Cagayan de Oro City News October 2016

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Interactive Google Satellite Map of Cagayan de Oro City
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Cagayan de Oro City within Misamis Oriental

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Public market of cagayan de oro city misamis oriental.JPG
Cagayan de Oro City Public Market
Cagayan de oro city river.jpg
The river of cagayan de oro city
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St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Limketkai Center Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.jpg
Flood Waters in the streets of Cagayan de Oro City
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Cagayan de Oro City Buildings
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Bus Terminal, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

OCD 10 conducts RDANA confab for MisOr

(OCD10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Office of Civil Defense 10 conducted a five-day training on Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) for the Province of Misamis Oriental.

The training aims to empower the members of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to provide quicker and more comprehensive reporting and response action during disaster.

The participants were trained on quick assessment of disaster damage for faster submission of report so that immediate appropriate relief actions can be undertaken.

Kagay-anon 390 relives 1st settlement of Oro ancestors

By Abigail Viguella

IN ANTICIPATION of the city's founding as a settlement some 400 years ago, the Cagayan de Oro-Historical and Cultural Commission (CDO-HisCom) launched "Forum Kagay-anon 390: on Thursday, October 27.

This is the 10-year celebration for the upcoming fourth centennial of the city’s foundation as a settlement site.

“Forum Kagay-anon 390 is a 10-year program that will usher in the fourth centennial of the founding of the city’s original settlement in the Barangay 1 area,” Dr. Erlinda Burton, Commission chairperson, said.

Burton said that for the first day of the celebration, they will be having the "Tabo sa Kabilin" and the "Paseo sa Kabilin". The CDO-HisCom officially opened the "Taboan sa Kabilin" at Gaston Park which features history and comic books made by Kagay-anon artists and historians. The CDO-HisCom aims to disseminate these books so that knowledge about the history of Cagayan de Oro will be known to more people especially the youth.

The four books that are currently being exhibited by the CDO-HisCom are titles by Xavier University's Historian Francisco Demetrio's such as "Gugud Mindanao", "The Local Historical Sources of Northern Mindanao", and "Illustrated Folktales and Myths of Mindanao". Burton said these books will be sold for P1,000 and will be available at Museo de Oro. The sales will then be donated for the development of the City Museum.

The "Tabo sa Kabilin" was followed by the "Paseo sa Kabilin", a tour of the city’s three museums and some of the city's heritage areas such as the Plaza Divisoria and Gaston Park by the Hiscom commissioners and stakeholders.

Included in the half day tour "Paseo sa Kabilin" are tours to Capitol University's "Museum of 3 Cultures", Liceo de Cagayan University's "La Castilla Lifestyle Museum", Xavier University's "Museo de Oro" and walking tours of historic Plaza Divisoria, the City Museum and Gaston Park-Cagayan de Oro Metropolitan Cathedral area.

Burton noted the individual significance of these three University museums and why it should be supported and introduced more to Kagay-anons. If one needs to have a comprehensive knowledge about the history of Cagayan de Oro, Burton said that one should only visit these three museums.

"Firstly, the 'Museum of Three Cultures' of the Capitol University feature relics and cultural representations of the three cultures that inhabited Cagayan de Oro for many years and have contributed greatly to its identity as a settlement. These cultures are the Maranaos of the Lanao area, the indigenous cultures, and the Christianized peoples. The 'La Castilla' features the inherited memorabilia of the founding families of the city such as the Pelaez's, the Pabayos, or the Velezes. Lastly, 'Museo de Oro' focuses on the ehtno-cultures of Cagayan de Oro and the cultures that existed and around the area such as the T'boli, the Mandaya, the Manobo, and others," Burton said.

Burton also explained that the "Paseo sa Kabilin" included the Plaza Divisoria because most of the founding families' first land heritages existed there as well as some of the city's first historical events.

Meanwhile, she said that Gaston Park is very important for the celebration the "Forum Kagay.anon 390" because Cagayan de Oro's very first settlement started there.

"Most people, even the old Kagay-anons, do not even know this but the very first villages of what we now know as our Cagayan de Oro city is located in Gaston Park area. That is why this area is not only a park, it is a historical relic that is why this is the Barangay 1," Burton said.

The second day of the celebration, October 28, will hold the ground breaking ceremony for the new City Museum Annex Building near the Cagayan de Oro City Museum. To follow the tradition, the ground breaking will be started by a pamuhat ritual at the new building site and the river banks along Duaw Park by a "Higaonon Baylan" to be facilitated by Datu Masikal of the Malasag Eco-village. Hiigaonon Baylan is a dance by the indigenous cultures in Cagayan de Oro that is being lead by a priest or a 'baylan' and is believed to ward off evil spirits in the area.

The ground breaking rites will be immediately followed by a blessing to be rendered by Hiscom Vice-Chair Fr. Daniel Coronel, SSJV and the planting of 100 Lambago tree seedlings in Duaw Park to be coordinated by the Hiscom, City Tourism Council, City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, Clenro and Safer River, Life Saver Foundation.

"Aside from the HIgaonon Baylan, we will also plant Lambago Trees along the Duaw Park after the ground breaking. According to history, Lambago trees were the very first trees in the area where the very first settlers of the city inhabited. With that, we will try to bring back the past by planting these tree at the place where our ancestors first decided to settle," Burton said.

"These efforts by the Historical Commission of CDO is of course partly a celebration of the four hundred years of Cagayan de Oro being a settled area and also a program that will try to spread history and culture as a relevant idea in the society. While most people especially the youth think that those that have passed are no longer relevant, we believe that it is only through looking at history that we will have a better grasp of our present and a more lighted path for our future," Burton said.

Hiscom to break ground for new museum building

(City Historical & Cultural Commission)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Cagayan de Oro Historical and Cultural Commission will be holding a two-day event this week to mark the formal launching of a decade-long celebration for the 4th Centennial of the city’s founding as a settlement.

“Forum Kagay-anon 390 is a 10-year program that will usher in the fourth centennial of the founding of the city’s original settlement in the Barangay 1 area,” said Dr. Erlinda M. Burton, Hiscom chair. “We are inviting our stakeholder-volunteers to actively participate in these events, as well as our residents.”

Forum Kagay-anon 390 kicks off on 27 October 2016 with a one-day Tabo sa Kabilin at Gaston Park.

“This will be a market place for our cultural heritage and for sale will be pictures, handicrafts, heritage foods and snacks for the enjoyment of our people,” said Dr. Burton.

Among those invited to join the Tabo are the Higaonon Tribe Dancers & Craftsmen from Malasag Eco-Village led by Datu Masikal, Higaonon Basket ware & Beadwork Livelihood Project led by City Tourism Chair Dorothy Jean B. Pabayo and Bae Rose Undag, Arts & Crafts by local artists/artisans coordinated by Nonoy Estarte and Nic Aca, the stylized Street Food of VIP Hotel’s Calle Café, and postcards/photos, books of Old Cagayan de Oro for Tsada Awards recipient Carlos “Nene” Arce.

The opening of the Tabo sa Kabilin will be immediately followed by Paseo sa Kabilin, a tour of the city’s three museums and the heritage areas of Plaza Divisoria and Gaston Park by the Hiscom commissioners and stakeholders.

Included in the half day itinerary are the Capitol University Museum of 3 Cultures, Liceo de Cagayan University La Castilla Lifestyle Museum, Xavier University Museo de Oro and walking tours of historic Plaza Divisoria, the City Museum and Gaston Park-Cagayan de Oro Metropolitan Cathedral area.

The highlight of the two-day event will be the ground breaking for the new City Museum Annex Building on 28 October 2016 at the adjacent lot of the Cagayan de Oro City Museum (Old Water Tower).

In keeping with tradition, the ground breaking will be preceded by a pamuhat (ritual) at the new building site and the river banks along Duaw Park by a Higaonon Baylan to be facilitated by Datu Masikal.

Mayor Oscar S. Moreno has been invited to welcome the stakeholders expected to be present for the occasion while former mayor Constantino G. Jaraula has also been invited to deliver an inspirational talk. The City Museum project was realized under the administration of the latter.

The ground breaking rites will be immediately followed by a blessing to be rendered by Hiscom Vice-Chair Fr. Daniel Coronel, SSJV and the planting of 100 lambago tree seedlings in Duaw Park to be coordinated by the Hiscom, City Tourism Council, City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, CLENRO and Safer River, Life Saver Foundation.

The Hiscom enjoins residents to actively participate in the two day event.

CDO, MisOr exporters, designers join Manila FAME 2016

By Lorraine Brillantes (LB/DTI-MOR)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Three local exporters and three designers from Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental took part in the leading international fashion and crafts fair, Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers’ Exchange (Manila FAME) on 20-22 October 2016 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Manila.

These designers were Christopher L. Gomez, Maria Francesca Nicole B. Cabanlet and Patrick U. Gabutina.

Siezing this great opportunity, the Department of Trade and Industry facilitated the participation of local exporters, namely: Cagayan de Oro Handmade Paper, The Stoneware Pottery and Puyo Handicrafts.

Rosvi Gaetos, Executive Director of CITEM, visited the Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair last August 19, 2016 at SM Cagayan de Oro and saw the new and beautiful designs showcased by local designers. She encouraged and offered them an opportunity to showcase their work in Manila FAME.

The Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Provincial Office continues to support exporters in accessing international market thru business matching, participating in trade fairs, organizing trade fairs, organizing outbound trade missions and a lot more.

Manila FAME was launched in 1983 and it’s the most prestigious bi-annual event organized by the Philippine Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

Cagayan de Oro road expansions underway

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE City Government of Cagayan de Oro is studying on major road expansions particularly in uptown area to resolve vehicular traffic congestion in this city, said a city official.

Eileen San Juan, City Investments and Promotions Officer said in an interview that they are set to embark on road extensions, noting the city’s growth and development.

San Juan said some of the road network projects are supervised by the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Mindanao.

Among the road projects which are currently under construction are Opol-Canitoan Road, Canitoan-Bulua Road, Iligan-Cagayan de Oro-Bukidnon lateral Highway, Lumbia-Pagatpat Road, Macabalan-Bonbon bridge, Mapawa-FS Catanico Road, Balubal-Pueblo Road Balulang-Macasandig bridge and Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan Highway.

"Sa uptown area, daghan nata ug gistudyhan diha kung asa ang mga lusotanan, because dako ni nga area ang sa uptown alone lang and we have many plans there, including the city expansion," she said.

"For example, ang Mastersons boulevard, our engineering office is studying it, pero initial nga observation kung magka-clog na sa ibabaw, the whole stretch is locked-up so others would opt to cross sa basurahan, but para makatuyok ka, muadto paka ug Balulang and Taguanao, so lisod kaayo siya sa mga mag-commute," she said.

"The more roads we have, the more nga ma look forward nato ang development," San Juan added.

Road network expansion projects such as JR Borja Extension Road, Puerto-Claveria bypass road, Puerto-Carmen Hill Diversion Road and a road connecting villages of Dansolihon and Tignapoloan are also underway and ready for approval.

San Juan said the worsening traffic problem of Cagayan de Oro City has become a common complaint of investors and businessmen here but she added they are trying to find ways to make commuting easier for the public.

"We are really looking forward nga ma push through na ang road expansions to get ready as we anticipate the surge of people visiting our city, as far as growth and development is concerned," she said.

According to the Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, as of 2015 census, the city's population is at 675,950 but daytime population reaches to 1,376,343 million.

Oro Chamber executive director Chris Ivan Lagapa said visitors from nearby provinces who are in the city for any transactions contribute to the city's daytime population rise.

In 2012, according to Oro Chamber, the city has only about 3,301 registered business establishments, 3,545 in 2013, about 5,232 in 2014, and 3,379 business establishments in 2015.

As of this year, approximately 23,000 business establishments are already registered.

The Oro Chamber cited the western urban, west uptown, downtown area and eastern uptown areas are the city’s key development areas.

Oro hospital breaks P100-M revenue mark

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

THE JR Borja General Hospital recorded a total of P135 million income from January to September this year.

Dr. Ramon Nery, hospital executive officer, said Tuesday, October 25, that when they took over in July 2013, the hospital's annual income only amounted to P19 million.

In 2014, Nery said, the hospital's revenues reached P65 million and P120 million in 2015.

Revenues for this year is projected to reach more or less P200 million.

Nery said what used to be the annual income of the hospital in 2013 is now the hospital's September monthly income worth P19 million.

Nery said the highest recorded monthly recorded this year is P23 million in March.

Nery said what did the trick is the city hospital's utilization of benefits of the government-owned insurance corporation Philhealth.

The City Government could self-regenerate using revenues from health care services, in turn, revenues raised from Philhealth payments would be channeled right back to hospital through medicines and other services for the people.

When City Mayor Oscar Moreno was still governor in Misamis Oriental, Nery said Philhealth was also used to revive the seven provincial hospitals.

"Philhealth is our bread and butter. Aside ana, naa kitay kaugalinon nga City Health Insurance Office, gipaayo nato ang processing sa documents, as well as sa provision of basic services, along with programs sa national government na point of care, kanang mga pobre nga wala ma-enroll sa Philhealth, they will be enrolled automatically sa Philhealth," Nery said.

About 90 percent of the city hospital patients, he noted, are already members of the Philhealth program.

"Grabe na ang diperensya, this is the reason nganung nakasurvive ang hospital despite a previous hostile Sanggunian, diri nato gikuha ang pondo kay wala man gayud ma-increase ang atong budget mudagan lang sa P124 million-P136 million," Nery said.

"Because of Philhealth benefits nga atong na-utilize diha napalambo nato ang JR Borja and things are getting bright for this hospital kay ang sanggunian karon friendly man. So karon, we just received around P120 million nga supplemental budget," Nery added.

Nery emphasized that all services of the city hospital are free, from simple to complicated operations.

"From simple operations to complicated operations, birth services, cataract, including ortho operations and implants, libre ni tanan. It's too good to be true, mao ng lisod gyud kaayo katuohan nga muingon ta nga libre but it is true kay mao man ni atong mandate in the very first place," Nery said.

With these developments, the city hospital will be hiring 11 doctors who are graduates of Xavier University, 40 additional nurses, and 60 administrative support staff.

"The doctors will start on November 1, and this is good because we are absorbing those graduates na gikan ug pride sa atong dakbayan, instead muadto sa ilang hospital, kini na ilang hospital of choice siguro gakakita na nila ang serbisyo nga atong gihatag," Nery added.

City Councilor Ma. Lourdes Gaane, chair of the committee on health and sanitation, said the success of the city hospital is the result of teamwork of all the government agencies concerned.

Free health services is one of Moreno's eight-key programs when he ran for office.

Moreno had said he wants the city hospital to be a premier hospital in the region that would serve not only Kagay-anons but also other Mindanaoans.

CDO to put up sports training complex in Brgy Lumbia

(ACM-CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, October 25 – The city government of Cagayan de Oro targets to build a sports training complex in Barangay Lumbia with the aim to help the city as well as the whole region to advance in the Palarong Pambansa.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno said that it is just right to give attention to sports development since this is one of the ways to develop the character value of the youth.

He also added that it is important to inculcate sportsmanship at an early age because this will mold the youth’s character that they will carry on when they get old.

Giving a priority to education is one of the goals of the current administration.

DOE to provide tech assistance to MSMEs using solar energy

(PNA), LAP/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 24 (PNA) –- The Department of Energy (DOE) would provide technical assistance to the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which employ solar energy, a top DOE official said.

Energy Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson, said that the development of the MSMEs is part of the priorities that President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to decentralize.

Ayson was in Cagayan De Oro City over the weekend as a guest of the “5th Businessweek Mindanao Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards,” an annual award, sponsored by a regional newspaper in recognition of recognized successful entrepreneurship among MSMEs in Mindanao.

She said that as part of the “decentralization” program, the project would jump start in Mindanao, then move up to the Visayas and Luzon regions.

Under the scheme, the MSMEs, which intend to use solar energies in their businesses should apply to the DOE in order to avail of the technical assistance.

Ayson said that the DOE would then evaluate the applications prior to extending both technical and financial assistance.

Aside from the solar energy, the government was also pushing to harness the vast ocean energy in the country, which has a total of 170,000 megawatt energy potential, Ayson said.

She said that the DOE has given the go signal to the H&WB Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., a French-Filipino consortium in the Philippines, to harness the tidal energies in San Bernardino Strait and off the coast of Sta. Ana, in Cagayan, Luzon.

Ocean energy emanates from tides, waves, tidal streams, ocean currents, thermal gradients and salinity gradients.

She said that the tidal in-steam energy is generated when streams of water flow between land masses as a result of tidal height differences.

Fish Conservation Week 2016 calls for cleaner, pollution free ocean - BFAR

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – The 53rd Fish Conservation Week this year calls for the need to clean and make our ocean pollution free, says Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional director Visa Tan-Dimerin.

In Talakayan sa PIA on 20 October 2016, she explained that the annual celebration is to give importance for the need to conserve for sustainable development so that we will always have fish in the ocean.

Dimerin said that the focus now is the clean-up activity in coastal areas such as coastal clean-up, scubasurero, and IEC with coastal communities on waste disposal.

Meanwhile, Asuncion J. Maputol, chief, Fisheries Management Regulatory Enforcement Division said that they have been conducting an IEC on RA 10654, an act to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending Republic Act No. 8550, otherwise known as “the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998” and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

She said that penalty is bigger this time from simply two boxes of fish to P200,000 to P500,000 depending on the gravity of the offense. They have recently signed a MOA on Regional Task Force Against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing where commercial fishing boats are monitored and penalized once caught fishing in restricted waters.

In terms of fish supply, Dimerin said that there are factors for it to be substantial. Since time immemorial, region 10 has never had surplus on fish production because of population and fast growing urban areas, said Dimerin. That is why it is just ok to see fish carriers from other regions. This way, price will be balanced.

Right now, she said we are slowly growing our aquaculture such as fish cages, mariculture park, seaweeds, fish pen in inland waters.

Somehow, we have increment of aquaculture in seawaters, she said.

Aside from that, she said that we could not really determine where these fish catch come from because the counting of BFAR is based on fish landings. There are commercial fishing boats that fish in Cebu and other parts of the country but land here in Cagayan de Oro or region 10.

Currently, BFAR also conducts research such as monitoring stock assessment program and now introduces shell gardening project in Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental.

RDRRMC activates 'Oplan Ghostbuster 2016' in NorMin

(EOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- In anticipation of the occurrence of emergency/s, the Northern Mindanao Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) will activate its ‘Oplan Ghostbuster’ and undertake measures to ensure the safety of the public during the All Saints/Souls Days, especially in high density areas—highways, terminals, ports and cemeteries from October 28 to November 3.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Director Ana C. Cañeda said during the 6th RDRRMC Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting, its goal is to bust all scenarios that can compromise the safety during the observance.

This, as the council noted families use these holidays to bond and reconnect with relatives. With this, a great deal of people will be compelled to go home to their respective hometowns.

During the start of the observance the challenge is monitoring the smooth operations of bus terminal and ports as passenger will surge.

Hence, Cañeda urges passengers to follow the security protocols implemented during the observance.

Likewise, she advises the public to be always vigilant and report immediately to authorities anything that can compromise the safety of the public.

Cañeda also said the council member agencies—Department of Health (DOH 10), 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force-Tactical Operations Group (PAF-TOG 10), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Information Agency, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and local disaster risk reduction and management councils vowed to coordinate with one another to ensure the safety of the public.

These agencies will also place their personnel and rescue assets on alert.

The public are encouraged to seek assistance from the help desk of the agencies posted.

Cañeda also warns the public to follow all prohibitions and security procedures set by the authorities to avoid untoward incidents.

Mindanao aims to produce 100,000 metric tons of ‘cacao’ in 2022

By Mark Francisco [(PNA), RMA/CD/MARK FRANCISCO]

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 21 (PNA) - Mindanao farmers expect to produce 100,000 metric tons of “cacao” in 2022 as the demand for cacao in the global market continues to rise, local businessmen said Friday.

The visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to China has already produced results – a group of Chinese investors has tapped the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao to help obtain a 10,000-hectare area for development into a cacao plantation.

The Cagayan De Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (ORO CHAMBER) said that the 2016-2022 Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap is well underway in its implementation to meet the ambitious production.

The Oro Chamber was one of the stakeholders during the Northern Mindanao Cacao Techno Forum held here Thursday participated in by the local partners in the agriculture and government sectors.

During the forum, the Mindanao Development Authority (MDA) said that the six-year Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap has outlined the “Cacao Double-up Program” for Mindanao.

The program aims to develop the cacao industry in Mindanao by planting and developing a total of 500,000 hectares of a cacao plantation from its present 28,000 hectares, the MDA said during the forum.

Mindanao currently accounts 90 percent of the country’s cacao production, which if provided enough government support could become one of the major suppliers in the Asian region.

Cacao, the raw ingredient of cocoa, a primary ingredient for the making of chocolates, grow ideally in hot, sunny, and tropical regions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Eighty to 90 percent of cocoa comes from small, family run farms, with about six million cocoa farmers worldwide.

Each hectare produces 300 to 400 kilograms of cocoa beans in Africa and about 500 kilograms in Asia.

DA 10 spearheads WFD Opening

(AMBManto, DA-RFO 10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) led the opening of the World Food Day (WFD) Celebration with other government agencies and LGUs on October 17, at the DA – RFO 10 compound.

In light of this year’s theme, “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too,” DA-RFO 10 organized a “Tiangge (bazaar)” participated by different government and private sectors showcasing quality products that were mostly food based and sold at a very reasonable price for the public to buy.

Assistant Regional Director Engr. Roxanna H. Hojas of DA-RFO 10 led the ribbon cutting signifying the opening of the event. The day-long activity also highlighted the awarding of the regional achievers who have exemplary contribution in the development of the agriculture sector in the country.

DA-RFO 10 and its attached agencies also put up an information booth showcasing agriculture technologies and guides, as well as a booth for DA’s “BROWN4good Campaign” which supports the use of brown rice.

City health strengthens free clinics in brgys

(GOF-CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – About 300 residents in Gawad Kalinga Village in Barangay Balubal benefited from free medical consultation and check-up as spearheaded by the City Health Office (CHO) of Cagayan de Oro.

CHO Supervising Officer Sol Mosqueda said that the free clinic is held in the said relocation site as a response to the health service needs of the people in the area.

The health services provided in the area include weighing of children, free distribution of medicines and check-up of illnesses.

The CHO also opened its satellite stations in the barangay zones to expand and bring the services closer to the people.

New landfill to open in Oro next year

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

AN OFFICIAL of the Cagayan de Oro City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) said the new engineered sanitary landfill in Barangay Pagalungan will be opened in June next year.

Edwin Dael, Clenro head, said the new 25-hectare landfill opens will replace the Zayas landfill which will then be closed indefinitely.

“This one is going to be an engineered sanitary landfill so wala na gayud ni siyay baho, dili pareha sa Zayas mao ng manimaho kay tabunan man ug yuta pero kini dili gayud nato tabunan ug yuta,” Dael said.

Hopefully, mo minus nasad atong ilabay didto kay ato na gyud irequire ang barangays nga ireduce na gayud ilang basura and we will enforce forced segregation,” he said.

The new landfill will be closed and fenced to keep out scavengers as required by law, but Dael said the scavengers in Zayas whose lives depend on garbage will be given alternative livelihoods next year.

Dael said the City Council already approved its office budget, though a supplemental budget worth P100 million, but added they have proposed another additional budget worth P4 million for the comprehensive information and education campaign and capacity-building among barangay officials for waste segregation.

“Kung dili pa gayud mutuman sila sa ilang mandate, ang city na gyud mismo ang mo-file sa ila ug kaso,” he said.

Dael said the sanitary landfill project is mandated by provisions of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act that prohibits open dump sites of garbage collected by local government units.

The city produces 560 tons of garbage everyday and only residual or excess wastes are to be dumped in the new landfill facility while the rest of the garbage will be made into fertilizer or will be recycled.

Oro’s Cogon Market to go solar

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

A ONE-MEGAWATT solar power project will be installed at the Cagayan de Oro City’s Cogon Market, a first in the country according to city officials.

The project which will include a number of solar panels that will cover the rooftop of the city market. The area covers 1.2 hectares.

City Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chair of the committee in economic enterprise said the committee is studying the technical viability and structural integrity of the roof.

The City Economic Enterprises Department (CEED) will lead the project.

Nacaya said the project would not only give additional power supply to the city but would also raise an income of at least P1 million every month to the City Government.

"Kung galing makaproduce ta ug solar power, we will send it to Cepalco (Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company) so pwede nato ma-offset ang atong expenses sa power sa Cogon, and the excess of that will then be automatically sold to Cepalco and then the city can generate income from that," Nacaya said.

"We are identifying other areas to implement this kind of income-generating project kay libre baya ang init sa sun, so imaximize nalang nato gyud ang libre. Ang ato lang pud is we will invest one at a time kay accordingly, 25 years ang warranty sa solar panels," Nacaya said.

He said they will soon open the bidding for companies who are willing to supply solar panel equipment.

"Atong ibid out ang mga equipment, so far naa na kitay duha ka bidder, and we are expecting more bidders will come to us," he added.

The project will be completed next year, said Nacaya. He did not give details on the project cost.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno lauded the enterprise department's initiative in coming up with a renewable energy source for electricity. He vowed to support more projects that will gain revenue as well as benefit the residents here.

A total of P17 million was allotted by the City Government for CEED, which is sourced from the supplemental budget worth P1.18 million that was approved in August this year.

Moreno urged the CEED to provide orderly and clean market for sellers and buyers after the approval of an additional funding for the sector, as part of the Cogon market rehabilitation project.

Nacaya shrugged off security issues of the project. He said the market’s rooftop is far from mugging of street burglars.

The Cogon market is one of the busiest markets in the city. There has been a proliferation of robbery and property damages including light bulbs and electrical wires especially at the second floor.

The market is also noted to be the most congested market in the city where stalls spread around the corners of the market filling up the pass way of public utility vehicles.

Jamaican F&B Training Center: More than a decade of brewing

By Jennifer Valcobero

EVERY coffee aficionado knows how real coffee tastes. But if everyone would know how a cup of joe is passionately made, it will never be the same morning again.

In Jamaican Food and Beverage Training Center, coffee is made with skills and a full heart. The man behind this training facility, Renato Sumania, made sure of that.

Sumania was a professor in Barista and Coffee Academy Asia (BCAA) and a former chairman bar competition of Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (Cohara).

“It was named Jamaican because it’s the place we can only find the best coffee. In Jamaica, the soil is rich and the climate is cool and misty. The combination of both is considered ideal for coffee,” said Sumania.

Jamaican F & B Training Center is located in Barangay Carmen in this city. The center can accommodate at least 10 to 20 students. It has an espresso machine and other facilities for its different programs.

It was established in 2003. It started as a consultancy firm from various hotels in this city. In 2004, it was noticed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). The firm, however, was not qualified. Before an accreditation, it is a pre-requisite to have a building, a clinic and library.

It was in 2006 where the firm was finally accredited by Tesda. From a consultancy firm, the center is now offering trainings and seminars for interested participants. Some of their regular programs offered are, namely: Food and Beverage Services (FBS) National Certificate (NC) III, Bartending NC II, Barista NC II, FBS NC II, coffee shop consultancy with hands-on, resto-bar consultancy without hands-on, Cocktail Recipe Formulation with hands-on, inventory and costing and wine service and familiarization.

Each class may cost at least P9,000 for 22 days.

Jamaican F&B also partners with Cohara in organizing events and competitions.

They are also accepting regular and exclusive students in their center.

Exclusive students are those coming from other countries.

“I am from Saudi Arabia. I chose Jamaican F & B Training Center because it is cheaper here. The trainings are different,” said Mr. Talal Rabah Alsulami, an exclusive student in Jamaican F & B.

Alsulami was a former student of Sumania in BCAA in Cebu City. He came all his way here just to study and learn latte art. He wants to pursue being a latte artist because he likes coffee a lot.

When things are all good, I will put up my own coffee shop someday, he said.

Graduates of Jamaican F & B training center hold certifications and titles and won a lot of competitions. Kim Young Ron Han, a former barista student is now a NC II holder.

In the 2015 UAE National Barista Competition, Lyndon Recera, a Jamaican F & B graduate, received the award of being the 1st Barista from Mindanao who won the World Barista Cup. Out of 37 nationalities who joined the said competition, it was him who was picked as the best among the rest.

It is this year where Professionals and Students Culinary Show and Live Competition made two of the students from Jamaican F & B declared as grand winners. One of them was James Ucat, the grand winner of Nescafe Cold Coffee Challenge professional category and Celeste Dosdos, grand winner of Nescafe Cold Coffee Challenge student category.

“Upgrade always,” said Sumania on being asked on what is the advantage of his school from competitors.

Sumania travels from one country to another to study and learn new ways and coffee trends. It is his eagerness and vision that drive him to make all these things possible.

“Love your passion,” he said.

Italpinas builds P653-M project in Oro

By Abigail Viguella

ITALPINAS Development Corporation is optimistic that their another real estate mixed-use project, the Primavera City, will market in Cagayan de Oro City.

"We are very happy for the acceptance of the buyers for our project. As with the Primavera Residences, we are putting all our full efforts in the Primavera City and we hope that it receives the same success as our first project here in Cagayan de Oro," said Jose Leviste III, president of Italpinas.

Leviste said this is a follow-up project after its first project gained big acceptance in the market since its completion in 2014.

Italpinas invested P653 million for Primavera City with 11-storey two-tower construction.

The second project will have nine floors of residential units, one floor for office tenants and one floor for commercial use.

Construction of the Phase 1 of the Primavera City has already started last October 1.

Leviste said one good feature that the Primavera City boasts is its location.

The project is located at a certified economic zone.

The firm hoped to contract business outsourcing companies and other businesses that wanted to open in this city.

Another unique architecture of the project, Leviste said, is that the firm will give its residents a fresh, provincial feel in an urban setting.

This new project is located at the Pueblo de Oro estate in uptown Cagayan de Oro.

CDO expresses love, care in elderly week celeb

By Recthie T. Paculba (RTP/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, October 13 (PIA) – Participated by over 800 senior citizens in Cagayan de Oro city, the Elderly Filipino Week celebration of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD) culminated on October 12 with the awarding of centenarians, games and contests.

“We are what we are today tungod sa inyong pagpaningkamot (We are what we are today because of your endeavor),” City Mayor Oscar Moreno referred to the senior citizens during the event.

He also said that the elderly do not gather in a group just to discuss the discounts and privileges since it is a right rather they join in groups because it is “through the association where they find a feeling of attachment, belonging to the group.” The association is where they can interact with people whom they can relate to and share stories of success or problems.

Meanwhile, Del Monte Philippines, Inc. retiree Estrella Mangubat, 71, cited the significance of celebrating the elderly week saying, “Importante ni siya kay in the first place, ang mga senior citizen shorter time na ang imong life sa dinhi so at least you are given the chance to enjoy other people and entertainment.”

(This is important because in the first place, the senior citizens only have shorter time in their lives here so at least we are given the chance to enjoy other people as well as the entertainment.)

She also said, “I am very thankful that there are these kinds of group nga nagpakabana, nga concerned sa mga senior citizen, at least nakita nila how important is the senior citizen to them (I am very thankful that there are these kinds of people who initiate and are concerned to the senior citizens. At least they have seen how important the senior citizen is to them.)

For his part, Ronald B. Alli, 73, president of the Bulua Chapter Senior Citizens Association, said that the celebration unites the senior citizens in the city and hopefully it will be grander next year to serve all the members of every association.

The celebration also highlighted the centenarians in the city namely, Eulalia B. Velez, 102, Jovita G.Tabor, 100, Tolentina D. Tumapon, 100, and Francisca M. Villamil, 100. Each received a plaque and P20,000 cash from Moreno.

With the theme, “Pagmamahal at Respeto ng Nakababata, Nagpapalilgaya sa Nakatatanda,” the celebration for the senior citizens aims to recognize the vital role of the sector in the society as well as their contributions in nation-building. It also highlights awareness and advocacy on elder abuse prevention.

35,000 vocational scholarships in Northern Mindanao up for grab

(PNA), RMA/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 12 (PNA) – A total of 35,000 vocational scholarships is up for grabs in Northern Mindanao, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) said Wednesday.

Visiting TESDA Director General Guiling A. Mamondiong said that he was impressed with the performance of TESDA regional office that the number of scholarships was awarded “on the spot.”

Mamondiong was in the TESDA Northern Mindanao regional office here last Tuesday for the first time since he assumed the post last July, where he met head of TESDA’s provincial offices and 164 tech-voc schools in the region.

After the meeting, Mamondiong announced that TESDA would start accepting the new batch of scholars starting January 2017.

He said that “would-be scholars” were advised to continue availing of TESDA’s regular programs that were started by Mamondiong’s predecessor, now Sen. Joel J. Villanueva.

The 35,000 slots would be under the massive “Barangay Kasanayan Para sa Kabuhayan at Kapayapaan” (Village Livelihood Skill Training and Peace), a new TESDA program initiated by Mamondiong.

Fully rehabilitated drug dependents would be given priority in the program, but momentarily, TESDA would accept applicants from the village level.

Edgar A. Sales, the TESDA regional director in Northern Mindanao, was “stunned” with the announcement considering that the amount of budget involved in the scholarship program.

“This was the first time since I was assigned the post in 2013 that I got that huge number of scholarship slots,” Sales said.

He said that each individual training would cost Php 10,000 or a total amount of Php 350 million for the 35,000 scholars for a three-year tech-voc course.

Inter-regional development approach for Mindanao mulled

(PNA), LAP/CD/MARK FRANCISCO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 11 (PNA) –- An inter-regional approach would be ideal in the development of the entire island of Mindanao, a senior government official said here.

Abul Khayr D. Alonto, Secretary of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said that the authority would “prioritize connectivity projects that have interregional coverage.”

Alonto was the guest speaker of the “Oro Best Expo 2016,” recently and said that the MinDA aims to transcend beyond regional boundaries in terms of commodity transfer which would make Mindanao regions more commercially viable.

He said that, under the connectivity program, MinDA would construct the 42-kilometer Bukidnon-Agusan Del Norte Road that would connect Region 10 and 13.

A similar project, the now almost completed 125-kilometers east-west lateral road, would connect Agusan Del Sur to Bukidnon, Alonto said.

“These projects would significantly cut travel cost and time between Regions 10 and Caraga,” he said.

According to Alonto, other road projects that were up for completion is the PHP 936-million Puntian-Arakan Road, connecting Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Region.

Oro Best Expo 2016 was an annual event of the 300-member Cagayan De Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. aimed to address the concerns of the region’s micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Other topics discussed during the expo include networking, market development, policy advocacy for entrepreneurship and most importantly, the growth and the sustainability of chamber member companies.

Ultra trail adventure opens in October

By Abigail Viguella

ORGANIZERS are expecting at least 450 outdoor adventure enthusiasts to visit Cagayan de Oro City as the country’s 4th ultimate trail-run adventure will open this month.

The Ultra Trail Mapawa 2016 will have better and more exciting race features than that of the past three years, promised the event organizers.

"This year, we made sure that the Ultra Trail Run will be so much different than last year. In fact, from it being only 40 kilometers last year, we decided to put it at 50 kilometers so that it will be more challenging for the participants," said Dax Ang of Davao Adventurex.

The trail run will feature this city’s natural treasure, the Mapawa Nature Park at Malasag, Barangay Cugman, this city. This event is one of the biggest and most anticipated outdoor events. The Ultra Trail Mapawa has even become one of the Asia Trail Master official events.

The Asia Trail Master is a yearly series of trail running events across Asia featuring an annual championship ranking and lifetime achievement awards for its hall of famers. Aside from Kagay-anons and participants coming from different parts of the country, the organizers are also expecting runners from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

The trail run will comprise of three categories, namely: the 50-kilometer Ultra Trail Run, the 15-kilometer Night Trail Run and the 5-kilometer Fun Trail Run. It is open for all outdoor adventure enthusiasts and will be held on October 29 to 30.

The 5-kilometer Fun Run will have its gun start at 6 A.M. on October 30. The organizers view this category as a possible team-building or outdoor family activity for its participants. Children can join the race as long as they have at least one adult companion. There is no cut-off time for the participants to finish the race and one aid station which will give hydration and other necessities will be available at three kilometers.

The 15-kilometer Night Trail Run is a first in Northern Mindanao and the organizers are very optimistic about its success at Mapawa Nature Park.

The race will start at 5 p.m. or at sunset on October 29 and is estimated to last at most four hours for normal trailers. There are three aid stations for this race. Participants are advised to practice extreme caution and preparation. They are encouraged to bring gears that can aid trailing in the dark such as blinkers, headlamps, and whistles.

"We can actually see that most prospective participants are very excited for the 15 Km Night Trail Run. Aside from it being the only night trail run in the region, indeed, participating in an organized race at night is very new and fun," added Ang.

The third category, the 50-kilometer Ultra Trail will have its gear check at 2 a.m. and will start at 3 a.m. on October 30 and will last for up to 15 hours. The Ultra Trail however, will have cut-offs for each of its five aid stations.

"For example, in the first 10 kilometers, only the top 50 participants will only be allowed to continue and the succeeding runners will be asked to stop. This is to make it easy for both the organizers and the participants to finish the race because fifty kilometers is really hard to finish, said Ang.

“By cutting off participants, organizers will know those who are really capable to finish the race and it will also not be a burden for the organizers to wait for all the runners to finish," Ang said.

Ang added that the 2000-hectare Mapawa Nature Park offers so many obstacles in the race from high points to rivers, close canopies, plain roads and trails, and parts with too much vegetation. Aside from it being one of the supreme outdoor activities, Ultra Trail Mapawa also aims to bring its participants closer to the environment and its preservation.

Before the race events start, organizers will check their imposed mandatory gears and medical check-ups to the participants.

Runners should have at least one liter of hydration, blinkers, headlamps with extra batteries, trail food, whistle, wind proof jackets, headwares such as caps or bandanas, and mobile phones with full charge and load. The organizers will also require medical certificates along with the registration forms in the sign-up areas.

Ang also stressed that if participants are discovered to have faked their health conditions, are under the influence of alcohol during the race, or if they try to tamper with the directional signage for the runners, they will be forced to stop.

Registration fees are P1, 500 for the 50-kilometer Ultra Trail, P800 for the 15-kilometer Night Trail Run and P600 for the 5-kilometer Fun Run/Hike with 150 slots for each category.

"We are inviting Kagay-anons to experience the Ultra Trail on October 29 and 30. We are very excited about this event and we hope that we can share this world-class outdoor experience to Filipinos," Dax Ang added.

8-bed capacity ICU construction starts at Oro city hospital

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

CONSTRUCTION of an eight-bed capacity intensive care unit (ICU) has already started this month, while plans to build a mental facility are underway, said city official.

City councilor George Goking, chair of the city council's trade and commerce, said the ICU will be done in December this year.

"This is the first ICU beds in JR Borja Hospital and we aim this will not only serve the city but also to its neighboring municipalities, cities and provinces," he said.

"We will echo the vision of this administration that Cagayan de Oro will become the nation's premier local government hospital with fiscal autonomy and preferential option for the poor and underprivileged," he added.

Meanwhile, the city development council has approved on Thursday, P281-million infrastructure projects that are lined up for next year.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno, chairman of the said council, said they will prioritize the construction of infirmary centers, medical-responsive health centers, road construction, including road opening and widening, drainage construction and slope protection, among others.

The budget, sourced from the city's Development Fund comprising 20 percent, will be used to start these priority infrastructure projects from the Annual Investment Program of 2017.

Also included in the priority projects are road reblocking, declogging of major waterways as well as projects in water system, electrification, tourism development and construction of child development centers.

This week, the city government has turned over a total of 24 classrooms to Pigsag-an National High School and Lumbia National High School. On the other hand, three child development centers were also turned over to barangays Bugo, Pagatpat, and Balubal. These projects were all sourced from the special education fund of the city.

The Annual Investment Program covers the general fund worth P4 billion, followed by the city's borrowing budget worth P500 million, while P444.3 million is allotted for the special education fund, P281 million for the Development Fund, and P171.6 million for the city disaster risk reduction and management fund.

Moreno for his part, said his first 100 days in his second term, is 'going good'.

"This month, we have turned over several classrooms, ang concreting sa atong kadalanan has been on-going, and repair sa JR Borja hospital, ang pagput-up sa ICU on-going gihapon, upgrading sa atong health centers, padayon kana tanan, our principal-based relationship has been improving too," he said.

"Things are looking good for the city, investments are coming in, inaugurations are taking place, left from right, probably new BPOs (business process outsourcing companies) are being put-up, next month another one will come here," Moreno said.

Government should focus more on science

By Abigail Viguella

THE government should focus more on the fields of science in the country, a member of the National Academy of Science and Technology of the Philippines (NASTPHL) said.

Science and technology and the people behind it have the capability to bring more success to the Philippines and that should be the reason why policy-makers should stop ignoring the needs for facilities and funds for the sciences, said academician Jurgenne Primavera.

Primavera has made a contribution to the mangrove ecosystem preservation in different parts of the country.

Primavera was in Cagayan de Oro City, together with other national scientists and science researchers at the Northern Mindanao leg of their nationwide campaign entitled "Trailblazers in Science: Lecture Series by the National Scientists", on Thursday, October 6.

Their two-day program aimed to encourage the youth and other science researchers all over the country to pursue and contribute to science.

Teachers and students coming from universities in Northern Mindanao such as the Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), Liceo de Cagayan University, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Capitol University, Lourdes College, Mountain View College and the regional Department of Health(DOH)-Davao attended the event.

Luningning Samarita-Domingo, NASTPHL director, said that while the number of youth who take courses related to the natural sciences is still considerably many, programs which will encourage them to finish these courses and make innovations for their country should be implemented.

She added that researchers in universities and institutions should be encouraged to further experiment in their fields.

To achieve the event's goal, national scientists were invited to give a summary of their works in order for them to inspire attending students and fellow researchers.

Angel Alcala, a national scientist for the Biological Sciences, discussed his life's work and findings in his thirty years of research in Philippine marine biology and wildlife.

National Scientist Lourdes Cruz presented her paper entitled "From Killer Snails to Drugs" and shared its contribution to the Philippine science academic scene.

"For all students and science enthusiasts out there who wants to pursue science, I would like to say that you shouldn't be afraid to dedicate yourself in this field. There is money in science but most of all, there is the opportunity to contribute to the prosperity of your country," said Alcala.

Northern Mindanao police anti-crime efforts get boost with new motorcycle units

(PNA), LAP/CD/JIGGER J. JERUSALEM

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan De Oro City, Oct. 7 (PNA) -- The anti-crime efforts in Northern Mindanao got a boost with the distribution of 119 motorcycle units to various police sub-stations in the region, a police official said Friday.

Chief Supt. Noel Constantino, police regional director I of Northern Mindanao, said that the distribution of the Kawasaki Rouser motorbikes to the recipients “would boost the current capability of the police to respond to emergency calls.”

He said that the motorcycles, allocated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) national office, would provide additional advantages to the law enforcer’s ongoing anti-illegal drug campaign, illegal gambling and other forms of criminality.

During the turnover of the motorcycles at the regional headquarters here Thursday, Constantino prodded the police in Northern Mindanao to live up to the expectations.

“Fight until the last threat to the peace and development of Northern Mindanao has been neutralized or placed behind bars,” he said.

The motorcycles would be the best mode of transportation in responding to crimes and emergencies in far-flung and mountainous areas inaccessible to four-wheeled vehicles.

Provinces with hinterland villages that received the motorbikes are: Misamis Oriental, 27 units; Bukidnon, 24; Lanao Del Norte, 24; Misamis Occidental, 19; and Camiguin, 7.

The city police offices of Cagayan De Oro received 11 while Iligan got seven units.

Aside from the motorbikes, the police regional command also got two utility trucks for general use.

Coffeeholic opens in Oro, offers unique concoctions

By Abigail Viguella

RESIDENTS and visitors in Cagayan de Oro City will have a new place to hang out in as a new coffee shop opened here. Coffeeholic opened last Saturday, October 1, with a unique menu of coffee concoctions.

Owned by the couple Tara Jane and JC Vargas, Coffeeholic gives more coffee blends to coffee lovers.

"What is fresh about Coffeeholic is that we are not only offering the usual coffee menu such as cappuccino, cafe americano, espresso, or the classic brewed coffee. Here, we brew other types of coffee coming from Italy, Vietnam, Turkey, the Middle East, Malaysia, and Ireland and we want Kagay-anons to experience these coffee tastes," said Tara Jane.

Her husband, JC, said that their menu includes all the recipes that they brought with them from their travels in different countries. The couple has worked abroad as language teachers for 10 years. They spent their time traveling to different countries especially in Asia and Europe.

The couple initially planned to open a coffee shop here after their employment contracts ended.

The unique coffee recipes include those that were personally taught to them from locals in countries where they were based for their work.

Tara Jane said that Coffeeholic must-try coffee brews include Turkish coffee, Arabic Coffee, Irish coffee, Vietnamese coffee, and the Karak Tea.

"Irish Coffee is a mixture of espresso, cream, and whiskey. The key lies in the proportion of these ingredients in the mixture. This type of coffee however, is known for its strong alcoholic content, so be sure to be ready for its effect," explained JC.

"Turkish coffee is unfiltered coffee. To prepare it, our beans which are shipped directly from United Arab Emirates, are roasted and then are simmered in a pot, optionally with sugar, and served in a cup where the grounds are allowed to settle. The taste should be a mixture of bitter and sweet and this coffee should be immediately consumed while hot," he added.

"Karak Tea is a famous tea from India. This is a beverage that we really want our customers to discover. This is made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs," said Tara Jane.

Tara Jane said that the mixture and the ingredients used for these coffee concoctions are sourced directly from suppliers abroad so customers would get the ultimate foreign coffee experience that "Coffeeholic" aims to serve.

In the first three days in the business, Coffeeholic has already been getting a positive response from their customers who, they said, not only come from within the city but also from as far as Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga, and Butuan.

"Last day, we had customers who were very impressed with our serving of the Arabic coffee. They shared that the taste immediately reminded them of their connection to the Middle East," said JC.

By 2017, Coffeeholic is planning to open another branch at the new upscale commercial complex, SM CDO Premier.

"We would really like this business to grow but of course, we do not like to hasten everything. Our love and passion for coffee has given us the chance to open up this business, said JC.

“We want to also maybe open up in Cebu or Manila but then, we want to take this one step at a time," JC added.

Fun walk held to honor elderly

By Jorie C. Valcorza (JCV/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) spearheaded a fun walk on October 1 to honor elderly Filipinos while the entire country observes the “Elderly Filipino Week’ every first week of October with the theme “Pagmamahal at Respecto ng Nakababata, Nagpapaligaya sa Nakatatanda.”

Dubbed as “Walk for Life” the activity started with as fun walk, followed by a Zumba and program at the SM City grounds. Elderly participants likewise received medical services like anti-flu vaccines and blood testing for glucose and more.

The activity aims to promote health and wellness amongst senior citizens as well as raise awareness on programs and benefits accorded to them by the government.

The same event was done simultaneously in all key cities across the region as well as in other parts of the country.

“Through this activity we seek to enhance cooperation with agencies especially those directly implementing the expanded senior citizens act,” DOH Chief Administrative Officer Edward Acta said.

NRCO 10 conducts Byaheng Agri-preneur with OFW returnees

(MGAD/NRCO-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, October 4 – The Department of Labor and Employment - National Reintegration Center for Overseas Foreign Workers (DOLE-NRCO) facilitated a learning journey to various agri-business learning sites for the Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) returnees with their families.

In partnership with Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), the program is agriculture and business development project for OFW entrepreneurs or would-be entrepreneurs and their families that provide opportunities for exposure visits, experiential learning and skill enhancement training specifically in agricultural business.

The first learning site visited was Buhian Diversified Farm located in Initao town, Misamis Oriental. With coconut as major crop, this farm is run by Engr. Edgar Buhian and his wife Nemia Penita Buhian. They manage the 1.2 hectare land which contains livestock integration, coconut-cacao nurseries and their coconut processing enterprises. The participants were able to tour around the farm while being oriented on the different agriculture-based business.

The next learning site visited was Alomah’s Place situated in Dahilayan, Bukidnon province. A two-hectare farm/retreat place/camping site/training area is owned by Benjohn and Grace Mahistrado. The orientation proceeded with a tour and the owners showed their lettuce and other products and the nursery area where they grow their seedlings.

They have a lot of plants, herbs and other greens on the sides. The couple harvests them and sells the same to commercial market. The farm is 50 percent organic. Half of the farm focuses on their main crop which is lettuce. Alomah's Place is known for their fresh lettuce and other vegetables.

After the tour, distribution of certificates capped the whole undertaking.

The ceremony concluded with a closing message by Marry Gil A. Damasing, NRCO-10 coordinator, giving boosts to engage their livelihood programs in agriculture of which was taken with positive response by the beneficiaries.

R Suites opens 87-room hotel in CDO

By Abigail Viguella

THERE will be 87 rooms that will add to the room capacity of Cagayan de Oro’s hotel industry. R Suites opened its four-storey building downtown which is expected to fill in the room gap of the hospitality sector here.

R Suites-Cagayan de Oro located at Capistrano-Kalambagohan streets announced their two-month soft-opening promotional room rates on Friday, September 30.

R Suites has three types of rooms, namely: deluxe, superior and suite type. The deluxe rooms offer one full sized bed for P800 while superior rooms have one twin sized bed and one full-sized bed for P880.

The suite rooms have one full-sized bed and a single bed for P960. All these rooms come with amenities such as hot and cold shower, LED cable TV and free Wifi connection.

R Suites accommodation includes 24-hour security, a wide parking area, a coffee shop and breakfast service for its guests. It also has function rooms that can accommodate up to 30 persons.

"What is unique about R Suites is that even if the rooms are categorized as pension inn rooms, we assure that the service quality of our crew and the lodging experience of our guests will be like that of hotels,” said Marites Ramos, general manager of R Suites Cagayan de Oro.

“Basically, we offer high end accommodations for a more affordable price," said Ramos.

R Suites is also planning to add more function rooms and develop a rooftop function area in the next months, Ramos added.

While Cagayan de Oro City is on its way to having a robust tourism industry, hotel rooms here are in demand especially for an overnight stay.

Local and foreign tourists visit Cagayan de Oro for nature adventure and unique food trips. Cagayan de Oro is also the jump off place of nearby provinces like Camiguin Island, Bukidnon and even Davao city which are also known for giving unique nature adventure trips to visitors.

TESDA scholars graduate, ready for employment

By Rose Ann C. Gicole(RACG /XU)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 28 -- The Center for Integrated Technologies (CIT) of Xavier University and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted a culminating activity for the 7th batch of graduates under the TESDA Training for Work Scholarship (TWSP) earlier this month.

Both TESDA Misamis Oriental provincial director Leo V. Velez and XU-CIT director Dr. Gilda B. Brito gave inspirational messages to the new graduates who recently passed the TESDA Skills Assessment Program at the Cobsat Assessment Center in Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City.

The graduates, who are now National Certificate II holders, wish to seek new opportunities as the global technical business industry now prefers skills-acquainted workers.

With TESDA’s financial assistance coupled with the technical education and Jesuit formation provided by XU, the TESDA-TWSP scholars are confident they will land good-paying and professionally challenging jobs in the country and even abroad.

This year, CIT has already trained seven batches of TWSP scholars who also passed the assessment for a TESDA National Certificate II in Shielded Metal Arc Welding.

The first six batches are now employed at the partner companies of XU-CIT, namely, Philippine Sinter Corporation, Makati Development Corporation, Metalite, and Hanjin, among others. Others are currently undergoing an advanced technical training at the Philippine Nippon Technical College bound for Japan.

The said culminating event, organized by CIT resource center program coordinator Oliva E Lim, was held at the CIT - Jose Chavez Alvarez Technology Campus along Masterson Avenue, Upper Carmen, CDO.

Carbon sink eyed as model project

By Abigail Viguella

THE Environment Management Bureau in Northern Mindanao is eyeing the carbon dioxide sink in a forest reserve as model project for coal-fired power plants to attain environment sustainability in southern Philippines.

Regional director Sabdullah Abubacar said that the carbon sink project in Mapawa Nature Park in Barangay Cugman, is the answer to the conflicting views between the industrialization of the country and the environment’s well-being.

"The carbon sink technology is simple. Once a coal-fired power plant is made by a specific company for example, that company will be mandated to plant trees to be the 'carbon sink' of this coal fired power plant. This means, that by their act of planting trees while being allowed to operate coal fired power plants, they are reducing the carbon footprint of our country and in the world," Sabdullah said.

In a recent statement, Environment secretary Gina Lopez expressed her preference for the use of renewable energy over dependence on fossil fuels, in sharp contrast to the Duterte administration’s goal of industrialization in the country.

Abubacar said that the installation of more coal-fired power plants not only in Mindanao but also in other parts of the country is imperative for the development of the country. The carbon sink technology, on the other hand, is the total solution for environmental concerns, he noted.

The Mapawa carbon sink was initiated in 2004 by the STEAG State Power Incorporated (SPI), operator of the 210-megawatt (MW) coal fired power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

SPI Communications Officer Jerome Soldevilla said that in the first five years, they have planted 240, 000 trees. At present, the area already has 500, 000 endemic trees.

"We in STEAG can confidently say that unlike before, where we, Mindanaons repeatedly experience blackouts, now, these circumstances are lessened primarily because of the role that the coal fired power plants have in this scenario. Renewable energies like wind, hydro, and solar are good in their own ways but if it comes to providing base energy resources for the community, coal will definitely give us power consistency," Soldevilla said.

Gabino Ramon Mejia of GNPower noted the difference in the cost of energy for consumers when buying energy produced by coal fired power plants as compared to energy bought from renewable energy.

"Energy produced from coal fired power plants is actually ccheaper than energy from renewable energy sources. For the consumer, this could mean a big thing because coal energy is only P3 per kilowatt-hour unlike solar of wind which usually amounts up to P7 per kilowatt-hour. Imagine the significant difference," Mejia said.

Aside from its possible positive effects for the environment, Mejia also added the social gains that will come from erecting more coal fired power plants in the country.

Mejia said that in one full unit of a coal plant, about 4,000 jobs are generated.

Carbon sink sites like that of Mapawa Nature Park needs maintenance services, thus, more jobs are generated for residents in this city, added Mejia.

"If we can get support especially from the people from the government, where the seat of power is, I think that this idea can truly be a big step towards what we call sustainable development-the partnership of industrialization and environmental preservation," Sabdullah said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier inaugurated the full operation of the 405-MW coal-fired power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, owned and operated by Filinvest Development Corporation.

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