Shedding Light & Uplifting Lives: DPWH's Twin Triumphs in Cagayan De Oro City

SOURCE: DPWH

Welcome to the burgeoning city of Cagayan De Oro, where the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recently completed two pivotal infrastructure projects. Charting a path of progress, these projects bring comfort and safety to the residents of Barangays Gusa and Bulua, illustrating the transformative power of well-planned and conscientiously implemented infrastructure.

In Barangay Gusa, darkness has given way to a luminescent path, courtesy of the 64 solar street lights installed along the Bigaan Bridge portion of the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road. Thanks to the DPWH Cagayan De Oro 2nd District Engineering Office, pedestrians and motorists can now navigate this stretch with increased visibility and safety, particularly during night-time hours.

The P12.1-million project is a beacon of sustainable development. Featuring 33 single arm posts on both sides of the road and 31 double arm posts at the center island, it provides a thorough distribution of light. However, it's not merely about illumination; it's about carving a safer, brighter future for the local community.

Switching gears to Barangay Bulua, the DPWH Cagayan de Oro 1st District Engineering Office has completed a two-story interment facility. Costing P4.9-million, this building offers locals a free, intimate venue for holding wake and funeral services, giving them space to celebrate the lives of their departed loved ones.

The facility comes replete with two multipurpose halls, two pantries, two comfort rooms, two utility rooms, a storage space, and an electrical/maintenance room. It's not just a structure; it's a testament to human resilience and the power of community in times of grief.

DPWH Region 10 Director Zenaida T. Tan, in her report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, stated that these projects, programmed under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), were carried out to improve the welfare and security of residents in both barangays.

These projects are more than just markers of development. They are steps towards a future where every resident of Cagayan De Oro City can enjoy improved living conditions, safety, and community strength.

By focusing on key areas such as safety and community welfare, DPWH is setting an example of how infrastructure can transform lives. The streetlights and the interment facility highlight the role of infrastructure as a catalyst for progress.

Through these projects, DPWH is not just building infrastructure; it's building hope. It's demonstrating a commitment to fostering a brighter, safer, and more connected Cagayan De Oro City.

As we move forward, let's celebrate these twin triumphs in Barangay Gusa and Barangay Bulua. They stand testament to the power of infrastructure to uplift lives, create safer communities, and foster progress. They remind us that every step taken towards improving public infrastructure is a step towards a better future for all.

J&T Express: Redefining Document Delivery for LGU Manolo Fortich

SOURCE: LGU Manolo Fortich

In an unprecedented move, J&T Express has been named the official courier of documents for the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich. This decision was made official through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by the Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño and representatives of the PH Global Jet Express INC., more commonly recognized as J&T Express. This partnership is set to revolutionize the way documents are delivered in Manolo Fortich.

The MOA was signed on March 26, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the history of Manolo Fortich's LGU. This agreement not only signifies the beginning of a fruitful partnership but also demonstrates the LGU's commitment to implementing advanced digital solutions for its constituents.

The Electronic Business One-Stop-Shop (eBOSS), a novel platform launched in September 2022, allows business owners in Manolo Fortich to conduct transactions in a simplified and accessible manner. This partnership with J&T Express elevates the convenience offered by this platform, as users can now have their permits and clearances delivered right to their doorstep.

The partnership seeks to eliminate the need for clients to physically visit the municipal office to collect their permits. In effect, this agreement will streamline processes and save valuable time for both the LGU and its constituents.

While the primary focus is on eBOSS permits and clearances, the MOA also extends to other documents pertaining to the LGU of Manolo Fortich. This includes certificates, clearances, and other relevant documents for all the offices of the LGU to various agencies nationwide or even internationally.

The partnership is set to function through a unique code system, which will be utilized for all transactions. This will facilitate more efficient tracking and delivery of documents, further enhancing the user experience.

This partnership marks a significant achievement for J&T Express, as Manolo Fortich becomes the first municipal to become their VIP Client. J&T Express appreciates the opportunity to serve the LGU and its constituents, and looks forward to a successful relationship.

Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño expressed his gratitude towards J&T Express for the collaboration and partnership. He believes that this partnership will greatly improve the services provided to the citizens of Manolo Fortich.

The agreement with J&T Express is not a temporary arrangement. Instead, it is a long-term commitment that will only require renewals after a year, thus ensuring continuity and reliability of service.

This partnership is not just about document delivery; it's about progress, convenience, and efficiency. By making J&T Express the official courier of LGU Manolo Fortich, the LGU has taken a significant step towards a more digital and efficient future.

Harnessing the Power of Partnership: Alsons Power Group's Commitment to Skills Development in Collaboration with TESDA

SOURCE:  Siguil Hydro Power Corporation

In an era defined by change, Alsons Power Group, in collaboration with the Technical Education Skills Development Administration (TESDA), is taking a proactive step towards making a significant difference in their host communities. The recent ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two entities marked an official promise - a pledge to empower through skills development initiatives. 

The MOU was signed by TESDA Regional Director (RD) XII Rafael Abogar and Alsons Power Group’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs, Ruben Tungpalan. The event was witnessed by TESDA Sarangani Provincial Director Alfredo Panuela, Jr., and Alsons Power Stakeholder Manager Joel Aton. This momentous occasion marked a formalized collaboration that aims to expand technical vocational educational training (TVET) opportunities.

This collaboration is more than just a partnership; it underscores the shared vision of both entities to address the critical need for skills enhancement within local communities. The initiative seeks to equip residents with the practical knowledge and expertise necessary to thrive in various vocational fields, hence providing access to quality TVET programs.

RD Abogar commented on the partnership, emphasizing its proactive approach to social responsibility. He remarked, "This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting positive change and sustainable development in SOCSKSARGEN."

Alsons Power Group operates across four power facilities in Mindanao, boasting a collective capacity of 468 megawatts (MW). With this, the company illuminates the lives of more than eight million individuals residing across 14 cities and 11 provinces in the island. 

 Facilities under Alsons Power Group

Among Alsons Power Group's assets is the 210-megawatt (MW) Sarangani Energy Corporation Baseload Plant situated in Maasim, Sarangani. 

Concurrently, the Siguil Hydro Power Corporation is in the final stages of testing for its 14.5-megawatt run-of-river hydroelectric facility, with plans for operational commencement expected within the current year.

Alsons Power’s commitment extends beyond providing power. According to Tungpalan, "We understand that investing in technical and vocational training for residents is not just a responsibility, but a tangible demonstration of our brand promise- We Power with Care."

This initiative is designed to unlock the potential of Mindanaoans, offering them avenues for employment or entrepreneurship. It is a testament to Alsons Power's dedication to powering communities in more ways than one.

The collaboration between Alsons Power Group and TESDA is a promising stride towards sustainable development. It's a bold step that not only illuminates homes but also the paths of individuals who aspire to learn, grow, and succeed in their chosen fields. This partnership is just the beginning of a brighter, more empowered future for Mindanao.