PIA-Bukidnon

  By Jessa M. Cleopas QUEZON, Bukidnon (PIA)--Tensions flared in Sitio Kianteg, Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon, as nearly 500 members of the Manobo-Pulangiyon tribe gathered on October 21 to forcibly enter the guarded gates of a pineapple plantation managed by Kianteg Development Corporation (KDC). Tribal chieftain Datu Rolando Anglao said they had been fighting quietly for the land they once called home. He said that for over 15 years, his community has watched from the sidelines. The land that once sustained their ancestors was under a lease agreement between the KDC and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The tribe's situation, he said, worsened as they settled in shacks and tents along highways, vulnerable to accidents and harsh conditions. He said that the promise of their ancestral land seemed to fade, so they are now pushing to take it back.   Speaking with a sense of urgency, Datu  Anglao  makes a heartfelt appeal to those in power. Manobo-Pulangi

MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on July 5, marking a significant milestone in Bukidnon’s development. He highlighted key programs and projects centered on a five-point socioeconomic agenda framed as Robust local economy and agricultural productivity; Opportunity-driven infrastructure; Quality local governance and lasting public order; Universal health care and better social services; and environmental protection, adaptation, and resilience. Robust Economy and Agricultural Productivity "The framework's first pillar is fostering a robust local economy and enhancing agricultural productivity. Despite recent pandemic challenges, Bukidnon’s agriculture sector remains vibrant, thanks to the full support of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO) and Department of Agriculture, which aid our farmers for continued advancement," Roque said. The initiatives, he said, have modernized farming practices, improv

  MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--While remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have become a vital lifeline for the Philippine economy, a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) urges policymakers to look beyond remittances and address the complex social and emotional implications of labor migration.   Titled “Long-Term Effects of Labor Migration in the Philippines: ‘Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie!’” by PIDS Senior Research Fellows Jose Ramon G. Albert, Aubrey D. Tabuga, and co-authors, the study acknowledges the vital role OFWs play in the Philippine economy, with their remittances accounting for nearly 10 percent of GDP.    However, the study revealed that family fragmentation emerges as a stark consequence, with cross-border ties becoming complex and emotionally strained. This vulnerability is further amplified by the lack of systemic financial literacy support available to young OFWs dreaming of early retirement.   “Promoting financial literacy initiatives t

MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--Bong Galon Herbal Oil in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao, acquired a License to Operate with the support of consultancy and training services from the Department of Science and Technology. They successfully pass evaluations and inspections required by the Food and Drug Administration.   With an FDA-LTO secured, the company can now serve customers in various regions, including Sarangani Province, General Santos City, and Davao City, from September 2023 to September 2024.   DOST strengthened the firm's quality assurance and documentation through comprehensive training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It involved creating GMP manuals on sanitation, hygiene, packaging, labeling, and plant layout mentoring.   Through the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX), DOST sent consultants to the processing area in the municipality of Maramag to improve the products and processes. This initiative aims to improve product quality and production efficiency, fo

  MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)—Despite moderate improvement, current progress in ensuring quality education by 2023 is insufficient, warns a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).    It reveals critical areas needing immediate action, such as tackling the root causes of widespread academic deficits among students, establishing an open data policy, and revamping teacher training and workload.   Authored by PIDS Senior Research Fellow Jose Ramon Albert and co-authors, the study titled “Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on Quality Education for All: How Does the Philippines Fare and What Needs to Be Done?” highlights that while nearly universal primary education enrollment and increased participation in secondary education are noteworthy, alarming data paints a worrying picture.   Less than 20 percent of Filipino students reach minimum proficiency in reading and math, placing the country’s primary education in a “crisis,” with a learning poverty rate of 90 perc

  SP Zubiri urges swift action on Western Visayas' widespread blackouts   MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--Expressing deep concern over persistent power outages in Western Visayas, especially Iloilo, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri demands immediate action from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).   "I am incensed and dismayed by the power outages plaguing Western Visayas. The DOE and NGCP must quickly resolve this issue to prevent irreparable damage to our communities," he said.   The senate president (SP) called it an alarming sign. He stressed that the government should not burden citizens as 2024 begins.   "Hindi magandang senyales lalo na't sinasalubong natin ang bagong taon. Hindi dapat abala at kahirapan ang hatid ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan sa pagpasok ng 2024," he said.   Zubiri emphasized the far-reaching consequences of frequent power interruptions, affecting businesses, livelihoods, and th