y r o t rS
e v o C
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– Driven by their untiring love for their little ones, the Modern Nanays of Mindanao (MNM) continuously advocates for breastfeeding, babywearing and cloth diapering changing over 4,000 lives and eventually earning a spot in the 14th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) on February 16 in Pasay City, Manila.
1
TAYO, spearheaded by the National Youth Commission (NYC), aims to recognize youth organizations in the country that show selfless act of heroism, volunteerism and creativity to promote meaningful change. From the 443 entries this year, only 20 emerged to reach the finals and after series of deliberations, interviews and actual immersion in the organizations’ activities, TAYO awarded the Modern Nanays of Mindanao, Guguinto Scholars Association, Go2Virtualahan, Team Dugong Bughaw, HiGi Energy, IngatKapandayan Artist Center, Food Rescue ASEAN, UP Industrial Engineering Council, Youth for a
Livable Cebu and Voice of Chameleon’s Children. “I bring along with me the stories of the Modern Nanays back home. I pride in the success of each Nanay in raising their children. Stay at home, work at home and full time working moms all deserve to be in the spotlight today. And we are already winners by sharing our story to these influential people,” said Nadine Angelica G. Casiño, founder of MNM who also bagged the Georgina P. Nava Women’s Leadership award. The MNM was established four years ago and from three, the group grew to 3,000 members. “Ang kailangan lang kasi talaga
lang baby is food, warmth, movement and touch (What the baby really needs is food, warmth, movement and touch),” Casiño shared as she noted how the group came up with the advocacy and practice on breastfeeding, babywearing and cloth diapering. As to helping mothers and families Casiño said, “We meet up to gather milk for premature babies and have hands-on guidance for mothers who have problems or just have simple play dates and meet ups for children to socialize together.” Even before the nomination for TAYO, the group has been aiming to change lives and boost the families’ confidence in taking care of babies by simply creating an avenue where families can get practical answers to various questions on proper care of babies. The MNM is also trying to develop a program that the government can adopt to really bridge mothers from the community to support groups so that they can continue breastfeeding and choose healthier practices to lay the best foundation for the little ones. Furthermore, with the
group’s inspiring story, they are now up for a discussion with the officials from the Office of the President on how the modern parenting practices can be adopted throughout the country.
2
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
ECC fosters protection of Bukidnon workers with ECP
“Hindi ito salary deducted”
3
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Designed to provide employees and their families with income benefits, medical and other benefits in the event of work-connected sickness, injury or death, the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) highlights the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) through conducting the Employees’ Compensation Program Advocacy Seminar in Bukidnon on February 22 in Valencia City.
The ECP has been implemented in the region for six years already. “We started this activity since 2013 in CDO, 2014 in Iligan City and 2015 in Misamis Occidental,” ECC-10 Information Officer Stella Mae Obice said. For this year, the commission’s
target province is Bukidnon. Through the advocacy seminar, ECC Executive Director Stella ZipaganBanawis said that they aim to ensure that workers are informed of their rights, benefits and privileges under the EC program. “Ang sakop nito ay mga
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
trabahador at manggagawa sa pribado at pampubliko (Workers from the private and public sectors are covered in the program),” Deputy Director Atty Jonathan Villasoto explained. He added that the compulsory members of Social Security System (SSS) including seafarers are included in the ECP, however, voluntary and self-employed members are excluded. All Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) members as well as the uniformed personnel such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are also covered in the ECP. “Compared sa GSIS, SSS at PhilHealth hindi ito salary deducted (Compared to GSIS, SSS and PhilHealth, ECP is not salary deducted),” Villasoto said as he noted that the contributions of the members must come from the employers. For a covered employee in the private sector, the employers shall remit to the SSS a monthly contribution in accordance with the range of compensation and for the covered employee in the public sector, the employer shall remit to the
GSIS a monthly contribution of 100 per employee a month. To campaign not only on the three components of ECP namely prevention, compensation and rehabilitation, Banawis stressed that
4
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
they are also focusing on the recent ECP reforms anchored on the “3Es” – Equalize, Enhance and Expand EC benefits to improve the ECP. Thus, they are conducting the advocacy seminar on a monthly basis to heighten the awareness of the public regarding the program. The ECC expects more than
100 participants composed mostly of employers, human resource officers and company representatives of various establishments and government agencies including members of the AFP, PNP, BFP and BJMP from the precincts or stations in Valencia City. (Recthie T. Paculba)
DOLE 10 turns over P3M Livelihood BUB Starter Kits to Ozamiz beneficiaries OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)- Misamis Occidental through Ozamiz City local government released on 31 January 2017 some starter kits on beauty care, electronics and massage to 180 identified beneficiaries of the Federation of Rural Urban Poor of Ozamiz City (FRUPOOCI) under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) funds.
“We should make use of the opportunity the government has given to us” 5
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
Subsequently, trainings were done provided that it will be matched appropriately to the varying skills of the beneficiaries, who were awarded with a National Certification Level 2 (NC II) from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Prior to the turnover of the said kits, a short program was held for the purpose. City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Judith Halasan welcomed the participants. Mayor Parojinog said, “Ang opportunidad nga gihatag sa gobyerno sa atoa, atong pahimuslan arun kita mulambo ug dili masayang ang effort sa DOLE-X hilabina ni Regional Director Raymundo Agravante ug Provincial Head Rodrigo. Magpasalamat ta sa kanunay sa ilang supporta kanato (We should make use of the opportunity the government has given to us and we will make sure it will be sustained and not be put into waste the efforts of the DOLE-X especially through Regional Director Raymundo Agravante and Provincial Head Leonardo Rodrigo. We should always be thankful for their support to us).� On the other hand, Rodrigo reminded the beneficiaries on the importance of adhering to the submitted plans of the said livelihood projects. As the highlight of the activity, Rodrigo handed over the beauty care starter kits to the 100 beneficiaries and massage kits provided to 30 other
members. Another 50 beneficiaries received their electronic kits. Target beneficiaries who possessed the necessary skills yet lack the tools and equipment will benefit from the kits for their individual livelihood undertakings. For her part, Association President Luz Decena expressed her gratitude to DOLE-X for granting their projects and for coming over to bring some good news to them. She assured that the starter kits will be utilized properly by the beneficiaries to help augment the income of each of their families. (Lorraine M. Roa)
6
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
DRRM council reiterates call for disaster preparedness OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – Tanang disaster pwede mapangandaman. Following the Surigao February 10 quake causing deaths, injuries and damage to properties, Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Fernando Dy Jr said we can prepare for all disasters. By being properly prepared for a natural disaster, we can better protect our home, family and property, said Dy as the province is intensifying its programs to avert catastrophes that might result once a disaster could happen. He also said most instances of natural disasters occur unexpectedly and catch people off guard. Hence, it’s essential to have the tools, materials,
7
and skills needed not only to survive but to keep belongings and safety intact as well. For the local government, Dy said Republic Act No. 10121 mandates local governments to set aside 5% of their estimated revenue from regular sources for their disaster councils. Of the 5% lump sum allocation, 30% is automatically allocated as Quick Response Fund which serves as a stand-by fund for relief and recovery programs. STRUCTURAL PREPAREDNESS According to to Provincial Engineering Department Head Nestor Bolo, Governor Bambi Emano has issued a memorandum directing
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
all municipal engineers to inspect and ensure the integrity of various structures of their respective towns following the quake that hit Surigao city. RELIEF ASSISTANCE FOR SURIGAO QUAKE Misamis Oriental provincial government has launched donation campaign for Surigao quake victims. It will also extend various assistance including sacks of rice, canned goods, water, used clothing among others. Gov. Emano has also directed PDRRMO Dy to coordinate with PDRRMO Surigao Norte to identify needs of the affected communities. ACTIVE FAULT LINE A number of major inferred and outward fault-lines were noted within the areas of Gingoog City to Magsaysay. Also a series of inferred, thrust and reverse faults within Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental such as the Alubijid Fault and the Tagoloan Fault, which runs along the river basin. There are northwest and northeast trending faults at Migdaha, Naawan, Macawa and Iponan. Two major faults structurally control the course of Tagoloan and Cagayan Rivers. The western side of Iponan River displays one of the major thrust faults in the province. Alubijid Fault was mapped along the stretch of Lourdes, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental. It is probably an extension of the Lanao Lake Normal Faults.
On the northeast facing Gingoog Bay is a northwest trending fault extending from the west to the municipality of Medina down to the west of Gingoog. PAST MAJOR EARTHQUAKE EVENTS IN MISAMIS ORIENTAL Past major earthquake events in Misamis Oriental recorded include: Lanao Thrust Fault on November 28, 1963 with a magnitude of 8.30; Central Mindanao Fault, Nov. 11, 1991, magnitude of 5.3; Tagoloan Fault, June 5, 1884, magnitude of 5.1; Magsaysay Fault, April 1, 1992, magnitude of 5.1; and Cabanglasan Fault, January 27, 2003 with a magnitude of 4.8. According to the PDRRMO, Misamis Oriental belongs to the Philippine Seismic Source Zone No. 9 and portion at the south to Zone No. 13. Aside from Misamis Oriental, the Philippine Seismic Source Zone No. 9 is composed of the following provinces or portion Misamis Oriental, Bohol Island, Camiguin Island, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Cebu Island, Negros Island, Western part of Masbate, Western part of Leyte, Romblon, and Eastern side of Panay. EARTHQUAKE DRILL Considering the population in schools, PDRRMO conducts earthquake drill to schools in the province every month of July to help the schools get ready in case a quake hits them. Participants practice the “duck, cover and hold� and other emergency response. (Elaine O. Ratunil)
8
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
ARMM provides relief assistance to Surigao quake victims MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through its Humanitarian and Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM HEART) has sent relief assistance to earthquake victims in Surigao City.
“The people of Surigao need assistance”
9
ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia said the relief assistance includes 200 sacks of rice, 50 boxes of instant coffee, 100 boxes of sardines, and 100 bottles of five-liter distilled water. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Surigao City was hit by magnitude 6.7 earthquake at 10:00 p.m. on February 10, causing deaths, injuries and damage to properties. Based on the agency’s report, the epicenter of the earthquake was 16 kilometers northwest of Surigao City and was of tectonic of origin. The government of Surigao City
has declared a state of calamity on February 11, 2017. “The people of Surigao need assistance, and we should provide whatever we can,” Atty. Alamia said. Based on a report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at least 300 houses in Surigao del Norte, where the city is located, were damaged by the temblor. In November 2013, ARMM HEART also extended relief and medical assistance to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban City, Leyte. ARMM-HEART is a convergence of agencies that oversees disaster
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
preparedness and response in the region. The team includes Phivolcs; DSWD; Department of Science and Technology; Department of the Interior and Local Government; Office of Civil
Defense; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; and the Regional Planning and Development Office, among others.(BPI)
PhilHealth awards NBB compliant govt hospitals in NorMin CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In celebration of its 22nd anniversary, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) region 10 awards on 15 February 2017, four government health care institutions in Northern Mindanao for compliance of its No Balance Billing (NBB) policy. According to Dr. Jonathan T. Ortigoza, the goal of PhilHealth is to attain 100% NBB compliance in all hospitals in the country and the region. Although he emphasized that this has not been achieved 100%, he commends the awardee health care institutions of their efforts to comply and lead the way to achieve this goal. Achievement awards was first given to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital – Talakag. This health care facility serves 29 barangays of the municipality of Talakag Bukidnon with an estimated population of 70,000. It has also surpassed the required minimum equipment of infirmary with own x-ray machine, nebulizers, diagnostic sets, binocular microscopes, ECG
machine, clinical chemical analyzers, centrifuge, OR lights and defilbrillator among others. Further, the staff contributes from their Philhealth sharing to augment lack of medicines and supplies. Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital – Claveria also received this recognition. This hospital utilizes its own Department of Health (DOH) – Accredited laboratory for diagnostics. Drugs and medicines area also available 24 hours a day in the Hospital-owned pharmacy. They also borrow stocks from other hospitals as well as use of petty cash from the provincial government of Misamis Oriental as short terms solution to ensure that patients are provided for. The hospital also adheres to the
10
February 16-28, 2017
11
minimum requirements for NBB Beds/ Wards. Third awardee was DoĂąa Maria Tan Memorial Hospital in Tangub Misamis Occidental. The hospital has a blood station, clinical laboratory, x-ray and ultrasound services, operating room and delivery room and pharmacy. It serves the people of Inter local health Zone of Tangub, Bonifacio, Don Victoriano and parts of Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. It also has a PhilHealth service desk to cater to the needs of PhilHealth members admitted in the hospital. Fourth awardee and PhilHealth region 10 Choice Award was given to Kauswagan Provincial Hospital in Lanao del Norte. Medicines and supplies not available in the facility pharmacy are purchased by the facility using the revolving fund in behalf of the patients, all of which are reimbursed by the local government unit. Dr. Marilyn A. Basco of
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
Kauswagan Provincial Hospital said that she identifies teamwork as one of the strongest factors why they won this award. She said it starts from the support of the provincial government down to the doctors and nurses and all the staff and PhIlHealth people who made the hospital understand the importance of NBB. NBB policy states that no other fee or expense shall be charged to indigent patient subject to the guidelines issued by the Corporation. All necessary and complete quality care to attain the best possible health outcomes shall be provided to them. Ortigoza said that as long as the patient does not choose his or her own doctor or upgrades to a private room in a government hospital, then he or she can avail of the NBB policy. He also reiterated the prompt payment of PhilHealth contributions by members to continue to avail these services of the government.(Jasper Marie O. Rucat)
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
All systems go for Oro first Health Summit CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – It’s all systems go for the Cagayan de Oro city’s very first Health Summit on March 2, 2017 at the Xavier Estates Convention Hall, Upper Balulang.
The 18th City Council, through the committee on health, sanitation and insurance chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane last week facilitated discussions with City Health Officer Dr. Fe Bongcas, Dr. Evelyn Perez of the JR Borja General Hospital, Dr. William D. Bernardo of the City Health Insurance Office, Philhealth Regional Office-10, and other concerned departments
on the details, logistics and security operations of the activity. EMPOWERMENT According to Councilor Gaane, the Health Summit aims to empower the city’s 80 barangays with regards to health services in their respective areas. She said participating agencies will be allotted 15 to 20 minutes
12
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
for their presentations during the summit. Target participants are Barangay Health Workers (BHW), sanitary inspectors, barangay chairmen and chairmen of the barangay Health Committee. Rizalino Martinez, head of the Steering Committee of Health Summit 2017 said Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn
Jean Rosell-Ubial and Senator Riza Hontiveros confirmed that they will be gracing the summit. Councilor Gaane is thanking all those working for the success of the city’s first health summit, which will bear the theme “All for Health towards Health for all in Cagayan de Oro City.” (SP)
Bukidnon home-grown products highlight DTI booth at Kaamulan trade fair MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In an effort to boost rural entrepreneurs and local businesses, varied quality products from Bukidnon’s towns and cities are now on display in the ‘Kaamulan’ trade fair booth of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
13
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
“Kaamulan” is from the Binukid word “amul” which means “to gather”. It is a gathering of Bukidnon tribes for a purpose. It can mean a “Datuship,” a ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these put together. It celebrates the customs and traditions of the seven ethnic groups that originally inhabited Bukidnon province namely Talaandig, Higa-onon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tigwahanon, Matigsalug, and Bukidnon. Kaamulan Trade Fair aims for more awareness and appreciation of Bukidnon heritage and culture as it promotes tourism and investment opportunities. The DTI booth highlights the “One-town, One-product (OTOP)” of each city/municipality such as Abacabased handicrafts of Malaybalay City; Bamboo handicrafts of San Fernando; Coffee produce of Maramag; Processed food products of Manolo Fortich; Tablea (cocoa) of Kadingilan, among others. DTI Provincial Director Ermedio
J. Abang said this booth opens another opportunity for Bukidnon Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), along with local chief executives, to showcase their town’s banner products. Other products displayed include fruit-based delicacies like cookies, biscocho, and pulvoron; processed dairy products like choco milk bars, turmeric powder, and fruit juices. “This also supports DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez’s revitalized OTOP program dubbed as ‘OTOP Next Gen’. We are therefore inviting tourists and visitors alike to visit our booth at the Kaamulan grounds to explore and taste the bountiful products created by MSMEs in the province,” Abang said. Kaamulan Trade Fair is one of the local marketing promotion activities annually participated by DTI-Bukidnon in order to showcase the products of DTI-assisted MSMEs in the province. This year’s Kaamulan Festival and Trade Fair officially opened first week of February and will culminate on March 25, 2017.(DTI Bukidnon)
14
February 16-28, 2017
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus
DTI strengthens establishment monitoring
MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Camiguin shows no let up in its monitoring activities even after the holiday season to ensure continued compliance of Fair Trade Laws (FTLs).
15
Some 110 business establishments in the province were monitored and inspected. Half of these were inspected for basic necessities and prime commodities, while the other establishment submitted inspection for mandatory products set by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS). DTI said the biggest number of establishments is concentrated in the capital town, Mambajao. On the other hand, Product Standard (PS) monitoring and
enforcement which entails proper marking were likewise monitored. The most common among these markings are the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) for imported products and Philippine Standard (PS) for locally manufactured products, commonly used in hardware and specialty stores. DTI carry out monthly visits to prompt storeowners and managers to follow consumer related laws and avoid unscrupulous undertakings. (Zita M. Abellare)