Oroquieta Got Talent, adds life to City Fiesta 2011

By PJTremedal, www.onlienews-mindanao.tk

Oroquieta City – Even with the people’s question why is it that there is no activity on the Search for Miss Oroquieta Tourism 2011, CM Jason Paredes Almonte answered them, the Search will be every two years. We have new innovations and we have to face our financial limitations.

However, with new first’s in the city fiesta history like the 1^st JPA OPCSI Fun Shoot, 1^st JPA Airsoft Competition, and Oroquieta Got Talent, a copy cat of the now famous Pilipinas Got Talent, OroquieTAWA with Ate Guy and other comedians, the Invitational Musical Fireworks Display/Competition, and three heart pounding band concerts of AEGIS, CALLALILY, IMAGO and the SUPER 70’s Band, and the 2^nd Concept Parade, an original concept which hit a success last year. Oroquietanhons can forget the Search for Ms. Oroquieta Tourism this year and wait for it next year.

With TORBO’s Lambyoganay IX 2^nd JPA Cup that stopped the traffic of the city adds life to the city fiesta month long celebration, with other socio-cultural activity like the jam pack Oroquieta City Got Talent Grand Finals at the ABC Gym which produce the best talent Oroquieta has found from an 17 year old barangay lady of Pines, singing a Whitney Houston piece and the Air dance of One Man Move Group, and the upcoming events, like the Inug-og Festival 2011 and other joyous activities, the month long city fiesta celebration in Honor of the Lady of the Rosary will be remembered today and beyond.

“Oroquieta has everything, it is only time that we now find this interesting and beautiful events and artists that never came in the yesteryears’, Yes, I am an Oroquietanian but this is the first time I really enjoy our fiesta celebration” said a balikbayan who requested anonymity.

“I feel sorry and so touch with the young man who played the bass guitar from the last finalist of the Got Talent grand finals, I saw it first in Oroquieta and I shed tears for him, I never realized that Oroquieta has that kind of talent, “she adds.

With the activities planned out by the City Tourism Office and the support of the City Government under the leadership of CM Jason Paredes Almonte and his Team One Oroquieta, Oroquieta will never rest and sleep into a lowly, sad city of Misamis Occidental for the years to come.

Pa’sungko S’g MisOcc 2011 starts… Search for the Mutia Ng Misamis Occidental 2011 is on!

By PJTremedal,www.onlienews-mindanao.tk

MOAP, Sinacaban, MisOcc – After a hectic pictorial and location shooting in a hinterland town of Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental this week and participated the GO HERMIE Medical Mission, 17 lovely candidates from the fourteen municipalities of the two congressional districts and three cities of the province faces the local Media in this newly rehabilitated and refurbish Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park to answer questions focusing on the 82^nd Founding Anniversary of Misamis Occidental theme: “Misamisnong Kultura Atong Higugma-on Alang sa Padayon nga Kalambu-an (Misamis Culture we should all love in pursuit of Progress).”

The seventeen candidates are: Aloran’s Ms. Sherlyn Magsalay,19 years old, Baliangao’s Ms Virielen Gem Yap, 18 years old, Bonifacio’s Ms. Allyssa Jane Asoy, 18 years old, Clarin’s Queenie Lyn Mae Jimenez, 18 years old, Calamba’s Ms.Alone Mae Duhaylungsod, 19 years old, Concepcion’s Ms. Fitz Shenna Ann Avanas, 18 years old, Don Victoriano’s Ms. Marie Grace Parilla,18 years old, Jimenez’s Ms. Kate Azcuna,17 years old, Lopez Jeana’s Ms. Desiree Ann Bunga, 18 years old, Plaridel’s Ms. Grace Limitarse, 18 years old, Panaon’s Ms. Sweet Marie Jonson, 24 years old, Oroquieta City’s Ms. Yamaha Chenderee Lumacang, 22 years old, Ozamiz City’s Ms. Kristel Suizo, 20 years old, Sapang Dalaga’s Ms. Marie Fe Clamohoy, 20 years old, Sinacaban’s Ms. Joana Marie Japus,21 years old, Tudela’s Ms. Jolly Joy Osea, 20 years old, and Tangub City’s Ms. Jade Charmaine Manago, 19 years old.

The candidates as beautiful and lovely as they are answers witty and formal question from the local media of Ozamiz, Tangub and Oroquieta Cities. Said seventeen candidates will face each other on November 3 for the Ms. Talent Competition at the Provincial Farmers Training Center and on November 6, is the day who will follow Miss Universe 2011 3^rd Runner-Up Ms Shamcey Supsup footsteps (the Tsunami Walk) or the Malindang Stride in the Final Night and Coronation with the Debonair Coco Martin as invited guest to become the Mutia ng Misamis Occidental 2011.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gerard Hilarion Ramiro in an interview with this weekly confirms that the celebrations will definitely starts on November 2 based on Historical Dates that this is the Founding Day of the province and supported with SP Ordinance No. 08-11.

Pa’sungko S’g Mis Occ 2011will be a two week long celebrations with the usual search for the Mutia ng Mis Occ 2011, OTOP Agri-Trade Fair, Anniversary Program, Street Dancing And Showdown, Jobs Fair, PGMO Sports Championship Games, PGO Family Fun Day and Employees Nigt, Medical Mission, Clean-Up Day, and other minor events that will put the province in its pedestal once again as its tourism industry now in a fast track endeavor.

“Yes, this time Pasungko Sig MisOCC 2011 will be a two week celebration for we have experienced during the 1^st Pasungko, people from all walks of life said ”Bitin kayo mi ” or we need more, that is whay we have to add more days to cope with their expectation to the 2^nd Pasungkothis year.” Provincial Tourism Council Chairman Ramiro said.

Meanwhile Governor Hermie M. Ramiro who came to attend the Presentation of Candidates from another special activity, this time at her commemoration of his late husband birthday, Dr. Hilarion Ramiro Jr, former Secretary of Health and Former Congressman of the 2^nd District of Misamis Occidental, the governor in her messages said that the 2^nd Pa’sungko S’g Mis Occ 2011 is another milestone of her administration especially the GO HERMIE Agenda amidst problems she stand strong for the province progress and development.

Governor Ramiro added that even the province is facing financial limitations her administration allocates fund for the anniversary, “Nasugdan na nato ni, ato kining ipadayon ug dili kita mo undang, and really do our best as we want to sell the province as a tourist destination, nahibalo ka daghan kaayong potentials sa atong mga kalungsuran.” She said in the vernacular.

GPH’s ‘3 in 1’ proposal seeks to promote peace, uplift lives

by OPPAP

Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 24 – As the 22nd formal exploratory talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) came to a close on Tuesday, GPH panel chair Marvic Leonen underscored the government’s principled, realistic and practical approach to bring peace and uplift lives in Mindanao.

Leonen, who is currently in the Malaysian capital, held a press briefing attended by foreign journalists based in Kuala Lumpur and beamed through video conferencing technology to the press in Malacañan Palace. Joining him were panel members Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Ramon Piang, Sr., Senen Bacani and panel consultant Hamid Barra. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, on the other hand, was present in the Malacañan briefing room.

The panel chair said that the proposal, follows a comprehensive "3 for 1" approach or "three components for one solution to the Bangsamoro problem," seeking to not just bring peace but more importantly improve the lives of the people and communities in the troubled south who have "long suffered from the brutality of decades-long armed conflict."

According to Leonen, the "3 for 1" approach includes components, such as massive economic development, political settlement with the MILF, and cultural-historical acknowledgment. It resulted from the GPH panel’s extensive consultations with various sectors in Mindanao.

On the component of massive economic development, he related that the government will pursue the transformation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). This will entail a “massive program of social services and economic development” that will “prepare the people and strengthen foundations.”

“The objective of such is to break the cycle of poverty in the ARMM, so that people are actually empowered to undertake economic activities that benefit themselves and their communities in order to achieve real progress,” Leonen stated, stressing that the government is ready to partner with the MILF to deliver, implement and monitor social services and economic development in their areas.

The second component of the “3 for 1” proposal is political settlement or peace accord which “focuses more on the do-ables in the short term rather than dwell on contentious and divisive issues whose solutions may take a longer time to address.”

Leonen explained that under this component is the proposed creation of a Bangsamoro Commission that will supervise the implementation of the peace pact. This will be composed of the government, the MILF and the stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process.

The third component, the panel chair said, is the cultural-historical acknowledgment that “corrects historical narratives and fosters appreciation of different cultures borne out of the struggles of all Filipinos including those of Bangsamoro identity."

MILF panel response

Leonen related that the MILF panel accepted and examined the government proposal on Monday evening.

“Last night, the MILF studied the proposal and decided to advise the GPH this morning that it would be advising its Central Committee to reject the proposal. However, the MILF panel did not return the document. They said they needed the document to show the Central Committee for their decision.”

Despite the MILF panel’s response, Leonen acknowledged the situation as normal. “It is not unusual in negotiations that one of the parties take a hard-line position on the contents of the initial documents of another party.”

Kato, in fighting within MILF

The GPH panel brought up the issue of Ustadz Ameril Umbta Kato, his MILF splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and the 17 rido (clan feud) incidents that involved at least an MILF commander.

Leonen stated that the MILF Central Committee has declared Kato as “bougat or one who defies or does not obey an order.”

“They (MILF) have asked that we give them 10 days after Eid’l Fitr to settle the Kato issue,” he said.

Leonen added that the government is now considering Kato as not part of the MILF anymore. “He is no longer covered by ceasefire arrangements. Therefore, the usual legal arrangements will apply in his steed.”

On BLMI

Likewise included in the agenda of the GPH-MILF peace talks was the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), which is a mechanism, proposed by the MILF during past negotiations, that intends to train young Moro leaders to lead and manage in the future.

On this, Leonen said that the GPH panel turned over to their MILF counterparts a check worth P 5 million for the continuous establishment of the BLMI, as instructed by President Aquino.

Next steps

After the talks, the GPH panel will continue its consultations with different sectors to explain the government proposal and get feedback. “It will be an exploratory and consultative process in order to ensure that the voices of the different stakeholders will be well-represented  in the crafting of a final peace accord.”

“We are going to report to the President, await his instructions and his mandate,” he added.

Muslims end Ramadhan; urged to sow peace, love, unity

by Ali G. Macabalang

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 31 (PIA) – As the estimated 1.57 billion Muslims across the world celebrated the end of their Ramadhan fast through the Islamic festive time of Eid’l Fitr Tuesday, leaders in the troubled areas of Southern Philippines echoed the universal prayers for peace, unity and love in a fashion they deemed as the “only avenue” to bring the nation to greater heights.

In the Philippines, which is known to be Asia’s lone Catholic nation, Muslim citizens are among the minority sectors searching for proper moments like the Eid’l Fitr (the Day of Feast in Islam) to sound off prayers for peaceful coexistence through interfaith dialogs as mean of fostering a convergent efforts on nation-building.

In this city, for the whole month of Ramadhan, radio stations and tabloids have heralded paid messages of Muslim leaders in various professions and sectors reminding their constituents on the need for spiritual and moral advancement to push for “universal understanding” especially in this era of political and economic complexities.

Hadji Abdulmalik Ansaruddin A. Adiong, incumbent acting governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, for instance, has underscored the “power of prayers in all times.”

“Prayers help make people become good…And if Christians, Muslims and people of other faiths will persist to be good citizens, there would be no doubt that goodness will rein in our society,” said Adiong, a scion of local political cum religious families.

Thus, in his published greeting message for the Eid’l Fitr celebration, Adiong called on Muslim and Christian Filipinos “to sow understanding when there is confusion, reconciliation where there is feud, unity when there is dissension, and love where there is hatred.”

He prodded the Muslim Ummah, the global community of an estimated 1.75 people, according to a recent foreign media report, on the need to learn and harness basic traits of piety.

“Let us develop the traits of Zikr (constant remembrance of God), Fikr (concern for our religion, community, and fellow mankind especially the hapless), Sukhr(modesty and contentment with gratitude to the Divine Providence), and Sabr(patience and perseverance amid trials).”

Adiong said these four traits, which had been practiced fervently by Prophets and disciples of Islam in various generations, are more imperative in the current times especially in our desire to leave in peaceful, harmonious, just and productive life.

VP BINAY: IGNORANCE, NOT FAITH, CAUSES CONFLICTS

by Media Relations, OVP

Manila- Vice President Jejomar C. Binay Friday said ignorance, not faith, is the cause of the continued misunderstanding among people of different religions.

“It is not Faith that drives our people apart. It never has been,” said the Vice President during the opening of the 8^th Eid’l Fitr Festival headed by the Magbassa Kita Foundation and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy

“The real culprit is ignorance. It is this that breeds fear which in turn fuels misunderstanding and left unaddressed, erupts in division,” he added.

“It is easier to assign blame to religion, rather than work to discover what really ails us and what we need to heal. It is far more convenient to focus on what makes us different from each other as opposed to what binds us all towards a noble end,” the Vice President said.

Binay noted, however, that despite the conflicts, people of various faiths in most parts of the country live together in harmony and peace.

“Everyone pursues their professions and their trades within the ordinary life of the nation, and all make quiet yet crucial contributions to the future of their families and country,” he said.

In a previous statement, Binay said that as the celebration of the Eid’l Fitr fosters unity and peace, he hopes peace talks between the government and the MNLF will “finally put an end to years of conflict and bloodshed.”

The Eid’l Fitr Festival was launched in 1993 but was stopped because of the “9/11” tragedy in the United States which resulted to insurgency attacks in the Philippines. Its resurgence this year is aimed at uniting Muslim and non-Muslim participants through exhibits and cultural presentations to make them understand and appreciate Islam.

“Through your efforts, displays and programs, a deeper understanding of the Islamic way of living life in respect for God’s design, is made clear. This fosters discovery, dialogue and understanding on which lasting peace can be built and preserved. This is the great service that your celebration renders to mankind,” Binay said added.

He also said that the Festival provided good prospects for tourism as it offered a more varied perspective at the different cultures to be found in the country.

Muslim kids open Peace Month 2011 with Grand Hari Raya Puasa

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In the City of Good Life... 9,046 beneficiaries received PhilHEALTH Cards

By PJTremedal, BNDMisOCC-CIB/OCM

ABC Gym, Oroquieta City – A total of Nine Thousand Forty Six (9,046) PhilHEALTH Beneficiaries received their insurance cards recently from Congressman Jorge Taghap Almonte, people’s representative of the 1^st District of the province and Governor Hermie Ramiro with City Mayor Jason Paredes Almonte Health Program to augment the 47 barangay needs on Health Care.

This week, Five Thousand Six Hundred Twelve (5,612) PhilHEALTH Insurance Cards from the joint effort of Congressman Jorge T. Almonte and Lady Governor Hermie were received by beneficiaries from all of walks of life from the city’s 47 Barangays while another Three Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Four (3,434) Cards from City Mayor Jason Almonte for the promotion of Health Care and to augment the people’s eager income to cope up with hospitalization bills and payments.

The said PhilHEALTH Insurance Cards and Benefits given came from the Congressman PDAF or his Priority Development Assistance Funds or otherwise known as Pork Barrel for every town from his district represented. While with the lady governor came from her GO HERMIE Agenda which also focused on Health Care.

With the city government Health Care Program, City Mayor Jason Paredes Almonte also imparted the PhilHEALTH Insurance Cards as one of the priority program for Oroquietanons.

“ Bisag naulahi kini tungod sa mga butang nga kinahanglan tagaan ug kabag-uhan ug preparasyon, Ang PhilHEALTH Cards nga inyong nadawat karon timaan kini nga ang inyong kagamhanan local ang waloa gayud nagpasagad sa mga problema ilabi na sa pag-angkon sa maayong panglawas” Niini dako usab ang among pasalamat nga inyo kini kinasingkasing nga gidawat ug laumamn nga dili lang kini ang among prioridad kun dili ang kinatibuk-an kalambu-an ug progreso sa atong lalawigan” Lady Governor Ramiro said in the vernacular.

Ang ako lang pud ikasulti nga unta inyo kining tagaan ug dakong paghunahuna dili tungod ka y ang kagamhanan migahin gayud niini kun dili ako lang usab kini tagaan ug dakung sentiment tungod kay kung wala pa ang akong bana nga si kanhi Kongresista Hilarion “Nonoy” Ramiro Jr. nga na-ngamahan sa pagpanday sa PhilHEALTH Insurance Law niadtong 1995, wala unta’y PhilHEALTH Cards karon sa tibook nasud”. She Added.

Meanwhile, Congressman Almonte said that with his priority program, Health Care should be given to the entire 1^st District but because of limited funds; Indigents should be the first to be considered, not only PhilHEALTH Insurance Cards in order to augment their income to be able to pay hospitalization but Health Care is part and parcel of this administration.

Congressman Almonte also shared some financial assistance funds to indigent patients either confined or out-patients in the following LGU-DOH Hospitals namely: Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital in Oroquieta City thru the Provincial Government worth 500,000-T, Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Regional Training and teaching Hospital in Ozamis City worth 200,000-T, Calamba District Hospital in Calamba, Misamis Occidental worth 200,000-T, and a national hospital based in Quezon City, the National Kidney and Transplant Hospital worth 100,000-T.

For Medical Mission and purchase of medicines, thru his PDAF, Congressman Almonte also give financial assistance to all barangays of the 1^st District at 10,000-T small as it is, said financial assistance is given with concern that the need for the people’s health care will be prioritized.