Panguil Bay Bridge construction takes shape

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)

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

Pusil, granada nasakmit sa PNP Tangub

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 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)

TESDA MisOcc provides livelihood training for Bonifacio town

As part of the Community-Based Training Program, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Misamis Occidental, in partnership with the Local Government of Bonifacio and Diwat National High School, provided a livelihood training that would enable the beneficiaries to establish their own business, which they may eventually sell and consume.

A total of 60 fisherfolks participated on the Bangus deboning and Rellenong Bangus making at Barangay Migpangi, Bonifacio town, July 25.

During the training, Provincial Director El Cid Castillo said, "Naa ta'y gimugna nga programa nga local interventions for the Development and Empowerment of Rural (LIDER) Misamis Occidental. Kini nga programa atong gidala sa community aron matabangan mo para sa inyong pag-asenso and additional alternative nga pamaagi sa inyong livelihood. Kita tanan naapektuhan sa pandemya pero dili ta magpapildi sa pandemya. Naa ta'y pamaagi nga matabangan atong kaugalingon ug pamilya ug barangay pinaagi sa livelihood."

(We have created local interventions program for the Development and Empowerment of Rural (LIDER) Misamis Occidental. We bring bring this program to the community to help you for your advancement and additional alternative to your livelihood. All of us is affected by the pandemic but we will not be defeated. We have ways to help ourselves and our families and barangays through livelihood programs)

The provincial director assured that the government is willing to extend aid to those who needed it the most.

"It is our aim to provide enhancement and capability training to create a sustainable livelihood for the residents,” he said.

Through this initiative, Castillo said the beneficiaries can become more self-reliant so they can support their families through their livelihood and further develop their communities.

For his part, Bonifacio Mayor Samson Dumanjug acknowledged TESDA's full support in training their locals and for being the "channel of blessings" for Barangay Migpangi.

TESDA also conducted a community pantry and distributed starter tool kits and training support fund to the participants.

The training aims to provide knowledge and skills, and other livelihood interventions to the residents of Barangay Migpangi, which they can use for starting a home-based livelihood amid the pandemic. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

TESDA Misamis Occidental conducts Bangus deboning and Rellenong Bangus making in Bonifacio town. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

Photo 2
Residents from Barangay Migpangi receive livelihood training from TESDA. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

DTI MisOcc holds diskwento caravan to aid locals amid pandemic

Ozamiz City holds Kasalan ng Bayan 4.0 amid pandemic

One of the couples who were wed, July 16, was Felipe Peja, 44, and Kim Peja thanked the city government for providing a free wedding and assistance for their family.

As of date, the Asenso Ozamiz led by Mayor Oaminal legitimized the union of more than 600 couples already since the start of his administration.

The ‘Kasalan ng Bayan,’ is an annual activity of the city government offered to the less privileged unwed couples who are residents of the city to receive the matrimony of marriage. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
A total of 296 couples from Ozamiz City tie the knot during the “Kasalan ng Bayan” in Ozamiz City. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

Molecular lab for COVID-19 testing inaugurated in Ozamiz City

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)—A molecular diagnostic laboratory for coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 testing is inaugurated at City Health Compound, here, July 21.

The COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) laboratory is targeted to help solve the city’s difficulty in processing swab tests among residents for the new COVID-19 variant. It will also accommodate residents of neighboring cities, municipalities and provinces.

Medical Center Chief Dr. Jesus Sanciangco III said the global pandemic caught everyone unprepared and even rocked the foundations of the medical profession as manifested in how COVID-19 cases are being handled.

“It’s already 16 months since the start of this COVID-19 pandemic, March 2020, knowing that MHARS Medical Center is a DOH referral hospital from the start of this pandemic. Of course the basics is to test all our patients, positive or negative of COVID and our frontliners will be able to segregate the patients. We have to send our swab test in Cagayan de Oro City every day or twice a day to test and it was our dream in MHARS MC that we could set up a laboratory testing here in Ozamiz.”

He said the MHARS Medical Center silently worked to fill in the gap in health care deliveries and gave in to the call to take care and save lives of the people of Ozamiz City, of the province and the nearby provinces.

For his part, Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal said the MHARMC Asenso Ozamiz laboratory is another testament of the strong partnership of MHARS MC. All operational expenses of COVID testing lab will be shouldered by the LGU. The administration also will help and support MHARSMC in everything they need for a smooth transition and development.

“We have done this because of our strong partnership and we have accomplished this together despite the pandemic and imagined what else we can do moving forward if we continue this strong cooperation and partnership that we have now,” he said.

MHARSMC–Asenso Ozamiz Molecular Biology Laboratory Head Dr. Harold Tee said after a very strict, detailed and sometimes confusing virtual inspection by the Department of Health (DOH), MHARS MC is finally established.

“For this, we are very thankful to the City of Ozamiz for providing us the perfect location for renovation of this building, complete with power generator and air conditioner and also to Dr. Sanciangco and Mr. Roque Roa for their continued support to make this laboratory operational. In the coming days, probably by Wednesday we will start accepting samples from our admitted patients only,” Tee said.

Tee announced that MHARSMC still has to finalize the memorandum of agreement between MHARS MC and various municipalities and hospitals.

With the partnership, Tee said they can improve the quality and dynasty capability for their COVID-19 patients and this will also maintain and sustain the quality of health care that they give to the Ozamiznons and Misamisnons.

“The partnership between MHARSMC and LGU Ozamiz comes at the perfect time where commitment, cooperation and support are badly needed,’’ he added.

As regulated by 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.

The City Government of Ozamiz led by Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal, Second District Rep. Henry Oaminal and Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS MC) Chief Dr. Jesus Sanciangco III and Asenso Ozamiz Molecular Biology Laboratory Head Dr. Harold Tee spearheaded the blessing and ribbon cutting of MHARSMC Asenso Ozamiz Molecular COVID-19 RT-PCR Laboratory testing. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The Molecular COVID-19 RT-PCR Laboratory testing in Ozamiz is located at City Health Compound, Ozamiz City. (AONC)

The City Government of Ozamiz led by Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal, Medical Center Chief Dr. Jesus Sanciangco III, Second District Rep. Henry Oaminal and Molecular Biology Laboratory Head Dr. Harold Tee spearhead the blessing and ribbon cutting of MHARSMC Asenso Ozamiz Molecular COVID-19 RT-PCR Laboratory testing, July 19 at City Health Compound, Ozamiz. (AONC)

DTI MisOcc awards Safety Seal to 2 establishments

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Misamis Occidental awarded two establishments in Ozamiz with the safety seal certificate for their compliance to the minimum health and safety standards amid the pandemic at Geege Mall Pingol St. Tinago, Ozamiz, July 7.

The awardees were Robinsons Handyman Incorporated and Robinson’s Supermarket Corporation, Ozamiz City.

The awarding of the safety seal certificate is an inter-agency initiative of the government to stop the surge of COVID-19 and ensure business establishments’ compliance to health protocols.

“This is a voluntary certification scheme, in a sense that we do not require establishments. But if you have this Safety Seal, this is an affirmation that they are compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the government,” DTI Provincial Director Jane Tabucan said.

She added that customers visiting certified business establishments are confident of being safe inside the store premises.

Aside from DTI, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), along with the local government units (LGUs) are carrying out the Safety Seal inspection and assessment.

DTI's jurisdictions include supermarkets, groceries, membership shopping clubs, convenience stores, hardware stores, logistics service outlets, barbershops and salons, service and repair shops.

DTI MisOcc Consumers Protection Division Maritess Alcampado said the objective of the program is to let the general public and consumers know that the establishments religiously follow the minimum public health standards to eradicate COVID-19 in the city and province.

“We can guarantee that the store Robinsons Supermarket follows the safety and health protocols against COVID-19. We make sure that you are safe here while buying groceries,” said Robinsons Supermarket Manager Junjie Hernandez.

Meanwhile, Handyman Manager Salome Regis said the store remains vigilant and supportive of the government’s efforts in safeguarding consumer health in all their sites and mitigating the spread of the virus. All of these efforts and initiatives are in line with re-assuring their customers and employees that the Handyman Ozamiz branch provides a safe and healthy environment.

In Misamis Occidental, the certified establishments include the Citi Hardware Gensan Inc., Ace Hardware Gaisano, Robinsons Ozamiz Supermarket, Robinsons Ozamiz Handyman. (Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

DTI Misamis Occidental awards Safety Seal to Robinsons Handyman Incorporated for its compliance with the minimum public health standards. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)

7 inmates in Tangub tested positive for COVID-19

The Tangub City COVID-19 Task Force is now focused on the situation within Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Tangub after seven of its inmates tested positive on COVID-19.

Jail Warden Shiela Conol said the eight inmates went through the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and were scheduled to be sent to the San Ramon Penal Colony in Davao City when the inmates resulted positive.

Co-chairman of the City COVID Task Force Dr. Janice Biete said seven inmates are currently isolated in the new BJMP building and BJMP continues to monitor their condition. Those who were close contacts of the patients are isolated in another room of the new building.

Due to the situation, all activities inside the prison were initially suspended while the jail nurse also continued to monitor the condition of the inmates.

BJMP Tangub personnel and inmates are scheduled to undergo antigen tests while a study is being done on where the inmates got the virus. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

Panaon SK beefs up COVID-19 vax campaign

PANAON, Misamis Occidental, (PIA)—Hesitancy of the youth on coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 vaccination in their area urged the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Panaon to intensify campaign on the vaccination and further dismiss disinformation.

During the Network Briefing News with Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, June 23, SK President Greshyl Ann Eroy Cali-at said, “Hinihimok po namin sila sa aming barangay information campaign na magpabakuna talaga para lang din sa kanilang ikabubuti. Ang pandemyang ito ay naging sanhi ng pagkasira ng edukasyon o pagkawalay sa pamilya o kaibigan at syempre pagkawala ng trabaho. Lahat ng ito ay may rason po so ang masasabi ko lang, big changes are coming. Tayong mga kabataan we need to be part of it.”

(We urge the youth in our barangay information campaign to get vaccinated just for their own good. This pandemic caused destruction of education or separation from family or friends, and of course unemployment. All this has a reason so all I can say is, big changes are coming. We young people need to be part of it)

To aid the youth in this time of pandemic, Panaon SK plans to help the youth in their education. Cali-at said their ultimate goal is to help the youth with their basic needs that they can use in school especially now that the new modes of learning are implemented.

Involvement prior to pandemic

Before the implementation of community quarantine in their area, Panaoan SK held activities like coastal clean-up, fun run, and the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) events.  

"Ginamit po namin 'yung pondo na nalikom namin sa pamamahagi namin ng pamaskong handog. Lumahok ang SK Federation kasama ang KKDAT members sa programa ng PNP wherein namahagi kami ng tulong sa mga tao na labis na naapektuhan ng pandemya."

(We used our funds for distributing relief packs in pamaskong handog. We participated in PNP's program with our KKDAT members where we gave assistance to individuals affected by the pandemic).

She added that the youth in Panaon are very supportive of the government's programs, “I can say that the youth here fully support the government's vaccination program to prevent the spread of the COVID-19." (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

DTI MisOcc awards safety seal certificate to Citi Hardware Ozamiz

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, June 18 (PIA)—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Misamis Occidental awarded the first safety seal certificate in the province to Citi Hardware Gensan Incorporated Ozamiz branch, June 17.

The Safety Seal Certification is a voluntary certification scheme that affirms that an establishment is compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the government and uses or integrates its contact tracing with StaySafe.ph.

DTI Provincial Director Jane Marie Tabucan said, "This is the first business establishment in Misamis Occidental. This 2021, five agencies such as DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment], DOH [Department of Health], DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government], DOT [Department of Tourism] and DTI entered into a joint memorandum circular no. 21-01 with the implementing guidelines on safety seal certification."

Tabucan also urged the business establishments to adopt the StaySafe.ph digital contact tracing application to strengthen the contact tracing initiative of the government and effectively contain the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen the economy.

Meanwhile, DTI MisOcc Consumers Protection Division, Supervising Head Maritess Alcampado said, "With the QR code StaySafe contact tracing, once the customer will get inside in the establishment if they have internet, they need to scan their code, and they don’t need to register in the logbook.”

She further shared the requirements of safety seal that include the DTI or SEC registration, business permit, DOT accreditation, StaySafe.ph or any contact tracing tool and enforcement of minimum public health standards (MPHS).

The DTI issues the Safety Seal for supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores, membership shopping clubs, construction supply/hardware stores, logistics service providers, barbershops and salons, and service and repair shops.

Area Manager Erlou Amor Dagondon thanked DTI for granting the certificate award to their store saying, “Rest assured that Citi Hardware team Ozamiz together with our 75 branches nationwide, we are going to adhere to the implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols because we want to protect our employees while they are working here as well as our customers,” she said.

The safety seal will be valid for six months from the date of issuance, except for those issued to tourism enterprises which will be valid for one year and safety. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Occidental awards the first safety seal certificate in the province to Citi Hardware Gensan Incorporated Ozamiz branch, June 17 at Citi Hardware Store, Gango, Ozamiz. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

MHARS-MC gets P10 million medical assistance from LGU

PLARIDEL, Misamis Occidental, June 18 (PIA)--To provide immediate assistance to the increasing COVID-19 cases and other patients handled by Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS- MC), First District Rep. Diego Ty downloaded  P10 million medical assistance.

Ty said the fund will be used to help patients from the first district who will be admitted to MHARS-MC.

He added that anyone who wanted to ask for medical assistance will no longer need to visit his office and they are advised to directly go to the hospital office to process the documents.

Those who do not have PhilHealth and those who have hospital bills will be able to avail the assistance. Once the fund is fully exhausted, the hospital is asked to notify the Office of the Representative to make necessary adjustments.

"Naa ko’y funding nga P10 million medical assistance for indigent patients sa MHARS. Kini magamit nga tabang sa mga masulod nga wala’y PhilHealth aron dili maguol ang pamilya sa pasyente para pangbayad kon mugawas na. Dili na  need nga mupirma pa ko kay adto ra sila sa hospital mag-process kay kon mahurot na, magpahibalo ra ang hospital aron atong madugangan," Ty said.

(I have P10 million allocated funds for the medical assistance for indigent patients at MHARS-MC. It can be used to help those who will be admitted to MHARS-MC without PhilHealth so that the patient's family will no longer have to worry about the bills. I don't need to sign anything because everything will be processed at the hospital. The hospital will just notify the office for the funds needed)

MHARS-MC is a government tertiary hospital funded by the Department of Health (DOH) that helps patients from Misamis Occidental and also accommodates patients from Zamboanga del  Sur and Lanao del Norte. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)

First District Rep. Diego Ty downloads the P10 million medical assistance to  Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARS- MC) for indigent patients of the First District of Misamis Occidental. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)

Tangub City celebrates Sobremesa with strict health protocol observance

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 15 (PIA)--The City Government of Tangub launched its one of the most highlighted events, the 6th Sobremesa Summer Fair in the Christmas Village at the City Plaza with strict observance of health and safety protocols.

Sobremesa is a two-month tourism program this summer that is conceived to bring Tangubanon families and friends together to the spirit of fun.

“Let us just enjoy the Sobremesa. Even at times of pandemic, we are given this opportunity to be happy. Let’s make it fun. All in the spirit of fun,” City Mayor Jennifer Tan said.

After the breaking of Piñabitin, a combination of Mexican Piñata and Filipino pabitin, Evelyn Campeciño of Doña Maria D. Tan Memorial Hospital (DMDTMH), Christopher Troniado of Southwest District and the Cluster 2 of the 55 barangays were awarded as Best in Mexican Attire. Judith Tablan and Ian Roy Tiu of the City Mayor’s office were awarded for Best in Mexican Hat.

The event was further highlighted with the musicals from Sinanduloy All-Star Band and Sinanduloy Quartet.

This year, the Sobremesa Summer Fair competitions include the Huegos Lokales and Puebla de las Flores. The former is consist of local games in accordance to minimum health standards like Chinese garter, kasing, takyan, etc., which will be competed for by the cluster barangays.

The Puebla de las Flores is created for the cluster agencies to compete for the Best Flower-decorated House in the Christmas Village.

The city also organized a Marian Exhibit as a replacement for usual Sta. Cruzan.  These activities are conducted on weekends during the months of April and May 2021.

The event was participated by Governor Philip Tan, Tangub City officials, cluster barangays, cluster agencies, Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Tangub, and Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST) officials. (Tangub City Information Office/PIA Misamis Occidental)

TESDA-10 distributes toolkits to STEP scholars in MisOcc

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental,  (PIA)--The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) distributed starter toolkits for the scholars in district II, Misamis Occidental held at MGM, Gymnasium, Banadero, Ozamiz City.

A total of 120 graduates of the 2019 Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) of TESDA received tool kits to help them jumpstart their livelihood.

The recipients of these toolkits are graduates from Ozamiz, Tangub and Clarin who completed training programs in Cake Making (Leading to Bread and Pastry NC II), Plaster Concrete/Masonry Surface (leading to Masonry NC II), Pipefitting NC II, Prepare Land for Agriculture Crops Production (leading to Agriculture Production NC II and Bread and Pastry Production NC II Bread Making.

“With these new sets of toolkits, you will be able to practice and put to good use the training competencies you have gained from TESDA,” TESDA-10 Regional Director Ashary Banto said emphasizing that the toolkits will help the graduates set their career in motion and to start their own livelihood.

The regional director also added that the tool kits can be used for employment as intended by TESDA and Rep. Henry Oaminal to be able to help the people, especially in Misamis Occidental.

For his part, TESDA Provincial Director El Cid Castillo reminded the scholars to make use of the toolkits and their skills that they learned from availing the program to help them with their livelihood.

“Kaning tanan gi-ready sa atong gobyerno gipangulohan sa atong President Rodrigo Roa Duterte kauban sa atong TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapena. Ang atong gobyerno buhi, ang gobyerno nato mutabang, nakig-partner ta sa atong Kongresista aron madala gyud ang programa alang ka ninyo,”Castillo said.

In return, six of the scholars from different schools and programs shared how TESDA changed their lives for the better after finishing the training program.

The training program aims to provide skills and training opportunities for the beneficiaries in the barangays/communities to make them employable and productive. STEP is a community-based training program that seeks to address the specific skills needs of the communities and promote employment, through entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)