Updated: Jan 24
THE City Council committee on subdivision and landed estate, chaired by Councilor Atty. Edgar S. Cabanlas, has favorably approved the Preliminary Subdivision Development Plan (PSDP) application submitted by A.O. Ranises Trading & Realty Co. and Seriña Ranises Emano. The plan covers an area of 5,317 square meters, encompassing 80 lots located in Barangay Macasandig.
One of the beneficiaries of the housing project shared that the land had long been donated by Dra. Seriña Emano to support families in need of housing.
The area, she mentioned, is equipped with essential utilities such as access to roads, electricity, and water, and it has already received certification from the DAR. With these factors in place, the beneficiary expressed hope that the project would receive the necessary approval.
Cabanlas remarked, "If the location is suitable for subdivision, then let us approve it." He emphasized the preliminary nature of the application, noting that it is a clearance for the subdivision plan.
Detailed discussions and further requirements will be addressed during the subsequent application for a development permit.
Updated: Jan 24
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay 36 is set to roll out its initiatives this year following the 20th City Council's approval of its CY 2025 budget of ₱380,670.00.
Of the amount, ₱146,001.00 will be allocated to programs designed to enhance youth participation.
For health-related initiatives, the SK plans to conduct a Teenage Pregnancy Symposium. Education will be promoted through programs such as #BesPrintTaFree and #SKwelaTaUy, while social inclusion and equity will be championed through the celebration of Buwan ng Wika.
The SK will also focus on peacebuilding and security through a seminar on fire prevention and a campaign against illegal drugs, with the hope to promote a drug-free community.
Active citizenship will be encouraged through the KK Assembly and Linggo ng Kabataan. Additionally, the environmental program #KalimpyohanAlangSaKalambuan is designed to instill environmental consciousness among the youth.
The budget further allocates ₱95,166.00 for personal services and ₱139,503.00 for maintenance and other operating expenses. These cover costs related to travel, training, office supplies, SK uniforms, membership dues, and contributions, fidelity bond premiums, electricity, water, and other necessary supplies.
The SK budget is sourced from the barangay’s 10% development fund, as mandated by Republic Act 10742, also known as the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, which ensures that youth-led projects and initiatives receive adequate funding.
The legislation was reviewed and endorsed by the committee on sports and youth development, chaired by Councilor Kenneth John D. Sacala, and the committee on laws and rules, under the leadership of Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas.
Updated: Jan 24
Councilor Roger G. Abaday, chair of the committee on environment, conducted another round of meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways to ask if the contractors of ongoing road-widening and drainage projects have adhered to relevant laws governing environment protection in the wake of massive tree cutting along Masterson Avenue and Macapagal Drive in the uptown area.
It may be recalled that Councilor Abaday pointed this out in his special report during the 97th regular session of the 20th City Council calling on the contractors to incorporate in their flood control projects’ program of works a mandatory tree replacement program as stipulated in Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2020-06 and Department Order 238, s 2022.
COORDINATION CONCERNS
Engineer Jovy Laroga, environmental focal person of DPWH – Cagayan de Oro City 1st District Engineering Office, said that, while the DPWH owns up the responsibility of providing the seedlings, a Memorandum of Agreement should be made first between DENR and DPWH to agree who will nurse the trees after planting them.
Abaday cited that such provision is laid down in the joint memorandum circular, where the Department of Social Work and Development, through its 4Ps program beneficiaries, will take the lead.
For her part, Ms. Elvisa Mabelin from CLENRO said that the replacement program should be within the purview of the DENR-CENRO, since they process the permit.
Mr. Leyrix Hermoso of CENRO Initao explained that there were some seedlings turned over to them last year, but CLENRO is responsible for the identification of the plantation area.
In aid of legislation, an agreement must be made between the city government and concerned barangay, where the project is implemented, to closely coordinate where the tree planting would be conducted to ensure that the same barangay benefits from the said program, Hermoso further suggested.
COMMITTEE COMMITMENT
For Abaday, protecting the environment means protecting people’s lives. Thus, his committee on environment urged the contractors to comply with the law and take the necessary steps henceforth.
Councilor Malvern Esparcia, chair of climate change adaptation & mitigation and disaster risk reduction, moved for the passage of a resolution calling on DPWH-10 to furnish the committee the list of contractors who complied with the tree replacement program.