Comelec prepares for 2025 polls automation

By Stephanie Sevillano 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said it will study and prepare for a possible automation of two elections in 2025 following the ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) greenlighting the holding of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).  
     During the Laging Handa public briefing, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia cited a possible tweak to its initial plans, especially in organizing a wider scale of automation.
     "Mukhang magdadagdag po at magkaroon tayo ng dagdag na budget para diyan at kinakailangan na pong pagdesisyunan kung ang December 2025 BSKE ay kailangan na rin nating gawing automated. Siyempre, magkakaroon po ng dagdag na gastos para diyan (It seems there should be additional and we will have a supplementary budget for that, and [we] need to decide whether the 2025 BSKE shall be also automated or not. Of course, it would entail an additional expense for that)," he said. 
     Garcia said two automated elections during the year appear to have advantages in the poll body's preparation. 
    "Dahil mas napagaan nga po hindi po parang, kapag from the point of view of planning, para mas maganda kung nag-automate ka ng national and local election ng Mayo, mas magandang automated na rin po iyong BSKE ng December 2025 (Because it will become more convenient. From a planning point of view, it's better that if you automate May's national and local elections, it's also better to have an automated BSKE in December 2025)," he said. 
    The Comelec, meanwhile, said it is planning to pilot test automated BSKE in District 6 in Quezon City and Dasmariñas, Cavite on Oct. 30. 
    According to the poll body, if the pilot test becomes "very successful," succeeding BSKE may be also automated.
    Garcia, however, admitted that the planning and preparation may be challenging considering the recently issued ruling of the SC on the BSKE. 
    "Sa part po ng Comelec, medyo mas mabigat po iyong aming gagawing paghahanda sapagkat papatak po na dalawa ang eleksiyon na gagawin ng Comelec sa 2025 -- iyon pong May 2025 national and local elections na automated at pagkatapos po iyong December na Barangay and SK Elections po na sinasabi ng ating Korte Suprema (On the part of Comelec, the preparations will be heavier because there are two elections to be done in 2025  -- the May 2025 automated national and local elections and then the December Barangay and SK elections as cited by the SC)," he said. 
    The SC earlier issued its ruling declaring unconstitutional Republic Act 11935, the law which postponed the holding of the BSKE from the original schedule of Dec. 5, 2022 to Oct. 30, 2023. 
    It also ruled that the BSK polls must be conducted on the first Monday of December 2025, and every three years thereafter. -- PNA

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JICA offers help to Baguio clean river-water pollution

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is ready to assist this city in addressing river-water pollution through installation of modern septic tanks, an official of the agency said on Wednesday.
    "JICA is ready to help. We need to do something and let us not make the cleaning of wastewater wait," JICA-Philippine Representative Takema Sakamoto said.
    JICA and FujiClean, the Japanese manufacturer of the onsite wastewater treatment system that can prevent the discharge of polluted and coliform-filled water to the creeks and waterways, conducted a workshop on wastewater treatment systems on     Wednesday in cooperation with the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) for a better understanding of the technology.
    Sakamoto said that while the technology was designed for the needs of Japan, it can be adjusted for the Philippine setting.
    "There is room for adjustment based on localized needs," he added.
Baguio was eyed as a possible program implementation site, with the city being the headwater of two major rivers – the Bued and Balili Rivers that traverse the provinces of Benguet and La Union.
    The official urged the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) and the city government to look at the possible clustering of residential houses in poor communities and giving them clustered modern septic tanks, which is cheaper than having individual modern septic treatment systems.
    "JICA cannot assist individual households but we can extend help to clustered beneficiaries," he added.
    The clustered septic tanks, each measuring 2 x 2 x 2.5 meters, costs around P200,000 to P300,000 and can be used by 15 to 20 houses.
    He also opened the idea of charging residents with environment and water fees to fund the onsite treatment facilities in households.
    The FujiClean said its wastewater treatment system is embedded with components that clean and dissolve sludge, producing clean water that can either be buried on the ground or atop the soil.
    Popular fast-food chains in Regions 1, 2 and 3 are currently using the technology in managing food waste, and reduce water pollution, the company said.
    "We are lucky we are not formally charged otherwise we will be paying millions in environmental fees. We cannot forever delay action on this," Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, during the program, said.
    He said he has already sought a laboratory analysis of the water at the two rivers and found them to be more polluted than the Pasig River in Metro Manila.
    In the 1980s, JICA helped the city government construct a sewerage treatment plant with a capacity of 8,600 cubic meters and a 57-kilometer pipeline servicing around 10,000 households and establishments.
    However, with the city's population of 320,000 and an estimated 1.5 million tourists in 2019, the facility is no longer able to cope with the demand for wastewater treatment, also putting at risk of contamination of the city's water resources, Magalong added. -- PNA

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Sidewalk vendors’ tenure extended

BAGUIO CITY -- Identified newspaper stands, watch repair proprietors, peanut and corn vendors will be allowed to renew their special business permits to sell here provided they are compliant to the 0.6 meters setback and not obstruct walkways.
    The city council adopted Resolution No. 382, series of 2023 requesting Mayor Benjamin Magalong to extend the validity of the agreement of Permits and Licensing Division of the City Mayor’s Office and the affected newspaper stands, vendors and watch repair proprietors from July 2023 to December 2023 until such time that the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) has come up with concrete plans and arrangements 7for their relocation.

The mayor signed the resolution on July 4, 2023.

This arrangement between the city and the newspaper stands, vendors and watch repair proprietors has been going on since 2021 with special permits renewed every six months per city council resolution.

Issuance of a City Council resolution is required as a win-win solution to the pertinent provisions of Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2020-145 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) mandating local government units and the Department of Public Works and Highways to implement the national sidewalk recovery program.

Some 53 newsstand vendors, watch repair and locksmith stand operators have been benefiting from this arrangement with constant reminders that they should display their items inside properties that do not obstruct sidewalks.

Vendors are likewise reminded to keep their areas of trade clean and orderly to avoid any sanction or denial of application of special business permit. – JMPS

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BSP buys more gold from Didipio Mine

OceanaGold Philippines Inc.’s Financial Accounting Superintendent Hesther Bahiwag, lawyer Karina Dulinayan, President Joan Adaci-Cattiling, and CEO Gerard Bond with BSP Gov. Felipe Medalla, Senior Assistant Gov. Edna Villa, Deputy Gov. Mamerto Tangonan, Managing Director Rosabel Guerrero, Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Currency and Securities Production Department Officer in Charge Sarah Severina Curtis, and Mint and Refinery Operations Director Erizelle Linaban. 

By Leander C. Domingo

OCEANAGOLD Philippines Inc. (OGPI) has offered to increase its gold sales to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). OGPI operates the Didipio Mine in the Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces area under a financial or technical assistance agreement (FTAA) with the Philippine government.
    OceanaGold's offer to sell more gold to BSP was in response to BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, who underscored the central bank's commitment to responsible gold sourcing and sound reserve management.
    According to the central bank, Medalla made this declaration at the courtesy call by OceanaGold President and Chief Executive Officer Gerard Bond at the BSP last month where he offered to increase its gold sales to the BSP.
    In May 2022, the BSP and OGPI signed an agreement that will offer at least 25 percent of OGPI's annual gold production to the BSP at fair market prices.
    The BSP said the central bank buys gold from both small- and large-scale miners operating in the Philippines. The BSP said its gold holdings form part of the country's gross international reserves which support economic activities and serve as a buffer against potential adverse impact on the economy.
    An FTAA is a permit issued to a multinational company sharing technology and resources to explore and extract minerals in the Philippines.

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PDIC to refund depositors of closed Pangasinan bank

 Up to P500-K per depositor 

By Liwayway Yparraguirre

DAGUPAN CITY – The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) urged eligible depositors of the closed Bangko Pangasinan-A Rural Bank, Inc. to submit to them their updated mailing address so it could mail them their check refunds.
    Jose Villaret Jr., PDIC Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group, in an interview, said depositors with deposit balances of P100,000 and below may accomplish and submit their Mailing Address Update Forms (MAUF), either electronically or physically, through the drop box at the premises of the branch where their deposit account is.
    The Monetary Board (MB) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) prohibited Bangko Pangasinan-A Rural Bank from doing business in the Philippines through a resolution dated June 1, 2023, which also directed the PDIC, as the receiver, to proceed with the takeover and liquidation of the bank.
    The PDIC took over the bank on June 2, 2023.
    The Bangko Pangasinan, a rural bank’s main office is in Mayombo, Dagupan City.
    It has branches in Alaminos City, Burgos, Aguilar, and Bolinao, all in the province of Pangasinan.
    The PDIC assured depositors that all valid deposits and claims would be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000 per depositor.
    “Kapag nagsara ang isang bank, doon lang makikita ng PDIC ang records niya (When the bank closes, that is the only time the PDIC could check its records). We are asking all the depositors to send an updated mailing address, it can be electronic or physical, so we know where to send your check if your balance is P100,000 or less. We plan to send the checks within the month. We have a team now in Pangasinan to process all the records, then process the checks, which we hope to send within the month,” Villaret said.
    He also said they would be calling for a depositors and borrowers’ meeting, which will be done per branch to meet with bank depositors.
    “We will announce the exact dates and venues for depositors' and borrowers' meetings. We need to check the records of the bank so we would know their balances. For the depositors, we will explain to them the process, what they need to prepare, and when the planned pay-out is,” he added.
    Villaret said pay-out or claims settlement would be done in two ways.
“    First priority is the depositors with P100,000 and below deposit balance and have no loan in the bank. Update us on your address so that we can send you your check. They don’t have to go to the bank,” he said.
    He said they would announce the date of the meeting of all depositors and borrowers toward the end of June.
    “We will be calling for the claims settlement for depositors who have balances of greater than P100,000 but below P500,000. We will be asking you to file a claim. Because of the amount of their deposit, we need to see them in person. We will be scheduling pay-outs in July,” he said.
    Villaret said that even if their depository bank was closed, borrowers have to pay their loans.
    He is encouraging the borrowers, nonetheless, to avail of the PDIC Closed Bank Loan Incentive Program or CLIP.
    The CLIP is an enhanced loan incentive program offered by the PDIC that aims to make it easier for borrowers of closed banks to pay off their outstanding loans, help them regain their good credit standing, recover their mortgaged assets, and gain peace of mind. – PNA

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La Trinidad Council to NEA: Set Beneco polls

MCOs start signature campaign

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Municipal Council or Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan unanimously signed a resolution Friday, June 30, 2023 urging the National Electrification Administration and Task Force Beneco (Interim Board Directors) to “schedule immediately election of board of directors of the Benguet Electric Cooperative.”
    A signature campaign was also started last week by Beneco member-consumer-owners (MCOs) calling on NEA and Interim Board to schedule elections. 
    “This will put to rest issues on the proper representation of the member-consumers with the highest governing body of the cooperative,” said Municipal Council resolution No. 199-2023.
    A copy of the resolution was given to Mayor Romeo K. Salda for his information.
    The resolution was signed by Vice Mayor Roderick C. Awingan, Municipal Councilors John G. Botiwey, Guilbert A. Galwan, Francis A. Lee, Bartolome L. Baldas Jr., Apolinario A. Bagano Jr., Jayson C. Dangwa, Teddy C. Walang, Henry M. Kipas, Charles T. Canuto and Secretary to the Sanggunian Edward M. Juanito.
    “Beneco is owned by member-consumer-owners and governed by eleven board of directors pursuant to Section 1, article VI of the Beneco by-laws. These 11 members are chosen by MCOs through democratically called elections. MCOs are fully aware of problems besetting Beneco the past year. Through the proper media – social, print and broadcast, they are well informed of the issues on management, rate increase and how NEA handled these issues,” the resolution said.
    “RB Resolution No. 03-2023 has not specified the tenure or term of Task Force Beneco. At the different annual general membership assemblies (AGMAs), they are simply referred to as the Interim Board. The intention of the by-laws of Beneco is that it will be governed by democratically elected BODs. As Interim Board, Task Force Beneco implies a specific and limited function.”
    The Municipal Council said “electing the regular members of the Board of Directors would certainly resolve related issues and questions affecting the management and operation of Beneco.”
    The Municipal Council resolved to furnish copies of the resolution to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), Municipal Councils (Sangguniang Bayan) of all Benguet towns and the Baguio City Council (Sangguniang Panglunsod).
    Copies of the resolution were also forwarded to Task Force Beneco and NEA for appropriate action.
    NEA and Interim Board directors couldn’t be reached for comment at presstime.
    The former Beneco board of directors were dismissed by NEA after an audit report.
    Interim Board Director Steve Cating later said the audit satisfactorily passed particularly during the time of Melchor Licoben as general manager. 
    Licoben was suspended for six months as NEA despite this.
    The NEA did not let Licoben assume his post as GM but relegated him as assistant general manager until now. -- AD

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Mt Prov top officials settle ‘double funding’ of road, infra projects

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Rep. Maximo Dalog Sr. and provincial board members led by Vice Gov. Francis Tauli met at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan hall in the presence of the Provincial Engineer Edward Likigan and District Engineer     Alberto Gahid of the Mountain Province First Engineering District Office to thresh out issues and concerns on road conversions like “double funding” in the province.
    Board Member Henry Bastian, who presided the meeting, set the initial issue on the issuance of certifications and duplication of funding by either of the two offices.
    He asked why the provincial government requires certification from the Dept. of Public Works and Highways, particularly that the subject project site is a provincial road.
    It was clarified that the issuance of certification is to avoid duplication of funding.
    The provincial government or the DPWH must not be funding similar projects with similar stationing at the same road stretch.
    Engineer Edward Likigan of the Provincial Engineering Office said similar projects may be implemented by both parties in the road stretch but must be adjusted to stationing limits in parts.  
    Another concern clarified by Dalog was about a scenario of both offices funding similar projects, who will adjust?
Assistant District Engineer Esther Taynec said the provincial government will adjust especially if the General Appropriations Act (GAA) is released.
    It is easier for the LGU to adjust than the DPWH.
    Later, the two parties agreed to notify each office, especially the provincial government to be notified by DPWH of fund provisions for provincial roads so that the officials will not cause the provision of funds for particular projects.
    The conversions of the provincial roads to national roads were discussed.
Initially, five provincial roads were proposed by Dalog in a recent Provincial Development Council meeting.
    However, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recommended conversion of the following: Mountain Province – Ilocos Sur road via Dacudac; Mountain Province – Ifugao road via Natonin and Aguinaldo section; and the Paracelis – Mallig road, all provincial roads to be converted to national roads.
    Two provincial roads were not included -- the Abatan-Mabaay and Sangan-Sagada roads.
    Board Member Kapon Gomgom-o asked why the two roads were not included saying he was from Sagada.
    That comment elicited grins from participants.
    It was known that the DPWH- MPDEO, both district offices had and continue to implement road projects in all the said provincial roads.

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Folks affected by road- widening projects in Tabuk to be relocated

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Residents affected by road widening projects here are set to be relocated.
    The local government will allot funds to purchase lands that will serve as relocation sites
    Mayor Darwin Estran֮ero said Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang, in  coordination with public works department, is sourcing out funds for widening of the Nambaran-Lacnog portion of the Kalinga-Isabela Road to be able to accommodate the prescribed eight lanes for national highways.
    "The city must be proactive in anticipating the possible displacement of residents who will be affected by the implementation of the road widening project. That is why we are trying to look for funds to purchase possible relocation sites for the people who will be affected by the said project," Estran֮ero said.
    Relocation sites should be available before implementation of the project so that it will be easier for the government to convince affected individuals to be relocated, he added.
    Aside from widening of major road networks here, the public works department and the city government have partnered for installation of solar studs, known as cat's eye and streetlights for road safety of motorists at night.
 
  
 
 
 

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Water Bacteriological Analysis, CBC tests bound for price increase

JEMINA SAN JUAN

                According to Medical Lab Technician, Venus KIsofen of Luis Hora Memorial Hospital, CBC machine is one of the important tools of Doctors to assess the condition of patients such as diagnostic and monitoring of treatment.
                Medical Lab Technician Linda A. Agagen of Rural Health Unit (RHU)-Bauko shared that in the past, microscope and manual processes are being used for clinical laboratory. Now, the upgraded machine is being used for a faster and more efficient results.
                Agagen added that the increase in price for the reagents and other expenses which includes registration and fine fees are some of the major reasons for the added charges.
                In an interview, Agagen said that water lab fees only amounted to 100 pesos but is bound for a 250-peso increase, excluding electric bills. Same through with CBC test that is bound for an 80-peso increase.
                At the moment the fees for reagents are being handled by the RHU-Bauko but before the Department of Health (DOH) are the once who shouldered the expenses on water bacteriological.
                 In addition, she said that the LGU is also paying for requirements for the accreditation of a laboratory good for three years.
                 Residents of barangay Kalimbatawa and Bila shared their sentiments regarding the issue. Dominga Pagiyen and Romualdo Badongen said that the price increase should at least be inclusive to those struggling with finances who cannot avail the service.
                Venus Kisofen, Medical Laboratory Technician of Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital said that the Malasakit Program which provides medical and cash assistance to indigent people can help patients in shouldering the additional expenses for the price increase. Agagen also supported the statement that they will give a free service to PhilHealth beneficiaries if the Universal Health Care is Implemented.
     CBC machine helps to assess the patience regarding their problems on health conditions. It could test and examine the certain number of cells if there are any abnormalities as well as measurement of hemoglobin and Hematocrit. The statement was supported by Medical Laboratory Technician Venus Kisofen that using CBC machines can determine if the patient is anemic or if there is an infection on patients’ health. She added that this technology made a great tool for easier batch testing of samples in one running.
 

                The recent clinical laboratory for Water Bacteriological Analysis and cell blood counter (CBC) machine used by the Rural Health Unit of Bauko proposed an increase in fee charges starting next year upon the approval of Municipal Vice Mayor Bartolome Badecao.

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Binmaley fishpens ordered dismantled

By Gabriel L. Cardinoza

BINMALEY, Pangasinan -- The mayor of this town has ordered the dismantling of all fishpens and other fishing structures that had proliferated in rivers here the last few weeks.
    In an executive order, Mayor Pedro Merrera 3rd said he ordered concerned barangay (village) captains to immediately dismantle all the fishpens in the rivers traversing their respective villages because "these will cause pollution."
    "I told them not to be afraid, not to think of the coming elections. So, it's up to them now," Merrera also said in an interview.
Fish farmers, who raise bangus (milkfish) in ponds, earlier complained about the pens in the rivers because these will impede the flow of water to and from their ponds.
    When this happens, they said, their stock may die because of lack of dissolved oxygen.
    "There will be massive fishkill," the fish farmers added.
    A pen is basically a fish enclosure made up of nylon screens or nets or attached to bamboo poles staked at the bottom up to the surface of a river.
    Pens crowding a river impede the flow of water from the sea to the ponds and vice versa during high and low tides, reducing the amount of oxygen in the water.
    Water movement mechanically injects oxygen into the water.
    This town criss-crossed by rivers that drain to the Lingayen Gulf, is Pangasinan's largest producer of pond-raised bangus.
    Along with the coastal towns of San Fabian, Lingayen and Labrador and Dagupan City, they supply about 20 percent of the province's annual bangus production, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority's Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines.
    The remaining 80 percent are produced in the pens and cages in the towns of Anda, Bolinao and Sual.
    Vice Mayor Simplicio Rosario said all the pens that have sprouted in the town's rivers are illegal because these are prohibited by a town ordinance and a provincial ordinance approved by the provincial board in 2000.
    This was the reason, he said, why the provincial government dismantled all pens in the different rivers of the province in 2007.
Rosario said the power to dismantle the pens is vested on the mayor, not on the barangay captains.
    This may be the reason, a fish pond owner said

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New school established by P’sinan gov’t to start soon

By Liezle Basa Inigo

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The provincial government underscored its commitment to provide accessible education to Pangasinan residents.
    This was after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously passed on Monday, June 26, an ordinance calling for the establishment of a school which will be called Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC).
    Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the school’s operation for school year 2023-2024 will start soon, although Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino said there is still no definite month.
    The PPC will be the first college fully owned and run by a provincial government in the Ilocos region.
Some local government units in the region run their own colleges, including University of Eastern Pangasinan in Binalonan town, Urdaneta City University in Urdaneta City, Binalatongan College in San Carlos City, and Bayambang Polytechnic College in Bayambang.
    Lambino said that about 10 months of consultation with experts from the different public and private universities, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were done for the establishment of the school.
    He said that the establishment of the PPC was in keeping with Gov. Ramon Guico's commitment to provide accessible education for Pangasinan residents.
    The provincial government assured that education will be accessible to all Pangasinenses who are in need of tertiary education.
    Unlike most colleges and universities, Lambino said the school will be employing a ladderized system of education in which students or learners will be allowed to progress between Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and College, and vice-versa.
    He also said that TESDA programs will be incorporated into PPC course offerings so that after one year or two years, a student can already look for a job and help his or her family.
    Lambino said that PPC’s first campus will initially be at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here, where there are rooms that can be retrofitted and converted into classrooms.
    “But the direction of our governor is to have two or three campuses. One in Lingayen, another one in central Pangasinan, probably San Carlos City, and another one in the eastern part of the province,” said Lambino.
    He revealed that PPC students will be full scholars, enjoying free tuition and miscellaneous fees "for as long as they abide with their contracts, academics-wise, behavior-wise."

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Currimao port upgrade to lure more tourists

By Leilanie Adriano 

LAOAG CITY – The Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office (PPA-PMO) in Northern Luzon on Wednesday pledged to continue to improve and modernize its seaport’s facilities and services with the help of the Department of Tourism (DOT), to entice more cruise liners and investors to visit the region.
    Northern Luzon Port Manager Marieta Odicta gave the assurance after the June 26 maiden call of the M/S Heritage Adventurer at the Currimao seaport, which is currently undergoing expansion to accommodate bigger cruise vessels.
    “Ang pamunuan ng PPA PMO Northern Luzon ay labis na nagagalak sa pagbisita ng M/S Heritage Adenturer dito sa pinagandang Port of Currimao. Nawa’y maging umpisa ito ng pagdating ng iba pang cruise vessel at iba pang klase ng mga barko sa ating pantalan (The leadership of the PPA Port Management Office Northern Luzon is glad with the arrival of M/S Heritage Adventurer in the Port of Currimao. I hope this will be the start of more cruise vessels and other types of ships to arrive at the port)," Odicta said.
    Construction and dredging activities are ongoing to modernize the Currimao seaport and allow the docking of bigger vessels.
    Previously, the PPA has authorized expanded dredging beyond the originally approved draft of 80 meters long and 11 meters deep to allow for the docking of Panamax vessels.
    The Department of Transportation and the PPA began to expand the pier in 2017 for P492 million.
    The Ilocos region has since become a cruise line destination with the maiden calls of Superstar Virgo, M/V Diamond Glory, Costa Atlantica Cruise, M/V Royal Caribean, M/V the World, among others docking at the Port of Currimao and its neighboring Salomague Port in Ilocos Sur.
    Expedition ship Heritage Adventurer was the first to arrive at the Currimao seaport since the start of pandemic.
    Ongoing improvement at the seaport includes the construction of ports operations building, the expansion of the wharf, and the ongoing dredging activity around the port.
    With the resumption of cruise calls at the port, the Ilocos Norte government said it hoped to entice more tourists and investors and make Ilocos Norte the top choice among cruise liners.
    Records from the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office showed that daily visitors in Ilocos Norte average between 6,000 and 10,000 so far this year, peaking last April 7 (Holy Week) at 80,000 day visitors. -- PNA
 

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Life vests imposed when riding boats in Burnham Lake

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Council passed Ordinance 51, series of 2023 requiring use of life vests when riding watercrafts at Burnham Park Lake effective June 27, 2023.
    All operators and passengers are required to use life vests before boarding watercrafts rented out at the lake for public safety and security.
    “Any operator or passenger who refuses to wear a life vest shall not be allowed to board the watercraft. The passengers shall wear the life vest throughout the ride,” Section 5 of the ordinance states.
    Life vest was defined in the ordinance as a personal floatation device, lifejacket or cork jacket designed to keep an individual afloat in the water in the event of an emergency and is considered life-saving equipment.
    Watercraft concessionaires and operators are required to provide life vests for each of their passengers and shall ensure that the life vests fit well and are in good condition.
    Standard life vests shall be inspected and be registered during the renewal of permit to operate watercraft.
The City Mayor’s Office through the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), and the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) shall enforce the ordinance and are authorized to apprehend violators.
    Failure of the watercraft operator and the concessionaire to comply with the ordinance will be penalized with P1,000 for the first offense; P1,500 for the second offense and P2,500 for the third offense.
    The city mayor may allow the conversion of penalties imposed under the said ordinance to community service, where it is deemed appropriate and applicable.
    The ordinance was proposed by Councilor Isabelo Cosalan, Jr., earlier in May and signed by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong on June 2, 2023. – JMPS

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Child abuses cases up in Baguio; officials alarmed

BAGUIO CITY – Child abuse cases here have risen alarming officials.
    The City Social Welfare and Development Office bared significant increase in child abuse cases that interventions with the families of the victims and perpetrators were needed.
    Assistant City Social and Welfare and Development Officer Cynhtia Langagan disclosed that for the first six months of this year, there were 96 child abuse cases reported in the city compared to the 45 cases that were recorded during the whole year of 2022.
    For the children in conflict with the law, Langagan cited 36 cases during the first semester of this year compared to 82 cases documented by the CSWDO for the whole year.
    For children at risk, the CSWDO official said for the first six months of this year, there were 15 cases compared to the 43 cases reported last year.
    According to her, the majority of the children in need of special protection belong to dysfunctional families that is why there was need for the CSWDO to enhance local government’s advocacy on family relations.
    Langagan said the local government will be aggressive on organizing fora on strengthening family relations in partnership with the various offices and the barangays to contribute in informing the residents on how to preserve the relations within their families.
    She added results of case studies of the victims of child abuse prepared by the CSWDO will be basis for the local government to make interventions to reduce child abuse incidents. --Dexter A. see

 

 

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Ilocos Norte to expropriate lands for airport expansion

By Leilanie Adriano 

LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte’s provincial government is considering expropriating lands from landlords who will fail to attend the final meeting for implementation of site acquisition for the Laoag International Airport development project.
    In an interview on Thursday, Gervy James Gumarit, head of the Ilocos Norte government’s Communication and Media, said some landowners, heirs, and representatives affected by the proposed airport expansion project were earlier invited to a series of meetings with the provincial government's lot acquisition team but failed to show up.
    As a result, the team – composed of the Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), the Provincial Assessor’s Office, and the Civil Aeronautics and Aviation Board – issued a final meeting with the same group on June 30 to July 1 to discuss the implementation of the lot acquisition.
    “Failure to attend this final schedule shall prompt the filing of expropriation for said lots,” said lawyer Althea Nicolette Pilar, project head of the MINC.
    The Dept. of Transportation earlier approved about P900 million for the site acquisition, covering a total of 58.47 hectares of land, consisting of 275 lots and 62 residential buildings and other improvements located in barangays Calayab, Apaya, and Gabu Sur in this city.
    As of June 29, a total of 38 registered or declared owners or claimants with 78 lots have yet to arrive at a settlement with the Ilocos Norte team that was tasked to talk with the concerned parties.
    The Marcos administration is eyeing to expand the airport’s runway to 205 meters east and 170 meters west from the center lane to accommodate bigger aircraft to enhance the Ilocos Region’s connectivity and mobility.
    This, however, needs the full cooperation of landowners to implement the project this year.
With the expansion project, the provincial government hopes to revive international and regional flights at the airport, including the direct international flights between Laoag City and Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as Laoag-Cebu flights.
    To date, only two domestic airlines are flying regularly at the Laoag International Airport.
In 2018, the Laoag International Airport could only accommodate a combined number of 140 international and domestic passengers per day.
    However, through the initiatives and development projects pursued by the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the airport can now serve 200 international and 240 domestic passengers per day. -- PNA

 

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SC: October barangay/SK polls on, postponement law unconstitutional

By Benjamin Pulta 

The Supreme Court (SC) greenlighted the holding of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30, declaring the law resetting the polls unconstitutional.
    In a statement released late Tuesday, the tribunal said it "recognizes the legal practicality and necessity of proceeding with the conduct of the BSKE on the last Monday of October 2023, pursuant to the operative fact doctrine."
    The ruling was issued even as the SC en banc declared unconstitutional Republic Act 11935, the law which postponed the holding of the BSKE from the original schedule of Dec. 5, 2022 to the last Monday of October 2023.
    The decision said "the free and meaningful exercise of the right to vote, as protected and guaranteed by the Constitution, requires the holding of genuine periodic elections which must be held at intervals which are not unduly long, and which ensure that the authority of government continues to be based on the free expression of the will of electors.”
    The Court added that the provision for “hold-over” capacity did not amount to an unconstitutional “legislative appointment.”
    The Court found that there was no legitimate government interest or objective to support the legislative measure, and that the law unconstitutionally exceeds the bounds of the Congress’ power to legislate.
    The SC said the means employed by Congress were unreasonably unnecessary to achieve the interest of the government sought to be accomplished, and the said means were unduly arbitrary or oppressive of the electorates’ right of suffrage.
    The Court added that the purpose for the realignment of the budget allocation of the Commission on Elections for the 2022 BSKE to the Executive for the latter’s use in its projects violates the explicit prohibition in the Constitution against any transfer of appropriations. -- PNA

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Baguio inks pacts with Benguet towns

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government here led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong entered into memorandum of agreements with the municipalities of Tuba represented by Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan and La Trinidad by Mayor Romeo Salda on early flood warning information and mitigation system (FEWS) project, June 23 at City Hall.      
    The city government through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by Antonette Anaban is a recipient of the project with a grant from the ASEAN- Australian Smart City Trust Fund (AASCTF).
    Anaban said the project has three outputs: An established and operational smart FEWS; real-time data capture system established in four river basins in Baguio and prepared flood mitigation action plan.
    As a component of the project, ten hydrometeorological monitoring stations have been installed at various strategic points in the city and municipalities of La Trinidad and Tuba in Benguet as part of the Flood Early Warning, Information and Mitigation System (FEWS) project.
    These consist of five tandem stations, four water level monitoring stations (WLMS) and one automated rainfall gauge (ARG) and are located in the following stations: Ferguson bridge, Sadjap bridge, Brookspoint, Eagle Crest bridge, Camp 7, Balili bridge, City Camp Lagoon, Asin bridge, Camp 6 bridge, and at the Irisan fire station.
    Anaban said the FEWS model highly depends on the timely input and real-time data from hydrometeorological monitoring stations and there is a need to ensure the continuous functioning, operation, enhancement, and sustainability of Baguio’s newly-established FEWS.
    Under the agreement, Baguio’s roles and responsibilities include maintaining ownership, operation and management of the five monitoring stations; collect, manage and own the data from all hydrometeorological monitoring stations; facilitate PAGASA’s formal transfer of ownership of their Tandem Station at City Camp Lagoon to Baguio; facilitate and undertake the replacement of the tandem station installed at Balili bridge, La Trinidad, among others.
    To maintain ownership, operation and management of the five monitoring stations; collect, manage and own the data from all hydrometeorological monitoring stations; facilitate PAGASA’s formal transfer of ownership of their tandem station at Asin bridge and Camp 6 bridge; among others, are Tuba’s roles and responsibilities.
    Meanwhile, La Trinidad’s roles and responsibilities are facilitating PAGASA’s formal transfer of ownership of their Tandem Station at Balili Bridge; shoulder the operations and maintenance cost of the said tandem station; secure the physical integrity of all monitoring stations under the jurisdiction of La Trinidad; and coordinate with Baguio through the CDRRMO regarding any technical concerns on the deployed devices.
    The project is made possible through a grant from the ASEAN- Australian Smart City Trust Fund (AASCTF), Ramboll Denmark, the implementing organization led by Alvaro Fonseca and Asian Development Bank, the fund manager of the AASCTF through Mr. Kyaw Thu.

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Team Lakay looks to bouts vs ex-wards

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao welcomed the opening of a new gym by his former wards as it will help further develop martial arts in the region.
    Sangiao added with a new MMA gym in town, he looks forward to having healthy competition whether in local or in international events.
    "I wish them luck and hope to have a healthy competition with them soon," said Sangiao.
    The Team Lakay top honcho added he was also keen on inviting the newly formed MMA team in their upcoming events that includes the upcoming 38th Lakay Grapplers Cup slated July 9 as part of the Sen. Sonny Angara - Benguet Friendship Games to be held at the BSU Gym, in La Trinidad, Benguet.
    Focusing on clinching and ground fighting, the Team Lakay grappling tournament aims to develop MMA fighters in their submission skills through the use of submission holds which brings together techniques from folk wrestling, judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, jujutsu (of the traditional form), and sambo.
    The event also aims to develop the skills of local MMA enthusiasts and prepare them for higher levels of combative sports.  
Team Lakay is also expected to hold another MMA tournament later this year as follow-up to the resounding success of the Kabayan Fury 1 which bannered 10 up and coming mixed martial arts fighters across the country.
    Since Team Lakay was formed, some of its fighters have also built their own gym that included Dave Galera who manages Gridlock Gym, siblings Jenelyn and Jerry Olsim who are set to open Graceful Bokodian Lions Martial Arts Gym and the recently opened Landslide Martial Arts Training Center/Lions Nation MMA.
    Current ONE Championship bantamweight title contender Stephen Loman, who is still with Team Lakay, also manages Sniper Gym.
    Loman is expected to see action later this year in what could be a possible title match with reigning champion Fabrico Andrade.
    Even with the recent events, Sangiao said he was thankful to Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap and Fairtex for their continued support to the team.       

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SM, gov’t, USAID power DOE's energy conserve campaign

SM City Baguio and the youth join the DOE and local governments in making energy efficiency and conservation a shared responsibility. From left to right: Michael Jason N. Pena, SM Baguio Assistant Mall Manager; Rona Vida Be Correa, SM Regional Operations Manager-North 1; Director Amelia M. De Guzman, CESO IV, DOES’s Director for Energy Research Testing and Laboratory Services; Mr, Vittorio Jerico L. Cawis, Project Evaluation Officer, Representative of Baguio City Mayor; Luz Lani M. Delovino, SM Rosales, Asst. Mall Manager, Director Elisa B. Morales, DOE’s Director for Administrative Services

By Jill Galario

BAGUIO CITY -- SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of the leading and integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, recently joined forces with the Dept. of Energy (DOE), Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and USAID for the "You Have the Power" campaign.
    Supported by SM Supermalls and its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, the initiative aims to encourage the public to adopt an energy-efficient lifestyle and instill a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.
    The roadshow kicked off at SM City Baguio last June 23 and engaged with the youth by featuring winning artworks from the Department of Energy's Digital Poster Making Contest, which were created by students from various schools in the country.
    Senior high school students from the University of the Cordilleras joined the program, participating in a learning session on energy efficiency and conservation 101 with a gamified experience of the exhibit booths.
    Sustainability and disaster resilience are at the core of SM Prime's business. In line with this, the company continuously allocates 10 percent of its capital expenses in features in its properties supporting these two advocacies, from rain catchment facilities to renewable energy sources and everything in between.
    The roadshow showcased SM Prime’s innovative green building design across SM Supermalls, which incorporates renewable energy, energy-efficient building management systems, and electric vehicle charging stations.
    Rona Vida B. Correa, Regional Operations Manager of North 1, said, "As a responsible corporate citizen, SM Supermalls is committed to utilizing our “super power” in designing, building and operating malls sustainably. More than 50% of the energy consumed by SM Prime properties nationwide comes from renewable sources, enough to power 260, 000 homes in a single day. We design our malls purposely, with features such as Building Management systems, to enhance energy efficiency on a daily basis. Free electric charging stations are also provided in 27 malls nationwide to encourage the public to use sustainable forms of transportation."
    Fort its part the DOE promoted renewable energy and sustainable transport by featuring solar panels and an electric vehicle display with USAID complementing the campaign with its City of Energia app which provides information on energy efficiency and conservation to the public.
    DOE Director Patrick Aquino, CESO III of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB), said on this pre-recorded message "DOE encourages you to be “masinop” and “wais” on using energy which will prove beneficial for our future and our environment. You Have the Power campaign initiated by the DOE together with the PCO will help by promoting information about our own capabilities when it comes to managing energy."
    On another pre-recorded message, Asst. Secretary Patricia Martin of the Presidential Communications Office added, "The partnership between the Presidential Communications Office and the Department of Energy is one of the many steps we are taking to ensure that we meet the goals we are set out to do. “You have the Power”, with this campaign, we directly involve the people by embracing energy efficiency, we unlock a multitude of benefits from mitigating climate change to promoting economic growth and energy security.
    There’s truly an abundance of things we can accomplish if we do it as a nation in divisible. By promoting sustainable practices and energy efficient measures, we are paving the way for a brighter, cleaner and greener Philippines."
    The roadshow will continue in SM Lanang Premier, bringing the message of energy efficiency and conservation to more communities. SM Prime is also supporting the DOE's campaign by playing energy efficiency and conservation infomercials by the government agency on the public announcement systems in SM malls, further empowering the public in reducing energy consumption.
 

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Court asked to allow disposal of seized fuel

By Gabriel L. Cardinoza

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- A government prosecutor has asked the court to issue a clearance to the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for the disposal of the smuggled diesel fuel that it had seized from an oil tanker last May to allay fears of an oil spill at Sual Bay in Sual town.
    Lawyer Rod Pino of the BoC legal service, prosecution and litigation division also asked the court to order the inspection of the ship and its diesel fuel cargo, and the taking of samples of the smuggled diesel with the participation, as witnesses, of the accused, consignee, vessel owner, media, and other interested parties.
    "The prosecution acknowledges the grave concern by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the Municipality of Sual regarding the continued presence of MV Veronica 1 and its 1.35 million liters of diesel fuel cargo in Sual and the great threats they pose to the livelihood of the residents and the economy of the province," Pino said in his omnibus motion filed last week at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 37 here.
    The RTC Branch 37 is hearing the unlawful importation case filed against MV Veronica 1's skipper Nemesio Batiancila, his 12 crew members, and a number of unidentified others.
    In an emergency meeting last May, Gov. Ramon Guico 3rd asked the BoC to move the ship to a safer location to prevent an environmental disaster at Sual Bay, in the event the diesel fuel from the ship leaks into the bay.
    "Is there a way to legally remove the contents of the ship and then remove the ship from the bay and then account for the contents?" Guico asked.
    Lawyer Emmanuel Laforteza of the Provincial Prosecutor's Office said only a sample of the oil is needed as evidence to be presented in court.
    Sual Bay is a cove facing the Lingayen Gulf. It hosts the town's mariculture area where more than 800 bangus or milkfish cages are located.
    Sual, and the towns of Bolinao and Anda, supply about 80 percent of bangus produced in Pangasinan.

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