Broadcaster Threatened In Southern Philippines

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 27, 2010) - The International Federation of Journalists has called on Philippine authorities to take immediate action to investigate death threats against Manny Agustero, of dxIF-Bombo Radyo, in Cagayan de Oro in northern Mindanao.

The media watch dog said Agustero received four calls on the evening of October 20, after an on-air discussion about alleged illegal gambling operations on October 18, in which he reported that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office had complained to the city council over the alleged proliferation of illegal lottery outlets.(Merlyn Manos)

Cagayan de Oro to host gov't, private sector confab

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 20, 2010) - The City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan de Oro, in northern Mindanao is hosting the “1st Government-Private Sector Conference on Our Country’s Economic Prospects Under the Aquino Administration” is all set on November 18 at the Xavier Sports and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City.

Organized in cooperation with the Department on Interior and Local Government under regional director Loreto Bhagwani and the Oro Chamber of Commerce, this event hopes to gather the region’s 94 mayors and 5 governors and around 100 business leaders to listen to noted economist and Harvard-trained Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Senior Vice-President and Dean of the School of Economics of the University of Asia and the Pacific, speak on the shift in global economic power away from the developed economies to the emerging markets.

In the process, Dr. Villegas is expected to show the implications this shift has on the Philippine economy, how the Aquino administration, with its emphasis on good governance, is our best chance to finally claim our place among the N-11 countries, the eleven countries identified by Goldman Sachs as the next emerging economic powers after Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and what the mayors and governors, working with the private sector, could do to help make this forecast a reality.

In other words, this is really an attempt—not only to prepare in case the Goldman Sachs prediction happens—but more so to make sure the prediction happens, and, if possible, to hasten its materialization by focusing attention to the need for a deliberate and systematic identification of opportunities, setting of goals, and charting the course that will secure these goals.

This activity is focusing on mayors and business leaders because more will be accomplished were these two to work hand-in-hand than were the two to work independently, for, indeed, it is the private sector who’ll take care of the investment and management, and the government sector of the infrastructure and incentives, a powerful combination if done properly.

No less than President Aquino appreciates this, that’s probably why he is batting for closer collaboration between the private sector and the government.

This is the reason why Dr. Villegas will have with him Dr. Rolando Dy, Executive Director of the Center for Food and Agribusiness of the University of Asia and the Pacific, one of the country’s foremost experts on agri-business to give inputs and to answer questions pertaining to agri-business, one area which promises to be a driving force behind any economic surge, and which Mindanao holds so much promise of.

This conference is being initiated by A Brown Co Inc as part of its corporate social responsibility. A Brown is the developer of Xavier Estates, TeakwoodHills, Valencia Estates in Valencia City, Bukidnon, and West Highlands in Butuan City.

A Brown acknowledges the key support of the Director Bhagwani and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation in making this conference possible. (Abraham Llera)

Mindanao reporter gets death threats

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 12, 2010) — Death threats are not uncommon to members of the fourth estate, who even “wear it on their sleeves” as a badge of honor.But when these threats become serious, journalists also quake and quiver, given that they, like all human beings, also want self-preservation.

This is what happened to Jigger Jerusalem, a journalist writing for the Mindanao Gold Star Daily based in Cagayan de Oro City, who disclosed that he received death threats in his email twice already from someone who uses the email address alfredleron@yahoo.com.

Jerusalem said that per the threat of “Alfred Leron,” his days “are already numbered.”

“Mr. Jigger Jerusalem, 39 years old, a resident of Purok 5, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro, a news reporter of the city. Man, if you still consider your life important, my appeal is that I would not want to see your face here in Cagayan de Oro anymore, that’s if you still value your life. You can choose among your feet or hands for me to disable,” read part of Leron’s email to Jerusalem on October 7.

“You don’t know who you are up against. A month or two? Think twice if you don’t want others to be implicated. Leave Cagayan de Oro. Bear in mind what I said. Consider this a warning and start counting starting today,” the email continued.

But Jerusalem said he cannot recall having written something that will ignite the anger of someone to the point of killing him.

“I don't know who this person is and I'm sure that this is just an alias. He failed to mention any issue or story that I might have written about that has a connection to the death threat,” he said.

Jerusalem said he is now taking precautions since last October 9 he received another email from the same person.

“Regret always comes last so better think. Have you already started counting your days? Don’t wait for the time to come. The decision is yours,” the email said.

Jerusalem already alerted the police about the threats.

The National Union of Journalist of the Philippines, of which Jerusalem is a safety instructor and officer for Mindanao, is already aware of the threats to one of its officers and have taken the necessary steps to protect him, said NUJP-Mindanao Coordinator JB Deveza.

NUJP Mindanao said the threats “constitute an assault not only to Mr. Jerusalem but also to press freedom as these threats are clearly meant to influence, if not stifle, critical reporting which Mr. Jerusalem, as a member of the press, is only duty-bound to do.

Lawyer Santiago Goking, president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, said he will talk with Jerusalem regarding this threats before making a calculated move. (Bong D. Fabe)

Peace education needed in the Philippines

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 16, 2010) — Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma urged educational institutions in the Philippines, most especially those in Mindanao, to integrate peace education in their curriculum to help educate the new generation to pursue peace in light of the decades-old conflict in the southern region.

“We need a change of mindset especially in our understanding of the dignity of the human person, whatever his/her culture or religion and the best way to inculcate this on the younger generation is through the educational system,” he said.

Ledesma, a known peace advocate and peacebuilder, also urged the government-run Department of Education to develop a “peace curriculum” for all public schools from primary to college as a way of preparing students to become peacebuilders.

"This is very important so that we can spread this especially in the schools that the process of creating a culture of peace starts not only with the negotiating peace panels but in the community,” he said. (Bong Fabe)

Welcome to Cagayan de Oro’s Kumbira 2010!

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines - Chef Benji’s face was a study in deep thought as he sat on his chair for two hours now, alternately hunched on the table, both arms supporting his head, or feverishly scribbling on his notebook, the tattered copy of his beloved Larousse Gastronomique in front of him.

“This has got to be good,” he mumbled to no one in particular - his loss last year on a time technicality still fresh on his mind — oblivious to the loud barking of neighbors’ dogs which shattered the stillness of the night.

It was past midnight when Chef Benji finally sidled up to his wife in bed, his mind on the crème de la crème of Cagayan de Oro’s hotels and restaurants who’ll see action during the Chef Wars of the much-awaited Kumbira 2010.

“Kumbira, here I come.”

The 14th Kumbira 2010 opens on August 18 as it has done in August every year since 1996. Like the city fiesta, Kumbira has become an event eagerly awaited not only by city residents but by people from neighboring cities as well, especially HRM students and hotel and restaurant staff, as evidenced by the busloads of students from all over who make their annual pilgrimage to Cagayan de Oro to see, quite literally, what’s cooking.

This year’s guests will form a bee line to Limketkai, where, for three days, professional chefs from the city’s hotels and restaurants, and aspiring chefs from schools all over will showcase the finest of their craft, the event brightened by a constellation of stars of the Philippine culinary scene who will act as judges - Norbert Gandler (International School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management/multi-awarded chef); international awardee cake stylist Penk Tan; Myrna Segismundo (restaurateur, cookbook author, TV chef).

And Ed Tuazon (Executive Chef - Marco Polo Davao); Dietmar Dietrich (Belcris Foods); Jill Sandique (Senior Trainor - USDA); Carsten Radke (La Vetta Restaurant); Colin Mackay (People's Palace); Michaela Makabenta (FOOD Magazine); Glenda Baretto (Via Mare Group of Restaurants); Jessie Sincioco (Le Soufflé/Rockwell Club); and Sandy Daza (Chef and Food Writer/Columnist), among others.

The professional live competition will have the following: Watermelon and Squash Carving; Bamboo Floral Buffet Centerpiece; Kagay-an Ham Sandwich and Salad; Kumbira Team Challenge; and the climax Chef Wars. The display competition includes the following: Gourmet Cold Buffet Challenge; Artistic Bread Showpiece; Piña Pie; Plated Appetizer; Bridal Cake Decorating. The service competition will have Flair Bar tending.

The student live competition will feature the following: Watermelon and Squash Carving; Banana Floral Buffet Centerpiece; Cashew Dessert; Kagay-an Ham Sandwich and Salad; and Kumbira Team Challenge. The display competition will include: Fiesta Buffet Table setting; Artistic Bread Showpiece; Set Menu; Baptismal Cake Decorating. The service competition includes Flair Bartending-Tandem; and On-The-Spot-Bed setting. The students will also have their Chef Wars.

Seminars, cooking demonstrations, and food sampling will also be held. As always, a trade exhibit featuring hotel and restaurant equipment, supplies, services, food and beverage items will also be held.

COHARA was organized in 1996 with 8 members. Today it has a strong cohesive membership of 28 hotels, 12 restaurants, 60 associate and 4 allied members.

Its officers for 2010-2011 are President Joanna Cris L. Yu, of Bigby’s Café; VP-Hotels Alexis Chaves of Cha-Li Beach Resort; VP-Restaurant Joe L. Almodobar of Xavier Sports & Country Club; Secretary Alex Podador of Pryce Plaza ; Treasurer Blanquita C. Marco of Casa Crystalla; PRO Jeffrey Ang of Max’s Restaurant.

The Board of Directors are Bong Pelaez of Duka Bay Resort; Edward Ian Ang of Hotel Conchita; Eileen San Juan of VIP Hotel; Josy Aliñabon of La Ilongga Restaurant; Juvy Gontinias of Basamanggas Resort & Restaurant; Russel Awat of Kagay-anon Restaurant; Honorary Member Decius Esmedalla of DOT X; Honorary Member Josephine Roque of DOT X; Honorary Member Jocelyn Gordiel-Balbon and Immediate Past President Nelia B. Lee of Dynasty Court Hotel. (Abraham V. Llera)

Church, Journalists Celebrate Press Freedom Week in Mindanao

Monsignor Rey Monsanto together with some Cagayan de Oro City journalists light candles at the foot of the Press Freedom Monument as part of the Eucharistic Celebration Monday, May 23, 2010 signaling the start of the city's celebration of Press Freedom Week. (Photo by Bong Fabe)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 24, 2010) - As the local press community celebrates the 28th Press Freedom Week, the canon lawyer of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro urged journalists to always seek and peddle the truth.

Monsignor Rey Monsanto, also president of the Canon Law Society of the Philippines, said media persons are very influential and thus must be responsible in using this influence for the good of the future generation. “Journalism is very important and reporters are very important because you record the present. But as you record the present you record them for the future because that is precisely what it is, you record them for the future,” he said in his homily during the Monday morning Eucharistic Celebration in Cagayan de Oro City.

This city started celebrating its own Press Freedom Week in 1982 when then Mayor Aquilino Pimentel Jr issued Executive Order 241 declaring every last week of May as Press Freedom Week. That year’s celebration put this city into the annals of journalism as the first city in the entire Philippines to celebrate Press Freedom Week.

Twenty-six years later, in 2008, the Provincial Board of Misamis Oriental passed a resolution declaring the last week of May as Provincial Press Freedom Week.

Spearheaded by the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC), this year’s 28th Press Freedom Week celebration carries the theme “Ang Kamatuoran Naglada og Paglaum Padulong sa Katumanan (Truth Ushers in Hope Towards Fulfillment).”

“If you want fulfillment in your work, if you want fulfillment for society, if you want fulfillment for humanity, then actively seek the truth whatever it may cost,” Monsanto urged the media.

The Eucharistic Celebration was also held in honor of fallen journalists who died in the fulfillment of this sacred duty of journalists. “We hope that they did not die in vain,” Monsanto said, adding: “We know that they did not die in vain if they died for the truth, if they died for what is right.”

According to Monsanto, a confessed journalist by heart, the primary duty of journalists is to “peddle the truth.”

“When we work for the truth, we are actually serving God because God is truth. When we peddle the truth, we are actually following Jesus, praising God in society. In short, we are glorifying God,” he stressed.

“For journalist, there is no other way to give that glory to God but to tell the truth,” he added.

Sadly, because of the state of the press in some communities today, journalists are forced to succumb to temptation of “yellow journalism” and engage in unethical behavior and tell lies for monetary consideration. To those who fell to such temptation, Monsanto simply said: “Be careful about that” as there is no fulfillment in such practices.

He stressed that it is only in serving God “by peddling the truth” that journalists can best serve humanity. “And that is where fulfillment is all
about.”

“We will never have fulfillment in life until we live in truth. As long as we live with a lie in our life, our dreams will never be fulfilled,” he said. “Only the truth will set us free and only the truth will usher in the hope of fulfillment.” (Bong Fabe)

Two suspects in broadcaster slay try surrender in South RP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 9, 2009) – Two suspects in the failed killing of a broadcaster in the southern Philippines have surrendered to the police on Monday, reports said.

Reports said the two men - Felizer Caitor and Bernardo Aguilar – surrendered in Cagayan de Oro City where the radioman Nilo Labares was shot and wounded on Mach 5. RMN said Labares has been declared out of danger.

Labares, who worked for the Radio Mindanao Network, was shot in the body while heading home from work. Police said the attack was connected to his work.

Labares is known to strongly criticize illegal gambling activities in Cagayan de Oro.

Cagayan de Oro Vice Mayor Vicente Emano had ordered the police to take steps to deter further possible attacks on local journalists and given a shoot-to-kill order against Labares’ assailants.

President Gloria Arroyo's spokesman, Cerge Remonde, condemned the shooting and ordered the police to leave no stone unturned to ensure justice is done.

Last month, unidentified gunmen also killed broadcaster Ernie Rollin, of dxSY in Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental province.

Political killings have long been a concern in the Philippines, where about 60 journalists have been slain since 2001, including six last year, making the country one of the world's most dangerous places for reporters.

Government prosecutors earlier this year filed murder charges against a police officer in the August 2008 killing of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network in General Santos City. (Mindanao Examiner)

NUJP ZamBaSulTa condemns attempt on broadcaster's life

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi Chapter is once again alarmed over the growing number of journalists harassed and killed in Mindanao in recent months.

We strongly condemn the latest attempt to kill another journalist on Thursday evening.
Cagayan de Oro broadcaster Nilo Labares of Radio Mindanao Network’s station dxCC was on his way home when he was attacked by armed men, who pulled a trigger on his back, wounding him seriously.

Fortunately, he is now out of danger and recuperating.

The attack on Labares is the second attempt to kill local journalists just this year. On February 28, Ronaldo Doong, a block-time broadcaster, sustained bruises and cuts when he was attacked by two armed men while travelling along the highway in Colorado village in Digos City around 10 a.m.

The recent attack is also the fourth since the death of Badrodin Abas, a block time broadcaster of dxCM in Cotabato City and the secretary general of the United Bangsamoro Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) on January 21. In the other case, Ernesto Rollin, a broadcaster of radio station dxSY - Times Broadcasting Network, in Ozamis City, who was all brutally murdered on February 23.

We urge the authorities to conduct immediate, fair and just investigations in these killings and the attempt to murder journalists. These attacks on journalists constitute an attack against our democratic institutions including the rule of law.

Most of IT students aim to pursue career

LetIThelp President Stephanie Caragos lectures graduating IT students of Capitol University College of Computer Studies on the possible career paths open to them in the IT industry. (Photo by Mike Banos)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines - Most graduating students taking Information Technology courses are aiming to pursue careers in IT upon their graduation. At least in four schools offering IT courses, that is.

This is the gist of the findings of LetIThelp, the corporate social responsibility arm of Syntactics, Inc., one of Cagayan de Oro City’s leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms.

Stephanie Caragos, LetIThelp president, noted how despite underemployment by many IT graduates, most of the graduating batch in four leading IT schools in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities still aim to pursue a career in the IT industry.

“Of the 218 graduating IT students we lectured to, some 83.5% expressed their desire to seek employment in the IT industry,” Caragos said.

Most favored career paths identified by graduating IT students from Capitol University College of Computer Studies, Systems Technology Institute, Mindanao University of Science and Technology and Iligan Capitol College include web design and development, systems analysis and software programming. The lesser favored career paths indicated by the students include content provision writing, QA and SEO.

However, a significant percentage (23.6%) of those who intend to pursue a career in IT remain undecided on what particular IT profession to pursue, although most indicated they were choosing between becoming a web developer, systems analyst, quality analyst (QA), graphic designer and search engine optimizer (SEO).

Christine Redondo-Sevilla, administrator of the CU College of Computer Studies, said a significant percentage of their IT graduates remain underemployed, or are now working in fields not related to IT, like marketing, sales and advertising.

To help address this problem as well as the declining enrollment in IT courses despite increased demand for IT students by domestic BPOs like Syntactics, LetIThelp is conducting free lectures to colleges and universities in Northern Mindanao aimed at further educating graduating IT students to prepare them on the tough life outside the classroom.

Caragos said the program’s main goal is “to help deserving IT graduates who have the passion and dedication to earn and learn at the same time.”

The lectures brief graduating IT students on the possible IT professions they can get into after graduation. The lecture content includes the necessary skills, requirements and qualities of an IT professional that the students must be equipped with to be able to have an edge on the stiff competition from other IT graduates.

LetITHelp was born to answer the need for an organization that could help bridge the gap between IT companies needing skilled team members and fresh graduates needing additional skills to qualify for the IT companies’ requirements.

“Underemployment is one of the challenges for the IT graduates recognized by LetIThelp,” Ms. Caragos said. “These graduates are forced to take jobs that are not in line with their education just so they can start working and help their families.

Through LetITHelp, fresh IT graduates who show passion and dedication in their chosen field of profession will be trained and be equipped with necessary skills giving them the opportunity to land the job that they desire and to earn and learn at the same time.

After the training, these IT graduates will either be absorbed by Syntactics Inc. (the commercial company of LetITHelp) or be recommended to other IT companies in the IT industry.”

LetIThelp.org strives to be a sustainable social enterprise by providing IT services such as web development, Search Engine Optimization and Blog Customization using Wordpress.

Through the revenues generated by the enterprise, more trainees will gain the opportunity to participate in the training program.

LetIThelp is supported by the Youth Social Enterprise Initiative (YSEI) and that of Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP). LetITHelp hopes that this fruitful beginning will eventually lead into fulfilling the organization’s ultimate mission: to help and to give back to society the tangible and intangibles which helped Syntactics grow into what it is today. (Mike Banos)

El Circulo Zamboagueño: 52 Years of Fiesta Pilar in Cagayan de Oro

El Circulo Zamboangueño de Cagayan de Oro is marking this month 52 years of celebrating Fiesta Pilar in honor of the patroness of their hometown.

Jose Nebrao, titular head of the half century old association of families who originated from Zamboanga City, formerly known as "The City of Flowers" but recently restyled as "Asia's Latin City", said the traditional nine-day novena for Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar de Zaragoza, the city's patron saint, starts on October 4.

Following are the host families for the nine-day novena: Paul & Nelvie Paladio, Aluba Subdivision (Oct 4); Jonel & Nanette Bergado, Morning Mist, Pueblo de Oro (Oct. 5); Edwin & Judith Amik, Xavier Estates (Oct. 6); Concon Ignacio, Fernhill Drive, Macasandig (Oct. 7); Raul & Antonietta Rodriguez, Tierra del Oro, Macasandig (Oct. 8); Luis & Dulce Potenciano, Coca Cola Cpd., Aluba (Oct. 9); Francisco & Antonina Montuno, Upper Zone 2, Bulua (Oct. 10) and Atty. Gloria Delgado, Capistrano-Akut sts. (Oct. 11).

Fiesta Pilar Mass will be celebrated at the St. Mary's Academy Chapel (formerly Cathedral High School), Villarin St., Carmen (Oct. 12) at 5:30pm.

As has been traditionally practiced by El Circulo for the past 52 years, a Cena Comunal will follow the celebration of the mass on October 12 at St. Mary's Academy Gym at 6:30 p.m. Circulo members and Zamboangueños can call the following for more details: Josy Aliñabon, tel. (088) 857-3652; Rose Nebrao, tel. (088) 858-1604 or Mae Surem, tel. (088) 856-4405.

All Set For Anti-Terror Summit In Southern Philippines

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 09 Jul) – Security is tight Monday in Cagayan de Oro City where President Gloria Arroyo is to speak on an anti-terrorism summit.

Arroyo would also meet with her Cabinet security cluster in the first leg of public consultations on the Human Security Act (HSA) which is set to take effect on July 15.

Senior Supt. Aurelio Trampe Jr., chief of the local police force, said he placed the entire city on heightened security alert because of the summit at the Pryce Plaza here. “Additional personnel will be deployed in crowded places in the entire city,” said Trampe. “We provided 2nd and 3rd layer security to President Arroyo today.”

The summit is expected to draw leaders and experts in the security field from the government, business, religious and the academe, according to Trampe. But militant groups and political activists have threatened to stage mass actions to protest the anti-terrorism law.

They said the HAS would be used by the government to silence progressive groups and politicians opposed to Arroyo’s rule. Beverly Musni, head of the human rights group, Karapatan, said militants and activists would immediately be arrested once the HSA took effect.

But Norberto Gonzales, National Security Adviser and acting Defense chief, said the HSA had enough safeguards to prevent its abuse.

“There is nothing to fear really. The law is there to protect the public, not to harm them,” he said, adding people must commit a terrorist act before they can be arrested.

Gonzales, who is also the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP) consultant, also said the anti-terror law is all set for implementation but admitted that its organizational structure is still being finalized.

“We’ve already complied with most of the requirements but I’m not sure how complete our organization is because we have to identify members of the office that would implement it,” he said.

Trampe said they expect militant groups to hold protest actions but this would not hinder the consultation. “We are prepared with our civil disturbance management team in case there will be street rallies,” Trampe said.

City Mayor Constantino Jaraula said Arroyo would arrive later in the day.

According to a government handout, the summit aims to identify problems and difficulties faced in fighting terrorists from the perspectives of the stakeholders and to agree on an action agenda to strengthen local mechanisms for counter-terrorism. (Ben Balce)

Iniwan Ni Mister, Ginang Nagpatiwakal!

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 27 Feb) - DAHIL sa sobrang pagdamdam sa paglisan ng kanyang mister ay winakasan ng isang 29-anyos na ginang ang sarili nitong buhay sa harapan mismo ng limang-taong gulang nilang lalaking anak sa Cagayan de Oro City.

Kinilala ng Cagayan de Oro police ang biktima na si Cresilda Hanayan na umano'y nagbigti sa isang puno ng langka sa harapan ng kanilang bahay sa Barangay Kauswagan gamit ang isang nylon cord. Dakong alas 5 ng madaling araw kamakalawa ito nagpatiwakal.

Sinabi ng pulisya na umakyat sa puno ang babae at binigti ang sarili habang inosenteng nakatingin ang kanyang anak. Nagulantang na lamang ang bata ng biglang tumalon ang ina at doon na ito humingi ng saklolo sa mga kapit-bahay.

Masama umano ang loob ng biktima nang iwan ito ng sariling mister. Hindi naman malinaw kung ano ang dahilan kung bakit hiniwalayan ito ng kanyang mister. (Romy Bwaga)

Kampo Ni Opposition Senator Villar, Inireklamo Ng COMELEC sa Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 27 Feb) - NAHAHARAP sa posibilidad na mapatawan ng parusa si opposition reelectionist Senator Manny Villar matapos itong kasuhan ng Comission on Elections sa Northern Mindanao dahil sa umano’y nagkalat nitong posters at streamers sa mga lugar na hindi designadong poster areas.

Ayon kay Cagayan de Oro Comelec officer Atty. Stalin Baguio ay ipinadala na nila sa tanggapan ni Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos ang mga ebidensiya laban kay Villar.

Bukod kay Villar kinasuhan din ng comelec nang parehong kaso ang party list group na Anak Mindanao. Ngunit karamihan sa mga naglalagay ng posters ng mga pulitiko ay mga bayaran rin. Kinuwestyon rin ng iba ang pagpapatupad nito dahil pede itong gamitin upang mana-botahe ng mga kalaban sa halalan.

Para hindi mahirapan ang Comelec sa pagpapatupad ng batas sa eleksiyon humingi na ito ng tulong sa Department of Interior and Local Government para magamit ang mga barangay kapaitan sa pagpapatupad ng Fair Elections Act. (Romy Bwaga)

Babae Binurdahan Ng Sariling Asawa, Patay!

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 23 Peb) – Patay ang isang 26-anyos na misis matapos itong burdahan ng saksak sa katawan ng hiniwalayang mister ng ito’y tumangging bumalik sa kandungan ng lalaking minsang minahal.

Ayon sa pulisya ay naganap ang krimen sa Barangay Agusan sa Cagayan de Oro City kamakailan. Sa tindi ng kanyang tinamong saksak ay hindi na umabot pang buhay sa ospital ang biktimang si Mary Jean Nacua.

Tadtad ng saksak ang buong katawan ng babae na ayon sa pulisya ay kagagawan ng dating asawang si Vicente. Pauwi na noon sa kanyang bahay si Mary Jean ng bigla itong harangin sa daan ni Vicente at nagmakawang bumalik sa kanyang kandungan, ngunit ito’y mariing tinanggihan ni misis.

Nagalit umano si Vicente at bumunot ng patalim at saka inundyan ng saksak ang babae. Mabilis naman itong tumakas ng makitang lugmok na ang babae at halos maligo na sa sariling dugo.

Nabatid sa mga kaanak ng biktima na hiniwalayan ni Mary Jean ang asawa dahil sa matinding pagseselos nito sa lahat ng bagay. Kasalukuyang pinaghahanap pa rin ang suspek, ayon sa pulisya. (Romy Bwaga)

Babae Binurdahan Ng Sariling Asawa, Patay!

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 23 Peb) – Patay ang isang 26-anyos na misis matapos itong burdahan ng saksak sa katawan ng hiniwalayang mister ng ito’y tumangging bumalik sa kandungan ng lalaking minsang minahal.

Ayon sa pulisya ay naganap ang krimen sa Barangay Agusan sa Cagayan de Oro City kamakailan. Sa tindi ng kanyang tinamong saksak ay hindi na umabot pang buhay sa ospital ang biktimang si Mary Jean Nacua.

Tadtad ng saksak ang buong katawan ng babae na ayon sa pulisya ay kagagawan ng dating asawang si Vicente. Pauwi na noon sa kanyang bahay si Mary Jean ng bigla itong harangin sa daan ni Vicente at nagmakawang bumalik sa kanyang kandungan, ngunit ito’y mariing tinanggihan ni misis.

Nagalit umano si Vicente at bumunot ng patalim at saka inundyan ng saksak ang babae. Mabilis naman itong tumakas ng makitang lugmok na ang babae at halos maligo na sa sariling dugo.

Nabatid sa mga kaanak ng biktima na hiniwalayan ni Mary Jean ang asawa dahil sa matinding pagseselos nito sa lahat ng bagay. Kasalukuyang pinaghahanap pa rin ang suspek, ayon sa pulisya. (Romy Bwaga)

Cagayan De Oro Chamber Lays Groundwork For Mindanao ICT Business Council

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mike Banos / 29 Jan) - The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) will host a strategic assessment workshop on Wednesday here to explore the viability for a Cagayan de Oro Business Council for Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Heidi Grace P. Mendoza, Oro Chamber secretary-general, said the council will initially bring together existing ICT sector organizations to give them a stronger, united voice for the industry.

“Initially, we aim to create an ICT Conveners’ Group,” Mendoza said. “We envision a body to plan execute and coordinate ICT programs and projects on investment promotion, business matching, business development, human resource development, policy advocacy and capacity building.”

Expected to join the workshop are the Cagayan de Oro Computer Dealers Association, Cagayan de Oro Software Developers Association, Computer Animators Group, internet café operators association and the newly created Telecoms and Power Development Group of Cagayan de Oro.
“We have also invited ICT representatives from chambers in Zamboanga, General Santos, Davao and Iligan to sound them out on the prospects for a Mindanao-wide ICT business council in the future,” Mendoza said.

The Oro Chamber first started discussing the concept of a united voice for the ICT sector in June 2006 when it hosted the 1st Northern Mindanao Business Summit on ICT which sought to generate interest in opportunities which had opened to local investors as a result of new trends in ICT.

In September 2006, some 400 participants from all over Mindanao flocked to Cagayan de Oro for the 5th Mindanao ICT Congress. The two-day congress identified key players in the ICT sectors from business, academe and government who then established the Mindanao ICT Agenda.

Mendoza said the congress has also invited officers and representatives from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the American Chamber of Commerce, and others from key support industries and institutions in the private and public sectors involved in telecoms infrastructure, training and regulation.

Cagayan de Oro now leads the ICT industry in Mindanao with its nascent business process outsourcing (BPO) industry which includes three call centers with over 1,000 seats and more entrants expected this year, two medical transcription firms, and over a hundred other companies involved in software development, internet café operations, graphics animation, and telecommunications.

The ICT Profile provided by the DTI-Misamis Oriental office describes the ICT infrastructure in Cagayan de Oro as being traversed by two major backbones: PLDT’s 10 gigabytes per second (gbps) Digital Fiber Optic Backbone (DFOB) which is directly connected to five international submarine cable systems in the Asia Pacific and Southeast Asian region with onward connections to North America.

The Middle East and Western Europe, supported by an extensive Digital Microwave Backbone; and Telicphil’s 10 gbps National Digital Transmission Network, a 2,762 kms. fiber optic facility that originates from Cuyapo, Isabela in the north and terminates in Cagayan de Oro in the south.

“Connectivity is important in the call center industry,” said Engr. Teodoro Buenavista, NTC-X regional director and member of the Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Committee of Region 10 (RITECC-10) e-cluster group.

Bautista stressed it is not only connectivity in hardware but between the local players that the local BPO industry needs to maintain an edge over the competition, hence the imperative need for an ICT business council.

“RITECC-X will continue to push public-private partnership in three areas of development: policy, implementation and advocacy,” Bautista said.

The Department of Trade and Industry says the Philippines is fast catching up with India as the “Call Center Capital of Asia” due to the increasing costs of doing business in G-7 countries.

A 2005 study conducted by research firm Frost and Sullivan, reveals that the Philippine call center industry now ranks ninth in the Asian region with $9.8-million invested in hardware and software as of 2005, trailing its English-speaking rivals: India ($21 million) and Singapore ($20.3 million).

From only a handful of call centers at the start of 2000, there is now an estimated 105 call center companies in the country, or double the figure from 2003. (Mindanao Examiner)

Nuestra Sra. Del Pilar Shrine To Rise In Cagayan De Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mike Banos / 05 Nov) - A replica of the world-famous Nuestra Senora del Pilar shrine at the Fort Pilar National Museum in Zamboanga City will soon rise in a hilltop village called Macasandig in Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao island, south of the Philippines.

Jose Nebrao, president emeritus of Circulo Zamboangueno, said the shrine will be a replica of the miraculous Blessed Virgin Mary's shrine set in a wall of the Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City.

Nebrao said the core group of the circulo, an association of resident Zamboanguenos who have migrated to Cagayan de Oro and its nearby provinces, towns and cities, will have the project completed by next year in time for the October 12 fiesta of "Our Lady of the Pilar", the patroness of Zamboanga City.

The project was first announced October 12 during the annual celebration of Fiesta Pilar in Cagayan de Oro which was attended by some eighty members of the circulo and their immediate family members at Xavier University.

The celebration started with the holy sacrifice of the mass celebrated by incoming Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Fr. Antonio Moreno, S.J. at the XU Loyola House chapel. This was immediately followed by the final novena of our Lady at the XU canteen and the traditional "cena communal".

Among those present during this year's Fiesta Pilar celebration were the following: Con-con Ignacio, Raul and Antonietta Rodriguez and family, Jonel and Nanette Bergado and family, Adolfo and Norma Uro, Carmelita Ubalde, Ben and Ginny Aspera, Edwin and Judith Amik, Mr and Mrs Oscar Escudero, Jonathan Tamin, John Ferrer, Col Cesar and Rachel (nee Causin) Miel, Ester and Joan Causin, Randy and Becky Redondo, Henry and Nitz Pelisan, Isidro and Ning "Cupcakes" Audal.

And Tony Rodriguez, Art and Connie Surdilla, Paul & Joy Paladio and family, Manny and Josy Alinabon, Joe and Rose Nebrao, Rudy and Lily (nee Tang) Fulminar, Emmanuel Saavedra, Sor. Rachel Bernardo, RVM; Glor Delgado and this author. (Mindanao Examiner/Kagay-an.com)

Cagayan De Oro City Hosts Asia Peace Builders Forum

Johann Galtung.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mike Banos / 19 Oct) - This self-styled "City of Golden Friendship" seeks to expand its many facets into another dimension when it hosts the Asia Peace builders Forum next week.

With the theme "Exploring Asian Approaches to Peace building" the five-day forum starting Oct. 26 will be joined by at least 50 key change agents from 14 Asian countries working in community and national level peace processes in the Asia Pacific region.

Action Asia was started in 1999 when a small group of peace practitioners from the Asia Pacific region met under the umbrella of ACTION International to pursue a long-time dream to form an active network dedicated to peace building.

"The group envisioned to actively support peace practitioners working in violent conflict areas of the Asia region; as well as identify and promote Asian models and understandings of peace building and conflict transformation approaches and processes," Balay Mindanao Foundation, Inc. (BMFI) president Charlito Manlupig told the Mindanao Examiner.

"The first vision has been realised with ongoing work in Myanmar and Nepal carried out in conjunction with local peace practitioners, by Asian practitioners belonging to the network," said Ariel Hernandez, BMFI executive director.

"The latter objective of finding the Asian approaches and models has been building momentum, and the realisation of this dream will come about through the Asian Peace Builders Forum.

Previously, much of the training and materials relating to conflict transformation and peace building has been generated and provided in Western countries.

Organizations such as Responding to Conflict in the UK, and Eastern Mennonite University in the United States have led the field in equipping peace practitioners to do their work. "The graduates of these programs are the primary members of the Action Asia network, but until next week, they have not had the opportunity to share their own thoughts, reflections and theories about the approaches to peace building which have been found to be effective in the Asian context," Manlupig said.

"Yet there is a myriad of creative ideas and approaches which are being used to effectively address violent conflict, and promote and build peace in the region."

Specifically, the Asian Peace builders' Forum will create a venue to identify unique Asian approaches in conflict transformation and peace building; celebrate the vibrancy of the movement and highlight the success of various interventions; document and publish lessons learned from both success and failures in peace building.

It also aims to deepen relationships between members for further exchange, collaboration and exposure; and profiling situations of Myanmar and Nepal for the purpose of regional solidarity and influencing work.

The forum that will mainly focus on case study presentations exemplifying different themes from presenter's experiences.The themes would include but not be limited to Ethnicity and Identity; Women, Gender and Peace building; Peace Futures; Peace Museums; Peace Journalism; Peace Advocacy at National Level; Reducing Tensions During Elections; Establishing Zones of Peace in Conflict Areas; Mediation; Conflict Prevention Mechanisms; Reconciliation and Asian Training Methodologies.

One of the highlights of the forum will be the keynote address of peace studies pioneer Prof. Johan Galtung, the founder and Director of Transcend, an organization promoting conflict resolution by non-violent means.

For over four decades Galtung has mediated conflicts in Israel and Palestine, China and Tibet, Peru, Sri Lanka and Burma, among others. He is the author of the United Nations' manual for peace workers and he continues to advise UN agencies on peace issues.

He is Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Hawaii and other centers of peace learning.Prior to workshop-presentations, speakers have been invited to open the morning plenary to talk on Peace building Efforts in the Asian Region from Various Faith Perspectives; Influencing Government Policies; and Mainstreaming Gender Sensitivity in Peace Building Work.

The forum will also provide an opportunity for participants to strengthening the existing network and identify future collaborative actions, as well as giving core Action Asia members the chance to meet and discuss detailed future plans.The forum's ultimate goal is the publication of a book containing several thematic case studies from experiences of peace advocates in the Asian region. (Mindanao Examiner/Kagay-an.com)