Harvesting Stability: How a New Postharvest Hub Reinforces Bukidnon’s Agricultural Resilience

COURTESY: JSA/PIA-10/Bukidnon

Strategic Investment and Local Impact

The timely turnover of a P1.68-million postharvest storage hub to the Gango-Kinawe farmers’ cooperative in Libona marks a strategic investment in rural agricultural infrastructure. Moreover, this facility, funded under the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA), directly addresses the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate risks and market volatility. Consequently, farmers now possess a safeguarded space to store maize and cassava, which will reduce spoilage and enable more calculated market participation.

Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Northern Mindanao emphasized practical benefits. For example, by enabling bulk sales at optimal times, the cooperative can secure improved market prices. Therefore, this intervention not only mitigates postharvest losses but also enhances income stability for households dependent on agriculture.

Governance, Coordination, and Community Benefits

Effective coordination remains essential, and Pacamalan urged crop registration and collaboration with Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs) to balance supply and demand. Additionally, past episodes of discarded produce due to poor market prices illustrate the cost of insufficient planning; thus, registration during planting will help prevent oversupply and expand market access. Consequently, the storage hub represents both relief and a catalyst for better agricultural governance.

Furthermore, community leaders articulated profound gratitude and commitment to collective advancement. Chairperson Angelito Atillo of the Gango-Kinawe Community-based Participatory Action Research Producers Cooperative (GKCPAR) highlighted how the new facility will reduce spoilage, raise incomes, and sustain livelihoods. On the same day, DA-10 also turned over another warehouse to the Bliss Lingion Multipurpose Cooperative in Manolo Fortich, thereby extending similar support across Bukidnon and reinforcing the province’s role as Northern Mindanao’s food basket.

Northern Mindanao’s Pioneering Steps in Mental Health Services

COURTESY: (APB/PIA-10)

A Transformative Initiative

The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Northern Mindanao is poised to make significant strides in mental health services with the establishment of the region's first psychiatric facility. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address long-standing deficiencies in mental health care, reflecting a growing recognition of the paramount importance of mental well-being alongside physical health. During her State of the Region Address on June 26, Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo, who chairs the RDC, articulated the vision for this facility, which will be strategically located in Initao, Misamis Oriental.

The proposed health facility is expected to receive an initial funding allocation of P400 million in 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the integration of mental health considerations into public infrastructure planning. Governor Dimaporo emphasized the need for a compassionate approach, stating, “This initiative reflects a deeper understanding: that mental health is health, and that dignity, hope, and compassion must be part of every cure.” This powerful statement underscores a transformative shift in how mental health is perceived and addressed in the region.

## Advancing Public Health Infrastructure

In addition to the psychiatric facility, Governor Dimaporo highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance public health infrastructure and outcomes throughout Northern Mindanao. She reported noteworthy developments in maternal and newborn care, adolescent health, and emergency preparedness. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have been instrumental in shaping these initiatives, underscoring the necessity of a robust health system capable of withstanding future challenges.

With over 93 percent of births attended by skilled health workers, and 90 percent occurring in health facilities, the region demonstrates significant progress in maternal care. Furthermore, the high newborn screening coverage of 93 percent facilitates early detection and treatment of congenital conditions, thereby improving health outcomes for infants. In addressing adolescent pregnancy, the region has successfully reduced its birth rate to 24.21 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19, surpassing national targets. Governor Dimaporo attributed this success to sustained reproductive health education and improved access to services, empowering young women to pursue their education and make informed life choices.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly regarding hospital capacity and the distribution of health workers. The decline in the ratio of hospital beds to the population, particularly in Level 1 and 2 hospitals, has raised concerns. Governor Dimaporo acknowledged these challenges while reiterating the importance of continued investment in public health. “These gaps remind us that our work is not finished. But they also light the way forward: expand capacity, invest in health workers, and ensure that no community—however remote—is left behind,” she asserted.

The establishment of a psychiatric facility and ongoing improvements in public health infrastructure signify a promising future for Northern Mindanao. As these initiatives unfold, they not only aim to bridge existing gaps but also set a precedent for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to health care in the region.

A Beacon of Hope: The Early Completion of Marawi City General Hospital

COURTESY: APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur

In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare accessibility, the construction of the new Marawi City General Hospital is now poised for early completion. Originally targeted for inauguration in September, the hospital's opening has been rescheduled for August, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. During his recent visit to the city, the President emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, “We are giving the contractors and all of the government agencies the deadline of August, na mabuksan na ang hospital, para makapag-serbisyo na sa taumbayan.” This commitment reflects the government’s dedication to improving health services for the residents of Marawi and neighboring towns.

The new hospital is set to alleviate the patient volume at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC), the primary public hospital in the region. As a result, it will enhance access to both basic and emergency medical services for the local populace. Marawi City Health Officer Dr. Ali Dalidig underscored this development, highlighting that the facility aligns with the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) program. He stated, “Actually, makakadagdag ito sa health services ng Marawi at made-decongest yung Amai Pakpak Medical Center,” indicating the hospital's potential to create more jobs and promote inclusive development in post-conflict areas.

Enhancing Community Health and Economic Opportunities

The establishment of the Marawi City General Hospital represents a multifaceted approach to community welfare. It not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also promises to create employment opportunities for local residents. Dr. Shalimar Sani-Rakiin, the APMC chief-of-hospital, highlighted the hospital's role in managing primary health cases such as diarrhea and pneumonia. By accommodating these cases locally, the new facility will allow APMC to focus on more complex medical situations. Dr. Sani-Rakiin remarked, “We expect na yung mga primary cases like ng mga diarrhea at pneumonia, pwede na dito nalang i-cater,” illustrating the hospital’s impact on streamlining healthcare delivery.

Furthermore, the hospital’s impending completion signals a renewed sense of hope for the community. It underscores the government's commitment to rebuilding Marawi City and fostering long-term health improvements. Dr. Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi Jr., regional director of the Department of Health in northern Mindanao, provided the President with an overview of the hospital's facilities and construction progress. As the region anticipates the operational launch of the Marawi City General Hospital, it stands as a testament to resilience, promising enhanced healthcare services and economic growth for the community. The early completion of this vital institution marks a pivotal moment in Marawi’s journey towards recovery and development.