Pangasinan police shootfest raises funds for ill colleagues

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office held a two-day shoot fest recently to raise funds for 21 ill officers

    In an interview, provincial police office director Col. Jeff Fanged said parts of the proceeds of the invitational fundraising activity will go to the medication and other needs of their members, some of whom are bedridden, undergoing dialysis or are cancer patients.
    Participants paid P600 (police) and P700 (for guests) as registration fees.
    “Kailangan din alagaan ang mga tumulong sa pagganap sa serbisyo. In our own little way, ito yong hinahandog para makatulong kahit papano sa kanila (We also need to take care of those who have rendered service. This is our little way to ease their plights),” Fanged said.
    PPPO recently raised P855,000 from a June shoot-for-a-cause event to help sick officers and for the construction of a day care center for the children of employees.
    He said presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos also chipped in P100,000. -- PNA
 

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Pangasinan police shootfest raises funds for ill colleagues

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office held a two-day shoot fest recently to raise funds for 21 ill officers
    In an interview, provincial police office director Col. Jeff Fanged said parts of the proceeds of the invitational fundraising activity will go to the medication and other needs of their members, some of whom are bedridden, undergoing dialysis or are cancer patients.
    Participants paid P600 (police) and P700 (for guests) as registration fees.
    “Kailangan din alagaan ang mga tumulong sa pagganap sa serbisyo. In our own little way, ito yong hinahandog para makatulong kahit papano sa kanila (We also need to take care of those who have rendered service. This is our little way to ease their plights),” Fanged said.
    PPPO recently raised P855,000 from a June shoot-for-a-cause event to help sick officers and for the construction of a day care center for the children of employees.
    He said presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos also chipped in P100,000. -- PNA
 
 

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Cancer patients drawing strength from each other

 REACHING OUT

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – Nothing could be more important to a cancer patient than knowing that there is someone who understands, is willing to listen, and can help find needed resources for their treatment. 
    Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, city health services office officer-in-charge, during the flag-raising ceremony at the Baguio City Hall grounds on Monday said: “Thankfully, more and more organizations are uniting in the campaign to raise awareness about the illness both globally and locally.”
     “We are fortunate to have one group called Minda’s Buddies where patients and survivors draw strength from each other and continue their normal lives. They assist the members in full recovery. Survivors of cancer would become advocates dedicated to early breast cancer detection,” she said. 
    Marivic Bugasto,  president of Minda’s Buddies, in a separate message, said it is not just the Minda’s Buddies that focuses on raising cancer awareness in Baguio now.
    She disclosed that a group of young people have also organized themselves and are “doing the rounds like doctors, giving each patient, all cancers patients whether women, men and children, encouragement.”
    She said a cancer diagnosis is very overwhelming. 
     “When you are told that you have breast cancer, the first thing that you will think is that you are dying. But ladies and gentlemen, we, and everyone else in the breast cancer awareness movement say that breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. It is a life sentence because after you get diagnosed, you are guided, navigated, and led to treatment and survival. You live the rest of yourself and your days like it is the last but the world is so beautiful so you aim to continue living,” she shared. 
    She said Minda’s Buddies is now part of the I Can Serve Foundation, which is the mother organization of cancer organizations in the Philippines and is a part of the Philippine Alliance of Cancer Organization that does networking. 
     “You know, when you are diagnosed with cancer it is not just cancer that you get sick of, your pockets also develop cancer.     So, as an organization, we try to navigate patients through financial aid to officials, the social welfare offices, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, ‘Malasakit Center’ and wherever it is you can find funds for treatment,” Bugasto, a stage 4 breast cancer survivor said.  
    Diagnosed with the illness in 2005 and going under the knife for three major surgeries on both breasts, she said that she also developed depression after having to see what had happened to her body. 
    She said her family had to help her accept and realize that she remains the same person God created – with eyes, a nose, and lips that can smile. 
    She said that after she was diagnosed, she had to shell out PHP140,000 every 21 days to receive the treatment. 
 “Now you can (get treatment) with PHP6,000 and above. But what is more important is you get treated, that is why we advocate that early detection is the best protection,” she stressed. 
    Bugasto said that as part of the cancer awareness month, they have organized a free breast screening clinic at Newtown Condo Hotel where the first 15 to 20 clients with suspicious lumps will get a free x-ray mammogram, breast ultrasound, biopsy, and all the needed tests in the process. 
     “Come and visit, you will not lose anything by coming. Remember, early detection is the best protection,” she added. -- 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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SM Foundation Operation Tulong aids Baguio families

By Jill Galario

BAGUIO SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) with SM Cares, SM Markets and SM City Baguio with support of City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), joined in helping victims of Super Typhoon Egay through its Operation Tulong Express mission last July 31.
    Heavy rains poured over the region by Super Typhoon Egay, widespread flooding and landslides has caused in some parts of North Luzon.
    As one of first responders during the flood-stricken communities through SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express gave immediate assistance to hundreds of affected families in Barangay Pacday Quinio-Asin Road, Barangay San Luis and Victoria Village.
    Baguio City Social Welfare and Development officers Ruth Bioyo and Floredeliza Dematera expressed their sincere gratitude to SM, highlighting the company's proactive approach in reaching out to the community during difficult times.
    SM’s Operation Tulong Express focused on disaster response and relief efforts, promptly mobilizing resources to assist affected communities during calamities.
    The distribution of Kalinga Packs headed by assistant Mall manager Lani Delovino and volunteer employees and agencies from SM City Baguio. SM consistently demonstrated commitment to incorporate social responsibility, engaging in numerous initiatives to support the community.

Established in 1983 by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, SM Foundation Inc. is the heart of the SM Group of Companies focused on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for the under-served communities where SM is present.

Anchored on its founding principle of “People Helping People”, the socio-civic arm of the SM Group of Companies, conducts charity projects under four areas of advocacy - education through scholarship programs and donations of school houses; health-oriented projects like medical missions, mobile clinics and hospital activity centers; religious community projects and mall-based outreach programs.

Committed to serve by supporting and empowering host communities through education, health care, shelter, disaster response, farmer’s training, environmental programs and care for person with disabilities. SMFI work hand in hand with communities to create opportunities and improve lives.

 

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Ilocos Norte X’mas caravan on to help poor

LAOAG CITY -- Provincial government officials of Ilocos Norte Wednesday visited the towns of Nueva Era, Banna, Marcos, and Dingras to hand out cash gifts and Noche Buena food packs to poor families and frontline workers.
    The distribution was part of the week-long program of the local government to give gift packages to families in the province who were not included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and do not get regular assistance from the national government.
    According to provincial social welfare and development officer Lilian Rin, her office prepared more than 1,000 Noche Buena packs for the pre-identified beneficiaries in the province. Meanwhile, cash gifts worth P1,500 each were also given to village frontline workers.
    Medicines, mugs, and various agricultural inputs were also given to selected residents while at least 25 Barangay Ranger Officers received their honorarium worth P9,000 each.
    In his short speech during the Christmas caravan, Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc said that 2022 is a challenging year for the province but expressed optimism that the incoming year 2023 will be "brighter and better for Ilocos Norte."
    As various department representatives were also present in the caravan, the governor enjoined residents to submit all their requests for assistance as he assured them that the provincial government will do its best to address these with the help of the national government.
    "Just request all you need and we will do our best to help. My office has an open-door policy for everyone," he said.
    For the Yuletide season, which coincides with the governor's birth month, the provincial government is keeping its gift-giving tradition for the less fortunate families to ensure they have food on the table during the holidays.
    "Thank you, Gov, for bringing joy to every Marcoseños. God bless you and the team," Cyn Ablog, a resident of Marcos town, said on Wednesday. -- PNA

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Mom reunites with kin in P’sinan after 15 years begging in Muntinlupa

By Jerick James Pasiliao  

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – A 54-year-old mother was reunited with her family in Barangay Poblacion in this town after begging in the streets of Muntinlupa City for 15 years.
    Dina Estrada went to Metro Manila sometime in 2006 to visit her partner from time to time who was imprisoned in the national penitentiary.
     In an interview on Wednesday, Estrada recalled that while in Metro Manila, she survived the daily challenges and longing for her family by working as a garbage collector and became a beggar after she lost her communication with them back then.
    “Nagpalaboy-laboy ako sa daan. Namalimos ako para makaraos sa araw-araw sa loob ng 15 years. Hindi naman ako makauwi kasi hindi na nakakakita yung mata ko sa kanan. (I wandered in the streets. I begged for money to survive daily for the past 15 years. I cannot go home because my right eye could no longer see),” she said. 
    Estrada said she asked help from her neighbors to look for her daughter, Mejica, on Facebook.
    “Na-surprise ako at the same time, may excitement dahil last week nung may nag-chat sa akin sa messenger tungkol sa nanay ko. Nag-video call kami at doon nakita ko talaga yung mama ko --siya nga yun dahil 15 years old na rin ako nung umalis siya. (I was surprised and at the same time excited because somebody sent me a message through messenger about my mother last week. We had a video call and I saw my mom. I know it was her because I was already 15 years old when she left us),” Mejica said.
    She said upon receiving the message, they immediately coordinated with Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil to look for her mother.
    Bataoil used to serve as chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) during his active service in the Philippine National Police.
    Mejica said Bataoil contacted police officers in Metro Manila to help find Dina.
She said the Muntinlupa police found Dina begging for help somewhere in Cavite on Sept. 17.
    Dina arrived in Lingayen on Sept. 18 and saw Mejica once again.
    During the interview, Dina and Mejica said they could not contain their tears of happiness after finally getting a chance again to hug each other on Sept. 20, a few days after observation and isolation in the Lingayen's quarantine facility.
    Even if they are already reunited, Mejica, however, feels bad for the pain her mom went through.
“    Sobra akong naaawa sa pinagdaanan ng mama ko. Nakikipag-coordinate din kami sa Muntinlupa police para sa legal action doon sa kumupkop sa kaniya dahil sapilitan siyang pinanlimos at kinukuha ang mga mga nalilimos niya. (I feel sorry for my mom for all she went through. We are also coordinating with the Muntinlupa police for legal action because those who adopted my mother forced her to beg on the streets and they got the money from her),” Mejica said.
She added they are now also seeking help for the treatment of her mother who has cataract.
    Bataoil also pledged assistance, she said.
    Individuals who want to help Dina and her family may send cash through GCash with account number 0948-720-1112. -- PNA

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6th Kataguan caravan raises P1.4-M for dialysis patients in Mt Province

BONTOC, Mountain Province — The 6th Kataguan Run, Bike and Caravan Drive for Life rolled off successfully recently raising P1.4 million for dialysis patients in the province.
    From the Eyeb grounds in this capital town, 204 individuals 40 participants using  bikes, 69  motorbikes and 94 in cars joined  the caravan taking the Poblacion- Balili, Bontoc-Suyo-Taccong, Sagada-Sabangan to Kalimbatawa, Otucan Sur in Bauko route.
    The caravan, a project of Maximo B. Dalog Foundation Inc. with Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization Inc. in partnership with Tawid Mountain Province, Bontoc Multi Sports Group, CMV Outdoor, Tawid Mountain Marathon, Amihan, 8a Performance, and Philippine Red Cross Mountain Province Chapter, raised P1, 400,000.
    The amount raised was immediately turned over to the KDPOI, the beneficiary.
    The beneficiary organization is composed of kidney patients from Mountain Province who are having their hemodialysis in dialysis centers in the country.
    The group has 133 members at present.
    Reo. Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. expressed gratitude to participants of the 6th season of the caravan for helping generate funds to assist beneficiaries in their lifetime treatment.
    Lawyer Cyphrine Maxcel Y. Dalog, MBDFI treasurer and chief of staff of Office of the Congressman, said the activity does not only promote value of “og-ogfo” or “bayanihan” but a display of love and support to dialysis patients amid the Covid pandemic.
     An initiative of the late Rep.  Maximo Dalog Sr., the Kataguan Drive for Life was fist staged in 2015 in partnership with Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization.
    It has become an annual activity even after his death.
    It was only shelved last year due to the COVID pandemic. – PIA Mountain Province

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A mother’s gift

BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred P. Dizon

(Alpine L. Killa information of the Bontoc municipal government writes this week’s piece)

BONTOC Mountain Province -- Nineteen-year-old Antonette Cabrad Lomong-oy, a 2nd-year nursing student of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC)-Bontoc Campus here was scheduled for a kidney transplant last Dec. 13, 2020, at the Cordillera Hospital of the Divine Grace in La Trinidad, Benguet.
    Alfa, Antonette's mom Alfa, was supposed to be the donor but due to unforeseen circumstances and financial constraints, the operation was rescheduled after the Christmas and New Year holidays.
    Antonette has been undergoing hemodialysis for almost three months, and it has not been easy.
    Per phone conversation with Antonette's mom, they were admitted to the hospital on Jan. 11.
    The kidney transplant procedure which costs P1.5 million was scheduled Jan. 17 but did not materialize because of financial constraints. 
    Antonette’s family was in dire need of P600, 000 for the kidney transplant procedure to push through.
    They knocked on kind hearts for donations. Antonette just celebrated her 19th birthday last Dec. 21.
    Those who wish to donate any amount to share as a gift to this young lady may deposit to Land Bank Savings Account, Antonette Lomong-oy, 1046245683.
    Also, you may hand over your donations to Jodesca Lumiwes Masilian. You may contact her at cell phone number 0926-907-2026 and Facebook account Jodesca Lumiwes Masilian.
    You may also send your donations to GCash account Jodesca Masilian 09269072026.
    For transparency, all donations will be posted on the Facebook account of Jodesca Lumiwes Masilian. The money to be collected will be turned over to Antonette's family before they will be discharged from the hospital.
Antoinette’s story
Antonette who traces her roots in the small village of Caneo, Bontoc is the firstborn of James Lomong-oy and Alfa Cabrad Lomong-oy. Both her parents are laborers who work hard for their family’s daily needs.
    Her parents, despite the hardship in life, are thankful to the Almighty for being blessed with healthy children.
    However, in 2019, Antonette experienced dizziness and hypertension. She was 18 years old, a jovial Senior High School student at Saint Vincent’s High School.
    At a young age, she had no choice but to take maintenance medicines for hypertension.
    The difficulty of life in the village and her dream of uplifting her family from poverty has been the driving force for the young Antonette to pursue her studies.
    The young Antonette dreams of becoming a nurse. This is the reason  she decided to enroll Bachelor of Science in Nursing at MPSPC - Bontoc Campus.
    For those who have known Antonette, her choice of profession best fits her because of her jovial personality. She has a soft voice and her smile is infectious to everyone she meets.
    She possesses the “tender loving care” (TLC) personality people look for in every health worker.
    In her first year in college, her dizziness and hypertension became frequent prompting her family to seek medical attention at Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in Bauko town.
    Antonette was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis and hypertension.
    As per doctor’s advice, a kidney transplant was the best option while the patient (Antonette) is young, and this would give her better quality of life and better chances of survival.
    Despite financial constraints the family is facing, they decided to follow the doctor’s advice.
    The plan included initiation of hemodialysis, kidney transplant workup for the patient and the donor, and finally, a kidney transplant.
    The kidney transplant procedure costs P1.5 million. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation shall shoulder P600, 000 under its Z Package.
    Even with the Z Package from Phil Health, Antonette’s Family still needed to prepare P900, 000 for the kidney transplant procedure.
    Some kind-hearted individuals and groups gave financial donations and organized fund-raising activities and events for Antonette.
    People coming from all walks of life gave cash and support to fund-raising activities and events.
    Her mother Alfa had been counting days and weeks until she can donate one of her kidneys and help her daughter.
    To Alfa, it was her Christmas and birthday gift to her daughter. It came without hesitation. It did not come wrapped in a box.     Rather, it was surrounded by love of a selfless mother.
    The Cordillera Hospital of the Divine Grace in La Trinidad, Benguet performed a successful kidney transplant from donor-mother Alfa to Antonette on Jan. 17.

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MP dialysis patients receive cash raised from walking event

By Erwin S. Batnag

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Thirty five kidney patients undergoing dialysis treatment here at the Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) received cash assistance from the provincial government on July 21.

Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. handed P 2,598 each to the beneficiaries.

The distribution of cash aid was witnessed by provincial health officer  Carolyn D. Yawan, BoGH supervising administrative officer Nitz Lampac and GAD head Joecan L. Basan.

The cash assistance came from proceeds of the walk for a cause that was organized by the provincial government’s Gender and Development Council as part of this year’s Women’s Day celebration last March.

“The amount maybe small but we hope that it will lessen your burden and will at least help you as you undergo your treatment,” Lacwasan said. “We, your officials will do what we can to continue improve the services of our hospital. We are also praying that this current health crisis will pass so that we can easily find ways and means to help you.” According to Lampac, the charity event generated P90,930 equally distributed to the identified dialysis patients.

Recipients expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the provincial government for organizing charity events to help them.

“The amount will help us a lot. I will use the money for my fare in coming to the hospital during my dialysis schedule,” one recipient said.

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SNAP-Magat health mission benefits 500 Vizcayanos

DIADI, Nueva Vizcaya -- Almost 500 Diadi residents availed of free medical and dental services initiated by its local government in partnership with renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) last February 12, 2020.

Now on its 12^th year, SNAP-Magat and the Municipality of Diadi, headed by Mayor Sandy Gayaton, partnered to provide free general health consultation, dental, pre-natal, and pediatric check-ups, as well as distributed free medicines to indigent residents. The medical mission is one of the highlights of the municipality’s celebration of their annual Ragragsakan Festival. The festival, Ragragsakan, borrows the Ilocano term for 'merriment' and commemorates the town's founding anniversary.

Gayaton expressed his gratitude and emphasized that this annual medical and dental mission is part of SNAP’s legacy in Diadi. “Through the continued support of SNAP, together, we are able to develop residents’ awareness on the importance of proper health care.”

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Bishop's golf tourney reaps P1.4-M for church upgrade

By Pigeon Lobien

BAGUIO CITY – The Diocese of Baguio and Benguet received PHP1.37 million from the Bishop Carlito Cenzon Foundation for the upgrade of a small parish in Buguias, Northern Benguet, part of the proceeds of the fundraising event from the golf tournament.

Foundation chairman Victorino Agcaoili told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday that close to PHP1.4 million in cash donations were turned over to Bishop Victor Bendico and father Ronald Ablasa Jr. last week for the upgrade of the Christ the King Quasi Parish Church, where the latter is its parish priest.

The church is in Baday-an at Barangay Loo, Buguias, the province's vegetable capital.

It will be the 6th church that the foundation will help, from the proceeds of the Bishop Cup golf tournament. Five others were either built or improved from the money that the tournament raises.

The church is the main beneficiary from the earnings of the tournament held on Nov. 8 at the Camp John Hay golf course.

The foundation will also give PHP500,000 for city improvements, while PHP200,000 will be donated to the Sacred Heart Community, an organization that helps churches.

"We are happy to announce that we were able to raise a good sum, more than PHP2 million and our supporters remain supportive of the project even if the bishop is already gone," said Agcaoili, a close friend and high school classmate of the late bishop who died last June 26.

Agcaoili, 81, said supporters and players pledged their support to the event and it will be held annually in memory of the late bishop who started the annual tournament 16 years ago in 2003, when he was stationed to lead the diocese of his hometown, Baguio-Benguet.

“It was a unanimous declaration of our supporters and so we will continue the tournament which is slowly becoming a tradition here," said the former radio broadcaster who spent nearly 40 years in the United States.

"In the following years, we will be deciding which church to help unlike in the past years, including this one," Agcaoili said.

The tournament was started with friends of the bishop to support his church-building activity in Benguet province and Baguio. Cenzon’s legacy will live on with his colleagues who helped make the annual tournament a success.

“We will tee off without our beloved bishop,” said Agcaoili, who continue the late bishop's legacy and the spirit of giving with the seven others.

Prior to the tournament, Agcaoili said: “We really do not know the impact of the bishop’s death as to participation and sponsorship” but after the event, “we were surprised that the support is still strong."

The Christ the King Quasi Parish Church needs at least PHP20 million for the improvement but only part of which is shouldered by the foundation, said treasurer Rolando de Guzman, a retired bank executive, who is part of the organizing group.

It will be the second church in Buguias the foundation will help after its very first in barangay Abatan 16 years ago.

“It was the church of choice of the bishop before he died,” de Guzman said.

In 2003, the foundation started in Abatan, Buguias which was followed by the same projects in Bakun town; Twin Peaks and Cabuyao in Tuba town; and San Jose church in La Trinidad and the Divine Mercy Church in Baguio.

Foundation member James Alviar said sponsorships in the past 16 years came mostly from old Baguio folks who migrated to the United States.

Alviar, a second-generation former Camp John Hay employee, and his family alone have given a few thousand dollars to the cause just like in the past staging.

Alviar is one of the founders of the golf cup, along with long-time neighbor and retired Philippine Air Force general of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1971 Nelson Eslao, and a Camp John Hay executive, particularly for sports including golf, were among those who started the tournament which eventually grew to a foundation.

Alviar has made his restaurant in Scout Barrio barangay as a “headquarters” of the foundation, where regular meeting takes place, while also providing the food to the members.

“This is a project we hold with the wives helping,” said de Guzman's wife Nitz, a retired college professor, who is now part of the organizing committee of about 25.

The foundation also spearheaded the fencing of the Burnham Park complex, as part of the activities of the group which the then Bishop used to personally handle. -- PNA

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Dialysis patients given P91- K in Bontoc PCSA rites

By Erwin S. Batnag, Kris Lee A. Lamangen

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- A financial aid of P 91, 000.00 was turned over to 27 dialysis patients (six government employees and 21 other patients) undergoing dialysis treatment at the Bontoc General Hospital here during the Malasakitism program held at Multipurpose Building Sept. 23 as part of the 119th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration. 

The amount was from proceeds of the tree planting and trekking-for-a-cause held Sept. 20.

The fund was turned over by Civil Service Commission Mountain Province director II Anita Verina T. Paredes and Mountain Province Provincial Council of Personnel Officers president Victorino A. Dines with assistance of provincial PCPO treasurer Janet A. Valencerina.

According to senior personnel specialist Vanessa Rose B. Gal-gala, around 100 government employees participated in planting 600 tree seedlings in Data, Sabangan as part of activities in celebration of the 119th Philippine Civil Service anniversary.

The provincial CSC and PCPO headed activities. The rain and mud did not daunt around 100 government employees who participated in the event planting 300 pine trees and 300 narra trees.

The group continued with a trek to Kaman-utek or Blue Soil Hills in Balili, Bontoc,” Gal-gala said.

She cited those who supported activities: Dept. of Publioc Works and Highways- Mountain Province First District Engineering Office, Provincial Government, Philippine Statistics Authority, PCPO and others who provided vehicles for the said activities.

“We also commend those who generously shared their food like the MPFDEO led by its administrative officer Janet A. Valencerina and District II Board Member Henry D. Bastian who readily opened his home for us to eat our lunch,” she added.

The dialysis patients expressed their gratitude and acknowledged efforts of government and non-government entities who made the fund-raising activity a success. 

According to Paredes, the program was meant to highlight the value of altruism among other values which are innate in the people of Mountain Province.

Meanwhile, the CSC-FO also awarded plaques of recognition to all government and non-government organizations and overseas Filipino workers who have shown benevolence the past year.

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Over 280 runners join Baguio fun run for baby with liver disease

BAGUIO CITY -- Aside from maintaining good health and wellness, more than 280 runners joined the fun run aimed at saving the life of a seriously ill baby.

 "All proceeds of this fun for a cause will go straight to baby Ariel," said Dianne Datu, social media officer of Yamang Bukid Healthy Products Inc. on the sidelines of the event on Saturday.

 The run started at 4 a.m. with the last runner reaching the finish line at 7:30 a.m.

The fundraising event to celebrate the company's sixth anniversary is aimed at helping raise PHP3 million for the operation of baby Ariel Fetesan of Baguio City, who is suffering from biliary atresia, a congenital liver disease.

 Baby Ariel turned one year old on September 12.

 "The company was struck by the effort of Ariel's parents who are doing their best to raise funds to make baby Ariel live," Datu said.

 The fun run will raise money through the registration fee worth PHP350 for the runners in the three-kilometer distance and PHP500 for the five-kilometer course.

An initial donation of PHP70,000 from the Roque group, an organization of Baguio runners was also given to Baby Ariel.

 Chona Pagadian and Vilma Garo, mothers of special children who also joined the fun run, said they have been joining running events in the past for wellness and health of their children who are persons with disability (PWD).

 This is aside from the good feeling of helping others who are into humanitarian causes.

 They said they were sponsored through the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC 5) to run, along with their children.

 The STAC 5 is a non-government civic center providing assistance to PWDs who need to undergo therapy to help them cope with physical, mental, psychological and speech difficulties.

 "Pinaka madali para sa anak naming, pwede kaming mag slow walk or tumakbo di tulad ng ibang sports na kailangan ng training (Running is the easiest for our children because we can walk slowly or run unlike other sports that need special training,)," said Pagadian, whose son, 10-year old Jarred, has down syndrome.

 "Bonding na din ito para sa pamilya namin. Di lang kami at ang anak ko ang natutulungan, nakakagalak din na nakakatulong kami sa iba (This is a bonding time for our family. It is not just me and my son who is aided, we are also helping others)," she added. (PNA)

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Concert for kidney patient / Election blues / Law for human rights defenders

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – First, a plug. A concert for a cause will be held at Gold Bar Music Lounge here (beside Rizal Park) on June 9 from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight. Performers will be home-grown talents.

Proceeds will be for medication of Hilda Pinos-an Sagudin of Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province and Kias, Baguio City.

Hilda who is suffering from chronic kidney disease.

We urge kind-hearted souls to buy tickets for the concert for this cause. Please contact Bakakeng barangay captain Evelyn Pit-og Balisong for tickets. Her number is 09984837708.   

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It is almost a month now since the May 13 elections and some candidates who lost are saying they have this gut feeling they could have been victims of lousy Smartmatic technology, particularly those who lost due to small margins.

In the case of Kalinga, outgoing Vice Gov. James S. Edduba Edduba ran for governor but lost to Tabuk City outgoing mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban who ran for the same post by 10 votes.

Edduba is not saying he is questioning results, but Kalinga folks said they respect him for being a gentleman for not doing so.

There were a lot of close fights in Northern Luzon and parts of the country. But then, it is not easy to question how the machines performed considering Commission on Elections officials are saying Smartmatic did a good job despite glitches like machines bogging down.   

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Call it politics, but the camp of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday lashed at Vice President Leni Robredo for opposing the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for the Comelec to dump technology provider Smartmatic and instead look for a new one not tainted with involvement in electoral fraud.

Marcos’ lawyer and spokesperson Vic Rodriguez also criticized Robredo and Comelec spokesman James Jimenez for defending Smartmatic, despite numerous complaints against the Venezuelan technology provider, particularly the efficiency of its vote counting machines where several hundreds of its VCMs malfunctioned during the canvassing of votes for the May 13 midterm elections.

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The vice president urged the Comelec last week to exercise caution on the proposal of President Duterte to terminate its partnership with Smartmatic.

According to her, the Comelec should be allowed to explain before politicians make sweeping allegation of election fraud in the May 13 national elections.

“We should not say just because our candidates lost, they were cheated. Let them explain the matter to us first. If the explanation is acceptable, that would be it. If it is not acceptable to us, that’s the time we complain. But we should be calm,” Robredo said.

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The Marcos camp said Robredo’s opposition to the dismantling of the Comelec-Smartmatic partnership was disrespect to the sentiments of Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo and San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza who both supported President Duterte’s call for the Comelec to dump Smartmatic in favor of what they described as “hybrid election” where manual count will be conducted at precinct level to address the issue of “lack of transparency” arising from the use of Smartmatic’s VCMs.

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Last week, the President urged the Comelec to end its partnership with Smartmatic following widespread complaints about its efficiency and capability to maintain the integrity of the elections in the country.

The President said numerous complaints and allegations of electoral fraud in midterm elections created a ‘hostile attitude’ towards Smartmatic.

“I would like to advise the Comelec, now, I wouldn’t wait anymore, dispose of Smartmatic and look for a new one that is free of fraud,” Duterte said.

Marcos has a pending electoral protest against Robredo before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal seeking to nullify her proclamation as the duly elected vice president in the 2016 elections due to allegation of widespread election irregularities. 

The Marcos-Robredo electoral controversy is just one among the many that arose due to controversial election results processed by Smartmatic machines.

This could be a repeat scenario come election time after three years if the Smartmatic question is not addressed. Indeed, why is there no full-blown investigation on the capability of Sanrtmatic to deliver accurate election results and what is holding back the Comelec from letting go of the Venezuelan firm?

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While this is the case, the call for “hybrid” elections wherein counting is done at the precinct level may be sensible after all. This, considering Smartmatic took out the thrill of counting votes in precincts with its supposedly state of the art technology gone haywire.  

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The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill which prevents human rights violations and abuses perpetrated against human rights defenders (HRDs).  

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman welcomed the bill’s passage, noting that Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of Human Rights has recorded the killing of 697 human rights defenders in the country for the period 2001 to 2018, while Task Force Detainees of the Philippines documented 76 human rights violations affecting 333 HRDs from September 2013 to September 2016 alone.

House Bill 9199 consolidated HB 8128 authored by Lagman; and HB 1617 introduced by Representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate, Antonio Tinio, Emmi de Jesus, France Castro, Arlene Brosas, and of Makabayan Bloc.

The bill guarantees HRD rights and freedoms; mandates the State and public authorities to respect, protect, and fulfill these rights and freedoms; and imposes appropriate sanctions to counter impunity. 

Once enacted, the bill will also create a Human Rights Defenders Protection Committee chaired by a Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and six members who will be jointly nominated by concerned civil society organizations. 

HB 9199 is based on the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and the Model National Law on the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights Defenders drafted by the International Service for Human Rights.

Lagman, who sponsored the bill on second reading last week, lauded the House of Representatives for approving the measure on third and final reading.

 “It is high time that we accord stronger legal protection to those who defend not only their own human rights and fundamental freedoms but those of others as well,” Lagman said. 

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5th Kataguan ‘drive for life’ nets P508-K

COMMUNITY BILLBOARD

Wabilyn Mana-od

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The just concluded 5th Kataguan Caravan Drive for Life has reached an initial amount of P348,000 as of March 23 and collectibles of P160,000 to complete the amount of P508,000.

The caravan was initiated by the late Rep. Maximo B. Dalog in 2015 wherein the Office of the Congressman worked in partnership with the Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization Incorporated to help generate funds for the weekly and lifelong dialysis treatment of patients diagnosed to have chronic kidney sisease.

In 2017, the family of the late congressman was determined to continue the legacy of their father when they formed a non-stock corporation through the Maximo B Dalog Foundation.

The MBDF primarily aims to maintain and act as a non-profit foundation for granting medical assistance to poor/indigent patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease.  

The MBDF had partnered with the Kataguan Organization making the caravan  an annual activity for benefit of kidney patients.

In an interview with lawyerCyphrine Maxcel Dalog, treasurer of MBDF, she said that aside from the idea of helping out our brothers and sisters raise fund to augment their financial and medical needs, the caravan also aims to promote tourist destination and the beauty of Mountain Province. She added that since its inception, it had been participated mostly by professionals, relatives of dialysis patients, government employees, hospital employees, business owners and Filipinos who vacation from abroad. 

The 5th Kataguan caravan was participated by six motorcycles and 39 vehicles from donors and sponsors. 

From the Eyeb grounds, the caravan passed through major thoroughfares of four municipalities in Mountain Province namely, Bontoc, Sabangan, Bauko and Tadian then back to Bauko municipal grounds for the program and lunch.  

According to Jennifer Tuzon, treasurer of the Kataguan Organization, based from their record there are 157 members at present who are having their weekly dialysis treatment in different dialysis centers in the country.

She recalled that when they started the organization, there were just 29 members.

The MBDF and Kataguan Organization officers and members extended their appreciation and thanks to the following sponsors and donors: Mountain Province Second District Engineering Office, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Mountain Province First District Engineering Office, Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital, San Vicente High School Faculty and Staff Student and PTA, Mr. Ryan Mangusan, Mountain Province Electric Cooperative, JABEN construction, AIP construction, JBA construction, MJS Construction, APO construction, Sadlan Construction, HC Cassiw construction, UPLAND Construction, OLCO Construction, Engr. Daniel Peckley, Mr. Clarence Dalog, Reynaldo Del Amor, Dax Olsim, Mayor Franklin Odsey, Mayor Johnson Bantog II, Mayor Abraham Akilit, Mayor James Pooten Jr., Engr. Edward Latawan, Novie Afidchao, Joaquin Nacnas,  Clark Ngaya, Evelio Timario, Aijays Marketing, Rosalinda Belagan, Yolanda Awing, MRC store, PM Aglipay, Besy Wangwang, Rosemarie Archog, Theodore Marrero, Edwin Falag-ey, Engr. Jerry Chimicag, Dencio Bula-ay, Mr. Russel Tupac, Atty. Edward Chumawar, Engr. Edward Likigan, Dr. Nenita Lizardo, TESDA Mountain Province, Engr. Winston Daoas, Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Dr. Raquel Tannao Kanongkong, Mayor Venancio Lipawen, SB Members of Sabangan, SB Members of Besao, SB Members of Sagada, Engr. Victor Komicho, Mr. Edward Chaokas, Mr. Abe Fagyan, Mr. Junior Chaokas, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Atty. Sergio Milan, Julius Likigan and Atty. Wilson Kalangeg.

                 Likewise, MBDF and KDPOI  extended their appreciation and thanks to the following: Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Red Cross- Mountain Province, Fr. Micheal Tokoyen, Bontoc General Hospital, Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital, Provincial Health Office, Mountain Province Riders Club, Provincial Information Office, Radyo ng Bayan, and the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office, the Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School for the usual support and assistance in the success of the activity. 

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Kataguan fun run held for MP dialysis patients

Marriage proposal spices up event 

By Wabilyn Manaad Lomong-oy

BAUKO, Mountain Province --The first Kataguan Fun Run organized by the local government of this town in coordination with Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization and Maximo B. Dalog Foundation was recently held here.            Themed “Ehersisyo iti bagi, pagsayaatan iti kidney,” it had drawn support and love in time for the celebration of the yuletide season.

The run was an offshoot of the annual Kataguan Caravan “Drive for life” conceptualized by the late congressman Maximo B. Dalog to help dialysis patients of Mountain Province generate funds for their lifetime treatment.

They are members of Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization who are undergoing dialysis treatment in different dialysis centers within and outside the province.

The fun run was joined by 130 participants from government agencies, non-government organizations and sponsors who have been helping the organization.

An amount of P118,500 was generated from the fun run awaiting other pledges and sponsorship from the other organizations and individuals to be submitted.

The run was divided into two categories: 5-km and 18-km run.

The run started and ended at Bauko Municipal Grounds, Abatan, Bauko where a short program and awarding of winners culminated the event.

While waiting for the runners to arrive, the love story of couple Joshua Wasian and Jennifer Sapdoy who both joined the 5k run was highlighted.

From the finish line, Wasian left his girlfriend and ran towards the finish line where he waiting for Sapdoy to arrive.

After several minutes, Sapdoy was at the finish line and Wasian proposed.

Joshua kneeled with a diamond ring and asked Jennifer, “Will you marry me?” and the lady answered yes, balloons, confetti and applause from the audience made the event emotional.

              As short program concluded the event where winners of the fun run were recognized and awarded certificates and medals.

               Winners for the 5K male category were: 1^st -Roldan Martines; 2^nd- Rocky Ayochok; 3^rd-Jonathan Talim-ay; 4^th Patterson Ngateb; 5^th-Alexis Supsupin. For the 5K female category: 1^st- Ivy Becyagen; 2^nd - Julie Bandao; 3^rd-Glory Sapdoy; 4^th- Rhea Bacungay; 5^th Jihan Sangaway.

                  Winners for the 18K male category were: 1^st- Robin Aplaten; 2^nd- Irpeel Lapniten; 3^rd-Dece-Jan Burgos; 4^th- Jarrett Ospig and 5^th- Miller Acdang. For the 18K female category: 1^st-Rowena Agang-ang; 2^nd-Sandra Co; 3^rd-Irene Baltan; 4^th-Pamela Kayachen; 5^th- Madeline Cudli.

                 Meanwhile, the annual Kataguan Caravan “Drive for Life” was scheduled earlier on March. -- WML

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8 dialysis patients appeal for help

By Ramon Dacawi

BAGUIO CITY -- Their hopes for fund support dashed by the bungling of the recent “Kalayaan Run” by the race organizers, eight dialysis patients have appealed for financial help to repair their defective fistulas needed for their two- to four-times-a-week healing sessions which they have to undergo for a life-time. .

Milagros Lacdao, president of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center Dialysis and Patients Association, said the group was left with no choice but air the patients’ appeal for help, so Samaritans out there can course their support directly to the association or to the individual patients.

Youngest among them is Ortega Landocan, a 13-year old boy from Gold Creek, Ucab, Itogon, Benguet who needs fund support for his twice-a-week hemodialysis at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.  

Among those needing support is Roel Lagasca Cruzz, a 30-year old dialysis patient who recently had to undergo repair of his damaged fistula to enable him to continue his thrice-a-week dialysis for life.

Fistulas are combined vein-artery accesses created on the arm to allow blood to flow into a dialysis machine for cleansing before it is re-circulated in the body.

Dialysis patients can not, on their own, dispose urine as their kidneys, which are supposed to filter dirt in the blood, are no longer functional due to diabetes, urinary tract infection or high-blood pressure.

The fistula repair on Cruz costs P57,000. He signed a promissory note to settle the balance after making two initial payments.  

People who can help may contact his mother, Maribel Laguipo Cruz, at 09122988017 or visit him at No. 60 Interior Regidor St., Pacdal, Baguio City.

Also appealing for help to enable them to change their defective fistulas into grafts are Requino Todlem, Daniel Cuyepyep, Arlyn Bagyan, Florabel Rodriquez, Vladimyr Singson and Dick Dockyapeo.

Donors may also contact Lacdao at cellphone number 09497839713 or see dialysis nurse Carnen Bumatnong during weekdays.

Their hope for support from the proceeds of the “Kalayaan Fun Run” vanished when the organizers, who proclaimed the project was for the patients undergoing dialysis at the BGHMC,  declared losses but ironically allotted P31,800 as “staff’s salary”, P18,000 as talent fee”, and, among others, P21,910 for transportation and P49,672 for “operational expenses”.

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The truth about the Run

BENCHWARMER

Ramon Dacawi 

We were taken aback by the temerity of the organizers to explain through the Baguio Midland Courier last Sunday their failure to give a share to the would-be beneficiaries of their "Kalayaan Run" last June 9 which they proudly advertised to be "for the benefit of the Baguio General Hospital Dialysis Center".

The news item said: "In a dialogue between the beneficiaries and the organizers last month, the latter said that even if they want to give more, the cannot for they incurred more expenses and had to shell out from their personal funds to cover the deficit."

Surprisingly, if not understandably, the news item did not reflect among the expenses the amount of P31,800 the organizers paid themselves as ' salaries and P16,000 for "talent fees".

We saw these figures in the organizers’ report which they reluctantly provided us, saying it was “confidential” during a meeting with City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

That the organizers had to be paid they did not tell us beforehand, betraying their advertised intention of easing our suffering and plight of undergoing dialysis for a lifetime.

In the dialogue, Mayor Domogan, had to remind "Kalayaan" representatives   Bong Reyes, Eric Coronacion and Omeng Fallarme that it was their duty to give us the financial report..

While “staff salary”, talent fee, operational expenses, transport, etc. were included in their report, not a single centavo was allotted for the announced over-all purpose that the event was for our benefit. This was the first time we experienced organizers of “humanitarian" projects allocating amounts to themselves and none for the beneficiaries.

"Instead the organizers said they had already given P100,000 worth of dialyzers,"  the news report said.

Actually, as confirmed by nurses of the dialysis center, the 38 dialyzers given were of the single-use kind. We, BGHMC patients, use dialyzers worth P1,350 each, good for seven treatment sessions.

To be of use in the fund drive they thought was kindly for them, the dialysis patients, together with their doctors, nurses and aides canceled their treatment that day. They registered for the run, bought t-shirts and helped run the event.

As we go to  press, we learned of a double, whammy. A city hall worker, upon learning of the event, solicited funds for “Kalayaan” but failed to remit the same to the organizers.

We hope the city can rein in on similar would-be humanitarian projects and keep alive the sense of fair play that Baguio boys and girls are known for.

 Respectfully yours,

 Dialysis patients, watchers, doctors, and nurses of BGHMC Dialysis Center

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