by Juliet Saley
BONTOC, Mt. Province - The Department of Health - Center for Health and Development (DOH CHD)-CAR is continuously improving the health services in the province as it allotted the amount of P52 million under its Health Facility Enhancement program.

The amount is for health infrastructure project to be implemented in the province particularly for the improvement of the Bontoc General Hospital.

Based on the data of the Provincial Engineering Office here, P23 million has been appropriated for the renovation of family planning room, completion of the emergency room extension, construction of septic vault for infectious waste collection and segregation are , and extension of the pharmacy.

Another P15 million has been set aside for the completion of a charity ward building phase II which is currently under construction and P4 million for the completion of repair of the administrative building.

The Paracelis District Hospital in the eastern town of Paracelis has been allotted P10 million for the completion of the phase II of the two- storey district hospital whose construction started in February this year.
The improvement of health facilities in the province is expected to help improve the health situation of the people. (JBS-PIA CAR,Mt. Province)

by Lito Dar In line with President Benigno Aquino III’s thrust of improving road infrastructure especially those leading to key tourist destinations, a five year (2011-2016) road and infrastructure plan for the Cordillera has been readied by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-CAR).

Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director Pura Molintas, who chairs the Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) Infrastructure Committee, expressed her optimism to the said five year infrastructure plan which DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson reportedly would be prioritized.


RDC-CAR co-chairman, Dr. Virgilio Bautista, also shares his optimism about the plan which includes the still unfinished major parts of the Cordillera Road Improvement Projects (CRIP). He is hopeful that with the commitment and the transparency effort being shown by P-Noy and Secretary Singson, all the provinces of the region will be fully integrated by concrete road networks convenient for travellers to traverse by 2016.
At present, CAR has 51 percent regional concrete road situation which is far below the national average of 71 percent.

“We have already help in preparing for the road development plan and it all now depends on the allocation of budget from the national government, though we were also already given assurance that it may be difficult to accomplish but it is doable,” Bautista said.

According to Bautista, through the said five year infrastructure plan, economic development will surely disperse to the other provinces in the region as it would also give better opportunity for Cordillera farmers to bring their agricultural produce to the market with lesser cost and wastage.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-CAR) assistant regional director Carmelita Usman also affirmed that a fully concreted regional road network would increase investment opportunity for the far flung areas in the region. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

by Paul Rillorta
 A newly organized watchdog to augment the police force in the city has been launched at the Malcolm Square here.

Conceptualized by Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas, the Kapitbahay Ko, Bantay Ko (KBKBK) composed of volunteers from the different barangays of the city will assists the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) in monitoring and maintaining peace and order in their areas.

Farinas said, "the rise in crimes against property such as theft, robbery to include physical injuries and murder is alarming, the BCPO cannot monitor every area in the city due to lack of manpower thus the need for volunteers to help them which could somehow address this problem."

"The purpose of the organization is not only limited to maintenance of peace and order, members are also tasked to maintain cleanliness within their respective barangays and serve as frontliners in times of calamities and emergencies", he stressed.

The launching also highlighted the induction of new members, jobs fair, medical and dental missions, arnis exhibitions, raffle bonanza, and community outreach activities. ***(PIO Baguio City/PR-PIA CAR)

by Lito Dar

 All is set for the Labor Day jobs and livelihood fair scheduled on May 1 and 2 at the Baguio Convention Center, that will focus on the plight of overseas Filipino workers who came from countries experiencing civil unrest and other problems.

DOLE OIC regional director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez said the Labor Day Jobs Fair adopts the theme “Matuwid na daan sa Kaunlaran para sa Lahat” (A straight path for the development of all), in line with PNoy’s social contract with the Filipino people and guided by government’s 22-point agenda on labor and employment.
“We will be offering our repatriated OFWs with livelihood and re-integration opportunities, through the government’s Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program,” Rodriguez said.

Organized by the city government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its attached agencies, the jobs fair kicks off with a motorcade around the city morning of May 1. A free concert in honor of the Filipino workers is set at 6:00 p.m. at the Igorot Park to drumbeat the activities.

Rodriguez also stressed that a free Disability Evaluation Service will be set up, where workers with disability will be assessed and if determined to have a work-connected disability, will be provided assistance in applying or getting an additional compensation from the Employers Compensation Commission (ECC).

Other activities lined up for the two-day jobs fair are registration to DOLE’s Philjobnet program, service clinic from other government line agencies, free wellness and massage service from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) partner institutions and a “Diskwento” trade fair.


As an initial activity, DOLE will conduct a career forum on April 29 at the DOLE regional office to educate jobseekers with the necessary knowledge and skills that will enhance their employment opportunity or chances.

Rodriguez also announced that simultaneous with the event at the Baguio Convention Center is a jobs fair activity at SM City Baguio on May 1. Various employment companies are set to join the event with business process outsourcing (BPO) Company Convergys expected to open 3,000 job vacancies, aside from business opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to invest on the recreational facilities they are planning to build. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

by Redjie Cawis

 Mayor Gregorio Abalos has ordered the suspension of the experimental number coding traffic scheme in his municipality from April 18 to April 22 in observance of the Lenten season.

In his Executive Order 06-2011, the mayor acknowledged that most of his constituents are Christians and there is a need to give full reverence to the observance of the Lenten Season. This would allow greater ease and mobility to devotees who will be using their vehicles.

The EO also states that in order to accommodate the many tourists who are expected to flock to the municipality to visit the different tourist sites, particularly the Strawberry Fields located in Betag, the coding scheme has been suspended.

The EO was released by Abalos following the suspension of the number coding scheme in Baguio by Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week.

In March, the municipal government and the La Trinidad Police Office enforced the number coding scheme for private and public utility vehicles to control the flow of vehicles plying the main road of the municipality. (RC - PIA CAR)

by Vency D. Bulayungan

LAGAWE, Ifugao - Citing permanent identity as one of the best benefits that autonomy can give to Cordillerans, the provincial chief executive here enjoined his constituents to say "yes" to autonomy.

In an interview over the daily “PIA Hour” program aired in a community radio station here, Governor Eugene Balitang said one of the best reasons why Cordillerans should opt for autonomy is permanent identity.

“We had been clamoring for this opportunity in the past so we should not oppose it this time because we might not have any opportunity again in the future,” Balitang said.

With the on going information dissemination by the provincial advocacy team, Balitang said that the third organic act will be drafted before 2011 ends. “Actually, while we are conducting the information drive, we are also gathering inputs from the grassroots to be incorporated in the organic act to be drafted,” he said. All inputs will be submitted to the third autonomy act drafting committee by May 31.

Balitang averred that after conducting information campaign in the different towns which were clustered, the provincial advocacy team will conduct the same activity in the capital town and will also be participated by government officials and employees.

“We will involve our official families so they can also understand autonomy and may even add some inputs to be considered in the organic act, he added. (JDP/VDB-PIA CAR,Ifugao)

by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra-Around 28 policewomen from the provincial police offices (PPOs) of Abra and Apayao underwent a gender and development (GAD) seminar at Camp Juan Villamor, here in continuing efforts to equip the police force in effectively dealing with women who are victims of social injustice and violence.

The Cordillera Regional Police Community Relations (PCR) officer, PSSupt. Charlo C. Collado, spearheaded the conduct of training for the 20 participants from Abra PPO and eight from Apayao PPO.

Police Senior Inspector Perlita Tacio of the PRO-COR’s Family Juvenile Gender and Development (FJGAD) Office served as the main speaker.

Tacio emphasized the need for the policewomen to take special consideration of the emotional and psychological implications of the sad experiences of the women who are victims of social injustices such as sexual abuse, discrimination and violence in all forms.

With the increased complexities of lifestyles brought about by social interactions, domestic violence has likewise increased. But with the increased awareness of women on their rights, cases are brought to the attention of the PNP Women’s Desk.

Some of the common cases reported are physical abuse of housewives and children, sexual abuse, incest, child labor, abandonment of care and support to children, and discrimination of women.

Such realities in the way women and children are being treated either by their husbands and fathers or employers have to be seriously attended to by our police officers particularly those handling the women’s desk in the local police stations, Tacio said.*(JDP/MBB-PIA CAR,Abra)

by Lito Dar

 In line with the government’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) effort, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), in coordination with the city government, led the installation of a DOST- designed and donated rain gauge in at Lourdes Extension Barangay, here last Monday.

The said rain gauge serves as an Early Warning System (EWS) for the city during the rainy season. If such equipment collects 150mm of water within 24 hours, it is a basis to call for forced evacuation.
The group is set to install another rain gauge in a second high elevation area in the city; DOST also donated rain gauges to all provincial governments in the region.

In an interview, OCD-CAR regional director Olivia Luces affirmed that they have partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-CAR) for the fabrication of additional DOST-designed rain gauges which they can use for their DRRM initiatives. Reportedly, five rain gauges can be fabricated from one GI sheet.

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According to Luces, there are other local government units in the in the region who are interested to install their own rain gauges. She also bared that they will be recommending the use of rain gauge in flood-prone areas in CAR.

Meanwhile, Luces informed that they are continuously doing knowledge enhancement activities on government’s DRRM efforts to include lectures on Republic Act 10121 or the DRRM Act of 2010 and on Incidence Command System.

Luces also announced that they will also be meeting with technical people from government line agencies, the academe and local government units for the creation of a comprehensive (disaster) mitigation plan for the region.

She shared that the Regional Development Council is keen on funding disaster risk analysis or studies while the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Mines and Geo-Science Bureau and the academe such as the Saint Louis University also have their related initiatives and studies.
“We want to integrate all of these as a joint venture in mitigating disaster,” Luces said. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

by Susan Aro


 A proposed ordinance to regulate the collection and proper disposal of empty pesticide containers in the province is now being perfected following the support of some agro-chemical companies.

Board member Apolinario Camsol authored an ordinance, now on second reading, mandates the collection and proper disposal of empty pesticide containers within the province with penalty provisions.

The ordinance mandates all agrochemical companies, distributors, and dealers in the province to collect their empty pesticide containers and to encourage farmers to bring their empty pesticide containers to designated areas in the barangays and municipalities.

Pesticide containers pose hazard to health and the environment and are potential sources of contamination and pollution. This may now be addressed should the measure be finally passed.

It has been noted that some farmers or pesticide users indiscriminately throw used or empty pesticide containers along canals, dikes, rivers, and creeks unmindful of the danger it poses to the environment, the explanatory note stated.

Camsol disclosed that in a meeting last April 14, some agrochemical companies such as Bayer, Croplife, and Sygenta together with Crop Protection Association of the Philippines and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), are willing to buy back not only bottled containers but all pesticide plastic and paper containers. They likewise gave inputs in enhancing the proposed ordinance.

In some towns where they have been buying pesticide containers at P10.00 per kilo. But farmers find the buy-back price somewhat cheap, according to Camsol.


The agro-chemical companies are willing to give in kind their products in return instead of cash, Camsol said.

The proposed measure also extends and strengthens the empty pesticide containers disposal practice in other towns of the province with the support of the provincial government and the local government units.(JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet)

by Redjie Cawis

 The boxing pride of Besao, Mt. Province took down his foe from Thailand during their toe-to-toe slugfest at the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet, Friday night.

World Boxing Organization (WBO) oriental bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan retained his crown when he knocked down Meechai Kiatpracha in the third round of the scheduled 12 rounds of boxing at the jampacked La Trinidad municipal gym.

A shattering upper cut followed by a powerful straight to the face of Kiatpracha ended the bout in round 3 of the main event of the night dubbed Unleashing the fury of Cordilleras: For Pride and Glory.


The 22 year-old Gabutan has 12 victories, including five knock outs, one loss, and two draws in his professional boxing career.

Gabutan is ranked world number eight. This was his second title defense after successfully defending the crown last December.


Kiatpracha, the 28-year-old native of Bangkok, Thailand, ranked as the number two oriental bantamweight contender, had been eyeing this fight for his 12th victory overall but was stopped by the boxer from Besao.
Kiatpracha has a record of 11 wins and four knockouts with one loss.

Before their fight, Kiatpracha took down eighth Filipino victim in his boxing career since turning pro in 2004.
Kiatpracha is coming off from a big loss against another Thai and had his 10 fight winning streak broken prior to his bout against Gabutan. (RC - PIA CAR)

by Andrew Doga-ong

BONTOC, Mt. Province- Close circuit television (CCTV) cameras are becoming effective tools in identifying as well as catching criminals in the province.

Over the weekend, policemen arrested three robbery suspects who robbed a drug store here on the night of April 10.

One of the suspects was identified through the footages recorded in the CCTV camera installed inside the Ivan Pharmacy Plus, a drugstore located near the Bontoc General Hospital.

This is the second instance where security cameras installed inside the establishment helped policemen identify and later on arrest crime suspects.

Bontoc police spot report identified the suspects as a certain Domingo Madarang of Pudo, Natonin; Arnel Bagangan of Alab Proper, Bontoc; and Ezny Loyd Wadingan of Angkileng, Sagada.

Policemen, in their subsequent surveillance operations, arrested the suspects who were again about to rob somebody inside a parked vehicle in front of the Chico Terrace building along the national road.
Madarang admitted readily when confronted with the evidence.


A cellular phone reloader, which was among the stolen items in the drug store, was recovered from the suspects. An appropriate case is being readied against the suspects.

In November 2010, two persons tried to rob the Sagada Rural Bank Branch located in Sabangan, Mt. Province. Through the images captured by the CCTV camera installed inside the bank, the police were able to identify the suspects. A Municipal Circuit Court then issued a warrant of arrest against the suspects for the crime of frustrated robbery in a private building.

With the relentless efforts of police who work closely with local officials, the suspects voluntarily surrendered to the police authorities after eluding arrest for more than three months. *(JDP/AD – PIA-CAR, Mt. Province)

by Lito Dar

 Benguet province will soon have an Agri-Pinoy trading post with a processing center and cold chain facility following the launching and signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala and Benguet State University(BSU) through its president, Dr. Rogelio Colting, last week here.

The new trading post, worth P400 million, will be constructed in the Strawberry Farm in this capital town, owned by BSU and being rented out to farmers.

During the MOU signing, Alcala has released a check worth P1.25 million as compensation to farmers who will be dislocated by the construction of the trading center that is expected to start in three months.

The trading center is envisioned to have several warehouses, a cold storage, commercial areas, processing center, and post harvest facilities as conduit in developing a vibrant agricultural marketing system.

The DA’s Agri-Pinoy program, as a system, aims to have an interconnected farmer- oriented agri-processing and trading centers aimed at promoting efficiency, productivity, and equity all across the supply chain.

Aside from Benguet, DA is also already studying the putting up of other similar trading centers in other parts of the country, targeting not only vegetables but other potential agricultural products.

In a press conference, Alcala said that food self-sufficiency is one of the problems they are trying to address. On rice, Alcala affirmed that the government aims to be self-sufficient by 2013. He stressed that they have already cut rice importation by about one third, from 2.4 million metric tons last year to 860,000 metric tons this year, which they hope to cut even further by 2012.

On other commodities, such as vegetables, Alcala said that, “We do not need a longer time to be self-sufficient as we can have enough production in just a year and all we need to do is to prepare the consolidation of all farmlands and for farmers to support the present programs being implemented by DA.”

Alcala also affirmed that aside from food sufficiency, the country also has the potential to export agricultural products through the Agri-Pinoy program that aims to improve agricultural production and food chain.

“Layunin natin dito ay para ang ating mga magsasaka ay diretso ng magdadala ng produkto sa mga traders.
Pinaghahandaan na din natin dito ang pagdating ng ating commitment mula sa World Trade Organization (WTO), na babagsakan na tayo ng mga imported na produkto, kaya dapat by that time may maganda na tayong food chain, kung saan mura na rin input natin at production cost, so we could compete,” Alcala said. (Our aim is for our farmers to bring directly their produce to traders. We are also preparing for our commitment with the WTO where we will be getting imported products so that by that time, we already have established food chains with cheap inputs and production cost so we could compete.)

In line with this, Alcala called on farmers to support the present programs being implemented by the agriculture department. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

One of the members of a dreaded street gang in the city was arrested recently by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in a buy-bust operation, right at his front door.


The arrested gang member was named as Raymond Estabillo Marrero, 19, single, high school undergraduate, jobless, and a resident of No. 85 Siapno Rd.,Pacdal,Baguio City.


Marrero sold three sticks of marijuana cigarette and 7.48 grams of dried cannabis fruiting tops divided in three connected sachets for P200 to one of the PDEA – CAR agents who posed as buyer during the anti-narcotic operation last April 14 at around 11:45 a,m.


The anti drug operatives also confiscated six marijuana seedlings cultivated in three flower pots at Marrero’s yard with a Dangerous Drugs Board value of P240.


Criminal cases for Violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 16 (Cultivation or Culture of Plants Classified as Dangerous Drugs or are Sources Thereof) of Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) had been filed against Marrero before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Baguio, under NPS Docket No. INQ-11-00856.


Reportedly, Marrero’s gang has been mostly responsible for snatching incidents, pickpocket crimes, and street drug pushing in Burnham Park and nearby areas.(PDEA/PIA CAR)

by Lito Dar

The Cordillera Hydro Electric Cooperative (COHECO) plans to put up a mini-hydro project in this town but no permit has been issued yet as there is still a need for public consultation.

This was clarified by mayor Roberto Canuto, who explained that the the process is still under consultation, as the project still needs to be presented to the community. “There is only one side of the story, there is no permit yet as there is no Free Prior and Inform Consent (FPIC) yet. The initial plan was presented to us, municipal officials, but there is still a need for it to be presented to the people, in line with the IPRA (Indigenous People’s Right Act) law,” Canuto stressed.

Canuto explained that there was misinformation circulating regarding the issue which may have come from some people that have their own vested interest about the project, which, based on initial estimate, would cost from P9 to P11 billion pesos or around $300 million.


One issue being raised against the project is on tunneling, as according to Canuto, there is a group who does not want the conveyance to pass underground or they prefer it above ground.

He pointed out that based on the explanation given them about the technical aspect involved, if the conveyance line would be built above ground, there would be a lot of things that will be destroyed on the surface because of the large pipes. Moreover, roads will have to be built which will destroy such part of the mountain, which according to geological studies are susceptible to landslides.

Second reason given by Canuto is that if the conveyance will be built above ground, it has to follow the contour of the mountain that will affect the heading of the water (it will slow it down) which is very important as it will determine the strength of the water that will turn the turbine which will produce the electric current.
On the other hand, Canuto explained that on building the conveyor line underground, there is a fear that the water might leak above ground where their agricultural or farm products are.

“So these are the technical problems that need to be explained to the people and make them understand. From the technical to the financial side and most importantly on the projects effect on the environment,” Canuto said. (LD-PIA CAR)

 For drug-free streets, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera Administrative Region (PDEA -CAR) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Pico Puguis Jeepney Operators’ Drivers’ Association (PPJODA) here last April 15.

Signing for PDEA CAR was acting regional director Edgar S. Apalla and association president Marino Lucio M. Ganasi for PPJODA. The Moa signing was witnessed by Atty. Ernesto L. Marzo, the acting deputy regional director of PDEA – CAR and Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan.

Undertakings of PDEA – CAR stipulated in the Agreement include conduct of trainings, seminars, or orientations to PPJODA members on the enforcement of the anti-drug law; immediately responding to any report made by PPJODA relative to their seizure of dangerous drugs; acting with dispatch on any tip-off about a drug personality or illegal drug activity; and making sure that all information on drug law offenders or violations shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.



The PPJODA, on the other hand, agreed to maintain a drug-free membership or workplace; organize and coordinate anti-drug fora or seminars, which include a topic on Dangerous Drugs & Their Ill Effects; immediately report to and inform PDEA – CAR of any drug personality and/or activity related to dangerous drugs that comes to the knowledge of PPJODA members in the latter’s regular course of business; give assistance to PDEA – CAR by providing necessary transportation during conduct of official activities within Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet; and submit its members to voluntary random drug testing when required by PDEA – CAR.


The MOA signing is part of PDEA-CAR’s enhanced efforts to tap all sectors in the fight against drugs in the region. (PDEA/PIA CAR)

by Susan Aro

 The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here supports the passage of a measure that would give additional benefits to solo parents.
The provincial board, through the recommendation of the committee on Social Services chaired by Board Member Florence Tingbaoen, is supporting the Capiz Resolution No. 028 endorsing the immediate passage into law Senate Bill No. 1439.

The province's Legal Office said that the said bill would be based on the discretion of the board and they found no legal impediment.

SB 1439 authored by Senator Loren Legarda is an act amending Republic Act No. 8972 otherwise known as the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2010 by providing for additional benefits and penal provision for violation of the act.

The bill refers to solo parent as one who "is left alone with the responsibility of parenthood
due to death, detention, mental incapacity or legal separation with spouse. It also refers
to women who became pregnant due to abuse."

Should the bill be passed, benefits of solo parent who often bear the brunt of raising the family range from food, milk, medicine, clothing, become income tax exempt.

Details of the proposed provisions include 10 percent discount for all purchases of clothing and clothing materials for the child from birth up to two years; 15 percent discount from all purchases of baby's milk, food, and food supplements; 15 percent discount for all purchases of medicines and other medical supplements/supplies for the child; and basic personal exemption from individual income tax.

Even with the existing privileges under the Solo Parent Welfare Act, Legarda pushed for the amendment of the law providing additional benefits citing the double hardship that still saddles solo parents.

The bill's explanatory note states that the enactment of the proposed measure will help lessen the financial burden carried by solo parents by affording them additional remuneration. It would further assist solo parents in providing a better future for their children. (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR,Benguet)

by Lito Dar

 The Cordillera bodies - Cordillera Regional Assembly (CRA) and the Cordillera Executive Board (CEB)- created under Executive Order 220, are re-activating themselves and are seeking the blessing of President Benigno S Aquino III for their reactivation in line with the region’s pursuit for regional autonomy.

In a kapihan forum, Wednesday, CRA titular head Jack Dulnuan said the old Cordillera bodies still exist and are re-activating with an interim status pending the President’s appointment of them as fully reactivated organizations.

It can be recalled that the three bodies were created under EO 220 signed by then President Corazon Aquino on July 15,1987 to administer the affairs of government in the newly created Cordillera Administrative Region; accelerate the economic and social growth and development of the units of the region, and prepare for the establishment of autonomous region in the Cordillera.

Following two failed attempts for an autonomous region, however, Congress in 2000 did not allot any appropriation for the CAR bodies virtually deactivating the three. Then President Joseph Estrada issued Executive Order 270 winding up operations of said bodies.

Dulnuan affirmed that they are willing to work hand in hand with Regional Development Council(RDC) and other groups in working for the attainment of autonomy in Cordillera. For now they are also willing to sacrifice to work, even with little funding, until a Third Autonomy Act is drafted.

He called on their members in the provinces to submit their suggested input for the new organic act so that they can collate it now and submit it to the Third Organic Act Drafting Committee (TAADC), created by the RDC and chaired by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

Dulnuan though said that they will continue to appeal to the government for a share in the IEC fund for autonomy, as he stressed the need for a massive information drive down to the grassroots level.

CEB executive director Atty. Nestor Atitiw also agreed with Dulnuan, as he stressed that the first two organic acts were substantial in content. “There is no problem on the content of the two previous organic acts but on how we can explain it clearer to the public, down to the grassroots level on what autonomy is all about and its basic content, so they will approve it,” he said.
Atitiw added that the two previous organic acts failed due to the misinformation of some groups with vested interest and selfish motives.

Other panelists during the said Kapihan forum included CRA member, Professor Bienvenido Balweg, CEB member Henry Aliten representing Ifontok tribe Mt. Province, CRA member Cibaya Sabino from Lacub, Abra, and Apayao representative. (LD-PIA CAR)

by Redjie Cawis

Agriculture Secretary Proseso Alcala led the inauguration of a P1.3 million agricultural tramline system at sitio Bawek, Twin Peaks, here last week.

The tramline is set to benefit 23 farmers who manually haul their produce through four kilometers of mountain trails that normally take them two to three hours of hiking the nearest junction along historic Kennon Road.
The tramline system at Bawek-Twin Peaks barangay was started in October 2010 and completed on December 26 last year. It was funded by the Department of Agriculture’s attached agency, the Philippine Center for Post Harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech),formerly the Bureau of Post Harvest and Extension (BPRE).

The project was turned over to the Bawek Twin Peaks Farmers Association and witnessed by Governor Nestor Fongwan, Congressman Ronald Cosalan, DA national and local representatives, and other provincial and municipal officials.

Alcala also signed a memorandum of understanding and witnessed the ceremonial launching of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center in Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Signatories to the MOU include the secretary together with DA Cordillera regional director Marilyn Santa Catalina, Benguet Cong. Cosalan, Gov. Fongwan La Trinidad Mayor Gregorio Abalos, Benguet State University(BSU) president Rogelio Colting, and farmer-representative John Sapag-ey.

The P400 million worth modern agricultural trading center will be built in a four-hectare lot in the La Trinidad strawberry fields owned by the BSU. The new trading post will play a vital role in the country’s integrated supply chain being pushed by the Department.


Alcala turned over an initial amount of P1,250,000 for the farmers renting the lot and whose standing crops would be displaced in the construction of the project that will start soon. (RC-PIA CAR)