MisOcc gov’t workers recognized in 123rd PCSA
Oaminal led the celebration of the 123rd Civil Service Anniversary together with government employees and public servants from the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental (PGMO) and national government agencies, September 4, at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center.
He also praised the contributions made by the public servants who are crucial in the execution of government programs and projects, saying that the officials and employees are the arm of the government in dispensing governmental service down to the remotest barangays of our province. Thus, there will be no provincial government in Misamis Occidental without public officials and employees.
"As public servants, let us always bear in mind that public service is a public trust. We, as public officers and employees, are accountable to the people, and therefore, we are required to serve them with the utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency," Oaminal said.
He also encouraged his fellow public servants to inspire the people by embodying the right traits as they carry out their mandate. He said everyone must serve, sacrifice, and be honest and fair.
Noting that every public servant's contributions are invaluable and that they play a pivotal role in building a strong, more resilient province, Oaminal said these inspired him to extend more benefits to government employees.
The month of September has been declared Civil Service Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1050 Series of 1997. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

MisOcc guv envisions safe, secure, disaster-resilient environment
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL -Governor Henry Oaminal emphasized that the vision of Asenso Misamis Occidental integrates disaster risk reduction, management, climate change mitigation, and adaptation as the province envisions a future where every Misamisnon lives in a safe, secure, and disaster-resilient environment.
During the 1st Division Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Empowerment Summit held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center, Oroquieta City, August 25, Oaminal explained that Republic Act No. 10121 defines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management as the systematic process of using administrative directives, organizations, and operational skills and capacities to implement strategies and policies and improve coping capacities to lessen the adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster.
On the other hand, climate change empowerment is all about capacitating people through education, training, public awareness, public participation, and public access to information on climate-related matters so that we can mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
"This gathering therefore presents a crucial opportunity for us to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on strategies to mitigate the impact of disasters and address the challenges posed by climate change," he said.
Disaster risk reduction and management, as well as climate change, are pressing issues that demand immediate attention and action.
At the 1st DDRR and Management and Climate Change Empowerment Summit, the governor explained that they can empower DepEd personnel, offices, schools, and learners to ensure safety and learning continuity.
Moreover, this will help institutionalize disaster risk reduction and management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and education in emergencies. This will also help strengthen the resilience of basic education in the context of natural and human-induced hazards.
"As the governor, I am committed to ensuring the resilience and welfare of our province and its residents. It is only through proactive and strategic measures that we can effectively safeguard our community against the adverse impacts of disasters and climate change," Oaminal said.
He also emphasized that disaster is not only about natural disasters but also covers human-induced disasters. Man-made disasters have an element of human intent, negligence, or error involving a failure of a man-made system as opposed to natural disasters resulting from natural hazards. Meanwhile, man-made disasters include crime, public disorder, terrorism, war, and cyberattacks, among others.
As part of the measures to ensure risk reduction and management for both natural and man-made disasters, R.A. 10121 and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), specifically rule 7 paragraph (H), mandate local government units to establish an incident command system as part of the on-scene disaster response system to ensure the effective consequence management of disasters or emergencies.
The governor also urged all participants to actively engage in the discussions and networking opportunities offered by the summit. "It is through collaborative efforts that we can develop robust disaster risk reduction and management frameworks, devise effective adaptation strategies, and implement sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of climate change," he said.
On the other hand, he also urged the participants to explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that can drive meaningful change. By working together, they can leverage collective strengths and resources to make significant progress in disaster resilience and climate action.
"I hope that this summit will yield tangible outcomes and actionable strategies that can be implemented in our respective communities. Let us seize this opportunity to mobilize, inspire, and lead change in our cities and towns and beyond," he said. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
Women group in Ozamiz conducts 'pahina' in communal garden
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--In a heartwarming display of community spirit and dedication to food security, the women's organization members of Barangay Gotocan Diot, Ozamiz City took the lead in conducting a 'pahina' (cleanup) at the Barangay Nutrition Committee (BNC) communal garden in celebration of National Nutrition Month.
These strong women demonstrated their commitment to ensuring Nutrisyong Sapat Para Sa Lahat (sufficient nutrition for all) in Ozamiz City under the leadership of their president, Mary Jane Medellada.
The 'pahina' is a traditional practice where community members come together to work hand in hand, planting and cultivating crops in communal gardens. This collective effort fosters a strong sense of unity and shared responsibility for food production.
Under the banner of Nutri Asenso Ozamiz, the women's organization worked tirelessly, dedicating their time and efforts to cultivating the garden, contributing to the city's food security, and promoting the availability of nutritious meals for all residents.
With the belief that access to sufficient and nutritious food is the foundation of a thriving community, the women's organization at Barangay Gotocan Diot demonstrated their exemplary dedication to the welfare of their fellow citizens.
The success of this community-driven project would not have been possible without the leadership and guidance of Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Airish Tactacon, who has been actively supporting and promoting food security initiatives in the area.
Their initiative sets a positive example for other communities to follow, emphasizing the significance of collective efforts in ensuring a food-secure and prosperous future for all Ozamiz City residents. (Ozamiz CIO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The women's organization members of Barangay Gotocan Diot, Ozamiz City takes the lead in conducting a "pahina" at the Barangay Nutrition Committee communal garden in celebration of National Nutrition Month. (BNS)
PNP MisOcc holds bomb threat simulation exercise at Ozamiz airport
by Shaine Mae Nagtalon
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)--To strengthen capabilities in emergency response, the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office held here a simulation exercise for bomb threat and unattended luggage response at Labo Airport, Gango, Ozamiz City
The law enforcement and response unit team assured its continued readiness and vigilance to respond to any threat of terrorism and prevent occurrence of crimes in coordination with the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Canine Group (k9), PNP Aviation Security Group, Ozamiz City Police Station, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), 10th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army, Ozamiz City Maritime Pulis, Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Canine (K9) Unit Police Major Jular M. Cortes said, “We assure you that our police here in Misamis Occidental is ready at all times and we can assure your safety and security in the province.’’
Meanwhile, Airport Station Chief PMaj Luceno N. Labares Jr. said this activity is one of the mandates of the PNP in coordination with its inter-agency partners.
“Kini nga simulation exercise is part sa among activities nga ginabuhat namo para ma-enhance gyud ang capabilities kung naa’y mu-arise nga mga insidente (This simulation exercise is part of the activities that we are doing to really enhance our capabilities when incidents arise),” he said.
He added that they use their capabilities with the personnel on how to respond if ever an incident occurs. “Kini nga exercise dako kayo ug importansya labi na gyud sa airport nga vulnerable kaayo mi sa mga ing-ani nga scenario ug nakita man ninyo kung unsa muresponde ang mga kapulisan ilabina gyud atong mga personnel sa airport labi na sa mga ing-ani nga panghitabo,” Labares emphasized.
(This exercise is very important especially at the airport where we are vulnerable to these scenarios and it also shows how the police and airport personnel respond to this kind of problem)
The purpose of the activity is to showcase the operational readiness of the men and women in the province and other law enforcement and response unit of Misamis Occidental in responding expeditiously to contingencies in accordance with the law. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office conducts the simulation exercise in response to bomb threat and unattended luggage at Labo Airport, Gango, Ozamiz City. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
DOLE-10 pays-out P800K to 241 Plaridel marginalized workers
DOLE-10 Mis. Occ. PFO Chief Ebba B. Acosta said the underprivileged beneficiaries engaged in a 10-day community disinfection and sanitation project and were compensated with PhP 3,650.00 salary, each.
They ensured that the public places in their barangay like the market and park were cleaned in order to prevent the virus from spreading, especially in this time of pandemic.
Tricycle driver beneficiary Julito Haguen said, “Panalagsa ra gyud ko makadawat ug hinabang ug nalipay kaayo ko kay kulang kaayo akong kita sa pamasahero hilabina ug mag-lockdown, perting lisoda gyud. Malibog ko aha magkuha ug kwarta para ipalit pagkaon sa balay."
(It is not often that I get help like this, and I am much grateful because my earnings from driving are insufficient, especially during lockdowns. I cannot think of ways to make ends meet to buy food for the family)
Acosta said TUPAD may not be a permanent solution, but it has touched thousands of lives and assisted them in whatever way imaginable.
TUPAD is a component of the Department of Labor's Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), which assists displaced and underprivileged workers in obtaining temporary employment.
It is a community-based package of assistance that gives emergency employment to displaced employees, underemployed workers, and seasonal workers for a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 90 days, depending on the nature of the activity to be done. (DOLE-Misamis Occidental/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 through its Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office (Mis. Occ. PFO) paid-out 241 marginalized workers of Plaridel municipality worth P879,600 under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), March 2 at Plaridel town, Misamis Occidental. (DOLE MisOcc)
MisOcc council for children to strengthen cooperation vs sexual abuse
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)--Members of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and Provincial Committee against Trafficking, Child Pornography, Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-CP-VAWC) convened for the first quarter meeting via zoom, March 23 to discuss how to protect children from becoming victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 Social Welfare Officer Marylou Aniñon reported that a number of labor trafficking victims in region 10 were rescued in Pampanga, Tarlac and other parts of the country.
In Misamis Occidental, three children who were victims of online sexual exploitation were assisted and rescued this year, adding that online sexual exploitation of children and labor trafficking are among the top reported forms of trafficking.
Aniñon said the communities must be made aware of the danger of human trafficking and exploitation of children and people play an important role in reporting individuals involved.
In discussing human trafficking during the joint PCPC meeting, Aniñon said, "Although poverty is one of the biggest risk factors, anyone can become a victim of human trafficking unless all of us will take action; and although human trafficking can include both violence and confinement, it might be based solely on deceit, psychological manipulation and or threats of violence."
She said trafficking is a lucrative business because organized crime groups, informal networks and unscrupulous individuals involved in Trafficking in Persons (TIP) earn high profits at low risk from criminal prosecution and it is the third largest organized criminal activity, next to drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
Meanwhile, PMaj Sheila Paderanga-Acosta shared that about three cases of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) were recorded in Misamis Occidental.
"A total of seven successful OSAEC Operations were conducted and 30 victims were successfully rescued from the said OSAEC operations,” Acosta reported.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Misamis Occidental was able to profile 1,370 child laborers in the province. However, in 2020, due to COVID-19 and imposition of community quarantine, the conduct of child labor profiling was only made in the 1st quarter of the year.
The members also tackled the PCPC functionality assessment, capacity enhancement on TIP and online sexual exploitation of children, presentation of the revised PCAT-CP-VAWC work and financial plan 2022 and the guidelines in rating the functionality of PCAT-CP VAWC, orientation on child labor situation in Misamis Occidental, and status on children’s code revision.(SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

PNP MisOcc brings services, aid to Panaon
PANAON, Misamis Occidental (PIA)—The Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office (MOPPO) together with the 10th Infantry Battalion and other stakeholders reached out to the Barangay San Juan, Panaon, Misamis Occidental through Community Outreach Program with Police Regional Office-10 Regional Director PBGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr.
During the Community Outreach Program, Acorda lauded the efforts of his personnel to win the hearts of communities. “Ang programang ito ay bahagi pa rin ng mandato ng ating Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte, ang Duterte Legacy, at ang Community Outreach program na maghatid ng serbisyo sa iba't ibang sulok ng ating pamayanan. Layunin din nito na inyong madama ang presensiya tulong at malasakit sa gobyerno kahit sa simpleng pamamaraan,” he said.
(This program is still part of the mandate of our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Duterte Legacy, and the Community Outreach program to deliver services to various corners of our community. It also aims for you to feel the presence of help and concern for the government even in a simple way)
Acorda said this is not the last outreach program that they'll conduct to show that the government really cares for the community and that the PNP is ready to serve anytime. Acorda looks forward for the continued support of the barangay especially in matters of peace and development of the community.
Acorda also said their visit aims to make people feel secured and gain back the trust of the community. "Kami ay umaasa din na patuloy ang inyong suporta sa ating gobyerno at sa kapulisan upang ating maiwasan at matuldokan ang mga problema dulot ng illegal na droga, kriminalidad, terorismo, insurhensiya at lalong lalo na ang karapatang pantao,” Acorda emphasized.
(We also hope that you will continue to support our government and the police so that we can prevent and end the problems caused by illegal drugs, crime, terrorism, insurgency and especially human rights)
For his part, 10IB (PA) Commanding Officer of Charlie Company 1st Lieutenant Rufino Velasco said the Philippine Army is always willing to give support to such activities to provide residents with various government public services.
“Napakaganda ng programa ng ating gobyerno ngayon dahil meron tayong Barangayanihan, Duterte Legacy, at ELCAC dito sa liblib na mga barangay o Geographically Isolated and Disadvantageous Area (GIDA). Lahat ng ito ay ginagawa ng gobyerno upang iparamdam sa inyo na seryoso ang gobyerno sa programa na masugpo ang problema natin sa insurhensiya,” he said.
(Our government programs today are very good because we have Barangayanihan, Duterte Legacy, and ELCAC here in remote barangays or Geographically Isolated and Disadvantageous Area (GIDA). The government is doing all of these to let you know that it is serious in solving our insurgency problem)
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also provide training and scholarships to the residents of Barangay San Juan to help them improve their livelihood.
“Naa ang TESDA para mapakita sa inyoha nga ang gobyerno makaabot gyud sa pinakalayo ug pinakatumoy nga mga barangay. Naa mi karon sa inyong atubangan, naa karon ang serbisyo sa gobyerno nga gihatag sa inyoha,” TESDA Provincial Director John D. Simborios said.
(TESDA is here to show you that the government can reach the farthest and most remote barangays. We are now in front of you, the government is here to help and provide you the services)
Meanwhile, NCIP Provincial Legal Officer Lawyer Philippe Emile Santiago tackled the importance of empowering the IPs in countering insurgency and the efforts taken by the national government towards it. He said this activity is a way to show the people in the community that the government is involved not only in delivering its promises but also in the other needs of the residents in the barangay.
The community outreach program at Barangay San Juan in Panaon town has benefited more than 300 barangay residents who are mostly Indigenous Peoples (IP).
Services offered during the said activity are medical and dental check up, free eye check-up and reading glasses, mobile library, TESDA livelihood program, Alis Kuto campaign, distribution of food packs and snacks, three wheelchairs, mosquito net, fish, clothes, key chain, free photo shoot and 2x2 ID picture and printing, free slippers, ice cream, circumcision and haircut. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
The Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office (MOPPO) reaches out to one insurgency-affected barangays in Misamis Occidental through the Community Outreach Program in Barangay San Juan, Panaon town, March 25, 2022. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
DTI-MisOcc leads LPCC re-orientation in Tangub
TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Occidental, Local Government of Tangub, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other agencies convened, January 25 as the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) in Tangub City conducted the reorientation on the powers and functions of the organization via zoom.
DTI Provincial Director Jane Marie Tabucan said, "Pursuant to the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 3, series of 2020 aimed at strengthening the role of Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) in managing unreasonable and excessive price increase of basic necessities and prime commodities not only for DTI’s jurisdiction but also in the agriculture and health such as farm and fishery inputs and products, medicine and others."
She added that the LPCC aims to coordinate and rationalize programs of implementing agencies to stabilize prices and supply at the local level.
“We are conducting reorientation because I understand that LPCC Tangub City has been reconstituted already last October 1, 2020. We will also discuss the important updates on price stabilization especially on the important role of this council especially at this time of the pandemic,” Tabucan said.
With the capacitated LPCCs and established regular communication with the organization, DTI-Misamis Occidental looks forward to more active collaboration with its partners in developing well-informed and protected consumers in Tangub.
Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Division Head Maritess Alcampado discussed the Price Act (RA 7581) as amended by RA 10623, an act providing protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergency situations and like occasions.
Alcampado emphasized the basic necessities, prime commodities, the composition of LPCC, functions, responsibility, monitoring, implementing rules and regulations of R.A 7581 (Price Act) and others.
She also shared the measures to be undertaken during emergencies wherein price and supply monitoring activities must be conducted immediately after the declaration of a state of calamity or emergency.
After the discussions, an open forum between the resource persons and members of the council was conducted to clarify their issues and concerns.
LPCC plans to conduct a forum for all pedicab operators regarding the fare matrix in Tangub City.
LTO Tangub District Head Marvin Ursal said their office is constantly coordinating with LGU Tangub, especially the franchising concerns of 'motorela' (pedicab) and other services that LTO may provide in the city.
He explained that the pricing of 'motorela,' especially the mandates of fare lies within the authority of the LGU. For vans and buses that are running along national highway, they are under LTFRB.
“Kung naa man gani problema especially sa pricing, naa’y mga complains ug uban pa taho sa opisina kay amo gyud nang aksyonan basta naa’y proper coordination with other government agencies. Pwede na natong dakpon hatagi lang gyud mi data og kinsa sila and we will make operations regarding that one," he stressed.
(If there’s problem especially with the pricing, complains and other issues, just visit our office because we will surely take actions if there’s a proper coordination with other government agencies. We can apprehend them just provide us the data for their identity and we will make operations regarding that one)
City Planning and Development Office Head Engr. Emerson Dablo announced that the city of Tangub has already finalized the ordinance of the Motorize Tricycle Operators Permit and many are already applying for the permit.
As for the fare, the city has a standing ordinance regarding the prescribed fare.
To facilitate implementing mechanisms, LPCC will strategize and conduct regular price monitoring in various stores to ensure compliance with the law.
DTI Misamis Occidental continues its efforts to ensure the availability of supplies and affordability of prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) in the markets through price and supply monitoring.(SMRN/PIA-10/

The Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) of Tangub City conducts reorientation via zoom, January 25, 2022.(DTI Misamis Occidental)
Barangayanihan caravan benefits residents in Toliyok, Oroquieta
More than 300 residents of Barangay Toliyok, Oroquieta City received assistance and services during the "Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery."
The Philippine National Police (PNP)-10 together with Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office in collaboration with the different national government agencies and the local government unit (LGU) came together to bring the frontline services of the government to the barangay.
Police Provincial Director PCol Eufronio Loyola Obong Jr. emphasized the very essence of this activity and that is to highlight the success of the government. “Kami po ay nandito para maghatid ng mga tulong at itong lahat ng programa ay mula po sa national down to the local government. Tulong-tulong ang lahat para maipaabot sa inyo muli ang aming serbisyo,” he said.
(We are here to deliver aid and all these programs are from the national down to the local government. Everyone is helping to extend our service to you again)
Obong further urged residents not to engage in criminalities, drugs and communist terrorist groups. "Gusto namin mailayo kayo sa kriminalidad, droga at communist terrorist group na wala’y gustong himuon para gubaton ang atong maayong pamuyo. Ayaw namin na inyong mga anak maging biktima ng droga. 'Wag na tayo magpalinlang. Sana ma-maintain natin ang peace and order dito sa Misamis Occidental. Dapat we remain peaceful at law abiding citizens."
(We want to keep you away from crime, drugs and communist terrorist groups that do nothing to destroy our good life. We do not want your children to be victims of drugs. Let us not be deceived. I hope we can maintain peace and order here in Misamis Occidental. We must remain as peace-loving and law-abiding citizens)
In his message, Chief Regional Community Affairs and Development Division PCol Wilbur Salaguste underscored the government’s programs and efforts to bring and deliver services and to reach out to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in the province.
Meanwhile, Oroquieta City Mayor Lemuel Acosta shared the programs, efforts and accomplishments of the Duterte administration to bring about real change in the lives of the residents of Barangay Toliyok.
“Wala sukad-sukad nga naka-presidente ang atong nasud Pilipinas susama ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte nga gihatagan gyud ug dakong pagtagad ang gikahinglanon sa mga kabarangayan labi na gyud sa mga barangay nga distansya kaayo sa kaayohan ug kalambuan sa atong gobyerno,” Acosta said.
(Our country, the Philippines, has never had a president like President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who paid great attention to the needs of the barangays, especially the barangays that are very far from the welfare and development of our government)
He enumerated also the major accomplishments of the administration. "Usa niini ang atong Barangay Toliyok, kining barangaya kung muanhi ta dinhin gikan sa Villaflor maabtan ta ug isa ug tunga ka oras muanhi diri, maghabal-habal pa ta. Pagsulod sa atong gobyernong lokal, nasyonal ug nagtinabangay ang tanan nahimuan ug dalan, nahatagan ug eskwelahan, health care program, job order ug natagaan ug patubig unsay nahitabo sa atong barangay naa na’y Esko resort, naa na’y mo bisita ug naa na’y kakitaan tungod kini sa hinabang sa atong gobyerno nga gipanguluhan sa atong President Duterte."
(One of them is our Barangay Toliyok, if you happen to visit here from Villaflor it will take one and a half hours by motorcycle. When the new administration started both national and local governments worked together to build the local road, they provided school, health care programs, job order and irrigation, and now Esko resort. It created an opportunity to have tourist destination in the city)
Mario Cabira, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the government agencies for the provisions of goods and services they have received.
Other agencies involved were the Provincial Health Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Philippine Information Agency, and other private groups.
Among the services offered during the barangayanihan caravan included distribution of food packs, fish, vegetable seeds, wheelchair, walker, pre-loved clothes, shoes and sandals, soccer ball, dishwashing liquid and disinfectant liquid, free ear piercing, medical check-up, medicines and vitamins, snacks, keychain distribution, free slippers, circumcision, haircut, lice removal, mobile library and TESDA livelihood program. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The Philippine National Police-10 together with Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office in collaboration with provincial government agencies and private groups provides basic services and information to residents of Barangay Toliyok, Oroquieta City. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
7,159 MisOcc rice farmers receive subsidy from DA NorMin
In continuing efforts to aid rice farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) launched its third wave of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund - Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) program in Misamis Occidental starting Monday, December 27, 2021, in Tangub City.

Overall, 7,159 qualified rice farmers from the cities of Ozamiz, Tangub and Oroquieta, municipalities of Clarin, Panaon, Jimenez, Tudela, Lopez Jaena, Aloran, Sinacaban, Baliangao, Calamba, Concepcion, Sapang Dalaga, and Plaridel will benefit the program amounting to P37 million.
DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized that the RFFA program is a special subsidy granted by DA to small rice farmers tilling two-hectare rice fields or lesser and are enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado shared, the department in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), through the universal Storefront Services, Corp., each rice farmer will receive P5,000 and Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC) which can be used as an identification card and cash card.
Meanwhile, Misamis Occidental Governor Philip Tan expressed his appreciation for the financial assistance his farmer-constituents have received.
“We are grateful for having been granted with the cash assistance of DA-10, and we hope that the department will continue to give its support to our farmers and the locals to utilize the money on essential needs,” the governor said.
Leading the program is RTD Carlota S. Madriaga, MisOcc. Governor Philip T. Tan, Tangub Mayor Jennifer Tan, Provincial Agriculturist Dennis Leopoldo, DA- 10 Rice Focal Person Chona H. Nacalaban, Chief, POC MisOcc. Sansen O. Tejano and the city local government unit of Tangub.| DA-RDElloren
PSA-10 conducts data dissemination forum in MisOcc
“The contraction of the economy of the province in 2020 was mainly attributed to the declines in services and agriculture, forestry and fishing by 8.4 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively. On the other hand, Industry expanded in 2020 by 1.5 percent," Bigornia said.
Services accounted for the largest average share of 74.5 percent of the total economy of the province. Industries that contributed most to the growth of services in 2019 were wholesale and retail trade, repair and motor vehicles and motorcycles which grew by 5.3 percent; public administration and defense; compulsory social activities with growth of 25.2 percent, and education, posting 16.5 percent growth.
Meanwhile, in 2020, main drivers in decline were wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 5.8 percent; transportation and storage, at -62.7 percent; and public administration and defense; compulsory social activities at -17.8 percent.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing followed services with a three-year average share of 13.0 percent.
In addition, Industry shares at 12.5 percent to the total economy of the province. Construction has the biggest share, followed by manufacturing and electricity, steam, water and waste management, at 6.7 percent, 3.6 percent, and 2.1 percent respectively.
Mining and quarrying in the province has the lowest share in the sector with a three-year average share of 0.1 percent. The main drivers of growth in industry in 2020 were manufacturing with a recorded growth of 10.0 percent and electricity, steam, water and waste management with an increase of 16.0 percent.
Of the 5.6 percent economic growth of Northern Mindanao for 2019, the province of Misamis Occidental contributed 0.7 percentage point, ranking fourth among the provinces and HUCs in the region. Meanwhile in 2020, Misamis Occidental has a 0.8 percentage point contribution to the 5.2 percent decline in the regional economy.
In terms of share to the regional economy, Misamis Occidental is the fourth biggest provincial economy in Northern Mindanao with an average share of 13.1 percent. Despite contraction in the economy in 2020, some industries grew, including electricity, steam, water and waste management at 16.0 percent, manufacturing at 10.5 percent, and financial and insurance activities at 10.1 percent.
PSA Supervising Statistical Specialist Brenda Lynn Castro said, “It is really a necessity for the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) compilation to be successful to have that data support from our partners because PSA cannot do without the data support from various data providers such as the Local Government Units (LGU),” she said.
“Furthermore, the compilation of PPA will help strengthen the planning and decision making of provincial policymakers and stakeholders in crafting more informed economic policies,” he added. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The Philippine Statistics Authority-MisOcc conducts a data dissemination forum on the 2018-2020 Provincial Product Accounts for the province of Misamis Occidental at Alona’s Summer Breeze Resort Hotel, Panaon. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
Panguil Bay Bridge construction takes shape
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)--Construction of the 3.169-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge Project in northern Mindanao is moving ahead, with bored piles for the piers and abutments halfway done.
In his report to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado, Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain said a total of 29 bored piles are already completed off-shore.
The inter-island bridge project will require 54 bored piles for the 32 piers, two abutments at Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao Del Norte, and two pylons of the main bridge.
The P7.38 Billion Panguil Bay Bridge Project is one of the flagship infrastructure projects implemented by the DPWH - UPMO Roads Management Cluster 2 (RMC 2).
The off-shore construction activities by Korean joint venture contractor Namkwang-Kukdong-Gumwang across Panguil Bay was inspected, November 3, by Undersecretary Sadain together with Undersecretary Eugenio Pipo Jr. and Assistant Secretary Ador Canlas of DPWH Regional Operations in Mindanao, UPMO RMC 2 Project Director Sharif Madsmo Hasim, DPWH Region 10 Director Zenaida Tan, and Project Manager Teresita Bauzon.
Sadain said each of the completed bored piles are subjected to cross hole sonic logging test after 7 to 14 days of concrete pouring in order to ensure quality by assessing the integrity of materials used in the cast-in-site pile as well as load test to determine the safety factor.
A three meter diameter bored pile is made by producing boreholes with the use of reverse circulation drilling machines on barges followed by the launching of 23-millimeter thick permanent steel casing using revolving crane barges and Vibro pile hammers, and until final concrete pouring.
There are two land and sea-based batching plants available for the project, each with a supply capacity of 120 cubic meters of ready-mixed concrete per hour.
To move the construction of the bridge substructure as quickly as possible, one bored pile is completed within an average period of seven (7) days with all the total requirements aimed for completion by the first quarter of 2021, said Sadain.
The bridge project that will provide convenient inter-island travel in the archipelagic topography of northern Mindanao is funded by a loan agreement between the Philippine government and Korean Export Import Bank.
Through the Panguil Bay Bridge, land travel between Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte is expected to be reduced from two and a half hours to just seven minutes.
The Panguil Bay Bridge will also shorten land travel from Cagayan De Oro and Iligan to Tangub and the northern Zamboanga Region.
To date, the project has provided employment to some 200 individuals that despite the challenges of pandemic, are safely working at full speed.
The manpower requirement is expected to reach 500 when the bridge superstructure activities begin in 2022. (DPWH-10/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
Construction of the 3.169 kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge Project in Northern Mindanao. (DPWH-10)
Duterte legacy campaign shared in Clarin
Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office in partnership with Local Government of Clarin and in collaboration with government agencies here conducts “Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery” at Barangay Dalingap, Clarin.
A total of 250 beneficiaries received government services and aid such as mosquito nets, seedlings, corn seedlings, food packs, libreng Tuli, mobile library and feeding program and livelihood training of Bukayo processing.
Member of Foreign National Keepers Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Group Saad Abdulrahim Almohsen also gave two wheelchairs to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) beneficiaries.
Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office Provincial Director PCol Rolindo Suguilon shares the essence of Executive Order 70 and its accomplishments under President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Ang atong mga kalsada halos sementado na, ang atong TESDA, DSWD, DA ug uban pang mga ahensya naghatag ug mga serbisyo nga nadawat pud sa katawhan. Naningkamot gyud mi nga muanhi sa inyohang lugar para muhatag ug ayuda para sa katawhan. Panahon na nga makita pud nato ang tinuod nga panghitabo labi na sa karon nga administrasyon ni PRRD,” Suguilon said.
(Almost all our roads are paved, our TESDA, DSWD, DA and other agencies provide services that are also received by the people. We are really trying to visit to your place to give aid to the people. It is time for us to see the real situation especially in the current administration of PRRD)
For his part, Clarin Public Information Officer Carmelito Heray emphasized that the administration has always given priority to the delivery of efficient public service to the people, including initiatives to promote and maintain peace and order in our communities.
"Ang pinakaimportante nga lamas sa pagkab-ot sa pag-asenso sa atong lungsod ug sa bisan asa nga dapit mao gayud ang pagpatunhay sa kalinaw. Sukad sa pag-implementar sa EO-70, ang mga kalihukan sa gobyerno wala’y undang aron sa paghatod sa mga serbisyo ug programa para sa katawhan,” he said.
(The most important ingredient in achieving the goal of our town and anywhere else is really the peace and order. Since the implementation of EO-70, government activities have not stopped to deliver services and programs to the people)
One of the beneficiaries during the Duterte Legacy, Aurelia Samson, 63, old from Purok 7, Barangay Dalapang says, “Nalipay mi ug dako ka’y gisuportaran mi ni President Duterte. Sukad-sukad sa miaging administrasyon karon ra ang pinakadaghan ug serbisyo mao nang dako kaayo among pasalamat sa gobyerno ilabina ni President kay nakadawat mi aning mga ayuda.”
(We are happy because President Duterte has given us a lot of support. This is the first time that we received a lot of services that’s why we are very thankful to the government especially to President for the assistance)
The serbisyo caravan attended by Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Technical Education Skills Authority (TESDA), Provincial Agriculture Office, Department of Agriculture, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), 10th Infantry Battalion, Paglaum, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provinicial Health Office (PHO), Member of Foreign National Keepers Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Group Saad Abdulrahim Almohsen and Barangay officials of Dalingap and residents. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
The Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office in partnership with LGU Clarin and in collaboration with government agencies conducts “Duterte Legacy: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery” on October 29 at Barangay Dalingap, Clarin. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
MisOcc officials boost effort to fight rising COVID cases
To contain the COVID-19 surge in the province, some local government officials here met in a forum to discuss how the city and province are faring in the pandemic and the existence of a more transmissible Delta variant, September 17.
This initiative also aims to know the current situation of Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS-MC) and other private hospitals in order to respond to the call of patients in the province.
Second District Rep. Henry Oaminal, Misamis Occidental officials headed by Governor Philip Tan together with First District Rep. Diego Ty, local executives, board members, Philippine National Police in Misamis Occidental and Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS-MC) graced the said event.
“Naningkamot ta og maayo nga makatabang but dili gyud tanan tungod sa limited occupancy sa atong MHARS-MC and the other private hospitals. Although sa MHARS kutob sa mahimo basta taga Misamis Occidental gipangitaan gyud og paaagi,” Oaminal said.
(We are trying our best to help but not all will be accommodated due to the limited occupancy of MHARS-MC including the private hospitals, however so long as you are a resident of Misamis Occidental, MHARS-MC will surely look for a way for you to get accommodated)
On enforcing measures, Oaminal, Diego Ty and Party-list Rep. Ben Canama will give rewards amounting to P55,000 for top 1, P35,000 for top 2 and P17,000 for top 3 to the police stations in the province who have the highest number of arrest for violations of health protocols in their jurisdictions starting this month of September.
For his part, Tan said out of nine confirmed Delta variants, two are returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and seven are local cases. The two ROFs are COVID-19 cleared because all ROFs who arrive in Manila will require testing and when they arrive in the province they are already cleared.
The two patients from Bonifacio and from Tangub are admitted to Dona Maria D. Tan Memorial Hospital, the other four are asymptomatic. At present, all the Delta variant cases were swabbed again including their close contacts and they are waiting for their results.
On the isolation facilities in the province, Governor Tan said Project Haven in Oroquieta City has 79-bed capacity and as of now, they have 33 vacant beds. Next week, the province will add 36 beds in Project Haven so they will have a total capacity of 150 and also to support MHARS-MC by next week or two weeks from now.
The governor is hoping that by next week, they can open the Calamba Hospital so that they can add 20 beds. This month, the province also opened the MOPH isolation facility for moderate cases and they have 30 beds in the facility.
Meanwhile, Ty said, “We really need to be united in solving this crisis that we are facing. As a congressman of the first district, I commit to help, support and to work hard so that I can be able to solve the financial concerns of MHARS-MC and also to the provincial officials.”
MisOcc officials target to achieve the early protection, prevention that will reduce the critical patients that will be brought to the hospital.
The officials will also provide assistance to MHARS-MC to sustain the operation of the hospital.
Oaminal committed P20 million, Ty pledged P10 million, Ozamiz Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal pledged P10 million worth check, Oroquieta City Lemuel Acosta committed P10-15 million, and Governor Tan and Mayor Jennifer Tan will also give a budget for the operational budget of MHARS-MC.
To prevent and minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus, they agreed to conduct barangay testing to comply with the early detection of COVID, isolation of positive patients, vaccination, and the full operation of the One Hospital Command. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

Misamis Occidental officials convene to discuss strategies to minimize the COVID-19 cases in the province. (JFD)
Ozamiz City distributes livelihood assistance to 200 PWUDs
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--At least 200 persons who used drugs (PWUDs) from the 12 drug-cleared barangays of Ozamiz City are beneficiaries of the livelihood assistance program of the city government to provide an alternative source of income for those who have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PWUDs from Barangays Trigos, Guimad, Guingona, Gotocan Daku, Sangay Daku, Sangay Diot, Capucao P., Dalapang, Stimpson Abordo, Embargo, Mentering, Kinuman Sur received cash assistance amounting to P7,000 each as part of the Ozamiz Livelihood Assistance Program distribution held at the New Asenso Ozamiz Mini Gymnasium at Barangay Kinuman Norte.
LGU Ozamiz also rewarded them with livestock- chicken/piglets for breeding as livelihood assistance.
“Gusto namo ipaabot kaninyo, gusto namo ipakita kaninyo nga bisan pa ug ing-ana ang inyong kaagi sa tagsa-tagsa ninyo nga kinabuhi, nga nipili mo adtong dili maayo nga desisyon nga nigamit ug ginadili nga droga, bisan pa sa atong kasaypanan adtong miagi karon nga inyong gipili nga magbag-o, karon nga inyong gipili sa pag-undang sa paggamit sa droga ug kana inyong desisyon, kami ni Cong. suportado mo ug kami always musuporta kaninyo kung unsa man gani inyong gikinahanglan dinhi sa atong dakbayan,” Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal said.
(We want to convey to you, we want to show you that no matter what you have done in the past and the bad decision you made to use illegal drugs, despite your mistakes in the past and now that you have chosen to change and stopped using the drugs, we will support you together with Cong. and we will always support you whatever it is that you need)
The mayor said he believes that everyone deserves a second chance to do better in life.
As the 12 barangay’s already declared, Rep. Henry Oaminal hopes to add more drug cleared barangays of the 51 barangays in this city before the end of Mayor Oaminal’s first term.
“Sa inyong pagbag-o, natagaan mo'g chance sa inyong kinabuhi. Sa maong pagbag-o, inyong makab-ot ang maayong kaugmaon sa inyong mga anak. So tungod ana, kining maong gihatag nga bag-ong kahigayunan blessings ni sa Kahitas-an,” Rep. Oaminal said.
(With the change, you have been given a chance in your life. In that change, you can achieve a better future for your children. So because of that, this new opportunity is a blessing from our creator)
Meanwhile, PWUD beneficiary Junrey Morilla, a resident from Barangay Stimpson Abordo, said the assistance would give extra income for his family.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa usa ka baktin ug financial assistance nga gihatag para supporta sa akong pamilya. Ako ning palambuon para sa akong gamay nga negosyo,” Morilla said.
(I am so thankful for the piglets and financial assistance given to support my family. I will develop this for my small business). (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
Photo release: Photo 1 Second District Rep. Henry Oaminal and Ozamiz Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal meet with more than 200 persons who used drugs from the 12 drug-cleared barangays of Ozamiz City. (LGU Ozamiz)
Photo 2 The City Government of Ozamiz distributes cash assistance, livestock- chicken/piglets for breeding as livelihood assistance. (LGU Ozamiz)
TESDA agricultural programs benefits 50 locals in Oroquieta
OROQUIETA, Misamis Occidental (PIA)—Fifty beneficiaries from Barangay Toliyok, here benefited from the training for the agricultural program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as the agency released the budget to fund the training of those who are interested in learning additional skills.
Targeted to bring the services of the government and to solve the problems of insurgency in the barangays, the training accommodated 25 beneficiaries who availed the course on raise organic chicken and 25 for organic vegetables.
TESDA Provincial Director El Cid Castillo emphasized that the government will bring programs and services for the social welfare saying, "Ang tumong sa atong programa mao ang paghatag ug paghatod ug serbisyo pinaagi sa livelihood program. Ang focus sa atong gobyerno nga tanan matagaan ug opportunities sa maayong kaugmaon aron kita, mga katawhan nga naa sa Sitio mahimong taga pag-istorya sa kaayo sa atong gobyerno. Kung wala'y armed conflict, kung wala'y problema sa insurhensya mas dali maabot ang progreso, kaayuhan ug mas madali maabot angkalambuan," Castillo said.
(The goal of our program is to provide and deliver services through the livelihood program. The focus of our government also is to provide opportunities for a better future so that we, the people of Sitio, can give good testimonies about our government. If there is no armed conflict, if there is no problem of insurgency, it is easier to achieve progress, prosperity and development)
Castillo said TESDA remains steadfast in the commitment to help uplift the lives of farmers and indigenous people (IPs) by improving their livelihood and incomes.
TESDA will provide free training and assessment, training certificate, P500 allowance of personal protective equipment (PPE), P500 internet allowance and P160 per day allowance for 9 days training.
TESDA Misamis Occidental launched the agricultural programs under EO 70-PRLEC Project HEAL (Hope to Enhance Agricultural Livelihood). (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
TESDA Misamis Occidental launches the training on raise organic chicken and produce organic vegetables for Barangay Toliyok, Oroquieta, August 5. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
20 former rebels in Ozamiz to undergo skills training
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Misamis Occidental in partnership with Northwestern Mindanao School of Technology has selected 20 former rebels in this city as recipients of the special training for employment program.
The agency conducted the training induction program on Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC-I in Ozamiz, August 13, in support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s advocacy in reintegrating rebel returnees and other special clients back to the society by providing access to quality technical-vocational education and training.
During the induction training program, TESDA Provincial Director Arlyn Bandong said the program was conceptualized in response to the mandate of TESDA as the chair of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which is to provide responsive measures to address poverty affectation among marginalized communities and basic sectors through the Whole-of-Nation approach.
“Among gipangayo nga unta mapadayon atong gi-experience karon nga maayo nga peace and order ug kita dinhi nalang ta duol sa atong pamilya, dinhi ta sa patag kay naa ra dinhi ang kauswagan ug kalauman sa tanan natong gipangayo sa atong kinabuhi,” she said.
(We wish we could continue to experience peace and order, and stay close to our families here on the plains because prosperity and hope of everything we asked for in our lives are just here)
Bandong said the skills training for the former rebels was just one of the many programs of the government geared towards attaining lasting peace in the country.
“Our goal here is for the former rebels to have their own livelihood and employment once the training is completed,” she added.
After the training, other government agencies will also provide additional assistance such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Each former rebel who will continue to undergo the training program is entitled to a P500 internet allowance, P500 health personal protective, which they can use to buy face masks, face shields and hygiene kits in the entire training duration, P160 daily allowance throughout the training period, and free starter tool kits to the grantees. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
Some 20 former rebels are selected as recipients of the special training for employment program by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
Pusil, granada nasakmit sa PNP Tangub
Armado sa usa ka search warrant unang gironda sa kapulisan sa Tangub alas 3 sa kadlawon ang panimalay sa usa ka security guard nga si Ariel Rivera Antega minyo, 22, lumulupyo sa Purok 4, Barangay Pangabuan Dakbayan sa Tangub.
Gironda sa kapulisan sa pagpanguna ni Deputy Chief of Police for operation PLt Al-Rhafat Sapie Nakuha sa panimalay niini ang usa ka 38 revolver ug lima ka mga bala.
Gisunod niini pag-ronda alas 6 sa buntag ang panimalay sa usa ka Jhon Rey Paradero usa ka laborer, 32, ug lumulupyo sa Purok 5, Barangay Sta. Cruz.
Niining higayona kauban sa Tangub PNP sa maong operasyon ang mga sakop sa PIU Misamis Occidental nakuha gikan sa panimalay niini ang calibre 45 pistola ug usa ka granada.
Ang search warrant Ang parehong gipagawas gikan sa sala ni Executive Judge Sylvia Machacon sa RTC Branch 16 10th Judicial Region.
Ang duha anaa na karon sa sulod sa Tangub City Police Detention Cell ug gihikay na ang kaso batok sa dinakpan. (LGU Tangub/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

Pusil ug granada ang nasakmit sa kapulisan sa gihimong magkasunod nga search operation sa Tangub PNP, Hulyo 27. (LGU Tangub)
153 Ozamiz City fire victims receive cash aid
The beneficiaries from Barangay Tinago, San Roque, Bagakay and Maningcol were left homeless after fires hit their houses during the separate incidents occurring last year 2018-2020.
"The fire victims received P20,000 each family for livelihood assistance from the DSWD and the office of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go," DSWD Representative Randy Lodores said.
Lodores said the assistance is part of the "Whole-of-Government Approach" in alleviating the plight of people affected by calamity.
"This is one of the intervention of DSWD to help you cope with your difficult situation and to restore your income-generating projects that will sustain your daily needs," he added.
Lodores said Senator Bong Go continues to visit the different parts of the country to listen to the grievances of the people and provide solutions to their problems.
DSWD-10 will assist, validate, and evaluate the fire victims to make sure that their livelihood utilization plan is implemented as planned.
Some Tablets, bikes and rubber shoes were also raffled to the beneficiaries. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

A total of 153 families from Ozamiz City receive cash assistance from DSWD through the office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and Second District Rep. Henry Oaminal. (AONC)
MisOcc LGU offers free RT-PCR testing to 2nd district locals
The free RT-PCR test aims to quickly identify and isolate individuals who are COVID-19 positive.
"If you are a resident of Ozamiz City, you just follow the proper procedure to be endorsed by LGUs [local government units] and you will be charged free for this RT-PCR. The same goes for residents of the second district of Misamis Occidental," Oaminal said.
He added that he downloaded funds to Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS-MC) in order to cover COVID-19 cases, medicines, and any other needs that could no longer be shouldered by the operations of MHARS-MC.
"The P30 million that I had downloaded, which was acknowledged already by the management of MHARS-MC, will cover the charges of the residents of the second district," Oaminal said.
As regulated by the Department of Health (DOH), the examination fee or maximum cost for the RT-PCR test is pegged at P3,800 and the LGU is hoping that the Asenso Ozamiz Molecular Biology Laboratory could still lower the price. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

During the blessing and ribbon cutting of the new molecular biology laboratory, Second District Rep. Henry Oaminal announces the free swab tests to residents of Ozamiz and the Second District of Misamis Occidental. (LGU Ozamiz)