Mt Province officials alarmed atlow tax revenue collection

By Alfred Macalling

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Local government officials are worried at  repercussions of low collections on real estate property taxes in all municipalities of the province which may cause them to respectively lose millions by not being eligible to the Seal of Good Governance.

There is only one way to gain and not lose the multi-million incentives being given by the national government through the Department of the Interior and Local Government and that is to pass the criteria, according to those in the know.

One criteria is good fiscal management. According to the criteria submitted by the DILG, a recipient to the Seal of Good Governance shall meet the qualifications in the four major areas such as disaster preparedness, social protections, business friendliness and fiscal management.     

Fiscal management includes the revenue generation where real property tax shall be given more consideration since it is the major and most stable of source of revenue of the local government as stated in the Local Government Code of 1991.

Records from the Office of the Provincial Treasurer show all local government of this province need to improve RPT collections. 

In the history of this province, no one has collected at least more than 50 percent of its target in so far as RPT is concerned.

It is for this reason that the Provincial Treasury Office headed by Cawed A. Gamonnac is exerting all efforts, and conducting a tax information and dissemination campaign and dialogue with the all the stakeholders to come up measures and strategies to intensify collections. 

The usual low collections on RPT on millions of pesos of its assessed values derived from unrealistic and questionable figures reported by the local assessors significantly affect the revenue collections performance of the provincial government and the municipal government as well, and may possibly a ground for disqualification from Seal of Good Governance

This came after some local assessors seem adamant on the move to separate declarations considered as “good as dead records” and shelve it to “properties with restrictions” or “others”   in the assessor’s quarterly report of real property assessment (QRRPA) to the central office of the Department of Finance so as not to be appearing as collectibles. 

This report submitted by the local assessors is the basis of the department for setting up of collection target for the Local Government Units.

One provincial planners quipped that estimated income derived from RPT is always misleading in every yearly budget preparation since time immemorial and never been corrected.

In a series of dialogue conducted in different municipalities of this province which were participated by their respective mayor, Sangguniang Bayan members, barangay officials, municipal department heads and municipal treasurer and assessor’s office.  Gamonnac said purpose of both the office of municipal treasurer and assessor is to generate income to the local governments, hence, he insisted his previous recommendations for them to adhere to directive of the provincial governor. 

He added differences should be reconciled in cleansing RPT records and increase collections.

Gov. Leonard G. Mayaen earlier issued Administrative Order No. 31, s. 2014 directing municipal assessors of this province to revisit and clean of real property tax records to come with a realistic collectibles in Mountain Province.

According to a source from the Provincial Assessor’s Office, they are in the process of conducting revalidation of questionable Tax Declarations around the province. 

They have started to “park” properties that cannot be located or identified, properties erroneously declared and the totally washed out properties before court litigations.

Meanwhile, most of the municipal mayors expressed their support and came up with their own measures and strategies to increase collection.

Some have already directed their respective municipal assessor and treasurer to correct their assessment records and intensify their collections respectively.

Mayor Anthony Wooden of Tadian came up with a plan to give awards and incentives to barangays with the least RPT delinquents to be awarded during the culmination activities of the “Ay-yoweng Di Tadian Festival” starting next year. 

This aims to motivate the barangay officials to help in  collections activities. 

Mayor Abraham Akilit of Bauko and Mayor Donato Danglose of Sabangan likewise vouched to give incentives, in form of projects, to barangay that pay the highest tax.

The capital town of Bontoc headed by Municipal Mayor Franklin C. Odsey conducted a three day work-shop for all barangay officials with their respective barangay treasurer to come up with their draft of their barangay revenue code as their basis in their collection of revenues.              

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Expert fights to save trees along Pangasinan road

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan – A tree pathologist tapped to check trees along the Manila North Road here said he would try to save the trees that are supposed to be cut.

Ernesto Militante, a retired professor of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, told journalists  that he conducted a sampling of different tree species to see if they could still recover from girdling, which involves removing the outer layer of a tree’s trunk in order to interrupt the flow of nutrients and cause the tree to die.

Militante was here Monday to check the trees that were girdled but were not yet cut.

He said each of the girdled trees must be tagged.

Militante said mahogany trees are sensitive to girdling. He said mahogany trees are not supposed to be planted along the road.

“They have big fruits, which can kill if they fall on a person,” he said, adding mahogany trees’ branches must be pruned.

Emmanuel Diaz of the 3rd Pangasinan Engineering District said the remaining 770 trees left standing along the MNR, which stretches from Rosales to Sison towns, are among the 1,829 trees due for cutting and are all girdled.—Eva Visperas 

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More overweight kids in CAR than in national level

BAGUIO CITY – The number of Cordillera children and adolescents  who are  overweight  or obese are  higher than national level.

This was revealed in result of the 8th National Nutrition Survey released by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology during regional forum held Oct. 9  at El Cielito Inn here.

The anthropometric result among children 0-5 years old showed in Cordillera Administrative Region, about six in every 100 or 6.1 percent preschool children are overweight.

This is higher than the national prevalence of 5.0%.

For school-age children aged 6-10 years old, the survey revealed that about one in every 10 or 11.7% were overweight or obese based on their body mass index-for-age.

The national average  stands at  9.1%.

For adolescents aged 11-19 years old in CAR, about one in every 10 or 11.6 % were overweight and obese based on body mass index-for-age while the  national prevalence  is  8.3%.

According to  the FNRI-DOST,  overweight refers to above normal body weight relative to height, with a body mass index of 25 to 29.9, while obesity refers to an excess amount of body fat. However, recent studies claim that it is not just the amount of fat but its distribution in the body that determines the risk associated with cardiovascular diseases.

Rita Papey, the regional Nutrition coordinator of National Nutrition Council, said the region should focus more interventions on obesity from the regional down to the barangay level.

Meanwhile, Charmaine A. Duante, Supervising Science Research Specialist of FNRI-DOST, said the NNS is a designated statistical activity that will generate critical data for decision-making of the government and non-government sectors. -- Maria Aprila Cruz

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Ifugao folks train on homestay program

By Daniel Codamon

KIANGAN, Ifugao -- Thirty homestay owners of this town recently completed 6-day Homestay training conducted by Department of Tourism Central Office here at Kiangan Youth Hostel.

Municipal Tourism Officer Lally Dulnuan said the training was aimed to equip homestay owners with knowledge and skills to be  at par with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) standard.

The selling point of the homestay program was not the physical entity of the village but more towards total village experience where the community and communal activities are strong influential factors.

The standards focused on nine criteria consisting of host accommodation, activities, management, location, hygiene and cleanliness, safety and security, marketing and sustainability principles.

Gina Garcia, an expert hotelier and trainer from Manila, discussed subjects on socio-cultural interaction-host and guest encounter.

Other topics she talked on were values formation and effective customer service, guest reception and records keeping, codes of ethics of inn keeping and basic front desk procedures.

Other topics day were on house keeping procedures, cleaning procedures, bed making and actual bed making and actual simulation of inn keeping skills.

Lessons on basic food and beverage services, table setting,  and health, hygiene and sanitation were also given.

Leni Pajarillo of the DOT central office talked on Philippine tourism industry, profile of tourism markets, Philippine homestay program and its role in community development while GloPunzalan also of the DOT discussed new standards and criteria for homes and community. tourist safety and security measures.

All over the ASEAN region, the homestay program is a form of alternative tourism in which tourists are given opportunity to experience the way of life in a typical village with local community and this form of tourism is becoming increasingly popular with foreign tourists.

As a form of community-based tourism, the homestay concept is well accepted as a rural development tool in many ASEAN countries that can enhance local quality of life through generation of income, support local culture, arts and crafts business, encourage restoration of local and historic sites and foster nature conservation efforts through community education.

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Health execs warn on Ebola; urge OFWs to be honest on contacts

By Erwin G. Beleo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Department of Health Region 1 officials warned the deadly Ebola virus could strike anywhere including the country as they appealed Thursday to returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to report to medical authorities if they happened to have any possible physical contact with a person with Ebola while abroad.

“Keeping the country free from the highly-infectious and deadly disease depends on their honesty. Importante lang na maging honest tayo sa ating mga kababayan na kung sila ay may contact sa pasyenteng ‘Ebola’ virus para ma-quarantine,” said Dr. Myna Cabotaje, DOH-1 director.

In airing her appeal, Cabotaje said the DOH-1 Operations Center, which is tasked to monitor and stand-by on a 24/7 basis, is prepared with contingency measures in case an Ebola virus-infected patient sets foot in Region 1.

She said these measures are in place at the San Fernando Poro Point Seaport, the center of unloading and loading of cargo ships in Region 1, and Laoag City International Airport.

The health official noted how health workers abroad who are returning for the long Yuletide celebration in the country must be Ebola-conscious.

“With the healthcare workers (returning from abroad), they are the most vulnerable to infection. Early detection and treatment given some fluids to limit its symptoms and most important is to none communicable disease,” she said.

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‘Save the Ludong’ gets support from Vigan exec

By Josa Mai Ramirez

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur -- The Save the Abra River Project got support from a local official  here  who promised  to push for a provincial ordinance  supporting  Administrative Circular No. 247 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that protects the “Ludong,” in the Abra River and formation of committee that would regulate the catching of the rare fish.

Lawyer Pablito Sanidad, Jr., chairman of the city council committee on agriculture and fisheries of Vigan assured this  during 10th consultation meeting of the technical working group of the Save the Abra River Project earlier in this Heritage City.

Sanidad’s statement boosted implementation of BFAR circular passed last year but remains unenforced. Because of this, the endangered Ludong remains at risk of extinction.

According to the Bureau of Agricultural Research, ‘ Ludong is a freshwater mullet that is endemic to Cagayan River and tributaries extending through the watersheds of Cagayan Valley and in Santa-Abra River systems of Ilocos Sur and Abra.’ 

It is said to be the  best tasting and most expensive fish in the Philippines.

Relative to the preservation of ludong,  Evelyn Amin from BFAR Region II reported result of their research on the two  existing species of ludong, the Cestraeusoxyrhynchus and Cestraeusgoldiei.

Amin said they have laboratory facilities for ludong for researches and experiments to be able to derive information on biology, culture and sexual maturity of the said freshwater fish. 

Meanwhile, Raul Cabungay of the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources– Cordillera said it is safe to swim in the Abra River as indicated in the result of  its  water quality analysis.

He reported that their office conducted water quality analysis from five sampling stations in the Abra River within the province.

A committee tasked to formulate the vision-mission of the Save the Abra River was also  organized with Dr. Isaias Bangana of the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology  – Lagangilang as the chairman.  The committee shall draft the information education campaign materials for the promotion of the BFAR ACNo. 247.

The campaign to save the Abra River carries the slogan, “Agbiag Karayan Abra para ti Masakbayan.”

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Mt Prov education assist program benefits students

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC –More poor but deserving college students from Mountain Province are now finishing their education due to Mountain Province Student Financial Assistance Program of the provincial government.

According to executive assistant Cynthia A. Taguiba of the governor’s office, the MPSFAP has catered to 475 first to fifth year college studentsfor the 1^st semester of this school year 2014.

Out of the total, 211 are studying at the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) Bontoc Campus or at Xijen College of Mountain Province here, 71 at MPSPC- Tadian Campus, 122 are studying in schools in Baguio City and Benguetand 46 students from the eastern part of the province are studying either in the provinces of Nueva Viscaya or in Isabela.

The program is also benefiting 25 students from the province who are enrolled under the scholarship program for health workers of the University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences (UP-SHS) in Baler, Aurora Province and Leyte.

Relative to this, the grantees received their financial assistance of P3, 000.00 each for the 1^st semester of this school year to augment their financial needs in school.

Gov. Leonard G.  Mayaen told grantees importance of education in achieving one’s endeavour in life and uplifting family out of poverty. 

Coming from a poor family, the governor said that it is through education that he achieved his status in life today.

He urged grantees to do well in their studies so they could complete their courses and land jobs to sustain them and their families.

“I believe that it is every child right to have education. Thus, we increase your allowance from P2,500 to P3,000 per semester, enough to pay in full the school fees in any state college. This may be small amount, but we are happy that we could help even in little ways”, the governor said.

Relative to this, a grantee expressed his gratitude to the provincial government in giving importance to education in their programs.

He is now a graduating student and being part of the program for three years.

“Being a grantee from my second year until fourth year of college, I am grateful to the provincial government. The program is a big help in my studies and has lessen the financial burden of my parents”, a grantee said.

To avail of this program, applicant must be resident of the province, poor but deserving student, high school graduates or college students and must be of good moral character.

Applicants may submit the following requirements: letter of interest/application addressed to the governor, complete MPSFAP application form with one copy of 2x2 ID picture, photo copy of high school card or certification of latest grades (2 copies), two copies of certification of enrolment and certificate of endorsement signed by the governor.

Submission of complete requirements for renewal and new applicants studying in Mountain Province will be on Nov. 15 – Dec. 15.

Meanwhile, applicants studying outside Mountain Province shall submit their complete requirements from Nov.15, 2014  to Jan. 15, 2015. 

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NEWS BITS

Illegal structures at city market set for demolition

BAGUIO CITY  -  Despite the city giving notices to stall owners in the city market to voluntarily remove/dismantle all illegal structures and /or extensions introduced in their stalls, there are willful owners who did not comply with the order of the city government.

Investigation has been conducted by the City Buildings and Architecture Office, Peace and Order Safety Division and the City Market Division of the Treasury Office on the actual occupants of the stalls. 

Mayor Mauricio Domogan directed the City Market Division to  hasten investigation and inventory of illegal structures to clear the city market.

“It is very clear under tax ordinance no. 2000-001 that no alteration, improvement or partition may be effected or constructed without the authority or permit issued by the CBAO and with the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.”

Also, BCMA Resolution Nos. 014-2013 and 007-2014 states, “all constructions, extensions and illegal structures caused by  leaseholders to their stalls without permission by the BCMA, the  city council or the CBAO must be removed immediately.”  -- Jho Arranz

‘Treasures of the North’ showcased in Dagupan

DAGUPAN CITY – The “Rimat Ti Amianan” or “Treasures of the North” which opened Oct. 20 will run until today in Dagupan. This week-long activity aims to promote and showcase the region tourist destinations, food items, and other product lines made in Ilocos and Pangasinan provinces.

It is conducted by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry in the region.

Seventy-four exhibitors from the four provinces of Region 1 and guest exhibitors from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 2, and Region 4-A participated in the expo.

“If leadership promotes entrepreneurship, development will be seen and with inclusive growth, more people will be benefitted,” said Ramon Lopez, presidential consultant for entrepreneurship and executive director of Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship. – Liezle B. Inigo

UPLB cites CPA head for IP rights

Abigail BengwayanAnongos, secretary general of the Cordillera People’s Alliance was awarded one of outstanding alumna for championing indigenous people’s rights during the 96^th University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB) Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming on Oct. 9.  

Anongos is a graduate of the College of Human Ecology where she majored in Social Technology.

 “Higit sa akin, ang karangalan ay para sa aking pamilya, ang ating organisasyon--ang Cordillera Peoples Alliance, at higit sa lahat sa nakikibakang mamamayan ng Kordilyera--from whom I continue learn what it really is to serve the people; to the martyrs and heroes of the Cordillera peoples' struggle for self-determination,” said Anongos.

Anongos was given the award “for her valuable contribution to the respect and recognition of indigenous people’s rights, national freedom and democracy thru her advocacies as a journalist and service as secretary general of the CPA the past five years.”

Happy Hollow launches feeding program  

BAGUIO CITY -- Malnourished pupils and Happy Hollow Elementary School here were beneficiaries of a feeding program recently.

On second week of October, HHES with City Environment and Parks Management Office and its officers Cordelia C. Lacsamana, Vicky Ferrer, and engineer Moises C. Lozano, division chief, WAMD-CEPMO sponsored handwashing, feeding and information education campaign of the school.

Benefactors of the above program were Garth Gaje of Tiong San Harrison Department Store and Supermarket, Johan Teope of Center Mall and Ma. Rhodora Flores of N4th Enterprises. 

Through the efforts of the school head, it was also on that day that adopters sponsored feeding program.  

The program started Oct. 13, and will end March 2015 with

10  malnourished pupils and 20 indigents as beneficiaries.

Aside from this, adopters agreed they will monitor the Ambalanga River which is 1 k.m. away from the school.

Pupils of Happy Hollow will help maintain its cleanliness and try to protect it from being polluted.   

Happy Hollow faculty, school heads and local folks, said they were grateful to the kind hearted individuals and business firms who sponsored their feeding program.  -- Ellen F. Grande

Sablan officials observe  Bontoc waste system 

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Officials of Sablan, Benguet visited this capital town Oct. 15 to observe its waste management system and gain insights which they could apply in their town..

The visitors said they made the visit after hearing of fast action by the Bontoc local government after Matoytoy-ok dump site was closed.

“We would like to have an idea of how the Bontoc people succeeded in their Solid Waste Management System despite the closure of their dump site. In that way, we may apply the same or modify the system to also address specific problems in our municipality.” Sablan mayor Arthur C. Baldo told Bontoc mayor Franklin Odsey during a courtesy call.

A brief overview of the waste program was presented by Roger Agcapen, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, before they visited Eco Park 1, containment area for biodegradables.

They also visited eco-brick making facility in Bilibid where  inmates use shredded plastic and crushed bottles to create eco-bricks. These eco-bricks are brought Barangay Caneo and used as shelter of disaster victims.

The Sabalan officials were also brought to Paingan Junk Shop for them to see the equipment used for shredding plastic and crushing bottles.

 Paula Acofo, president of the Bontoc Market Vendors Association showed products from recyclable materials made by the market vendors including flowers propagated using compost from Eco Park 1.

The visitors said they were impressed at how Bontoc established a waste management system in a short period of time.

“We would like to thank Mayor Odsey and his staff for accommodating us. We are glad to have come here in Bontoc. It gave us ideas which we can work on when we go back to our municipality,” Baldo said. “Bontoc is dealing with greater volume of garbage, compared to Sablan, yet you managed to have a working system in a short period of time, which is very notable. We would like to do the same in Sablan while there is less garbage so that in the future, it will not be very difficult for us to cope with our increasing population.”

They were each given a box of patupat (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves) as their token for visiting Bontoc including a copy of “Tawid,” official souvenir produced during the centennial of Bontoc in 2008. -- Caren R. Guinayen

Teacher found  dead in canal

CORDON, Isabela -- A public school teacher, believed to be a victim of a carjacking ring, was found dead in an irrigation canal here Wednesday morning. The body of Lawrence Andres, 33, of Bugallon-Andarayan Elementary School in Cauayan City, bore several stab wounds when found in Barangay Taringsing, said Chief Inspector Rogelio Taliping, town police chief.

Andres’ family said he bid goodbye to them last Friday to attend a seminar. The victim’s car, wallet and cell phone were reported missing.  --  Raymond Catindig

Dayaw Festival held in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY -- Cultural communities in northern Philippines showed off their culture and traditions through dances at the 2014 Dayaw Festival for Luzon, was held here Thursday and Friday. The festival dubbed “Katutubong Filipino parasaKalikasan at Kapayapaan,” was joined by indigenous groups from Kalinga, Ifugao, Ibaloi, Kankanaey,Tinggian, Itneg, Ibanag, Yogad, Ivatan, Itbayat, Gaddang, Isinay, Bugkalot, Isnag, Balangao, Bontok, Applai, Ilocano, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Aeta, Agta, Mangyan, Palawani, JamaMapun, Tagbanua, Pala’wan, Agutaynen, Bicolano, Batak, and Cuyunon.

The activity brought together more than 60 cultural communities with some 600 participants from the different parts of the country. The National Commission for Cultural and the Arts (NCCA) chose Baguio as venue of the Dayaw Festival in Luzon because of its rich culture and tradition.

Meanwhile the second leg – the Visayas Dayaw Festival – will be held in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental from October 27 to 28.

2 Isabella farmers die trapped in deep well

ALBANO, Isabela  -- A father and his son-in law died of suffocation when they were trapped in a 17-meter-deep well here in Barangay Andarayan last Tuesday.

Senior Insp. Roberto Guiyab, town chief of police, identified the victims as Rudy Gantala, 47, and his son-in-law, Renato Mallari, 20, both farmers residing in Barangay Andarayan.

It was reported that the two victims entered the tunnel to source out water for their ricefield, but ended up being trapped and later dying of suffocation.

Local rescuers retrieved their bodies a few hours after it was reported that they no longer responded to calls of neighbors and family. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

DOLE partners with Benguet officials for OFW program

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment and its attached agencies signed memorandum of agreement here last week with local chief executives of 13 municipalities of Benguet to strengthen programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) including management of OFW cases.

The MOA is part of the government’s “We Serve OFWs” convergence program headed by DOLE.

This is designed to cover areas of cooperation to intensify local information campaign against illegal recruitment and trafficking of persons and establish local mechanisms for protection and support of migrant workers through technical assistance to local government units.

Signatorees to the MOA were  Philippine Overseas Employment Administration OIC Deputy Administrator for Licensing and Adjudication Atty. Jesus Gabriel Domingo, Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration regional operations Division chief Dr. Reynaldo Tayag and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Asst. Regional Director Genaro Ronald Ibay and DOLE-Benguet OIC George Lubin, and  the 13 Benguet mayors headed by Mankayan Mayor MaternoLuspian, president of the League of Municipalities-Benguet.

Under the agreement, cooperation for the promotion of the rights and welfare of migrant workers and their families, and the people of Benguet will be strengthened through capacity building of LGU partners and local stakeholders; public information and workers education on overseas employment; establishment of OFW help desks; illegal recruitment – free LGU campaign, and data collection and management on OFWs and their families.

-- Carlito Dar 

Hotel, restaurant owners receptive to tax increase

BAGUIO CITY – Members of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) expressed reception to the city government’s plan to increase business and real property taxes and suggested measures to temper the effects of the adjustments.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan who attended the HRAB’s induction-cum-consultation on tax increase last Wednesday said that the hotel and restaurant owners understood the need for the tax hike but suggested a staggered imposition of the increase in the realty levy and the adoption of an incentive scheme for businesses with environment-friendly waste disposal systems.

The city is eyeing a 10 percent increase in business taxes under Tax Ordinance No. 2000-01 and the updated schedule of fair market values of real properties has been submitted to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and eventually to the city council for approval.

City treasurer Alicia Onoza earlier said the last time the city hiked the revenue rates was in 2001 or 13 years ago.  She said the city has practically imposed only a ten percent adjustment from the 1974 rates under Ordinance No. 588 -74 and the city’s current rates are comparatively lower than nearby cities like Urdaneta and Dagupan in Pangasinan and San Fernando City in La Union which levy business taxes higher by as much as 500 percent.

City assessor Nilda Navarro said the city is now obliged to update its schedule of real property tax valuation to comply with the New Local Government Code or the Republic Act No. 7160 provision which mandates local government units to undertake a general revision of real property tax valuation every three years. 

-  Aileen Refuerzo

Psychiatric exam, drug tests on for Ilocos gun holders

CAMP FLORENDO, San Fernando City, La Union- The Police Regional Office 1 under regional police director Chief Supt. Roman A. Felix, is still accommodating gun holders of Region 1 who want to avail of neuro-psychiatric examination, drug test and tent prints as requirements in securing License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF).

Licenses that are expired will be given extension up to December, 2015.

Senior Supt. Angelito D. Dumangeng, chief of Regional Operations and Plans Division, said the neuro-psychiatric exam is conducted twice a day every Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Regional Health Service 1.

He said, neuro exam starts 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday with payment of P900 per examinee.

 The Regional Crime Laboratory Office is also open 24 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays for drug test and tent prints with corresponding payments of P300 and P200 respectively.

ID pictures 2x2 in size are also needed for application form (3pcs), neuro exam (1pc), drug test (1pc) and tent prints(1pc).

 Dumangeng said applicants should submit requirements to the Firearms and Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Section (FESAGSS) of PRO1 and said office will forward the application to the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) in Camp Crame for the processing of LTOPF.

1,870 Mt Prov elderly benefit from social pension program

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Some 1,870 senior citizens in the province are beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program of the national government.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed last month P8,280,500 to senior citizen beneficiaries covering the third quarter of 2014 including the first and second quarter pension of some who did not receive their pension for said period.

The social pension program is one of social protection programs of the DSWD that provides P500 monthly stipend for indigent senior citizens to help augment their needs such as medicines and food.

Social pension for indigent senior citizens is in line with government’s mandate to provide and care for elderly population and in accordance with Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010. – Juliet Saley

Laoag Halloween  activities set

LAOAG CITY --  The fourth “Semana tiAr-Aria (Ghost Week) Festival,” in observance of Halloween season in the province, was held  Oct. 24 to end Nov. 2 near the Capitol grounds. The fair will showcase Ilocos Norte’s unique culinary heritage including the empanada and longganisa at the An Ar-aria (ghost) food strip.

Other activities of the festival are the Parada Iloca-Locana, the 5-kilometer TarayAr-Aria (Zombie Night Run), and the Capitol’s Halloween Trick or Treat, all to be held Oct. 31. The Ar-Aria Short Horror Film Festival kicked off last Oct. 3 and will be end on Oct. 24. Festival-goers can complete the Halloween bash by visiting the mock wake competition of the Tumba Festival of Paoay and the Paoay House of Horror beside Paoay Church on Nov. 1 & 2. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Oplan kaluluwa flower, candle sale guidelines out

BAGUIO CITY – The city government issued the guidelines for the “OplanKaluluwa 2014” sale of flowers and candles in observance of All Saints Day on Nov. 1.

A total of 150 stalls will be rented out to vendors who will be allowed to sell from October 26 to November 1 at the Jadewell parking area at Burnham Park.

The city treasury office under city treasurer Alicia Onoza will begin issuing application forms on a first-come-first-served basis on October 21 upon the submission of the requirements by the applicants. 

Accomplished forms may be submitted on the same day together with the payment of P720 representing taxes and fees.  Those lacking any requirement will not be given the form.

Applicant vendors must be bonafide residents of Baguio, of legal age, must have no flower stall at the city market or Marbay vicinity and must not have committed any violation during the previous years.

Applicants must not have relatives among the other applicants.

The requirements are two copies of 2”x2” photo, barangay clearance and residence certificate.

Upon submission and payment of fees, the successful applicants will be given their assigned stall number. 

They will secure special permit at the permits and licensing division On October 24.

During the sale, only flowers and candles will be allowed for sale and display in the vending areas.  Other items will be confiscated.

Swapping of stalls, cooking of food and gambling within the area will strictly be prohibited and the vending area must be clean at all times.

Violation of the guidelines will mean no permit for the next three years. – Aileen Refuerzo

 Binay caravan holds Baguio dental mission

BAGUIO CITY  -- The Puso Para sa Bayan Caravan  held medical, dental and ophthal mission here yesterday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Baguio Convention Center.

The caravan was a private endeavor organized by J.C. Binay Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit corporation,” said JC Binay Foundation chairperson Mar-len Abigail Binay.

As support to the event, the city government here augmented manpower particularly volunteer doctors, nurses and ophthalmologists.

Aside from the medical, dental and ophthal mission, residents were treated to other services such as legal aid, livelihood training, video/call conference between families of Overseas Filipino Workers, feeding program and read along, and health and beauty services. – Jho Arranz

Global Fund to establish TB treatment center in Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Global Fund is set to establish a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) satellite treatment center in the province in  line with  its  campaign against tuberculosis.

According to Dr. Bernadette Andaya, head of the Department of Health provincial office, the center will be located at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital compound for clients to have easier access to the hospital laboratory and x-ray services.

The Global Fund in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) will provide P3 million worth equipment for the sputum test.

PBSP is the principal recipient in the Philippines of the Global Fund to Fight Tuberculosis.

In a memorandum of agreement signed last September with the provincial government, Global Fund would be responsible for the operation of the center for the first year to include the staffing, training and payment of lab services and x-ray at the KPH, after which responsibility will be turned-over to the Kalinga provincial government.

Andaya said the establishment of the MDR-TB treatment satellite center will be advantageous in reducing treatment costs and time among MDR patients in the province considering that currently, they are availing treatment in Baguio City or at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center.

A patient she said needs to stay near a treatment center for a minimum of two months for the daily medication and monitoring.

According to Andaya, the Global Fund and DOHs are working to have the satellite treatment center operational this year. – Geraldine Dumallig 

Korean Day held in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – Korean culture was put to the spotlight in this mountain resort during the 3rd Korean Day celebrations here.

Firing-off the festival was a photo exhibit and gift giving to residents by the Korean Association of Baguio at the City Hall grounds.

Highlight to the festivities is a contest held at the city multi-purpose hall where seven Filipinos and six Koreans in the high school level and ten Filipinos, three Koreans in the college level battled it out in the first speech competition which aims to fuse two cultures together.  

The contestants were asked to draw lots thirty minutes before the contest started and all were given 3 minutes to prepare their speech and three minutes each to deliver their speech.

For the Filipino High School level, Kristine Louise Villamor of Baguio City National High School was declared the champion, Cristina Galang of Pines City National High School bagged 2nd place and Pamana Mae Laza of Baguio City National High School in 3rd place.

For the Koreans High School level, Lee Jung Hwan garnered 1st place, DahsolKoh bagged 2nd and Ha Seong Lim in 3rd place.

For the College Level (Filipino), Christine Grace Catindig of the University of the Philippines-Baguio emerged champion, Mansoor Ladiocan of the University of the Cordilleras bagged 2nd place and Peter JoltonEsden of UC bagged 3rd place.

The champion received P3,000.00, 2nd place received P2,500.00 and 3rd place received P2,000.00 plus certificates.

The judges also selected an over-all champion among the winners for the 4 categories in the person of Lee Jung Hwan who received an additional cash prize of P5,000.00 courtesy of Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Councilor Elmer Datuin.    

The contestants were judged according to relevance or focus on the topic, quality of voice, fluency, diction, pronunciation and pacing, grammar and organization, stage presence and persuasion.

The program was spearheaded by Councilor Peter Fianza, Committee Chair on Education, Culture and Historical Research and the Baguio Korean Association. – Paul Rillorta

Building owners given time to restore parking area

BAGUIO CITY – Owners of commercial buildings at the central business district will be given ample time to restore their parking provisions as required in their building permits.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan on Wednesday said the city agreed to the request of the businessmen for a grace period to give them chance to rectify their violation either by restoring their parking areas which were converted and used for other purposes or by designating a parking area outside their buildings but within the property’s 200-meter radius.

In a recent dialogue with the mayor initiated by Councilor Elaine Sembrano, the building owners admitted converting their parking sites for other purposes but expressed willingness to reinstate the parking provisions for their customers.

City buildings and architecture officer-in-charge Johnny Degay said that in the course of their inspections of the edifices, it was discovered that many establishments with approved parking spaces in their building permits have altered the plans and instead rented out the spaces intended for parking.

The mayor said this constitutes violation of Presidential Decree 96 or the National Building Code and city ordinances and as such the city can revoke the building and occupancy permits and close the establishments.  – Aileen Refuerzo

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Dangerous mountain ‘cracks’ landslides in Bontoc village

EDITORIAL

The report about mountain “cracks” and landslides along the Digdig Fault in Bontoc, Mountain Province  at Barangay Gonogon along the Halsema Highway which reportedly threatens to bury alive villagers and 69 houses, including a “dap-ay or ato” (sacred huts), newly constructed barangay hall and waiting shed at Barangay Gonogon needs immediate attention.

As an old clique goes, prevention is better than curing. It is a welcome development that Gov. Leonard G. Mayaen had ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to inspect the site following report of The Digdig Fault line traverses the village and is susceptible to rain-induced landslide, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

PDRRMO personnel led by PDRRM officer Anacleto B. Tangilag, Sally Cherwaken and Bontoc Councilor John Tay-og recently checked the site after Gonogon barangay captain Rudy Guitalao told them cracks could be seen above the national road.

Gonogon folks said they feared they could be buried alive if the crack widens and the landslide continues.  Villagers constructed a drainage canal above all cracks to divert water flow and prevent erosion especially during  rainy season.

However, the slope above the national road eroded even without heavy rain.

The provincial government had coordinated with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Cordillera Administrative Region to conduct studies in the area to determine cause of cracks and landslides.

But as of press time, the MGB-CAR had not yet issued a report on the matter. According to provincial officials, the MGB should recommend action as soon as possible to prevent loss of lives and properties if cracks will widen and erode, burying the houses below the national road. Prompt action by the MGB could spell difference between life and death for residents of the area.

Five municipalities of this province are traversed by faultlines and epicenters with barangays susceptible to erosion as well as flood prone areas.

This was indicated by PIVS geo-hazard map which bared most roads in the 10 towns of the province, except the eastern municipality of Paracelis, were susceptible to rain- induced landslides.

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Napoles, Cojuancos in John Hay takeover mess

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – The name of Janet Lim Napoles, who was involved in several fund anomalies worth billions in pork barrel funds with corrupt government officials, once again cropped up in the legal battle between the Bases Conversion Development Authority and Camp John Hay Development Corp. 

This, after the Court of Appeals’ special 11th division granted petition for review filed by the state-owned BCDA, reversing and setting aside the April 27, 2012 decision of branch 6 of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court.

The CA decision lifted the writ of preliminary injunction issued by the Baguio Regional Trial Court to the CJHDC led by Robert John Sobrepena in relation to the latter’s P3 billion obligation to the BCDA representing unpaid lease rentals over the operation of the 247-hectare John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ).

The CA decision was penned by Associate Justice Victoria A. Paredes, with Associate Justices Isaias P. Dicdican and Agnes Reyes-Carpio concurring with the decision.

The CJHDC had not paid lease rentals to the BCDA since 1998 for a 247-hectare property inside the John Hay Special Economic Zone.

Its arrears ballooned to P3.4 billion, 25 percent of which was for the local government of Baguio pursuant to a 1996 memorandum of agreement entered into by BCDA and the private developer, formerly Fil-Estate Penta Capital Consortium.

Meanwhile, the BCDA filed an urgent manifestation with Branch 6 of Baguio RTC last week, calling attention to “invalid” P736.328-million bond posted by CJHDC.

The posting of bonds is required in most huge transactions with government to ensure the company fulfils its obligations with concerned government agencies and host local governments.

Sobrepena’s CJH DC secured the bond from First Integrated Bonding and Insurance Corp. which is reportedly not accredited by the Insurance Commission or the Supreme Court and is not authorized to transact business with any court in the country.

Based on records from the Securities and Exchange Commission, First Integrated Bonding and Insurance Corp. is 10-percent owned by Janet Lim Napoles who is heavily associated with the pork barrel scam.

As of the end of 2013, the company’s assets amounted to only P307.555 million, less than half of the amount of the bond required.

Alfredo Yñguez, CJHDevCO executive vice president, said the corporation appealed the CA ruling, saying it was part of the BCDA’s ploy to enforce their long-time decision to “take over the operation of the special economic zone from them and award the same to another interested real estate developer.

“They could not just unilaterally take over the special economic zone because they still have to secure a writ of execution from the CA if the decision has become final and executor. What I know is that we will still have to undergo several hearings,” Yñiguez said.

He added the earlier bonding company, Liberty Insurance Corporation, which posted the CJHDevCo bond, was the one duly accredited by the Baguio RTC and SC at the time of its issuance in late 2011.

The CJHDevCo official added the company is owned by the Cojuangcos, who are related to President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino, before it was transferred to First Insurance Bonding Corporation some two years ago.

“We were not aware that the minority shareholder of First Insurance Bonding Corporation was the controversial Janet Lim-Napoles and we have nothing to do about the pork barrel scam,” he said.

Lawyer Arnel Paciano Casanova, BCDA president and chief executive officer, welcomed the CA ruling reversing and dissolving the writ of preliminary injunction issued by the lower court, saying it was partial victory on their part and they will contest every legal move of the private developer to delay implementation of their earlier notice of termination.

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