NEWS BRIEFS

Safety measures at Kennon Road urged

BAGUIO CITY --  The city council has adapted a resolution urging the Dept. of Public Works and Highways – Cordillera Administrative Region to immediately install additional road safety or precautionary signs and other safety measures along Kennon Road.

Authored by Vice-Mayor Edison Bilog, the measure states that the move will ensure the safety or motorists traversing the historic highway.

The resolution said successive vehicular accidents that have occurred along Kennon for the past months have caused alarm to residents of the Summer Capital.

It cited reports from news agencies and law enforcement that some of the accidents were due to driver’s errors, unfamiliarity with the area’s terrain, and lack or shortage of road safety signs and other precautionary measures.

“Additional road safety or precautionary signages such as advisories to avoid using Kennon Road on rainy days and other safety measures such as rock netting to prevent  rock slides should be installed at the area to ensure the safety of motorists  traversing the highway,” the resolution said. – Gaby Keith

ABC prexy elected Bontoc SB member 

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Punong barangay Alexander N. Fana-ang of Barangay Bontoc Ili, Bontoc shall continue to sit as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan of this capital town after he was recently re-elected as president of the Municipal Association of Barangay Captains.

Fana-ang who garnered nine votes won over his opponent, Tocucan Punong Barangay Wilbert A. Padngaran who obtained seven votes.

Completing the set of new municipal ABC officers are vice president Jimmy K. Cherwaken, of Caluttit; Dalican’s Reynald A. Waking as secretary; Poblacion’s Glenn C. Saavedra, Sr.,treasurer and Gonogon’s Rudy B.Gittabao as auditor.

Board of directors are Mainit’s Johnson B. Tangchor, Talubin’s Veteriano L. Dulay, Alab Oriente’s Marlon A. Kis-ing and Samoki’s Joseph M. Toyokan.

The new set of officers of the municipal ABC took their oath before Mayor Franklin C. Odsey and Sangguniang Bayan member at the same time Provincial Councilors League president Alexandre C. Claver. Coinciding with the MPOC meeting, the induction of the  ABC officers was witnessed by the Vice Mayor Eusebio S. Kabluyen, Sangguniang Bayan members Viola P. Okko, Rose C. Farnican, lawyer Alsannyster F. Patingan, Alexandre C. Claver, Julian F. Chumacog, Robert B. Dacyon and Tomas F. Longatan, municipal Local Government operations officer V Jill F. Fa-ed among others. -- Alpine L. Killa, Bontoc

 N.E. police chiefs undergo drug test

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – A regular month-end briefing among all city and town police chiefs turned into a surprising drug testing Monday, held at the provincial police mobile force company (PPMFC) headquarters here.

Sr. Superintendent Eliseo Tanding, Nueva Ecija police director, said the unannounced urine drug testing had been arranged with the PNP crime laboratory to make sure that all police officials were unaware of the surprise laboratory test.

Included in the drug testing were operatives from all anti-drugs enforcement units to ensure that no policemen are into illegal drugs, Tanding said.

“Yon pong mapapatunayan na positive sa illegal drugs substance will still undergo confirmatory test. At kung positive pa rin, then they will be subjected to legal proceedings” the official, who voluntarily submitted himself to the urine test, said, adding that “walang puwang ang mga pulis na involved sa mga illegal activities sa hanay ng Pambansang Kapulisan”,

Only two months ago, a dismissed neophyte cop who was involved in illegal drug trade was killed when he engaged in a gunfight with Cabanatuan City police during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Kapt. Pepe here. -- Ariel Avendaño

P25,000 prizes set for Baguio scrabble winners

BAGUIO CITY -- More than P25,000 in cash prizes will be given to winners of the Baguio Scrabble Tournament on Sept. 8 and 9 at a venue to be announced by organizers.

The two division tournament organized by the Baguio-Benguet Word Builders Club and under the Unified Scrabble Association of the Philippines, Inc. will see some of the top scrabblers in the country including beginners as well as students, said William Caluza of the organizing BBWBC, ratings chair of the USAPI.

The open category will have 16 games of eight games each will give P10,000 to the champion and a trophy, even as the first runner up gets P6,000 and a trophy in the Swiss System, king of the hill tournament organized with the City of Baguio as sponsor for the Baguio Day celebration.

Caluza will apply the same system he used in the National Scrabble Championship last month where the first 12 rounds were Swiss system, and the last four, a KOTH format that saw leader Nora Labog lose all her last three games to Renante dela Cerna, allowing the latter to snatch the win.

The third placers gets P4,000 plus a trophy and the fourth and fifth placers receive P2,000 and P1,000, respectively.

The Division B will be a combination of beginners and students which is 14 games of seven games each per day.  The winner gets P2,000 and a trophy while P1,000 and P500 plus medals will be given to the second and third placers.

Special prizes will be given to the high game, high bingo, high combined points and most innovative game.

The Collins fourth edition will be the official reference of the tournament which will be a 25 minute per player competition.

Entry fee for the open division is P800, while P200 will be charged against the division B players. – Pigeon Lobien    

Top Baguio police stations commended

BAGUIO CITY – The city government commended the top performing police stations of the Baguio City Police Office for the first quarter of the year along with  police officers who excelled in their job.

In Resolution No. 183 authored by Vice Mayor Edison Bilog and signed by Mayor Mauricio Domgoan, cited were Stations 7 under Chief Insp. Mario Evasco, 5 under Chief Insp. John Cayat Jr. and 2 under Chief Insp. Gil Imado for  operational accomplishments in service of warrants on crimes committees by wanted persons and lawless elements.

The body also cited traffic enforcement unit of the BCPO for successful conduct of 3-day simultaneous implementation of the city’s ordinances related to anti-colorum, truck and anti-road obstruction campaign last April.

Citations were also given to PO3 Fredy Balaki for neutralization of wanted persons, SPO1 Eduardo Balabag for winning the Mr. YMCA Body Building Competition and Police Auxiliary Michael Corpuz for his honesty by returning a wallet containing cash and ATM cards last March.

The BCPO Civil Disturbance Management under Supt. Jethro Moof and Senior Insp. Maila Alog was also cited for being overall champion during regional civil disturbance management competition last April.

“The accomplishments of the Baguio’s Finest deserves commendation as these are contributory in making the City named as among the 10 Safest Cities in Southeast Asia,” the resolution noted. – Aileen P. Refuerzo 

LTO releases 600 vehicle license plates in CAR

BAGUIO CITY --- Land Transportation Office Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante released 600 vehicle license plates for the Cordillera for the period July to December 2016 at the Dept. of Transportation  regional office last week.

“Our regional office here will distribute the license plates by batch in order to avoid long queue. I know these car plates are long overdue but we are doing our best to cope the huge backlog,” Galvante said.

“The LTO here will notify the vehicle owners on the dates they may claim their plates. We ask our clients to wait for their notification so they do not waste their time going to their LTO branch only to be disappointed”, he added.

Galvante said for those who registered their vehicles or applied for the new-plate change before July 1, 2016, LTO is “awaiting the Commission on Audit’s resolution on the disallowance.”

                The delivery of license plates to vehicle owners was put on hold after legal issues were allegedly found with the procurement process under the previous administration. -- PIA CAR

P5K grant to deceased barangay execs sought

BAGUIO CITY – The city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance granting mortuary benefit to the bereaved family of deceased incumbent elected or appointed barangay officials in the city.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Joel Alangsab stated that regardless of whether the cause of death is work-related or not, the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive the amount of P5,000 as financial assistance to the bereaved family.

                The ordinance stipulated that in the event of death of any barangay official, the beneficiaries shall immediately notify the Office of the City Mayor through its Special Services Division regarding such circumstances and the said office shall thereafter assist the beneficiaries in the processing of the claim.

The ordinance provided P200,000 shall be appropriated annually from the fund of the local government for the effective and efficient implementation of the mortuary assistance to the bereaved family members of deceased elected or appointed barangay officials. -- Dexter A. See

 Ifugao police urged: Work collaboratively

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- Policemen in the province were urged to work collaboratively with others for efficient implementation of laws on peace and order.

“I hope that you will be one with your leadership, deputies, chiefs of police and station commanders for a harmonious working relationship for the successful implementation of all laws for the betterment of the province,” said Chief Supt. Rolando Nana, regional police director during his recent visit.

He said even there are problems, these should be solved hand in hand. “We will do our own little ways to solve this problem. Let’s serve for the betterment of Ifugao,” he said.

While commending the Ifugao police for their efforts resulting to low crime incidents in the province, he advised the police force in the province not to be complacent also in their anti-illegal drugs campaign,

Nana also cited proper behavior and grooming in relation to the internal cleansing of the Philippine National Police. “Internal discipline is very important in our job, let’s caution each other not to commit illegal activities. We just align ourselves with the requirements and nothing will go wrong,” he stated. -- PIA Ifugao

DOLE clarifies child labor vs child work

BANGUED, Abra -- "There is a big difference between child labor and child work.  Child Labor is characterized with an element of abuse and violation of child rights while child work is necessary to teach a child to do some minor household chores and without being posed to health hazards and all basic needs are provided by the parents or guardians.”

Dr. Alexander Gumabol, provincial head of the Dept. of Labor and Employment explained this to the Provincial Federation officers of the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) – Abra Chapter during their second quarter meeting recently.

Gumabol said elements of child labor include the following; child is below 18 years of age, and his work poses health hazards, he works for straight eight hours a day and most of all, he is deprived of the basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and education.

On the other hand, Labor and Employment Officer Gil M. Datayan elaborated that child work is simply helping in the household chores as a way of discipline or training for the child, and under supervision of the parents or guardian. The household chores are cleaning the house, dishwashing, and other household tasks or family business where the child is not exposed to health hazards. Most importantly, the child is provided with all the basic necessities in life such as food, shelter, clothing and education. Furthermore, the child must be given opportunities to play.

Datayan said in child work, the child is not enslaved but only trained and no provision of the law on child labor is violated.  

Gumabol challenged the KALIPI in the observance of the law on the protection of children especially the girl children. He said the KALIPI should be bold enough in their intervention to push for the protection of children. -- PIA Abra

Philhealth starts ‘point of service’  

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga --Point of Service (POS) now replaces the Point of Care program of Philhealth  to address gaps in coverage of both financially capable and incapable Filipinos, and registered inactive members and to ensure 100 percent  availment rate in covering the poor under the National Health Insurance Program.

Kalinga Philhealth Field Office head Rommel Aranca  said under Philhealth Circular No. 2018-0008, “ Filipio citizens who will be covered under the provisions, through a Point of Service Program, must be classified as financialy incapable to pay his/her Philhealth membership according to the DOH classification of indigence.”

He said members availing of this program shall be included in the Philhealth membership database for possible inclusion in the list of beneficiaries whose premiums are to be shouldered by the national government as provided in the General Appropriations Act of 2017 and 2018.

Filipino citizens who are financially capable shall be assessed and shal be enrolled based on their financial capability at the Point of Service to be covered as regular contributing Philhealth member. They shall be included in the Philhealth membership database and shall be billed annually,he added.

He urged government hospitals, other health care facilities to come up with the classification and certification of families to be covered and also the cooperation of medical social welfare officers and social welfare and development officers to conduct assessment and identify those qualified under POS. -- PIA Kalinga

 Baguio hails PWD athletes

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan has signed a city council resolution congratulating and commending 20 local persons with disabilities (PWDs) athletes for garnering medals  in the 2018 Philippine Sports Association for the Differently-Abled (Philspada) Paralympic Games held from May 12 to 19 in Marikina city.

The measure also commends the team’s coaches  for  their support and guidance to the city’s differently-abled athletes.

Winning 10 gold, 14 silver and eight bronze medals  in various events were Victoria Elio, Allan Campos, Giovanni Ola, Jackson Limmayog, April Dawn Mendoza, Marc Gwyn Florez, Jeremiah Tundagui, Jolina Tundagui, John Joseph Magpantay, Armando Gaw, Carlos Gamboc, Agustin Kitan, Romeo Tayawa, Jaime Manginga, and Agustina Bantiloc.

Serving as the team’s athletic coach is Rex Felix, a teacher at the Baguio City High School, and Agustina Bantiloc as the playing coach.

“The city’s officialdom recognizes the dedication of PWD athletes for their victory which deserves commendation for bringing glory and pride to their families, the city and country as well,” the resolution states.

       It stressed that as part of the city government’s inclusive program, the PWD athletes shall be ensured support for future national, regional and international Paralympic games.

       The games aims to identify new core of athletes who will be tapped by the Philspada-National Paralympic Committee of the Philippines (NPC) for possible inclusion in national teams for future participation in future Paralympic competitions.- Gaby Keith

Caravan mission serves 600 villagers in Ifugao

TINOC, Ifugao --  A total of 600 folks from the barangays of Luhong and Danggo in this municipality were served during the one-day caravan mission by various government and non-government agencies.

Activities included free medical consultations, dental tooth extraction, circumcision/minor surgery operations, distribution of vegetable seeds, school supplies and used clothes, blood typing, free haircut, film showing and information education campaign by invited government agencies.

Lt. Col. Narciso Nabulneg Jr., 54th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer, commended government agencies, local government units and non-government organizations who took part in said activity.

“With the services we bring, people especially in the remote areas will sense the sincerity of the government in addressing some local issues such as health problems” he said.

“The vital information on the current thrusts and programs of your respective offices you imparted to our people help them to be aware that our government truly cares”, he added.

Luhong punong barangay Nelson Pauhan expressed gratefulness for the conduct of the activity in their place. He said what they know was only medical mission but there were a lot of other services provided.-- PIA Ifugao

Ifugao mayor stops permits to peddlers

TINOC, Ifugao -- Mayor Marcelo Catalino temporarily suspended issuance of mayor’s permits to mobile peddlers in this remote town after receiving complaints from the buying public.

“Complaints have been received that there were fake, substandard, and expired merchandise being sold by the ambulant vendors. This is to protect people in the town from unscrupulous individuals,” Catalino said.

The mayor added that some ambulant vendors do not seek mayor’s permit before selling merchandises in the municipality.

The Revised Municipal Revenue Code requires all individuals to secure the permit before engaging in any trade. Tinoc is a vegetable producing town located near the boundary of Ifugao and Benguet. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

Kalinga gets P114M projects from DILG

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga - - The Bureau of Treasury Regional Office No. 1 based in the City of San Fernando, La Union downloaded P114 million worth of projects to the province and three municipalities.

Notice of authority to debit account were issued through Land Bank of the Philippines to the accounts of the respective recipients.

Said cash requirements sourced from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Local Government Support Fund-Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces and assistance to municipalities were downloaded to fund the implementation of priority programs and projects.

The amount of P95,186,623.00 was downloaded to Kalinga province for the partial concreting of about four kilometers of the Dalnacan-Mangali provicial road; P9.4 million to Rizal for municipal and barangay road improvement; P4.9M for Tinglayan for the construction of their evacuation center; and P4.8M for Lubuagan for the construction of the Managol footbridge and improvement of water systems of Upper Uma and Mabongtot.

Provincial DILG Director  Mayer Max Adong  said the  implementation  of these projects will start this month. -- Peter A. Balocnit

Espino awards P4.5-M kits to fisherfolk

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The provincial government of Pangasinan recently awarded gill nets and fish processing kits amounting to P4.5 million to 73 fisherfolk associations in 12 localities of the province.

Gov. Amado Espino III led the distribution of the fishing equipment to the beneficiaries from the towns of Agno, Anda, Bani, Infanta, Dasol, Sual, Binmaley, Lingayen, Labrador, San Fabian, Rosales and Alaminos City at a ceremony held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center gymnasium.

Espino told the beneficiaries to take care of their livelihood and encouraged them to exert more effort in engaging in other income-generating activities in order to uplift their income and establish other opportunities to ensure better future for their family and for the fishing industry.

The governor also thanked the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) led by Regional Director Nestor Domenden for the support it has been extending even during the previous administration when the project was launched two years ago. -- Liezle Basa Iñigo

Mankayan implements segregation ordinance

MANKAYAN, Benguet -- Mayor Meterno Luspian has implemented a strict “No segregation, no collection” policy in this mining town recently.

The segregation ordinance was recently approved by Mankayan’s municipal council covering segregation, collection, recycling, disposal and treatment of waste.

The ordinance applies to all residential, industrial and commercial areas.

Violators of the ordinance will be fined depending on gravity of the offense P500, P1,000 and P2,500 and imprisonment of one month to six months at discretion of the court for the first, second, third and fourth offense respectively.

Mayor not in favor of granting tax amnesties

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan is not in favor of the practice of granting amnesties  to those who do not pay their taxes on time.

In media forum at city hall,  Domogan said tax amnesties only encourage people and institutions  to procrastinate  or are late in the payment of their taxes.

“Why should we award late taxpayers with amnesties?  We should instead grant more incentives to those who pay their taxes on time or who pay earlier than the scheduled time of payment,” he stressed.

Domogan earlier led other officials in commending and awarding the city’s top 20  business and real property taxpayers  with plaques of appreciation.

The Mayor also expressed his hope that they will continue to be shining examples to others  in paying the right amount of taxes on time.

He also praised the city treasurer’s office under Alex Cabarrubias  on its report that the city’s tax and fees collection in 2017 was 13.39 percent higher than the amount collected in 2016.- Gaby Keith

BFAR starts projects for Mt. Province groups

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Dept. of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Cordillera Administrative Region (DA- BFAR- CAR) awarded projects to beneficiaries at the BFAR provincial office here on May 25.

Barangay fish terminals were handed over to five organizations: Gueday Fruit Wine Makers in Besao, Ilaglakhan Livelihood Organization in Bontoc, Hiefer Partner Families Marketing in Sabangan, Gabay Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Sabangan and Tadian FARMC. 

Each organization was given 120 kilograms of fresh marketable tilapia, one unit chest freezer and weighing scale.

Lilibeth L. Signey, BFAR regional director said the BFT program aims to add income for community organizations and make available supply of fish in the barangay.

She said the program will be implemented through a “roll over scheme” in which the BFAR shall provide initial supply of fish to recipient organizations to be sold by the latter at affordable price.

The organization is entrusted with the task of returning the equivalent capital in cash to the DA-BFAR- CAR for the latter to be able to provide the second and third batch of fish to be sold by the same organization, but leaving them the profits earned.

Mayor Franklin C. Odsey with Ilaglakhan Livelihood Organization entered into memorandum of agreement with the DA-BFAR – CAR to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the program.

Ilocos Norte to preserve freshwater fishes, shells

LAOAG CITY -- The Ilocos Norte government, in collaboration with other local and national government agencies, has crafted a long-term plan to preserve the exotic freshwater fishes and shells in the province’s inland bodies of water.

Arthur Valente, the Provincial Fishery Coordinator under the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAG), said that part of the long-term plan is the proposed establishment of brass parks and cages for breeding and seeding of various freshwater fishes, including shells in 21 towns and two cities of the province.

“As part of our resiliency program, we need to culture our indigenous fish species so that they will not go extinct,” said Valente , citing native ar-aru (climbong perch), gurami (gourami), dalag (mudfish), paltat (catfish) and mosquito fish among others, as already rare compared in the old days when they are always present on the Ilokano table.

Valente said that since 2016, pilot farms for the culture of carp, tilapia, and pangasius have been set up in the small water impounding projects located in Barangays Pimentel, Baoa, Dariwdiw, Nagbacalan and Magnuang, in support of the Department of Agriculture program dubbed as, “Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa” (Basil), where the country’s major river basins and lakes should be seeded with fingerlings of indigenous and non-invasive fish species. -- PNA 

Hungduan benefits from PRDP’s livelihood project

HUNGDUAN, Ifugao – Farmers were recipients of a swine dispersal project by the Dept. of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project.

“Almost 85 percent of farmers’ livelihood was damaged by calamity in 2015 and everyone needed to restore and re-establish their properties from what was left and the project is timely,” said Evelyn Biniahan, Manager of Hungduan Micro-Finance Development Cooperative (HMFDC).

She said they were able to come up with the proposal on swine raising under the PRDP.

Some 63 piglets were delivered and turned over to 21 farmer-members of the cooperative on May 22 at the office of HMFDC in Hapao, Hungduan.

Each farmer was given three piglets each and 21 kilos feeds.

                The remaining 87 piglets and sacks of feeds will be delivered by the end of the month to cater to 29 more farmers.

According to the project’s business plan, 150 piglets and 274 sacks of feeds (starter and grower) were set to be delivered as part of the first tranche, and 144 sacks of finisher feeds for the second tranche. For one year operation of two (2) cycles, the piglets will be fattened for a maximum of six (6) months and will be sold at P120/kg live weight.

To sustain the project, the total investment cost provided shall be collected from each recipient including capital build-up scheme of one percent and another percent service fee from the sales of each pig. Likewise, the HMFDC shall strictly impose policies in the implementation of the project.

During turnover ceremony, NazarioTuguinay of the Provincial Agriculturist Office said it was the obligation of recipients to take care of the project and make it sustainable.

Meanwhile, the supplier of the piglets committed to conduct regular visits to tend to the needs of the piglets that were delivered.

With a counterpart from the cooperative (in-kind) amounting to more than P300,000, the livelihood project had a total cost of P1, 138,000 shared by the World Bank (80%), the Government of the Philippines (20%) and Ifugao government (20%). – Elvy Taquio

BFP recruitment on for firemen

B ONTOC, Mountain Province –The Bureau of Fire Protection has opened its recruitment for fire fighters to join their agency.

Applicants must be Filipino citizens not less than 21 and not more than 30 years of age, at least 5’4” in height for male and 5’2” for female provided that height waiver for height and age requirements shall be automatically granted for those belonging to cultural communities.

They must weigh not more or less than five kilograms from the standard weight corresponding to height, age and sex; must possess a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institute of learning; must have an eligibility either a Civil Service Commission (CSC) – 2nd Level, Republic Act (RA) 1080 or Presidential Decree. 907.

Licensed engineers and architects are priorities. Navarra said submission of folders will be on June 4 to July 6 at the BFP-Cordillera regional office as there is 75 quota allotted for the Cordillera region.Applicants nay visit fire stations for queries on additional requirements.  --  Alpine L. Killa

Bayambang onion farmers to get fertilizer, cash grant

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan — Some 963 onion farmers in this town, whose farms have been devastated by armyworms, will receive two bags of fertilizer per hectare from the provincial government of Pangasinan and a certain amount of cash grant from the municipal government.

Municipal Agriculturist Artemio Buezon, in an interview on Tuesday, said a total of 1,828 bags of fertilizer have been given to his office for distribution next week to affected onion farmers.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer head Genevieve Benebe said a total of P5.5 million in initial cash grant will be distributed to the farmers this June after they submit the requirements asked by the municipal government.

On March 12 this year, the town was placed under a state of calamity due to the armyworm infestation that affected 868.56 hectares of onion plantations in 39 barangays, resulting in almost PHP5 million in losses.

Benebe disclosed that the MDRRMO will include in their plan next year the mitigation of crop infestations.

Meanwhile, Buezon said the farmers can control infestation if they monitor their crops on a daily basis. He remained positive that the next cropping season would be bountiful given that the town’s farming areas have sufficient water irrigation.

The farmers in the town will plant hybrid rice while some will produce a variety of vegetables this cropping season, he said.

More than 2,000 farmers, including onion farmers, in the town have received three to five packs of hybrid rice seeds from the Department of Agriculture, said Buezon.

“If they (farmers) will follow correctly the packaging technology of the hybrid rice, they can yield four to five tons of rice per hectare,” he added. --PNA

BFAR awards scholarships to 6 Mt province students

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Certificates of scholarships were awarded to six individuals of this province who passed examination for fisheries scholarship program of Dept. of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Cordillera Administrative Region.

The scholars are entitled to free tuition in any college or university offering fishery-related courses, monthly stipend of P4, 000, book allowance of P2,000 every semester, thesis support  worth P7,000, on the job training support worth P3,000.00 and P1,500 as graduation allowance. – Alpine Killa

N. Ecija Balay Silangan rehab center unveiled

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – The country’s second community -based reformation / drug rehabilitation center was inaugurated recently in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

The inauguration of the 100-bed center was led by officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), local government officials of Cabanatuan City, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino said the Balay Silangan Reformatory Program of PDEA was created by virtue of Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Regulation No. 2 series of 2018.

“This program is a holistic and compassionate approach of helping drug offenders to integrate in the society by making them more productive and acceptable to society,” Aquino said.

“This reformation center serves as an alternative intervention for drug offenders who are not eligible to be admitted in the treatment and rehabilitation facilities supervised by the Department of Health,” he added.

Balay Silangan Reformation Program in Cabanatuan City is the pilot project of PDEA in Luzon, which was funded by the city government of Cabanatuan City through the initiative of Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara. – Franco Regala

Tineg farmers get cattle from PRDP

TINEG, Abra – Some 23farmers received one cattle each from "Cattle Fattening and Marketing Project” under the Dept. of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Project during recent turnover ceremony here.

Dr. Herminia Balaoit, municipal agriculturist said that the cattle were delivered as part of the first tranche and the remaining 10 heads will be delivered the soonest.

The subproject was proposed by the Alawa-Tapayen Farmers’ Organization assisted by the municipality of Tineg and provincial government. The business plan was implemented through the I-REAP Component's Small Livelihood Project for calamity-stricken areas. It focuses on cattle fattening and marketing as an entrepreneurial scheme to increase Tineg farmers' income.

The project aims to provide farmers with33 heads of male upgraded Brahman stocks at least one year old. The stocks are distributed to eligible members of the organization at one to two heads per farmer-recipient depending on their capacity.

To sustain the project, the business plan stipulated the total acquisition value shall be remitted back to the association. Accordingly, the fund shall be used to purchase more stocks for other members to benefit from. One percent of the gross sales shall be charged by the association for every sale made as part of their capital build-up.

The subproject's total capital of P1 million was proposed to be funded by the PRDP, sourced from the World Bank (60%), Government of the Philippines through the DA (20%), and the LGU (20%).  For every subproject under this scheme, a counterpart of 20% of the total project cost is required to be provided by the benefiting organization in-kind in the form of animal housing, labor, among others.

During turnover, Tineg officials thanked the PRDP staff and urged beneficiaries to make sure the project will succeed as planned.

“To those of who received, make good of it because you are lucky to be recipients.  Make sure that you follow your business plan,” said Randy Valencia, sangguniang bayan member. – MB Zabala

Sickly senior citizens to get cash aid from Pampanga LGU

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Bedridden and sickly elderly citizens of four districts of this province are the qualified recipients of the ongoing distribution of food and financial assistance of the provincial government.

Governor Lilia G. Pineda of Pampanga led the cash distribution to each senior citizen amounting to P1,000, which came with two packs of milk and other food items.

There 32 recipients from Lubao; 24 from Sta. Rita; 46 from Sasmuan; and 25 from Guagua.

“The distribution is part of our regular program for senior citizens which was started last week,” the governor said.

Records of the Provincial Social Welfare Division Office showed there are a total of 792 senior citizens who will benefit from the said activity.

PSWD Officer Elizabeth G. Estiller-Baybayan said the distribution of assistance is stipulated in Ordinance No. 647 or An Ordinance Enacting the Senior Citizens Code of the province.

She added that beneficiaries qualified for the benefits include 28 more from Mabalacat City; 62 from Magalang; 18 each from Floridablanca and Porac; 77 from Arayat; 49 from Bacolor; 30 from San Fernando; 97 from Mexico; 13 each from Sta. Ana and Apalit; 73 from Candaba; 43 from Macabebe; 29 from Masantol; 20 from Minalin; 27 from San Luis; 32 from San Simon; and 36 from Sto. Tomas. -- Franco Regala

La Trinidad SB member wants liquor law amended

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A councilor of this capital town plans to introduce some amendments to the existing ordinance “Regulating the establishment, operation, and maintenance of bars, restaurants, and other similar places of entertainment serving alcoholic beverages”.

In an interview, La Trinidad Councilor Roderick Awingan, chairman of the municipal council committee on tourism, peace, and order, said several provisions of the local ordinance should be reviewed for smoother implementation.

Awingan said provisions and issues that need clarification and review are classification of establishments, definition of terms related to serving and dispensing alcoholic beverages, and the structural requirements, especially on the maximum allowable noise by entertainment bars.

Under the existing ordinance, classification of bars and other establishment is based on the report of sanitary inspections.

Awingan said he intends to introduce a “merit system” for those establishments that strictly follow the measure and a “downgrade system” for those violating the ordinance.

On the serving and dispensing of alcoholic beverages, Awingan would like to be clarified exactly what the allowable time to serve and dispense alcoholic beverages based on the classification of a certain establishment and business operation.

On structural requirements, especially on maximum allowable noise by entertainment bars, he said, “There must be a device to measure the noise emitted by entertainment establishments for the smooth implementation of the ordinance.”

Under the existing ordinance, the maximum allowable noise within the establishment is 75 decibels, while outside the establishment two meters away from the main door is 50 decibels.

Awingan added that the local fire department would be included in the created task force that would evaluate

and enforce the ordinance.

Awingan said his proposed changes to the ordinance, when approved, would incorporate implementing rules and regulations. -- Primo Agatep/ PNA

 295 new cops to undergo internal security training

CAMP ADDURU, Tuguegarao City – Around 295 new police officers of Police Regional Office 2 have started their Basic Internal Security Operations (BISOC) Course recently that will be applied to internal security operations.

The 60-day course training will provide basic mindset and instinct, indoctrination, discipline and character, individual and unit skills and knowledge will be applied to Internal Security Operations (ISO).

It also lays down the concept of small unit operations’ Standard Operational Procedures and the Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for operations especially in the areas of counter-insurgency.

Senior Supt Petronelli M. Baldebrin, Deputy Regional Director for Administration represented PRO2 Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino who led the opening of the said course held at the PRO2 Grounds.

He urged police officers to take the training seriously and give their best in order to enhance their individual skills.

“You are only strong as you allow yourselves to be. Never get discouraged, never give-up because consistency and dedication are the keys to success,” he emphasized.

The BISOC trainees will also undergo a 10-day Field Training Exercises at 5th ID, PA, Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz, Brgy. Upi, Gamu, Isabela. -- Liezle Basa Iñigo

 500 Ilocos Norte farmers get agricultural patents

BANGUI, Ilocos Norte -- The government recently distributed about 500 agricultural patents to Ilocos Norte farmers.

Brenda Tamayo of Bangui, Ilocos Norte said she is thankful that she is now holding a proof of ownership of land her family has been tilling for a long time.’

“I am so happy that finally, I have secured my land title. This is an answered prayer,” said Tamayo, among the 500 new land owners who received agricultural patents under Republic Act 6940.

Victor Dabalos, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of the Ilocos Norte, said the Handog Titulo Program aims to lessen boundary conflicts and confirms ownership of land occupants.

Tuesday’s distribution of agricultural patents was led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Land Registration Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform and the Regional Trial Courts.

The certificates of original land title were handed to farmer beneficiaries by  DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu during the ceremonial launching of Tayo ang Kalikasan movement at the Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center in Barangay Balacad this city.

In addition, the DENR also released five special patents under Section 4 of Republic Act 10023, covering the Bangui National High School, Lanao National High School, Camp Valentin S. Juan in Laoag City, and the local stations of the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire in Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte.

The land titling program, locally known as “Titulo a Natalged: Sagut ni Ilokano”, was launched in 2011 with the aim to resolve issues of land ownership in the province.

Through the REGALA (Revenue Generation and Land Administration Reforms) project and free land titling program, local government units in Ilocos Norte now have a systematic land information and efficient transactions on real properties. -- PNA

 NIA completes 229 irrigation facilities in Cordillera Region

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The National Irrigation Administration-Cordillera reported the completion 229 irrigation projects providing water to farmlands in the region.

NIA Cordillera acting regional director Benito Espique Jr., in his report said as of March 15, 2018 a total of 1,197 hectares were new irrigation areas while 521 hectares of existing irrigation systems were restored bringing to 1,115 hectares of new functional irrigations in the region with a total cost of P823,484 million.

He said Benguet and Kalinga provinces completed the most number of irrigation projects with 80 and 73, respectively, followed by Mt. Province with 35, Ifugao 19, Abra 16 and Apayao 6.

The completed irrigation projects include a component of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and rehabilitation projects under the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

Espique said that with increased NIA-CAR budget this year, a total of 2,823 hectares of farmland will irrigate and restore and rehabilitate 407 hectares of existing irrigation facilities.

He said Kalinga province has 44,190 hectares of potential irrigable area; Benguet, 25,746 hectares; Mt. Province, 30,060 hectares; Ifugao, 25,830 hectares; Abra, 25,670 hectares; and Apayao, 33,910 hectares.

The agency had strengthened its partnership with farmer groups and various irrigators associations in the region through training and assistance for irrigations systems aimed at increasing production. -- PIA

Use of deceiving lights in Baguio market prohibited

BAGUIO CITY – The city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance amending Ordinance No. 71, series of 2009 which penalizes the use of deceiving lights that mask the freshness of meats, fishes, vegetables, fruits and other similar products being sold in the city public market by introducing new provisions to ensure the health and safety of consumers purchasing products in the city.

The ordinance authored by Vice Mayor Edison R. Bilog stated that it shall be a policy of the local government to prohibit owners, vendors, or sellers in the public and satellite markets to use lighting that mask the freshness of products such as incandescent and colored light bulbs and only standard lighting such as fluorescent or Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs shall be allowed to be used in the said public places.

The ordinance added that it shall also be a policy of the local government to prohibit the use of colored reflectors and cardboards above the light bulbs, banana leaves as matting for fishes, and other materials that may enhance the color of the products being sold and owners, vendors and sellers in the public and satellite markets shall ensure the cleanliness of their stalls and display counters and to use trays or crates with filtering vents for draining excess water from their products.

                Under the proposal, owners or operators of stalls, stores and other establishments selling meat and other fresh produce found violating the provisions of the measure shall be penalized with a fine of P2000 for the first offense, a fine of P3,500 for the second offense and a fine of P5,000 and cancellation of permit to operate for the third and final offense.