Level Up: SMART E-Sports Team Hits Cagayan de Oro for Epic Gamer Clinic

COURTESY: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office

IMAGE CREDITS: Kim D. Zaldivar

Hey, Kagay-anon e-gamers! Hope you're ready to level up because something big just went down in our city. So picture this: the SMART E-Sports team, straight from Manila, flew in to give us the ultimate gaming clinic. Yeah, you heard that right, a clinic for gamers! And where did this epic event take place? None other than the barangay hall in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

You might be wondering, what's the big deal? Well, this was no ordinary event. It was the first-ever Barangay E-Sports Clinic. That’s right, a first in the history of our city! The team was here to train us on killer strategies and playing tactics for games like Mobile Legends, Valorant, and Tekken 8. If you're planning to compete in the upcoming qualifier matches for the Higalaay Festival 2024, this was the place to be.

So, who are these folks that flew in from Manila? The SMART E-Sports Team is composed of some of the top talents in the Philippine gaming scene. These guys are not just players; they're legends. They’ve competed in national and international tournaments, bringing home trophies and earning respect in the e-sports community.

They didn't just come here to play games; they came with a mission to elevate the skills of Kagay-anon e-gamers. City Tourism Council member Rhea Uy said it best: this clinic was designed to prepare us for the upcoming qualifier matches leading to the finals of the e-game tournament for Higalaay Festival 2024. So, you know, no big deal—just a stepping stone to becoming e-sports champions.

Now, let’s dive into the clinic itself. The moment you walked into the barangay hall, you could feel the energy. Gamers from all over the city gathered, consoles and controllers in hand, ready to absorb every bit of wisdom from the pros. The SMART E-Sports Team didn’t disappoint. They broke down complex strategies into easy-to-understand concepts, making sure everyone, from beginners to seasoned players, could keep up.

The clinic had different segments focusing on Mobile Legends, Valorant, and Tekken 8. Each segment was packed with tips, tricks, and tactical advice. For instance, in Mobile Legends, they emphasized the importance of teamwork and map awareness. In Valorant, it was all about precision and communication. And Tekken 8? Well, let’s just say we learned some mind-blowing combos and counter-attacks.

So, what’s next for us Kagay-anon e-gamers? Well, now that we’ve got the skills, it’s time to put them to the test. With the qualifier matches for the Higalaay Festival 2024 coming up, we’ve got the perfect opportunity to showcase what we’ve learned. Whether you’re a Mobile Legends wizard, a Valorant sharpshooter, or a Tekken 8 brawler, there’s a spot for you to shine.

Barangay Carmen chairman Raineir Joaquin "Kikang" Uy couldn’t have been more grateful. He thanked Smart Communications Inc. for their assistance, saying it will promote Barangay Carmen as a trailblazer in E-Sports competitions. And honestly, he’s right. This clinic has put our barangay on the map, showing everyone that Kagay-anon gamers are serious contenders in the e-sports world.

The SMART E-Sports clinic was more than just an event; it was a game-changer for the Kagay-anon e-gaming community. We’ve got the skills, the strategies, and most importantly, the confidence to take on the best. But let’s not stop here. Keep practicing, keep strategizing, and keep pushing the boundaries. The next big tournament is just around the corner, and with the skills we’ve gained, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

So, let’s keep this momentum going. Who knows? The next e-sports champion could be one of us. Game on, Kagay-anon!

The Green Mission: EMB Ventures into Salay's Sanitary Landfill

COURTESY: Local Government Unit of Salay 

Hey, eco-warriors! Have you ever wondered what happens when the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) pays a visit to a landfill? Well, buckle up because we're diving into the nitty-gritty of the EMB's recent trip to the Sanitary Landfill (SLF) in Salay, Misamis Oriental.

On June 27, 2024, the EMB - 10 team took a field trip to the SLF located in Barangay Tinagaan, Salay. This wasn't just any visit; it was a mission to ensure that the landfill operations are up to snuff. The goal? To uphold environmental standards and promote sustainable waste management practices.

The collaboration between the EMB and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Salay is a big deal. It's all about enhancing the efficiency and ecological impact of the landfill operations. And guess what? This means a cleaner and healthier community for everyone. So, let's dive into what went down during this epic visit.

As the EMB team rolled into Barangay Tinagaan, the first thing that struck them was the sheer scale of the SLF. It's a massive operation, and the LGU of Salay has clearly put a lot of effort into making it work. The team was greeted by local officials, who were more than happy to give them the grand tour.

The visit started with a briefing on the landfill's operations. The LGU reps explained how they manage the waste, from collection to disposal. The EMB team was particularly interested in the measures taken to minimize the environmental impact. And guess what? They were pretty impressed with what they saw.

One of the highlights of the tour was the landfill's leachate treatment system. This system ensures that any liquid waste is treated before it can seep into the ground and contaminate the water supply. It's a crucial part of the landfill's operations, and the EMB team was thrilled to see it in action.

After the initial tour, it was time for the EMB team to get down to business. They conducted a series of inspections to ensure that the SLF was complying with environmental standards. This included checking the landfill's liners, gas collection systems, and overall waste management practices.

The EMB team also took soil and water samples to test for any signs of contamination. These tests are essential for ensuring that the landfill isn't having a negative impact on the surrounding environment. Spoiler alert: the initial results were promising, but we'll have to wait for the final reports to know for sure.

In addition to the inspections, the EMB team also held a series of meetings with the LGU officials. They discussed ways to improve the landfill's operations and make them even more sustainable. This included exploring new technologies and best practices from other successful landfill operations.

So, why is this visit such a big deal? Well, it underscores the commitment of both the EMB and the LGU of Salay to uphold environmental standards. It's all about ensuring that the landfill operations are efficient and have a minimal ecological impact.

But it's not just about the landfill. This visit is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable waste management practices across the region. By working together, the EMB and the LGU can create a cleaner, healthier community for everyone.

Moreover, this collaboration sets a great example for other municipalities. It shows that with the right commitment and effort, it's possible to manage waste responsibly and sustainably. And that's something we can all get behind.

As the EMB team wrapped up their visit, they left with a sense of optimism. The SLF in Salay is already doing a lot of things right, but there's always room for improvement. The ongoing collaboration between the EMB and the LGU promises to bring even more positive changes in the future.

What's next for Salay? Well, the focus will be on continuous improvement. This means adopting new technologies, implementing best practices, and constantly monitoring the landfill's impact on the environment. The goal is to make the SLF a model for other municipalities to follow.

In the end, it's all about creating a sustainable future for Salay and beyond. And with the EMB and the LGU working hand in hand, the future looks bright. So, here's to a cleaner, greener Salay!

There you have it, folks! The EMB's visit to the Sanitary Landfill in Salay was more than just a routine inspection. It was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of sustainable waste management. Until next time, stay green and keep fighting the good fight!

Let’s Talk Sewers: Why Teamwork Makes the Dream Work in Cagayan de Oro

COURTESY: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office 

Alright, folks, gather 'round because today we're diving into something that's not usually dinner-table conversation but super important nonetheless—sewerage treatment facilities! That's right, we're talking about the nuts and bolts of keeping our water clean and our environment safe. And guess what? The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has a plan that involves City Hall and the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) teaming up. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's break it down, shall we?

So, why is everyone suddenly talking about sewerage treatment in Cagayan de Oro? Well, during a City Council session, DPWH's Engr. Alexander Generoso Castro dropped some major knowledge bombs. He cited Zamboanga City as a prime example where the city government authorized its water district to spearhead their sewerage treatment facility. Pretty neat, huh?

But wait, there’s more! The DPWH is ready to chip in for this project, covering a whopping 50% of the costs through the national government. This is all under the mandate of Republic Act 9275, also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act. So, essentially, this isn’t just a good idea—it’s the law!

Now, you might be wondering, "Why the rush?" Well, clean water is essential for all of us. It’s not just about having water to drink or bathe in; it's about protecting our entire ecosystem. Untreated sewage can wreak havoc on our rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing harm to wildlife and even affecting our food supply.

Imagine a world where you couldn’t swim in your local river or where fish were contaminated. Gross, right? That’s why this project is such a big deal. It’s not just about today; it’s about the future. And let’s be real, anything that helps keep our environment clean is a win in my book.

Now, how exactly are City Hall and COWD supposed to pull this off? According to Engr. Castro, it’s all about teamwork. The idea is to form an agreement that clearly outlines each party’s responsibilities. City Hall will likely handle the administrative side of things, while COWD will take care of the technical aspects.

Think of it like assembling a dream team for a heist movie—everyone has a role, and when each person does their part, the mission is a success. Only in this case, the treasure is clean, safe water for everyone. And hey, if Zamboanga City can do it, so can we!

Of course, as with any big project, there will be challenges. But that’s part of the journey, right? The key is to stay committed and keep the lines of communication open. Regular updates, community involvement, and transparency will be crucial.

Engr. Castro emphasized that this isn’t just a one-shot deal. It’s an ongoing process that will require maintenance and possibly even expansions in the future. But with the right foundation, this sewerage treatment facility can serve Cagayan de Oro for generations to come.

So there you have it, folks! The DPWH has laid out a solid plan, and now it’s up to City Hall and COWD to make it happen. With a P3.4 billion sewerage treatment facility in the works, the future is looking a lot cleaner and a lot brighter.

Remember, this isn’t just about bureaucracy or red tape. It’s about real people making real changes that affect all of us. So, let’s get behind this project and support our local government and water district. After all, when it comes to keeping our city clean and our water safe, we’re all in this together. Cheers to a cleaner, greener Cagayan de Oro!