Northern Philippine Times

Council wants kids’ playground opened

>> Sunday, March 6, 2022

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, in her resolution approved by the Baguio City Council last Monday, called for opening of the children’s playground.
   But it would be subject to guidelines imposed by the City Environment and Parks management Office in accordance with the executive order issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the resolution issued by the Inter-agency Task Force.
   According to the IATF guidelines for places on Alert Level 2 status, visit or tourist attractions such as libraries, archives, museums, galleries, exhibits, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks, and the like shall be allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years of age even if unvaccinated, and 70% outdoor venue capacity. Provided that all workers/employees of these establishments are fully vaccinated and that there is no objection from the concerned local government unit.
   Executive order 22, series of 2022 issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong stated museums and cultural centers, libraries and archives, and other tourist attractions may operate at a maximum of 50% indoor accommodation capacity for fully vaxxed while 70% capacity in outdoor areas.
   The children’s playground is located at Burnham Park. It has been closed since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
   According to Tabanda, it is a place for people, young and old alike, to relax and enjoy nature, and engage in physical and social activities.
   It is where children in the city express themselves in an environment that freely allows physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development.
   The councilor said all these experiences were denied to children when the children’s playground closed.
   She said the present state of the city where infections are low and where the target population respond favorably to the city government’s Covid-19 vaccination program warrants the opening of the children’s playground so that children will again experience the joys of childhood.
   The resolution was transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by the chief executive.

DOH: Ilocos top performer in 3rd national vax drive

By John Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—At least 203,502 individuals in Ilocos region were vaccinated during the third staging of the National Vaccination Day from Feb. 10 to 18, the regional Department of Health said Feb. 21.
   But the total number of jabs given during that period was slightly below the target of 207,954.
   The region administered highest number of Covid-19 vaccines during the week-long vaccination drive, the DOH added.
   The region administered more than six million Covid19 vaccines, with 86.40 percent of its 3.7-million target inoculated against the disease, according to the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF).
   On Monday, Ilocos was identified as one of the top 12 regions in the country with the highest vaccination coverage and could now focus on providing booster shots, the NTF said.
   At least 428,466 individuals had received their booster shots, NTF data showed.
   In a statement, DOH Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco said the high percentage of vaccination in the region proved that the “public’s confidence in the health department’s immunization program is slowly building up.”
   “For the remaining individuals who are not vaccinated, I encourage you to get vaccinated and be protected against the various Covid-19 variants that are spreading in the community,” she added.
   Syndiongco thanked health workers, especially those at the community level for their “exceptional efforts” that made the region a top performer in the administration of Covid-19 vaccines.

Upped payments by Baguio moviehouses pushed for charity

BAGUIO CITY -- Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan has proposed an amendatory ordinance to increase overprice on movie admission tickets set aside for recognized charitable institutions, organizations, and/or activities in the city.
   An overprice is additional amount levied or imposed on certain economic or business transactions by the local government to generate funds for social services.
   The proposed ordinance, if and when approved, will further amend Ordinance 118-1950 as amended by Ordinance 07-1985, Ordinance 32-1987, Ordinance 34-1987, Ordinance 40-1987, Ordinance 48-1987, Ordinance 89-1988, and Ordinance 40-1996.
   According to the proposal, necessary adjustments need to be undertaken to ensure that the intent of the original ordinance will be truly realized considering the inflation and other socio-economic changes that have transpired throughout the years.
Olowan said original Ordinance 07-1985, as amended, is outdated; thus the need to amend it.
   There is a need to improve this ordinance, as amended, to adapt to the current needs and demands of various sectors who are in need of social services, he said.
   Under the proposed ordinance, the overprice on each movie admission ticket issued by different movie theaters in the city shall be raised from 25 centavos to 50 centavos and shall be due and paid by the concerned proprietor, lessee, or operator to the city treasurer not later than the fifth day of the month after each quarter. The amount shall be determined on the basis of a true and complete return of gross receipts derived during the preceding quarter filed for the purposes of the amusement tax imposed under the provisions of Tax Ordinance 2000-01.
   If the amount collected is not paid within the prescribed period, the proprietor, lessee, or operator shall pay a surcharge equivalent to 25% of the amount due. If the same remains unpaid after 15 days, a penalty shall be imposed.
   The proposed ordinance shall also amend the distribution of proceeds of the overprice.
   The share allocation of the Philippine Red Cross Baguio Chapter shall be cut down from 30% to 20% while the share allocation of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Baguio (Local Council for the protection of Children) shall increase from 5% to 10%.
   The Chapter or Local Youth Development Office, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs, and Bahay Pag-asa of the City Social Welfare Development Office shall be included as recipients of proceeds with a share allocation of 10%. The Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office shall likewise be included as a recipient with a share allocation of 5%.
   The share allocation of Boy Scouts of the Philippines Baguio Council and Girl Scouts of the Philippines shall remain at 10% while the share allocation of the Philippine Mental Health Association, community chest, and police fund shall remain at 5%.
To ensure transparent and efficient utilization of the proceeds, a reportorial requirement shall be prepared and submitted by the charitable institutions and welfare organizations to the City Accounting Office every quarter.
   This report shall contain a breakdown of utilization on identified programs, projects, and activities intended for the delivery of social services to children, youth, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens in the city. Attachment of an approved project proposal shall be made integral to the report.
   Failure of any concerned institution/organization to comply with the requirements shall result in the non-remittance of share by the City Accounting Office until compliance is made covering the preceding quarter.
   Any concerned personalities who violate any provision of the ordinance shall be fined ranging from P1,500 to P5,000 and shall have their businesses suspended for not more than three months.
   The ordinance was approved on first reading last Monday during the council session and referred to the Sanggunian’s Committee on Appropriations and Finance for review. -Jordan G. Habbiling

Negotiations for Baguio market dev’t to proceed

BAGUIO CITY – The local government will be proceeding with the ongoing negotiation process for the proposed P6 billion market development project to ensure the realization of the long overdue improvement of the city’s show window.
   The negotiation between the negotiating teams of the local government and SM Prime Holdings, the company that was given by the city’s Public-Private Partnership for the People – Selection Committee (P4-SC) the Original Proponent Status (OPS) for the said project, is part of the 19-step procedure enshrined in the city’s P4 ordinance prior to the award of the same to the declared complaint proponent.
   Negotiating teams are extensively discussing the 18-point financial terms and 16-point technical terms for both parties to agree on the final terms of reference that will be published to draw the interest of other interested proponents who will participate in the Swiss Challenge.
   Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said city officials and concerned market stakeholders were able to already agree on the need to develop the city public market through the public-private partnership scheme as enshrined in the city’s P4 ordinance.
   Earlier, the city identified some 34 financial and technical terms ranging from the developable area, the project cost among others which is now the subject of the ongoing negotiations to ascertain the final terms of reference for the multi-billion project.
   The city aims to partner with a qualified and competent developer that will translate to the development of the city public market to become one of the best markets in the country without the displacement of vendors as they will be accommodated in the stalls that will be operated by no less than the local government.
   SM plans to build a 7-storey structure within the 3-hectare area of the city market that will be able to accommodate the 4,000 vendors in the first 2 floors that will be operated by the city and other shopping areas that will be established within the structure aside from the existence of the 2 basement floors that will be earmarked for pay parking purposes.
   When the local government opened the call for proposals from interested developers to partner with the city for the development of the public market, SM Prime Holdings and Robinsons Land Corporation heeded the said call and participated in the initial screening process that was undertaken by the P4-SC until such time that the OPS was granted to the former that paved the way for both parties to proceed to the ongoing negotiation process.
   In 1995, the local government conducted the public bidding for the development of the public market pursuant to Ordinance No. 038, series of 1995 which prescribed the guidelines for the development of the facility where the project was awarded to Uniwide realty and Sales Development Corporation having been the lone bidder for the project.
   However, concerned groups of vendors questioned the constitutinlaity of the aforesaid ordinance and validity of the contract that went up to the Supreme Court (SC). In the end, the SC affirmed the legality of the contract and the constitutionality of the market development ordinance. -- Dexter A. See

PROCor conferred Gold Eagle achievement award

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Police Regional Office Cordillera was given a Gold Eagle Award “in outstanding commitment and support to the effective implementation of the PNP Patrol Plan 2030,” during conferment of “PGS institutionalized status” here at Camp Major Bado Dangwa on Feb. 21.
   PROCor's institutionalized status was conferred by Lt. Gen. Marni C. Marcos Jr, commander of Area Police Command- Northern Luzon with Maj. Gen. Val T. De Leon, vice-chairperson of technical working group for PPP 2030 and director of Center for Police Strategy Management, Brig. Gen. Randolf Y. Balonglong.
   Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Ronald O. Lee received the institutionalization certificate and a pin along with acceptance of the Gold Eagle Award for garnering institutionalization evaluation process (IEP) rating of 96.82 percent, the regional police information office said.
   Awarding of medals to PNP personnel and plaque to Regional Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (RAGPTD) and local chief executives was also part of the ceremony.
   Lee thanked people behind the success of PROCor for being awarded a Gold Eagle award.
   “We take pride to be the only police regional office to make the record of having a gold, silver, gold streak for the first three stages of the PGS. This is because of our good foundation set by those who came before us, our dedicated and most disciplined personnel, and our supportive community,” Lee said.
   Four PROCor personnel were recognized for their valuable contributions to PROCor under the performance governance system (PGS) or the PNP PATROL plan 2030.
    Medalya ng Kasanayan was awarded to Lt. Col. Reymino Paduyao, Maj, Alkexander Amistad and SSg Jafemar Burgos for undertaking IEP preparations which made PROCor conferred institutionalized status.
   Same medal was also given to NUP Marinel Lucio for serving as one of focal persons who contributed to documentary preparations for six mandatory elements required by the IEP.
   Marcos. Jr. congratulated the awardees for playing a big role in conferment of Gold Eagle award and IEP of PROCor.

BIR closes 18 POGOs in Cagayan; warns non-compliant firms

By Julito G. Rada

The Bureau of Internal Revenue on Wednesday told non-compliant online gaming licensees and service providers to register and pay taxes or face closure just like what happened to 18 licensed Philippine offshore gaming operators in Cagayan province.
   It said in a statement it would take appropriate action against erring or non-compliant POGOs. “The BIR will shut down and/or penalize erring or non-compliant POGOs,” it said.
   Eighteen POGO licensees of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, including their support service providers, were temporarily closed during enforcement operations by the BIR on Feb. 11.
   The BIR identified the POGO entities as Asian BGE Limited, Fine Day Holdings Limited, Hana Talk Inc., NCGAC Limited, NEO Kingdom Limited, Oak Tree Services Limited, Succeed Asia Limited, Wealthy Leap and WUS Technologies Holdings Limited.
   The support service providers of the POGO licensees whose operations were also suspended included Alpha Fortune Management    Solutions Inc., Empire Group International & Management Tech Services Inc., Hi-Source Services Inc., Kui Business Services Inc., Lyndhurst Services Inc., Pacific Solutions Management, Rimrock ICT Services Inc., Succeed Asia Ventures Inc. and Top Asia Leisure and Entertainment Corp.
   Following the raids, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said the closure of unregistered POGO entities, along with other tax enforcement activities, served as a deterrent for those who would commit tax violations.
   “We urge all taxpayers to comply with the bureau’s registration requirement, filing and payment of taxes and other tax obligations in order to avoid facing business closure, penalties and possible criminal charges before the court,” Dulay said.
   The BIR said the business operations of the 18 POGO licensees and their service providers would remain suspended until the BIR’s registration requirements and other pertinent tax regulations were complied with and the corresponding deficiency taxes and penalties were paid.
   About 40 POGO licensees and 168 POGO service providers are registered with the BIR.
   The agency said that as part of its mandate, it would conduct regular surveillance and raids of non-compliant POGOs as they cheat and deprive government of revenues for pandemic response.
   The BIR reported earlier that the newly-enacted POGO tax law generated P1.22 billion in additional revenue in the initial months of implementation. The number could be higher if not for the unscrupulous non-registered or non-compliant operators, it said.
   “Despite the pandemic, from Oct. 9, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021, the BIR has collected a total of P1.22 billion from offshore gaming licensees, their service providers and their employees,” the bureau said.
   The figure included P709.39 million in withholding taxes between Oct. 9 and Dec. 31, 2021; P409.93 million from POGOs’ gaming revenues; P89.67 million from income taxes; P5.33 million in value added tax or percentage tax; P4.96 million in other taxes; and P3.34 million in documentary stamps tax.
   “As we already have rules and regulations in place for the POGO industry, we expect POGO operations to continue and we foresee an increase in revenues arising from said activities,” the BIR said.
   Section 2 of Republic Act No. 11590 or the POGO Law provides that an offshore gaming licensee is considered as engaged in doing business in the Philippines and is therefore required to register with the BIR.
   Section 5 of Revenue Regulations No. 20-2021 states that non-registration of POGOs with the BIR is a fraudulent act, which bears with it the penalty of implementing the closure orders against the erring offshore gaming licensees that will also include the closure of all their respective accredited service providers.

Baguio lawmakers up drive vs HIV/AIDS

By Jordan Habbiling

\BAGUIO CITY -- The city’s legislative body has approved on final reading an ordinance expanding the city’s programs against the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
   Authored by Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales, the ordinance is aimed at bolstering the city’s mechanisms in curbing the increase of HIV cases by creating a strong network among clinical and public health professionals, the local government unit, community-based organizations, private agencies, and other relevant partners.
   Councilors Joel Alangsab, Betty Lourdes Tabanda, and Mylen Victoria Yaranon are co-authors of the ordinance.
   According to the ordinance, Baguio City remains to have the highest number of HIV cases in the region, breaching the 300-mark in November 2018.
   Through this ordinance, it shall be the policy of the city government to “declare war against HIV/AIDS” by actively promoting public awareness on the causes, modes of transmission, consequences, means of prevention and control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) through comprehensive and city-wide information and educational campaigns carried out in schools, training centers, workplaces, and the grassroots.
   In its war against HIV/AIDS, the city government shall adhere to generally-accepted principles of human rights, adopt gender-sensitive perspectives in dealing with STIs/HIV/AIDS, promote values formation, and employ scientifically-proven approaches.
   Through this ordinance, the city government shall address HIV-related stigma and discrimination in order to encourage people to get tested and seek medical help.
   By putting into place a measure that is integrative and holistic, Orcales said the general public will be protected from the spread of HIV.
   To achieve an integrative and holistic approach in addressing the rise of HIV and AIDS cases in the city, the City AIDS Watch Council (AWAC) shall be strengthened and reconstituted.
   The strengthening and reconstitution of AWAC shall improve service delivery to individuals in the city afflicted with STI/HIV/AIDS.
   The AWAC shall remain as an integral part of city initiatives in combating HIV/AIDS in recognition of its role as a partner of the private sector in promoting preventive measures against the spread of STI/HIV/AIDS in the city. It has been in existence since 1987.
   Among functions of the AWAC:
   provide necessary policy recommendations to the City Council for the effective and efficient implementation of prevention programs;
engage in advocacy work geared towards the promotion of educational activities for the prevention of STIs/HIV/AIDs in the city;
closely collaborate with the Local Health Board and other concerned offices in monitoring the prevalence of STIs/HIV/AIDS as well as plan, monitor, and evaluate the prevention and control programs of the city;
   facilitate medical and social assistance to people living with HIV; and
   organize activities aimed at enhancing the capabilities of interested parties in developing and implementing programs.
   The ordinance stipulated the city government shall strengthen the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center by adequately providing trained personnel, facilities, and funds.
   Once enacted, the ordinance shall also mandate the operators, managers, and entertainers of entertainment establishments to attend seminars on HIV/AIDS prevention conducted by the City Health Services Office, AWAC, or civil society organizations (CSOs) accredited by the city government. Attendance to these seminars shall be a prerequisite for the issuance/renewal of an entertainment establishment’s permit to operate.
   Other services, programs, and activities under the ordinance are conduct of awareness seminars; creation IEC education modules to be distributed to schools, workplaces, and barangays; availability and accessibility of prophylactics at the CHSO; workplace policy and education program; encouraging entertainment establishments to beco HIV/AIDS safe spaces where they can access information about STIV/HIV/AIDS and free condoms and lubricants; voluntary HIV testing; compilation of roster of entertainers/employees working in entertainment establishments/ social/community mobilization; monitoring programs; and observance of national and international HIV/AIDS programs such as World AIDS Day and annual AIDS candlelight memorial celebration.
   One essential component of the proposed measure is protection of the rights of people living with HIV.
   The referral system of the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and network shall be adopted to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination and promote confidentiality.
   An initial amount of P500,000 shall be appropriated for the implementation of programs and policies under this ordinance.
   The ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by the chief executive. -Jordan G. Habbiling

Baguio inmates swabbed before detention, release

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- The city council has approved on third and final reading an ordinance making Covid-19 swab testing mandatory for all individuals committed into the city jail- male and female dorms before their detention and for all inmates due for release.
   Councilor Francisco Roberto Ortega VI, author of the ordinance, said this is to protect the health and safety of the inmates and the public.
   According to the ordinance, swab test kits shall be sourced out from the Department of Health- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) or from the City Health Services Office (CHSO).
   For individuals committed into the correctional facility, the following guidelines shall be followed:
   Following the issuance of a Commitment Order by the proper court, the person deprived of liberty (PDL) shall undergo COVID-19 swab testing to be conducted by a trained nurse at the city jail, DOH-CAR, or Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), in addition to the existing medical examinations imposed by the city jail;
   The PDL shall be detained at the designated detention facility provided by the committing law enforcement agency while waiting for their swab test result;
   They shall be placed in the designated quarantine facility of the city for isolation and treatment in case they tested positive for Covid-19.
   They shall enter their designated detention cells once they are cleared from Covid-19 as evidenced by the swab test result issued by the BGHMC molecular laboratory.
   For inmates due for release from the correctional facility, the following guidelines shall be followed:
   The inmate shall undergo Covid-19 swab testing to be conducted by a trained nurse at the city jail, DOH-CAR, or BGHMC or inside the designation area at the city jail;
   In case the inmate tested positive for Covid-19 and experiences mild symptoms or is asymptomatic, they shall be placed in the designated barangay isolation center of the barangay where they reside as indicated in the official records for isolation and treatment;
   However, in severe cases or if the concerned barangay has no approved isolation facility, the inmate due for release shal be transported to the city isolation facility.
   Should they be tested negative for Covid-19, they shall immediately be released to the community with prior notice to the concerned punong barangay.
   The recently approved ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by the chief executive.

77 Ilocos Region schools join in-person classes

By John Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — At least 77 public schools in the Ilocos region have opened their doors for the expanded in-person classes beginning Monday (Feb. 21), the regional Department of Education (DepEd) said Tuesday.
   The DepEd said these schools joined 20 other schools in the region that had already resumed limited in-person classes in November last year.
   Of the 77, at least 39 schools are in Pangasinan, 32 in Ilocos Norte, and six in Ilocos Sur, according to Pedro Jose Cudal, planning officer for the regional DepEd, during a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.
   Physical classes were allowed to resume in the region after it was placed under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, the DepEd said.
   All the schools have undergone and passed a safety audit. Depending on the school’s capacity, students enrolled from Kindergarten through Grade 12 may attend classes physically.
   Only vaccinated teachers may participate in the in-person classes. Students, meanwhile, are encouraged to get vaccinated, but it is not a requirement, said DepEd.
   To ensure the safety of students, schools are required to strictly implement health protocols while giving them the “flexibility” to lay down contact time for teaching and learning. INQ

InLife pays P1B death, disability claims; claiming benefits easy with portal

By Karen M. Plata

Insular Life (InLife) announced that it paid P1.276B in death and disability benefits in 2021.
   This reflects the total amount InLife paid for 4,238 individual policy claims, but excludes the claims made by its group clients.
   The announcement was made as the Company launched its new Claims Portal which is integrated in its website, www.insularlife.com.ph.
   InLife First Vice President and Insurance Operations Head Diane Tagra said that the new Claims Portal is InLife’s way of ensuring that its policyholders are able to file policy claims and receive policy benefits more easily. “Life insurance is essential as it takes care of you and your family’s financial needs at a time you most need it. In reality, though, it is something you also do not want to use. Yet when the need arises, you want to be able to take advantage of its benefits the soonest possible time. Claiming benefits means preparing numerous documents that you have to submit over-the-counter. With InLife’s Claims portal, our policyholders may file a claim via our website in three easy steps: 1) Notify InLife about the claim; 2) submit all requirements; and 3) Get a reference number, all these without the need to physically visit our offices nationwide.”
   InLife policyholders, beneficiaries, or authorized persons may file claims of the following kind: death, disability, hospitalization, and dread disease or critical illness.
   Once filed, an InLife claims representative will email and validate the submitted documents. Succeeding updates will be sent via email or SMS. The claim status may also be tracked via the Claims Portal. Claims proceeds will be released either via bank fund transfer or check three to seven days upon complete submission of all requirements.

“The Claims Portal speeds up the claims process significantly because once requirements are submitted, they are received directly by our claims processors. Security is also improved because the proceeds can be credited to the policyholder’s bank account,” added Tagra.

The Claims Portal is also accessible via InLife’s mobile app, TRIBOS, which may be downloaded by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/3J7g0Kv.

For more information on InLife’s Claims Portal, policyholders may visit https://access.insularlife.com.ph/ClaimsPortal/FAQ.

𝗦chool of living tradition for Baguio students ok’d

BAGUIO CITY -- The city council has approved on third and final reading an ordinance to provide an avenue for students in all public and private learning institutions to study cultural practices of the Cordillera indigenous peoples including their history, chants, dances, and way of life.
   Authored by Councilor Arthur Allad-iw, the ordinance aims to re-inculcate the indigenous cultural heritage to students in the different schools in the city.
   The establishment of the SLT program shall provide an opportunity for students in public and private educational institutions in the city to experience first-hand the cultural heritage of the Cordilleran IPs by bringing them close to the IP community.
   Under the SLT program, the students shall study cultural practices except ritual-related activities, materials and instruments used during death rituals, and sickness and pandemic which are exclusively for the exercise of elders, bearers, and practitioners.
   The ordinance emphasizes that the conduct of any activity under the SLT shall be consulted first to the elders, practitioners, or villagers to avoid misrepresentation or any other forms of negligence.
   Approval from the IP community shall be sought first by the students or their advisers in cases of sensitive cultural practices or those enumerated by law needing the consent of the concerned indigenous groups as mandated by Republic Act 8371 otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 and other issuances on the matter by the concerned agency.

In furtherance of the SLT, the students, parents, teachers, and school staff in the basic education shall be encouraged to engage in researches, documentation, and compiling of appropriate and available learning materials.

A committee shall be formed in schools to come up, implement, and evaluate plans and programs under the SLT. Inter-school meetings or seminars may take place where learning institutions may share studies, researches, and practices that would further improve the activities and programs of the SLT in their respective schools. Elders of indigenous groups may be tapped as resource speakers.

The ordinance was signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Feb. 22. -Jordan G. Habbiling

30 Paracelis poll bets join ‘unity walk’ for peace

PARACELIS, Mountain Province -- Thirty aspiring leaders of this remote town joined the “unity walk” initiated by Paracelis Municipal Police Station in partnership with the Commission on Elections on Feb. 21.
   The wals was joined by religious leaders in the municipality and community stakeholders.
   The almost 1-km walk started in Sitio Banilag, Poblacion and ended in Sitio Daggawe, Poblacion where a simple program was held inside the LGU building.
   Officials said the walk was meant to highlight importance of peace and brotherhood as the May polls near.
   As highlight of the program, an interfaith prayer was presided by the religious leaders while oath of commitment for safe elections and signing of integrity pledge was participated by aspiring leaders.

Gov’t agencies told: Don’t discriminate unvaxxed persons

BAGUIO CITY -- City officials urged government agencies here not to discriminate against unvaccinated persons.

City council resolution 058, series of 2022 also reminded government agencies to ensure their compliance toRepublic Act (RA) 11525 which established the Covid-19 vaccination program, vaccine procurement and administration process, providing funds and for other purposes.
   The council said there is not yet a law in the country for mandatory vaccination that is why government agencies should not discriminate unvaccinated individuals by imposing policies that violate the rights of the said persons.
    Section 12 of RA 111525 otherwise known as the Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 provides that vaccine cards shall not be considered as an additional mandatory requirement for educational, employment and other similar government transaction purposes and vaccinated individuals against Covid-19 as indicated in their vaccine cards shall not be considered immune from the deadly virus, unless otherwise declared by the health department based on reliable scientific evidence and consensus.
   Earlier, Dept. of Labor and Employment advisory 03, series of 2021 which prescribes guidelines on administration of Covid-19 vaccines in workplaces stated that covered establishments and employers shall endeavor to encourage their employees to get vaccinated and shall not discriminate employees who refuse or fail to be vaccinated in terms of tenure, promotion, training, pay, and other benefits, among others, or terminated from employment.
   Same advisory prohibited implementation by employers of the ‘no vaccine, no work’ policy.
   The local government had been aggressively implementing the government’s mass vaccination program that inoculated more than the targeted 95 percent of the qualified population.
   Aside from the eligible population, the city vaccinated more than 70 percent of qualified pediatric population or those aged 12 to 17 while it is preparing for the roll out of the inoculation of those aged 5 to 11 with the successful conduct of the same in the National Capital Region (NCR) over the week.
     Health experts claimed vaccinated individuals have added protection from the deadly virus and prevent them from contracting severe infection or eventual death that is why they are encouraging unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated the soonest. – Dexter A. See

Burnham, Gov Pack Road areas set for dev’t, bidding

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Planning and Development Office and City Legal Office are finalizing a memorandum of agreement for the development of an area covering parts of Burnham Park and Gov. Pack Road in this summer capital.
"These would include a high-density, multi-use area for commercial, parking and transit oriented development as well as pedestrian and green parks," CPDO head Donna Rillera-Tabangin said.
   A MOA between the city government and Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources regional office and is expected to be signed this month on the matter.
   In the virtual management committee meeting of city officials, Feb. 8, led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, she said copies of the agreement will be furnished to the city council with a request for authorization.
    Tabangin said the city and DENR aim to improve and redevelop the area with infrastructure and green spaces that would cater to the needs of the city and its residents.
   Tabangin said under the MOA, the city will be preparing the development plans according to best use of the area; do marketing to create interest from private sector entities to participate in development of the properties probably through public-private partnership modality; preparation, bidding and awarding of contracts; to enjoy the possession and use of the properties; and more.
   The obligation of the DENR as the first party to the agreement, she said, is to review and concur with the site development plan for the project; to exercise the right of ownership over the properties and allow the city (second party) to use these for 25 years renewable for another 25 years by mutual agreement of the parties; and more.
   Tabangin said the agreement, among others, also provides for fair and equitable sharing of profits between the two parties including a third party which is a private sector entity through a PPP modality.

Baguio Prosecutor’s Office: 100% cases disposition rate

BAGUIO CITY – The City Prosecutor’s Office reported a 100 percent disposition rate of cases submitted for preliminary investigation, inquest proceedings and other related motions last year.
   Based on the accomplishment report presented by the City Prosecutor’s Office, it received 1,450 new complaints Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2021 aside from the 11 pending complaints ending 2020 for a total of 1,461 complaints for disposition by the said office.
Newly-installed City Prosecutor Conrado V. Catral reported 463 cases filed in court, dismissed or referred that accounted for more than 100 percent disposition rate of the same during the year.
   In terms of the conduct of inquest proceedings, the office received 325 complaints subject for disposition from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2021.
   He said there were 246 cases filed in court, dismissed or referred during said period.
   On motions for reconsideration, the office received 133 motions for disposition from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 where all the said motions were resolved during said period with a 100 percent disposition rate.
   Before being appointed as a full-pledged City Prosecutor, Catral served as Deputy City Prosecutor and officer-in-charge of the City Prosecutor’s Office for one year and six months.
   He said while serving as the officer-in-charge, he introduced innovations resulting to speedy dispositions of complaints filed in said office. -- Dexter A. See

Gov’t internship program for Baguio young workers sought

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- Rep. Marquez Go was urged to facilitate implementation of the Government Internship Program (GIP) in the city.
   Councilor Joel Alangsab, in a resolution, said the GIP is a component of Kabataan 2000 Project under executive order 139, s-1993 which aimed at providing opportunities for young workers to serve the general public through projects and services of government agencies and offices at both local and national levels.
   Regional offices of the Dept. of Labor and Employment facilitate and supervise implementation of the GIP and determine distribution of interns in government agencies.
   The Dept. of Labor and Employment- Cordillera Administrative Region, through the office of Benguet Caretaker Eric Yap, was able to provide temporary jobs to fresh graduates in La Trinidad, Benguet in 2021 under the GIP.
   Alangsab said the GIP improved the beneficiaries’ skills and attitude and equipped them firsthand by engaging them in a real work environment in a government setting which helped them become employable while receiving corresponding compensations in accordance with the prevailing minimum wage in the region.
   He said services imparted by the GIP beneficiaries generate efficiency on government transactions and processes, thus increasing the organizational productivity and improving overall work performance of the city government.
   The councilor said Baguio City has a high number of fresh graduates and indigent young workers who may benefit from the GIP.
   He said the City Government of Baguio had been an active partner of DOLE-CAR in implementing significant programs in the city.

Dagupan jabs 5-11-year- old kids in Pangasinan against Covid-19

DAGUPAN CITY — This city on Monday held a ceremonial COVID-19 vaccination for children 5 to 11 years old at the Dagupan City Astrodome, with kids mostly of medical frontliners.
   The astrodome was brightened with balloons and healthcare workers distributing candies and goodies to the children after the jab.
   Mayor Brian Lim thanked the Department of Health for providing the vaccines for the children of Dagupan, the first local government in Pangasinan province to conduct the pediatric vaccination for this age group.
   The city had reached herd immunity against COVID-19, and Lim said the pediatric vaccination would help them return to in-person schooling and revive the economy.
   “I believe that pediatric vaccination is connected to a full recovery of the economy. If you ask experts and economic managers, they will say pediatric vaccination would pave the way for full [in-person classes]. And if students are out in full force at all levels–from primary to senior high school–we will spur the economy even more,” Lim said.
   While children are more resilient to COVID-19 based on scientific studies, the vaccine would give them extra protection, he added.
   “I’m asking parents, the Department of Education, and everyone to promote pediatric vaccination because, like all initiatives, many do not understand it. So help spread the word that vaccination is safe and is ongoing,” Lim said.
   Dr. John Fernandez, a pediatrician, encouraged parents to have their children vaccinated, saying this would protect them from severe illness. He brought his 8-year-old son to get jabbed that day

306 kids aged 5-11 vaccinated in Bontoc

By Alpine Killa-Malwagay and Elizabeth S. Farnican

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc local government through its Municipal Health Office kicked off the Resbakuna Kids (5-11-year-old) Feb. 21, here in an “Encanto”-inspired vaccination rollout.
   As of Feb. 23, a total of 306 children aged 5 -11 years old were vaccinated with anti-Covid shots.
   Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Diga Kay Gomez, said they designed the vaccination site at the Bontoc municipal capitol auditorium with the latest Disney animated film, Encanto to ease the anxiety of children who are to be inoculated. Loot bags were given to the first 110 children who received their jabs.
   Dr. Gomez is encouraging the parents or guardians to have their children aged 5-11 vaccinated for their safety and protection.
   Vaccination for the said age group is at the Bontoc auditorium while the vaccination area for age 12 and above is at the Bontoc municipal capitol lobby.
   According to municipal immunization program coordinator Oliver Gacusana, they did not receive any report of adverse effects from parents and children following immunization, which include rashes in the extremities, itchy throat, vomiting, and pain in the site with chills.
   In an interview with 11-year old Amrylee Kaye Baysa from Barangay Caluttit, she said she willingly got vaccinated so she could attend limited face-to-face classes. Meanwhile, Joy Baysa who accompanied her daughter said the Covid-19 vaccine is for the protection and safety of her child.
   She added getting her child vaccinated is in preparation for limited face-to-face classes.
   Seven-year-old Kalel Bacwaden from Barangay Bontoc Ili said he did not feel any pain after he received his Covid-19 vaccine jab.
   He added he wanted to get vaccinated so he can travel with his aunt.
   Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey expressed happiness for the high and positive response from the parents and guardians for allowing their children to get vaccinated.
   He lauded the children for their courage.
   The mayor cited health workers of the Bontoc LGU and its partner agencies for their effort in the Covid-19 vaccination rollout.
   Partner agencies of the Bontoc LGU during the launching of the Resbakuna Kids (5-11 years old) were Dept. of Health (DOH) provincial office, provincial health office, Bontoc General Hospital, Bureau of Fire Protection, Dept. of Education, and Philippine National Police.
   To date, the Pfizer vaccine is being used for pediatric vaccination as it is the only jab that has received emergency use approval for kids aged 5 to 11 years old from the Food and Drug Administration.
   The Pfizer vaccine for children has a lower dosage and lower concentration than those given to minors aged 12 to 17, who started receiving their jabs last year.

NolCom: 984 NPAs captured, 84 guns seized, Ilocos region now insurgent-free

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) revealed that the Ilocos region is now free from insurgency and said other areas in northern Luzon will follow suit.
   NolCom said at least 36 high-value personalities were neutralized while 984 New People’s Army members were captured along with the seizure of 84 firearms.
   NolCom commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. said that the region is the first in the country to be in a state of stable internal peace and security following the signing of the Joint Regional Development Council 1 and Regional Peace and Order Council 1, and the Regional Task Force 1 Resolution 1 s. 2022 in San Juan, La Union on Thursday.
   “With Ilocos region formally declared to be in a state of stable internal peace and security, we will do our best to ensure that other regions in our area of operations will soon follow,” Torres said.
   Prior to the signing of the resolution, Brig. Gen. Krishnamurti Mortela, commander of Joint Task Group Defender, presented the premises and accomplishments of Region 1 Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support cluster in dismantling the communist group operating in the region.

13 Minahang Bayan sites approved in Cordillera

BAGUIO CITY -- Thirteen Minahang Bayan sites in Cordillera Administrative Region were allowed to operate by their respective Provincial Mining Regulatory Boards (PMRB) to legitimize operation of small-scale mining temporarily banned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources two years ago.
   Engineer Fay Apil, regional director of the Cordillera office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, said that there are four MB sites each in Apayao and Benguet and one each in Abra, Mountain Province and Kalinga.
   Apil said the number of the approved MB sites could increase in the coming months as there are two areas in Apayao that had been cleared by the office of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and awaiting declaration as MB areas by the PMRB.
   According to the MGB-CAR, only the MB site in Itogon is currently operational as most of approved Minahang Bayan sites are still securing free and prior informed consent from indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples, who will be affected by mining operations and completion of documentary requirements such as environmental compliance certificate and SSM contract, among others.
   Apil said there are more than 70 applications filed by pocket mining (PM) companies for declaration and approval of potential MB sites covering different provinces in the region.
   Earlier, SSM associations that applied for the declaration and approval of MB sites in Cordillera called on the DENR to reduce processes in the approval of MB sites to allow the industry to recover from negative impact of the temporary stoppage order that has not been lifted despite repeated appeals from local governments and PM groups.
   Apil said she hoped SSM associations with approved MB sites will be able to process documentary requirements supporting their SSM contracts to start their operations that will contribute in the eventual revival of the PM industry.
   She called on SSM associations with approved applications for MB sites to hasten processing of documents for them to start operating and earn from their mining activities as the same will provide them with sustainable sources of income and help government generate resources to enhance delivery of basic services and development projects in their localities.
   Apil said there are still many SSM groups interested to apply for declaration of MB sites, but their proposed sites are located within forest reservations, watersheds, timberlands and patented mining claims.

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