NEWS BRIEFS

Fishersfolk get boats From Dagupan gov’t

DAGUPAN CITY – The city government Tuesday distributed bancas to fishermen as part of its livelihood program for the marginalized sector.

Of the 90 bancas, 30 each were given to fishermen in the coastal villages of Salapingao and Carael, 25 in Calmay and one each in Lucao, Bonuan Gueset and Tebeng.

            Two bancas were turned over to the city agriculture office for its river cleanup drive.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said 84 more wooden boats would be distributed in Barangay Calmay, whose residents are mostly former fish pen caretakers. – Eva Visperas  

Vergara new PRC head of CAR, Regions 1, 2, 3

BAGUIO CITY – Ms Evangeline Marilyn V.C Vergara has been designated officer-in-charge of the Professional Regulation Commission, Baguio Regional Office effective Sept.1.  The Office serves the Cordillera Administrative Region, Region I, Region III and part of Region II.

Juanita L. Domoguen, chief of the PRC’s finance and administrative division bared this saying  all communications be addressed to the new PRC head of office at their office located at CTLL Building, 41 Abanao Extension, Rizal Monument 2600, Baguio City.

Math, science fest October in Benguet

BUGUIAS, Benguet – The Cordillera Administrative Region Association of Science Teachers, Inc. (CARASTI) and Benguet Mathematics Teachers Organization (BMTO) have scheduled this year’s Mathematics and Science Festival  Oct. 13-14 in this vegetable-producing town.

Competitions await secondary and elementary participants like Damath, Sci-dama, Math quiz, Science quiz, Math investigation, and   Science investigatory project.

Teachers will compete their strategic intervention materials (SIM) in the teachers’ category.

SIM’s are proven intervention practices aimed at improving the performances of learners in Mathematics and Science subjects.

The festival will focus on the nationwide theme “Juan Math, Juan Science, Juan Nation.” – Felix G. Ancheta

Dolores passes resolution for NDF-GPH peace talks

DOLORES, Abra -- The Sangguniang Bayan here passed a resolution Tuesday supporting peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) after the successful first round of talks between the two groups in Oslo, Norway, Mayor Robert Victor Seares, Jr., a staunch supporter of the peace talks bared 

The resolution was sponsored by SB member Fredelito B. Quinto.

Seares said the municipality of Dolores is watching the peace process very closely. “We are happy that the first round of talks in Oslo, Norway was very fruitful despite challenges.”

The resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan is the first resolution of such outside of Metro Manila. -- Jason Ryan Celeste

DOLE forum cites construction dangers

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The Department of Labor and Employment conducted  an orientation forum  on  Construction Safety and Health Program (CHSP)  for  contractors  and    Department of Public Work and Highways  building officials in the province to promote occupational safety.

DOLE Ifugao field office Joseph Tuguinay said this activity was initiated by the DOLE Cordillera regional office following   reports of death and injuries in the workplace mostly from the construction industry. 

 DOLE-CAR regional director Nathaniel Lacambra pointed out sad realities of accidents encountered by construction workers that have adverse effects to lives and properties as he discussed the salient points of Department Order 13 also known as the “Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry”.  

Firms and building officials should take into heart the importance of ensuring workers protection to achieve productivity which is beneficial to the workers and the companies.

Among the significant features of DO 13 are   construction safety and health program and the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment   by the workers from head to feet which should be ensured and provided by the construction firms.

Meanwhile, engineer Ernest Quimson also of DOLE-CAR discussed the joint memorandum of agreement between the DOLE and the DPWH’s roles and responsibilities for  distinction of their functions for easier compliance.

Violation of DO 13 shall constitute as prima facie case of construction mal-performance of grave consequences due to negligence, incompetence or malpractice. -- Daniel B. Codamon

Cordillera Gawad Saka winners bared

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera region is fielding 10 regional winners to the National GawadSaka Search for Outstanding Farmers and Fisher folks this year as the government continues to pay tribute and recognition to their achievements and contribution to growth of the agriculture sector.

Department of Agriculture Cordillera regional executive director Lorenzo M. Caranguian said outstanding farmers  and groups who made it to the national search under the individual category are Honorio Clemencia of Tabuk City, Kalinga as outstanding rice farmer adopting integrated rice based farming system; Arturo Yongoyong of Aguinaldo, Ifugao as outstanding corn farmer; Johnny Carillo of Rizal, Kalinga as outstanding high value crop farmer; Rogel Marsan of La Trinidad, Benguet as outstanding organic farmer, and  Chester Lloyd Gallema of Tabuk City, Kalinga as outstanding young farmer.

The winners under the institutional categories are Cornelio Benigno and family as outstanding farm family; Aguinaldo 4H Club of Ifugao as outstanding young farmer organization; Bauko Municipal and Agriculture Fishery Council as outstanding municipal and agriculture fishery council; Bila Rural Development Club as oustanding agricultural entrepreneur and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Lubon in Tadian, Mountain Province as outstanding LGU- managed barangay food terminal.

The individual regional winners receive P30, 000 each with plaque of recognition while the institutional winners receive P50, 000 and a plaque of appreciation. PIA

Sabangan Sanggunian names committees

SABANGAN, Mountain Province – The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) here recently formed committees to effectively run affairs of the legislative body.

Vice Mayor Dario Esden chairs the Blue Ribbon, Justice and Human Rights Committee, and the Committee on Ways and Means.

Each of the eight elected municipal councilors, honorary member and the Indigenous People’s representative is given a committee to chair and each committee is also composed of two to four members.

Councilor Joseph Bernardez chairs the Committee on Finance/Appropriation, and Committee on Peace and Order and Civil Defense; Committee on Tourism and Natural Resources and Environment  by Councilor Fausto L. Ballakis; Committee on Laws, Personnel Development and Government Affairs, and Committee on Education, Culture, Sports and Development and Youth Development by Councilor Ruben P. Subilla; Committee on Agriculture, Livelihood, Civil Society Organizations, Trade and Industry by Councilor Ambrocio V. Galleo.

The Committee on Rules, Good Governance and Ethics is chaired by Councilor Crispin P. Altaki; Committee on Health and Sanitation by Councilor Enrique Sr. G. Litilit; Committee on Social Services, Family, Senior Citizens, Children and Persons with Disability by Councilor Ramon B. Bacog; and Committee on Transportation and Communications by Councilor Eustaquio Sr. C. Boy-og.

The Committee on Barangay Affairs, Public Works and Infrastructure is chaired by Roger L. Dangsi, president of the Municipal Association of Barangay Chairmen, and Committee on Indigenous Peoples by Hilario L. Degway, Municipal IP representative. -- Juliet B. Saley

SLT Learning Center in Benguet underway

KAPANGAN, Benguet -- The establishment of a School of Living Tradition Learning Center in the municipality of Kapangan is underway.

Provincial Tourism Operations Office Chief Clarita Prudencio said the center will be established in Datakan in a private property owned by Doris Fabian. 

The center site was selected based on provincial recommendations as validated by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).  

The simple structure designed out of traditional or indigenous materials will be used for SLT activities. 

It will be a venue to push on with the general concept of the SLT to maximize and teach a wide array of lessons and available art forms in the community. It may also be used for social gatherings to deepen cultural awareness.

Heather Janet Gate, who now takes charge of provincial cultural concerns,  bared that  Non-Timber Forest Product-Enterprise Program Philippines, a non-government organization funding non-timber and non-concrete structures, together with National Commission for Culture and the Arts-funded the construction of the center amounting to P150,000.00.  

A partial amount of P92, 000 as first tranche was released for ground preparations and procurement of indigenous materials found in the area, she said.

The center will be managed by the SLT on Patda Embroidery Group in Datakan.

Gate shared that  also being  crafted is a masterplan for the center which will serve as blueprint in sustaining teaching of skills and techniques of traditional art or craft passed on to generations.

Meanwhile, Brian Camhit, former NCCA for Northern Cultural Communities representing the Ibaloy/Kankanaey tribe, said they were able to bargain with the NCCA for the various SLTs across the province to hold trainings in their respective areas.   He added that there is no new funded SLT project in the province to date but the existing ones were renewed for funding by NCCA. -- Susan C. Aro

Ifugao health officials up campaign against dengue

LAGAWE, Ifugao--  The Provincial Health Office has intensified its campaign   against dengue in the province.

In a radio interview, Dr. Priscilla Pagada of the PHO disclosed that their office in coordination with other local authorities and health care givers started some interventions to halt the increasing cases of dengue in the 11 municipalities of the province.

As of July 24, the PHO recorded a total of 328 dengue cases  provincewide  with the town  Tinoc having the highest with 88 cases followed by Lagawe – 59; Banaue – 42; Kiangan – 30; Hingyon – 27; Aguinaldo – 23; Asipulo – 22; Lamut – 18; Hungduan – 16;  and Alfonso Lista – 3. Only Mayoyao has no case.

Pagada said they have conducted fogging in Tinoc to eliminate mosquito breeding places.  

She added they are constantly reminding the practice of search and destroy strategy through the “4’clock habit to eliminate breeding places of mosquitoes.

She said the best preventive measure is the destruction of the breeding places of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus by having clean surroundings, covering water containers that might serve as the breeding places of the mosquitoes, observing a healthful lifestyle and eating the proper nutritious foods.

 “We will continuously conduct surveillance of dengue suspect cases to determine if there’s an outbreak, she said. 

 Meanwhile, Yvon Indunan also of PHO, advised the public to consult a doctor for early detection and management of the disease if ever they experience flu-like symptoms manifesting dengue such as severe headache, muscle and joint pains, extreme fatigue, red rashes and vomiting. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

PUJs ordered: Install additional step boards

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring all public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators in the city to install an additional step board on their respective units to ease entry and ensure safety and convenience of passengers, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, senior citizens and children.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Lilia A. Fariñas stated jeepney operators and owners shall install and pay for the cost of the additional step board.

Since jeepneys differ in brand and model, the local legislative measure stated that a standard width of not less than one foot or as may be necessary, and a standard height of one foot more or less, or as may be necessary, measured from the ground up will determine the uniformity of installation for the additional step as prescribed. -- Dexter A. See

COA inaugurates Kalinga satellite office

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Commission on Audit Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo  led blessing and inauguration of two-storey provincial satellite auditing office here last week.

 “With a conducive and elegant new home, work efficiency is sure to bring state auditors to high degree of performance. The new building symbolizes independence of COA, but we must also maintain interdependence with other government agencies,” Aguinaldo said.

The lot where the building was erected was donated by the provincial government and funding from the Department of Budget and Management.

Assistant Commissioner Sabiniano Cabatuan announced that they are working for P6.5 million additional funding for the remaining works and perimeter fencing.

 Also present during the inauguration were COA-Cordillera Director Joseph Anacay, Provincial  Administrator Kristian Wandag representing Gov. Baac and City Administrator Lawrence Bayongan representing  Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Bakun searches cleanest barangay, school entry

BAKUN, Benguet—This municipality has started its search for the cleanest and greenest barangay and school.Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office chairman Denver Mariacossaid the search was launched for continuous maintenance and improvement of cleanliness in the town.

The search would be the basis of the town for its entry in the search for clean and green schools by the Benguet province during the annual Adivay Festival.The monitoring team includes private companies, local government and departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Health and Education.         First to third place winners will receive cash awards. -- Felix G. Ancheta

DOST approves 11 SMEs in Mountain  Province

 BONTOC, Mountain Province – Eleven small and medium enterprises here have been assisted by the Department of Science and Technology through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) from January to August this year.

Gwyncel Bacwaden of the Provincial Science and Technology Office here said the agency granted these SMEs a total loan of P6, 142,640.00 for procurement of production machineries.  

Approved projects included upgrading production capacity of Ducao Bakery, Marranag Bakeshop, Happy House Café, and JRS Trading, Yanabam Bread and Butter, George Metal Craft, Fagy’s Furniture and Home Furnishing Services, Marie June Bakery, Sagada Lemon Pie House, Abellera’s Furniture Shop and Vicsot’s Aggregates.

 The SETUP provides a no-interest, no collateral loan to individuals or groups who have maintained their business for at least three consecutive years to assure the capability of the entrepreneur to sustain their business and pay back the loan which is payable within a maximum of three years.

           It is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist SMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations and thus boost their productivity and competitiveness. The program enables firms to address their technical problems through technology transfer and technological interventions to improve productivity through better product quality, human resources development, cost minimization and waste management, and other operation related activities. -- Juliet B. Saley

Kiangan mayor revamps anti-drug abuse council

KIANGAN, Ifugao -- Mayor Joselito Guyguyon recently revamped the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council here to be more effective in anti-drug campaign of the government.

Guyguyon said illegal drug trade and drug abuse pose threats to  peace and order and safety of the community.

The mayor said pursuant to Local Government Code, local government units shall pursue undertakings to improve the public morals and maintain peace and order which can be done by also improving the composition of the MADAC.

The MADAC is now composed of the mayor as the chairperson, chief of police as the vice chairperson with members from the Ligangmga Barangay, Sangguniang Bayan, Department of Education, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and DILG and Municipal Health Office. Other members are Catholic parish priest, minister of the Love of Christ Ministries, minister of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and civil society organization representatives.

The first task that the reorganized council did was the orientation and oath of undertaking by the 62 drug personalities who voluntarily surrendered to the municipal police including their validation and categorization for the appropriate interventions that could be provided to them. -- Daniel B. Codamon

 24th IB celebrates 65 years of peace-keeping 

LAGANGILANG, Abra – The 24th Infantry ‘Wildcat’ Battalion celebrated   its 65th founding anniversary last August 16 at its headquarters in Sitio Barbarit, Brgy. Tagodtod, Lagangilang themed “A transformed and world- class Army”.  

LTC Thomas Dominic Baluga, commanding officer, said transformation was needed to better the unit’s stewardship to the community they serve with leadership to perform.

A thanksgiving mass officiated by Bishop LeopoldoJaucian kicked off the celebration.

Led by Baluga, troopers and guests joined in the ceremonial tree planting of rubber trees shared by Lagayan Mayor Jendrick Luna.

Vice Gov. Ronald Balao-as who also graced the event said he takes pride in men and women who put themselves in position to protect people even beyond call of duty.

“I can relate to your situation since my father was retired lieutenant colonel of the Philippine Air Force. He had been far away from us so long. But I am always proud that he served and was part of few who uphold peace and democracy.”

“We have our families back home. But you are our top priority. Your peace, security and development we look after them,” responded Baluga.

Also present were Lagangilang mayor Patrocinio Abaya, Lacub mayor EstelitaBersamina and different partner agencies. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Tublay tops nutrition program implementation in Benguet

TUBLAY, Benguet – This town was adjudged once again best nutrition program implementer in the province this year.

Based on the monitoring and evaluation results, Tublay garnered total of 99.9 percent rating.Kibungan local government unit is second place with 90.62% while Buguias is at third place with 89.71% rating.

A team from the Provincial Nutrition Council went around the municipalities for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Program Implementation (MELLPI) to determine how effective government programs help in improving the nutritional status of LGUs.

The criteria are program efficiency, program effectiveness, change in nutritional status of pre- school children in all sampled barangays, and evaluation of barangay nutrition action plan.

Tublay LGU has been consistently topping nutrition program implementation in the province, and last June the provincial government awarded a vehicle in June as an incentive with ounterpart from Tublay LGU. It was also once a Green Banner awardee at the regional level, said Amelia Cayap, the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer.

Volunteers called barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) who help in moving forward nutrition program activities were also evaluated.

Adjudged as the best BNS is Divina Guilanda of Kibungan with 89.5 %, followed by DebralynKimpa-oy of Tublay with 88.25% and third is Divina Martin of Kapangan with a rating of 87.50%.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education also bared its best school nutrition implementers for both elementary and secondary level.

For the elementary level, ranked first is Kibungan Central School, second is Kabayan Barrio School while third is Binga Elementary School.

For the high school level, Tublay School of Home Industries is first, followed by Lepanto National High School (2nd) and   Bokod National High School (3rd).

The schools   were evaluated based on access to health services in schools, health and nutrition in school governance and health and nutrition indices.

The recognition and awarding of the winners is set in October. – Susan C. Aro 

Paracelis households to build own composting receptacles 

PARACELIS,  Mountain Province – Every household in this town will soon be required to construct its own composting receptacle. 

The SangguniangPanlalawigan recently approved the implementation Municipal Ordinance No. 2015-10 or the “Decomposition of Biodegradable Wastes Ordinance”.

The ordinance aims to reduce household’s garbage, make organic fertilizer out of biodegradable waste, maintain sanitation, and to segregate biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable.

It provides that each household shall construct or install in its own backyard a receptacle made out of bamboo that may contain at least two cubic meter of decayed/rotten biodegradable waste that should last for one year. All biodegradable wastes should be deposited in said receptacle. If already full, allow the wastes to be decomposed and use as organic fertilizer.

A monitoring team composed of the chairman of the Committee on Health in the Barangay and   barangay health workers shall be tasked to monitor the proper implementation of this ordinance in their respective areas of jurisdiction, and to submit quarterly report of complying and non-complying households.

Violators will have corresponding penalties. -- Juliet B. Saley

157 poor families in Kalinga receive pigs  

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Some 157 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps families recently received one piglet each to  take care of so they can have have a good source of livelihood.

The International Association for Transformation (IAT) with support from Heifer Philippines collaborated with local government units in this province for animal dispersal assistance for poor families in Pinukpuk town and this city.

Sison Paut, IAT executive director said 107 piglets from first and second generation offspring of pigs distributed to first batch target were passed-on to 107 identified poor families in 11 barangays of this city while another 50 were distributed solely to target families in Sucbot, Pinukpuk.

The provincial LGU provided P150, 000.00 assistance to buy 50 piglets for distribution in Sucbot, which is a Pumiyaan anti-poverty pilot barangay of the province.

He said 24 barangays in this and eight in Pinukpuk are covered by this partnership anti-poverty program.

Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang, in his message during the distribution,  said he is for the poor and their welfare. “I have always been a partner with whoever is working to uplift the lives of poor families.  I continue to be your partner.” -- Peter A. Balocnit

Apayao receives P100-M assistance from DA 

LUNA, Apayao -- Apayao farmers recently received more than P100 million -worth of projects and equipment from the Dept. of Agriculture.

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol during his visit to the province last week turned over P100 million in livelihood projects, P41-M in farm machineries and equipment, 300 shallow tube wells and P17-M for road opening in the province.

The secretary also vowed to the farmers the immediate turn-over of a corn-processing facility which would be very useful for the corn farmers in the province.

These were received by Apayao officials led by Gov. Elias Bulut Jr. and Rep. Eleanor Begtang together with farmer-beneficiaries at the BGV Jr. Memorial Sports Complex in Poblacion, Luna.

Piñol said this is part of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) where the department will look at the weaknesses of an area, its potentials in food production and livelihood programs.

“We are focusing on the country’s 10 poorest provinces as part of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust to increase food production and alleviate poverty,” said Pinol.

Through SAAD, the DA and the local governments will identify challenges in food production and find solutions to address these problems.

In the “Tapatan: Gobyerno at Mamayan” which is the dialogue between  DA  officials on one hand, and local officials, farmers and fisherfolk on the other, the  mayors of the seven towns of the province of 120,000 people , presented their problems and concerns and their gratitude for the assistance they received. 

The Secretary also approved the opening of a road worth P26 million so that farmers do not have to walk for 10 hours to bring their goods to the market.

Piñol said Begtang committed to provide P4 million while   Gov. Bulut committed to provide another P5 million in counterpart funding.

He also promised to push for the establishment of a feeder airport in Apayao as a means for the farmers to transport their produce from the far flung land-locked province thru the DOTR and the DPWH.

Pinol also announced Duterte’s commitment of free irrigation starting 2017 and support to the rice farmers for the attainment of rice self-sufficiency by 2019.

Piñol in a post in his Facebook page noted how the farmers were awed at the assistance given to them.

“I guess this windfall of government assistance and projects on the poor farmers of Apayao was simply too good to believe that it took sometime before they realized that it was for real. It has been a long time since I saw faces of disbelief and shock,” he said.

“In a matter of two hours, the people of Apayao’s years of dreams and aspirations were given answers,” he added. – Redjie Cawis

Cordillera gov’t offices urged: Use social media in programs

BAGUIO CITY-- Government offices in Cordillera were urged to use social media in communicating and promoting programs.

Jose “Wo” Rosete, external affairs office head of Smart Communications, urged government information officers and social media handlers of line agencies to have presence on social media during Social Media Training hosted by Philippine Information Agency –Cordillera.

Rosete told the participants that social media has changed the way that people and the world communicate and interact and these should be used by the different government agencies as a means to reach the Filipino people.

Utilize social media as an innovative way to maximize awareness and engagement among the citizens with limited resources and budget since social media is an efficient and low-cost distribution channel by using the available internet connections.

The government can leverage social media to get real-time insights into what information the target audiences are interested in or on what platform they are most likely to consume the information, and what is the best way to say it in order for the call-to-action to resonate with the target audience, he explained.

Social media is an effective way to gain information and feedback from the people.Even if it is a negative feedback, it is a way to improve government services, he said.

Smart Public Affairs Officer April May Kagaoan showed in a presentation that of the more than 100 million Filipinos, 47 million are active internet users and 48 million are active social media users.  

Kagaoan said social media in the Philippines has become a trend particularly with two events – the famous AlDub love team of the TV show Eat Bulaga which garnered a Guinness Book of World Record and the recent national elections where the engagement of millions of Filipinos to then Presidentiable Rodrigo Duterte made him win.

“These should be capitalized by the government to reach more people and inform them on the thrusts and programs of the government,” Rosete said. He cited their company which has been very effective in the social media. “It works for us, it works for the business.” -- John Adi

37 health stations to be set up in Mt. Province

BONTOC, Mountain Province --Three  government agencies have forged a partnership to establish 37  public school-based barangay health stations (BHS)  in the province to make quality health care more accessible to the poor and vulnerable population.

Known as PhilhealthTSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) accredited Barangay Health Stations, this is a  partnership  among  the Department of Education (DepEd),  Dept. of Health (DOH) and the Dept. of Interior and Local Government.

This will be established within public elementary schools in barangays without an existing BHS to ensure that affordable health services are within the reach of every Filipino especially those poor and vulnerable sectors. This may also serve as a school clinic.

Under this partnership, the DepEd provides a lot or portion of the property not being actively utilized in public elementary schools in barangays without an existing BHS and other government health service units.

Primo Aligo of the DepEd-Mountain Province Division Office bared that the DOH has allotted 37 school BHS in the province. Eleven of these are allotted for the municipality of Bauko, 9 in Paracelis, five in Tadian, two each in Bontoc, Barlig and Sagada, and one each in Natonin and Sabangan.

Aligo said the BHS is a pre-fabricated structure worth P1.3million each. -- Juliet B. Saley

IFAD conducts  mission for CHARMP2 in Ifugao

BANAUE, Ifugao -- The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) conducted its 7th regular supervision and implementation support (SIS) mission in the province last July 6-8 for  the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project (CHARMP2).

The mission recently assessed progress of project implementation and  preparatory activities for additional funding and resolve constraints.

The IFAD Team was led by Tawfig El-Zabri with Ed Questalin, an environmentalist and consultant, and Greg Aris from the NEDA.

They had a meeting with the Ifugao Project Management Group and other project provincial stakeholders.

Together with local counterparts, they visited the project beneficiary towns of Asipulo and Hingyon and inspected projects like farm-to-market road and reforestation and agro projects in the areas, had dialogue with the various people’s organizations and held meetings with the municipal officials and other project stakeholders.

Since 2010, the IFAD conducted six missions for the CHARMP2 projects.  One of the recommendations of last year’s mission was for the CHARMP2 to be extended for one year without additional cost to scale up target outcomes.

This was approved and so the Project completion was extended to December 31, 2016 and closure by June 30, 2017.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture, CHARMP 2 aims to reduce poverty and improve quality of life of indigenous people in upland communities in the Cordillera. -- Daniel B. Codamon

Sibud-Sibud Cave in Abra now under DENR program

TINEG, Abra -- The Sibud-SibudCave  in this upland town is one of the 39 caves in the Philippines placed under protection and management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently.

Saturnina Miguel of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office said an area receives protection from DENR for its recognizable beauty and natural and cultural reserves.  This is  necessary to preserve the caves so the public could enjoy them.

Sibud-Sibud Cave is found along the road of Tineng.  An ideal place for nature lovers, it can be reached after travelling a distance of around 33 kms.  

It is categorized as Class III since it is less explored and visited.  Accordingly, Class III caves may also be utilized for economic activities like extraction or collection of guano or bird’s nest.

The local government units and residents are looking forward to developing the premises of the  Sibud-Sibud Cave  and establishing physical amenities and public utilities for the comfort of tourists and spelunkers.

Economic activities are expected to grow like tour guiding and collection of bird’s nest which is sold to foreigners as souvenir. Guano or bird’s nest is also made as soup and home remedy for certain illness.

Sibud-Sibud Cave is a threshold to all other potential natural and wildlife sanctuaries in Abra deserving protection, stressed Miguel.  -- Ginalyn B. Brioso 

Japanese Suzu City officials visit Ifugao

BANAUE, Ifugao--  Five Japanese officials recently visited the province  to see for themselves  the landscapes and hear from the implementers and local stakeholders the best practices in facilitating sustainable development in the Globally Important Heritage Systems(GIAHS)  site of Ifugao .

Suzu City Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya accompanied by the City’s Planning and Financial Division Chief Naoyuki Kaneda, Masako Koinuma, the Director of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Ifugao Satoyama Meister Training Program (ISMTP) Project Leader Koji Nakamura and his associate Dr. Rizalina Edpalina, were welcomed at the Ifugao State University (IFSU) in Lamut with a program.

         Mayor Izumiya said that although this was his first time to visit Ifugao, he heard great stories about the culture of the people and the scenic spots such as the Ifugao Rice Terraces.  

He commended the twinning project between the Ifugao and Japan GIAHS stakeholders and expects that the ISMTP would continue to foster stronger relationships between the province and Suzo City. He shared that his city, like Ifugao, is also faced with the challenge of a decreasing population due to outmigration of the younger generation in search of better future outside the place.

ISMTP is a joint undertaking of the IFSU under president Serafin Ngohayon, Kanazawa University of Japan, University of the Philippines-Open University, JICA and the Ifugao Provincial Government that envisions to help maintain the World Heritage Sites in the province by identifying endeavors that the people may embark and support scholars that will be trained to spearhead such endeavors.

The program that began in 2014 and will end this year. The scholars after their training here and in Japan will help empower the people in the heritage sites improve their quality of life by harmonizing heritage conservation, environmental preservation and economic activities.  

The group   visited Banaue as part of their two-day itinerary in the province.  In their tour of the town, Ifugao Governor Pedro Mayam-o related stories about the culture, agricultural practices of the Ifugaos while Mayor Jerry Dalipog admitted that the conservation of heritage sites to be successful really needs the common efforts of all stakeholders hence appreciated very much this joint endeavor with the ISMTP.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces is the only GIAHS site in the Philippines.  -- Daniel B. Codamon

Mayor allays fears on shift to solar vehicles

BAGUIO CITY -- The transport sector has nothing to be afraid about the proposed shift from gas or diesel-powered motor vehicles to solar powered  vehicles as alternative mode of transport, said Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

The mayor told a media forum the city government is stilltesting capability of said alternative mode of transport in the city.

If the pilot test will generate positive results, “then the next step will be to look into the actual cost of the vehicle to determine its affordability for the benefit of the members of the transport sector,” he explained.

The city government has approved the request of the Glad to be Green group led by businesswoman Gladys Vergara-de Vera to pilot test the use of the solar-powered bus in the city for two months. 

This tests   the vehicle’s ability to maneuver in the mountainous terrain which will determine its possible areas of operation as it might have limitations especially with the very steep roads around the city. Also included in the on-going pilot test is a study on the affordability of solar-powered vehicles which is a main consideration prior to its use by certain members of the transport sector.

Accordingly, solar-powered vehicles do not emit smoke which will result to cleaner air for the City, which will result to better health for the public that will in turn translate to lesser expense in terms of keeping themselves healthy thus improving productivity and quality of life.

Domogan said that the acquisition of franchise will only be applicable when the study on the use of the solar power vehicle will have been proven feasible and beneficial.

Benguet overshoots rabies vaccination target

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The free massive anti-rabies vaccination campaign in the province was successfully conducted even overshooting its target.

An interagency collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government and municipal local governments, the anti-rabies campaign led by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, started in March as part of Anti-rabies Awareness Month observance and extended until June.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Miriam Tiongan said they have exceeded the target of the dog population by 7.34 percent which is above the national target of 70% and the region’s target of 80%.

Of the total dog population of 35,069 in the 13 towns of the province, 30,628 dogs were vaccinated.

The capital town of La Trinidad had the highest number of dogs vaccinated with 6,479 out of the   7,652 dogs.

Other towns that had high rate of vaccination are   Bakun, Kapangan and Buguias.  

The campaign is aimed to eradicate rabies by 2020. Fortunately, no rabid dog case is recorded this year so far, Tiongan said.

The OPVet is still doing vaccination  but already with a minimal charge. The Office  is also continuously conducting information education and administering spay and neuter as a means of controlling dog population. -- Susan C. Aro

Sablan PNP  gives school supplies to pupils

SABLAN, Benguet--Four schools in far-flung barangays here benefited from a dart tournament of the Sablan Municipal Police Station.

Through the Adivay Shi Eskwedaan program of the Sablan MPS under Senior Inspector Azalea Rabena, the police officers personally gave school supplies such as notebooks, papers, rulers, pencils, bags and uniform to the 31 pupils of Taya Multi-Grade School in SitioTaya of Barangay Pappa.

They also turned over school supplies including two sets of uniform and backpack to 20 pupils of the Yabyabuan Multi Grade School and Sadu’l Multi Grade School in Barangay Bagong. They also conducted a feeding program in these schools.

Also beneficiaries of school supplies are the children of the Lower Tenekey Day Care Center in Barangay Kamog.

Rabena, who recently finished her tour of duty in Sablan, said that they conducted the second Darts for a Cause event last March to help the educational needs of some of the far-flung schools in the municipality.

“It is a demonstration that police officers are not merely concerned to peace and order matters but have the heart of considering the sound health of the community,” said Rabena.

“Helping others is not only good for them and good thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too. Giving also connects us to others, creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone. Bridging the gap and extending our hands can create a better community,” she added.

Rabena extended gratitude to the individuals and groups who supported the dart for a cause tournament and their endeavor particularly the darters community in Baguio City and Benguet. – Redjie Melvic Cawis