Paddles Up: A Thrilling Showdown at the Mayor's Cup Spring Festival

COURTESY:  CIO

The sun shone brightly on the shimmering waters as teams prepared for the much-anticipated **4th Mayor's Cup Spring Festival Race**. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and camaraderie, drawing spectators from all corners of the community. Colorful banners adorned the shoreline, fluttering in the gentle breeze, while the rhythmic beat of drums set the perfect tone for the day’s festivities. In this vibrant setting, dragon boat teams, fueled by passion and determination, gathered to showcase their skills and compete for glory.

As the first race commenced, the air filled with cheers and encouragement. Teams, adorned in striking uniforms, paddled in unison, their synchronized movements creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Each stroke propelled them forward, carving through the water with precision. Transitioning from one race to another, the energy only intensified. Spectators witnessed fierce rivalries and heartwarming sportsmanship, with teams celebrating each other's victories while fiercely competing for the coveted trophy. These moments captured the essence of the festival: community spirit and a shared love for the thrilling sport of dragon boat racing.

The Heart of the Festival: Community and Competition

At the core of the **Mayor's Cup Spring Festival** lies a deep-rooted sense of community. Families and friends gathered along the banks, creating a lively tapestry of laughter and excitement. Local vendors offered delicious food and refreshing drinks, ensuring that everyone had the energy to cheer on their favorite teams. Additionally, the festival featured cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage that dragon boat racing represents. As the day progressed, the bond among participants and spectators grew stronger, united by the thrill of competition and the joy of shared experiences.

Moreover, the festival served as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of teamwork and resilience. Each dragon boat team, regardless of their ranking, demonstrated the power of collaboration. They trained tirelessly, learning to trust each other and communicate effectively. This spirit resonated beyond the racecourse, inspiring everyone present to embrace the values of dedication and teamwork in their own lives. Ultimately, the **SNAPSHOTS: DRAGON BOAT TEAMS CLASH IN 4TH MAYOR'S CUP SPRING FESTIVAL RACE** became more than just a competition; it transformed into a celebration of unity, culture, and the unyielding human spirit.

A New Chapter for the SSS: Welcome to Our Limketkai Mall Branch!

COURTESY: Limketkai Mall

In the bustling heart of Cagayan de Oro, the Social Security System (SSS) has proudly unveiled its newest branch at Limketkai Mall. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the SSS, as it aims to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of services for its members. With the formal blessing and inauguration ceremony, the new branch is officially open to the public, ready to serve the community with a warm and welcoming approach.

A Premier Location for Premier Services

Strategically located on the 2nd floor of the East Annex Building, this modern branch is designed with the member's experience in mind. Transitioning from the traditional to the contemporary, the SSS at Limketkai Mall offers a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the evolving needs of its clientele. Members can now enjoy a more streamlined process for their transactions, reducing wait times and improving overall satisfaction. 

Moreover, this new branch embodies the SSS commitment to provide heart-felt service. The dedicated staff is not only equipped to handle inquiries and transactions efficiently but also trained to offer personalized assistance. Therefore, whether you are inquiring about benefits, contributions, or loans, you can expect a friendly face and a helping hand every step of the way. With this new location, the SSS takes a significant leap toward making social security services more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.

Milking Opportunities: The Future of Dairy Farming in Northern Mindanao

COURTESY: Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office

Dairy farming in Northern Mindanao is on the brink of transformation, and the potential is HUGE. Under the watchful eye of Gov. Juliette T. Uy, local agriculture is receiving the nurturing it deserves. Recently, a significant discussion unfolded during a courtesy call from the National Dairy Authority (NDA), led by Department Manager Jester John P. Jadap, alongside the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC), chaired by Robert Maagad Enerio. The meeting, held on February 16, 2026, aimed to address the pressing challenges and opportunities of the dairy sector.

This initiative holds immense promise as it aligns with the Private Sector-funded Milk Feeding Program, aptly themed "Nourishing Filipino Children & Empowering Local Farmers." The program adheres to the revised Joint Administration Order No. 001-2025 from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), encouraging all governmental agencies to participate. This collaboration offers substantial benefits, particularly for donor private sectors and intended beneficiaries. The overarching goal is to combat malnutrition among children while simultaneously enhancing market opportunities for local dairy farmers. This multifaceted approach will not only assess and improve the quality of local milk production but also significantly boost the income of dairy farmers, ultimately steering the local dairy industry toward a brighter future.

A Collective Effort for Change

Gov. Juliette Uy expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support directed to dairy farmers, noting, “When I just sit, the support given to our dairy farmers is overwhelming,” as stated by NDA's Jester John P. Jadap. This collaborative spirit fosters optimism, as the provincial government commits to providing monetary assistance to dairy farmers. Such support, paired with the NDA and NMFDC’s efforts, promises to implement programs that will bridge the gap between local farmers and various agencies.

Moreover, an exciting opportunity arises next month with a one-day refresher course for dairy farmers across Misamis Oriental, including those from Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro. Set to take place at the MOPADC venue in Claveria town, this course aims to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an evolving dairy landscape. By investing in education and resources, Northern Mindanao positions itself as a vital player in the dairy industry, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity. The future of dairy farming here is indeed bright, and with continued support, it will flourish.