Government Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Apr162024 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

WATCH: the amazing Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra LIVE in Bukidnon

Advocacy, Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Music

The world-class Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, recently performed live in Bukidnon. A very first in the Province of Bukidnon, considered the food basket of the country. The two live performances, one at 2 PM and another at 7 PM of April 12, 2024, were made possible by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and the Cultural Center of the Philippines in celebration of the inauguration of the Bukidnon Center for Culture and the Arts, located at the new Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City. I was able to attend both performances, thanks to my dear friend Senate President Migz Zubiri. Daghang salamat, SP! I was also given all access passes for other events that weekend, which I will soon share on th...

Sep152023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Chiz Escudero wants mandatory insurance coverage for powerline workers

Advocacy, Announcements, Corporate, Government, Society, Technology

Senator Chiz Escudero has recently filed a bill that seeks to provide mandatory insurance coverage and other benefits for all lineworkers in the power utility sector. This is definitely good news especially since I personally know some lineworkers in the power utility sector and most, if not all, of them shared that they barely make enough to purchase insurance not only for themselves but for their loved ones as well. In filing Senate Bill No. 2303, Senator Chiz Escudero said the measure will ensure that the well-being of thousands of lineworkers as well as that of their families are protected. “The continuous and reliable supply of electricity—crucial in sustaining our economic growth and maintaining our way of life—rests on the hands of lineworkers who construct, install, mai...

Mar222023 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Congress designates prayer room for Muslim members, employees for duration of Ramadan

Government, Muslim Mindanao, Politics, Society

For the very first time in the history of the chamber, a prayer room for Muslim members, employees, and even guests of the House of Representatives has been designated and opened in time for the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Conference Room 6 in the Ramon V. Mitra Building has been set aside and designated as a Muslim prayer room starting Tuesday and until the end of Ramadan next month. The simple opening ceremonies was prepared by the House Committee on Muslim Affairs led by its chair Rep. Khalid Dimaporo and vice chair Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura. Mastura, representative of Maguindanao and Cotabato City’s 1st District, personally made the request for the prayer room to the Speaker in the plenary on the sidelines of the approval on third reading of the P5.268-trilli...

Dec142021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Philippine Senate approves Solo Parents Act

Announcements, Government, Headline, News, Personalities, Politics

The Senate of the Philippines approved the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act on third and final reading Monday, December 13, 2021. It amends Republic Act No. 8972, An Act Providing for Benefits and Privileges to Solo Parents and the Children, to improve government services for solo parents. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, co-author and co-sponsor of the bill, said that about 15 million solo-parent families in the Philippines are set to benefit from the Act. "we need to make sure that they are receiving the help that they require in raising healthy, educated children with happy home lives." “I thank and congratulate Sen. Risa Hontiveros for her efforts behind this, as sponsor of the bill. We’re really very excited that this is going forward," Zubiri added. “Parenthood i...

Nov42021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Senator Joel Villanueva: Surge of passport applications in the millions expected as COVID retreats

Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

As the easing of COVID-19 cases prompts OFWs to job-hunt again, the government should open more off-site passport processing centers in malls outside of Metro Manila, Sen. Joel Villanueva said. Villanueva said the move of the Department of Foreign Affairs to open six Temporary Off-Site Passport Services (DFA-TOPS) in NCR last month is “a great solution that should be replicated and scaled up” nationwide. Passport processing, the senator added, is “an important employment assistance not only to OFWs but to first-time job seekers.” “Well, in a sense, you can view it as job generation activity,” Villanueva said. As travel restrictions get rolled back globally, this will open up economies that will take back furloughed workers, many of whom were Filipinos, the chair of the S...

May242021 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Zubiri to IATF: Stricter COVID measures needed in Northern Mindanao

Bukidnon, Government, Mindanaoan Update

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has expressed alarm and concern over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Northern Mindanao, and is calling on the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for their help in controlling the situation. Zubiri, a resident of Northern Mindanao, said that 2 weeks ago, the regional IATF already reported a 300 percent rise in cases in Lanao del Norte. "And this weekend, CDO reported that their numbers have risen to 962, from just 100-plus in March. In Bukidnon, our medical frontliners are struggling to deal with the sudden surge of COVID-19 patients," the solon said. “Our hospitals are already filling up. I know that Bukidnon Provincial Medical Hospital (BPMH) is full, along with some of our private hospitals. And Northern Mindanao Medical Center...

May52021 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Overseas Filipinos can now use PayMaya to pay government, utility bills back home

America, Consumer, Corporate, Features, Freebies, Government, LifeStyle, News, Shopping, Society, Technology

Now this is something that's near and dear to my heart especially since I was an overseas Filipino worker myself. Sending money back home was one of my regular tasks and I've always wondered if there was an easy way for me to send money without the need for an international bank account or the need to pay steep rates. Wouldn't it be extra convenient if an OFW can use his or her phone and a local digital platform to send money? Now, it's easier for OFWs or Filipinos abroad to pay for government fees and for their family's utility bills back home with the help of PayMaya! PayMaya opened this service for Filipinos overseas so they can now use their Philippine mobile SIM on roaming to register for a PayMaya account, allowing them to perform transactions such as paying government dues or...

Oct12020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

FCash Global Lending license canceled

Advocacy, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has canceled the certificate of authority (CA) of FCash Global Lending, Inc. to operate as a lending company for its unfair debt collection practices. In an order dated August 25, the SEC Corporate Governance and Finance Department (CGFD) found FCash liable for multiple violations of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019 (SEC MC 18), which provides for the Prohibition on Unfair Debt Collection Practices of Financing Companies and Lending Companies. The company, which operates online lending platforms Fast Cash and Fast Cash Loan, has made multiple attempts to collect loan payments by contacting or threatening persons other than those that the borrower has identified as guarantors or co-makers, according to the CGFD. FCash has ...

Jul292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Matigsalug – Manobo tribes get new tribal hall in Kitaotao

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Government, Mindanao, Society

Two of Mindanao's tribes now have a new tribal hall complete with sleeping quarters. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribes in Kitaotao, Bukidnon recently received a new tribal hall with sleeping quarters. The new tribal hall, located at Brgy. Sagundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, was inaugurated on July 24, 2020. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribal hall was funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi-CIDSS and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process under its PAyapa and MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) framework. PAMANA is the government's peace and development framework that aims to strengthen peacebuilding, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas. DSWD says that PAMANA has reportedly expanded to include the funding of projects for IPs ...

Jul132020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Pay government dues online with PayMaya (here’s Php 100 to get you started)

Consumer, Government, Technology

I've been there. We need to settle bills and government dues but ever since this global health crisis, heading out and paying these bills became a challenge. Good thing we already have eWallets or electronic wallets just like PayMaya. During the quarantine period, eWallets like PayMaya has helped millions of Filipinos pay for their utility bills from the comfort of their homes. However, did you know that aside from paying for water, electricity, and postpaid plans, PayMaya is also a safe and convenient option to settle your government dues? 09055885378 You can pay your PAG-IBIG loan, your passport processing fee to the DFA, or pay your taxes to the BIR online. With just a few taps on your smartphone, and without the need of heading out of your home, you can easily transact with the ...

Jun112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Easy cashless payments for BIR, SSS, Pag-ibig etc via PayMaya

Advocacy, Features, Government, Mindanaoan Update

Do you prefer paying online for your taxes, SSS contributions and other payments to the government? Are you, like me, an advocate of cashless payments? While it's true that most of the quarantine rules have been relaxed across the country, digital financial services leader PayMaya said it is still safer and more efficient for Filipinos to pay their government dues online and using cashless methods, options which are already available for the convenience and safety of citizens. Government agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Social Security System (SSS) have announced a final extension for tax filing and membership dues, respectively, until June 15, 2020. Citizens can easily pay for their BIR and SSS dues using their PayMaya accounts from the safety and com...

Jun92020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

2GO and Trans-Asia resume boat trips (schedules, requirements inside)

Announcements, Government, Travel

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines and 2GO have resumed their boat trips. In the case of Trans-Asia, they have resumed their Cebu - Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro - Tagbilaran, Cebu - Ozamiz, and Cebu - Iligan trips. For 2GO, on the other hand, they now serve the Manila - Cagayan de Oro, Manila - Butuan, Manila - Iligan, Manila - Ozamiz, Manila - Zamboanga and a host of other routes. Both shipping lines also only cater to Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Authorized Persons Outside Residences (APORs). That means no leisure travels allowed. Both Trans-Asia and 2GO also require passengers to present pertinent documents. Check out the infographics below and don't hesitate to get in touch with both shipping lines if you need assistance: Trans-Asia ...

Mar32020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Solon calls on Balik-Scientists, vets to face off African Swine Fever in the Philippines

Announcements, Food, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Politics

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri urged Malacañang to call on Balik-Scientists, veterans to face off African Swine Fever or ASF in the Philippines. "We have to save the livelihood of our hog raisers, both large-scale and backyard; especially the backyard hog raisers. For many years, we have had the lowest hoof and mouth disease. We controlled Avian Flu and it failed to decimate our poultry industry. We are one of the preferred sources of pork and poultry by countries that had high standards like Japan," the senator from Mindanao said. "That's why I'm aghast at how ASF is destroying our hog raisers. Together with the Agriculture Committee chaired by Sen. Villar, I have warned that the importation of pork meat, offals, and processed products should stop. Evidently, the...

Feb112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

UPDATED: Kaamulan Festival 2020 in Bukidnon now canceled

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

UPDATE: Less than a day after the Bukidnon provincial board decided to push through with the Kaamulan Festival 2020, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. has now canceled the annual gathering altogether. Despite an advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the ongoing threat of the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon will push through. This, according to Bukidnon Second District Board Member Atty. Nemesio "Jun" Beltran. The DOH advisory, duly signed by Secretary Francisco Duque, urged the public to "avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees." The health department also recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice. "The governor con...

Oct212019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

UPDATED with more photos: Bukidnon airport to feature pineapple design

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism

The most-awaited Bukidnon airport, located at Maray-Maray, Municipality of Don Carlos, will reportedly feature a lovely pineapple-inspired design. This, according to Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri. In fact, Senator Migs Zubiri, a longtime friend, personally sent to me the design plan! He said that I have the first crack at this Bukidnon airport design plan so for that I'm truly grateful! LOOK: (please subscribe for more exclusive updates --- it will only take 2 seconds, I promise!) https://youtu.be/6FdC_bbzJAY Sir Migs also disclosed that the groundwork is now 80 percent complete and a Php 630 Million bidding for the concretion will be held early November 2019. He also personally told me that he is working on amending the national budget for next y...

Oct132019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

How to pay your BIR taxes via Paymaya

Announcements, Business, Consumer, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Technology

It is now extra convenient to pay for your taxes through an app. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the government’s lead tax collection agency, is now working with PayMaya to offer digital payment touchpoints that will be made available to all Filipinos nationwide. PayMaya, the digital financial services arm of Voyager Innovations, offers integrated consumer and merchant payment solutions with the widest on-ground branch network. PayMaya provides e-wallets that allow Filipinos to conduct cashless transactions at any time of the day, anywhere in the world, and from any device. As a start, PayMaya account holders will soon be able to remit their tax payments to BIR through the Pay Bills feature of the PayMaya app. PayMaya is also working with BIR to extend digital tax payments to ...

May242019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

From Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro

Compostela Valley, Government, Mindanaoan Update

It's the only province in the Davao Region that does not have "Davao" in its name. That will soon change, though. Compostela Valley, created in 1998 through Republic Act 8470 that divided the Province of Davao del Norte, will soon be named "Davao de Oro." President Rodrigo Duterte has signed R.A. 11297 on April 17 allowing a plebiscite that will be conducted and supervised by the Commission on Elections. The change to "Davao de Oro" will be subject to ratification by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters during the said plebiscite. Compostela Valley Vice Governor-elect Maricar Zamora said that the new law is "a good day" for the province. "We will soon be named DAVAO DE ORO! Thank you President Rodrigo Duterte for approving our bill... now it is Republic Act No....

May292017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

No truth to Iligan City lockdown…for now

Announcements, Government, Iligan City

A lot of people got stir crazy yesterday because of an announcement na kesyo Iligan City is on lockdown. Apparently that announcement was prematurely released and it was retracted right away. Now, in an effort to help clear things, let me share with you all the announcement from the City Government of Iligan. This is culled verbatim from the Iligan Facebook page. Regarding on the FB Post circulating about "lockdown". Be informed that only CONTAINMENT ACTION is being implemented thru STRONG CHECKPOINTS and SEVERAL MOBILE CHECKPOINTS at the Heart of the City including Police Visibility to negate the occurrence of same incident at Marawi City. Anybody can get in and out of the City provided that they have not violated any law or caught carrying contraband, firearms, explosives, etc as eve...

May252017 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Davao in “hold and secure” state during Martial Law in Mindanao, WHAT THIS MEANS

Announcements, Controversial, Davao City, Government, News, Tourism, Travel

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has announced that the city is currently in a "hold and secure situation" amid the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao. Mayor Inday Sara is the daughter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who issued the Martial Law in Mindanao declaration last May 23, 2017 in Moscow. READ: Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao READ: Infographics: What you MUST know about Martial Law in Mindanao The Presidential Daughter and Davao Mayor said that the "hold and secure situation" (she initially said the city was in lockdown but has since changed it to hold and secure) is to "prevent violence from entering the city and prevent it from erupting inside the city." In relation to this, the City Government of Davao has released the following guidelines fo...

May242017 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Guide for Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific ticket holders during Martial Law in Mindanao

Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism, Travel

Following the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao by the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, two of the country's airlines have also released guidelines and statements especially for confirmed ticket holders. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines said that passengers with confirmed bookings from May 24 to June 30, 2017 may rebook, reroute, or refund flight tickets to and from Mindanao until end-July without any penalties. The areas included are: - Butuan - Cagayan de Oro - Cotabato - Dipolog - Davao - General Santos - Ozamiz - Surigao - Zamboanga Passengers with confirmed tickets to and fro these areas are qualified to amend their tickets. Passengers may call the PAL hotline (02) 855-8888 or go to the nearest ticketing office or partner travel agent. Here...

May242017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

(UPDATED) Infographics: What you MUST know about Martial Law in Mindanao

Announcements, Government, Society

Following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao last May 23, 2017, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) prepared a couple of quick infographics. These are quick facts about what you as a Filipino should know about Martial Law in Mindanao. The declaration has sent a lot of people wondering about our rights and liberties during Martial Law. Below you can find that the declaration: DOES NOT suspend the operation of the Constitution DOES NOT suspend the Judicial and Legislative branches. This means that those branches WILL STILL FUNCTION and will still be headed by civilians You will also see below on these Martial Law in Mindanao infographics your RIGHTS as civilians at CHECKPOINTS. READ: Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao, Phi...

Jan92017 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Akamai: Philippines has marked improvements on Internet connectivity

Government, Internet, Mindanaoan Update, Technology

Akamai, a leading content delivery network services provider for media, software delivery and cloud security solution, revealed on their 3rd quarter survey that the Philippines has registered significant improvements in terms of connectivity. This prompted National Telecommunications Commission Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios to say that the Philippines' fixed-line broadband speed is set to improve further once the Duterte administration's National Broadband Plan is implemented. Based on Akamai’s Q3 report, the country’s average connection speed (IPv4) for mobile internet has now ranked first in the Asia Pacific region, registering an average speed of 13.9 Mbps up from 8.5 Mbps in the second quarter. On the table presented in the study, the Philippines’ average mobile speed 1...