DOLE sets P29.3-M fund for Ilocos livelihood projs

By Freddie G. Lazaro

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte — At least P29.3 million fund was allotted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its livelihood projects this 2014 in Region 1, according to Director Grace Ursua.

Ursua said their agency will further intensify its livelihood program to achieve the goals of poverty alleviation and employment generation at the grassroots.

“Through our P29,387,000 funds for livelihood projects in Region 1 this year; more marginalized workers associations and individuals will start or enhance their entrepreneurship undertakings,” she said.

Last year, DOLE 1 disbursed P14,948,297 for 57 livelihood projects across the region, benefitting 3,586 direct beneficiaries with provincial distribution as follows: Ilocos Norte – 754; Ilocos Sur – 728; La Union – 1,155 and Pangasinan – 949.

The beneficiaries include farmers, fisherfolk, women, ambulant vendors, persons with disabilities, union members, home-based workers, parents of child laborers and bamboo workers.

Ursua said the assistance was used to either start or enhance 57 livelihood projects such as organic fertilizer production, garlic processing, bamboo craft, canteen and grocery, negosyos a kariton, starter kits, acquisition of farm implements, management of agricultural supplies, fishing banca project, duck and quail raising, goat production, turmeric processing, among others.

She said DOLE 1, local government units, non-government organizations, workers organizations and unions, people’s organizations and other government agencies follow a convergent approach to provide comprehensive livelihood services such as start-up capital in the form of equipment, tools, raw materials, trainings, marketing and social protection.

“The rural areas abound with natural resources, including local people who are willing to take part in cultivating these resources, to begin micro/small business undertakings which help spur economic progress and produce employment opportunities. What the DOLE and its partners do through livelihood is to tap these people and involve them in generating growth that will redound to their benefit,” Ursua said.

She said convergence allows the delivery of packaged services, which ensures greater sustainability of projects.

“I commend all our partners for lending their support to the DOLE livelihood program. Our partnership brings inclusive growth closer to the grassroots level,” she said.

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program is one of the strategies implemented by the government to fulfill the President’s vision of achieving sustained economic growth through investing in rural enterprises that create opportunities for the poor and the marginalized sectors.

Meanwhile, tourism officials here said a 50-hectare ecological park in Nueva Era, east of Pinili town, was created as tourist attraction showcasing indigenous arts, practices and cultures of residents.

Nueva Era Mayor AldrinGarvida said Wednesday the tourist destination was called as “the Tribal Village” of Nueva Era Eco-Cultural Park, 39.8 kms southeast of Laoag City.

He said the project was a joint effort of the local government unit of Nueva Era, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte headed by Governor Imee Marcos and the office of Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos.

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Mines View Park rehab on despite errant vendors

By Jho Arranz

BAGUIO CITY  -  Despite reports that new shanties and stalls were built again within the vicinity of Mines View Park, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the city government will continue implementation of its rehabilitation during his weekly media forum Jan.15.

A relocation survey was conducted to clarify boundary disputes being claimed by some individuals.

It was agreed upon that once the final relocation survey is finished, all shanties/stalls found to be encroaching Mines View Park should voluntarily dismantle their stalls. Otherwise, the city will demolish their stalls, the mayor said.

He said if an owner of a stall at the multi-purpose building be found  violating rules and still sells at the park would mean disqualification and cancellation of right of lease contract.

“How can Mines View Park multi-purpose building be appreciated and prosper if again willful vendors went back to the park.”

Domogan urged the barangay officials of Mines View Park to help monitor even the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) led by Assistant Department Head Ruben Cervantes to report and monitor those without building permits.

“The fencing of the Mines View Park will resume once the relocation survey and clearing of mines view park is finished,” said the mayor.

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Ineffective Baguio City POSD personnel purged

By Jho Arranz    

BAGUIO CITY -  Seven personnel of the Peace and Order Division of the Mayor’s Office were removed because of inefficient performance of their duties and responsibilities. 

This was disclosed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan during a press conference here Jan. 15.

Domogan said 21 POSD personnel were recommended for non-renewal of contract by security officer Fernando Moyaen. 

However, after thorough evaluation by the committee, seven POSD personnel were given notices for termination of service. 

Others were given a chance to improve their performances for another two months.

“We don’t have any choice but to replace them since they are ineffective. I know that the job of the POSD is very difficult, but then they should do their work. They are being paid by the city and it is their responsibility to clear and protect the sidewalks from illegal vendors,” emphasized the mayor.

Domogan said the ideal number of POSD personnel needed is 100.  Unfortunately, because of lack of funds, there are only 67 POSD personnel manning the city public market, sidewalks along the central business district and night market which is not really enough to sustain the orderliness of the city.  

The POSD personnel were advised to familiarize themselves with the illegal vendors and make a report if the illegal vendors have already stalls in the market to be the basis of the committee for an investigation. Once validated, it would mean cancellation of their lease contract with the city, Domogan added. 

Said POSD personnel will be undergoing a Character Seminar this coming January 28 and 29 at the Baguio City hall multi purpose hall.      

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Suspected gun in stray bullet death confiscated by cops

CAOAYAN CITY, Ilocos Sur --  Police have arrested a neighborhood toughie for possession of a homemade .38-caliber revolver suspected to have been fired during the New Year’s Eve revelry, with its stray bullet killing an infant in this town.

“We have not concluded that he is the culprit in shooting the stray bullet that hit the infant, but surely he is arrested for illegal possession of firearms,” said Supt. Marlo Castillo, spokesman of the Ilocos Sur police.

Castillo was referring to Vinecio Bilgera Jr., who is now facing illegal gun charges.

Bilgera lives in Barangay Anonang Mayor where three-month-old Vhon Alexander Llagas was killed by a stray bullet.

Castillo said policemen, armed with a search warrant, swooped down on Bilgera’s house and found the revolver with four live bullets in the kitchen.

Eleven more bullets were seized in Bilgera’s home.

Ballistics experts earlier ruled that the bullet taken from the infant’s head either came from a 9-mm or a .38 caliber that was fired within 100 meters from the Llagases’ residence.

“The gun is subject to examination and cross-matching with the slug taken from the infant’s head,” Castillo said.

Police earlier had put under close watch four firemen who voluntarily surrendered their service firearms to belie allegations of indiscriminate firing during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

Only after the .38-caliber revolver seized from Bilgera matches with the slug recovered from the victim’s head can the police have sufficient evidence to charge him for the baby’s death, Castillo said.

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‘Andap’ affects lesser veggie plantations in Atok, Benguet

By Anna Marie F. Bautista

ATOK, BENGUET. – After seven days of occurrence, less than one percent of the total vegetable plantations in Atok, Benguet were affected with “andap” (night frost) starting last Dec. 30, 2013.

According to Felix Pedro, OIC-Municipal Agriculturist of Atok, of the total vegetable area in Atok of 5,000 hectares, around 7,720 square meters were totally damaged and about 3.1 hectares were partially damaged, with potato, cabbage and Chinese cabbage as the common vegetables affected.

Barangays Paoay and Cattubo had been experiencing frost in their vegetables for seven days, starting Dec. 31 of last year, up to Jan. 9 this year (except January 4 and 5).

During those days, these specified areas experienced low degree of temperature, at 9o Celsius.

Mostly, potatoes on their vegetative stage were damaged, while cabbage was affected at their harvestable stage.

“Andap” occurs when the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius with ice crystals forming on the leaves and exposed body parts of the vegetable plants, causing these to wilt, and die after sometime.

Accordingly, frost can be reduced when irrigation is enough. Power sprayers and other irrigation facilities were provided in the previous years by the DA to help combat frost in the said areas.

Some of the DA interventions given to Atok to help farmers ensure production and availability of supply include municipal vegetable bagsakan, cold chain facility, tramlines, two of which are being constructed and four were rehabilitated. In addition to that, four farm-to-market roads each amounting to 4.5 million pesos are constructed under the DA-CHARM2 Project.

Moreover, a mini-dam, worth 2.4 million was also constructed along a creek at Paoay, Atok to help farmers with their irrigation activities in the area.

In a bid to strengthen on-going efforts to ensure production and supply of vegetables, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of the Agriculture Department has requested the DA Operations Undersecretary and DA-RFO-CAR to prepare a strategic and long-term frost intervention program to address the frost phenomenon.

Aside from these interventions, a watershed resource of at least one hectare is also seen to help farmers in Paoay in their irrigation needs. This watershed, which is located near the vegetable area, was initially developed by the DA-SPICACC (Strengthening the Philippine Islands’ Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change) Project with the planting of agro-forest trees.

Meanwhile, the DA-CAR, in partnership with the municipal LGU of Atok, will be conducting a farmers’ forum on January 11 (Saturday) at the Open Gym of Atok to address the concerns of the farmers, and raise other issues which needs attention.

According to the DA, the supply of vegetables is not affected with the frost phenomenon, and production is still enough. For vegetables with limited supply, Felix Pedro explained that such vegetables are off-season, thus less farmers are planting it. Likewise, during this season, vegetables are seen to produce better quality in terms of taste, as pests do not infest these when temperature is cold.

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2 Benguet marijuana dealers get life terms

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A marijuana dealer and his partner, a minor were meted life terms by the Regional Trial Court here after being found guilty of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.

The former is the older brother of a local drug group member convicted in Baguio City in 2010. 

Warton Layogan,Fred then 29, farmer of Polis, Tacadang, Kibungan, Benguet, and “Matthew”, then 16, also a farmer of Kibungan Central, were also ordered to oay P500,000 in a 14-page decision by the First Judicial Region’s RTC Branch dated Nov, 21, 2013.

Francis A. Buliyat Sr., presiding judge of RTC Branch 9, ordered the convicts transferred to the National Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City. 

Nearly four years prior to conviction, Fred and “Matthew” were both caught red-handed with 17.60 kilos of marijuana fruiting tops in blocks, worth P440,000 at Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera Administrative Region intercepted both near the road leading to the Strawberry Farm, just across the Benguet State University in Km. 6, La Trinidad on April 7, 2010 around 9 p.m.

Fred was carrying seven marijuana blocks in a carton while the minor was carrying the other three blocks in a plastic bag when the law enforcers accosted them.

Fred tried to run but was caught by anti-narcotics operatives. He reportedly tired to escape while in custody.

The duo’s illegal activities were reported to PDEA agents by a concerned citizen a few hours earlier that same day.

Warton Fred is the older brother of Pinrad Fred y Layogan, who was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for unlawful delivery of dangerous drugs and ordered penalized on Jan, 26, 2010 with life imprisonment and fine of P5 million by a Baguio court.

Pinrad Fred was reportedly a  member of the vegetable drug group that carried out their illicit trade on marijuana in Benguet, Pangasinan, La Union, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila.

He was nabbed on May 6, 2008 at Rizal Park, Baguio City after he delivered ten blocks or ten kilos of marijuana fruiting tops with market value of 250,000 pesos to a poseur-buyer drug law enforcement officer of PDEA – CAR.

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POLICE ROUNDUP

Kalinga cops shoot dead hold-upper in hot chase

TABUK CITY – A man was killed while his companions evaded arrest after they robbed a Hardware here in Purok 7, Bulanao Thursday afternoon.

Senior Supt. John Colinio, Kalinga provincial police director said a certain Mark Bingkas “aka” Bigboy entered the Malabong Hardware and declared hold-up while his two companions posted outside as lookouts.

The suspects wore bonnets and were armed with short firearms when they ransacked the establishment taking collection money amounting to P80,000 and immediately escaped boarding a motorcycle and fled towards Sitio Mapaoay, Barangay Ipil, Tabuk City.

Without delay, joint police personnel of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, Tabuk City Police Station and Kalinga Public Safety Company pursued fleeing suspects.

As a result, Mark Bingkas alighted from his motorcycle and ran at the creek while firing his firearm that prompted the police to returned fire killing him while his companions evaded arrest.

Police Chief Supt. Isagani R. Nerez, regional police director lauded gallantry of the responding police personnel for their quick action and assured the public that police presence will be maintained in all public areas and the Police Beat System will be strengthened to deter street crimes in the region.

Man arrested for mauling, taking money, cash of farmer 

BAGUIO CITY -- A robber was arrested while his companions evaded arrest after they mauled a farmer in Purok 21, SarilingSikap, San Carlos Heights here Thursday morning.

Senior Supt. Jesus D. Cambay, Jr., city police chief identified the victim as Carlo SaclaAguindang, 28, and a resident of St. George, Banangan, Sablan, Benguet while the arrested suspect was identified as Kyle Pascua Sotelo, 26 and a resident of Purok 21, SarilingSikap, San Carlos Heights.

Based on a police report, the victim and his two companions came from a drinking session and went to sleep at the boarding house of Sotelo when one of the suspects companion attacked and mauled him without any reason and took his money and cell phone.

Immediately, the victim sought the assistance of village watchmen and police that led to the arrest of Sotelo while his companion escaped.

425 Cordillera police take oath for new rank
CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez administered Thursday oath-taking and pinning of ranks of 425 newly-promoted police officers here at regional police headquarters.

 Supt. Clarence Casilio, deputy chief regional personnel human resource management division read promotion orders of the 39 Police Commissioned Officers(PCOs) and 386 Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) assigned in Cordillera

Promoted commissioned officers were two superintendents, one for Chief Inspector; nine to Senior Inspector, and 27 to Police Inspector.

For the non-commissioned offers, 36 were promoted to Senior Police officer 4 (SPO4); 68 to SPO3; 18 to SPO2; 3 to SPO1; 243 to PO3 and 18 to PO2 with a total of 386 policemen promoted.

Nerez in his message congratulated newly promoted officers saying promotion is a reward for their faithfulness to God and to the PNP organization and that rank denotes authority and greater responsibility. He urged newly promoted officers to strive more to attain the next higher rank and have higher degree of competence. “Our competence for excellence should continue to aspire for greater height as proven by the conferment of the Golden Eagle Award to the PRO-COR for garnering the highest score of 97% among other regional offices and units nationwide” he added.  

Cops burn P77M marijuana plants in Benguet plantations 

CAMP BADO DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Police burned more than 216,000 fully grown marijuana plants worth P77,365,000 found in in 62 plantation sites in Benguet last week.

A team of Benguet anti-illegal drugs operatives, Public Safety Company, Regional Public Safety Battalion, Criminal Investigation Unit, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, police of Bakun and Kibungan, Benguet found the illegal plants in sitios Aga-ay and Kinmayad, in Barangay Kayapa in  Bakun town and in the municipality of Kibungan in Sitios Tebteb, Lebeng, Lukoc, Batoan and Beleng, all in Barangay Badeo.

Lawmen conducted dialogue with local folks on ill-effects and consequences of cultivating marijuana plants after the eradication drives. Regional police director Chief Supt. IsaganiNerez cited collaborative support of local government units and the community to eliminate all forms of illegal drugs in the region. This, he added, is a great help in the national government’s anti-drug campaign to spare the youth from the serious negative effects of the use of illegal drugs.

12 wanted persons arrested in Cordillera
CAMP BADO DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Twelve wanted persons were arrested in different parts of the Cordillera last week.

  
Joint members of the Abra police provincial office and the Philippine Army arrested Jodito Marquez Galvan, 38 of Barangay San Isidro, Lagangilang, Abra for frustrated homicide.

He was nabbed in Barangay Mudiit, Dolores, Abra following arrest warrant issued by Judge Alberto Beneza, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 58 in Bucay. 

Meanwhile, 11 other wanted persons were also arrested.  JericBoogLamong, 30, was arrested in Mountain Province for frustrated homicide. Another murder suspect identified as Mario De Vera Pagador, farmer, native of Pangasinan, was also arrested at Sitio Saudi, Bulo, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

For illegal recruitment and estafa, two women were arrested in their respective residences.

They were identified as Ofelia Benosa Zamoranos a.k.a. Maribel Zamoranos, 32, OFW, a resident of Barangay Maoay, Bangued, Abra and Alma Corazon Guzman, 54, of SitioCorapo, Barangay Poblacion, Dolores, Abra. 

Two more individuals were arrested for estafa: Benito P. Manansala, 47,  ofAbatan, Buguias, Bengue, who arrested in  Upper Abatan, Buguias and Guillermo Valera Castañeda a.k.a. Immong, 48, OFW who was nabbed in his residence at Barangay Pangal, Danglas, Abra. 

Five other wanted persons were also arrested: Jerry Agang-angTuringan a.k.a. Doming Toringan, 20,of Mantiyeng, Cabiten, Mankayan, Benguet for theft; Jefferson CuramengRequizo, 18, of Tebteb, Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet who was nabbed at Km 5, Pico, La Trinidad for serious physical injuries and Faith CodilloUgsad, 43, teacher, of Cabinet Hill, Baguio City for grave oral defamation. 

The last two were miners who were arrested in their respective residences named as Eric Vicente Bitaga, 34, a resident of Batuang, Virac, Itogon, Benguet for resistance and disobedience to an agent of a person in authority and Ortega Mamma Tongngao, 22, of Purok 8, Kias, Baguio City for high grading.

Cordillera PNP conducts medical mission for senior citizens 

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet --The Police Regional Office Cordillera recently conducted a medical-dental mission at the Camp BadoDangwaHusptal which benefited senior citizens.

Organized by the Regional Police Community Relations Division (RPCRD) in coordination with the PNP Regional Health Service, 45 residents of Barangay Alapang, La Trinidad, Benguetavailed of the medical and dental mission.

Senior Supt. VirgilioLaya, chief of RPCRD said patients were given free medicines after their check-up.

Region police personnel conduct quarterly medical and dental missions for senior citizens of selected barangays while in the provincial level, it is conducted on a monthly basis.

Regional police director Chief Supt. IsaganiNerez, said, medical missions were being conducted for senior citizens who are in need of medical attention.

Similar activities, he added, will be conducted regionwide in coordination with other government agencies and non-government organizations.

Six illegal drug pushers nabbed

CAMP BADO DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet– Six suspected illegal drug traders were recently arrested in Cordillera while drug paraphernalia and marijuana were confiscated.

In Abra ,Senior Supt. Benjamin Lusad, provincial police director identified the arrested drug personalities as Gilbert TimbrezaCastaňeda, 40, of Barangay Aguet, Lagangilang; Leonardo BandrilBallacillo, 48, of Dalaguisen, Lagangilang and Ronell Zapata Zapata, 34, of Barangay Lublubba, Dolores.

Composite team of the Abra Police Intelligence Branch (PIB), Provincial Anti Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG) and Langilang Municipal Police Stations (MPS) nabbed the suspects in a buy bust operation in Barangay Dalaguisen on Jan. 10.

Confiscated from them were shabu, illegal drug paraphernalia with P500 cash.

 In another buy bust operation, two alleged drug pushers were arrested in Benguet in Lower Kesbeng, La Trinidad Jan. 11.   

Police confiscated shabu and P500.  

Senior Supt Rodolfo Azurin, Benguet police director named suspects as Brian PilayOluila, 24, and Generic Copero Cruz, 20, both farmers and residents of Bineng, La Trinidad.

In Kalinga, members of the 3^rd Maneuver Company of the RPSB and Kalinga PAIDSOTG arrested a 30 year old farmer in a checkpoint after he was caught transporting dried marijuana leaves afternoon of Jan. 10 in Talaca, Agbannawag, Tabuk.

Senior Supt. John Colinio, provincial police director, identified suspect as Eric Mallari Salibad, of Carig, Tuguegarao City. Discovered from his sack were four marijuana bricks.

 Shabu and drug tablets were also seized inside the provincial jail in Kalinga during the daily routine check of packages of visitors afternoon of same day.

Discovered in a package addressed to an inmate Lando Meana was shabu worth P2,000. Another plastic package addressed to Junior Killa also contained 20 drug tablets and 300 ml bottle of cough syrup mixed with other assorted dry goods.  Said package was delivered by a tricycle driver.

Abra cop arrested 1 for violation of  firearm law

BANGUED, Abra -- A 24 year old farmer was  caught in a police checkpoint possessing firearm without documents here at Zone 7 night of Jan. 11.

Provincial police director identified the suspect as Hilbert Dagsi Talape, of Cabaroan, Tayum, Abra. 

Confiscated from him was a Cal. 45 pistol with magazine loaded with six bullets.

Charges are being prepared against the suspect. 

Four miners arrested for illegal logging in Benguet

ITOGON, Benguet -- Five miners were arrested here last week for illegl logging in Tabakar, Poblacion Monday morning.

Provincial police director Senior Supt. Rodolfo Azurin identified the miners as Rey Borda Ola, 23, a native of Lapaz, Abra; Kevin WalisNgilangil, 19, Noe Fila-en Fidchongkas, 20, both of Bontoc, Mt. Province; Foster SangeyLadioc, 51; Billy Monte Polon, 29, both of Sagada, Mt. Province and all residents of Acupan, Virac, Itogon. 

Three security guards arrested the suspects cutting pine trees within the mining claim of Itogon-Suyoc Resources Incorporation (ISRI). Confiscated from the suspects were a saw and  three bolos including four newly cut pine logs.

All suspects together with the confiscated items are now under the custody of Itogon police.

 Man nabbed for homicide

TUBA, Benguet--  A certain Jeffrey GonticLiwliwen, 40, of Tuba, Benguet was recently arrested for homicide. He was nabbed at Twinpeaks of this town following warrant of arrest issued against him by Judge Danilo P. Camacho, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court, Branch 62.

Miner nabbed for assaulting cop

BAGUIO CITY -- A miner wanted for mauling a police officer was recently arrested at Hilltop, city market here following arrest warrant issued against him by Judge Jose Incarnation of the Itogon Municipal Trial Court.

Police identified the suspect as ChitoHabilingBallogan, 3,1 native of Hingyon, Ifugao and resident of Balacbac, Baguio City.

He was earlier charged in court for direct assault with bail of P12,000 set by Incarnation.

Ballogan allegedly assaulted a police officer in 2012 at the PNP station in Ucab Tram, Itogon.

4 kubradors arrested inTabuk City

TABUK CITY -- Four kubradors (bet collectors) were recently arrested here after they were caught collecting bets.

Arrested were Dominador C. Bumatay, 44; and Galo D. Pinated, 35, who were arrested in their residences here at Purok 7, Bacras, Bulanao. 

At Barangay Laya East, police arrested RaymartDuraySimangan, 35; and ZudilordMappalaAnog, 37, in their respective houses.

 Police confiscated from them cash bets of P 2, 530 and various paraphernalia for the illegal numbers game of jueteng.

Abra security guard nabbed for illegal firearm

BANGUED, Abra -- Police arrested here Edmor Joy TejeroBobias, 31, a security guard night of Jan. 9 at a police checkpoint along Barangay Angad illegally carrying a firearm.

Senior Supt. Benjamin Lusad said that Bobias was driving a motorcycle without plate number, with back rider Mauricio MercurioBobias, 56, chief tanod of Cosili East, Bangued, when they were flagged down by a team of Bangued police and 1^st Coy Regional Public Safety Battalion for inspection.

Police saw tucked in the suspect’s waist a Cal. 45 pistol with magazine and six bullets.

Police brought the suspects and the gun to the town police station. A case for illegal firearms was prepared against the suspects to be filed in court,

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Paracelis PNP building soon to rise; ground-breaking held

By Marissa Balao-as

PARACELIS, Mountain Province – Top provincial and town officials held ground-breaking ceremony Thursday of the P4.1 million two-storey building of the Paracelis Philippine National Police at the municipal grounds.

Gov.Leonard Mayaen, Mayor Gavino L. Bucok, PNP Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez, Mountain Province police director Senior Supt. Oliver Emmodias and local legislators led the ceremony attended by community folks and visitors.

Local officials said the PNP building was conceptualized in 2007 to beef up crime fighting efficiency of police.

To realize its construction, the PNP national headquarters offered P3.3 million while the local government unit gave P1.3 million as counterpart.

In 2010, former mayor Avelino Amangyen committed the P1.3 million which was allotted August 28, 2013. 

The public bidding of the 8x12 meters facility with rooftop building Type C PNP standard was conducted Nov. 13, 2013.

SUMAG Building and Construction won the bidding. Demolition of the  old PNP building was started after the groundbreaking.

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Panagbenga fest skeds set

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY - All projects at Burnham Park being implemented by the Department Of Public Works and Highways should be completed before the opening of Panagbenga 2014, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said during his weekly press con Wednesday.

There is repeated assurance from DPWH Baguio District Engineer Ireneo Gallato, that projects for national roads are completed as scheduled, (before Feb. 1) and if not, these shall be deferred, the mayor said. Work for deferred projects start after March 2, the closing date for Panagbenga 2014, the mayor added. 

Opening ceremonies for the 2014 Baguio Flower Festival will be on Feb. 1 at the Panagbenga Park near Camp John Hay gate, with elementary pupil-participants in the drum and lyre competition parading down Session Road to Athletic Bowl, Burnham Park.

About a dozen elementary schools have registered for the contest which is expected to draw crowds along the main thoroughfares up to Burnham Park. More schools, even those from neighboring areas are expected to sign up, as preparations and rehearsals go on.

The Market Encounter; Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition, also commences on Panagbenga opening day at Lake Drive, and goes on until closing date.

The crowd-drawer street dance and colorful flower-filled grand float parade is scheduled on Feb. 22 and 23; a weekend. Session road shall be open for promenaders from Feb. 24 up to closing date.

All activities are anchored on Panagbenga 2014’s there, “Inspiring The Community For a Greener Tomorrow.” 

According to Mayor Domogan, the city contributes P4 million to the festival, which earlier was divided between the city and the congressman’s fund. He also shall suggest to the city council a legislative measure for a 2% sales tax on goods during the occasion.

He said the city government fully supports the 19th version of Panagbenga with its funding, the mayor said, “Sayang naman if we do not sustain the festival.”

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Espino to new P’sinan top cop: Fight illegal drugs, solve slay

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Gov. Amado Espino Jr. has given two orders to the newly designated officer-in-charge of the provincial police: go hard on illegal drugs and attend to unsolved killings.

Espino gave the orders when Senior Supt. Sterling Raymund Blanco paid him a courtesy call Thursday at the provincial capitol, accompanied by Senior Supt. Moro Virgilio Lazo, officer-in-charge of the Region 1 police, and Supt. Laurence Sison, provincial deputy police director for administration.

Espino wants the police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to wage an all-out war against illegal drugs, which have reportedly proliferated in the province.

Espino said he is saddened by the low conviction rate of suspected drug dealers, prompting him and the Pangasinan Judges Association led by Judge Hermogenes Fernandez to sponsor last month a seminar attended by lawyers and police officers on the proper handling of illegal drug cases.

Sec. Antonio Villar Jr., chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board who hails from Pangasinan, had expressed alarm over drug-related incidents in the province. 

Espino, a retired police colonel and former police commander of Pangasinan, issued a memorandum yesterday to all mayors, saying that Villar himself “is asking for intensified local government unit support in the anti-drug campaign in Pangasinan.”

Although the provincial government has been conducting seminars and other support activities against illegal drugs, Espino said, “We all know that the anti-drugs campaign, especially the job of breaking the illegal drugs supply/marketing chain, is principally a police matter.” 

He added that the surveillance, apprehension and arrest of drug pushers and dealers are police matters.

“Nonetheless may I urge everyone to undertake intensified anti-drugs campaign measures in your respective localities. Better still if the Pangasinan Mayors’ League can meet to discuss and plan a coordinated effort,” he added. 

For his part, Blanco said he would seriously act on Espino’s orders, calling on local police officials to gird for action and bring positive results. 

Blanco, former chief of the Region 1 police intelligence division, said unsolved killings affect peace and order and vowed to closely pay attention to this problem. 

“We need to solve unsolved killings and we can only do this through the cooperation and support of the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, PDEA-Region 1 director Adrian Alvariño said Espino also asked him to beef up the war on illegal drugs when he paid a courtesy call Thursday.

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Paracelis holds journalism seminar; winners known

By Ma. Marissa A. Balao-as

PARACELIS, Mountain Province – The Paracelis Technical and Vocational High School hosted District Campus Journalism Training Workshop here in coordination with the Office of the Municipal Mayor.

Jan. 11-12 wherein winners in different categories were announced.

Mayor Gavino L. Bucok said the Paracelis local government unit was supporting journalism activities and upgrade the National Achievement Test of the elementary and secondary level of the district.

Bucok and organizers said the seminar aimed to promote understanding among campus writers the importance of journalism by expressing it through journalistic endeavors, sustain social advocacy on social awareness and provide a venue for enriching learning experiences of pupils and students who are interested in promoting responsible journalism.

Organizers said the seminar also aimed to enhance journalistic competence through friendly and healthy competition among participants.

Lucio B, Banggollay, PTVHS principal said the activity was in preparation for the K-12 program of the government.

Exactly 107 participants from seven secondary schools in the district participated: Paracelis National High School, San Rafael National High School, Butigue National High School, Palitud National High School, Anonat National Agricultural School, Bacarri National Trade-Agricultural School, and PTVHS. Only Buringal National High School didn’t join.

Participating elementary schools were Paracelis Central School, Labay Elementary School, Dalanao Elementary School and Kalaw Elementary School.

Participants included advisers, facilitators, and local government unit representatives.

Secretary to the mayor FredericoDalayday delivered opening remarks for Bucok since the mayor had to leave the night before due to emergency travel.

Alfred Dizon, editor and publisher of the Northern Philippine Times gave lectures on news, feature and editorial writing among other topics.

Alfred “Jay” Dizon Jr. assisted by AmerAquisan, both taking up law at the University of the Cordilleras lectured on the technical aspect of laying out the newspaper using the Pagemaker program.

To encourage active participation among student and pupil participants, five best writers for each category were chosen.

For news writing were Jeminah Ferrer, Siren Baguingan, Franklin Guilay, Tzethel Biangalen and Shane Baguingan.

For editorial writing were Jason Bacani, Sieren Baguingan, ZyraMandoza, Tzethel Biangalen, and Maureen Banggollay.

For feature writing were Sieren Baguinga, Elizabeth Kitlangao, Jeminah Ferrer, Floriza Sacyabao and Marivic Todco.

Pagemaker and lay-outing awardeea were Shedney Lynne Balansi, Samantha Nicole Bello, Einstein Lee Basungit, Zay A. Balao-as and Jaya Shri Aquino.

A short meeting of the advisers with the mayor was held later wherein teachers presented concerns on campus journalism wherein Bucok said he was supportive of such urging teachers to approach him on such matters.

The Paracelis LGU funded the seminar with local businessmen and folks chipping in.

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