MP Lang-ay fest set with exciting events

Palace declares holidays in Mt Prov, Pangasinan 

By Pamela Mariz Geminiano

BONTOC, Mountain Province – This province is set to showcase its culture , tourism come-ons and exciting events  as the Lang-ay Festival is set this week which is expected to draw once again crowds of tourists and sell-wishers. (See page 2 for list of activities).

This, as Malacañang has declared special non-working holidays for Pangasinan and Mountain Province.

By authority of the President, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed on March 13 Proclamation 696 declaring April 5 a special non-working day in Pangasinan.

The holiday will allow residents to celebrate the province’s 439th founding anniversary.

Two days after signing the Pangasinan holiday, Malacañang issued Proclamation 698 declaring April 8 a special non-working day in Mountain Province to observe its founding anniversary and Lang-ay Festival.

Mountain Province will celebrate its anniversary on April 7, which falls on a Sunday, prompting the local government to request Malacañang to declare the following day a holiday. 

This, as the provincial government of Mountain Province expects the annual Lang-ay Festival to further boost the tourism industry of the province. "We are optimistic that the Lang-ay Festival will be an avenue through which we could showcase our tourist spots, culture and, of course, our beautiful Mountain Province as a whole," Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan said in a recent telephone interview.

Lang-ay is a native dialect of the Bontocs meaning to share happiness, wisdom, promote family solidarity, hospitality, peace and nurture friendship with partaking of native rice wine and food.

This year’s Lang-ay Festival, which is now on its 15th year, runs from April 1 to 7 with the highlight of the festival on April 6.

It coincides with the 52nd Foundation day of Mountain Province on April 7.

The activities are held at the capital town of Bontoc, which is one hour away to the famous tourist destination Sagada.

He also said they have to work closely with the Lang-ay Cultural Festival steering committee, partner agencies and the private sector for the preparations.

The provincial government has allocated P4 million for the twin events in April.

The governor said tourism is an economic driver and they want Mountain Province to benefit from it.

In 2018, the provincial government through the tourism office started the validation of the different tourist attractions in the whole province and conducted a profiling and data collection needed for the tourism guidebook.

All these, Lacwasan said are part of the crafting of the five-year Provincial Tourism Development Plan, which was already approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Also part of province’s tourism preparation is the holding of tourism-related seminars, training and workshops for the stakeholders.

Lacwasan also reported that 96,857 tourists visited and stayed in the different accommodation establishments in the province from January to September 2018.

Out of the number, 8,146 were foreigners, the governor said.

The province's Tourism office also shows that the top five foreign visitors are from France, United States of America, Germany, South Korea and Japan.

Mountain Province also recorded 337,858 day-time tourists in the province during the same period. -- PNA

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FX falls Buguias ravine; 2 hurt

BUGUIAS, Benguet – Two brothers were injured when the vehicle they were riding in fell down an 80-meter  deep ravine then landed on a creek here March 20, around about 9:45 a.m. at Man-asok, Baculongan Sur.

Investigation disclosed that the vehicle was a white Tamaraw FX with plate number UBV 994 registered under the name of Isorena Jose of Ma.Theresa St., South City Homes, Binan, Laguna.

Police named the victims as Jehulio, 30 and Agusto, 35 both with same middle and surnames Binaliw Douglas.

Residents rushed both to Lutheran Hospital here for treatment. Investigation revealed that while the vehicle was ascending the Buguias-Kabayan road it allegedly had a locked wheel defect  which caused the driver to lose control, making the vehicle  plunge down the ravine.

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Sandiganbayan refuses New trial for convicted NV mayor

ALFONSO CASTANED A, Nueva Vizcaya -- The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has denied the request made by convicted Alfonso Castañeda Mayor Jerry Pasigian of to start a new trial on his graft and malversation case even though he has newly-discovered evidence.

Pasigian was earlier convicted of Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, otherwise known as Malversation of Public Funds or Property, due to the anomalous purchase of a vehicle back in 2009.

In his urgent motion for new trial, Pasigian submitted a copy of a letter he signed dated March 2, 2009, requesting the Sangguniang Bayan of Alfonso Castañeda “to appropriate certain amount for the purchase of four wheel drive vehicle.”

He likewise submitted an affidavit dated Feb. 28, 2019 of a certain Gabriel Marcelo, a member of the Sangguniang Bayan in 2009, stating the 2009 records of the Sangguniang Bayan were only discovered now because the same were transferred to the new municipal building between 2010 to 2011, particularly in a different area of the building.

Pasigian argued that the letter would justify the immediate need for the purchased vehicle, and that the authority given to him by the Sangguniang Bayan proves the regularity of the transaction.

However, the anti-graft court denied his motion for lack of merit. “The respective affidavits…both claim that the 2009 records of the Sangguniang Bayan were only discovered now because the same were transferred to the new municipal building between 2010 to 2019, particularly in a different area of the building,” the court ruled.

“In short, the 2009 records of the Sangguniang Bayan have always been stored in the new municipal building since 2010 or 2011. There is no indication in the records that the transfer of said records to the new municipal building was unknown to the public officer responsible in the safekeeping thereof,” it added.

Even if the letter and affidavit were admitted, the anti-graft court stressed that the judgment of conviction against him will not change.

The five-page resolution was penned by Associate Justice Maryann Corpus-Mañalac with the concurrence of Associate Justices Rafael Lagos and Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega.

In a decision dated December 6, 2018, Pasigian was sentenced to imprisonment of six years and one month minimum and 15 years maximum for his graft charge, as well as four years and five months of prison correcional as minimum and seven years and four months of prison mayor as maximum for his malversation charge.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of P453,214.19, which is the depreciated value of the vehicle he purchased.

On April 2009, Pasigian gave unwarranted benefits to Gilbert Arellano when he awarded him the contract for the purchase of one unit 2003 Nissan Patrol with plate number PCJ 777 in the amount of P1,350,000.

The purchase was done without public bidding, and Pasigian even registered the vehicle under his own name instead of the municipality.

After his term ended on June 30, 2013, he failed to return the vehicle to the government.

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Pangasinan solon: politics behind my name in drug list

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

BOLINAO, Pangasinan – The Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 1 did not find any evidence that could link Pangasinan Rep. Jesus “Boying” Celeste to any illegal drugs operation.

As such, the latest narcolist released by President Duterte came as a huge surprise to Celeste and to his constituents after his name was included together with two other congressmen.

In a press conference, Celeste said his inclusion in the list was “99 percent politically motivated.”

“Tuwing eleksiyon ito na lang palagi ang ginagamit nilang paninira since 2000, pero ang mga tao ay patuloy na nagpapanalo sa amin, he said.

Celeste and his brother Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste had voluntarily submitted himself to a drug test and were found negative of any trace of illegal or addictive substances in 2016.

In Sept 2016, the resort and residence of Celeste became the target of an investigation into what was supposed to be “submarine-drug laboratory” that turned out to be an old lifeboat stationed near the congressman’s beach playground.

Celeste noted that their family has never been involved in any illegal drugs activity, including sale, protection or use of drugs.
The Celestes were even recognized as model family of the year in 1996.

“Malinis ang konsensiya ko,and I hope ang Presidente natin ay tignan mabuti ang mga isinusumite sa kaniya na listahan,” he added.

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Two thieves take P250-K jewelry in Tiong San heist

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Police are still hunting two thieves who broke into the Tiong San mall here in the dead of night and stole P250,000 worth of jewelry have 

               Police investigators said the heist happened at the 2nd floor jewelry watch section night of March 20 on complaint of mall owner Jeremy Wilson Lao Golangco, 41, against the two suspects who were seen based on CCTV footage of the establishment.

According to employees of the mall, they closed the establishment at around 8 p.m. of March 20.

At around 7:30 a.m. of March 21, security guards discovered the hinge of the padlock of the accordion door at the second floor of the building was destroyed. 

When they conducted inventory, assorted jewelry and wrist watches worth more around P250, 000 were missing.

Investigation revealed suspects climbed a building at an adjacent building owned by a certain woman named Mandy Sagubo.

The suspects entered through the open window of the comfort room at the second floor of the building and exited the same after taking said items.

              Police lifted one shoe print at the comfort room.

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Secu guard falls, dies in mine tunnel

MANKAYAN, Benguet – A security officer of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. was found dead here inside a tunnel of the mining company here March 20 around 12:30 a.m.

              A certain Ruben Macaboras found the lifeless body of Marvin Hidalgo Del Rosario, 29, married, of Cabruan, Conception, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur at level 900, Tubo, Sapid.

Investigation disclosed the victim duty had first shift duty from 11 p.m. of March 19 to 7 a.m. of March 20.

He allegedly fell more than 400 meters from the Collar Chute until 900 level.

The victim was brought to Lepanto Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Raguro.

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Paracelis draws tourists with ‘bubbling mud’

By Roger Sacyaten

PARACELIS, Mountain Province – More tourists are now visiting this remote eastern town of the province being promoted for eco-tours.

A month ago, the primary tourism spot in the municipality, the Mabarotbot “Bubbling Mud,” was featured by the KMJS segment of the GMA Channel TV.

Paracelis has other tourist spots like Canavo and Ansawang Waterfalls, Iyo Falls, Nansuso earth mounds, little chocolate hills, Siffu River and other attractions.

With increasing entry of tourists, activities have been set with 40 persons recently participating in 3-day tour guide training, the first for guides in the municipality.

A position in the local government unit was also created and filled to cater to tourism concerns of the place.

 “Tourists planning to come here in the near future have contacted me, so we facilitated this training,” said Flora Madanom, newly appointed municipal tourism action officer.

Madanom said tour guides are needed as she cannot attend to all visitors and tourists visiting barangays and tourist spots.

The training was facilitated by the newly organized Mountain Province Cave and Eco-Tour Guides Association (MPCETGA) in coordination with the Provincial Tourism Office and Municipal Tourism Office.

The MPCETGA was organized as an offshoot of the province- wide training of tour guides conducted by the Dept. of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region last year in Sagada.

Basic tourism orientation was given by the Provincial Tourism Office as well as do’s and don’ts of tour guiding while the MPCETGA explained principles of basic tour guiding, first aid, and mountaineering and flora and fauna appreciation.

A mock tour was also conducted wherein participants were engaged in tour spiel.

Jay R Guindalos, leader of the team said the training would enable tour guides with basic skills in tour guiding.

“We hope that after this training, we will have tour guides available to cater to the increasing tourists in the town,” he said.

In his welcome remarks, Mayor Avelino Amangyen cited need for tour guides in the town with arrival of more tourists.

“Even tourists from Isabela come here to share the views of the breathtaking sceneries and experiences,” Amangyen said.                                               

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N. Ecija town execs declare CPP-NPA persona non grata

CARRANGLAN, Nuevba Ecija -- Communist guerrillas, who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the New People's Army on Friday, are "unwelcome" in this town.

This comes a week after the town of Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan declared the rebels persona non grata.

The Carranglan local government unit, Sangguniang Bayan, barangay officials, police officers and personnel and the Philippine Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion signed a "Declaration of Persona Non Grata against the CPP-NPA Terrorists" at the Carranglan Municipal Hall on Monday.

Maj. Gen. Lenard Agustin, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, hailed the local officials of Carranglan and congratulated the 84th IB for playing a part in the town's declaration.

Agustin said "the whole-of-nation approach marks the start of a new campaign to end the insurgency, and those who religiously practice this approach give the people a chance to have better and more peaceful lives."

Lt. Col. Honorato Pascua Jr, commanding officer of the Nueva Ecija-based 84th IB, said "the local government officials would not tolerate inactions against these terrorist groups in their respective jurisdictions." Signatories also promised under oath to the Republic of the Philippines to help in the anti-insurgency campaign of the AFP, he added.

On March 19, officials of Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan also declared the CPP-NPA “unwelcome” through a resolution. The reslution stemmed from a proposal of the Army's 48th Infantry Battalion, which is based in the province.

According to Lt. Col. Valdez, commander of the 48th IB, the resolution was in line with the Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular No. 2018-211 (Prohibition of Support to Left-Wing Rebel Groups) and Executive Order No. 70, which creates the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The New People's Army in Southern Mindanao has played down similar declarations in Mindanao as "products of the relentless psywar and intimidation campaign of 'peace and development outreach programs' under the whole-of-nation approach of Oplan Kapayapaan."

The NPA claimed that officials pressure community leaders to attend peace-building seminars "force them to get in line and hold anti-insurgency placards in rallies and strong-arm them into signing declarations and such." 

"To be sure, these 'declarations' are a portent and justification of more arbitrary arrests, extra-judicial killings, indiscriminate shelling and bombing and all-around wanton violations of human rights against civilians, activists and mass leaders in the region," the NPA said in early March.

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New Cordi police director to ease bloody Abra polls stigma

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Removing the stigma and transforming Abra into a peaceful and safe province, especially during elections, will be one of the priorities of new Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Israel Ephraim Dickson.

Being born and raised in San Juan, Abra, Dickson said he had long envisioned Abra as safe especially elections in his home province.

“We are in the crucial point of history again with the forthcoming of midterm elections, I expect everyone to be alert and vigilant and contribute to the realization of our goal in securing the safety and peaceful election, not only in Abra, but in the whole region,” said Dickson.

He said that, under his leadership, the police will continue and relentlessly support the President’s war on drugs campaign. “We will evaluate, re-assess and craft programs to strengthen our fight on illegal drugs and peace and order campaign will ensure and safeguard Cordillera from the insurgency, crime, and lawlessness.”

He also said that “scalawags” will not be tolerated under his term and reminded everyone to maintain transparency and accountability of personnel

                Director of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Northern Luzon (DIPO-NL) Police Director Eric Serafin Reyes presided in the change of command ceremony and the retirement honors for outgoing Regional Director, Chief Supt. Rolando Nana.

PROCOR recognized the faithful and dedicated service of Nana for serving the PNP. A “Medalya Ng Paglilingkod” was awarded to him for having completed 37 years, 11 months and 14 days of honorable services to the PNP from April 1,1981 to March 15, 2019.

He also received “Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod” for rendering service as acting Regional Director of PROCOR for two months and in full capacity as Regional Director for seven months.

During his stint, he implemented policing strategies to strengthen the operational capability of PROCOR in pursuit of the PNP’s organizational thrust to serve and protect.

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RDC, RPOC approves P2-M Cordillera Month allocation

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council in the Cordillera approved the 2019 work and financial plan on the 32nd Cordillera month celebration which will be jointly headed by the RDC-CAR infrastructure committee and the provincial government of Kalinga.

The resolution was approved by both bodies chaired by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan during their just first quarter meeting held at the newly upgraded Bontoc municipal hall last Tuesday.

Initially, P2.9 million will be sourced from the annual budget of the Special Preparation of the Cordillera Administrative Region into an autonomous region while the Kalinga provincial government will be shelling out around P2 million as its counterpart for the activities that will be lined up during the Cordillera month celebration.

The RDC-CAR infrastructure development committee, during its meeting on February 6, 2019, prepared a set of activities on how the region will be celebrating the 32nd founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administration Region (CAR).

The Cordillera month is an annual celebration conceptualized by the RDC-CAR in the 1990s to celebrate the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) as a special temporary administrative region and to celebrate the region’s quest for autonomy and rich history.

The theme of this year’s 32nd founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is “CAR @ 32: Building One Greater Cordillera.”

 The RDC-CAR and RPOC-CAR stipulated that the specific objectives of the anniversary celebration is to raise awareness of the communities on the government’s build, build, build infrastructure program that seeks to accelerate infrastructure spending and develop industries that will yield robust growth, create jobs and improve the lives of Filipinos, especially those from the countryside; to heighten consciousness on the history of the Cordillera; to promote appreciation of the Cordillera people’s quest for autonomy and to showcase the gains of the infrastructure sectors in the Cordillera since its creation 32 years ago.

Both regional bodies also enjoined all local government units to establish their respective committees to plan and spearhead provincial level celebrations of the region’s founding anniversary and appropriating funds for the said programs.

Local committees’ membership may include provincial line agencies, civil society organizations, higher education institutions and other entities who are willing to support the implementation of the programs for the 32nd founding anniversary of the region.

The RDC-CAR and RPOC-Car assumed that the preparation of the 2019 Cordillera month project report and liquidation of expenses incurred shall be done immediately after the completion of the lined up activities wherein the submission of the final report and liquidation shall be on or before November 30, 2019.

Among the activities that were lined up for the 32nd Cordillera month celebration include the conduct of a news conference on June 26, 2019, Unity Gong Relay from July 9-14, 2019, Cordillera Laga runway and fellowship night on July 14, 2019 parade and culminating program on July 15, 2019. -- Dexter A. See

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DOH braces for new virus as dengue cases decrease

By Glenie Jen C. Ulban and Ronamee Galangco

BAGUIO CITY -- The Health department is preparing for new viruses and sicknesses that may erupt in this tourism resort with the onset of summer.

Aside from recent measles cases, the Dept. of Health had included vaccinations for dengue and Japanese encephalitis.

Health authorities said dengue cases in Baguio decreased by 24.4 % from 85 last year to 65 this year but ongoing anti-measles vaccination campaign met some resistance due to the dengvaxia controversy last year.

People lost confidence on vaccinations owing to negative impact of dengvaxia vaccinations wherein some children reportedly died as a result making it harder to persuade parents to let their children be vaccinated, authorities said.

The new virus Japanese encephalitis had also afflicted folks here.

Japanese encephalitis virus or the JEV is a flavivirus which is related to dengue and transmitted through mosquitos.

There had been cases in Baguio City since 2016 with three recorded in 2017 and two last year.

Symptoms of this disease are the same with dengue and measles such as fever but Japanese encephalitis can cause paralysis and brain damage.

Although the JEV is rare according to the World Health Organization, countries in Southeast Asia have endemic JEV transmission exposing 3 billion people to risk of infection.

According to Dr. Rowena Galpo, dengue vaccines and Japanese encephalitis are also included in the vaccines that the City health office is offering.

Health authorities here are on last stage of immunization will move on to the “mopping up” stage, where they will be reaching out to the children who have not yet finished their anti-vaccination shots. 

The mass immunization campaign which started last February will now be finalized after having the peak of measles outbreak last week of February to the first week of March, where measles cases reached up to 218 patients in Baguio city alone but with no death cases known.

According to Dr. Rowena Galpo, the City health officer, they are targeting around 34,000 children of Baguio city from 0 – 59 months to be vaccinated in one month.

She said the anti-vaccination campaign has already covered up to 40 % of the city’s location and is aiming for another 20 % at the end of the month.

The city is also anticipating the spread of measles this incoming summer vacation in the city that is why the city health office is trying to finish the vaccination.

With tourists coming to Baguio, risk of measles spreading is possible because of the crowded areas.

The measles virus is highly contagious and can be transferred through coughing and viral.

There is no treatment to it. Patients are prescribed medicines for the symptoms such as fever and rashes.

Galpo said the best prevention for measles is vaccination. She also stated that a way to help prevent measles aside from vaccination is boosting the immune system through healthy lifestyle such as having the right amount of sleep, having a good diet, exercising and to avoiding smoking and drinking.  Galpo said covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing and washing of hands helps prevent diseases.

Meanwhile, DOH nurse Geeny Austria said half of the target population for JE vaccination has been reached due to mass campaign dubbed as "Oplan CULEX".

House-to-house visitations of medical officers and voluntary visits to the different rural health units by the families were done to reach this milestone.

Oplan CULEX started last February 14 and is expected to end this month. Extensions may possible if the target population hasn't been covered by then.

Austria added that increased JE Vaccinations are scheduled in the upcoming weeks and reaching for other age groups may be possible.

JE is a mosquito-borne viral infection, it can be transmitted through the bite of an infected female Culex mosquito. JE has a 35% Morbidity rate and half of the survivors may experience permanent brain damage.

In another development, DOH authorities said possible diseases that can be contracted this summer include food and water-borne diseases.

An increasing trend of typhoid cases and decreasing trend of acute bloody diarrhea has been observed.

A disease surveillance report bared from Jan. 1 to March 9, an increase of 153% of typhoid/paratyphoid fever cases was noted with decrease of 16% of ABD cases.

Austria said people may practice unsanitary habits, such as improper handwashing, due to expected water shortage occurrences this summer season.

Typhoid fever and ABD are caused by ingesting contaminated food and water containing bacteria, primarily salmonella.

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Campaign period

EDITORIAL

The “campaign period” in the local level officially started on March 29 and candidates of all stripes have started to make their pitches to win in the midterm May elections.

The “election period” for the coming midterm elections on May 23 officially began last Jan. 13.   From that day until June 12,   the Commission on Elections said, candidates are banned from unauthorized use of bodyguards and use of private armies. Government offices are banned from transferring employees in the civil service and suspending elective officials. The Comelec itself is banned from altering or creating new precincts.

The Comelec has also started setting  up checkpoints  because the election period also  includes a gun ban, the carrying of firearms outside the home even if one has a permit to carry a firearm issued by the Philippine National Police.

On the other hand, the “campaign period” began Feb. 12 for candidates with a national constituency – for senators and for party-list congressmen. Like we said, the campaign period for local candidates, such as governors, mayors, and district congressmen, began last Friday (March 29.)

But many candidates have long been campaigning in total disregard of these designated periods. A Supreme Court decision in 2013 said that there is no  law against premature campaigning as RA 9369 provides that “unlawful acts or omissions applicable to a candidate shall take effect only upon the start of the aforesaid campaign period….”

Posters and tarpaulins are appearing now on streets. Projects are being inaugurated, surveys are being led, opinion of all kinds are being offered by some noted personage who happens to be running for office.

The Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources has warned against such acts as nailing  posters on trees, but this is because this is a violation of environmental laws.

There may be a need to  clear up all the laws and regulations to put order and reason in  Philippine elections. It is now campaign season but on hindsight, there is need to  ban premature campaigning in the interest of leveling the playing field, as rich  candidates are now able to make themselves more visible than poor ones. The present law certainly needs revising, according to concerned individuals and groups.

Actually, campaigning in the Philippines is a year-round affair. The campaigning to look good begins on day one of the term of office. There is nothing wrong with doing one’s duties well in a manner that the constituents will appreciate and may reward with reelection.

After the May elections, they is need to simplify matters like distinguishing an “election period” from a “campaign period,” each one with its own set of bans. All the prohibitions during one definite period at election time may well be stated in one simple law to avoid confusion.

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Old-timer talks about Camp John Hay back then

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

(Zyrelle Del Prado, information officer of John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC) writes this week’s piece.)

BAGUIO CITY -- Talking with a Camp John Hay old-timer brought back nostalgia and gave us a glimpse of years past in the former American military camp. 

 “With a locally knitted bonnet on my head and dressed with a layer of thick clothes, I was always excited to tag along with my Papa going to work,”  Mang Ponce says like this happened yesterday.

He is now 52 and still walking on the same grounds at the camp as when he was a two-year-old.

Camp John Hay was ordered by the President of the United States on Oct. 13, 1903 as a mountain retreat for its military and civilian personnel around the world. 

It was established as a resort and vacation haven, designed to rejuvenate weary servicemen from combat in order to regain their strength and vigor.

“Every gate was jointly guarded by US and Filipino soldiers -- sturdy and upright men in their camouflage uniforms,” Mang Ponce recalls.  “Green manicured grass slopes, a thick canopy of Benguet Pine trees and oh, that piney smell at dawn mixed with the morning dew was unmatched by the most recommended air freshener in the metro.”

He says the camp was the most appealing U.S. military installation during its era.  With its sprawling area of 1,764 hectares, it was the refuge of a hundred cottages, hospital, chapel, a movie house, mess halls, stores, and various facilities for some sports and social activities. 

A pet project by U.S. commanding generals, who assumed command since 1911, Mang Ponce says improvements, renovations, and construction of roads, hydro-electric plant, and water pumping station were introduced making it self-sufficient, independent and advanced compared to other facilities established during its time.

“The smell of their bread about to puff in the oven still lingers in my mind.  It was extraordinary.  It was incomparable with our famous pandesal. It tasted soulful and my stomach would never forget how it satiated my hunger with its mouth-watering taste. May to June were my favorite months and came with my favorite line from my Papa - ‘get a bag and let’s go mushroom picking.”

He recalls picking wild mushrooms was one of my most treasured memories of him and his dad in the camp.  “After the rain, we spent the whole afternoon going on forays and it was like playing peek-a-boo in between pine trees. If we had extra money, I would buy aromatic bread in the bakery.”

Mang Ponce says facilities inside the camp were manned by Filipino crew and as a kid, he always came in handy.

For half a decade now, Mang Ponce has continued to walk on the same ground, though the routes have changed. Seeing the same pine trees, though some are no longer standing and breathing the same air, gives him a nostalgic feeling.  Half a decade ago and he still talks like he just turned two.

 “How I wish we could go back through a time capsule and you could travel with me. I will show you more trees, more mushrooms, the best bakery I’ve known, that wonderful tasting loaf, greener sceneries, colder climate, the environmentally conscious camp. Oh how I wish, if only,” Mang Ponce says as he half-closes his eyes as if to turn back time.

 Fast forward to 2018, Mang Ponce is an accomplished father to three wonderful children.  He brags about his son, Jay-ar, who is now a certified public accountant. 

His daughter, Jay Ann just finished a bachelor’s degree in financial management and accountancy while the youngest, Jo Anne is still in school under the K-12 program of the government.

Now, he dreams of having a grandchild to hug and tickle. 

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Autonomy pushed in Apayao

By Zhaira Kate L. Chinayo

LUNA, Apayao  -- The provincial government with assistance from National Economic and Development Authority-Cordillera conducted its first municipal information, education and communication (IEC) speakers’ training here at the provincial capitol for provincial and municipal officials of Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, and Pudtol on March 7 to push Cordillera autonomy.

The training phase of the grassroots IEC project aims to equip participants with skills and knowledge to become more effective IEC speakers in their respective municipalities and at barangays.

It also intends to strengthen partnerships with different LGUs in hastening the spread of information on autonomy in the province.

Participants said they were able to clear misconceptions, gain knowledge and refresh their memory on the Cordillera’s struggle for autonomy and its relevance.

They also appreciated the RDC-CAR’s push for autonomy towards federalism.

 Jayheart Tumbaga of the municipality of Luna said, “I had the impression that autonomy cannot coexist with federalism because I was not aware. But today, I realized that autonomy is the best path to take towards federalism”.

Attendees actively participated and showed strong interest on the topics discussed by autonomy IEC speakers Laurence Bayongan and Geronimo Donaal.

Bayongan said the Apayao group is one of the best groups he had the opportunity to train.

Similar trainings were also conducted in Abra, Benguet, Baguio City, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province for dissemination in the grassroots level.

The NEDA-CAR will continue to update IEC speakers with anticipated changes in the draft autonomy bill.

In the 1998 autonomy plebiscite, Apayao was the only province in CAR who voted “Yes”.

The RDC-CAR hopes to gain new partners in the province as it continues to increase awareness of Cordillera stakeholders on regional autonomy.

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POLICE ROUNDUP

 Farmer stabbed dead in Abra

PILAR, Abra – A farmer was stabbed dead by another during a drinking spree here.

The incident happened March 19 around 7 p.m. at Sitio Patungao, Barangay Bolbolo, according to barangay chairman Donardo Berona of Poblacion.

The victim was identified as Benefredo Dufale Agloro, 54, married, while the suspect was named as Jemer Agloro Dimingo, 25, married, both residents of the place.

Investigation disclosed boht had a misunderstanding making the suspect to hack the victim several times using his bolo. Responding police arrested the suspect and recovered the weapon.

The victim was rushed to Rural Health Unit, Pilar, Abra but was declared dead on arrival by Dr.Ethel B Jaquias.

The suspect and the weapon used are now under the custody of Pilar police while charges were prepared against Dimingo.

Two kids steal church minister’s motorcycle

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao – Two kids who allegedly stole the motorcycle of a church minister here recently at Barangay Busilac have been identified. 

A police report said the incident happened March 19 around 10:30 p.m. The victim named Arthur Bimmunga Buyuccan, 50, married, minister, reportedly informed police about the incident.

Investigation disclosed around 6 p.m. that day, the victim and his family left their house to attend a church activity but when they returned home they discovered the motorcycle was missing. 

The suspects were later identified by their neighbors as Aira Cabay Barwelo, 14, grade 9 student and Neriza Sablay Corsino, 13, grade 8 student and both residents of said barangay.

Suspects gained entry at the side window of the house and exited taking the motorcycle using the back door. 

 Cops nab 3 drug users

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Three alleged drug users were nabbed here recently while having a pot session at the school building construction in Nambaran, afternoon of March 16. 

Police named the suspects as Jerry Mamawag Magdula, 38; Pedro Malabat Tagupa, 30 and Jomel Ramoran Tallod, 37, all construction workers and residents of Angngadanan, Isabela.

 Taken from the suspects were sachet containing shabu and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Carnapping charges filed vs man in fist fight 

BAGUIO CITY – A case for carnapping was filed against a man here last week for allegedly stealing a motorcycle here March 22 along Lopez Jaena, Trancoville.

Germie Grace Guieb Rebato filed the complaint against Marvinson Gano Guyagoy, 19, of Lagawe, Ifugao who took his motorcycle with plate no. AU 12799. The suspect was identified because he was involved in a fistfight which occurred at about 5:50 a.m. of March 23 along Purok 6 Irisan which resulted to his being hospitalized at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. 

 Laborer stabs farmer in Lamut 

LAMUT, Ifugao – A laborer was arrested here March 22 for stabbing his drinking mate resulting to hospitalization of the latter at Panopdopan District Hospital. 

Victim Roel Ayad Abon, 31, farmer of Barangay Sanafe identified the suspect as Raymond Montefalco Sambrano, 34, laborer. Accordingly, at around 8:30 p.m. on March 22, he and the suspect had a drinking spree at the store of Carlito Sarmiento when a heated argument ensued between them that led to a fight until the suspect brought out a knife and stabbed him once on his left ribs when they grappled.

Police immediately nabbed the suspect.

Man stabbed by driver in Bangued

BANGUED, Abra – An unemployed man was stabbed here by a driver March 22, around 11:45 p.m. at Barangay Ubbog-Lipcan.

Victim Keiry Lizardo Gallardo, 27 was reportedly stabbed by Rodrigo Cosme Cabe, 43. 

Investigation disclosed that at about 10:40 that night, the victim just finished their drinking session at their residence together with his wife’s relatives when a stone was thrown at their house roof prompting the victim to come out and confronted the suspect who had a knife.

The victim was stabbed on his head, abdomen and thumb by the suspect and rushed at Abra Provincial Hospital for treatment while the suspect was arrested by cops.

The suspect is now under the custody of Bangued police while a case was readied against him. The weapon was not recovered.

 Farmer steals 2 carabaos twice

LUNA, Apayao – Charges were set against a man for allegedly stealing two carabaos here which he returned to the owner but stole again.

Police said according to the barangay lupon of Barangay Calabigan, the incidents happened Jan. 27 and Feb. 5 at Sitio Guto, Barangay Calabigan.

Two male carabaos, without any marks owned by Marcelino Dawang Salvador, 63, farmer were stolen by Eddie Sumbad Tuldog, farmer.

Investigation disclosed around 6 p.m. on Jan. 27, the two carabaos were stolen by the suspect at the grassland of  Salvador.

The suspect said he thought that said carabaos were his own which resulted to a settlement before the lupon of said place. The suspect returned the two carabaos and they came up with an agreement that the suspect will not repeat the same act which was duly signed by both parties, witnesses and barangay officials.

However, the suspect reportedly did not comply with the agreement and took again the said carabaos at around 9 p.m. of Feb. 5.

Police said the carabaos are still under the custody of the suspect.

3 nabbed for illegal drugs 

BAGUIO CITY-- Three persons were arrested here recently for illegal drugs.  Nabbed March 20 by police and PDEA agents at No. 1 Upper QM were Angel Francisco and tow others named as Eugene and Louie both surnamed Bacani. 

This, after arrest warrant was issued by RTC 1st Judicial Region against Francisco in an operation coordinated with police by PDEA Agent Naoy. The operation also resulted to confiscation of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

All confiscated items and arrested persons were brought to PDEA regional office for preparation of court charges.

 Death of laborer in Abra a mystery 

LA PAZ, Abra – Police are medical authorities are investigating the death of a construction worker here whether he was shot dead or died due to a vehicular accident

Police said they received around 8 a.m. on March 20 a call

informing them that a vehicular accident transpired at Sitio Alimudong, Barangay Canan.

Police found the victim and rushed him to Abra Provincial Hospital but was declared dead o arricval by Dr. Belmore Bernal. The victim was identified as Nomer Tamayo Bella, 37, single, of Barangay Malabbaga, La Paz.

Initial investigation disclosed the victim was traveling along the road at Canan on board a red RUSI motorcycle without plate number going to his work place at Barangay Toon.

Police found the victim lying at the right side of the road with injury on the left of his face. However, the physician who conducted examination disclosed that the injury suffered by the victim appeared to be a gunshot wound. Victim was set for autopsy to determine the exact cause of his death. His motorcycle was taken to police station for proper disposition. 

Lawmen burn P21-M marijuana

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga – Lawmen uprooted and burned some P21,520,000 worth of marijuana plants at Barangay Loccong here March 13-15.

The marijuana plantation was raided by troops of Tinglayan police, Drug Enforcement Unit and Provincial Mobile Force Company of Kalinga Provincial Police Office and PDEA Cordillera.

Following this, newly installed Cordillera regional police director Police Chief Supt. Israel Ephraim Dickson vowed to continue fight against illegal drugs in the region

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School of Living Traditions graduation held in Paracelis

By Luthgarda T. Fangonon 

PARACELIS, Mountain Province – The Balangao School of Living Traditions recently held its graduation rites here. Themed “Preserve, promote, and protect our culture,” rites were held here at Magawood with a total of 75 Balangao students who  completed the first cycle but only 56 attended the graduation ceremony and were confirmed graduates by Federico Dalayday, representative of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Dalayday, head of the Committee on Northern Cultural Communities and an instant keynote speaker in lieu of Ezra Kristina Bayalan, encouraged participants “to preserve, promote, and protect our tangible and intangible heritage.

There were 38 students from the municipality of Natonin and 37 from Paracelis, all from the Balangao tribe.

This project was granted to the Balangao Native Handicraft and Weavers Association, Inc. by the NCCA in 2017 with the Non-Timber Forest Product Exchange Program Philippines as source of funds.

Meanwhile, 20 children aged 8-16 and 5 adults aged 30-65 participated in Music and Arts while handicraft making involved 20 men and 5 women, and 25 women with ages 26-68 in weaving.

The second cycle of this program started this March to enhance the Balangao culture to be transmitted from oral traditions, performing arts concerning nature and the universe.

                Cultural masters for the second cycle were already identified belonging to the Balangao tribe.

Cultural masters for the first cycle were Flora Letac, Mercedes Conchaya, Teodora Bolusan, and Fidel Edchamag handled the Music and Arts while Betty Sasa took charge of weaving. Junie Kinao and Rico Kinao volunteered to teach Balangao handicrafts to the participants.

During the event, Teodora Bolusan chanted the “sogsogna”, a narrative story sang during special occasions and the children highlighted the event with the performance of native Balangao dance.

Mayor Avelino Amangyen said in his message the program should be supported so that the young generation will learn how to sustain, appreciate, preserve, and protect the culture and identity of the Balangao tribe.

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Crop damage from drought in Cordillera reaches P1B

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Drought caused by El Niño has caused more than P1 billion in crop damage in the Cordillera, the Dept. of Agriculture Regional Operation Center bared.

              As of March 22, some P1.18 billion worth of rice, corn, cassava and other high-value crops have been reportedly damaged by the dry spell.

Corn accounted for most of the damage at P958.92 million, followed by rice with P207.05 million damaged. The drought has also affected P10.8 million in high-value crops and P3.76 million in cassava.

Ifugao province was the worst hit by the drought (P470.6 million in damage) followed by Apayao, which reported P456 million in crop damage.

Records from Benguet and Mountain Province have yet to be finalized.

DA-CAR Disaster Risk Reduction focal person Lito Mocati taking a cue from advisories from Pagasa about El Niño warned months ago that the dry spell would cause more damage damage to crops than the frost experienced in the highlands.

Livestock, according to Mocati, are not spared by the lack of rain, and reduced stream flows mean insufficient water for irrigation. This leads to a reduction in yield and, in some cases, total crop loss. 

Aguinaldo town in Ifugao and Rizal in Kalinga were the first in the region to suffer the effects of El Niño, according to Mocati.

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Van rolls over on NLEX; five dead, nine injured

APALIT, Pampanga -- Five people died while 9 others were injured in an accident along the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) here Tuesday.

Police said the victims, who have yet to be identified, were in a van that rolled over after it crashed into an Elf truck when one of its tires burst along the Candaba viaduct at around 12:18 p.m.

Cesar Carlos, municipal disaster risk reduction and management chief, said the injured were taken to various hospitals.

The driver, identified as John Leo Laylo, 28, was arrested.

A report on news.abs-cbn.com quoted Insp. Elmer Decena of the Apalit police as saying that nine passengers of the Hyundai van were thrown off the vehicle and fell into a residential area in Barangay Tabuyuc.

The victims were reportedly on their way to the Clark International Airport in Pampanga for an evening flight.

Traffic on NLEX from Pulilan, Bulacan to San Simon in Pampanga were snarled due to the accident.

In Batangas, Joselyn Aguila died in a nine-vehicle smashup in Barangay Tambo, Lipa City also yesterday.

Initial investigation showed a cargo truck rammed the vehicles, including the tricycle that Aguila was riding, when its  brake malfunctioned.

Aguila, who was thrown off the vehicle due to the impact of the crash, was hit by the truck.

The truck driver, Dindo Organo, was arrested.

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2 girls drown in Ilocos Sur

 By Mar T. Supnad

CAMP QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur-Two more young girls drowned Tuesday in a series of drowning incidents in the province.

Police report said Julie del Cruz 13, of Gongogong, San Ildefonso town, and her conpanions were swimming at Botobot, BarangayMiramar, Magsingal, when she was carried by string current and drowned.

Police said that joint elements of Disaster, Fire, Coast Guard amd Maritime retrieved the body of the victim of drowning incident floating along the shore line of Sitio Botobot.

Another victim named as Ushel Hanniel Sablay, grade 6 pupil at Pug-os Elementary School,Cabugao, Ilocos Sur and resident of same barangay also drowned along the shoreline of BarangayPug-os, Cabugao.

According to reports, the victim with five other children were swimming along the shoreline where two victims were carried away by strong current.

After two hours of searching, thebody of Sablay was retrieved along the shoreline of Pug-os.

Victim was rushed to Suero hospital but pronounced dead on arrival by attending physician.  

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City starting no touch ground policy in waste disposal site

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said the multi-million upgrading of the local government’s temporary waste transfer station is nearing completion and the no touch ground of residual waste being hauled out of the city is now being sparingly practiced prior to its full implementation anytime.

The local chief executive claimed that most of the work funded under the P11.5 million to improve the temporary waste transfer station had been completed but what is now being proposed is the increase in the height of the fence to prevent the waste from spilling over to some portions of the 5,000-square meter earmarked for the purpose.

“We are now currently practicing the no touch ground policy in our temporary waste transfer station after the completion of the chute that was programmed purposely to avoid the residual waste from being brought to the ground before being loaded to the trucks of the hauler,” Domogan said.

He revealed that now that the chute is fully operational, complaints on the obnoxious odor emanating from the temporary waste transfer station had drastically decreased considering that there is only a limited volume that is left on the ground but it is immediately removed by those personnel of the City General Services Office assigned to oversee the operation of the facility.

 According to him, the local government is grateful to residents living around the waste transfer station for their understanding and patience in awaiting for the city’s compliance to the implementation of mitigating measures that will effectively and efficiently address the foul odor emanating from the facility due to the water that is being left on the ground.

Earlier, the local government commissioned the services of a representative from the Tuba municipal government who will take part in the monitoring of the operation of the temporary waste transfer station so that it will be pursuant to the rules and regulations provided by the Cordillera office of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-CAR) on the operation of said facilities.

With the existence of the chute, the city’s garbage trucks dump the collected residual waste to the mouth of the concrete structure and the same will directly flow to the hauler’s trucks waiting below the chute, thus, no garbage will be allowed to touch ground.

Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol approved the urgent request of Mayor Domogan to use a 5,000-square meter portion of the Baguio Dairy Farm as the city’s temporary waste transfer station after a La Trinidad-based court ordered the closure of the private hauler’s established waste transfer station in Longlong over a year ago.

However, the DA chief increased the land area that was ceded by the department to the local government to over 8.15 hectares, including the area occupied by the temporary waste transfer station, to be used for whatever expansion projects desired by the local government to help in decongesting the central business district among other suitable purposes.

The ceding of the portion of the Baguio Dairy Farm to the local government is covered under a deed of usufruct signed between both parties and having a duration of 25 years subject to renewal upon the mutual understanding of the involved parties. By Dexter A. See

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