NEWS BRIEFS

Vizcaya declares dengue holiday

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – It was a special non-working holiday in Isabela Thursday as the provincial government launched “all-out war” against dengue.

Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Faustino Dy III issued Executive Order 20 declaring the holiday for its campaign dubbed “Todas-Dengue, Todo na ‘to Ikatlong kagat.”

Dy tasked local governments, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, as well as health and barangays units to lead the cleanup drive in their respective areas, and submit a report to his office.  

Hospital records show that the number of dengue cases in the province is down to 516 since January compared to 1,200 during the same period last year. – Victor Martin

Ifugao hospital gets P71 M

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The Department of Health has allocated an additional P71 million for the construction of the new Ifugao General Hospital. 

At least P68 million will be used for the administrative and outpatient buildings. 

Ifugao Gov. Pedro Mayam-o said the DOH released an additional P3 million for medical facilities. 

An initial P328 million was allocated in 2010 for the construction of the hospital.

IGH, which used to be located in Lagawe’s Natuolan village, was closed in 2014 after the Mines and Geosciences Bureau said it is prone to landslides.  

Meanwhile, the provincial government requested P5 million for the rehabilitation of a portion of the old hospital to be used as an infirmary pending the completion of the new IGH. 

Luzon weavers hold demos in Manila

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – Local weavers and embroiderers from La Union, Aklan and Laguna are conducting weaving and embroidery demonstrations this week at the National Museum of Anthropology (NMA) in Manila.

Featured at the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino textile gallery of the NMA on August 25-27, 2016 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) are the piña weavers from Kalibo, Aklan, silk weavers from Bacnotan, La Union, and embroiderers from Lumban, Laguna.

It will also include brief lectures about the demonstrators, the materials they use, the processes and techniques they employ, and other information related to weaving traditions. – Freddie Lazaro

Rep. Dalog’s office gives med supplies, shoes to MP

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The office of Rep. Maximo B. Dalog distributed medical supplies and shoes donated for people of Mountain Province with school children, women and several health institutions as main beneficiaries.

These items form batch 2 of the donations that reached the province this year.

The shoes and the medical supplies which came from abroad were donated by the Children International, Inc., a partner-foundation of Dalog which started donating in favor of Mountain Province since 2015. Dalog’s role in the partnership is to handle the customs and transportation expenses of the donated goods and to see to it that the items will reach the beneficiaries on time.  

A total of 174 boxes of medical supplies were turned over to large health institutions like the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital located at Abatan, Bauko and the Bontoc General Hospital in the capital town of Bontoc.

The supplies were received during turn over rites conducted at both hospitals last June 20 and June 27 respectively in the presence of the congressman, hospital chiefs, doctors, and hospital personnel.

Gov. Pineda, GMA to aid Pampanga drug victims

LUBAO, Pampanga — Gov. Lilia Pineda said she can work again with former president now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and their first order of business is how to assist drug dependents completely turn away from the drug menace.

Pineda, a known ally and townmate of the former president, met with Arroyo last Saturday and discussed their plans of further developing the province. “It feels great,” Pineda said about getting to work again with Arroyo, who had just been acquitted of her plunder case.

“The Kapampangans are happier because progress in the province will be intensified with her help,” the governor added.

She said they discussed ways on how to address the drug menace in the province, particularly in their hometown, where around 2,500 drug users and pushers surrendered recently.

There were around 10,372 surrenderers in the whole province recorded as of last week.

The governor expressed hope that the congresswoman will pass bills that will assist farmers and fishermen in the province.

“Umaasa tayo na mas maraming proyekto sa infrastructure, health, education at iba pang pangangailangan ng tao sa probinsya at matutugunan (We are hoping that more projects on infrastructure, health, education and other needs of the people of the province will be addressed),” she added.

CHARMP turns over P1.5-M aid to Abra towns

SALLAPADAN, Abra -- The Cordillera Highland Agriculture Resource Management Program (CHARMP)  recently turned over P1.5 million  worth of  livelihood assistance  to people’s organizations  in three municipalities in the province.

A total of P400, 000.00 was given to four POs in Luba namely Barit Women’s Ube Growers Association, Raising Hope Mothers’ Organization of Ampalioc, Sabnangan-Omli Mothers Association and Mothers Circle of Barangay Luzong. Each received P100, 000.00.

Another P400, 000.00 was apportioned to four POs of Boliney- the   Poblacion Achuete Growers Group, Dao-angan Achuete Growers Group, Langaan Association of Barangay Bao-yan and Saupang Consolidators Group of Barangay Bao-yan.

CHARMP also allotted P700, 000 to seven POs of Sallapadan each receiving 100,000.

Dr. Rosemarie Tesoro, CHARMP program coordinator said even a small amount of money can grow a fortune if well taken care of. She advised recipients to flourish their livelihood project with the use of financial aid given to them.

Mayor Nenita M. Cardenas of Sallapadan   told the POs in her town that she will be assessing their project performance as stated in the memorandum of agreement between CHARMP, LGU and the POs. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

13 cyclones to hit country: Pagasa  

BAGUIO CITY -- PAGASA Baguio chief Meteorologist Larry Esperanza said La Niña is still in effect and that based on forecast there is a slight possibility of weak La Niña in the coming months.

From this month to December, eight to 13 tropical cyclones may develop and enter the country.

Aside from tropical cyclones weather system that may affect the country until the end of the year are the Southwest monsoon, local thunderstorm, Inter tropical convergence zone, low pressure areas, ridge of high pressure area, transition toward northeast monsoon by October and tail end of cold front, he added.  

 DOLE cites dangers of construction in forum

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The Department of Labor and Employment  conducted  an orientation forum  on  Construction Safety and Health Program (CHSP)  for  contractors  and    Department of Public Work and Highways  building officials in the province to promote occupational safety.

DOLE Ifugao field office Joseph Tuguinay said this activity was initiated by the DOLE Cordillera regional office following   reports of death and injuries in the workplace mostly from the construction industry. 

            DOLE-CAR regional director Nathaniel Lacambra pointed out sad realities of accidents encountered by construction workers that have adverse effects to lives and properties as he discussed the salient points of Department Order 13 also known as the “Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry”.  

Firms and building officials should take into heart the importance of ensuring workers protection to achieve productivity which is beneficial to the workers and the companies.

Among the significant features of DO 13 are   construction safety and health program and the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment   by the workers from head to feet which should be ensured and provided by the construction firms.

Meanwhile, engineer Ernest Quimson also of DOLE-CAR discussed the joint memorandum of agreement between the DOLE and the DPWH’s roles and responsibilities for  distinction of their functions for easier compliance.

Violation of DO 13 shall constitute as prima facie case of construction mal-performance of grave consequences due to negligence, incompetence or malpractice. -- Daniel B. Codamon

 Cordillera Gawad Saka winners bared

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera region is fielding 10 regional winners to the National Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Farmers and Fisher folks this year as the government continues to pay tribute and recognition to their achievements and contribution to growth of the agriculture sector.

Department of Agriculture Cordillera regional executive director Lorenzo M. Caranguian said outstanding farmers  and groups who made it to the national search under the individual category are Honorio Clemencia of Tabuk City, Kalinga as outstanding rice farmer adopting integrated rice based farming system; Arturo Yongoyong of Aguinaldo, Ifugao as outstanding corn farmer; Johnny Carillo of Rizal, Kalinga as outstanding high value crop farmer; Rogel Marsan of La Trinidad, Benguet as outstanding organic farmer, and  Chester Lloyd Gallema of Tabuk City, Kalinga as outstanding young farmer.

The winners under the institutional categories are Cornelio Benigno and family as outstanding farm family; Aguinaldo 4H Club of Ifugao as outstanding young farmer organization; Bauko Municipal and Agriculture Fishery Council as outstanding municipal and agriculture fishery council; Bila Rural Development Club as outstanding agricultural entrepreneur and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Lubon in Tadian, Mountain Province as outstanding LGU- managed barangay food terminal.

The individual regional winners receive P30, 000 each with plaque of recognition while the institutional winners receive P50, 000 and a plaque of appreciation. PIA

Sabangan SB names committees

SABANGAN, Mountain Province – The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) here recently formed committees to effectively run affairs of the legislative body.

Vice Mayor Dario Esden chairs the Blue Ribbon, Justice and Human Rights Committee, and the Committee on Ways and Means.

Each of the eight elected municipal councilors, honorary member and the Indigenous People’s representative is given a committee to chair and each committee is also composed of two to four members.

Councilor Joseph Bernardez chairs the Committee on Finance/Appropriation, and Committee on Peace and Order and Civil Defense; Committee on Tourism and Natural Resources and Environment  by Councilor Fausto L. Ballakis; Committee on Laws, Personnel Development and Government Affairs, and Committee on Education, Culture, Sports and Development and Youth Development by Councilor Ruben P. Subilla; Committee on Agriculture, Livelihood, Civil Society Organizations, Trade and Industry by Councilor Ambrocio V. Galleo.

The Committee on Rules, Good Governance and Ethics is chaired by Councilor Crispin P. Altaki; Committee on Health and Sanitation by Councilor Enrique Sr. G. Litilit; Committee on Social Services, Family, Senior Citizens, Children and Persons with Disability by Councilor Ramon B. Bacog; and Committee on Transportation and Communications by Councilor Eustaquio Sr. C. Boy-og.

The Committee on Barangay Affairs, Public Works and Infrastructure is chaired by Roger L. Dangsi, president of the Municipal Association of Barangay Chairmen, and Committee on Indigenous Peoples by Hilario L. Degway, Municipal IP representative. -- Juliet B. Saley

 DSWD-CAR in need of community workers

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development  is   in need of individuals to join the lead agency in social welfare and protection.

Some 65 vacant positions are now open for community workers under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) project and the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program.

Under the Kalahi-CIDSS Project, 11  Area Coordinators, 11 Technical Facilitators, nine Financial Analysts,  10 Community Empowerment Facilitators and one Community Infrastructure Officer are needed. The said positions will be deployed in various municipalities of the region. Meanwhile, one regional office based Monitoring and Evaluation Officer is also to be filled-up.

For the SLP, there is a need for 11 Project Development Officers to be assigned in Abra.

On the other hand, the Pantawid Pamilya is looking for individuals with clerical skills to serve as Administrative Assistant and Social Welfare Assistant. 12 positions are open in various municipalities in the region.

One post for Social Welfare Officer V and one for Social Welfare Officer I are also open for graduates of BS in Social Work. One laundry woman for the Reception and Study Center for Children located in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet is needed.

Interested and qualified applicants may submit their application to DSWD-CAR OIC- Regional Director Janet P. Armas at DSWD-CAR Training Center, Lower Engineer’s Hill, Baguio City or at focar@dswd.gov.ph or hrds.car@dswd.gov.ph with their fully accomplished Personnel Data Sheet (CS Form No. 212 Revised 2005) with attached summary of functions or job description or comprehensive resume, copy of diploma, transcript of records, certificate/s of training, certificate/s of previous employment (if applicable), performance appraisal or evaluation rating (if applicable), Civil Service eligibility or Professional Regulation Commission rating report and updated license (if applicable), National Bureau of Investigation clearance and National Statistics Office birth certificate.

Details on the vacant positions may be accessed in the Human Resource and Development Unit Facebook account athttps://www.facebook.com/hrdu.dswdcar. -- Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva

DOLE Kalinga offers aid to drug surrenderees

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Labor and Employment is offering livelihood assistance to illegal drug users who surrendered and promised to reform.

Provincial DOLE head Dr. Alexander Gumabol   said as their  counterpart in  the government’s  efforts to assist drug users to reform, the agency is  offering  jobs for these  people  be productive and help them turn their backs on the dangerous vice.

DOLE offers a maximum of P10, 000 worth of livelihood project and an individual can choose a menu to fit his or her interest or skill.  There is no need for them to organize, Gumabol said.

He advised interested applicants to visit their office.They should bring with them the certification from the Office of the Barangay Chairman containing their oath of commitment to stop engaging in illegal drugs. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Successful Abrenians bring water to remote Abra village     

VILLAVICIOSA , Abra-- People in remote barangays  here  have  now potable water system,  courtesy  of successful Abrenians  who utilized their resources and networks for development of their hometown.

            Three years ago, Frank B. Asia, former staff of the Philippine Information Agency - Abra Infocen and now an accomplished businessman, then the president of Rotary Club International – Bangued Chapter proposed to RC International – Ampang Chapter of Malaysia for the funding of a water system project in Barangay Tuquib, this town.  RC Ampang was chaired at that time   by Violeta Paned-Dorall, also a native of Villaviciosa.  

The matching process for fund sourcing was done by Asia’s wife Criselda, also from this municipality.

The project was planned with the community people. It had two phases of implementation. The first phase was the construction of a spring box and an impounding dam in Sitio Wait, Tuquib which was completed in October 2015.

The second phase was bringing the water to the community.  Additional funds in the amount of P1.6 million was released by RC-Ampang, however it was not enough.

            The residents who have   organized themselves into the Rotary Community Corps (RCC) to oversee project implementation and ensure sustainability of the water system, sought the help of then Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin who responded positively.

A memorandum of agreement was effected and the provincial government province provided materials for the distribution lines.       

            Hence, water reached not only the community but the households.

The community people provided free labor as their counterpart in the implementation of this project which was formally turned over to the RCC last month in a simple ceremony.

The RCC now takes care of the operation and management of the water system. -- Maria Teresa B. Beñas

SLT Learning Center in Benguet underway

KAPANGAN, Benguet -- The establishment of a School of Living Tradition Learning Center in the municipality of Kapangan is underway.

Provincial Tourism Operations Office Chief Clarita Prudencio said the center will be established in Datakan in a private property owned by Doris Fabian. 

The center site was selected based on provincial recommendations as validated by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).  

The simple structure designed out of traditional or indigenous materials will be used for SLT activities. 

It will be a venue to push on with the general concept of the SLT to maximize and teach a wide array of lessons and available art forms in the community. It may also be used for social gatherings to deepen cultural awareness.

Heather Janet Gate, who now takes charge of provincial cultural concerns,  bared that  Non-Timber Forest Product-Enterprise Program Philippines, a non-government organization funding non-timber and non-concrete structures, together with National Commission for Culture and the Arts-funded the construction of the center amounting to P150,000.00.  

A partial amount of P92, 000 as first tranche was released for ground preparations and procurement of indigenous materials found in the area, she said.

The center will be managed by the SLT on Patda Embroidery Group in Datakan.

Gate shared that  also being  crafted is a masterplan for the center which will serve as blueprint in sustaining teaching of skills and techniques of traditional art or craft passed on to generations.

Meanwhile, Brian Camhit, former NCCA for Northern Cultural Communities representing the Ibaloy/Kankanaey tribe, said they were able to bargain with the NCCA for the various SLTs across the province to hold trainings in their respective areas.   He added that there is no new funded SLT project in the province to date but the existing ones were renewed for funding by NCCA. -- Susan C. Aro

Baguio b’gays required to maintain PWD desk

 BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Arthur Alad-iw mandating all barangays in the city to a Persons With Disabilities (PWD) desk or committee in their respective barangay to uphold the rights of differently-abled persons in the different parts of the city.

The ordinance stated the PWD desk or committee in the barangays will be under the supervision and control of the Punong Barangay  who shall designate the Barangay Kagawad who will chair the committee relative to PWDs or any other official who shall likewise be named as the PWD desk officer. – Dexter A. See

Ifugao health officials up  campaign against dengue

LAGAWE, Ifugao --  The Provincial Health Office has intensified its campaign   against dengue in the province.

In a radio interview, Dr. Priscilla Pagada of the PHO disclosed that their office in coordination with other local authorities and health care givers started some interventions to halt the increasing cases of dengue in the 11 municipalities of the province.

As of July 24, the PHO recorded a total of 328 dengue cases  provincewide  with the town  Tinoc having the highest with 88 cases followed by Lagawe – 59; Banaue – 42; Kiangan – 30; Hingyon – 27; Aguinaldo – 23; Asipulo – 22; Lamut – 18; Hungduan – 16;  and Alfonso Lista – 3. Only Mayoyao has no case.

Pagada said they have conducted fogging in Tinoc to eliminate mosquito breeding places.  

She added they are constantly reminding the practice of search and destroy strategy through the “4’clock habit to eliminate breeding places of mosquitoes.

She said the best preventive measure is the destruction of the breeding places of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus by having clean surroundings, covering water containers that might serve as the breeding places of the mosquitoes, observing a healthful lifestyle and eating the proper nutritious foods.

            “We will continuously conduct surveillance of dengue suspect cases to determine if there’s an outbreak, she said. 

 Meanwhile, Yvon Indunan also of PHO, advised the public to consult a doctor for early detection and management of the disease if ever they experience flu-like symptoms manifesting dengue such as severe headache, muscle and joint pains, extreme fatigue, red rashes and vomiting. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

PUJs ordered: Install additional step boards

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring all public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators in the city to install an additional step board on their respective units to ease entry and ensure safety and convenience of passengers, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, senior citizens and children.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Lilia A. Fariñas stated jeepney operators and owners shall install and pay for the cost of the additional step board.

Since jeepneys differ in brand and model, the local legislative measure stated that a standard width of not less than one foot or as may be necessary, and a standard height of one foot more or less, or as may be necessary, measured from the ground up will determine the uniformity of installation for the additional step as prescribed. -- Dexter A. See

37 health stations to be set up in Mt. Province

BONTOC, Mountain Province --Three  government agencies have forged a partnership to establish 37  public school-based barangay health stations (BHS)  in the province to make quality health care more accessible to the poor and vulnerable population.

Known as Philhealth TSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) accredited Barangay Health Stations, this is a  partnership  among  the Department of Education (DepEd),  Dept. of Health (DOH) and the Dept. of Interior and Local Government.

This will be established within public elementary schools in barangays without an existing BHS to ensure that affordable health services are within the reach of every Filipino especially those poor and vulnerable sectors. This may also serve as a school clinic.

Under this partnership, the DepEd provides a lot or portion of the property not being actively utilized in public elementary schools in barangays without an existing BHS and other government health service units.

Primo Aligo of the DepEd-Mountain Province Division Office bared that the DOH has allotted 37 school BHS in the province. Eleven of these are allotted for the municipality of Bauko, 9 in Paracelis, five in Tadian, two each in Bontoc, Barlig and Sagada, and one each in Natonin and Sabangan.

Aligo said the BHS is a pre-fabricated structure worth P1.3million each. -- Juliet B. Saley

 Mayor rallies stakeholders for Cordillera autonomy

BAGUIO CITY --  Mayor Mauricio Domogan urged the public to help make the Cordillera autonomous saying  awareness of Cordillerans on the matter was increasing but needed to be converted to favorable votes once Congress crafts an autonomy law acceptable to the people.

“The realization of autonomy in the Cordillera will not be for the present generation but for future generations. Effort must be done by the present generation so that our children and our children’s children will not blame us for failing to work for it and grab the opportunity granted to us by the Constitution,” he said.

During Cordillera Month celebration, he reiterated his commitment to remain a staunch advocate for autonomy saying it is the “ultimate solution to the current predicaments of various stakeholders on the snail-paced development, among others.”

Dept. of the Interior and Local Government- Cordillera    Director Marlo Iringan earlier said Cordillera will always be at the losing end of the bureaucracy when national standards are implemented to the fullest because of the region’s small population and land area, which are the basis for the allocation of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA)from national government. 

Iringan said achieving autonomy for the Cordillera is the only justifiable and legal means by which the region could demand from the national government allocation of more resources for development of the region considering that the Cordillera will be treated as a regular region in terms of the allocation of the government’s resources if it will remain as a special administrative region or opt to become a regular region.

He urged sectors to help perk up the region’s renewed quest for regional autonomy even with federalism being strongly advocated by the Duterte administration.

IFAD conducts  mission for CHARMP2 in Ifugao

BANAUE, Ifugao -- The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) conducted its 7th regular supervision and implementation support (SIS) mission in the province last July 6-8 for  the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project (CHARMP2).

The mission recently assessed progress of project implementationand  preparatory activities for additional funding and resolve constraints.

The IFAD Team was led by Tawfig El-Zabri with Ed Questalin, an environmentalist and consultant, and Greg Aris from the NEDA.

They had a meeting with the Ifugao Project Management Group and other project provincial stakeholders.

Together with local counterparts, they visited the project beneficiary towns of Asipulo and Hingyon and inspected projects like farm-to-market road and reforestation and agro projects in the areas, had dialogue with the various people’s organizations and held meetings with the municipal officials and other project stakeholders.

Since 2010, the IFAD conducted six missions for the CHARMP2 projects.  One of the recommendations of last year’s mission was for the CHARMP2 to be extended for one year without additional cost to scale up target outcomes.

This was approved and so the Project completion was extended to December 31, 2016 and closure by June 30, 2017.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture, CHARMP 2 aims to reduce poverty and improve quality of life of indigenous people in upland communities in the Cordillera. -- Daniel B. Codamon

Sibud-Sibud Cave in Abra now under DENR program

TINEG, Abra -- The Sibud-Sibud Cave  in this upland town is one of the 39 caves in the Philippines placed under protection and management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently.

Saturnina Miguel of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office said an area receives protection from DENR for its recognizable beauty and natural and cultural reserves.  This is  necessary to preserve the caves so the public could enjoy them.

Sibud-Sibud Cave is found along the road of Tineng.  An ideal place for nature lovers, it can be reached after travelling a distance of around 33 kms.  

It is categorized as Class III since it is less explored and visited.  Accordingly, Class III caves may also be utilized for economic activities like extraction or collection of guano or bird’s nest.

The local government units and residents are looking forward to developing the premises of the  Sibud-Sibud Cave  and establishing physical amenities and public utilities for the comfort of tourists and spelunkers.

Economic activities are expected to grow like tour guiding and collection of bird’s nest which is sold to foreigners as souvenir. Guano or bird’s nest is also made as soup and home remedy for certain illness.

Sibud-Sibud Cave is a threshold to all other potential natural and wildlife sanctuaries in Abra deserving protection, stressed Miguel.  -- Ginalyn B. Brioso 

Japanese Suzu City officials visit Ifugao

BANAUE, Ifugao --  Five Japanese officials recently visited the province  to see for themselves  the landscapes and hear from the implementers and local stakeholders the best practices in facilitating sustainable development in the Globally Important Heritage Systems(GIAHS)  site of Ifugao.

Suzu City Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya accompanied by the City’s Planning and Financial Division Chief Naoyuki Kaneda, Masako Koinuma, the Director of the Japan International Cooperation Agency)

(JICA), Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program (ISMTP) Project Leader Koji Nakamura and his associate Dr. Rizalina Edpalina, were welcomed at the Ifugao State University (IFSU) in Lamut with a program.

Mayor Izumiya said that although this was his first time to visit Ifugao, he heard great stories about the culture of the people and the scenic spots such as the Ifugao Rice Terraces.  

He commended the twinning project between the Ifugao and Japan GIAHS stakeholders and expects that the ISMTP would continue to foster stronger relationships between the province and Suzo City. He shared that his city, like Ifugao, is also faced with the challenge of a decreasing population due to outmigration of the younger generation in search of better future outside the place.

ISMTP is a joint undertaking of the IFSU under president Serafin Ngohayon, Kanazawa University of Japan, University of the Philippines-Open University, JICA and the Ifugao Provincial Government that envisions to help maintain the World Heritage Sites in the province by identifying endeavors that the people may embark and support scholars that will be trained to spearhead such endeavors.

The program that began in 2014 and will end this year. The scholars after their training here and in Japan will help empower the people in the heritage sites improve their quality of life by harmonizing heritage conservation, environmental preservation and economic activities.  

The group visited Banaue as part of their two-day itinerary in the province.  In their tour of the town, Ifugao Governor Pedro Mayam-o related stories about the culture, agricultural practices of the Ifugaos while Mayor Jerry Dalipog admitted that the conservation of heritage sites to be successful really needs the common efforts of all stakeholders hence appreciated very much this joint endeavor with the ISMTP.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces is the only GIAHS site in the Philippines.  -- Daniel B. Codamon

Mayor allays fears on shift to solar vehicles

BAGUIO CITY -- The transport sector has nothing to be afraid about the proposed shift from gas or diesel-powered motor vehicles to solar powered  vehicles as alternative mode of transport, said Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

The mayor told a media forum the city government is stilltesting capability of said alternative mode of transport in the city.

If the pilot test will generate positive results, “then the next step will be to look into the actual cost of the vehicle to determine its affordability for the benefit of the members of the transport sector,” he explained.

The city government has approved the request of the Glad to be Green group led by businesswoman Gladys Vergara-de Vera to pilot test the use of the solar-powered bus in the city for two months. 

This tests   the vehicle’s ability to maneuver in the mountainous terrain which will determine its possible areas of operation as it might have limitations especially with the very steep roads around the city. Also included in the on-going pilot test is a study on the affordability of solar-powered vehicles which is a main consideration prior to its use by certain members of the transport sector.

Accordingly, solar-powered vehicles do not emit smoke which will result to cleaner air for the City, which will result to better health for the public that will in turn translate to lesser expense in terms of keeping themselves healthy thus improving productivity and quality of life.

Domogan said that the acquisition of franchise will only be applicable when the study on the use of the solar power vehicle will have been proven feasible and beneficial.

 Benguet overshoots rabies vaccination target

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The free massive anti-rabies vaccination campaign in the province was successfully conducted even overshooting its target.

An interagency collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government and municipal local governments, the anti-rabies campaign led by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, started in March as part of Anti-rabies Awareness Month observance and extended until June.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Miriam Tiongan said they have exceeded the target of the dog population by 7.34 percent which is above the national target of 70% and the region’s target of 80%.

Of the total dog population of 35,069 in the 13 towns of the province, 30,628 dogs were vaccinated.

The capital town of La Trinidad had the highest number of dogs vaccinated with 6,479 out of the   7,652 dogs.

Other towns that had high rate of vaccination are   Bakun, Kapangan and Buguias.  

The campaign is aimed to eradicate rabies by 2020. Fortunately, no rabid dog case is recorded this year so far, Tiongan said.

The OPVet is still doing vaccination  but already with a minimal charge. The Office  is also continuously conducting information education and administering spay and neuter as a means of controlling dog population. -- Susan C. Aro

Sablan PNP  gives school supplies to pupils

SABLAN, Benguet--Four schools in far-flung barangays here benefited from a dart tournament of the Sablan Municipal Police Station.

Through the Adivay Shi Eskwedaan program of the Sablan MPS under Senior Inspector Azalea Rabena, the police officers personally gave school supplies such as notebooks, papers, rulers, pencils, bags and uniform to the 31 pupils of Taya Multi-Grade School in Sitio Taya of Barangay Pappa.

They also turned over school supplies including two sets of uniform and backpack to 20 pupils of the Yabyabuan Multi Grade School and Sadu’l Multi Grade School in Barangay Bagong. They also conducted a feeding program in these schools.

Also beneficiaries of school supplies are the children of the Lower Tenekey Day Care Center in Barangay Kamog.

Rabena, who recently finished her tour of duty in Sablan, said that they conducted the second Darts for a Cause event last March to help the educational needs of some of the far-flung schools in the municipality.

“It is a demonstration that police officers are not merely concerned to peace and order matters but have the heart of considering the sound health of the community,” said Rabena.

“Helping others is not only good for them and good thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too. Giving also connects us to others, creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone. Bridging the gap and extending our hands can create a better community,” she added.

Rabena extended gratitude to the individuals and groups who supported the dart for a cause tournament and their endeavor particularly the darters community in Baguio City and Benguet. -- Redjie Melvic Cawis