PIA-Bukidnon

  By Bernadith G. Epan MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) -- As the New Year approaches, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bukidnon reminds the public to stay safe by adhering to firecracker safety guidelines to prevent injuries and accidents during revelry. Provincial Fire Marshal Franklin O. Ratunil warned that firecracker use, while traditional, poses significant risks when mishandled. He urged the public to buy from authorized sellers only. "Licensed vendors ensure products meet safety standards, offering extra protection. Firecrackers should always be used in designated areas, away from people, vehicles, and buildings. It minimizes the risk of accidents involving bystanders and property damage," Ratunil said. For those setting off fireworks, the BFP strongly advises against attempting to relight malfunctioning firecrackers. "If a firecracker fails to ignite or sparks improperly, it should be left alone for several minutes. Afterward, soak it in water before disposing of it saf...

By Bernadith G. Epan MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA) – To avert firecracker-related home fires and injuries, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Malaybalay announced that the sale and use of firecrackers are restricted to the designated area in Barangay 6, Malaybalay City. Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Ma. Anjelyn Pornia said a multi-pronged approach, including a quad-media campaign with local radio stations, has been launched to spread fire safety information to ensure a safe Christmas and New Year season. “The Fire Station has engaged with the community through various initiatives. These include the distribution of flyers and leaflets during night events, conducting fire drills, increased visibility of fire personnel in every community gathering, and the strategic display of "Oplan Iwas Paputok” tarps in prominent locations,” she said. A multi-pronged approach of the fire protection bureau stirs safety awareness across the city. (BFP-Malaybalay) Pornia also announced that the...

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (PIA) -- Hedcor, the renewable energy asset manager of AboitizPower, has turned over P5,140,167.01 in royalty shares to Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Bukidnon for 2022-2023. These funds directly benefit the host communities of Hedcor’s Manolo Fortich 1 and 2 hydroelectric power plants, advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development. Five Indigenous Peoples (IP) organizations received their royalties, signifying progress for their communities.   The Santiago Tribal Community (SANTRICO), Inc. and Impakibel, Apo Man Asilan Tribal Association were each awarded ₱1,401,529.47. Meanwhile, the Lumikapaw Ka Guihean Tribal Council of Elders and Guilang-Guilang Apo Datu Nanikunan Association, Inc. each received ₱935,578.60. The Buklod Kayantang Tribal Association, Inc. was granted ₱465,950.87. These funds embody a commitment to empowering and uplifting Indigenous communities, going beyond mere financial support. IP leaders receive a check of P5.1 mill...

By Bernadith G. Epan MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) -- To empower LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities) as catalysts for change, the local government unit (LGU) of Lantapan conducted a training in Malaybalay City on December 18-19. The workshop focused on social media management, news writing, and broadcasting, emphasizing the media's power to amplify marginalized voices and shape public discourse. Participants delved into the intricacies of social media platforms, guiding participants on crafting impactful content, building strong online communities, and effectively combating misinformation. To harness the power of social media, the training empowered LGBTQIA+ members to use these platforms to raise awareness about their rights, promote inclusivity, and foster meaningful dialogue on critical community issues. These skills are instrumental in empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals to share authentic stories that challenge stereotypes, celebr...

MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) --  Educational subsidy under the Universal Access for Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) can be redesigned by transitioning to a voucher system or a socialized tuition fee model to support both students and schools. A recent PIDS study titled  “Financial Sustainability of Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities”  by Connie Bayudan-Dacuycuy, Herisadel Flores, and Arnel Onesimo Uy highlights this issue. Currently, the free tuition provided in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) has unintentionally put private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) at a disadvantage. To resolve this, the study’s authors recommend shifting from a system that funds schools to one that directly provides financial assistance to students. “While competition improves the quality of educational products and services, some policies embedded in the UAQTEA, like the free tuition...

  MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) -- Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri hailed the Senate’s third reading approval of the Economy, Planning, and Development Act, which elevates the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into a full-fledged department under the name Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). Zubiri, who has championed the measure as chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, underscored the bill’s significance beyond organizational restructuring, calling it a victory for the nation.  “Our friends at the NEDA have been waiting for this for a long time, but truly, this is not a win for the NEDA – this is a win for the country,” Zubiri said during his manifestation on the floor. With DEPDev at the helm, the senator said Filipinos can expect more efficient economic planning and implementation, resulting in tangible benefits. The bill institutionalizes DEPDev as the government’s primary economic policy and planning agency, tasked with aligning nationa...