Comelec disqualifies La Union mayoral bet

By Jerry Padilla

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Commission on Elections Second Division has disqualified a retired police officer, who is running for mayor here, after he was found to be a non-resident.

“The certificate of candidacy (COC) of Reynaldo Jucutan is hereby cancelled,” said a seven-page resolution signed Jan. 21 by Commissioners Lucenito Tagle, Elias Yusoph and Grace Padaca.

Jucutan, who is running under the National Unity Party, is the lone opponent of re-electionist Mayor Pablo Ortega.

Gerald Tabac, chairman of Barangay Madayegdeg, filed a petition to disqualify Jucutan, who wrote in his COC that he is a resident and registered voter of the barangay. Madayegdeg.

Councilors Mario Palabay and Catherine Lucido attested that Jucutan is not listed as resident of the place.

Tabac said he had not seen Jucutan in Madayegdeg and he is a known resident of Ferguson Road in Baguio City.

Jugeeh Almoitee-Deinla, city election officer, certified that Jucutan is not a registered voter of Madayegdeg and the latter attempted to rectify the error in his COC by filing an application for registration on Oct. 29, 2012.

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Another car falls down NE: 6 dead as Tadian-Baguio van plunges down ravine

ATOK, Benguet – At least six passengers of a Hyundai Starex van were killed while seven others were injured when the vehicle plunged into a 300-meter ravine along the Hlasema Highway in km 43, Barangay Balangbang here dawn of Jan. 27.

Van driver Wilbert Galino, who survived the accident, told police they were heading to Baguio City from Tadian town in Mt. Province when he lost control of the vehicle.

The fatalities were identified as Lawrence Bondad, Raquel Galino, Melanie Rondalis, Kyla Rondalis, JynnarhieGalino, and ClaringPacsiAbalos.


In Bayombong, NuevaVizcaya, a passenger of a Mitsubishi Montero was killed and two others were injured when the vehicle fell into a ravine along the mountain border of this province and Nueva Ecija Jan. 27.

Reports said the car was cruising a steep stretch of the Dalton Pass mountain highway when it fell into the ravine. – With a report by Teddy Molina

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Baguio kicks off month-long Panagbenga festival

BAGUIO CITY- The annual Baguio Flower Festival, locally known as “Panagbenga” (A time to bloom), already on its 18th year, opened Friday morning with a grand parade to start month-long celebrations.

Drum and lyre and dance competition among the city’s school children, all swaying to the beat of the famous Panagbenga hymn with the local Ibaloi “Bendian” dance, kicked off festivities that have drawn millions of revelers around the country to this mountain resort city.

To jumpstart the “blooming flower season” with a bang, the Market Encounter and landscaping competition open at Burnham Park and would last until March 3.

Themed: “A Blooming Odyssey,” Panagbenga’s 18th year is expected to be well-attended by Baguio’s sister cities, both local and foreign.

Officials from sister cities of Vaughn, Canada and Hanyu, Japan, including those in long-time sister city Vallejo, California have committed to join the “flowering festivities” with Baguio residents and tourists alike, especially the much-awaited grand street dancing parade on Feb. 23 and the grand float parade the next day.

A 100x200-foot Panagbenga logo decorated mostly with flowers will be on display at the Athletic Bowl starting Friday until the end of the festival, said Amboy Guevarra of the executive committee of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc., co-organizer of the private-initiated but government-supported festival.

According to the Baguio Tourism Council, with Baguio’s dipping bone-tingling temperature between 10-13 degrees Celsius, the city might just be luring millions more visitors.

The twin street dancing and float parades usually lures a million people queing along Baguio streets for two days to revel with street dancers and floats.

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P’sinan poll exec’s father shot dead

By Jennelyn Mondejar

UMINGAN, Pangasinan – The father of the election officer of this town was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding men here Monday afternoon, police said.

The victim, Dominador Fernandez, 60, father of Umingan election officer Jinky Fernandez, were walking with two friends when he was shot with a .45-caliber pistol.

Police said they were still investigating the case and trying to get evidence to pin down the perpetrators.

They have yet to determine the motive in the killing, they said.

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DOH probes 23 ‘anthrax’ cases in far Abra town

LAGANGILANG, Abra-- Disease experts of the Department of Health are now investigating suspected cases of “cutaneous anthrax” in this town.

According to the DOH, 23 cases were detected in the town and all of them are males aged two to 52.

“No death was reported. Patients showed signs and symptoms compatible with cutaneous anthrax,” the DOH said in a statement.

Anthrax, according to the DOH, is endemic in the Philippines, generally affecting animals such as carabaos.

“Humans become secondarily infected after exposure to diseased or deceased animals,” the DOH said.

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria and infection in humans usually involves the skin, lungs or gastrointestinal tract.

There are three forms of the disease, namely cutaneous, inhalational, and gastrointestinal depending on the mode of transmission.

The DOH said the inhalational and gastrointestinal forms of anthrax are rarely found.

The DOH team is now assisting local officials and the Bureau of Animal Industry in conducting “outbreak investigation” in the Abra town.

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No politicking allowed duringPanagbenga fest

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – No political campaigning activities shall be allowed during the celebration of Panagbenga 2013, especially during the grand street dancing parade on Feb. 23.

This was the pronouncement of Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFI), executive committee chairman Mayor Mauricito Domogan during the Panagbenga press conference at the Baguio Country Club last week.

This was in accordance with the Panagbenga policy where only competing contingents from the schools and other accredited groups are allowed to join the parade; as with the presently serving Congressman, Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Councilors, Barangay Captains and Chairmen.

With national and local elections this coming May, the BFFI is guarding against politicians using the festival on its 18th staging with the theme: “A Blooming Odyssey,” for campaigning.

No political personalities may join the grand street dancing parade; the policy further states.

Political personalities not covered by the exceptions shall be politely removed from the parade by members of the peace and order committee, it was also reiterated during the Panagbenga press conference.

Distribution of promotional materials such as leaflets, t-shirts candies and other materials, and display of tarpaulins shall not be allowed during the parade; and violation of a contingent would automatically deem disallowance from the parade, and disqualification from the competition.

Personalities within the audience breaking the lines to shake hands shall also be firmly warned and possibly removed from the parade, as of the prohibition policy.

The Panagbenga logo may not be used without BFFI approval and violation would deem the filing of appropriate charges against the user.

This was also part of the policies and guidelines as approved by the BFFI, it was known.

Interested parties wanting to use the Panagbenga logo should submit a letter of intent to the foundation through the executive committee stating the purpose and all details; not later than 30 days before the date of intended use. All other pertinent documents should also be attached to the application, and upon approval, the use is non-transferable to other entities.

The logo should not be altered by the user without the written approval of the foundation. A royalty fee of P5,000 for approved application of logo use should be paid not later than 30 days before the use of the logo.

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Frost has little effect on veggie industry

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The frost in northern Benguet towns producing most of the country’s temperate vegetables has little effect on production of the vegetable industry.

Augusta Balanoy, secretary general of the League of Associations-at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, said the frost has been worrying vegetable farmers in several areas, especially those in high altitude areas such as Upper Madaymen in Kibungan and highest portion of Paoay in Atok town.

“The frost), however does not pose any problem in the vegetable production since the affected area is limited,” Balanoy said.

All 13 towns of Benguet produce vegetables.

On Thursday morning, government weathermen said Baguio temperature was 9.3 degrees Celsius, while northern Benguet had a colder 7.3 degrees Celsius.

Although the chilly weather in the region boosts the tourism industry in Baguio, the same harms the vegetable industry in Benguet.

“If we are to include other provinces like Mt. Province, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya that also produce temperate vegetables adding to the volume reaching the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and eventually, the key markets in the country, the effect of frost is not too serious to shake the vegetable industry,” Balanoy said.

Vegetable farmers, she added, have devised solutions and remedies to prevent ill impact of cold weather from December to February.

Farmers parry the effects of frost by watering their plants to wash off the icy water particles. Other avoid planting vegetables in areas that are often harmed by frost.

Others, Balanoy added, plant commodities and varieties that are able to withstand frost.

Some farmers opt to harvest their vegetables and sell these at a lower price, still giving them income, Balanoy said.

Instead also of looking at frost as harmful, Benguet governor Nestor Fongwan has asked his province mates to invite tourists and visitors to head to northern Benguet and experience the chilly weather.

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Baguio City university students landtop 10 in Civil Service test

The results of the Career Service Examination Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) for Professional and Sub-professional levels conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on October 21, 2012 are now available at the CSC-Cordillera Administrative Region, Military Cut-off, Baguio City and its offices in Luna-Apayao, Bangued-Abra, Bontoc-Mountain Province, Lagawe-Ifugao and Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Topping the list of passers in the October 21, 2012 CSE-PPT professional level are the following: Tomas E. Ramiro III, UP-Baguio (85.46); Maria Luisa M. Reynante, SLU (85.44); Loida G. Bialno, SLU (85.39); Joana Shayne A. Cahipe, UP-Baguio (85.22); Lee G. Vibar, SLU (85.20); Edriane Carlo L. Macayan, UC (85.18); Rafie S. Gumilab, UC (85.01); Paul Jason C. Guieb, SLU (84.92); Stephanie A. Balderas, UP-Baguio (84.84); Mercy Joyce C. Bunag, SLU (84.76) and Jessica Cassandra Leen C. Balisi, SLU (84.76).

The top-ten in the October 21, 2012 CSE-PPT Sub-professional level are the following: Bjorn Ronwald L. Reyes, UC (88.72); Michael G. Soriano, SLU (86.70); Kathereen Hyacinth B. Fajardo, UC (86.39), Josefino P. Managdag, Jr., UC (86.27); Queenie B. Dizon, SLU (86.12); Jherlynne S. Celo, SLU (85.41); Sonia Kim C. Tudlong, SLU (85.03); May Joy P. Managdag, UC (84.83); Karl Andrew G. Abarca, UP-Baguio (84.70) and Kim Marie DG De Villa, UB (86.67).

Certificates of recognition will be awarded by the CSC to the top-ten passers of the October 21, 2012 CSE-PPT including the May 27, 2012 top-ten passers who have not yet received such recognition.

The recognition of the top-ten passers will coincide with the mass awarding ceremony of the certificates of eligibility (COE) on separate dates within February this year.

All passers of the Oct. 21, 2012 CSE-PPT as well as passers of the May 27, 2012 CSE-PPT are enjoined to attend the ceremony in their respective provinces where they took the test. They shall bring with them their application receipt-stub, valid identification card and one passport-size photograph with name tag and signature indicated at the bottom part of the photograph.

Those who took the test in Baguio City will attend the mass awarding ceremony at 1:30 PM on February 4, 2013 at the Baguio City Government’s Multi-purpose Hall, Baguio City. Those who will attend the mass conferment in the other CAR Provinces may inquire about the specific date directly through the following CSC field office e-mail addresses or cell-phone contact numbers: Abra-csc_abrafo@yahoo.com / CP # 09052731733; Kalinga-Apayao-csc_kal_ap@yahoo.com / CP # 09051943099 / 09266493959; Mountain Province-vrose2k@yahoo.com / CP # 09088600799 / 091958485002; and Ifugao-cscifugao@yahoo.com / CP # 09262718351 / 09195848502. Passers from Baguio City and Benguet may inquire thru tel. Nos. 442-0367, 424-2659 and 442-6208.

Parties who are unable to attend the mass conferment ceremony can personally visit the CSC regional and field offices with the afore-mentioned requirements to claim their COE.

Moreover, the CSC-CAR regional office and its provincial offices are now accepting applications for the CSE-PPT on April 14, 2013with the following test centers: Bangued, Abra; Baguio City; Bontoc, Mountain Province and Tabuk City, Kalinga.

The deadline for the filing of application is on February 28, 2013.

Meanwhile, the conduct of the Career Service Examination-Computer Assisted Test (CSE-CAT) at the CSC Central Office, Quezon City and CSC-CAR, Baguio City has been suspended effective January 2013 until further notice.

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Japan donates P4 million medical tools to Apayao

BAGUIO CITY -- Continuing its humanitarian aid to the Cordillera region, Japan handed over P4-million worth of medical equipment as its support toward strengthening the health system as well as maternal and child health in Apayao.

Japanese Embassy Minister for Economic Affairs, Akio Isomata led the hand over rites of the project called: “Cordillera-wide Strengthening of the Local Health System for Effective and Efficient Delivery of Maternal and Child Health Services”, in Luna town on Jan. 24.

Dept. of Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr., Luna Mayor Betty C. Verzola and CHD-CAR Regional Director Valeriano Lopez witnessed the hand-over rites.

The project seeks to improve the health condition of residents, particularly women and children, in the highlands.

Apayao is one of the most impoverished provinces in the Philippines owing to its mountainous geographic features that left most of its communities in isolation. Thus, most of the medical facilities in these areas lack the necessary equipment for the delivery of quality health care.

This project seeks to address these challenges and other disparities in the health system. Another important component of the project is the conduct of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) training for doctors and midwives in Car.

Isomata visited the beneficiaries of various medical equipment including the Sta. Marcela rural health unit, barangay health stations of Consuelo and Marcela towns and the Sta. Marcela Medicare and Community Hospital.

These equipment aims to equip the BEmONC-trained health workers with the essential skills to deliver extensive and efficient maternal and newborn health services.

Since 2006, Japan has provided a five-year technical assistance to strengthen the local health system in Benguet Province as well as a four-year project on maternal and child health in Ifugao.

Japan, as the top donor of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines, has supported a wide range of projects and activities that protect and promote the health and welfare of women and children in the Philippines for the past five decades.

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P’sinan river clean up proj wins award

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The provincial government of Pangasinan bagged an award in the Search for TOFARM 2012 (Ten Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines) last week given by the Junior Chamber Philippines Inc. and the Universal Harvester Inc.

The TOFARM award in the local government category was conferred to Pangasinan for its entry, the “IlogKo, Bilayen Tan AroenKo” project.

DalisayMoya, acting provincial agriculturist, said the award shows that agriculture ranks on top of the thrusts of the administration of Gov. Amado Espino Jr.

Espino initiated the project to help save rivers and waterways by clearing and cleaning major tributaries in the province.

Meanwhile, Eduardo Aucena of Manaoag town ranked second in the Young Farmer Category.

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POLICE ROUNDUP

P16.5M worth of marijuana burned

KIBUNGAN, Benguet – Lawmen raided a 2,350-square meter marijuana plantation in three remote villages here in Barangay Badeo and burned at least P16.5 million worth of the illegal plant on Jan. 27.

At least 8,100 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants, 4,000 seedlings, 117 kilograms of marijuana stalks, two kilos of dried leaves, and five kilos of seeds were set on fire the other day, said Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong.

Operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera Administrative Region and Kapangan police discovered the marijuana plants and seedlings from January 24 to January 26.

The burned marijuana plants in the 13 cultivation sites have an estimated value of over P4 million.

Magalong said they would sustain operations against marijuana plantations especially with the approaching harvest season this summer.

He added said the plantation was tipped off to them. However, no cultivator was cornered in the operation.

Magalong said police operations to reduce supply and lessen dependence of people in the cultivation of the illegal hemp as their main source of livelihood and make a paradigm shift in their way of life.

The Cordilleras still remains to be the biggest producer of marijuana in the entire country accounting to at least 85 percent of the illegal marijuana supply.

Newly installed Benguet police director, Senior Supt. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.’s said his priority program is “to rid Benguet with its identity as the marijuana producer and earn the respect of cultivators not to cultivate the illegal hemp that pose a serious threat to the lives of people."


Pangasinan policeman shoots self over problems
DAGUPAN CITY – A policeman was reported to have committed suicide by shooting himself near a beach in BonuanTondaligan in this city.

Initial investigation showed the body of PO2 Ariel Frianeza, 32, a resident of Barangay Malabago in Mangaldan town, was found by two beachgoers.

A report by Supt. Christopher Abrahano, Mangaldan police chief, said the victim was last seen drinking and crying over personal problems.

Frianeza was pronounced dead on arrival at the Decena Hospital in BonuanGueset.

Wanted persons nabbed in Banaue
BANAUE, Ifugao – Three persons wanted for attempted rape, serious physical injuries and malicious mischief were arrested in this tourist town last week for various offenses.

Provincial police director Senior Supt. Angelito A. Casimiro bared this saying Banaue police chief Senior Supt. Orlando Bakisan and his men, arrested Javier G. Addangna, 39 of Barangay Ducligan for attempted rape.

This, following a warrant issued by Jesse HarisNamuje, presiding judge of 3rd municipal circuit trial court of Alfonso Lista, Ifugao for his arrest.

Namuje recommended bail of P10,000.

Another wanted person was nabbed by same police at People Lodge and Restaurant here Jan. 29.

Arrested for serious physical injuries was Anthony M. Catteg, 25 of Pugo, Amganad, Banaue.

Judge Frederic T. Cabbigat of 1st MCTC, Banaue, who issued warrant for his arrest set bail at P10,000.

Also on Jan. 29, at Poblacion , same police nabbed Nestor K. Ballawig, 39 of View Point for malicious mischief.

Judge Cabbigat who issued the arrest warrant also set bail at P10,000.


Firearms seized from NIA-Isabela
CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela – About a dozen assorted shotguns, including five .38 caliber revolvers, were seized from the National Irrigation Administration office here Jan. 25.

The seizure was part of the police’s “OplanKatok” or the drive against loose firearms, said operations head Chief Inspector Rico Cagurangan.

Cagurangan said Nilo Villanueva, NIA general services officer, who turned over the firearms, admitted that he failed to renew the licenses of the guns in his custody.

Senior Supt. Franklin Mabanag, Isabela police director, said they are also following up the status of 390 shotguns assigned to village chairmen during the administration of former governors Faustino Dy Jr. and Grace Padaca.

Ilocos ‘top’ drug pusher arrested in buy bust
NAGUILLAN, La Union -- One of Ilocos region’s notorious drug pushers was nabbed by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency here .

Bryan Tilles, 25, a resident of Barangay Lioac, was caught in a buy-bust operation on Jan. 24 selling four sachets of shabu to a disguised government agent.

Various drug paraphernalia and the two P500 marked bills used during the transaction were also seized from the suspect.

Tilles, according to the PDEA, was under tight surveillance for some time because of his involvement in the proliferation of shabu in Naguilian and Bauang towns.

Meanwhile in Pangasinan, two suspected pushers-- Roberto Dela Cruz and Isidro Caita -- were arrested by agents of PDEA Pangasinan’s Special Enforcement Team after they sold four sachets of shabu weighing abto 17.2 grams to a poseur-buyer along Palaris Street, Poblacion, San Carlos City in Pangasinan on January 22.

The duo including Tilles are now facing violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II, of Republic Act 9165, or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

An additional charge for violation of possessing drug paraphernalia (Section 12) was also filed against Tilles.


Ex-NE mayor wanted for 7 years nabbed in QC hospital
By Liam Anacleto

GAPAN, Nueva Ecija - A former mayor of this town, wanted for a multiple murder case for seven years, was arrested Thursday while having dialysis treatment in a hospital in Quezon City.

Joint elements of the Intelligence Group of the Philippine National Police and Quezon City police arrested former Gapan mayor Ernesto Natividad at the Urology Center of the Philippines Institute.

Police said Natividad had a bounty of P1 million.

Natividad was tagged in the 2006 killing of brothers Ericson and EbertsonPascual.

He had been in hiding ever since but relatives of the victims and police persisted in efforts to locate him.

Last Thursday, the long arm of the law caught up with the former mayor who may spend the rest of his life in jail despite his serious ailment.


151 nabbed for illegal drugs in Cordillera
BAGUIO CITY -- A total of 151 drug law violators were arrested in the Cordillera Region last year to date for illegal drugs with P1,099,860.00 shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride seized in operations.

A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency press statement said 111 of the arrested drug personalities were pushers.

Latest to be arrested was a 47-year old man who allegedly worked as talipapa vendor, cockfighting bet collector and shabu pusher who was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 4 p.m. Jan. 22 here at North Santo Tomas Road corner Nevada Road, Santo Rosario.

Police identified the arrested man as Jun R. Ilarde alias “Buwang” of No. 27 Upper Quezon Hill and native of Occidental Mindoro.

Ilarde reportedly sold about .09 grams of shabu worth P2,000 to an agent of the government agency who acted as buyer.

Charges for illegal drugs will be filed againtIlarded, the PDEA said.

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Christian groups call and pray for end to prejudice

By Maurice Malanes

BAGUIO CITY – Various Christian groups in the city have set aside denominational and doctrinal differences and called and prayed for an end to prejudice and religious intolerance during the recently concluded World Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

“The whole city of Baguio is blessed for a strong ecumenical movement working towards unity of all Christians here,” said Bishop Pedro Torio Jr. of the Baguio City First United Methodist Church here.

He was speaking during a homily when the Methodist Church hosted an ecumenical evening prayer and worship last January 21, the start of the World Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which ended on January 26.

Proposed as early as 1908, the worldwide weeklong activity has been organized by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity of the Vatican and the World Council of Churches through its Commission on Faith and Order.

For Baguio, the global weeklong activity since 1998 has been coordinated by the Baguio-Benguet Ecumenical Group, which groups various churches and fellowships.

“Let us continue to strengthen our diversity and our unity in the Spirit, and overcome our prejudices and stereotyped perception of others,” also said Rev. Dr. Simplicio Dang-awan Jr. of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, which hosted the global activity last January 25.

The other leaders, who also hosted the ecumenical activity, stressed on respecting and appreciating each other’s religious tradition such as various modes of prayer and worship. They also highlighted the need to find common ground in the essential teachings of the gospel such as community solidarity and being each other’s keeper.

When the ecumenical week of prayer started here in 1998, only the Roman Catholic Church, Episcopalian Church, Lutheran Church, UCCP, Methodist Church and Philippine Military Academy participated.

But since five to six years ago, other smaller churches and fellowships have been participating. These include the Christ-appointed Church, World International Ministries, Zion Christian Center, Jesus is Lord Fellowship, Jesus’ History-makers Ministries, Yeshua Set-free Ministries, Assemblies of God, Bukal (a pastoral care group), and Christ is Coming Church.

“More churches are now involved and we can harmoniously work together as one big happy family,” said Dr. RaylitaCalimlim, a Catholic lay leader and secretary of the BBEG.

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Ifugao hosts nat’l radio training

By Vivencia D. Bulayungan

QUEZON City -- Participants from Radyo Kiphodan in Lagawe, Ifugao joined 50 participants from other provinces nationwide at the Luxent Hotel here for a community radio broadcasting training last Jan. 23-25.

Sponsored by the National Nutrition Council, the training sought to enable participants to operate, manage, and maintain a community radio station, said NNC Executive Director and Assistant Secretary Maria Bernardita Flores.

Radyo Kiphodan in Lagawe, the only Nutriskwela community radio station in the Cordillera Administrative Region, was represented by its station manager, Vency Bulayungan and program manager Edna Butticon.

Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program is a strategy of the NNC that aims to empower communities through the establishment of community radio stations to disseminate nutrition, health and development-oriented information to community members.

“The program has established 15 Nutriskweal community radio stations nationwide and for this year, the program will expand to 10 more community radio stations,” Flores said.

She said the program aimed to empower communities through dissemination of correct and up-to-date nutrition and health information as well as educational and developmental information from communities, government agencies and non government organizations.

Meanwhile, Mackay Quadra, the managing director of the MQ Media zone said participants learned important role in educating and informing local audiences about issues that affect their lives such as health and proper nutrition, environment, education, social services, culture and arts, religion and government.

Through lectures and workshops, industry veterans taught participants basics of radio broadcasting, tools and techniques that included writing for radio like news and radio plugs, developing program design suited for a community radio; radio operations and management beginning with physical studio, personnel and their functions and the basic equipment and technical facilities.

Participants also learned how a community radio station can find its place and relevance in this age of modern technology. -- PIA

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DOLE gives Bontoc orgs funds to up services

By Wabilyn M. Lomong-oy

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Two accredited organizations of this capital town were recipients of the Community Enterprise Development Program of the Department of Labor and Employment and were given funds to improve their organizations.

Lukkat Irrigators Association of Talubin and Longso Livelihood Organization of Mainit were beneficiaries of livelihood assistance amounting to P200,000 each.

The Lukkat Irrigators Association is processing canton in different flavors such as pechay, squash, and malunggay.

The Longso Livelihood Organization is processing basi, sugar, and inti as their primary products since the barangay Mainit is very rich with “unas” being the main ingredient for the processing of the said products.

The ceremonial turnover of checks was conducted last Jan. at the mayor’s office headed by Mayor PascualSacgaca, new DOLE provincial head Samuel Lasdacan and Jocelyn Cullaling, also officer of the government agency.

It was witnessed by Talubin barangay chair Alfredo Bawiyan and Mainit BC Jose Kedawen.

According to Lasdacan, the involvement of barangay officials in the project was important as it was barangay officials who were utilized to look for interested organizations that will benefit from the project.

Lasdacan added barangay officials were knowledgeable on the existing organizations and basis in choosing organizations were that they should have been in existence and they had already established their names and products.

He added the barangay shall help the association in purchasing materials so these will undergo legal procurement and so money will be used wisely for intended materials.

Sacgaca urged organizations to be united and hardworking in the promotion of their products.

He added the two associations were lucky being the beneficiaries of the program.

He advised them to promote, and package their products considering the capital town has started its tourism promotion wherein foreign and local tourists were among consumers. Meanwhile, members of the organization extended their thanks to DOLE representatives for granting them the checks. They assured the maintenance and sustainability of the project.

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Tabuk City dengue cases climb to 32 in two weeks

By Larry T. Lopez

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -– City Health authorities are now conducting massive and multi-approach dengue eradication efforts here in SitioTurod, Barangay Bulo following the upsurge in dengue-suspect cases now recorded at 32 in two weeks.

Based on the City Health Office monitoring report, the first cases of dengue-suspects in Bulo have been monitored in the second week of January that suddenly shot-up in the third week.

Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban ordered the conduct of massive indoor residual spraying (IRS) of houses in SitioTurod, treatment of canals and water ways from kiti-kiti, and destruction of all possible breeding sites of mosquitoes.

This is a follow-up of the earlier move by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) led by the CHO that conducted school-level IRS in SitioTurod immediately after there were cases reported.

Because of the alarming rate of upsurge, the dengue eradication campaign in Bulo has intensified with the CHO spearheading prevention advocacies in partnership with barangay health workers in Bulo.

As this developed, Tubban ordered the release of funds for the purchase of additional pesticide solution to be used in IRS, as well as for the treatment against kiti-kiti.

Tubban assured enough supply of the solution as part of the city’s move for similar report in other areas of Tabuk.

Records from the CHO showed there were only two dengue-suspect cases from SitioTurod in the same period last year.

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Order, traffic measures for Panagbenga

By Carlito C. Dar

BAGUIO, CITY-- The Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Baguio City Police Office has set security and traffic measures for the month-long Panagbenga Festival which opened Friday.

City police will maximize personnel, including volunteers and augmentation forces from the Police Regional Office – Cordillera and police regional training center to handle peace and order and heavy traffic. “Every time we have this kind of celebration, the city is always ready to accommodate a large number of people,” Supt. James Allan Logan said.

For the three main events of Panagbenga: grand opening parade and drum and lyre competition, grand street dancing parade (Feb. 23) and grand float parade on Feb. 24, Logan said they designated the route of the parade and assessment in coordination with the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc.
For the parade, assembly area will be at the Panagbenga Park located at Nevada Square rotunda.

The parade shall proceed from the assembly place to the main roads of the city (Session Road, the “Y -U turn” of the Baguio Center Mall, Magsaysay Avenue, Harrison Road, Abad Santos Street) and will end at the athletic bowl, for the opening program and the drum and lyre competition – elementary level.

The same route shall be followed during the grand street dance parade on Feb. 23, while the grand float parade will follow the same route, except that it will no longer proceed to the “Y –U turn” of Magsaysay Avenue.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mauricio Domogan’s Administrative Order no. 8, series of 2013, suspended classes in elementary and high school levels, both public and private on Feb. 1, while for the Feb. 23 grand street dancing parade, classes in all school levels will be suspended. -- With reports from Aireen Chelsea Irving and Jan Robert Nicandro

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Police tracking down poll rival of slain Isabela mayor

By Charlie Lagasca

ILAGAN CITY – Authorities are now scouring the hinterlands of Sierra Madre in search of a rival of slain Maconacon town Mayor Erlinda Domingo in the May polls who they suspect could be involved in the killing.

Senior Supt. Franklin Mabanag, Isabela police director, said Walter Villanueva, Domingo’s lone opponent in the midterm elections, could have a hand in the murder of Domingo in Quezon City on the night of Jan. 22.

Mabanag said Villanueva could be hiding in Divilacan, another Isabela coastal town which can only be through foot trails, chartered flights or a 24-hour boat ride from Cagayan’s northernmost town of Santa Ana along the South China Sea.

Villanueva, a Muslim convert, was last seen in Maconacon in October last year when he filed his certificate of candidacy as an independent against the second-term-seeking Domingo of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Mabanag and his men flew to Maconacon over the weekend to verify the whereabouts of Villanueva, but to no avail. Provincial officials are also uncertain as to where he is.

Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III told The STAR that Villanueva is already considered a principal suspect in the Domingo killing.

“We are delighted with this development. The case is almost 100-percent solved with his capture,” said Dy.

He said the arrest of suspected triggerman Marsibal Abduhadi could also lead to the unmasking of the slay brains.

Abduhadi’s alleged cohorts, his wife, Mary Grace, Christian Pajenado and Michael Domingo, were arrested a few hours after the killing. They are now facing murder charges before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

Villanueva’s mayoral bid was allegedly endorsed by the family of the late Maconacon mayor Francisco Talosig, who was also slain in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan in May 2009.

Talosig’s death paved the way for Domingo, then the vice mayor, to assume the mayoral post.

Domingo beat Villanueva and Talosig’s son Royle Gordon in the 2010 elections. The Talosigs have denied any involvement in the Domingo killing.

Domingo, 51, was shot in the back of her head as she was getting out of her Mitsubishi Adventure outside the Park Ville Apartelle in Quezon City last Jan. 22.

Her driver, Bernard Plasos, was also shot and wounded when he tried to chase the suspects.

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Abra experiences another brownout

By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis

BAGUIO CITY-- Abra again experienced province-wide power interruption last week.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced that power in the entire province of Abra and some parts of Ilocos Sur was shut down Jan. 29, Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Affected distribution firms were Abra Electric Cooperative (Abreco) and Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (Iseco).

All the 27 municipalities of Abra were out of power while the areas affected in Ilocos Sur were Sta. Maria, Narvacan, Santa, Burgos, San Esteban, Santiago, Candon, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Cruz, Tagudin, Suyo, Salcedo, Galimuyod, Banayoyo and Lidlidda.

The power outage was for the annual preventive maintenance and testing of power transformer No. 3 in Ilocos Sur.

NGCP North Luzon Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Officer Lilibeth P. Gaydowen said brownout in Abra was due to the technical measures the NGCP undertook.

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Philhealth gearing up for nat’l run for ailing kids

By Ramon Dacawi

Running enthusiasts will give their physical fitness exercise a humanitarian dimension when they answer the starting gun simultaneously here in Baguio and in 17 other cities on Feb. 17 in the four-category inaugural “Philhealth Run 2012” being mounted by the government health insurance system.

Philhealth conceptualized the calorie-burning mass run to build up a fund for the country’s ailing children, to boost their chances of recovering from illnesses and of growing up like normal kids.

That’s why registration fees are pegged at P250 for the 3-kilometer fun run, P300 for the 5K, P350 for the 10K and P450 for the 18K that will fire off simultaneously in Baguio, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Clark, Malolos, Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Legazpi, Iloilo, Tacloban, Cebu, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Koronadal, Marawi and Butuan.

That’s why Philex Mines, one of the country’s major gold and copper producer based in Tuba, Benguet, came in as the first major sponsor of the Baguio-Cordillera leg with a P100,000 donation.

“We hope other companies and institutions would follow suit as the run draws near so, together, we can reach out to more children in need,”said Maggie del Rosario, public relations officer of Philhealth-Cordillera based at the SSS Building along Harrison Rd. here.

Local organizers are optimistic registration will hit the Cordillera target of 3,000 runners to help achieve the nation-wide mark of 90,500 participants.

Half of the nation-wide proceeds will go to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City as the national beneficiary of the run-for-a-cause.

Half of what every city/regional leg raises will go to a beneficiary of the regional organizer’s choice.

Helping Hands of Healing Hearts Ministries based at Camp 7 here in Baguio has been selected as the local beneficiary. It is a refuge and recovery home for kids from all over who are undergoing therapy in various hospitals and medical centers in the Baguio-Benguet area.

Among those who stayed in the home established by Claire Henderson, an Irish missionary, was her namesake, Irish Gullitiw, then a 14-year old daughter of a marginal farmer from Nueva Vizcaya who recovered from “dermatomyositis with SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) features” that had left her unable to walk for months.

Among the home’s present wards is 14-year old Ana Fontanilla, another farmer’s daughter from Rosario, La Union who recently received fund support totaling P38,200 to enable her to sustain her dialysis treatment for two months due to kidney failure.

She and other wards of the small facility will be the beneficiaries of funds the Philhealth Run will raise through sponsorship and registration fees.

Runners’ registration, which began last Nov. 17, can be either on line (https://run2013.philhealth.gov.ph) or through the form being issued by the Philhealth regional office at the 4th floor of the SSS Building along Harrison Rd., Baguio City.

As incentives, top three finishers in both the male and female divisions will receive cash prizes of P3,000-P2,000-P1,000 in both the student and adult categories of the 3K, aside from a P10,000 group prize; P5,000-P3,000-P2,000 in the 5K; P8,000-P4,000-P3,000 in the 10K; and P10,000-P6,000-P4,000 in the 18K.

The “Nationwide Run for Mother and Child Protection” will mark Philhealth’s 18th anniversary.

It recalls the spirit of “Children of Heaven”, the 1997 multi-awarded Iranian film about a boy trying to win third place in a long-distance race so he could replace his younger sister’s pink shoes he lost after fetching it from the cobbler.

Third place had a pair of shoes as prize. Instead, Ali, the boy runner, ends up first in a bitter race to the finish line after he was tripped by a competitor.

Win or lose, participants, together with sponsors in the Feb. 17 run will up ailing children in their struggle for deliverance from all kinds of illnesses. .

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Search on for best b’gay on waste management

By Gina Dizon

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Municipal action officers were urged to submit their nominations for the search for the best barangay implementor on solid waste management in accordance with the ecological solid waste management Act of 2000.

This, following an interview with special environmental management specialist Soledad Kittong of the environment and natural resources office of the provincial local government unit.

Said contest is spearheaded by the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board chaired by Gov. Leonard Mayaen and members composed of 10 municipal mayors of the province.

Mayors chair their respective municipal solid waste management board tasked to submit the three best barangay implementors and nominate the same to the PSWMB for evaluation for said search.

Kittong said only the MSWB of Sadanga and Barlig submitted their nominations before the Dec. 28 deadline.

The technical working group shall meet soon to consider submission of other LGUs who did not submit their nominations, she said.

Two evaluation sessions shall be done, first by the municipal action officers and second by the Provincial technical working group.

Awards criteria is based on general cleanliness composing 70 points referring to absence of eyesores- useless waiting sheds, long time parked cars, scattered waste, well maintained facilities like properly installed bins, presence of healthful environment friendly practices like composting; and space greening referring to maintained green areas, beautification, backyard gardens.

The rest of the 30 percent takes support systems as applicable local ordinances, official records, annual reports, equipment and manpower, functional structure, budgetary requirements, monitoring, enforcement mechanism, and community mobilization.

Prizes for the top 5 best barangay implementors and honorable mention winner-barangays shall be awarded during the Lang-ay celebration April1-7, 2013.

Said search based on RA 9003 bankrolls on principles of discipline, self -reliance, cleanliness, environmental awareness, solid waste segregation and transformation of rural and urban areas into clean and green communities.

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