Cooperativism an Alternate Peace Solution

By PJTremedal

Cagayan de Oro City – Unstable economy, poverty and other misfortunes faced by Mindanaoanans is the concern of Mindanao Cooperatives to gain peace. In the 1^st Mindanao Cooperative Peace Forum aimed to be an alternative solution for the solution of the Mindanao conflict and what to do in order to achieve the elusive peace and move forward to development.

“Kalinaw Mindanaw” is their battlecary as CDA Regional Director Orlando Ravanera had emphasized, these two words of courage to every cooperative is a must.

“Yes, Kalinaw, Mindanaw is our battlecry and today we will urged every member of the Mindanao cooperatives to shout and led in this alternative solution to gain peace and move towards the development of the land of promise” He said.

In the said forum, participants joins also in the workshop for peace that includes the 7 point to work with; Peace thru sustainable agriculture, thru conservation, utilization, and protection of the environment, thru conflict management, thru Human resource development, thru the promotion of “Halal” foods, thru, right based management and control of utilities, and thru good governance and people empowerment.

“We can do it” former FICCO Chairman for Mindanao, Atty. Proculo Sarmen said.

Meanwhile, RAFC Chairman Edwin Andot made emphasis on who are the we? One value that Filipinos have and others tribe do not have is the “Bayanihan” spirit who has been neglected by history of Filipino values.

“Cooperativism is a way to achieved peace, because no one in this world that can achieved something without cooperation, but for us, Filipinos, be it Lumad, Christians and Moro, we will put or add something that can show us the best thing that will happened to our dreams, the Bayanihan spirit that Filipinos are proud of.” He said.

As what the GOP-UN Mindanao Chief had always said, Peace is everybody’s business. Mrs. Diosita “Jo” Andot who helped in the CDA move,

“this is not only for Mindanaoans but to the rest of our leaders, legislators, NGO’s, cooperatives, law enforcement, but to all Filipinos.”

With the coming of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the 1^st Mindanao Cooperative Peace Forum gains a lay way as an alternative solution to gain peace in Mindanao focus to its development.

“This is a historical event for us to solve the Mindanao conflict, as foundation for peace, the cooperatives must led, we know hand in hand to use the principle of cooperatives, then we can achieved what we long for decades” she said.

In related development on the 1^st Mindanao Cooperative Peace Forum, Regional Director Anacleto Tumapon of CDA Region 9 said that

“this is to surface the rootcause of the Mindanao Conflict, and with cooperativism we can have solutions the cooperative way” He said.

Likewise in the ARMM Region,

“Yes, us in the ARMM region with the leadership of Regional Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, we join to achieve this elusive peace thru cooperativism, as a food basket not only for us, but to all Filipinos, this can solve one problem and that is poverty.” Sammy Ibrahim, CDA Administrator of the ARMM Region said.

Mindanao Cooperatives is a strong movement with more than 5,000 members and some one million individual members had join hands with the tri-people of Mindanao, the academe, the religious, and all peace loving Mindanaoans in collectively advance what they believe in their inherent right to live peace founded by social justice, equity and sustainable development.

Meanwhile in Pagadian City...

Local officials praised Coop organizations here for having shown their enduring unity. The admiration expressed during the culmination of the Cooperative Month Celebration recently at the City gymnasium and highlighted by the coronation of search for Mr. & Mrs. Cooperative 2009 and folk dance contest with the theme: “one coop movement, one vision, one nation: “bagong batas, bagong sigla sa kooperatiba.”

Mayor Samuel S. Co lauded the Coop organizations for upholding the spirit of solidarity that creates special bonding among coop members. He was impressed on the lending capacity of the Coops which provided low interest to members to help uplift their living conditions thru livelihood projects.

“I encourage you to steadfastly continue your unity because in unity, there is strength,” Co said.

He also encouraged the farmers and fishermen to unite and form a cooperative organization so they could avail of financial assistance from the government.

Co thanked the success attained by the cooperatives because this has greatly helped in improving and sustaining the economy of the city, and it gives livelihood opportunities to their respective members.

“The city government will always support you in your endeavors, Co assured the members of a cooperative.

Governor Aurora E. Cerilles, in her message delivered by 1^st Dist. Board Member Flaviano Fucoy, Jr. said, she hopes that cooperativism will grow and more organizations will exist and flourish in the city to help contribute to the economy.

She said that the provincial government has intensified their campaign in forming coop organizations to help, especially the poor and low-income families in obtaining livelihood and additional income.

Cerilles, further said, there are some types of cooperatives that a farmer can join, and she is earnestly requesting the farmers in rural barangays to form cooperative organizations to help improve their living conditions and be guided always on the saying that goes: “The success of the cooperatives greatly depends on the spirit of solidarity and cooperativism.

“Like an eagle, we strive to soar high for us to achieve our dreams amidst the challenges that we are facing today,” Cerilles stressed..

supervising cooperative development specialist nestor mindaros said that the coop organizations in Pagadian City reached to 50 with an estimated more than 20,000 members after the City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO) was created by the city government as an office in the year 1990.

(GCC/ PIA9-Pagadian City)

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PGMA Graces 1st Cooperative PEACE FORUM in CDO Today

PGMA during her recent visit last month in Cagayan de Oro City with government officials of Misamis Oriental.

Cagayan de Oro City- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will render her keynote speech today October 29,2009 in Cagayan de Oro City before 5,000 cooperative members in Mindanao in a "Peace Forum" organized by Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) of Northern Mindanao.

Expected to join are from the tri-people in Mindanao, academe, churches, rotarians, ulamas and other peace loving Mindanaoans. The 1st Mindanao Cooperative Peace Forum with its theme: "Advancing the essence of cooperativism for Peace in Mindanao" aims to promulgate plans and viable programs for a long lasting peace in the island, said CDA 10 Regional Director Orlando Ravanera.

Among the co-convenor of the event is the Philippine Public Safety College who always inculcates police trainee’s peace policies in a higher magnitude, according to RTS 10 Regional Training Director Col.Benito Ramos

"We know that long lasting peace in Mindanao can only be obtained through the spirit of cooperatives, every stakeholder through its leaders with motivation and vision to lead God's flocks towards the right direction for a brighter tomorrow. We adhere the saying that "public safety is the foundation of economic, political and social progress of a certain notion"...to join us fellow Mindanaoans."

The forum aims at least four agendas to established in action, these will enhances peoples capabilities by developing their potentials and harnessing their skills over other priorities knowing that countries that have not developed their human capital are now penalized by slow growth. Cooperative human resource development centers must be established in every region of Mindanao.

Marginalized sectors must be given rights in developing their respective resources and cooperatives must be accorded with utmost priority in its management of resources, giving them the license, franchise and whatever privilege to handle economic activities based on the universal principle of cooperatives.

CDA RD Ravanera believes that providing basic needs in every cooperative should be the priority of this government.

He added that the Cooperatives in Mindanao are the significant player in the economy with a total volume of business amounting to 24,156,694,233.65 Billion in the 2006 statistics which is a very significant contribution to Mindanao's growing economy.

Mindanao also contributes 57% of country's gross domestic product. Out of top 100 cooperatives in the country, 26 of them are Mindanao based and are champions and are emerging major players in the financial, banking and services sector, Mindanao cooperative are employing at least 29,124 employees.

In order to spur the productivity of the island which contributes 40% of country's food need as "food basket", cooperatives are now vigilantly taking care of the islands natural resources that serve as the natural base of our economy.

In the visit of the President they expect that, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will stick on her promise in making Mindanao as economic hub of the country. (Ercel Maanding and PJTremedal)

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NO Brownouts on 2010 Election. Says NGCP

By Ercel Maandig, Periodico News Network

Cagayan de Oro City- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines(NGCP)- district 3 based in Cagayan de Oro City expressed its statement in a media briefing that there will be "No Brownouts "in the election period next year as it is now on its enhancement program "Building Power Superhighways.


The company assures the electorate and power consuming public that the country will not be in a brink of power shortage comes national elections 2010. It may be recalled that DOE Secretary Angelo Reyes pronouncement last month on the said brownouts that caused alarm.

NGCP is on its way in transmitting high voltage electricity through "power superhighways" that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets for systems operation and maintenance activities, the company has a total of over 5,000 towers throughout Mindanao.

Unless tower sabotage will happen, like bombing of towers, by threat groups.

To ensure that there are enough power reserves to stabilize the security of the power grid, NGCP puts online and dispatches the right mix of power plants that generate the high voltage electricity being transmitted by the company. Distribution utilities such as CEPALCO in Cagayan de Oro and other electric cooperatives like MORESCO in Misamis Oriental uses electric power thru their lines and are now consumed by households and other end users.

NGCP implement its "Transmission Development Plan (TDP)as defined in the "EPIRA Law" for managing the transmission system trough an efficient planning for the expansion, upgrading, rehabilitation, repair and maintenance. Over a 10 year period from 2009 to 2018,a total of 5,123 megawatts of generation capacity are expected to be connected to the grid, which must be supported by NGCP's transmission network.

Eighteen (18) big projects are now being implemented this year until 2015 which includes new transmission corridor in Agus hydro in Iligan city for a higher reliability, to complete the transmission corridor from northern to southern Mindanao, reinforcement of Matanao General Santo City 138 kv line, provide security and power quality to Northwestern Mindanao, to maintain the reliability in the southern Mindanao area as additional contingency in case of outage of Agus 2 in Kibawe Bukidnon.

Statistics shows that Mindanao's Peak demand growth of electricity average 5.76% from 2010-2014 while the reserved requirement for Mindanao grid is 13.1%rate of peak demand. Two main reasons for looming power crisis are dependable capacity lags behind reserve requirement of 13.1%of peak demand and dependable capacity cannot keep with peak demand growth of an average of 5.76%.

In a press statement, legislators in the country especially the Mindanao block has initiated or lobby to hold a "Power Summit" to craft a Mindanao Agenda to avert power crisis or organize alliances to map out and implement the best course of action while the business will spearhead efforts in order to be free from the impact of power instability.

NGCP said that in order to avert power crisis, we need to build additional generating capacity of 484 megawatts from coal plants, hydroplants and diesel plants. However, to build 484 mw power plants.

Coal Power Plants needs an investment of $969million,hydropowered plants needs $1.936 billion and $929.2million for diesel powered plants which constructed within 38 to 40 months.(With reports from PJTremedal)

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OMA Regional Director 10 asks; GRP-MILF Peace Accord Must Be Approved Before Election 2010

By Ercel Maandig , Periodico News Network

The Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) of Northern Mindanao is eager to work with the government and rebel groups in Mindanao as far as peace accord is concern in aiming a long lasting peace in Natural Resources rich island says OMA 10 Regional Director Atty.Ombra C. Gandanbra.


He said that he was around when GRP-MNLF Panel signed its five points agenda last March 12 and 30 this year in Manila witnessed by Organization of Islamic Conference(OIC)Secretary General Tricky Ali and hopes that the agreement will be approved before the election ban.


Its Five-Points Agenda includes the establishment of Security force in Automous Muslim Mindanao, Full Implementation of Tripoli Agreement, 35% of the revenue taxes must go to Bangsamoro, At least 2 to 3 Islamic University shall be established in Central Mindanao and the Genuine Autonomy or the Federal Republic of Mindanao which was also the advocacy now of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari.

According to him, peace negotiation sortie between the government and the MNLF is a good alternative if the cause has a strong personality and sincerity. "Both parties must have an agenda that is feasible and acceptable to both parties "Gandamra added.

When ask about "Cooperativism" being an alternative for long lasting peace in Mindanao, Gandamra replied that the aim is very good but not a strong solution were Cooperativism is only among the component of the solution that were about to achieve.

"In the economy, yes, it maybe doable and valuable solution but how about our political situation in the island which is the root cause of the peace conflict.” He said.

Meanwhile, a retired Police Constabulary (PC)-Integrated National Police(INP)Officer Colonel Arthuro Dagalangit shares his thought and said that among the Presidents of the Republic, President Fidel V. Ramos is the champion of quality in peace process done by the government. Dagalangit said that during FVR's time, the government's peace effort is the most viable to handle peace conflict to its best.

On Fr.Sinnott kidnapping, OMA-10 Director Gandamra wholehearted requested the people behind the abduction to release him safely. Fr. Sinnot is 79 years old and has heart by-pass surgery.

"I am appealing of your conscience to release Fr.Sinnott" . He said.

He concluded that condemning is not the solution in asking for Fr. Sinnott release.

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45-M MVIC to rise in Region 10

by PJTremedal

Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City - A 45-M Motor Vehicle Inspection Center(MVIC) will soon rise in this part of Northern Mindanao as the center for environment friendly vehicles traversing the entire highway of Northern Mindanao and other area in the island of Mindanao.


Today (October 28) as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) -10 Management led by Regional Director Sultan Porcawa B. Dia together with LTO Regional Office Staff, City Mayor Constantino "Tinnex" Jaraula, Barangay Chairman Tony Brilleta, local media, and guests witness the groundbreaking and blessing ceremony at the site of construction.


The soon to be erected MVIC sits on a One hectare area that will cater to the inspection of all kinds of motor vehicles and emission test centers are the amenities of the MIVC.


"This had been a long time plan of the Land Transportation Office in Northern Mindanao to have its own motor vehicle inspection center to cater to the needs of every road user and owners of motor vehicle" RD Dia said in an interview with the local media and Mindanao ON-LINE.


RD Dia further said, that with the MIVC this will be an envirnoment friendly office as the office advocates R.A .9003 or the Clean Air Act of 2000. The Land Transportation Office 10 caters also to Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Camiguin provinces.


"With the MVIC , this help us monitor all vehicles if this (MV's) are suitable to be used in our Highways, The new center will adhere to the standard of transportation, not only with our Philippine Standards but also to the International Standards in maintaining motor vehicles." He added.


The soon to be build, MVIC will cost the government 45-M to complete and serve the public, Phase 1 will cost 20-M while on its second phase the MVIC will cost another 25-M will all the amenities of a motor vehicle inspection center.


Meantime on the said site the new CDO Registration Center will be also constructed to serve the Cagayanons. The MVIC will provide safety and better system on the motor vehicle registration and improve the LTO public service and help the economic stability of Northern Mindanao especially on employment.


On the construction side, Charlz Construction who was awarded to construct the MVIC is given 120 days to finish the project which will start this month.

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Tabak Troopers donate Relief Goods for Ondoy Victims

Pagadian City - To show support to national government efforts in helping the victims of typhoons ‘Ondoy’, and ‘Pepeng’ in Metro Manila , the Armed Forces of the Philippines thru the First Infantry (Tabak) Division based in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur recently turned over relief goods to San Jose Parish (SJP), this city.

Maj.Gen. Romeo D. Lustesteca, Commanding General of First Infantry (Tabak) Division deeply sympathized with the sufferings experienced by the victims. of the two deadly typhoons where hundreds and thousands of them were left with nothing.

Mrs. Marilou Lustesteca, wife of CG Lustesteca led the distribution to SJP of relief goods such as 69 sacks and 3 bales of used clothing’s, 13 boxes of noodles, 10 boxes of canned goods, and 1 sack of rice. G7 chief, Lt. Col. Rosalio G. Pompa assisted in the distribution.

The good general lauded his men for selflessly giving their time and efforts to help out in the government’s relief efforts, Mrs. Lustesteca said.

It could be recalled that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the first to show her deep concern by continuously distributing relief goods to typhoon victims in the provinces of Pampanga, La Union, Pangasinan , Nueva Ecija and other areas badly hit by flood.

The unified concern demonstrated by soldiers in all flood-affected and land slide areas were indeed laudable. (Gideon C. Corgue/ PIA9-Pagadian City)

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Farmers receive flatbed dryers from DA – BPRE worth 16 M

Pagadian City – Some 24 irrigators association (IA) from the municipality of Labangan in Zamboanga del Sur received a flatbed dryer each from the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE). The mass turnover was done yesterday at Barangay Balimbingan in Labangan. Recipients were IAs from Barangays Balimbingan, New and Old Labangan, Dalapang, Lantian, Lower Pulacan, Lower and Upper Campo Islam, Lower and Upper Sang-an, Sta Cruz, Tapodoc, and Tawagan Norte. The president from each association received a certificate of turnover from the DA and BPRE.

Regional Executive Director Oscar O. Parawan said that flatbed dryers address postharvest losses. “This facility is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s pronounced package of intervention measures to sustain the country’s high agricultural growth through FIELDS that composed essential ingredients in making food abundant, accessible, and affordable for the Filipinos. FIELDS stands for Fertilizer, Irrigation and Infrastructure, Extension Education and training of farmers and fisherfolk, Loans, Dryers, and other postharvest facilities and Seeds of the high-yielding hybrid varieties. Flatbed dryers materialize the letter D in the FIELDS program of PGMA,” Parawan explained. He added that flatbed dryers will be very useful for rice farmers especially during rainy season. “The region can save millions of pesos if postharvest losses shall be addressed properly,” Parawan said.

Labangan OIC Mayor Ustadj Faisal Balatucal said that Labangan has vast areas for rice production and the flatbed dryers can really help in the postharvest operations of the farmers. “We welcome more of these facilities in our municipality,” Balatucal said.

The BPRE Area Coordinator for Mindanao Engr. Edgar Testa representing Director Ricardo L. Cachuela said that Region 9 has the most flatbed dryers installed. “Of the 548 target units for Mindanao, Region 9 has 198 and the municipality of Labangan has the most number at 24 units. Thirty more units will be installed in this region this year.” Testa encouraged the recipients to follow procedures in operating the dryer and maintain it properly so that it could last longer and service areas would benefit more from the facility.

The mass turnover was also attended by rice farmers, officials and members of the irrigators association, barangay officials, National Gawad Saka Awardee Rice Category Bonifacio Corpuz, Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council Chairman Sammy Laguiab, Sangguniang Bayan Members Noel Sabado, Basid Manupac and Zacaria Sindantoc, Liga ng mga Barangay President Dante Maulana, ATI Director Sergio Andolero, and Municipal Agriculturist Henry Failma. (DA9, GCC/ PIA9-Pagadian City)

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“PNP MisOr No.1 in E.O. 817 Campaign…”Patrimonio Says.

By PJTremedal

San Martin, Villanueva, Mis Or – This is the statement of PNP Provincial Director P/SSUPT Alfredo Patrimonio, DSC of the Misamir Oriental PNP Provincial Office based herein an interview with this ON-LINE News Service.

With the governments campaign on Gun Amnesty pursuant to PGMA’s Executive OrderNo.817 or the Total Gun Amnesty of 2009, the Misamis Oriental PNP Provincial Office under P/SSUPT Patimonio succeeded in its implementation.

As of the first days of the campaign (August) and October 26 (6 days before the deadline on October31) of the 816 un renewed gun license 334 was renewed and on the loose firearms, the PNP provincial office netted 68 to be register, while found in the ”drop boxes” 26 FA’s in the 25 PNP Municipal Station and with the judiciary Entity 104 firearms used where recovered and renewed.

“We are number one in the campaign and we are also number one in PNP accomplishment in Peace and Order.” P/SSUPT Patrimonio said.

In his two quarters (Jan-October)official report to the Region’s PNP Directorate under PNP-RO 10. P/CSUPT Danilo Empedrad, the Misamis Oriental PNP Provincial Office has proven its police work with the 25 municipalities under the command a 200 percent accomplishment in Arresting wanted person 288, against illegal drugs apprehension of 35 suspects, and now filed with appropriate cases.

In Illegal gambling, the command arrested 49,while in the campaign against illegal position of FA’s 44 and in the campaign against illegal fishing the PNP provincial office apprehended 12 illegal fishermen with their fishing equipments .and in the anti-carnapping campaign,16 vehicles were recovered.

“Strategy in implementing such campaigns needs an honest approach to the community, I personally talked with the Association of Barangay Chairman (ABC), and the League of Mayors (25 municipalities) to help their police, with the community helping us we cannot do it that’s why, We are number one in its implementation and accomplishments.” He said.

Meantime, the Police Provincial Chief appealed to avail the last days of the gun amnesty.

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MisOR Sungay-Sinalac Road Opened

By PJTremedal

Laguindingan, Mis Or – Governor Oscar Moreno who initiated a monumental road project tin his province recently opened the most exciting road network in the province of Misamis Oriental rising in a 32,000 above sea level mountain along the Alubijid-Initao ranges.

Said new road route traverse the mountains of Sungay, Alubijid and Sinalac,Initao. A seven (7) kilometer all weather road that cost the province to at least 8-Million fuel expense as it was by administration project for two years.

“If this will be bidded and programmed by a private contractors, definitely it will costs the province 40-45 million.” Governor Moreno said.

With his support group, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan head by Vice Governor Norris Babiera and a few Board Members, SP Caina, Actub, Mugot, Sabal, Bade and Ayunting was also welcome by the two Barangays government of Sungay and Sinalac together with the barangay folks who walks past the new road to the inauguration and turn-over ceremonies of the new road network.

This is not the first time that the provincial government of Misamis Oriental initiated the road project of the provincial government. the first one during the first days of the Moreno-Babiera administration was in Lantad, a former CPP-NPA guerilla stronghold.

“ The employees of the provincial government was the first to conquer an NPA stronghold without firing a bullet, this we called government to came to the people” Governor Moreno added.

“Sungay,Alubijid- Sinalac,Initao road network will surely help the economic activity of the community, to recall, mountain route were used by the people with their agricultural products on horseback was the means of transporting but now, truck and jeep can pass the new road.” Engr Jimmy Caina said. SP Caina is called “MR.Infrastructure “ in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“And this is teamwork,” Governor Moreno ended.

To achieved peace, economic stability, and development must be guided by teamwork between its leadership for the benefit of its people and the whole community.

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Uy Wants Changes; environmentally

By PJTremedal

Cagayan de Oro City-With his political will as a former Barangay Chairman of Carmen,Cagayan de Oro before representing the people in District1 before the hall of Congress, Congressman Rolando “Klarex” Uy wants some changes in governance.

One concern is the environment, that’s why he did not said “No” to the XU- Cross Swords in organizing a shoot Fest in his favor as a patron. The said shoot fest is a way for the Cross Swords to generate funds for the creation of a Search and Rescue Group that will help Cagayanons in case of man-made or natural calamities.

In the “Shooters Night” at Cucina de Oro after the first day of the shootfest, Congressman Uy who came as one of the guest, said in his message that in helping the CrossSwords in its community work is not only helping them but helping Cagayanons especially in his district in times of trouble especially disasters or calamities.

“ This is organization is the vanguard of life and properties, they should be help and supported in their endeavors, “He said.

As an environmentalist and protector of his constituents, then as a Barangay Chairman, his governance focused on environment and created Carmen Rescue Group that helps in disasters or calamities that affects their community. As a “Gawad Kalasag ‘ awardee for three consecutive years, Barangay Carmen becomes a hall of famer of the National Disaster Coordinating Council Gawad Kalasag (Barangay Level)as in the implementation of the Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council .in 2006,2007,and 2008.

Congressman Uy farther said that in his capacity as a representative of his people in Congress, he will personally indorse to the NDCC, that CrossSwords should be accredited as an organization of responsible people protecting life and properties.

XU-Cross Swords is fraternal brotherhood of active and former ROTC Alumni of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro organized in 1974. Cross Swords was founded thru the initiative of MGen Alfredo Cayton, CG 6^th Infantry Division. General Cayton is an alumnus of XU- ROTC Unit.

Last October 24-25 the organization hosted the 1^st Klarex Uy Cup Shoot Fest held at the NMPSA Firing Range in Camaman-an to generate funds for two community projects, namely conservation of Cagayan de Oro Watershed and creation of an Search and Rescue Unit.

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XU-Cross Swords hosts Shoot fest

By PJTremedal

Cagayan de Oro City – Hosted by the Xavier University’s CROSS SWORD the 1^st Klarex Uy Cup Shoot Fest will commence tomorrow (October 24) at the Northern Mindanao Practical Shooting Association firing range in Camaman-an this city.

As host, CROSS SWORD when organized by a group of active ROTC cadet Officers in 1974 there mission is to assist cadets enrolled in the university. But as it grows into a brotherhood of men to fulfill its vision thru Duty, Loyalty and Honor, members now professionals, businessmen again envision to be a socio-civic organization dedicated to the development of man, with sincere belief that adequate civil-military training and proper leadership development contribute to the well being and progress of the Filipinos as people.

The hosting of the shoot fest is

aimed to generate funds to support the preservation of the Cagayan de Oro watershed and its rivers and with the calamities experience last January 2009 and this years rampage of typhoon “Ondoy and Peping, not to mention Ramils after effect”)in the NCR and Luzon, CROSS SWORD’s wanted to create and establish a Search and Rescue Unit to be able to participate and coordinate with the City’s Disaster Coordinating Council and propagate disaster preparedness.

“Yes, for the last 35 years of our organization, we have come to mind that creating this Search and Rescue, CROSS SWORD can serve better.” Emmanuel deC. Gorra said.

Gorra is the incumbent Commander of the XU-CROSS SWORD Fraternal Brotherhood who give a press conference with the Cagayan de Oro Press Club this week together with the other officers and members of the organizations.

In the 1^st Klarex Uy Cup shoot fest, the good congressman of the 1^st District of Cagayan de oro as a patron said that with its 35^th anniversary, CROSS SWORD actively participates in nation building because development is not government’s concern alone but should be a product of the cohesive efforts of all sector of the community.

“I pray that this activity would mark a fruitful partnership with this representation and the gallant members of this organization for the true development of the community we pledge to serve” Congressman Uy said.

As part of the shoot fest, Event Manager Greg Macabudbod (Vice Commander of the CROSS SWORD) confirmed that the description of the shoot fest is the PPSA Level- 1 Sanctioned Match with 5 handguns Stages (103 rounds), Range master is professor Jessie B. Salon while match Director is the Commander himself and the Range Warden is Jesus “Boyet” Yamut Jr. and will run on October 24-25 at the NMPSA Firing Range in Camaman-an, this city.

Further, Macabudbod said that as income generating project of the CROSS SWORD for their two valuable project, registration fees are encourage, Executives will pay as much as 700, Regulars is 600, and the AFP/PNP members is 300 each.

“ this competition aims to generate funds to support the conservation of the Cagayan de Oro watershed and the creation of a search and rescue unit which will enhance the readiness to respond to natural or man-made disaster or calamities,” Macabudbod said.

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CMC-TF Sinnott Appeals…

Pagadian City - Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Governor Aurora Enerio Cerilles appeals that every information regarding Fr. Michael Sinnott’s abduction must come from the Crisis Management Committee (CMC).

In a press conference, Gov. Cerilles pointed out one report stating that Pagadian Bishop Msgr. Emmanuel Cabajar is said to be the negotiator to the abductors. “Msgr. Cabajar is only to facilitate delivery of medicines s of Fr. Sinnott,” she corrected.

“We don’t want to confuse the people. Everything must come from the Crisis Management Committee,” the governor said. She added that CMC convenes every other day to discuss updates on the situation.

CMC member Major General Romeo Lustestica, commanding general of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, also admitted to have received reports and updates on the situation from various agencies. “It is very difficult to take action on unverified and unconfirmed reports. We
must be sure about the information because the life of Fr. Sinnott is
at stake,” he said.

The governor confessed that, “this is one case that’s difficult to
solve”. Governor Cerilles added that the Crisis Management Committee has no contact with the abductors of the kidnapped Irish priest.

Cerilles strongly appeals to the abductors of Fr. Sinnott to allow delivery of his medicines.

The provincial government has distributed 10,000 flyers in the province, and in the coastal areas of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur purposely to establish contact with the abductors and pave the way for the timely delivery of medicines to Fr. Sinnott, who has undergone a quadruple heart by-pass operation.

The governor offered her personal mobile number as hotline for the delivery of Fr. Sinnott’s medicines, which is the immediate concern of the Crisis Management Committee (PIA9-Pagadian City)

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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Mining Affected Areas Eviction should End

By Mei Orias

Amnesty International Philippines (AIPh) strongly condemns the violent evictions of the residents of Lower Dinaoyan, Barangay Didipio in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya at dawn immediately after the onslaught of Ondoy and prior to typhoon Pepeng on October 1.

“The continued violation of the rights to housing, security of person and protection from being forcedly evicted of the people of Kasibu and many others belonging to indigenous groups is absolutely unacceptable. Amnesty International Philippines condemns the violent eviction and the deeply flawed process that led to it,” said AIPh Section Director, Dr. Aurora Parong.

Didipio is a mine-rich area located at the northern provinces of the Philippines. Reports gathered by the Commission on Human Rights show that as early as 2007, there had been alleged demolition of houses of indigenous peoples and checkpoints installed by a mining company within the barangay are restricting peoples’ movements. According to Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), over 100 indigenous families have already been forcedly evicted since the operation of the mining company in the area.

According to Amnesty International’s Global Campaign to Demand Dignity, forced evictions are evictions which are carried out without adequate procedural and legal safeguards, such as adequate notice, prior consultation with those affected, provision of legal remedies and adequate alternative accommodation.

“Under international law, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural rights (ICESCR), the Philippine government is prohibited from carrying out forced evictions, and must protect people from forced evictions. The case of the indigenous peoples of Kasibu is in no way different from what is happening in other parts of the country which are justified in the name of development. The right to development cannot be used as an excuse to violate other human rights. The government must intervene now and take all necessary measures, including the adoption of laws and policies that comply with international human rights law, to prohibit and prevent forced evictions. People will not stand by as their homes are illegally destroyed by their government.” Concluded Parong.

Amnesty International’s Demand Dignity campaign aims to end the human rights violations that drive and deepen global poverty. The campaign will mobilize people all over the world to demand that governments, big corporations and others who have power must listen to the voices of those living in poverty and recognize and protect their rights. October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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Chieftains indorsed MGB 10 New Chief

By PJTremedal

Cagayan de Oro City – A SEC registered association of the Higaonon Tribe in Cagayan de Oro City recently indorsed their support and acknowledgment and welcomes the newly installed Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau Chief, Engr. Dario Miñoza as the Regional Director.

Said tribal chieftains and other core members of the Nasubawan Ho Higaonon Ta Kagayhaan (NAHIKA) Inc. comprises of eleven (11) hinterland barangays thru a letter to the Honorable Lito Atienza, DENR Secretary indorse an official letter of recognition of the re-installation of RD Miñoza.

Accordingly, a poison letter hit the MGB corridors in the region inciting for the ouster of the comebacking of RD Miñoza for alledged misconducts and other negatives accusations from a ghost sender however this alledge accusations and negative gestures are being ignore by RD Miñoza.

Because of such allegations and negative gestures NAHIKA official write the DENR Secretary manifesting their support and welcoming back the MGB Chief. Nahika even approach media people to publicly pusblished their manifesto of support to the Regional Director citing their notable traits why they like RD Miñoza, to quote from the letter address to Secretary Atienza dated October 9 2009;

1. Since his assumption as the Regional Director, Nahika had been a witness of the Directors impartiality in dealing with the public and his clients especially the lumads of Northern Mindanao. This is so because there are four (4) holders or applicants of Exploration Permit aside from small scale mining permitttees/applicants within the areas covered by our ancestral domain claim of which we are or have been active participants in whatever consultative meetings between these entities and our association under the auspices of the MGB-10; and

2. We have no knowledge of any ill-doing being committed by Engr. Miñoza and have also known him to be a person of integrity.

Said letter was signed by the eleven Chieftains namely, Fidel Bisoy”Datu Ontong” of Dansolihon, Fausto Orasan “Datu”Sandigan” of Pigsag-an, Orlando Cabaring “Datu Pamaloy” of Tignapoloan, Arsenio Magay “Datu Balaisan” of Besigan, Roger Butlig “Datu Makabulig” of Lumbia, Rosalino Manlinombay “Datu Agio” of Pagalungan, Perfecto Buyatac “Datu Mahusay” of Tagpangi, Leo Granada ‘Datu Taglimao of Taglimao, Roel Villaverde “Datu” Kasaligan” of Tuburan, Cecilio Dagsaan “Datu Balanakan” of Tumpagon and Lando Bahian “Datu Hiwalan” of San Simon.

Fidel Bisoy (Datu Ontong), who had been very vocal in their support to the Regional Director said that, We have no knowledge on illegal doings, corruption, or anything bad against his work or rather witness a wrong doings committed by him, we know him as a person of integrity, and deliver what his job has to do especially on mining issues and we witness his effectiveness in delivering what a government unit should do to the public and his attitude towards us the Lumads of Northern Mindanao.” Datu Ontong said.

With the letter to the Secretary , NAHIKA also hopes that government institutions thru their responsible leaders and managers like the NCIP, Local Government unit of Cagayan de Oro, and other NGA’s will do their best to address our needs, especially the Lumads and their ancestral domain claims that had been for a long time neglected.

Further, Datu Ontong adds that with Regional Director Miñoza, they foresee a responsible and respectable implementation of mining laws, rules and regulations.

RD Miñoza assumed as the new RD for the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau- Region 10 from the former MGB Chief John Manzano last September this year after almost a year of absence due to reassignment.

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
CALL OR TEXT ME : 0929-589-6390
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