Bontoc fire victims receive another batch of financial donations

By Alpine L. Killa- Malwagay and Kayna Casey Shalou Ubongen

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc local government disbursed another batch of financial donations worth P581,961.10 for victims of fire that burned several houses and buildings here in Barangay Poblacion on April 11.
    Municipal Social Welfare and Development officer Araceli Shane Bayanos said eight fire victims with partially damaged structures received P8,000 each while the 27 owners of totally damaged structures received P20,000 each.
    Aside from the P581, 961.10 that was divided and distributed to 35 owners of partially and totally damaged structures, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., turned over the donation of International Igorot Organization (IGO) through Lyn Madalang amounting to P29,000.
    The mayor added P3, 400 from his pocket, thus, totaling P32, 400.
    The said amount was equally divided among the 27 owners of totally damaged structures with each receiving additional P1, 200.
Mayor Tudlong urged recipients to look past the devastation and set life anew.
    “God did not give us a burden that we cannot carry. The tragic incident is not a test of our faith in God. It strengthens our faith in Him. We are with you, as you get back on your feet and recover from the effects of the tragic fire incident,” the mayor added.
    We are thankful for all the in-kind and monetary donations which came from the help and love of our fellow community members, neighbors, people from abroad and from various people who want to help,” Tudlong added.
    Since the start of donation drive for fire victims, the mayor assured that every single centavo of the donations received by the Bontoc LGU will go to those affected.
    The disbursement of financial donations on Nov. 14 at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol lobby was facilitated by the MSWDO and the Office of the Municipal Treasurer.
    Also in attendance was Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr. 
 
 
 

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731 Bontoc trike operators to get fuel subsidy

By Christy Me F. Che-es –Pangesfan

BONTOC, Mountain Province - A total of 731 registered tricycle operators in the municipality are set to receive ₱1,000 as fuel subsidy from the national government to alleviate effects of  increase in fuel prices.
    The Philippine Government had been implementing the Fuel Subsidy Program, known as "Pantawid Pasada Program, which provides financial assistance/fuel vouchers to qualified owners or drivers of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), taxi, tricycle, ride-haling and delivery service drivers, nationwide, as validated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
    Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr. said the “program is a testament to the government's commitment to supporting our hardworking public utility vehicle drivers who play a crucial role in our local transportation system. By providing financial assistance, we ensure that our tricycle drivers/operators can continue their essential services and livelihood.”
    This as the mayor urged support of tricycle drivers/operators in maintaining a healthy and clean municipality through the observance of Municipal Ordinance No. 125, s. 2008, that prohibits spitting of momma or momma juice/ concoction /material in any place other than in his private and personal spitting receptacle which must be carried in his person and in a manner that poses no inconvenience or disapproval from other people and disposing of any momma material or spit.
    The said amount will be credited to their GCASH account or may be received through Landbank over-the-counter transactions.
 

 

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Ilocos Sur palay farmers get more cash incentives

IN-FIELD PROCUREMENT. An employee of the National Food Authority (NFA) checks on the quality of rice sold to the agency in this undated photo. To increase farmers' income, some local government units in northern Luzon inked an agreement with NFA for the provision of additional cash incentives when farmer sell their produce to the government food agency. (Photo courtesy of the NFA)

By Leilanie Adriano 

LAOAG CITY – Rice farmers from Candon City, Ilocos Sur will receive an additional P2 a kilo when they sell to the National Food Authority.
    NFA-Ilocos Region branch manager engineer Jonathan Corpuz said the cash incentive is on top of the P1 that the provincial government will add to the P23 per kilo buying price of NFA.
    “This is a big help to our rice farmers as the NFA has partnered with local government units for the provision of additional cash incentives under the palay procurement program,” he said.
    Under the agreement, registered farmers and organizations will automatically receive the payment for NFA’s buying price and the P1 a kilo incentive from the provincial government.
    However, the additional cash incentive from the Candon City government will be released by the end of this cropping season, thus the farmers are advised to keep their proof of transaction with NFA.
    Aside from Candon City, the local government of Santa also announced a P3 additional cash incentive to its farmers who will sell their palay to the government food agency.
    NFA earlier announced its aggressive in-field and in-warehouse procurement in various parts of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Abra this harvest season.
    “We are happy that the government has listened to our plea to increase the buying price of palay this harvest season. The price adjustment gives us a better choice of where to sell our produce,” said Rogelio Bagoyo, a rice farmer from Ilocos Sur.
    For this harvest season, NFA started buying palay in the first week of October.
    It aims to purchase over 65,000 sacks of palay as buffer stock for next year. -- PNA
 
 
 

 
 
 

 

 

 

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Pangasinense OFW slain in Saudi; kin get gov’t assistance

GRIEVING. The family of Marjorette Garcia during the “hero's welcome” held at their residence in San Jacinto, Pangasinan on Saturday (Oct. 14, 2023). The family received financial assistance from the national and local governments. (PNA photo by Hilda Austria)

By Hilda Austria 

SAN JACINTO, Pangasinan – The family of Marjorette Garcia, the Filipino worker killed by her co-employee in Saudi Arabia, received benefits and cash grants from national government agencies and provincial government recently.
    Dept. of Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Arnell Ignacio visited the overseas Filipino worker’s wake at her residence in Barangay Awai here to hand livelihood assistance to the family and scholarship grants for the children.
    The provincial government gave P50,000.
    OWWA-Ilocos Director Gerardo Rimorin said in a press conference that the family will also receive P200,000 death benefit and P20,000 burial benefit.
    Ignacio said the agency will be in constant coordination with the family to further assist in any of their needs that the agency could still provide.
    Garcia’s remains arrived Friday morning.
    A Kenyan co-worker, reportedly jealous over their employers’ preferential treatment on the 32-year-old Garcia, stabbed her on Sept. 16, according to the initial report of the Saudi police.
    The suspect was arrested.
    "There is enough basis to file charges against the suspect. The case is now awaiting first hearing. A lawyer was hired to handle the case of Marjorette who vowed to do everything to bring justice for her death," Cacdac said.
    Garcia’s mother said it was her daughter's first time to work abroad. She had just extended her contract, which was to end by October after three years, when the stabbing happened.
    "Marjorette's case is a sad reminder of the risks OFWs take when they work abroad in hope of giving a bright future for their family here, especially their children," Ignacio said. -- PNA 
 

 

 

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34 fire-affected Bontoc bizmen each given P30k

FIRE VICTIMS - Thirty-four business owners of Bontoc, Mountain Province whose business establishments were razed by fire at Poblacion April 11recieve livelihood starter kits worth P30, 000 each from Dept. of Labor and Employment. Here recipients pose for a photo with DOLE, provincial and municipal officials. -- Jovi T. Lopez 

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwgay

BONTOC, Mountain Province - Thirty-four business owners in this capital town whose source of living was gravely affected by the April 11 fire that razed their establishments in Poblacion, received livelihood starter kits worth P30,000 each last week.
    The goods, materials, and equipment received by the beneficiaries were funded by the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 
    Prior to the provision of livelihood assistance, the Bontoc local government through Bontoc Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., submitted 34 livelihood project proposals and endorsements to the DOLE.
    The Municipal Public Employment Service Office through Labor and employment officer Jenelyn Caluza provided technical assistance in preparation of project proposals and documents.
    Tudlong extended gratitude to the DOLE for its assistance to the municipality.
    He added with meager budget or limited resources of the municipal government, it has to collaborate with national government and partner stakeholders to be able to extend assistance to beneficiaries.
    The mayor added the livelihood kits composed of equipment, materials, and goods, will be of great help to fire victims in starting income-generating undertakings. 
    DOLE regional director Nathaniel Lacambra expressed support of the department to fire victims urging recipients to use livelihood kits to generate income. 
    Present during the turnover were Lacambra, Political Affairs Officer Dionisio Wacdisen representing Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., DOLE Mountain Province head Venus Guinjicna, Tudlong, Sangguniang Bayan members Jupiter Jule Kalangeg, Julian Chumacog and Benedict Odsey II, Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., Caluza, and DOLE personnel.
 
 
 
 

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34 fire-affected Bontoc bizmen each given P30k

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwgay

BONTOC, Mountain Province - Thirty-four business owners in this capital town whose source of living was gravely affected by the April 11 fire that razed their establishments in Poblacion, received livelihood starter kits worth P30,000 each last week.
    The goods, materials, and equipment received by the beneficiaries were funded by the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 
Prior to the provision of livelihood assistance, the Bontoc local government through Bontoc Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., submitted 34 livelihood project proposals and endorsements to the DOLE.
    The Municipal Public Employment Service Office through Labor and employment officer Jenelyn Caluza provided technical assistance in preparation of project proposals and documents.
    Tudlong extended gratitude to the DOLE for its assistance to the municipality.
    He added with meager budget or limited resources of the municipal government, it has to collaborate with national government and partner stakeholders to be able to extend assistance to beneficiaries.
    The mayor added the livelihood kits composed of equipment, materials, and goods, will be of great help to fire victims in starting income-generating undertakings. 
    DOLE regional director Nathaniel Lacambra expressed support of the department to fire victims urging recipients to use livelihood kits to generate income. 
    Present during the turnover were Lacambra, Political Affairs Officer Dionisio Wacdisen representing Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., DOLE Mountain Province head Venus Guinjicna, Tudlong, Sangguniang Bayan members Jupiter Jule Kalangeg, Julian Chumacog and Benedict Odsey II, Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., Caluza, and DOLE personnel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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309 Ilocos Norte residents get housing aid from NHA

HOUSING AID. A resident of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte receives housing assistance from the National Housing Authority on Sept. 11, 2023. The NHA continued the distribution of housing aid to 309 recipients on Monday (Sept. 25). (Photo courtesy of NHA)

By Leilanie Adriano 

LAOAG CITY – The National Housing Authority (NHA) on Monday distributed over PHP3 million in financial assistance to victims of Super Typhoon Egay in Ilocos Norte.
    Jefferson Ganado, regional manager of the NHA, said some 309 recipients each received either PHP20,000 (for totally damaged houses) or P10,000 (partially damaged houses) at the San Nicolas Mini Cultural Center in San Nicolas town.
    The distribution activity is part of the Special Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) intended for the families most affected by Egay in July.
    The NHA said the release of the funding was delayed as they had to conduct on-site field validation of the damaged houses and request the beneficiaries, through their local government units, for submit photos of actual damage to their properties.
Egay brought widespread devastation during its three-day onslaught in Northern Luzon on July 26 to 28, bringing billions of pesos worth of damage to agriculture, infrastructure and housing.
    During the ceremonial distribution, Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said that aside from the housing assistance given by the NHA, all Ilocos Norte residents with damaged houses will also receive construction materials courtesy of the provincial government. 

The Ilocos Norte government has so far distributed almost 3,700 galvanized iron (GI) sheets.

During the Sept. 11 Marcos Day celebration, some 877 families with totally and partially damaged houses likewise received emergency housing assistance. -- PNA

 

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Bontoc folks walk to raise funds for dialysis patients

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province –Two hundred individuals signed up and gave their monetary donations in support to “Walk for a Cause” initiated by the local government here as part of the 115th Foundation Day and 19th Am-among Festival of the municipality this September. 
    The activity aimed to help dialysis patients from Bontoc undergoing dialysis at Bontoc General Hospital generate funds for their weekly treatment.
    It was also a way of showcasing the “bayanihan (og-ogfo)” spirit wherein welfare of those in need is prioritized. 
    Human Resource Management officer Arleen Eickmee Gasmea said of 200 generous donors who registered, 93 joined the Walk for a Cause.
    It started at Bontoc Municipal Capitol grounds going to Am-ancho, Barangay Bontoc Ili where the solid waste management facility of the municipality is located. 
    She added with 200 individuals who registered, a total of P43, 000 was generated from the cause.
Gasmena said the collected amount has not been turned over to the intended recipients as the monetary donation is still open for those who would like to donate.
    Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who joined the activity, extended gratitude to everyone for their support of the activity. 
    He cited positive response from national government agencies, provincial offices, municipal offices and community to the endeavor.       
    “The amount may be small but we hope it will lessen the financial burden and help recipients in their treatment,” the mayor said.
 

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𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬 receive 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan

BONTOC, Mountain Province - Six beneficiaries of the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) received financial assistance Sept. 5, 2023 at the office of the municipal mayor.
    The program aimed to provide immediate relief to returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are either distressed or displaced by giving them startup capital for business or livelihood projects.

    The chosen livelihood projects of beneficiaries were gardening, water refilling, and I-Fern businesses. 
    BPBH active beneficiaries, Lynette P. Langpawen, Nida A. Pang-abong, Teresita L. Filog and Mark Daryl A. Facsoy personally received their cheques amounting to ₱20,000 each.
Polly Ann L. Orowan and Kurt Collins K. Fagsao received P10,000 and P5,000, respectively. 
    Labor Employment Officer III Jenelyn Caluza who is also the migrant desk officer of Bontoc LGU, said active members will receive P20, 000 each while inactive members with two or more contributions will receive ₱10,000.
    Meanwhile, inactive members with one contribution will receive ₱5,000. 
    Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who led turnover of cheques expressed his gratitude to OWWA for the support they were OFWs.
    “This is a huge benefit for OFWs who have returned to the country to start again,” he said.
    The mayor was accompanied in the monetary aid distribution by Mountain Province Family Welfare officer Jesrael Martin and Caluza.

 

 

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Imee distributes educational aid to Ilocos studes

AID TO STUDENTS. Some of the 1,297 students from Ilocos Norte receive educational assistance at the Mini Cultural Center in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte Thursday, Aug. 17. Funded by the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development through the initiative of Senator Imee Marcos, each recipient received up to a maximum of P10,000. -- Leilanie G. Adriano/PNA

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – Sen. Imee Marcos led distribution of financial assistance to some 1,297 students in Ilocos Norte whose families were hard hit by recent Typhoon Egay.
    During the ceremonial distribution held at the Mini Cultural Center in San Nicolas town Thursday, Marcos said she was overwhelmed by the more than 11,000 student-applicants who applied for educational assistance.
    For Ilocanos, the senator acknowledged education of children was a priority to them.
Due to limited budget, she said that each qualified beneficiary in Ilocos Norte will receive a maximum amount of P10,000 contrary to an earlier report of P15,000 each.
    “Nagkalituhan sa amount kaya (there was confusion to the amount so) we will be giving a maximum of P10,000 each in Ilocos Norte. The P15,000 amount is for CHED (Commission on Higher Education). Actually, other provinces such as in Ilocos Sur and Cagayan will receive a lesser amount of P5,000 each due to a huge number of applicants,” she said.
    She added other applicants who were not granted educational assistance through the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be given other government support programs from other sources next time.
In Ilocos Sur, some 1,228 college students also received P5,000 each on Thursday at the Bantay Gymnasium in Ilocos Sur.

They are children of farmers and fisherfolk from the first district of Ilocos Sur and the municipality of Santa who were hardest hit by the recent typhoon.

The 802 other identified recipients from the second district of Ilocos Sur will also receive their payout in the next batch of distribution which will be announced after assessment and validation of reported damage.

The assistance was provided under a program that aims to give educational, medical, funeral, and food provisions, among others, to poor Filipinos.

The same payout of educational assistance will be rolled out in Cagayan and Apayao on Friday. -- PNA

 

 

 

 

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Students receive financial assistance from Bontoc LGU

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Seventy students who are beneficiaries of the Municipal Student Financial Assistance Program (MSFAP) of the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) received their P5,000 financial assistance for the first First Semester of School Year 2022-2023 on  May 30, 2023, at the Municipal Capitol Lobby.
    In his message, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., encouraged the students to strive for excellence in academics and maintain good grades to continuously avail of the program until they graduate. 
    He added that education is one tool in pursuing their dreams. 
     “Your solid preparation and unwavering confidence will surely result in top grades”, he added.
    The MSFAP which was institutionalized in 2013 aims to promote and support the youth’s development through education.
    The MSFAP scholars are required to maintain a General Weighted Average, not below 80%, and should not drop or fail any subject enrolled in.
    Likewise, Tudlong assured the continuous support and assistance of the Bontoc LGU to the youth and education sector. -- Kayna Casey Shalou Ubongen & Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

 

 

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P7.8 M donation given to Bontoc fire victims

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc local government initially disbursed P7,812,000 from collected cash donations to fire victims May 10 at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
    During the distribution of cash donations, municipal officials said they targeted to disburse P8.3 million for the first release.
    However, a number of the victims have yet to comply with documentary requirements.
    It was explained recipients will receive varying amounts because of the different assessed value of damages, based on guidelines approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Bontoc.
    Per the record from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, beneficiaries covered under the first release included 27 owners of totally damaged houses/buildings, 13 owners of partially damaged buildings, 29 owners of affected businesses, 12 owners of vehicles engulfed by the fire, 14 family tenants, 15 individual tenants, and 48 stay-in workers.
    Owners of totally damaged structures received P180, 000 while the owners of partially damaged buildings received varying amounts based on assessed value of damages.
    Business owners received P50,000 each; P30,000 for the four-wheel and three-wheel type vehicles and P15,000 each for motorcycles.
    For tenants, P30, 000 was given per family and P8, 000 for individual tenants.
    Stay-in workers received P5, 000 each.
    Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong expressed gratitude to donors and those who helped victims saying the spirit of Og-ogfo or Binnadang helped fire victims get back on their feet.
    He assured transparency in all the donations that Bontoc LGU continues to receive for the fire victims.
    As of May 11, 2023, a total of P11.11 million has been collected in donations including the first disbursed amount.
    Meanwhile, the Bontoc LGU is still accepting cash donations which will soon be distributed to the fire victims along with the remaining funds. 

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Bontoc farmers get P1.1 million OPAPRU funds

By Flora Mae Apos, Christy Mae F. Che-es and Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – An organization here in Barangay Tocucan was recipient of ₱1.1 million worth of agricultural assistance from the national government.
    The Chinakhop Farmers and Irrigators Organization recently received the assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) through the Dept. of Agriculture Cordillera Administrative Region on May 5 at Amogkhao, Tocucan.
    The assistance is under the OPAPP and DA’s Project, Sustainable and Inclusive Peace and Transformation Program (SIPAT) which aims to invest in human capital through livelihood opportunities and community-based projects in conflict-affected or vulnerable communities.
    The said organization headed by Fairlaine Amongan, received agriculture-based products such as chicken, layer feeds, grower feeds, breeder feeds, lactating feeds, and nets.
    Present during the turnover were Dept. of Agriculture regional executive director Cameron Odsey, Dionisio Wacdisen who represented Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., Junw Pinayakan who represented Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) representative Thomas Killip, Mountain Province Agriculture Program coordinating officer (APCO) Beverly Pekas, Tocucan punong barangay Wilbert Padngaran and administrative officer IV Ross Kiat-ong of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist who is also the Sustainable and Inclusive Peace and Transformation (SIPAT) point person of the Bontoc local government.    
    Municipal Administrator Arthur Leonard Odsey represented Bontoc Mayor Jerome ‘Chagsen’ Tudlong Jr.
In his message, he reminded the farmers to take the opportunity to learn more about the basic needs in caring for chickens as this does not only provide basic needs but also an opportunity to further flourish and turn it into a livelihood.
 
 
 
 

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Mt Province farmers get P105.6-M rice fund help

PARACELIS, Mountain Province -- The Dept. of Agriculture in Cordillera awarded P105,624,411.94 worth of rice interventions for farmers here during provincial National Rice Awareness Month Information Caravan and Consultation held at Sinigpit.
    As tribute to rice farmers, various completed projects and support were awarded to boost agricultural production and increase their income.
    These included P84,727,800.00 from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers Financial Assistance Program to be distributed to 16,452 RSBSA-registered rice farmers tilling two hectares and below, and P12.5 million worth of seeds, fertilizers, and soil ameliorant to be distributed to the individual qualified rice farmers.
    The completed five irrigation systems and one warehouse worth around P8.387 million were also awarded to the different association beneficiaries in the province. The Lettok Farmers Association Banawel, Natonin; Chinakhop Farmers and Irrigators Association Tocucan, Bontoc; and BLGU-Poblacion, Sabangan were awarded the rehabilitation of irrigation canals.
    The Torod Palitud Integrated Farmers Association of Palitod, Paracelis and Tongfu Farmers Association of Tonglayan, Natonin were awarded the construction and rehabilitation of diversion dams, respectively. Lastly, Butigue Kapamilya Farmers Association Inc. of Butigue, Paracelis was awarded a warehouse.

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P1 million given to Benguet farmers hit by ASF, quake

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A total of 39 livestock farmers from different towns in the province received cash aid from the provincial government.
    Gov. Melchor Diclas gave the cash at the provincial capitol here recently to
beneficiaries affected by  African swine fever (ASF).
    The farmers’ pigs died while the three others lost equipment and other facilities during the July 27 earthquake.
    Diclas told media the P960,550 fund was meant assistance to help provincial constituents recover from losses.
    The Provincial Veterinary Office said recipients submitted reports to their municipal local government units which the PVO assessed and validated.
    During cash distribution, recipients were told to practice bio-security measures to prevent transmission of the ASF virus to livestock.
    These included ensuring hygiene of pig dens and avoiding feeding scraps containing meat to pigs.
    They were told to be cognizant to symptoms of the disease and report cases immediately to LGUs.

The PVO led by Dr. Miriam Tiongan, was cited by Diclas for fast processing of  beneficiaries' documents.

Diclas also cited LGUs for their programs against ASF.

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PAF helicopters bring aid to typhoon-stricken Ilocos Norte, Cagayan

By John Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—Relief goods and other essential supplies were airlifted by helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to disaster-stricken areas in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan provinces.

    In a statement, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said two PAF UH-1H helicopters delivered a total of 4,604 lbs of relief goods consisting of food packs, medicine, and fuel to the municipality of Adams in Ilocos Norte recently.

    Adams, which was one of the hardest hit areas during the onslaught of typhoon “Neneng” (international name: Nesat), was “isolated” from the rest of the province after road infrastructure was devastated by the typhoon, authorities said.

    A W-3A “Sokol” combat utility helicopter was also deployed to Calayan town, Cagayan town to bring relief goods to residents who were still reeling from the effect of weather disturbance, said Castillo.

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Olowan ok’s assistance to city farmers

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- Acting city mayor Faustino Olowan signed City Council Resolution 457-22 requesting the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office to plan and implement a marketing assistance program that will increase the marketing and entrepreneurial capacities of urban farmers and fisherfolk in this Summer Capital.
    This is through the provision of transportation services to allow them to bring their goods from farm to market and haul inputs from suppliers to their farms. "The farmers aired their concerns and appealed for interventions that will ease their production and postharvest activities such as the provision of vehicles or transportation services from their farms to the market. The mayor committed to looking for possible funding agencies for the procurement of vehicles to be utilized by performing farmer cooperatives and associations," the statement read. Relative to the concern, the resolution stated the CVAO is currently procuring two units of freezer vans funded by the Department of Agriculture under the Kadiwa Cold Chain Project to modernize the food distribution system in traditional markets to ensure the availability of affordable and safe agricultural commodities to the consuming public.

 

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DSWD: P8 million set for those affected by ‘Neneng’

By John Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — At least P8 million worth of funds are ready to be allocated to victims of Severe Tropical Storm Neneng (international name: Nesat) in the Ilocos region, the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development said in a statement Oct. 16.
    The financial aid would be lifted from the agency’s quick response fund, the DSWD said.
    The agency added that it has 31,702 family food packs amounting to over P20 million prepositioned at its regional office and satellite warehouses across the region to be distributed to those who had to flee their homes due to floods.
    At least 12,654 non-food items worth P33 million were also prepared to be distributed, the DSWD said.
    Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Neneng hit several areas of northern Luzon.

 

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Abra earthquake victims get P1-M aid from Baguio

BAGUIO CITY officials gave financial P1 million assistance from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management quick response fund of the local government to Abra towns badly battered by the magnitude 7 earthquake on July 27.
    Ordinance 58, Series of 2022 granted financial assistance to Abra chargeable under the CDRRM quick response fund and approved for immediate release.
    On July 27, a magnitude 7 earthquake shook the northwestern part of Luzon.

    The quake's epicenter was recorded in the northwestern portion of Abra, with residents experiencing intensity 7 tremblors classified as destructive based on the criteria of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology intensity scale.
    After the major earthquake, the Abra provincial government reported that a number of roads were heavily damaged, with landslides and collapsed structures.
    The financial assistance will be given to the municipalities in Abra that were declared under a state of calamity.
 
 
 
 

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2 typhoon-hit Mt Province towns get aid from gun tilt

BAGUIO CITY--Two typhoon-affected barangays in the Mountain Province got an initial P70,000 cash aid from proceeds of the shootfest headed by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

 PCOO Assistant Secretary Marie Rafael said last week Barangays Balangao in Natonin town and Lias in Barlig town received P70,000 each from the proceeds of the 1st Asec. Marie Rafael Cup Shoot for a Cause on Jan. 5 and 6 at the Police Regional Office-Cordillera shooting range.

 She said the turnover was done with Rohel Bilibli of the Metro Baguio Practical Shooting Association and Wilbur Fernando of Shilan Shooters Inc. and other club officers.

 The cash aid was received by Balangao Barangay Captain Conrado Limangan and Lias Association President Cirilo Batan and elder William Forosan in a simple turn-over event in Alapang, La Trinidad, Benguet.

 Limangan, Batan and Forosan thanked the organizers and the donors for the money which will be used to repair the irrigation systems that were destroyed at the height of Typhoon Rosita on Oct. 30, 2018.

Paracelis, Natonin and Barlig were devastated by “Rosita”, leaving scores of people dead and damages on infrastructure.

“To help our 'kailians' (townmates), the fund-raising event was proposed and organized by the shooting enthusiasts from Mountain Province to raise funds for our brothers and sisters,” Rafael said.

Meanwhile, Rafael said more communities will receive financial support through the event to help ensure that the lives and the livelihood of those affected will continue.

"This is also a way to call for support and encourage more donors and kind-hearted individuals and groups to pour in [donations] for the recovery of the typhoon-affected areas in Mountain Province," she said.

As early as the second day after “Rosita” left the Philippine area of responsibility, Rafael, along with officers of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Philippine News Agency, traveled for 11 hours to reach neighboring town Paracelis and walked for at least five hours traversing unstable grounds to reach the area where the major landslide in Natonin that killed several Public works and highway employees happened.

"We will continue with the fundraising to help our townmates. The fun shoot is just the initial activity but we intend to continue getting aid for our people,” Rafael said. -- PNA

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