Iligan City road projects seen

ILIGAN CITY–-“Naayo na ang among dalan. Dili na kami mahadlok mahulog sa kabayo nga kargahan sa produkto sa among uma paingon sa merkado sa lungsod.”(Our road had been improved. We are no longer afraid to fall from our horses when we bring our farm produce to the town market).

Thus expressed 50-year old Tago Batalo, a Maranao, on the road improvement project of their 4-kilometer stretch of road from the poblacion (town proper) to his area in Demarao, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte.

Elected Punong Barangay (Village Chief) in the area, Batalo said the completion of the project will also mean lower transportation cost for their farm produce when loaded in the motorela that ply the Demarao-Poblacion and vice-versa routes.

Once a volunteer of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s pet project in the fight against poverty which is the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), Batalo said his voluntary work brought about his popularity among his village folks.

“In fact, my volunteer work with KALAHI-CIDSS has given me the comparative advantage over the other candidates and made me won in the electoral race ‘hands down’ without any expenditure on my part,” he said.

Likewise, it showed that the Maranaos and the Christians, alike, can live together in peace and harmony, as proven in my having been elected as their Village Chief, he added.

Batalo’s testimony came during the conduct of the “Mga Kwento ng Ani: Sharing Stories in Community Driven Development: The KALAHI-CIDSS Makamasang Tugon” Knowledge Café / Press Conference where he was made to talk on the subject of “Development is Good Politics” held in Bacolod, recently.

The activity was conducted to generate insights on the challenges of local officials of poor areas that faced the challenges of old politics, prompting people-centered development and creating a new political environment conducive to greater participation, transparency and accountability.

Identification of the project in his area was determined from a list drawn by the residents themselves during an assembly. “It was them who decided which one was the most needed,” Batalo qualified.

With a total project cost of Php633,686.53, of which Php514,938.14 was provided by the KALAHI-CIDSS grant and Php118,748.39 from the local counterpart contribution (LCC) of cash-in-kind, the project was started on March 23, 2009, and will be completed on June 21, also this year. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Philippine Information Agency, Region 10)



KALAHI-CIDSS-Makamasang Tugon Program completes Php10.5M projects in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte



ILIGAN CITY–-At least Php10.5 million was spent to complete 14 sub-projects under the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS)- Makamasang Tugon (MT) program in Bacolod town, Lanao del Norte.

Of this amount, Php8.0 million was provided by the KALAHI grant while Php2.5 million was provided in kind by the local government unit (LGU), Assistant Regional Director Aldersey Mumar Dela Cruz of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), region 10 said.

Dela Cruz said the KALAHI-CIDSS-MT program is actually an additional package of projects given to Bacolod for having successfully completed the implementation of the KALAHI-CIDSS Part I.

A pet project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the KALAHI-CIDSS program was aimed at fighting poverty which was started in 2002 but was already phased out in the region, after their completion, as of December 2008, Dela Cruz, also said.

A 5th class municipality, Bacolod has 16 barangays, of which 14 were chosen to implement the 14 MT sub-projects in the following areas:

Road concreting involving 120 linear meters long, four (4) meters wide and six (6) inches thick, in Barangays Alegria, Demologan and Liangan East amounting to Php724,168.22, Php732,681.49 and Php718,923.67, respectively.

Road Improvement in Barangays Babalaya involving 800 meters long, Demarao, involving 4 km. and Minaulon involving 1.2 km. at Php704,161.10, Php633,686.53 and Php1.16 million, respectively.

Day Care Center Construction in Barangays Binuni, Delabayan West, and Pagayawan measuring 48 sq.m., at Php633.834.16, each.

Health Station Construction measuring 51 sq.m. in Barangays Mate and Rupagan at Php689,783.91, each.

Drainage Canal Construction in Barangay Esperanza involving 700 lm., Kahayag, 700 lm. and Poblacion, 200 lm., at Php674,314.37, Php.633,834.16 and Php1.237 million, respectively. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob)

Support Independence Day 2009, RDC-10 exec tells government execs

Cagayan de Oro City – The Regional Development Council Region 10 (RDC-X) has enjoined all government agencies and local government units in Northern Mindanao to give their full support, assistance and cooperation to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the conduct of the 2009 Independence Day celebration.

Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo of Camiguin, RDC-X Chairperson, said a resolution to this effect has been passed during the 82nd full council meeting held in the province, recently.

The RDC-X members unanimously agreed to endorse DOLE’s proposed activities in connection with the 111th Independence Day, this coming June 12, with the theme: “Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan: Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan (Bravery, Greatness and Industry: Towards True Freedom),” he said.

Romualdo also said the resolution is in support of Administrative Order No. 259 directing DOLE to take the lead in the planning, coordination and implementation of the program of activities and events during the celebration and enjoins all departments, bureaus, offices, national government agencies, local government units and government-owned and controlled corporations to give their full support, assistance and cooperation to DOLE.

In Region 10, DOLE has convened an inter-agency task force to plan, coordinate and effectively implement a job and livelihood fairs to be carried out from June 11-14, 2009, at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol Grounds, Lara (formerly Mac Arthur) Park, Cagayan de Oro City.

Atty. Alan M. Macaraya, Regional Director DOLE-10, said the activities will include the awarding of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) scholarship grants by the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA), job openings for unfilled-up positions in selected local companies, “Diskwento” Caravan, product display and sale by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

There will also be medical/dental services by the Department of Health (DOH), housing fair, on-line registration and basic computer literacy education, registration and screening of applicants for livelihood assistance/business counseling/matching, also by DTI and green/backyard technology demonstrations by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), among others. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob)

Ozamiz City public mall opens with a big bang

Ozamiz City Public Mall, the biggest sub-project under the Mindanao Basic Urban Services Sector Project (MBUSSP), with a total project cost of P161.079 million, was inaugurated last May 28, by the local government unit of Ozamiz City.

This, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 10 (DILG-10), with Regional Director Loreto Bhagwani as Guest of Honor and Honorary Speaker representing Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

The inauguration started with the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Carlos Patricio Bernad, City Councilor Nova Princess Parojinog Echavez, and Director Bhagwani.

It was followed by a blessing ceremony led by Rev. Fr. Marvin Osmeña, Assistant Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the City.

In a lavish ceremony held at the Ozamiz Public Mall located in Barangay Centro (50th Barangay) of Ozamiz City, Councilor Echavez welcomed the guests led by Director Bhagwani and the representatives of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Sangguniang Panlungsod members of the city government, Punong Barangays, the business sector, among other guests.

Echavez spoke with much pride and gratitude as she presented to the guests and the public the newly-inaugurated Public Mall which will serve the populace of Ozamiz City as well its neighboring Local Government Units (LGUs).

One of the challenges she emphasized was the cleanliness of the public mall which the stallholders and the consumers should maintain.

The Public Mall is a two-storey building with more or less 965 stalls, 14 rentable spaces, toilet cubicles and provision of drainage system, power supply, refuse receptacles and bins, and calibrated weighing scales.

In his message, Director Bhagwani acknowledged the said event as very auspicious and remarkable day for the city government, the business community, and the transacting public.

He relayed to the public Secretary Puno’s message of warm congratulations to the LGU of Ozamiz City for a job well done.

He said this facility will cater to the needs of the transacting public for a clean, presentable, accessible and strategically located establishment that provides the customers and service providers the opportunity to interact and do business.

“This building is not only a testimony to a futuristic vision of the LCE and the SP but is also a constant and visible reminder that when our local officials are united and put their efforts together, the cries and the needs of the clients are served well,” Director Bhagwani said.

He further labeled the Public Mall as a “Building of Love and a symbol of Unity among the LCE and the SP of Ozamiz City.

Said Public Mall was one of the subprojects under the MBUSSP of DILG funded by the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and the LBP as its conduit funding institution. The MBUSSP is a six-year sector development project which is intended to provide capacity-building program, and to pursue urban infrastructure investment support to participating LGUs in Mindanao. Moreover, this project of DILG provides financial and technical assistance in the construction of projects either revenue generating projects (such as Public Market, Water Supply System, Integrated Transport Terminal, etc.) or non-revenue generating projects (such as Municipal/City Hall, Socio Cultural Center, Sports Complex, Gymnasium, etc.).

For two years, the DILG Region 10 has implemented numerous subprojects under the MBUSSP.

Some of the completed/on-going subprojects are the Naawan Water Supply system, Impasugong Water Supply System, Kapatagan Municipal Hall, Jasaan Municipal Hall, and many others.

The Project Development Management Unit (PDMU) of the Local Government Development Division (LGDD) of the DILG RO-10, (in coordination with the Office of Project Development Services of the DILG Central Office) handles the implementation of these subprojects with the Project Implementing Unit of the LGUs.

Camiguin’s Mahinog town forms task force to help enforce traffic laws

Mahinog, Camiguin - The Municipal Government today has formed a task force to help enforce traffic laws and local ordinances in the municipality.

Mayor Alex R. Jajalla signed Executive Order No. 9 creating the Special Traffic Action Force (STAF) which shall be under the direct supervision and control of the office of the Mayor.

Mayor Jajalla designated Sanguniang Barangay Committee on Transportation Chairman Hon. Rey Lawrence K. Tan to chair the task force.

PO1 Jerry A. Jalagat of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was named chief executive officer while Mr. Arlino C. Arca, a deputized Land Transportation Office (LTO) agent was also designated as team leader.

There are seven other members of the task force who have been deputized by the LTO from the local government and the local PNP.

Mayor Jajalla said the task force was created to maintain law and order on the streets and to conduct a crackdown against colorum operators, driving without helmet, including single motorcycle for hire (habal-habal) and motorela who ply the streets without franchise and permits from the municipality and other crimes committed in the streets with the use of a motor vehicle, among others.

Members of the Special Traffic Action Force are deputized by the LTO and authorized to issue LTO Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) upon confiscation of driver’s license and the LTO impounding receipt if there is a need to impound the vehicle.

Traffic enforcers could also issue the traffic citation ticket against violators of Municipal Traffic and Transportation Code.

The mayor said that the creation of the traffic task force is in support of the massive traffic enforcement action program undertaken by the Camiguin provincial government under the leadership of Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo to enhance public safety awareness and road discipline among road users and pedestrians in response to the rapid development in the province of Camiguin.

Mayor Jajalla believes that this measure could minimize if not prevent the occurrence of vehicular accident in this municipality, which is the gateway to the paradise island province of Camiguin.

MSU head thanks USAID-GEM for JEEP project

Marawi City - The Job Enabling English Proficiency (JEEP) is another highly commendable development initiative of the United States government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) for the people of Mindanao.

Thus expressed Mindanao State University (MSU) President Dr. Macapado Muslim during the recent launching of the JEEP project at the Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) Center of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City.

He stressed that the US government has contributed significantly to the academic manpower and physical development of the university.

“Thank you for the invaluable support given to MSU as the partner in the implementation of several high-impact projects in Mindanao and for continuing to be the key pillar in the growth and development of MSU,” Dr. Muslim expressed.

The MSU President added that for countries like the Philippines to survive, grow, and develop, under a knowledge and information-based globalized environment, they should engage in human capital formation and development to maximize the benefits of globalization and minimize its adverse consequences.

“Our universities and colleges which are the forefront of human capital formation and development should ensure that aside from making their education programs and services as well as their campuses accessible to the poorest of the poor, they should also make sure that they give substantial competitive strength and advantage to their graduates. And the way to achieve this competitive advantage is in the area of English proficiency,” Dr. Muslim said.

Dr. Muslim further said that the JEEP is an enormously powerful instrument in ensuring the production of graduates and professionals to be globally competitive.

“Thank you most profoundly for the JEEP and rest assured of our commitment to the said facilities, and we responsibly ensure full compliance to the terms of our agreement,”he added. (Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

Iligan City mayor highlights meaning of Nat’l Flag Day

Iligan City - Since an Executive Order was made several years ago on the National Flag Day celebration every 28th May and the year thereafter, it connotes everything , which started from the evolution of flags, all its symbols of national solidarity indicative of true patriotism and love of country.

This was the opening statement of City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz of Iligan in his message during the program in the observance of the National Flag Day. But, are we living what the flag stands for? The mayor threw the question to hundreds of spectators at the public plaza, this city.

Also, are we internalizing the lyrics of our national anthem, just like what the flag stands for? What our flag teaches us to do, is what also our national anthem tells us to do, as Filipinos, expressed Mayor Cruz.

We will ask ourselves, what we can contribute, to be useful to the society. Problems always occur, there is no ideal world, no ideal situation, that we can say bad times are over, now comes the good times. There is just no such thing, the mayor commented. “Tough times never last, but tough people do”, he added.

Practice should be a part of our everyday life because tough situations are here to stay. So, we just have to continue searching for the answers, solutions to the problems we encounter.

What is important is we understand the theme for this year, “Kagitingan, Kagalingan, at Kasipagan, Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan”. Let us all march towards progress despite tremendous acts, we shall defeat the enemy that is complacency, poverty and all the problems that destroy our society, Mayor Cruz reiterated.

The mayor, along with the city local officials, led the raising of the Philippine Flag and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the reading of the Flag Code by City Councilor Ariel P. Anghay, who is also the Council Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Iligan City Council.

Involved in the celebration were heads and employees of the local government unit and the national government agencies, the barangay officials and its constituents, non-government organizations, civic clubs, BSP, and other sectors in the society.

The ceremonial burning of old/tattered flags highlighted the day’s event.

The Department of Education, headed by Schools Division Superintendent Domingo V. Samson, took the lead in the preparation of the program. (Lorry V. Gabule)