Clark ICT/BPO sector needs more workers

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga— Of the 3,008 job vacancies inside this freeport, jobs related to Information Communication Technology/Business Process Outsourcing (ICT/BPO) have been ranked number one among sectors needing to fill up vacancies during the last quarter of this year.

In a report sent by the Customer Services Department (CSD) to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) CEO-President Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, of the number of vacancies submitted to CSD, some 2,222 workers, or 75 percent of the total number of job vacancies, are needed by the ICT/BPO firms in Clark.

According to the report by CSD Manager Rodem Perez to Remollo, ICT/BPO related services include web designers and developers, programmers, technical support operators, Linux and Windows Systems administrators, English online teachers, and call center agents.

The CSD report said both Cyber City Teleservices, Inc. and Sutherland Global Services each has vacancies of 500, Nozomi Fortune Services has openings for 400 jobs while Ivonline Contents Center, Inc, is in need of 200 new workers. Others with significant job openings are Advanpoint (90), Clark On Line It Hub (50), Mepcon Phils., Inc (170), Services Resources, Inc (55), GFL System Clark Inc. (105), and Global Standard English Learning Center (75), among others.

Far second is the industrial (electronic) or the semiconductor sector which is in need of 340 workers, or 10.2 percent of the total job vacancies, to be filled up before the end of the year.

Among the firms needing to fill up vacancies is Texas Instruments Clark, which is in need of 300 personnel before end of the year. NanoxPhils., Inc., Phoenix Semiconductor Phils. Corporation, Poongsan Microtec Phils., Corporation, and SMK Electronics (Phils.)Corporation also have several openings for this year.

Moreover, there is a noticeable shift in locators’ preferences for applicants who have college credits at the very least. CSD’s latest report reflects a preference for college level applicants (53 percent or almost 1,600), and college graduates (20 percent or more than 600). In the previous months, job vacancies for high school graduates accounted for more than 50 percent of total workforce requirements for the Clark Freeport.

Perez explained that the shift in locators’ preferences can be attributed to CSD’s continuous advertisement of job vacancies, and broadcast media such as the “Jobs Fair on the Air” at GVFM 99.1, and the twice-annual Jobs Fair that his department coordinates with all stakeholders.

These efforts have allowed labor-intensive sectors to almost fill up their vacancies and they are now in the process of filling up positions for supervisory and managerial positions, the report said. -- FGR

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Gov’t intensifies anti-drugs campaign in Cordi schools

BANAUE, Ifugao – To curb drug use and eradicate Cordillera from the list of marijuana producing regions, the Dangerous Drugs Board intensified its anti-drugs campaign in the schools through the BarkadaKontraDroga program launched in the region last week.

During a three-day training of school heads and health nutrition personnel in the region here Oct. 25-27, officials and speakers from the DDB, Health and Nutrition Services of the Department of Education, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Philippine National Police encouraged educators in the Cordillera to take the lead role in the drug prevention education program.

“Educators in whatever capacity, are potent partners of law enforcement agencies in preventing drug use among the youth. Embrace this mission with a smile and commitment,” said acting DepEd regional director Teresita Velasco during her keynote speech.

To increase students’ awareness of the ill-effects of prohibited drugs, the prevention program adapted the peer group or “barkada” strategy wherein a core group of students is organized to champion the anti drugs campaign within the campus.

This group of students shall in turn teach and positively influence their peers during there knowledge in drug prevention education and life skills.

The barkada kontra droga program shall be spearheaded in the region by the participants in the said training.

Accordingly, drug supply reduction is necessary to achieve a drug-free country but it is more realistic and sustaining if drug prevention is in place to realize a drug-resistant society.

The Philippines boasts of being the best in drug prevention education among all countries in Southeast Asia. – Rosanna D.

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Ifugao town sets gas station for gov’t cars

By Mhars B. Lihgawon

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao-- The municipal government under mayor Glenn Prudenciano recently established a gas station here as centralized source of fuel for the different offices of the municipal government.

The establishment of the filling gas station at the motorpool is part of the cost cutting measures being undertaken in response to the unabated rising cost of fuel in the world market.

It is managed and supervised by the General Services Office of the municipality to regulate the disbursement of gas allocations of offices of the municipal government.

Before any authorized motor vehicle can gas up, a duly signed gas and requisition slip from the concerned office head should be presented to the officer operating the gas station only during office hours.

All procurements made would be recorded in the logbook of the person in charge to determine the daily consumption the different offices as stated in their approved respective gas allocations.

Offices who had exceeded the prescribed gas allocations will not be allowed to refill in the gas station unless an appropriate re-alignment of funds approved by the Sangguniang Bayan be presented.

A weekly inventory and audit of the content of the gas tank will be conducted properly monitor the daily consumption of diesel fuel and to also ensure the proper disbursement of fuel.

Meanwhile, any town official or individual who intercedes or attempts to influence the GSO for the release of gasoline with the proper documentation will be prosecuted depending on the gravity of the offense.

Alfonso Lista is a 3rd class municipality located on the easternmost part of Ifugao bordering the provinces of Isabela on the east and Mountain Province on the north.

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2 men nabbed in Abra for hacking, shooting victims

TAYUM, Abra – Two men were nabbed in separate insidents here for hacking and shooting their victims respectively.

Police nabbed Oct. 23 a farmer at Pila, Patucannay here identified as Fernando V. Talledo, 61 for hacking Jojo T. Lencio, 27, resident of the same place.

Prior to the incident, the suspect and the victim together with some companions were having a drinking spree when a heated argument ensued between them that prompted the suspect to hack the victim hitting the left part of his neck.

The victim was immediately rushed to Abra Provincial Hospital, Bangued, for medical treatment while the suspect was immediately arrested by police who confiscarted the the weapon used.

A courtcharge is now being readied for filing against the suspect.

In a separate iniceident on Oct. 30 at about 8:30 PM, a suspect was arrested after shooting his victim due to a heated altercation here at SitioLuguit, Barangay Patucannay.

The victim was identified as Crispin A. Andallo, 42 while his assailant was named as David Vibas, 32.

Both were residents of Patucannay.

A Tayum police report said the victim and the suspect had a heated altercation regarding the victim’s missing fish net, of which the suspect was being pinpointed as the culprit.

Prior to the incident, both parties were throwing stones at each other when the suspect suddenly drew a gun and shot the victim that hit his right hip area.

The suspect jailed by Tayum police while while the victim was rushed at the Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

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Magat Dam nears spill level due to heavy rains

By Charlie Lagasca

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Amid continuous heavy rains, the Magat Dam at the Isabela-Ifugao boundary is again in critical level, prompting authorities to continue releasing water from its reservoir to avoid reaching the spilling level, which could endanger the dam’s structure.

Engineer SaturninoTenedor of the National Irrigation Administration, at press time, said the dam’s water elevation was already at 192.99 meters, or just less than a meter from the spilling level of 193 meters.

The state-run NIA is in charge of the dam’s irrigation facility, while its power component is now owned and operated by the Filipino-Norwegian consortium SN Aboitiz Power.

The dam has been releasing water since early this week amid continuous rains brought by the low pressure area in this part of the country.

The dam’s continuous release of water and the swelling of major rivers were blamed for the flooding of some low-lying areas in Isabela, including some villages in Cauayan City and in the towns of Santo Tomas and Cabagan, since Monday October 31.

Dam officials, however, denied this, saying they were releasing excess water at a controlled and gradual basis to avoid flooding.

The three-decade-old dam, besides generating 350 megawatts of power for the Luzon grid, has been the source of irrigation for at least 70,000 hectares of farmlands in Isabela and parts of Quirino and Cagayan.

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Cordillerans warned: Abusive developers out to exploit hydro resources

By Dexter See

BAGUIO CITY – Local governments, non-government organizations and host communities must be wise enough in making sure that the rich natural resources of the Cordillera, especially its hydro resources, will not be eventually owned by abusive investors and developers, an expert on the country’s energy situation said here Friday.

Engr. David A. Tauli, senior vice president and head of the engineering services division of the Cagayan de Oro-based Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company, Inc. said in dealing with unscrupulous investors, local officials and indigenous peoples must make sure that the developers of power plants must be willing to turnover to the local government, NGO or the host community the facility after the expiration of the 15, 20 or 25-year agreement.

“No person could absolutely declare ownership to the gifts of man given by the Almighty,” Tauli stressed, adding the region’s resources must be enjoyed by the people and not unscrupulous investors.

Tauli was the main speaker during a forum on Power Generation organized by the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) with participants coming from the different electric cooperatives in the Cordillera.

Aside from willful turnover of the power plants the veteran CEPALCO official recommended local governments, HGOs and host communities must insist to the investor or developer that it will give to the host communities 5 percent of its gross receipts which will be exclusively utilized for watershed management initiatives in order to ensure the abundance of water to continuously make the power plants productive.

According to him, multinational investors are taking advantage of the host communities by providing them with supposed community projects but with a hidden agenda of solely owning the power plants to be constructed in their respective places, thus, local officials and indigenous peoples must be vigilant in negotiating with them so that they will be successful in incorporating the mandatory provisions of turnover of the plants to the community and the 5 percent from gross receipts for watershed projects in the final agreement.

“We have a lot of investors who are willing to develop the resources of the region to ensure the stability of renewable energy and they are willing to take the inclusion of the mandatory provisions in the agreement since they have already recovered their investments and earn enough,” he added, citing that compared to other existing developers who want to own the gifts of man, they are the much better ones because they are aware of the plight of host communities.

Earlier, the Department of Energy (DOE) identified the Cordillera as one of the major sources of renewable energy, particularly hydro power, because of the abundance of water coming from the watersheds of the region.

Instead of being convinced by the huge investments being poured by developers which are appearing as corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects just to get their consent for the putting up of hydro plants in various communities in the region, Tauli explained such projects being implemented will be deducted from the tax share of the host communities once the power plants start operating and will greatly affect their share from the national wealth tax which they deserve to get in full.

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157 boxes of firecrackers confiscated in Urdaneta

By Christian D. Supnad

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan- Police confiscated the Wednesday 157 boxes of banned firecracker materials that was to be delivered to Laoag City.

Senior Supt. RosuetoRicaforte, Pangasinan police director, said in his report to Chief Supt. Franklin Bucayu, Region 1 police director, said they they got information that a shipment of banned firecrackers and pyrotechnics were loaded on a ten wheeler truck bearing PN RIS 756 with markings “vegetable dealer SR FLORES GENERAL MERCHANDIZE” for delivery to Ilocos Norte.

Ricaforte said joint elements of law enforment units in coordination with Urdaneta police, under the direct supervision of Supt. Ronald Gayo, established a checkpoint along Maharlika Highway here in Barangay Nancayasan at about 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 30 that resulted to the confiscation of the contraband which included banned pyrotechnics such as picholo and A6 rockets.

The said truck was driven by Nelson Eugenio, a resident of Barangay 23, Laoag City.

“Initial investigation disclosed that during the inspection of the ten-wheeler truck, the operatives noticed in plain view several brown boxes that were stockpiled inside the truck and partly hidden by some banana crates and flour sacks,” said Supt. Gerry Roxas, police spokesman.

Roxas said the driver readily admitted that the boxes contained firecrackers and pyrotechnics that were shipped out from a warehouse in Jaboneros, Binondo, Manila and consigned to a certain Mario Lim of Laoag City.

The apprehended truck and confiscated firecrackers were brought to provincial police office for inventory and proper disposition, said Ricaforte.

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Ecija palay harvest down by 40 percent

SAN JOSE, Nueva Ecija – A month since typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel,” their toll on rice production in Nueva Ecija, dubbed as the country’s rice granary, is now showing.

Nueva Ecija provincial agriculturist Serafin Santos reported Nov.r 1 that the province’s recent palay harvest comprised only 60 percent of what was initially expected.

“The rice crops were hit by the calamity at their vulnerable stages,” he said.

City and municipal agriculturists estimated that Nueva Ecija lost 300,923.35 metric tons in expected harvest, amounting to P3.63 billion at P12 per kilo.

Records of the provincial agriculture office showed that palay was planted in 188,000 hectares this cropping season, but only palay in about 3,000 hectares had been harvested before the typhoons struck.

Guimba lost P495.1 million when its 14,737 hectares of palay suffered 70 percent damage. Other badly hit towns were San Antonio with 6,758 hectares, sustaining losses worth P259.5 million, and Zaragoza, with 4,015 hectares, losing P154.2 million worth of palay.

The National Food Authority in Central Luzon has urged local farmers to sell even their damaged rice seeds to the agency.

NFA assistant regional director Gerry Imperial said though no farmer has come forward. The NFA has been authorized to buy 280,000 bags of damaged rice seeds worth P99 million.

Pedring’s total damage on agriculture in Central Luzon alone was estimated at P8.5 billion.

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Kalinga PLGU urges agencies to process titling of donated lots

By Peter A. Balocnit

TABUK CITY, Kalinga - - Heeding the call of President Aquino to rationalize public expenditure, the provincial government here is urging agencies renting offices to process the titling of their donated lots at the government reservation center and to eventually put up their own buildings.

Those that have not availed during the distribution of lots in the past are also enjoined to also submit their request for the proper issuance of deed of donation.

During the government lot reservations committee meeting of the SangguniangPanlalawigan held recently, Board members Gelacio Bongngat and Francis Paclay told national agency-heads to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the conduct of survey.

A number of national agencies including the Philippine Information Agency were already given lots.

Likewise, agencies that have no reserved lots to also facilitate the submission of requests to the SP for the resolution of an enabling law. Upon approval by the local chief executive, a corresponding deed of donation shall be issued for basis of DENR to conduct immediate survey.

Several agencies are renting offices which is a burden on the part of government, the reason why the provincial government has established a government center within the Capitol area at Hilltop, Bulanao, this city, and wants all offices to hold office there.

Presently, one half of government agencies are holding office within the commercial and residential areas of Dagupan and Bulanao.

“We can not act without your request,” Bongngat told heads of agencies who attended the meeting, stressing that it is the desire of the provincial government that all agencies be given lots and establish their respective offices so that government operation and delivery of public service will be centralized.

Paclay, who is the committee chairman on government reservations, said “we want to create a ‘one-stop-shop’ transaction and delivery of public service so that the public clientele will not be given a round-around going up and down to seek government service and for the government to save on rent.

To maximize utilization of idle government properties, the provincial government and the Office of the Congressman renovated part of the old and abandoned provincial hospital to accommodate other offices.

Holding office in the said building at present are the Congressional District Office, Provincial Action Center, Post Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines Engineering Battalion, Philippine Medical Association and the Technical Department of the Provincial Health Services.

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PDEA files case vs bocap for ‘gross misconduct’

BAGUIO CITY -- A barangay captain here could only shake his head after the regional Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency filed administrative cases against him for “gross dereliction of duty, conduct unbecoming of a public officer and gross misconduct.”

The cases were filed before the City Council here Oct. 25 against barangay chairman Edmundo Gundran of Military Cut-off.

This, after a buy-bust operation was carried out by PDEA agents Oct. 13, near the Baguio Convention Center and University of the Philippines Baguio, which is within the jurisdiction of Gundran.

A PDEA press release said the arrested suspects were brought to the PDEA office at the basement of the Melvin Jones Grandstand along Harrison Road for documentation of the operation, to include inventory of seized items.

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), one of the witnesses required in the inventory is an elected official.

Hence, Gundran’s assistance regarding the matter was reportedly sought by PDEA officers.

Gundran reportedly arrived later at the Baguio SET office at around 2 a.m. on Oct. 14where the team leader of the operating drug law enforcement officers briefed him about his role in the inventory, further telling him that as witness, he needed to sign the inventory sheet.

However, while other witnesses in the inventory were yet to arrive, Gundran allegedly started interrogating and badgering the suspects, making regional PDEA director Gil Cesario P. Castro ask the barangay captain to refrain from doing so.

The PDEA report said the barangay captain, who was under the influence of liquor, left and when it was time for the inventory, he could no longer be found.

This prompted a PDEA officer to call his cellular phone, informing him that the inventory was about to take place and that he was being requested to go back to the office for the undertaking.

Gundran allegedly denied the request and got angry, allegedly telling the law enforcement officer, “Apay kitdin nga pirmaak dayta ket hanko met ammu dayta operation. Distorbo kayo ti panaturog. (Why should I sign that if I don’t know about the operation. You are disturbing my sleep.)”

During the conversation, Gundran allegedly challenged the PDEAto file the necessary case against him.

The PDEA press release said any elected official’s refusal to perform his obligation as a witness to the inventory is a clear violation and disregard of Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular Number 2009-09 dated January 29, 2009, specifically on the Punong Barangay’s responsibility to extend necessary assistance and cooperation, from operations up to prosecution, to PDEA and Philippine National Police authorities, in their operation against illegal drugs.

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Drug pushers operating in Baguio, Ilocos nabbed

BAGUIO CITY – Police recently nabbed two alleged drug pushers who reportedly ply their illegal trade here and in the Ilocos Region.

Police of the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group nabbed an alleged notorious pusher/supplier of dangerous drugs in a buy-bust operation here Oct. 25 at about 7 p.m. at Barangay Quezon Hill Extension.

The operatives led by Senior Insp. Melchor Nawi Ong in coordination with the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency agents here arrested a taxi driver identified as Jericho O. Cedo, 28 of Barangay Central Fairview Barangay.

During the operation, the team confiscated a piece of transparent heat sealed plastic sachet containing shabu and weighing zero 0.4 grams including the plastic sachet valued at P2,400 from the suspect.

The Lawmen also recovered the buy bust money consisting of P1,000 bill and a cellphone from the suspect.

The illegal drugs were turned over to the PNP Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis while a case for dangerous drugs was prepared against the suspect for filing in court.

The same operatives earlier arrested a supplier of dangerous drug operating around Pangasinan, La Union and Baguio City on Oct. 13 at Governor Pack Road in Baguio.

The operatives arrested Jimmy Abalos Jr., 24 of San Julian East, Agoo , La Union.

Confiscated from Abaloswas shabu weighing 0.9 grams valued at P10,620 and cash worth P2,000.

A case for illegal drugs was fled against Abalos.

These, after newly designated Cordillera police director Benjamin B. Magalong ordered intensified operations against illegal drugs.

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Paranoia hindering Abra peace, says police official

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Chief Supt. Benjamin B. Magalong, newly-installed regional director of the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera, admitted “too much paranoia” is the major hindrance to the attainment of lasting peace in the conflict-stricken province of Abra.

“Realizing lasting peace in Abra is a very challenging work. The long term solution to the peace and order problem in the province is not with me or the police force but it is with the people themselves,” Magalong stressed, adding that re-engaging all feuding sectors will be one of the steps he will undertake to bring them back to peace mood.

According to him, initial talks were already done with two rival groups in Abra and they had established a common ground, which is realizing peace and order that will serve s a jump off point in convincing the people to embrace peace as their primordial battle cry in the coming days.

By next week, Magalong will be visiting Abra to dialogue with sectors that will be at the forefront in revitalizing peace efforts which had been the clamor of the people.

He is optimistic that lasting peace will reign in Abra in the coming months once all the appropriate interventions shall have been put in place with the support of the local officials and the community who will be tapped to play vital roles in realizing such efforts in order to attract the influx of investors to conduct business and increase economic activities in the province.

“I‘m not asking the people to trust or believe me. I just want to solicit the support of Abrenians to establish a formidable partnership that will bring lasting peace n the place,” he said.

The police official revealed the suspension of the permit to carry firearms outside residence will stay while giving out marching orders to police operating units to aggressively implement the campaign against unlicensed firearms and the arrest of the over 1,000 wanted persons so that factors contributing to violence will be eradicated.

“Based on our initial talks with rival groups, we have a god chance of realizing lasting peace in Abra but we must keep the fire burning and have everybody up on their feet so that we will not loose control of the situation. We will establish lasting partnerships among all sectors in order to get their sentiments and appropriately address them,” Magalong claimed.

In the past, he explained too much suspicion on the part of rival groups have resulted to the emergence of violent incidents that have led to the loss of innocent lives of politicians and their supporters, thus, the need to bridge the communication lines among them to avoid the prevalence of an atmosphere of paranoia.

Abra is one of the six provinces that comprise the Cordillera Administrative Region. It has been known to be the killing fields of the North because of the string of violent incidents that led to the loss of lives of hundreds of innocent political figures over the past two decades. -- Dexter A. See

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Cordillera Region gets 113 rookie policemen

By Dexter A. See

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The new leadership of the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera welcomed 113 rookie policemen to strengthen police anti-criminality, anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism programs.

“We are in an era where wars are not won in the battlefields but they are won in the midst of the communities we serve,” Chief Supt. Benjamin B. Magalong, newly-installed regional director of the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera, told the new police recruits which were subjected to the traditional reception rites before they were turned over to the administration of the Cordillera Administrative Region Training School based in Teachers Camp here for a six-month basic police recruit course.

Out of the aforesaid number of police recruits, 31 are females while 78 are males who passed the rigid written and physical examination which was given out for the aspiring law enforcers.

The new police recruits are part of the 125 policemen quota of the PRO-COR for the second semester of this year.

“Once you wear the coveted uniform, your actions, good or bad, will have a great impact on the image of the Philippine National Police (PNP), thus, you must act with great responsibility,” Magalong stressed.

After undergoing the six-month basic police recruit course, the rookie policemen will undergo another six-month field training program to allow them to acquaint themselves with the heavy burden on the shoulders which are ahead of them once they are assigned as regular members of the police force.

Magalong assured aspiring policemen that the PNP will be on a massive recruitment nationwide in order to address the police to population ration, thus, the Cordillera stands to have a share of the pie once the quota for each region will be released by the PNP national headquarters.

Currently, the average police to population ratio in the Cordillera is 1 policeman is to more than 900 people which is still way below the ideal police to population ratio of 1:500.

During the first semester of this year, a total of 206 rookie policemen were commissioned as Police Officer 1 and are set to complete their six-month basic recruit course by the end of this year and will be ready for deployment for their field training program.

Magalong explained the massive recruitment to be done by the PNP will greatly help in improving the anti-criminality, anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism campaign of the police force, especially in conflict-stricken areas of the country so that lasting peace will be achieved.

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Sagada road rehab on; more tourists projected

By Francis B. Degay

SAGADA, Mountain Province – The ongoing rehabilitation of the Dantay-Sagada Road is going smoothly and once done, this tourist town would lure more tourists.

Vice Mayor Richard Yodong bared this as he expressed his gratitude to the office of the secretary of the Department of Tourism saying the project was offshoot of a resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan of Sagada, dated Oct. 11, 2010 that was submitted to former DOT Sec. Alberto Lim.

Lim then endorsed the resolution to Department of Public Works and Highway Sec. Rogelio Singson.

In his letter, Lim justified that Mountain Province was identified as one of the Tourism Development Areas (TDAs) for the Cordillera Tourism Destination Cluster in the National Development Plan.

He added the Dantay-Sagada-Besao road had been listed by the stakeholders during the NTDP regional and cluster consultations.
In a letter last Sept. 28, DPWH Assistant Sec. Maria Cabral wrote Yodong informing him P78.8 million had been released for the said project and that P50 million was released for Calendar Year 2010 and P28.8 million for CY 2011.

In an interview with Yodong, he said that visitor and tourist arrivals will eventually increase as a result of the road improvement.

He added he will follow up with the central offices of DOT and DPWH in Manila improvement of a parking space just above the Sumaguing cave along the Poblacion-Suyo road.

Resolution No. 45, s. 2010 adapted on Oct. 11, 2010 by the Sangguniang Bayan of Sagada requested the Lim immediate release of P80 million pesos for rehabilitation and improvement of the Dantay-Sagada national road to prevent further loss of lives.

The past years, several vehicular accidents along the Dantay-Sagada road claimed several lives of commuters.

In 1996, seven teachers from the municipality of Besao died when a passenger jeep they were riding plunged down a deep ravine while on their way for a field trip to Mainit, Bontoc.

In 2007, nine passengers and the late Engineer Tomas Lawagan died in separate incidents when the vehicle they were riding in fell down a precipice.

In 2009, the late pastor Victor Batcagan and three of his family members died when their vehicle also fell down the road.

This year two males also died when the vehicle they were riding met an accident along the road.

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Mayor pushes ‘cracker total ban on New Year ‘

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan wants the implementation of a total ban on the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the New Year revelry to celebrate the coming of another year in order to prevent innocent individuals from being unreasonably injured that would even lead to loss of lives and damage to property.

“There are many ways to celebrate the coming of the new year instead of exploding firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials that could even lead to very dangerous situations,” Domogan stressed, adding the city council must now have the political will in adopting an ordinance banning the use of firecrackers in the city in order to seal the long standing problem on the use of firecrackers to celebrate the coming of a new year.

However, he admitted the enforcement of a total ban on the use of firecrackers could be futile since hard headed individuals will still find ways in buying firecrackers outside the city and use it to celebrate the coming of a new year in their places, thus, stringent measures must be put in place to make sure the total ban will be effectively and efficiently implemented.

Earlier, dozens of firecracker and pyrotechnic vendors intending to again sell the combustible materials during the Yuletide season trooped to the city hall to lobby from local officials that they be allowed to pursue their trade with the condition that the firecrackers to be sold will be the aerial ones.

“We will await the latest advisory to be issued by the health department relative to the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the New Year revelry. Our decision whether or not to ban the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics will depend on the rules and regulations to be issued by the appropriate agency,” he claimed.

According to him, people must already learn from the experiences of those who died or were injured while using firecrackers and pyrotechnics to celebrate the coming of the New Year.

“We must be willing to sacrifice our traditional way of celebrating the coming of a new year. Let us find more other entertaining ways to celebrate the Yuletide season and not through the use of firecrackers,” Domogan said.

While there is a constant reduction of individuals injured during the New Year revelry through the exploding of firecrackers, the local chief executive claimed it is high time the city government will have a definite stand on whether or not to ban the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the New Year revelry so that further injuries will be prevented. -- Dexter A. See

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‘Legitimizing’tribal marriages

BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred P. Dizon

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet– Baket Aning had long accepted the fact that sooner or later, her ailing husband of more than 50 years would leave her for the Great Unknown.

Before her husband passed away, she thought that somehow, she would tide things over from benefits due her husband. But alas, she had a hard time claiming her Social Security System and insurance pensions as she was not “legally” married to her husband.

Being Tingguians, BaketAning and her husband Tang Luciowere wed in tribal ceremonies and somehow, didn’t think about complications as a result of not having a government or Christian marriage license.

To the couple, their indigenous marriage was sacred. But then, their union was not recognized by the government as it was not put in writing.
***
A lot of indigenous couples in the country have the same predicament as gleaned from a two-day consultation on Nov. 4-5 among indigenous peoples in Region 1 and the Cordillera with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples headed by its chairperson ZenaidaPawid. The affair was held at the Gladiola Building of the Benguet State University in this capital town.

According to Sheryl Marie Awichen-Belagan, regional NCIP community affairs officer, their office was holding similar consultations in various parts of the country to set mechanisms that would fully legalize tribal or indigenous marriages.

The NCIP, she added issues “marriage certifications” to couples who would like to avail of the document in accordance with Administrative Order 3, Series of 2004. This AO was a joint circular crafted by the NCIP and the National Statistics Office to give “legitimacy” to tribal marriages. Belagan said even foreign embassies like that of the US in Manila now recognize such certifications.
***
Before one gets the NCIP certification, a couple has to accomplish certificates of confirmation from tribal elders, the local civil registrar and those of “disinterested persons.” Applicants also have to produce documentary evidence like birth certificates, land titles or tax declarations.

This prompted one tribal elder to say that it is much easier to get married in a Christian wedding as all one has to do, aside from the occasional pep talk from priests or nuns is to be present during the wedding rites.

It was observed that even in marriage, indigenous peoples, who were not converted to Christianity seemed to be marginalized as they had to accomplish a lot of documents for their marriage to be recognized by government.
***
Jaime “Tigan-o” Dogao of the Kankanaey tribe from Sagada, Mountain Province summed it up when he said whether indigenous peoples like it or not, they have to cope with realities of the modern world like getting a marriage license which could be used for other purposes like getting an insurance policy or going abroad, unlike in the past when being wed needed not be inked on paper.

The municipal council member of the tourist town said being wed the indigenous way (like the Kankanaeys) was an intricate process which involved a lot of persons. Delegates agreed with Dogao’s view that in most cases among indigenous tribes, when parties of couples like their parents meet and share food, it meant that the couple had been wed. And among Kankanaeys, even if the actual celebration was not done, the couple could live together as man and wife.
***
In Kalinga, Fr. Salidao, an Anglican priest said marriages were often officiated or prearranged to bring peace among warring tribes or clans.

Before Dogao spoke, some were of the view that the government’s insistence through the NCIP of “legitimizing” marriages was an imposition on tribal customs and traditions. But they later agreed that even in this wireless age, documentary evidence was needed for “legitimacy” in transactions.

There were contending arguments on “legitimizing” indigenous marriages. The forum was an eye-opener as sentiments were brought out on the issue. me thinks, the NCIP was in the right direction for holding fora like this.
***
Where this would lead to in terms of legislation is another story. Meanwhile, if you are a member of a tribe and you would like to marry or would want to have your indigenous marriage “legitimized,” you have options. For the men, just don’t go around sowing wild oats before marriage or you could be in a lot of trouble.

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‘The Great Escape,’ starring Gloria Arroyo

PERRYSCOPE
Perry Diaz

No, this is not a remake of the classic 1963 movie, “The Great Escape,” starring Steve McQueen, a non-fiction mass escape of Allied prisoners of war from a German POW camp during World War II. The “Great Escape” of 2011 is inspired by true events that followed the ascension of Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III to the presidency on June 30, 2010, which was once occupied by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo -- who was ignominiously named the “Most Corrupt President in the History of the Philippines.” “The Great Escape” features no other than the “Queen of Corruption” herself.

It is believed that “The Great Escape” may have been plotted as soon as P-Noy was sworn in as President of the Philippines on June 30, 2010. During the presidential campaign, P-Noy vowed to bring Gloria and her cronies to justice for all the corruption that happened during her nine-year reign.

P-Noy systematically laid the groundwork for the prosecution of Gloria and her husband, Mike Arroyo. He created the Truth Commission and appointed Gloria’s ally, former Supreme Court Chief Justice HilarioDavide Jr., as chairman of the body. Davide’s appointment did not bode well with a lot of Gloria watchers who believe that it was a mistake, which presumably could only lead to a whitewash. But the Truth Commission didn’t go very far because it was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Then P-Noy went after Ombudsman Merceditas “Merci” Gutierrez who was perceived as Gloria’s first line of defense. P-Noy succeeded in getting Merci impeached by the House of Representatives. And just when the Senate was preparing to conduct an impeachment trial, Merci resigned.

On July 25, 2011, P-Noy delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). The highlight of his SONA was the appointment of the new Ombudsman. “When the new Ombudsman, former Supreme Court Justice ConchitaCarpio-Morales, takes office, we will have an honest-to-goodness anti-corruption office, not one that condones the corruption and abuses in government,” P-Noy said, receiving one of the loudest and strongest applause from the audience. “I expect that this year, we will have filed our first major case against the corrupt and their accomplices. And these will be real cases, with strong evidence and clear testimonies, which will lead to the punishment of the guilty,” he said.

But Gloria -- who is now a congresswoman representing Pampanga’s second district -- was not present at the SONA event. She was supposedly in her district talking to her constituents. At around 5:00 pm, at just about the time that P-Noy announced the appointment of Carpio-Morales, Gloria was rushed to St. Luke’s Medical Center in TaguigCity for reasons unknown. According to one of her political allies, Gloria was “feeling the stress brought about by the controversies and legal cases she’s been facing these past few months.”

The following week, Gloria was hospitalized for problems with her cervical spine, which was characterized by her doctors as a “damaged cervical spine with multilevel cervical spondylosis.” After she was treated and discharged, she developed an infection and was rushed back to the hospital. After recovering from the infection, she was rushed back to the hospital again.

While Gloria was in the hospital, Mike took off for Germany supposedly to look for a stem cell specialist. After about a week, he came home and announced that he found a stem cell specialist to treat Gloria.

Gloria was eventually discharged from the hospital and was advised to stay home to recuperate. And this was when the script became fuzzy. Gloria’s political allies said that she needed to seek medical treatment abroad because her illness is “life-threatening” and there are no doctors in the Philippines who could treat her medical problem.

Then Mike issued a statement saying that his wife’s ailment was “hypoparathyroidism.” He claimed that it was a “rare disease” but not life-threatening. However, he said, “It seems there is no expert in the Philippines who can treat her ailment.”

Consequently, Gloria requested travel authority from the Speaker of the House of Representatives to travel to Germany and the United States. A few days later, she amended her request for travel to include Singapore, Spain, and Italy. The travel authority was granted and valid from October 22 to December 5.
Last October 12, P-Noy announced that charges would be filed against Gloria in November. Whatever reason P-Noy had in making the unusual announcement, it made people scratch their head in disbelief. But it certainly scared Gloria! The charges of electoral sabotage that will be filed against her are non-bailable offense.

In a surprise move last October 27, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima issued a watch list order for Gloria and Mike Arroyo and 40 others. The following day, Malacañang gave De Lima a free hand in deciding whether to allow Gloria to go abroad to seek medical treatment.

The question is: Is it necessary for Gloria to go abroad for treatment of hypoparathyroidism, a medical condition that can be treated with Calcium and Vitamin D supplements? In my opinion, this is something that the doctors at St. Luke Medical Center in Taguig City should know since they were the ones who diagnosed her condition in the first place. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements are available at local pharmacies.

Recently, a friend of mine, Ernie D. of Southern California, sent me an email in response to my recent article, “Would Gloria come back?” Ernie said: “A doctor in Southern California, who is close to this ‘fake’ president told me over lunch, that your theory hits the nail on its head. Her medical condition, according to him, is a good ‘façade’… she is not really that sick. A month or so, before her ‘hospitalization,’ my doctor friend told me that he was with her and Governor Pineda (the wife of the reputed jueteng king Boy Pineda) with another couple shopping in Orange County’s opulent South Coast Plaza.
“My doctor friend told me that she would most likely seek asylum in a friendly country to enjoy their great wealth. ‘If none among the Marcoses has been incarcerated to this date, what makes us think that NOW the Arroyos will be incarcerated or convicted,’ the doctor opined! And he might be right after all!”

The theory that Ernie referred to in my article is: “Could it be that Gloria’s trip to the U.S. purportedly to attend Clinton’s conference is actually part of a plan that would allow her and Mike to seek political asylum in the United States? And once the Arroyos have applied for political asylum, they would be allowed to stay in the U.S. while their application is being processed, which could take several years.”

While Steve McQueen failed in the 1963 “The Great Escape,” the “Queen of Corruption” might be able to make it in the “The Great Escape” of 2011... that is, if De Lima allows her to leave the country. (PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

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Images still haunt

BENCHWARMER
Ramon S. Dacawi

BAGUIO CITY -- It’s been 20 years since, yet the image still haunts. The picture never blurred. It’s still all too clear and real, enough to still blur the eyes.

We were then weeks into “Operation Sayote”, the Baguio media-initiated relief operation launched on Independence Day with the pony boys at the Wright Park bridle path, three days after Mount Pinatubo blew its top in June, 1991. Volunteers were at the regional office of the Philippine Information Agencyt, sorting donations for the for the next relief goods shipment to lahar-devastated areas of Central Luzon.

I opened a small carton, Inside were small, see-through plastic packets containing legumes – black and white beans. Each aggregate was about the size of a child’s fist, as if scooped and placed into the plastic by a kid’s palm, Each packet was tied near the mouth with a string. Each string end held a rectangular tag cut or torn out of a notebook or a pupil’s writing pad.

Each tag bore the name, the grade and the class or section of a child, in his or her own handwriting. The names now skip memory. What I remember was that the box came from Mountain Province , I guess from an elementary school in Bontoc, the capital town. The donors are now in their middle or late 20s. Some are now professionals. Others must now be farmers, carpenters, masons. Or overseas workers somewhere out there. Some must be raising their own kids.

Whatever, whoever and wherever they are today, they were and are not what they had or now have – or didn’t and don’t have. They were and are, as far as I’m concerned, measured by how they shared whatever they could then. And because they grew up as such, I’m sure they’ll continue to share whatever bounty will come their way, this time with bigger, and therefore, more generous hands.

One is certain that that kid in Sablan, Benguet had outgrown his or her innocence that made him or her wrap at the height of the relief operations a perishable pineapple head he or she sent to “Operation Sayote” 20 years ago. Still, the image of that over-ripe fruit continues to inspire. As do the image of the packets of beans.

“Operation Sayote”, which delivered some 250 tons of relief goods to Central Luzon , was dubbed as such for several reasons. The cucurbit, native toSouth America and which grows only in temperate climate like ours up here, continuously bears fruit that can be stored for days. The vine respects no boundaries, man-made or natural. Its tendrils and shoots climb over cement walls and barbed-wire or steel fences, to share its bounty with neighbors, even without the knowledge or consent of whoever planted it.

To many up here, sayote proves to be a blessing, a life-saver, be it stewed or sautéed with or without canned sardines, or blanched and dipped in “bagoong” (anchovy paste). It’s the old reliable for farmers without land who will tell you readily their produce helps them raise and support their children through college.

Used to surviving on sayote during lean months like this, pony boys at the Wright Park 18 years ago hauled in sacks of sayote for the relief mission launching on Jun 12. It was there way of observing Independence Day, three days after the volcano started erupting.

Others who didn’t have sayote poured in perishables that spurred the frequency of the relief missions 18 years ago. The problem then was not the lack of vegetables but the lack of trucks to deliver Benguet beans, carrots, cabbage, wombok, succhini or whatever our upland farmers and vendors could give. Hours after our radio stations aired the call, the garage of DZWT-WR was overflowing.

After all, it was barely a year after the July 16, 1990 earthquake. Baguio , Benguet and the rest of Northern Luzon were then recovering fast from the devastation, propped up by the outpouring of support from all over. It was then time to return kindness.

Even our kin in the hills momentarily took respite from their mission for revolution for the relief mission. A team knocked one morning at the door of Bombo Radyo, with seven sacks in tow. “Mapulang umaga sa inyo, mga kapatid,” one of them greeted the outfit staff. “Ito lang po ang kaya naming maitulong.” Requesting anonymity and no interview, they left.

Later, men of an Aeta village in Zambales helped unload the sacks, unaware what the brown-looking sticks inside were for. Photo-journalist Toots Soberano took out a stick, broke it in half and then lit the ends with a lighter. Instantly, they were burning like torches. Faces glowed over the practical use of pine peat or “saleng” to ignite cooking hearths or to light one’s way at night.

The volunteers developed a bias for the “kulot” communities for their discipline, something wanting in some of the “unat” or non-indigenous communities they ventured into. At an Aeta relocation site in Planas, Porac town, villagers waited for instructions from their headman before unloading two truckloads. “Kayo na po ang bahalang mag-distribute,” mission leader Swanny Dicang advised the headman.

Through those months and years of “Operation Sayote”, Bernard Dicang, Swanny’s elder brother, opened his home in Dinalupihan, Bataan as the volunteers’ midway recharging center. He had them turn his goats into “pinulpugan” and his fowls (chicken, duck and geese) into “pinikpikan”. Now and then, he would order milkfish from Orani town and contact the town butcher to prepare for the arrival of the next relief convoy.

The last “Operation Sayote” shipment to Central Luzon was in 1995, loaded on Dan David’s beer delivery truck for Bacolor, the last town to be affected by the volcanic eruptions. We reached the town as it was being submerged by rain and lahar, with residents on their rooftops being airlifted by helicopters to a gym in San Fernando City.

“Buhay ang nawala sa inyo noong isang taon,” one victim told us, referring to those who perished in the July 16, 1990 earthquake here. “Kabuhayan naman ang nawala sa amin ngayon,” he added, pointing to nearby fields of green slowly being enveloped by floodwaters mixed with volcanic ash. Inside the gym in San Fernando , we saw hundreds of evacuees, some staring blankly with glassy eyes.

The image of tiny beans scooped and shared by tiny hands 20 years ago still serves as a counterpoint to that haunting image in San Fernando.
***
P.S. As I was about to send this to fill this weekly space, a fellow worker dropped by with two P500 bills. She asked that the amount be used for a medical patient of my choice, on condition the donor would not be identified by name. (e-mail: mondaxbench@yahoo.com for comments.)

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Magalong seeks peace for Cordi / Understanding Writ of Kalikasan

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO
March L. Fianza

TUBA, Benguet -- Vice-mayor: “Anya ngata kayat na sawen dijay ibagbaga ni Congressman?

Councilor: “Ket damagen tayu suna ah wenu kitaem ijay dictionary!”

I could just imagine two members of the municipal council exchange conversations after Benguet Representative Ronald M. Cosalan spoke the phrase “Writ of Kalikasan.”

Not a few people, including those in Tuba, were caught surprised and scrambled to find out what it was all about… me included.

Of course, many have heard of it before but have not taken a second look at it until the tragic Irisan dumpsite incident on August 27, 2011, and until Cong. Cosalan brought it out as a remedy for the environmental destruction.

The Supreme Court defines the Writ of Kalikasan as the “remedy available to a natural or juridical person, entity authorized by law, people’s organization, non-govermental organization, or any public interest group accredited by or registered with any government agency, on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or private individual or entity, involving environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.”

Eco warriors consider the law as a new weapon in their fight against environmental destruction. Lawyers say the law is very practical as it paves the way for quick legal action on environmental cases and dispenses with extensive litigation. Based on the rules set by its framers, the high court will have to render judgment on petitions for a Writ of Kalikasan in 60 days.

Here, regular courts can also grant a 72-hour temporary environment protection order (TEPO), similar to a regular restraining order, if the case is deemed a matter of “extreme urgency” wherein the petitioner faces “grave injustice and irreparable injury.”

The court may then convert the TEPO to a more permanent order or extend the status until after the environmental protection or rehabilitation is fully complied with. The SC says the rules are not all in favor of the petitioners as they also provide a recourse for defendants called “strategic lawsuits against public participation” or SLAPP.

Both petitions for the issuance of the Writs of Kalikasan and Mandamus, according to the SC, are exempt from the payment of docket fees. Hence, with all these, the law becomes the cheapest and quickest way to correct environmental problems.

Environmentalist-lawyers Antonio Oposa, Jr. and Gloria Estenzo Ramos of the Global Legal Action on Climate Change praised Chief Justice Reynato Puno and the entire Supreme Court for coming up with the law during their watch, describing such development in the nation’s courts as a “first in the world.”

In the petition for the writ to be filed in the case of the Irisan dumpsite mess and against Baguio City and whoever may be responsible, Cosalan said lawyer Pablito Sanidad who has committed himself, will head the legal team.

Now private citizen and former SC Chief Justice Puno as one of the authors of the law will help review the petition before it is finally filed in court, Cosalan said, while Atty. Francisca Macli-ing Claver also committed to help.

World renowned National Artist Ben Cabrera who has established an art gallery and museum along Asin Road, together with a dozen neighbors, is one of the leading complainants in the case.

As a distinguished artist and a resident of Asin Road that has been very much affected by the Irisan trash slide, Cosalan said, BenCab has the right to complain. It was reported that during the trash slide, BenCab’s friends who were visiting his museum were stranded in his building.

By the way, as of this writing, people from Barangays Tadiangan and Nangalisan in Tuba have been sending SMS messages to inquire if they can also testify for and in behalf of their environment.

To support their complaint, they have sent us pictures which I will have to distribute to some media outfits that may have important use of them. This, even while affidavits and documents are being prepared in support of BenCab’s petition.

As for the participation of the municipal officials of Tuba, my unsolicited advice is that they should support the filing of the petition as officials or as private individuals, or none at all. They have a choice.

The fact is that the municipality has already forwarded to the city a resolution for actions that the latter should act on.

Also, I learned from Councilor Blas Dalus that Tuba Mayor Flor Bentres hired people to help clean away the Irisan trash slide after agreeing with Baguio Mayor Morris Domogan that their efforts will be paid by the city.

However, when Bentres gave the list of the cleaners, he was told that they cannot be paid because audit cannot allow it. Bentres felt deceived and cheated.
***
A feeling of DeJavu came when I first heard of the appointment of C/Supt. Benjamin Magalong as new Cordillera police director.

It also proved two things – that history repeats itself with the fact that almost the same set of older newsmen who covered Rogelio C. Aguana as a young police lieutenant until he retired as C/Supt., are again on the beat with C/Supt. Magalong after covering him also as a young lieutenant in the 80s.

And secondly, that I am in the wrong business, considering that people have moved on from being young lieutenants to becoming police generals.

Whatever, colleagues believe that Baguio boy Benjie Magalong’s new post, which he claims to be a “community relations” work, after being a police operator for almost his entire career, is best suited for him.

Police generals Aguana and Eugene Martin, to name a few, were indeed very close to the people they served when they were at the top post, and that is what I think the position asks for, as compared to some who only were concerned with their personal interests, whims and caprices, and collecting “awards that really meant nothing” when they were there.

Just like anybody else, and just like what governors Elias Bulut Sr., Taquing Bersamin and Eugene Balitang wanted to happen in the provinces of Apayao, Abra and Ifugao, he said “the rule of law must prevail.”

Magalong promised that during his watch, there will be more engagement, people’s consultation and participation on police matters, as he will involve people in decision-making on crime prevention and problem solving.

“I am not asking for your trust and support, but allow me to earn your trust and confidence,” he said.
He simply wants peace in the Cordillera. Let’s give it to him. – marchfianza777@yahoo.com

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Sagada, Bontoc top press con competitions

HAPPY WEEKEND
Gina Dizon

PARACELIS, Mountain Province -- Elementary and high school contestants from Sagada and Bontoc districts topped competitions in the recently concluded Department of Education press conference here at barangay Bacarri, Oct. 24-25.

Sagada district got 32 winning places in the best top five entries followed by Bontoc district’s 28. Tadian fared well among its elementary pupil participants with 15 winning slots. Host Paracelis scored well among its secondary student entries garnering 10 top five winning places.

Winning entries in the Mountain Province division shall be participating for the regional level competitions this December.

Results released by Dep-Ed English Supervisor Annie Wallang English Supervisor and Filipino Supervisor Ricarda Marrero, the following are the winners in the elementary level.

Newswriting- English: 1st, Kweenie Chomenwey, Sadanga Central School; 2nd, Mypher Tumacdang, Masla Elementary Sschool (Tadian); 3rd, Nathaniel Alangui, Sagada CS; 4rth, Hollie Kiwas, Guinaang ES (Bontoc); 5th, Shelumiel Chumacog, Mountain Province Special Education- MPSPED (Bontoc). Filipino: 1st, Jared Von Velasco, Bontoc CS; 2nd, Krystal Quinn Gamonnac, Natonin CS; 3rd, Eduardo Umaming Jr , Sagada CS; 4rth Crystal Ann Pomeg-as, Ambasing ES (Sagada); 5th Psychefe Sogan, Banawel ES.

Editorial Writing- English: 1st Lizabelle Pit-ong, Bagnen Oriente ES( Bauko); 2nd, Terry Segnaben, Sadanga ES; 3rd, Edril Dangla, Tadian CS; 4rth, Soujee Ann Mangapac, Sadsadan Trail ES (Bauko); 5th Cristilyn Pangesfan, Bontoc CS. Filipino: 1st, Skylen Dagacan, Sagada CS; 2nd, Rica Tayaban, Tadian CS; 3rd, Dairyee Degay, Bagnen Oriente CS; 4th,, Ali Lang-agan, Guinaang ES; 5th, Deshelle Cadwising, Guinzadan ES.

Editorial Cartooning- English: 1st, LJ Babaran, MPSPED; 2nd, Denver Gayagay, Sagada CS; 3rd, Roman Amdengan, Masla ES; 4rth, Soujee An Mangpaac, Sadsadan Trail ES (Bauko); 5th, Chess Jay Saong, Tadian ES; Filipino: 1st, Aide Josh Wandag, Sagada CS; 2nd, Ysna Mantias, MPSPED; 3rd, Jovy Baguinit, Butac ES; 4rth, Joshua Edrosalam, Bontoc CS; 5th, Reston Galingan, Masla ES.

Feature Writing-English: 1st, Geraldine Kate Manegdeg, Sagada CS; 2nd, Jinarey Cabugat, Guinaang ES; 3rd, Shamraine Fokleg, MPSPED; 4rth, Sherilyn Linggayo, Tetep-an ES (Sagada); 5th, Clara Bumatang, Ambasing ES. Filipino: 1st, Krystal Quin Gamonac, Natonin CS; 2nd, Brigette Bacuyag, Banawel ES; 3rd, Fam Baniaga, Tadian CS; 4rth, Angelica Chiyawan, MPSPED; 5th, Beverly Tadiga, Bagnen Oriente ES.

Sportswriting– English: ist, Brian Dulnuan, Sagada CS; 2nd, Joel Ron Acay, MPSPED; 3rd, Lizabelle Pit-ong, Bagnen Oriente ES; 4rth, Xena Gorinto, Masla ES; 5th, Marcel Uyod, Tadian CS. Filipino: 1st, Marylle Marrero, Tadian CS; 2nd, Danae Casciana Tambiac, Sagada CS; 3rd, Donna Mae Soria, Tetep-an ES, 4rth, Venus Grace Balco-ang, MPSPED; 5th,Joshua Jerico Pisilen, Masla ES.

Copyreading and Headline Writing–English: 1st, Jenalyn Dalang, Sagada CS; 2nd, Wynette iIli, Sadsadan Trail ES; 3rd, Ysha Mantias, MPSPED; 4rth, Charmaine Pisilen, Tadian CS; 5th, Beverly Tadifa, Bagnen Oriente ES. Filipino: 1st, Mypher Tumacdang, Masla ES; 2nd, Kenie Mae Bebit, Sagada CS; 3rd, Trisha Mae Manuel, Sadsadan Trail ES; 4th, Kizzia Marie Fabaan, MPSPED; 5th, Leah Luzada, Bagnen Oriente ES.

Photojournalism- English: 1st, Bethany Padaen, MPSPED; 2nd, Lykafe Aguilar, Bontoc CS; 3rd, Nova Rochelle Guidangen, Tadian CS; 4rth, Allen Ray Beyden, Masla ES; 5th, Kyra Rose Abad, Sagada CS. Filipino: 1st, Nicole Yodong, Sagada CS; 2nd, Noemi Pal-og, Masla ES; 3rd, Alyssa Batan, Bontoc CS; 4rth, Jonel Madalang, Tadian CS; 5th, Tanya Crystal Khayad, MPSPED.

Radio Broadcasting-English; Best radio script, Sagada CS; Best anchor, Guinzadan ES, Best newscaster, Guinzadan ES; Best field reporter, Guinzadan ES; Best infomercial Guinzadan ES. Filipino: Best radio production script Sagada CS; Best anchor, Guinzadan ES; Best newscaster, Guinzadan ES; Best field reporter, Sagada CS; Best infomercial, Sagada CS.

The following are the winners in the secondary level.

Newswriting, English: 1st, Josephine Radcha, Sadanga NHS; 2nd, Jerrylyn Calixto, Guinzadan NHS; 3rd, Rufina Taguindodo, Ankileng NHS (Sagada); 4rth, Karl Jay Lastima, Tapapan NHS (Bauko); 5th, Winnie Ann Cabacsan, BNTAS (Bacarri National Trade and Arts School)-Labay (Paracelis). Filipino: 1st, Shenadi Madchawing, Albago NHS (Bontoc); 2nd, Elfha Cadwising, Guinzadan NHS; 3rd, Krejari Castro, Paracelis NHS; 4rth, Shareen Pangesfan, St Vincents,NHS (Bontoc); 5th, Maylene Aroroy, Otucan Bila NHS (Bauko).

Editorial Writing-English: 1st, Dixi Dawn Apigo, MPGCHS; 2nd, Venus Tomad, Antadao NHS; 3rd, Bless Subilla , Bangaan NHS; 4rth, Rufina Taguindodo, Ankileng NHS; 5th, Janabelle Aniban, Kadaclan NHS. Filipino:1st, Jessibel Balcanao, BNTAS-main; 2nd, Joyce Alinao, BNTAS-Labay; 3rd, Delilah Cabfeng, MPGCHS;4rth, Shermae Bangiacan, Pingad NHS (Sabangan); 5th, Krejavel Castro, Paracelis NHS.

Editorial Cartooning-English: 1st, Teddy Estima, St james NHS (Besao); 2nd, Kim Navales, Sagada NHS; 3rd, Lizelle Palaly, Guinzadan NHS; 4rth, Jason Lee Galgala, MPGCHS; 5th, Mari Jushmeta Simon, PAracelis NHS. Filipino: 1st, Vember Abibico, Guinzadan NHS; 2nd, Daryl Abuan, St James NHS (Besao); 3rd, Jay Navales, Sagada NHS; 4rth, Octavio Poclan Jr, Tapapan NHS; 5th, Dwight Pachao, MPGCHS.

Feature writing-English: 1st, Caryn Bangsoy, Ankileng NHS; 2nd, Nica Apolinar, St Vincents HS; 3rd, Charity Joy Bolares, Sagada NHS; 4rth, Jony Pia Dawigoy, Kadaclan NHS (Barlig); 5th, Jezra Pedro, San Rafael NHS(Paracelis). Filipino: 1st, Hazel Pespes, Sagada NHS; 2nd, Dayon Rose Ticangen Data NHS (Sabangan); 3rd, Aracely Tomad, Antadao NHS; 4rth, Wilfreda Paca-eo, Paracelis NHS; 5th, Brenda Ticlaen, BNTAS-Labay.

Sports writing- English: 1st, Nicole Ngaya Matib, Barlig NHS; 2nd, Leanlexoz Baybay, MPGCHS; Aldrick Lao-agey, Albago; 3rd, Bless Subilla, Bangaan NHS; 4rth, Lawrence Apilado, Namatec NHS (Sabangan). Filipino: 1st, Charles Vincent Bumal-o, Masla NHS; 2nd, Charisse Faye Vicente, Bangaan NHS; 3rd, Kyle Busway, Saliok NHS (Barlig); 4rth, Kranze Kadlosan, St Vincent’s NHS; 5th, Roseth Pagedped, Guinzadan NHS.

Copyreading and Headline writing- English: 1st, Mylyn Maitang, Bagnen NHS; 2nd, Maecy Malinias, Sagada NHS; 3rd, Rojan Dangga, Antadao NHS; 4rth, Cherry Diaten, Talubin NHS (Bontoc); 5th, Nicole Anna Soria MPGCHS. Filipino: 1st, Chene Rae Onsat, BNTAS-Labay; 2nd, Mary Christy Padowel, Bangaan NHS; 3rd, Charles Vincent Bumal-o, Masla NHS; 4rth, Josephine Radcha, Sadanga NHS; 5th, Decilyn Lagasi, Pingad NHS (Sabangan).

Photo Journalism- English: 1st, Nadine Dizon, St Vincent’s HS; 2nd, Neil Duane Batnag, Sagada NHS; 3rd, Jon Michael Bang-e, Antadao NHS; 4rth, Winnie Ann Batnag, Bangaan NHS; 5th, Robert Cayabas, Talubin NHS. Filipino: 1st, Benjamian Liis, Bagnen NHS; 2nd, Krizzia Parpali, BNTAS- Labay; 3rd, Leopold Ludan, Paracelis NHS; 4rth, John Dee Paguingan, Talubin NHS and Zaldie Mayo, Data NHS; 5th, Rose Lily Sangdaan, Guinzadan NHS and Karl Jim Pisi, Masla NHS.

Radio Broadcasting, English; Christopher Lao-e, Best Anchor, Guinzadan NHS; Christy Anna Aluad, Best Newscaster, Guinzadan NHS; Domingo Leonor, Best Field Reporter, Guinzadan NHS. Filipino: Best scipt, Guinzadan NHS; Jacob Angyoda, Best anchor, Sadanga NHS; Cyrel Kim, Best Newscaster; Claire Wagtingan, Best Field reporter, Guinzadan NHS; Best Infomercial Guinzadan NHS.

Best School Paper, Elementary level- English: 1st, The Guide, Ambasing ES (Sagada); 2nd, Tadian Breeze, Tadian CS; 3rd, Bomabanga Breeze, Sagada CS; 4rth, Algim Talk, Tetep-an CS (Sagada). Filipino: Simoy ng Hangin, Masla ES (Tadian); 2nd,Simoy Tadian CS. Secondary level: 1st, Hillside Echoes, Sagada NHS; 2nd, Khangsa, St Vincent’s (Bontoc); 3rd, The Ato, MPGCHS; 4rth, Tupayya, BNTAS-Main (Paracelis).

Judges for entries in the press conference were Mountain Province Exponent editor and publisher Gregory Taguiba for editorial writing and editorial cartooning, Northern Philippine Times editor and publisher Alfred Dizon for news and feature writing, Mountain Province Monitor editor Angel Baybay for sportswriting, writer and columnist Robert Domoguen for photojournalism, regional Dep-Ed Supervisor Dr Virginia Pablito for copyreading and headline writing, and Radyo ng Bayan-Bontoc announcer Zefora Bastian for radio broadcasting.

Meanwhile, the Social Studies Festival was held in Sabangan National High School Oct. 24-25. Dep-Ed Supervisor for Social Studies Irene Bakisan released the following winners:

Rizal Quiz Bee, Secondary level: 1st, Faith Ann Calabon, Lubon NHS; 2nd, Sheryl Duhan, EBNAVHS (Barlig) and Charles Egyab, Antadao NHS; 3rd, Ruth Pachao, Dalican NHS (Bontoc) and Maribel Atiwen Sadanga NHS. Essay, Secondary: 1st, Rina Pednga, Lubon NHS; 2nd, Shalane Gabat, Besao NHS-Annex; Joan Toda, Mabaay NHS(Bauko). Oratorical, Elementary: 1st, JayR Baguso, Sinto ES; 2nd, Simeon Sison Jr, Bun-ayan ES; 3rd, Lyndon Puroc, Aguid ES (Sagada).Poster making, Elementary: 1st, John Gayagay Jr, Sagada CS; Jolina 2nd, Bonito, Butigue ES; 3rd, Aileen Alidas, Lenga ES; 4rth, Bienzy Fias-ilon, Bontoc ; 5th, Samijies Alatang, Mt Data ES and Bherly Tingbao, Kayan East ES. Pop Quiz: 1st, Camille Cayabas; 2nd, Camila Angeline Tamulong; 3rd, Janice Morareng; 4rth, Karen Galeng, 5th, Jerry Sibaen.

Meantime, winners in the English Festival held October 28 in Tadian School of Arts and Trade are the following:

Story telling, Elementary level: 1st, Glyde Gapacan, Paracelis CS; 2nd, Danica Fabaen, Bontoc CS; 3rd, Krystal Quinn Gamonac, Natonin CS; 4rth, Kent Wiltz Las-egan, Sabangan ES; 5th, Girlie Toldis, Lenga ES (Tadian). Jazz chant, Secondary: 1st, Antadao NHS (Sagada); 2nd, Tocucan NHS (Bauko); 3rd, Namatec NHS (Sabangan), 4rth, Natonin NHS; 5th, Paracelis NHS.

Read A-thon, Elementary: 1st, Kessie Layagan, Hazel Lavara, Daisy Doyog, Tanulong ES (Sagada); 2nd, Kizia Fabaan, Beryl Kiat-ong, Dhana Ancheta, MPSPED; 3rd, Daisy Jane Tupac, Hyret Culos, Javel Culos, Abatan ES (Bauko); 4rth, Airis Agmata, Charity Chinalpan, Jezza Olao, Sadanga CS; 5th, Clarence Cipriano, Jennifer Pomekcha, Kylie Joven, Barlig CS.

Read-athon, Secondary: 1st, Nikha Langacao, Fe Siblawan, Ireneo tawagen, Otucan Bila NHS (Bauko); 2nd, Christy Aquino, Aileen Kinao, Carolyn Gayman, St James HS(Basao); 3rd, Jovy Marie Da-o, Shella Cheg-ao, Butigue NHS (Paracelis); 4rth, Charmaine Maton, Khaniel Manao, Evangeline Karamto, Balig, NHS; 5th, Bethany Buned, Faith Anna Calabson, Meryl Dustin Colintas, Lubon NHS and Ivylynne Mangigil, Jovil Malecdan Jr and Mazee Kelly, Sagada NHS.

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