MORE NEWS, BAGUIO CITY

>> Tuesday, January 29, 2008

DOTC blocks 438 anomalous franchises from Ilocos Region
By DEXTER A. SEE

BAGUIO CITY – The regional Cordillera office of the Department of Transportation and Communications here has stopped the processing and issuance of at least 438 franchises for garage vans plying various routes from Region I to this mountain resort city due to alleged anomalies and alleged questionable transactions done within the land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board in Region I.

Lawyer Federico Mandapat, Jr., DOTC-Cordillera regional director, said processing of the franchises was highly irregular since it was done without proper consultation with his office and the local government of Baguio City to ensure availability of parking spaces for the vehicles.

Once the franchises would be released, he warned the huge number of garage vans would contribute to the monstrous traffic jams within the city which they are trying to address by weeding out vehicles with questionable franchises.

Mandapat said it would be unfair for the LTFRB in Region I to be freely issuing out franchises to vehicles plying various routes from Region I to Baguio City without first consulting the affected local government unit or DOTC office to iron out possible flaws in the franchises to be released.
The DOTC-Car has fielded four teams to check the operation of colorum vehicles plying the city’s streets and the squads are bound to check public utility vehicles even at night because of the observation that colorum vehicles usually operate at night when there is less presence of government personnel.

Numerous vans and taxis have already been apprehended by different teams for using the license plate number of another vehicle which is in gross violation of the certificates of public convenience issued to them.

Despite the hitches on the lack of personnel, Mandapat said they would vigorously push through with the campaign against colorum vehicles as they are now subjecting at least 100 franchises for cancellation due to anomalous documents.

It was learned almost all the anomalous franchises was allegedly processed and issued at the LTFRB in Region I prior to the creation of the LTFRB Cordillera office sometime in December 2002.

In order to circumvent the existing ban on the issuance of franchises within the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba (BLIST) area, Mandapat disclosed that some inserted their franchise case numbers in Region I prior to the circular which was issued sometime in 1998.

He vowed to work on operators with valid franchises but who misrepresented their documents especially on the attestation of the existence of their private parking areas for their vehicles.

DOTC personnel noticed most of the public utility vehicles are parked along roads which mean that operators have no actual parking area as attested in their affidavits meaning they have violated their franchises, thus, it is a sufficient ground to cancel their permits.


Metrobank starts search for outstanding teachers
BAGUIO CITY -- Now on its 24th year, the Metrobank “search for outstanding teachers” has started to bestow honor upon the teaching profession by recognizing teachers who manifest commitment to development of the youth through exemplary competence and remarkable dedication to their work and effective educational leadership.

Lorenzo P. Danipog, director IV of the Civil Service Commission bared this saying the search is open to all teachers who are Filipino citizens with full load in elementary and secondary schools, and colleges universities or higher education institutions. Nominees should have been actively teaching in the Philippines the last 10 years (inclusive of leaves not exceeding three years, providing the nominee is not on leave, actually teaching at the time of nomination).

However, nominees must not be on leave for more than two years immediately prior to nomination. For both the elementary and secondary categories, the basic educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree.

Winners of other searches conducted by reputable organizations for outstanding teachers at the national and/or international levels are deemed automatic second-round qualifiers, provided they meet the basic requirements. Performance rating should at least be “very satisfactory” the last five years.

The deadline for the submission to the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. is on or before Feb. 11. Queries and suggestions may be addressed to Metrobank Foundation, 15th Floor, Metrobank Plaza, Se. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City, tel nos. 898-8898, 898-8855; telefax nos. 818-8686 /750-0837; or e-mail at idlabitad@metrobank.com.ph.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission –Cordillera is now accepting applications for the Career Service Examinations Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) for Professional (Second level) and Subprofessional (First Level) on March 9. Deadline for Application is Feb. 8. Test Center is Baguio City.

Those who have already passed the same or a comparable level of examination (like. licensure examinations given by the Professional Regulation Commission, and the Bar examination) need not apply.


Experimental one-way traffic scheme set to control flow
By JULIE G. FIANZA

BAGUIO CITY- Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. last week has issued an administrative order enforcing an experimental one-way traffic flow around city hall from February 2 to March 2, 2008. This is due to an “urgent need to alleviate urban traffic congestion, particularly in the vicinity of City Hall,” AO 12, s. of 2008 stated. City Engineer Leo Bernardez proposed the scheme with city hall as center, and Yandoc, Shuntug and Abanao streets carrying vehicle traffic counter-clockwise.

Reviewed by the Traffic and Transportation Management Committee, the scheme recommended for approval of the proposal through a resolution. All vehicle owners and the public, are enjoined to comply with the one-way traffic scheme as roads designated are: Yandoc street from Quirino highway junction to Legarda road junction; left turn to Shuntug street up to Abanao street junction.

Vehicles should go up one-way, passing along the Baguio Jail Management and Penology Office, Baguio City Police Office, up to Camp Henry road junction; back to Yandoc street-Quirino highway junction. The perimeter roads lateral to the BCPO entering city hall frontage and from Kayang street to Justice Hall are also considered one-way only.

Signs, pavement markings and temporary barricades, as to the enforcement of the order shall be prepared by the City Engineers Office, while the Traffic Management Branch of the Baguio City Police Office shall assign personnel to man the junctions in the implementation of the scheme. Another traffic advisory as to a one-way scheme along Session road for implementation in March 2008 shall also be released after finalization. Said scheme is seen to decongest traffic in portions of the Central Business District.


Baguio- Benguet traders score perennial conduct of trade fairs
BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio-Benguet chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (BBCCII) here declared their opposition against perennial conduct of trade fairs and exhibits utilizing various parks and areas in the city which are beyond the commerce of man.

The group said the conduct of various trade fairs caused undue competition to legitimate businesses in the city thereby resulting in huge losses.

Ironically, most trade fairs are being undertaken in the guise of social responsibilities of the organizers including market encounters during the various staging of the Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival.

The BBCCII added the city government and the organizers of the trade fairs and exhibits are grossly violating, if not, contradicting existing policies which provide there will be no trade fairs in the city’s central business district.

The business group recommended that the city government through the Panagbenga executive committee formulate healthy and productive activities or programs within the immediate business environs such as encourage the business owners along major streets, particularly along Abanao, Harrison, Session, Magsaysay avenue including Bonifacio among others to upgrade and beautify their establishments outside or fronting their areas of business operations consistent with the theme of the said festivity.

At the same time, Panagbenga organizers must formulate programs and activities that will help promote Baguio’s exotic sceneries by beautifying or upgrading various parks within the central business district including but not limited to Botanical garden, Prayer Mountain at Dominican Hill, Bayan Park by encouraging non-government organizations, multi-national companies operating within the city and national government agencies to assign areas and beautify and upgrade these parks and introduce some laudable and sustainable year-round programs.

The BBCCII challenged festival organizers to encourage all businesses operating within the city’s public market to formulate programs and activities within their modest ranks, and, alongside other business areas consistent with the existing policies of the city government.

Furthermore, the BBCCII cited that ambulant vendors are now getting big slices of the income of those legally operating businessmen in the city, thus, they must be prohibited from using sidewalks, vacant lots and main roads to help improve peace and order and smoother flow of traffic and pedestrian movement if not avoidance of untoward accidents or road mishaps.

The group said sidewalks are definitely beyond the commerce of man, thus, the city government must be firm in implementing existing policies against rampant sidewalk vending since public places are definitely beyond the commerce of man.

Instead, the business sector called on the city government to look for an alternative to be developed and utilized as a flea market area where ambulant vendors could be relocated and organized vis-à-vis their trade.

The city government was also asked to adopt an urgent and effective process in the clearing of the sidewalks including the vacant lots that would benefit the public. -- Dexter A. See


First lot title issued to old CJH resident
By Ramon Dacawi

BAGUIO CITY -- The city register of deeds has released the first lot award title under Executive Order 64 issued by President Gloria Arroyo in 2001 that declared the Scout Barrio portion of the Camp John Hay Reservation as housing site for bona fide occupants. City register of deeds Juanito Ampaguey issued the title last Jan. 18 in favor of Angelita Yabut, widow of Alfredo Yabut, covering an area of 528 square meters, according to Froilan Gasmena, head of the Scout Barrio Neighborhood Association.

Gasmena said the title is the first of 41 awards initially being worked out for titling following the issuance of deeds of absolute sale signed by the Bases Conversion Development Authority, the government office authorized to dispose of and develop former military camps like John Hay.
In her proclamation, President Arroyo, through then Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo, noted that “BCDA has expressed its intention to dispose of the occupied portion (of John Hay) to the legitimate occupants who have been living in the area even before the enactment of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992”.

Gasmena said 97 of the 163 beneficiaries in Scout Barrio have fully paid for the lots they have occupied for long.

Most, if not all of the allocatees, are former or present civilian employees of the former United States military base occupying a total of about 15.9 hectares.

Gasmena said the occupants were supported by the barangay council headed by then punong barangay Ramon Corpuz in their push for the release and titling of their lots.

Corpuz wrote President Arroyo last June, saying that while “a number of beneficiaries had already received photocopies of certificate of lot award and a photocopy of trans certificates of title, having completed the preliminary requirements and payment of lots, yet, they feel that these are mere tokens of ownership over the land which is rightfully theirs”.

He requested the President’s “direct intercession on this predicament to once and for all settle our seemingly unending predicament with finality”.

With the release of the first TCT by the city register of deeds, the allocatees are on the way to fully owning their residential lots, Gasmena said.


Controversial flyover in Baguio City finally opens
By MIKE GUIMBATAN JR

BAGUIO CITY – The controversial P172.2M flyover at the Baguio General Hospital rotunda was finally opened to all types of vehicles Friday morning by Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane representing the President.

The bridge opening was postponed thrice awaiting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the formal ribbon cutting and first motorist to drive through but DPWH failed to get the President’s itinerary for January and February.

Ebdane was ordered by the President who is on travel abroad to immediately open the bridge and ease traffic in the area after attaining the 28th day curing period. “Kailangang buksan na para mahusgahan,” referring to opposition from Baguio residents.

Apart from easing traffic, Ebdane justified that the multi-million flyover design with log finished guardrails, modular blocks, and another unique design from the first Baguio flyover has added to the natural attraction of the city.

Ebdane was accompanied by Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan, Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas, Undersecretary Ramon Aquino and Dept. of Public Works and Highways regional director Mariano Alquiza.

The 271 linear meter bridge was designed in 2002 to cost P88.4 million. Initial funding came from a P43M savings from the Marcos Highway rehabilitation.

Even President Arroyo tried to stop the project upon lobbying by former Mayor Braulio Yaranon. Protesters have been clamoring to stop the said project, because of environmental concerns, such as tree-cutting, destruction of springs and water basins, and the threat of an earthquake. The President even ordered a realignment of the funds to finance road networks in remote Benguet and Kalinga towns.

Domogan said delays caused by opposition to the project affected construction prices increasing the project cost to P172M. He gave credit to the President for pushing through with the project and finding other fund sources for the Kapangan, Benguet and Tinglayan, Kalinga committed road projects.

“We suffered the consequences of delays”, Domogan said, but the finished structure will now ease traffic and address the growing population and motorists of the city consistent with a study accordingly conducted by a European Planning Experts. Contrary to fears from protesters, Domogan said all the matured trees were not cut.


Fongwan regales YMCA officers during induction
By BOBBY VINLUAN

BAGUIO CITY -- Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan regaled members of the Young Men’s Christian Association of Baguio Jan. 19 during induction of club officers. For starters, he admitted he was never invited to join the local branch of the international service organization. He recalled he once enrolled in karate at the gym but quit, unable to bear the shouted orders of the blackbelt instructors.

He then asked the local branch of the 154-year old international service organization to extend its programs not only to the province but to its 13 towns. Specifically, he cited the need for an outreach project to address the health problems of one secluded community where he found a widespread incidence of goiter.

The governor was in for a surprise. After saying his piece, Fongwan received his life-time membership plaque from newly inducted chapter president, Dr. Tedler Depaynos - even before his honor could sign the application form. YMCA office administrator Aida Aquino had the membership citation engraved as soon as the governor accepted to serve as installation speaker.
“You will have to pay P5,000 to validate your life-time membership,” the governor was later advised.

Earlier, out-going president Eliral Refuerzo also reminded Depaynos that the gavel he was handing over was not only a symbol of authority. “This is also a hammer that nails you to the YMCA’s cross of leadership that I am now relieved of,” he said.

Depaynos promised to pursue a long-range plan to establish at least a YMCA chapter in La Trinidad, Benguet’s capital town. He enumerated several probable tie-up projects with the province, including the revival of a school for the disabled and a summer mass circumcision for young boys.

In his initial meeting with the board, Depaynos said such community programs should erase the mistaken notion that the Y exists only for its physical fitness and sports facilities.

Following YMCA tradition, the new set of officers were installed in a candle-lighting ceremony, by four inducting officers headed by past president and regional trial court judge Edilberto Claravall. Claravall, who will be sworn in as first vice-president of the national YMCA on Feb. 2, will also head the chapter’s long range planning and development committee, with Refuerzo as co-chair.

Refuerzo served as co-inducting officer, together with city councilor Erdolfo Balajadia, life-time member Jaime Narvaez and past chapter president and educator Reinaldo Bautista Sr. Other officers, whose term will be for a year, are Engr. Antonio Bautista – first vice president, broadcast journalist Robert Tabay – second vice president, Ramon Dacawi – corporate secretary, banker Emil Ruff – treasurer, Dr. Lauro San Jose – asst. treasurer, and lawyer Matias Angiwan – auditor. In the board are past president Ben Caguioa, Engr. Rex Ludaes, Fr. David Tabo-oy, Engr. Jose Tagudar, martial arts instructor Ruben Tindaan, and Refuerzo as ex-oficio member, together with youth directors May Anne Cacdac, Balsonn Cabato, and Rev. Robert Sison.

Fongwan also swore in the members of the performance review committee headed by past president and retired city schools superintendent Jose Olarte. With Olarte are lawyer Joseph Rulla, Ernesto Toquero, Jose Agoot and Wilfredo dela Cerna.


Partial schedule for Panagbenga fest out
By JULIE FIANZA

BAGUIO CITY -- More than 80 events are lined-up for the 13th edition of the Baguio Flower Festival BFF, as to the schedule given out by the Panagbenga Secretariat during the press conference held last week at the Golden Pine Hotel.

Among the major events are: Opening parade and elimination for street dancing participants, and, Blessing of Market Encounter, Feb. 1; “Ipitik” and Pony Boys activities, Feb. 11 to 17; Barangay activities, Feb 14 to March 2; Abanao nights, Feb. 22-24; Grand Parade, 8 AM, Feb. 23; Parade of Floats and Bands, 8 AM, Feb. 24; Opening Ceremonies and Opening of Session Road in Bloom, Feb. 25; and, Closing Ceremonies and Synchronized Fireworks Display, Mar. 2. Traditional and creative activities would include: Blooms and Brews, Event Center SM, Feb. 1 top March 2; Dog and Cat show, 3 PM, Feb. 3 and 17 at Abad Santos Drive, Burnham Park; Baguio Fil-Chinese Spring Festival Parade, 3 PM Feb. 8, along Session road; Lion and Dragon Dance, at SM City, Feb. 9; Parada ng Mga Gulay, Prutas at Iba Pa-Kids Mascot show at Abad Santos Drive, Feb 9; Japanese Culture Days at SM Baguio, Feb. 10-11; Barangay Fluvial Contest, with Ballet Show in the Lake, Feb. 14; and Philippine Military Alumni Homecoming, Feb. 14-17. Sister cities South Korea’s Taebaek and Japan’s Hanyu shall also bring in their delegation with cultural exhibitions during the activity.

According to members of the panel and event organizers during the press conference which includes, among others, Police Superintendent David Mariano, Baguio Tourism Officer Benny Alhambra, Business people Cathy de la Rosa, Baguio Country Club’s Anthony de Leon, BFF Chief of Staff Amboy Guevarra, and John Hay’s Freddie Alquiroz; all things are in place and every possible detail is being taken care of.

Preparations would include security measures and police presence, traffic and transportation plan implementation, guideline issuances for concessionaires, waste management measures, and proper coordination between and among volunteers and legitimate coordinators. The theme for this year: “Celebrating 13 Years of Caring,” was also expounded on as the carrying on of the flower festival tradition, and a challenge to the general public to support all the activities of this year’s festival and future ones, as well.

Activities involving fashion and clothing would be: Shirts up! Flower up your shirt competition, at SM City, Feb. 1-21; Touch of Cordillera Children’s Casual Wear, at Abad Santos Drive, Feb. 2; Masferre Fashion Show, Event Center, SM, Feb. 16; Touch of Cordillera Children’s Sunday Wear, at Abad Santos Drive, Feb. 16; Search for Mr and Ms. Fashionista 2008, Baguio Convention Center, Feb. 23; Cordillera “Luplupot” Fashion Show, at Abad Santos Drive, Feb. 23; and, Narda’s Fashion Show, Session road, Feb. 26. Sports activities lined up are; Basketball tour in Baguio and Benguet Schools, Feb. 3 to March 26; Balloon flying ritual, Abad Santos Drive, Feb. 7; Arnis de Mano, Malcolm Square, Feb. 10; Airsoft Panagbenga Cup, Feb. 23; Dance Sport in Bloom, Session road, Feb. 27; Flower Tee Golf Tournament, Camp John Hay, Feb. 28; and 7th Panagbenga Open Scrabble Tournament, Baguio Country Club, March 1 and 2. Concerts and events lined up are: Lala Tour, SM City, Feb. 2; Blue Grass Band at Abad Santos Drive, Feb. 13; Soothing Music, Events Center, SM, Feb. 14; Sadiwan Disco Revival, Abad Santos Drive, Feb. 14, 15; Pop Fiesta, Athletic Bowl, Feb. 22; Taebaek Korean Choir, Event Center, SM, Feb. 22; K-Lite in Bloom with Itchyworms, Central Park, SM, Feb. 23; Handog ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM sa Panagbenga, Feb. 23; Cordillera Cultural Dancers, Dragon Dance of Dynamic Acrobats, Music of the Heart, Concert, Bloom To Be A Singing Star, Smooth Concert, all at Session Road, on Feb. 25 and 26; Love Radi’s Hatid Saya, Melvin Jones, Feb. 27-28; High School Chorale and Acoustic night, Session road, Feb. 28; Aloha Grand Polynesian Concer, SM City, Feb. 28; Music of the Heart, Session road, Feb. 29; PUP Banda Kawayan, Session road, Feb. 29; Campus Radio Bulaklak Rock, Melvin Jones, Feb. 29; Band2Band with SpaceFlower & Hilera, Event Center SM, Feb. 29; Filipino Cultural Dancers, Session road, March 1; Concert at Session road, March 1; Floriade Street Party with Freestyle, Central Park SM, March 1; Love Radio’s Hatid Saya at Melvin Jones, March 1. Lectures scheduled are: Information Campaign on Good Governance, Good Environment and Good Citizenry, at People’s Park, Feb.1 to 29; How to Start Your Business by Department of Trade and Industry and Chamber of Commerce, Feb. 5; Basics of Franchising, Feb. 12; Consumer Rights, and Feb. 23; Intellectual Property Rights. All lectures by the DTI shall be at the Abad Santos Drive, Burnham Park.

A Medical Mission and Environmental Awareness shall also be conducted at the Malcolm Square, Feb. 18 to March 2. Other activities may be arranged through the Panagbenga Secretariat at the Baguio Convention Center, tel. nos. 442-4315, 442-4259.


City council allows mayor to bid out Dominican Hill
BY AILEEN P. REFUERZO

BAGUIO CITY – The city council last week granted Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. the authority to bid out the operation of the 32,402-square meter Dominican Heritage Hill. The committee on laws chaired by Councilor Richard Carino which recommended the move said the development of the property should be in accordance with the plan prepared by the city environment and parks management office and must be subject to the city council’s confirmation.

The move was based on the proposed resolutions of Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas and Councilor Galo Weygan noting the need to pursue the development and use of the long idle property. The council asked that the terms of reference for the bidding be drafted on the level of the city mayor and returned to the body for confirmation.

The ownership of the idle Heritage Hill was transferred to the city government by the national government during the administration of former mayor Braulio Yaranon The transfer was worked was initiated by former city mayor Bernardo Vergara and Rep. Mauricio Domogan as a means for offsetting the national government’s obligation to the local government.

Farinas said the city has received offers for its development and management as heritage site and nature park. Weygan wants the city to strike a deal with the Heritage Conservation Society for the design and plans preparation as a heritage landmark. The Baguio-Korean Businessmen’s Association also submitted a proposal for a build-operate-lease scheme on the property.

‘City police chief, bocap want case whitewashed’: Angeles newshen gets death threats over cops’ extort case By George Trillo ANGELES CITY – The life of an associate publisher of a local newsweekly is now reportedly in danger after her newspaper came out last week with a story about three local policemen caught redhanded extorting from illegal drug suspects, amid claims this city’s police chief and a barangay official here want the case whitewashed.

The Angeles City Press and Radio Club, Inc. issued on Jan. 21 Resolution No. 01-2008 “strongly condemning the death threats, harassments, and other similar acts preventing media practitioners from performing their duties as members of the “Fourth Estate” allegedly committed against Sipol newsweekly associate publisher Grace Santos by city police director Senior Supt. George Gaddi and the official from Barangay Pulung Maragul.

The resolution said Santos had been receiving death threats in her cell phone and that unidentified suspicious men on board a motorcycle have been monitoring her residence at Timog Park since her newsweekly came out last week with a story about the three local cops from the Drug Enforcement Unit allegedly caught extorting from illegal drugs suspects in their headquarters.

Santos has reportedly gone into hiding in an undisclosed place and her cell phone has remained turned off for days now.

The resolution noted that the story was based on the official complaint of illegal drugs case suspects Annaliza Sullano and one Danilo Soriano who hinted that three policemen from the DEU asked for some cash from her in exchange for her liberty. The policemen were identified as PO3 Oliver Desilos, PO1 Rene Manuel and PO1 Mervin Manaloto of the DEU’s intelligence division which, the resolution noted, was “under the direct supervision of Gaddi.”

Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Errol Pan confirmed the arrest of the three cops arising from the extortion complaint saying regional police operatives were the ones who caught them.
“As a matter of fact, I was the one who sent by text message to Grace the information on the operations,” Pan said. The three cops allegedly asked for P20,000 from the suspects, but this was reduced to P10,000 which was marked by the regional police office for the entrapment operations at the DEU here.

The APRC resolution cited Sullano’s sworn affidavit submitted to Senior Supt. Silvestre Primero accusing the barangay chief of persuading them to withdraw their extortion complaint against the three cops and saying the barangay official allegedly revealed Gaddi asked him to do so.
The press club resolution said they would hold Gaddi and the barangay official liable for the safety not only of the Sipol associate editor but also of Sullano and Soriano.

Local newsmen said they tried to get the side of Gaddi, but none from his office could say where he could be reached. There was repotedly also no return call from his office as arranged with his secretary.

Pan urged Santos to file a formal complaint against Gaddi, even as he vowed to look into the case. “A formal complaint could be handled by the independent Internal Affairs Service Office. I tolerate no abuse of police power, but we must exercise due process,” he said.

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