NEWS BRIEFS

March 2 a holiday in La Union

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – It’s a special non-working holiday in La Union on March 2.

Malacañang declared the holiday to give residents the opportunity to celebrate the province’s 166th founding anniversary. 

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, on behalf of President Aquino, signed Proclamation 1222 on Feb. 16 to give residents the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary.

Adamor Dagang, provincial information officer, said the activities, including an agri-trade fair, started on Feb. 18. 

This year’s celebration has the theme “Savoring the Fruits of Good Governance, Love, Unity, Peace and Order Through Prayers.” – Jun Elias   

Baguio moves up rank among cities

BAGUIO CITY — Tourism, education and sports, peace and order, health and social services, environment are among the accomplishments last year, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said. The mayor recalled that in 2014, Baguio was ranked 15th among the country’s 142 cities. Now, he takes pride that the city has gone up two notches to No. 13 based on national comparative ratings. He said concerted efforts must be taken to update and implement income-generating endeavors to improve the city’s ranking.

4 Nego-trailers for Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The provincial government, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment Tuesday distributed four nego-trailers in the municipalities of Guagua, Mexico, Arayat and Lubao to further boost livelihood projects. The first nego-trailer was given to Santa Ursula Negosyu King Panyulung Program Association in Betis Guagua. The nego-trailer worth P216,480 is a rolling kitchen complete with equipment and utensils such as small kitchen sink, two-door refrigerator, two burner gas stove, a set of kitchen utensils, fryer, toaster and microwave oven.  The other nego-trailer which worth P245,870 will give benefits to 58 beneficiaries-members of Bayung Arayat Pamilyang OFW Association in Arayat, Pampanga. -- PNA

DOST promotes technologies for health and social concerns

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology  promotes  High Impact Technology Solution(HITS) projects which use science, technology and innovations to address some of the country’s  health and  social concerns.

DOST Cordillera regional director Victor Mariano, in a media forum last week, presented the HITS projects that are on-going or being established in the region.

He said the Nationwide Dengue Vector Surveillance Project in which  through the OL (Ovicidal – Larvicidal) Trap developed by DOST - Industrial Technology Development Institute, the presence of Aedes Aegypti, the dengue virus carrying mosquitoes,  can now be detected in  elementary and public high schools.

For better nutrition, DOST in partnership with Apayao State College and the municipal LGU of Luna is establishing a complementary food project inside the campus, for the production of three DOST – Food and Nutrition Research Institute – developed complementary food technologies.

To ensure access to potable water, DOST in partnership with the local government unit of Bauko, Mountain Province, established the Ceramic Water Filter Production facility project. 

With the vast resources of clay in the municipality and through the technology developed by DOST – ITDI,  the project is  for the production of efficient, stable, low cost and easy to use water purifiers.

For the mining industry, DOST initiated the field testing of the Integrated Gold – Copper Mineral Processing Pilot Plant in Itogon, Benguet.  With a technology developed by University of the Philippines, small scale miners will soon have a more environment - friendly and more high yielding processing of gold ore.

For the environment  particularly  on air pollution, the  DOST with its Metals Industry Research and Development Center and in partnership with the city Government of Baguio and the municipality of La Trinidad Benguet conducted a feasibility study for an Automated Guideway Transit System.

The result was presented to the Cordillera Regional Development Council and if realized, will give this mountain resort and the capital town of Benguet cleaner air with mass transport system.

Two more DOST projects in the region were deployment of early warning systems (DEWS) for disaster management and  establishment of Food Innovation Center.

DOST assistant  regional Director Nancy Bantog  shared that through HITS projects aside from bringing in science and technology as a driver of development to every Juan and Maria, Secretary Montejo also wants to bring   out the talents of Filipino scientists, inventors and innovators in coming  up with research, inventions and innovations that will address the pressing problems in the country.  Shaura Cuyan

176 Ifugao scouters join regional encampment

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- More than 100 female scouters from the province attended the regional encampment held in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur recently.

Fely Gumangan, head of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Ifugao Council said that a total of 176 GSP represented the province in the simultaneous 43rd Junior and 55th Senior Regional Encampments  for  Northern Luzon.

“Northern Luzon was represented by 16 cities and provinces including Ifugao. More than 3,000 campers attended the three-day activity with the theme “Connect, protect, change” featuring team building, creative hand and art crafts, water fun, eco-historical tour and other related activities,” Gumangan added.

Aside of the said major events, the campers also rendered community service at the campsite as part of the GSP’s share for the environment including giving of impressions wherein selected campers expressed their gratitude to activity. -- Marcelo B. Lihgawon

OPVet calls on dogs owners to vaccinate pets against rabies

BONTOC, Mountain Province --  The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) urged all dog owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies to totally eradicate the dreaded disease in the province.

Dr.Doris Cobaldez of the OPVet said their office is again encouraging all pet owners to bring their dogs to their respective Municipal Agricultural Offices (MAO) or to the OPVet for free anti-rabies vaccination.

To mark the observance of the Rabies Awareness Month in March, Cobaldez said they are also scheduling anti-rabi

The anti-rabies immunization drive, now an annual activity of the Veterinary and MAO offices, has contributed to the decreasing number of rabies cases in the province.

Last year, the OPVet recorded only one rabies case in the municipality of Bauko.

In 2010, the capital-town of Bontoc recorded 7 rabies cases and two human deaths due to bites from a rabid dog.

Meanwhile, veterinarians advised individuals who are bitten or scratched by dogs or cats to immediately wash the wounds with soap and clean running water to reduce the risk of rabies infection and then seek medical treatment from the nearest hospital or clinic.

Rabies is said to kill about 55,000 people every year worldwide. -- Andrew Doga-ong

Baguio to host Cordi Month celebration

BAGUIO CITY - -  This year’s Cordillera Month celebration in July  will be hosted by the local government unit of Baguio with the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) of the Regional Development Council as the coordinating body.

During the 1st Quarter meeting of the RSDC held recently. Emelie Daquipil of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) informed that the City of Baguio will be the host for this year’s celebration of Cordillera Month.

Tentative theme of Cordillera Month this year’s is “CAR @29: Moving Together for an Autonomous and Empowered Cordillera”, to focus on the region’s journey towards autonomy and the progress in as reducing poverty is concerned.

Daquipil also presented the  major activities being the lined up- the Gong Relay will start in Baguio on July 11 and will be passed on to all the Cordillera provinces, then back to Baguio  for  the culmination program on July 15. A tree planting will be conducted in region’s provinces and cities as part of the gong turn-over program.

There will be a Multi-Stakeholders Conference which will be held in each of the region’s six provinces and two cities; A Cordillera Got Talent will also be conducted to be coordinated by the Subcommittee on Education, Manpower and Development headed by the Commission on Higher Education and a Cordillera Youth Song-Writing Contest to encourage the involvement of the youth in the celebration.   

To drumbeat the activities, a kapihan will be held on June 29 at the Philippine Information Agency grounds and also to launch the monograph stories of the Cordillera struggles for Autonomy.  -- Maria Aprila Cruz

DOLE strengthens CL industrial councils

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Labor and Employment is now strengthening industrial tripartite councils (ITCs) in Central Luzon in a bid to keep industrial peace.

“With the many reforms that we have introduced to boost industrial relations as well as soliciting support and cooperation to the new Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS) from different industries, I directed our provincial offices to strengthen ITCs we have established,” DOLE regional director Ana Dione said in a report on DOLE’s thrusts in 2015.

In Bataan, the Field Office on different occasions convened meetings with its ITCs on Education; Hospital, Dental, and Therapeutic Clinics; Construction; and Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism.

“Around 100 officers and members of these ITCs actively participated during the consultation and updating of their respective Voluntary Code of Good Practices (VCGPs),” Dione shared.

In Bulacan, the Field Office conducted the first ITC provincial congress that was participated by 57 officers and members of the Bulacan Provincial Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (B-PTIPC). “The Congress, served as a venue to discuss relevant and pertinent issues and policies on labor and employment,” Dione said.

In Nueva Ecija, the Field Office partnered with the National Wages and Productivity Commission in the conduct of Central Luzon’s first Green Productivity Seminar to about 50 officers and members of the Rice Millers Club of Nueva Ecija.

DOLE Nueva Ecija organized seminars on Basic Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

In Pampanga, meetings were held with of ITCs on construction, education, business processing and 0utsourcing– information communication technology and aviation.

Some 61 officers and members of these ITCs drafted action plans on training and education, salaries and benefits, and occupational safety and health.

In Tarlac, an ITC Congress was attended by 45 officers and members of Hospital, Hotel and Restaurant, Education, and Construction ITCs. – Mar T. Supnad

French Baker opens Nueva Ecija branch

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- French Baker opened its new branch here at SM Cabanatuan recently. Located on the ground floor of the mall, French Baker, which is the country’s pioneer in the French bakery concept, formally opened its new branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by French Baker founder and chief executive officer Johnlu Koa.

It will be a different dining experience for SM Cabanatuan shoppers as The French Baker store offers new products, such as Sizzling Chicken Galantina (P265), a chicken roulade stuffed with chorizo and pork and served on a sizzling plate with rice and buttered vegetable siding; and the Family Platter (P875), a sumptuous platter made up of 7 pieces of Herbes de Provence Fried Chicken in a basket, Spaghetti Bolognaise with garlic bread slices, annatto rice platter, corn, and potato salad, cake slices and Citrus Brewed Iced Tea in a carafe, for a satisfying meal that’s good for 3 to 4 persons.

Present during the opening and ribbon-cutting rites were (from left): Euromode’s managing director Marilou Koa, The French Baker founder and CEO Johnlu Koa, their daughter Julia May Koa, Jonard Koa, Mrs. Cristina Koa, The French Baker’s board of directors Johnyan Koa, SM Cabanatuan assistant mall manager Carolyn Del Rosario, Christopher Cua, Liza Koa, Michael Koa, and The French Baker’s board director Johnip Cua. -- Ed Ciby

Villar promotes small farms’ dev’t to achieve food sufficiency

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Sen. Cynthia Villar urged Ilocanos to maintain and develop their small farms to ensure food production sufficiency for the growing population of the country.

Villar, who chairs of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, visited the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur Feb. 5 to grace events highlighting the recent 198th foundation anniversary of the two provinces by virtue of Royal Decree approved on Feb. 2, 1818.

Villar awarded winners of trade fair competition of the 2016 Kannawidan Ylocos Festival in Ilocos Sur and initiated livelihood programs for residents in Ilocos Norte.

“Our food security in the future will depend on the small farms that we have because if we did not maintain these farms; we might be having insufficient foods by year 2050 based on the study released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN),” Villar said.

“I encourage all Ilocano farmers and fishermen to stay and develop your family farms while the national government is looking several initiatives to raise your income in farming,” she added.

Citing recent studies, Villar mentioned that a Filipino farmer is presently earning only R4,000 per month, which is very low to sustain the needs of a family of six members; while a Gawad Saka farmer is earning R50,000 per month.

She also cited that Filipino farmers and fishermen are lacking in financial literacy on how to operate a small farm as a business, based on the recent result of UN-FAO research.

Villar disclosed that farmers should learn first the proper environment-friendly farming technologies and proper financial management of farming in order to achieve the goal of producing efficiently and earning sufficiently. – Freddie G. Lazaro

DTI approves P8.5-M shared service facilities in Mt. Province

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The Department of Trade and Industry approved in 2015 the total amount of P8, 523,105.00 for 12 Shared Service Facilities (SSF) projects in the province.

DTI’s SSF program aims to improve the competitiveness of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system. The program is implemented with project partners termed as cooperators.

Mabel Banggawan of the DTI Provincial Office here said the SSF on loom weaving was launched on January 10, 2015 with the Caneo Women’s Organization in barangay Caneo, Bontoc as the cooperator; SSF on muscovado processing upgrading   launched on November 19, 2015 with the Masla People’s Organization in Masla, Tadian as cooperator, and SSF on arabica coffee which was launched last December 16 with Madchikom Coffee Producer Cooperative as cooperator.

This January, the DTI launched two SSF on loom weaving with the Guinzadan Weavers Organization in Guinzadan Sur, Bauko and the Maggon Rural Improvement Club in Supang, Sabangan as cooperators.

Launching of the SSF on Arabica coffee with the Mountain Province Association of Coffee Growers as cooperator is also scheduled later this month.

The DTI provincial office has also scheduled on February 2016  the launching of the SSF on sweet potato processing for the Ubaya Food Processors Association, SSF on food processing for the Bauko Overseas Workers and Returnees Association, SSF on coffee processing for the Anabel-Sadanga Multi-purpose Cooperative, SSF on coffee processing for the Sagada Arabica Coffee Growers and Processors Organization, and the SSF on muscovado sugar processing for the Bagnen-Balintaugan Timpuyog Credit Cooperative

Launching of SSF on organic fertilizer production for Seven Daffodil Organization of Organic Farming will be in March.

Under the SSF Project, DTI awards equipment aid to recipient cooperator under a six-year conditional grant. If recipient cooperator stops its business operation or if equipment is not being used for the purpose, DTI can recall the equipment and awards the same to another cooperator.

If the business opened by cooperator- beneficiary grows and surpasses the six-year conditional period, DTI turns over to the cooperator full ownership of the equipment. -- Juliet B. Saley

Coalition pushes community involvement  for Balili River

BAGUIO CITY- - The Balili River System Revitalization Coalition (BRSRC) will go beyond cleaning up activities and will push for community involvement in the protection of the Balili River.

This was agreed upon during the recent BRSRC Action Planning Workshop held at the University of the Philippines- Baguio.

Dean Aurea Sandoval of Benguet State University pointed out that the clean-up activities they have spearheaded in the past have not much of an impact in the revitalization of the Balili River.

University of the Cordilleras Director for Research and Development Center, Engr. Nathaniel Lubrica  seconded that fully revitalizing Balili River will not be successful with just clean-up drive; it  needs community involvement .

Proposed activities to encourage community involvement include “Adopt a Community” project wherein different institutions will adopt barangays within the stretch of the river and educate the residents about protecting this important river system.

Aside from pushing for behavioral change, the education campaign will also give focus on the improvement of the governance of barangay officials with regards to the environment.

The BRSRC formed in 2011 includes the Environmental Management Board - Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the academe and local government units of Baguio City and La Trinidad, government offices, private/industry partners and civil society group. -- Via Perez

BWD assures enough water supply in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY-- The Baguio Water District said the city has enough enough water supply  even with  with the  expected influx of visitors  due to  various upcoming events and the effects of El Niño.

BWD general manager Salvador Royeca said his office has been preparing for the El Niño phenomenon with the adaptation measures to reduce its impact.

“The Baguio Water District constructed a lot of canals or ditches for our watersheds to capture the run of water especially with the less rainfall being experience here in the Cordillera and with the announcement that we are going to have an El Nino,” Royeca said during the Kapihan sa Baguio forum  on Thursday.

He also bared that they have preserved the water collected at the Mount Santo Tomas catch basin which will be utilized until the Panagbenga and even up to March.

Royeca said the city has varying water demands especially with the expected thousands of tourists during the Panagbenga festivities, the Philippine Military Academy Foundation Day and Graduation Rites and the observance of Holy Week. The average demand is around 50,000 to 55, 000 cubic meters per day but it may increase to 100,000 cubic meters per day depending on number of people in the city.

The BWD at present has 65 pumping stations, 57 deep wells and five spring sources where it gets the supply of water rationed to residential homes, business establishments and government facilities.

Even with the assurance of enough water supplies in the city, Royeca encouraged the public to practice water conservation. He also called on the public to help in the preservation of the watersheds and other water sources which are slowly diminishing. -- Lalaine Galagala- 

Tabuk City’s real property tax collection up

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The city’s real property tax collection performance in 2015 increased by 13percent  compared  to the previous year.

Olivia Mendoza of the City Treasurer’s Office reported total collection of P6, 000,756 for the period over the P5, 268,956 in 2014.

Real property taxes of the city come from four major sources that include taxes on agricultural property posting the top with P2,669,109, residential – P1,848,977, commercial - P1,473,649 and industrial with P9,019.

According to Mendoza, the city has sustained annual growth in real property tax collection because of improved efforts on massive tax mapping, intensified tax campaign at the barangay level and massive information-education drive.

She admitted though there is still high need to educate people on taxation which  is considered as government’s life blood. Real property taxes accrue to the government’s general fund while the other half goes to Special Education Fund.

Mendoza urged real property tax payers to avail of the 20% discount for advance payments made every December of the preceding year and the 10% discount for payments made in the first quarter of the year. Late payments are charged additional 2% monthly penalty fee.  -- Larry T. Lopez     

BFAR releases 300,000 tilapia fingerlings for Abra fisherfolk

BANGUED, Abra - - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regional office  released this month a total of 300,000 tilapia fingerlings  to  the province.

According to Provincial Fishery Officer Mr. Jesus Astrero, these fingerlings are distributed to fish folks and fish pond owners in the municipalities of Lagangilang, Sallapadan, Peñarrubia, Lagayan, Bucay, Pilar, Bangued, Dolores, San Juan, Tubo and Tayum.

 “Other tilapia fingerlings will be placed in communal body of water or rivers while fingerlings left in the office will be dispersed in Calaba River,” he said.

These fingerlings are expected to grow in number to help the community have additional source of living.

The first stock of fingerlings from BFAR was requested by Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin to augment the loss resulting from strong typhoons that struck the province last year.  -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

PSA Baguio Serbilis outlet serves 1,410 clients daily

BAGUIO CITY - -  The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Baguio Serbilis Center  is already experiencing influx of clients getting civil registration documents especially birth certificates.

PSA data shows that from January 4 to 13, the center was averaging 1,410 clients a day and going as high as 1,608 clients in January 11h compared to the 914 daily average clients for the year 2015.

Center Manager Gerard Tolito, in interview, explained that   the shift in school calendar is the first reason in the rise in the number of daily clients. Second semester starts this January many parents and students are getting birth certificates for enrolment purposes.

 Another reason is for local employment especially in the application for Philippine National Police recruits. Applicants are getting seven authenticated copies of their birth certificate, he added.

Tolito assured that PSA Baguio Serbilis outlet is always ready to respond to the challenge with the hiring of eight new staff to augment the personnel manning the six client/public assistance computers.

He also informed that PSA has six collection officers with two assigned to the priority lane to assist senior citizens, person with disabilities and pregnant/nursing mothers.

Tolito advises the public to plan ahead and come on lean days or months as birth certificate has no expiration if it will be used for enrolment purposes. He also appeals to those getting their civil registration documents not to bring companions especially children so that they will not add-up to the crowd inside the center.

Tolito also calls on the public to utilize the PSA’s BREQS (Batch Request Entry System) partner wherein for a little added amount, they can save travel time or avoid the long line at the Baguio Serbilis outlet.

PSA-CAR’s BREQS partners   provincial offices in Abra and Ifugao, and the  local government units of Paracelis, Bontoc, Tadian, Bauko and Barlig in Mountain Province; Balbalan and Tinglayan in Kalinga; Dolores Abra; Pudtol and Kabugao in Apayao,  and Kabayan, Buguias, Bakun and Tublay in Benguet. 

The public can also get their civil registration documents in SM City Baguio, he added. -- Carlito Dar

DA allots P630M for Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Kalinga was allotted P630 million for various agricultural projects.

Director Lorenzo Caranguian of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit, Cordillera Administrative Region (DARFU-CAR) announced this during Farmers’ Day and Cooperatives Day on Feb. 15 in celebration of the 21st founding anniversary of Kalinga and Ullalim festival, where he was the guest speaker.

Caranguian told the audience the province deserves the big support to boost its rice, corn, and coffee production industries.

He said bulk of the appropriations will go to the concreting of three farm-to-market roads (FMR) under the Philippine Rural Development Program in the amount of P501 million.

“P118M will go to the concreting of the Banneng-Gumbowoy FMR in Tanudan, P180M to the Bulanao-Amlao FMR, and P203M to Catabbogan-Wagod FMR in Pinukpuk,” Caranguian said.

The director also announced that P32M is appropriated for the Kalinga Integrated Coffee Processing Center, P8M total worth of livelihood projects to associations,  P35M to increase rice production, P20M for corn production, P12M for high value commercial crops, P3.5M for livestock, P9.2M for Pamana projects, P3.1M for bottom-up-budgeting, and other small projects.  -- Peter A. Balocnit

 2,317 Abra folks employed  under DOLE program

BANGUED, Abra -- The Emergency Employment Program (EEP) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Abra benefited a total of 2,317 displaced workers, underemployed and unemployed local folks in the municipalities of San Juan and Dolores  last month.

George G. Lubin, Jr., DTI provincial head, said the EEP projects in the municipalities of San Juan and Dolores were funded by Party Lists in the House of Representatives worth P22.3 million.

The EEP is a special employment generation program of the DOLE dubbed as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Funds for the special employment program were given particularly as a support to the victims of Typhoon Ineng that hit the province last August 2015 especially the farmers whose crops were damaged during the typhoon. 

For the municipality of San Juan, Mayor Marco M. Bautista reported that the P20M EEP fund was given by the Coop Natco Party List for the rehabilitation, improvement and de-siltation of the communal irrigation canals and clearing of barangay roads.

On the other hand, P2.3M funds for the municipality of Dolores from the Buhay Party List was used for the rehabilitation of irrigation canals and barangay roads damaged by typhoon Ineng, Mayor Robert Victor G. Seares, Jr. reported.

Aside from typhoon-affected farmers, other beneficiaries include those that are willing to help in the needed work in the fields. -- Maria Teresa B. Benas

    

Mt. Province  LGUs, school to employ 1,015 studes this summer

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- About 1,015 students are expected to work this summer vacation under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) under the auspices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The Provincial Governor’s Office, Office of the Vice Governor, nine local government units in the province and the Xijen College of Mountain Province pledged a total amount of P6, 352,390.00 for the employment of these students.

Based on the data provided by DOLE Provincial field Office Chief Samuel T. Lasdacan, Natonin LGU pledged the highest amount of P2, 493,750.00 for the employment of some 285 students for 25 days.

The Governor’s Office committed P1 million to hire 200 students for 20 days while the Xijen College pledged P600, 000.00 for the employment of 50 students for 40 days.

The Office of the Vice Governor committed P170, 200 for 37 students for 20 days.

The other LGUs  that will  participate in the SPES include  Barlig which pledged P420,000 for 70 students; Bauko – P414,400 for 112 students; Tadian – P400,000 for 80 students; Sabangan – PP248,400 for 54 students; Bontoc – P168,000 for 30 students; Besao – P80,640 for 24 students, Sagada – P32,000 for 8 students. These seven LGUs will employ the students for 20 days.

Paracelis LGU which pledged the amount of P325, 000 shall employ 65 students for 25 days.

Lasdacan said the daily wage of students who will be hired under the SPES varies depending on the daily wage provided by each LGU. Sixty percent (60%) of the students’ salary shall be paid by the employers in cash while the remaining 40% shall be paid by DOLE in the form of education voucher.

Interested students and out-of-school youth who intend to continue their studies are advised to start completing the required documents ready for submission during application period scheduled by the employers. They may visit the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in the different municipalities in the province and the Provincial DOLE Office to get the required documents to be accomplished.

The SPES is a regular annual job creation program of the national government intended for the poor but deserving students to augment their school fees by providing them work during summer vacation. -- Juliet B. Saley

Medical mission serves Abrenios

BANGUED, Abra -- The provincial government in partnership with Far Eastern University Medical Alumni Association of Northern Illinois, USA carried out a three-day medical mission at the Abra Provincial Hospital  here recently.

Cataract, hernia, cholecystectomy, thyrodectomy, parotidectomy, and excision of mass were some of the different ailments and disorders treated.

They also gave free eyeglasses to senior citizens and others who were examined with visual impairment. Dental extraction and treatment served children and adults with tooth decays and enamel defects.

To accommodate and make sure that all patients were attended, Gov. Eustaquio P. Bersamin’s wife Ruby who planned and organized the medical mission, invited 23 specialists from different fields of medicine from the US to be part of the medical mission.

Bersamin said all patients who undertook major and minor operations were advised to visit the hospital for follow-up check-up. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Poverty alleviation programs highlight Apayao anniversary

LUNA, Apayao -- The province of Apayao refrained from traditional festivities in celebrating its founding anniversary this year  in  respect to the loss of the founder of the province.

Gov.  Elias Bulut Jr. said the celebration focused on programs on poverty alleviation instead of traditional festive mood since the province is still mourning  the death of Apayao patriarch, Calanasan Mayor Elias Bulut Sr. who passed away  Dec. 5 last year.

Bulut Sr. authored Republic Act 7878 which separated the province of Apayao from the old Kalinga-Apayao province in February  1995.

He was responsible in shaping the future of Apayao and into what is it today through his long years as the province’s kingpin.

“The celebration for this year’s founding anniversary will be different from the traditional one. Instead of simply celebrating, we will utilize the special programs of the Provincial Government to focus on the alleviation of poverty in the province”, Bulut said in an interview.

The seven municipalities celebrate separately the province’s 21st Founding Anniversary which started on Feb.  9 until the end of the month.

The governor said activities include the launching of the province-wide anti-drug campaign, livelihood projects and the “Pabahay” program.

The “Pabahay” program is the main focus of the province’s anti-poverty campaign, and the provincial government has identified the poorest barangays in each municipality as intended beneficiaries.

The provincial government allocated P8 million for the “pabahay” program with counterpart from each municipality.

The Governor explained that lack of shelter is number one in the poverty indicator of the province as of 2015, followed by income or livelihood then lack of sanitary toilets.

The number of houses to be built will depend on the community-based monitoring system of each barangay.

The goal for livelihood is to strengthen the coffee production in the municipalities of Kabugao, Calanasan and Conner. Other livelihood programs will be based on the design to be created by each municipality.

“These programs are to address the poorest of the poorest”, said the Governor. Apayao is the second poorest province in the Philippines in 2011, and the 4th on the list in 2015.

He informed that the seven municipalities will also have additional activities on their own such as gallery-viewing as a tribute to the Father of Apayao, inter-barangay sports tournaments, street dancing competitions and variety shows but toned down.

Bulut Sr. served as Representative of the old Kalinga-Apayao and then the first congressman of the province of Apayao. He served as provincial governor from 2001 until 2010, and mayor of Calanasan since 2010 until he succumbed to a lingering illness at the age of 76.

 His mission for Apayao was to widen the opportunities of Apayao citizens and indigenous cultural communities in the areas of technology acquisition, intensified agri-industrial production, grains pooling, livelihood creation, and infrastructure building. -- Jillie Ominga

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Winners chosen in NBA Regional Selection Camp

Jr. WNBA top hoopers also known

By Ian Pajarilla

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Winners were selected by National Basketball Association with Alaska Corp. officials who screened  667 Jr. and lady ballers for the Regional Selection Camps of the NBA’s Global Youth Basketball Participation Program here at Benguet State University Gymnasium Feb. 20-21.

Kids aged 12 to 15 years old  from all over the northern region have undergone the enduring upper body test, agility test, vertical leap , scrimmages and  in-house NBA game scenario to be the best Luzon qualifiers for the National Training Camp set on April 22 to 24 in Manila.

From 667 participants on the first day, only 45 Jr. NBA and 15 Jr. WNBA advanced to the qualifying in-house game on the second day

As Jr.NBA Asia head coach Craig Brown described, this year is all about the S.T.A.R.  values in the NBA; sportsmanship, teamwork, positive attitude, and respect. He also reiterated that basketball is basketball, no matter what gender or race the players have, they have to work as a team to achieve a common goal. Coach Brown together with five other coaches including Alaska Aces assistant coach Jeffrey Cariaso were all hands-on to the qualifiers. At the end of the in-house game, only eight cagers will represent Northern Luzon in the upcoming National Training camp and will go head to head with representatives of Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila.

Winners include Jan Zyrus de Ayre, 14, of Berkeley School; Ric Ozner Joshua Gatuz, 13, of Cherished Moments School ; Vincent Mabiwo,13, of University of Cordilleras ; Emmanuel James Macaranasn, 13, of Bayambang National High School ; Sergz Quitaleg,14, of St. Louis University – Laboratory High School; and Wrench Mason Roquid, 13 , of University of Perpetual Help System- Laguna for the Jr. NBA  division while Katreena Areola, 13, of Berkeley School; and Rae Jemima Caba, 13, of St. Louis University – Laboratory Elementary School for the Jr. WNBA division.
Winners in the National Training Camp will get to travel overseas and watch the NBA Global Games live. 

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Ilocos Norte triples its scholarships grantees

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — To provide quality education for Ilocanos, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte headed by Gov. Imee Marcos gave a total of 1,919 scholarships grants last year.

In academic year 2014-2015, there were 459 recipients of the Sirib Academic Scholarship, according to the Provincial Education Office.

In the following school year, the number tripled with a total of 1,460 students benefiting from the Sirib Academic Scholarship, also known as the Sirib Community Leaders Scholarship.

Scholarship programs paved the way for training youth leaders, particularly through involvement in the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association (SIKA) that promotes volunteerism among youth through working together for the development of their respective communities.

Since 2010, the Ilocos Norte government has shouldered over 39,000 elementary, 16,000 high school, and 3,000 college scholarships.

Widening opportunities for learning has been an aim of Marcos, reflected in her vision for Ilocos Norte as a learning hub and learning community, hence the establishment of the “Heroes Walk” on Ablan Avenue to educate passersby on Ilocano heroes’ heritage.

Access to information technology is also a vital part of this goal, and in the past year alone, 38 i-Hubs have been established and 650 computer units have been distributed throughout the different cities and municipalities.

Making education more inclusive is in line with the province’s aim to alleviate poverty and eliminate unemployment, translating into a higher human development index and sustainable livelihood for Ilocanos.

These endeavors propelled the province in attaining the Millennium Development Goals, a United Nations initiative established in the year 2000.

“We have done what we set out to do, exceeding poverty, employment, education, maternal health, and reforestation. From the alarming increase in poverty in 2010, poverty has now fallen to a record of 8.4%,” she said. – Freddie G. Lazaro

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Uggayam chanters needed to relieve Baguio mayor of task

BAGUIO CITY – The city needs to discover more uggayam chanters if only to relieve Igorot chant doyen Mayor Mauricio Domogan of this extra task from time to time.

Domogan in his press briefing last Wednesday expressed his wish for an uggayam singer to surface as he recounted his struggle to attend the Baguio Flower Festival 2016 opening program last Feb. 1 only a few days after undergoing an appendectomy.

The mayor said he was not supposed to attend the program but he went just the same because, “I did not want to let our colleagues (in the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. and the city government) down during this important event.” 

He may not have said it directly but he was also concerned as to who will render the uggayam as a form of prayer and blessing for the opening rites of the city’s major tourism event. 

Despite his post-operation condition, the mayor managed to deliver his traditional melodic verses and impromptu lyrics with usual flair.

Uggayam is a “traditional vocal music” or “ethnic melody” of the Cordillerans sung in all occasions except during funeral rites.  It has no fixed lyrics and the words are supplied extemporaneously by the singer according to the occasion.  It is described to have “poetic form wherein the endings of the verses rhyme.”

In his entire career as government official, Domogan has become the virtual go-to man for uggayam performances during important city occasions and even in regular social events.  His performances of the traditional chant have almost always become the center of attraction and awaited highlight of the programs so much so that uggayam has become his trademark of sorts.

But the mayor now sees the need for more chanters to come forward for the times that he is indisposed.

“I hope somebody else will be discovered to do it aside from me.  I believe there are others out there who can do it a lot better than I do.  It is just a matter of them coming forward,” the mayor said.

He said to be an effective uggayam chanter, one has to have a quick mind not just to weave meaningful thoughts but also to make the words rhyme.

Otherwise, even if your message is significant, it would still sound flat if the words do not rhyme, he advised. – A Refuerzo 

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CHARMP 2 approves P.5M for heirloom rice business project

By Daniel B. Codamon

BANAUE, Ifugao -- The Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Program 2 (CHARMP) approved P.5 million heirloom rice business project proposed by the Rice Terraces Farmers Cooperative (RTFCI) based at barangay Poblacion here.

The proposal was approved during the assessment meeting of the CHARMP 2 personnel at the Bahawit Nursery Office in Lagawe last Feb. 4.

The RTCFI is a duly registered cooperative with the Cooperative Development Authority with 303 members. It was established to oversee the production, consolidation and processing of the native rice of Ifugao called “Tinawon” to supply local and foreign markets with the support of government and the non-government organizations.

The Tinawon rice has four fancy varieties and produced in eight municipalities of Ifugao. These varieties have big aromatic grains, great nutritional values, unique attractive appearance but can only be produced once a year because of its long maturing properties.

Seven years ago, coop members have participated in selling the native rice with premium price to export market particularly in the United States of America. Three years ago, they promoted and sold it in the local market by participating in exhibits and trade fairs.

Since its promotion and earning premium price in the market, the farmers managed their rice fields more properly, effectively and efficiently improving their harvest and increasing the family income by 50% with the sale of their native rice.

Now the demand for the native rice here and abroad is increasing so that there is a need to satisfy the demand with ample supply of the Tinawon rice.

To sustain the farmers’ activities, the coop is requesting for financial assistance through the loan from CHARMP 2 as revolving fund for the members’ entrepreneurial activities for the whole province, explained RTFCI Manager Jimmy Lingayo.

Aside from the entrepreneurial activities, the money will also be used to buy rice from the different municipalities and nearby provinces that are producing the traditional rice.

Buying of the native rice starts after harvest on a cash basis to the members to acquire capital for maintenance and providing their basic need while the processing and packaging will be done by the cooperative following strict quality control.

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DENR re-hires 109 ex-CPLAs in Mt Province as forest guards

By Andrew Doga-ong

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has renewed the contract of 109 former members of the dissolved Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) to work in the government’s National Greening Program and forest protection related activities in the province.

Virginia Ngoddo of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office said the employment of the former CPLA members is part of socio-economic reintegration program for former rebels for them to be productive residents contributing to peace in their communities.

To support the socio-economic integration program, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2013 came up with employment opportunities for profiled former CPLA members through the PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) program by contracting them to work as ‘bantay gubat’ (forest guards).

Ngoddo said 46 of the contracted former rebels are assigned at the Community Environment and Natural Resource Office based in Paracelis while 63 are supervised by the CENRO – Sabangan.

Based on the Contract of Service, the bantay gubat will help in seedling production, conduct maintenance and restoration activities on the 2011 and 2012 NGP established plantations, conduct foot patrol and protection activities in natural forest and protected areas and perform other related activities as directed by their respective CENROs.

The contracted former rebels will receive a monthly remuneration of P8, 000 including deductions.

Since the CPLA entered into a peace pact with the government in 2011, it has then transformed itself into a socio-economic entity called the Cordillera Forum for Peace and Development.

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Baguio City SLU student tops CSC professional exam

BAGUIO CITY-- A college student from Baguio City topped the Career Service Professional level examination administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Dec. 6, 2015.

Melrose Dela Cruz, a fourth year accounting student of Saint Louis University, leads the almost 5,000 successful examinees of the CS professional level with a rating of 89.07 percent.

Dela Cruz said that the she did not expect to be the topnotcher or even to pass the exams since she did not have enough time to review due to the very busy schedule.

Another Baguio student, Kenneth Ian Robles of the University of the Philippines – Baguio landed fourth overall with a rating of 88.35%.

For the sub professional level, Joshua Samuel Lavarias placed 10th overall with a rating of 86.45%.

A total of 5,982 or 10.92% out of 54,777 examinees passed the Career Service Professional and Sub Professional written examinations held last December 2015. The examinations cover affected areas of the country where the exams were suspended on October 18, 2015 due to Typhoon Lando.

Of the said figure, 4,899(10.78%) passed the Professional level while 1,083 (11.62%) passed the Sub Professional level.

In the Cordillera Region(CAR),  669 or 13.53%  out of  the  4,274 examinees  passed the professional level  while 143 or 13.70 % of the 1,044 examinees passed the Sub Professional level exams conducted  in four testing centers in the region: Baguio City, Bangued, Abra; Lagawe, Ifugao and Luna, Apayao.

CAR’s Top 10 passers for CSE-PPT (Professional) were Dela Cruz, Robles, Kennric A. Licang (88.29), Kimberly P. Paglingayen (88.03), Amiel Jae F. Sarmiento (87.48), Jedalyn S. Macwes (87.17), Angelica S. Melecio (87.12), Hazel F. Luy (86.81), Alodia Rei B. Leung (86.73), and Lovely Mae N. Padduyao (86.59).

Lavarias leads the top 10 passers in CAR for the CSE-PPT (Sub-professional) with Kritzelnyll G. Anga-angan (86.22), Ian Carlo G. Bulosan (85.96), Sherry Ann H. Manganip (85.67), John Russel G. Alejo (85.41), Faith K. Tungod (85.40), Demi Lynn C. Fianza (85.16), Lilia B. Wacangan (85.14), Bendix P. Daluyen (84.64), and Lloyd Ashley L. Lundang (84.43).

The passers will be conferred civil service eligibilities. The  Career Service Professional Eligibility , among other qualification requirements, shall be appropriate for permanent appointment to both first level (clerical) and second level (technical) positions in the career service that do not involve practice of profession and are not covered by other special laws. The Sub Professional eligibility shall be appropriate only to first level positions in the government that include clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial service positions.

The complete list of successful examinees of the Dec. 6, 2015 CSE-PPT is available at the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph.

Examinees may generate their individual test results using the Online Civil Service Examination Result Generation System (OCSERGS), which can be accessed also through the CSC website.

The next schedule of the Career Service written examinations will be on April 17, 2016. Filing of application is ongoing until February 26.

Applicants should personally file their applications at the CSC Regional Office or at any of the  CSC  field offices where they intend to take the examination. The test centers in CAR will be Baguio City; Bangued, Abra; Bontoc, Mt. Province and Tabuk City. -- Lauren Alimondo 

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La Union rival clans ink peace agreement

By Jun Elias

BALAOAN, La Union – Candidates of rival political families in this town, which is considered a poll hotspot, have vowed to avoid engaging in violence and ensure peaceful and orderly elections in May.

Outgoing Mayor Al-Fred Concepcion was the first to sign a peace covenant in the presence of town parish priest Fr. Manuel Laviste at the St. Nicholas Church on Tuesday.

Concepcion is running for vice mayor in the May elections, with his daughter Aleli as mayoral candidate.

The Concepcions are running against the son and father tandem of Vice Mayor Gerard Ostrea, who is running for mayor, and board member Joaquin Ostrea Jr. as his running mate.

Al-Fred and Joaquin are first cousins.

Laviste urged both camps to abide by the terms of the covenant.

The Concepcions are members of the administration Liberal Party and the Ostreas of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan.

The candidates for councilors also signed the covenant, which was organized by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting.

They swore to abide by and respect the covenant, avoid violence and personal attacks, and not to employ armed groups or buy votes.

Thousands accompanied the Concepcions while the Ostreas brought only a few family members during the signing.

Town police chief Senior Inspector Rodelio Olsim said the provincial  police and the Commission on Elections classified Balaoan an election hotspot.

A similar covenant was signed in Bacnotan town by the Fontanilla brothers, who are both running for mayor.

Mayor Francis Fontanilla and his brother Lito signed the pact in the presence of their supporters, church representatives, residents, and police and village officials.

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LTO sets new requirements set for getting driver’s license

By Ginalyn B. Brioso

BANGUED, Abra -- Drivers will now need to submit police clearance and medical certificate to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) when  obtaining new  or renewing driver’s license.

According to LTO provincial head Eusebio Bidalen, this is one of the changes in the requirements nationwide in securing driver’s license this year.

Bidalen said the LTO has increased the age requirement for student permit from 16 to 17.

Applicant must also submit authenticated National Statistics Office birth certificate.

Both sub-professional and professional driver’s license applicants will undergo seminar and written examination, he said.

He said many obtained their license this year and registered their vehicles due to Philippine National Police-Commission on elections checkpoints deployed in over 300 spots in the province.

Meanwhile, Bidalen reminds unlicensed drivers and motorists to secure their license and register their vehicles to avoid penalty. 

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Lang-ay Festival: A nostalgic look at history and culture

COMMUNITY BILLBOARD

Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- This year’s edition of the Lang-ay Festival may yet be regarded as a glimpse to the ancient culture of the central tribe of Bontok and almost other tribes in the province that regard the evolution of the people in this parts of the province from a common origin.

Among the first activities of Lang-ay is a trek to the legendary Mount Kalawitan, 4th highest mountain of Luzon rising at 2714meters above sea level in the trio-boundary of Bontoc, Sabangan, and Bauko in the province.

Folklore has it that the peak of Mount Kalawitan was not submerged during the great flood that inundated the earth. It was here that Wigan and Bugan begun the start of civilization, a story that elders best recant with varied versions depending on ones’ location.

Beautiful stories abound as much as varied flora and fauna can be found in the area captivating trekkers who have gone once to the enchanted mountain.

It was also believed that there was once a mountain god named Lumawig who had three giant snakes. The three snakes convened about leaving the mountain, but before they had the chance the god Lumawig, who feared that many people will die when the three snakes leave the mountain, turned them into three rivers that flows around the mountain namely the Chico River, Kapangdanan River, and Dilikey River. 

The group organizing the Lang-ay Trek plans to make the event invitational inviting all mountaineering enthusiasts to come and join the activity on April 2. A pre-validation trek is to be conducted before the day possibly in the last week of February.

Another innovation scheduled for Lang-ay Festival 2016 is the olden “Fagfagto” along the Chico River banks. Strategic and exact location is still being determined by those in charge of the indigenous games.

“Fagfagto” had been an annual tradition observed in the olden times by folks during the times when rice crop harvesting is done and the beginning of the planting of sweet potatoes or camote in the rice fields.

It involved the throwing of stones by opposing teams of young males at against each other as they were stationed at opposite camps across the Chico River near Samoki every afternoon.

The objective in the event is to hit the members of the opposing team as many as possible to win the game which can only be distinguished when the opposing team retreats or run away.

It is the beliefs that the more injuries a participant sustain during the ‘fagfagto’ mean the bigger in size and quantity the sweet potato or camote he will harvest.

It was learned that the mechanics and guidelines are still detailed by those concerned. But the ‘fafagto’ will happen on April 9.

Among the other identified events during the Lang-ay Festival are the Agro-trade fair from April 1-10, Indigenous games and cultural exposition from April 6-9, Igorot showdown and Ethnic fashion show on April 8, and street dancing and cultural presentations, Lang-ay by the street, and Gangsa Night on April 9  

The biggest “patopat” will be featured in the afternoon of April 9 for the public to partake along with other indigenous foods and drinks in the Lang-ay by the Street sponsored by the Bontoc Market Vendors Association, the Foyayeng Young Mothers Organization and the Afew Womens Association.

As part of the featuring of the history and culture of the province, the International Igorot Conference of the Igorot Global Organization will be conducted.

Participants to this conference are natives of the region and the province who are working and residing elsewhere, abroad and in the country. This will be an opportunity for a home-coming for them.

“It is expected that the history of the province and cultures of the people will be highlighted in the staging of Lang-ay Festival 2016. Some may have been portrayed in past Lang-ays but this year’s edition will be an event to watch out for”, said Paulino Tumapang Jr., Chairperson of the Lang-ay Festival Organization, the embodiment of the partnership between the provincial government and the private sector with the involvement of the local government units and some national line agencies.

                                                                                                

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Celebrating EDSA

EDITORIAL

As the country celebrated last week so-called 30 years of democracy, thousands who suffered during martial law assailed slow justice and the stunning political ascent of the late strongman’s heir Sen. “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who is running for vice president.

President Aquino led Thursday the commemoration of the people power uprising that allowed his mother, Corazon, to take over from the President Ferdinand Marcos, who fled to the US with his family.

But in other parts of the country, those who were tortured and imprisoned under martial law held their own rallies to mourn lack of justice. “We are angry, disappointed, frustrated at the system because until now there has been no justice,” said Marie Hilao-Enriquez, vice president of Selda, a group of people who were detained by Marcos’ security forces.

The August Twenty One Movement (ATOM), one of the groups that staged numerous protest actions during martial law, also called on Filipinos to learn from history, saying they were in solidarity with all victims of martial law. Lawyer Ramon Pedrosa, ATOM executive committee chairman, said the group was founded by the late senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, brother of slain opposition leader senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., whose assassination led to public anger that led to the EDSA People Power revolt.

He said Marcos Jr. “must realize that the first mandate is to heal the scars wrought by abuses committed during martial law and this can only be achieved by recognizing that, regardless of its supposed justifications, the repressive rule of his father remains an ugly blot in the historical conscience of our people. Acknowledging and sincerely apologizing to the many human rights victims for the violations committed by the military executioners during that dark period will be an act of statesmanship,” ATOM said.

Congress passed a law in 2013 to distribute money that was allegedly plundered by the Marcos family to human rights victims. But, out of $10 billion that the government estimates to have been plundered, it covers only $210 million that was discovered in a Swiss bank account.

The government says it has recovered close to $4 billion worth of assets, but cannot distribute the vast bulk of it because of legal challenges by the Marcoses and their cronies.

The arduous process to verify 75,000 claims will not be finished until 2018, and only then can the victims finally get the much-delayed compensation.

This, as political analysts say  some if not most players during the Edsa Revolution have become recidivists and are the ones who are being accused of  committing wrongdoings in government. Their issue is should the Edsa Revolution be even celebrated considering graft and corruption had become a way of life for those in government.

If some people are now looking up to presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte, they say, it is because of corruption. 

Meanwhile, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on the verge of cementing a remarkable comeback for the family. The late strongman died in US exile in 1989, but wife Imelda was allowed to return a few years after with her son and two daughters, and they began rebuilding a political power base.

If Marcos Jr., 58, wins the vice presidency, he would be well positioned for a tilt at the nation's top post at the next elections in 2022. His mother and elder sister are also poised for re-election as congresswoman and governor, respectively, of Ilocos Norte, a northern province that has long been the family's stronghold.

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The Catholic Church, Madonna and Pacquiao

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

The conservative Catholic Church of the Philippines has presumably the most outspoken bishops who comment on anything under the sun from politics, religion to sex and yes – not to forget world boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao, who hit the limelight anew for saying Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders (LGBTs) are  “worse than animals.”  

The Philippine Catholic bishops’ latest peeve was their calling Wednesday on the faithful to boycott pop diva Madonna's sexually charged concerts in the nation's capital, calling them the devil's work.

***

The 57-year-old "Like A Virgin" and "Erotica" hit-maker had cavorted on a giant cross-shaped stage during two concerts on Wednesday and Thursday as part of her global "Rebel Heart" tour.

"Pinoys (Filipinos) and all God-loving people should avoid sin and occasions of sin," Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said in a statement posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines' official website.

Arguelles said the concerts, Madonna's first in the Philippines, were among "subtle attacks of the evil one". "Why is the Catholic Philippines the favorite venue for blasphemy against God and the Holy Mother?" said Arguelles, as quoted by Agence France Press.

Arguelles had previously campaigned against provocative pop diva Lady Gaga, saying her 2012 Manila concert was the work of Satan. Conservative bishops are famously outspoken in the Philippines, where 80 percent of its 100 million people are Catholic.

***

Ahead of her concerts, Madonna visited a shelter for abused children and a Catholic orphanage in Manila on Tuesday. "Chillin' with my homies," Madonna said in a caption to an Instagram selfie with three children, as they lay on cardboard mats on the floor of Bahay Tuluyan, home to about 500 abused or abandoned children.

Wearing head-to-toe black and oversized shades, Madonna came with an entourage of 20 dancers and burly bodyguards, Bahay Tuluyan executive director Lily Flordelis told AFP.

"The children were very happy to see her. She played with them, danced with them and chatted with them," Flordelis said. Tipping her maroon hat in another Instagram post, Madonna said: "Hats off to the Bahay Tuluyan Foundation in Manila for taking so many kids off the street and providing food and shelter."

Madonna also visited the Hospicio de San Jose, one of Manila's oldest orphanages.

***

She posted a picture of herself carrying a baby in pink overalls while holding the hand of an emaciated girl, also in pink, whom she identified as Celeste.

Madonna is touring the world to support her 13th studio album, Rebel Heart, which combines her trademark sexually charged lyrics and imagery with an array of musical genres.

Madonna has courted controversy since bringing her tour to Asia this month.

A Catholic bishop in Singapore called for a boycott of her concert purportedly for insulting religion. She also drew Chinese anger for draping herself with the Taiwanese flag during a concert in Taipei.

***

Now here comes our friendly, perennially tipsy neighborhood philosopher. He says when it’s anything related to the Catholic Church, you have to be prim and proper. It’s the bishops’ right to say anything on any matter, he adds, but when it comes to artistic expression, maybe that’s more on the realm of artists or musicians like Madonna. If there is religious tolerance, there also has to be artistic tolerance, he says.    

***

Now comes Pacquiao who said LGBTS are “worse than animals.” Pacquiao had earned the ire of many people worldwide for saying this, that he even lost endorsement deals.

The Catholic Church Tuesday, not surprisingly, defended the Sarangani congressman for his opposition to gay marriage, saying he was only quoting the Bible.

But Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the public affairs office of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said Pacquiao should also respect homosexuals and not judge and condemn them.

Pacquiao, who converted from Catholicism to an evangelical Protestant faith late in his boxing career, was pilloried by local gay rights groups and celebrities after he described homosexuals as “worse than animals.”

 “But this is really in the Bible. There is this quote he uses from the Bible and we cannot change that,” Secillano said over radio station dzMM.

The CBCP official said it was “unfair” to condemn Pacquiao for echoing what he reads in the Bible when he was asked about same-sex marriage. But Secillano also said the boxing hero should not have used offensive language.

“The church says that if this is your lifestyle, if this is your orientation, then we respect that. We cannot condemn them,” the priest explained.

Secillano reiterated that the Catholic Church still opposed the legalization of same-sex marriage.

***

Church influence has also kept divorce and abortion from being legalized in the Philippines. Homosexuality is not criminalized and several LGBT figures have become celebrities.

Pacquiao, who intends to retire after his April fight against American Timothy Bradley to pursue a career in politics, issued an apology on social media on Tuesday but later said his apology was qualified.

***

Pacquiao’s statement had generated a lot of comments.  Hollywood actor and former wrestler Batista also lambasted Pacquiao for discriminating homosexuals.

“My opinion on that is he’s a [expletive] idiot,’’ said Batista, of Filipino descent who is David Michael Bautista in real life, in an interview with TMZ Sports.

“My mom happens to be a lesbian so I don’t (expletive) take that (expletive). I don’t think it’s funny,” he added. “If anyone called my mother an animal I’d stick my foot in his a**.”

***

Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo also reminded Pacquiao that freedom to choose who to love and live with is a basic right.

 “The choice of who we are going to love and who we are going to live with is a basic human right. That must be respected by others who have differing beliefs,” Robredo, a lawyer, told reporters.

“It’s unfortunate that there appears to be discrimination, judgment, because the essence of democracy is to give voice to all sectors no matter how small they are; to listen to all; to respect each others’ preference even if we believe in different religions,” she added.

***

She explained that while she does not subscribe to same-sex unions being a devout Catholic, she believes the government must open the debate on the controversial matter.

Robredo said she has been fighting discrimination for years, even filing the Anti-Discrimination Bill “that in essence simply states that whatever our beliefs are, religion, culture, sex, preferences, age, there should be no discrimination — everyone should be able to freely express themselves.”

The partymates of the world boxing icon in the United Nationalist Alliance have appealed to the public to continue supporting him amid his controversial remarks against homosexuals. 

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BATTLE FOR 2022 PRESIDENCY HAS BEGUN!

PERRYSCOPE
By Perry Diaz

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Francis “Chiz” Escudero are not related by blood or political affiliation, but their provenance – Bongbong’s biological roots and Chiz’s political roots — comes from the same person: Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Bongbong is the biological son of the late dictator and the Escudero political clan was deeply associated with the Marcoses during the martial law years. Chiz’s father, the late Sorsogon Representative Salvador “Sonny” Escudero III was the last agriculture minister of the Marcos regime.

But while Bongbong and Chiz belong to opposing political parties, their personal relationship seems to be more professional if not impersonal. Indeed, there is no reason why the two political “gladiators” would end up fighting each other to death… that is, politically speaking.

However, the intensity of their rivalry, which is now warming up, would increase in crescendo over the next few weeks, as the May 9th election gets nearer. The question is: Who will fire the first salvo? Heck, who cares? But once the shooting starts, all hell is going to break loose!

Right now, Chiz and Bongbong are probably sizing each other up, probing the other’s weaknesses, particularly their Achilles’ heels. And both of them know that their current popularity ratings are at a statistical dead heat, in which case they have to go negative and pierce the other’s armor to gain advantage. It wouldn’t be surprising if, at this very moment, their “black op” squads were busy digging up dirt in the other’s backyard hoping to uncover some skeletons.

Ghost of Machiavelli

Am I beginning to sound like it’s war out there? Hell, yes! And it’s a war where not only the strong survives, it’s also survival of the cheatest! As someone once said, “In Philippine elections, there are no losers, only the winners and those who were cheated.” Can we then say that for a candidate to win he has to resort to cheating? Clearly, it all comes down to using the Machiavellian mantra “The end justifies the means.”

Indeed, the ghost of Machiavelli seems to play a role in every ambitious politician’s game plan these days. In the case of Bongbong and Chiz, one wonders that while they’re both considered formidable presidential timbers with strong political pedigrees, why didn’t they run for president instead of playing second fiddle to two presidential candidates who may not even be around or disqualified to run for president?

Bongbong vs. Chiz

In the case of Bongbong, his presidential running mate is Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, one of the fightingest politicians who came close to winning the presidential election in 1992. Yes, Miriam is a good – nay, fantastic! – choice to run under as her vice presidential running mate. However, she is fighting the greatest battle of her life – stage 4 lung cancer, which she claims is now controlled. However, at their kickoff campaign last February 9 in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Miriam told the crowd that Bongbong is the “best person” to succeed her potential position as president “if something happens to her.” Indeed, the odds are great that Bongbong would ascend to the presidency byway of presidential succession. In the case of Chiz, his presidential running mate, Sen. Grace Poe, is facing disqualification charges against her before the Supreme Court in regard to her citizenship status and residency. If Grace were disqualified from running, then Chiz would end up without a standard bearer. He would be like the Japanese “ronin” of old, a samurai whose master had died. And he’d be campaigning solo for the rest of the campaign season. Is it good or bad? I’d say neither. Actually, Chiz could turn the situation around into a winning strategy. Being a “ronin,” he can find a “master” in any of the top three presidential candidates: Jejomar Binay, Mar Roxas or Rodrigo Duterte. They all have the potential of winning but their respective vice presidential running mates – Gregorio Honasan, Leni Robredo, and Alan Peter Cayetano – are no match against Chiz… or Bongbong, who, like Chiz, could also end up a masterless “ronin.”

But regardless of whether Chiz and Bongbong become a “ronin,” it shouldn’t make a lot of difference; that is, either one could win the vice presidency on their own strengths and resources. And whoever wins would become a strong candidate for president in 2022.

Taste for power

In my article, “The 2022 presidential derby is on” (October 16, 2015), I wrote: “As I have postulated earlier, whoever wins the vice presidency in 2016 would be the next president in 2022, which begs the question: Of the six [only five left now] vice presidential candidates in 2016 – Robredo, Escudero, Trillanes [he’s out], Cayetano, Marcos, and Honasan — who wouldn’t want to run for president in 2022 if he or she were elected vice president in 2016? What I am seeing in my crystal ball is that all of them, with the exception of Honasan, will run for president in 2022. But Honasan, who might not have any inclination to seek the presidency at this time, might have a change of heart midway through his term in 2019 and decide to run for president in 2022. Once he tastes power, he can get used to it. Indeed, power is aphrodisiac: you taste it once; you’d want more… and more.

“With all six [only five left] vice presidential candidates who harbor a desire to seek the presidency in 2022, you’d expect each and every one of them to use all resources they have at their disposal to win – by all means — the vice presidency in 2016. It would be shooting two birds with one stone; whoever we elect vice president in 2016, we’re also electing president in 2022.”

Three-way battle royale

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted last February 5-7 showed Chiz and Bongbong tied in first place with 26% ratings. What is interesting is that Bongbong overcame Chiz’s three-point lead in the SWS survey conducted on January 8-10, 2016. But this is a small gap compared to the SWS survey on December 12-14, 2015 that showed Chiz at 30% and Bongbong at 19%, a whopping 11-point difference. That was the biggest gap between Chiz and Bongbong since March 20-23, 2015 when Chiz’s popularity rating was at 6% and Bongbong at 3%.

Interestingly, Leni Robredo at 19% is not too far behind Bongbong in the latest SWS survey. Can Leni catch up with either Chiz or Bongbong? With President Aquino’s support and the Liberal Party’s huge war chest, she can prevail over Chiz and Bongbong. What’s going for her is she’s untainted and the wife of the popular late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. Indeed, what we’re seeing here is a three-way battle royale.

But barring a bloody and dirty battle between the two ronin – Chiz and Bongbong – that could end up with both of them losing out to Leni, these two heirs to two powerful dynasties – the Marcoses of Ilocandia and the Escuderos of Bicolandia – would put all their resources to use to win – by all means – the vice presidency. And this is where Bongbong might have an edge because of the Marcoses’ reputedly amassed wealth, which, if true, could make a lot of difference.

Both Chiz and Bongbong have one shot at the vice presidency. And as I said before, it would be like shooting two birds with one stone; whoever is elected vice president in 2016, would be elected president in 2022.

Yes, the battle for the 2022 presidency has begun! (PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

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Critical choices after EDSA 30

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March Fianza

While Manila streets vendors rubbed elbows with anti-Marcos rallyists at EDSA, I was on Mt. Pulag from February 24 to February 26, 1986. I thought Baguio streets might be filled with the police of Fabian Ver stopping the welling up of people sympathetic to Cory, so that with two other friends we headed for my cousin Patty’s house in Ambangeg, Bokod.

Many see that the 30 years that passed after the EDSA peaceful revolution have not changed the life of Filipinos, except that the number of dominant political parties increased to about 15 from only two – the Nacionalista Party (1903) and the Liberal Party (1946), the main parties that I became aware of since the elections during my elementary school days.        

Every administration that followed after Marcos’ downfall in 1986 promised to abolish everything linked to the former strongman’s government but all those were impulsive promises unfulfilled, after enjoying what it felt to be resident of Malacanang. In fact, the infrastructure built during the time of Marcos are in use now and until they are up for repairs.

Concerns on infrastructure, agriculture, education, environmental protection, small and medium business initiatives moved very little as compared to the changes introduced during Marcos’ rule. Today, every candidate for president are rooting to do something about these concerns and the failed promises of those who sat before them.

But will the five of them have the political will to address these issues and will not short change their voters once they get the comfortable feel of sitting in Malacanang? That is doubtful as far as we see how the political campaigns are going. No one seems to be holding the bull by the horn. And every statement uttered are “generalisms” accompanied by name-recall jokes and body language.

Development and the peace and order problem in Mindanao have become favorites and overused issues discussed by the candidates, all promising to pour money through infrastructure and projects, things that the four presidents before them namely; Cory, Ramos, Erap and Gloria were not able to do completely.

Jojo Binay said, development in Mindanao can only be achieved by putting up a regional office of the presidency in the island and by duplicating the progress that he had done for Makati. With that, I say he caught his mouth with his own hook. I remember my professors in Political Science lecturing us that Makati has been the richest municipality in the country courtesy of mining companies in Benguet and other provinces that hold office there.

That was long before Binay chanced upon his political career courtesy of Cory. Not only that, the Makati experience cannot be replicated by other towns as all other LGUs have their own priorities. Maybe, Binay has to prove that he can do this as he claims by applying his management skill in  the neighboring town of Taguig and Quezon City, another wealthy city, before talking about improving Kapangan in Benguet, Sadanga in Mountain Province or Pasil in Kalinga.    

For Mar Roxas, he said he will continue PNoy’s projects in the Mindanao region, including the establishment of electric power plants. But just like Cordillera, electricity generation were stolen and distributed to more industrialized and more populated communities in the country through the national grid. And that is one of the root causes of the unstoppable war in Mindanao.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said, he will promote a Mindanao Peace and Development Plan to address the region's problems on economy and insurgency. The candid Duterte who has fought graft and corruption on his own terms is being downplayed by his opponents because of his “bad” language and street smart character.

For Grace Poe, she wanted to allot at least 30 percent of the country's annual budget for Mindanao in order to catch up in terms of development with other regions. But that too is a dream come true only if congress that holds the purse in the country will allow it, and if Supreme Court decides on her favor regarding her disqualification case.

Like all the rest, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago placed peace and order as top priority issue for Mindanao, but saying further that passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not an assurance for peace because it needs amendments by congress in order not to be declared as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Whatever, may the best man or woman win! I am reserving my vote for the least evil candidates.

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Sagada elders clamor for indigenous rep, legislation

HAPPY WEEKEND

Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- Legislation to advance indigenous peoples rights was agreed upon by elders and leaders of the 19 barangays of Sagada during their Feb. 18 gathering here at Dap-ay Malingeb, saying an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative was needed for this tourist town.

In a resolution made by elders from  barangays, they said they wanted ordinances and resolutions that promote and protect political, civil and cultural rights of indigenous cultural communities. Conducted by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the resolution called for enforcement of provisions of Indigenous Peoples rights Act (IPRA) particularly on indigenous knowledge systems and practices.

Incumbent IPMR Jaime Dugao said legislation, as a function of an indigenous peoples’ representative had limitations during his term. Dugao said customary practices need to be practiced in the midst of national laws which may run contrary to the former.

During the Malingeb gathering, Dugao said attending to conflict resolutions was a major function that he worked on in settling barangay, municipal and inter-municipal land conflicts. He said attending to IP-based meetings and conferences also filled his itinerary. Dugao said his function as IPMR contributed to the crafting of the indigenous peoples education (IPED) curriculum crafted by the Department of Education.

NCIP Besao and Sagada cluster xupervisor Andrew Magwelang said during the Malingeb activity that five elders per barangay shall gather and select the municipal IPMR by March. Stipend of the IPMR was a major discussion during said gathering.

The IPMR of this town has a regular stipend equal to the Sangguniang Bayan councilor consistent with national policy. The first IPMRs were first selected 2013 after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Joint Circular with NCIP in 2011 calling for the creation of an Indigenous Peoples representative and “the sanggunian concerned to appropriate funds covering the salaries of the selected IP/ICC representative, which shall be an amount similar to that received by the regular members of the local sanggunian”.

The joint circular provides that “the local chief executive concerned shall see to it that funds covering the salaries of the selected IP representative are included in the executive budget which he shall submit to the sanggunian.” Bontoc and Besao LGUs provide some honorarium for their respective IPMRs.

Other municipal LGUs don’t. IMPRs though they are legally mandated by virtue of DILG directive to be part of the sangguniang bayan or barangay council are not automatically members because either the elected barangay officials don’t invite her/him or don’t accept him as a member. Much more barangay LGUs have not allotted budget for this position much as the national budgeting system has not allotted funds for either a municipal or barangay IPMR.

There is practically no budget for the selected IPMR of barangay LGUs whether as a regular stipend or honorarium. It was learned that barangay IPMRs are not active and don’t attend council meetings. Another question was whether or not an IPMR was needed in a community dominated by IPs.

Alter Igoy in Save Sagada Facebook Page noted that even with IPs as sanggunian members IP rights are at most times not recognized. Where the local government code is the guide of regular sangguniang bayan members and national laws are their basis of legislation and governance, finding the appropriate law to apply customary practices such as IPRA is the job of an IPMR.

Dugao said most functions of an IPMR deal with “outside work.” This refers to dealing with national laws which run contrary to customary practices. Conflict resolutions to prevent disputes to reach the regular courts filled the itinerary of the IPMR in his three year term.

Though attending to conflict resolutions brought to the barangay lupon is an added function of the IPMRs and not necessarily to take charge of this, Magwelang said. In the same development, elders present during the Malingeb event ratified mechanics and guidelines of selecting an IPMR earlier arrived by elders of Sagada and Besao July last year.

Based on the guidelines, the IPMR should be willing to serve voluntarily, a bonafide IP by consanguinity, knowledgeable and practice customary practices where he/she is a member of, and at least 30 years of age on the day of selection. The municipal IPMR shall be selected among representative elders and leaders in the barangay duly selected in a barangay assembly. Barangay IPMRs shall select their own IPMRs at their own schedule and discretion.

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Veggie traders against closure of trading post

‘La Trinidad mayor: They cannot control prices anymore’ 

By Jorton B. Campana

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Vegetable traders are against closure of the vegetable trading post here since they cannot control prices anymore once farmers transfer to the nearby Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center within the Strawberry Fields area.

Mayor Edna Tabanda bared this as she clarified closure order of the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post after receiving negative flak from the public.

Tabanda said farmers were not against relocating to BAPTC and closure of the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post but the association of traders were the main opponents to the closure.

In meeting conducted last week by representatives of BAPTC and attended by almost 200 groups of farmers from municipalities of Benguet, they agreed to transfer to BAPTC.

Tabanda cited reasons why traders did not want to vacate the trading post despite eviction notice.

One reason was traders will no longer control the prices of vegetables when they will be transferred to BAPTC.

Also the farmers will not be dependent to traders since there will be direct selling between traders and the BAPTV will provide loans for farmers.

She said the BAPTC will be the one to authorize or regulate the price so  farmers will not be greatly affected even if there is high or low supply and demand of vegetables.

The mayor said farmers in BAPTC would benefit from loan programs, training, seminars to enhance their farming techniques, methods and inputs in order to increase quality produced vegetables.

The mayor said traders were the ones disseminating false information which confused the farmers.

On allegation that she was against the farmers, she said there was no reason for her to disregard farmers because they were the ones contributing to the economy of La Trinidad.

Tabanda said farmers and others occupying the La Trinidad Trading Post need to vacate the area after the one-month eviction order because there will be no extension to be given.

Part of the renovation includes permanent trading center for cut flower producers, coffee growers and other organic farmers of La Trinidad.

Also included in the business plan is the development of the road entering trading post.

Tabanda said closure of trading post will affect a lot of businesses but after  renovation the place will still remain a commercial zone. 

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