Ilocos Norte power coop goes after delinquent consumers

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative has started to impose stricter measures against delinquent consumers and has issued around a hundred demand letters to collect from erring clients.
    Acting general manager Cipriano Martinez, in a press conference held at the INEC main branch in Dingras town on Wednesday, said they have to be aggressive in cutting off power connections of delinquent consumers after these were given an ultimatum of three months' notice to be able to settle unpaid bills.
    INEC record shows that the electric cooperative has around PHP28 million unpaid bills every month and Martinez said this will hamper the electric cooperative to provide better services if their financial situation continues to bleed.
    One of those issued with a demand letter is the management of the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH), which has around PHP5 million credit, including arrears.
    Martinez said they have arrived at a compromise agreement with the City Government of Laoag, and the hospital already paid an initial payment of PHP1 million.

    “We have agreed with Mayor Michael M. Keon because he was instrumental in helping facilitate a compromise agreement with the LCGH management,” he said.
    During the pandemic, the lone power distribution utility here extended the implementation of “no disconnection policy” for displaced workers or low- income households that cannot pay their electricity bills. Other establishments, particularly those involved in public services, were included. – PNA
 

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La Union increases NFA palay buying to P24/kilo

RICE PRICE -- La Union Governor Raphaelle Ortega-David (middle) and officials of National Food Authority and Dept. of Agriculture provincial offices pose for a photo after signing of memorandum of agreement for “palay marketing assistance program for legislators and local government units project Oct. 16. The project wants farmers to sell their harvest to the NFA by adding P5 per kilo to the base price of palay buying. (Photo courtesy of provincial government of La Union)

By Hilda Austria 

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The La Union provincial government, in coordination with the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Agriculture, is offering an additional procurement price of P5 per kilo to encourage farmers to sell their palay harvest to the NFA.
    In a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency, NFA-La Union statistician Maricel Baliton said P5 will be added to the P19 per kilo base buying price, bringing it to P24 a kilo.
    “We hope the farmers will prioritize selling their harvest to the NFA,” she said, adding the new price will make it competitive against the buying price of private traders ranging from P20 to P25 per kilo.
    Baliton said they target to procure some 270,000 50-kilo bags of rice from farmers for this second semester, or from September to December this year.
    Aside from the top-up price that is under the Palay Marketing Assistance Program for Legislators and Local Government Units, the NFA is also offering up to P4 per kilo buffer stock incentive for clean and dry quality palay.
    Baliton said there are around 68,000 to 70,000 farmers in the province although not all are expected to sell their harvest since some are just planting for their families’ consumption.
    In a press statement, La Union Governor Raphaelle Ortega-David acknowledged the importance of supporting the farming community that plays an integral role in the province's economic growth.
    “She believes that empowering and investing in farmers are key steps toward realizing La Union's vision of becoming the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025,” the La Union Provincial Information Office said.
It said the province has secured a P20 million budget that will enable more farmers to benefit from the increased rice price premium. -- PNA
 
 

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Hog raisers, traders warned vs ASF-contaminated feeds

By Leilanie Adriano 

LAOAG CITY — The Ilocos Norte Provincial Veterinary Office urged hog raisers and traders to stay vigilant about the reentry of the African swine fever (ASF) through feed ingredients.
    Provincial veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela told the Philippine News Agency that animal feeds can also carry viruses so prevention and biosecurity are key to prevent ASF cases.
     “We have information that there are individuals offering branded feeds to feed outlets and hog farm owners at prices way below the suggested retail price. Please be informed that these may pose a threat to our local pig industry. ASF-contaminated feeds are real,” Valenzuela said. 
    She advised hog raisers to not bring newly-bought animal feeds inside the piggery and to transfer the unopened feeds to a container with lid cover to avoid contamination.
     “Let us not litter or use sacks in pig pens too,” she added.
    The Provincial Veterinary Office also cautioned hog growers about the presence of mobile private technicians from nearby provinces who are allegedly roving through villages, offering their feeds and artificial insemination services. 
    They can also be a possible vector for the ASF virus, it said. 
    Ilocos Norte continues to reimpose stringent border protocols with the help of law enforcers, including quarantine checkpoints, to prevent ASF from infecting hogs in the province.
    Checkpoints have been set up in all possible entry points for the delivery of hogs while backyard slaughtering of hogs is strictly prohibited.
    In 2020, the Ilocos Norte hog industry incurred losses of around P4.98 billion due to ASF.
    While massive hog repopulation is ongoing, the Ilocos Norte government is urging all hog growers to register and insure their piglets to the nearest municipal or city agriculture office to protect their livelihood. The animal insurance program is free. -- PNA
 

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Mines View stall sellers warned on sale of contaminated products

By Jessa Mardy Samidan

BAGUIO CITY -- Pasalubong stores in Minesview were inspected recently and warned to ensure adherence to health certificate requirements and business permit compliance.
    The inspection team composed of personnel from the Sanitation Division – City Health Services Office and the Permits and Licensing Division – City Mayor’s Office issued 21 sanitation orders for lack of health certificates and additional line of business without permit among the stores involved.
    Three establishments were issued notices of violation for lack of business permit, according to engineer Charles Bryan Carame, chief of Sanitation Division.
    The inspection was carried out based on a complaint lodged though the Baguio City Public Information Office social media page claiming they were duped into buying a cheese bar at a pasalubong stall  found full of moulds.
    Carame said the inspection team told pasalubong store owners in Minesview on proper food handling and storage.
    The inspection team regularly conducts random checking of establishments in the city to ensure compliance to health standards and business permit requirements.
    In another inspection, a restaurant in Upper General Luna was sanctioned for the foul odour in the area which was later found emanating from the accumulated refuse just below the building.
    A sanitary order was issued to the owner with a recommendation to immediately conduct general cleaning by removing and fixing their broken pipe to stop the leakage of wastewater. The owner was also advised to strictly observe proper waste disposal. – JMPS

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BWD Board decides to up rates this November

By Mark Pasagoy

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio Water District (BWD) shall implement an increase on fees collected for maintenance and replacement of defective ½” water meters starting November.
    This, after the BWD Board approved resolution 34-2023 increasing  water meter maintenance fee (WMMF) from P20 to P40.
    BWD general manager engineer Salvador M. Royeca said fee adjustment was unanimously approved by BWD’s top management after thorough review on its impact not only to its operations but to consumersl.
    “BWD determined the need to increase the WMMF in order to include all other direct and indirect expenses incurred in the maintenance and replacement of ½” water meters” Royeca said.
    He added this was to offset impact of inflation in global market on operational expenses of the District on maintenance of water meters such as power, fuel, labor and materials. 
    Presently, the WMMF, as reflected on the existing and old water bills, is P20) but will be increased to P40 starting next month. 
    BWD however, clarified that per existing policy, the cost of replacement of defective or stolen big meters shall be charged to the account owner accordingly. 
    Meanwhile, BWD top management said adjustment of fees was reasonable for customers and operation of the water utility.
    The cost of a ½” water meter delivered by various suppliers to BWD in 2019 is Php1,872.67 as compared in 2023 of Php2,760.00 or a 47.39% increase.
    This increase is a result of global inflation which the water utility needs to cushion to maintain its financial stability and operational efficiency.
 

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DILG to traders, retailers: Comply with rice price cap

COMPLIANT. A rice retailer in Malasiqui town, Pangasinan complies with Executive Order 39 on the mandated ceiling on the price of well-milled and regular-milled rice, in this undated photo. The compliance rate in the province has gone up to 80 percent, from 70 percent when EO 39 was first enforced. (Photo by Hilda Austria)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan and Ferdinand Patinio 

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos urged rice retailers and dealers nationwide Tuesday to comply with rice price ceiling to ease consumers' burden.
    The DILG chief made the call following an inspection at the Nepa Q-Mart and Savemore Supermarket in Cubao, Quezon City on Tuesday together with Mayor Joy Belmonte and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero to check the compliance of rice retailers with the price ceiling set by Executive Order (EO) 39 -- P41 per kilogram for regular milled rice and P45 per kilogram for well milled rice.
    Abalos said the government would compensate rice retailers to make up for the reduced prices that were previously out in the market.
    He appealed to rice retailers to bear with the inconvenience for the meantime, noting that the rice price cap is only "temporary".
    Abalos noted that the government is now making necessary computation on how much aid should be provided to the rice dealers and retailers, adding that there is no timetable yet on how long the price ceiling will be in effect.
    He said DILG will continue to launch a massive information drive to make the rice dealers and retailers aware of the rice price cap.
    Abalos, meanwhile, said no arrests were made on retailers selling rice beyond the price ceiling.

“Ang target natin dito yung mga (rice) cartel. Sila talaga ang nagpapataas ng presyo ng bigas (Our target really here are the rice cartels. They are the ones causing the high cost of rice),’’ he said.

He also directed the Philippine National Police to extend assistance in the enforcement of EO 39.

PNP Public Information chief Col. Jean. Fajardo said the role of the PNP together with other law enforcement agencies will be to assist other departments in the form of law enforcement operations.

“Kung magsasagawa ng operations ang BOC (Bureau of Customs) and other agencies, the PNP will provide assistance, the PNP will extend police assistance kapag kailangan na arestuhin at file-an ng kaso (If the BOC and other agencies would conduct operations, the PNP would extend police assistance if there is a need to arrest violators and file cases against them),” Fajardo told reporters in a press briefing held at Camp Crame.

Also on Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture and the DTI simultaneously inspected 18 Metro Manila markets.

In a statement, DA said it is already preparing the assistance intended to affected retailers.

The DA and the DTI have also started to compile a list of rice traders and retailers who will be affected by the rice price ceiling.

The DA would also push for the inspection of warehouses to address concerns related to hoarding and illegal rice imports. -- PNA

 

 

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Compliance rate on rice price cap in Pangasinan up to 80%

By Hilda Austria 

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Eighty percent of all rice retailers in the province of Pangasinan have complied with the price cap on regular and well-milled rice set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Executive Order (EO) 39.
    Based on monitoring by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture, among other agencies here, the compliance rate is a 10 percent increase from 70 percent when EO 39 took effect on Sept. 5.
    DTI Pangasinan provincial director Natalia Dalaten, at a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency on Monday, said non-compliant rice retailers were told to comply but most just opted to sell premium rice instead.
    Violators of the price ceiling can be penalized as provided in Sections 15 and 16 under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act.
Penalties include imprisonment of up to 10 years and substantial fines ranging from P5,000 to P1 million.
Dalaten said they are positive that many more will comply soon. He also assured consumers of sufficient rice supply since harvest season has begun in some areas.
    Meanwhile, Dalaten added that some 289 compliant rice retailers in the province have been listed as new beneficiaries of the financial subsidy worth PHP15,000 each.
    “They are certified and verified rice retailers who are compliant with the EO. We are still waiting for the other local government units for their list,” she said.
    She added that the beneficiaries were registered rice retailers with a mayor’s permit, and microenterprises with an asset size below PHP3 million.
    The DTI Pangasinan released the payout to the first 23 beneficiaries of the subsidy last week.
    Seven were from Dagupan City, six from Alaminos City, and 10 from San Carlos City.
    Dalaten urged other rice retailers to comply and avail of the subsidy from the national government. (PNA)

 

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DILG to Cordi LGUs: Impose rice price rate

BAGUIO CITY --The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera urged local government units in the region to monitor and provide assistance to the Departments of Trade and Industry and Agriculture (DA) in enforcing directives relative to imposition of price ceilings on rice.
    President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Sept 1.executive order 39 imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice upon recommendation of the DA, and DTI and for DILG to ensure its strict implementation.
    DILG Cordillera regional director Araceli San Jose said the DA and DTI recommended imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice nationwide following reports of widespread practice of alleged illegal price manipulation.
    "We are urging all LGUs in the Cordillera to assist the DTI and DA in ensuring strict implementation of the mandated price ceilings on rice in the market, including monitoring and investigation of abnormal price movements to protect the rights, interests, and general welfare of consumers," she said.
    She said that LGUs are tasked to establish Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCC) whose powers and functions are to regulate price of goods, especially those considered basic necessities and prime commodities.
    "All LPCCs are urged to be in charge of coordination and rationalize programs, together with other agencies of the government, in the respective provinces, cities, and municipalities to stabilize the price and supply of rice in their areas," RD San Jose said.
    She said that LPCC should also conduct an in-depth analysis on the causes of price fluctuations in their respective territorial jurisdictions and prescribe measures to prevent excessive price increases.
    San Jose urged local chief executives (LCEs) to conduct regular inspections of public and private markets, as well as rice warehouses in their jurisdiction, if there are any, to address hoarding and exorbitant, excessive, and unreasonable price increase of rice.
    "We also urge our LCEs to activate hotlines, Consumer Complaints Desk and Timbangan ng Bayan and designate barangay officials and NGOs to monitor abnormal price increases and to actively coordinate with the DTI, DA, and other government agencies to prevent unwarranted price increases and hoarding of rice and other prime commodities," said San Jose.
    She urged LGUs to extend assistance to the DA in their exercise of their regulatory and visitorial powers, in inspection of cold storage warehouses (CSWs), and in  execution of search warrants issued against them that are determined to have violated the provisions of Republic Act 10845 or “Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016”, RA 7581 or "Price Act," and other related laws.
    "The Philippine National Police (PNP) should extend all necessary assistance to the LGUs in the implementation of the price ceiling on rice," she added.
    The mandated cap for regular milled rice is P41 per kilogram, while the price ceiling for well-milled rice is P45 per kilogram.     The price caps do not cover special and premium rice.
    San Jose told LGU officials to comply. -- BLM/DILG-CAR
 
 

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DTI sets guidelines in buying school supplies

 School Concerns

With the upcoming school year just around the corner, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) releases the Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies to assist consumers in their purchase of school items. The Price Act (RA7581) classifies school supplies as Prime Commodities.
    After two years of using various learning modalities, schools began conducting face-to-face classes last year while President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recently lifted the State of Public Health Emergency nationwide.
    As the school year 2023-2024 starts on August 29, the Department reaffirms its support for the Department of Education's (DepEd) Balik Eskwela program by issuing the price guide for school supplies.
    The price guide includes specific brands of notebooks (composition, spiral, and writing), pad paper (Grades 1-4 and intermediate), pencils, ballpoint pens, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers.  
    As of July 2023, notebook prices range from P23.00 to P52.00, while Grades 1-4 pad paper prices vary from P21.00 to P28.00. Intermediate pad paper, on the other hand, costs from P31.00 to P48.75.00. 
    Prices of writing materials such as pencils and ballpoint pens range from P11.00 to P17.00, and from P9.75 to P19.00, respectively.
    Depending on the brand, consumers may purchase a box of crayons with eight (8) colors for as low as P 12.00 to as high as P34.00. A 12-color pack costs P32.00, while the price of a 16-color pack varies from P24.00 to P69.00.
    Meanwhile, an eraser at small, medium, and large sizes, has a price range from P4.50 to P20.00. Sharpeners and rulers are priced at P18.00 – P69.00 and P22.00 – P27.75.00, respectively.  
    “While prices of some products have remained unaffected by recent market trends, other school supplies saw price increases. This is primarily due to increased global cost of basic raw materials,” says DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary, Atty. Ruth B. Castelo.
    Atty. M. Marcus N. Valdez II, Director of the DTI Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau, emphasizes, “The DTI is closely coordinating with the manufacturers of school supplies to ensure that prices are reasonable and supply is sufficient in the market.”
    The Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies was published today, 25 July 2023 in The Philippine Star. The public may access the SRP Bulletin for school supplies via the DTI website
    The DTI remains committed to its mandate of promoting fair trade practices and safeguarding consumer welfare. 
    For consumer-related concerns and queries, you may send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or reach us thru the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline. 

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8K Baguio, Benguet households to receive gov’t power subsidy

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – Some 7,826 households in Baguio and other parts of Benguet province are expected to benefit from the government's electricity subsidy program under Republic Act 11552.
    Leo Quintilla, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region director, in a message on Thursday said beneficiaries of Benguet Electric Cooperative's (Beneco) lifeline electricity rate include 1,067 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Baguio and 6,759 4Ps in Benguet.
    RA 11552 or "An Act Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate" identifies the DSWD's 4Ps beneficiaries as a group that will also benefit from the lifeline rate if their consumption is below 100 kilowatt hours (kWh).
    The lifeline discount rate is applied to charges like the generation, transmission, system loss, distribution, supply and metering charges and other charges as may be approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission for a particular month.
    Other charges that customers have to pay which are minimal in amount as can be seen in the Beneco electric bill includes reinvestment for suspended capital expenditure, senior citizen subsidy, VAT and universal charges.  
    The DSWD gives its list of 4Ps grantees to the Department of Energy which downloads it to the Electric Cooperatives or Distribution Utilities.
    The same law also extends the benefit to non-4Ps whose income is below the poverty threshold set by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) at P11,793 monthly per capita income based on the latest available data in 2021.
    To qualify, the beneficiary must first get a certification from the Social Welfare and Development office of the local government unit and apply for eligibility to Beneco.
    "The new law limits the benefits to the 4Ps and those below the poverty threshold but they have to apply. It is not automatic," Laarni Ilagan of the Corporate Communications Office of Beneco said on Thursday.
    "That is why we encourage the 4Ps and non-4Ps who are qualified to apply and avail of the benefit because it is for them and it is a waste if they do not avail," she said.
    Required documents include an accomplished application form, the most recent electricity bill, and a valid government-issued identification card containing the signature and address of the consumer.
    Other supporting documents to be submitted if electric service is not registered under the name of the applicant include proof of residence through a barangay certification. If filed through a representative, a letter of authority. -- PNA

 

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Cagayan in state of calamity; DTI sets goods price freeze

By Liezle Basa Inigo

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – A price freeze has been implemented for basic commodities after this province was placed under a state of calamity due to typhoon “Egay.”
    The Dept. of Trade and Industry Cagayan Consumer Protection Division said that the price freeze automatically applies to basic goods in areas under the state of calamity.
    Business owners cannot increase the prices of goods, especially for basic necessities, and that they must remain at the DTI suggested retail price.
    Major commodities under prize freeze were rice, pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, sugar, oil, milk, canned goods, soap and laundry detergent, candles, bread, charcoal, and bottled water.
    Prize freeze, which aims to protect the public against exploitative businessmen under a state of calamity, is mandated by Republic Act 7581 or "An Act providing protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergency situations and like occasions."
    Aside from the DTI, other government agencies in monitoring and implementing the price freeze include the Dept. of Agriculture (DA) for fruits and vegetables, Dept. of Energy (DOE) for petroleum, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for wood-related products, and Dept. of Health (DOH) for drugs.
    The DTI said violators of the Price Act may be fined or slapped with criminal charges.
    It added that prices of goods in Cagayan remain stable amid the destruction caused by Egay.

 

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Baguio council public hearing on Beneco fiasco reset July 17

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council here headed by Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan reset a public hearing to be held Monday (July 17)  2 p.m. at City Hall after previous directors of the Benguet Electric Cooperative  slammed power rates increased by Beneco management effective this July.
    Invited to the hearing by the City Council were representatives from the Beneco interim board of directors, management and National Electrification Administration.
    The public hearing was earlier scheduled July 10 attended by all previous Beneco board of directors and vigilant member-consumer-owners.
    The City Council however decided to reset the public hearing to July 17 due to absence of representatives from NEA, Beneco interim board and management.
    The city council said they wanted papers related to Beneco issues presented during the hearing.
    One of the previous board members however said when he went to get the papers in Beneco for presentation to the council, these were not given to him. 
    This, after incumbent Beneco management headed by project supervisor Antonio Almeda of NEA and Interim Board decided to increase rates saying this was due to increased coal rates.
    Aside from power rates, the public hearing will also reportedly deliberate other matters like Beneco elections which MCOs have been clamoring for but is reportedly being waylaid by the NEA and interim board.

“The general assembly (Beneco) was surprised why the current Beneco management is now lawyering for Team Energy, where in fact at the time of rate negotiation, the then management and Board were firm in their decision,” said a letter forwarded to Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan.

Team Energy supplies power to Beneco and power rates collected from member-consumer-owners are determined by negotiations on rates with Team Energy.

The letter was signed by then Beneco Board President Esteban Somngi and previous Board directors Jeffred B. Acop, Mike Maspil, Josephone Tuling, Rev. Jonathan Obar, Robert Valentin and Peter Busaing.

The former board directors in their letter said the public needed to know how and why power rates went up.

Beneco’s power supply contract with Team Energy expires on March 12, 2024.

For almost 16 years, Beneco has not made any adjustment on its generation system charge until Almeda and the Interim Board took over management of Beneco.

This, as the La Trinidad Municipal Council or Sangguniang Bayan of Benguet headed by Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan unanimously signed a resolution June 30, 2023 urging the NEA and Task Force Beneco (Interim Board Directors) to “schedule immediately election of board of directors of Beneco.

A signature campaign is ongoing by Beneco member-consumer-owners (MCOs) callingon NEA and Interim Board to schedule elections.

They said the Beneco power rate increase would not have happened if Beneco had a regular set of Board directors elected by MCOs. 

The La Trinidad Municipal Council resolution No. 199-2023 the elections “will put to rest issues on the proper representation of the member-consumers with the highest governing body of the cooperative,”

A copy of the resolution was given to Mayor Romeo K. Salda for his information.

The resolution was signed by Vice Mayor Roderick C. Awingan, Municipal Councilors John G. Botiwey, Guilbert A. Galwan, Francis A. Lee, Bartolome L. Baldas Jr., Apolinario A. Bagano Jr., Jayson C. Dangwa, Teddy C. Walang, Henry M. Kipas, Charles T. Canuto and Secretary to the Sanggunian Edward M. Juanito.

“Beneco is owned by member-consumer-owners and governed by eleven board of directors pursuant to Section 1, article VI of the Beneco by-laws. These 11 members are chosen by MCOs through democratically called elections. MCOs are fully aware of problems besetting Beneco the past year. Through the proper media – social, print and broadcast, they are well informed of the issues on management, rate increase and how NEA handled these issues,” the resolution said.

“RB Resolution No. 03-2023 has not specified the tenure or term of Task Force Beneco. At the different annual general membership assemblies (AGMAs), they are simply referred to as the Interim Board. The intention of the by-laws of Beneco is that it will be governed by democratically elected BODs. As Interim Board, Task Force Beneco implies a specific and limited function.”

The Municipal Council said “electing the regular members of the Board of Directors would certainly resolve related issues and questions affecting the management and operation of Beneco.” -- AD

 

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Baguio council public hearing on Beneco power rates July 10

MCOs, officials press elections 

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council here will hold a public hearing Monday (July 10) 1 p.m. at City Hall after previous directors of the Benguet Electric Cooperative  slammed power rates increased by Beneco management effective this July.
    The incumbent Beneco management headed by project supervisor Antonio Almeda of the National Electrification Administration and Interim Board decided to increase rates saying this was due to increased coal rates.
    “The general assembly (Beneco) was surprised why the current Beneco management is now lawyering for Team Energy, where in fact at the time of rate negotiation, the then management and Board were firm in their decision,” said a letter forwarded to Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan.
    Team Energy supplies power to Beneco and power rates collected from member-consumer-owners are determined by negotiations on rates with Team Energy.
    The letter was signed by then Beneco Board President Esteban Somngi and previous Board directors Jeffred B. Acop, Mike Maspil, Josephone Tuling, Rev. Jonathan Obar, Robert Valentin and Peter Busaing.
    The former board directors in their letter said the public needed to know how and why power rates went up.
Beneco’s power supply contract with Team Energy expires on March 12, 2024.
    For almost 16 years, Beneco has not made any adjustment on its generation system charge until Almeda and the Interim Board took over management of Beneco.
    This, as the La Trinidad Municipal Council or Sangguniang Bayan of Benguet headed by Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan unanimously signed a resolution June 30, 2023 urging the NEA and Task Force Beneco (Interim Board Directors) to “schedule immediately election of board of directors of Beneco.
    A signature campaign is ongoing by Beneco member-consumer-owners (MCOs) callingon NEA and Interim Board to schedule elections.
    They said the Beneco power rate increase would not have happened if Beneco had a regular set of Board directors elected by MCOs. 
    Tis as La Trinidad Municipal Council resolution No. 199-2023 the elections “will put to rest issues on the proper representation of the member-consumers with the highest governing body of the cooperative,”
    A copy of the resolution was given to Mayor Romeo K. Salda for his information.
    The resolution was signed by Vice Mayor Roderick C. Awingan, Municipal Councilors John G. Botiwey, Guilbert A. Galwan, Francis A. Lee, Bartolome L. Baldas Jr., Apolinario A. Bagano Jr., Jayson C. Dangwa, Teddy C. Walang, Henry M. Kipas, Charles T. Canuto and Secretary to the Sanggunian Edward M. Juanito.
    “Beneco is owned by member-consumer-owners and governed by eleven board of directors pursuant to Section 1, article VI of the Beneco by-laws. These 11 members are chosen by MCOs through democratically called elections. MCOs are fully aware of problems besetting Beneco the past year. Through the proper media – social, print and broadcast, they are well informed of the issues on management, rate increase and how NEA handled these issues,” the resolution said.
    “RB Resolution No. 03-2023 has not specified the tenure or term of Task Force Beneco. At the different annual general membership assemblies (AGMAs), they are simply referred to as the Interim Board. The intention of the by-laws of Beneco is that it will be governed by democratically elected BODs. As Interim Board, Task Force Beneco implies a specific and limited function.”
    The Municipal Council said “electing the regular members of the Board of Directors would certainly resolve related issues and questions affecting the management and operation of Beneco.”
    The Municipal Council resolved to furnish copies of the resolution to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), Municipal Councils (Sangguniang Bayan) of all Benguet towns and the Baguio City Council (Sangguniang Panglunsod).
    Copies of the resolution were also forwarded to Task Force Beneco and NEA for appropriate action.
    The former Beneco board of directors were dismissed by NEA after an audit report.
    Interim Board Director Steve Cating later said the audit satisfactorily passed particularly during the time of Melchor Licoben as general manager. 
    Licoben was suspended for six months as NEA despite this.
    The NEA did not let Licoben assume his post as GM but relegated him as assistant general manager until now. -- AD
 

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Beneco power rates decrease in March

BAGUIO CITY -- Power rates being charged by the Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) from its member-consumer-owners (MCOs) went down by P0.2153 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) March.
    Beneco data bared decrease in power rates was due to lower generation and transmission charges.
    From the February generation charge of P5.7300/kWh, the March generation charge dropped to P5.7295/kWh.
    Beneco's transmission charge of P0.7670/kWh last month also dropped to P0.7630/kWh, or a reduction of P0.0040/kWh during the present billing period.
    On the other hand, the prevailing commercial low voltage rate of P9.3699/kWh is lower by P0.2109/kWh compared to a similar rate in February which was P9.5808/kWh.
    The industrial rate in March was at P9.3386/kWh compared to the February rate pegged at P9.5495/kWh.
    For the public building low voltage rate, the same dropped by P0.2109/kWh or from P9.5531/kWh in February to P9.3422/kWh during the present billing period.
    The rate for streetlights also realized a decrease of P0.2109/kWh from the February rate of P9.5808/kWh compared to the P9.3699/kWh in March.
    Beneco's commercial high voltage rate decreased by P0.2163/kWh from the February rate of P8.1180/kWh compared to the P7.9017/kWh March.
    Moreover, the public building's voltage rate of P7.8739/kWh in March was lower by P0.2163/kWh compared to the February rate of P8.0902/kWh.
    Beneco's power rates had been on a downward trend since the start of the year.
    Beneco continues to strive to regain its status as a Class AAA electric cooperative after it was downgraded to class C because of the previous leadership impasse that ruined its gains in the past 3 decades.
    Despite being a Class C electric cooperative, Beneco is able to maintain its cheap and competitive power rates compared to the power rates of similar cooperatives and private distribution utilities with a much wider area of coverage and a much bigger number of consumers.
    Beneco has a 50-year franchise covering the power distribution in the Baguio and Benguet areas where the same is expected to expire by 2028.

                                                                                               

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Abra pork supply can meet ‘bagnet, longanisa’ demand

By Liza Agoot 

BANGUED, Abra – The province of Abra can meet the demand for “bagnet” (crispy fried pork chunk) and “longanisa” (native sausage) as it has a sufficient supply of pork meat.
    Irene Barbon, livestock monitoring officer at the Abra Provincial Veterinary Office, said in an interview on Monday that African swine fever (ASF) prevention protocols continue to be implemented in the province, resulting in an ample supply of pork.
    “Sufficient ang supply natin ng baboy pati na ang bagnet at longanisa para sa consumers (we have a sufficient supply of pork, bagnet, and longanisa for all the consumers), she said.”
    Bagnet and longanisa are among the popular products of Abra that are being bought by both residents and visitors to bring home with them.
    Barbon said provincial officials have set the ceiling price of pork at P260 per kilo.
    Barbon said the province passed an ordinance in 2020 prohibiting the entry of pig, pork and pork-based products as a precaution against contaminants.
    “As of now the entry of products from pork, bawal po talaga (is not allowed) but a proponent can submit an application for exemption which requires that the products are covered with certification from a laboratory stating that the goods are ASF-free,” she said.
    She said the quarantine checkpoint at the main entrance to the province is still active.
    “Para sa atin din po ang striktong pagbabawal dahil kapag kumalat ang sakit tayo rin ang mawawalan kaya sumunod po tayo sa mga ipinatutupad na panuntunan (let us abide by the strict policy for our good because if the disease enters our place, it will be our loss),” Barbon said. -- PNA

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Bontoc meat prices fixed

By Christy Mae Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Sangguniang Bayan has passed an ordinance regulating live weight prices of hogs, pork and beef products sold in the municipality.
    Authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Julian Chumacog who chairs the committee on market, ordinance no. 366, S. 2022 was passed by the council to regulating and set maximum prices of hogs, pork, and beef products.
    Under the ordinance, hogs/pigs shall be sold at ₱200 per kilo while the prices of pork per kilo are as follows: lean meat, ₱300; pork belly, ₱300; pork chop, ₱280;  ribs/bones with flesh (alas-as), ₱270; legs, head and internal organs, ₱250.
    Meanwhile, the prices of beef per kilo are: lean meat, ₱350; soup bones
(legs, ribs), ₱320; head,  ₱320; internal organs, ₱350 and skin, ₱200.
    All meat vendors were mandated to post or display a price list or price tag of their meat products in their respective stalls/booths/establishments.
    Violators of the said ordinance shall pay a fine of ₱1,000 for the first offense, ₱1,500.00 for second offense while third and succeeding offenses will result in cancellation of business permit and a fine of ₱2,500.
    Acknowledging and supporting the SB’s objective which is to promote general welfare, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed resolution 2023-015 which approved  said municipal ordinance.

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Onions per kilo drop to P240 in Pangasinan

By Liezle Basa Inigo

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Prices of onions here have dropped to P240 per kilo on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from P300/kilo last week.

    Restaurant owners and consumers in general were elated over the development.

    “Dati rati araw araw ang bilihan ng mga restaurant owners sa sibuyas para sariwa at bagong harvest. Pero noong umabot ng 600 ang presyo per kilo halos isang beses na lang sila bumili sa isang Linggo, ngayon marami natuwa, (Restaurants owners used to buy onions every day, but when the prices reached P600 per kilo, they buy onions only once in a week. Now many will be elated),” Jade Favi, a vendor at Calasiao market in Calasiao, Pangasinan, told Manila bulletin.

    Favi said she is not sure if the price will be stable but assured that they could get more supply directly from the farmers in Bayambang.

    People in the province are now enjoying the low price of onions.

    “May mga bisita na taga Maynila na nag-order na rin at dadalhin daw nila ito,” the market vendor added.

 
 
 

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DILG to LGUs: Regulate prices at tourist spots

By Romina Cabrera -

Local government units (LGUs) have been ordered to impose price controls at tourist destinations following complaints of overpricing in Bohol last year among other tourist sites nationwide.
    Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. reminded local chief executives of their duty to control the prices of basic commodities in areas frequented by foreign and local tourists.
    Abalos said under Memorandum Circular 2023-002 of the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the local price coordinating councils (LPCCs) in LGUs are mandated to exercise their functions and protect visitors.
    He said governors and mayors should mobilize their LPCCs to ensure that commodities sold in their jurisdictions carry the average prevailing prices.
    Abalos said the LGUs should also monitor abnormal price increases in their respective localities.
    The order came following reports from the Dept. of Tourism that food prices on Virgin Island in Panglao, Bohol were excessive.

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Credit for farmers, assistance eyed to lower prices of onions

Jel Santos

The the increase in prices of red onions, which hit P500 per kilo during Christmas week, continue to make consumers suffer amid the holidays.
    To lessen their struggles, the Dept. of Agriculture is looking into more interventions in the supply chain to lower the prices of red onions, which already has a farm gate price of P300 per kilo and are being sold at higher prices when delivered to Metro Manila through an agent, DA Deputy Spokesperson Rex Estoperez said.
    “We have to address that also, kung papaanong intervention ang gagawin ng Department of Agriculture sa production areas (We have to address that also and determine what interventions must DA take in the production areas),” Estoperez said in a briefing yesterday, December 27.
    “Tinitingnan natin kung saan tayo nagkukulang, even though alam natin there are imperfections sa sistema natin… May mga kailangan tayong intervention, lalong-lalo na doon sa atin pong value chain (We want to determine where we have been falling short, even though we know there are imperfections in our system. We need interventions, especially in our value chain),” he went on.
    At present, agriculture officials are looking into interventions like credit for farmers, logistics and transportation assistance, aid on cold storages and packaging, among others. To note, based on recent DA monitoring, red onions are sold from P480 to P520 in some markets.
    Stressing the need for interventions, Estoperez said, “The same is true with gulay, iyong mga gulay doon sa atin pong Mountain Province, sa Benguet, ‘pag hindi ma-improve ito, including yung resiliency natin sa climate change, hindi natin maa-address ito, patuloy na mangyayari ito (The same is true with our vegetables from Mountain Province and Benguet. If we don’t improve this, including our climate change resiliency, this will continue,” Estoperez said.
    While there is still no estimated onion harvests for 2023, the official maintained that country has enough supply of onion and the agency is not yet considering importation.
    Some farmers, however, have been refusing to plant onions on “thousands of acres” due to the high cost of production and potential losses on rainy days.
 

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Baguio, Benguet power charges down -- Beneco

 BAGUIO CITY – The Benguet Electric Cooperative’s monthly rate for December has decreased compared to last month -- a timely Christmas gift to member-consumer-owners.
    From P10.4744 per kilowatt hour residential rate in November, Beneco's residential rate for December dropped to P10.4698/kwh or P0.0046/kwh less than previous billing rate.
    Beneco general manager engineer Melchor Licoben said among factors that caused drop in power rates were decrease in generation and systems loss charges and temporary suspension of feed-in tariff allowance for the next three months.
    Beneco's current systems loss charge of P0.7076/kwh is P0.0167/kwh lower compared to the November systems loss charge of P0.7243/kwh.
    The P0.0364/kwh feed-in tariff was also temporarily suspended starting in December.
    Beneco's commercial high voltage rate of P8.1702/kwh this December was P0.0455/kwh lower than November's P8.2157/kwh rate.
    For public building high voltage charges, Beneco's December rate of P8.1424/kwh was P0.0455/kwh lower compared to last month's P8.1879/kwh.

But commercial low voltage, industrial, public building low voltage and streetlight charges increased in  December billing period compared to charges last month.

For commercial low voltage charge, the December rate of P9.7622/kwh was higher by P0.0110/kwh compared to the P9.7511/kwh in November.

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