NEWS BITS

Two kids drown in la union beach

AGOO, La Union -- A pre-Christmas party in the beach ended in tragedy Dec. 21 when two children in the group, aged 11 and 8, drowned here in Barangay Samara. Police identified the fatalities as Howard Waya, 11, and Zoren Wagtingan, both from Baguio City.

It was learned that after having lunch, the two children had sneaked away from the group to take a swim. There was a strong current and when their companions realized they were drowning, it was too late. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Baguio chills at 12°C

BAGUIO CITY – This city’s temperature dropped to 12 degrees Celsius Tuesday morning, the lowest since start of the Christmas season.

State weather forecasters attributed the chill to the cold front and the low temperature to as far as China and Japan. 

Baguio’s temperature, which has been luring tourists, is expected to drop further as Christmas nears, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Temperature in Benguet dipped by four degrees Celsius, especially in  Atok town, and by two degrees on Mt. Cabuyao in Tuba. 

Pagasa said temperature would drop until February.

The coldest temperature this year was recorded on Jan. 9 at 11.5 degrees Celsius.

Baguio City recorded its coldest temperature in its history on Jan. 19, 1961 at 6.3 degrees Celsius.

Mayor seals guns of lawmen

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Mayor Pablo Ortega of this city led Tuesday  sealing of firearms of police, Navy soldiers, security guards, personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection, jail guards of the provincial and city jail, and gun clubs members. This was done to avoid indiscriminate firing this holiday season.

Supt. Julius Suriben, the city police chief, said the seal, which was also signed by concerned officials, would be removed on Jan. 2, 2015. “They should discipline themselves and avoid firing their guns indiscriminately because it is very dangerous,” Ortega said. -- Erwin Beleo

Bangaan rice terraces groomed as cultural landscape model

BANAUE, Ifugao -- The Bangaan Rice Terraces here which was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO is now being groomed and developed to become a cultural landscape model of the province.

According to Roscoe Kalaw of the Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office, the project was initiated by the provincial government to rehabilitate and establish the site as  living cultural landscape model by restoring its authenticity.

He said Gov. Denis Habawel and ICHO consulted with farmers’ associations and stakeholders of Bangaan for the projects,  in coordination with municipal government.

Proposed activities included village improvement  such as  construction of 18 houses with galvanized iron roofs covered with cogon grass, repair of pathways with hand railings to the village and construction of a water system in the village.

The project also undertakes to repair Bangaan View Deck by repairing the structure, construction of comfort rooms within the vicinity, construction of water supply, landscaping, grouted riprap with railings and construction of a visitor center.

The undertaking is being financed by Sen. Loren Legarda channeled through the National Commission on Culture and Arts with the province of Ifugao providing a counterpart of P3,029,750. – Daniel Codamon

Man dies in road collision

PASUQUIN, Ilocos Norte — A collision between a pickup truck and a tricycle resulted in the death of a man here in Barangay Ngabangab last week.

Jayson Sugui, a local resident, was aboard a tricycle when the accident ended his life and injured the driver, Kennedy Salvador, 45. Involved in the collision was a Nissan Navara owned and driven by former mayor of Baguio, Ilocos Norte, Wilfred Gaces, who is now a barangay chairman. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Baac seeks multi-sector cooperation  for peace

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Rallying multi-sector involvement, Gov. Jocel C. Baac asked commitment of government and private sectors for a peaceful province as Kalinga held a peace rally at provincial capitol gym here to highlight Peace Week last week.

Various sectors attended the rally. Baac said peace was key to economic development, adding commerce booms, investors come in and traders get active when there is peace in an area.

He admitted the agenda of peace does not come only from the hands of few, urging help of communities for peace. - Larry Lopez

Mt Province health workers, facilities cited

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Winners in the “search for most outstanding public health nurse, midwife, hospital nurse and nursing aide received certificate of recognition, gift and cash of P10, 000 each from provincial government during the 2nd Provincial Health Worker’s Conference and Philippine Public Health Convention here early December.

Gov. Leonard G. Mayaen and Dr. Penelope A. Domogo of the Provincial Health Office handed the awards to winners of the search.

Marilyn Moog of Paracelis Rural Health Unit was adjudged as the Outstanding Provincial Public Health Nurse, Caroline L. Asimao of Palitud, Paracelis was chosen as the Outstanding Provincial Rural Health Midwife while Sabina Galdayen of Paracelis District Hospital was the Outstanding Provincial Nursing Attendant.

According to Midwife IV Mary Lee Piluden of the Provincial Health Office, the search sought  to recognize and reward health employees of their contribution in delivery of quality public service.

She said the search covered permanent employees.

Other awardees who received certificate of recognition were Evangeline A. Mendoza of Bontoc MHO for timely, reliable reports and MerrylKait B. Regaspi and Ronald L. Wangwang as advocates and mnodel for physical fitness and health lifestyle.

Then municipal health offices, Provincial Health Office, Barlig District Hospital, Besao District Hospital, Bontoc General Hospital, Paracelis District Hospital, Natonin Community Hospital, Luis Hora Regional Memorial Hospital and St. Theodore’s Hospital received certificate of recognition for  successful measles rubella and oral polio vaccine mass immunization (MR OPV MI).

Also, certificates of recognition were awarded to selected barangays, municipality and hospitals for their best practices.   Barangay Chupac in Barlig was recognized for environmental sanitation; Bontoc General Hospital for waste management; Sagada Rural Health Unit for community health team, Lubon Barangay Health Station in Tadian, Barlig District Hospital  for its no smoking policy, Bauko for its barangay health workers and Barangay Supang, Sabangan for sanitation practices. 

Meanwhile, Gov. Leonard Mayaen in his message commended health workers for their honest and sincere participation in the programs of the provincial government concerning public health.  -- Alpine L. Killa

Firecrackers burn house, injure 3

BACARRA, Ilocos Norte — Firecrackers stored at a boarding house, here, exploded and caused a fire that injured a businessman and his son last Monday. Local authorities said the incident occurred at the boarding house of NoliGalang in Barangay San Pedro.

He and his son Nolimar sustained multiple injuries all over their bodies after the boy played with their electric mosquito-bug zapper device which sparked the explosion of the firecrackers. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Tuba receives aid from Hedcor

TUBA, Benguet — Run-of-river developer Hedcor, Inc. Wednesday handed over five vehicles and a generator set here as part of its commitment to extend financial assistance to its host communities. Three jeepney-type trucks, a mini dump truck, a brand new van, and a diesel generator set all worth P3.5 million were turned over by Hedcor, led by Senior Vice President Chris Faelnar, to local officials here led by Mayor Florencio Bentrez. Hedcor also aided in the construction of a one-storey school building in Tadiangan which is now being utilized by grade three students of Gilbert Semon Elementary School.

Fish-eating eagle caught in La Union

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – A five-year-old osprey, also known as a fish-eating eagle, was caught in Barangay Biday here Tuesday.

Mayor Pablo Ortega said the eagle would be turned over to the administrators of the La Union Botanical Garden for proper care.

It would later be released back into the wild, Ortega said.

Jason Estrero said the eagle was trapped in a net as it was trying to catch fish in a pond.

Estrero said the eagle suffered injuries so he decided to turn it over to the authorities. --  Jun Elias

Baguio to commemorate

118th Dr. Jose Rizal Day

BAGUIO CITY - The whole nation will be commemorating the 118th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal with the theme “Rizal 2014: Dunong at Pusong Pilipino” to which the city government here will be having a simple ceremony.

On Dec. 30, the city will observe the death anniversary of our great national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal which will be highlighted by the raising of the Philippine flag by the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) with the Baguio City National High School band leading the pambansang awit.

The twenty one gun salute will be led by the Philippine National Police Cordillera (PROCOR) and BCPO and subsequently, the taps and ruffle.

The wreath laying ceremony will be led by the city officials headed by mayor Mauricio Domogan together with the Rizal Monument barangay officials, Masons, Knights of Rizal, KababaihangRizalista, among others.

Rep. Nicasio Aliping, Jr. will be giving opening message.The Baguio City National High School Special Program in the Arts will be presenting an intermission number.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan will also be giving his inspirational messag.

“This is the city’s one way of showing and giving honor to the heroism of Dr. Rizal.  It is very timely to arouse the nationalistic fervor of the people and join hand in hand in the celebration of Rizal’s martyrdom. Also, the reason the city celebrates Rizal Day is to bring Filipinos together as they immortalize Dr. Jose Rizal and his importance in contemporary times,” said the mayor.  -- JhoArranz    

             

Abra nearing declaration as malaria-free  province

BOLINEY, Abra – The province of Abra is now on verge of being declared as malaria-free province.

Lilibeth B. Martin, provincial coordinator of malaria control program, said they are now processing documents for declaration of Abra Malaria-Free Province next year.

For five years, Abra has not recorded indigenous case of malaria qualifying it for such declaration.

This year’s Malaria Awareness Month was celebrated in this upland town to reach rural folks of the province.

Anchored on the theme formulated by the town’s tribal peoples  themselves , “Malaria otnai chun salun-at chi Abra pantalinauchun, masakfayan parani agun,” ( The eradication of malaria in Abra will stabilize the health condition of the people for a brighter future), the observance  included  information, education and communication (IEC) and other activities.

Recently, representatives from the Provincial Health Office and its private partner Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Philippine Red Cross, municipal doctors of Luba and Tubo, and Philippine Information Agency visited the area and were welcomed by Pacita S. Balao-as, former mayor and wife of the present mayor.

In a forum, Martin explained signs and symptoms of malaria and corresponding first aid and cure for a malaria victim.

Dr. Althea Gabaoen of Luba Rural Health Unit and Dr. Jordan Domug-as, Doctor to the Barrio in Tubo, also shared their experience with patients who are malaria-positive and how they treated them.

Aside from the IEC, there was also free medical check-up of senior citizens and babies. 

Abra Red Cross administrator Ivy Avendaño   led distribution of free clothes and detergent soap to the townfolks.

Students from Boliney National High School   and pupils of the Boliney West Central School presented a cultural show for the visitors. -- Josa Mai Ramirez

Cordillera measles cases up 119%

BAGUIO CITY -- Measles cases in the Cordillera Administrative Region has increased by 119 percent this year compared last 2013.

DOH-CAR, OIC assistant regional Director Dr. AmelitaPangilinan revealed that for the year 2013, there were 73 cases of measles with one fatality while for the period Jan. 1 to Dec. 6 this year.

 It has been reported that the number of confirmed measles cases in the different provinces, cities and municipalities, and barangays includes Abra with three measles cases at San Juan, San Quintin and Tubo.

There were 14 measles cases at Apayao (six at Flora and eight at Pudtol).  

In Benguet, there were 41 measles cases at La Trinidad, 12 at Itogon, two cases each at Tuba and Bakun and one case each at Kibungan, Buguias, Tublay, Kabayan and Sablan for a total of 62 measles cases.

Ifugao had 18 measles cases (six at Aguinaldo, three cases each at Kiangan and Lagawe, two at Lamut and one each at Alfonso Lista, Banaue, Hingyon and Hungduan).

Tabuk City had 20 cases and Tanudan with two cases for a total of 22 measles cases at Kalinga.  While there were two cases at Mt. Province (Bontoc and Natonin).

In Baguio, there were measles cases reported at Irisan – 11; Dontogan - 3; San Luis – 3; Bakakeng Central – 3; Bakakeng Norte, Dizon Subdivision and Kias has two each; Kayang-Hilltop, ABCR, Brookside, Fairview, Happy Homes-Lucban, Outlook Drive, Pacdal, Padre Burgos, South Sanitary Camp, Quezon Hill Proper, Middle Rock Quarry and Lower 

Dagsian with one measles cases each. While there was one fatality at Lower Q.M. for a total of 39 measles cases in Baguio City. -- JhoArranz

Dagupan boosts oyster industry

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — With nothing else to prove in “bangus” (milkfish) production, the city government is now trying to boost the local oyster production industry. A total of 32 fisherfolk in Barangay Salapingao were extended livelihood assistance and complete materials for floating oyster rafts as part of the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process of the city. Mayor Belen T. Fernandez with City Agriculture Officer Emma Molina distributed the materials recently. -- LiezleBasaIñigo

56 pupils  benefit from energy press corps gift-giving activity

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Fifty-six pupils of the Magabbangon Elementary School in barangay Cudal here benefited from a recent gift giving activity of the Cagayan-Kalinga Energy Press Corps (CKEPC) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The activity was first joint outreach mission of CKEPC and NGCP after the organization of the energy press corps last November.

Assorted family food packs were distributed to the multi-grade classes in the presence of their parents and barangay officials. Two stand electric fans were also given by NGCP.

Lilibeth Gaydowen, NGCP North Luzon Corporate Communication Officer,   also conducted information drive on safety tips and protecting power lines from damages.

Barangay Chairman Wendel Gonayon expressed his gratitude that one of their schools was chosen to benefit from the early Christmas gifts.

The CKEPC members later proceeded to Tuguegarao City for oathtaking of the officers at Las Palmas Hotel. Elected president was Vivian De Guzman of DWPE Radyong Bayan Tuguegarao City. -- Peter Balocnit

 

DA monitors garlic smuggling

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said here Monday the Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the supply of garlic in the country and guarding against smuggling. “We cannot really provide enough supply of garlic needed in our country for one whole year (that’s why there is importation). But we are strictly monitoring the deliveries to avoid smuggled supplies that are contaminated and to ensure that payment of needed revenues are properly collected,” Alcala said.  -- Erwin G. Beleo

Prizes for early Baguio tax payers set 

BAGUIO CITY – The city government here is preparing prizes as a treat for early taxpayers to close the year and usher in the new year. 

The City Treasurer’s Office launched ‘Buwis sa Baguio, May Dalang Premyo’ Project to entice taxpayers to pay early and avoid the rush next year.

City Treasurer Alicia Onoza said, the program is open to all property owners and business permittees of the City who has no tax delinquencies as of December 31, 2014 and taxes must be paid for the whole year of 2015.

Real property owners or administrators shall be entitled to one raffle ticket for properties registered in their names for house and lot or lot only.

Real property owners or administrators with more than one property registered under one name shall be entitled to a maximum of five raffle tickets only.

A 20% discount will also be accorded to Real property taxpayers from January 1 to 31, 2015, 15% discount from February 1 to 28, 2015 and 10% discount from March 1 to 31, 2015.    

Business taxpayers, Corporations, Banks, Partnerships and other organizations shall likewise be entitled to one raffle ticket per receipt distributed as follows; January A to H, February I to P, March Q to Z.

If the taxpayer pays in full, garbage and sewerage fees paid on or before the 20th of the month will have a 10% discount.

A taxpayer can only win once however, in the event that the taxpayer wins more than once, he is entitled to one prize of his choice.

Onoza said, “prizes are not convertible to cash and the list of winners will be posted and announced.”

First prize for the raffle is a Sala Set with Television, Second prize is a two door refrigerator, 3rd prize is a 4 burner gas stove and lots of consolation prizes.

The first 6,000 taxpayers will be given instant prizes provided they have no delinquencies and have paid their real property and business taxes for the whole year of 2015. -- Paul Rillorta

TESDA trains 233 Kalinga folks on entrepreneurship

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Two hundred thirty three individuals  look forward to  better chances for employment and livelihood opportunities  with the Skills for Training and Employment Program (STEP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

John Adawey, TESDA director, said this is part of training program of their agency to conduct of trainings on various skills in barangays and promote employment entrepreneurship and service-oriented activities. 

“While some are having training at the provincial training center, we also conduct community-based training at the barangay level in partnership with local government units concerned,” he said.

Trainees work on projects of local governments or other agencies of government and are given P60 allowance a day plus tool kits.

“After a month of actual work, they will be assessed and if qualified, they will be given another training on entrepreneurship before applying for National Certificate II or NC2,” Adawey said.

He said the STEP program for Kalinga was funded by Rep. RanuelAgyao amounting P3 million. -- Peter Balocnit

Beneco urged: Install Baguio lights

BAGUIO CITY – The city council requested the Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc. to install light-emitting diode (LED) streetlights for free including fixtures and consumption in all barangays requesting replacement of busted light bulbs and fixtures.

The body approved a resolution asking the power firm to provide said service as part of its “corporate social responsibility.”

The aldermen were also studying a proposed resolution authored by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda authorizing Mayor Mauricio Domogan to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Beneco to institutionalize the power firm’s assumption of the increase in power consumption as a result of the replacement of some streetlight fixtures from 70 watts to 250 watts.

Beneco general manager Gerardo Verzosa last November reported to the city that it replaced 279 units of 70 watts high pressure sodium (HPS) into 250-watt streetlight fixtures along 26 major thoroughfares in the city, most of which installed along Loakan Road with 108 units replaced.

Verzosa said “power cost difference as of energy consumption due to replacement from 70 watts to 250 watts will be shouldered by Beneco.”

“The monthly additional energy increase 20,493 kWh equivalent to P153,756.93 as of November 2014 billing will be absorbed by Beneco included as part of its corporate social responsibility related projects,” he said.

The body however wanted to make sure that the city will not be made to shoulder the additional bill after November 2013.

The aldermen, on Tabanda’s motion, tasked the city engineer’s office to confirm if indeed the fixtures had been replaced as reported by the Beneco.

Councilor Fred Bagbagen sought to require Beneco to submit a copy of the board resolution authorizing the switch from the 70 to 250 watts and for the firm to absorb the additional energy consumption as a result of the switch. – Aileen Refuerzo.

Best performing Baguio villages feted

BAGUIO CITY – Best preforming barangays were recently feted here.

Barangay Upper Rock Quarry headed by punong barangay Luis Badecao, Jr. emerged the champion receiving a plaque of recognition plus P60,000 cash incentive.

The first runner-up receiving plaque of recognition plus P50,000 cash incentive was Irisan barangay headed by PB Thomas Dumalti.

Lourdes Subdivision Extension headed by barangay chief  Benjamin Macadangdang was second runner-up receiving a plaque of recognition and P40,000 cash.

The third runner up was given to Upper Quezon Hill head by PB Lilia Fariñas.  They received a plaque of recognition plus P30,000 cash incentive.

Holy Ghost Proper headed by Murphy Maspil, Sr. was the fourth runner up with a plaque of recognition and P20,000 cash incentive.

Fifth runner up Greenwater Village headed by PB Magdalena Lambac received a plaque of recognition plus P15,000 cash incentive.

The sixth to tenth runners up were awarded to Loakan Proper, Pinsao Pilot Project, Middle Quirino Hill, Sto. Niño Slaughterhouse Compound and MRR Queen of Peace, respectively. Said barangays were given a plaques of recognition plus P5,000 cash incentive each.

The other participating barangays that were recognized were Andres Bonifacio, Balsigan, Cabinet Hill-Teachers Camp, City Camp Proper, DPS Compound, Fairview, Imelda Marcos, Leonila Hill, Lualhati, Manuel Roxas, Pacdal, Phil-Am, Pinsao Proper, San Roque Village, South Drive, Sto. Tomas Proper, T. Alonzo, Upper Q.M.  and Victoria Village.

Being hall of famer, a certificate of extra ordinary achievement was awarded to Imelda Village barangay headed by Arturo Rapelo, Jr.  

The barangays were adjudged based on barangay administration and governance, environmental management and protection, infrastructure development, peace and order and public safety, health and nutrition program management, and social welfare development. -- JhoArranz