Baguio sets schemes to check traffic congestion

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio City Police Office will implement several strategies including identification of a “Bakasyon Lane” for motorists passing through the city to ease traffic flow particularly in the central business district during the yuletide season.
    Lt. Col. Zacarias Dausen, chief of the BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit said they have listed eight approaches to manage traffic flow better based on experiences in the past long weekends with several activities being held as part of the “Enchanting Christmas in Baguio” festivities.
    One of the approaches he mentioned is the setting aside of a Bakasyon Lane in major thoroughfares where tourists and motorists who will not be staying in the city will be directed.
    “We will streamline the entry of vehicles passing through the city and direct them to our alternate routes following a directional map to be distributed along Marcos Highway and Naguilian Road prior to their entry to the city limit,” Duasen said.
    He said the BCPO already coordinated with the Baguio City District Engineering Office for the directional map of alternate roads including the installation of signages along major entry points to deflect vehicles from converging along roads in the central business district especially if they are just passing through the city towards other tourist destinations such as the nearby municipalities of Benguet and Mountain Province.
    He said the BCPO encourages tourists and residents coming home to leave their vehicle in their accommodation areas and utilize public transportation or walk around if visiting tourist destinations within the CBD. 
    As to concerns of lack of jeepneys and taxis during rush hours, Duasen said the federations have given their commitment to extend their operations beyond 10PM to accommodate passengers and tourists alike.
    “We also encourage carpooling to lessen the volume of vehicles in our roads at the same time we encourage our barangay officials to strictly implement the Anti-Road Obstruction ordinance,” Dausen said. 
    BCPO will be maximizing the deployment of traffic personnel to man major roads and tourist spots and will be on standby for ‘Libreng Sakay’ when needed. 
    Cops on motorcycles called ‘cobra teams’ will be deployed along bottleneck points to assist motorists and manage traffic control points.
New police recruits are expected to arrive from the Police Regional Office to augment the manpower of the BCPO the soonest.
Meantime, Dausen said they are coordinating with school administrators to allow existing parking spaces to be used temporarily as parking slots during the yuletide season while there are no classes.
    Only 2,537 parking slots private and city-managed are available in the CBD and BCPO is eyeing an additional 600 parking slots from schools if they allow their facilities to be used as temporary parking areas. 
    The city tourism office said about 80,000 tourists have been visiting Baguio during weekends since November. – JMPS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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P6.4-M illegal drugs seized; four nabbed in Cordi PNP operations

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – A total of P,461,600 worth of illegal drugs were seized while four drug suspects were arrested in Ifugao and Benguet on Dec. 13 to 14, the regional police information office said.
    Citing the reports submitted to Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Perredo Jr., the PIO said suspects were identified as Munib G. Boransing, 26; Faisolah D. Mangking, 29; Christopher L. Bacani, 22 and Monjewel S. Santos, 19, all residents of Poblacion, Cabanatuan City.
    The same report disclosed that Joint operatives of the Ifugao Police Provincial Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Ifugao, Regional Intelligence Unit 14, 1501st Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, and Kalinga PPO Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit arrested the suspects after they sold two plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing around12 grams valued at P81, 600 to a cop who acted as buyer.
    The lawmen also seized from the suspects 17 bricks of dried marijuana leaves weighing 17 kilos worth P2,040,000 and 10 pieces of suspected dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops weighing 10 kilos worth P1,200,000.
    The arrested suspects and confiscated items were brought to the custody of Lamut Municipal Police Station, Ifugao for documentation and disposition, while the suspects will be facing charges of violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
    Meanwhile, in separate marijuana eradication operations, a total of 15,500 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants worth P3,100,000 and 1,000 pieces of marijuana seedlings worthP40,000 were discovered in Bakun and Kibungan, Benguet.
    It was  uprooted, and burned at the plantation by elements of  Benguet police, RIU-14, PDEA-CAR and Regional Intelligence Division, while samples were taken for submission to the RFU-Cordillera for tests.

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PRO Cordillera honors 13 retiring PNP officers

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- The Police Regional Office Cordillera deputy regional director for administration Brig. Gen. Patrick Joseph G. Allan, led Cordillera police in honoring commitment and dedication to service shown by 13 retiring cops through the Philippine National Police retirement ceremony known as  “Salamat Kapatid Program" held at regional police headquarters Dec. 15.
    The honorees were: Maj. Shameral B. Banag, Maj. Juvee B. Tomen, Capt. Odilon Fei A. Osorio, all PEMS Luciano B. Mangulad, Silvestre K. Lumyeb, Rommel C. Landa, Jackie D. Alunday, John P. Pel-ingen, Zacheus L. Domingo, Edgar Allan D. Ollagan, John W. Banutan, Jonald B. Songday and SSg. Federico B Gunnawa.
    The program was graced by the deputy regional director for administration as  presiding officer and attended by members of the Command Group, regional staff, other personnel and family and friends of  retirees.
    As a highlight of the program, Brig. Gen. Allan presented the medalya ng paglilingkod and plaque to the honorees for their dedication and invaluable service to the PNP. 
    A certificate of recognition was given to each of the families of the retirees as expression of appreciation for their support, love, and sacrifice in the successful performance of honorees' duties to the organization. 
    Representing the retirees, majors Banag and Tomen delivered messages, thanking the PNP and PRO Cordillera for honing them to become honorable members of the organization and giving them the mandate to serve and protect the Filipino people.
 

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BFP warns folks on faulty X’mas lights, ‘crackers

BAGUIO CITY -- The Bureau of Fire Protection – Baguio Fire Station warned the public on buying and installing Christmas lights without the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Mark and     Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Sticker from the Dept. of Trade and Industry.
    The warning came as the BFP Baguio heightened its alert status to ensure peaceful and safe yuletide celebrations.
    Senior Fire Officer I Lloyd Ashley Furigay, public information officer of BFP Baguio, said the agency is urging the public to buy only DTI-approved Christmas lights and paraphernalia despite the proliferation of unregulated online shops. 
    “Kapag walang ICC sticker or DTI accreditation, hindi tayo sigurado sa kalidad ng produkto at maaaring substandard ang mga ito na maaring maging sanhi ng sunog,” Furigay said.
    He warned the public against use and sale of firecrackers as this is prohibited in the city.
    For centralized fireworks display, Furigay said only licensed and permitted individuals or organizations are allowed to do so with safety assistance from BFP Baguio.
    BFP Baguio also urged the public on fire prevention measures such as: avoid overloading of power supply outlets; avoid burning garbage or dried leaves; disconnect electrical gadgets before leaving homes; avoid unattended cooking particularly when using wood; and, regularly check electrical wirings at home if repair is needed at least every three to five years.
    Furigay informed the public of the city’s anti-smoking ordinance as throwing lighted cigarette butts on garbage or dried grass had caused fire incidents during the first quarter of the year.
    When lighting candles for cultural or religious offerings, he said the candle must be placed in a container with water at the bottom to avoid fire incidence in case left unattended.
    He added that even vehicles should be checked to avoid overheating.
When hiking or camping with nature, Furigay said there should be no trash or garbage left behind and that bringing cooking paraphernalia is discouraged. He said even glass bottles can magnify heat and can cause grass or structural fire.
    “Fire safety starts at home, parents should teach their children on fire prevention,” Furigay said. – JMPS 
 

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64 wanted persons nabbed; no crime in 64 Cordillera towns

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – A total of 36 wanted persons were arrested while 64 Cordillera municipalities recorded zero crime incidents from Dec. 10 to 16, the regional police information office said.
    Based on the records from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, Benguet Police Provincial Office recorded the highest number of arrests with 11, followed by Baguio City Police Office with 10, Ifugao PPO with five, Kalinga PPO with four, Mountain Province PPO with three, Abra and Apayao PPOs with one arrest each.
    Of the arrested, five were identified most wanted persons, of whom four were listed in provincial level and one municipal.
    During same week, 64 municipalities and five police stations in Baguio City recorded zero crime.
Zero crime incidents were recorded in 23 municipalities in Abra, 11 in Benguet; 10, Mountain Province; nine, Ifugao; seven, Apayao; four, Kalinga; and five police stations in Baguio City.
 
 

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One dead, 13 hurt in Tuba 3-vehicle crash

TUBA, Benguet -- A three-vehicle collision in Sitio Salpang, Barangay Taloy Sur, along Marcos Highway here left one dead and 13 others hurt Monday evening.
    The 14 victims included three minors and 10 seniors and another adult.
Tuba police said the highway accident happened around 10:15 p.m. while the three vehicles were travelling to the lowlands.
    Upon reaching sitio Salpang along Marcos Highway, the white van suffered a defect on its brake system and started speeding. 
    The driver completely lost control and sideswiped the Sports Utility Van it was following, thus, sending the latter to smash the rear of a pick-up truck it was following.
    The white van then tumbled on its side in the northbound lane causing injuries to its 14 passengers who were rushed to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
    One of the victims, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, reportedly died at crash site.
 

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PNP ‘Pamaskong Handog’benefits 53 Abra families

SALLAPADAN, Abra -- A total of 53 families from sitios Lam-awan and  Gayaman in Barangay Bazar here benefited from "Pamaskong Handog" program of the 2nd Abra Provincial Mobile Force Company Dec. 13, the regional police information office said.
    The 2nd Abra PMFC said the outreach program was initiated by Lt. Col. Dickson K. Banes, force commander, who led the team in contributing cash to purchase grocery items and snacks.
    After purchasing said grocery items, the police officers of 2nd Abra PMFC traveled  almost two hours and walked for an additional 30 minutes to reach the two sitios, where they handed over the grocery packs and clothes to beneficiaries.
    The said sitios were chosen as beneficiaries of said program to provide opportunity for the residents in these remote areas to feel essence of Christmas, exemplify the organization's dedication to community service and reflect values of compassion, generosity, and solidarity during this Yuletide season.
 

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No blanket amnesty for rebels – Galvez

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

THE amnesty proclamations issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. do not give "blanket" amnesty to former rebels and do not remove the grantee's civil liability for injuries or damages caused to private persons, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said.
    He clarified that being a member of a rebel group such as the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is not enough to qualify for amnesty.
Galvez said an applicant for amnesty must "show remorse and admit to the crimes that they have committed, and in doing so, show that they have completely turned away from a life of violence and armed struggle."
    He added that amnesty is to "extinguish any criminal liability for the acts subject of the amnesty grant, as well as restore all civil and political rights suspended or lost by a criminal conviction."
    The "delicate balancing act" of ensuring the state's obligation to protect and promote human rights on one hand, and its commitment to peace, reconciliation and unity on the other falls on the shoulders of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), he said.
    "The NAC shall ensure the expeditious but cautious processing of amnesty applications of these former rebels," Galvez said.
    He hailed the recent approval of four concurrent resolutions in the House of Representatives that grant amnesty to former rebels.
    Resolutions 19, 20, 21 and 22 cover members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
    Galvez said the resolutions, which concur with Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406 issued by President Marcos last November 24, will enable the government to "push forward, build on, and sustain the gains of peace throughout our nation."
    The adoption of the concurrent resolutions comes on the heels of the joint communiqué signed by the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF in Oslo, Norway, signaling the start of fresh peace talks between the two parties.
    Through the communiqué, the government and the communist group expressed their intention "to end the decades-long armed conflict, armed struggle, and transform the members of the CPP-NPA-NDF."
    "The granting of amnesty is an integral part of the comprehensive peace process. It is a path towards normalization that would allow these former rebels not only to fully reintegrate themselves into mainstream society as peaceful, productive and law-abiding citizens, but more importantly, enable them to rebuild their lives and ensure a better future for themselves and their families," Galvez said.

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Baguio Council pushes alternative dispute resolution

BAGUIO CITY – Local officials recently authorized the city mayor to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran Community Legal Assistance Office to implement  alternative dispute resolution in the city.
    Under resolution 746, series of 2023, the City Council stated its committee on laws, human rights and justice, in  2nd indorsement dated Nov. 29, 2023, recommended  grant of the authority that will allow local government to refer willing clients or parties to avail of mediation or conciliation services of the CJMMCLAO as an alternative means of dispute resolution.

    However, the council stipulated that whatever agreement that is concurred between the concerned parties shall be submitted to the local legislative body for confirmation.
    Earlier, the city mayor requested the local legislative body for an authority to enter into an agreement with the CJMMCLAO for the promotion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the city.
    CJMMCLAO aims to strengthen its advocacy of protecting rights and inspiring lives and to provide law students practitioners with a program that may deepen their sense of consciousness and awareness of the legal problems and needs of the community and be advocates of ADR.
    Further, this is an office operating under the supervision of the Saint Louis University–School of Law and currently has a program of advocating ADR as a means of resolving conflicts in the community and in effect finding an avenue to amicably settle disputes and avoid costly litigation before the courts.
    The ADR program utilizes law student practitioners guided under Rule 138-A, known as the Law Student Practice Rule and as revised by AM No. 19-03-24-SC, to strengthen their understanding of the myriad of legal concerns that are encountered by citizens.
    CJMMCLAO proposed an agreement where the city government may refer cases to their program for conciliation or mediation and that the said arrangement will certainly aid the local government given that some departments regularly encounter conflicting claims between clients involving personal concerns such as property disputes, and right-of-way, among others.
    Moreover, the arrangement will entail no cost to the local government, however, it may have to provide a venue for the mediation or conciliation hearings when the parties or CJMMCLAO request.
 
 

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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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BAN Toxics backs DILG for ban on firecrackers

Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics supported the call to ban the sale and use of firecrackers nationwide.
    DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" C. Abalos, Jr. made the statement on Dec. 18, calling on all local government units to enact an ordinance banning the use and sale of firecrackers to prevent firecracker-related injuries in the country.
    “We support a shift to a safer holiday season in the country. We need to remember “safety first” for our children and the community from the health and environmental pollutants from firecrackers,” said Thony Dizon of BAN Toxics.
    Early this month, the group launched the “Iwas paputok, Iwas disgrasya, Iwas polusyon” campaign together with the school, local officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, urging the public not to light firecrackers for the health and environmental effects of firecrackers and promoting a toxic-free and waste-free Christmas and New Year celebration.
    In 2018, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a Memorandum Circular (MC) 2018-216, aimed to regulate and control the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, in compliance with the provisions of EO no. 28 and provide additional guidance to all concerned particularly on allowable and prohibited types of fireworks. The said MC reiterates its campaign against illegal firecrackers.
    Since 2002, Davao City has been implementing City Ordinance 060-02, “An ordinance prohibiting the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City.
    According to the group's research, the entire Bicol Region, the provinces of Aurora and Zambales, and more than 40 LGUs have already enacted a total and/or partial ban on the sale and use of firecrackers from 2009 to 2022. These include Angeles City, Baguio City, Caloocan City, Cebu City, Davao City, Kidapawan City, Las Pinas City, Makati City, Malabon City, Mandaluyong City, Mandaue City, Manila City, Marikina City, Muntinlupa City, Navotas City, Olongapo City, Paranaque City, Pasay City, Pasig City, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan City, Taguig City, Tarlac City, Valenzuela City, and Zamboanga City.

    The Bicol Region, which comprises 6 provinces, 7 cities, and 107 municipalities, has issued an RPOC Resolution banning firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the Bicol region in 2020.
    The issuance of Executive Order No. 28, which authorized the local chief executives to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, has fast-tracked the enactment of such LGU ordinances within their territorial jurisdiction in conformity with the national standards, rules, and regulations.
    “To ensure a safer celebration for the coming year, BAN Toxics urge the local government officials to enact an ordinance banning the sale and use of firecrackers to safeguard and protect human health, especially that of children and the environment,” the group added. 
 

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Expanded voucher system to decongest public schools

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

The measure that includes kindergarten and elementary school students in the coverage of government assistance and subsidies to private schools would help decongest public schools, a House leader said on Tuesday.
    During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing over PTV4, House committee on basic education and culture chair Rep. Roman Romulo of Pasig City's Lone District, said the proposal that would expand the application of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) will also complement the Dept. of Education’s public and private education complementarity framework in its goal to decongest public schools.
    "Sa kasalukuyan po kasi, ang ating mga DepEd schools ay punong-puno na po ng estudyante, pero ang voucher system natin ay para sa Grades 7 to 10 at dahil sa K to 12 program nagkaroon din po voucher system sa 11 and 12 (Currently, our DepEd schools are completely packed with students. However, our voucher system is only for Grades 7 to 10 and since we have the K to 12 program, we also have a voucher system for [Grades] 11 to 12," he said.
    Romulo, however, pointed out that the bulk of the entire student population in the Philippines is in elementary schools.
    The complementarity approach between public and private schools would help address overcrowding in public schools and classroom backlog, he added.
    "So, hopefully po, with the passage po of this E-GASTPE law, expanded E-GASTPE law ay magkakaroon talaga ng complimentary partnership po talaga ang public and private schools natin (there would be a complimentary partnership between our public and private schools)," he said.
    Under the proposed measure, the government will provide vouchers to recognized private basic education schools for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary students.
    “At pag napasa po itong bill na ito ay puwede po nating mahingan ng tulong, magkaroon ng tunay na partnership. Para iyong mga hindi na talaga kakasya po sa DepEd schools natin ay makapag-enroll rin dito sa ating mga private schools (If this bill is enacted into law, we could ask [private schools] for help and establish a real partnership. So that those who can't be accommodated by our DepEd schools can be enrolled in private schools)," he said.
    The voucher assistance for students would be based on tuition and other fees charged by the schools, and the socio-economic needs of each student, according to the proposal approved by the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture.
    Most vulnerable and underprivileged students, or those belonging to the bottom first to fifth income deciles, as determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), shall be prioritized for the program. The priority students would receive a higher voucher amount.
    The participating private basic education schools, meanwhile, shall receive assistance based on the percentage of priority students in the school, the overall performance of the schools based on the rankings of its students in national and international assessments, and the geographic spread and size of student enrollment.
    Meanwhile, the Public and Private Education Complementarity Framework shall serve as the foundation to guide and support DepEd towards addressing the gaps in the public and private sectors of education.
    Last week, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, in her message read by DepEd Assistant Secretary Revsee Escobedo, cited the launch of the framework as "another step forward" in transforming basic education in the Philippines.
    "By working together, we can decongest public schools and expand access to quality education for students from low income families," Duterte said.
    "Clearly, our public schools cannot address the education crisis alone. Private schools have a pivotal role in addressing the challenges we face today. Our private schools' expertise, innovation, and commitment to provide quality education for our students have helped shape Filipino society," she added. -- PNA
 

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CICC to penalize social media, e-commerce platforms due to scams

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is set to penalize social media and e-commerce platforms for inaction related to fake accounts and scams.

    In a televised interview over ANC on Tuesday, CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos said Republic Act No. 11967, known as the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, enables the CICC and other government agencies to seek action towards social media and e-commerce platforms.
    “As far as the platforms are concerned, they're doing a lot of business and yet they lack the necessary safety nets for local consumers. With this new law, I think we have enough basis to file potential charges against them,” Ramos said.
    These platforms, he said, can be penalized if they continue to allow accounts that “promote fake products or fake accounts that victimize people.”
    “They should not be harboring them. They should weed them out. They should have certain technologies that automatically detect this. They are, after all, promoting the use of e-commerce on their platform,” he added.
    While Philippine authorities can contact these platforms for their concerns in the past, Ramos said their action towards illegal activities were “not immediate” and lacking.
    “In the last ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) security summit based in Singapore, there was a collective action towards this goal to really increase the enforcement on social media platforms. Now that we have [this law], we can demand immediate action,” he said.
    However, Ramos said the law does not aim to shut down social media or e-commerce platforms and instead aims to promote consumer confidence through increased regulation.
    “Shutting them down is the last thing we have in mind because the administration is really promoting e-commerce,” he said.
With the Philippines’ reputation as the “social media capital of the world,” Ramos said better online security for Filipinos is a must.
    “Right now, the government is not taxing [these platforms], at least protecting clients is a must and important,” he said.
    To date, Ramos said the number one concern in the country’s online space is fake online sellers.
    “That's the number one problem as far as e-commerce is concerned. We have a lot of victims,” he said.
    Aside from penalizing these platforms, Ramos said the government also implements information campaigns to help Filipinos learn how to avoid and combat online scams.
    “Right now, we are campaigning to be more aware, be more curious before you do any online transaction. Get more info(rmation) and really study the options you have once you go online. Never be too trusting. That's one of our advocacies,” he said.
    On Dec. 5, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed two priority bills into law -- the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 and the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines.
    Aside from arming government regulators with more teeth, the former also creates the e-commerce bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry that will formulate policies and register both local and international digital platforms and online merchants under local laws. – PNA
 

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2024 Panagbenga fest events bared

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government and Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc.  recently launched the 28th edition of the Panagbenga, the city’s major crowd-drawing event, that will run Feb. 1 to March 3.
    The theme of the 28th edition of the flower festival is “Celebrating Traditions, Embracing Innovation.”
    On Feb. 1 to March 3, 2024, official entries of participating professional landscapers will be featured in the ‘Panagbengascapes: A Garden Exhibit” held at Burnham Park.

    Baguio Blooms: A Market Encounter featuring a flora and flavor fair will also be held during the month-long festivities.
    The grand opening parade and formal opening ceremony is set Feb. 3 followed by the annual Spring Festival on Feb. 10, 2024.
    The usual Fresh Floral Fusion: a school-based competition will be held on February 11, 2024 which will be followed by the Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom: The Art of Blooming; Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio: The Family Fair and the 9th annual Panagbenga kite flying challenge.
    On Feb. 15-17, 2024, the annual Philippine Military Academy grand alumni homecoming will be held in the city followed by the judging of the school-based landscaping competition.
    The famous floral parade at Burnham Lake and Panagbenga Cultural Dance Competition will be held on Feb. 18.
    The grand street dance parade featuring competing contingents will be held Feb. 24, 2024 while the grand float parade featuring participating floats was set Feb. 25. On Feb. 24-25, 2024, there will be the usual Panagbenga Sponsors Exhibit coinciding with the conduct of the two major flower festival parades.
    The week-long Session Road in Bloom where the city’s main road will be converted into a promenade area will be held on Feb. 26 to March 3, 2024 while the Panagbenga Flower Tee Golf Classic was scheduled March 1-2, 2024.
    The closing program, awarding ceremony, the floral cadence: the PMA silent drill competition and the Celestial Blossoms: Panagbenga aerial fireworks display will all be held on March 3, 2024.

 
 
 

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Alternative transport pushed in Baguio City

BAGUIO  CITY – The City Council recently urged concerned offices of the city government to conduct feasibility study and integrate e-micro mobility such as e-scooters and e-bicycles as alternative modes of transportation through the public-private partnership (PPP) in the city.
    Under resolution 740, series of 2023, local legislators stated use of alternative modes of transportation contributes to a healthier environment anchored on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on good health and wellbeing; affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure; and sustainable cities and communities promoting innovation and technological advances for public use.

    During the Scout Officials for A Day session held Oct. 23, the SOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SOFAD Councilor Sophia Alessia Mari L. Valencia that requested the city government to conduct a study and integrate e-micro mobility, e-scooters and e-bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation through PPP.
    The council said that the growing population of the city affected quality and accessibility of transportation among the general public, thus, resulting in dependence on personal vehicles to be able to conveniently move around.
    Further,  increasing number of petroleum-dependent vehicles also contributed to a high rate of carbon emission resulting in air pollution which does not conform with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act.
    The council said introducing and pilot testing e-mobility would provide an alternative mode of transportation and may encourage the public to switch to other available modes of transport such as the use of e-vehicles.
    The body said e-mobility encouraged development of smart applications that provide information on options, including availability, routes and payment options.
    Copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the concerned offices of the local government for their information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action.

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960 housing units set to be built in Asingan

By Hilda Austria

ASINGAN, Pangasinan – Groundbreaking for the construction of the first township project under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) in the Ilocos Region was held last week and construction is set in the first quarter of 2024.
    The vertical-style housing project will have 10 buildings within the 21,351 square meters of land in Barangay Carosucan Norte this town. Each of the four-story buildings will have 96 units of 27 sq.m. condo-type units.
    Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development 4PH regional focal person engineer Sherwin Patanao, in an interview, said the project is expected to be finished within five years, with the target to finish two buildings every year.
    “This is just the first phase of the project and we hope to build more,” he said.
DHSUD Undersecretary Emmanuel Pineda, in his speech during the ground-breaking ceremony, said the township project will have amenities such as a swimming pool and playground.
    “We wanted it to be breathable and liveable so instead of the 30 percent minimum open space, we made it to 40 percent for the quality of life of the occupants,” he said.
    Pineda said the housing project is open to all Filipinos and vowed that it will be affordable for everybody, especially the informal sectors.
    He said the housing unit is payable within 30 years, at P2,600 per month amortization on the first year and P3,600 per month in the following years.
    He said they are also preparing for the guidelines on the interest subsidy including the graduated amortization, wherein only a percent of the usual six percent interest on each housing unit will be shouldered by the buyer while the five percent will be subsidized by the government.
    Asingan Mayor Carlos Lopez Jr., in an interview, said the local government unit is grateful for the project as they have been working on availing a housing project for their town since 2016.
    “We have over 3,000 backlogs in housing, although only more than 1,000 are living under a bridge or within the irrigation line. But most families are living together under one roof as what most Filipinos do,” he said, citing as a factor to this the inability to pay for the mortgage.
    Lopez said they have already approved 300 applicants, some of whom are overseas Filipino workers, tricycle drivers, teachers, and local and national government employees. -- PNA

 

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Baguio launches flower fest 'Panagbenga 2024'

This Dec. 18 photo shows a scene during the launch of Panagbenga 2024. -- PIO

BAGUIO CITY — This summer capital launched its 2024 edition of the famed flower festival, “Panagbenga,” Monday morning, six days before Christmas and more than month before the month-long fest on February.
    On its 28th year, Panagbenga (or invented local term for a Season of Blooming) 2024 celebrations was themed: “Celebrating traditions, embracing innovation.”
    Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. president Frederico Alquiros said the festival will draw tourists in Baguio on newer and bigger heights.

    "It is not just a festival, but a pride of the City of Baguio where diverse cultures of the people come together to showcase the beauty of the City of Pines,” Alquiros said.
    "This envisages the festival as a beacon for the harmonious coexistence of the old and new. It is an invitation to experience the richness of Baguio's floral and cultural heritage and to participate and to participate in the innovative spirit that promises a thriving a resilient future for the City," he added.
    "Panagbenga" was created in the year 1995 by lawyer Damaso Bangaoet of the then John Hay Poro Point Development Authority.
    It started during the term of former Baguio City Mayor and lawmaker Mauricio Domogan, as a symbol of the rising up of Baguio from the rubbles and devastation from the 1990 killer earthquake.
    Cordillera Tourism director Jovy Ganongan said she was hopeful the 2024 Panagbenga topbilled by the BFFI Inc., the private organizer, will be a very exciting celebration.
    Chairman of executive committee of the Baguio Flower Festival and board of trustee of the BFFI Inc. Anthony de Leon, who is general manager of Baguio Country Club (BCC) said the organizing committee aligning with the festival’s theme “will have to come up with more adaptable events that can be tourism-friendly and at the same time friendly to the environment.” 
    "We will focus on that more," he added.
    De Leon urged more participation from the community and people around Baguio,” because we can just be half successful if we get the support and participation of the community.”
    Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong promised neighboring towns around Baguio (La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan and Tuba) of greater participation and economic benefits from the upcoming festival as he expects “more tourists coming in,”
He estimated some 1.8 million tourists attending the whole festival duration.
    The mayor said the festival is “a private sector-led, but government supported” endeavor. 
    "We will provide all the support needed from the local government," Magalong said.
 

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Baguio’s UC converts bicycle to e-bike

BAGUIO CITY -- The University of the Cordilleras here converted a manual bicycle into an electronic bicycle using equipment donated by the United Nations Development Programme – Low Carbon Transport (UNDP-LCT) Project in the Philippines.
    The bike was modified by engineer Michael James Deus, chairman of Electronic and Communications Engineering of UC as part of Dalan ni Taltallak consortium – a partnership between the city government and Dept. of Transportation with the academe composed of UC, Saint Louis University and University of Baguio to facilitate the conduct of research and innovations towards the development and implementation of low-carbon and alternative transportation networks in support of resilient and sustainable communities.
    Engineer Thea Camiring of the City Engineering Office said the UNDP provided four bike conversion kits to the UC team that was used to convert a manually pedaled bicycle into electrically powered bicycles.
    Camiring said the converted e-bike cost approximately P85,000 plus the P15,000 cost of the bicycle compared to around P125,000 1kw electric powered bicycle or about 30 percent lower in price difference.
    The converted e-bike can run up to 60 km before charging. 
    “Ideally, charging should be done when the battery reaches 20 percent. It takes four hours to fully charge the battery,” Camiring said.
    The unit has already run 605 kms since Dec. 5 covering the route Pinesville Subdivision – Kias to UC and vice-versa, and the battery reading is at 52 percent.
    Test run and data collected from the converted electric bicycle will be used to provide relevant research-based guidance for the development of local policies and guidelines on low-carbon and alternative transportation networks and related concerns on climate change.
    The UNDP-LCT Project was launched in 2017 to create an enabling environment for commercialization of low carbon urban transport systems, for example, electric and hybrid vehicles, in the country. – JMPS
 

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Scientist raises concerns about unverified probiotic products

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY - A scientist from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños has cautioned consumers on the proliferation of health and wellness products that allegedly promote health benefits despite the lack of scientific evidence.
    Dr. Rodney H. Perez, in a presentation at the start of the three-day Asian summit on probiotics and functional foods in Batac City, Ilocos Norte on Monday, said there is danger in consuming these products as these may do the opposite.
    Probiotics is a widely misused term and some manufacturers are exploiting it without meeting the required criteria, the expert from UP’s National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), said.
    Perez enjoined members of the academe and institutional partners to push for a harmonized guideline on the establishment of minimum requirements for a microorganism to be qualified as a probiotic for its efficacy as well as the safety of the consuming public.
    The multi-awarded biotechnologist said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have prescribed guidelines on probiotics in the Philippines but he raised the need for these to be updated, with the help of the academe and the Philippine Society for Probiotics and Functional Foods, Inc. (PhilProFF).
    Perez is a recipient of the Young Asian Biotechnologist Prize from the Society for Biotechnology, Japan (SBJ) in 2021 for his exemplary research in the fields of Food Microbiology, Microbial Technology, and Biotechnology, particularly on bacteriocins. He is the first-ever Filipino to receive this title. -- PNA
 

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Dagupan offers cash prizes to villages with zero ‘cracker incidents

By Hilda Austria

DAGUPAN CITY – The city government of Dagupan is offering cash prizes from P5,000 to P10,000 to villages that will record zero firecracker incidents during the holidays.
    In an interview on Thursday, Mayor Belen Fernandez said they target zero incidents this year, especially among children and young people.  
    “We are trying our best to go to the grassroots especially the children to avoid firecrackers. We are offering P5,000 for small barangays that would incur zero firecracker incidents and PHP10,000 for bigger barangays,” she said.
Fernandez urged the residents to instead buy torotot (party horns) for children or use other noisemakers for the celebration of     the New Year revelry and use the money for buying food instead of firecrackers.
    “Sa lahat ng kabataan at mga magulang, kailangan magtulungan tayo para maiwasan na maging victim ng paputok (To the young people and the parents, let us help one another so we could prevent being a victim of firecrackers),” she added.
    Relatively, the Department of Health - Center of Health Development in the Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) on Thursday held the regional launching of the fight against firecracker use in Dagupan City, dubbed “Iwas Paputok.”
    DOH-CHD-1 director Paula Paz Sydiongco said in her speech that victims of firecracker-related accidents are getting younger, with some 5 to 9 years old, thus she urged parents to really look after their kids.
    Total firecracker-related incidents in Pangasinan from Dec. 21, 2021 to Jan. 6, 2023 reached 74 cases, she said. 
Sydiongco also called for a well-balanced diet during the holiday celebrations and for people who have cough or colds to use face masks. -- PNA
 
 

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