BENGUET

Sacred Balite tree eyed for reforestation program to deter local illegal loggers

KAPANGAN, Benguet – A “sacred tree” here has been tapped by the municipal government and other environmentalist to ensure the success of its reforestation project at denuded forest and watersheds.

The “balite tree,” an indigenous tree species here, is being eyed for the town’s reforestation project and for the preservation of denuded watershed area and forest reservations.

It was learned that there is an on-going research by the local government on the massive propagation of the “balite tree” to be used for its reforestation program.

Experts said that the tree is considered sacred because it is believed to be inhabited by sacred creatures.

Local officials said they want to plant trees that have a great cultural impact to help them in ensuring the success if the reforestation program.

The “balite tree” is considered sacred by most of the residents that they do not dare cut it. Thus, the local officials thought of using it for the environmental program.

The officials got the idea of using trees with cultural significance in reforestation from Thailand where trees believed to be sacred are not cut. Newly elected provincial and municipal officials on Benguet and the 13 towns have vowed to prioritize the reforestation and preservation of watersheds and denuded forest reservations.


Lepanto mine union officers inducted
BY ALDWIN QUITASOL

MANKAYAN, Benguet – New officers of the Lepanto Employees Union – National Federation of Labor Unions – Kilusang Mayo Uno (LEU-NAFLU-KMU) were inducted here Saturday at the union hall.

Earlier, the general membership of LEU chose their new officials at the Mankayan National High School on June 23.

The special election was held after LEU officers for the years 2002-2007 gave their ultimate sacrifice and accepted dismissal to end the union’s 101 day strike against the management of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company for the members’ reinstatement to their works.

The new members of the executive committee are president-elect Manuel Binhaon, vice-president-elect Samuel Rosito, re-electionist secretary Warden Lapaddic, assistant secretary Mario Soposop, re-electionist Alejandro Sulang as treasurer, assistant Manuel Enyaka, auditor Dionibong Saldo and business manager Warren Managtag.

`Composing the board of directors for the mine department are Juanito Bagwan, Higenio Ginpac, Anastacio Kimpay, Richard Lamlamag, Micheal Lang-agan, Lon Baday, Thomas Faroga, Bonifacio Damagon, Feliciano Caguay and James Basitan.

BOD members from technical services group are Patricio Balong-angey, Prudencio Bantew, Cesar Lokino and Ceasar Ledda for the mill department, Frank Samdao and Paranis Saya-an for mine mechanical and electrical, Samson Fotyong for inventory management, Materno Edic for mine engineering and geology and Federico Raymundo for administration..

The Kilusang Mayo Uno-Cordillera congratulated the officers. KMU regional spokesperson James Tulipa said the election showed how democratic rights and political will of the members were expressed.

Tulipa added that the new officers should bear in mind the gains and lessons from the struggles of the Lepanto workers especially the two strikes which took place on 2003 and 2005. “They should also always uphold the principles of genuine unionism wherein the interests of the general membership come first.


Body of hit-and-run victim found

ATOK, Benguet – Concerned residents and policemen retrieved the body of a 60year-old woman, who was believed to be a victim of a hit-and-run incident, in a 15-meterdeep ravine along the Halsema Highway here near km 27.

The victim reportedly suffered multiple head and body injuries caused by impact of the still unidentified vehicle that three her off the road making her fall in the ravine.

Police identified the victim as Mila Atiw Piok, 60, married, and resident of Tupdak, Atok, Benguet.

Police said the hit-and-run incident might have occurred evening of June 22 as physicians reported that the victim died several hours before her body was recovered.

A follow-up investigation was conducted to identify the driver of the vehicle who reportedly caused the demise of the old woman. -- Dexter See