Baguio issues amnesty for illegal electric, water lines

>> Thursday, June 30, 2016


By JhoArranz

BAGUIO CITY -- Amnesty for illegal electric and water connections is on here, even as constituents urged the city government to do this more often as this is only done once every three years.
A significant number of structures in the city have no tax declaration or title, thus constituents are encountering problems in complying with the requirements of availing amnesty.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the city has an ordinance to follow and abide with.
“I have no authority to issue permit because it will be a violation of the ordinance,” he said.
The mayor said based on Ordinance No. 15, applications for amnesty shall be filed with the City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO) in case of electric connections and with the Baguio Water District (BWD) for water connections for evaluation and those qualified will be subsequently required to pay the necessary regulatory fees.
Applicants are required to present their tax declarations, if not, he or she must secure a waiver or authority from the registered lot owner, certificate of non-delinquency of tax and barangay certification attesting that the applicant is a resident of the place, that the lot or structure is not in a right-of-way, that the lot or structure is not located in waterways and BWD water facilities or pipelines, that the lot or structure is not under high tension wires and that the lot or structure is not the subject to demolition or had been previously demolished.
On the other hand, indigent applicants certified by their respective punong barangays and the city social welfare and development office will be entitled to a 50 percent discount on the professional fees and labor cost being charged by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines member and practitioners but the same does not apply to the fees being charged by the CBAO pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations.
        In lieu of the certificate of final electrical inspection being used to those with occupancy and building permits, the ordinance provided that a certificate of electrical inspection will be issued by the CBAO.
The amnesty shall apply only to structures built on or before the effectivity of the ordinance based on CBAO inventory and barangay certification issued for such purpose.
Also, the ordinance specified that the amnesty for electric and water connections shall not apply to structures built in forest reservations, watersheds, other properties identified as government or military reservations and those who squatted within titled private properties.
Domogan said electricity and water is a basic necessity of every individual.  
However, the resolution on the processing of awards of land titles and/or declaration is still vague.
The amnesty of electric and water connections in the city will apply only for four months which has already started last May 10.  


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‘Lift gov’t danger zone tag on Pampanga village’



By Ding Cervantes

ARAYAT, Pampanga – The mayor of this town has sought the lifting of the declaration of a permanent danger zone in Barangay San Juan Bano.
In a forum with local journalists, Arayat Mayor Bon Alejandrino said many businessmen deferred plans to invest in the village after it was declared a permanent danger zone.
Provincial disaster management officials declared Barangay San Juan Bano a permanent danger zone after a landslide occurred during Typhoon Ondoy in 2009.
Alejandrino said the affected families had returned to their homes after the municipal government addressed concerns regarding landslides in the area. “These families know for sure there is no more threat,” he said.
Barangay San Juan Bano is where the Arayat National Park, a known tourist destination, is located.


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Cagayan wanted man nabbed in IS hospital


TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Police have arrested the most wanted man in Cagayan in a hospital in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.
Ferdinand Molina, who faced arrest warrants for robbery and kidnapping charges, has been confined at the Northside Doctor’s Hospital since June 2, according to Ilocos Sur police spokesman Chief Inspector Greg Guerrero.
Molina was being treated for a gunshot wound he sustained in a shootout with police officers on June 1.
The suspect reportedly tried to rob the house of a municipal councilor in Abulug, Cagayan.
An aide of the councilor was killed while three others were wounded during the robbery.
Police have launched a manhunt for Molina’s two companions. – RaymundCatindig


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Quarry operator shot dead on road


By Ric Sapnu

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- A quarry operator was killed while his helper was wounded in a gun attack here along Maharlika Highway on Tuesday.
Senior Supt. Manuel Cornel, Nueva Ecija police director, identified the fatality as Alvin Quejada, 37, a resident of Barangay SapangBato in General Natividad town.
Quejada died at the scene while Reynaldo Bautista was brought to the PJGMRMC Hospital for treatment.
       The victims were in an Isuzu-Elf truck (ABK-2002) on their way home when unidentified men shot them upon reaching Barangay Mayapyap Sur.           


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Porridge downs 16 in Ifugao


ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao -- – At least 16 students and teachers were hospitalized after eating lugaw (porridge) served after participating in the simultaneous earthquake drill in Alfonso Lista town in Ifugao on Wednesday.
The victims suffered vomiting, nausea and chest pain, according to a report received by Senior Inspector Ernesto Beketan, Alfonso Lista police chief.
The report said the victims are under observation at the Potia District Hospital.
The Alfonso Lista Rural Health Unit is investigating the incident. – Raymund Catindig


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Luzon grid on alert over high demand

Sual power plant not restored 

By Danessa Rivera

The Luzon grid was placed on alert anew last week  over high demand even as two power plants that tripped off on Monday remained offline.
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) raised the yellow alert from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. “due to insufficient contingency reserves brought about by an adjusted higher demand forecast.”
The grid operator said available capacity was projected at 9,921 megawatts (MW) while peak demand was expected at 9,115 MW.
Mylene Capongcol, Department of Energy director, said the Quezon Power Philippines Ltd. (QPPL) and a unit of the Sual coal-fired power plant had not been restored.
QPPL owns and operates the 460-MW coal-fired power plant in Mauban, Quezon while the San Miguel Group operates the 647-MW Sual coal-fired plant in Pangasinan.
Larry Fernandez, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) senior vice president and head of utility economics, said the demand forecast was raised yesterday afternoon.

        “Meralco will be advising Interruptible Load Program participants to prepare and be on standby in case manual load dropping needs to be implemented,” spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said in a text message.

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Milk feeding program in public schools eyed


SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija — Incoming Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” F. Piñol has vowed to make milk feeding in public schools a national program.
The plan aims to address the problem of dairy farmers in marketing and distribution of milk and at the same  time, help alleviate malnutrition among school children
As part of his “Biyaheng Bukid”, Piñol has visited the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) National Headquarters and Gene Pool along with the other DA attached agencies here to see for himself the outcomes and the relevant issues about their respective programs.
The incoming agriculture secretary was toured by PCC top personnel at the Milka Krem where carabao’s milk products such as mozzarella, bocconcini, “kesong puti”, pastillas, yoghurt, fresh milk and different flavored milk drinks were served.
He was also ushered to the national gene pool to visit the purebred buffaloes and later toured the Livestock Innovations and Biotechnology Center where he was briefed about the PCC program in a video presentation featuring success stories of farmers.
Piñol said the program would be multipurpose as it will boost the income of dairy farmers and farm workers, while likewise addressing malnutrition among children.

“We will coordinate our efforts with the National Dairy Authority and Department of Education to identify schools or barangays that have high rates of malnutrition and we’ll focus our program there. If the carabao program could be replicated in other province successfully, then we will support it all the way,” he said. -- PNA 

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POLICE ROUNDUP

145 gun ban violatorsarrested in Cordillera
CAMP DANGWA, Benguet — Cordillera Police Regional Office arrested and charged 145 individuals who violated the Commission on Elections–imposed gun ban, which was lifted last June 8.
Chief Supt. Ulysses Abellera, regional director, said from Jan. 10 to June 8, a total  of 297 assorted firearms, 1,693 pieces /rounds of  ammunition, 14 bladed weapons,12 grenades and 78 explosive devices were confiscated, surrendered,  and recovered in the region.
Abra Police Provincial Office had the most number of firearms confiscated, surrendered and recovered (185), followed by Apayao PPO (44), Kalinga PPO (23), Baguio City Police Office (17), Benguet PPO (12), Ifugao PPO (10), Mt. Province  (3) and Regional Public Safety Battalion (3).


Man repairing motorcycle  at midnight shot dead  
BAGUIO CITY – A man repairing a motorcycle here was shot dead by an unidentified man with a companion here Tuesday around midnight along City Camp Road at No. 51, Barangay Queen of Peace.
Police identified the victim as Alfie Espededo Asuncion, 31,  unemployed, resident of  the barangay. The gunman fled aboard a waiting motorcycle towards City Camp Central.
The victim was shot on  different parts of his body and rushed by his relatives at Baguio General Hospital Medical Center for medical treatment. Dr. Paolo Angelo Igama operated on the victim who dided  2:16 a.m.

 3 men, minor charged for frustrated murder
BAGUIO CITY – Charges for frustrated homicide were filed against three men including a minor for allegedly mauling their victim Tuesday around 6 a.m. here inside Coyte Bar along Bokawkan Road.
Police identified the victim as Raymond Pagtan Ngalawen, 27, of Kalapati St while suspects were named as Yousef  Bay-an Ashkanani,  22, single of  Km 4 Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet, Justine Tagtag  Acosta, 19 of Binatangan, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, Anthony Tagtag Acosta and a male minor.
Investigation disclosed the victim who was under the influence of liquor sat with the suspects who mauled him. The victim suffered injuries and is confined unconscious at the Pines City Doctor’s Hospital. Cops arrested the suspects.

Dispute over driveway leads to fistfight
BAUKO, Mountain Province – A dispute over a driveway led to a fistfight between two drivers here Tuesday around 4:30 p.m. 
Complainant was MorrelPengdaden Antonio, 27, male, of Barangay Banao, while the suspect was identified as JerwinConeng, 32, of Barangay Otucan Norte.

Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, Antonio parked a mini-dump truck and was unloading sacks of sand when the suspect arrived driving his van and asked why the victim was blocking his drive way.  The victim apologized and requested that they will unload first the three remaining sacks. However, the suspect alighted from his vehicle and confronted the victim why he did not park his vehicle properly so that he can pass by. The suspect punched the victim several times on his face resulting to injuries.
The complainant retaliated and punched the suspect to defend himself. Both were pacified by residents.

Six nabbed for marijuana, shabu 
BAGUIO CITY – Cops arrested six young men here Tuesday around 9 a.m. for illegal drugs after arrest warrant was issued againt them by
Mia Joy C. Oallares-Cawed, executive judge of Regional Trial Court, First Judicial Region, Baguio City.
Arrested were Jasper Wenceslao Amoroso, 30; Jerry Wenceslao Amoroso, 29; Jerry Veseno Pambed, 25; Daniel Caballero Vinluan, 26 and Edwin GemoroIgaya, all residents of Barangay Lopez Jaena and Richard CayananNarbonita, 30 of San Antonio Village.
Confiscated from them were live marijuana plants dried leaves including .15 grams of shabu and paraphernalia.
Charges were prepared against the suspects who are now detained at the city jail.

T-shirt printer, student arrested in buy-bust 
BAGUIO CITY – Police and narcotics agents arrested a T-shirt printer and student here Tuesday around 4:30 p.m. inside Health 101 Restaurant at Lower Magsaysay Ave.
Anned in the buy-bust operation was Kevin Orlino Soriano, 23, of North Sanitary Camp, Baguio City and Franco Fernandez Mora, 21, student, of Naguillian Rd.
Confiscated from them were 290 grams of marijuana leaves and marked money of P5,000. Both suspects were detained.

 Cops confiscate  Bontoc slot machines
BONTOC, Mountain Province – Police confiscated two slot machines  here Tuesday around 1 p.m. at Barangay Samoki. Cops and Kagawad George M. Atin confiscated the “kulalong” at Gasat Gasoline Station and another slot machine at Chopap-ing’s Bar and Sing-along, Fanusan building. Erwin Longboan, 28 and Maricel M. Etngay, 29 of Sabangan, Mountain Province and Boliwong, Lagawe, Ifugao respectively surrendered the slot machines.

Lady nabbed for estafa
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Cops nabbed here Tuesday around 10 a.m. at km 5, Barangay Pico Rachelle Pontino Patot, 40, for estafa. This, after Danilo P. Camacho, presiding judge of RTC Branch 62, La Trinidad, issued warrant for her arrest with bail set at P40,000.

Cops arrest woman for estafa
LAGAWE, Ifugao – A certain Leony C. Geronimo was arrested Tuesday around 8:15 p.m. here at MEB building Poblacion East Lagawe, for estafa. Judge Romeo U Habbiling of RTC, Branch 14, Lagawe, issued warrant for her arrest and set bail at P18,000.

Farmer surrenders grenade he found in farm 
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A farmer surrendered to police here Tuesday a hand grenade he found in his farm. The farmer was named as Mario Piok Hugo, 51, of Datakan, Kapangan town resident of Barangay TiliShilan, La Trinidad.
Hugo said he found the grenade December 2015 excavating his farm. He kept it in his residence until he decided to surrender it to the police. He was on his way to Shilan police station to surrender the same when he flagged a police mobile car of Tublay and told his intention. A certain PI Malingan and PO3 Celestino, on board said vehicle, brought him to Shilan where SPO4 Dugayen, who was on duty later brought Hugo to La Trinidad police station to surrender said item.

Surveyor electrocuted  in Sta. Marcela Apayao
STA. MARCELA, Apayao – A surveyor of National Irrigation Agency was accidentally electrocuted here Tuesday around 4 p.m. at Barangay Panay.
Police identified the victim as Jeffrey Mercado Apaga, 39, resident of  Quezon, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. Investigation disclosed the victim  with his companions named as Roderick MacocoCorpuz, Val Abad Patricio and their team leader engineer Danilo Ruiz Macoco were surveying an irrigation canal when the accident happened.
Accordingly, the victim was at the side of the cnal holding a 5-meter stainless rod when he was outbalanced and the rod accidentally touched a primary power line. The victim was rushed by his companion to Sta. Marcela District Hospital but was declared dead on Arrival by  attending physician Dr. Mila Joy Domingo

Payloader operator cheats death
KABAYAN, Benguet – A payloader operator cheated death when the machine fell down a ravine here Tuesday around 10 a.m.  
Police said d the heavy equipment described as Lonking payloader, owned by Arnold Tulding of Betag La Trinidad, Benguet and operated by Marlon Corpuz Costales, 19, of Samonte, Sison, Isabela, fell down the 100-meter deep ravine  at  Sitio Bangao, Tawangan, Kabayan. 
Police said the operator was clearing along the road when the payloader engine suddenly stopped which caused it to move backward. He used its bucket to stop it but it continued to move backward until it fell down the cliff. Costales jumped when the machine was about to fall down.

Fence installed over Sagada lot starts ownership dispute 
SAGADA, Mountain Province -- A certain Felipe GumabayBangyay, 53, of Barangay Tetep-an Norte here filed a complaint against Nellie B. Diaz, of Calutit, Bontoc over a land dispute.
Police said the A certain “Dicaleng,”brother of Diaz installed a fence made of cement post, pine wood and barbed wires over the area which was protested by complainant .
Diaz reportedly bought the lot from Janet Yodong of Bontoc, Mountain Province so they were improving it. A local reporter showed a photocopy of a tax declaration no. 24866 under the name of Ricardo Gumabay, Bagsiagat, Duma-an andDomokey Alia which they said, proved that they owned the lot. 

Old woman found dead in room 
BAGUIO CITY – An old woman identified as Santos Belen Lacaste, 78, retired government employee was found lying lifeless inside her room here Tuesday around 5 p.m. at No. 5 Cabinet Hill. 
Beatriz Lacaste y Santos, 75, victim’s sister said they visited the victim inside her house Tuesday around 2 p.m. and brought her food then left. Santos later called her but there were no response so she and her friends decided to visit her. They noticed the main door was closed and victim did not answer their calls so they pushed it and saw the victim lying lifeless inside her room. Emergency and Medical Services crew arrived and noticed that there were no signs of physical violence or struggle. Items were intact inside the house. Santos said she accepted the fact that her sister died because of her old age. They brought the body to La Paz Funeral Homes for embalmment.

Car stolen daytime in gas station 
BAGUIO CITY – A car was stolen at a gas station by unidentified thieves here Monday around 1-3 p.m.  A police report said the incident happened at Total Gas Station, Abanao Extension here wherein the Honda Accord sedan with plate number ZAR 555 owned by Ria Francis Astudillo Robles, 47, of SLU- SVP Bakakeng, Old site, was allegedly carnapped by unidentified suspect/s.
Investigation disclosed on June 18, the vehicle was brought for repair at the said gasoline station by her son, Antonio Felipe Robles II. After repair, the vehicle with the ignition key inserted was parked unattended near the service area by auto mechanic Tony Pundao. At around 3 p.m. Monday, Ms Robles arrived to retrieve her vehicle but discovered the vehicle was missing. This prompted the complainant to report the incident to the Baguio City Police Office.

Businesswoman turns over bomb to cops
BAGUIO CITY – A businesswoman identified as Cecilia Inso Requillo turned over to police a vintage bomb found in January 2015 by one of her workers when her house was under construction. The bomb was set for detonation by cops.

Young man nabbed for illegal gun
BANGJIED, Abra – A 19-year-old man was arrested here Monday morning at a checkpoint in Casamata Hill along Rizal Street corner Harrison Street, Zone 7 for driving without license and having in his possession a handgun.
Police identified the suspect as Teddy BorretaCabusca, 19, of Maoay, San Isidro town. 
Police said the Cal. 22 handgun with three bullets was found in the compartment of the motorcycle Borreta was driving. The suspect also failed to present papers of the vehicle.

Violation of RA 7610 lands young man in jail
TADIAN, Mountain Province – Police arrested Earl Jowell Nacatab Camtugan, 18, student here at Sitio Kebasan, Barangbay Lubon after Joseph Patnaan, presiding judge of RTC Branch 35, First Judicial Region, Bontoc, Mountain Province issued warrant against him for violation of Republic Act 7610 with bail set at P120,000.

Estafa lands man in jail
TABUK, Kalinga – Police nabbed a man here Monday for estafa. The suspect was identified as Jacky Palapos Luis, 28. Judge Efren M. Cacatian, RTC, 2nd Judicial Region Branch 35, Santiago City, Isabela earlier issued warrant against the suspect wsho now detained at city jail here.

Two hurt in Lamut collision
LAMUT, Ifugao – Two men were injured when a motorcycle and tricycle collided here Monday around 10:30 a.m. along the provincial road at Mabato-bato. Police said the tricycle driven by Raffy Duque Alindada, 21, who had no driver’s license, accidentally bumped the motorcycle driven by Daniel BantiyanKinakin, 29, laborer.
Investigation disclosed both vehicles were proceeding towards Mabatobato when  Kinakin overtook the tricycle. However, he was accidentally bumped from behind by the tricycle upon returning to their lane. As a result, Kinakin was injured and brought to Dr. Thomas Sr. and Maria Quilang Medical and Maternity Clinic but later reffered to Panopdopan District Hospital for treatment. The back rider of the motorcycle identified as Mark Anthony Bantiyan Bangsoy, 24, student, and esident of Boliwong, LagaweIfugao was brought to Panopdopan District Hospital and later discharged after medication. Alindada voluntarily appeared at Lamut police station for investigation. Both vehicles were brought to Lamut police station for safekeeping.

Gas explosion hurts helper, destroys apartment
BAGUIO CITY – A gas explosion damaged an apartment here Monday while injuring a laborer around 9:20 p.m. Police said the incident happened in the kitches of the apartment at No. 145 Purok 1, Clover Leaf Alley, Padre Zamora Barangay where one Frank Vanjo Menor, 23, stay-in at said place was injured.
Investigation revealed that the victim was about to light the gas stove when suddenly exploded causing injuries on him and damages to their apartment. The victim immediately went out to seek help from their neighbors who rushed him to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.

Drinking spree leads to shooting; one hurt
BANGUED, Abra – A man was jailed here for allegedly shooting his drinking mate on June 19 at around 5:15 p.m. at Consolado, Lingtan, Bangued along the barangay road.
Police said the victim identified as Jimmy Padre Bocarile, 34, water refiller, and resident of Barangay Lipcan, was shot by Rojel Quesada Sagudang, 42, of  Agsimao, Tineg town.
Investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, victim and the suspect were having a drinking spree at a birthday party at the residence of certain Jonel Bernal. The victim and the suspect had a heated argument due to misunderstanding but were pacified by Jonel Bernal. The victim decided to go home but while walking along the road, the suspect intercepted the victim and shot him twice and fled on foot to unknown direction.
The victim was immediately rushed by Marlon Benabese Conception to the Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment. According to Dr. Apolinar Turqueza, attending physician, the victim was shot twice on his left abdomen and was operated on.
Later at about 8 p.m., the suspect surrendered to police with the Cal. 45 handgun which had one bullet.

Taxi driver held up
BAGUIO CITY – A taxi driver was held up here by two unidentified men on June 19, 2016 around 11:50 PM along Yangco Rd., Upper General Luna. Police identified the victim as Berto Lucas Marcos, 58.
Investigation disclosed while the victim was driving the taxi described as Isuzu Crosswind, with trade name of Purple Triangle, bearing plate No. AYU-260 owned by Rodolfo Amango of Cruz, La Trinidad, Benguet, he was flagged down by the holduppers and asked him to ferry them at Sumulong St., Baguio City. While on their way, one of the suspects seated at the back suddenly choked him then poked a bladed weapon on his head and uttered “Huwag kang  papalag, pera lang ang kailangan namin! Ilabas mo kung ano ang maibibigay mo!” 
This, while the other suspect seated in front also grabbed him then poked a knife on his belly. The victim who was frightened gave his collection money worth P600 to the suspects who immediately fled towards Sumulong St. while the victim sought for police assistance.

Female vendor stabbed 6 times near La Triinidad fire station
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A vendor was stabbed here by still unidentified men June 19 around 8 p.m. near the Bureau of Fire Protection building here at Cabanao, Balili.
Police identified the victim as Carina Comba-as Biltican, 27, of Lomon, Kapangan, Benguet.
Investigation disclosed while the victim was walking along the road, she was approached by one of the suspects who was standing at the unlighted sidewalk near the BFP office and asked her the way going to km 6 in Tagalog dialect.
When she answered, the other suspect from behind choked and stabbed her several times. The victim was able to run towards the BFP building where firemen brought her to Benguet General Hospital for medical treatment while suspects immediately fled towards the national road. One of suspects was wearing sweatshirt with hood, and short pant, while the other suspect was wearing gray T-shirt and running shorts with both speaking Tagalog.
The attending physician declared that the victim had five stab wounds but these were not fatal. Cops looked for the suspects but do date they were not found.

Bauko resident arrested in Atok for illegal lumber
ATOK, Benguet – Cops arrested a man here at Gueweng, Abiang June 19 around 9:30 p.m. for transporting lumber without papers. The suspect was named as Jake Maitang Kitoyan, 31, of Bangnen, Bauko, Mountain Province.
Cops were conducting checkpoint in the place when they flagged down a closed container van described as Mitsubishi Canter loaded with 282 pieces of pine lumbers valued at P35,250
A certain Froilan Langtiwan, also of Bangnen who was driving the vehicle evaded arrest. Kitoyan, failed to present permit to deliver the lumber prompting police to arrest him.
Charges were prepared against Kitoyan while the lumber and vehicle were impounded.

Two nabbed for illegal lumber
PARACELIS, Mountain Province – Police and Environment officers interxcepted a van here June 19 around 11 a.m. along the national road from Poblacion going to Butigue, driven by  Ryan Sungday Wannig, 33, and his passenger Rose Marrie Balansi, 35.
Both were arrested for transporting 28 pieces of narra lumber worth P43, 972.Annig and Balansi were brought to local police station while the vehicle was impounded.

2 NPA members surrender in Ifugao
LAGAWE, Ifugao --- Two alleged members of the New people’s Army surrendered to police at the junction of Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya  June 19 around 10 a.m.
Police identified them as Esteban Alansip Santos @ Manuel /Steve,  54, of Upper, Magsaysay, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, operating in Region 2 and Cordillera Region and  Jacinto Belingon “June” Dulnuan, 36, of Kiangan, Ifugao but now residing in Barangay Butigue, Paracelis Mt. Province.
Both surrendered a garand rifle and M1 carbine rifle respectively after negotiations with Supt. Paulo Bayongasan, regional police deputy intelligence division chief;  Senior Insp. Jackson C. Damong, SPO4 Gilbert Bocalan and Supt. Joseph BangcawayanCayat.

Trike drivers hurt in collision with jeep
TUBA, Benguet – Two men were injured here June 19 around 5 p.m. along Asin road in SitioLasong when the motorcycle they were riding on collided with a passenger jeep. 
Police said the motorcycle registered to Samuel Nadiahan of  km 6 Asin Road, driven by Kenneth Magappid Nadiahan, 25, collided public with the passenger jeep owned by Samuel Napiloy of Asin Road, driven by Jey Carvin Ananyu Tagtagon, 23, resident of km 6.
The motorcycle was ascending towards Baguio City when it encroached opposite lane and accidentally collided with the descending jeep headed towards Asin.
As a result, the driver of motorcycle was injured on his head while his rider identified as Jetrick Benito Mariano, 23, construction worker, was hurt on his right foot. Both were rushed to Baguio General Hospital for medical treatment. The motorcycle was heavily damaged while the jeep had dents on its bumper and side mirror. Both parties agreed to settle their case amicably.

Europa caretaker mauled, robbed by co-drinkers 
BAGUIO CITY – The caretaker of Europa Condominium here at Barangay Mines View was mauled by two men who took his wallet containing cash of P3,000 and his Sony cellphone worth P3,000. 
 Police said the incident recently happened around 11:30 p.m. along Modesta St. in the barangay where the complainant was identified as Eddie Macasakit y Mauricio, 52, married.
His assailants were named as Oliver Ciriaco and Clydon Tomas, both residents of Mines View. Investigation disclosed around 10:30 p.m. that day, the victim and his friend Kenneth Swida Alvin went to buy liquor at Pantew Bar in the area. While at said place, they were seen by the suspects who were drinking and were invited to drink.
After consuming one bottle of Red Horse beer, victims paid their bill and both decided to go home. However, they were followed by the suspects who aided one another in mauling the victim and taking his personal belongings.

Responding cops brought the victim to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment while a case for physical injuries was prepared against the suspect

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Baguio council hits okay of waste plan without approval


By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY –  City councilors questioned the city solid waste management board why the NSWMC passed the city’s amended 10-year solid waste management plan without being approved by the city council.
         Under the amended 10-year solid waste management plan, the city will embark on a 5-pronged approach to solve the city’s garbage disposal woes.
This includes setting up solid waste disposal facility within the Sto. Tomas Apugan City-owned property that will incorporate a waste-to-energy facility, temporary engineered sanitary landfill, operation of the two Environmental Recy    cling System (ERS) machines, an aerobic digester and  facility for medical waste.
The city’s amended 10-year solid waste management plan has not yet been officially reported in the city council for still unknown reasons until the same was overtaken by events during the election period.
The city government did not officially request the NSWMC to approve its amended 10-year solid waste management plan that was crafted by the city solid waste management board to conform with updated programs and projects of the local government in terms of addressing the city’s solid waste disposal concerns.
City General Services Officer Romeo D. Concio said it was the consultant of the city government that requested the NSWMC to comment and critique the amended 10-year solid waste management plan before finalizing the same but what happened was that the NSWMC already considered it as a compliance to the mandate of the provisions of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or Republic Act (RA) 9003.      
“We never officially transmitted the matter to the NSWMC but what our consultant did was only to seek the comment and critic of the Commission on the amended 10-year solid waste management plan of the city before it will be submitted to the city council for approval,” Concio said.
He added the city government is in a better position with approval of the city’s amended 10-year solid waste management plan unlike what happened sometime in 2007 when the city council confirmed the crafted solid waste management plant but it was not approved by the NSWMC for reasons that were then outlined for the information of the local government.
The city general services officer appealed to the council not to take the approval of the NSWMC against the city’s amended solid waste management plan because it was not their intention to officially submit the matter to the Commission for approval but the consultant decided to solicit the comment and opinion of the regulating body on the plan for incorporation prior to the plan being submitted to the city council for approval.

The city government is eying the 139-hectare city-owned property in Sto. Tomas School Area and the Antamok open pit site of the Benguet Corporation in Itogon, Benguet as the remaining sites where it could put up its desired integrated solid waste disposal facility in order to effectively and efficiently address the city’s garbage disposal problems that is costing the city government around P70 million annually for the hauling of its residual waste to the engineered sanitary landfill in Capas, Tarlac.

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Benguet trade center alternate road opens

Veggie business eases 

By Jenny Mendoza Dayao

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) alternate road here is now open for farmers, and traders to use as an entrance for transacting in the center.
           Frederick Edeco, BAPTC contract trading and marketing department director, said a group of traders travelling within Luzon and Visayas negotiated with the center to immediately open the loop road so they can transfer to the center.
This considering ongoing road construction along Strawberry Field affecting the entry and exit of clients in the center causing heavy traffic.
Edeco added heavy traffic in the valley is hampering growth of vegetable industry,  but also causing heavy losses to farmers and traders.
The construction of the BAPTC loop road was commitment of Rep. Ronald Cosalan.
As the curing for the road was completed, the center immediately contacted the La Trinidad Police Station Traffic Management Station headed by SPO4 Hector Sianen to facilitate its opening and use by farmers.
After a meeting last Tuesday, it was decided that the road will be opened this Sunday, June 27.
         Sianen said that they will designate police officers to the exit and entry point to manage the traffic flow and guide the farmers and traders. Further, the designated police officers will implement the exemption of coding and truck ban for the clients of the center.
The entry way of the loop road is beside the Commission on Audit, along Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet while the exit point will be at Palmaville going to Puguis National Road.

With the opening of the road, the traders committed their support to conduct trading activities with the BAPTC.

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Baguilat upbeat with leftist Mariano as DAR secretary


By Aiza Liza Namingit

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- As Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) marked its 28th anniversary on June 10, re-elected Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat said he is upbeat with the appointment of Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano as next Agrarian Reform chief.
“As a farmer leader who strongly advocated for a more revolutionary agrarian reform implementation, Ka Paeng definitely makes for an interesting choice to fulfill the mandate of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and confront its adversaries,” said Baguilat.
            "It's quite interesting because the incoming Secretary would come from the ranks of the farmers. But it's also going to be challenging because Ka Paeng has always been critical of the law and the government. Now, he will be on the other side of the fence."
However, Baguilat appealed with Mariano to complete the remaining land distribution of 700,000 hectares to benefit some 460,000 landless beneficiaries under the CARP while pushing for the passage of a better agrarian reform law in Congress.
         The chairperson of the Committee on Agrarian Reform in the 16th Congress said Ka Paeng was a constant resource person in his committee’s hearings, who consistently carried a torch for the passage of the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB).
      “We may differ in our ideological leanings, but I appreciate his firebrand style of advocacy for farmers’ rights. Now that he assumes a leadership role in government, his primary mandate is to implement the law as embodied in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) and the CARP Extension with Reforms Law,” said Baguilat.
        Baguilat thinks Mariano can use his influence on the Duterte administration and push passage of a more Constitutional GARB and protect the rights of small farmers against pending proposals to revise property rights under the 1987 Constitution such as possible foreign ownership of land.

“If he can push for such a radical bill, this may be the game changer needed to signal rural development. Ka Paeng faces big adversaries with real estate developers, plantation owners, the hacienderos and other forces aiming for land reconsolidation. I am willing to help in Congress, provided the problematic provisions of the GARB are ironed out,” Baguilat said.

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DepEd-CAR readying SHS learning materials


By Georaloy I. Palao-ay 
               
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- With start of Senior High School (SHS) nationwide, the Department of Education – Cordillera Administrative Region is readying teaching and learning materials this school year.
Aside from modules that will be delivered by the DepEd Central Office this first semester, an additional P2.6 million worth of materials are being prepared by DepEd CAR through its Learning Resource Management and Development Section (LRMDS).
The materials cover one core subject, two applied track subjects, and three specialized track subjects.
The funds for printing and production were downloaded from the Central Office and augmented by DepEd-CAR according to LRMDS coordinator and education supervisor Ethielyn Taqued.
“The Schools Division Offices are also preparing other materials, funds for it were also downloaded to them subject to guidelines and rules for their printing and reproduction” said Taqued.
These teaching and learning materials shall also be uploaded and made available for online viewing through the LRMDS portal, added Taqued.
The teaching and learning materials include modules on Philippine and World Literature, Philosophy, personal development, English, Filipino, Biology, Mathematics, world religion and belief systems, pre-calculus, and cookery among others.
Public high schools in the region offering Technical-Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) track will be receiving their materials and equipment not later than the second semester.
First batch of materials and equipment for bread and pastry, carpentry, and wellness massage worth 24.4 million is expected to be delivered by August or September to the schools while another 22.2 million worth of materials specifically for consumer electronics servicing, electrical installation and maintenance, food and beverage service, shielded metal arc welding, and tourism promotion services is being processed by the DepEd CAR Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and Finance Division.
The office through its BAC is optimistic that these will be ready for TVL schools before the second semester when SHS students focus on their specializations after taking up core subjects this first semester.
DepEd CAR also revealed that the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) of DepEd Central Office has already facilitated the procurement of equipment needed for the implementation of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) for public elementary and secondary schools.
Some 1036 schools will be receiving computer packages under DCP batch 29; 30 schools under batches 30 and 31; and 94 schools under batch 33.
Based on DepEd Memo No. 75, series 2016, these e-Classroom packages include personal computer (PC) sets, laptops, tablets, projectors and 48 inches LED televisions.      Meanwhile, the Department is still encouraging enrollees for SHS. Public and private high schools are still open for enrolment and students who wish to pursue SHS in private high schools, colleges, universities, and technical and vocational schools can still avail of the SHS voucher program in which they will be provided financial assistance for tuition and other fees charged these non-DepEd schools.

Senior High School covers the last two years of the K to 12 program in which students will go through a core curriculum and subjects under a track of their choice. There are four tracks with their respective strands students can choose from, namely, academic track, sports track, arts and design track, and technical-vocational livelihood track. 

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DPWH told: Coordinate with City gov’t on drainage system


BAGUIO CITY – The city council urged regional and district offices of the Department of Public works and Highways, city engineer’s office and city environment and parks management office to coordinate creation of comprehensive drainage masterplan as basis for future drainage projects in the city.
The city council told this to representatives of agencies and city departments after City Engineer Elpidio Garabiles admitted his office is still preparing the comprehensive drainage masterplan of the city.
Engineer Evelyn G. Cayat, city planning and development officer, said current construction of drainage projects in the city were done without coordination with concerned offices of the city which resulted to traffic congestion in the city.
Engineer Rene Zarate, assistant district engineer of the Baguio City District Engineering Office, said the agency has a masterplan of the city’s drainage system along national roads which was completed through the roads and bridges inventory assessment that was one of the major projects done in order to have reference to the completed drainage projects along national roads.
Zarate informed members of the city council that the agency is willing to lend to the CEO and CEPMO the details of their study to facilitate the crafting of the city’s drainage masterplan in the future, saying that their study contains the condition of the roads and bridges, type of surface, thickness of the pavement, available drainage systems among others.
The council also requested the DPWH-BCDEO, CEO and CEPMO to consider the contents of Resolution NO. 252, series of 2012 for the agencies to consider other waterways within the areas of jurisdiction of the proposed drainage projects as the areas to divert the flow of the water instead of concentrating the diversion of the water flow to the Bued and Balili rivers.
The council instructed the CEO to prepare a partial drainage masterplan of the city, particularly the central business district, before the new set of officials will take their oaths of office and assume their respective psotions so that the local legislative body will have a basis in the provision of other similar projects to upgrade the drainage of city roads in the future.
Engineer Alfredo Bannagao, Jr., DPWH-BCDEO construction division head, informed the city council 17 drainage projects are 70 percent complete while the four projects being handled by the DPWH-CAR will  be completed by end of July.
Bannagao said five drainage projects are already completed while the 11 projects handled by the district office will all be completed by the first week of July.

For the DPWH-CAR, engineer Eduardo Ramirez, assistant chief of the planning division, said t/he Abanao, Harrison and other drainage projects being implemented by the agency in the city will be completed by the end of June while the Kayang drainage project will be completed by the end of July or at the height of the rainy season.

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BSU, Rotary Club give amputees new limbs


LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Benguet State University here, along with their partner, the Rotary Club, painted smiles on the faces of the less fortunate amputees dishing out more than 100 limbs last Monday at the University open gymnasium.
Measurements were taken last March 11-12 that was attended by 135 amputees not only from Cordillera but also from the neighboring provinces.
Felissa Pasayen of Bakun, Benguet now gets to stand and walk without the aid of her crutches. She was diagnosed with a rare disease caused by fresh eating bacteria which led to the amputation of her left leg at an early age.
“I first heard of the project from a friend” said Pasayen. Feeling agitated she bought a transistor radio where she waited patiently for the details of the said ALP to be announced. There, she was able to get a hold of the mobile number of Dr. Florence Poltic, one of the ALP coordinator and also the BSU Physician.
Pasayen plans to return back to her former employer in Manila and help her family financially once she will get familiarized with the mobility of her brand new prosthetic leg.
Another female beneficiary all the way from Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya voiced out her gratefulness for the said project as she  held back her tears.
She has been a life time user of artificial limbs and was long enduring her outdated artificial limbs which she had during her teens.
Meanwhile, BSU President Feliciano Calora said that this tie between BSU and the Rotary Club was just first step of yet a very long journey of service towards their needy patrons. He added that development should go parallel to both BSU and its target patrons mutually.
Parties involved in the said activity and MOA were Baboo  Kanan of the Rotary India, Linda Winter of Rotary Baguio, Dr. Florence Poltic and Dr. Jones Feleciano of BSU.
The activity also part of the Centennial Celebration of BSU which will culminate this September 2016.
The tie started 2015 during the stint of then University president, Dr. Ben Ladilad.
Benguet was their fourth destination for the year. They have been hoping from Laguna, Sariaya, Lipa in the first quarter of this year. For the coming months, they are set to proceed to Naga, Iriga, Vigan Makati and Caloocan. -- Rocky Ngalob


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Baguio arnis players win in national meet


BAGUIO CITY – Local arnis players showed their prowess and efficiency at par with their competitors in the national scene as they brought home five medals in the recently-concluded Martial Arts Festival in Manila.
Lope Dumanas Caw-is brought home two gold medals in the team synchronized anyo double weapon and the synchronized team anyo sword and dagger while he settled for the silver in the synchronized team anyo single weapon.
On the other hand, Danica Caw-is settled for the bronze in the individual anyo double weapon and Kristine Pearl Tamiking also won the bronze medal in the bantamweight division.
Local combative sports athletes continue to shine in various local, regional, national and international sports competitions because of the rigid trainings that they have to undrgo prior to attending and participating in such competitions that draw the participation of seasoned athletes from the different parts of the world.
On the other hand, University of Baguio (UB) athletes also shared honors with the Baguio delegates as they took home four gold, five silver and seven bronze medals in the same competitions.
The golf medalists were Basilio Bartolome Nisperos in the synchronized team anyo double weapon, Angelyn Datuin in the individual anyo sword and dagger, Domingo longa nDatuin in the synchronized team any single weapon and Shayra Salingbay in the lightweight division.
The silver medalists were Erica Basilio in the individual anyo sword and dagger,Basilio Bartolome Nisperos in the synchronized team any single weapon, Jeanette Faith Resulta in the individual anyo single weapon, Domingo Longan Datuin in the synchronized team anyo double weapon and Felvy Ah-ul in the featherweight division.
The bronze medalists were Gayle Nisperos in the individual anyo single weapon, Noelle Keith Soriano in the individual any double weapon, Christine Bartolome in the individual anyo sword and dagger, Shayra Mae Wangag in the individual anyo single weapon, Shayra Wangag in the individual anyo sword and dagger, Basilio Nesperas Bartolome in the synchronized team anyo sword and dagger and Ruth Ann Lavarias in the welterweight division.
Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan extended his greetings and congratulations to the members of the Baguio taekwondo team and directed the city sports office to work out release of incentives due to the winning athletes and coaches pursuant to existing local laws, rules and regulations. -- Dexter A. See


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900 towns to get free Wi-Fi this year


By Eva Visperas

DAGUPAN CITY – At least 900 poor towns will get free Wi-Fi services before the end of the year under the Juan Konek Digital Empowerment program. 
Eric Toledo, project director and manager, said during his visit to the city library here on Wednesday that they are rolling out the needed infrastructure.  
Juan Konek is a 24/7 free Wi-Fi connectivity program prioritizing low-income and underserved communities.
Toledo said free Wi-Fi would be installed in public schools, plazas, rural health units as well as libraries and other public places.
He said 100 municipalities would initially benefit from the project next month. He said they are conducting tests in 13 towns in Pangasinan and in Tarlac.
A P1.4-billion budget was allotted for the project in third to sixth class municipalities and another P1.6 billion for first and second class municipalities.
Toledo said free Wi-Fi would be available in more areas next year.

The project, which is being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology, aims to provide free Internet access in 1,462 towns and 44 key cities.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Vatican appoints new Bayombong bishop
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The Vatican has named the new bishop of the Bayombong diocese, whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction covers Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.
Bishop Sofronio Buncad replaced Bishop Ramon Villena, 77, who reached the retirement age of 75, on Wednesday, said Fr. Jocson Ogaya, director of the Catholic church-run dwRV.  – Victor Martin

Ifugao celebrates 50th founding anniversary
LAGAWE, Ifugao – Thousands of ethnic tribe members and tourists are expected to witness today’s celebration of Ifugao province’s 50th founding anniversary.
All of Ifugao’s 11 towns will also serve for free their own brew of baya (rice wine) using the ungot (coconut or bamboo glass) to interested local and international tourists.
Some Ifugao natives will also butcher and cook their animals in front of spectators in the traditional way – watok for carabaos and wekwek for pigs – before serving a free meal.
The seven-day festivity, dubbed as “Gotad ad Ifugao,” kicked off on Independence Day and will end today.
Also highlighted in the celebrations are the indigenous games like bultung (native wrestling), hinukkting (leg wrestling), uggub (human dart), batawil (rice/palay race), caba (basket race), and the akkad guyyudan (tug-of-war).
The event also features a marathon for men on G-strings, competitions for woodcarving and loom weaving, and the search for Mr. and Ms. Gotad (Bugan ya Wigan di Gotad 2016).
Gov. Denis Habawel said this year’s theme is “Hagiyo Ifugao (Long Live Ifugao)” to showcase the Ifugao history, culture and traditions. -- Victor Martin

Children Int’l donates shoes to MP folks
BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The Children International Philippines Inc. (CIPI), a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating effects of poverty on Filipino children donated TOMS shoes to school children of Mountain Province which started as a partnership program between the foundation and the Office of Rep. Maximo B. Dalog. The shoe distribution had been ongoing since January this year.
Rebecca J. Fuellos, chief of programs of CIPI participated in the shoe distribution to different schools. Recipient- schools were:  Balugan National High School, Guina-ang National High School, Bangnen National High School Otucan-Bila National High School, Taccong Primary School, Besao Elementary School, Cagubatan Elementary School, Chatol High School, Barlig National High School, Lias National High School and Kadaclan Elementary School. Also given shoes were various women and civic organizations in the province.
In her message, Fuellos said that the shoes came from TOMS, a shoe company based from the United States whose services are provided to partner organizations or foundations through its One for One Program.
This means that for every pair of shoes purchased, a new pair is donated to someone in need.  Fuellos said CIPI works with TOMS to help eradicate poverty through diverse programs that empower children and other beneficiaries to create lasting and positive changes in their communities.
Dalog in an interview said the partnership between his office and CIPI started last year when the foundation donated more than 4,000 volumes of books and other resource materials which were turned-over to the Dept. of Education though Supt. Gloria Buya-ao, District Supervisors, School Principals and Librarians. With this partnership, Mountain Province had been recipient of various items like shoes, soaps, sports wears, medical supplies, and books to name a few. Dalog said this continuing partnership with CIPI will go a long way especially that more donations are being anticipated this year in favor of Mountain Province.
Under this partnership, the role of the congressman’s office is to shoulder the tracking and travel expenses of the items donated in transporting them to Mountain Province. - Agie F. Kadchao

DOH turns-over TSeKap equipment to Kalinga
TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Health turned over medical equipment under its TamangSerbisyosaKalusuganparasaPamilya (TSeKap) program  to 11 rural health units and 118 barangay health stations in the province.
Dr. Lakshmi Legaspi, DOH Cordillera Administrative Region director, gave equipment packages to recipient municipalities and barangays during recent ceremonial turn-over at the Capitol here.
Dr. Bernadette Andaya, DOH provincial office head here, said the package worth P35, 000 each contains two Nebulizers, one stethoscope, one dressing set for wounds, one digital blood pressure apparatus, one glucometer and two non-contact thermometers.
 On the request of other barangays for the same health kits, Legaspi said she would bring the matter to the attention of DOH Secretary Janette Garin. 
In another development, Andaya said they will conduct mass deworming on school children and the community this July. -- Peter A. Balocnit

DOLE to SPES recipients:Submit  requirements
BANGUED, Abra -- As the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) ends this week in various local government units and commercial establishments here,  SPES recipients  are reminded to submit early necessary requirements for their pay.
George G. LubinJr,  Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Abra Field Office head, said all 1,029 students under SPES program should now submit to DOLE their enrolment form or statement of account and certification in case of out-of-school youth.
“DOLE shares 40% which is directly paid to their school for their tuition while their employer’s share which is 60% is paid directly to the students.” said Lubin.
Lubin added they have monitored their partners under SPES and saw no problem.
Lubin reported there was no complaint so far coming from employers or the recipients. We made sure that these students underwent required orientation prior to employment, he said.”
To both parents and students, this program is helpful to cover bills of another school semester, added Lubin. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Kiangan children, youth attend life skills session
KIANGAN, Ifugao -- Eighteen children and youth of this town underwent a one-day “Life skills session on character building and responsible behavior” at Kiangan Youth Hostel here.
 Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office head Mario Indopia said the activity was aimed to gather children and youth so they can share and express their ideas, talents and skills and develop their character.
Activities included lectures by the MSWDO personnel on character building and responsible behavior, identification of positive and negative behaviors which the children and youth possess, identification of action points for behavior change and the demonstration of learnings on positive behavior.   
The MSWDO has started this life skills session especially for identified children in conflict with the law and those who are at risk as part of continuing work with the children and youth through the coordination with different organizations and offices in the government and the community. -- Daniel B. Codamon

Kalinga TESDA maintains regular scholarship programs
TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority announced its  two  regular scholarship programs will continue even  as   local  scholarship sponsorship ends this June.
Artemio Jose, administrator of the TESDA Training Center here, said the sponsored scholarship program of the provincial and Tabuk City local government units and the Office of the District Representative will stop this month.
 However, he said trainees will not worry since TESDA has still the regular Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and Special Training for Employment Program or STEP.
Jose  is optimistic that   since incumbent Gov. JocelBaac and City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban were re-elected,  they will continue this program as it really helps a lot of beneficiaries.
In a related development, the TESDA training center regularly conducts skills assessment to graduates including those in technical-vocational schools. Graduates need only to register at TESDA training center and get a schedule for the purpose. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Abrenians urged to engage in fish industry
LAGANGILANG, Abra -- Abrenians were urged to engage in the fish industry as it is a good source of income.
National Fisherfolk Director Teddy Matulac, in his recent visit to the province, said next to agriculture, fishery is the second largest livelihood of Abrenios because of Abra River and other water bodies.
The fish industry offers good source of income thus Abrenians should engage in fish industry and learn modern, relevant but ecologically conscious methods in fishing like constructing fish ponds to establish constant fish production, he said.
Matulac said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is now  going around places to look into the concerns of fisherfolks and  assess which need more projects.
He particularly visited DJ Farm in Lagangilang town owned by Danny Trongco, National Anti-Poverty Commission Ddrector, to see how the fish industry among locals has been faring. 
He commended the DJ Farm for contributing to employment of said community, and for helping empower local fisherfolk.
Trongco’s framework he said  should be put up as national mechanism and model to other fisherfolks  as it is not only a means to progress and promote  the fish industry  but most importantly, a way to help his neighbors and people from the area.
 It is offers free seminar and training to all interested fisherfolks in the province. They will learn how to make their own fish pond, increase their production and learn new methods especially in feeding and eventually turn from simple fisherfolks to fish farm owners.
They could lead a better life by believing that there is indeed success in this endeavor which to a few is lowly and out of class, said Trongco. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

DILG turns over BUB project in Kalinga
TABUK CTY, Kalinga--  The Department of Interior and Local Government Cordillera Administrative Region turned over a completed river flood control project located here at barangay Calanan funded from its Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB)  with fund equity from the local government unit.
The project is part of the Chico River Master Plan, a long term plan to establish a unified route and shorten channel of the river to stop it from destroying ricefields and settlements. 
The flood control plugs one of existing river channels on the Calanan side.
DILG-CAR regional director MarloIringan turned over the project to City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban then to the host barangay.
DILG-CAR provided P10 million while the city LGU provided P4.8 million counterpart for the project.
Meanwhile, three concrete access roads were also inaugurated in barangays Agbannawag, Gobgob and Appas with combined BUB fund of P2.5 million.
The BUB is a scheme whereby the needs and wishes of the grassroots are considered in the preparation of agency budgets. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Tesda provides wellness services to MP mothers
BONTOC, Mountain Province --   In celebration of  Mothers’ Day, the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority conducted  Gender Social Enhancement  in this municipality  last May 26.
As Mothers’ Day is a day to thank mothers, and a time to reflect on their importance in our lives, mother–participants were treated to wellness activities and film showing, said Christine Oliquiano of the TESDA.
Part of the  morning activities was  a short film showing on gender and family Issues conducted by MellicynthYodong,  Gender and Development (GAD) Focal of TESDA-Mt. Province Provincial Office. The participants actively critiqued the stories they watched.
TESDA in partnership with 12 industry workers also provided wellness activities to some 45 mother-participants in the afternoon to heal the body, calm the mind, rejuvenate the spirit. These wellness activities include blood pressure taking, massage, haircut, foot spa, manicure and pedicure. -- Juliet B. Saley

Lubuagan POs gets P.5M DOST assistance
By Peter A. Balocnit
TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Science and Technology provincial office here approved two community-based projects providing financial assistance to upgrade machines for mass production.
DexyCatacutan of DOST said the Changoy Beaders Association in Lubuagan which is manufacturing beads from plastics will receive P300, 000.00 to purchase a machine capable of upgrading product quality into stainless beads.
On the other hand, the Ag-agama Irrigators Association, also in Lubuagan, which is engaged in producing soft brooms from tiger grass will receive P221, 650.00 to purchase additional capital machines to make production of their product easier and speedier.
The assistance in the form of check will be released to recipient organizations upon signing of the memorandum of agreement involving the barangay LGU as conduit of the funds, the association and DOST.
She said they are targeting to assist 11 associations in 2016.
Catacutan informed that associations that made 85% repayment of their loans can apply for further assistance to sustain their business.

DTI-Abra sets June 13 ‘Diskwento Caravan’
BANGUED, Abra– The Department of Trade and Industry here   will conduct “Diskwento Caravan” in partnership with the Department of Education in time for school opening tomorrow (June 13.)
DTI public information officer Mark Rex Hall confirmed schedule of Diskwento Caravan on May 30-31 and June 6-7   at the Pilar Rural High School.
Hall said consumers will get five up to ten percent discount in all school supplies they will buy like notebooks, bags and pad papers and other school materials.
As part of the BrigadaEskwela program, they will be monitoring prices of all school supplies in all shopping stores, said Hall.
In the past years, there were several stores reported that did not comply with the suggested retail price (SRP) of school supplies.
The agency will be making sure this time that all stores observe the regulation implemented by DTI, he said. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Bangued West Central School starts Innammuyo program            
BANGUED, Abra-- Bangued West Central School (BWCS) in this capital town has started Innammuyo program of the Department of Education – Abra Division Office.
The Innammuyo is a localized version of Brigada Eskwela, a national program of the DepEd in observance of the Annual School Maintenance Week before the opening of classes.
The BWCS is the center of all activities of the Division Office of DepEd-Abra. It is host-venue for conferences, trainings and seminars, and other activities, Jan Nowel Pena, the Division’s Senior Program Specialist for Social Mobilization and Networking said.
For this year, Brigada was scheduled last week, but implemented at BWCS a week earlier to give way for the regional kick-off ceremony of the Brigada Eskwela hosted by Pulot National High School in Lagayan.
The BWCS served as a model of the concerted efforts and combined resources of various stakeholders composed of the police and army, national government agencies, the local and national media, the business sector, parents-teachers associations and the community.
They did not  only do  some face-lifting tasks like gardening and cleaning of the surroundings; they went as far as doing a complete make-over by painting the roofings and walls of the Gabaldon-type building and making a sand-bed children’s playground  during the week-long activity.
The Innammuyo at the BWCS was successfully carried out under the direct supervision of Mr. Peter Paganao in the absence of their principal who at the time was on training in Baguio City.
Division Schools Superintendent Ronald Castillo gave certificate of appreciation to the stakeholders of BWCS for their invaluable contribution and participation in the successful implementation of the first Innammuyo 2016.
The BWCS served as the assembly area and take-off point of the motorcade that went around Bangued Town Proper and up to Pulot National High School in Brgy. Pulot, Lagayan during the Brigada Eskwela 2016 regional launching last May 27. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas

14 Ifugao families attend adolescent sexuality training
ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao -- Fourteen Ifugao families were trained on reproductive health recently promote the total well- being of children and parents.
The three-day seminar held in Ramon, Isabela province was spearheaded by the Provincial Sustainable and Youth Development Division in coordination with government agencies.
Families from Alfonso Lista, Banaue and Lagawe underwent the seminar-workshop on Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Health (ASRH) and Learning Package for Parent Education of Adolescent Health and Development which highlights the role of parents as the primary source of accurate and sound information on adolescent health and development including ASRH.
Discussed topics for parents are understanding self and sexuality,  maternal care, child health and nutrition, life skills, confronting threats and risk of the adolescent, challenges and threats to a family, effective parenting, communicating with adolescents and ways to get along with adolescents and protecting adolescents.
The children, on the other hand, were  lectured on understanding three adolescent self (self-awareness), adolescent sexuality and gender, understanding fertility awareness, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, love and manifestation, the language of love, different types of loving relationship, consequences of early sexual activities, understanding contraception, sexually transmitted diseases (HIV-AIDS) and fighting vulnerabilities through life skills.
Participant EmilianoBallitoc Sr. of Alfonso Lista said that he is indeed thankful he was invited to the activity.  “Agyaman nak unay iti daytoy nga training nga naited kanyami.Adu ti nasiyaat nga banag nga naadal mi a kasamma ken nu kasano nga mapatalgedan ti pamilya.”
CrisantaGumiran also shared  that in one of the sessions, her daughter cried and asked for forgiveness after realizing her misdeeds.
Miriam Baguidudol of the PPSD said that they will expect better relationship between husbands and wives, parents and their adolescents.
 “The parents are now equipped with the correct and sound information about human sexuality and reproductive health so that they can better communicate with their adolescents on the danger of their engaging in risky behaviors such as early sexual involvement and vices that will affect their future,” she said. -- With report from Lorena Dulnuan 

DOH CAR gives equipment to health facilities in Abra
BANGUED, Abra -- The Department of Health- Cordillera regional office   distributed Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya (TSeKaP) packages to the rural health units(RHUs) and barangay health centers in all 27 municipalities here on Friday.
The package will equip RHUs to address common health problems in the community like hypertension, diabetes and asthma, said DOH CAR Assistant Director Dr. Amelita M. Pangilinan who delivered the equipment.
It is also part of DOH’s efforts in partnership with LGUs and communities to provide quality health service to the community and enhance service delivery of health centers.  It will also help RHUs in their Phil Health accreditation, she said.
Dolores town Mayor JR Seares extended his gratitude to DOH CAR as he received the equipment together with Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Allen Brix Bachiller in behalf of all LGUs. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso


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