NEWSBITS

Girl and boy succumb to dengue

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union   A five-year-old boy in La Union and a six-year-old girl in Ilocos Norte are the latest fatalities due to the dengue virus, authorities said.

Mahn Shanlei Macagba, the only son of Manuel, a driver, and Saniata, a housekeeper, and a Grade 1 pupil at the Sevilla Elementary School died at the Bethany Hospital in San Fernando City, La Union.

In Laoag City, Barangay Bacsil North Chairman Amado Ramos did not give the name of the six-year-old girl who succumbed to the mosquito-borne virus, but said she died last Monday. — Erwin G. Beleo and Freddie G. Lazaro

Power interruption in Itogon on Aug 25. 

ITOGON, Benguet — Scheduled power interruption will affect parts of Benguet on Aug. 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Benguet Electric Coop. list of affected areas include  Ampucao, parts of Camp 4 and Virac in Itogon town and parts of Fort Del Pilar and Kias. Lilibeth P. Gaydowen, North Luzon Corp. communication and public affairs officer said this was due to replacement of wood poles and lines along Itogon-Ampucao area.

Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion. She urged the public advised to take preparations and precaution during scheduled interruption.

“Specific areas that may be affected by the power interruption are determined by distribution utility, unless the activity will have an effect on the entire franchise area. The DU allocates the available power within its franchise area and implements the power interruption schedule among users,” she said.

Army 503rd Brigade has new commander

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Army s 503rd Infantry Brigade based in the province has a new commanding officer.

Col. Roy Devesa assumed the post from outgoing 503rd IB CO Brig. Gen. Paul Atal who served for  two years and six months as  503rd IB commander. Both belong to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1985.

Atal, who earned his Brigadier general rank while assigned here,   expressed gratitude to local officials, sector leaders and community for extending support to the peace programs of the Army in the province.

In his acceptance address, Devesa cited two-point peace program for the command —  stand for the principle of mission accomplished  and people s care and protection.

Meanwhile, Gov. Jocel C. Baac assured the province s strong support to the Army in the province.

He said the established partnership of the 503rd IB and the provincial government in providing reintegration assistance to former rebels in their transformation to normal and peaceful life. Larry Lopez

P sinan tornado victims get financial assistance

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan   The provincial government of Pangasinan has extended P920,000 in financial assistance to victims of a tornado that hit Asingan and Bayambang towns.

Emilio Samson, chief of the provincial social welfare development office led distribution of cash assistance under the emergency shelter assistance program to some 155 families.

Based on PSWDO records, 26 houses in Barangay Bantog in Asingan were destroyed when a tornado struck on June 5.

Bayambang was severely affected in a similar disaster that occurred on June 13.

Each affected family received P10,000 and P5,000 each, depending on the severity of the damage they suffered.

Aside from the financial assistance, the provincial government also distributed construction materials to the affected families in Bayambang.   Eva Visperas

Application for PSHSexams until August 24

BONTOC, Mountain Province —The Department of Science and Technology urged Grade 6 pupils to join the Philippines Science High School (PSHS) by taking the National Competitive Examination (NCE) scheduled Oct. 3, 2015. 

               

Deadline for submission of application is on Aug. 24.

               

Pupils who are eligible for the PSHS NCE are those with final grades of 85 percent and above in Science and Mathematics as shown by their report cards for school year 2014-2015,  and  if grades are below 85%, he/she must belong to  the upper 10% of the class.

               

Other qualifications are: Filipino citizen with no pending application as immigrant to any foreign country; born on or after July 1, 2001; good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program, and have at least satisfactory rating or its equivalent in his/her character rating as shown in their 2014-2015 report card.

               

Qualified pupils for the NCE are required to submit the following: fully accomplished application forms in two copies, two recent 1x1 ID pictures, P100 non-refundable test fee for private schools pupils ( free for  public school pupils), copy of report card for school year 2014-2015,  and  certification or proof that the child belongs to the top ten of the class.

               

PSHS NCE application forms are available at any PSHS campuses and at the DOST Regional and Provinces. It can also be downloaded from the PSHS Website, www.pshs.edu.ph.

               

Applicants in the Cordillera can file their application forms to the PSHS   CAR Campus at Purok 12, Irisan, Baguio City, or at the DOST Regional Office, Km 6, La Trinidad, Benguet or at the DOST Provincial Offices in their respective provinces.

               

For Mountain Province, the testing center is at the Saint Vincent High School in Bontoc.

               

Passers of the PSHS NCE will be part of the premier PSHS as scholars who will enjoy the following privileges: free tuition and miscellaneous fees, free loan of textbooks, monthly stipend ranging from P2,500 to P4,000 depending on the socio-economic status scholar s family and uniform, transportation and living allowances for low income groups.   Andrew Dogaong

400 Ecija students join SM Green Film Festival

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija   About 400 students from San Josef National High School (SJNHS) joined the SM Green Film Festival (GFF) last Tuesday that featured “Pagbangon,” a documentary film produced by GMA News and Public Affairs. The film was all about the aftermath stories of super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that hit the Philippines last November 8, 2013 and rendered 13 percent of the country s population homeless. SJNHS principal Leonora De Jesus said that the documentary creates awareness among students as it shows the real life stories of fellow Filipinos who suffered from a devastating natural calamity. The GFF was held across 49 SM Supermalls and 6 WalterMart branches in the country. It will screen environment-themed films or documentaries for students every month for free.  — Sheen Crisologo

LTO-Kalinga reports P11 million collection

TABUK CITY, Kalinga   The Land Transportation Provincial Office  here  has almost  reached its  2015 collection target in seven months.  

As of July 31, the agency reported a collection of more than P11 million, very close to its P12 million target for the whole year.

LTO-Kalinga provincial officer Jenelyn Angog expressed confidence the office would exceed the P12 million collection target by October, this year.

She attributed  the good performance to the agency s scaling-up program where issuances of driver s license and other vehicle documents can now be made at the provincial level because of the agency s on-line system.

LTO is among the government agencies issued International Standard Operation (ISO) Certificate.

The system, according to Angog, has cut “turn-around” time in processing of transactions and has encouraged clients to voluntarily avail of LTO services.

Among the services improved include outright issuance and renewal of driver s license compared before when claimants wait for months.

She also credited the performance to the agency s continuing information drive and increased enforcement operation.

Recently, LTO-Cordillera regional office held deputation training for 15 policemen and personnel from the city public order and safety office to  improve enforcement of traffic laws here. — Larry T. Lopez 

  

Live-in couples urged to join Sept. 29 mass wedding

BAGUIO CITY — The local government urged unmarried couples especially those who are living together  but have children to join mass wedding here on Sept. 29  at  Baguio Convention Center.

Initiated by City Social Welfare and Development Office, the mass wedding is one of the highlights of the Family Month and the 106th charter day celebration of this mountain resort city next month.

Betty Fangasan, CSWDO head, said interested couples more than 25 years old and who have lived-in for more than five years are required to secure the following; community tax certification,  birth certificates and   certificate of no marriage(CENOMAR)  from the Philippine Statistics Authority, an  affidavit of cohabitation from the public attorney s office or any legal officer.

For applicants securing a marriage license with the Local Civil Registrar s Office, requirements include  certificate of CENOMAR from PSA and attendance to  pre-marriage counseling at the Health Services Offices located at T. Alonzo Street.

Applicants aged 18-20 years still need to secure parents  consent while those aged 21-24 years need to have parents  advice.

Marriage license, affidavit of cohabitation and other pertinent documents must be submitted at the CSWDO not later than Sept. 8.

Fangasan said the occasion  is an opportunity to legalize  relationship of couples and live-in partners to be  husband and wife without spending too much.  

Raymond de Guzman who got married last year through the city- sponsored mass wedding is persuading living-in couples and those planning to tie-the-knot to sign up to said event.

  I like to thank the city government for sponsoring the mass wedding event  for without this program perhaps I am not yet legally married”, de Guzman said.  

For further inquiries, the CSWDO may be contacted at telephone numbers 442-3842/442-7893.

Anti-child labor, human trafficking pushed in Abra

BANGUED, Abra — The Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT) in partnership with the Terre des Hommes Netherdands and and local institutions and organizations in  the province  recently launched  here a campaign against child labor and human trafficking.

Through the efforts of Youth Ambassador Erosbon L. Sabedo, PACT regional convener in the province, the first anti-child labor and human trafficking forum was conducted at e Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology   Bangued Campus.  It was attended by college and high school faculty, staff and students and child rights advocates in the province.

Speakers were Christopher Tugadi of the Department of Labor and Employment and Myrna Ruth L. Borgonia, Bangued Municipal Social Welfare Officer.

PACT, in partnership with various groups and media, aims to create awareness and get more commitments to help in the campaign.

“I do not want to see children being abused nor see people being enslaved simply because of either their ignorance or being taken advantage of, hence my all-out support to the programs of the PACT”,  said  Ruby Bersamin,  wife of Gov. Estaquio Bersamin and  honorary chair of Provincial Federation of the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) in Abra.

In related development, the KALIPI headed by Philippine Information Agency manager under guidance of   Noemi Bachiller, women programs head of provincial government,  had  been conducting monitoring of entertainment businesses. 

PIA s regular radio programs are  also geared for advocacy on welfare and protection of women and children.

KALIPI is also set to launch activities in observance of the 12-day End Violence Against Women and Children project in November which will culminate in December during the International Day Against Child Labor and Human Trafficking. — Maria Teresa B. Benas

 Ifugao schools district execs each out to education stakeholders

AGUINALDO, Ifugao — The  Ifugao Schools Division Office is now conducting district congresses  in the province to open communication between  education  officials and education stakeholders. Aguinaldo District Supervisor Vicente Buyuccan Jr. said schools division officials go to municipalities to disseminate information to school heads, teachers, parents, local officials, students and the community and gather feedback from them.

Last August 7, schools  officials led by Superintendent  Sally Ullalim  conducted district congress   here.

Topics included updates on  the K-12 educational system, personnel selection board concerns learner information system,  enhanced basic education information system and other planning and administrative  concerns, result-based program monitoring system, and the rationalization structure of DepEd.

Buyuccan said such events were done in  the municipalities of Alfonso Lista, Kiangan, Mayoyao, Lamut, Hingyon, Banaue, Hungduan, Asipulo and Lagawe   Daniel B. Codamon

Korean-donated medical center now annex of Kalinga prov l hospital

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The provincial government recently reopened  the Kalinga-Gabriela Mija Kim Medical Center (KGMKMC) to operate  now as an annex of the Kalinga Provincial Hospital.

The KGMKMC serves District 8 of this city composed of barangays Agbannawag, Bulo, Lacnog, Malalao and Nambaran.

The health facility was constructed in 2006 during the time of former Gov. Dominador Belac from funds donated by Korean donors but did not operate after its completion in 2007 during the administration of Gov. Floydelia Diasen.

It started operation in 2010 during the first term of Gov. Jocel Baac.

When it was upgraded to expand its services as birthing home, it was questioned as it had  no license to operate as a hospital from the  Department of Health.

This time, Baac through the Provincial Health Board and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, made it an annex of the provincial hospital to maximize its services for said district.  Dr. Ruth Duguiang heads the health facility.    

 Abra forms task force to address child abuse

BANGUED, Abra— The Provincial Council for the Protection of Children was recently reorganized to promote protection and welfare of children in the province.

Gov. Eustaquio P. Bersamin also issued an executive order creating the Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (IMTF) to monitor and document cases of abused, neglected, exploited and discriminated children in the province for the PCPC to address problems.

The PCPV shall perform functions such as formulate plans, policies and programs for children that are gender-fair, culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of diverse groups of children from 18 years old and below; prepare the Annual Work and Financial Plan for children; and recommend appropriations to the Sanggunian Panlalawigan; provide coordinative-lingkages with other agencies and institutions in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of plan for children.

The PCPC shall also establish and maintain a database on the children in the province.

It is the policy of the state to protect and rehabilitate children gravely threatened or endangered by circumstances which affect or will affect their survival and normal development over which they have no control.

Among the laws that provide for the protection and welfare of children is Republic Act. No. RA 7610 which provides special protection of Filipino children against abuse, neglected, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination, and  RA No. 9344. — Maria Teresa B. Benas and Josa Mai B. Ramirez

Ifugao gov forms group against illegal drugs

LAGAWE, Ifugao   Gov. Denis Habawel recently organized the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council to help in the campaign against illegal drugs in the province.

Executive Order No. 12 was issued by Habawel in consonance with DILG memorandum C mandating the local government units to create local anti-drug abuse councils to combat drug-addiction.

The council is chaired by the governor with the provincial director of the Philippine National Police as vice-chairman.

Members are representatives from provincial and national office including non-government organization.

The PADAC is  tasked to serve as a focal point through which various organizations and individuals work together cooperatively in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs on drug abuse prevention.

It will provide for an effective mechanism for the coordination of existing services and program and those which might be developed in the immediate futures; provide for a mechanism to obtain funds, volunteers, facilities and technical expertise and perform other related responsibilities.

The provincial social welfare and development office is assigned as head of the secretariat to handle the administrative and technical activities and undertake liaising and coordination with appropriate agencies of the government and civil society organizations.

Habawel it is better to start preventive measures and not punitive actions  in order to  give chance  to  those involved in drugs to reform and  be assets in the community. — Marcelo B. Lihgawon

Itogon sets yearly Palarong Bayan

ITOGON, Benguet — Itogon officials institutionalized Palarong Bayan for sports competitions in the town in response to petition filed by residents and the youth.

A municipal ordinance provided conduct of Palarong Bayan in Itogon every month of May for sports competitions  to inculcate spirit of sportsmanship, excellence and consciousness. 

As provided in the Local Government Code, the Palarong Bayan  that will be conducted in coordination with the Department of Education annually will  feature traditional sports and discipline such as those included in national and

international competitions.

Itogon residents and youth earlier made petition urging municipal officials for annual holding of an inter-barangay sports fest. 

The petition said tis will foster young people s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth. 

The measure which was referred to the committee on sports and youth development in the provincial board was given favorable review. —Susan C. Aro

FDA requires  botika ng barangay  license to operate

BONTOC, Mountain Province   The Food and Drug Administration has ordered drug establishments including Botika ng Barangay and its variants to comply with new requirements for the application for regular license to operate (LTO).

This is in line with new rules and regulations on licensing of establishments classified as drugstore/pharmacy, Judith Louise Daoas of the Department of Health provincial office here said.

“All existing BnBs in the province will no longer be renewed, instead, they shall secure an LTO either as a regular drug store or retail outlet for non-prescription drugs,” she said.

All non-functional, non-compliant, voluntarily closing BnBs shall return the seed capital to the DOH regional office.

BnBs that continue to function are required to process their applications immediately and may still continue their operations as BnBs until the release of the LTO (official receipt from the FDA may serve as a proof of their application).

All BnBs that decide to convert to a retail on non-prescription drug were given until July 30 to sell their remaining prescription drugs under the BnB program.

In the province, there were 113 BnBs established in the 10 municipalities which subsidized by the DOH by providing them medicines worth P12,500 to P25,000 as seed capital.

Dr. Virginia Fagsao of the provincial DOH office said as of June 30, , there were 34 BnBs in the province that submitted seed capital with certification  from their respective punong barangays  that BnB in  their  areas of jurisdiction  are  no longer operating.   Juliet B. Saley

Tabuk, Batac cities ink sisterhood pact

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Tabuk City and Batac City of Ilocos Norte are  now sister cities.

Monsoon rains did not hamper recent simple ceremony here that tied the bond between the new sister cities.

The two are part of the batch of “16 new cities” that obtained cityhood after  a Supreme Court  ruling on June 28, 2011.

Batac City Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta led a 30-man party of elected officials and department heads to the pact signing.

They were warmly welcomed by Tabuk City leaders and officials headed by Mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban.

As contained in the pact, the two agreed to foster mutual interest in the areas of market expansion for local products, promotion of tourism, marketing and exchange visits, technology transfer for livelihood development, culture and arts promotion and opening links between state universities of both cities to advance academic aims.

As new cities, Batac and Tabuk are open to sharing together their urban plans based on the common agenda of protecting the environment and increasing opportunities on economic and social growths.

“Whatever is it that works for good to one should be shared to the other”, the two mayors stressed.   Larry Lopez

Negosyo Center opens in Ifugao

LAGAWE, Ifugao — A Negosyo Center was opened here  recently by the Department of Trade and Industry to boost development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.

The launching of the NC at DTI office here was attended by DTI provincial and regional officials and employees, enterprisers and other stake holders.

St. Magdalene Parish priest Andrew Claver led the blessing of the center .Mimosa Regis of  DTI regional office, said  establishment  of  Negosyo Centers   is in compliance with Republic Act 10644 otherwise known as the “Go Negosyo Act”.

Regis said center in Lagawe town  is one of the seven Negosyo Centers to be launched in the Cordillera region this year and  part  of the 100 centers targeted by the DTI central office for 2015.

DTI   Ifugao director Valentin Baguidudol said NCs promote  ease of doing business and access to services for MSMEs.

In his message read by Constancia Baccay, Rep. Teddy Baguilat, Jr. said that Go Negosyo Act is one of the best things to happen to inventive, resourceful and enterprising Filipinos who have not been fortunate enough to have the necessary support to see their vision come to fruition.

League of Mayors of the Philippines Ifugao chapter president Banaue Mayor Jerry Dalipog committed support for the success of the negosyo center.   Marcelo B. Lihgawon