New Year through Mary

THOUGHTS AND VIEWS

Fr. Roy Cimagala

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! Once again, we begin a new year and let’s hope that as another year starts, we can truly say that we are getting stronger in our resolve to pursue the real purpose of our life here on earth.
    Liturgically, January 1 celebrates the divine motherhood of Mary which tells us a lot of amazing things. From the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, for example, we are told this wonderful, if incredible, truth about ourselves, about who we really are:
     “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that he might redeem them who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. So, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.” (4,4-7)
    We need to process these words slowly so they may sink into our very consciousness and start to live them out. Hopefully, we can little by little overcome whatever disbelief and awkwardness we can feel about this truth about ourselves.
    Of great help to us in this regard is to have a deepening devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother. If we try our best to imitate her faith in God, we too, despite all the difficulties and effort involved, can somehow also incarnate Jesus in our own lives. We are actually meant for that, since we are patterned after him and he is also the savior of our humanity that has been wounded by our sins.
    With Mary always in our mind and heart, we would always be led to Christ. She would teach us how to find Christ in everything that we do, no matter how mundane things are. Even the little ordinary things we deal with everyday can be an occasion to have an encounter with Christ as well as a chance to be like Christ as we should. As one saint had put it, Mary is the shortest, surest and safest way to Jesus.
    If we truly have Mary in our mind and heart, then we can learn how to always ponder the truths of our faith and to act on them. (cfr. Lk 2,19) Yes, we can develop a contemplative life even right in the hustle and bustle of our earthly affairs. Yes, we are all meant to be contemplatives because we need to be aware that we are meant to live our life with God and with everybody else.
    We are never alone. Feeling alone is an anomaly in our life. As persons, endowed with intelligence and will, we are meant to be always in relation with God and with everybody else. This potential of ours should be actualized. We need to find ways of how to actualize such potential.
    We need to see to it that we should always feel the urge to pray, to engage with God, to be with him. If we do not feel that urge yet, let’s convince ourselves that we have something most important to work on. Thus, like the disciples of Christ, impressed by how Christ was to them, we should beg him to teach us how to pray. (cfr. Lk 11,1-4)
Again, Happy New Year, everyone! And good luck! -- Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
 

 
THOUGHTS AND VIEWS

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Never feeling entitled

THE gospel reading of the Mass on December 29, the 5th day of the Christmas Octave, brings to our consideration the example of Mary and Joseph who complied with the legal custom at that time of presenting the Child Jesus in the temple. (cfr. Lk 2,22-35)
    Given who the child was and who they were, they should have known that they were completely exempted from complying with such law. But they did go just to the same, never feeling entitled because of the highest privilege and honor they enjoyed as being chosen as the parents of the very Son of God. What an example they give us!
    In the process, that gesture of theirs also played out a providential event because a man, Simeon by name, who was promised not to see his death until he could meet the promised Redeemer, had that promise fulfilled.
    In that momentous meeting, Simeon pronounced a prophecy about the child and Mary—that the child would be a sign of contradiction, and that a sword would pierce Mary’s heart so that the thoughts of many would be revealed.
    All these should make us realize that we too, if we are to be consistent in our Christian life, should expect to be some sign of contradiction also, and that some sword would also pierce our own heart.
    We should not be afraid to encounter these scenarios in our life, and should just be prepared. In fact, we should expect these things to happen in our life, what with all the differences and conflicts we are already having these days, not only in matters of opinion, but also in matters of belief and morals.
    But we really have no reason to fear nor to worry. If our faith is strong, deep and abiding, we know that God is always around. How many times did Christ tell his apostles not to be afraid! We should therefore always assume the attitude of confidence that everything would just work out for the good. (cfr. Rom 8,28) Even our limitations, mistakes, sins, as long as referred to Christ, would somehow work out for the good!
    While it’s true that in this life, we have to contend with all kinds of challenges, trials, difficulties and all other possible negative things, we can always count on the help of the Divine who will never abandon us.
    Yes, we have our own share of weaknesses, and we are always hounded by temptations coming from the world around and especially from evil spirits who are more powerful than us (cfr. Eph 6,12), but let’s also remember that we can count on the powerful help of angels and saints.
    Our Christian faith tells us that no matter how powerful the evil spirits are, the good ones will always prevail. It would really just depend on us as to whom we choose to side.
    But again, we cannot deny that in this life, we cannot help but share with Christ in being a sign of contradiction, and with Mary in that a sword should pierce our heart also. We should learn how to suffer with Christ, with Mary and all the angels and saints. It would be suffering that would be meaningful to us, one that would do us a lot of good.
    That is why we should just imitate Mary and Joseph in complying with the indications given to us by the Church, without feeling entitled. -- Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

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Drive against colorum vehicles up in Baguio

      Mayor issues order amid holiday proliferation 

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered the Baguio City Police Office to launch an aggressive campaign against colorum public utility vehicles observed to have proliferated anew this holiday season.
    "We have to put a stop to the operation of these colorum vehicles because they not only contribute to our traffic problem but also put the safety of our commuting public at risk," the mayor said.
    He asked the riding public to help the city weed out these unauthorized PUVs by not patronizing them.
    "There are four reasons why we should avoid patronizing these illegal transportations: Their safety is questionable. These colorum trips are crime magnets.
    Commuters are more at risk of inconvenience and colorum vehicles are not insured," the mayor said.
    He said to address this, the city needs to intensify implementation of City Ordinance Number 55 Series of 2017 or the Anti-Colorum Ordinance.
    The operation of colorum vehicles heightened due to increased demand for transportation during the holiday.
    The Land Transportation Office penalizes colorum operations with a fine of P200,000 and impounding of the motor vehicle used in the illegal activity.
    This, as the LTO warned motorists with unregistered vehicles regarding strict implementation of the 'No Registration, No     Travel' policy starting January 2024 to be implemented nationwide.
    The central office of LTO has issued a memorandum regarding strict implementation of this policy although this was suspended during the Christmas season.
    The LTO is coordinating with local government units for registration of service vehicles.
    Vehicle owners may renew their motor vehicle registration two months before due date.
    LTO records bared about 24.7 million unregistered motor vehicles all over the country.

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Mayor orders closure of San Juan beaches after drowning cases

Victims from Baguio, Benguet 

By Aldwin Quitasol

SAN JUAN, La Union -- The mayor of this town ordered closure of beaches and halt of water activities in this seaside municipality after drowning incidents. 
    A 12-year-old boy and his nine-year-old cousin, both residents of Kibungan, Benguet, drowned while swimming on a beach in Barangay Taboc in this town on Tuesday.
Initial reports showed the victims, who have yet to be identified, were swept away by big waves.
    The boy was declared dead on arrival at the Bacnotan District Hospital.
    Rescuers were still conducting search and rescue operations for the girl at press time.
    On Dec. 27, a 19-year-old male from Baguio City drowned at a beach in Barangay Urbiztondo, also in San Juan.
    His companion went missing with no update provided yet by local police.
    In Pangasinan, Aira Mae Velasquez, 13, drowned while swimming on a beach in Barangay Nibaliw Vidal in San Fabian town.
    In his executive order 23-2023, San Juan Mayor Mayor Arturo P. Valdriz, said San Juan beaches should be closed to avoid further incidents.
    He said according to PAGASA report, the municipality is experiencing northeast monsoon or "amihan" winds which produces higher level of waves intensified by strong currents in the West Philippine Sea.
    He said the extraordinary water condition in the municipality waters poses risk to beach goers which could lead to drowning. -- With reports by Cesar Ramirez and Jun Elias

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Vehicle carnapped in Sagada on Christmas

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- A white vehicle with model H-100 2016 was carnapped early morning Christmas Day in this tourist town.
    Jessica Dapliyan, owner of said vehicle said CCTV footage showed a man in cap and face mask opened the back window of the vehicle and drove away with the car at 4:23 a.m. on Dec. 25. 
    The key of the car was inserted in the ignition of the steering wheel when it was carnapped, she said.
    Dapliyan told this writer one of her guests told her the carnapped vehicle was seen around 10 a.m. same day at Atok, Benguet, around 120 km from here.
    Sagada police were alerted to the incident around 7:30 a.m. Christmas day when they found out their family vehicle with plate number BAA1628 was missing.
    Dapliyan appealed to police, Highway Patrol Group, National Bureau of Investigation and public to help locate their family car. 
    Police are investigating to locate the vehicle and carnapper.

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Veggies not from Baguio, Benguet sold as highland produce in Phl markets

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A group of vegetable traders based in this capital town of Benguet warned potatoes and carrots in paper boxes marked as Benguet and Baguio City produce are being sold in vegetable retail markets throughout the country.
    The La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas Inc. said paper box packaged vegetable produce are not coming from Benguet nor Baguio City as strewn on the markings of the items.
    The paper boxes were reportedly marked "A.B.C. Baguio.”
    According to the vegetable league, the products are being distributed by unscrupulous individuals in Manila, Sariaya in Quezon and other vegetable retail locations in the country.
    The association said Baguio is not mass-producing potatoes and carrots.
    The group added Baguio City and Benguet are not promoting imported vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
According to the league, the vegetable products are smuggled and were supposed to be confiscated last Nov. 10 by the     Bureau of Customs in Olongapo, Zambales. 
    With this, the traders’ group appealed before government agencies to probe the issue and take appropriate action to stop the practice and protect the country’s farming industry.

 

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2 NPA guerillas killed in Cagayan identified

By Freddie Lazaro

CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – The two New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay San Carlos, Gattaran, Cagayan on December 23 have been identified.
    Major Rigor Pamittan, spokesperson of the 5th Infantry Division, said on Wednesday the fatalities were identified through members of their unit who surrendered.
    Pamittan identified the fatalities as Maria Valencia, an amazon from Tatalon, Quezon City, and “Ka Jero” of General Santos City.
    “The real name of Ka Jero is subject for verification and validation,” Pamittan said.
    Their bodies are under custody of Gattaran police while the military is coordinating with families of the two slain communist rebels.
    Major Gen. Audrey L. Pasia, commander of the 5th ID, urged NPA guerillas in Cagayan to surrender.
    Pamittan said they were pursuing NPA remnants in Region 2 or Cagayan Valley.
    On Christmas Day, the 95th Infantry Battalion and 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company seized an R4 rifle, one M-16 rifle, bandoliers, medical paraphernalia, subversive documents, and personal belongings owned by the NPA in Barangay T. Elizaga, Gattaran.

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Fire razes Ilocos Norte grocery store

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Wednesday urged the public anew to take all necessary precautions as fire hit a grocery store in a building located in Barangay 2, Garreta, Badoc, Ilocos Norte.
    Responding firefighters from the BFP in Badoc station said the investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire which started around 5:20 a.m. at the grocery building owned by Emma Baldovi and was declared fire out on the first alarm at 6:45 a.m.
    The BFP has earlier launched the “Oplan Paalala-Iwas Paputok” nationwide to avoid firecracker-related incidents, and BFP personnel in Ilocos Norte have been on full alert status or “Code Red" from December 23, 2023, to January 1, 2024.
    In an interview, Fire Officer III Lee Jay Lucero, chief of the Public Information Unit of BFP-Ilocos Norte, said all personnel are on standby to respond to fire that may be caused by faulty Christmas lights and firecrackers, among others.
    He also reminded the public of fire safety tips and the proper lighting of firecrackers.
    “Para maiwasan ang mga sunog sa mga bahay dahil sa paputok, maaring maghanda ang mga residente ng fire extinguishers o mga timba na may tubig para mas maagang maagapan kung magka-sunog (To avoid fire in houses due to firecrackers, residents could prepare fire extinguishers or pails of water for immediate use in case of fire),” he said.
Households with "anahaw" (palm leaves) roofing are likewise advised to wet the roofing an hour before the New Year’s revelry as a precautionary measure in case a lighted firecracker falls on the roof.
    In the meantime, Lucero said personnel of BFP-Ilocos Norte have been continuously inspecting firecracker vendors to confiscate any illegal fireworks, check their permits to sell, and make sure that they have emergency fire extinguishers in their stores.
    Prohibited firecrackers include watusi or dancing firecracker, piccolo, pop pop, Super Lolo, boga, big Judah’s belt, Goodbye Philippines, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, pillbox, Big Bawang, kwiton, kabasi, Atomic Bomb, five star, pla-pla, og, giant whistle bomb, and unlabeled firecrackers.
    As per Republic Act No. 7183 or the law on pyrotechnic devices, persons caught manufacturing, selling, distributing, and purchasing illegal firecrackers may be imprisoned from six months to a year, and may be fined from P20,000 to P30,000.
    The BFP is also encouraging the public to use alternative noisemakers like “torotot” or horns, car or motor honks, banging pot lids, and pan covers as improvised cymbals, tambourines or drums, or play music to welcome the new year. – PNA

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Baguio students seek aid for smart trash bin invention

BAGUIO CITY — Three computer engineering students in Baguio City are seeking financial aid to finally finish developing their local invention that aims to help ease garbage disposal woes in Baguio City.
    The three students — Kyle Russell Lucero, Aryk John Mosquete and Samuel Sta Cruz, soon to be computer engineers from the University of the Cordilleras (UC), presented in June a "Smart Garbage Bin" installed at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park.

    Lucero explained that the garbage bin has built-in sensors that enables the trash bin to open its lid everytime a person will come near to it to throw their garbage. He said that the lid will not close until the person goes away or leave the trash bin. 
    The student said that the bin is also equipped with advanced technology where it can transmit signals to the central command in the smart command center in the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.
    According to Lucero, the command will be able to detect if the trash bin is already full and its contents should already be hauled.  He said that this will ensure the timely collection of garbage.
    The three students called on the government of Baguio, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), UC, other agencies and groups who can extend aid to them.   
    They plead logistical help to their humble invention will enable them to add more features to the smart trash bins and produce more to help the growing garbage problem in the city, thus helping the city’s tourism and save the environment.
 
 

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Pangasinan police shootfest raises funds for ill colleagues

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office held a two-day shoot fest recently to raise funds for 21 ill officers

    In an interview, provincial police office director Col. Jeff Fanged said parts of the proceeds of the invitational fundraising activity will go to the medication and other needs of their members, some of whom are bedridden, undergoing dialysis or are cancer patients.
    Participants paid P600 (police) and P700 (for guests) as registration fees.
    “Kailangan din alagaan ang mga tumulong sa pagganap sa serbisyo. In our own little way, ito yong hinahandog para makatulong kahit papano sa kanila (We also need to take care of those who have rendered service. This is our little way to ease their plights),” Fanged said.
    PPPO recently raised P855,000 from a June shoot-for-a-cause event to help sick officers and for the construction of a day care center for the children of employees.
    He said presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos also chipped in P100,000. -- PNA
 

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DILG setting governance center in Baguio City

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government Baguio office under Millicent Carino is set to meet Mayor Benjamin Magalong and heads of the Management Information and Technology Division, City Library and Public Information Office, early this coming year to strengthen partnership on knowledge sharing specifically on local governance.

    The meeting was supposed to have been held last Dec. 12 at the DILG-Cordillera office but had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
    Carino said her office is currently in the process of establishing a Sub-Local Governance Resource Center of Baguio City (Sub-LGRC Baguio) as the knowledge distributor and source of knowledge products regarding local governance.
    She said the center is a convergence platform for developing, brokering, managing, and facilitating the exchange of information and knowledge between and among local governance stakeholders.
    Carino disclosed that her office has identified select Learning Resource Institute, Civil Service Organizations and LGU Baguio to be part of the Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Council for Sub-LGRC-Baguio.

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Demise of first PNP chief from Cordillera mourned

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong ratified city council resolution no. 727, series of 2023, expressing the city’s deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late retired Police General Camilo Pancratius ‘Pikoy’ Pascua Cascolan, former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief and Dept. of Health (DOH) Undersecretary who passed away last Nov. 24at age 59.
    The resolution stated Cascolan, (a Baguio boy).  had an illustrious military and police career that spanned 42 years and that on Sept. 1, 2020, then Pres. Rodrigo Duterte selected him as the 22nd PNP Chief, making him the first Cordilleran to hold the position.

    After he retired from the PNP, Cascolan was appointed by Pres. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. on Oct. 23, 2022, as DOH Undersecretary.
    Cascolan received more than 180 medals throughout his military and police career, the resolution revealed.
    “The City of Baguio mourns the loss of Ret. Gen. Cascolan. We are grateful for his contributions and service to the country. His memory will remain in the hearts and minds of the people of the city,” it stated. -- Gaby B. Keith
 

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Scammers exploiting online apps, bypassing telcos: PNP

Scammers and internet-connected applications are bypassing telecommunication providers and making detection challenging, an official of the Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said last week.
    In an interview over radio dzBB, PNP-ACG cyber response unit chief Col. Jay Guillermo said scammers continue to exploit various platforms.
    “Instead of using direct mobile phones, they now leverage internet-connected applications, such as WhatsApp, Viber or Facebook,” he said in Filipino.

    He added these applications operate independently of telcos and directly access the internet, making them harder to trace through traditional means.
    Guillermo said scammers take advantage of the loophole in SIM registration.
    “While a SIM card has a signal upon purchase, it requires registration to be usable for texts or calls.     However, scammers manipulate the system by initiating communication through applications, prompting users to input personal information and receive one-time passwords,” he said.
    Guillermo cautioned against sharing information if someone requests confirmation of bank account or personal details.
    He emphasized the importance of reporting and not engaging with such requests, encouraging users to take immediate action and even record the incident.
    Regarding voice imitation, Guillermo mentioned that while software exists to mimic voices, it is currently “more feasible for scammers to replicate well-known personalities.”
    Guillermo stressed the need for vigilance, especially during online transactions.
    He advised against believing in requests for financial assistance and recommended verifying through official channels.
    Guillermo also urged individuals to change passwords regularly, especially for crucial social media accounts.
    Vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly and less tech-savvy, fall victim to scams, he added.        
 
 

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DOH: Eat healthy this holiday season

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Dept. of Health (DOH) reminded Filipinos to consume healthful food and drinks during the holidays to avoid non-communicable illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

    “Eat a balanced, well-moderated and varied diet. Let’s limit ‘ma’ foods -- maalat, mataba at matamis (salty, fatty, and sweet),” Health Secretary Teodora Herbosa said in media forum last week.
    Processed foods such as junk foods, sweetened beverages, and oily dishes must be eaten in moderation if they cannot be avoided, he added.
    Vegetable salads and fruits are the best replacements of such foods, he said.
    Latest data from Philippine Statistics Authority show that ischemic heart disease remained the leading cause of death among Filipinos from January to November 2022 with a total of 121,558 cases, or 18.3 percent of the death toll for that period.
    It was followed by cerebrovascular diseases with 57,411 deaths and neoplasms with 57,354 deaths.
    Meanwhile, diabetes ranked as the fourth leading cause of death among Filipinos for the same period with 32,339 deaths recorded.
    In its "Ligtas (Safe) Christmas" campaign, the DOH advised the public to avoid alcohol consumption, drink lots of water, have enough sleep, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day amid holiday celebrations.
    “We’re encouraging the public to wear masks if you’re experiencing symptoms or stay at home if you have acute respiratory illnesses, coughs, colds even if you are [Covid-19] negative,” Herbosa said.
    The DOH also opted for safe and age-appropriate gifts that are suitable to the child’s capabilities for their overall development.
    “Please avoid giving toys containing harmful chemicals. Some of the cheaper toys use lead-containing paint. Always check the labels and packaging of the gifts you’re buying,” Herbosa added. -- PNA
 

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Council restricts trade fairs at People’s Park

BAGUIO CITY -- City officials recently restricted conduct of trade fairs and similar activities here at Malcom Square or People’s Park and its surrounding vicinity, specifically Perfecto Street.
    Under resolution 724, series of 2023, the City Council stated that as early as August 17, 1956, the city council passed Ordinance No. 264, series of 1956 to prohibit certain acts contrary to the proper care and maintenance of public parks, playgrounds, gardens and plazas, roads or streets that sell or offer for sale or peddle of any food stuff, fruit, vegetables or ice cream in public park or garden; provided that any person holding any concession or lease duly authorized by the body may sell at stalls or structures constructed by the local government for the purpose, only light food stuff usually for snacks and non-intoxicating drinks.
    Various ordinances were also passed by the body to regulate the conduct of a
trade fair or other similar activities in the city such as Ordinance No. 049, series of 1994 or the Trade Fair Ordinance of 1994; Ordinance No. 001, series of 1997 which amended certain provisions of Ordinance NO, 049, series of 1994; Ordinance No. 32, series of 2006 that further amended Section 12 of Ordinance No, 049 series of 1994 as amended; Ordinance No. 10 series of 1997 and Ordinance No. 13, series of 2012 that furthermore amending the Trade Fair Ordinance of 1994.
    The council noted that Malcolm Square or People’s Park has been a favorite venue of organizers for the conduct of trade fairs considering that the public place is located at the heart of the city where residents and visitors converge as it is near the city public market and the famous Burnham Park, the city’s premier tourist destination.
    The People’s Park has been earlier declared as the city’s freedom park where gatherings groups may be conducted for the redress of their grievances. 

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Wearing mask not mandatory but encouraged – health execs

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Health authorities in Cordillera region urged the public to wear masks when in public places to reduce the chances of virus transmission, as the weather gets colder.

    “It is not mandatory but we encourage the public, especially if you have flu or is not feeling well, to wear a mask to avoid transmission of any illness to loved ones and the public when going out of your residence,” Dr. Rio Magpantay, director of the Dept. of Health Cordillera, said in a recent interview.
    He said people should always remember the experience during the pandemic when the use of masks was mandatory to avoid being infected or infecting others.
    “We all know what masks do to protect us, let us not forget that,” he said.
    Marie Ruby Magsino, a nurse at the city health office, in a phone interview, said Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes encouraged residents and visitors to wear face masks as respiratory and influenza-like illnesses are expected, especially when temperatures drop during the "ber" months until February of the following year.
    The Baguio station of the weather bureau recorded 13°C, the lowest temperature in this city so far this year, on Nov. 20 and again on Dec. 15.
    The daily average temperature in this city is at 17°C. -- PNA
 
 

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Ilocos school in forest gets internet boost

by Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – Internet connectivity at the Sideg Elementary School (SES), a rural school located on a hilltop of Paoay’s agro-forested land, got a boost with the installation of a SpaceX-powered satellite dish on Thursday.
    “We are blessed in Sideg for being selected as a beneficiary of Starlink. We no longer need to search for signal and connect to a faster internet downtown whenever we need to pass our digital reports or when our students need to do their research online,” said Arlyn Dumaoal, officer-in-charge of the SES in an interview.
    The school is regarded as the smallest school in the second district of the province in terms of student population as it only has 41 learners from kindergarten to Grade 6.
    Alegado said the improved internet connectivity in their area would result in their competitive advantage while making the teaching-learning process more engaging and fun for them.
    Sourced from the personal funds of Senator Loren Legarda, the satellite dish powered by Starlink Internet, a satellite Internet constellation operated by American aerospace company SpaceX, was installed on one of the rooftops of the school.
Legarda's childhood nanny, "Nanay Fely," hailed from Sideg village.
    “Sideg ES takes pride in having a Nanay Fely who was able to raise a senator like Ma'am Loren. We treasure all these blessings and make it useful for the children,” Madelyne Alegado, who teaches Grade 5 and 6 learners, said.
    Before getting access to Starlink, the school only relied on local telcos for their internet connection.
    Alvin Pascual, sales engineer officer of Data Lake PH, an authorized reseller of Starlink in the Philippines, told the Philippine News Agency that they could just detach the satellite disk and bring it down temporarily for safety during a super typhoon.
    “Latency is 30 milliseconds while the download speed can be up to 500 Mbps (Megabits per second) and upload speed of up to 80 Mbps,” he said as he shared the features of the newly installed Starlink to boost the school's digital connectivity.
Aside from the SES, the Paoay East Elementary School also got the same internet upgrade.
    Both schools also received a total of 90 tablets for selected learners from the senator last Oct. 28, 2023, that they can use during their information and communications technology classes. -- PNA
 

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City Council okays law for ‘healthy open spaces’ in Baguio for local folks

BAGUIO CITY — The City Council enacted an ordinance promoting creation, use and maintenance of healthy open spaces to contribute to well-being and sustainability of the local community. 
    US Environmental Protection Agency defines open spaces to generally refer to an area of land that is not extensively developed or built upon, and it is typically characterized by the absence of structures like buildings or permanent infrastructure. 

    Open spaces can take various forms and serve different purposes, contributing to the well-being of communities and the environment. 
    These open spaces shall be designed to promote practices that maintain the environmental, social, and economic needs of the citizens, as well as promote environmental sustainability, conservation and green practices, as well as local cultural heritage.
    According to the ordinance, the creation of public spaces shall comply with the following minimum standards:  open and accessible; child, elderly, PWD, and pet-friendly; safe spaces for all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics; free from smoke, vape, drugs, and alcohol; promotive of handwashing and sanitation; eco-friendly, sustainable, and non-polluting; climate and disaster resilient; promotive of local culture, arts, heritage, creativity, and biodiversity; promotive of opportunities for physical activities, social interaction, and exposure to nature; and well managed and maintained.
    A task force under the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) shall be established to oversee the development of policies; review development plans and proposals; serve as the main liaison for partnerships, address citizen concerns related to health, safety, maintenance, and use of open spaces; and coordinate with concerned offices and agencies in carrying out roles concerning the creation and maintenance of open spaces.
    The city shall use endemic species of plants and trees as identified by CEPMO and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to maintain or restore the natural biodiversity in an area designated as an open space.
    Under the ordinance, the Health Promotion Unit of the City Health Services Office shall provide health-promoting activities, materials, and equipment in public open spaces and engage in active communication with the community regarding the importance of physical activities and other healthy behaviors.
 

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Baguio councilor wins nat’l Gawad Gabay Karapatan award

By Gina Dizon

QUEZON CITY -- Baguio City Councilor Arthur Allad-iw was adjudged winner by the Commission on Human Rights of this year’s Gawad Gabay Karapatan category of the Gawad Karapatan Pantao.

    Allad-iw received the plaque of recognition from CHR Commissioner Monina A Zenarosa during the culminating commemoration of national human rights consciousness week held Dec.10, celebration of International Human Rights Day.
Following a search by the national screening committee of the CHR, other three government officials were awarded the honors of being Gawad Bantay Karapatan, Gawad Tanggol Karapatan and Gawad Sulong Karapatan.
    In said ceremony, Allad-iw re-echoing Ka Pepe Diokno’s advocacy for human rights said, “We aspire for a situation where we stand as human beings enjoying these rights and freedoms whether as individual, sector or as a people.”
    Arthur Lapa-an Allad-iw from Sagada Mountain Province has long been an advocate for indigenous people’s rights, human rights and the rights of persons with disabilities. 

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Basag Kotse gangman slain in Gapan shootout

By Liezle Basa Inigo

GAPAN, Nueva Ecija – An alleged Basag Kotse Gang member was killed in an encounter with policemen in Barangay Santo Cristo Norte here Wednesday, Dec. 20.
    Lawmen conducting an “Oplan: Sita” operation flagged down a man identified as alias “Mulangaw,” 31, driving a motorcycle when they noticed a firearm tucked in his waist.
    The suspect fled, prompting a pursuit that ended in Barangay Santo Cristo Norte when lawmen were able to block his path.
Mulangaw, instead of surrendering, fired at policemen who retaliated and killed him.
    Recovered in the area were guns with bullets, 10 fired 9mm cartridge cases, four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, identification cards (IDs), and the motorcycle.
Police said Mulangaw was engaged in a series of smash and steal incidents in cars and operates in the province of Bulacan, Gapan City, and neighboring areas.
    Despite his death, police proceeded to file illegal drugs, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted murder cases against the suspect.

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Fake bills rampant this holiday season

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong advised merchants and the public in general to be vigilant and to employ safeguards against the circulation fake bills observed to have become rampant anew with the holiday season.
    The Baguio Tourism Council reported incidents involving fake bills at the ongoing Christmas Market at the Rose Garden Burnham Park alone.
    The group said that for two nights now, merchants have been victimized by counterfeit bank notes with as much as P32,000 worth of fake bills reported on the first night.
    The mayor advised businessmen to familiarize themselves and their staff with the distinguishing marks of the fake and genuine bank notes.
    "Always check the money you are receiving. Fake and genuine bills can be identified through the embossed markings, watermarks and the picture of three people on the money. Please be guided by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) advisory," the mayor advised.
    He also warned people taking advantage of the holiday rush to spread fake money.
    Under Republic Act No. 10951, counterfeiting of Philippine money is punishable with imprisonment of at least 12 years and 1 day and fines not exceeding P2 million.
    If you got your hands on a fake bank note, immediately report it to the nearest police station for appropriate action.

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