City Camp flooding/ Fishing tilt set Nov. 25/ Bee industry

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged the public to refrain from indiscriminately throwing their garbage to prevent them from ending up into the drainage inlets and causing flooding at the City Camp lagoon.
    "This has been the perennial problem at the lagoon every time it rains," said City Engineer Edgar Victorio Olpindo whose team along with officials and volunteers of barangays rushed to the scene to remove the accumulated wastes carried by floodwaters at the height of the heavy downpour last weekend.
    The said team also composed of personnel from the Baguio City Police Office keeps watch over the facility ready to undertake declogging operations to remove the debris abd prevent water from accumulating and causing flooding.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong thanked the team for their concern and dedication. 
    "We commend our CEO personnel and barangay officials and volunteers for their hard work in cleaning up the City Camp tunnel metal screen," he said.
    He reiterated his appeal to residents to mind their garbage at all times and especially during inclement weather so as not to exacerbate the problem.
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The 5th annual fishing tournament at Burnham Lake here has been reset to Nov. 25.
Head organizer Rafael Serrano said they needed more time to prepare, especially since the original schedule will come on the heels of the long vacation.
    Participants can register at Rxemedy Pharmacy conveniently located at 227-A Balabag Building Camp 7, beside 7-11 in front of Total Gas Station. They can also register by calling 0916-795-7840 gcash method. Registration fee is only P500.00.
Serrano said they expect an exciting competition with the lake now teeming with fish that were released in August last year.
Awarding of winners will take place during the Baguio City Hall flag ceremony on December 4.
    Serrano’s co-coordinators for the annual tournament are Bong Sabado, Jackson Abion, Frank Riego and Ronald Claros.      He also thanked sponsors from the United States namelyTommy Macalino, Ed Zurdilla and Jackson Abion.
The event is in cooperation with the City Government of Baguio led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong  through the City Administrator's Office under City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña and the City Environment and Parks Management Office under Atty. Rhenan Diwas.
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The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office on October 26, 2023 visited the thriving apiary located at the Mines View Park, owned and managed by the Badihoy Honey Beekeepers Association Incorporated (BHBA Inc.).
    Senior Agriculturist Marcelina Tabelin said the team witnessed firsthand not only the beekeepers' mastery of nurturing bee colonies but also their dedication as "conscientious farmers to safeguard one of Earth's most vital insects."
    "This immersive experience not only revealed to us the intricate artistry of beekeeping but also its being a noble profession demanding immense dedication in terms of time, commitment and financial resources.  The team also learned about the challenges these guardians of bees face, grappling with the daunting trifecta of climate change, pollution and natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for support," the CVAO team shared.
    Tabelin said the activity is part of the office's program to prepare the group for accreditation by the Dept. of Agriculture to avail of assistance packages from the department.
    She said some of the members of the association were among the 100 recipients of beekeeping starter kits distributed by the city government in 2021 as livelihood grant from the DA.
    During the CVAO team's visit, BHBA Inc. member Ecequiell Gabatin shared a fascinating insight into the City's honey production.
    "He revealed that the golden hue of the honey, harvested during the peak season spanning November to February, owes its unique color to the nectar gathered from the lush wild sunflowers that bloom during the chilly embrace of the 'ber' season," the CVAO said.
    "This distinctive characteristic sets Baguio's honey apart from other varieties found in different corners of the globe.  Recognizing the authenticity and health benefits associated with pure honey, the beekeeping industry emerges as a promising avenue for urban farmers, opening doors to a wealth of opportunities in harmony with nature."