE Unit)
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Rosenbauer Fire truck turned over to Iligan City DRRMO
ILIGAN CITY – The turnover of high-end, version 2 Rosenbauer Fire truck from the National Fire Training Institute to Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ICDRRMO) highlighted the launching of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) in Iligan City on July 2, 2018 at Anahaw Amphitheater.
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The city celebrated NDRM with the theme, “Katatagan sa Kalamidad ay makakamtan kapag Sapat ang Kaalaman sa Kahandaan.”
Iligan City Fire marshall Butch Baulete led the demonstration of the fire fighting capability and apparatus of Rosenbauer Fire truck with 2 rapid
1-15 July 2018 hose on both sides. It also has 4,500 extinguishing medium capacity, BFP said. Brgy. Tubod captain Diosdado L. Cabahug Jr. was also present as his barangay substation received the fire truck. The substation’s personnel also performed the demonstration scenario. Baulete also revealed that 911 has already been activated along with the local numbers, 160 and 161. If there are emergencies, they may dial the numbers through landlines or mobile phones. Patrick S. Nuñez, the ICDRRMO Head, led the motorcade early in the morning and also gave a message during the program. As he also presented in the Region X Office of Civil Defense last week, he said that the council is run in terms of response. For the record, it has 1,332
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responses, of which top three are motor and vehicular accidents. He also presented their plans with the current plight of the bamboo raft from Sitio Wago to Brgy. Bonbonon. Its requests are with coordination between City Engineers Office and Department of Public Works and Highways. Nuñez also acknowledged the big role of barangay councils as frontliners to any man-made or natural disasters. ICDRRMO will have its inventory of community responders, water search and rescue activities, and fire drills in all the 44 barangays as part of its activities for NDRM. “We will go below the purok president,” he said. The council’s plan is to have a responder in one household who has knowledge on first aid and basic life support. (PIA-LDN)
Ozamiz City lines up nutri-month celeb activities
MISAMIS OCCIDENNTAL - The City Government of Ozamiz lined up activities for the month-long Nutrition Month celebration this July, these include contests in gardening cooking, nutri-jingle, photo contest and information drives, according to the City Nutrition Commitee.
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The City Nutrition Committee of Ozamiz spearheads the 44th National Nutrition Month celebration adopting the national theme, “Ugaliing Magtanim, Sapat na Nutrisyon Aanihin.” During the flag raising ceremony at Mayor Fernando T. Bernad Memorial Hall Don Anselmo Bernad Avenue, City Hall Ground, Ozamiz City, local authorities said the local celebration aims at contributing to improve food and nutrition security here. It does this by increasing access to a diversified source of food for families in the community. The nationwide Nutrition Month celebration also aims to increase awareness of Filipinos on pressing nutrition concerns.. City Nutrition Head, Lelit Gallo Navarez said, “The Nutrition Month
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campaign will focus on promoting home food production through family food gardening.” Navarez also said among the activities lined up is a contest on the Best Vegetable Household Garden as an advocacy on the importance of planting vegetables for home consumption to provide the family members with a supply of vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. Local and national government agencies, health personnel, barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers, non-government organizations (NGOs) and barangay nutrition committees participated in the events. The culminating program is set on July 27 with a highlight on awarding of winners “Gulay sa Balay” contest. (PIA-Misamis Occidental)
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NNC: food gardening improves mood, reduces depression CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - “Gardening helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, stress and depression,” said Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, officer in charge of National Nutrition Council (NNC)-10, during the kick-off program of nutrition month in Cagayan de Oro City.
“It lets you lose weight, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure,” she added. Nutrition month focuses on food gardening in the homes. This year’s theme, “Ugaliing Magtanim, Sapat na Nutrisyon Aanihin,” encourages families and communities to plant a combination of fruit trees and different crops and include raising of small animals. There is no need for big space near our homes, she said. There are many ways to plant such as vertical gardening
and container gardening, etc. Fernandez also shared health benefits of gardening including the safety of food since there is no contamination and pesticide involved in such produce. Based on a survey, 67 percent of family households have food gardens. Of these, only 78 percent consume or eat their produce. Fernandez also said family food gardening is proven effective nutrition intervention to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
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1-15 July 2018 Although nutrition status of Cagayan de Oro City has improved, Fernandez said 36.5 percent of children are still stunted. Meanwhile, 15.5 percent of pregnant mothers are nutritionally at risk. They are underweight, micronutrient deficient, anemic or has iodine deficiency disorder, nutrition authorities reported. Aside from the health benefits, families can generate income or save money. Instead of buying fruits and vegetables from the market, they can use their own produce and use the money to buy for something else. Some even sell their produce, they said. She also announced activities of NNC for nutrition month. Aside from the launching program, there will be a short filmmaking contest,
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open to all senior high schools, colleges and universities. They also have a contest on Gulayan sa Tugkaran (Vegetables in the Backyard) which is open to all provinces and cities in Region 10. This starts from July to September 2018. One of the participants, Suzie Moralde, Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) of barangay Tablon in Cagayan de Oro City said they have communal food garden near their barangay center. They use container gardening filled with lettuce, pechay, okra, alugbati, string beans, kamunggay, among others. She said this is a good theme this year because this is what they do as BNS, “We teach mothers how to plant vegetable and fruit crops.� (JMOR/ PIA10)