MORE NEWS, BENGUET

Philex, Beneco set P5.6M to energize Benguet sitios

TUBA, Benguet – The Philex Mining Corp. here and the Benguet Electric Coop. agreed to pool P5.6 million for the energization of five sitios in barangay Camp 3 to implement the government’s rural electrification program.

The implementation of the rural electrification program was reached after Philex, Beneco and Camp 3 officials entered into a tripartite agreement to hsten completion of the energization project which is expected to be done 120 days after the signing of the agreement.

Philex was represented by its president Jose Ernesto C. Villaluna, Beneco was bannered by its board president lawyer Benny Bomogao while Camp 3 was represented by its punong barangay Benedicto Baliton.

The identified beneficiaries of the energization program include Balayan, Kimmabab, Torre, Allapang and Alang.
Under the agreement, Philex will shoulder P2.9 million representing the cost of materials for extending the lines to the identified areas while Beneco’s counterpart is pegged at P2.7 million representing labor and other incidental costs for the immediate implementation of the project.

The mine firm under its social development and management program aims to improve the quality of life of the residents in its host and neighboring communities.

On the other hand, Beneco wants to accelerate electrification in Benguet in accordance to its mandate to pursue rural electrification even in non-viable areas.

Villaluna said the company is committed to implement all provisions of their social development and management program for the benefit of the host and neighboring communities since they owe much to the people in the area for the success of their mining operations in the province over the past 50 years.

Bomogao said the Philex, Beneco and Camp 3 agreement should be a precedent for other companies in the province to provide their counterpart in the energization of their chosen communities, especially in their operations, so that the people will feel their presence in the area.

The upcoming energization of the five sitios is not part of the budget of the rural electric cooperative this year, thus, Philex management saw it practical to shell out their counterpart to pursue the project for the benefit of the growing population and to spur economic activities in the remote areas.

The power firm shall undertake the hauling and complete erection and implementation of the project in accordance with the approved plans and duly approved revisions by all the parties of there will be any.

Philex shall purchase the required materials and supplies and upon its availability, it shall inform Beneco relative to commencement of work and the latter shall complete the same within 120 days. – Dexter A See


Canadian group aids Benguet folks

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — At least 2,300 persons of this vegetable-producing province benefited from a medical and dental mission sponsored by a prestigious Canadian group in partnership with local counterparts in the province over the weekend.

The two-day mission was carried out by the Ministro Humanitarian Foundation of Canada with the support of its local chapter, the Ministro Humanitarian Association, and the Rotary Club of Metro Benguet.

The mission started at the La Trinidad district jail and the Benguet provincial jail where over 300 persons, including inmates, availed of free dental services, medical examinations and medicines.

Officials of the district jail said the mission was a great help to them, especially to the inmates who are in dire need of medical services and medicines.

The successful mission prompted jail officials to request other civic groups to hold similar programs since it is considered as a priceless gift to the inmates.

Volunteer doctors, nurses and dentists from the Canadian and Filipino civic groups then proceeded to Barangay Nangalisan, Tuba, Benguet to attend to indigent residents at the Batuan Elementary School.

There, more or less 2,000 individuals benefited from the various services offered by the civic groups. The residents were grateful since there is no clinic within the area where people needing medical assistance could go to for help.

Alah Solidad Sungduan, a member of the Rotary Club of Metro Baguio and a local journalist, said many patients here could not seek medical attention due to financial constraints and the conduct of medial and dental missions has thus become necessary.

The Cordillera is one of the regions in the country needing adequate health support from the government and private sectors because of the region’s many remote communities. -- Dexter A. See