Balaba appeals to Mayor Uy to save Malasag Eco-Village

Councilor Girlie Balaba appealed to Mayor Rolando Uy to intervene in the impending closure of Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village, following the decision of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to cease its lease with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) effective December 2025.

In her special report, Balaba described the six-hectare eco-village located in Barangay Cugman is a vital ecological, cultural, and tourism site that deserves protection and preservation.

“To sustain Malasag is to sustain the voices of our indigenous peoples, their homes, and their livelihood,” she stressed, noting that the site serves as one of the city’s environmental lungs and keeps the rich cultural heritage of its indigenous communities.

The lady councilor, who is chair of the tourism committee, bared that at least 46 employees may lose their jobs once operations cease, and that valuable infrastructure investments could go to waste. 

“Since Malasag is in our city, we have a duty to protect it… Preserving Malasag is preserving a piece of ourselves – a promise to future generations,” she added.

Councilor Eric Salcedo supported the call but cautioned that the city must carefully study any plan to assume management under its economic enterprises, warning that it could become a financial burden if revenues fall short of operational costs.

Balaba clarified that city intervention would allow the local government to negotiate favorable lease terms with the DENR.

For his part, Councilor Antuy Pascual proposed crafting legislation to declare Malasag a protected eco-cultural heritage site under the city’s local tourism and cultural strategy, citing opportunities for incentives and funding.

Meanwhile, Councilors Jonjon Rodriguez and Marlo Tabac also suggested elevating the matter to Congressman Rufus Rodriguez for possible legislative support at the national level.

The Gardens of Malasag Eco Tourism Village was first managed by the National Tourism Authority and Philippine Tourism Authority in 1991, before it was transferred to TIEZA for redevelopment. (FDC/SP)

Dahino joins CCPC, CSWD in children’s month kickoff

City Councilor Desiree “Des” Dahino, chairperson of the committee on women and family relations, took part with the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC) and the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office in the launching of the National Children’s Month Celebration held in Barangay Nazareth.

With this year’s theme, “OSAEC – CSAEM Wakasan, Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, Councilor Dahino emphasized that every child deserves joy, safety, and love, reaffirming her commitment to advocate for legislations and programs that protect children’s welfare and uphold their rights.

Parlor games, mascots, a magic show, and booths offering popcorn, ice cream, face painting, loot bags, and free haircuts were prepared for young children from District 2, those under the care of CSWD centers, and beneficiaries from non-government organizations such as Gugma sa Kabataan, Inc. and the Philippine Island Kids International Foundation, Inc. (PIKIFI).

Councilor Dahino expressed her excitement that children from the First District will also get to experience the same celebration in the upcoming kickoff activity in Barangay Lumbia. (SPE/SP/Photos from Councilor Dahino's Facebook page)

Daba to city scholars: You are Oro’s future leaders

“You are the city’s future leaders, and your commitment today will determine the kind of city we will have tomorrow.”

This was how Councilor Moreno Y. Daba IV, chair of the City Council committee on education, inspired the students who attended the KATIG Scholars’ Camp organized by the City Education and Development Office (CEDO) last week.

With the theme “Forming Scholar-Leaders for the City,” Councilor Daba highlighted the power of education in transforming lives and shaping responsible leaders for the city’s future.

He urged the scholars to remain steadfast in their studies and to lead by example in their communities.

“Education is not just about academic success, it is about character, service, and leadership,” Daba said.

The councilor also commended CEDO for its continuous efforts in empowering the youth through programs that promote leadership development, civic engagement, and social responsibility.

He emphasized that initiatives such as the KATIG Scholars’ Camp strengthen the city government’s mission to cultivate scholar-leaders who embody excellence and compassion. (JAO/SP/Photos from Councilor Daba’s Facebook page)