Mt Prov hosts Cordillera Irrigators Federation gab

By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan

 

BONTOC, Mountain Province - Mountain Province hosted the Cordillera Administrative Region Federation of Irrigators’ Associations (CARFIA) in its annual congress, marking the federation’s first convention in the province Jan. 16 here at the Governor Leonard G. Mayaen Sports Complex.

The congress brought together over a hundred farmer-leaders from the six provinces of the Cordillera region—Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Kalinga—as well as delegates from the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS)-Tabuk and UCRIS-Quezon.

Despite the travel challenges, their enthusiasm and active participation marked the opening day’s activities.

Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., welcomed participants citing importance of irrigation systems in ensuring food security and fostering sustainable development in the Cordillera.

"Irrigation systems are lifelines of our Cordilleran farmers, playing a crucial role in sustaining food security and fostering sustainable growth. These are not just water management systems; they are vital investments for the future generations of our communities,” he said.

Tudlong thanked CARFIA for selecting Bontoc as congress venue and urged participants to explore the town’s tourist destinations during their stay.

In his message, Mountain Province Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., highlighted significance of agriculture to the region, saying large portion of Cordillera population relies on farming for their livelihood.

"This annual gathering is a vital platform for fostering collaboration not only with the government but also with private sector stakeholders," he said.

The governor echoed Tudlong’s sentiments and urged participants to enjoy the natural beauty of Bontoc before returning to their respective provinces.

Meanwhile, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Samson Ezra Gomez, president of Montañosa Federated Irrigators’ Association (MOFIA), cited importance of the congress in strengthening the unity and collective efforts of irrigators' associations across the Cordilleras.

“We are not just a mere organization. We are the channel for change and progress that leads the farming community and our country to a better future. The driving force of our country’s economy is the agriculture sector and with our unity and active cooperation in this CARFIA congress, we continue to pursue greatness for a better life and development of the farming community,” he said.

Political Affairs officer Dionisio Wacdisen, representing Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., urged delegates to embody the spirit of brotherhood in making a vital change to the agriculture sector under the theme "Irrigators Association Kooperatiba: Daan para Guminhawa and Buhay ng mga Magsasaka.”

He cited need for collective action to address the impacts of climate change, which are increasingly affecting the Cordillera region.

Adding excitement to the occasion, delegates from Abra showcased their rich culture through a traditional dance performance, bringing joy and energy to the event.

The Provincial Pattong Group and Provincial Choral Group also wowed the audience with their presentations.  

 

 

 

 

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‘Final and executory’ : Comelec denies petition vs Gov Lacwasan’s candidacy

By Gina Dizon

The Commission on Elections ruled “final and executory” denying the petition opposing certificate of candidacy of Gov.  Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr for the position of governor of Mountain Province in the May 12,2025 elections.

Following the motion for reconsideration filed by petitioner Johnny Lausan, the Comelec en banc in their Jan. 15, 2025 decision, ruled their resolution dated Jan. 7, 2025 was ‘final and executory in accordance with rules of procedure that a decision or resolution  of the Comelec en banc in special actions shall become final and executory after five days from receipt of resolution  unless  restrained by the Supreme Court.”

The Comelec noted no restraining order was issued by the Supreme Court within five days from receipt of the parties that would preclude the Jan. 7, 2025 resolution by the Comelec en banc being ‘final and executory’ under Comelec rules on procedure and resolution 11046.

 The MR filed by petitioner Lausan was denied by the Comelec en banc that affirmed the ruling of the Comelec First Division having denied said motion for lack of merit.

Earlier, petitioner Lausan in his complaint to the First Division December last year claimed that Lacwasan violated the three-term limit rule on filing of candidacy.

The First Division junked the petition ruling that Lacwasan did not violate the 3-term-limit in their Dec. 11,2024 ruling.

“Clearly, Lacwasan was appointed and not elected as governor of Mountain Province,” the First Division stated in their resolution.

A consequent ruling of the Comelec en banc affirmed the decision of the First Division on Jan.  7, 2025.

 Lausan in his petition claimed that Lacwasan violated the 3-term limit rule claiming that  at the end of  the 2022-2025  term, Lacwasan fully served three terms and barred from running again for the fourth time.

But the Comelec en banc ruled: “We find no cogent reason to depart from the assailed resolution of the Commission (First Division)”.

The First Division of the Comelec ruled Lacwasan was not subject to the 3-term limit rule since he assumed his position as vice governor of Mountain Province and served in that capacity in the full 2016-2019 term.

“Clearly, Lacwasan was appointed and not elected as governor of Mountain Province,” the First Division stated in their ruling dated Jan. 7,2025.

Lacwasan assumed the gubernatorial post till June 30, 2019 following the death of the late Gov. Leonard Mayaen in March 31,2016.

He was subsequently elected and won in two consecutive terms as provincial governor in the 2019 and 2022 elections.

The First Division noted Supreme Court jurisprudence citing two requisites for the applicability of the disqualification under the three-term limit.

One, the official concerned has been elected for three consecutive terms in the same local government post; and second, the official concerned has fully served three consecutive terms.

The Comelec in its ruling  also noted  section 8 of  the 1987 Constitution which stated: “The term of office of elective local officials, except barangay officials, which shall be determined by law, shall be three years and no such official shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected.”

The Comelec clarified that Lacwasan “did not lose title of the Office of the Vice Governor when he was appointed as Acting Governor in 2016 as he was merely prevented from exercising the functions of his office by reason of his assumption of the post of Governor as provided for and by operation of law” when a permanent vacancy arose due to the untimely death of former winning Gov. Mayaen in the 2016 elections.

The petitioner claimed Lacwasan in his COC constituted false material representation because  he (Lacwasan)  is ineligible on account of the three term limit rule.

The Comelec en banc ruled the motion for reconsideration had no valid ground and that the assailed resolution was neither without sufficient basis found in the records nor of the law.

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Vehicle carnapped in Sagada on Christmas

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- A white vehicle with model H-100 2016 was carnapped early morning Christmas Day in this tourist town.
    Jessica Dapliyan, owner of said vehicle said CCTV footage showed a man in cap and face mask opened the back window of the vehicle and drove away with the car at 4:23 a.m. on Dec. 25. 
    The key of the car was inserted in the ignition of the steering wheel when it was carnapped, she said.
    Dapliyan told this writer one of her guests told her the carnapped vehicle was seen around 10 a.m. same day at Atok, Benguet, around 120 km from here.
    Sagada police were alerted to the incident around 7:30 a.m. Christmas day when they found out their family vehicle with plate number BAA1628 was missing.
    Dapliyan appealed to police, Highway Patrol Group, National Bureau of Investigation and public to help locate their family car. 
    Police are investigating to locate the vehicle and carnapper.

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P173-M disaster projects for funding: Sagada mayor

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA Mountain Province -- Post -typhoon Egay disaster preparedness projects in 14 barangays of this town estimated at P172 million are up for funding from the national Office of Civil Defense.
    Sagada mayor Felicito Dula bared this during meeting of municipal disaster risk reduction council attended by barangay officials, local government staff and representatives from non-government organizations.
    Dula said the municipality is also lobbying for other funding from the Departments of Local Government and Agriculture.   
Rehabilitation of drainage systems, pathways, farm to market roads, irrigation canals, roads and retaining walls were projects identified in the P173 million project cost.
    Sagada resettlement project topped estimated cost of P50 million followed by rehabilitation of Ato-Engan- farm to market road at P30 million.
    Ato-Engan FMR collapsed during Egay typhoon last July preventing vehicles from passing the road.  
    This also caused affected resident Janice Borja to petition FMR implementors Dept. of Agriculture and the Municipal LGU to repair the damaged road. 
    Rehabilitation of Ambasing- Balugan road costing P25 million was also forwarded for its favorable approval by the OCD.
    Said road is prone to landslides during typhoons where disastrous Egay caused massive soil and waters that poured from the mountains of Ampacao down the Ambasing- Balugan road and prevented vehicular access to reach the barangay.
    A P5 million rehabilitation fund was estimated for Atey- Demang road access that also collapsed during typhoon Egay.
    Also, P5 million was identified for the damaged Tetep-an road during typhoon Egay.
    Also included was the P2.5 million Paytokan-Tangeb road and P5 million rehabilitation of slope retaining wall of Sagada Central School here at Patay barangay.
    A total of P10 million Ankileng-Pakil FMR rehabilitation and improvement of a P4.5 million Datil-Nangongan FMR at Patay barangay was also forwarded and a P5 million rehabilitation for Pey-asan - Balugan drainage system.
    The Guesang drainage system at Bangaan barangay costs P5 million, Dula said.
Other rehabilitation projects were set for barangays of Nacagang, Suyo, Pide, Ambasing, Madongo, Fidelisan, Aguid and Antadao.   
    Municipal DRRRMC officer Eddie Dapliyan urged barangay officials to report disaster incidents at the LDRRMC office for proper recording and assistance.

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Bontoc affirms support to Cordillera autonomy

By Christy Mae C. Pangesfan

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Affirming this capital town’s commitment to Cordillera autonomy, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., voiced support during the Cordillera Regional Autonomy Summit and Youth Fora, hosted by the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College Dec. 7.

    Themed "Garnering people's support for regional autonomy towards an inclusive and sustainable regional development," the event aimed to boost thrust for Cordillera regional autonomy by seeking support from stakeholders, with focus on engaging students and youth from state universities, colleges and higher education institutions.
    In his message, Tudlong expressed his support and commitment to Cordillera autonomy saying this will allow the region to have a stronger voice in decision-making processes that affect the region’s natural resources thus giving Cordillerans power to protect and preserve the environment.
    “For many years, we the people of the Cordillera have been advocating for autonomy, the right to govern ourselves and shape our destiny,” he said. said. “I give my resounding support to fellow Cordillera Regional Autonomy advocates that this quest is not about separation or division. It is about recognizing the unique identity, culture, and aspirations of the Cordillera people within the framework of the Philippine Constitution. It is about empowering us Cordillerans to make decisions that directly impact our lives and resources.”
    The mayor urged the youth to pursue their passion, talents and interests to contribute to attaining Cordillera autonomy.
    “To the youth in Mountain Province, your support for Cordillera autonomy is a testament to your passion and desire for cultural preservation, economic development, and political empowerment. As young people, you have the power to challenge the status quo, advocate for change, and leave a lasting impact on our society. Use the platform available such as social media, of which I know you are all well-versed of using,” he said.
    The event was attended by Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr’s political affairs officer Erlindo Agwilang, Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., represented by provincial legal officer Thomas Kiwang, Regional Development Council Cordillera chairperson, Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut, MPSPC president Dr. Edgar Cue, Bauko mayor Randolf Awisan, media partners and MPSPC personnel and students.
 

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Bontoc honors three retirees with cash, awards

BONTOC, Mountain Province - The Bontoc local government honored three retirees in government service, during Salamat-Mabuhay Program here Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Municipal Capitol,
Erlinda Pangod retired as administrative assistant I from the Office of the Municipal Treasurer.
    She rendered 30 years, one month and 19 days in government service.
    Paula May-ao served as administrative aide IV of the Office of the Municipal Waterworks Supervisor for 31 years.
    Revenue Collection Clerk I Franklin Faycan of the Office of the Municipal Treasurer rendered 26 years and 11 months in government service.
    In their messages, the retirees shared their experiences in government service, reminiscing about their experiences as civil servants.
    These included their passion and willingness to serve the people.
    The retirees also expressed their gratitude to municipal employees they worked with and offices where they came from.
    Families of retirees thanked the Bontoc LGU for the love and friendship they gave to retirees.
    They wished them good health, looking forward to spending more years with them as they enjoy their retirement.
    As gratitude for their service, the Bontoc LGU awarded plaques of Lifetime Service Award to the retirees.
    Retirees also received cash incentives from the Bontoc Municipal Employees Union handed over by BMEU president Ross Kiat-ong and BMEU treasurer Knittle Jane Lingbanan.
    Pangod received P52,794; May-ao, P52, 819.00 while Faycan received P52, 805.
    The retirees were also presented tokens of appreciation from the personnel of the Municipal Treasury Office and Waterworks Office, expressing their profound gratitude for their invaluable service and dedication.
    In his message, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., represented by Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen wished the retirees good health as they enjoy their retirement journey.
    He encouraged them to continue the good deeds they rendered while in government service. -- By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay and Aprilyn Pangesban

    Under resolution 698, series of 2023, local legislators cited need to fix slippery walkways and install slip-resistant materials to improve safety features.

 

 

 

 

 

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Bontoc LGU provides sports equipment to private schools

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province - Three private schools in this capital town received sports equipment from the Bontoc local government through the Local Youth Development Office Dec. 5.
    The Saint Vincent’s School, Incorporated -High School Department was recipient of two pieces of a soccer ball and one set of goal nets.
    All Saints Mission School and Xijen College received same sports equipment -- a volleyball, basketball and one volleyball net each.
    The items were turned over by Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., and Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., to recipients.
    Tudlong urged recipients, especially the students, to make use of the sports equipment to hone their skills in sports.
    He told recipients to take good care of the sports equipment provided to them so more students would benefit from using it.
    Under the Local Government Code, LGUs provide supplementary funding support to public basic education because they have access to sustainable source of financial resources earmarked for basic education subsector, the Special Education Fund.
    Private schools are not covered in this making the Bontoc LGU to also look on needs of private schools in the municipality.
 

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Raffle draw set to ‘save Chico River’

By Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain province – A raffle draw was set here to “save the Chico River.”
    Radyo Natin and Lang-ay Organization, in partnership with the Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Information Office and the MP     Environment and Natural Resources Office are sponsoring “Save the Chico River raffle draw,” that involves collection of plastic bottles in the province and region to be raffled and drawn on Dec. 16.
    Tarpaulins and flyers announcing the activity announced the raffle draw was free to all to participants.
    They should write on a piece of paper their complete names and addresses, contact numbers, and signatures, place the pieces of papers in clean and dry plastic bottles and bring entries at the Provincial Plaza before 1 p.m.  of Dec. 16.
    The draw will be done at 1 p.m. that date.
    John Tay-og Pelew, Radyo Natin station manager and one of main organizers of the raffle draw, said participants may bring the plastic bottles starting in the morning of Dec. 16 until 1 pm.
    On many occasions he said that the more entries you have, the more chances to win the different prizes of 1 brand new motor cycle, TV sets, 1 brand new mountain bicycle, android and keypad cellphones, 10 consolation cash prizes of P100 each, and many more.
    He said that people from the other provinces of the Cordillera may participate in the activity or they can extend their support by contacting their relatives and friends to participate.
    “We participate in the proper disposal of waste through the reduce, reuse, and recycle principle”. He commented in one of his radio programs subscribing to the environment advocacy.
    Clarifications or more information may be obtained from the Lang-ay Organization at the Pearl Café, Radyo Natin, the Provincial Tourism Office, the Provincial Information Office, and the Mountain Province Environment and Natural Resources Office.
    On why it is billed “Save the Chico River, Pelew said ecological advocacy redounds to preserving the Chico River where all waste from the various communities of the province cascades.
    Paulino Tumapang, Jr., chairperson of Lang-ay Organization, wrote Mountain Province Schools Division Superintendent Benilda     Daytaca to coordinate participation of the school children.
    Last year, the Central School of Besao brought trucks of plastic bottles submitted by pupils and they won prizes.
    “The movement is promoting environmental protection and preservation of the Chico River through awareness, clean-up activities and advocacies among government and private agencies in the communities, municipal, provincial, regional, and national levels.”

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