NEWS BITS

Man killed, wife hurt in Isabela attack

CABAGAN, Isabela  – A man was killed while his wife was wounded when an unidentified assailant shot them here Tuesday.

Marvin Allam and his wife Charito were on a motorcycle when they were shot at around 12:20 a.m. in Barangay Ugad.

Marvin died at the scene from several gunshot wounds while Charito was taken to a hospital for treatment, town police head Chief Insp. Nelson Vallejo said.

Police recovered bullet shells for a Cal.45 pistol at the scene.

The victims may have been attacked because they were part of a love triangle, investigators said. --  Raymund Catindig

NFA: Enough Kalinga rice stock for the lean months 
TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- There is enough rice stock for the province for lean months, according to National Food Authority provincial office here.

Assistant provincial manager Ric Baliang said based on latest inventory, 50,000 bags of rice are available at their ware house. The supply is more than enough for Kalinga’s rice requirement for July, August and September.

Based on NFA’s rice allocation program, the stock shall be released only to NFA-accredited bigasan outlets. NFA sells its rice at P27-32/kg but allows remote bigasan outlets to make reasonable add-on to defray transportation cost.

Baliang urged bigasan outlets to properly renew permits with NFA as the government agency is monitoring operation of bigasan retailers in the province to check overpricing and business malpractice.

Baliang they procured 10,000 bags of palay last cropping when traders offered lower price. However, traders’ price climbed to P18/kg so  NFA  temporarily  stopped  procurement  since farmers preferred to sell their palay to traders. NFA buys good-dry palay at P17/kg. -- Larry T. Lopez

3 teens drown during outing

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Three teenagers drowned during a family outing in Ballesteros town Monday morning.

Ronel Pascual, 18; Jocelyn Tubban, 16, and Mary Grace Sucia, 13, all of Barangay  Campo, Sto. Niño, Cagayan, were having a picnic with their families at the Cagayan Sea in Barangay Centro East, town police chief Senior Insp. Stanley Banan said.

Banan said the victims were playing in the water when they were swept away by the current at past 9 a.m.

The victims were declared dead on arrival at the Ballesteros District Hospital.  – Victor Martin 

     

Baguio summer activities ongoing

BAGUIO CITY – Summer activities here are still on. Earlier Sabsabong ti Mayo (Festival of Flowers) was held May 11 to 17 at Baguio Convention Center.

The convention center is also the venue for the Martial Arts Festival  May 23-24, Pastors’ Kids Care on May 26,

Mixed Martial Arts Full Con on May 29 and the Light of the World on May 31.       

The city celebrates Flag Day May 28, wherein residents were encouraged to display flags in their homes. – Julie G. Fianza  

La Trinidad starts smoke-free advocacy campaign

By Susan Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The smoke-free environment advocacy campaign of this town will be launched May 29 here at municipal gymnasium.

Spearheading this campaign pursuant to  tobacco Control Ordinance,  is  the multi-sectoral Municipal Tobacco Control Board chaired by Mayor Edna Tabanda.

Launching activities  include  lecture on smoke free environment, installation of a smoke free gallery on the adverse effects of smoking, risk assessment booth for blood pressure taking, blood chemistry or screening among others, presentation of mascot, and unveiling of billboard.

Citing government’s role in  promotion of health concerns of the people, Tabanda  sought involvement of  barangays in promoting  smoke-free campaign.  

Dr. Genevieve Degay of the Municipal Health Office said ill  effects of smoking   include  heart diseases, cancer, impotency which does not only affect the smoker but also the people around them who breathe such smoke.   

Aside  from  its task of  monitoring and in ensuring enforcement of the  Tobacco Control ordinance,  the MTC  will help ensure smooth implementation of ordinance such as liaison, coordination and enforcement services  hand in hand with the  Smoking Control Enforcement Unit.

The MTCB is composed of representatives from the barangay and municipal local government, national line agencies, private sector, religious and the academe.

DILG conducts youth disaster camp in Bontoc

BONTOC, Mountain Province --  Some 86 youths in this capital-town recently participated in WEmboree, a disaster resiliency camp  at Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School grounds here.

With the theme: ‘”hanging the Mindset from Me to We,” the WEmboree is the third major activity under the Disaster Preparedness Movement or Operation Listo by Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Conceptualized by the Local Government Academy of the DILG, the WEmboree encourages  young people to come together, actively engage, and inspire peers and  communities to unite and become prime movers in nation-building.

DILG provincial director Anthony Ballug said in disaster preparedness and disaster-related  matters, everybody should get involved.

He said two Operation Listo activities were already conducted - the commitment building meeting with local officials, Philippine National Police  and the Bureau of Fire Protection and the disaster preparedness dialogue with representatives from the private sectors, religious, academe, media and other civil society organizations in the province.

Lecturers in the activity include PNP personnel led by Mt. Province provincial director Senior Supt. Oliver Enmodias, BFP staff led by provincial fire marshal Chief Insp. Floyd Toyokan, Lajani Jallorina of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and personnel of the DILG provincial office. -- Andrew Doga-ong

DOH: Cordi road accidents up with 48 recent mishaps

BAGUIO CITY -- Vehicular accidents in Cordillera are are increasing with 48 incidents recorded by the Health Emergency Management Service January to April this year compared to 26 recorded during the same period in 2014.

The 48 road accidents resulted to 214 persons injured and five people dead. 

Benguet recorded the most incidents with 17, closely followed by Baguio with 16.

Following this, the Department of Health Cordillera regional office urged the public to ensure road safety when travelling or going for a long trip especially this summer.

Engineer Basilio Munar of DOH – CAR urged motorists, before embarking on a journey to ensure vehicles are in good condition.

He cited safety  reminders  called  “BLOWBAGS”  which means   check  the vehicles’ Break, Light, Oil Water, Battery, Air (wheel) and Self (condition to drive).

 

According to Munar, aside from mechanical problem as cause of road accidents, human error is also a factor.

Road Safety Month is among health advocacies of DOH every May. -- Carlito Dar

Ifugao rehabilitation mission serves 50 PWDs

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- About 50 persons with disabilities (PWDs) were  recipients of free rehabilitation mission at provincial capitol compound here recently.

The activity was organized by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in partnership with the Provincial Health Office, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, Physicians for Peace and other health givers.

Esther Bulahao of the PSWDO said prosthesis, orthosis and wheelchairs were also given to previously-assessed patients.

Before receiving the wheelchairs, beneficiaries were required to present certification of community service issued by either a church, school or barangay council as a proof that they or their guardians rendered 40 hours of community service.

Another group of patients were measured and assessed for endorsement to be recipients of the next batch of wheelchairs, Bulahao  said.  -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon with report from the PLGU Information Development Office

Aboitiz Power commits safe hydropower projects

By Peter A. Balocnit

SABANGAN, Mountain Province – The newly-built 14MW hydro here, is expected to boost the Luzon grid with 55-gigawatts annually.   

Aboitiz Power officials said the company is environment friendly, consults host communities and attends to community needs before constructing power plants.

Aboitiz officials made this declaration during recent inauguration of

About 290 professional and skilled locals worked on the project that included the planting of 71,332 trees and the construction of a 5-km farm-to-market road in Barangays Napua and Namatec here.

About P16 million worth of annual shares, taxes and royalties will be remitted to the host barangay, municipality, and to the province.

Meanwhile, Dacalan people in Tanudan this province are opposing the proposed run-off hydro power dam project of the company along the Tanudan river.

Residents signed a petition expressing their opposition on what they say is a violation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act for intruding to their ancestral domain without their consent among other violations.

Petitioners said they were not all consulted if they allow the  33MW hydropower  plant to be built in their place. \

They said it will affect their entire ancestral domain, submerge their rice fields, plantations, and destroy the biodiversity of the Tanudan river.

Abra declared malaria-free; gets P1M as additional award

BANGUED, Abra – The Department of Health- Cordillera recently led regional recognition and awarding ceremony for Abra as  malaria-free province at provincial gymnasium here.

Dr. Valeriano Jesus V. Lopez, DOH-CAR regional director, said Abra  was formally  declared as malaria-free on Feb. 20 at the SM MOA in Pasay City. In addition to the citations, Abra got P1 million  as  announced by the  DOH Secretary.

All the 27 municipal local government units through their municipal health units were also given recognition and given medallions and trophies for their support to the malaria control program in the province.

Twenty seven retired personnel of the malaria control program  were   also recognized and awarded.  Some, however, have already died and their post-humus award were  received by their immediate family members. 

Lilibeth Martin, provincial coordinator for the malaria control program, described them as the heroes of Abra in the fight against malaria.

Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Godofredo Gasa, narrated the history, statistics and how the journey towards the declaration of Abra as malaria-free province came into a reality. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas

CHARMP school-on-air tackles natural resource management

BANGUED, Abra  -- The 2nd Cordillera Highland Agriculture Resource Management Programme (CHARMP2) started airing its last course module on Natural Resource Management over radio DZPA-CMN recently.

The school-on-air program is a support component to enhance and ensure sustainability of the CHARMP to provide high impact economic activities of the people.

The SOA will run for four months every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  However, the SOA may take up to five months because the course contents are comprehensive.

During the launching of the SOA at Provincial Capitol Social Hall last week, Philipp Tingonong, main resource speaker during the 4-month Course on Natural Resource Management, said the course contents  include topics on reforestation and watershed management including the rights of indigenous peoples on self-governance and cultural integrity, among others.

Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin is providing seedlings of various fruit-bearing trees  to even those living outside of the CHARMP2 project site.  Priority is given  to associations to ensure the sustainability of the reforestation project in the province.

To sustain CHARMP2, the IP organizations are  integrated with the local government units  as  partners in the project. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas

Buguias to establish ‘Timbangan ng Bayan’

BUGUIAS, Benguet --  Weighing dates back thousands of years ago using primitive means initially for commercial purposes to modern instruments now with precise measurements which come in varied forms against unfair trading practices.  

In the market  where trading takes place, weighing of goods is a normal task which may not be that accurate especially if calibration is not a practice or the use of appropriate measuring device is not regulated.

Here, officials saw the need to protect the rights of consumers by getting their money’s worth in the goods they buy through the installation of a public weighing scale.  

Authored by Councilor Rafael Palasi, local officials passed an ordinance to establish public weighing scale or “Timbangan ng Bayan” in its public market with penal provisions for violations.

The public could make use of the “Timbangan ng Bayan” to be installed in the marketplace to ensure the accuracy of weight measurement of purchased goods.  It shall be used as standard for weight measurement for food like meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, rice, among others.

As weighing instruments are not being regulated, accordingly there are weighing scales used by ambulant vendors which are observed to be defective, tampered or altered.

Weighing devices will also undergo sealing and testing in all consumer and consumer related transactions every six months by a designated official sealer. -- Susan C. Aro

Kalinga gets 2014 seal of good financial housekeeping award
TABUK CITY, Kalinga --  The  province is recipient of  2014 “seal of good financial housekeeping (SGFH) award of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Provincial local government operations officer Francisco Gamatero handed the SGFH certificate to Gov. Jocel C. Baac here recently.

The SGFH award is pre-qualifying achievement to “seal of good local governance and qualifies the recipient-LGU to implement infrastructure  projects funded under DILG’s Bottom-up-Budgeting Program.      

Gamatero cited provincial leadership for complying with the government policy on good governance, transparency and accountability.

Baac said cash incentive that goes with the award   will be used for  infra projects like previous cash incentives. -- Larry T. Lopez         

Buguias implements traffic code

BUGUIAS, Benguet – A traffic code of this vegetable-producing town is gradually addressing problems on operations of vehicles plying the area.

Councilor Rafael Palasi, author of  ordinance creating traffic code,  said there were vehicles initially apprehended recently particularly tricycle drivers and operators issued with citation tickets due to traffic violations.

Palasi said the town experienced a rapid increase of motor vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles causing a lot of problems on traffic including unauthorized fare or routes among others, which prompted officials to pass the measure.

Passed late last year, the code covers the regulation of traffic and all kinds of motor vehicles including the Management of Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Board.      

Buguias has existing Traffic Ordinance Numbered 07-15 but only provides for prohibited acts and penalties for erring drivers, conductors and operators plying the area. It does not sufficiently address present issues and concerns.

The passage of the traffic code will prevent or lessen vehicular accidents and other traffic related problems.

There is also a felt need to streamline the operation, control and administration of motor vehicles, tricycles, motorcycle-for-hire and others to ease traffic flow, prevent road-right-of-way and forestall any untoward incidents in aid of the ordinance.

The code mandates identification and designation of parking and loading zones, traffic rules, and establishment of terminals among others. -- Susan C. Aro

INREMP projects start July in Mt Prov, Kalinga towns  

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Implementation of projects under the multi-million Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management Program (INREMP) in Tanudan-Barlig and Surong (Tinglayan) areas   will start third quarter of this year.

Judith Baswit, INREMP monitoring and evaluation officer, said projects will be launched with peoples’ organizations on July.

Among projects are reforestation, assisted natural regeneration of forests, and agro-forestry.

There will also be ground validation, community mapping, and  conduct of  base-line economic survey.

“It will also be the consultation months with the barangays aimed to get their commitment to the program,” Baswit added.

The activities are sequels of the watershed characterization done last year in the five management units.

INREMP is implemented in   four priority river basins   in the country to address unsustainable watershed management.

The INREMP site for Luzon is the Chico River, and  five  management units  have been created  to assist and facilitate the implementation of INREMP  project in the area. -- Peter A. Balocnit

South Korean students perk Baguio’s economy

By Joseph Zambrano

BAGUIO CITY—More than 5,000 South Korean students studying in this mountain resort are helping enhance the city’s economy.

Steve Han, president of the Korean Sports Community here, said a student spends about P40,000 a month for accommodation, food  and other needs.

“In South Korea, we have national passion to learn English and we find Baguio as one of the best places to become skilled in speaking English,” Han said.

“There are so many things why we love Baguio, like its cool weather making it conducive to learning;  the instructors are very good in teaching English; the people are  kind; cost of living is affordable and there are a lot of fresh

vegetables here like in our place.”

Over the past three years, roughly 14,000 Koreans have traveled to the Philippines to study English at private academies for a fraction of the price of classes in many other English-speaking nations.

Han said South Korean families spend billions of dollars on private education to prepare their children for standardized tests that are required for entrance into universities, to study overseas and land in many white collar jobs.

Kang Tae-won, 17, is among the students from the city of Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, who chose Baguio among many places in the country to learn English..

‘Studying in the Philippines will surely prepare me and equip me when I go to college in Singapore’, said Kang Tae-won.   

Ifugao town bans sale of junk food, carbonated drinks to school children

LAMUT, Ifugao -- Sale of junk food and carbonated drinks to school children in all school premises here is not allowed here to protect children from health hazards.

As  provided under a municipal ordinance,  all retailers, sellers and other business entities  including owners and operators of restaurants, canteens, stores, bakeshops and food establishments within the school premises or 50 meters radius from the school compound are prohibited from selling  junk food and carbonated drinks to school children.

Violators of this ordinance will be penalized with a warning for the first offense, P1,500.00 for second offense and P2,500 and revocation of business permit for third offense. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

Tabuk passes national  standard for drinking water
TABUK CITY, Kalinga- – The management of Tabuk Water (TAWA), sole provider of household potable water here, said tap water coming from  its  system is safe to drink. 

TAWA Manager Alex Manto said their   water supply passed Philippine national standard for drinking water.

According to Manto, TAWA complied with Department of Health requirement on all drinking water systems in the country to have regular monthly test of drinking water. 

He said water samples are brought to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) water laboratory, a DOH-accredited facility, for test. 

Water samples taken at random from households and from their four  pumping stations are brought regularly for laboratory tests to assure potable water, Manto said.

To keep its water free from contamination, TAWA follows the standard procedure on water treatment.

Manto said fresh water from the wells undergo the process on chlorination through their system before this is distributed for household consumption.

TAWA appealed to consumers to help maintain good potable water by reporting waterline leaks in their areas for immediate restoration. Leaks could be open sources of contaminations aside from causing high system loss, Manto said. -- Larry T. Lopez

IFSU student completes Vietnam scholarship studies

LAMUT, Ifugao -- One of two exchange students of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) here completed her scholarship studies at Thai Nguyen University of Vietnam.

Marcia Buhungan whose scholarship was funded by Vietnam government and University of California-Davis arrived recently from Vietnam after completing her studies in Advanced Education Program, according to  Jeremy

Gawongan, Liaison Officer to IFSU president.

Buhungan is from Barangay Pugol this municipality. 

She is a beneficiary of the Exchange Scholarship Program entered into between IFSU and the Thai Nguyen University in 2011 after IFSU President Serafin Ngohayon visited Vietnam to pursue a transnational education program.

The other exchange student, Bonifacio Natag-oy of Alfonso Lista, is  pursuing same degree in same university. He is completing requirements and expected to graduate soon. -- Daniel Codamon

‘Brigada Eskwela’ efforts get P350K lift from La Union officials

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Volunteerism and cooperation were at the forefront of a “Brigada Eskwela” program here last Monday which saw local officials, police and the coast guard join teachers, parents and students in preparing public high schools in time for the re-opening of classes in June.

Department of Education Dr. Fatima Boado, city school division superintendent led the activity which was held at La Union National High School.

Not to be outdone in this show of support to the education sector was the local government, which donated P350,000 for the week-long school cleaning and repair.

The financial assistance was handed to the 35 teacher-representatives of the program during a simple ceremony attended by City Councilor Joseph de Guzman.

“Malaking tulong na rin ito upang ma-paayos ang mga sira-sirang equipment, facilities at pambili ng kagamitang pampaayos at panglinis ng ekwelahan (This will be a huge help in the repair of the dilapidated equipment, facilities and in the purchase of cleaning materials),” said De Guzman, who attended on the behalf of Mayor Pablo Ortega, Vice Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto and his fellow councilors.

Dr. Boado, for her part, expressed her thanks to the city government, volunteers, stakeholders and most of all the parents for giving their time and effort in the Brigada.

In a related development, the Department of Public Works and Highways regional office 1 announced on Tuesday the completion of the construction of 102 school buildings.

Some 14 other projects under the Ilocos region’s regular school building works are still ongoing.

Esperanza Tinaza, DPWH region 1 spokesperson said the ongoing school building projects include the construction of a building, repair and replacement of roofs and other carpentry works.

Maintenance activities such as installation of signs, maintenance of roads and bridges as well as repainting were also being done to ensure the safety of the motorists. – Liezle Basa Inigo and Erwin G. Beleo

Officials push development of Abra Special Economic Zone 

TAYUM, Abra – Provincial and local officials are pushing projects in a Special Economic Zone here to spur business and livelihood. 

The SEZ created by presidential proclamation in 1997.

Abra provincial administrator Genalyn Verzola in a recent meeting of the Economic Development sectoral committee (EconDev Secom) of the Regional Development Council – CAR presented the concept of Abra SEZ to increase trade, investments and create jobs.

The Abra SEZ declared under Presidential Proclamation No. 126 by then President Joseph Estrada involves a 34.68 hectare of semi-developed land located in Barangay Gaddani, Tayum municipality.  

The economic zone is 5.27 kilometers or a 10-minute drive from Bangued, the provincial capital. It is 87 km  away from the Salomague Port in Ilocos Sur and 142 km from Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte.  

Identified investment areas for exploration are hydropower generation and mineral processing and extraction.

According to Verzola, as culled from previous studies of the National Power Corporation, National Electrification Administration and other agencies, there are 17 potential sites for large and mini hydropower sources with a total capacity of 465 megawatts which are yet to be tapped.

A landlocked province, Abra is rich in mineral resources such as gold, copper, silver, limestone, clay, sand and gravel, guano phosphate and rock phosphate.

Investment opportunities include light metal industry, garment and textile manufacturing, car assembly, tropical fruit processing, coffee processing, jewelry making, bamboo plyboard production, wood-based prefabricated construction materials manufacturing and natural dye processing. 

The local government foresees linkaging with potential investors in collaboration with the RDC.

Following the move of Abra, the EconDev Secom passed a resolution recognizing all the officially declared economic zones in the region. -- Susan C. Aro

DOH reminds public on food safety this summer

BAGUIO CITY -- With the soaring temperature this summer, the Department of Health reminded the public on food safety.

DOH Cordillera assistant regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan told a media forum here with increasing temperature, bacteria  multiplies rapidly  and spreads faster on food and drinks causing them to spoil easily.

Consumption of bacteria-laced food and drink can cause food poisoning with diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and fever  as symptoms, she  said.

Pangilinan urged the public especially those going on outing, or long trip to ensure food safety  in preparing their “baon”.

Among her food safety tips:  food  should be eaten immediately or at a short time as possible after preparation as refrigerating food or leftovers and re-heating it is not guaranteed; wash hands properly before and after preparing food; avoid drinking water directly from faucets and water pumps or “poso” or unsure source of the water, and  peel and wash vegetables before eating or adding to any dish.

Sick people should refrain from  preparing food to avoid contamination, she added.

DOH – CAR infectious disease head Dr. Alexei Marrero, in the same forum, also urged the public in preparing food, raw meat should be separated from the cooked to avoid contamination. Avoid eating raw meat or the usual “kinilaw” if possible, she said.

Marrero said meat products should be bought from trusted vendors -- Engelbert Nievera  

Kabayan celebrates Bendiyan Festival

KABAYAN, Benguet – This town celebrated its  8th Eco-Tourism and Bendiyan Festival May 2.

Kabayan, famous for its centuries-old mummies and Mount Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon,  showcased  traditional songs, dances and rituals of  its the rich cultural heritage.

The celebration kicked off with a civic and cultural parade from the Palenas-Pangtal Road to the Kabayan Central School Grounds in Poblacion.

The parade featured participants from barangays in  traditional cultural attires while performing cultural practices of Ibalois here.

The parade was followed by “Abang tan Owik ni Keshel” or the traditional pig catching by Ibaloi men followed by the ritual and offering.

In the program, Mayor Faustino Aquisan welcomed guests while Sangguniang Bayan member Ama James Aroco narrated history of Kabayan.

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) business research  and development division manager Ma. Zenaida Quinahan was guest of honor and speaker during the event.

Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan, Rep. Ronald Cosalan and Department of Tourism – Cordillera officer-in-charge Mary Bilagot delivered  inspirational messages.

The Kamora National High School, the multi-awarded dance troupe from the municipality performed cultural dances.

The KNHS had been champion in the previous Panagbenga street dance competition in Baguio City and runner up in Aliwan Festival in Manila.

A special presentation from sister municipalities of Sagada, Banaue and Tabuk City were featured during the event. Recognition was also given to Lucky Bendiyan Festival Visitor or  first time visitor to the municipality who was selected during the May 2 program.

Other activities during the day were “Pansasanop ni Senior Citizens” or interaction of senior citizens from  municipalities of Kabayan, Bokod, Itogon and Buguias; a magic and acrobatic show and the Matekal e Ykabayan with fashion show featuring the attires of Kabayan and other ethnic inspired garbs.

The Bendiyan Festival gets its name from the ‘bindiyan’(commonly spelled bendian or bendiyan ) dance of the Ibalois of Kabayan which is done in a circular fashion with various hand movements and steps. 

It is celebrated as part of a sacred ritual made during abundant harvests and a thanksgiving to the gods. – Melvic Cawis

Cordillera on track towards malaria – free status

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera is on track in eliminating malaria in the region, according to the Department of Health.

Cordillera infectious disease cluster head Dr. Alexei Marrero.

He told media forum Baguio City and the provinces of Abra and Benguet have been declared malaria-free  after five consecutive years without recorded malaria cases.

Marrero reported that Mountain Province is getting nearer to achieving a malaria-free status with four consecutive years of zero malaria cases. Ifugao and Kalinga  have zero recorded  cases for three and two years, respectively.

Marrero, in the same forum, reported that 13 malaria cases were recorded in the region in 2014, of which five were imported cases (patient’s infection was from other parts of the country).

For this year,  only one case of malaria was recorded as of April 11, a 67 percent decrease compared to the three cases recorded during the same period (Jan. 1 to April 11) last year.

For the DOH campaign, Marrero reported that DOH  is into continuing  information, education and communication campaign focused on   strengthening   inter-border campaign to ensure that Malaria will not cross from endemic areas to Malaria-free zones, clean-up drives and distribution of insecticide – treated mosquito nets  to households and  treated curtains  to public schools.

Malaria is a life-threatening blood disease which transmission primarily comes from (Anopheles) Mosquito bite and can also be transmitted by blood transfusion between a mother and child.

Malaria signs and symptoms which usually manifest within a week to one month after transmission  include fever, shaking chills, yellowish discoloration of the skin and flu-like illness.

“If bitten by a mosquito and such symptoms manifest, a person must immediately go for a consultation to health centers or hospitals because without treatment, it can cause severe illness and can be fatal”, Marrero said. -- Engelbert Nievera

Changyasan fest held in Barlig

BARLIG, Mountain Province -- Constituents of Lias Silangan and Lias Kanluran recently celebrated their 7th Changyasan Festival at open gymnasium here.  

This year’s affair was highlighted by the preparation, cooking and partaking of traditional dishes of Lias called lenau and intom. 

The lenau is a cooked kachew, mixed with a pinch of salt and wrapped with fresh sugar cane leaves. The cooking is done by putting the wrapped kachew on top of piled dried sticks, then covered with another heap of dried sticks and palay hay. These are burned until these turn to ashes.

On the other hand, intom is an improved lenau. It has ingredients composed of vegetables (gabi, camote tops, squash leaves and flowers), kachew, a bit of salt and oil. These are wrapped in banana leaf. It is cooked with the same method as lenau. 

While the traditional dishes were being cooked, the elders played gongs while women danced the “eagle” dance joined by the constituents and visitors.    

In his message, mayor Clark Ngaya said one of his programs is preservation of the natural resources particularly forests and rivers.

He said Lias River was once abundant of kachew and igat (eels). These species are becoming extinct due to the use of illegal fishing such as, the use of chemical and electrically operated gadget (koryente), he said.

According to the mayor, he negotiated for sources of eel fingerlings to be dispersed soon in all rivers and creeks of Barlig.

Ngaya requested cooperation of Lias folks to preserve water sheds and forests. “Our river here in Lias is a tributary to the Tanudan river of Kalinga that exits in Appari, Cagayan.  Creeks and springs are very important in our homes and irrigation for our rice fields, vegetables gardens and orchards. Our forests are habitats of the famous Philippine eagles. However, this bird species is vanishing due to stripping of forest trees and forest fires,” he said.

The mayor also advocated healthy lifestyle. He said most  foods eaten today are unhealthy.  -- Francis B. Degay        

916 Kalinga students hired under SPES

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Labor and Employment provincial office here oriented and deployed 916 students hired under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) this summer.

Anthony Luminang of DOLE said Tabuk City had highest number of SPES with  400 hires,  followed by Balbalan – 151; Rizal LGU – 125; provincial government – 116; LGU Pasil - 50; Tinglayan LGU – 44.  Kalinga-Apayao State College hired 20.

He said the municipalities of Tanudan, Lubuagan and Pinukpuk have not submitted their lists though they have given their pledges of commitment to the SPES program. 

Some have not submitted SPES documents to DOLE including participating private companies, he added.

He called on partner LGUs and private employers to hasten processing and submission of pre-employment requirements since the program already started this month.

He added they have to scrutinize the documents since the SPES process is covered by ISO 9001:2008. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Travel clearance needed for minors traveling abroad alone

BAGUIO CITY – Children who are travelling abroad alone or with companion other than their parents should secure a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development here before applying for the children’s passport in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In the issuance of clearance for minors travelling abroad, the children’s parents or legal guardians submit documents to the DSWD to ensure that the travel to be undertaken is favorable to the minor’s safety and well-being.

A social worker assesses the documents and recommends the approval or disapproval of the request for a travel clearance.

“Aside from the travel clearance being a DFA requirement, securing a travel clearance shall protect the children from the threat of human trafficking,” DSWD-Cordillera regional director Janet P. Armas said.

Human trafficking or trafficking in persons is an act of recruitment, transportation, transfer, or receipt of persons by means of threat or coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power, or compensation, with or without the consent of the person for the purpose of exploitation.

Minors Travelling Abroad Section had Julie Balagot advised  applicants to secure all necessary documents when filing for a travel clearance to facilitate the process.

“The processing and release of travel clearance usually takes 3-5 days, but due to incomplete documents, some applications take longer. So, we encourage our clients to complete the necessary documents before filing”, Balagot  said.

Among the requirements in securing a travel clearance include duly accomplished application form, photo copy of the birth certificate or passport of minor, written consent of both parents, solo parent or legal guardian permitting the child to travel alone or with someone else, two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last 6 months, and a photocopy of which is applicable, marriage certificate of minor’s parents, certificate of legal guardianship, solo parent identification card issued by the local social welfare and development office or death certificate of deceased parent of minor.

Application for travel clearance can be filed at the DSWD regional office Cordillera Administrative Region or in the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices in their areas.

Application form can be downloaded from www.dswd.gov.ph. A processing fee of P300.00 is required for travel clearance valid for one year and P600.00 for travel clearance valid for two years.

For queries and concerns, applicants may visit the DSWD field office at 40 North Drive, Baguio City (near NBI and BIR) or call (074) 444-3209. Applicants in the provinces may also visit the PSWDOs in their respective areas.

DSWD –CAR  for the first quarter of 2015,  issued 237 travel clearances. The purpose of travel was mostly to visit or to have vacation with parents/ relatives and travel or leisure.

Hongkong was noted to be top destination for minors. -- Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva

12 Ifugao nutrition workers receive long service award

ASIPULO, Ifugao -- Twelve barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) in the province were among those honored   by the National Nutrition Council   for long years of service  during  3rd national conference for BNS Northern Luzon Cluster  in  Vigan, Ilocos Sur recently.

Corazon Dawong, Provincial Nutrition program coordinator and in-charge of the BNS, said awardees of long Service Award  spent 30 to 36 years in service delivering nutrition services and other related activities in the barangays.

Dawong said among Cordillera provinces, Ifugao had highest BNS awardees. “Every year, the province is also producing outstanding BNS in the region,” she added.

Aside from the plaque, the awardees received  cash incentive of P12,000 for 30 years in service and P400 for every additional  year of service. Ifugao has registered a total of 191 BNS in the province.

The giving of long service award is to recognize invaluable contribution of BNSs in implementing the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition. It also aims to encourage continuous and dedicated service among BNSs to the cause of nutrition. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

Ifugao honors six achievers

LAMUT, Ifugao -- The municipal government here  honored six of its citizens  for their  exemplary achievements during its  recently fiesta dubbed “Rambakan”.

The municipal search committee selected Freddie Bayangan for academe, Villafuerte Camat, Jr. - agriculture, Carmelita Gualberto – public service and board topnotchers Marvin Dela Questa Cliff Richard Pinkihan and Dennis Nam-on as this year’s awardees.

Bayangan is a teacher  at  Ifugao Provincial Science High School  who has  contributed much efforts to the development of soccer players in the province.

Camat is the outstanding Organic Farmer of the Cordillera Administrative Region while Gualberto is a  dedicated day care worker at Barangay Lucban.

For the topnotchers,  Nam-on  placed  4th in the  2006 Electronics Engineer (ECE) board exam ,   Pinkihan landed  6th place  in the 2010 Certified Accountant licensure exam and Dela Questa placed  9th in  2010 Criminology board exam.

Giving recognition to outstanding citizens is  pursuant to the Lamut Achievers Award ordinance that  honors  exemplary performance of  its citizens  who excelled in the field of public service, education, culture and sports, military, business, and  academe  as well as  board topnotchers. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

21 Cordillera HS students qualify as OWWA scholars

BAGUIO CITY -- Twenty one  high school students from Cordillera will join the roster of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) college scholars  for  Academic Year 2015 – 2016.

OWWA Cordillera OIC regional director Evelyn Laranang said  of  21 students, 11 qualified under the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program and 10  under the Educational Development Scholarship Program (EDSP).

The pass Department of Science and Technology scholarship program qualifying examination Sept. 23, 2014.

OWWA collaborated its scholarship qualifying exam with  DOST to save resources.

Laranang named the  CMWSP scholars as  Mark Jayson Aguda and Alan Chester Tungpalan from Flora, Apayao; Samarah Mae Felis and Ailyn Salungasing of Baguio City; Jasmin Castillejos of Benguet; Neil Kent Agliam, Francis Cordova and Justin Mae Pan of Kalinga; Jayhart Ramirez of Ifugao, and  Ralphy Jun Luzada of Mountain Province.

For the EDSP, the new scholars are  Gustan James Calza, Trisha Ann Fernandez, Kathryn Dennis Kollin, Maria Louise Lim, and Jeremy Ngade of Baguio City; Jessa Fe Dulnuan, Rhex Lee Backian, Duriel Timatim and Dravey Ronald Vivencio of Benguet, and Zerrick Finch Luna of Mountain Province.

CMWSP is a House of Representative- funded OWWA scholarship program that is being offered to OFWs (below 45 years old) or OFW dependents  who  want to study Science and Technology related courses.

The EDSP is an OWWA scholarship offered to dependents of OWWA active members.

Each scholar is entitled to P60,000 educational grant per year or P30,000 per semester (for two semester per academic year, or P20,000 per semester for a tri-mester college/university)

Laranang said they are still accepting scholars under the ODSP or OFW Dependent Scholarship Program on a first-come, first-served basis. This is open  to children/dependents of OWWA-active OFW members whose salary is $400(US) and below or to its equivalent Philippine peso value.

OWWA’s ODSP has 12 slots for every Cordillera province. --Carlito Dar