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

2 ex-rebels surrender, gets cash reward

5 Jul, 2022, No comments

THE two former rebels who have returned to the folds of the law through the joint efforts of the military and the police were given immediate cash assistance by the local government unit of T'boli in South Cotabato over the weekend.

The two former members of the New People's Army (NPA) received P20,000 cash from T'boli Mayor Keo Dayle Tuan.

The two have surrendered through the efforts of the 6th Civil Military Operations Battalion, 7th Infantry Battalion, 11th Special Forces Company, 5th Special Forces Battalion (5SFBN) and the police.

Authorities identified them as alias "JL", former political guide and alias "Ratrat", an NPA in the Barrio (Milisyang Bayan/ Yunit Milisya/Local Guerilla Unit) of Platoon Brigol, Guerilla Front 73, (now Guerilla Front Musa) Far South Mindanao. They also yielded several firearms and explosives.

From October 2021, series of combat encounters transpired in Lake Sebu and T'boli which resulted in the neutralization of alias "Jenrose", the deputy secretary of Guerilla Front MUSA and other three NPA fighters. Influx of surrenders of NPA rebels ensued.

The military said the local government of T’boli has been considered as one of the towns of South Cotabato that has best practices in the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and E-CLIP as mandated by the EO 70.

Meanwhile, the former rebels were also presented to Brigadier General Pedro C Balisi Jr, Commander, 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maaasahan) Brigade and Major General Roberto Capulong, Acting Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central. | via Alwen Saliring

Supplied Photo

PLDT boosts livelihood of Manobo Simuwawnon women

16 Jun, 2022, No comments

Manobo Simuwawnon women proudly display their handsewn products

The pandemic crippled the country’s economy in many ways, especially constricting the earning capacity of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).

To help jumpstart their road to economic recovery, PLDT partnered with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), to provide the women of Manobo Simuwawnon in Linging, Surigao del Sur, with two sets of sewing machines, materials, and supplemental sewing training from TESDA. PEF also formally organized the Rajah Cabungsuan Manobo Simuwawnon Sewmates for Environment Conservation Association (RCMS-SECA) to strengthen the program and foster partnerships among the community.

Hard work in action with one of the sewing machines donated by PLDT

Finished products include reusable and washable cloth face masks and hand sewn bags that integrate and showcase the culture and heritage of the Manobo Simuwawnon into the design. These are bought back by PLDT and included in the hygiene kits they distribute to their partners or sold by the ICC as souvenirs within their communities.

"PLDT and Smart prioritize livelihood programs that promote not just sustainability but also inclusivity. Part of this is making sure that everyone, including ICCs and their women members have access to the same opportunities," said Kristine Joyce Magadia, Stakeholder Management Lead for Livelihood of PLDT and Smart.

The Manobo Simuwawnon women are part of a group of volunteer forest guards who protect and conserve the wildlife in the community, including the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.

“Indigenous women in the uplands do not only care for their families. They are also competent and compassionate guardians of Philippine eagles and forests. Our PLDT-supported Conservation Sewmates program is our way of giving back and supporting their aspirations for livelihood support,” said Jayson C. Ibañez, PhD., PEF Director of Research and Conservation.

“I am delighted to be a female forest guard. I was able to join the monitoring of the eagle and I saw hope not only for its protection but also for our development as IP (Indigenous Peoples) women. Through PEF and PLDT’s support during the CoVID 19 pandemic, our women's association RCMS-SECA has been able to start our face masks and bags livelihood. We can now have extra income to send our children to school,” said Bebelinda Gay-od Cotic of RCMS-SECA.

RCMS-SECA, with the help of PLDT and PEF, already plans to expand its customer base and eventually offer its products online.

By supporting this program, PLDT emphasizes its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG 1 No Poverty, UNSDG 5 Gender Equality and UNSDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth.

House okays on 2nd reading bill expanding OFW INSURANCE COVERAGE

28 May, 2022, No comments

The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill No. 10802 or an act expanding the coverage of compulsory insurance of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The measure which is principally authored by deputy speaker and Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez seeks to broaden the insurance coverage for agency-hired OFWs, including rehires, direct-hires, and government-hires.

According to DS Rodriguez, there is an “overwhelming need to protect and ensure the welfare of our migrant workers following numerous reports of maltreatment and exploitation suffered by the OFWs.”

“In 2018, the data from the labor department shows that there are 2.3 million overseas contract workers, including those from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America. Noting their contribution to our economy and their selfless sacrifice for their families left here in the Philippines, passing this bill would mean a lot for them as our modern-day heroes,” Rodriguez stated.

Under the proposed measure, the insurance premium of the migrant workers shall be paid by the foreign employer or by the recruitment/manning agency in the case of agency-hired workers.

The insurance policy shall be effective throughout the worker’s employment or deployment. The bill also provides for “temporary partial disablement” as an additional benefit for OFWs.

Other benefits include:

(a) Accidental death, with at least Fifteen thousand United States dollars (US$ 15,000.00) survivor’s benefit payable to the migrant worker’s beneficiaries;

(b) Natural death, with at least Ten thousand United States Dollars (US$ 10,000.00) survivor’s benefit payable to the migrant worker’s beneficiaries;

(c) Permanent total disablement, with at least Seven thousand five hundred United States dollars (US$ 7,500.00) disability benefit payable to the migrant worker;

(d) Repatriation and other attendant costs of the worker when his/her employment is terminated without any valid cause;

(e) Subsistence allowance benefit, with at least One hundred United States dollars (US$100.00) per month for a maximum of six (6) months for a migrant worker who is involved in a case or litigation for the protection of his/her rights in the receiving country; and

(f) Money claims arising from employer’s liability which may be awarded or given to the worker in a judgment or settlement of his or her case in the NLRC.

The bill likewise directs the Insurance Commission, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the National Labor Relations to consider the inclusion in the repatriation benefit under the crisis situations such as epidemic, pandemic, war, civil unrest, disasters and calamities, whether natural or man-made. (PR)

Impactful Stories of Digitization, Sustainability from VisMin Storytellers triumphant in 9th Globe Media Excellence Awards

27 May, 2022, No comments

Thirty journalists, bloggers, and content creators from Visayas and Mindanao were honored at the 9th Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA)⁠—the longest-running media awards covering Visayas and Mindanao. They were recognized for their outstanding and impactful works that inspired and uplifted lives using digital technology.

These storytellers showed tenacity as they pivot with the times to be a driving force in making a difference. They produced stories and advocacies that best represent the theme for this year’s GMEA #PadayonDigital: Uplifting Lives through Digital Technology and Globe’s sustainability pillars – digital nation, care for people, care for the environment, and positive societal impact.

“I salute all of you for embracing the digital space to overcome today’s challenges and continue to deliver stories to our fellow Filipinos. With GMEA we are one with you in sharing inspiring stories to uplift the lives of our kababayans,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, during the virtual awarding ceremonies.

“Sifting through hundreds of entries, we realize how much good news there still is out there. The uplifting community stories we awarded this evening are testament of how news has evolved, but what remains is the universal truth of our humanity–our ability to rise above any challenge, share knowledge, and inspire others to be better. We look forward to your continued support as we mark our 10th year. Together, let us continue to create stories of hope that will propel our nation to a real digital life,” Crisanto added.

Besting over 500 entries, here are the 15 winners from Visayas and 15 from Mindanao:

NEWS REPORT OF THE YEAR - Leo Udtohan (Bohol/Philippine Daily Inquirer-Visayas) and Grace Cantal-Albasin (Bukidnon/Rappler Mindanao)
EXPLANATORY/INVESTIGATIVE STORY OF THE YEAR - Rhick Lars Vladimer Albay (Iloilo/ANCX) and Ace June Rell Perez (Davao/Sunstar Davao)
EXPLANATORY/ INVESTIGATIVE VIDEO STORY OF THE YEAR - Erwin Nicavera (Bacolod/Sunstar Bacolod) and Rodrigo Bolivar II (Bukidnon/DXBU 104.5 Fm)
BREAKING NEWS OF THE YEAR FOR DIGITAL - Morexette Marie Erram (Cebu/CDN Digital) and Ralph Lawrence Llemit (Davao/Sunstar Davao)
PHOTO OF THE YEAR FOR DIGITAL - Amper Campaña (Cebu/Sunstar Cebu) and Erwin Mascariñas (Butuan/Associated Press)
COLUMN OF THE YEAR - Maria Lourdes "Nini" B. Cabaero (Cebu/Sunstar Cebu) and Henrylito Tacio (Davao/Edge Davao)
SOCIAL MEDIA ADVOCACY OF THE YEAR FOR DIGITAL - Mark Kavin Salomon, Dianne Savillo, James Amistad, Dominic Ylagan, Rhobie Ruaya (Cebu/CDN Digital) and Angelie Collera (CDO/University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines)
DIGITAL STORYTELLING: BEST BLOG POST - Vernon Joseph Go (Cebu/www.vernongo.com) and Reuel John Lumawag (Davao/www.kapediaries.com)
DIGITAL STORYTELLING: BEST SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO - John Dale Salazar (Bacolod/Aksyon Radyo Bacolod) and Ace June Rell Perez (Davao/Sunstar Davao)
NEWS REPORT OF THE YEAR FOR RADIO- Romeo Subaldo Jr. (Bacolod/Digicast Negros) and Ricky Banggat (Davao/GMA Super Radyo)
NEWS REPORT OF THE YEAR FOR TV - Patricia Andrea Matheu (Cebu/MYTV Cebu) and Big Jay Lagang (Davao) PTV News Mindanao
#KWENTONGTAGUMPAY (COMMUNITY) - Patricia Andrea Matheu (Cebu/MYTV Cebu) and Lina Reyes (CDO/Rappler and Bukidnon News)
#KWENTONGTAGUMPAY (INDIVIDUAL) - Ime Sornito-Sorial (Iloilo/Panay News) and Noemi Beth Macario (CDO/www.ati.da.gov.ph)
NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR - Jeony A. Bigay, DPA (Bacolod/RMN Bacolod) and Dr. Manuel V. Jaudian (CDO/MDN Digital Network)
EDITOR OF THE YEAR - Connie Fernandez-Brojan (Cebu/Philippine Daily

Inquirer-Visayas Bureau) and Reuel John F. Lumawag (Davao/Sunstar Davao)

The winners took home a trophy and up to P40,000 in cash prizes.

As it gears up for its 10th year, the Globe Media Excellence Awards celebrates innovations that uplift everyday lives. Anchored on compassion, care, and kindness, [email protected] will deliver a message of hope and affirmation on the Philippines’ journey towards a One Digital Nation.

The past couple of years have been life-changing, but the Filipino spirit has prevailed. As GMEA prepares for another milestone, it looks forward to more content that initiates change and forges a positive impact on an integral, more dynamic, digital space.

To learn more about Globe Media Excellence Awards, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/globe-media-excellence-awards

Rotaract Club of Carmen Valley bags Platinum in GEAR Awards 2022

6 May, 2022, No comments

For going all out in supporting Rotary’s thrusts, the Rotaract Club of Carmen Valley garnered the most prestigious citation of the event: the Platinum Award during the 2022 GEAR (Groundbreaking and Exemplary Accomplishments of Rotaractors) Awards making its mark as one of the most outstanding Rotaract clubs in the whole country.

Pilipinas Rotaract MDIO Chair Manuel Joseph Franco, Past Pilipinas Rotaract MDIO Chair Alvin Lagumbay, DRR Al Rean Nuenay, RAC-Carmen Valley President Ladylene Almanzor and other club members during the awarding ceremony at Heritage Hotel, Pasay City last May 1, 2022.

The club received the award during a ceremony held on May 1, 2022 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.

Not only that, the club was also recognized for having the Most Outstanding Rotaract Club Project in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for its Project Flush and a finalist in the Maternal and Child Health for its #SaveSAM Year 2 Project and Economic Community Development for its Operation RUGalo Project.

RAC-Carmen Valley garnered a total of 4 awards, including the most prestigious PLATINUM Award under the Exemplary Club Category during the awarding ceremony.

The Project Flush: A Toiletbowl Donation Project for households in Brgy. Mambuaya, CDO. This project supports the government’s Zero Open Defecation Campaign as a way to promote sanitation and hygiene and is tantamount to helping the world eradicate polio.

Project #SaveSAM: A 120 days Egg-Feeding program at Brgy. Lapasan and Mambuaya, advances the Rotary’s Maternal and Child Health Campaign as the club extends assistance such as feeding program, providing basic essentials, to children who are under 5 years of age and identified as children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Most Outstanding Rotaract Club Project in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Nominees of the Most Outstanding Rotaract Club Project in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Category

The Operation RUGalo: A Livelihood Project for Rug Weavers in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, meanwhile supports the government’s anti-insurgency program as the project helps in the reintegration of former rebels to the mainstream society. The club turned over used clothes for the rebels to use in their Rug Making Livelihood.

For RAC President LadyLene Almanzor, more than the awards, the projects’ impact to the lives of the people is what matters most.

RAC-Carmen Valley President Ladylene Almanzor

“These awards inspire us to continue our advocacies and give back to our communities. We are grateful for Pilipinas Rotaract MultiDistrict Information Organization for recognizing our hardwork,” Almanzor said.

Moving forward, the Rotaract Club of Carmen Valley hopes to initiate more projects, inspire the youth, and make an impact to the lives of the people they will continue to serve.