A bell to remember and live with

Bell donors Dr John Alipit and wife Josephine Galpo Alipit 

HAPPY WEEKEND

Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province – Sept.  21, 2014 marked the day when John, in honor of St. John the Evangelist ceremonially began to be of  service to the Sagada community and the rest of the places nearby.

John refers to the new bell donated by US  residents Dr John Alipit, a native of Sagada and wife Josephine GalpoAlipit in loving memory of their parents Feliciano and Maria Alipit and Donato and Emiliana Galpo, long-time members of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.In simple and solemn ceremonies at the Church of St Mary the Virgin last Sept. 21, the  new bell was ceremonially officiated  by Diocesan Bishop Brent Alawas  of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines (EDNP) aided by the Rector Constancio Naoy of the Church of St Mary the Virgin(CSMV).

Distinct and rich resonance of the pealing of the new bell was witnessed by CSMV Senior warden Dave Gulian, also a member of the Alipit clan; former CSMV senior warden Vincent  Andawi and also a member of the Alipit clan; and the community.  

The bell was purchased at  Brosamer's Bells  with a  32" Menelley 1910 label, restored and complete swinging bell with the whole mount costing $11,000.00. Made in Germany, the bell is  thick and solid made of copper  and tin.

The bell alone weighs 600 lbs but with the mount weighing l068 lbs.  The mount measures the base 32" deep by  49" wide.  The wheel height is 65 inches and 60 inches in diameter.

The 1910 bell  is historically close to 1904 when the Episcopal Church was  planted in the Philippines and two  years older than CSMV and the first St Mary’s School  which started in 1912.

In a letter sent by ECP lay member RaymundAlipit to UNESCO for  tax exemption of the bell transported from  the US to Philippines presented the  historical  beginnings of  the ECP in 1901 when  a group of American missionaries led by the Rt. Rev. Charles Henry Brent arrived in Manila and the beginning of the pealing of the bell for residents of Sagada then to embrace Christianity.

“From Manila, they travelled on foot and on horse backs through rugged mountain terrain and rivers for several weeks and settled in one small tribal village situated on a rocky mountain slope with extraordinary scenery.  This village was known for its headhunting activities and where Spanish authorities never dared to explore. These missionaries brought with them one essential food - the Word of God - and with the help of a church bell they have carried with them, they began feeding the people the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

No one knew then that this village called Sagada, our hometown, would become the center for missionary work of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America in the Philippines.  They had the vision and the evangelistic ministry, thus, the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, the St. Mary's School,  St. Andrew's Training School for seminarians and the St. Theodore's Hospital rose as their first institutions in the mission compound.

While the missionaries worked hard in the village, the church bell pealed and slowly brought in villagers to the church for worship into the Christian faith.  The bell pealed for every angelus and in every mission activity from sunrise to sundown.  All through the years, village folks learned to love this bell in the church tower and to let them know what time it is during the day.  For the villagers as well as those working in far away fields, they know for sure that when the bell rings for the angelus morning, noon and at sunset, they are to pray and thank the Lord for the days work and at the end of the day, time to return home to feed their families.

They know when the bell tolls for a departed love one and they know too that when the bell tolls, another life arrives and is prepared for baptism.  The bell serves also as a call for natural disasters and emergencies as in the case of fire, they know that they would all come out of their houses and scramble for buckets of water, fire extinguishers and all means to put out a fire. They know from first hand experience how far reaching results this bell has for everybody and for every moment of their lives in this small village. 

The huge bell was not spared during the war.  In 1945, the Church of St. Mary the Virgin was bombed and the bell was destroyed.  The cracked bell is now on display at the church mission yard to remind us that time and time again that the God we love is a wonderful and living God and that His message can be heard to all lands through this bell and through people like you.  Another bell was brought in by the missionaries right after the war and was installed at the bell tower of the new stone church.  Again, this bell had been pealing for the village folks for over half a century now.   Unfortunately, last year it suddenly gave in and cracked.”

And the rest is history with the coming and installation of the 1910 bell to relive history and continue to be of service to the faithfuls of  Sagada.  

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Baguio charter race draws funds for dialysis patients

Reaching Out

BAGUIO CITY “Straight Into Baguio’s Heart”, the sports and humanitarian feature of the city’s 105^thcharter anniversary, a public-private partnership project mayor Mauricio Domogan designed to build a support fund for kidney patients undergoing life-time hemodialysis treatment in renal centers  here and in Benguet has gained adherent.

The mayor, together with Rep. Nicasio Aliping Jr. and city councilor Elmer Datuin, co-chair of the founding anniversary executive committee last week flagged off at dawn Sept. 28 some 1.000 runners under the three, five and 10-kilometer categories that began and ended at Lake Drive of Burnham Park.

As of last week, 12  donors  contributed P9,250 to  up the total  to  P176,380 deposited under Account Number 000940248018 of the Legarda Branch of Banco de Oro which will be jointly administered by the city, through the city social welfare and development office,  and the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center Dialysis Patients and  Partners Association headed by Rev. Fr. Richard Justo.

The mayor, who ordered the inclusion of the race in the city charter anniversary calendar to give substance to the theme, “Sharing of Responsibilities, Duties and Resources for a Vibrant Baguio”, expressed hopes that more group and individual sponsors would come in to support the drive to ease the emotional and financial burden of dialysis patients.

Last week’s donors, including runners who paid beyond their registration fees, were Brother of St. Andrews (Cathedral of the Resurrection) – P2,000; United Vision Ministries – P2,000-; Partas Bus Lines – P1,500; Julia Baniaga – P1,000; Dr. Rey Aswat  - P1,000 ( for water cups); Milo Viray – P500; Mile Connections Tavel and Tours – P100; RaffyTallocoy – P50; Roslyn Anos – P750; Judith Iniguid – P150; and Nora and Aldrich Gayman – P200

The Baguio Water Refillers Association headed by lawyer Zosimo Abratique  will provide 20 five-gallons of water while Albert Ong of the Fine Pure Drinking Water, in coordination with the Fil-Chinese Community, delivered 10 cases of  350—ml. bottles.

The Baguio Boy Scout Council under scout executive Ramon Jacinto will man the race route intersections, in coordination with the city police, the  Reserved Command of the Philippine Army, the Baguio-Benguet Public Information Civic Action Group and other support organizations, while operatives of  the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Emergency Medical Service under Dr. John Tinoyan will serve as a medical team.

Baguio girl and veteran race organizer Rosario “Che” Velasco-Alberto heads the management committee in alliance with Cool City technical team and RV-Mapping.

Inmates of the city jail set the community spirit by holding their own 3K version of the run last Sept. 18, negotiating 60 laps around their courtyard and then turning over their P15,000 registration fee to Fr. Justo, through wardens Elvis Danglose and Mary Ann Tresmanio.

The fund, which was donated by former world karate champion Julian Chees, now the head of over 50 martial arts schools in Germany, was kept intact for the purpose as the prison runners opted to run  in their yellow T-shirts , declining the  official race uniform  and number and foregoing with the top finishers’ prizes.  

“Straight Baguio’s Heart” was hatched last June during the induction of the BGHMDPPA, during which Baguio Rep. NicasioAliping Jr. set the tone by donating P100,000 now being used by dialysis patients as support to patients and their families.

In ordering the inclusion of the fun run, mayor Domogan said it “will set a tradition and culture of caring to mark future celebrations of the Charter Anniversary of Baguio, thereby serving as a rallying point to sustain a sense of community among this city’s residents, neighbors, friends and visitors who treasure fond memories of their visits to the Summer Capital of the Philippines”.

“It will give substance to the “Culture of Caring “ that was the city’s centennial theme in 2009, aside from providing a humanitarian dimension to the city’s future charter anniversary celebrations,” the mayor said.

                                    ***

At least one patient is featured every week in the local papers, making it look endless the number of people stricken with kidney failure  and badly needing  support to continue their life-time hemodialysis. .

This week, it’s the turn of John Pacio Cawayan and Frederick Oller to have their cases told. They had to wait for two months before their permission to have their plight shared as publication has to be on a first-come,  first-served basis.  

Cawayan, a 61-year old father of three from 128 Sunnyside, Fairview Barangay here, was a laborer/carpenter until late last year, when he felt too weak to work. He was diagnosed for end-stage kidney failure and began  twice-a-week hemodialysis treatment last  February.

“At present, his eldest son, Johnson, (a kitchen help at Kalei’s Grill in La Trinidad, Benguet), maionly provides the needs of the family,” city social welfare and development officer Betty Fangasan said. :His two other children are irregular laborers and their combined income is not enough to support the expensive medication of their father.”

“Adtoyak nga agpatpatulong babaen it ipagiwarnak tapno maammuan dagiti addaan iti naimbag nga paangpuspuso ken manangaasi (I’m her asking for help through the weeklies so people with a heart may know and reach out),” he wrote.

Oller, a 38-year old taxi driver of 45-D Purok 1, Marcoville barangay here,  was told early last June his kidneys had also failed. His doctor recommended thrice-a-week-hemodialysis treatment costing  at the least, P6,600 per week, an amount far beyond his daily earning of P500 when he was still well enough to drive a cab.

The former cabbie lives with his wife, Joselyn; one=year old daughter, Esralyn Mae; 71-year old mother, Caridad; sister, Prescela; and niece, Mika Kareza.

“With the health condition of (patient), the family is worried, more so that they could not sustain his needed lifetime medication,” noted social welfare officer Myrna Valencerina.

Barangay chief RuelCasuga has certified Oller’s need for financial support, further supported by the Valencerina’s report that none of the family members is employed.

Cawayan can be reached through  his son John’s cellphone number 09098092877 or during his treatment session at the Baguio General hospital and Medical Center at 8:00 p.m. on Mondays, anmd 4 p.m. on Thursdays.

Samaritans can contact Oller through is wfe’s number – 09324576575/09093558011 or visit him during his treatment sessions at the BGHMC every 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and at 1 a.m. on Sundays.  – Ramon Dacawi

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Pinikpikan featured in Culinary Treasures book

CULTURE TRENDS 

Pinikpikan as Cordillera's attribute in the new book "Salu-salo -- A Celebration of Philippine Culinary Treasures" featured by Ms Lilian Aliping, spouse of Baguio Rep. Nicasio M. Aliping, Jr.

The Pinikpikan was featured not only as a delicacy but also in its significance to Cordillera customs and culture. "Pinikpikan is deeply rooted in a traditional Cordilleras ritual of divining a person's course of action or fate," Mrs. Aliping said in her feature.

The article explained how the dish is traditionally prepared starting from the method of butchering. Also featured is the "etag", one of the main ingredient of pinikpikan, with a brief description on how it is traditionally prepared.

In the whole Cordillera Region, there are several ways to cook the pinikpikan depending on which locality you're coming from. But they all share a common preparation, the "pikpik" which was explained in the book.

"With minimal ingredients, most of the flavor of this chicken dish comes from the preparation lightly beating beneath the fowls the wings (pikpik) to coagulate the blood singeing its feathers over an open flame."

Among the cool climate, art houses and fine hotels, it also mentioned Cordillera's fresh produce like the strawberries and organic vegetables as part of the region's main attractions. 

The book is published by the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI) headed by its president and Quezon City Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte and edited by Philippine Star's lifestyle writer Mons Romulo.

It was launched on September 23 at the Speaker's Social Hall in the House of Representatives with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte as the guest speaker.

Mrs. Aliping said the book is "a collection of Filipino recipes, some of which were contributed by CSFI members themselves."

Speaker Belmonte lauded the book launching saying the project would do well to promote local dishes not just in the country but in the international market as well. Belmonte said "he would include the book in the basket of giveaways to visiting dignitaries from all over the world to showcase the Filipino culinary traditions."

Ms Joy Belmonte said the foundation is hoping that "the Department of Tourism can also include this as among the products they can promote in aid of supporting tourism in our country through their visit Philippines 2015 campaign and perhaps even include it in the APEC kit to be given to delegates next year."

Ms. Belmonte said the proceeds of the book would go the CSFI scholarship program, which provides full college scholarship to deserving young women.

The foundation also aims to raise enough funds to support their calamity assistance program in the wake of the devastation brought about by the effects of climate change.
The book can be purchased at the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Incorporated (CSFI) office for P900.

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The music of life

Rendilyn B. Cuyop

Take it from a sentimental idiot like me; music is not always harmony and melody. In the same way it can be constructive or destructive.  Music is anything that makes up the daily riot of sounds in your life. These sounds aren’t just random things you hear. They are part of a pattern your life takes as much as it is also a part of another person’s life.

As a student, I have a perfectly different idea of music and its distinction. Similarly my music has a different significance in this world. Your music is your testimony, your life and all that is in it.

Music to me is the sound of voices in the corridor as students and teachers shuffle out of classrooms after their classes. This particular music makes me wish I was as small as a dwarf so I could easily squeeze my way through the throng. Music could be as shrill as the ringing of the bell indicating the end and beginning of class periods. Really, there is no other more powerful sound to jolt you out of your thoughts than the sharp ringing of the bell.

Lullabies do not belong only in hammocks, and cribs. I get subjected to lullabies most days of the week. School professors can give the best acá pella rendition. Theirs is a very intellectual kind of music. The common sound track for us students is our racing heartbeat as we anticipate deadlines, exams and final grades.

Now that is my campus music but music is variedly defined as there are a whole lot of different perceptions from different people from different walks of life. Your music is determined by the places, the people and situations you frequent.

What makes us listen or make these kinds of music?  It’s because of our distinction and what we are expected to be. There are words we utter, gestures we perform that could change the melody in someone else’s music. It intertwines our lives and blends our music into either one harmonious sound or into a chaos of misunderstandings and differences. 

Everyone is a musician, a composer or a singer. The sound we produce depends on whether we choose to be good or otherwise. We are part of a big orchestra wherein everything we do, whatever we say is conducted by our field of interest and the circumstances we are in. Every society is a choir that contributes to the melody that makes our world what it was, is, and will be.

We are all performers and the world is our stage. Our existence can be considered our concert tour. Our success should be gauged by the impact of our music in each individual.

It’s not all about how much you’ve taken for gain. What matters is that you’ve let your music resonate in everyone’s heart that it will keep playing in their lives as a proof of goodness. Make it a sound of hope, a melody for the soul that will live to complete a pattern in someone else’s lie.

Inspire each other with your music. Live your life with meaning, make it a masterpiece. (Rendilyn B. Cuyop is a second year Communication student of the University of the Cordilleras)

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POLICE ROUNDUP

PROCOR to evaluate all chief commanders

 CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Chief Supt. Isagani R. Nerez, Cordillera police director served notice Friday to all field commanders in the region that their tenure in their respective positions will depend on their performance, especially in peace and order and security operations.

“I would like to inform all field commanders in the region, that your performance, especially in the area of anti-crime operations will be evaluated by a committee to determine if you are to stay in your positions or be replaced,” Nerez said.

Nerez has created the Regional Performance Evaluation Committee, which will assess the performance of all police commanders from the provincial level down to the municipal police stations in the PRO-Cordillera.

The RPEC will be headed by Senior Supt. Robert Quenery, deputy regional director for administration.

According to Nerez, commanders who fall short of the PNP-set benchmark for police operations particularly against PAGs, OCGs and guns-for-hire will be replaced by more effective officers. These PCOs will then be sent for relevant schooling and training.

 The move came in the wake of a series of shooting incidents in Abra, including the murder of Jacinto Turqueza on Wednesday in Bangued, Abra.

Cordillera police now using modern crime report system

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-COR) is now implementing the Crime Incident Reporting System (CIRS) which will ensure gathering and inclusion of all crime data that are reported in police stations into the database.

All police stations and units with investigative functions are now equipped with CIRS-installed computers which will be the source of a nationwide database of crime incidents. It is part of our efforts to further provide our people with true crime reporting this is why IRF is very important for complainants and investigators,” regional police director Chief Supt.  Isagani Nerez said.

Nerez said the Incident Record Form is very important and the public should always secure a copy of their IRF after reporting a crime.

The IRF is an accountable form to be filled out by a complainant which contains data provided by the desk officer pertaining to the complaint, victim or suspect, and including the narrative details of the incident, he added.

The IRF reportedly becomes an official document once it is signed by investigators and reporting person in which the information contained will be immediately recorded in police blotter, uploaded to the Crime Incident Reporting System (CIRS) database, and becomes the first document included in the case folder.

Nerez said the CIRS is an electronic database system that facilitates crime documentation and systematic data storage and retrieval. “The system presents a quick, fast and reliable transmission of crime information from lower police units and offices of the PNP to the national headquarters.”

In the case of crime incidents reported to police but referred back to the barangay, the report must clearly indicate whether the case is amicably settled, under investigation of referred back to the police with a certification to file action, the regional police director said.

Trooper in slay of security guard arrested

BAGUIO CITY – Police here has solved the shooting of a criminology student working as a security guard and bouncer in a bar, here, following the arrest of an army soldier assigned to the military camp at Lagangilang, Abra.

City police director Senior Supt. Rolando Miranda, said Private First Class Randy Dalipog Culchi, 29, of the Philippine Army’s 41st Infantry Brigade was arrested Oct. 4.

Culchi, 29, single, native of Tam-an, Banaue, Ifugao was arrested at about 10:30 a.m. of Oct. 4 in his present assignment at 41st IB, 5ID, PA headquarters at Talugtog, Lagangilang.

This, after warrant for murder was issued against him by Judge Emmanuel CachoRasing, of the 1st Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, Baguio City. No bail was recommended.

Miranda said a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage recorded the face of the suspect before he allegedly shot Rolando Bustarde Ferrer, 28, at the entrance of Gold Bar in Chanum St., here around 8:40 p.m. last August 6.

Apayao lady farmer nabbed for parricide

PUDTOL, Apayao – A lady farmer wanted for parricide was arrested here last week by police.

Senior Supt. Roberto T. Gallardo, Apayao provincial police director, identified the suspect as Almira Malgapo Aligayen, 39, of Barangay Cudal, Tabuk City, Kalinga, now residing at Barangay Doña Loreta, Pudtol.

Aligayen was arrested at the residence of Reden Alaban at Barangay Doña Loreta, Pudtol Oct. 1, following warrant issued by Judge Bernabe B. Mendoza, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 23, Roxas, Isabela.

Two miners arrested for grave coercion in Tuba

TUBA, Benguet – Two miners were arrested here last week for grave coercion.

Senior Supt. Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr., Benguet provincial police director, identified the suspects as Joel Waguis Abella Jr.  a.k.a. “Junjun” 34, of Balukok, Camp 4 here and Crisanto Waguis Abella Jr.  a.k.a. ‘Colet”, 23, resident of Goldstream, Camp 4, Tuba.

Both arrests were made following warrants issued by Judge Marrieta S. BrawnerCualing, of 5th Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Tuba-Sablan, Benguet.

Businesswoman nabbed for bounding checks

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested a certain Jovie Sabino Bergonia, 41, businesswoman, in her residence at Amsing Road, Pacdal here for six counts of violation of BP 22 (Anti-Bouncing Check Law) after warrant for her arrest was issued by Judge Delilah Gonzales-Munos, of the Municipal Trial Court of La Trinidad  Benguet. Bergonia was detained.

Farmer nabbed for rape

TUBLAY, Benguet – A farmer was nabbed here Oct. 5  after warrant for his arrest for rape was issued by Judge Francis A. Buliyat Sr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 9, La Trinidad, Benguet.

No bail was recommended.

Senior Supt. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. provincial police director identified the suspect as,EfrenQuinioKellianse, 22, single,  here of Ducot, Ambassador.

He was arrested by operatives of La Trinidad town police and Regional Intelligence Unit.

Kellianse was the primary suspect in a rape case on Dec. 29, 2007 in Ambiong, La Trinidad, Benguet.  

Miner cornered for illegal logging

BUGUIAS, Benguet – A certain Faustino Cameyeng Madalino, Jr., 36, single, miner, and a resident of Barangay Suyok here was nabbed for illegal logging in this vegetable-producing town on Oct. 4.

Madalino was arrested in Poblacion, Mankayan town by town police after Judge Agapito K. Laoagan, Jr., of the Regional Trial Court Branch 64, Abatan, Buguias, ordered his arrest.

Bail for his temporary liberty was set at  P24,000.

Laborer arrested for high grading in Itogon

BAGUIO CITY – A laborer from Tabuk, Kalinga was arrested in his residence here at Barangay Kias for high grading Oct. 3.

Police identified the suspect as Rogerick Songday Toma-ag aka “Marso Ortiz Agoncillo” , native of Bulo, Tabuk.

The suspect, was  arrested by Itogon police where he allegedly committed the crime  after Judge Jose S. Encarnacion, of Municipal Circuit Trial Court issued warrant for his arrest. Bail for his temporary liberty was set at P6,000.

Minor stabs labourer over card game

BAGUIO CITY -- A 17- year- old out of school minor was taken into custody for stabbing a laborer named as Tamondong Naziban, 27 here at North Central Aurora Hill here on Sept. 27.

The two were reportedly playing cards with bet money when a heated argument ensued prompting the minor to stab the victim three times on his back.

The victim is now confined at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center while the suspect was detained at Station No. 6, BCPO.

Drinking spree leads to stabbing of victim

KAPANGAN, Benguet – A laborer named as Samuel Mo-ogBaynihan Jr., 28, was allegedly stabbed by a certain Cardo Coddimo Magastino, 25  here at at Mangga, Balakbak on Sept. 27.

Both are natives of View Point, Banaue, Ifugao

Police said both together with their co-workers were having a drinking spree when Magastino got irked and stabbed the victim on the chest.

The victim was brought by his companions to Kapangan Medicare Community Hospital for treatment but he was pronounced deadonarrival by the attending physician.  Responding personnel of the Kapangan Municipal Police Station arrested the suspect and later recovered the weapon used.

Laborer hacks construction worker

BAGUIO CITY -- A laborer identified as Jay-ar Agulia Batayan, 20, allegedly hacked a construction worker named  Reslie Dayao Moreno, 26 here.

Both are residents of Purok 3 Outlook Drive Barangay where the incident happened.

An argument between the two arose when the suspect hurled stones at the victim that led to the hacking of the suspect. 

The victim sustained wounds on his elbow while the suspect was arrested by the responding police personnel of police Station-3 with the help of concerned citizen.

Intoxicated farmer hacked for asking money from mate

KABAYAN, Benguet -- A farmer identified as Pallay Carpio Adais, 39, native of Balete, Nueva, and a resident of Sitio Line-10, Bashoy here allegedly hacked one Agatome Mul-aw Mariano, 40,  resident also of  Bashoy at the suspect’s residence.

Both were reportedly having a drinking session when Mariano asked money from Adais. 

When no money was given, the victim attempted to punch the suspect which prompted the latter to hack the victim in different parts of his body.

The victim was rushed to Dennis Molintas Memorial Hospital in Bokod, Benguet but later referred to Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad, Benguet for further medication.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered to barangay chairman Rudy Guinoran of Bashoy and Kabayan police.

Misunderstanding over vending results to hacking 

BAGUIO CITY – A certain Jonathan Palaruan Ventura, 26, coconut vendor, hacked a certain Marlon Salon Mendoza, 28, here at Idogan Village, Upper Irisan, Sept. 29along Naguillian Road, San Luis near Cooyesan Plaza Hotel.

 

The hacking was fuelled by a misunderstanding between the two regarding their work which started with a fistfight.

The victim was brought by responding policemen to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment while the suspect voluntarily surrendered.

Couple accosted at SM for unaccounted times in their bag

BAGUIO CITY -- A couple was caught allegedly stealing items inside Surplus Management Corporation at SM Mall, Luneta Hill here Sept. 28.

Suspects named as Mark LabarroDela Pena, 45 and his wife Virginia Yaun Dela Pena, 42, both unemployed, and residents of Purok 2, Aplaya, Sta Rosa, Laguna  and Asin Road, Baguio City were seen placing items from the establishment inside their bag.

When they were about to leave the establishment without passing through the counter, the security guard requested them to have their bag inspected and subsequently discovered six pieces assorted T-shirts worth P1,498.50 from their bag.

The guard called for police assistance who arrested the couple after they failed to present  proof of purchase for said items.

Three nabbed for trying to kill their victims 

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Police recently arrested three individuals in the Cordillera for trying to kill their victims.

In Tuding Proper, Itogon, Benguet, a mason was nabbed for stabbing his father-in-law after a heated confrontation at night in their residence.

Senior Supt. Rodolfo Azurin, Benguet police director said victim Rogelio Gali Perez, 54, and his wife were trying to pacify suspect Crispin Refuerto, 30, live-in partner of their daughter, when he stabbed the victim’s abdomen and neck.

The victim was rushed to Baguio General Hospital for treatment and was confined while the suspect was arrested by responding police. 

Another stabbing incident happened at Barangay Zone 3, Bangued, Abra due to misunderstanding.

Senior Supt.Virgilio Laya, Abra police director  said victim Reynaldo Dela Cruz Alcantara, 58, and suspect Genie Barcena Bringas, 34, were having a drinking session at the residence of the suspect at Barangay Zone 3, Bangued, when they had a disagreement that led to the stabbing of the victim on his left abdomen, left arm and left forearm.

The victim was rushed to the Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment while the suspect was arrested by Bangued police.

In Apayao, a barangay kagawad, was invited for questioning after an alleged attempt to hack and shoot the complainant named Samonte Piagan, farm laborer in Barangay Cagandungan, Luna, Apayao.

Piagan together with his mother and aunt were reportedly standing beside their house when the suspect named as Joning Balungday, 43, barangay kagawad, confronted them and tried to attack the victim who managed to escape.

However, the suspect brought his short firearm and shot the victim thrice but missed.

The daughters of the suspect arrived and pacified their father and brought him home.

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Raided P’sinan tutorial center resumes operation

By Cesar Ramirez 

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – An online tutorial center raided by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group last March resumed operation last week after the case filed against the firm was dismissed.

The reopening ceremony of the Kame Hachi Corp., a company engaged in online English tutorials, was led by Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil and provincial employment services office chief Alex Ferrer.

Lawyer Nolan Evangelista, who represents Kame Hachi Corp., said the case was dismissed in August for lack of probable cause.

Evangelista said the establishment was raided by the CIDG for alleged human trafficking.

“When no violation of the anti-human trafficking law was determined, they tried to change the case to cybercrime, but it was not justified as the search warrant was meant only for one crime or violation,” Evangelista said.

He said when the case was brought for inquest at the Department of Justice, the DOJ asked the raiding team if they saw anything incriminating.

When the team said no, the DOJ ordered the release of persons they arrested.

Evangelista said the DOJ ordered the court that issued the search warrant to quash the warrant and release the items confiscated during the raid.

Takayuki Umeda, a Japanese stockholder of the company, said they were hoping to recover their losses.

Cristine Bautista, one of the online tutors, said they never engaged in any illegal activities.

Bautista said they use textbooks and prepare lesson plans in teaching their students, mostly children from Japan, Korea and Russia.

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Congress okays bill creating SPED centers in public schools

BAGUIO CITY – The Lower House has approved on third and final reading a bill filed by Rep. Nicasio Aliping Jr. to establish Special Education (SPED) centers in all public schools divisions nationwide.

As “children with special needs” (CSN) are increasing, Aliping said House Bill 4558 known as an Act Establishing Special Education Centers for Children with Special Needs in all Public Schools Divisions is now awaiting approval of the Senate version.

“The bill seeks to establish centers in all schools divisions nationwide where none exist and where more is needed,” said Aliping.

SPED Centers were designed to provide for Children with Special Needs (CSN) access to basic education, and facilitate their inclusion and integration into mainstream education, and ensure the full development of their potential towards self-sufficiency.

It equips parents, caregivers, and teachers with the capabilities to identify, prevent, appropriately refer the developmental disorders and disabilities of children, and how to intervene appropriately to ensure their functional development, he said.

“SPED Centers’ objectives are to create significant and positive changes in community attitudes towards disability and the need to provide special education and proper care for children with special needs,” Aliping said. 

There is only one SPED Center in Baguio which is not enough to facilitate the education of the increasing number of CSNs.

 “The bill also encourages private sector assistance and donations to SPED Centers through the grant of incentives like tax credits, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8424, otherwise known as the “National Internal Revenue Code of 1997” Aliping said.

“The bill allows local government units to use their Special Education Fund to support activities for the growth and development of children with special needs.This ensures free provision of textbooks and instructional materials to DepEd, SPED teachers, and children with disabilities,” he added.

Aliping said there are several universities in Baguio offering Special Education Teachers courses. “Once the bill is approved, these future teachers will have more opportunities to practice their expertise,” he said. 

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Commercial building owners told: Comply with parking law

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Owners of commercial buildings at the central business district last week committed to provide ample parking spaces to comply with their building permit requirement.

In a dialogue with Mayor Mauricio Domogan initiated by Councilor Elaine Sembrano, building owners agreed to rectify their violation either by restoring their parking spots which were converted and used for other purposes or by designating a parking area outside their buildings but within the property’s 200-meter radius.

City buildings and architecture officer-in-charge Johnny Degay said that in the course of their inspections of edifices, it was discovered that many establishments with approved parking spaces in their building permits have altered the plans and instead converted the spaces intended for parking for other uses.

The mayor said this constitutes violation of Presidential Decree 96 or the National Building Code and city ordinances and as such the city can revoke the building permits and close the establishments.  

He said the city will give the businessmen ample time to comply with the requirement.

The mayor also tasked Degay to investigate building owners who circumvented the parking requirement by applying for building permit for renovation but actually constructed an entirely new edifice.

Apart from the businessmen with approved parking requisites, the city intends to also consult with the other sectors like the schools and others on the same concern.

“This will be a continuing activity as part of the city’s aim to decongest traffic in all areas,” the mayor said. 

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Ifugao gets nat’l nutrition honor award for work

 LAGAWE, Ifugao – The province was adjudged by the health department and the National Nutrition Council as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Nutrition Honor Ward (NHA) for its nutrition programs that resulted to low malnutrition rate among pre-school children and school aged children over the past six years.

Rita D. Papaey, NNC-CAR regional nutrition program coordinator, said the |Nutrition Honor Award is similar to the Hall of Fame Award being given by award-giving bodies to tap performing individuals and groups who are involved in  implementation of programs and projects.

Papey disclosed Ifugao was able to maintain its Green Banner Award under the category of the province for the first three years and the Consistent Regional Winner on Nutrition (CROWN) under the category of the province over the past three years which resulted to the province being elevated to the Nutrition Honor Award.

“We are elated that a province in the Cordillera has been elevated to one of the most prestigious awards being given by the national government to top performing local governments which are able to sustain the implementation of local nutrition interventions,” Papey said.

Aside from the Nutrition Honor Award trophy, Ifugao will also receive cash reward of P1 million during awarding rites which will still be scheduled by the NNC in Metro Manila by the third week of October.

Corazon Dawong, provincial nutrition program coordinator, said that  in 2008 or before the implementation of local nutrition interventions, there were a total of 1,661 or 7.772% of underweight and severely underweight pre-school children in the province  but with the implementation of the designed nutrition initiatives, the malnutrition rate was lowered to 2.37% this 2014.

Dawong said under the locally-initiated supplemental feeding, nutrition staff, parents and day care teachers usually cook nutritious food, particularly those available in the communities, such as a mixture of organic vegetables, and use the same to feed the children during their break in order to help improve their nutritional status.

Gov. Dennis Habawel lauded the provincial health office and the provincial nutrition staff for being able to formulate local interventions that will compliment other nutrition programs of concerned government agencies that contributed in significantly reducing the malnutrition rate among pre-schoolchildren in the different parts of the province.

He said the provincial government will continue to extend financial and technical assistance to the concerned agencies and offices in the coming years in order to further reduce the malnutrition rate among pre-schoolchildren and make them active members of the society in the future.

In the Cordillera, the regional nutrition award winners include Benguet as the Green Banner Wardee for the provincial level, Baguio City as the Green Banner awardee for the City category and Alfonso Lista, Ifugao in the Municipal Category while Ms. Magdalena Sacpa of Kapangan, Benguet was adjudged the Best Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS).

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Cordillera fish production up 8 percent, says BFAR

BOKOD, Benguet — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources announced an eight percent increase in the fish production in the Cordillera, a big chunk of the increase recorded in the “tilapia” production of Ambuklao Dam, here.

BFAR Director Asis Perez made the announcement before fisherfolk here during the inauguration of the new P5.5-million fisheries post-harvest facility near the dam last Friday.

“Finally, these facilities are ready for operations with the hope that it will boost your income,” Asis said. “The agency is happy that residents of the Cordillera are striving to improve the fishery industry from rivers and reservoir like Ambuklao Dam,” he added.

Before, the region was only recording a fish sufficiency level of three percent, which had increased at a fast pace, enough reason for the government to give back to the farmers through infrastructures that will further boost fish production.

He related that in a visit in 2012, he saw the system whereby from the fishpen in the reservoir, fishermen simply laid the fish on the road, exposed them to the heat of the sun while they packaged and weighed the fish.

“I advised BFAR regional office to recommend the putting-up of a post-harvest facility where the fishes can be stored, which was immediately acted upon by President Aquino and released the fund that was used for the construction of the facility,” Asis added.

At present, there are 83 fish-cage owners on the six-hectare portion of the reservoir.

SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) that manages the facility allowed the activity in support to the livelihood of the locals, particularly the Bantey-Pesik-Kiweng Organization (BANPIKO) Incorporated – who became beneficiaries after losing a livelihood following the  construction of the dam in 1959. The support being part of the Corporate Social Responsibility program of Aboitiz.

An average of one metric ton of tilapia and other fresh water fish species like silver carp and “dalag” from fish cages and the open water is harvested daily.

Perez said the post harvest facility will make fish products from this town of high quality and hygienic adding-on to the tasty fish-meat of tilapia from Ambuklao.

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Fathers usual suspects in P’sinan child rape cases

By Eva Visperas 

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—At least 45 of 107 rape cases involving children in this province this year were allegedly committed by their own fathers or stepfathers, according to a report of the Women’s and Children Protection Desk  (WCPD) released yesterday.

The suspects in at least four cases were grandfathers, while boyfriends were involved in 20 cases; relatives, 49; and neighbors, 17.

Nineteen victims were six years old and younger, 17 were aged 15, 13 were 16 years old, 10 were 13 and 10 cases involved 14-year-old victims.

Most of the suspects were between 36 to 45 years old and were either unemployed or self-employed.

The report said there were also 36 rape cases involving women reported this year, representing a 300 percent increase compared to only nine cases last year. Most of the victims were aged 18 to 25.  

Chief Insp. Genevieve Poblete, head of the WCPD, said Urdaneta City had 13 recorded cases; Dagupan City, 15; Calasiao,  11; Bayambang, 9; Malasiqui, eight; and Alaminos City, 7.

There was no reported rape case in Sto. Tomas, Pozorrubio, Villasis, Natividad, San Quintin, Urbiztondo and Sta. Barbara towns.

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