P173-M disaster projects for funding: Sagada mayor

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA Mountain Province -- Post -typhoon Egay disaster preparedness projects in 14 barangays of this town estimated at P172 million are up for funding from the national Office of Civil Defense.
    Sagada mayor Felicito Dula bared this during meeting of municipal disaster risk reduction council attended by barangay officials, local government staff and representatives from non-government organizations.
    Dula said the municipality is also lobbying for other funding from the Departments of Local Government and Agriculture.   
Rehabilitation of drainage systems, pathways, farm to market roads, irrigation canals, roads and retaining walls were projects identified in the P173 million project cost.
    Sagada resettlement project topped estimated cost of P50 million followed by rehabilitation of Ato-Engan- farm to market road at P30 million.
    Ato-Engan FMR collapsed during Egay typhoon last July preventing vehicles from passing the road.  
    This also caused affected resident Janice Borja to petition FMR implementors Dept. of Agriculture and the Municipal LGU to repair the damaged road. 
    Rehabilitation of Ambasing- Balugan road costing P25 million was also forwarded for its favorable approval by the OCD.
    Said road is prone to landslides during typhoons where disastrous Egay caused massive soil and waters that poured from the mountains of Ampacao down the Ambasing- Balugan road and prevented vehicular access to reach the barangay.
    A P5 million rehabilitation fund was estimated for Atey- Demang road access that also collapsed during typhoon Egay.
    Also, P5 million was identified for the damaged Tetep-an road during typhoon Egay.
    Also included was the P2.5 million Paytokan-Tangeb road and P5 million rehabilitation of slope retaining wall of Sagada Central School here at Patay barangay.
    A total of P10 million Ankileng-Pakil FMR rehabilitation and improvement of a P4.5 million Datil-Nangongan FMR at Patay barangay was also forwarded and a P5 million rehabilitation for Pey-asan - Balugan drainage system.
    The Guesang drainage system at Bangaan barangay costs P5 million, Dula said.
Other rehabilitation projects were set for barangays of Nacagang, Suyo, Pide, Ambasing, Madongo, Fidelisan, Aguid and Antadao.   
    Municipal DRRRMC officer Eddie Dapliyan urged barangay officials to report disaster incidents at the LDRRMC office for proper recording and assistance.

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Former US diplomat lauds Baguio immigration office

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- A retired United States career diplomat was so impressed by the excellent service rendered by employees of the Bureau of immigration Baguio District Office that he went out of his way to inform the City Mayor’s Office of how commendable the office is.

    Retired diplomat Edward Yagi who served in Tokyo, Cairo, Nairobi and Nagoya said the Baguio immigration office may by far be the best immigration office not only hereabouts but worldwide.
    “The Baguio Immigration is the best immigration office I have ever seen and that includes every American embassy and consulate that I have ever worked in.  It is just absolutely remarkable,” he said.
    He said the office has a good location that is easy to find and the employees are responsive and accommodating.
    “Everybody answers their messages and is very responsive to emails.  They are very polite and very nice.  There were no long lines.  I usually just walk in, fill out a piece of paper and get out in five minutes and come back after a couple of days to get my passport,” Yagi said.
    He was especially pleased with office employee Theody Pascua who helped him in his transaction.
    He said he had been in the office twice in the last six months and “on both times, it was so smooth and so fast I could not believe it.”
    “It is just remarkable.  It says a lot about the respect that the Philippines has for its foreign visitors that you made the process that easy,” Yagi said.
    The office also offers same-day services for customers who need it, Yagi added.
 
 

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Ilocos 4P housing starts with 10 condo buildings

By Gabriel L. Cardinoza

ASINGAN, Pangasinan -- The first housing project in Region 1 (Ilocos Region) under the national government's Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4P) program was launched here on Dec. 15, in the farming village of Carosucan Norte.
    "This project consists of 10 four-story condominium buildings," said Sherwin Patanao, 4P regional focal person of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD), shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony here.
    "We are no longer developing horizontal housing projects because our agricultural areas are becoming smaller and smaller," Patanao added.
    The project will be built starting next year inside a 2.14-hectare area located about 1.5 kilometers from the Villasis-Asingan Road.
    Each condominium building will have 24 units in each floor, or a total of 96 units for every building. Each unit will have an area of 27 square meters.
    "So, there will be a total of 960 units. And this is just the first phase of the project," said Patanao.
DHSUD Undersecretary Emmanuel Pineda said that the housing project will have a swimming pool, playground, a clubhouse and parking areas for cars and motorcycles.
    "We wanted it to be breathable and livable, so instead of the 30 percent minimum open space, we made it 40 percent for the quality of life of the occupants," Pineda said.
    He said the housing project is open to all Filipinos, adding that it will be affordable for everybody, especially the informal sectors.
    He also said a condominium unit is payable in 30 years, at P2,600 per month amortization in the first year and P3,600 per month in the following years.
    Mayor Carlos Lopez Jr. expressed his gratitude to DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar for approving the project.
    He also thanked Dept. of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella 3rd for helping in the reclassification of the project site, which the town purchased many years back.
    Lopez said that the town has more than 3,000 backlogs in housing and some 1,000 families live under a bridge or within the irrigation line.
    Pangasinan 6th District Rep. Marlyn Primicias Agabas said that this was "so blessed."
    She said last Dec. 14, she and Lopez led the groundbreaking ceremony for a Regional Trial Court station for this town and neighboring San Manuel.
    She also said that a "super health center" will be built soon near the housing project after she requested it from the Dept. of Health.
    In addition, Agabas said, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has allotted an initial P10 million for the construction of a new building.
    "It is our vision that this place will become a beautiful community. By 2025, after the first two buildings will rise, we should also start planning to build daycare centers for our children," Agabas said.
    "What we are doing now is history. In the future, they might have their own school," she added.
    Patanao said that the project will be completed in five years, with two buildings built every year.
    He said that for this project, they were just waiting for the beneficiary selection before its construction starts.
    Lopez said they have already approved 300 applicants, consisting of overseas Filipino workers, tricycle drivers, teachers and government employees.
 
 

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Baguio execs lament passing of SP employee, kagawad

BAGUIO CITY – City officials expressed condolences to the families of a former employee of the Sangguniang Panlunsod and a kagawad who recently passed away in this city. 
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed city council resolution no. 725, series of 2023, expressing the city’s deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late Loida Rarang Ordono, former city government of Baguio employee under the Sangguniang Panlungsod office who died Nov. 12, at 57.

     The approved measure stated that in her 34 years of service to the city government, “she exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, diligence and integrity.”
    “Ordono’s unwavering commitment to her responsibilities and her warm, compassionate nature endeared her to colleagues and constituents alike,” it added.
    “Her invaluable contributions to the city of Baguio, particularly within the SP office, have been immeasurable. Ordono’s legacy of hard work, resilience, and passion for public service has left an enduring impact on the very fabric of our local governance,” the measure said.
    Magalong also ratified city council resolution no. 730, series of 2023, expressing the city’s deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late Rita Bantog Mastinggal, former kagawad of Holy Ghost Proper barangay who passed away Nov. 27 at 71. The measure stated she served as kagawad of the said barangay from 2013 to 2023 and “unselfishly shared and contributed her time and efforts for the development and progress of her constituency, barangay, and the city.”  -Gaby B. Keith

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Pangasinan business folks warned against scammers posing as DTI personnel

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan on Monday warned the public against fraudulent individuals posing as the agency’s personnel targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.
    At a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency-Pangasinan, DTI provincial director Natalia Dalaten said they have received two reports from MSMEs on Sept.16 about attempts to scam companies.

    “We have received reports that there were those going around pretending to be staff from DTI offering loans and soliciting money. Wala po kaming staff na nagso-solicit ng anumang amount para sa aming mga programa (We have no staff soliciting any amount of money for our programs),” she said.
    Dalaten said the fraudulent scheme is targeting MSMEs, offering them loans and then soliciting money from them, for a minimum amount of P5,000, as part of an advertisement or sponsorship of an event.
    “Una, they would act na kilalang-kilala nila ang businessmen at sinasabing taga-DTI sila at mag-o-offer ng loan at magso-solicit sa isang event na pwedeng ipa-sponsor (First, they would act as though they know the businessmen very well and they would present themselves as from DTI and then they would offer loans and solicit money for an alleged sponsored event),” she said.
    She noted that DTI-Pangasinan has no programs asking for sponsors and gathering advertisements.
    The DTI said it has coordinated with the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office to check the reported scheme.
    It said the two MSMEs did not fall for the scammers and instead, immediately reported the incident to authorities.
    Dalaten also asked the public to immediately alert authorities if they encounter such individuals or groups. -- PNA
 
 

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Crocheted products making comeback in Baguio City

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – High school learners in this city in the 80s and 90s used to be seen with either knitting needles or crochet hooks with rolls of colorful threads packed in their school bags, with thread-based products as among the popular souvenir items here then.
    Melanie Aquino or Lanie, a Baguio native who became a nurse in the United Kingdom, said she graduated high school in 1990 and started knitting and crocheting in her elementary years because these were popular among the youth.
    She said that while she was not very good at making designs, she finished high school with several of her Technology and Home Economics (TLE) projects being thread-based as they were mandatory.
    “Even in elementary we already had both projects. My classmates who were good at it were even doing toppers for themselves aside from table-top sheets for their houses,” she said.
    Lanie said some of the girls at her school, an all-girls school, have cute and colorful needles and hooks that come in different sizes, which was a possession she envied from her schoolmates who could afford them.
    Growing up in Baguio, she recalled that the Marbay shopping area, the building beside the city market for souvenir items, used to have a lot of knitted and crocheted apparel like the “cardigan” that also became popular during her high school days.
    “If you were wearing that cardigan, you were ‘in’ because it was a fad. So, some of my classmates were even making their own. You can also see the Marbay sellers knitting or crocheting while attending to their stores,” she reminisced.
    With no gadgets then and shops to be paid to complete school projects, learners have to sit on their chairs as the teacher looks at each student spending the class hour doing their projects as proof of their effort, until the date of submission.
    Lanie also recalled the sight of the school grounds filled with the “girls” sitting and talking among themselves while holding on to their needles or hooks.
    “Breaks and waiting time were for knitting or crocheting if you do not have clubs for extra-curricular activities,” she said in Ilocano.
    But the popularity waned and people stopped holding on to the needles and hooks until during the Covid-19 pandemic when crocheted items started to be popularized and sold online.
    Susan Recolosado, 63,  member of the “crochet aunties” or an informal group composed of women fond of crocheting said it is her pastime.
    “I am a senior citizen. This is my past time that I enjoyed and still enjoy doing, aside from earning a little from the products I make,” she said.
    Susan said she was in elementary when her mother saw her interest and taught her how to crochet, initially doing simple lines and then making the design.
    She said that with crocheted items popular when she was young, she used to do her own school bags, ponchos, skirts, bonnets, arm and leg warmers, and other clothes using the granny square, mesh designs or the square windows
    When the Sunday Session road market was started before the pandemic, Susan started selling crocheted stuff, until now.
Susan said crocheting became her ally against the boredom of staying home during the lockdown.
    She was able to do a lot of stuff during the pandemic and the reopening of Session Road for the Sunday market opened an opportunity to sell the items she has made.
    Her daughter, Therese, 20 years old, now a first year college student, also started to crochet about two years ago after seeing that the items are actually being bought.
    "The popularity of the crocheted items is coming back and it is good because we used to be popular with this. I am glad that our handcrafted items are also being bought no matter how simple our designs are,” Susan said.
    Susan said her group donated crocheted bonnets to cancer patients at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center during the pandemic.
    “I was happy sharing the items because I was sharing a part of me to the cancer patients -- a bonnet that I made and spent time to do,” she said.
    “A lot of people like me still make crochet project not just for the little amount we get from the sales but because this is a part of me and my childhood. Crocheting is also (a known character of) Baguio, and I am glad that crocheted items are again slowly becoming popular,” she added. -- PNA
 
 

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NEDA Cordillera tops Ph ‘quality award’ honorees

By Jane S. Dallapas

BAGUIO CITY -- The National Economic and Development Authority Cordillera emerged  winner of the “Performance quality award recognition for commitment to quality management as announced by the PQA committee on Dec. 22.
    NEDA Cordillera with the Cordillera Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources completed 4-step self-assessments and orientations which started June.
    The Cordillera regional competitiveness sub-committee on performance excellence deliberated on regional candidates and endorsed both as PQA Level 1 winners for the Cordillera Administrative Region.  
    The CAR’s NEDA and DENR are the first regional awardees of PQA regionalization program. They now join the roster of PQA honorees such as Dept of Science and Technology which won Level 1 recognition in 2021.
    NEDA-CAR is the second NEDA unit nationwide to receive such award after NEDA Ilocos, which was awarded in 2004 and 2006.
    The PQA is the highest level of national recognition for exemplary organizational performance conferred to the private and public sector organizations.
    It was established by executive order 448 in 1997 and institutionalized through Republic Act No. 9013 or the PQA Act.
Patterned after the Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award of the United States, the PQA uses performance excellence framework in assessing candidates.
    The award constitutes four levels as follows: Level 1 for recognition for commitment to quality management, Level 2 for recognition for proficiency in quality management, Level 3 for recognition for mastery in quality management while the highest recognition is Level 4 for Philippine Quality Award for Performance Excellence.
    The PQA regionalization program is the qualifying recognition for national Level 3 and 4.
 

 

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BWD projects ongoing to up Baguio water supply, mitigate El Nino effects

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Water District is now conducting water resource exploration projects to increase water supply and mitigate effects of prolonged El Nino or dry spell in the city.
    BWD officials said these included drilling  along Montinola Subdivision (Kisad Road), Ramsey in Bakakeng Central, South Drive 2, Richwood (Guisad Road) and Zig-Zag, Kennon Road.
    “Pipelaying and expansion activities programmed to augment the water supply in identified water-challenged areas, especially during the driest months include the Marcos Highway-Suello-Asin pipeline expansion, upsizing of Crystal Cave mainline, Pias-Camp 7 mainline extension, and the recently completed developments namely Bengao Road-Marcos Highway Tank upsizing of booster line and the Balacbac Road mainline upsizing project,” the district said.
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong lauded BWD’s efforts to put in place measures to mitigate effects of the prolonged El Nino phenomenon.
    “We are grateful that the district is fast-tracking its water augmentation programs to ensure continuous water supply ahead of the expected impact of the drought and dry spell which according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) will peak in April 2024,” the mayor said.

The mayor recently inspected the ongoing repair of the rainwater harvesting basins at the Busol Watershed together with BWD officials and Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers.

During his visit to the watershed, the mayor requested the BWD and agencies in charge of safeguarding Busol and other watersheds to ensure that there are no intrusions by informal settlers into the remaining forested portion of the watershed to protect and preserve the city’s water table in view of the El Nino problem and the continuing threat of climate change.

In response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for agencies to carry out measures to cushion the effects of the El Nino, BWD General Manager Salvador Royeca said the district is currently streamlining its ongoing development projects and expressed confidence that they can complete the ongoing water supply development and expansion projects “in preparation for the full effects of the El Niño phenomenon.”

In a press statement, the district said GM Royeca “already called upon the concerned Technical Divisions of the water utility to revisit and submit their contingency plans for the El Niño and issued a marching order to expedite all various well-drilling and pipelaying projects to counter the effects of this dry spell.”

“Additionally, comprehensive monitoring of BWD’s groundwater and open water sources has already been performed to ensure equitable water distribution starting this Yuletide season up to next year’s dry season when visitors and tourists flock to this side of the country.”

Royeca said that completing these projects will help mitigate the effects of El Niño.

“Implementing these contingency procedures for BWD’s summer operations is done annually and typically normal, we just fine-tune everything so that it will be adaptive to the external pressures such as this projected El Niño phenomenon,” Royeca said.

 

 

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SM Supermalls’ bike- friendly initiatives shine at Mobility Awards 2023

 SM Updates

Jill Galario

SM Supermalls recently clinched accolades at the Mobility Awards 2023, with 13 SM malls being recognized as establishments that champion sustainable and bicycle-friendly practices in the Philippines.
    SM Mall of Asia earned distinction as the "Top 2 Most Bicycle-Friendly Large Establishment" and was awarded a Silver for its exemplary standing. Other Silver Awardees include SM Center Pasig, SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City Angono, SM Cherry Antipolo, SM City Baguio, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM Lanang in Davao. The Bronze Awardees include SM City North Edsa, SM City Fairview, SM City Manila, and SM City San Lazaro.    
    "At SM Supermalls, we believe in promoting a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Receiving these recognitions motivates us to continue innovating and enhancing our facilities to better serve the needs of our cycling community," said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.
    SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of SM Supermalls, advocates for the bike-riding community through the Bike-Friendly SM Program. Recognizing biking as a safe and economical alternative amid the pandemic, SM has established bike-friendly infrastructures strategically placed at key locations.
    At SM Mall of Asia, an extensive network of 18 kilometers features both shared and dedicated bike lanes, complemented by well-placed bike racks, vending machines, and service repair stations, collectively enriching the biking experience. This commitment to enhancing cycling is mirrored across SM Supermalls, evident in initiatives such as SM Seaside City Cebu's 1.6km of designated bike lanes, a sprawling 2.1-hectare bike trail at SM Center Pulilan in Bulacan, bike lanes at SM City Marikina, and a collaborative effort with SM City Iloilo to actively promote cycling culture.
    Boasting more than 500 bike racks and 80 repair stations nationwide, SM Supermalls ensures a safe and pleasant environment for bike commuters. Through collaborative efforts with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), European Embassies, and cycling advocacy groups, SM has developed educational materials such as the Biker’s Manual and Bike Safety Videos, dedicated to promoting road safety and proper biking etiquette.
The Mobility Awards, organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project Philippines, MNL Moves, 350.org Pilipinas, and Pinay Bike Commuter Community, in collaboration with the League of Cities Philippines and 27 regional partners, aim to recognize and celebrate initiatives fostering sustainable and active transportation.
SM Cares champions various advocacies, including programs on environmental sustainability, persons with disabilities, children and youth, women and breastfeeding mothers, senior citizens, and social entrepreneurship. To learn more about SM Cares, follow @SMCares on social media.
 
 

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Converge partners with Caritas Manila for Segunda Mana donations in-kind program

Moving Forward

Rizza C. Ampong

Hikers and climbers can tell you that the number one rule in mountain climbing is to travel light. With less baggage to burden and slow you down, you can swiftly ascend the steep incline and hurdle through obstacles. In the same way, as we prepare to climb the mountain that is 2024 and conquer the cliffs and slopes along the route, we should adopt a ‘go light’ mindset, and leave behind the things that prevent us from moving up and forward.
    In the spirit of figuratively and physically unburdening our loads, and at the same time, sharing our blessings with those in need, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is taking part in Caritas Manila’s Segunda Mana, the charitable organization’s far-reaching donations in-kind program.
    Caritas Manila receives second-hand clothes, gadgets, furniture, and books which are sent to their Charity outlets to be sold and converted to cash. These benefit over 5000 voc/tech and college scholars nationwide and support the livelihood of over 300 micro entrepreneurs and their families from the informal sector.
    “At Converge, we are committed to creating a positive impact in the communities that we serve and this partnership with Caritas Manila supports that mission, especially for those who are most in need. We are thankful to Caritas Manila for allowing us to take part in their Segunda Mana donations in-kind program and evoke compassion and kindness among our ranks during this blessed season and as we prepare to welcome the new year,” said Converge Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado.
    If you still need convincing to participate in this benevolent cause, here are four reasons to declutter your home this New Year: 
A cleaner space is good for your mental health
“Clearing the clutter in your physical space is similar to decluttering your mind. By simplifying our surroundings, we create space for clarity, peace, and focus. This process also allows us to contemplate what is truly important, what can be shared, and what must be let go of,” notes Ree Bringuelo, Converge Employee Health and Wellness Manager.
It encourages the spirit of giving within the family and community
    “When the lockdown happened in 2020, there were several kind people that gave home-schooling books, toys, and clothes for my kids. These became a source of comfort for us during a time of so much uncertainty. Now is my turn to pay it forward. I want to take this chance to teach my kids about the value of generosity and helping others.
    At the same time, I hope my pre-loved items will give someone else the same joy it gave my family,” shared Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Karen Carvajal.
    Decluttering contributes to living more simply and more intentionally
    For those embracing a more intentional (or more values-oriented) mindset in 2024, there’s no better way to start this lifestyle than by purging our house of things that no longer serve their purpose in our life. Living simply and intentionally also means taking deliberate choices in our consumption habits so letting go of things that clutter our mind and spirit is the way to go.
It contributes to waste reduction
‘Recycling’ our items by way of donation is one concrete way we can contribute to a circular economy that reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By putting our pre-loved things into new hands, they’re given life anew and may serve the needs of a new generation.
    Converge is greeting 2024 with renewed hope and optimism as it turned over more than 10 boxes full last December 28, consisting of clothes, books, toys, and household tools and items. This is the first batch of donations from the company as it kicks-off the program.
    “I’d like to thank the employees of Converge who took part in this charitable cause, embodying the value of charity and compassion for the under-resourced. With institutional partners like Converge, we can strengthen the reach of the Catholic Church to those in need and truly make a difference,” said Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila
 
 

 

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SNAP-Magat cited ‘nat’l private disaster management champion’

By Samantha Tan

SN Aboitiz Power Magat (SNAP-Magat) was declared the winner in the private organization category at the 23rd National Gawad Kalasag awarding ceremony held Dec. 11 at Manila Hotel.
    The Gawad Kalasag award is given to local government units, critical institutions, and special organizations for their efforts in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance that protect high-risk communities.
    The award recognizes the company's commitment to sustainable operations and safety. “We are committed to safeguarding our employees and host communities, which are an integral part of our business,” SNAP President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Yu said.
    Last year, SNAP-Magat won the national title in the same category, while SNAP-Benguet was a runner-up. This year, both companies were champions in their respective regions demonstrating SNAP plants’ consistency and commitment to safety and excellence in operations.
    The Gawad Kalasag, organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), is the country's premier award-giving body which recognizes organizations that have designed and implemented comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management programs to protect high-risk communities and increase their resilience and capability to respond to and minimize disasters.

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Elem school atop Pangasinan islet thrives amid challenges

By Hilda Austria 

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The first and so far the only elementary school sitting atop a small island in Bolinao town in Pangasinan province continues to thrive amid challenges, a year since its founding on Sept. 9, 2022.
    Situated in the heart-shaped islet of Silaki in Barangay Binabalian, the Silaki Elementary School started with a single school building with two classrooms but now has two buildings with four classrooms where classes from kindergarten to Grade 6 are being held.
    In an interview on Friday, school principal Mailyn Cruz said the building was the realization of the promise made by the Rotary Club of Bolinao, which funded the construction.
    Two additional regular teachers were added to the roster of the faculty this school year, she said.
    "We now have five permanent teachers and one local school board from the municipality of Bolinao," she added.
Elementary pupils are taught by the school's permanent teachers, while kindergarten students are taught by a local school board teacher from the local government unit (LGU).
    Silaki Elementary School has produced seven graduates during the last school year who are now continuing their studies at the Binabalian Integrated School.
    Cruz said they have 38 enrollees this school year, a little lower than the 45 learners last school year.
    "The number of kindergarten decreased for this school year but we have a lot of learners in the day care center so we are expecting that by next school year there will be an increase in the number of enrollees," she said.
    Cruz said they are glad that the learners in the higher levels are mostly readers and majority of the children have good health and nutrition despite the challenges in their living condition on the islet.
    She attributed the good educational and health standing of the learners to the sacrifice of the teachers as well as the support and cooperation of the parents and the community as a whole.
    "The children do not need to cross the rough seas and we are grateful for that but we have the teachers who sacrifice as they are the ones who travel through the seas to teach the learners," she added.
    The boat ride from mainland Barangay Binabalian is 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the weather condition.
Cruz admitted that she sometimes worries for the safety of the teachers especially during the typhoon season.
    "When the weather would not permit them to travel, they stay at the house of the two other teachers who live in Silaki," she said.
    The school implements multi-grade teaching wherein a teacher handles two grade levels in one classroom.
"It may be difficult but given the number of learners it is possible," Cruz said.
    She said the pupils from the two grade levels take turns in doing their seatwork or listening to class discussion.
    Cruz said they plan to put up dividers in the classroom to limit distraction among the learners of both grades.
    Amid the sacrifice of the teachers at the Silaki Elementary School, Cruz said she hopes the teachers would be provided with allowances to compensate for their efforts.
    They are also hoping for more classrooms, a gymnasium, and more concreted and shaded areas that will serve as playground areas for the learners.
    Rosalda Padilla, who has two children studying at the Silaki Elementary School, said it was a huge relief to the parents as their children do not have to cross the sea to attend classes.
    The whole community, including the LGU, provincial government, academe, and even non-government organizations came together last year in hope to change the meaning of the word "silaki," which means unfortunate, by establishing an elementary school in the islet for the sake of its residents, especially the younger generation.
    The school was built on a 300-square-meter lot donated by Binabalian residents Marino Celi and his wife, while the LGU funded the temporary learning shelter.
    The Department of Education provided the manpower and the office supplies for the school. -- PNA

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Council okays waste to energy MOA with firm

 
BAGUIO CITY – The City Council recently confirmed the memorandum of agreement entered into by the city government and the Metro Global Renewable Energy Corp. for the city to supply and deliver acceptable solid waste to be used as feedstock to the proposed waste to energy facility that will be located in Lower Palali, Poblacion, Sablan, Benguet.
    Under Resolution No. 768, series of 2023, the council stated that the parties to the
agreement were advised by the body to submit a supplemental MOA incorporating all the
suggested recommendations from the members which will be submitted for review and eventual confirmation.
    The MGREC intends to construct and operate a waste to energy facility capable of processing some 500 tons per day of solid waste utilizing an initial phase of fixtures, equipment and processes that will recover and reclaim certain recyclables, process appropriate remaining waste into refuse derived fuel (RFD), process and convert the RFD into electricity, and dispose of any non-remarkable residue waste in the landfill.
    On July 3, 2023, the city mayor submitted a request for authority to sign, on behalf of the city government, the feedstock supply agreement with the MGREC pertaining to the latter’s planned waste to energy facility that will be put up in Sablan town and the city’s support by hauling acceptable waste as feedstock for renewable energy.
    In his letter dated Oct. 2, 2023, the city mayor submitted for confirmation the MOA with MGREC for the city government to supply and deliver acceptable solid waste to be used as feedstock to this proposed facility that will be situated in Lower Palali, Poblacion, Sablan town.
    During the deliberation, the council members confirmed the MOA dated October 2, 2023
entered into by the city government and the renewable energy corporation, provided that, the said parties will submit to the body a supplemental agreement containing further details on how to operationalize the same for the benefit of the local government among other specific details.
 

 

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Kennon Road opened 2-way to light vehicles

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

TUBA, Benguet -- Kennon Road has been reopened to two-way traffic starting Dec. 24, 2023 upon the approval of the Metro BLISTT (Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay) Council.
    The reopening was subject to the conditions that only light vehicles (both public and private) weighing ten tons and below will be allowed, the maximum speed limit will be 40 kph and that no parking will be allowed along the stretch.

    Public vehicles include UV Express vehicles plying the Baguio-Rosario route only. 

    Other UV Express vehicles were advised to take alternate routes.

    Since travel resumed, traffic personnel have been manning the road 24/7 to direct traffic and monitor the traffic situation also as part of the conditions.

    In an advisory, the council which is chaired by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and composed of Benguet Gov, Melchor Diclas, BLISTT mayors and representatives of line agencies said the  decision was reached in a meeting last Dec. 21, 2023 after discussing the post-inspection report of the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force Kennon on the viability of reopening the route subject to road safety measures.

    Following the deactivation of the task force pursuant to a resolution, the council took over the responsibilities relating to the management of Kennon Road on its capacity as the governing board and policy-making body of the soon to be established MBLISTT Development Authority.

    Among the mandates of the MBLISTTDA is the management of traffic and transport within the BLISTT area.

    The MBLISTT council along with the City Peace and Order Council had pressed for Kennon Road's reopening to help ease the traffic problem with the influx of vacationers for the Christmas holidays.

    Road safety measures were requested which included hastening road repair and rehabilitation activities, clearing of obstructions, debris and illegally parked vehicles, and installation of signage and other early warning devices.

    "Kennon Road is one of the major access roads leading to Baguio City and the Province of Benguet and is the shortest route to Rosario, La Union to Baguio City with a total length of 33.7 km but closed to the riding public due to its unsafe state especially aggravated by recent typhoons and earthquakes," the council noted in an earlier resolution.

    "As a result of the closure of Kennon Road, alternate routes to Baguio City and the Province of Benguet have been experiencing heavy traffic at the inconvenience of residents and tourists alike.  Traffic in the alternate routes is only expected to worsen in December, when travel and tourist arrivals are at its peak.   Full reopening of Kennon Road at the soonest possible time, provided that all the foregoing concerns are addressed, will result in multiple benefits that include comfort and convenience of motorists, cost and time savings, decongestion of alternate roads, and reinvigorated economic activity along the route."

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Ilocos police boost Yuletide Season security

By Liezle Basa Inigo

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union – The Police Regional Office-1 (Ilocos) has ramped up security as Christmas and New Year’s Days approach.
    PRO-1 chief Police Brig. Gen. Lou Frias Evangelista inspected transportation hubs and bus terminals in San Fernando, La Union and Vigan City, Ilocos Sur to ensure peace and order for people returning home for the holidays.
    Evangelista ordered the police here to step up traffic management on major thoroughfares in the city. 
“As the holidays approach, always prioritize safety. Safety ng community at higit sa lahat ang inyong kaligtasan lalong lalo na at kayo ang nasa frontline,” he said.
    Evangelista inspected firecracker stalls in Bacnotan and Balaoan, La Union. 
    He said these security measures are embedded under the operational guidelines of “Ligtas Paskuhan 2023,” including the implementation of the law against the illegal manufacture and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
    We encourage our ‘kababayans’ to report to the nearest police stations any untoward incident or crimes that may occur in your respective localities. Magtulungan tayo para sa isang secured na Kapaskuhan!” he said

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Police inspect transport terminals in Tuguegarao

By Liezle Basa Inigo

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Police Regional Office 2 Director Police Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Birung inspected bus and van terminals here last week  to ensure the safety of people going home for Christmas.
    Birung, who inspected the Victory Liner, GV Florida, and central van terminals, urged drivers to maintain roadworthiness of their vehicles before traveling.
    He urged them to refrain from drinking liquor before and during their trips.
    Policemen detailed in these terminals were reminded of their duty to maintain peace and order.
    Birung said these proactive measures will contribute to a smooth and safe travel experience for the people during the festive season.
    He was accompanied in the inspection by Police Col. Rodelio Samson, deputy regional director for operations; Police Col. Jimmy Garrido, chief, Regional Operations Division; Police Col. Julio Gorospe,     Cagayan police chief; Police Lt. Col. Richard Gatan, police chief here, Police Major Sharon Mallillin, officer-in-charge, Regional Public Information office, and the media.
 
 

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PROCor marksmanship shoot-for-a-cause held; Peredo awards winners

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The Cordillera Police Regional Office bared winners of the 2nd PRO Cordillera marksmanship enhancement and shoot for a cause here Dec. 27.
    The said shoot fest aimed to raise funds to assist those in need while showcasing skills of participants and gun enthusiasts, the regional police information office said.
    Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr. with RAGPTD chairman engineer. Eduardo N. Meneses led awarding ceremony of the event.
    Present during the program were deputy regional director for administration Brig. Gen. Joseph G. Allan; deputy regional director for operations Col. Elmer E. Ragay; chief regional staff Col. Julio S. Lizardo, regional staff, including personnel.

    The awardees received r trophies for winning in categories during the event held at the PRO Cordillera firing range Dec. 14–17.
    For the individual category, command group division, Peredo Jr. garnered first runner-up while Lizardo bagged championship title.
    For individual senior PCO category, the champion was Lt. Col. Samson Kimayong while Col. Damina Olsim was 1st runner-up.
    For Junior PCO category, the champion was Capt. Taggart Bagsiyao while 1st runner-up was Lt. Feberick Talingdan.
    For Individual Senior PNCO category, champion was MSg Jiford Sumcad who was also 2nd runner-up in PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    PEMS Joseph Fakat was 1st runner-up, who also was 3rd runner-up in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    For the Individual Junior PNCO category, champion was SSg Jessie Bustarde, who was also the champion in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division, while the 1st runner-up was awarded to Cpl Kenny Boy Tabayag, who received the same award in the PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division.
    Special award for PCO Lady Shooter was given to Lt. Col. Nancy Mae Rafale while Capt. Brenda Gupaal was 1st runner-up.
    Capt. Rose Golocan was 2nd runner-up.
    Meanwhile, special award for PNCO Lady Shooter as champion was bestowed on Cpl. Mariefe     Dulnuan, while the 1st runner-up was Cpl. Wendelyn Dibaratun.
    Second runner-up was Pat. Rhea Cabesa.
    For PRO Cordillera Aggregates Division, Cpl. Jason Dingcog of BPPO was 4th runner-up.
    For Team Event Category, the champion was awarded to RLDDD, received by Maj. Jeremiah R. Benito, while 1st runner-up was the ORD-2nd team, whose award was received by Capt. Rodolfo M. Mangay-ayam Jr. while 2nd runner-up was the ROD.
    Award was received by Col. Jeremias G. Oyawon.
    For the PPOs and CPO Division, the champion was Benguet Provincial Police Office whose award was received by Col. Damina Olsim.
    The 1st runner-up was awarded to Ifugao PPO, received by Capt. Garry M. Tumitit.
    The 2nd runner-up was Baguio City Police Office, who award was received by Col. Francisco B. Bulwayan Jr.
    For Mobile Force Division, the champion was Ifugao PMFC whose award was  received by Lt. Col. Samson Kimayong.
    First runner-up was Benguet PPO 2nd PMFC with award received by Lt. Col. Rafael Tayaban.
Second  2nd runner-up was Abra PPO PMFC. Award was received by Lt. Feberick Talingdan.
For RSU Division, champion was CARTC. Award was received by Lt. Col. Nancy Mae Rafael.
First runner-up was RECU-Cordillera with award received by Lt. Jeffrey A. Cabinto.
Second runner-up was RIU14 with award received by Col. Neftaly A. Donato.
    Additional awardees in Production LEA Division were cited.
    Championship was awarded to SSg. Joey Gutierez from HPG while 1st runner-up was JO3 Jess Habiling from BJMP.
    Second 2nd runner-up was Cpl. Marcelino Abellera of Benguet PPO.
    For Senior Production Lady shooter,  champion was PEMS Ave C. Nabunat of Benguet PPO while  Junior Production Lady Shooter champion was Cpl. Wendy Dibaratun of BCPO.
    For Standard LEA, championship was awarded to Lt. Col. Jabar B. Wanna from PRO 1 with 1st runner-up going to JSS Metadio Patting of BJMP.
    Second runner-up was Capt. Taggart B. Bagsiyao of BPPO.
    For Classic LEA, champion was CMS Ruel Lapena, while 1st runner-up was CMS Juval Buacas,
Second runner-up was PEMS Ayti Balcanao.
    For Production Optic Lawman, championship was awarded to SSg. Dave Dalgo. For the R.O. In the match, the champion was awarded to PSMS Miller Villanueva of Benguet PPO while 1st runner-up was awarded to CMS Froilan Wayne Likigan of BCPO.
    The 2nd runner-up was MSg. Gideon Cabfilan of RMFB15.
    A certificate of appreciation was presented to engineer Meneses for his “invaluable contribution and unwavering support and commitment to PRO Cordillera” during the said activity.
 

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Vehicle crashes up in Baguio City; measures studied against accidents

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Baguio police director Col. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. are looking into measures to curb increasing trend in vehicular incidents in this tourism resort.
    The mayor sought data analytics on the accidents that transpired to determine the causes of the traffic accidents and serve as a guide on what actions can be taken to break the trend.

    Bulwayan said latest data from the BCPO Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS) showed a total of 263 reported VTIs from October to December 26, 2023 and that human error was mostly the cause of such incidents.

    “Based on the BCPO investigation, human error was the primary contributor to 220 incidents, followed by 42 cases attributed to mechanical defects, and one incident each due to road conditions and weather conditions,” Bulwayan said.

    The police chief said the department through the Traffic Enforcement Unit proposed measures to address the problem to wit: imposition of speed limits on all streets, strict observance of no-overloading policies especially for vehicles on hilly terrains, installation of clear traffic signage, and the reconstruction of roads that have deficiencies or damages.

    He said the measures will “address the root causes of accidents and bolster traffic management and safety within the city.”

    “We are also urging public cooperation to foster a safer road environment, aiming to reduce VTI occurrences by addressing human error, mechanical defects, and unfavorable road conditions,” he said.

    The CIRAS report showed that as a result of the VTIs, a total 215 cases were filed for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to properties, 46 for reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries and two others for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

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Police seize P5.9-M ‘grass’ in Cordillera

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Police seized P5.9-million worth of marijuana plants and arrested one suspected cultivator during an eradication operation from December 17 to 23.
    The Police Regional Office Cordillera-Regional Operations Division said the suspect, a high-value individual, was arrested in Mountain Province.
    The suspect yielded 6,000 fully grown marijuana plants with a standard drug price of P1.2 million.

    Police also said that 23,500 fully grown marijuana plants worth P4.7 million were discovered in an eradication operation in the province of Benguet.
    Policemen from Kibungan, Benguet and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera agents also spent Christmas Day uprooting weed in town.
    Upon discovering three marijuana plantations in Sitio Bagiw, Tacadang, Kibungan, policemen on Monday noon uprooted and burned down around 1,375 fully grown marijuana planted at three different sites in the village, according to Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David Peredo.
    The uprooted weed costs P275,000 in street value.
    Lawmen burned these marijuana plants after proper documentation.
    Follow-up operations were conducted to identify their cultivators.
 

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Ilocos Region records 11 ‘cracker-related incidents

Victims suffer burns, eye injuries 

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Authorities have reiterated their call to avoid unauthorized storage and use of firecrackers in welcoming the New Year as the Ilocos Region has recorded 11 firecracker-related incidents from Dec. 21 to 26 this year.
    The latest incident occurred on the night of Christmas Day in barangay Malued in Dagupan City where unauthorized storage of firecrackers led to an explosion, injuring five individuals and causing damage to 21 houses in the area, according to Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) public relations officer Capt. Renante dela Cruz.
    “Kahit personal use hindi pupwede dahil according to Executive Order (EO) 28 signed in 2017 na authorized lamang na tao at kung saang lugar lamang pwede mag-imbak (Even if it is just for personal use, it is not allowed to store firecrackers because according to EO 28 signed in 2017, only authorized persons and areas would be allowed for storage),” he said in an interview on Wednesday.
    The firecrackers stored at a house under construction in Barangay Malued exploded when one of the victims lit a cigarette during a drinking session, he said.
    Based on the initial investigation of the police and the Bureau of Fire Protection Dagupan City, the impact of the explosion has affected 21 houses with their window glasses and other parts of their houses broken.
    They are now investigating who was responsible for illegally storing those firecrackers.
    Meanwhile, Department of Health Center for Health Development Ilocos Region medical officer Dr. Rheuel Bobis, in a separate interview, said seven more firecracker-related incidents were reported in Pangasinan, three from La Union and one from Ilocos Sur.
    The 11 victims suffered burns and eye injuries, said Bobis.
    Bobis and Dela Cruz have called on parents and guardians to look after their children amid the busyness of the holiday revelry.
    “Dapat hindi binibigyan anumang uri ng paputok ang mga kabataan or mga matatanda. Ang nirerecommend nga po natin ay yong mga alternatibong pampaingay or pagsama sa community fireworks display (We should not be giving any kind of firecrackers to the young people or children or even the elderly. What we recommend are the alternative noisemakers or joining community fireworks, instead),” Bobis said. -- PNA
 

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