Metro CDO Times

24/01/2025

22/01/2025

22/01/2025

Orbits Satellite Internet key to ending internet woes in PH

By: Ruffy Magbanua

MANILA — Orbits Satellite Corporation is poised to end the four identified problems of internet connectivity in the Philippines: Signal, Speed, Security and Affordability.

Orbits satellite internet will provide lasting solution to the country’s laggard internet connectivity following the recent launch of its satellite internet facility in December 2024 by Astranis in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.

Orbits Satellite Corporation President and CEO Augusto Baculio Jr said “our mission is to connect the unconnected regions of the country, providing them with the necessary internet connectivity to thrive in the Digital Age.

“Most of the internet pe*******on in the Philippines is confined only in metropolitan areas,” said Baculio, “outside of that, going to the inner communities, over mountains, across islands — that is where you have intermittent access to connectivity, or none at all.”

Getting these people connected is critically important, and that is why we are excited to partner with Astranis in this important and critical project to bring a dedicated internet satellite to the Philippines, Baculio said.

Orbits is a satellite services provider and the sister company of a local Philippine ISP, HTechCorp, which has over 20 years of experience in providing internet services to the country’s 7,641 islands.

Astranis is the world’s leading operator of dedicated communications satellites. Astranis had partnered with Orbits to bring to the country the first-ever dedicated internet satellite. The satellite internet will provide sufficient bandwidth to connect up to two million people across 5,000 remote and rural communities in the Philippines.

“We are incredibly excited to give the Filipino people their own, dedicated satellite,” said Astranis CEO John Gedmark. “We expect this to be a critical piece of digital infrastructure that will help millions of people improve their lives,” Gedmark said.

Astranis satellite will be the first internet satellite ever dedicated to the Philippines, a country that is uniquely challenging to cover with traditional connectivity solutions like fiber, microwave, and large satellite systems.

Over 20 typhoons in the Philippines each year, and other natural disasters, challenge the Filipino people and prove the importance of resilient connectivity infrastructure, Gedmark said.

Given its geographic challenges, only 11,000 of the country’s 42,000 local communities are covered by fiber optics today, and many of those left unconnected are what the Philippine government has identified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

GIDA communities often do not have local hospitals and other public service institutions. Connecting these GIDA communities to reliable and affordable internet services is a major priority of the government. Astranis has been building dedicated, low-cost communications satellites to connect the unconnected with affordable internet access.

Each Astranis spacecraft operates from geostationary orbit (GEO) with a next-generation design of only 400 kg, utilizing a proprietary software-defined radio payload. This allows Astranis to provide dedicated satellites to small and medium-sized countries, Fortune 1000 companies, and other customers, as well as the US Government for national security applications.

Astranis had successfully set up its first satellite internet in Alaska. The Philippines will be the second recipient of satellite internet connectivity this year, Gedmark added.

21/01/2025

OVER 17MILLION SMUGGLED CI******ES SEIZED IN TWO SEPARATE OPERATIONS

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City - Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully intercepted smuggled ci******es valued at approximately P17 million in two separate operations conducted on January 19, 2025, in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon.

At around 3:21 AM, personnel from the 1005th Mobile Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), in coordination with Pantar Municipal Police Station (MPS), flagged down a blue Isuzu Canter truck based on intelligence from a reliable informant. The vehicle, suspected of transporting contraband from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, was found to contain smuggled ci******es during the inspection.

The driver was identified as alias “Raffy”, a 21-year-old resident of Brgy. Tangcal, Tugaya, Lanao del Sur.

Confiscated items include 82 Master Cases of Canon Ci******es, 31 Master Cases of Champion Ci******es, 590 Reams of Canon Ci******es, 120 Reams of Champion Ci******es, with a total estimated market value of PhP5,088,000.00.

The suspect is now under the custody of Pantar MPS for proper documentation and filing of charges for violations of R.A. 10643 (Government Health Warning Law) and R.A. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code).

The confiscated contraband and the vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Iligan City for further investigation and proper disposition.

Later at 2:20 PM, personnel from Dangcagan Municipal Police Station (MPS) conducted a checkpoint in Purok 1, Brgy. Lourdes, Dangcagan, Bukidnon, resulting in the apprehension of two individuals identified by their aliases as “Chris”, 26 years old resident of Zamboanga Sibugay, and “Ian”, 36 years old, resident of Zamboanga City.

While conducting checkpoint, police flagged down a truck loaded with alleged smuggled ci******es without pertinent documents.
Accordingly, the contraband originated from SND, Lanao del Norte, and was en route to Cagayan de Oro City.

Seized items were 300 Boxes of Cannon Menthol Ci******es, one Aluminum Wing Van Truck, with a total estimated market value of PhP12,000,000.00.

All Confiscated items will be properly turned over to BOC for proper disposition.

PBGEN JAYSEN C DE GUZMAN, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the dedication of the operating units and emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating illegal activities.

“We will continue to strengthen our efforts in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities in Northern Mindanao. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to help us combat smuggling and other crimes,” he said.

SOURCE: RPIO PRO10

21/01/2025

Metro CDO Times Feature (January 21, 2025)

21/01/2025

CDO female inmates hold Sinulog fest

Cagayan de Oro City Jail – Female Dormitory, under the leadership of JSINSP MARY ROSE S PACANA, held a successful celebration of the Sinulog Festival 2025 on January 20, 2025. The event commenced with a Holy Mass led by JSUPT THOMAS AUGUSTINE H CATARATA, Regional Chaplain, creating a moment of reflection and unity for personnel and 291 PDL.

After the Mass, Jail Warden JSINSP MARY ROSE S PACANA delivered a welcoming message, urging all to come together as one community, rejoice in their blessings, and seek protection and guidance from Santo Niño.

The celebration continued with the Sinulog Dance Competition and Festival Queen Competition, where four dormitories competed in the street dancing and festival queen showcases. The panel of judges was composed of JCSUPT CESAR M LANGAWIN, DSC, Regional Director of the Jail Bureau; JSSUPT GIL V INOPIA JR., Assistant Regional Director for Administration; JSUPT MARLON J YMBALLA, DSC, Jail Warden of CDOCJ-MD; JCINSP JEZA MAE SARAH C SANCHEZ, Chief WDD/PDD/LSS; and ATTY. MARIA NIMFA A. TAMPARONG, Public Attorney IV. Also in attendance was JINSP BRIT D. AGUILON, Chief CRS of CDOCJ-MD, along with other Regional Officers and distinguished personnel, who observed the performances.

ATTY. MARIA NIMFA A TAMPARONG, in her inspirational message, compared the Sinulog dance’s one-step-backward, two-steps-forward movement to the journey of Persons Deprived of Liberty. She emphasized that while setbacks are inevitable, it is important to reassess one’s direction, adapt, and persevere, as this will eventually lead to progress and a better future. In his remarks, ATTY. ROY P RAAGAS, Cagayan de Oro City Administrator, expressed his support for the BJMP and highlighted the importance of partnerships between government agencies in fostering community-oriented programs. He also extended the blessing and support of Hon. Rolando “Klarex” Uy, City Mayor. JCSUPT CESAR M LANGAWIN, DSC, also commended JSINSP MARY ROSE S PACANA for her efforts in organizing the event and praised the Sinulog Festival inside the jail for showcasing BJMP’s commitment to providing holistic rehabilitation programs for PDL through cultural enrichment and spiritual growth.

The event concluded with the awarding ceremony. Dorm 3B won Best in Choreography, Dorm 1/Annex took Best in Musicality, and Dorm 1 claimed Best in Theme. For the Festival Queen Competition, Dorm 3B emerged as the Queen, with Dorm 3A as 1st Runner-up, Dorm 2 as 2nd Runner-up, and Dorm 1 as 3rd Runner-up. In the overall competition, Dorm 3B was crowned Champion, Dorm 1 secured 1st Runner-Up, Dorm 2 took 2nd Runner-Up, and Dorm 3A placed 3rd Runner-Up. Aside from the cash prizes and gift packs prepared by the Jail Warden, the Regional Director generously added cash prizes for the winners as a special recognition for their creativity.

The event was covered by media partners, including Ms. Menzie Montes from iFM CDO, Ms. Joanne Ricote from RMD DXCC, Mr. Zaldy Navarro Jr. from Juander Radyo, Mr. Mark Francisco from Mindanao Daily, and Mr. Jan Albert Araña of Philippine Information Agency whose efforts helped highlight the significance of the Sinulog Festival beyond the jail walls.

20/01/2025

KALANDRAKAS (JANUARY 20, 2025)
Every Monday 1pm to 2pm in the afternoon.
Hosted by: Allan Mediante, Manny Jaudian & Ed Abalos from FilAm TV Network Inc

20/01/2025

18/01/2025

Kuyamis Festival Culminates with pride among Philippines' best festival as recognized by DoT

By Ercel Maandig

Cagayan de Oro, January 18-The 12th Kuyamis Festival in Misamis Oriental concluded successfully, highlighting the province's rich cultural heritage and its flagship product, the coconut. Governor Peter Unabia, alongside his wife Erlinda Unabia, who serves as the Chairperson of Tourism in the province, emphasized goal-oriented tourism aimed at showcasing local products. The festival featured various competitions, with the following winners:

Miss Kuyamis 2025:

Miss Kuyamis 2025 - Aaliyah Mae L. Labis of Medina

1st Runner up - Zusmitha Sheen E. Itum of Tagoloan

2nd Runner up - Quench Gift G. Espantaleon of Magsaysay

3rd Runner up - Christal Briseis P. Polancos of Manticao

4th Runner up - Nicole Y. Lobido of Laguindingan

Festival Dance Competition:

Grand Champion: Municipality of Naawan
1st Runner-Up: Municipality of Magsaysay
2nd Runner-Up: Municipality of Claveria
3rd Runner-Up: Municipality of Initao
4th Runner-Up: Gingoog City
Special Awards:
Best in Costume: Municipality of Claveria
Best in Musicality: Municipality of Naawan
Best in Choreography: Municipality of Naawan
Best in Storyline: Municipality of Naawan
Booth Competition:

1st Place: Municipality of Talisayan
2nd Place: Municipality of Jasaan
3rd Place: Municipality of Claveria
The Tourism Department of Misamis Oriental, led by Maryden Ocot, acknowledged the unwavering support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Jigjag Pelaez, and Department of Tourism Region 10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan. Ocot highlighted the pivotal role of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in elevating local tourism and positioning the Kuyamis Festival as one of the country's premier festivals.

Governor Unabia committed to an even more vibrant and expansive celebration next year, stating that tourism is a key player in achieving the province's goal of reducing poverty incidence to single digits by 2028. He emphasized that enhanced tourism facilities would create more jobs for Misamisnons, thereby reducing poverty and hunger.

Ocot also mentioned that the Misamis Oriental Tourism Board, led by First Lady Erlinda Unabia, in collaboration with the Association of Tourism Officers of Misamis Oriental(ATOM) and the Misamis Oriental Hotel and Restaurant Association(MOHARA),and other tourism stakeholders is in the process of crafting a comprehensive Tourism Development Plan.

The Kuyamis Festival, which concluded with an awarding ceremony on Friday afternoon, successfully showcased the province's arts, culture, and the versatility of the coconut, reinforcing Misamis Oriental's commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

17/01/2025

Dancing To The Beat 12th Kuyamis Festival 2025

DANCING TO THE BEAT. Contingents to the "PAGLAUM" 12th Kuyamis Festival 2025 Dance Competition swaying to the beat while performing their best contest performance, aimed at bringing home the grand price, on Thursday afternoon January 16, 2025, at the grandstand of El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental before hundreds of expectators.

Photo's by Gerry Lee Gorit

17/01/2025

Metro CDO Times Feature (January 17, 2025)

17/01/2025

All systems go for Orbits Satellite Internet for 2-M people In 5,000 rural communities

MANILA – It’s all systems go for Orbits Satellite Corporation to improve internet connectivity in 5,000 remote areas involving 2-M people following the recent successful launch of Astranis’ internet satellite named Agila, the first satellite dedicated to the Philippines, said Orbits Satellite Corporation President and CEO Lawyer Augusto Baculio, Jr.

Orbits is a satellite service provider that had partnered with Astranis Space Technologies Corporation, a US-based space communications company focusing on providing satellite internet services via geostationary communication satellites.

Baculio, a former lawmaker from Misamis Oriental and now a dedicated entrepreneur said the installation of internet satellite country-wide will provide reliable, affordable internet connectivity in remote and rural communities of the country.

Orbits which has already installed its high tech satellite facility in Subic Freeport in Olongapo, Zambales will also serve government agencies, ports, airports, police stations, and hospitals, Baculio said......

Read the full article. Click the website link below:
https://cagayandeorotimes.com/all-systems-go-for-orbits-satellite-internet-for-2-m-people-in-5000-rural-communities/

17/01/2025

CONG RUFUS RODRIGUEZ FORMS CONGRESSIONAL COMMITEE ON WORLD WAR II IN MINDANAO

In his interest and passion to preserve and promote local history, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Cong. Rufus Rodriguez formed the Congressional Committee on World War II in Mindanao to research and create a book on this seldom-told narrative of our history.
The Congressional Committee founded by Cong. Rufus, is chaired by Mr. Mike Baños, with members Mr. Roderico Dumaog Jr., Mr. Ruhollah A.H.J. Alonto, Mr. Carlos Policarpio Bagonoc, Mr. Raul Ilogon, Mr. Lancer Asino, and Ms. Kyla Ibarra.

The proposed book will cover the Japanese bombing and invasion of Cagayan de Oro in 1941-42, the guerrilla activities in Misamis Oriental and all subsequent battles across Mindanao that ensued to fight Japanese Occupation of the island during World War II.
It aims to comprehensively discuss the narratives of the different peoples and communities in Mindanao during the war, including the stories of indigenous peoples (IPs), women, the Church, among others.
With this book, Cong. Rufus and the Congressional Committee aims to raise awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the bravery of Mindanaonons, the rich contribution of Mindanao and its people to the country’s story of liberation. It will endeavor to become a main source of local historical literature for students of history and the general population, especially the younger generation.

Cong. Rufus Rodriguez and the members of the committee are dedicated to give due justice to the stories of our heroic Mindanaonon ancestors so their lives, and the lessons we may learn from it, remain etched in our history for generations to come.





(Source FB Page: Rufus B. Rodriguez)