NEWS BRIEFS

Kidney patient pleads for help

BAGUIO CITY – A kidney patient has sounded SOS anew to augment his resources to sustain his twice-a-week hemodialysis.

Cedric Waig, 55 of Camp 7, a former construction laborer who was forced to quit his back-breaking job after being diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease, appealed anew to Samaritans for assistance to tide him over the costly kidney cleansing procedure.

His wife Margarita said they only depend on the meager income of their two sons who also do construction works for their daily needs but there is no spare amount for his husband’s treatment and medicines.

She said their relatives extend help from time to time but it is limited since they too have their own families to support.

“(Mr. Waig’s) is a case of a client who was inflicted with an ailment that upsets the family financially and emotionally.  The family members are supportive of each other and they are doing all means to meet the medical expenses of the client but they are financially incapable thus, they seek assistance from welfare agencies,” the office of the city social welfare and development noted of his case.

Those willing to help the family may contact Margarita through cell no. 09187888429.

Jan. 20 declared special non-working holiday in Tarlac City

TARLAC CITY — President Benigno Aquino III has declared January 20, a Wednesday, as a special non-working holiday in Tarlac City in line with the celebration of its 5th Melting Pot Festival.

Aquino issued Proclamation No. 1190 to give Tarlaqueños the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

This year’s festival carries the theme “Ituloy ang Sigla sa Lungsod ng Tarlac.”

Activities readied by Mayor Ace Manalang include Zumba sa Piyesta, Miss Melting Pot Festival 2016 Grand Coronation Night, Mega Job Fair, Balikbayan Night, Melting Pot Festival Variety Show, and the Grand Parade of the Stars. -- Mar T. Supnad

More Baguio road projects expected

BAGUIO CITY – The city expects more road projects for prosecution this year as it stands to receive a bigger funding for infrastructure development.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the city gets an annual allocation from the regular Dept. of Public Works and Highways infrastructure fund for the improvement of its roads and bridges.

He said it helps that the city has its own engineering district stationed to monitor the conditions of the city’s infrastructures.

He said he was informed of a substantial increase in this year’s allocation so it is expected that more projects will be implemented.

The mayor said this is a welcome development considering the city’s need to repair and upgrade major arteries including Kennon Road, Naguilian Road and Marcos Highway and other national roads.

The mayor said the budget will also include the repair and improvement of some of the city’s bridges and river flood protection projects.

The DPWH appropriates fund through legislation based on the medium-term infrastructure program which has to undergo review and approval by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Immediately after the NEDA Board approves the annual infrastructure program, the Dept. of Budget and Management issues the Advices of Allotment for the projects in the program for implementation and release of the funding. – Aileen P. Refuerzo

Ilocos Norte tourist arrivals top 1 million

LAOAG CITY -- Ilocos Norte hosted estimated 1.6 million local and foreign tourists in 2015, a report from the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) showed. 

Tourist arrivals last year was 22.15 percent higher than in 2014, which was pegged at 1.2 million, INTO said.

The biggest number of tourists was recorded in April and May at 878,258. Many also visited the province when Malacañang declared a special non-working holiday during the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November.

“Tourism has grown to a stunning 380.64 percent in the past two years,” Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos said, adding the tourism industry has been a “real job starter” in the province.  

The provincial government launched Paoay Kumakaway in 2012, which resulted in more jobs, especially in the service sector.

“We often run out of bagnet (crispy fried pork belly) and inabel (loom-woven fabrics)... the demand outstrips supply. Visitors want to buy pasalubong for their friends and family and souvenirs for themselves,” Marcos said.

More fire stations to be built in Abra

BANGUED, Abra --The Bureau of Fire Protection will here additional personnel and construct fire stations in four towns.

Provincial Fire Marshall   Senior Insp. Rogelio Nigos said the BFP hired 11 more fire personnel who are now assigned to various fire stations in the province.

The BFP regional office has also allocated funds for the construction of fire stations in the municipalities of San Quintin, Villaviciosa, Sallapadan and Licuan-Baay as well as the repair of fire station in Dolores. The buildings will be constructed early next year, Nigos bared.

The Department of Interior and Local Government has agreed to donate fire trucks to each fire station as its counterpart, he added.

Nigos said it is important to have fire station in all local government units as he appeals to LGUs who have none yet to donate lot for the construction of a BFP building.

Meanwhile, Nigos urged the public to buy only standard Christmas lights and reminded the public to double check their Christmas lightings to avoid fire incidents this season.

He also reminded business entrepreneurs to secure fire safety inspection certificate from the bureau to ensure safety standards in their establishments. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

10 Luisita farmers’ groups to get business training

TARLAC – Ten farmers’ groups at the Hacienda Luisita here will be trained to become entrepreneurs, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said. The move aims to encourage farmers to become not just producers but also entrepreneurs with stable sources of livelihood.

DAR Undersecretary Justin Vincent La Chica said apart from training in vegetable farming and strategies in marketing, the farmers would also undergo seminars on muscovado (raw sugar) production and livestock raising.

La Chica said farm machinery and service facilities have been turned over to the beneficiaries.

DAR has partnered with the Tarlac State University and Tarlac College of Agriculture to help provide agri-extension and business development services to the beneficiaries.

DAR has partnered with the Tarlac State University and Tarlac College of Agriculture to help provide agri-extension and business development services to the beneficiaries.

The CBAO ordered the contractor to improve the design and add more potted plants and LED lights at the base of the tree.

The project reportedly costs P1.2 million.

Dagupanschool gets ‘Gulayan’ award

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — To encourage children in schools to take part in attaining sustainability and food security in the community, the city government started 10 years ago a vegetable garden in public school backyards. Employed in this project were agriculture technologies like aquaponics and hydroponics which were rewarded through the “GulayansaPaaralan” awards. This year, the BonuanBoquig Elementary School became the back-to-back winner over 24 participating schools in the city. They received a total prize of P33,000 awarded by Mayor Belen Fernandez, who initiated the program when she was still a councilor. First runner-up was Carael Elementary School which was also adjudged as Best in Vegetable Garden. The school won P28,000 cash prize. Second runner-up was East Central Integrated School with a cash prize of P20,000 while third runner-up was Lucao Elementary School with P15,000 as cash prize. -- LiezleBasaIñigo

P95.2 M school buildings to be constructed in Irisan

BAGUIO CITY -- Two 4-storey school buildings will be constructed in Irisan National High School area otherwise known as the Baguio City National High School Irisan Annex to cater to the growing population of high school students and address the expected shortage of classrooms in the implementation of the K-12 system.

Initiated by Baguio Rep. Nicasio M. Aliping, Jr. and the Department of Education (DepEd) Baguio, the two buildings will have a total of 52 classrooms.

The first project worth P64.5 million with 32 classrooms was sourced by Rep. Aliping from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This project is expected to be completed on August 4.

The second project worth P30.7 million with 20 classrooms was allocated through the DepEd fund. This is expected to be completed on June 27, 2016.

Aliping said this is part of his commitment to further improve and make education available to Baguio citizens especially to indigents. “We aim to accomplish this commitment not only in creating laws to improve our education system but also to source funds through other means for projects that are immediately needed,” said Aliping.

The recent groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Rep. Aliping, Superintendent Francis Cesar B. Bringas, DepEd Regional Director Ellen Donato, Dr. Elma Donaal, Councilor Poppo Cosalan, District Engineer Alexander Castaneda and the Irisan Barangay officials and teachers headed by Brgy. Captain Thomas Dumalti. The project will be undertaken by RU Aquino Construction and Development Corporation.

Aliping was accompanied by the Liberal Party A1 namely Councilors PoppoCosalan, Councilor Leandro Yangot, Councilor Joel Alangsab, JojoCabato, Atty. Ron Perez, Arch. MylenYranon, Engr. Jun Orca, Rudy Paraan and Art Alad-iw.

Aliping, Vice-chairman of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education has also authored HB01645 requesting for the conversion of the Irisan National High School into a Technical-Vocational High School that can help pave the way for indigent students for a better chance in attending college.

Food expo in Laoag helps SMEs

LAOAG CITY , Ilocos Norte — Aiming to develop Ilocos Norte as an ultimate destination of export-ready and top-quality food products, the Bakers and Restaurant Association of Ilocos Norte (BRAIN) recently held the third Ilocos Norte Food and Trade Expo (INFOTEX), a three-day event at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City,

In partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte headed by Gov. Imee Marcos, BRAIN organized INFOTEX to become an avenue to highlight the dynamic gastronomic scene of the province by bringing together local buyers and sellers. – Freddie G. Lazaro

 DENR-Kalinga completes  2015 NGP target

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources provincial office here reported it has accomplished its  2015 targets under the National Greening Program (NGP) last October or two months ahead  of schedule. 

SeverinoDalutag, provincial DENR officer, said the commitment of  two Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices Pinukpuk CENRO covering Pinukpuk, Balbalan, Pasil, Lubuagan, and Tinglayan and Tabuk CENRO covering Rizal, Tanudan, and this city made them accomplish  100%  of their target  by  end of October.

A total of 605,000 seedlings were planted in 1,210 hectares  by their partner barangays and peoples organizations, according to Dalutag.

Seedlings were already produced before the rainy months so that planting  was  fast tracked from July to September, he added.  

He reported they have  re-programmed their 2016 NGP plan, the last year of the 6-year regreening program under the Aquino administration and targeted 1,828 hectares to be planted.

"We will try to replicate our successes in NGP during the past years," Dalutag said. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Baguio officials focus on garbage woes, traffic jams

BAGUIO CITY -- The city’s garbage disposal problems and traffic jams will be prioritized by the local government this month with the start of the new year.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said his administration and other government agencies were able to gain headway in addressing these major concerns last year, but will give it a final push to once and for all solve the problems.

Domogan said the city would put up an integrated solid waste management facility at Sto. Tomas School within the 130-hectare city-owned property as the ultimate solution to address the city’s solid waste disposal problem and save P100 million annually for the hauling of waste from the city to the Capas- engineered sanitary landfill.

The integrated solid waste disposal facility will be composed of a waste-to-energy plant, anaerobic digester, the two Environmental Recycling System (ERS) machines, an engineered sanitary landfill and a treatment facility for hospital waste.

In terms of tourism, the mayor said Baguio remains as a preferred destination in the country as evidenced by the influx of visitors year-round, making tourism-related businesses lucrative for local residents.

The Baguio City Police Office is known for setting up traffic schemes when the city expects big volume traffic, while Domogan has a Technical Working Group working on the terms of reference for the putting up of a multi-level parking building within the Ganza property.

The parking building, along with the use of parks and football fields as parking spaces, is expected to help decongest the city roads from too much vehicular traffic.

DAR: No new raffle of Hacienda Luisita lands

Contrary to the claims of farm workers at Hacienda Luisita, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will not raffle off additional hectares of land in the sugar estate.

“Some farmer groups may have been confused when the DAR office in Tarlac posted on Dec. 29 the preliminary list of agrarian reform beneficiaries of the 358-hectare Tarlac Development Corp. (Tadeco) landholding. There was no raffle conducted in that landholding, “ DAR Assistant Secretary Justin Vincent la Chica said.

“The preliminary list, as the name suggests, is merely preliminary. The public is given until Feb. 4 to inform us if we missed anyone or if we included someone in the list who is not qualified. Those listed were also asked to submit documents to prove their qualification,” La Chica said.

The Tadeco landholding in Barangays Balete and Cut-Cut in Tarlac City was not part of the land transferred to the Hacienda Luisita Inc. in 1989 through stock distribution option.

On Dec. 17, 2013, the DAR in Tarlac issued a notice of coverage to Tadeco and proceeded with the identification of agrarian reform beneficiaries. It came out with a preliminary list of 1,717 potential ARBs.

Ifugao folks urged: Help ensure clean, orderly 2016 polls

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- Ifugao provincial election supervisor Ricardo Bulintao urged members of the civil society organizations and religious groups   to help the Commission on Election conduct clean, honest and orderly polls come May.

He bared this during voters education forum   organized by the Provincial Moral Recovery Council and attended by private and religious organizations in the province.

 Bulintao oriented participants on campaign rules and regulations, gun ban law,  Fair elections Act among others.

He urged candidates and supporters to observe common poster areas and not to do prohibited acts. He said candidatesashould file statement of contributions and expenses 30 days after the election to Comelec.

Bulintao also told the group that the campaign period for the national candidates is from Feb. 9 to May 7 and March 25 to May 7 for local candidates. -- Daniel B. Codamon

Veterans Bank launches improved pension loan

BAGUIO CITY -- The commercial bank owned by Filipino World War II veterans and their descendants, is making Philippine Veterans Affairs Office pensioners with improved pension loan.

Philippine Veterans Bank chairman Roberto de Ocampo and president Nonilo Cruz led the launching of the improved pension loan at the PVB’s Camp Aguinaldo branch which gathered audience composed of PVAO pensioners, veteran families, and guests from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police.

Starting last month, PVAO pensioners who receive monthly pension from PVB will now be able to get a pension loan for the maximum amount of P100, 000. Previously, the bank offered its pensioners P20, 000 and P45, 000 loan options. However, understanding the financial needs that its pensioners face, the Bank has upped the loanable amount offering pensioners flexibility with loan terms extended from three to five years.

PVB corporate communications and marketing services vice president Miguel Angelo Villa-real said this is great news for PVAO pensioners composed mostly of surviving Filipino World War II veterans, their widows, and retired personnel of the AFP.

In addition, pensioners with existing pension loans with PVB can re-avail of the higher loan amount as long as they have already paid at least two months amortizations of their current loan, Villa-real added.

For more information on PVB’s Pension Loan , interested parties can visit the nearest PVB branch or call (02) 840-2621 during office hours or emailcustomercare@veteransbank.com.ph.

Dagupan health stations receive equipment

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — A total of 12 barangay health stations here received blood pressure (BP) apparatus, glucometer kits, and nebulizers from Mayor Belen Fernandez, recently. About 39 of the 56 BP apparatus came from the office of Senator Teofisto Guingona, while the 13 glucometer kits and the remaining BP apparatus came from the Department of Health (DOH). The 12 nebulizers were given by civic leader Ashok Vasandani. Dr. Sheila Sabado, officer-in-charge of the City Health Office (CHO), said the barangay health stations that received the medical apparatus are located in Carael, Pantal, PoblacionOeste, Bonuan Boquig, Bonuan Binloc, Bonua nGueset, Bolosan, Salapingao, Malued, Mangin, Mayombo, and Pogo Grande. – Liezle BasaIñigo

Baguio moves up rank among cities

BAGUIO CITY — Tourism, education and sports, peace and order, health and social services, environment are among the accomplishments last year, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said. The mayor recalled that in 2014, Baguio was ranked 15th among the country’s 142 cities. Now, he takes pride that the city has gone up two notches to No. 13 based on national comparative ratings. He said concerted efforts must be taken to update and implement income-generating endeavors to improve the city’s ranking.

Ilocos Norte triples its scholarships grantees

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — To provide quality education for Ilocanos, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte headed by Gov. Imee Marcos gave a total of 1,919 scholarships grants last year.
In academic year 2014-2015, there were 459 recipients of the Sirib Academic Scholarship, according to the Provincial Education Office.

In the following school year, the number tripled with a total of 1,460 students benefiting from the Sirib Academic Scholarship, also known as the Sirib Community Leaders Scholarship.

Scholarship programs paved the way for training youth leaders, particularly through involvement in the SiribIlokano Kabataan Association (SIKA) that promotes volunteerism among youth through working together for the development of their respective communities.

Since 2010, the Ilocos Norte government has shouldered over 39,000 elementary, 16,000 high school, and 3,000 college scholarships.

Widening opportunities for learning has been an aim of Marcos, reflected in her vision for Ilocos Norte as a learning hub and learning community, hence the establishment of the “Heroes Walk” on Ablan Avenue to educate passersby on Ilocano heroes’ heritage.

Access to information technology is also a vital part of this goal, and in the past year alone, 38 i-Hubs have been established and 650 computer units have been distributed throughout the different cities and municipalities.

Making education more inclusive is in line with the province’s aim to alleviate poverty and eliminate unemployment, translating into a higher human development index and sustainable livelihood for Ilocanos.

These endeavors propelled the province in attaining the Millennium Development Goals, a United Nations initiative established in the year 2000.

“We have done what we set out to do, exceeding poverty, employment, education, maternal health, and reforestation. From the alarming increase in poverty in 2010, poverty has now fallen to a record of 8.4%,” she said. – Freddie G. Lazaro

Mountain Province, Benguet barangays forge sisterhood ties

SABANGAN, Mountain Province -- Officials of barangay   Tambingan here recently forged memorandum of agreement of sisterhood  with barangay Betag of La Trinidad, Benguet to foster understanding, friendship and goodwill.

The Sangguniang Barangay of Betag headed by Punong Barangay Peter D. Comila and Tambingan led by PB Cedric Rommel V. Likigan inked the MOA.

Both parties agreed to nurture and encourage friendship and cooperation between the two local government units and their constituencies through mutual sharing of the barangay best practices; provision of technical expertise and assistance in the area of promotion and development of the eco-tourism industry, including exchange of culture and education through exchange programs and education tours.

They also agreed to enhance trade relations on agricultural products, livestock and promotion of local handicrafts and strengthen educational and cultural relations with each party through scholarships, environmental research and eco-tours. They shall also strive to keep an open communication line for the possibility of forging joint ventures. -- Juliet B. Saley

Change of name of local hospital in Benguet sought

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The  Benguet  Sangguniang Panlalawigan urged the  National Historical Commission of the Philippines to approve renaming of  a provincial government supervised  hospital in the  province.

The change of name was sought for Kapangan Medicare Community Hospital” (KMCH) to be renamed “Kapangan Community Hospital”.

Board Member Esteban Piok, who authored the measure, said the word “Medicare” is rendered obsolete, thus the proposed deletion.   

The hospital was called the Kapangan Medicare Community Hospital since Sept. 23, 1982  after the Philippine Medical Care Commission (PMCC) which administered the former Medicare program. This is now called the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

The hospital is under the supervision of the provincial governor pursuant to  the Local Government Code of 1991 which devolved the management of all hospitals except for some selected medical centers to the provincial local government units. -- Susan Aro