NEW BITS

Boat sinks in P’sinan river

By Eva Visperas

AGNO, Pangasinan  – Authorities are preparing to contain an oil spill reportedly caused by the sinking of a fishing boat in a river here on April 18.

At least 280 liters of fuel from the F/B 2 Sister-Gemini were believed to have spilled into the river in Barangay Dangley.

Mechanic Rey Montemayor said one of the boat’s outriggers broke.

Village officials informed the Philippine Coast Guard station in Bolinao about the incident.     

Van falls off cliff; 3 hurt

ITOGON, Benguet -- Three persons were injured when their van plunged into a ravine here April 18.

Driver Joe Cawas and his passengers Eden Attem and William Banoca were rushed to the Baguio City General Hospital for treatment.

Cawas reportedly lost control of the wheel when he avoided a vehicle parked along the highway in Barangay First Gate.        

15,000 jobs up in Ilocos fairs

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union --  At least 15,000 jobs await new graduates and other jobseekers in the Ilocos region this month, the Department of Labor and Employment announced Wednesday.

Grace Ursua, DOLE Ilocos region director, said close to 15,000 overseas and local jobs would be offered at two job fairs on April 30 and May 1.

Ursua said they would conduct a job and livelihood fair at the SM City mall in Rosales, Pangasinan on May 1 and at the Robinson’s Place mall in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte on April 30.

She said the events aim to cut jobseekers’ time in searching for jobs by bringing companies in one place to hire workers.

 “DOLE makes it easy and fast for jobseekers to find jobs that fit their qualifications, interests and inclinations. It also helps employers find the right applicants for their manpower needs,” Ursua said.

Aside from job fairs, the agency conducts livelihood fairs showcasing products of DOLE-assisted projects.

Cop arrested for rape

CABANATUAN CITY – A police officer was arrested by his colleagues for allegedly raping his stepdaughter here Wednesday.

The police officer, assigned in Limay, Bataan, was collared by members of the provincial police-criminal investigation and detection group, Chief Insp. Joselito Fidel Brioso, chief of Region 3-CIDG, said.

The policeman was arrested at his home at around 1:30 p.m. based on a warrant signed by Judge  Johnmuel Mendoza for three counts of rape.

The 14-year-old victim told investigators that the rapes occurred on April 3 and 27, 2013 and on Oct. 24, 2014.

The policeman was ordered transferred to a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Barangay Kalikid. – Manny Galvez

Disaster preparedness program set in Mt Prov

BONTOC, Mt. Province - -  The Department of the Interior and Local Government provincial office here has launched disaster preparedness program to upgrade capability of local government units in addressing disasters and climate change.

Dubbed “Operation Listo,” it sets upgrades disaster preparedness and response programs.

The program also contains disaster preparedness manual or protocol that will guide the mayors and other stakeholders on the course of action that needs to be done before, during and after the occurrence of disasters and calamities.

Orienting the participants on the program during the provincial “Listo” convergence action planning, DILG provincial director Anthony Ballug said LGUs have competent disaster management programs.

“LGUs take lead role in disaster matters,” Ballug said, adding “operation listo” includeds disaster preparedness manuals being downloaded to LGUs.

The manual contains the checklist for early warning or preparation processes for mayors, municipal local government operation officers, fire marshals, chiefs of police and local disaster risk reduction and management officers.

A dialogue was held April 15 to strengthen commitment, network and partnership among the LGUs, civil society organizations, private sector, academe and media by establishing common understanding and appreciation of the LGU disaster preparedness manuals and disaster related activities.

A WEmboree was scheduled April 29-30 -- a gathering of youths to discuss their role in addressing disaster resiliency and encouraging volunteerism in disaster risk reduction.

In the same affair, local officials led by Gov. Leonard Mayaen, heads and representatives of key offices in the province signed Declaration of Commitment of Operation “Listo” TamangPaghahanda, TamangAksyon . -- Andrew Doga-ong

Hot logs seized in Ilocos

BACARRA, IlocosNorte  – Lawmen intercepted a truck loaded with illegal lumber with an estimated value of P700,000 here Wednesday.

Truck driver Val Fernan Valentino and his helper EdilbertoLingad were detained after failing to show documents for the hardwood that included tanguile and narra.

Valentino and Lingad reportedly produced permits showing they were transporting softwood species like gemelina.

The logs were supposed to be delivered to Tarlac City when it was intercepted in Barangay Tambidao, Bacarra police chief Senior Inspector JephreTaccad said.

Benjamin Tumaliuan, environment and natural resources director in Cagayan, denied reports that the logs came from his jurisdiction in Pamplona. 

Zumba fitness gig benefits over 600

BAGUIO CITY – Over 600 benefited from the “Zumba Strides” diabetes and oral health awareness fitness activity last April 18 at the Melvin Jones Burnham Park.

Jointly sponsored by the Baguio Everlasting Lions Club and the local chapters of Philippine Medical Women’s Association (PMWA) and Philippine Dental Association (PDA), the project served a total of 350 who availed of the cholesterol, triglycerides and diabetes screening undertaken by medical practitioners who volunteered for the event.

Project chairs Emma Dela Cruz of the Everlasting Lions Club, Dr. Lillian Opena of the PMWA and Dr. Joanne Balderas of the PDA said a total of 320 fitness enthusiasts also participated in the two-hour zumba workout led by accredited instructors.

Conducted from 6-10 a.m. at part of the city’s Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) in Baguio activities, the event included free blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening, triglyceride and body mass index testing. 

Participants were also treated to free toothbrushes and toothpastes, and lectures on diabetes for laymen and oral health education.  These were on top of free breakfast, hot and cold drinks and a raffle draw.

Proceeds of the event will be used to fund various community outreach programs of the three associations. –  Aileen Refuerzo   

Ifugao town gets more awards for programs  

By Marcelo B. Lihgawon

LAMUT, Ifugao – This town is reaping more awards as efforts of this town’s officials and residents to make it a better place to live in was acknowledged by Department of Interior and Local Government.

DILG – Cordillera director John Castaneda, in his message during the recent  “RambakantiLamut” opening program lauded municipal officials  for leading,  and Lamut folks for supporting their leaders in endeavors  towards progress and development.

“I heard of your environment and health ordinances and policies such as ‘No Smoking’, ‘No Spitting’ and the very popular “WalangPlastikansaLamut”. Only determined leaders and enlightened populace can make this possible,” Castaneda said.

The municipality earlier received  awards and recognition such as Seal of Good Housekeeping the Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping, Red Orchid award  and LuponTagapamayapa awards.

With the “Seals” awards, Castaneda said P2 million  was allotted to local government unit  to construct open green shed at public market and improve the market and municipality.

During the program, Castaneda was adopted as a son of Lamut with the Ifugao name “Pangudyawan” through resolution adopted by members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

The ‘RambakantiLamut 2015’ which had the theme,  “Sustaining Socio-Economic Growth in 2015 and Beyond”, coincided with the 56th founding anniversary of the municipality.  “Rambakan” means a time to celebrate a successful year.

Lamut was separated as municipal district on April 5, 1959. It is composed of  barangays  Ambasa, Bimpal, Hapid, Jolowon, Lawig, Lucban, Mabatobato, Magulon, Nayon, Panopdopan, Payawan, Pugol, Poblacion East, Poblacion West, Pieza, Sanafe, Salamague, and Umilag.

Ecija dam nearing critical level

CABANATUAN CITY – The water at the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija is nearing critical level as it dropped below 180 meters yesterday.

The low water level threatens to affect power generation by the National Grid Corp. of the Philipines (NGCP).

Reynaldo Puno, operations manager of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems which operates the dam, said the water level as of noon yesterday was at 178.99 meters, down from Monday’s 179.10 m.

The elevation was 7.49 meters higher than the critical level of 171.5 m and just two meters above the required minimum power generation level of a power plant that produces electricity distributed by NGCP.

Last Wednesday, the water level was at 180 meters. It dropped to 179.83 m the following day and then to 179.45 and 179.28 meters on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Puno said they expect the water level to go down to 177 by the end of this month.--  Manny Galvez

‘Prices of goods not affected by weather’

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry said onset of summer and typhoons have minimal effect on  prices of basic goods and commodities in Cordillera.

DTI- Cordillera consumer welfare and trade regulation division chief,  Samuel Gallardo, in an interview, said based on their monitoring, prices of basic goods and commodities remain stable, prices of basic goods and commodities sold in  region are within suggested retail price (SRP)  issued by DTI.

“Weather is only one factor that is being considered as reason for increase in prices but it has more effect on agricultural products, not on the basic goods and commodities that DTI monitors,” Gallardo said.

“For agricultural products such as vegetables,  if there is an over-supply prices go down and when there is high demand, prices go up;  but for products that DTI monitor such as canned goods, milk, and bread, among others, there is not much change (due to weather).  If ever there is, it is very gradual,” he said.

Meantime, Gallardo told the public that as consumers, they must also know their rights as well as their responsibilities.

“Always exercise your right to choose properly, do not just buy any product you see in one store. You can always check other stores where you may see the same quality but at more affordable price,” Gallardo said. “Give also respect to vendors or salespersons.” Vaneza Detorio

Dagupan kicks off Bangus Festival

DAGUPAN CITY – Rain failed to stop participants from performing in a street dancing competition marking the Bangus Festival here April 17.

The show dubbed Gilon-GilonedBaley or Fish Harvest in the City was witnessed by thousands of spectators who waited in the streets and in the plaza.

Just like last year, dancers from Barangay Pantal bagged the first place, followed by the runners-up Barangay Lucao, Tebeng, Carang-laan and Tapuac.

The Pantal group received P150,000; Lucao got P100,000, and Tebeng, Caranglaan and Tapuac got P80,000; P60,000 and P50,000, respectively.

Pantal also won an additional P20,000 for Best in Costume and another P20,000 for Best in Street Dancing, while Lucao received an additional P20,000 for Best in Musicality.

Meanwhile, Pantal will represent the city in the Festivals of the North on April 26.— Eva Visperas

Village official nabbed for drugs

SANTA, Ilocos Sur – A barangay councilman was arrested in a drug sting here April 18.

DominadorAdvincula was collared after he allegedly sold a plastic sachet believed to contain shabu to an undercover agent in Barangay Labut Norte, town police chief Senior Inspector Rogelio Remiendo Jr. said.

Operatives recovered two more plastic sachets of shabu and a fan knife from Advincula’s pocket.

The suspect denied peddling shabu, but admitted to using it.  

1 dead in P’sinan shooting rampage

By Eva Visperas 

BOLINAO, Pangasinan — A man died and three others, including a 13-year-old boy, were hurt after an unidentified man went on a shooting rampage during a town fiesta in Barangay Estanza here Tuesday.

Narding Cudal Carolino, 56, a resident of Barangay Tupa was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bolinao Community Hospital. 

Richard Paltep, 13; Isagani Odero, 40; and Fidel Tabucol, 43, were hit by stray bullets and brought to the Western Pangasinan District Hospital in Alaminos City.

Investigators recovered Carolino’s bag, which contained a Cal.38 revolver, a Cal. 22 pistol and bullets.

A witness said the assailant, who was wearing a red baseball cap, red jacket and denim pants fled after the incident. 

Tabuk anti-rabies vaccination drive on

TABUK CITY, Kalinga  – The City Veterinary Office covered 18 of the city’s 42 barangays under its free anti-rabies vaccination program January to March.

CVO office Fermin Quinto said Tabuk has a total dog population of 9,128 and they have targeted at least 80% or 7,302 dogs to be vaccinated this year.

For first quarter, the CVO vaccinated 2,700 or 37% of the target.

According to Quinto, the city’s massive anti-rabies vaccination program aims to achieve a rabies-free city by 2016. 

But based on the 2014 CVO rabies monitoring report, there were four rabies cases reported in Barangay Norte, here, that were confirmed by the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

The cases had disrupted the city’s efforts to sustain the three-year “rabies free zone,” prescribed period of zero rabies case before a place could be declared rabies-free.

Quinto urged pet owners to bring their dogs for vaccination. The  massive dog vaccination was coordinated with barangay officials. -- Larry T. Lopez

MP provincial census coordinating board created

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Gov. Leonard G. Mayaen  recently issued an executive order organizing the Provincial Census Coordinating Board.

The Board will help facilitate implementation of 2015 Census on Population which the Philippine Statistics Authority will conduct  in  August this year,

The governor chairs the Board with OIC schools division superintendent Gloria Buya-ao as vice chairperson and PSA officer Adrian Cerezoas  executive officer.

Its members include line agencies, provincial offices and some sectors.

The Board is tasked to assess needs of PSA in terms of facilities, security, publicity, and other logistics; provide transportation facilities for the distribution/delivery of census materials and supplies and transmittal of census returns before, during, and after the census operations;  communications facilities for use of census personnel;  venues  for the training of census personnel and  temporary space that will serve as headquarter of census personnel or storage area for census materials and supplies for the duration of the census operations.

It is also tasked to provide facilities for the lodging of census personnel assigned in areas outside their official station; assist the Municipal Census Coordinating Board in the conduct of publicity and information campaign and assist the PSA in the census operation to ensure complete coverage of the province. - Juliet Saley

Banaue festival presents longest ‘mumbayu’

BANAUE, Ifugao — The “Imbayah Festival” of this tourist town will highlight this year’s festivity with the longest “mumbayu” – the act of manually pounding rice grains to remove the husk.

The festival, which started in 1979, is only celebrated every three years. On April 26-29, the four-day “Imbayah Festival 2015” will mark the first year that it will be celebrated annually.

“I thought of making the festival an annual activity to prevent the tradition from dying and being forgotten, as well as to let the other people know of the culture of the place,” said Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog.

With the theme “Celebrating Imbayah’s best: Upholding Banaue’s Ingenuity, Identity and Progress,” the festival got its name from the Ifugao word “bayah” which means rice wine.

Ifugao is known to have the best quality rice wine made of high quality sticky rice called “diket.”

The festival will formally start in the morning of April 27 with an ethnic parade, program and the longest pounding of rice in which all the 19 villages will bring five traditional rice pounding devices called “pagbayuan.”

The festival will also feature the Imbayah Trek: Exploring the trekking products of Banaue; the Batad Amphitheater Trek; and the Bannawor Trail Trek. These three events will be participated in by tourists from different parts of the country and the world.

On the 28th, the public will see the participants from the different villages in their ethnic attire for the street dancing competition followed by the indigenous game competitions and the presentation of the traditional method of settling disputes or what is called as “hadchaan.”

Drug courier eludes police, abandons sacks of marijuana

SUDIPEN, La Union -- Police confiscated five big rolls of marijuana plants concealed in two sacks abandoned by an unidentified illegal drug courier on the roadside in Barangay Ipet here April 18.

Police said they responded to a citizen’s report at 7:30 p.m. that day about a suspicious-looking man carrying the sacks on the highway.

When police officers reached the area, the man suddenly boarded a passing bus and left the two sacks behind.

Upon inspection, the sacks yielded five rolls of dried marijuana plants with an estimated weight of 6 kilograms with an estimated value of P145,000.  -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Drunk driver killed; 5 injured

CAMP QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur — A miner who gave his friends a ride after a drinking spree was killed when he lost control of his vehicle and rammed it Onto a tree on the shoulder of the national highway in Barangay Daligan, Sta. Cruz, this province April 18.

Police identified the fatality as Mario Asion. All five occupants of the vehicle – Robert James Isnada, 5; Eric Isnada, 31; Gerry Isnada, 42; Roberto Isnada, 57; and Eric Marquez, 31 – were injured and rushed to the nearest hospital.  -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Rain fails to dampen Bangus Festival spirit

By Liezle BasaInigo

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — At least 70,000 spectators braved the rains from afternoon till night to witness grand opening of the “Bangus Festival” April 17.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang kaganapan sa lungsod.Kahit pa umulan, nagtiyagaang (mga) manunuod na maglakad para lang tunghayan ang street dancing (There’s no stopping the program in the city. Despite the rain, spectators walked the streets to watch the street dancing),” said Supt. Christopher Abrahano, chief of police, whose men the festival secured.

He said the “Gilon-GilonedBaley,” a street-dancing competition, kept the main road of this city closed from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The dance steps in the competition, which pitted 19 contingents against one another, depict the traditional livelihood of gathering “bangus” (milkfish) from the fishponds in the city. The champion will be announced at the Festivals of the North on April 26.

More activities tied to the festival are the “Bangusine” or the Bangus Cuisine International Showcase at the City Plaza on April 27 and the “Bangusan Street Party and KalutanedDalan” at the Jose R. De Venecia Expressway Extension Road on April 30.

Tublay gaining tourists’ attention with its caves

TUBLAY, Benguet -- This small, silent municipality is now gaining attention of tourist with its scenic spots like Bengaongao, Paterno and Ovek caves in Barangay Ambongdolan.

The Ambongdolan caves have rock formations of stalagmites and stalactites and enormous spaces to explore ideal for spelunking and adventure.

The Department of Tourism had identified Ambongdolan caves as prime tourist destinations, along with other caves in the province.

This April, local officials including those from provincial departments of Tourism and Public Works and Highways inspected infrastructure projects worth 135 million implemented in said barangay to improve accessibility to caves.

Projects included concrete view deck with comfort room facilities located at the most top portion of Paterno and Bengaongao caves overlooking a wide range of rice and vegetable plantation and a long winding rive.

Along with this were newly-constructed information centers in the barangay hall and at Bengaongao Cave vicinity operated by local folks to assist visitors.

Other tourist sites in the town are Mt, Pokkong and Teytey rock climbing site, Winaca eco-cultural farm in Barangay Caponga, and neighboring organic farms, Barangay Tuel hot spring, Barangay Baayan Rice Terraces, camping and trekking site at Barangay Central Tublayand  Pasalubong Center located at view deck area of Barangay Ambassador.

One come-on of Tublayo is its peaceful and hospitable residents.  -- Shane A. Awacan

SSS, DSWD to provide protection for contractual, job order employees

BAGUIO CITY -- The Social Security System and the Department of Department of Social Welfare Development -Cordillera Regional Office have partnered to  provide social protection and benefits to contractual and job order employees of DSWD – CAR through recent memorandum of agreement.

For the SSS – DSWD partnership  under the “AlkanSSSya” micro – savings program, 477 DSWD employees will now be enrolled and covered by the social protection and benefits of SSS.

Signatories to the MOA were DSWD regional director Janet Armas, SSS Baguio branch head Nancy Umoso, Baguio Accounts Management Section OIC-Section head  Jhona Legaspi, and Libertine Balicdang, representing DSWD  job orders and contractuals.

Umoso said under AlkanSSSya,  DSWD workers will benefit from SSS’s educational loans as well as funeral, maternity, sickness, disability, death and retirement benefits.

“Those who can complete at least three months of contribution may get the sickness and maternity benefit; with 36 months contribution, they may avail of loan and disability benefits; and those who will complete 120 months contribution will acquire the retirement benefit,” Umoso said.

Armas told  their workers SSS insurance coverage is one way of getting the proper welfare and social protection as their work involves travelling and exposure to man-made or natural disasters.“Para sa kapakanan niyo din ito (It is for your own welfare).”

SSS VP for Northern Luzon Luis Olais, in an interview, said  theAlkanSSSya program was introduced last September in Baguio for vendors at the city public market with a metal cabinet with coin slots serving  as a “savings” box for vendors to drop P10 – P20 per day to cover their SSS membership monthly due.

For the DSWD,  it will be the e-AlkanSSSya (electronic version) wherein the monthly contribution will be deducted from their salary and will be electronically transmitted by DSWD to SSS, Olais said.

Mayor urges ‘house to house’ collection of garbage fees

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan urged barangay officials of the 128 barangays in this mountain resort to take the initiative in the collection of garbage fees here.

Domogan said, “the barangays should already go around every household to collect from their constituents the required P20 a month garbage fee per household.’

“This will insure that the barangay will get their share of the garbage fee,” he said.
The city government has already adjusted the sharing scheme on garbage fees where 70 percent of collections will go to barangay funds and 30 percent will go the city coffers.

Domogan said,” the adjusted sharing scheme is already very advantageous for the barangays.”
“This is a challenge for barangay officials, if they really want to get their 70 percent share from collections, then they should take the initiative to go house to house and collect the garbage fees to make it sustainable,” he said.

The mayor highlighted the poor collection of garbage fees from barangays and the slow compliance to the waste segregation policy which should be strengthened to insure better waste management.

Domogan also urged the barangays to submit the master list of households availing of the services or a complete census of barangay constituents in order to have a rough computation on the actual garbage fees to be collected.
The barangay treasurers are also obligated to collect and enforce remittance, computation of shares and determine the households where fees will be collected.

The barangay officials are also required to monitor the compliance of their constituents to the no-segregation-no-collection policy.

Residents who indiscriminately dump their garbage and violate anti-littering ordinances will be meted the following; first offense –warning, second offense - P500 fine and third  - P1,000 fine. 

The mayor said,” this is already a chance for barangays to strengthen collection efforts as this is a very good source of revenue for every barangay. – Paul Rillorta  

DOLE awards P1.9M  toAbra  associations

BANGUED, Abra -- The Department of Labor and Employment recently awarded P1.9 million livelihood assistance to four group beneficiaries in  the province.

According to DOLE-Abra new provincial director George G. Lubin, the livelihood assistance is under the agency’s Kabuhayan Program which aims to provide interventions to aspiring entrepreneurs to boost the economic activities in the countryside.

The four local groups given livelihood assistance were LumabaAp-apaya Framers Organization of Villaviciosa  – P592,550.00;  Poblacion Women’s Light Bringer Organization of Malibcong – P476,980.00; Poblacion Women’s League Association of Barangay Guimba, San Juan – P434,700.00; and the Organization ngmgaKababaihanng Barangay Dugong, Bucay – P410,242.00.

The fund was expected to benefit  305 members and make an impact in their communities in terms of poverty alleviation and thus make solid contribution to achieving the administration’s agenda of attaining inclusive growth.

DOLE’s Kabuhayan Program is a community-based employment program adopted to develop and sustain local enterprises that would generate self-employment and increase productivity.   

It is implemented through efforts of agencies such as Department of Trade and Industry that provides the skills trainings and local government units that procure the equipment, tools and materials needed by the organization including the monitoring and evaluation of the business activities of the groups. -- Josa Mai Ramirez

Baguio City’s top 10 taxpayers bared

BAGUIO CITY  -- Baguio’s top payers in business and real property taxes were recently cited in simple ceremony here at  city hall grounds.

DHL Global Forwarding Philippines, Inc. was this year’s top business taxpayer paying P1,943,000 followed by Pilipino Cable Corporation with P1,871,497 payment and Highland Gaming Corporation paying P1,550,236 to the city.

Rounding out the top ten business taxpayers were Puregold Price Club, Inc., Imelda Lao, Jarco  Realty and Development Corporation, Jollibee Foods Corporation Legarda Branch, Foghorn Incorporated, Philippines American Life and General Insurance and ACE Hardware.

Top three spots in real property tax payments are Fog Horn Inc. (Azalea Residences, Leonard Wood Road Hotel), City Light Properties Development Corporation Hotel at Upper General Luna and Ayala Land, Inc. at Pineridge Condominium, Brentwood.  

In fourth to tenth place for payment of real property taxes were Golden Crown Group Realty Inc. at Navy Base, Session Brent Property Holdings, Inc. at Session Road, Eurotel Corporation Hotel at Abanao Extension, Benguet Apartments and Hotel Inc. at Prime Hotel Session Road, Mr. Peter Ng of Supreme Hotel, Magsaysay, Alfredo Go of Good Taste, Cariño Street and Er-Al Enterprises, Inc. at Chapis Village Marcos Highway.

Hall of fame plaques of recognition were given to Pilipino Cable Corporation as business taxpayer and the Ayala Land Inc. as real property taxpayer.  -- JhoArranz

DENR: Change in waste handling reduces trash

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A change in outlook and habits in handling household wastes will greatly help in reducing wastes that go all the way to the disposal facility.

According to Joyce Ann Almoite-Mangsat, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau Cordillera Regional Solid Waste Coordinator, the major source of wastes comes from the household and the remaining wastes from other institutions where people are transients.

There has to be a change in behavior   to achieve waste reduction at home, Mangsat said, adding proper waste segregation is a matter of attitude or change in mindset.

Mangsat spoke before students of   Benguet State University National Service Training Program   in a Kalikasan Camp March 28-29  at the BSU Integrated Highland Farm Systems Agriculture Training Center in Longlong, Puguis here.

She said the Ecological Solid Waste Management law or Republic Act 9003,  requires segregation of seven types of wastes such as biodegradable which comprise half of the total household wastes and the other half   as non-biodegradable categorized into plastics, paper, glass, metal, residual and special wastes.

Sharing her experiences, food waste could be used as pet or animal feeds while kitchen, yard and animal wastes  can be developed as compost for soil conditioner.  If this is done, half of the total wastes will be reduced at the household level, she said.

The setting up of mini- material recovery facility (MRF) at home temporarily serves  as storage for non-biodegradable materials said Mangsat. If accumulated, they could be sold to recycling centers. Plastic and styro wastes are sold from P0.50 to P1.00 per kilogram.

Aside from selling the collected recyclable materials, these could be re-used as containers, organizers or materials for arts craft.

The benefits of recycling in preserving and conserving the environment should be looked into other than the financial benefits, Mangsat  said.

According to the waste analysis and characterization study (WACS) of the Asian Development Bank, wastes generated per capita per day is one person generates .25 to .50 kilogram wastes.  As per 2006 WACS In La Trinidad, a person generates an average of 0.47 kg.

Whatever status in life is a person is young or old alike, each generates wastes at the time of waking up till sleeping time, she said.

Mangsat urged BSU students to help advocate solid waste management at the household level in their outreach programs as their office cannot do this alone adding that they could only be effective advocates if they truly practice segregation.

 "You just have to believe in yourself that you can do it and manage your garbage properly and you will make a difference,” she said. -- Susan Aro

Vandals warned of numbered days

BAGUIO CITY – Pesky graffiti vandals recently got stern warning from the head of the city’s anti-graffiti task force here.

“You are no longer safe because we’re coming for you.  Even if you’re juvenile, we’re coming for your parents,” anti-graffiti management committee co-chair Charles Niederstadt Sr. said during  kick-of of anti-graffiti program at the city hall.

Niederstadt who co-chairs the task force with Mayor Mauricio Domogan said they will start implementing the campaign by April 23.

“The tools (for an effective program) have been given by the mayor.  It is now up to us to do the work,” he said as he rallied residents to contribute to the program by helping remove the graffiti, donating spare materials for the removal of the writings, reporting graffiti acts and making contributions in any way to the task force.

The campaign will be anchored on the Anti-Graffiti Code of the City of Baguio or Ordinance No. 41, series of 2008 and the anti-graffiti action plan now being firmed up by the task force.

During the program, representatives from both the government and private sectors committed to fully support the drive.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the manifestation of support by representatives from both the government and private sectors last Monday is crucial to the cause of the revitalized campaign to stem the worsening problem on vandalism.

He thanked Niederstadt, a foreigner married to a Baguio native, for taking the lead in the campaign.

The foreigner’s crusade against graffiti which took roots from his family’s brushes with the vandals even in the United States prompted the city to tap Niederstadt’s group Stop Tagging Other People’s Property (STOPP) in 2012 to provide assistance in the implementation of the code.

In 2013, the mayor created the AGMC as a private-led government-supported system of management which will oversee the implementation of the Anti-Graffiti Code in consonance with the operational plan which will involve the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), students, volunteers, barangays and media.

He tasked Niederstadt as his co-chair with STOPP as the revenue-generating arm to raise funds in addition to the government appropriation beginning 2014 onwards.

Last February, the mayor ordered the finalization of the action plan and the appropriation of the budget to fully enforce the ordinance.

The mayor also incorporated the campaign in the city’s clean and green program by making it as one of the criteria in the yearly barangay contest.

Under the code, violators will be penalized with fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and imprisonment.  Community service will also be employed as penalty for violators. – Aileen Refuerzo