‘Pista ng Nayon’ in Quezon, Bukidnon 46th Araw

QUEZON, Bukidnon – All of the 31 barangays of this municipality will turn out in full force with their display booths in the Pista ng Nayon, one of the major activities in the June 12 to 18 celebration of Quezon’s 46th founding anniversary, said municipal tourism coordinator Judith Las Piñas.
It is all systems go, said Mayor Gregorio Lloren Gue who assured success of the annual celebration.
Mayor Gue and his First Lady Carmen Capistrano Gue are deeply involved with the various committees set up to plan out the event that is being marketed by Quezon as a tourist attraction.

A DURIAN POST SPECIAL on the 2011 Sunggod ta Kamanga tribal and cultural annual festival of Quezon which has emerged as a top tourist destination of Bukidnon

300 indigents served in LMP-Bukidnon medical mission

    LANTAPAN, Bukidnon – About 300 people mostly indigents benefitted from a free medical mission organized by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bukidnon Chapter which held a meeting here on May 18.
Lantapan Mayor Godofredo I. Balansag thanked LMP for choosing his town for the 5th LMP meeting and for helping the underprivileged with the medical mission that offered free dental services, check-ups and medicines.
The medical mission and distribution of food aid are regular programs that LMP would bring to the poor in towns hosting the LMP meeting to bring government closer to the people especially the poor, said Dangcagan Mayor and LMP Treasurer Edilberto F. Ayuban said. MEL VELEZ

Bukidnon LMP to patch up Zubiri-Calingasan rift

  
BY MEL VELEZ

LANTAPAN, bUKIDNON- Members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bukidnon Chapter are gunning for political peace, a year ahead of the 2013 elections.
During its meeting here on May 18, municipal mayors intensively discussed the internal political conflict between Vice Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri and Gov. Alex Calingasan and offered help in mediating in the rift.
The mayors were Nenita M. Suyao (Kalilangan), Romeo P. Tiongco (Damulog), Rey B. Baula (Sumilao), Godofredo I. Balansag (Lantapan), Joelito J. Talaid (Kadingilan), Aida B. dela Rosa (Malitbog), Edilberto F. Ayuban (Dangcagan), Alice P. Resus (Maramag), Pedro R. Alvarez (Baungon), Rogelio N. Quiño (Manolo Fortich), Manolito G. Garces (Pangantucan), Nestor B. Macapayag (Talakag), Rogelio C. Castillanes (Cabanglasan), Mario T. Okinlay (Impasug-ong), Laurencia S. Edma (San Fernando), Felix S. Manzano (Don Carlos), Rodito B. Rafisura (Kitaotao), Ignacio W. Zubiri (Malaybalay City) and Osmundo dela Rosa (President Emeritus).

BUKIDNON MAYORS – (sitting): Godofredo I. Balansag (Lantapan), Nenita M. Suyao (Kalilangan), Alice P. Resus (Maramag). Standing-right: Manolito G. Garces (Pangantucan), Rogelio C. Castillanes (Cabanglasan), Rodito B. Rafisura (Kitaotao), Aida dela Rosa (Malitbog), Laurencia S. Edma (San Fernando), Rey B. Baula (Sumilao), Joelito J. Talaid (Kadingilan), Nestor B. Macapayag (Talakag), Romeo P. Tiongco (Damulog), Edilberto F. Ayuban (Dangcagan). Photo by MELVELEZ 

In the meeting, LMP approved a resolution asking Department of Interior and Local Government Jessie Robredo to defer implementation of installing Indigenous People mandatory representation in the local government units in the province pending resolutions of issues raised before the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) by some LGUs including the process of selection.
DILG provincial director Ronelo Alvarez offered to discuss the issues with Sec. Robredo who would be arriving in June.
The LMP members also expressed their support to the appointment of Judge Emirita Panganiban-Gamboa as Regional Trial Court Judge, and appreciation to Lantapan local government for hosting the 5th LMP meeting.
Kalilangan Mayor and LMP President Nenita M. Suyao lauded efforts by Lantapan officials for the town’s progress, and announced the availability of funds under Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) from Senator Francis Escudero worth P500,000 for each municipality.

P22 million new infras to perk up Dangcagan, Quezon business climate

By MEL N. VELEZ

DANGCAGAN, Bukidnon – Three new major infra projects that will propel its economic development and enterprise activities were finally opened to the public after Bukidnon Vice Governor Jose Maria R. Zubiri Jr. formally led the ribbon cutting ceremony and inauguration with Dangcagan Mayor Edilberto F. Ayuban along with town and barangay officials andconstituents on Sunday morning of April 29, 2012.
The P22 million infra projects  are products of joint collaboration efforts by the provincial government through Vice Governor Zubiri Jr. when he was then the Governor, former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri,  3rddistrict Congressman Joey Zubiri and LGU Dangcagan officials.
The projects are the modern transport terminal, wet market and food court.
Dangcagan in the 3rd district of the  province has changed its physical image into an economic miracle and the modern edifices are contributing factosr in opening the doorways for it to become an economic hub.
The new terminal is P5.5 million funded by provincial government with LGU counterpart of P.5 million; the wet market has an allocation of P10 million; the P6.5 million food courts were funded by the provincial government and former Senator Juan Miguel  and Congressman Zubiri.
Vice Governor Zubiri said the projects were  dreams come true, and hoped that through his efforts and that of the LGUs, other municipalities will have its own project development like Dangcagan.
Zubiri asked the Dangcaganons to support the present local administration so that more projects and government programs would come.
A P2.5 million fund for additional market stalls for local entrepreneurs was pledged by Zubiri.

Mayor Edilberto Ayuban expressed his sincere gratitude to the Zubiris who are  instruments in making Dangcagan a progressive town.
‘’We have succeeded so far due to the thrust and confidence of the people, which should be reciprocated with good governance and performance’’, Ayuban added.
Vice Mayor Fruto Dandasan Jr. also expressed his big thanks to the Zubiris , who in one way or another helped transform the town into a progressive landscape with government projects.
A  turn-over of key of responsibility was out handed by Vice Governor Zubiri to Mayor Ayuban and passed on to market administrator AngelitaCabudoy, market vendors association president Albert Palomilo and Olive Lepien-market inspector. Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Gordon Torres, Marivic Montesclaros, municipal councilors and department heads  witnessed the symbolic rite.
Zubiri is also an instrument in the realization of the P5.5 million market stalls with LGU responding with equity to improve the lot of small scale entrepreneurs.

Zubiri calls for unity vs. power crisis at FIBECO 30th General Assembly

The First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc., a leading distribution utility (DU) in the province marked another milestone with successful holding of its 30th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA).

Keynote speaker Vice Governor Jose Maria R. Zubiri Jr. strongly urged the 1,600 electric consumer-participants as well the FIBECO officials and associates to unite in facing the looming power crisis in Mindanao.

Member- consumers satisfaction as well as stakeholders appreciation of a job well done were the colors of the assembly day on April 29 at Dangcagan municipal gymnasium.
The AGMA was themed “ Affordable and Reliable Access to Power – Our Dream, Our Decision.”
Zubiri, whose advocacy is “No to Privatization” of state-owned Pulangui IV and Agus 1 hydro complexes, called people to unite and not be dictated by national people on a move for two Mindanao’s hydro power generation plants to be privatized.
Zubiri fears possible power rate hike once the two power plants will be privatized and sold to investors whose aim is to gain profit and not provide public service.
Recent reports say  EPIRA law will be amended in a move said ro be inspired by Malacañang officials,
Pulangui IV have 255MW capacity but is experiencing a rough estimate of 50% power deficiency due to siltation. The national government intends a 7.5-billion fund to rehabilitate hydro power plants in the island including the 20 year old National Power Corporation (NPC) hydro plant in the province.
The Vice Governor said a committee is on the track in aiding the national government in the NPC’s Pulangui IV desiltation plan.
FIBECO General Manager Renato S. Cortezano delivered a joint management and board of directors comprehensive annual report, covering the three major core businesses – technical and engineering services, financial and other support services, and the institutional and customer development programs.
With the 200MW Mindanao’s power deficit and Pulangui IV’s 32 million cubic meter silt at river basins, Engr. Cortezano said FIBECO still has capability to deliver by adopting mitigating measures to address the pressing concerns and its forecasted power demand in the years to come.
The 115 thousand to date member-consumers are enjoying a “no power rotation” within the FIBECO coverage area, in spite of National Grid Corporation of the Philippine (NGCP-Mindanao Grid) advisories to curtail power loads of electric coops in Mindanao.
Engr. Cortezano said power acquisition by 6-7MW of Crystal Sugar Milling Co. Inc. have eased down power supply source problem, adding the 3.2MW diesel feed power facility by King Energy Inc. at Puntian, Quezon town is also a great help for FIBECO to meet consumers’ demand.
Yhe FIBECO power purchase contract with NPC/PSALM will expire by year 2015 but even the said power authority agencies will suply 23MW upon its renewal, and FIBECO will still have enough power source.
To increase future power source FIBECO’s thrust is to establish mini-hydro plants and bio-mass that  can even supply power demand in other parts of Mindanao.
FIBECO, which is consistent in A+ category for 5 years, has surpassed its President Benigno Aquino’s sitio  electrification program. About 48 sitios have already been fully energized.

Bukidnon mayors hold LMP meeting

BY MEL VELEZ

MARAMAG, Bukidnon–Excitement and smiles of happiness loaded with gratefulness were the order of the day in that unforgettable moment of April  27, 2012.
One hundred less privileged people of this town benefited from the distribution of 10 kilos of rice, assorted can goods and groceries items

 It was through the efforts of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bukidnon Chapter , that the 100 Maramag indigents as identified by Social Welfare and Development Office took relief for a day from looking for food for the family table.
LMP treasurer  and Dangcagan Mayor Edilberto F. Ayuban said that it is the Bukidnon mayors’  passion to bring the gift of love to the poor of the municipalities  where the LMP holds its monthly regular meeting.
Joining the distributions is Vice Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr who extended cash assistance,  along with 14 chief executives, witnessed by national and local officials as well employees.
Maramag Mayor Alice Paulican-Resus expressed  gratitude for her town being chosen as a venue of the monthly forum, adding that medical mission, literacy and other form of interventions will be served throughout Bukidnon LGU’s where the LMP meeting is held.
On her part, Kalilangan Mayor and LMP Bukidnon president Nenita M. Suyao were amazed by Maramag town’s  achievements and fast growing economic development and progress. Its  good that we can learn other best  practices that other LGU’s have in the process of helping build its perspective and future plan, Suyao added.
She challenged other chief executives in striving for development with the support from the provincial government and with Maramag considered as a town model.
LMP Bukidnon is battling to reduce rabies infection, to support the unreleased P500 billion internal revenue allotment, advocate its poverty reduction anchored on the  national program of Millennium  Development Goal (MGD) and health advocacy.
In plenary, the chapter approved 3 resolutions: request of two units PNP patrol vehicles for Regional Public Safety Battalion Maneuver to 3rd Congressman Joey Zubiri at Don Carlos; Senate and Congress authorization to declare local holidays in respective localities during big events or non-working holidays; and prior consultation of provincial legislators to respective LGU officials on legislations and policies before they are implemented.
Chief executives filling up the attendance in quorum  were; Godofredo I. Balansag (Lantapan), Minerva C. Casinabe (Kibawe), Nenita M. Suyao (Kalilangan), Edilberto F. Ayuban (Dangcagan), Alice Paulican-Resus (Maramag), Felix S. Manzano (Don Carlos), Rodito B. Rafisura (Kitaotao), Gregorio LlorenGue (Quezon), Pedro R. Alvarez (Baungon) Aida B. dela Rosa (Malitbog), Manolito G. Garces (Pangantucan), Rogelio C. Castillanes (Cabanglasan), Laurencia S. Edma (San Fernando), and Valencia City Mayor Leandro Jose H. Catarata.

FIRST BUKIDNON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (FIBECO) 2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY – APRIL 29, 2012

SUNGGOD TA KAMANGA – BUKIDNON TRIBAL FESTIVAL 2012 – DURIAN POST NO. 96 FEATURED AD

2011 DURIAN POST AD

SUNGGOD TA KAMANGA — a fESTIVAL OF rITUALS

by MEL VELEZ
QUEZON, Bukidnon – Sunggod Ta Kamanga, a unique festival of custom and tradition of the Manobo tribes, the original settlers of this town marks another milestone in cultural history after successfully showcasing its 3 day ethnic activities and presentations.
It is an annual gathering where different rituals depicted by Manobos (Pulanguihon), impresses the uniqueness of their culture that has been fully recognized by Local Government Unit (LGU) of Quezon.
Sunggod Ta Kama is listed in by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as among the country’s must see festivals.
Mayor Gregorio Lloren Gue who’s behind the creation of tribal federations in Quezon and adopted as Datu Makapukaw, threw his all out support for the 3-day series of activities.
He vowed to continue the festival for the preservation and welfare of the lumads.
He encouraged the Manobo parents to send
their children to school for educational upliftment.
Gue has established an elementary school in Apyao, Barangay Butong, where majority of residents are Manobos.
He announced the ongoing construction of 8 high school classrooms as extension in the same area in collaboration with LGU Quezon and private institutional group, where millions of pesos have been poured for educational program.
Gue’s and scholarship program for the lumads with monthly cash allowance is a continuing and growing project.
Education is a great factor to achieve the young people’s dream, specially the lumads, Gue said.
Central Mindanao University (CMU) Physiology, Sociology and Anthropology students along with their professors make documentations, in line with this year’s festival theme: Preservation, Recognition and Promotion of Manobo Culture and Tradition.

Bukidnon farmers crying over low sugar buying price

BY MEL VELEZ

VALENCIA City – Sugar is sweet but Bukidnon sugar farmers are having sour faces unhappy over severe drop in sugar price this milling season.
A prominent farmer said this crop year was not profitable, with price down to 50 percent against last year’s.
Associated Bukidnon Sugar Planters Inc. (ABSFI) Operation Manager Art Balagulan said the drop in price was due to low demand and competition from sugar from India and Thailand.
Current mill gate price is P1,270  (raw sugar LKG) against last year of P2,400.