Eastern Communications, partners, kickstart 2023 expansion by linking 13 more areas thru fiber-laying project PDSCN

25 Jan, 2023, No comments

Premier telecommunications and ICT solutions provider Eastern Communications, along with its partners, kickstarts the year with the deployment of a new cable-laying ship “Subaru” that will complete the ongoing joint undersea cable project, the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN).

With the first 15 submarine cable segments have been installed as of December 2022, the continuation of the PDSCN project will link the remaining sites in Calatrava, Romblon; Pasacao, Camarines Sur; Bulan, Sorsogon; Palanas, Masbate; Calbayog, Samar; Mactan, Cebu; Maasin, Leyte; Claver, Surigao del Norte; Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental; Camiguin; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte; Liloy and Dipolog in Zamboanga del Sur;

To kickstart another year and mark the installation of the next nine (9) segments, Eastern Communications and its partners, Globe and InfiniVAN Inc., and its cable-laying services provider, NTT WE Marine (NTTWEM), recently sent off cable ship CS SUBARU at Subic Bay.

NTTWEM General Manager Shinichi Ezaka, Senior Manager Keitaroh Kimoto, and Senior Commercial Manager Steve Alburo, along with other representatives, presented cutting-edge specifications of cable-laying ship Subaru, which will continue to land the remaining cables around the country and is expected to be completed by April 2023.

With the goal of providing better mobile and broadband connectivity through fiberization across the country, the PDSCN parties’ $150-million project supports the goal of the current national administration to convert the Philippines into a more technologically driven nation through innovation, e-governance, and increased digital adoption among Filipinos.

The initiative is aligned with Eastern Communications’ campaign “Evolve Every Day,” which encourages Filipinos and local businesses to reach greater heights this year and pursue digitalization to face tomorrow’s challenges.

“Upon the completion of PDSCN, we aim to see more Filipino families and businesses better connected this year. Once the fiber cables are operational, we can expect more resilient and reliable connectivity to serve the needs of the whole country,” said Eastern Communications PDSCN Consultant Albert Tuason.

By building a fiber-powered Philippines, PDSCN seeks to provide connectivity which is essential to the country's economic recovery and growth. This year, it aims to reinforce strong and resilient connectivity during disasters, support the growth of various enterprises, assist residents with their day-to-day connectivity needs, and democratize robust and quality fiber internet for all Filipinos. (PR)

[From L-R:] Ship Agent Pete Faytaren of V. Faytaren Shipping Agency, Eastern Communications (EC) Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation (NPEI) Division Delfin Lopez, NTT WE Marine (NTTWEM) General Manager Shinichi Ezaka and Senior Commercial Manager Steve Alburo, EC Outside Plant Director-NPEI Felipe Paez, NTTWEM Senior Manager Keitaroh Kimoto, EC PDSCN Consultant Albert Tuason, and Fleet Marine Cable Solutions Inc. (FMCS) Managing Director Diosdado Cabotaje in front of the Subaru cable ship in Subic Bay, Zambales.

Withdraw ships from West Philippine Sea to show good faith in talks offer

5 Jan, 2023, No comments

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez today urged China to withdraw all its ships from the West Philippine Sea to show its good faith in its offer to resolve territorial disputes with the Philippines in the area.

“President Xi Jinping should recall all those ships, whether military, Coast Guard, militia, or civilian so our Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard can freely conduct patrols and our fisherfolk can do fishing activities without fear of harassment,” he said.

Rodriguez was reacting to Chinese media reports that the Chinese leader has told visiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that Beijing is willing to resume talks on oil and gas exploration and resolve maritime issues in a cordial manner.

For his part, President Marcos said he received President Xi’s promise for a compromise and solution that could allow Filipino fishermen to operate in their historic fishing grounds.

“We also discussed what we can do to move forward, to avoid any possible mistakes, misunderstandings that could trigger a bigger problem than what we already have,” the Philippine leader said.

Rodriguez has been a consistent critic of Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea and Beijing’s refusal to recognize a 2016 ruling by an international arbitral tribunal recognizing areas the Philippines claims as part of its territory and invalidating China’s ownership of almost all of the vast South China Sea that includes the WPS.

Days before President Marcos flew to Beiing, the Philippine military reported a “swarming” of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

Rodriguez welcomed President Xi’s statement, saying, “It’s a good starting point for talks.”

However, he said China should immediately allow Filipino fishermen to fish in Scarborough or Panatag Shoal (locally known as Bajo de Masinloc), which is their traditional fishing ground.

“The Chinese Coast Guard should remove its presence there and should not chase away our countrymen. That area is part of our 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” he said.

Scarborough is about 120 miles off Pangasinan and Zambales.

As for oil and gas exploration, Rodriguez said the Philippine government “could immediately allow it in areas near Palawan, like Recto Bank, which is also part of our EEZ, provided that China respects our territorial rights there.”

“We could engage Chinese companies as contractors,” he said.

He said the government has stopped a local company from doing exploration activities in Recto Bank to avoid aggravating its territorial dispute with China.

Before stepping down in June last year, then President Duterte ended talks with Beijing due to what then Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Tocsin Jr. described as unresolved sovereignty and territorial issues. (PR)

House approves bill protecting online consumers, merchants

14 Dec, 2022, No comments

The bill seeking to protect consumers and merchants engaged in internet transactions was approved by the House of Representatives on 3rd and final Reading last Monday, December 12, 2022.

The approved House Bill No. 4 is a consolidation of nineteen bills authored by Representatives, including Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

The proposed “Internet Transactions Act” seeks to protect consumers and merchants engaged in internet transactions through the effective regulation of commercial activities.

It aims to promote and maintain a robust electronic commerce (eCommerce) environment that is efficient, trustworthy, secure, and reliable.

This proposed law shall apply to any stage of all business-to-business and business-to-consumer eCommerce and internet transactions including internet retail of consumer goods and services, online travel services, online media providers, ride hailing services, and digital financial services.

The bill also mandates for the creation of an eCommerce Bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that shall have authority over internet activities that are currently not regulated.

The eCommerce Bureau shall establish a Registry of Online Business which will provide consumers with access to data of registered online business entities.

The proposed law also prescribes a code of conduct for all online businesses, as well as identifies prohibited acts and their corresponding penalties for those engaged in eCommerce.

Moreover, the bill calls for DTI to establish an industry-led eCommerce Trustmark to ensure safety and security in internet transactions.

Rep. Rodriguez hopes for the swift approval of this bill in Congress so that eCommerce in the country may be made more efficient, reliable, and secure. (PR)

Senior citizens can count on their health insurance benefits all the time, PhilHealth assures

10 Nov, 2022, No comments

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has assured the country’s elderly citizens of its continuing commitment to their health and well-being by ensuring adequate financial protection when availing of inpatient care and primary care benefits in accredited facilities nationwide.

The assurance was made as the country wraps up its observance for the Filipino elderly this October, which kicked off with activities that include the signing of a partnership agreement with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on the sharing of information and statistical data on membership and health status of senior citizens in the country.

The said agreement aims to help the two agencies maintain an accurate database system in aid of expanding benefit packages and improving services for senior citizens, and in minimizing if not totally eradicating fraud brought about by inaccurate member records.

As of June 2022, PhilHealth has registered some 13.8 million elderly members and their dependents under its Lifetime Program and Senior Citizens Program, representing 14 percent of the program’s total registered beneficiaries nationwide. Lifetime members include retirees and pensioners who have reached the age of retirement and have paid at least 120 months

of contributions to the program. Meanwhile, Senior Citizen members are those who do not belong to any of the membership categories and whose contributions are paid for by the National Government pursuant to Republic Act 10645.

Elderly members can immediately avail of benefits for inpatient care and select outpatient procedures, Z Benefit Packages, and other benefit packages being developed by PhilHealth. For the first half of 2022, a total of P19.1 billion have already been paid by the state insurer for benefit claims of elderly patients under the Lifetime and Senior Citizens Program.

Senior members are also a priority to the Agency’s expanded primary care benefit package dubbed as Konsulta or Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama Package which can be availed of from accredited Konsulta providers of their choice.

The Konsulta Package aims to help members prevent or detect diseases early on. The accredited Konsulta providers shall act as the initial and continuing contact for the patients in the healthcare delivery system. The package includes targeted health risk screening and assessment; initial and follow up consultations; and laboratory tests and medicines, the availment of which will be subject to the recommendation of their primary care provider.

Laboratory and diagnostic tests include complete blood count with platelet count, urinalysis, fecalysis, sputum microscopy, fecal occult blood, Pap smear, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, electrocardiogram, creatinine and HbA1c. Meanwhile, medicines that will be made available include anti-microbial, anti-asthma, antipyretics, anti-dyslipidemia, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive medicines, including fluids and electrolytes, anti-thrombotic, and anti-histamines. (PR)

#Hawid-laum: Did socmed radio trigger Oro's suicide cluster in September?

15 Oct, 2022, No comments

By Lina Sagaral Reyes

Last of two parts

Cagayan de Oro – As the world marked the annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day on September 10 this year, a series of suicide incidents swept across Cagayan de Oro.

By the end of the month, the wave of eight cases within nine days - - from the September 10-18 - - catapulted the year's total to 23. This number of cases has surpassed 2021's tally of 19 suicide incidents, with still three months to go before the year would end.

But as quickly as the wave rose, during most of the month's second half - - between September 19 and 30 - - there were only two cases.

What caused the sudden spike and the equally sudden decline?

Maria Dolores Mercado, mental health program coordinator at the Department of Health-Region10 non-communicable diseases cluster, says exposure to exaggerated live broadcast coverage that extends from traditional to social media, could be a major factor.

In different forums in recent months, Dolores, a psychiatric nurse and college instructor in psychiatric nursing, had always called out the local broadcast media for its sensationalised coverage of these events as this, according to her, could result in more "copycat" suicide cases in the city.

"This is called the Werther phenomenon," she said, quoting the latest Department of Health administrative order that sets guidelines for the ethical and responsible reporting and portrayal of suicide in mass media and the cultural arts.

She discussed this at a forum among journalists and in an online public service program at Oro Broadcast Services on October 8.

The Werther effect, first mentioned in 1982 by David Phillips, references Werther, the protagonist in Goethe's novel, The Sorrows of the Young Werther", who killed himself because of unrequited love.

In 1774,when it was first published, many young men, who has read this epistolary novel, killed themselves.

Many studies suggest that "media reports about people who have died by suicide can influence vulnerable people as is associated with higher rates of suicide," according to the Canadian Association of Psychiatrists, in its 2018 re-issue of a policy paper on suicide reporting guidelines.

Mercado revealed, without citing figures, that in Northern Mindanao, suicide cases had gone down this year but had gone up in Cagayan de Oro. "Adtong 2020,medyo misaka ang atong mga kaso (Northern Mindanao). Sa 2021,misaka pa gyud. Niubos na siya karong 2022. Pero half of the year pa man ang datos nga nag-abot." (The suicide cases went up in 2020. It went higher in 2021. The cases went down in this year but the data we have comprise only those in the first half of the year. ")

Region 10 is comprised of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Camiguin.

But she further pointed out that suicide rates in the city had been always high, correlating it to the sensationalised, on-the-spot coverages of suicide crises.

"Pero daghan gyud cases diri sa Cagayan de Oro. Mao siguro kay diri ra man gud nga sensationalised kaayo ang pag balita." (The suicide rates had always been high in Cagayan de Oro. It is probably due to the sensationalised reporting. ")

She recalled how at one time, she heard the news as she was riding a taxi.

"Diha gyud time nga nagsakay kog taxi nga gusto na nako ignan ang driver nga adtoan nato na. Kay sobra ka sensationalised ug ka detalye."

More than 50 studies worldwide indicate that several factors could aggravate the Wether impact, including the duration, amount, and prominence of coverage. Also considered are the detailed description of the method used, dramatic images, and repetitive/extensive coverage.

Socmed

If traditional radio accessed through transistor radio

Papageno phenomenon

If radio stations, with traditional and digital platforms, are a factor behind the surge in suicides, did they also contribute to the decline in cases after September 18th?

On September 18th, at around 8 p. m, a young man was seen at the edge of a protruded concrete platform holding the deck at Ysalina Bridge across the Cagayan de Oro River.

(Photo screencaptured from Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro FB Page)

A staff of a food delivery service company stopped by, climbed down to the platform, placed his arms over his shoulders, and talked to the young man in those crucial minutes.

Relatives of the young man as well as a rescue team from Barangay Carmen came by later.

"I saw him from afar as I was crossing over the bridge on my way to deliver a basket of chicken to a hospital staff. I also saw a woman trying to get the attention of the young man, raising both hands but the man would not turn around and instead was just at the edge, looking down on the river," Ace Tristan Dy of Grab Food Delivery, said.

We were strangers to each other but somehow we understood each other,Dy reflected.

He said he had no training in rescuing people but his mother had often told him that he had the gift of persuasive speech. He attributed his calmness and intuitive skills to Buddhism, which is a long-time family practice.

In a few minutes, the young man agreed to go with his relatives.

Aside from traditional media coverage, the Facebook pages of at least 5 radio stations shared these moments of rescue captured by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Carmen.

From September 18, there were but just a single report of an attempted suicide till the first week of the next month.

The decline could be what is called the Papageno effect.

Since a seminal study by Thomas Niederkrotenthaler, evidence is growing that media can play a positive role in suicide prevention by showing that there are alternatives to suicide.

The phenomenon is named after Papageno, the character in the opera Magic Flute, who lost his love and contemplated suicide but was convinced by three boys to choose to live anew.

The station DXCC of the Radio Mindanao Network, among those which shared the story in its traditional broadcast as well as in its Facebook page, has, a policy to cover suicide responsibly, thus it covered the rescue extensively.Other radio stations like Magnum Radio, DXKO and Bombo Radyo and iFM Idol Radio also shared the posts.

Annaliza Amontos Reyes, program director at DXCC, said that their reporters are always reminded to follow the code of ethics of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) , of which the station is a member.

The KBP has a code of ethics which provides guidelines in how to report crises situations,among others. But it still does not have particulate guidelines in covering suicide.

When a suicide occurs and coverage is deemed necessary, Amontos-Reyes said that they (reporters) emphasize suicide prevention.

"We interview a psychologist so our listeners are educated what to do when faced with similar situations. And how we can help those who are suicidal."

As for sensationalised coverages as part of the strategy to beat others in the ratings game, she admonished a do-no-harm policy as more important.

" Bisan pa makataas sa ratings pero makadaot sa kadaghanan, dapat I-minimize. "

" Dili kay mas daghan pang komentaryo balhin sa nahitabo o sa pamilya kay sa pag-educate.

Focus ta sa pag educate. Unsaon nato malikayan ang suicide, unsaon nato pag tabang sa mga suicidal. Mas kinahanglan nato ang pag educate. "

4ID commander: Collapse of NPA in Northern Mindanao, Caraga looming

29 Sep, 2022, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

THE top official of the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on Wednesday, September 28, said that the New People's Army (NPA) is bound to collapse in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region, following the recent death and surrender of its leaders.

"The Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region is now bound for its eventual collapse," 4ID commander Major General Wilbur Mamawag said.

Last week, a total of 17 former rebels turned themselves in to the 75th Infantry Battalion and 26th Infantry Battalion, and surrendered their firearms.

The military said this accomplishment manifests the looming end of the longest-running insurgency in Asia that is operating under the 4ID's area of responsibility.

"With 40 CTG key leaders neutralized resulting in 35 firearms recovered from September until the present, what we are dealing with right now are the remnants of the weakened CTGs who persist in threatening far-flung communities,"Mamawag said.

Mamawag reiterated his call for peace and urged those who remained in the armed conflict to return to the folds of the law.

"The Joint Task Force Diamond that I lead is on the last stretch of our campaign to finally end the local communist armed conflict in these two regions. At the rate we are going, it seems that our dream to have insurgency-free communities will not be far-fetched,"he added.

NPA leader, 5 others yield to Army in Agusan del Sur

20 Sep, 2022, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

A LEADER of the New People's Army (NPA) and five members have surrendered and returned to the fold of the law in Barangay Zamora, Talacogon in Agusan del Sur over the weekend, the military said.

The six former rebels also turned in six high-powered and low-powered guns including an M16 rifle, two garand rifles, a shotgun and two caliber 45 pistols.

Among those who surrendered was identified by the military as Badong Lipanda alias "Reymund", commander of Platoon Banglas, sub-regional committee 3, NCMRC.

They are undergoing medical examination, assessments and counseling in preparation for their enrolment to the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The military said the strong partnership and collaboration of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion with the leaders of the Indigenous Peoples, former rebels and local government units including the relentless focused military operations paved the way for the surrender of the six NPA combatants.

26IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Sandy Majarocon said the surrender of the six rebels including their leader indicates the collapse of Platoon Banglas which he said was a notorious group allegedly involved in several atrocities in the hinterland areas of the towns of San Luis, Esperanza and Talacogon.

"Ako ug ang tibuok kasundaluhan sa 26IB nalipay nga kamo nisunod sa panawagan sa gobyerno ug katawhan nga inyo nang undangon ang inyong walay pulos ug walay padulngan nga kalihokan ug mobalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno ug mamuyo nga malinawon,"Majarocon told the six rebels.

Photo by 4ID

Rodriguez: More funds for CHED needed to aid college students

19 Sep, 2022, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez on Monday, September 19, said an increase in the budget for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is necessary to support college students.

"If there is any agency that should have an increase in their budget or should have a big budget, it should be for tertiary education," Rodriguez said during the hearing of the House Committee on Appropriations on the proposed 2023 budget for CHED.

Rodriguez expressed his dismay over the slashing of P11 billion from the commission's proposed budget of P41.4 billion.

The budget allocated to CHED for 2023 is only PP30.7 billion, which is P2 billion less from the 2022 budget of P32.7 billion.

Rodriguez said due to the P11 billion cut, there is a decrease in the student financial assistance fund of P305 million and a P295 million decrease in the universal access to quality tertiary education funding.

He said this affects the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries who rely on government financial assistance for their studies.

The Kagay-anon lawmaker has asked CHED Commissioner Prospero De Vera to submit to the committee a list of priority items for augmentation and prioritize the increase of the legal education board by P50 million to provide adequate support to law students and professors.

Rodriguez moved to approve CHED's budget with an augmentation of P2-3 billion.

DAR Sec distributes 654 land ownership awards, other programs and services under new Admin underway

10 Sep, 2022, No comments

By Steph Berganio

Programs and services of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are to be implemented, according to DAR Secrectary Condrado Estrella III during his first visit in Northern Mindanao, particularly in Cagayan de Oro on September 9.

These include cited the latest programs of the agency aside from the distribution of the certificate of land ownership awards to the agrarian Reform beneficiaries. These offerings that include: scholarship programs for the children of the farmers.

"Ako'y napag-utusan ng ating mahal na pangulo at sinasabi niya, Secretary Conrad puntahan mo sila. You will assure them that we will provide them with all the support services necessary for their life better at yon ang tinatawag nating expanded support services, "he said.

During the turn-over of land title to 654 beneficiaries all over Region 10, he promised to improve the lives of farmers by launching the "Agraryong Abogado Todo Serbisyo sa Benepisyaryo" which helps the other beneficiaries to own a lot title sooner.

Most of the beneficiaries who finally owned their lots underwent a lot of struggles in processing their papers and all the necessary documents for over 20 years.

"Kaya pangako ng Administrasyon na ito na mas mapadali ang pagproseso ng kanilang mga required documents sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay natin ng abugado," he said during media interview.

To augment the farmers' monthly income, DAR also promised to help in providing livestock such as buffalo and cattle so at least they can produce 8-10 liters of milk daily and earn as much as P21,000 a month.

After the assumption of the new Administration last July, this was the first time that DAR Secretary Estrella visited Region 10 and brought with him government services to the beneficiaries.

"Hindi ito ang una at huling pagbisita ko dito sa Region 10. Umpisa palang po ito, sapagkat ako ay pupunta sa inyo kung saan ang mga lupa ay ibibigay sa inyo and I will bring government closer to the people," he said.

(photos by steph berganio)

Rodriguez to give cash allowance for successful PMMA applicants from Cagayan de Oro

7 Sep, 2022, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has vowed to give cash allowance for successful applicants from the city for the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA).

The PMMA in Zambales is accepting applications for the annual entrance examination for 2023-2024.

Rodriguez said he would shoulder the roundtrip airfare of successful applicants from Cagayan de Oro and provide a yearly allowance of P10,000.

He said PMMA Superintendent Joel Abutal told him that the academy is looking for more applicants from the city.

Students will avail free tuition and other fees; board and lodging; and uniform once accepted.

PMMA offers Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation to become a licensed deck officer of the ship; and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering to study marine propulsion systems and the operation of the ship.

It can be recalled that Rodriguez has authored RA 11782 which seeks the establishment of a PMMA Campus in Cagayan de Oro and the process of finding a prime location for the construction of the campus is underway.

The kagay-anon lawmaker has expressed his strong support for the future cadets from the city and vowed to help them in their journey towards achieving their dreams.

Details of the upcoming PMMA examinations are available on this site https://bit.ly/3D1iJpa .

May be an image of 9 people, people standing and text that says 'NEWS NOW PMMA WANTS CDEO ENROLLEES FOR A.Y. 2023-2024; RODRIGUEZ PLEDGES 10K YEARLY ALLOWANCE TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS RR CDPN Rufus Rodriguez @RepRufu: "PartidoPa Pe Mcommunicationsrbr@gmail.com' Supplied Artcard

DA-10 honors Young Farmers Challenge Fund provincial winners

6 Sep, 2022, No comments

DA-10 pays tribute to the youth in the region engaged in agri-fishery enterprises with profitability potential during the YFCF Provincial Awarding. (Supplied Photo)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some 41 individuals and 10 groups across Northern Mindanao were recognized during the Young Farmers Challenge Fund (YFCF) Provincial Awarding on August 31, 2022, held here in this city.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture - Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the event honored the youth in the region engaged in agri-fishery enterprises with profitability potential, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga taking the lead, in the presence of Raul Alamban representing Senator Imee Marcos.

In his remarks, Larry E. Paraluman, AMAD chief of DA-10 said, “This year’s challenge is the second year of undertaking as we continue to entice our youth to participate in the challenge [YFCF]. Challenge, in the sense, that you [winners] will become the incoming and future entrepreneurs in the agriculture.”

The agribiz chief added that the YFC program is stemmed from the fact that the average age of Filipino farmers [as of 2018] is 57 years old and majority of the youth are no longer interested in agriculture.

To address such, Paraluman remarked that the [YFCF] ushers our youth [the awardees] who has interest in agriculture to have a start-up capital in the form of a competitive financial grant assistance from DA, wherein P50K is accorded to an individually managed enterprise or P100K for a group-managed enterprise at the provincial competition level.

Of which, interested and eligible youth ages 18 to 30 years old, have submitted their business model canvasses, activity and financial plans, and other documentary requirements, and were evaluated by a panel of judges based on their entrepreneurial attributes, innovativeness and potential for generating revenue stream of their presented business proposal, value addition, and social responsibility.

On top of the access of start-up capital, DA-10 RTD Madriaga assured the youth that the department will continue to pool resources and opportunities that would enable them to engage in agri-fishery enterprises on a sustained basis by providing agri-fishery business development services to further strengthen their agri-entrepreneurship capabilities.

“This is just the beginning of your journey in your agripreneurship. If you do well in your chosen agri-fishery enterprises, more government support awaits. Show us!” the DA official expressed.

Through the YFC program, DA is also set in extending business development services assistance, which includes training programs and assistance in business and product registration and certification, mentoring assistance, market linking and business networking, and monitoring and enterprise assessment.

DA-Agricultural Training Institute shall be tapped for the conduct of training activities, while DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council shall handle the additional capital requirements of the youth for scaling up their ventures.

Rendering her message to the youth in attendance via a short video clip, DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Y. Evangelista conveyed her gratitude for all the people [DA-AMAD, local government units, private sector representatives, and the academe] behind the selection of the YFCF winners at the same time congratulated the new batch of awardees.

“DA believes in investing in the youth, investing in farming, investing in the future. Nasa kamay ng kabataan ang kinabukasan ng agikultura,” the agri official concluded.

Out from the pool of provincial awardees, they will continue to vie for the seven spots as regional awardees: four enterprise awardees for the agri-fishery production category and one awardee per each of the categories – processing, digital agriculture, and supply chain business solutions, and will be granted with P150K per awardee, while P300K is at stake once declared as one of the 12 national awardees. (PR)

Below is a complete list of the YFCF provincial awardees with their corresponding agri-enterprises by province:

Bukidnon

1. Sherwin G. Sintaon – Win’z Native Chili Oil;

2. Johnny Rey G. Salinana – Suka Bahalinana Coconut Vinegar Production;

3. Maechel B. Daug, Von L. Andaleon and Vanessa C. Maquiso – VVM’s House of Mushroom;

4. Zyra Shine D. Gamino – Rabbit Production;

5. Shane A. Bañados – Bañados Tablea;

6. Joselito P. Llesis – Adlai Enterprise;

7. Rinalyn L. Tahil – Riyal Mushroom House;

8. Christian John C. Fernandez – Tilapia Para sa Masa;

9. Twinkle T. Antasoda – Antasoda’s Cassava Special;

10. Nikki Jace B. Mondia – Ganddz Freshwater Fish Farm;

11. Erwin M. Dahao – Spice Farm;

12. Judy Ann P. Egay – Adlai Rice Production;

13. Rey Mark U. Anggoy – Stable Adlai Production for Value Added Products (Grains/Grits);

14. Alvin G. Gutierrez – A-One Oyster Mushroom Production and Enterprise;

15. Xyrish Eve E. Fernandez – Fernera Organica;

16. Darwen D. Basarte – Basarte’s Fresh Tilapia and Homemade Tilanggit;

17. Ariel K. Benzon and Liezel E. Lllausas – Bantuan Ube Products;

18. Aiza A. Cabangbang and Angelou G. Daano – A & A Rabbitry;

19. Michael Ryan G. Gante – Pido Sayote Farm;

20. Ira Kristel M. Onahon – Bukidnon Diversified Vineyard;

21. Revie M. Limocon – Procaffeinated Coffee Processing;

22. Steve C. Cutillas – Gik’s Integrated Organic Mushroom and Aeroponics Production;

Misamis Occidental

1. Aljane Mary G. Udal – Am’s Sustainable Sunrice and Silver Production;

2. Romel B. Omega – Swine Fattening Production;

3. Vergil S. Capoy – Vergil’s Fresh Lettuce;

4. Ricardo B. Apale – Sweet Corn Production;

5. Ronald Harayo and Rhemar S. Bago – Bitter Gourd Production;

6. Johnley Fred U. Sumaylo and Kathyrine G. Gerona – Hankers Odorless Pig Farm;

7. Dave Q. Arabes – Zampanemazing Native Chicken Production;

8. Destre L. Dagumo – D’Garden Hydroleaf;

9. Jelie M. Misajon – Swine Backyard Production;

10. Arnie Marie M. Galorio – Galorio A’s Piggery;

11. Ednier Duhaylungsod, Maria Ella Mae B. Aguhob, Hazel Mae Helido and Mike Jasper Ramos – Free-Range Chicken Layer Production;

Misamis Oriental

1. Palcon Cres S. Padero – Backyard Swine Farming;

2. Jumil C. Lascuña – JL Integrated Farm;

3. Romejay A. Lagsic – Diversified Vegetable Production;

4. Sean Ivander L. Bade – Seanbad’s Farm;

5. Patrick P. Tomonglay – Pat’s Aquaponics;

Cagayan de Oro City

1. Ian King March P. Miyake – Production of Organic Concoction and Extracts;

2. Kathleen Claire G. Patimo, Ezekiel L. Gutay, Cyrill Ann A. Cabido and Dennis C. Baliguat – Greenovation;

3. Jay Ryan S. Rago and Shiena Marie H. Lagura – Hydrolicious Lettuce;

4. Stephine C. Pantilgan – SP Quality Rabbit Farm;

5. Rollie B. Bangcoyo – Chik ni Lie;

6. Jhongie M. Ladrada and Mars G. Muñoz – JM Production Quail Eggs;

Lanao del Norte

1. Mohammad Khalid R. Casan – Baloi Goat Farm;

2. Roselio S. Lahoylahoy – Tilapia and Vegetable Production;

3. Johavier M. Ayonan and Naifa R. Mutia – Free-Range Organic Native Chicken;

4. Nasip M. Batingolo – Palapa Ami;

5. John Vincent G. Cabrera – JVC Livestock Production;

Camiguin

1. Pamela Salon – Native Chicken Production;

2. Krysler John G. Agol – 7K Free Range Brown Egg

Rodriguez asks more patrol cars, communication equipment for Cocpo

5 Sep, 2022, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has requested the Philippine National Police (PNP) for more patrol cars and establish a communication system that would link all borders of police offices in Northern Mindanao.

Rodriguez raised the concerns of the local police when he attended the budget hearing of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on September 1.

The Cagayan de Oro lawmaker who is a member of the Regional Advisory Group for Police Transformation Development requested PNP Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to help procure the necessary funds for the establishment of a P29 million communication system that would link all borders of Northern Mindanao and the provincial, city and municipal police offices.

He also requested five additional police cars for the City Mobile Force, Mobile Patrol Unit, Traffic Unit of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), and two for the Regional headquarters.

Rodriguez said Azurin vowed to provide the said cars and coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the funds needed to complete the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao headquarters in Camp Alagar and provide P30 million required for the purchase of the lot currently occupied by the PNP headquarters in Barangay Carmen.

Rodriguez also called on the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to provide two additional prisoner cars for the Lumbia Jail.

Supplied ArtCard

CAGAYAN DE ORO SOLON OPPOSES PAGCOR PRIVATIZATION

1 Sep, 2022, No comments

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez yesterday opposed the reported plan to privatize or sell to the private sector the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR).

“Pagcor is earning tens of billions of pesos a year for the government and for its numerous public service programs. I am strongly against privatizing it,” he said.

He said despite the pandemic, Pagcor earned P26.7 billion in the first half of this year, P32.6 billion last year and P30 billion in 2020 when the health crisis erupted.

“So why kill, or more appropriately, why sell the goose that lays the golden eggs?” Rodriguez asked.

He likewise stated that private investors are profit-motivated and would care less about public service activities like helping the sick and building schools than a public agency like Pagcor.

While expressing opposition against the privatization of Pagcor, the Mindanao lawmaker said Pagcor cannot continue being a regulator and at the same a player in the gaming industry.

“It’s not fair to businessmen investing in casinos. This situation of Pagcor being a regulator and a player is not conducive to attracting investments,” he explained.

Rodriguez proposed the creation of a Casino Gaming Regulatory Authority so that Pagcor could continue to be a gaming-casino operator.

At the same time, he reiterated its opposition to the resumption of e-sabong or online sabong, which former President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered Pagcor to stop.

He suggested that agency officials talk to former Pampanga congressman Joseller “Yeng” Guiao and former mayor Jerry Pelayo of Candaba town in Pampanga, who have written letters to newspapers pleading for the government to put an end to e-sabong.

In their letters, Guiao and Pelayo said their province mates patronize online sabong because it offers them hope to get out of poverty, just like jueteng and other illegal numbers games.

However, e-sabong is a lot worse because it drives people to debt and death, they said.

In one letter, Pelayo said he had a nephew who became so addicted to online cockfighting that he incurred a huge debt, sold his properties and took his own life when he could no longer pay.

Pelayo and Guiao said farmers and poor people sell whatever they have due to their newfound addiction to e-sabong.

Aside from Guiao’s and Pelayo’s complaints, Rodriguez called attention to the reported abductions months ago of more than 20 cockfighting patrons, whose whereabouts the Philippine National Police has not been able to trace up to this time.

“Pagcor should see the evils its online cockfighting project has brought about. It doesn’t need e-sabong. It generates enough revenues for its programs,” the Cagayan de Oro lawmaker said. (PR)

Grabbed from Rufus Rodriguez Facebook

Electric Coops: Fix EPIRA, regulate power generation rate hikes

1 Sep, 2022, No comments

By Alwen Saliring

A group of electric cooperatives is urging the government to look into the power costs implemented by power generation companies which resulted in the unabated increase in power rates passed on to the consumers.

Jose Raul Saniel, president of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AMRECO) said that electric cooperatives have no control over the increasing power rates as they are just collectors of the charges implemented by the power generation companies.

"Ang mga electric coop walay control sa pagsaka sa kuryente. Ang pagsaka sa presyo sa kuryente naa sa generation sector," Saniel said.

Saniel added that while distribution utilities' application for power rate increase needs approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), nobody's regulating the increase in power generation charges implemented by power producers.

Among the 121 electric cooperatives in the country, the highest residential rate at present is P20 per kilowatt-hour while the lowest is P7 per kilowatt-hour.

Lawyer Janeene Depay-Colingan, general manager of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) said generation charges increased because of the higher fuel cost in the global market due to instability in supply, mainly caused by the Russia-Ukraine tension; the lack of coal sources or supply, causing the skyrocketing of coal prices; and the weakening peso against other currencies affecting the import payment methods.

She added that the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) has allowed the generation companies to pass on these costs to the consumers.

Colingan clarified that the amount received by an electric cooperative when one pays his bill is the one reflected in the distribution-supply-metering (DSM) charges which is fixed by law, regulated and can only be changed through approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

"The DSM rate has never changed before and during the pandemic, not in the last 10 years or since 2010. The increases are brought about by changes in the other components of our electricity bills,"Colingan said.

To address the increasing electricity rates, APEC Partylist Representative Sergio Dagooc said EPIRA law must be amended.

"Ang problema is balaod so ang solution is baload sad,"Dagooc said.

Dagooc said the power bloc in the House of Representatives have been calling to amend the EPIRA law even as it has filed legislative measures that aim to fix some provisions that are bound to cause compounding issues in the power industry.

Dagooc said EPIRA law must be thoroughly reviewed and scrutinized in order to produce more suitable policies that cater to the needs of the time.

"The process of amending EPIRA will be long and arduous but it is necessary. The challenge lies in scrutinizing every aspect of each sector in the energy industry and being open to modifying existing policies and practices that do not work," Dagooc said.

While electric cooperatives are doing something to address the power rate hikes, it has also called on the consumers to conserve and manage energy consumption.

Illustration by PHILRECA

PhilHealth ensures financial risk protection for IP communities

16 Aug, 2022, No comments

True to its mandate to provide responsive health insurance coverage for all citizens of the Philippines, PhilHealth Regional Office 10 has recently forged a partnership with the seven (7) tribes of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the province of Bukidnon.

The partnership was highlighted by the “Pagdang-ul Panablay’’ rites, a solemn ceremony where IP leaders officially accept and welcome outsiders with good intentions into their community. As part of this cultural tradition and to show gratitude, the IP leaders ordained Regional Vice President Delio A. Aseron II and Local Health Insurance Office- Bukidnon Chief Romulo M. Lapuz Jr. as a bona fide Datus and were given lumad names: RVP Aseron as “Datu Salimbangon’’ which means an instrument connecting life; and Chief Lapuz as “Datu Kilala” recognizing his effort in bridging the seven tribal communities to the different programs of PhilHealth.

According to Datu Victorino “Migketay” Saway, one of the IP leaders, the partnership is a “big opportunity” for the lumad communities, noting that a lot of the lumads in the province are not aware of the various programs of PhilHealth and still rely on traditional methods in treating diseases instead of availing their readily available benefits, be preventive or curative medical intervention.

“Dako kaayo ni nga oportunidad sa amo nga mga lumad kay hangtud karon naa pa gyud mga igsoon namo nga wala pa nasayod kung unsa ang mga benepisyo gikan sa PhilHealth nga makatabang kaayo sa panahon nga naay ma-hospital. Sinugdanan pa lamang kini atong PhilHealth-tribal partnership (This is a big opportunity for us lumads because even now we still have members who do not know about PhilHealth and what are the benefits when we are hospitalized. This is only the beginning of the PhilHealth-Tribal partnership),” Datu Migketay said.

Under this newly forged partnership, PhilHealth, particularly LHIO-Bukidnon, commits to provide a priority lane for lumad clients, to conduct orientation in every municipality in Bukidnon.

RVP Aseron stressed that the main purpose of the partnership is to improve access to quality health care services in unserved and underserved communities and to ensure that lumad communities have an active participation in the implementation of the Universal Health Care.

“Pantay pantay tayo na magbigyan ng dignidad dahil ang programang Universal Health Care ay para sa lahat at para sa pagkakapantay- pantay ng lahat ng mga Pilipino,” RVP Aseron said. (PR)

Supplied Photo

EPR law takes effect, Rodriguez says

16 Aug, 2022, No comments

A bill seeking to extend manufacturers responsibility of their plastic products until its end-of-life stage lapsed into law on July 22, 2022.

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, one of the principal authors of the law in Congress, said that Republic Act 11989 mandates companies to establish Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) programs in their recovery, recycling, cleanup, and transportation of plastic waste for disposal.

Manufacturers will be required to monitor their annual plastic packaging footprint/production, and targets have been set where said companies will have to recover plastic wastes such that by the end of 2023, companies must have recovered 20% of their plastic wastes in 2022. This recovery target rises each year until by 2028 the companies are able to achieve 80% recovery of the plastic they produced.

“With the EPR, Manufacturers must take note of the reusability, retrievability and recyclability of their plastic products. Hence, we are expecting that plastic wastes will be substantially reduced in due course of time,” Rodriguez stressed.

“Along with the enactment of the EPR, all Filipinos, producers and consumers alike, should continue making conscious and conscientious efforts to protect the environment we share from plastic wastes,” he added.

The new law also mandates the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to develop a national framework on all types of waste to guide companies’ EPR programs.

Within six months of its effectivity, large companies, or those above the MSME classification, shall set up EPR programs and established targets on the recovery of plastic wastes.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, in Asia, the Philippines is the world's third-largest polluter with around 2.7 million metric tons of plastic trash generated each year, only next to Indonesia and China. (PR)

Courtesy: Rufus Rodriguez Facebook

PhilHealth expands coverage to144 sessions

9 Aug, 2022, No comments

Cognizant of the needs of its members undergoing dialysis, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) increases its coverage for outpatient hemodialysis from 90 to a maximum of 144 sessions for CY 2022.

In its PhilHealth Circular 2022- 0017 published today and takes effect immediately, PhilHealth members and their dependents with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD) who are registered in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database are allowed to avail of the maximum 144 hemodialysis sessions until December 31, 2022, provided that the dialysis sessions are prescribed by their attending physicians.

The state insurer also emphasized that the 91st to 144th sessions shall be exclusively used for outpatient dialysis only and any unused sessions will not be carried over to calendar year 2023.

Moreover, qualified CKD patients who already used their 91st to 144th dialysis sessions and were not able to avail of the automatic deductions of the benefits from their medical bills can still directly file their claims with any PhilHealth Regional/Branch Office or Local Health Insurance Offices per existing guidelines.

Also reiterated in the guidelines is the application of the No Balance Billing (NBB) Policy wherein no other fees or expenses shall be charged or be paid for by qualified patients above and beyond the packaged rates as per PhilHealth Circular No. 2017- 0017.

Further, in case of delay of filing of claims due to natural calamities or other fortuitous events, PhilHealth shall likewise extend the filing period of claims from 60 to 120 days provided that the area where the patient is located or being treated is under a state of calamity. (PR)

Philhealth-PRO-10 Facebook

Bill seeking to double monthly pension for senior citizens lapses into law

3 Aug, 2022, No comments

CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd district Representative Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday, August 3, said the bill that seeks to increase the social pension of indigent senior citizens has lapsed into law on July 30.

Rodriguez, who is among the authors of the bill in the House of Representatives, lauded the passage of the bill which will provide senior citizens additional assistance to buy basic necessities.

"This will help them especially in time of Covid-19 pandemic and rising prices of basic commodities," Rodriguez said.

Republic Act 11916 mandates the increase of the monthly social pension of senior citizens from P500 to P1,000. It also provides for various payout options including cash, electronic transfer, or other modes of delivery that would make it more accessible to senior citizens.

No transaction fee will be shouldered by the beneficiaries.

Other provisions of the law include:

1. The DSWD shall adjust the amount of the social pension every two years after the effectivity of this act, noting the present Consumer Price Index published by the PSA and other relevant economic indicators;

2. The provision of social safety assistance to senior citizens in times of calamities, which includes food, medicines, home repair assistance, among others, sourced from the calamity funds of the LGUs; and

3. The transfer of the implementation, distribution, and management of the social pension from the DSWD to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).

Rodriguez said the amount necessary for the initial implementation of the law will be charged to the current appropriations of the DSWD and its continued implementation in the coming years will be sourced out from the General Appropriations Act. PR

Courtesy: Rufus Rodriguez Facebook

Rodriguez: Junk China, explore other railway financing resources

21 Jul, 2022, 1 comment

Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez today urged the Marcos administration to no longer pursue Chinese financing for three big railway infrastructures planned by the Duterte government.

“The old saying ‘beggars cannot be choosers’ cannot apply to us in this case and other projects. We have other funding options, which the new national leadership should explore,” the representative of Cagayan de Oro City’s second district said.

He said such options include multilateral institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, international assistance agencies such as the US AID, JICA of Japan, Korean agency and EU Fund, the local banking and business community and even the annual national budget.

“The problem with loans from China is that there will be strings attached which will sacrifice our full sovereign rights over our West Philippine Sea”, Rodriguez added.

Rodriguez expressed sadness over the decision of the previous government to discontinue the three railway projects specially the first Phase of the Mindanao railway “that have been six years in the making.”

“Sad especially for Mindanao, the home region of our former president. Our island deserves its first railway system,” he said.

He said the failure of Beijing to approve the Duterte administration’s loan application prompting the latter to withdraw it, “shows that we cannot rely on our so-called Chinese friends.”

The affected projects are the first package of the Philippine National Railways-Bicol line, from Calamba in Laguna to Daraga, Albay, with a cost of P142 billion; the 71-kilometer, P50-billion link between Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City and Subic Freeport; and the P83-billion first phase of the Mindanao railway covering 102 kilometers.

Rodriguez said the Marcos administration could ask the international financial institutions and even our private business community to finance these infrastructures.

“We can request RSA (Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp.), MVP (Manny Pangilinan of PLDT group), Enrique Razon (ICTSI) and Sabin Aboitiz (Aboitiz Group) to consider financing the Mindanao railway,” he said.

He said the government could even use the annual national budget to undertake the projects. “What is P83 billion for the people of Mindanao? We have a national budget of P5.2 trillion! he added.

He stressed that the use of government funds “will show potential funders here and abroad that we are serious about these and other mobility projects that will greatly benefit our people, railways being the cheapest mode to carry people and cargo to different destinations”. (PR)

BOC-10 SEIZED 𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧

21 Jul, 2022, No comments

Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayande Oro busted four (4) containers of smuggled agricultural products anew at Mindanao Container Terminal Port, PHIVIDEC Compound, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on July 19, 2022.

The shipments arrived on July 12, 2022 from China consigned to Primex Export and Import Producer declared to be “Spring Roll Patti” as indicated in its Inward Foreign Manifest.

On July 13, District Collector Atty. Elvira Cruz immediately issued a Pre Lodgment Control Order (PLCO) against the subject shipment.

During the conduct of examination witnessed by representatives of CIIS-CDO, ESS-CDO, CCBI, BPI, MICTSI, PDEA and customs examiner. The shipment was found out to contain red and white onions contrary to its declaration estimated to be worth P 12,000,000.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) will be issued against the shipment for violation of Section 1400 of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

This is the second seizure of the Port of Cagayan de Oro in less than two weeks. District Collector Cruz hopes that this will be a stern warning to unscrupulous individuals who will deprive the government from lawful revenues to stop their smuggling activities. (PR)

Supplied Photo