Author Archives: Mike Baños

The Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complex is best left in government hands rather than sold to private investors.

This was emphatically stressed by Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol., chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) during the recent virtual Mindanao Power Forum 2021 held on May 25, 2021.

“I fully support the previous policy recommendation of MinDA for APHEC (Agus Pulangi Hydroelectric Complex) to remain under the ownership and control of government.… Continue reading... “MinDA Sec. Piñol supports non-sale of Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complex, Mindanao rates estimated to rise P2-3/kWH with divestment”

Cagayan de Misamis was liberated by Filipino Guerrillas on May 12, 1945 after a four-day operation with the help of close air support from the Americans.

The units involved in the so-called general offensive were the 1^st and 2^nd Battalions of the 110^th Infantry Regiment which secured the Bugo-Tagoloan area of Misamis Oriental’s eastern coastline, while the 109^th Infantry Regiment’s 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Battalions secured the western coastline and did the actual liberation of West Cagayan and its Poblacion, with another three battalions from the 111th Regiment, 109th Division covering the right flank, and the 120th regiment, 108th Division based in Iligan, supporting the left flank with 300 enlisted men.… Continue reading... “Guerrillas of the Liberation Force”

Australia and New Zealand celebrate Anzac Day on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.… Continue reading... “Anzac Day 2021: Remembering Australian Guerrillas in Mindanao during World War II”

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has approved the installation of a historical marker to honor the late World War II patriot Antonio Julian Montalván.

Signed by Dr. Rene R. Escalante, NHCP Chairman of the Board, the approved text in Pilipino reads:

Antonio Julian Montalván y Corrales (Feb. 8, 1906 – Aug.… Continue reading... “NHCP approves historical marker for Kagay-anon Patriot”

Two of the Second World War’s largest naval battles were fought in the waters off the Philippines.

These were the Battle of the Philippine Sea on June 19-20, 1944, considered the largest carrier-to-carrier battle in history, involving 24 aircraft carriers , deploying roughly 1,350 carrier-aircraft ; and the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 23-26, 1944, considered to have been the largest naval battle of World War II and, by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in history, , with over 200,000 naval personnel involved.… Continue reading... “The Guerrilla Navy in Northern Mindanao”

United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE) soldiers from Northern Mindanao who fought in Bataan and survived the Death March  managed to find their way back to Cagayan de Misamis and joined the guerrillas to continue the fight against the Imperial Japanese Army garrison troops.

We feature some of their stories to commemorate our Araw ng Kagitingan and celebrate the memory of their valor and sacrifice for their beloved Philippines so that we may have the freedom we enjoy today.… Continue reading... “Heroes de Bataan: Death March Survivors fight again in Mindanao”

Cagayan de Misamis, as Cagayan de Oro was known in the turn of the century, did not only have men but women freedom fighters as well.

When the first Recollect missionaries arrived in Cagayan, then known as Himologan, Datu Salangsang received them hospitably.

In the ensuing struggle with the rising Maguindanao sultanate under Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat, the Kagay-anons sided with the Spaniards.… Continue reading... “Arcadia y Salud : Women Freedom Fighters of Misamis”

Should things go as planned, the Philippines would soon have cheaper and faster internet services that would be at par with the best other Southeast Asian nations  have to offer.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is partnering with local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to make this happen by expediting the completion of the National Broadband Network.… Continue reading... “Faster, cheaper internet coming soon: DICT strategy to fast track national broadband rollout”

And the hits just keep on coming!

For the third time in recent years, a faculty member of the Liceo Conservatory of Music, Theatre and Dance has brought home an Ani nga Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Piano/Composition Music Faculty Niño Cesar Borromeo Tiro was awarded an Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors)Award during the event’s 13^th edition for his piano composition with the 250 piano pieces for Beethoven International Composition Project 2019, which brought pride and honor to the Philippines.… Continue reading... “Liceo Music Conservatory does it again: Tiro wins Ani ng Dangal for Beethoven Tribute”