Cover Story CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Misamis Oriental Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) launched a six-year Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE) project worth P81,060,534 for eight agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in six towns of the province.
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Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and counterparts from the national government and local government units (LGUs), Provincial Project Coordinator Nestoria Shirley G. Arquiza said that the project will be implemented in six MISORET towns--Balingasag, Binuangan, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Salay and Sugbongcogon focusing on the coco sap sweetener production,
processing and marketing. National Project Manager Nicanor V. Peralta explained that the ConVERGE project aims to reduce poverty through the promotion of sustainable livelihood activities based on key commodities such as rice, rubber, coffee, cassava and coco sugar that are deemed competitive. The projects for Misamis Oriental that would benefit 2,210 smallholder
farmers, include the construction of post-harvest facilities; improvement of rural infrastructures; production and marketing; capability building; and, procurement of farm equipment. Government agencies namely the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will assist them in the implementation of the ConVERGE project. Misamis Oriental Provincial Project Director and Agrarian Reform Program Officer Zoraida O. Macadindang reiterated the importance of commitment, cooperation and support of stakeholders to the successful implementation of Project ConVERGE in the eastern towns of Misamis Oriental.
Citing this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) theme: “Partnering for Change, Engaging Agrarian Reform Undersecretary for Foreign Assisted and Special Project Office Sylvia F. Mallari underscored the importance of building on the strength of commitment of stakeholders including government line agencies as well as dedication of LGUs and the community for Project ConVERGE to be competitive in the market. Also, the project is in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, aimed to lay a strong foundation for inclusivegrowth, a high-trust society, and a globally-competitive economy toward a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay para sa Lahat (stable, comfortable and secure life for all). Usec. Mallari said the President has
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16-30 November 2017 directed them to give comfortable life to the farmers through capacity development, infrastructure among others. In farming, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Deputy Administrator Luis G. Cruz cited the importance of natural farming and improving and maintaining the soil productivity, fertility and soil absorptive capacity for water. “If your farm does not have necessary protection when rainfall comes, you will end up with barren soil, low productivity and even end up with trees that suffer malnutrition,” said administrator Cruz.
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Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano pledged his commitment and support for Project ConVERGE in the province. He said the provincial government welcomes to assist those who need to develop their products to be competitive in ASEAN. MISORET towns local executives Marrietta Roa-Abogado (Balingasag), Jay Albert E. Puertas (Lagonglong), Angelo G. Capistrano, Jr (Salay), Marcelo Z. Abao (Binuangan), Mildred Lagbas-Mondigo (Sugbongcogon), and Danilo A. Lagbas, Jr (Kinoguitan) also expressed their commitment to the project.(EOR/PIA10)
Hundreds benefit from army, LGU ‘Hatud Serbisyo’ in Bukidnon hinterlands IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – As part of the Armed Forces commitment and dedication to be of service to the nation, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8th IB) helped the local government unit (LGU) of Impasugong in its recent two-day “Hatud Serbisyo (delivery of basic services) program in Kalabugao and Hagpa barangays, both in Impasugong town. “ The 8th IB Dependable Troopers, efforts of Impasugong town Mayor along with dental team from 4th Anthony A. Uy in bringing government Infantry Division, augmented the services to communities,” 8th IB
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Commander Col. Antonio I. Bautista Jr. said. Records showed that more than 1,000 people—mostly children—in said two villages benefited from the Philippine Army’s dental services; free haircut; schoolchildren feeding; as well as other services offered by private individuals and key government organizations. The AFP now is taking the leap by carrying out tasks beyond their bounds. For so long, the Armed Forces have been defending and protecting
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people despite the risks just to attain peace. Soldiers extend their helping hand to reach the ‘unreached’ through its Community Support Program where the military performs tasks other than protecting the nation. In a statement, 8th IB Commander said the activity aims to deliver basic services to uplift lives in the neighborhood that could help attain peace in communities.(Erwin P. Bugarin/8IB, 4ID, PA)
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DTI-Bukidnon updates media, biz groups on Fair Trade Laws MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – To keep the media, entrepreneurs, and businessmen updated on laws in buying and selling, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bukidnon conducted the Fair Trade Laws (FTL) briefing at Veranda Hall, Casisang, Malaybalay City on 23 November 2017. The FTL sessions covered vital trade and industry laws such as Product Standards; Price Act; Basic Consumer Rights and Responsibilities and Consumer Act of the Philippines. DTI-Bukidnon Consumer Protection Division Chief Eriberto Taban-ud Jr. said the topics and issues were vastly discussed by Product Standard Monitoring Division Chief Rosita P. Jaleco and Enforcement Division Chief Perpetua Merlina R.
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Lim. Both speakers are from DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau. “The event stirs participants’ zeal in learning about all trade and industry laws because the briefing also discussed the ‘No Return, No Exchange Policy’; Deceptive and Unfair Sales Act & Practices; Consumer Complaints Handling and insight on Good Customer Relations,” Taban-ud said. In a statement, DTI- Bukidnon
16-30 November 2017 Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said the department has been regularly conducting this activity since 2014 as a platform for participatory governance. Anchored on the theme “Ensuring a People-Centered Governance,” the
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event is part of DTI’s information, education and communication drive to deepen people’s awareness and understanding on laws and trends in buying and selling.(RLRB-PIA10, Bukidnon)
DA turns over P108M farm assistance to Misamis Occidental OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Department of Agriculture (DA) turned over on 27 November 2017 over P108,783,462.50 worth of Motorized Fiber Glass Boat, Fish Aggregating Device (Payaw) and Fishing Gear for Crab, farm equipment, rehabilitation and concreting of Guba-Bernad/ Guba-Bitoon Farm to Market Road (FMR) with bridges and other agricultural inputs to the province of Misamis Occidental, as part of the government’s drive to improve their productivity and income of farmers and fisherfolks. Provincial Governor Herminia Ramiro expressed her gratitude to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his unwavering support to all projects that helps alleviate the economic status of the citizens and to Secretary Manny Piñol of the Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, Secretary Piñol encouraged rural dwellers to return to the province and take part in foodproduction initiatives. Piñol stressed that the
government focuses on bringing programs that will directly help farmers so that they will not resort to migrating to cities. “The source of food is in the province, and we assure you that we will help you every step of the way,” he said. “Agriculture is the hope of our country. We cannot resolve poverty if we don’t help our farmers and fishermen,” he added. “The government is reaching out
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16-30 November 2017 to you because we want to provide whatever you need so you can help us in our vision towards a food-sufficient Philippines,” he explained. DA is providing hybrid seeds, improving the irrigation system, promoting mechanization, providing sufficient fertilization on farms, and improving the credit facility for farmers and fisher folk. Piñol announced that DA is seeking the amendment of the current loaning system of the government and is set to launch the Farmers and Fishermen Quick Credit Facility or FFQCF. “FFQCF aims to provide loans for farmers and fisherfolk without collateral, provided that farmers and fisherfolk are registered under the National Registry for Farmers and has passbook,” he added. To fast-track the credit and insurance operation, the agriculture chief said farmers must organize
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themselves into cooperatives. President Duterte seeks marginalized fishermen and farmers to become prosperous in their field in partnership with the local government units in the area. The goal of the national government is to support the farmers and fishermen to become productive in producing the basic commodities for the nation. One of the recipients expressed his happiness for being considered as one of the beneficiaries of this project. He said that the fibreglass boat is a big help for him and to his family. He promised to take care of this fibreglass boat so that he can use it to catch fish. He has no other means of livelihood except fishing. He thanked the provincial leaders for always initiating programs that gives hope to the less fortunate residents of Misamis Occidental.(Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon/PIA MisOcc)
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Mambajao strengthens campaign vs smoking CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To protect and promote the right to health of the people in the municipality, and instill health consciousness among them, the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Mambajao intensified the town’s efforts on providing smokefree environments in public and enclosed places by posting information, education and communication materials in strategic areas.
Mambajao Mayor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo emphasized that the implementation of the Philippine Executive Order 26 is significant to minimize access, particularly of minors, to tobacco products and to provide a more supportive environment for those who are attempting to quit tobacco use.
Romualdo said that the smoking ban in Mambajao is strictly observed as an increasing number of Filipinos become afflicted with and die each year of tobacco-related diseases such as stroke, heart disease, various cancers and nicotine addiction, and both the public and workers in facilities where smoking is allowed are most at risk
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16-30 November 2017 from these and other tobacco-related diseases. \ Since November 22, the town’s RHU has been posting the “Strictly No Smoking” signage in Poblacion, Bugong, Yumbing and other barangays in the municipality particularly in stores
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and other public areas. The order imposes fines of up to P10,000 for violation of the smoking ban in public places and enforcement are performed by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).(RTP/ PIA10)
NFA supports corn producers advocacy on selling ‘Rice-Corn Blend’ MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – In a bid to prop up efforts of the government to attain rice self-sufficiency and avoid huge rice imports, the National Food Authority (NFA) in Bukidnon supports PhilMaize’s move to go into selling of rice-corn blend in markets.
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“NFA is now collaborating with PhilMaize (Philippine Maize Federation), the umbrella organization of corn growers across the country, for a taste survey of rice-corn blend and see if it could work in the Philippine market if sold at ‘a little lower’ than the regular price of rice,” NFA spokesperson Maria Socorro Mellomida said. Entitled “Acceptability of the Different Rice-Corn Blends,” the survey shall determine if rice-corn blend fits the taste among range of Filipino consumers as part of the regular diet. Studies show that corn has lower
calorie and carbohydrate content compared to rice. It contains high amylose that gives an intermediate glycemic index when eaten, which means it will not release fast glucose into the blood if someone eats corn more than eating white rice. This process reduces risk of having diabetes mellitus. Hence, blending the two would give consumers more dietary benefits, Mellomida further said. National Corn Competitiveness Board (NCCB) Executive Vice Chairman and former PhilMaize Chairman Emeritus Roderico R. Bioco, meanwhile, said PhilMaize corn
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growers are targeting to sell tons of a 50-50 rice-corn blend in 2018—which means half of the mix is comprised of rice, while the remaining would consist of either white or yellow corn. The NFA will help distribute the rice-corn blend. Records show that in 2016, domestic consumption of rice was pegged at 12.9 million metric tons (MMT) while production was only 11.5 MMT or a deficit of 1.4 MMT. In years 2007, 2008 and 2009, the country recorded the highest rice
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import at 2.570 MMT, 2.6 MMT and 2.2 MMT, respectively. Thus, the country keeps on resorting to importation inorder to increase buffer stock. With this rice-corn blend upgrading options, NFA continues to be at the forefront in grains distribution, which is in full support to the government’s thrust on food security.(RLRB-PIA10, Bukidnon)
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DOLE 10 grants P730K for emergency employment in MisOcc GALORAN, Misamis Occidental – The Department of Labor and Employment, Region 10 (DOLE-10), thru its Misamis Occidental (Mis. Occ.) Provincial Field Office (PFO), released P730,000 to fund five livelihood projects under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) in Aloran, Misamis Occidental on 3 November 2017. Mis. Occ. PFO Chief Leonardo G. Rodrigo shared that DILEEP beneficiaries range from self-employed who are unable to earn sufficient income, marginalized and landless
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farmers, unpaid family workers, parents of child laborers, low wage and seasonal workers, and displaced workers or workers to be displaced as a result of natural and manmade
16-30 November 2017 disasters. Aloran Municipal Mayor Junipher M. Roa received the check together with the members of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Aloran Trade High School Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) as the Accredited Co-partner (ACP) and then handed over to each of the group and individual beneficiaries. Rodrigo disclosed that the amount of ₱260,000 was granted to 139 members of the Altrade Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC) to finance the Enhancement for Catering Services and Meat Shop; another ₱180, 000 granted to Mauswagon Rural Workers of Upper Langcangan composed of 16 members for their Rice Trading project; and the Dolipos Bajo Farmer’s Association with 35 beneficiaries received ₱250, 000 for the Swine Fattening Project. The said beneficiary-associations came up with the decision to engage in an income generating project as to provide additional income and quality life to each of their families. Moreover, under the individual beneficiaries, Diana P. Triston and Mark G. Lapiz were given ₱20,000 each. Triston, who was the widow of the late Staff Sergeant (SSgT) Joven Triston killed in action (KIA) during the Marawi siege received the grant for her Sari-sari Store Business. She has retailing skills from her past work experiences and already have
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an existing stall nearby her house that made it easier for her to run the business. Lapiz on the other hand, a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who was stranded at Saudi Arabia in the year 2016 and opportunely returned home thru the help of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was granted with financial assistance for his proposed Rice and Feeds Trading Project. Lapiz extended his words of thanks to the Department, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa DOLE na nagbigay sa livelihood assistance para ako ay makapagsimula ng negosyo dito sa Pinas. Malaking tulong na po ito sa akin at sa aming lahat dito para magkaruon ng puhonan sa aming inaasam na negosyo,” (I am thankful to DOLE who extended the financial assistance so I can start up a business here in the Philippines. It is a big help for me and to all of us here as a capital for our dream businesses). Mayor Roa was grateful to DOLE-X thru Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao for bringing livelihood projects to the poor and disadvantaged families in their locality. He assured that the projects will be closely monitored to facilitate its proper implementation. (Lorraine M. Roa/DOLE-X Mis. Occ. PFO)
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Agri, fishery council holds region wide congress in CDO CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the aim to further develop and improve the agri-fishery sector in Northern Mindanao, Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council 10 (RAFC 10) through the leadership of Department of Agriculture region 10 (DA-10) gathered its 87 members to address issues and craft plans in the 3rd Region-wide Congress on 17 November 2017 in Cagayan de Oro City.
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As an integral development partner of DA, the council convened its members to discuss and address issues and concerns affecting the agri-fishery sector and craft good policies for resolutions to further boost the strategies of the agency in implementing its programs and services.
“We need your feedback in crafting our plans and programs in line with DA’s undertakings,” DA RFO 10 OIC-Regional Director Carlene C. Collado expressed. With complete representation of the agri-fishery sector in the region, the council continually thrived to strengthen the capacity of the
16-30 November 2017 farmers and fisherfolk by increasing their opportunities to be heard by the policy makers and the public. “Together, we can attain a conducive policy environment that will lead us to a globally competitive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries sector and ultimately improve the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk,” Collado said. Anchored on its constant thrust to ensure the clientele to gain necessary skills, access inputs, form enterprises, market and generate higher incomes, DA through the Agri Fishery Council (AFC) is pushing for a more strengthened working
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relationship and partnership with attached agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), non-government offices (NGOs) and private sectors. Updates, opportunities and best practices in farming were likewise discussed for wider information dissemination and promotion. “Hopefully, at the end of this undertaking, we will be able to develop a shared understanding and collective decision on how to improve the delivery of our services to our clientele and help realize a more responsive agriculture and fisheries sector,” Director Collado ended.(DA10)
DOST 10 turns over check to upgrade food facility in Alubijid, MisOr CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Science and Technology (DOST) region 10 turned over a check worth P665,440 under the approved Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) to the local government of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental on 6 November 2017. The project entitled “Enhancement of Community Health, Nutrition, Education and Upgrading of Food Processing Facility” is a program assistance of DOST region 10 which targets various communities in Alubijid
town, Misamis Oriental. In behalf of DOST-10 Regional Director Alfonso P. Alamban, the check was handed by Dr. Roselyn V. Arellano, DOST regional coordinator on CEST Program, and Engr. Junelyn Louvena
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B. Ruiz, the Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST PSTC Misamis Oriental. Immediately after the ceremonial check turn-over was the CEST program orientation wherein the details of the various projects were discussed. Further, to properly implement the various projects, there was a creation of the Municipal CEST Project Implementation Team with Alubijid Mayor Alvin Giovanni A. Labis as the over-all Head of the Municipal CEST Implementation Team and Jesselita Armecin as the Municipal CEST focal person. CEST is a program of the DOST aiming to empower the poorest
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and most depressed communities through science and technology (S&T) interventions in health and nutrition, basic education, livelihood development and disaster-risk reduction. It also targets to introduce to communities the S&T interventions on water and sanitation, climate change adaptation and e-governance. (Shiela Mae N. Cabudoy, DOST Misamis Oriental)
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P50-M financing for Marawi is now ready, says DTI ILIGAN CITY – Residents of Marawi City can now avail themselves of loan assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Provincial Director Ruel Paclipan of DTI-Lanao del Norte said in a meeting attended by the memberagencies of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) here Tuesday, Nov. 15, the guidelines had already been approved for the P50 million loan assistance under the government’s Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso (P3) for Marawi residents. Of the P50 million, Paclipan said, P5 million is for direct lending while the P45 million requires conduit. The DTI in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has also distributed sewing machines to selected internally displaced persons (IDPs) for their livelihood. In the same gathering, the Department of Health (DOH) has
also reported that eight government health facilities are now functioning in Marawi City, namely, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Bubong Lumbac Barangay Health Station, Matampay Barangay Health Station, Basak Malutlut Barangay Health Station, Bangon Health Station, Lomidong Health Post, CHO Rural Health Unit and MSU Infirmary Hospital. Two private health facilities are said to have also started operating in the city following the return of some residents there. For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already spent over P159 million for IDPs’ food and non-food items as well as cash-for-work since the start of Marawi siege last May 23. (FPG/PIA-10)
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