NEWS BRIEFS

Binay eyes win in vote-rich Pangasinan

BINMALEY, Pangasinan –Buoyed by the support of local politicians here, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s camp on Wednesday expressed confidence that it would grind out a victory in the vote-rich province come May 9.

United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Spokesman and Provincial Coordinator Mon Ilagan noted the support of gubernatorial candidate Mark Cojuangco and mayors Simplicio Rosario of Binmaley and Josefina Castañeda of Lingayen in his assessment of a “possible” win for Binay among Pangasinenses.

“Unang una ang pag dating naming kanina, sinalubong kaagad si Vice President ni governor at yung punong bayan ng Binmaley at Lingayen. So tanda itong pagsuporta kay VP Binay athletes at sa partido UNA,” Ilagan told Manila-based reporters in a chance interview.  (First of all the Vice President were greeting at once by the governor and the mayor’s of Binmaley and Lingayen. So this is a sign of support for VP Binay and the UNA party.)

The governor that Ilagan was referring to was incumbent Amado Espino, Jr. Espino is on his last term at the capitol and will be vying for a House seat in the upcoming elections.

Pangasinan has 1.8 million registered voters, making it a very vital stop in national candidates P’ campaign trail.

In the vice presidential race in 2010, Binay lost in Pangasinan by 70,000 to Liberal Party (LP) rival Mar Roxas. -- EllsonQuismorio

Benguet power firm gives CCTV’s to La Trinidad

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Benguet Electric Cooperative installed additional CCTV cameras to the specified areas in this capital town intensify the crime prevention.

Additional eight new CCTV cameras were installed last week by the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station in populated and busy spots.

Seven CCTV more will be installed by Beneco.

CCTV’s were set in front of Balili Barangay Hall, road entering Strawberry Field, area near La Trinidad Valley Hotel, in front of Wangal Barangay Hall, Alpanag junction road, Buyagan Rotonda and along Km. 6 near the Police Community Precinct 2.

Earlier, there were three functioning CCTV’s among eight others  installed years ago by Beneco.

Other CCTVs stopped functioning because were old or destroyed due to lack of maintenance.

SPO4 Benedicto Duntugan, deputy chief of police and head of the town police crime and solution department, thanked the Beneco for providing CCTVs to help police in preventing the crimes.

He added they are not working on maintenance of CCTVs since Beneco is the one who is in charge of the repair and it needs to pass through a request to the board before it is to be checked.

Mayor Edna Tabanda said that she plans also to add CCTVs and upgrade these to be installed by Beneco -- Jorteon B. Campana

Social Pension Program lowers age limit to 60

BAGUIO CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development, or DSWD, has further expanded the social pension program that provides benefits to the senior citizens.

 From 65 years of age, the age limit of those who can acquire a pension has been lowered to 60.

One of the criteria of the social pension program of DSWD includes indigent senior citizens who don’t receive a regular pension.

It is also a requirement that a senior citizen must be a part of an organization or a group in their respective barangay in order to make sure that the individual is a legitimate senior citizen.

Social pension program recipients shall receive monthly allowance of P1,500 and if they have been serving their job for more than 10 years, they will also be given insurance in case they meet an accident or pass away.

Insurances may only be able to be claimed by their legitimate children.--Valyn Joy Sabado

Ilocos transport groups get gas, diesel discounts

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte --  Public utility vehicle drivers in this province may now enjoy six-peso per liter discount on gasoline and four-peso per liter discount on diesel through the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) of the Ilocos Norte government.

Around 2,111 tricycle and public utility jeep (PUJ) drivers were given membership cards during the 198th foundation anniversary celebration of the province held recently.

The membership cards (or MINC cards) will be used by tricycle and PUJ drivers in availing discounts when refilling (maximum of 30 liters a day) at the MINC Gas Station located in front of the Ilocos Norte Centennial arena.

The gas station was built by the provincial government in December.

The MINC was established in early 2015 as part of the province's effort to develop an integrated traffic management system, particularly in the capital city of Laoag, to solve traffic problems brought from rising number of tourists and other vehicles.

It was observation of the worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila that necessitated the action, according to Gov. Imee Marcos.

In addition to the gas and diesel discounts, cardholders also enjoy medical benefits, namely: a 10-percent discount at all Generika pharmacies, and life insurance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation(PhilHealth), point-of-care.

During the MINC awarding last week, Marcos recognized the importance of the transportation sector in the smooth flow of day-to-day operations in the province.

"Narito ang ating mga tricycle, pasada, at jeepney, na siyang nagbibigay ng sirkulasyon at buhay sa mga napakagandang kalsada ng ating probinsiya," she said.

169 couples join Valentine mass wedding in Pangasinan park

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan — About 169 couples who have been living together without the benefit of marriage joined a mass wedding in the Hundred Islands National Park here Tuesday.

The brides wore long, white dresses and floral headdresses while the grooms were in red knee-length pants and cream polo shirts with leis around their necks.

The Valentine’s Day mass wedding was sponsored by Pag-IBIG Home Mutual Development Fund and city government  led by Mayor Arthur Celeste. 

Aside from providing the couples’ outfits and wedding rings, the city government and the Pag-IBIG Fund paid for the reception.

This is the third year in a row that such an activity, dubbed “I do… I do… ArawngPag-IBIG” was held on Quezon Island under Celeste’s administration.

About a hundred motorized bancas were used to ferry the couples and their visitors from Lucap Wharf to Quezon Island, where the ceremonies were held, and then back to the mainland.

Celeste said the activity was one of the many ways to promote the Hundred Islands as a major tourist spot. 

The oldest groom was Fernando Malazan, 64, while the oldest bride was Myrna Nabua, 58, of Barangay Pandan this city.

John Francis Aysara, 19, of Paracale, Camarines Norte and Remalyn Sonio, 18, were the youngest couple.

Michael Benson Beniola, 21, couldn’t be happier as he was celebrating his birthday when he married MaricelBaga, 26. – Eva Visperas

Baguio folks  urged to save water

BAGUIO CITY --  With  the  El Niño phenomenon affecting the country, Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan urged everyone to conserve water and use it responsively.  

Everybody has the responsibility to save water  especially that  the city is hosting big events like the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA), the month-long Baguio Flower Festival in February , Philippine Military Academy graduation and the observance of Holy Week  in March which bring  thousands of foreign and local tourists, Domogan said.

According to Engr. Salvador Royeca, general manager of the  Baguio Water District,  more than 43,000 cubic meters of water is  being produced daily  from three main water sources- the  Mount Santo Tomas catch basin, four spring sources and 57 deepwells.

Domogan  encouraged the  public to  practice water conservation measures by avoiding excessive use of water.

DTI-Ifugao issues advisories to protect public welfare

LAMUT, Ifugao--  The Department of Trade and Industry recently issued advisories on text scams, door –to-door selling, official receipts and accredited shops.

 According to DTI-Ifugao, text scam is the most common scam. Dubious text messages are sent to cellular phone owners informing them that they have won a special prize in a raffle or a member of the family abroad needs a load. Phone owners should not entertain such text messages.

On door-to-door selling, the DTI advises the public to ask   for the home solicitation permit issued by the DTI and his identity to ensure the legitimacy of his business.

“When buying, the buyer should check first the product by opening it in front of the vendor to ensure the quality. Always ask receipts and   warranty cards as a proof of purchase to said products.”

Meanwhile, owners of repair and service shops in the province are encouraged to apply for accreditation for the promotion of quality service to the people and their business as a whole. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

Reform programs encourage  LGUs  to perform better

TABUK CITY, Kalinga--  Government  reform programs are making local government units more responsive and competitive in good governance.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping and Seal of Good Local Governance of the Department of Interior and Local Government are among the reforms making impact to good local governance.  

Local government units that are awarded the seal are eligible to the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of P7, 000 incentives for the province, P5, 000 for the city and P3, 000 for the municipality, to be utilized for development projects.

The latest incentive for performing LGUs is the Konkreto at Ayos na LanSAngan, ang DAanTungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran or KALSADA program.

Three of the Cordillera provinces- Benguet, Abra and Kalinga- are among the 32 provinces nationwide   that are recipients of huge amounts under KALSADA this year.

“LGUs now see the value of hard work and competence in local governance. If you don’t perform, you will receive lesser share from the development pie,” said Provincial DILG director Francisco Gamatero.

He informed that local chief executives and other  concerned  offices  will  oriented on February 9-10 on the seal of good local governance.  -- Peter A. Balocnit

DTI approves P8.5-M shared service facilities in Mt. Province

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The Department of Trade and Industry approved in 2015 the total amount of P8, 523,105.00 for 12 Shared Service Facilities (SSF) projects in the province.

DTI’s SSF program aims to improve the competitiveness of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system. The program is implemented with project partners termed as cooperators.

Mabel Banggawan of the DTI Provincial Office here said the SSF on loom weaving was launched on January 10, 2015 with the Caneo Women’s Organization in barangay Caneo, Bontoc as the cooperator; SSF on muscovado processing upgrading   launched on November 19, 2015 with the Masla People’s Organization in Masla, Tadian as cooperator, and SSF on arabica coffee which was launched last December 16 with Madchikom Coffee Producer Cooperative as cooperator.

This January, the DTI launched two SSF on loom weaving with the Guinzadan Weavers Organization in Guinzadan Sur, Bauko and the Maggon Rural Improvement Club in Supang, Sabangan as cooperators.

Launching of the SSF on Arabica coffee with the Mountain Province Association of Coffee Growers as cooperator is also scheduled later this month.

The DTI provincial office has also scheduled on February 2016  the launching of the SSF on sweet potato processing for the Ubaya Food Processors Association, SSF on food processing for the Bauko Overseas Workers and Returnees Association, SSF on coffee processing for the Anabel-Sadanga Multi-purpose Cooperative, SSF on coffee processing for the Sagada Arabica Coffee Growers and Processors Organization, and the SSF on muscovado sugar processing for the Bagnen-BalintauganTimpuyog Credit Cooperative

Launching of SSF on organic fertilizer production for Seven Daffodil Organization of Organic Farming will be in March.

Under the SSF Project, DTI awards equipment aid to recipient cooperator under a six-year conditional grant. If recipient cooperator stops its business operation or if equipment is not being used for the purpose, DTI can recall the equipment and awards the same to another cooperator.

If the business opened by cooperator- beneficiary grows and surpasses the six-year conditional period, DTI turns over to the cooperator full ownership of the equipment. -- Juliet B. Saley

Coalition pushes community involvement  for Balili River

BAGUIO CITY- - The Balili River System Revitalization Coalition (BRSRC) will go beyond cleaning up activities and will push for community involvement in the protection of the Balili River.

This was agreed upon during the BRSRC Action Planning Workshop held at the University of the Philippines- Baguio on January 21.

Dean Aurea Sandoval of Benguet State University pointed out that the clean-up activities they have spearheaded in the past have not much of an impact in the revitalization of the Balili River.

University of the Cordilleras Director for Research and Development Center, Engr. Nathaniel Lubrica  seconded that fully revitalizing Balili River will not be successful with just clean-up drive; it  needs community involvement .

Proposed activities to encourage community involvement include “Adopt a Community” project wherein different institutions will adopt barangays within the stretch of the river and educate the residents about protecting this important river system.

Aside from pushing for behavioral change, the education campaign will also give focus on the improvement of the governance of barangay officials with regards to the environment.

The BRSRC formed in 2011 includes the Environmental Management Board - Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the academe and local government units of Baguio City and La Trinidad, government offices, private/industry partners and civil society group. -- Via Perez

New PMA chief assumes position

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- The new superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) assumed his post last week.

Brig. Gen. Donato San Juan II, Special Operations Command chief of the Army, replaced Maj. Gen. Oscar Lopez, who is reaching the mandatory age of retirement on Feb. 17.

Also retiring in the next few weeks is Maj. Gen. Benito de Leon, the military’s Inspector General.

Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, commander of the Cagayan de Oro City-based 4th Infantry Division, will replace De Leon.

Military insiders said Maj. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. would assume the post to be vacated by Lactao.            

BWD assures enough water supply in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY-- The Baguio Water District said the city has enough enough water supply  even with  with the  expected influx of visitors  due to  various upcoming events and the effects of El Niño.

BWD general manager Salvador Royeca said his office has been preparing for the El Niño phenomenon with the adaptation measures to reduce its impact.

“The Baguio Water District constructed a lot of canals or ditches for our watersheds to capture the run of water especially with the less rainfall being experience here in the Cordillera and with the announcement that we are going to have an El Nino,” Royeca said during the Kapihansa Baguio forum  on Thursday.

He also bared that they have preserved the water collected at the Mount Santo Tomas catch basin which will be utilized until the Panagbenga and even up to March.

Royeca said the city has varying water demands especially with the expected thousands of tourists during the Panagbenga festivities, the Philippine Military Academy Foundation Day and Graduation Rites and the observance of Holy Week. The average demand is around 50,000 to 55, 000 cubic meters per day but it may increase to 100,000 cubic meters per day depending on number of people in the city.

The BWD at present has 65 pumping stations, 57 deep wells and five spring sources where it gets the supply of water rationed to residential homes, business establishments and government facilities.

Even with the assurance of enough water supplies in the city, Royeca encouraged the public to practice water conservation. He also called on the public to help in the preservation of the watersheds and other water sources which are slowly diminishing. -- LalaineGalagala- 

Tabuk City’s real

property tax collection up

TABUK CITY, Kalinga--  The city’s real property tax collection performance in 2015 increased by 13percent  compared  to the previous year.

Olivia Mendoza of the City Treasurer’s Office reported total collection of P6, 000,756 for the period over the P5, 268,956 in 2014.

Real property taxes of the city come from four major sources that include taxes on agricultural property posting the top with P2,669,109, residential – P1,848,977, commercial - P1,473,649 and industrial with P9,019.

According to Mendoza, the city has sustained annual growth in real property tax collection because of improved efforts on massive tax mapping, intensified tax campaign at the barangay level and massive information-education drive.

She admitted though there is still high need to educate people on taxation which  is considered as government’s life blood. Real property taxes accrue to the government’s general fund while the other half goes to Special Education Fund.

Mendoza urged eal property tax payers to avail of the 20% discount for advance payments made every December of the preceding year and the 10% discount for payments made in the first quarter of the year. Late payments are charged additional 2% monthly penalty fee.  -- Larry T. Lopez     

Million volunteer run reset  Feb 6 in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY ) - - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)- Baguio City Chapter has re-scheduled the Million Volunteer Run3   on Feb.  6 as part of the Pangbenga 2016 activities.

The run, a humanitarian run which is participatory and non-competitive, aims to raise funds for the capacity building of the organization.

For a three kilometer run, the registration is P400, P450 for the 5 k.m. and P500 for the 10 km run, all inclusive with a singlet, race bib, and a runner’s card which name will be posted on the Red Cross website.

Annie Tamayo, PRC Baguio administrator, is inviting everyone to support the worthwhile activity which will help those who are in need.

Newly installed city police director Senior Supt. George Daskeo committed to send a big number of police contingent. At the same time the police will act as marshals and manage the traffic to ensure safety of the runners.  

Interested runners may register with race director Che Alberto (cellphone No.  09177450378) at Laperal Building, Session Road at and race coordinator Gerald Alejo Jr. (09082853788) at Baguio Red Cross office.  -- Joseph Zambrano

BFAR releases 300,000 tilapia fingerlings for Abra fisherfolk

BANGUED, Abra - - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regional office  released this month a total of 300,000 tilapia fingerlings  to  the province.

According to Provincial Fishery Officer Mr. Jesus Astrero, these fingerlings are distributed to fish folks and fish pond owners in the municipalities of Lagangilang, Sallapadan, Peñarrubia, Lagayan, Bucay, Pilar, Bangued, Dolores, San Juan, Tubo and Tayum.

 “Other tilapia fingerlings will be placed in communal body of water or rivers while fingerlings left in the office will be dispersed in Calaba River,” he said.

These fingerlings are expected to grow in number to help the community have additional source of living.

The first stock of fingerlings from BFAR was requested by Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin to augment the loss resulting from strong typhoons that struck the province last year.  -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Abrenian youth shine in UP Namnama Regionals

BANGUED, Abra --  Abrenian youth delivered a good fight during the UP NAMNAMA Regional Sirib Quiz Show ken Saririt Cultural Festival Events  in  Bacnotan, La Union last January 6 and 7.

With 25 participating elementary schools from Abra, Baguio, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union, Divine Word College of Bangued (DWCB) Grade School Department landed first runner up next to Saviour's Christian Academy of Ilocos Norte.

Beatriz Angelica Bernardez of DWCB bagged first place in English Essay Writing. Jonathan B. Tugadi of An-Anaao Elementary School, HannadynBalaoro of Bangued East Central School and KeziahVojtyllaBigornia of Bangued West Central School are third-placers in poster-making, vocal solo and Ilocano declamation respectively.

In the high school category participated by 36 schools, DWCB’s Irvin Jeremy Tamayo won first place in the poster-making contest, and Ralph Angelo Guzman of Holy Cross School in 2nd place. The Holy Spirit Academy of Bangued dance troop also won in the in the folkdance contest,

Other events in the regionals were declamation contest in Ilocano and English; short story writing in English and Filipino; impromptu speaking in Ilocano, Filipino and English; oration in Ilocano and English, Quiz Bee, Bucanegan Debate Tournament, Chorale Competition, and Speech Choir.

Regional winners will vie for the Patalasanlahi in the nationals.

This year’s theme, “Illuminating the Tapestry: Strengthening the Strands of Ilocano Culture through Youth Involvement in Nation-building” aims to increase the consciousness of the youth in their culture while developing their acumen.

The Regionals was organized and facilitated by UP NamnamaDiliman and Baguio. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

PSA Baguio Serbilis outlet serves 1,410 clients daily

BAGUIO CITY - -  Just  a month into the new year, the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Baguio Serbilis Center  is already experiencing an influx of clients getting civil registration documents especially birth certificates.

PSA data shows that from January 4 to 13, the center is averaging 1,410 clients a day and going as high as 1,608 clients in January 11h compared to the 914 daily average clients for the year 2015.

Center Manager Gerard Tolito, in interview, explained that   the shift in school calendar is the first reason in the rise in the number of daily clients. Second semester starts this January many parents and students are getting birth certificates for enrolment purposes.

 Another reason is for local employment especially in the application for Philippine National Police recruits. Applicants are getting seven authenticated copies of their birth certificate, he added.

Tolito assured that PSA Baguio Serbilis outlet is always ready to respond to the challenge with the hiring of eight new staff to augment the personnel manning the six client/public assistance computers.

He also informed that PSA has six collection officers with two assigned to the priority lane to assist senior citizens, person with disabilities and pregnant/nursing mothers.

Tolito advises the public to plan ahead and come on lean days or months as birth certificate has no expiration if it will be used for enrolment purposes. He also appeals to those getting their civil registration documents not to bring companions especially children so that they will not add-up to the crowd inside the center.

Tolito also calls on the public to utilize the PSA’s BREQS (Batch Request Entry System) partner wherein for a little added amount, they can save travel time or avoid the long line at the Baguio Serbilis outlet.

PSA-CAR’s BREQS partners   provincial offices in Abra and Ifugao, and the  local government units of Paracelis, Bontoc, Tadian, Bauko and Barlig in Mountain Province; Balbalan and Tinglayan in Kalinga; Dolores Abra; Pudtol and Kabugao in Apayao,  and Kabayan, Buguias, Bakun and Tublay in Benguet. 

The public can also get their civil registration documents in SM City Baguio, he added. -- By Carlito Dar

Baguio moves up rank among cities

BAGUIO CITY — Tourism, education and sports, peace and order, health and social services, environment are among the accomplishments last year, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said. The mayor recalled that in 2014, Baguio was ranked 15th among the country’s 142 cities. Now, he takes pride that the city has gone up two notches to No. 13 based on national comparative ratings. He said concerted efforts must be taken to update and implement income-generating endeavors to improve the city’s ranking.

Ilocos Norte triples its scholarships grantees

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — To provide quality education for Ilocanos, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte headed by Gov. Imee Marcos gave a total of 1,919 scholarships grants last year.

In academic year 2014-2015, there were 459 recipients of the Sirib Academic Scholarship, according to the Provincial Education Office.

In the following school year, the number tripled with a total of 1,460 students benefiting from the Sirib Academic Scholarship, also known as the Sirib Community Leaders Scholarship.

Scholarship programs paved the way for training youth leaders, particularly through involvement in the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association (SIKA) that promotes volunteerism among youth through working together for the development of their respective communities.

Since 2010, the Ilocos Norte government has shouldered over 39,000 elementary, 16,000 high school, and 3,000 college scholarships.

Widening opportunities for learning has been an aim of Marcos, reflected in her vision for Ilocos Norte as a learning hub and learning community, hence the establishment of the “Heroes Walk” on Ablan Avenue to educate passersby on Ilocano heroes’ heritage.

Access to information technology is also a vital part of this goal, and in the past year alone, 38 i-Hubs have been established and 650 computer units have been distributed throughout the different cities and municipalities.

Making education more inclusive is in line with the province’s aim to alleviate poverty and eliminate unemployment, translating into a higher human development index and sustainable livelihood for Ilocanos.

These endeavors propelled the province in attaining the Millennium Development Goals, a United Nations initiative established in the year 2000.

“We have done what we set out to do, exceeding poverty, employment, education, maternal health, and reforestation. From the alarming increase in poverty in 2010, poverty has now fallen to a record of 8.4%,” she said. – Freddie G. Lazaro

Mountain Province, Benguet barangays forge sisterhood ties

SABANGAN, Mountain Province -- Officials of barangay   Tambingan here recently forged memorandum of agreement of sisterhood with barangay Betag of La Trinidad, Benguet to foster understanding, friendship and goodwill.

The Sangguniang Barangay of Betag headed by Punong Barangay Peter D. Comila and Tambingan led by PB Cedric Rommel V. Likigan inked the MOA.

Both parties agreed to nurture and encourage friendship and cooperation between the two local government units and their constituencies through mutual sharing of the barangay best practices; provision of technical expertise and assistance in the area of promotion and development of the eco-tourism industry, including exchange of culture and education through exchange programs and education tours.

They also agreed to enhance trade relations on agricultural products, livestock and promotion of local handicrafts and strengthen educational and cultural relations with each party through scholarships, environmental research and eco-tours. They shall also strive to keep an open communication line for the possibility of forging joint ventures. -- Juliet B. Saley

Change of name of local

hospital in Benguet sought

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The  Benguet  SangguniangPanlalawigan urged the  National Historical Commission of the Philippines to approve renaming of  a provincial government supervised  hospital in the  province.

The change of name was sought for Kapangan Medicare Community Hospital” (KMCH) to be renamed “Kapangan Community Hospital”.

Board Member Esteban Piok, who authored the measure, said the word “Medicare” is rendered obsolete, thus the proposed deletion.   

The hospital was called the Kapangan Medicare Community Hospital since Sept. 23, 1982  after the Philippine Medical Care Commission (PMCC) which administered the former Medicare program. This is now called the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

The hospital is under the supervision of the provincial governor pursuant to  the Local Government Code of 1991 which devolved the management of all hospitals except for some selected medical centers to the provincial local government units. -- Susan Aro

DA allots 23.5M to boost corn,cassava production in Apayao

Farmers in Apayao can now boost their production to corn and cassava as the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Corn Program provided various farm machineries and livelihood assistance worth 23. 5M in the province.

These were turned- over last February 5 during the Farmers’ Forum with Secretary Proceso Alcala at the BGVJr. Memorial Sports Center, in Luna, Apayao.

Among the grants given were eight units of four wheel drive tractor, two units corn planter, one unit corn combine harvester, three units cassava digger/ uprooter, one corn mill, two hammer mill, one moisture meter, four silo, one unit cassava grater, two cassava pulvorizer, two cassava chipper, and one unit cassava granulator cum shredder.

The said farm equipment and facilities were given to selected farmer groups from the different municipalities and barangays of the province including Farmers’ Association, Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs), Irrigators Association among others.

Apayao is devoted to agricultural production, particularly food and industrial crops such as palay, corn, coffee, root crops and vegetables. Main fruits produce are lanzones, citrus, bananas and pineapples.

Based on the data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 2015 survey, the province is the third biggest producer of corn contributing 13 percent of the total corn production in the region. Also, cassava in the Apayao has increased in yield to 27. 19 MT/ha from 24. 67 MT/ha last 2014 that proved that the province is the highest contributor among the six provinces of Cordillera Region. --  CK Rosario