IPs push amendments to Cordillera autonomy bill

BAGUIO CITY – Representatives from indigenous groups in the Cordillera pushed amendments to House Bill 5305 to make the region autonomous.

Heated debates and passionate discussions were concluded through a resolution to this effect from delegates of the Indigenous Peoples’ Legislative Assembly – Cordillera Administrative Region (IPLA-CAR) here on Dec. 8.

The delegates approved Resolution no. 2 Series of 2018 entitled: “A resolution adopting and endorsing the outputs of the Indigenous Peoples Regional Legislative Assembly to the members of the House of Representative and the Senate for their consideration.”

The resolution and its proposed amendments were handed to Rep. Mark Go of Baguio City who committed to consider the amendments by submitting the document to the technical working group on HB 5343 of the House of Representatives’ committee on local government hearing.

Led by Office of the President in the Peace Process, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples NCIP and United Nationals Development Project in coordination with National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera Administrative Region, the IPLA-CAR is an initiative of the OPAPP Indigenous Peoples’ Peace Panel.

The OPAPP-IPPP is the Cordillera counterpart of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Legislative Assembly wherein IPs of ARMM provided inputs in the BOL.

Delegates said they were confident their amendments will add value to the proposed organic act and secure rights for indigenous peoples and non-IP Cordillerans.

Lawyer Evelyn Dunuan called on media to help in “proper information and education campaign on the third attempt at Cordillera autonomy.

“Help us in reaching out to as many people as possible,” she said. “Whatever we are doing here today will not just benefit us – our families and communities – but the generations in the Cordillera to come”.

Jefferd Zambrano, the Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative of Barangay Puguis, La Trinidad, proposed to revise Section 4 of HB 5343 which defines a Cordilleran.

The proposed amendment maintained that “a Cordilleran is one who is domiciled in the region.”

It added “indigenous peoples shall have the freedom to retain their distinct indigenous and ethnic identity in addition to their Cordilleran identity”.

Labio Calingayan, IPMR of Barangay Loakan, Baguio City, said “people need to be aware and the grassroots level is key in gaining support for the organic act.”

He said autonomy will bring much-needed representation and development for the Cordillerans.

The NEDA-CAR is working with stakeholders in different sectors and prioritizes grassroots level to raise awareness on Cordilleran autonomy.

This was in direct response to the past two plebiscites where failure to get the ‘yes’ vote in both cases to approve proposed organic acts to make the Cordillera autonomous were attributed to lack of proper information dissemination. -- NEDA-SPCAR  

Gunman in slay of P’sinan vice mayoralty bet nabbed

By Liezle Basa-Iñigo

STO. TOMAS, Pangasinan – The gunman in the killing of a municipal councilor who is making a run for the position of vice mayor in the 2019 midterm polls was arrested here while his two cohorts are still at large.

Pangasinan Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Wilzon Joseph Lopez identified the victim as Benjamin Oculto Jr., who had just finished hearing mass at around 10:40 a.m. when he was shot by Jun Jun Vidal Dec. 16 in Barangay Poblacion West here.

Vidal is a resident of Barangay Hermoso in Tepo, Bataan.

Lopez said the victim had just emerged from the Jesus Christ Church, and was crossing the road headed for his car when Vidal and two others fired at him.

Vidal and his companions then sped off in their get-away vehicle, and even engaged pursuing policemen in an encounter.

Vidal eventually gave himself up, while his two cohorts were able to escape.

Baguio cites Carling for UN Earth Award

By Gaby Keith

BAGUIO CITY – For winning the 2018 United Nations Champions of the Earth Award for Lifetime Achievement, the city congratulated and commended Joan Carling for her work as one of the world’s most prominent defenders of environmental and indigenous rights.

       This was stated in city council resolution number 362, series of 2018, passed jointly and collectively by the local legislature and signed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

       The Award is the UN’s highest environmental recognition celebrating exceptional figures from the public and private sectors including civil society, whose actions have had a transformative positive impact on the environment.  This year’s laureates are recognized for a combination of bold, innovative and tireless efforts to tackle some of the most urgent environmental issues at present.

        A Kankana-ey from Sagada and resident of Baguio, Carling is an indigenous rights activist and environmental defender who has been defending land rights from grassroots to the international level from more than 20 years and has faced threats against her life and security.

       “Ms. Carling is recognized with the lifetime achievement award for her work as one of the world’s most prominent defenders of environmental and indigenous rights.  She has been at the forefront of the conflict for land and environment for more than 20 years,” the resolution states.

       It pointed out Carling’s tireless and selfless fight for the environment  “has made her a champion of peoples and communities all over the globe.”

Baguio mayor pushes PUV modernization on case basis

By Dexter A. See 

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said implementation of the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization should be on a case-to-case basis with road worthiness of the vehicles as main consideration for the program.

He said the memorandum from the Transportation Secretary authorizing the implementation of the PUV modernization program is a mere office order subject to possible legal action by concerned sectors affected by its implementation by March next year so it should be implemented selectively.

“If PUVs are proven to be road-worthy based on assessment for road worthiness and do not emit smoke beyond the safe standards, then the same should be allowed to continue their operations but if the PUVs do not pass the said tests, then they will not be allowed to continue operations,” Domogan said.

The new model of PUVs to replace those that pass road-worthiness test, he added, should be suitable to the peculiar terrain of Baguio city and the Cordillera to guarantee safety of motorists and passengers.

He said the local government supports the clamor of the local transport sector in calling for the exclusion of Baguio from the pilot areas for the implementation of the PUV modernization because the jeepney models being eyed for use seem not to be suitable to existing mountain roads.

Domogan said requiring PUV operators to establish cooperatives or corporations should also be optional instead of mandatory so that those who are willing to put up cooperatives and corporations for their transport business can do so while those who can afford to individually operate their transport business can do the same.

 Earlier, local transport groups expressed opposition to the implementation of the government’s PUV modernization program because the jeepneys being proposed to replace the existing ones seem not to be suitable to the mountain roads which could pose a serious threat to the safety of motorists and passengers.

Transport groups also opposed the ordered establishment of transport corporations and cooperatives that will consolidate all the franchises of PUVs because it will deprive the registered owners of the said franchises their right over the same considering that they will be under the jurisdiction and control of the corporation or cooperative.

               Domogan said legitimate PUV owners will be deprived of their rights over their franchises as the same will be under the transport corporations or cooperatives that will be created and the juridical entity will have full control and authority of the franchises that runs counter to the present situation in the transport sector, thus, an extensive review must be done by the concerned government agency on the rules and regulations governing the PUV modernization program so that pro-transport policies will be put in place.

4 Cordillera rape suspects arrested

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Four rape suspects were arrested in a separate operations in Benguet and Kalinga, the Police Regional Office –Cordillera, reported last week.

               Supt. Pelita Tacio, regional information officer, said in La Trinidad, Benguet, police arrested Elmer Bentay, 34, in Barangay Tawang after a 13-year-old female student reported she was abused by the suspect on December 13.

In Mankayan, Benguet, Saturnino Sawey, 60, was likewise arrested while Joven Baban, 56, was arrested in Buguias for rape charges.

Baban was tagged in the rape of a 14-year-old girl on three different occasions last year until August this year.

In Kalinga, Juanito Dollante Jr. was arrested by police for allegedly sexually abusing a minor female last September. He also allegedly threatened to harm the girl and her family members if she fails to keep her ordeal to herself.

              The four suspects will face appropriate charges while under police custody.

Family of 6 hacked dead in Cagayan

By Raymund Catindig 

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- — Six members of a family including three minors were hacked dead by an unidentified suspect in Gonzaga, Cagayan Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Elpidio Zingapan, town police chief, identified the fatalities as Dizon Oandasan, 42; his wife Sany, 47; their children Wilson, 13; Karen, 12, and Dizon Jr., 5, and relative Juanito Soliva, 55.

The youngest member of the family, three-year-old Denison, was rushed to the Cagayan Valley Medical Center in this town for treatment of hack wounds.

              The minor was in critical condition, police said.

The crime occurred at the house of the Oandasans in a remote area of Sitio San Francisco, Barangay Ipil.

He said the killer, believed armed with a bladed weapon, could have barged into the house of the victims at dawn.

The traces of blood found at the crime scene were still fresh when responding police officers arrived at around 7 a.m., Zingapan said.

Police are verifying reports that the killer could have suffered injuries during a scuffle with the victims.

This was after investigators received information that a wounded man sought treatment at a local hospital at around the same time the crime was discovered.

               Probers are eyeing a land dispute as the motive for the killing.

136 NPA rebels, supporters surrender to army’s 54th IB

KIANGAN, Ifugao – A new People’s Army rebel, 25 Militia ng Bayan members and three supporters of the communist group surrendered to the 54^th Infantry (Magilas) Battalion here last week bringing total number of 136 surrenderees to the battalion  since May.

              Out of this were 14 regular NPAs, 100 MNBs and 22 supporters.

Lt. Col. Narciso B. Nabulneg Jr. commanding officer of 54^th IB bared these saying latest batch of surrendeees brought with them an M16, Carbine and M14 rifles.

He said surrenderees their oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines at headquarters of Charlie Company, 54IB, at Sitio Landing, Poblacion, Ambaguio Nueva Vizcaya Dec. 18. 

This, after the 54^th IB reportedly overrun an NPA camp in Barangay Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao recently which led to the capture of NPA cadres Ka Iyong and Ka Cindy.

The prior batch of surrenderees were 23 members of the MNB in Asipulo.

Nineteen high powered firearms, numerous grenades and landmines were reportedly surrendered since the start of the 54IB’s massive campaign on counter-insurgency from May to December in the 54^th IB’s its areas of operation covering the provinces of Ifugao, Mountain Province, Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya.

257 elected officials, 600 gov’t workers nabbed for drugs during Du30 term

BAGUIO CITY – The Duterte administration does not tolerate or condone, even people in government violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law of 2002, Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Marie Rafael Rafael said.

 She revealed since Duterte became President, 600 government workers were arrested, of whom 278 were government employees, 257 elected officials, and 65 uniformed personnel.

Rafael said contrary to other figures circulating, consolidated reports from all the government law enforcement unit show there are 161,584 arrested drug personalities from day one of President  Duterte’s term on July 1, 2016 until Oct. 31, 2018, through 113, 570 law enforcement operations.

“As part of the internal cleansing of the law enforcement agencies, 287 have been dismissed for drug use, while 130 were dismissed from service for other drug-related offenses,” Rafael said.

A total of 271 drug dens have been discovered, 13 of them were clandestine drug laboratories.

Rafael also said that with the Duterte administration’s intensive campaign to cleanse the country of the drug menace, a total of 8,935 barangays have been declared “drug cleared,” while 23,161 are due to be cleared.

These are out of the 42,044 barangays all over the country.

Rafael added that 1,820 children have been rescued from being involved in illegal drugs. Of this number, 487 were found possessing drugs, 976 were pushing or selling illegal drugs, two were cultivators, 91 were visitors of drug dens, six were drug den maintainers, three were drug den staff, and 255 were users of illegal drugs.

She said the government’s program is not just to rid the country of illegal drugs, but also to help those engaged in the vice to reform their lives.

She added that based on record, 142,280 have so far graduated from recovery and wellness programs initiated by the Philippine National Police, while 149,828 are now completing community-based drug rehabilitation programs.

Rafael said it is important that the public knows the real situation of the government's anti-illegal drugs campaign, adding the OFWs can help in disseminating correct information. 

Rafael urged Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to help in the government's anti-illegal drugs campaign and stop the spread of fake news by informing their fellow migrant workers of the "real score."

 “With your voice, you are a group to reckon with,” Rafael said at the OFW Global Leaders Convention in a hotel in this city recently.

The event was a two-day activity organized by the Overseas Filipino Workers Advocacy and Reform Movement Inc. (OFW-ARMi), a non-government organization based in Metro Manila, with OFWs all over the world and their families as members.

Rafael discussed with the group the #RealNumbersPH, the consolidated report from various government law enforcement agencies that implement the provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Illegal Drug Law of 2002.

The PCOO handles the dissemination of information to the public by holding a monthly press briefing to update the Filipinos about the anti-illegal drugs campaign.-- PNA

Land Bank Kalinga serves more farmers

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga --Small farmers are now served by one of the government’s lending institutions giving low interest for agriculture production, equipment and machine loans.

Albert Galut of Land Bank’s Cordillera Administrative Region Lending Center here said a lot of small farmers are now availing loan assistance since the establishment of the lending institution here.

More than 500 farmers from Kalinga, Apayao and Mountain Province have applied for the Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) that grants P1 million maximum loan, he said.

ACEF only requires security of loan like title and for the borrower to execute a sworn affidavit that he has no outstanding loan from other lending institutions.

Lily Herjoan Caguay, also of the lending center, reported during the Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises Development Council meeting that six re-lending cooperatives loaned under the Agrarian Production Credit Program and 18 irrigators association from the Sikat Saka Program.

She said The Agricultural Fisheries Financing Program (AFFP) ceased to exist and was replaced by ACEF to provide loans at a much lower interest.

The AFFP catered to 32 organizations that loaned a total of P37 million for palay production.  

 Galut also bared that the Accessible and Sustainable Lending Program (ASL) will be implemented next year after it was piloted in Isabela and Vizcaya.

Like ACEF, it only requires guarantee or insurance as loan security.

“This is much bigger. Individual small farmers including agrarian beneficiaries can avail of 90 percent of the total project cost at 6% interest per annum,” he said. -- PIA Kalinga

WHO cites Baguio for no-smoking program

By Gaby Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- World Health Organization (WHO) representative to the Philippines Dr. Gundo Weiler cited the city government headed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan for passage of its smoke-free Baguio Ordinance showing the city’s commitment in eradicating a deadly vice that kills millions of people worldwide annually.

He said tobacco smoking does not only adversely affect the health of smokers themselves but even innocent bystanders like their family, workmates and friends due to second hand smoke.  The cost of smoking to the economy is also considerable in terms of workers’ productivity, Weiler said.      

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza also lauded local officials for the city’s comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance and is hoping that this will be replicated by other local government units. 

“As part of its best practices, PEZA will require all other economic zones nationwide to follow the example, as this is a living testimony to how we can show concern for the health and welfare of our employees, their families, and the entire nation,” she added.

They were the guests of honor during the Smoke Free Revolution campaign Monday at Loakan spearheaded by the WHO and Department of Health in partnership with the PEZA-Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ) and city government. 

Also giving messages were DOH regional director Amelita Pangilinan, city councilor Joel Alangsab, principal author of the Smoke Free Baguio ordinance and PEZA-BCEZ administrator Rene Joey Mipa.

The campaign urges the private sector to commit to smoke-free workplaces and encourage their employees  to quit smoking.  Prior to its launch in Baguio, the campaign has been rolled out in various cities across Asia.

 “Revolution Smoke Free envisions a future where all types of workplaces  from different industries are free from tobacco smoke.  Business leaders are at the forefront of progress and innovation.  As drivers of change in their industries, they have the power to spur a movement towards a future with healthier and safer working environments.” Weiler explained.

The Summer Capital was chosen as venue for the launching because of the alignment of the campaign’s objective to the city’s commitment to prioritize public health thru a comprehensive anti-smoking measure.

       Earlier, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said that government and other concerned sectors must act with urgency “to denormalize the culture of smoking and tobacco consumption not only in our economic zone but across the city  so we can save the lives of our people.”

DOT- CAR recognizes LGU, partners in tourism industry

BAGUIO CITY -- The Dept. of Tourism - Cordillera Regional Office honored regional tourism stakeholders particularly local government units and private sector for their contributions to advancement of the tourism industry in the region.

In recent awarding ceremony at the Baguio Country Club, former DOT-Cordillera Regional Director and now Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Marie Venus Tan and DOT-CAR Officer in Charge Jovita Ganongan awarded plaques to local chief executives and tourism officers, as well as private individuals and groups in the tourism industry including accommodation establishments, travel and tour agencies, tour guides, tourism related establishments and corporate partners.

Among the LGUs recognized include the provincial government units of Benguet, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga and the city government units of Baguio and Tabuk.

               Municipal level awardees were Lagangilang in Abra; Kabayan, La Trinidad and Tuba in Benguet; Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan and Mayoyao in Ifugao; Pasil, Rizal, Tanudan and Tinglayan in Kalinga, and Bontoc in Mountain Province.

For the private sector, awards were given to more than 60 tourism establishments and organizations for their dedicated support to the thrust of the DOT in upholding quality standards and for being a DOT accredited establishment.

Ganongan said recognition of LGUs was based on their formulation of their Tourism Development Plans, the marketing and promotion initiatives to promote their destination and the community based tourism initiatives.

She said the awards were given to inspire other LGUs in the Cordillera particularly their local chief executives and officials to craft their tourism plans and implement it in their respective localities.

This is also for the officials to give priority to the tourism sector particularly the community- based tourism initiatives.

Tan commended awardees from the LGUs and the private sector for continuing to promote and support the DOT and the tourism industry in the Cordillera region.

 "We recognize everybody who made difference in travel and tourism across the spectrum of the industry in the Cordillera region," said Tan.

Bontoc b’gay health workers cited, paid

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Barangay health workers in this capital town received P7, 500 each as an honorarium for this year during the BHW Congress here Thursday at the Bontoc municipal capitol.

In his message, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey thanked the BHWs he said were frontliners in providing quality health services in barangays.

He said the municipal government will support the health sector adding  it is one of its priority programs.

“We recognize the hard work our health providers- our BHWs. Before, our BHWs started to receive P1, 500.00 each. However, it is fitting to increase their honorarium as an incentive for all their hard work. For this year, BHWs shall receive an honorarium P7, 500 each. I also hope that we will continue to be strongly united to improve and implement more programs for a healthy Bontoc,” Odsey said in an interview.

Development Management Officer IV Claudio B. Pancho of the Dept. of Health provincial office similarly expressed his appreciation to the BHWs whom he said “unsung heroes”.

According to Pancho, the BHWs are the partners of the government in the delivery of health services especially on maternal and child care. He added that the BHWs are the ones who are tapped to conduct survey on the status of the constituents in terms of health in their respective barangay, conduct home visit, assist in the immunization of children, and among others.  This, he said are more than enough to suffice how important BHWs are.

Sangguniang Bayan members Julian Chumacog and Alsannyster Patingan also thanked the BHWs for their enthusiasm in rendering service to barangays.

Also, Dr. Diga Kay Gomez, municipal health officer recognized the role of the BHWs in bringing health services closer to the constituents. She likewise extended her gratitude to the officials of Bontoc for always giving importance on the welfare of the public such as enacting ordinances and initiating programs focusing on health.

On the same occasion, the BHWs received P1, 200 each as an honorarium from the Provincial Government of Mountain Province.

Low Pag-ibig Fund interest luring house loan borrowers

BAGUIO CITY – The low interest rate for Pag-ibig Fund loans is now enticing members to borrow from the government agency.  

Records from the Pag-Ibig Fund reveal that one in every four who have availed of a housing loan from the government housing agency is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), an executive said here last week.

“This is proof that housing is an aspiration of the OFWs,” said Amado Isabelo Dizon Sr., vice president of Pag-Ibig Fund, at the start of the OFW Global Leaders Convention one of the hotels in the city.

               The event is a two-day activity organized by the Overseas Filipino Workers-Advocacy and Reform Movement Inc. (OFWARMi), a non-government organization based in Metro Manila, with OFWs all over the world and their families as members.

Dizon said a Filipino goes abroad for various reasons, such as to send their children to school, earn a living, save money, and own a house.

He said there are 146,443 OFWs, who have availed of housing loan from the Pag-Ibig Fund, with a total value of P131.8 billion.

The average loan is P1.072 million.

The housing agency executive said for a housing loan below P1.7 million, the loan value is 95 percent, while those availing of over P1.7 million get a loan value of 90 percent of the amount.

The official said that Pag-Ibig offers an affordable interest rate of 3 percent per annum and is covered by a mortgage redemption insurance premium, where in cases of the OFW unable to pay the remaining premium due to death or accident causing disability, the loan is deemed paid.

He also told the participants, mostly leaders and members of different OFW organizations, that Pag-Ibig is willing to partner with them for the establishment of housing projects in the different regions in the country to benefit their members.

Dizon said from just three offices in the Philippines, Pag-Ibig Fund now has 133 branches nationwide and 23 overseas posts, which can serve members and assist their needs.

“Our thrust is to have one branch for every province to make the services more accessible,” he said.

 He also revealed they now have a total of 13.63 million members in the country and abroad.

To show that the money of the members is properly managed, Dizon said Pag-Ibig Fund currently has an asset of P515.24 billion.

“Our members contribute P100 monthly, which is properly managed and able to grow to what it is now,” Dizon said, adding it is the reason Pag-Ibig can give a high-rate dividend for its members.

He said Pag-Ibig Fund's income grew from P13.25 billion in 2012 to P30.27 billion in 2017, with members' dividends reaching P27.29 billion at the rate of 7.61 percent.

From January to September of 2018, the fund posted earnings of P24,60 billion, which is 10 percent higher than the P22.41 billion it made in the same period of 2017.

Pag-Ibig Fund is a savings program of the government, where the members get a high yield for savings, tax-free, government-guaranteed, and has a 20-year membership period.

 The housing agency celebrates its 37th anniversary this month. – PNA

Construction of Sagada town building above cave stopped

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- Opposition of people from Barangay Taccong here on construction of a multipurpose building due to questionable issues led to stoppage of work on a P40 million project.

             This, following a request for suspension from District Engineer Charles Castaneda of the Mountain Province District Engineering Office issued Dec. 4 citing right- of- way problems prohibiting contractor Gacoscos Construction from pursuing work.

Said request was forwarded to the office of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways regional director for approval.   

A meeting among the officials of Taccong, representatives from MPDEO and Dept. of Environment and Natural resources facilitated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples two weeks ago called for suspension of work of said project pending completion of requirements namely building permit, Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from DENR and the conduct of free prior and informed consent (FPIC) by NCIP.

              Legal counsel Atanacio Addog of NCIP said the FPIC process shall be conducted as soon as requirements are completed by January next year.

The ECC Is still being done by the DENR.

People of Taccong in their statement forwarded to NCIP, DENR and DPWH claimed Balangagan Cave located below project site was endangered with construction of said building.  

Although officials of nearby Suyo said otherwise in their statement.

Suyo and Taccong have a pending boundary dispute on location of site construction.

A project under the Local infrastructure Project (LIP) of the regular funds of DPWH, the multipurpose building was an initiative of then Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog who proposed said project in Congress in 2017 and eventually approved for 2018 funding.

Said initiative stemmed from a proposal of the Association of Southern Sagada Environmental Tourist Guides (ASSET-G) asking Dalog for the allocation of funds for the construction of a cultural, sports and tourism center at Balangagan, Taccong, Sagada in March 2017.

Although a member of ASSET-G publicly reportedly claimed on Facebook the organization knew nothing of said project and that their organization was used.

Asked if project can be relocated, Project Engineer Samuel Maskay of MPDEO said project can be transferred to any part of Suyo because it is where the project location is indicated.

Although Kagawad Matthias Dacmeg of Taccong said, should the project been subjected for consultation, then they could have suggested a different location in our barangay.

            Gacoscos Construction already availed of the 15 % mobilization fund on initial construction of said P40 million project having finished 40% of the work.  

NEDA holds mapping workshop for Cordi regional development

BAGUIO CITY – The regional land use committee (RLUC) technical working group (TWG) members learned mapping techniques through a 3-day workshop for the enhancement of the Cordillera regional spatial development framework (RSDF) 2018-2048 on Dec. 5 to 7 here at the regional office of the National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera Administrative Region.  The workshop was conducted by the policy formulation and planning division of NEDA-CAR as the technical secretariat of the RLUC. The RLUC-TWG members who participated in the training were DA, DENR, DILG, DOT, DPWH, NCIP, NEDA, NIA, and OCD. Chaired by the NEDA-CAR Regional Director Milagros Rimando, the RLUC serves as the coordinative mechanism for land use and physical planning in the region. One of the committee’s tasks is to formulate the RSDF which serves as the strategy for long-term land use development planning in the region taking into account concentration, connectivity, and disaster mitigation. Using the quantum geographical information system (QGIS) program, a free and open-source software, UP-schooled geodetic engineer Jessie Linn Ablao discussed basics of the QGIS coordinate reference system (CRS), spatial data processing and digitizing, among others. With the training, it is hoped that the RSDF 2018-2048 will be more visual to aid the ‘man on the street’ to understand and appreciate the technical document better.

Once completed, the RSDF 2018-20148 shall be presented to the RLUC for approval. The RSDF 2018-2048 is a framework document for local government units, regional line agencies, and other stakeholders as reference in their land use planning activities. – NEDA-SPCAR

Autonomy advocacy expands reach with diverse events

Year-end Report By Marlo T. Lubguban  The National Economic and Development Authority Cordillera (NEDA-CAR) continued to raise awareness on Cordillera autonomy in 2018 through its Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) Program as national interest for the advocacy grows. Some 45 information, education, and communication (IEC) events were held this year reaching over 17,000 at the regional and grassroots levels. The SPCAR program has three thrusts: IEC, alliance building and capability building thrust. The program raises regional awareness and support for autonomy through IEC thrust while simultaneously advancing the Cordillera Organic Act at the national level through alliance building engagements and through capability projects. The autonomy advocacy diversified its methods of raising awareness and gaining the support of Cordillera autonomy. Beyond the traditional lecture-forum, several unique events were held such as the Sports for Autonomy Marathon Relay throughout the entire Mountain Province from March 22 to 27, the continuing Autonomy concert-forums held in Sagada, Mountain Province, Bangued, Abra, and Luna, Apayao,  editorial writing on autonomy in this year’s Regional Higher Education Press conference on Nov. 29 and 30 and a quiz bee conducted in the Sto. Tomas National high school in Baguio on Nov. 29. Guided by the results of the 2017 Pulse Survey on Cordillera autonomy awareness and the 2018-2019 roadmap to Cordillera autonomy towards federalism, the SPCAR program intensified its information dissemination among grassroots and youth sectors. The advocacy also gained strong support among civil society organizations and local government units. Trainings for municipal and barangay-level IEC speakers were also conducted for Abra, Baguio City, Benguet, and Mountain Province LGUs to help reach more stakeholders at the grassroots level. NEDA-SPCAR also coordinated with various regional line agencies such as the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Labor and Employment, Budget and Management, Science and Technology, Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.   This, to raise awareness of Cordillera autonomy among stakeholders and employees in various events throughout the year.  Partners in the private sector also helped raise awareness and gain the support of Cordillera autonomy. These included the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC), the Cordillera Network of Development non-government organizations and peoples’ organizations (CORDNET), the Mountain Province Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) led by the Lang-ay Festival Organization, the Sadanga Environmental and Cultural Care Association, Inc. (SECCAI), the Cordillera Bodong Association (CBA), the Cordillera Peoples’ Liberation Army (CPLA), the Cordillera Forum for Peace and Development (CFPD), and many others. Further, in an effort to inculcate a shared regional identity, NEDA-SPCAR and Mountain Province State Polytechnic College finalized the Historical Mapping and Marking of Cordillera Self-Determination sites with over 30 identified sites throughout the region. These historical sites relate to autonomy and the struggle for self-determination. Even more stakeholders were reached through various broadcast, radio, print, and social media in partnership with Northern Philippine times, SunStar Baguio, Bombo Radyo Baguio, SkyCable Baguio, and PTV Cordillera. NEDA-SPCAR continues to raise awareness and gain support for autonomy as a means of addressing the shortcomings of the two failed attempts in 1990 and 1998 due to the lack of proper information dissemination. Autonomy is the overarching theme of regional development for the Cordillera.

It is viewed by Cordillera leaders as the best way to spur long-overdue regional development that is sustainable and self-determined by its people. -- SPCAR

OPAPP bares commitment to Cordillera autonomy

 BAGUIO CITY – The Office of the President on the Peace Process bared its commitment At the close of the Indigenous Peoples’ Legislative Assembly for Cordillera Autonomy (IPLA-CAR) last December 8, OPAPP Asec. Rolando B. Asuncion and OPAPP Indigenous Peoples’ Peace Panel (OPAPP-IPPP) Chair Atty. Reuben D. Lingating stressed the continuing commitment of the OPAPP.

Similar to the OPAPP-IPPP-initiated consultations in ARMM with respect to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the 3-day event was a consultation among IPs to provide inputs to HB 5343. The activity was organized by OPAPP, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the United National Development Programme (UNDP) in coordination with NEDA-CAR.

Former NCIP Chief and IPPP Chair Lingating emphasized that more work needs to be done as the delegates handed over proposed amendments to Baguio City Representative and member of the House of Representatives Technical Working Group for HB 5343. Lingating committed the support of IPPP to the advocacy. He added that the panel will continue to work with the Cordillerans just as they have done with the IPs of the Bangsamoro.

Assistant Secretary Asuncion shared the influence of the life of Macli-ing Dulag in his early career as an NGO worker. He agreed that indeed, the land and its people are inseparable. He added that the aspirations of the Cordillerans are beyond development or self-gain but for self-determination and that the pursuit will continue until autonomy is attained.

Sec. Jesus G. Dureza, former Secretary of OPAPP, in a video, also committed to support the advocacy despite his resignation from OPAPP. “Don’t think that I have abandoned [the Cordillera]. I will continue advocating for Cordillera autonomy… even in the halls of Congress and the halls of Malacañang” he said.

Sec. Dureza was instrumental in the success of a number of major events on the advocacy. The meeting of Cordillera leaders with President Duterte on July 19, 2017 and the Congressional forum on Cordillera autonomy and Federalism last January 17 which resulted in Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri filing the Senate counterpart of HB 5343.

OPAPP and NEDA-CAR have worked closely to advocate for Cordillera autonomy at the national level since the filing of HB 5343. The Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) through NEDA-CAR

continues to advocate for autonomy towards federalism to achieve sustainable development and just and lasting peace in the region. – Marlo T. Lubguba/ NEDA/SPCAR  

Bontoc IPMRs cited by NCIP; urged to uphold tribal laws

By Alpine L. KIlla

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) in this capital town were urged to continue upholding customary laws and practices and be voice of the community concerning indigenous people’s rights.

This was the gist of the message of lawyer Wilson Kalangeg, provincial director of the National Commission on Indigenous People during the 4th quarter meeting of the IPMRs here Dec 14 at the Bontoc municipal capitol.

Among accomplishments of the IPMRs were their involvement in resolving conflicts either within the community members or to neighboring and other community such as land disputes; practice of customary rituals in wedding, death, thanksgiving, community traditional practices and others; attendance to barangay and municipal council meetings, seminars, trainings and orientation; and participation in community activities such as clean-up drives and repair of public infrastructures damaged  due to recent typhoons.

                Kalangeg cited IPMRs their powers, functions, duties and mandates.

Some of these include intervention in cases where is advisable to be settled or resolved in the barangay level before it will be filed in court, involvement in the solution of boundary dispute, advocate protection of watersheds, ensure that programs and projects are culture-sensitive and assist and participate in the documentation of customary laws.

He added that despite modernization, customary practices and laws should be respected and observed in which the IPMRs have significant roles.

 Kalangeg urged the IPMRs not to turn out of their functions, duties and mandates as the community needs them.

“Your wisdom and guidance as elders in the community is respected. For without you, the rights of the IP communities will not be heard and recognized,” he remarked.

IPMRs in Bontoc have proved that they continue to uphold customary laws and practices in their respective villages.

This was reflected in the reports of municipal IPMR Tomas Longatan  with IPMRs of Alab Oriente, Alab Proper, Balili, Bontoc Ili, Caneo, Caluttit, Dalican, Guina-ang, Gonogon, Mainit, Samoki, Talubin, Tocucan and Samoki.

Headed by the Bontoc municipal government through the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan and the NCIP provincial office, the quarterly meeting of the IPMRs is an avenue for the latter to report their accomplishments, discuss IP issues and concerns and strengthen camaraderie among IPMRs in the locality.

City lauds Sagada native for Mr. Universe Tourism crown

By Gaby Keith

BAGUIO CITY – For copping the prestigious Mr. Universe Tourism Philippines 2018 title, the city congratulated and commended Kelvin Aguilan Vicente, a Cordilleran and native of Sagada, Mountain Province who proudly represented himself as an Igorot in every pageant and endeavor he participated in.

This was stated in city council resolution number 361, series of 2018, passed collectively and jointly by the august body and signed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

The competition was held Oct. 16 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza in Makati City and is dedicated to discover a tourism ambassador. 

Vicente also won in other special categories like Best in Formal Wear, Best in Travel Attire, and more.

              His previous achievements include, among others:  Mr. DSWD 2nd Runner up in 2014; Model of the Year, Tiongsan Fashion Show 2016; Mr. Cordillera-Festival King 2016; Grand Winning Hari ng La Union 2016; Manila’s Finest Hunk Cover Boy 2017; and Mr. CASA Fitness Model 2017.

 “Mr. Vicente is a pride and a model of the whole Cordillera and will be the host delegate for Mr. Universe in May, 2019,” the measure stated.

Bontoc Tae Bo workout raises books for libraries

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Tae Bo and book enthusiasts recently gathered here in a mass workout and book donation drive which netted the Bontoc Municipal Library and at Barangay Mainit Reading Center a total of 594 assorted books for reading and research materials to be used by the public.

The reading materials included text books, novels and children’s books donated by 79 participants who registered for the Taebook, an activity initiated by the Bontoc municipal government through the Bontoc municipal library last November.

The participants were adults and children who are sports enthusiasts and library advocates.

Librarian Chamreine Casiwen said November was declared Library Information Services (LIS) Month by Proclamation No. 837 s.1991.

To celebrate this, the Bontoc Municipal Library thought of an activity that promotes health and wellness, at the same time raise awareness on the invaluable service that the libraries and information center render.

This includes providing data and materials for the lifelong knowledge and learning, for research and leisure.

She said that a good exercise is the Tae Bo- a total body fitness system that incorporates martial arts techniques such as kicks and punches.

This program which covers 20 sessions uses the motions of martial arts at a rapid pace designed to promote fitness.

Dubbed “Taebook”, participants did not pay registration fee.

Instead, each participant donated at least three books as   registration.

             Casiwen added that she was overwhelmed by number of individuals who registered and participated in the activity at the Bontoc municipal capitol, from Monday to Friday.

She said most participants completed 20 sessions while some did not, as they were nurses on duty at the hospital.

She thanked all those who have been part of the Taebook adding that the books donated are of great help to everyone, especially to the students and researchers.  

              Casiwen likewise thanked Tae Bo Instructors Clement Tudlong and Marcelina Ongan.

Meanwhile, Casiwen said the Bontoc Municipal Library is still accepting donations of reading and reference materials.

              The Bontoc Municipal Library, located at the 3rd Floor, Bontoc Municipal Capitol is open Mondays to Fridays from 8 to 5 p.m.

Strawberry picking in LT on this Christmas

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Despite damage wrought by Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) on strawberry fields in this capital town of Benguet in mid-September, the local government of La Trinidad has assured locals and tourists the traditional strawberry picking goes on in this town, known for its abundant strawberries, this holiday season.

                “There are available fruits for the strawberry picking activities that tourists coming over here love to do,” the town's tourism officer, Valred Olsim, told the media in a briefing on Friday.

                Strawberry-picking in this town is done at the Agri-Tourism Business Incubation (ATBI) area, which is managed by the Benguet State University, at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center, and at another center managed by private persons, who let visitors pick strawberries as an agri-tourism activity in their farms.

La Trinidad, known for the heart-shaped, juicy red fruit, reported an 80-percent damage in strawberry plants and berries during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong in mid-September.

Olsim said La Trinidad produces an average of 1,175 metric tons of strawberry fruits yearly.

“This year, we are projecting to harvest only 720 metric tons,” he said.

 However, he said, there are other strawberry farms in other areas that supplement the town's strawberry production.

He added some of the plants at the ATBI were saved, as the area uses a technology that lets the strawberries grow on elevated platforms, a technology learned by the farmers during exchange programs in Japan.

Scheduled picking

Olsim said the town will be complying with the request of the ATBI to control the entry of those who want to pick strawberries, while the others will be allowed only at the viewing deck.

“They asked that we limit the entry of tourists and will do a scheduling of picking on the farms,” he said.

Mayor Romeo Salda said the La Trinidad town government is expecting the arrival of new imported strawberry planting materials by January or February.

These materials, he said, will be distributed to the farmers to produce runners for planting.

“We have imported new planting materials. They will be sold to the farmers and the proceeds will be used to repurchase additional planting materials,” Salda said.

He said imported planting materials, the “shoga” and “sweet charlie” varieties from California, will be bearing fruits by October 2019.

The farmers change their strawberry plants once in a while to produce bigger fruits. They said strawberries produce smaller fruits as they age. -- PNA