3 towns given P4.5M to stop marijuana growing
By Dexter A See
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Dangerous Drugs Board has given P4.5 million to three towns in this vegetable-producing province to make farmers in the three municipalities shy away from marijuana growing.
The amounts given to the towns were intended to fund legitimate livelihood projects that can provide income for the farmers.
The three towns received each P1.5 million from the DDB officials. These towns are Bakun, Kapangan, and Kibungan.
The funds are to be used to improve the sericulture industry, considered an alternative livelihood for the farmers who had earlier engaged in marijuana growing.
The funds given to Bakun and Kibungan serve as an initial capital for their sericulture projects, while the money given to Kapangan is for the continuing enhancement of the same project.
Kapangan has earned international recognition for the high-quality fiber it has been producing.
Earlier, the DDB gave R1 million to Kapangan as seed money for the town’s alternative livelihood program which is expected to encourage farmers to shift from the illegal cultivation of marijuana.
The alternative income source being introduced to the farmers is the production of yacon and cultflowers.
When the DDB saw that the sericulture industry in Kapangan has flourished, it again gave P2 million to the municipal government to strengthen the livelihood program.
The Cordillera office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has already declared Kapangan as marijuana-free after it conducted a series of validation activities.
Bakun, Kapangan, and Kibungan are noted marijuana-producing areas in Benguet.
In a related development, the DDB and the Cordillera PDEA are coordinating with the municipal government of Tinglayan, Kalinga, one of the marijuana-producing areas in the region, in the selection of a viable livelihood in the locality which would replace marijuana cultivation.
Most marijuana cultivators who have shifted to alternative sources of livelihood said the production of the marijuana is better because it does not entail extra time, effort, and money compared to the production of cultflowers, yacon, and mulberry.
Moreover, the price of marijuana is much higher compared to the alternative crops being promoted by DDB and PDEA.
They realized, however, that the marijuana cultivation is risky because it is against the law.
After 3 miners die in tunnel: Regulation of small-scale mining industry pushed
By Dexter A. See
ITOGON, Benguet — Regulation of the small-scale mining industry is now being pushed by concerned sectors. seven weeks after 16 miners were trapped inside the Antamok Goldfield tunnel here while three pocket miners were killed last week in the same mine complex due to gas poisoning.
The Nov. 9 accident has renewed focus on the problems facing the small-scale mining industry here that is providing livelihood to thousands of individuals in different parts of the province, as concerned sectors called on the government to regulate the lucrative but dangerous trade.
The three miners died inside a private mine tunnel owned by a certain Juanito Ansiong.
It is connected to the Antamok Goldfield mine tunnel, where 16 miners were trapped last September, killing six of them.
Chief Supt. Eugene G. Martin, regional police director, identified the fatalities as Virginio Alingjutan Singwa, 38, his brother Roel Alingjutan Singwa, 32, both natives of Mankayan, Benguet and Roger Rillera, 46, a resident of Upper Tram, Itogon, Benguet and a native of Bauang, La Union.
Investigation showed the three went inside the mine tunnel on Nov. 7 to gather gold ores.
However, Martin said their relatives got alarmed after the three never came out of the tunnel for three days, prompting the mine tunnel owner, in coordination with police operatives and rescue groups, to form a team to conduct search, rescue and retrieval operations last Sunday.
The rescuers were able to recover the bodies of the three men, all in an early state of decomposition.
Martin said the victims probably succumbed to gas poisoning inside the tunnel due to the alleged presence of poisonous gas which were not immediately detected by the miners.
The bodies were brought to a funeral parlor in nearby Baguio City for autopsy before they were brought home by their relatives.
Marijuana plantation raided in Benguet, La Union borders
KIBUNGAN, Benguet – Lawmen burned over P28 million worth of marijuana at plantations along the Benguet-La Union upland borders last week.
Some 18,500 fully grown marijuana plants pegged by the Dangerous Drugs Board to reach P3,700,000 and 6,350 marijuana seedlings valued at P254,000 were uprooted from 4,200 square meters and 1,260-square meter plantations here in sitios Tebteb and Balbalnag.
Some 25 kilos of dried marijuana leaves pegged at P625,000 were also found in the area.
A 31,000-square meter plantation in nearby Santol town in La Union where an estimated 114,000 fully grown marijuana plants valued at P22,800,000 were also uprooted as lawmen hauled some 30 kilos of dried marijuana leaves from the same site.
No cultivator was collared, said PDEA-Cordillera director Chief Insp. Edgar Apalla.
The eradication we carried out jointly with PDEA-Region 1, Police Regional Mobile Group – 1, La Union Police Provincial Mobile Group, 50th Infantry Battalion of the 503rd Brigade of the Philippine Army, La Union Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group, Military Intelligence Group – 1 and Tactical Operations Group – 1 of the 1st Air Division of the Philippine Air Force.
An alleged pusher who hails from Kibungan town also in Benguet was also held with P425,000 worth of marijuana in front of the Buyagan Elementary School in Eastern Buyagan , La Trinidad town, Benguet on Nov. 8.
This, 10 days after the DDB handed over P1.5 million to the municipal government of Kibungan to start sericulture as alternative livelihood to marijuana cultivation in the area.
Randy Camada, 21, single, a high school graduate who hails from Palina, also in Kibungan was nabbed by anti-narcotics agents after he tried to sell 17 bricks or 17 kilos of marijuana dried leaves to a PDEA agent who acted as “buyer.”
Cases for illegal drug trafficking were filed against Camada before the Benguet Prosecutors Office.
Showing posts with label Benguet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benguet. Show all posts
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
‘Non-payment of financial obligations’: Union workers picket mine site
MANKAYAN, Benguet- About 70 union members and officers picketed the Lepanto Mining Consolidated Co. here Thursday protesting the reduction of working days and work rotation, non- payment of benefits and financial obligations among others.
The groups were Lepanto employees Union, National Federation of Labor Unions and Kilusang Mayo Uno.
LEU members said they had expected a public dialogue with management which was informed and scheduled but management officials reportedly failed to appear.
Manuel Binhaon, LEU president said if the company will not listen to the workers’ demand, the union will push through with its campaigns. "The management will expect a series of actions to be undertaken until they will address the problems and issues concerning the workers.”
The union also called the attention of the Mankayan local government to intervene and make immediate action on said issues.
Binhaon said reduction of working days of workers was “a gross violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The forced implementation of the vacation leave, rest leave, rest leave and sick leave as well as the implementation of force retirement is a manifestation of unfair labor practices and violation of the Labor Code.”
The management reportedly issued a notice to the union dated Oct. 27, 2008 about its plan to reduce working days to 20 days per month with the implementation of the rotation work scheme of all surface employees and some 119 underground employees effected Nov. 1.
The union protested the proposal and asked the company not to implement the scheme pending the consultation of the workers through a general membership assembly.
But instead of considering the union’s request, the company reportedly issued another memorandum dated Oct. 31, 2008 stressing the immediate implementation of the rotation scheme that shall now affect all surface and underground and staff rank-and-file employees effective Nov. 1.
According to the management of the LCMC mine division the reason for the reduction and cutting down of benefits is because of the low production the company is experiencing.
But union workers said LCMC owes the workers their unremitted social benefit contributions collected from them for some two years now.
“It should not be using these diversionary tactics to evade its financial obligations to the workers,” they said in a statement. “The company is liable for estafa because of its non-remittance of Social Security System premiums and loan-payments amounting to P52,220,509.43 and P 3.4 million un-remitted to Pag-Ibig since April 2007, non-payments of ack-wages starting Nov. 2007 after the 24TH CBA was concluded on March 8. The company should stop delaying the release of wages as a tactic to persecute the workers.”
“The company’s leadership should be men enough and learn to respect and comply to a gentlemen’s agreement they had signed with the Union at government’s National Labor Relations Commission,” they said.
The NAFLU-KMU and the Cordillera Labor Center condemned the company’s actions saying these were a violation of workers’ rights. “This is a direct assault and attack against the workers’ rights to security of tenure, to fair wages and right to self-organization. This maneuver is clearly leading towards contractualization of labor, retrenchment and subsequently could lead to union busting.”
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Benguet town execs OK mining project
By Dexter A See
ITOGON, Benguet – The municipal government has approved a proposal of the Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. to conduct mining exploration in Barangay Ampucao, this town.
The exploration is intended to validate the presence of sufficient mineral ore deposits that would warrant the resumption of large-scale mining operations.
The endorsement by the municipal government came after the officials of Barangay Ampucao interposed no objection to the exploration project.
The mining firm may now proceed with its exploration project without the need to secure the free and prior informed consent (FPIC) of affected communities because the barangay officials had already conducted consultation with their constituents before they arrived at the "no objection" position.
It was learned that the barangay officials recognized the validity and legality of the company’s existence and its rights to conduct exploration in the metes and bounds of their village.
The company plans to explore in its mining claims either by itself or by another entity.
The firm will conduct the exploration together with Anvil Philippines with which it has forged an exploration development agreement.
Records show that the mining lease contract of Itogon-Suyoc in Barangay Ampucao will expire in September 2012.
The municipal council cited in its resolution endorsing the exploration project that it recognizes and fully supports the collaborative initiative and efforts of the barangay officials, community and company representatives in pursuing, formulating, and institutionalizing mutually acceptable terms and commitments to resolve satisfactorily project-related issues and concerns through dialogues.
Mining continues to be the main source of livelihood in this town because of the presence of large-scale and small-scale mining operations in the different barangays.
The Cordillera, particularly Benguet, is considered one of the mineral-rich areas in the country, but large-scale mining operations have encountered obstacles because the people are fed up with the unfulfilled promises of some mining companies. They do not want a repeat of their bad experiences.
The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) requires companies intending to exploit and utilize the resources of a certain area to first secure the free and prior informed consent of the affected indigenous communities before pursuing their projects.
ITOGON, Benguet – The municipal government has approved a proposal of the Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. to conduct mining exploration in Barangay Ampucao, this town.
The exploration is intended to validate the presence of sufficient mineral ore deposits that would warrant the resumption of large-scale mining operations.
The endorsement by the municipal government came after the officials of Barangay Ampucao interposed no objection to the exploration project.
The mining firm may now proceed with its exploration project without the need to secure the free and prior informed consent (FPIC) of affected communities because the barangay officials had already conducted consultation with their constituents before they arrived at the "no objection" position.
It was learned that the barangay officials recognized the validity and legality of the company’s existence and its rights to conduct exploration in the metes and bounds of their village.
The company plans to explore in its mining claims either by itself or by another entity.
The firm will conduct the exploration together with Anvil Philippines with which it has forged an exploration development agreement.
Records show that the mining lease contract of Itogon-Suyoc in Barangay Ampucao will expire in September 2012.
The municipal council cited in its resolution endorsing the exploration project that it recognizes and fully supports the collaborative initiative and efforts of the barangay officials, community and company representatives in pursuing, formulating, and institutionalizing mutually acceptable terms and commitments to resolve satisfactorily project-related issues and concerns through dialogues.
Mining continues to be the main source of livelihood in this town because of the presence of large-scale and small-scale mining operations in the different barangays.
The Cordillera, particularly Benguet, is considered one of the mineral-rich areas in the country, but large-scale mining operations have encountered obstacles because the people are fed up with the unfulfilled promises of some mining companies. They do not want a repeat of their bad experiences.
The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) requires companies intending to exploit and utilize the resources of a certain area to first secure the free and prior informed consent of the affected indigenous communities before pursuing their projects.
MORE NEWS, BENGUET
Heavy use of chemicals and fertilizers destroying farms
Dexter A. See
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Unabated heavy use of chemicals and fertilizers by thousands of farmers in this vegetable-producing province has drastically reduced the productivity of the soil which, in turn, greatly contributed to the increase in the production cost of farm crops.
This situation prompted provincial officials to appeal to the thousands of farmers to reduce the volume of chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers they use in their farms and start shifting to the production of organic crops which are beneficial to the health of the consumers. It can also reduce the pollution.
A research conducted by the Benguet State University and the Saint Louis University showed traces of chemicals in vegetable crops in the different towns although the levels of the chemicals are still within tolerable limit.
The alarming use of chemicals and fertilizers by farmers to ensure increased production of crops prompted the provincial government to embark on a program to promote organic farming which aims to help farmers become environment-friendly and competitive in the global market.
Experts believe that if local farmers want to be competitive, they should drastically reduce their dependence on chemical-based farming and start adopting good agricultural practices which are now the practiced worldwide.
The provincial government has entered into an agreement with the Bureau of Soils, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, for the conduct of soil analysis in the vast tracts of farm lands in the province to determine the acidity and fertility levels of the soil.
The findings would enable it to make recommendations to the farmers for better farm management.
Furthermore, the provincial government has been pushing the adoption of organic-based farming practices to make them competitive in an open market under the general agreement on tariff and trade of the World Trade Organization.
Local officials noted that almost all farm lands in the province have exceeded the normal acidity level of the soils due to the excessive use of chemicals to fight pests and fertilizers to improve the quality of crops for better marketability.
The indications that the farms are acidic are the vulnerability of vegetable plants -- like cabbage and lettuce -- to clubroot, a major disease of crucifers -- and the proliferation of various kinds of pests and diseases attacking the crops.
The volume of chemicals and fertilizers being used keeps increasing every cropping season, causing the farmers to spend more for inputs in their efforts to ensure that they would be able to produce the crops for the market. However, this means additional investments on their part.
The use of red-label chemicals has also contributed to the high toxicity of the river systems near farms. This has affected the safety of water flowing to the lowlands.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Missing rights activist ‘alive’:Int’l groups press gov’t: release Balao
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Members of the International Solidarity Mission and local non-government organizations urged the government to “release or surface” rights activist James Balao last week even as his group, the Cordillera People’s Alliance said there were strong indications he was still alive basing from reliable sources.
This as presiding judge Benigno Galacgac Branch 63 of the Regional Trial Court here on Thursday heard statements of witnesses to Balao’s abduction. The hearing was attended by the groups, concerned individuals and clan members.
Beverly Longid, CPA chairperson, said Galacgac earlier subpoenaed President Macapagal-Arroyo to appear during the hearing when the court heard the petition for a writ of amparo filed by Balao’s family and the CPA. Balao, 47 had been missing since Sept. 17.
Balao was believed abducted by operatives the intelligence branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Barangay Tomay here that day.
A witness during the hearing said he saw five men who looked like cops abduct Balao in Tomay.
The witness said the men were armed, wore standard police or army haircut and acted like cops. One of Balao’s abductors reportedly shouted, “Walang makikialam, drug pusher ito,) referring to Balao.
But Balao’s relatives, non-government organizations and his acquaintances said he never had a history of illegal drug abuse.
Longid said during the hearing, Office of the Solicitor General lawyers represented the government and filed a motion to quash the granting of the writ based on technicality. “This is unfortunate, the government should be the one itself which should exert efforts to find Balao and not to hinder this by stopping the granting of the writ based on technicality.”
A writ of amparo is an inspection order directing public officers who control military and police detention facilities where a detainee is allegedly kept to allow authorized persons “to inspect, measure and survey the property or any related object or operation.”
Longid said it was lamentable that military officials were mum on the matter and didn’t want those looking for Balao to enter their camps. The ISM also visited the regional police headquarters at Camp Dangwa here Wednesday where regional police director Chief Supt. Eugene Martin swore he had no complicity or knowledge of the abduction.
He urged ISM members report to him any lead on Balao’s disappearance so the police could track him down and his abductors.
The Commission on Human Rights has also started its investigation into Balao’s disappearance amid growing pressure on the government from both local and international organizations to immediately find him. Maj. Rosendo Armas, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command, earlier told the media the military will cooperate in the ongoing investigation into Balao’s disappearance, though insisting that they are not keeping the missing activist.
In a resolution Oct.10, the CHR pledged to investigate and monitor developments on the case of Balao, who it considers a victim of enforced disappearance.
“Based on the initial information we have gathered, James Balao and his family have been under regular surveillance by unidentified persons since the first week of June 2008, and (Balao) is allegedly listed in the dossier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Education Bureau in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions,” De Lima said in an article earlier emailed to the Northern Philippine Times.
“The CHR, pursuant to its constitutional mandate to investigate all forms of human rights violations, involving civil and political rights… will continue our investigation and monitoring of this case, as we also strongly condemn the enforced disappearance of James Balao,” she added.
In the same resolution, the CHR asked the Philippine National Police to assist it in the investigation, and the AFP to help locate Balao.
The CHR said it would hold a dialogue with top PNP and AFP officials to discuss Balao’s case and the disappearance of other people alleged to be CPP members.
Balao, a descendant of a large Chinese-Japanese clan in Benguet, is the president of the Oclupan Clan Association. In 1984, he was among those who founded CPA, which advocates the protection and promotion of the rights to ancestral domain and self-determination, especially of indigenous communities. -- AD
MORE NEWS, BENGUET
Villagers reject Baguio sanitary landfill project
By Dexter A. See
ITOGON, Benguet – Residents of 18 sitios in Barangays Virac and Gumatdang here are opposing a plan of the city government of Baguio to set up an engineered sanitary landfill facility in their areas. The opposition set back anew the efforts of the city government to establish a sanitary landfill where it could dump its tons of garbage.
A petition opposing the Baguio sanitary landfill project was furnished to the municipal government of Itogon and Baguio City officials.
This should be considered in the formulation of plans to solve Baguio’s garbage-disposal problem.
Contrary to statements of some City Hall officials that the residents of Virac and Gumatdang have unofficially endorsed the project, the petitioners expressed grave concern about the ill effects of the sanitary landfill to their health and to the environment.
These are the reasons they are not in favor of establishing the garbage-disposal facility, a leader of the residents said.
Everyone has the right to enjoy a sound environment that has to be protected for the benefit of present and future generations, the leader said.
The petition stated that the planned site for the landfill project in Virac and Gumatdang is near residential areas, pointing out that the operation of the facility would be harmful to their health.
The petitioners said the people’s welfare should not be compromised, and that is the reason why they could not allow the construction of the sanitary landfill.
They also said there are many underground tunnels, sinkholes, and caverns beneath the proposed sanitary landfill, and it would be unsafe to conduct earth-moving activities in preparation for the construction of the landfill. The villagers who signed the petition include residents of Tombstone, Bobon, Bontoc Village, Acupan, Virac, Balatoc, Keyman’s Hill, Batuang, Camang-gaan, Midas, Ucab, Gumatdang, Alumit, Muyot, Dalisay, Besil, Sikaran, and Kawa.
The petitioners said that the proposed site for the Baguio landfill does not conform with Administrative Order 50-1998 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which provides for guidelines governing landfill site identification and screening for municipal solid waste management facility.
The order states the landfill site should not be located within 300 meters of any surface water used for drinking purposes and it must be 300 meters from a river or stream.
The proposed landfill site is reportedly near the Dapong and Ambalanga Rivers.
A technical working group of the city’s solid waste management board recommended the establishment of the landfill in either Virac or Gumatdang because the area had been found to be suitable for the purpose.
The group said the residents in the area had earlier agreed for the construction of the facility with the condition that all social concerns are to be addressed first by the city government.
These include the compensation of the residents who would be displaced by the project.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
‘Death trap’ mine tunnel sealed to prevent tragedy
Dexter A. See
ITOGON, Benguet — The entry points of the "death trap tunnel" of Benguet Corp. in its Antamok gold field here where 16 miners were trapped when typhoon "Nina" hit the Cordillera were sealed and are now heavily guarded to prevent private miners from entering the area.
This was confirmed by Engineer Felizardo Gacad of the mine safety division of the Cordillera office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
Gacad said the mining firm told concerned government agencies that no pocket miners will be able to get inside the controversial tunnel.
Ten of the 16 trapped miners miraculously survived one of the worst accidents in the history of mining in the Cordillera. They were rescued after over one week of ordeal inside the dark and flooded tunnel where the six others died.
It was learned that even before the incident, executives of the mining firm had said that the entry points of the tunnel had already been sealed with concrete and steel bars. However, the gates were allegedly forced open by pocket miners to gain entry.
During the search and rescue operations, provincial officials said that it would be better if the tunnels remain flooded to prevent pocket miners from getting inside.
Earlier, Benguet Corp. was asked earlier to come out with stringent safety policy before negotiating with private groups on the conduct of mining operations in its mining concessions.
But the company and the group of miners failed to reach a compromise last June on continued operation of the contract pocket miners in its mining areas after both parties insisted on their stand on the production sharing arrangement.
The company was insisting on a 60-40 production sharing agreement because it is the prevailing scheme in its other mining areas in this town. The group of pocket miners insisted on a 90-10 production sharing deal.
During the series of dialogues and consultations, the company reportedly went as low as a 80-20 sharing scheme but the miners stood firm on their proposal. This reportedly forced the company to seal the entry and exit points of the tunnel.
It was learned that under an earlier agreement, the company allowed the pocket miners to operate up to Level 400 because the lower levels of 500 until 700 are considered to be extremely dangerous due to the presence of poisonous gasses.
ITOGON, Benguet — The entry points of the "death trap tunnel" of Benguet Corp. in its Antamok gold field here where 16 miners were trapped when typhoon "Nina" hit the Cordillera were sealed and are now heavily guarded to prevent private miners from entering the area.
This was confirmed by Engineer Felizardo Gacad of the mine safety division of the Cordillera office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
Gacad said the mining firm told concerned government agencies that no pocket miners will be able to get inside the controversial tunnel.
Ten of the 16 trapped miners miraculously survived one of the worst accidents in the history of mining in the Cordillera. They were rescued after over one week of ordeal inside the dark and flooded tunnel where the six others died.
It was learned that even before the incident, executives of the mining firm had said that the entry points of the tunnel had already been sealed with concrete and steel bars. However, the gates were allegedly forced open by pocket miners to gain entry.
During the search and rescue operations, provincial officials said that it would be better if the tunnels remain flooded to prevent pocket miners from getting inside.
Earlier, Benguet Corp. was asked earlier to come out with stringent safety policy before negotiating with private groups on the conduct of mining operations in its mining concessions.
But the company and the group of miners failed to reach a compromise last June on continued operation of the contract pocket miners in its mining areas after both parties insisted on their stand on the production sharing arrangement.
The company was insisting on a 60-40 production sharing agreement because it is the prevailing scheme in its other mining areas in this town. The group of pocket miners insisted on a 90-10 production sharing deal.
During the series of dialogues and consultations, the company reportedly went as low as a 80-20 sharing scheme but the miners stood firm on their proposal. This reportedly forced the company to seal the entry and exit points of the tunnel.
It was learned that under an earlier agreement, the company allowed the pocket miners to operate up to Level 400 because the lower levels of 500 until 700 are considered to be extremely dangerous due to the presence of poisonous gasses.
MORE NEWS, BENGUET
Benguet coop eyes hydros to reduce power rates
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet’s vast water resources are seen as Benguet Electric Cooperative’s solution to the problem of high electricity rates.
"About 85 to 90 percent of the power cost consumers pay in Baguio and Benguet represents the generation cost. Benguet’s great potential for mini hydroelectric plants can achieve for Beneco less cost of power," Beneco General Manager Gerardo P. Verzosa said at a program marking the recent 35th founding anniversary of the power cooperative.
Beneco came into being in October 1973.
With the recent developments in the power industry and the impending full privatization of the National Power Corp., the problem of how to source and manage power supply is the biggest challenge for electric utilities like Beneco, Verzosa said.
Aside from doing the mandate to push the rural electrification program of the government, the EPIRA law now demands reliability, quality, and affordability of the services rendered by electric cooperatives.
"Before the passage of EPIRA, we were focused on meeting the economic package of employees, cutting down systems loss, and improving collection efficiency," Verzosa said.
Furthermore, with the creation of the Energy Regulatory Commission as mandated by the EPIRA law, Verzosa said, electric cooperatives are now regulated and are required to limit occurrence of outages, comply with the Philippine Grid and Distribution Code, which are costly (millions) to implement.
‘With EPIRA, we are forced to perform just like any other private utility," Verzosa also said.
Despite these obstacles, Beneco has been able to continue its rural electrification mandate in Benguet, he said.
Atok Mayor Concepcion Balao said that "Beneco has played a key role in the development of our Atok municipality, as I have seen that almost eight barangays were energized. When Atok was energized, an increase in its population from 16,000 to 16,253 came about, she said.
"Beneco helped not only in terms of infrastructure development but also in social progress. Light is very important to our life especially in remote areas of Benguet," Balao said.
She expressed gratitude to Beneco "for installing street lights on Halsema Highway. Commuters from Baguio going to the northern provinces, a very critical area, can now feel secure traveling at night."
"I’m confident that we will survive the fast changing climate and meet all standards because just like in 1990 with very limited resources, we were able to turn around Beneco," Verzosa said. – Dexter A See
Cut in prices of farm inputs urged: No rollback in prices despite lower oil rate
By Dexter See
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Groups of farmers and traders in this vegetable-producing province urged concerned government agencies l;ast week to work for reduction in the prices of farm inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides.
The prices of farm inputs went up a few months ago because of the soaring prices of petroleum, which is the common raw-material base of fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides, the groups said.
But despite the recent series of reductions in the prices of petroleum, there is no rollback in the prices of farm inputs, they said.
They said a cut in the prices of agricultural inputs could back efforts aimed at ensuring a sufficient supply of locally grown vegetables. This could also lead to lower prices of vegetables, they also said.
Because the prices of fuel oil have substantially gone down in the global market, it is but proper for the concerned government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority, to take action to reduce the prices of farm inputs.
The prevailing price of fertilizers is P2,250 per 50-kilo sack, almost 100 percent higher than the P1,200 price a few months ago, they said.
The same situation holds true for the prices of pesticides and other chemical-based farm inputs, the groups said.
Because of the high cost of farm inputs, some 75 percent of the number of vegetable farmers in the different towns in the Cordillera reduced their farm areas by over 50 percent.
This, in turn, resulted in an abnormal shortage of highland vegetables and, consequently high prices of the crops, they said.
However, DA officials in the Cordillera denied claims of production shortage despite the the fact the daily volume of vegetables brought to the trading post here has significantly gone down.
The farmers and traders said it is unfortunate that multinationals producing fertilizers and other refuse farm inputs are not taking the initiative to lower the prices of their products as they are taking advantage of the situation.
If DA and FPA are really concerned about the welfare of the farmers as well consumers, they should work hard for the reduction in the prices of farm inputs, they said,
The groups also noted that the fertilizer subsidy provided by the DA to the farmers is useless because the dealers have increased their prices.
Foster homes, financial aid sought for BSU coeds
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Parents, Teachers and Community Association (PTCA) of the Benguet State University-Secondary Laboratory School (BSU-SLS) launched last week their new project called “An Aid for the Youth Desiring Education to Overcome Adversities” that seeks financial donors and foster homes for students they described as “less fortunate but struggling.”
PTCA president and Barangay Pico Kagawad Wyler O. Lubos said the project is aimed at alleviating the plight of at least 37 high school students who were identified by the ad hoc committee headed by PTCA Public Relations Officer Fidel Apolonio.
This came about after a series of deliberations by the PTCA Board that tasked the committee to identify and background-check SLS students who were in dire need of financial support and dormitory accommodations.
In letters sent out to BSU alumni and possible donors, Lubos and the PTCA board appealed for “understanding, compassion and generous support for the students through cash donations or foster parenting.”
Founded in 1916, the school prides itself for graduating alumni associations grouped under different school names starting from the Trinidad Experimental Farm Station (TEFS), Trinidad Farm School (TFS), Trinidad Agricultural School (TAS), Trinidad National Agricultural School (TNAS), Mountain National Agricultural School (MNAS), Mountain National Agricultural College (MNAC), Mountain State Agricultural School (MSAS), Mountain Agricultural College (MAC), Mountain State Agricultural College (MSAC) and, Benguet State University (BSU).
The officers further urged the PTCA Board to find other remedies to ease the plight of the 37 students in need of financial assistance and lodging.
Alumni members, other donors and interested parties may get in touch with PTCA president Lubos at mobile CP no. 09205170418; PTCA assistant secretary Brenda B. Allay at CP no. 09082298995 or PTCA PRO Apolonio at CP no. 09283341115. They may also be contacted at the BSU-SLS office at telephone no. (074) 422-2127 local 26. – March Fianza
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet’s vast water resources are seen as Benguet Electric Cooperative’s solution to the problem of high electricity rates.
"About 85 to 90 percent of the power cost consumers pay in Baguio and Benguet represents the generation cost. Benguet’s great potential for mini hydroelectric plants can achieve for Beneco less cost of power," Beneco General Manager Gerardo P. Verzosa said at a program marking the recent 35th founding anniversary of the power cooperative.
Beneco came into being in October 1973.
With the recent developments in the power industry and the impending full privatization of the National Power Corp., the problem of how to source and manage power supply is the biggest challenge for electric utilities like Beneco, Verzosa said.
Aside from doing the mandate to push the rural electrification program of the government, the EPIRA law now demands reliability, quality, and affordability of the services rendered by electric cooperatives.
"Before the passage of EPIRA, we were focused on meeting the economic package of employees, cutting down systems loss, and improving collection efficiency," Verzosa said.
Furthermore, with the creation of the Energy Regulatory Commission as mandated by the EPIRA law, Verzosa said, electric cooperatives are now regulated and are required to limit occurrence of outages, comply with the Philippine Grid and Distribution Code, which are costly (millions) to implement.
‘With EPIRA, we are forced to perform just like any other private utility," Verzosa also said.
Despite these obstacles, Beneco has been able to continue its rural electrification mandate in Benguet, he said.
Atok Mayor Concepcion Balao said that "Beneco has played a key role in the development of our Atok municipality, as I have seen that almost eight barangays were energized. When Atok was energized, an increase in its population from 16,000 to 16,253 came about, she said.
"Beneco helped not only in terms of infrastructure development but also in social progress. Light is very important to our life especially in remote areas of Benguet," Balao said.
She expressed gratitude to Beneco "for installing street lights on Halsema Highway. Commuters from Baguio going to the northern provinces, a very critical area, can now feel secure traveling at night."
"I’m confident that we will survive the fast changing climate and meet all standards because just like in 1990 with very limited resources, we were able to turn around Beneco," Verzosa said. – Dexter A See
Cut in prices of farm inputs urged: No rollback in prices despite lower oil rate
By Dexter See
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Groups of farmers and traders in this vegetable-producing province urged concerned government agencies l;ast week to work for reduction in the prices of farm inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides.
The prices of farm inputs went up a few months ago because of the soaring prices of petroleum, which is the common raw-material base of fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides, the groups said.
But despite the recent series of reductions in the prices of petroleum, there is no rollback in the prices of farm inputs, they said.
They said a cut in the prices of agricultural inputs could back efforts aimed at ensuring a sufficient supply of locally grown vegetables. This could also lead to lower prices of vegetables, they also said.
Because the prices of fuel oil have substantially gone down in the global market, it is but proper for the concerned government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority, to take action to reduce the prices of farm inputs.
The prevailing price of fertilizers is P2,250 per 50-kilo sack, almost 100 percent higher than the P1,200 price a few months ago, they said.
The same situation holds true for the prices of pesticides and other chemical-based farm inputs, the groups said.
Because of the high cost of farm inputs, some 75 percent of the number of vegetable farmers in the different towns in the Cordillera reduced their farm areas by over 50 percent.
This, in turn, resulted in an abnormal shortage of highland vegetables and, consequently high prices of the crops, they said.
However, DA officials in the Cordillera denied claims of production shortage despite the the fact the daily volume of vegetables brought to the trading post here has significantly gone down.
The farmers and traders said it is unfortunate that multinationals producing fertilizers and other refuse farm inputs are not taking the initiative to lower the prices of their products as they are taking advantage of the situation.
If DA and FPA are really concerned about the welfare of the farmers as well consumers, they should work hard for the reduction in the prices of farm inputs, they said,
The groups also noted that the fertilizer subsidy provided by the DA to the farmers is useless because the dealers have increased their prices.
Foster homes, financial aid sought for BSU coeds
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Parents, Teachers and Community Association (PTCA) of the Benguet State University-Secondary Laboratory School (BSU-SLS) launched last week their new project called “An Aid for the Youth Desiring Education to Overcome Adversities” that seeks financial donors and foster homes for students they described as “less fortunate but struggling.”
PTCA president and Barangay Pico Kagawad Wyler O. Lubos said the project is aimed at alleviating the plight of at least 37 high school students who were identified by the ad hoc committee headed by PTCA Public Relations Officer Fidel Apolonio.
This came about after a series of deliberations by the PTCA Board that tasked the committee to identify and background-check SLS students who were in dire need of financial support and dormitory accommodations.
In letters sent out to BSU alumni and possible donors, Lubos and the PTCA board appealed for “understanding, compassion and generous support for the students through cash donations or foster parenting.”
Founded in 1916, the school prides itself for graduating alumni associations grouped under different school names starting from the Trinidad Experimental Farm Station (TEFS), Trinidad Farm School (TFS), Trinidad Agricultural School (TAS), Trinidad National Agricultural School (TNAS), Mountain National Agricultural School (MNAS), Mountain National Agricultural College (MNAC), Mountain State Agricultural School (MSAS), Mountain Agricultural College (MAC), Mountain State Agricultural College (MSAC) and, Benguet State University (BSU).
The officers further urged the PTCA Board to find other remedies to ease the plight of the 37 students in need of financial assistance and lodging.
Alumni members, other donors and interested parties may get in touch with PTCA president Lubos at mobile CP no. 09205170418; PTCA assistant secretary Brenda B. Allay at CP no. 09082298995 or PTCA PRO Apolonio at CP no. 09283341115. They may also be contacted at the BSU-SLS office at telephone no. (074) 422-2127 local 26. – March Fianza
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Tunnels blamed cause of landslides, floods : PGMA orders mine firm probed on miners’ death
By Dexter A. See
ITOGON, Benguet — The management of Benguet Corp. is being investigated for the alleged diversion of the natural flow of the Antamok River which caused the death of six miners here who were trapped by floodwaters inside tunnels at the height of Typhoon Nina.
Ten others were rescued within the week. The company allegedly constructed two diversion tunnels now being blamed as cause of the huge landslides at two sitios of Barangay Luacan and the flooding of the underground work sites that claimed the lives of six miners at the height of Typhoon Nina. The investigation is being conducted upon the order of President Arroyo.
The order was issued shortly after the last missing miner was rescued by his fellow pocket miners at Level 700 of BC’s flooded mine tunnel.
The purpose of the investigation is to identify and penalize the parties responsible for the tragic mine accident, it was reported.
Some residents and officials of this town asked why the two diversion tunnels, which were constructed in the early 1900s to pave the way for the large-scale mining operations of BC, were not closed when the company stopped its operations in the 1990s.
The residents said the tunnels had diverted the flow of the Antamok River to Barangay Luacan to prevent the river water from flowing directly to the company’s open-pit mine sites.
However, the same residents noted construction of the two diversion tunnels did not serve its purpose because the tunnels were clogged.
They said pressure of the dammed water became so strong that it triggered the huge landslides which displaced at least 120 families at Sitios Tugue and Coral in Barangay Luacan.
They also said that when the clogged tunnels burst, the water flooded the mine tunnel and trapped the 16 pocket miners.
The huge landslides covered a 50-hectare land in the barangay, destroying at least 90 houses. Thirty-seven of the houses were buried under tons of earth and boulders, displacing some 1,000 individuals.
It was reported that since last June, BC had been negotiating with a group of pocket miners on a sharing scheme for the conduct of small-scale mining activities at the abandoned mine site.
But the parties have not reached any deal, it was learned. Due to the lack of an agreement or contract, the miners trapped in the flooded tunnel were considered to have illegally entered the mine site.
They allegedly removed the steel gates placed in the portals of the mine area. The residents said the pocket miners demanded a 90-10 sharing scheme with the company, but BC management wanted an 80-20 sharing deal.
File charges vs soldiers: Nolcom chief: PGMA, gov’t urged to surface’ rights activist
Beverly Longid, CPA chairperson bared this saying they won’t stop looking for Balao until he is found. Cause-oriented groups earlier that morning picketed the AFP command post at Camp Allen in Baguio, but were barred from entering the military installation by combat ready soldiers. This made them move to the nearby city police main office and hold a dialogue with Senior Supt. Wilfredo Franco, city police chief who assured them of his cooperation in finding Balao and his abductors so the latter could be charged in court.
Members of the CPA said they heard information Balao was sent back to Baguio from Ilocos Sur where he was reportedly held at a military post.
The group earlier went to the area in Ilocos Sur but Balao was reportedly hurriedly taken out from the facility since they earlier had a courtesy visit at the provincial office giving time for the military operatives to relocate Balao. Meanwhile at Barangay Tomay in La Trinidad, witnesses told the Balao family and CPA members they saw how abductors forcibly shoved him into a van in the area the day he disappeared.
“Walang makikialam,” one of the abductors reportedly shouted at onlookers. His abductors reportedly acted and looked like military men.
Before his disappearance, Balao reportedly texted his office mates of two vans which followed him. CPA members later found one of the vans parked at Camp Allen. Since that time, no army official admitted to using or owning the van.
This, as the most senior military commander in Northern Luzon said Wednesday he will not condone any wrongdoing of his men even as he encouraged victims of the perceived soldiers’ abuses to come forward and file necessary charges in court.
The military’s Northern Luzon Command urged leftist groups to “file charges instead of launching propaganda campaigns” blaming them for the mysterious disappearance of Balao.
“In a spirit of fairness and equality,” Nolcom Commander Lieutenant General Isagani Cachuela urged Baguio left-leaning groups to file charges in court as he tagged “search” campaigns by the Baguio-based CPA as “demolition campaigns” where “the accused have no chance to defend themselves.”
Based on the account of desaperacidos, a group composed of families of victims of forced disappearances, armed men believed to be elements of the 24th Infantry Battalion forcibly took two peasant organizers in Bataan – Nelson Balmana and Florencia Espiritu on Sept. 21 and 22, respectively.
On Sept. 17, Balao, was also reported missing and the CPA leadership pointed to the Intelligence Service Unit of the military as the culprit.
The Commission on Human Rights-Cordillera Administrative Region already wrote to the AFP Human Rights Office for possible intervention in relation to this incident.
Cachuela said told newsmen he was willing to support any official investigation on the matter if there are pieces of evidence to probe that some of his men were indeed involved in these crimes.
But Cachuela said that like any other citizen of this country, the (soldiers) are also entitled to due process.
“They have to face the consequences of their actions in the proper forum, if indeed, they committed any form of abuse in the community,” Cachuela said.
International and RP-based groups had taken cognizance of Balao’s unexplained disappearance including the US Embassy and national and local government officials in Baguio City.
Those who have knowledge about Balao’s whereabouts were urged to report developments to the CPA (09184698849), the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (09178836594) or his family at 09175069404.) -- AD
MORE NEWS, BENGUET
Tribal elders voice out opposition to mining
By Dexter A See
BAKUN, Benguet – Tribal elders in 10 communities in Barangay Gambang, this town have voiced out their opposition to a mineral exploration project being pursued by a mining company in their villages. They warned that the exploration activities would cause divisiveness in their communities.
The council of elders indicated their opposition to mining in the certificates of rejection which they forwarded to the barangay council of Gambang.
The elders said they are vehemently opposing the controversial mining exploration being undertaken by Royalco Philippines Inc.
However, instead of acting on the certificates of rejection, the barangay council forwarded it to the regional office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples including offices of officials of Benguet and Bakun. The elders said farming is their preferred source of livelihood and employment.
They claimed mining operations would automatically begin after the conduct of the exploration project to confirm the presence of substantial mineral deposits.
They said that once actual mining begins, their source of domestic water and irrigation would be adversely affected, if not depleted.
They also said they are conserving the land for the future generations, and for this reason, they are not ready to allow the land to be destroyed by large-scale mining.
The council of elders warned that mining could ruin the harmonious relationships among communities, fearing that this could lead to acrimonious debates, misunderstanding and even fighting between those who are in favor and those who are not in favor of exploiting the natural resources of their areas.
There are more than 500 elders at Sitios Mabuhay, Pulag, Gold Star, Mogao, Batanes, Nametbet, Bagtangan, Takayan, Liwang, and Bolbolo, all within the jurisdiction of Gambang.
The communities fall within the jurisdiction of Royalco’s Phase 3 mine-exploration areas.
Earlier, the company had drawn the support of the residents at Phase I of the exploration area in Gambang, but the company failed to get the support of the residents of the Phase 2 area which includes Barangay Tineg in Mankayan town. Provincial and municipal officials challenged the mining company to widen its village-based consultation to include all the affected villagers, saying it should not concentrate its efforts on only one or two clans.
The Cordillera office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau earlier granted a two-year exploration permit to Royalco for the conduction of exploration activities in a 98-hectare mineral-rich area in Barangay Gambang.
But some residents questioned the mode of acquiring the endorsement from the affected communities because it was given at a meeting in Bangao, Buguias where the elders were reportedly forced to sign the agreement with the mining company.
Some residents said the company is not capable of pursuing its mining activity in the town because it has allegedly failed to comply with its commitments under the first agreement, and that’s the reason the elders in other areas opposed the project.
Benguet, Ilocos Sur execs told: Solve roadway right tiffs
MANKAYAN, Benguet – The regional Department of Pu