NEWS BRIEFS

PhilHealth-CAR gives P600K to blind children

BAGUIO CITY -- PhilHealth Cordillera turned over more than  P600,000.00  to the blind children of the Northern Luzon Association for the Blind, Inc. (NLAB, Inc.) generated from recent  conduct of the 2^nd Nationwide Simultaneous PhilHealth Run dubbed Ready…TSeKaP…Go!   here.

PhilHealth–CAR, through regional vice president, Atty. Jerry F. Ibay, awarded 90percentof the net proceeds amounting to P618,525.11  at NLAB, Inc. Hall. The remaining 10% of the proceeds will be given upon conclusion of the PhilHealth audit reports.

The blind children aged six and a half to 13 years old serenaded the attendees in thanksgiving for being chosen as the beneficiaries  of the PhilHealth Run Baguio Leg.

NLAB’s President and CEO,  Dona Digna S. Rosario  thanked  PhilHealth – CAR not only for choosing the kids as the beneficiary, but also for patiently and persistently managing the conduct of such a beneficial activity. She assured PhilHealth that every centavo of the proceeds will be spent to provide for the school needs of the NLAB children. -- LalaManzano

Oct. 31 deadline set for Comelec biometrics registration

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The Commission on Elections reminded voters of the province of Oct. 31 deadline of biometrics registration.

Under Republic Act 10369 or the Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration Act, those who fail to have their biometrics taken prior to the May 2016 elections shall be deactivated from the voters’ list and not  allowed to vote.

Biometrics registration refers to taking voter’s picture, fingerprints and signature specimens and encoding these in computer system.

Comelec provincial office data showed as of July 20, 2015 there are still 11,173 registered voters without biometrics data while 53 have incomplete biometric data, out of the province’s 98,058 total registered voters.

The municipality of Natonin  had most number of registered voters without or incomplete biometrics data at 18.83 percent, followed by Paracelis at 15.70%, Besao – 14.82%, Sagada – 10.84%, Bontoc – 10.83%, Bauko – 10.10%, Sadanga – 8.30%, Barlig – 7.93%, Tadian – 7.42% and Sabangan – 7.31%. -- Andrew Doga-ong

Ifugao town dad pushes for health care insurance program

LAMUT, Ifugao -- A   micro-health care insurance program   is being pushed here for less fortunate residents.

Dubbed Lamut micro-health care insurance program, the  ordinance aims  to  provide a mechanism in which residents  specifically the marginalized and under privileged would have an easy access to health services by providing them health care insurance program.

It has been observed that patients hesitated to be confined  in hospitals for fear of having no resources to pay for the high cost of hospitalization.

“It will provide a self-reliant health insurance program to non PhilHealth (PHIC) members in every barangay and to mandate all barangay and its members to participate in this endeavor by providing a  minimal financial contribution to this program,” Councilor Joseph In-uyay, the author of  said ordinance stated.

Target beneficiaries of the  ordinance,  are non- member of PhilHealth or other health insurance companies,  residents and  registered voters in the municipality of Lamut who are indigent , senior citizens who are not retirees; overseas workers, and  and persons with disability.

The program will cover the confinement of patient under the following cases: non-surgical  or medical and surgical cases of which  60% of the entitled amount  shall be for the payment of  hospital bills while the 40%  shall be for the payment of medicines and other medical supplies that are procured on account in an accredited pharmacy. The excess shall be shouldered by the patient or beneficiary.

Children and parent of primary members who are below 18 and 60 years of age and above shall be considered as secondary beneficiaries and shall accorded the same benefits.  

Said ordinance is now on its third reading at the Sangguniang Bayan. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

    
Korean-donated medical centernow annex of Kalingaprov’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. DominadorBelac 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.    

Aid pushed for ‘SAF 44’ families

TARLAC CITY — Civil society groups have launched a feeding program for relatives of the “Fallen 44” Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) policemen. A brainchild of businesswoman and philanthropist Anna Aquino, the program is supported by the Council for Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV) and Anti-Crime and Terrorism, through the Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) party-list led by Rep. Samuel D. Pagdilao, Jr., a former police official.

Pagdilao, who is pushing for legislated benefits for SAF 44 families, said his group wants to see more engagement in this cause from DILG Secretary Mar Roxas before considering any support for his bid to be president in next year’s polls. -- Mar T. Supnad

MP health office helps smokers quit

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Saying there is no other effective way to prevent tobacco-related deaths but to quit smoking, smokers are urged to visit the smoking cessation clinic at the Provincial Health Office here that may help them kick the habit.

Health education promotions officer Prima Donna L. Te-elan said the clinic offers support to smokers who want to quit but are experiencing difficulty quitting.

The clinic is manned by health workers who assure confidential records of their clients. Those interested to avail of the services free of charge may visit the PHO Monday to Friday at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic had 13 clients since its establishment in 2014.

Te-elan said they offer techniques such as motivation, advice and guidance, and counselling to encourage and help smokers stop using tobacco and avoid relapse.

Health workers who offer counseling to their clients say quitting may not be easy to smokers because of nicotine dependence, nevertheless, it is possible.

Te-elan said symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may be experienced early days of quitting. These include craving, irritability, frustration or anger, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating, decreased heart rate, sleep disturbance, and increase in appetite. However, all of these symptoms will stop as the smoker continues avoiding the habit.

She also gave tips to smokers on how to quit smoking: Throw away all cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays in your home and car; talk to family and friends about how they can help and encourage you to quit; plan how to handle places and events that you know will make you want to smoke; treat yourself with money you have saved from buying cigarettes; delay smoking, deep breathing, drink water, and make yourself busy with recreational activities.

In relation to observance of National Lung Month and National Tuberculosis Awareness Month this August, the PHO cautioned the public especially smokers and second hand smokers on effect of smoking.

Among these are hair loss, wrinkling, skin cancer, lung ailments, heart disease, discoloured fingers, deformed sperm, Buerger’s disease, cataracts, hearing loss, tooth decay, osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, cervical cancer, Psoriasis, and cancer.  -- Alpine L. Killa

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 SanggunianPanlalawigan; 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

Pangasinan cited for hospital service upgrade

DAGUPAN CITY -- The Commission on Audit has hailed the provincial government of Pangasinan for improving the services offered by local hospitals last year.

In a report released recently, state auditors took note of how the provincial government used the P23.7 million to increase the bed capacity of the local hospitals.

The money was also used to hire additional medical consultants instead of filling the 39 vacant positions for medical officer, which would have cost P26 million.

State auditors said local hospitals with a bed capacity of 645 were able to serve an average of 1,423 patients daily.

They said the hiring of 99 medical consultants on a contractual basis to augment the existing medical personnel in 14 hospitals, generated a savings of P2.3 million for the provincial government.

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 ‘botikang barangay’ license to operate

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Food and Drug Administration has ordered drug establishments including Botikang 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 ValentinBaguidudol 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

‘Doctors to the barrios’

program serves Ifugaos

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- A health program of the provincial government served more than 10,000 individuals first semester this year through medical consultations.

The “Handog Kalusugan sa Ifugao” has provided services to 10,521 people under the Doctors to the  Barrios program through medical consultations in 115 barangays in the province from January to July 2015.

Among the 11 municipalities, Tinoc had highest beneficiaries with 1,939 followed by Banaue – 1,614; Mayoyao – 1,212; Asipulo – 1,044; Lamut – 837; Kiangan – 813; Aguinaldo – 802; Hungduan – 737; Hingyon – 614; Lagawe – 484 and Alfonso Lista with 425.

The services were provided with the support of local health care givers and officials.

The “Handog Kalusugan sa Ifugao: Doctors to the Barrios ” a local  initiative under the leadership of Governor Denis Habawel since 2013, is supported by the SN Aboitiz Power.  It primarily aims  to fill in the gaps between health services of the hospitals and the rural health units, and to build up a data base of common illnesses to guide future interventions. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

Benguet to avail of support under Rural Dev’t Program

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet --  Gov. Nestor Fongwan  sought support of the provincial board in crafting a resolution affirming the provincial government’s participation to the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) to  enhance agriculture and fisheries sectors in the province.

Fongwan also urged the board for passage of appropriation ordinance  for the provincial government’s share to fund the proposal of the Benguet Arabica Coffee Enterprise anchored in one of components of PRDP.

Under the program,  participating local government unit  has to provide a counterpart for  a   project component.

The PRDP under the Department of Agriculture aims to increase the agricultural and fishery productivity and incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk through the establishment of needed infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads (FMRs), bridges, communal irrigation systems (CIS), and potable water systems, among others.

Provincial Agriculturist Lolita Bentres said nine group members belonging to the Benguet Arabica Coffee Enterprise proposed a P13 million project to boost the coffee industry of the province under the I –REAP.  The Benguet Arabica Coffee Enterprise affiliate group members are  from Kibungan,  Atok,La Trinidad, Sablan,Tuba, Tublay, Bakun, and Kapangan..

I REAP which is PRDP’s enterprise development component aims to strengthen and develop viable agri-fishery based enterprises through efficient value chains of key agricultural and fishery products in targeted project areas by providing technical, financial and infrastructure support.

Bentres said for the project proposal of the coffee enterprise,  P3 million will be the counterpart of DA while the remaining will be shared among the affiliate groups and with counterpart from the provincial government.

The national government obtained a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development - World Bank amounting to US$501.25 million to finance the PRDP to support the government’s effort to reduce poverty in rural communities in the 81 provinces of the country.

Should the province be included in the PRD program, Bentres said it could also avail support in the other project components such as I-PLAN for local and national planning, I-BUILD for infrastructure development and  I-SUPPORT for project implementation support. -- Susan C. Aro