Baguio judge convicts 3 drug pushers

Posted on | Friday 29 April 2011 | No Comments



- April 25 was a red letter day for anti drug enforcers in the region as Judge Antonio C. Reyes of Regional Trial Court Branch 61, the lone drug court in Baguio City, convicted three notorious drug pushers - two of them with life terms.

In an unprecedented move in the history of drug cases in the city, the judge convicted Heidi B. Domingo, Mackay Mapalao, and Willy C. Borce, all in one day.


Domingo was caught by jail officers on July 21, 2010 while attempting to deliver two sachets of shabu and paraphernalia concealed in an emptied toothpaste tube to her older brother, Joseph Merlin B. Domingo IV alias “Biboy”, who was in prison at the Baguio City Jail for a drug case.

In his 10-page decision sentencing Domingo to life imprisonment and to pay a fine of P10 million, Reyes stated, “This Court notes the regularity with which the accused had visited the Baguio City Jail and as it now appears the same was absolutely pretextual or under the guise of visiting her brother and it is not speculation that she may have succeeded in bringing in shabu to the Baguio City Jail during the numerous times she visited her brother. Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered finding the accused guilty beyond any reasonable doubt and she is hereby sentenced to suffer life imprisonment and to pay a fine of P10,000,000.”
 
Records show that Domingo,45, was earlier apprehended by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Cordillera agents in a buy-bust operation on November 18, 2008, at ABCR, Baguio City, where two sachets of shabu were confiscated from her. She was acquitted almost nine months later.

Biboy, who has a string of drug cases, is an identified member of a notorious local drug group and had also been included in the Target List of Drug Personalities in the Cordillera Region.


On the other hand, Mapalao had been meted with a life term and imposed P5 million penalty by Judge Reyes in a five-page Court Decision, accentuating that, “All the variables needed to be factored in for the successful prosecution of the accused in this case were successfully laid down by the prosecution. Thus, the prosecution has accordingly proven the guilt of the accused beyond any reasonable doubt. This Court is constrained to render a judgment of conviction because it is morally certain that the accused had committed the crime he is being charged of.”
 
Mapalao, 54, sunglass vendor, native of Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, resident of No. 24 Purok 6, Pinsao Pilot Project, Baguio City, was arrested on January 27, 2010 after he sold a sachet of shabu to an operative of PDEA – CAR posing as buyer at Pinsao Pilot Project. He was a watch-listed drug personality in the Cordillera Region and identified as a member of a very notorious local drug group in Baguio.
 
In the other drug case, Borce was sentenced to be incarcerated for 12 years and one day to 20 years, and fined with P300,000 for violating Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and additional six months and one day to four years in jail, and charged P10,000 for having been found guilty of possession of paraphernalia for dangerous drugs.
 
Borce is the younger brother of Gloria B. Del Mundo who was convicted last January 12 by the same drug court. On August 19, 2009, during the implementation of a search warrant at their residence in No. 070 Purok 2, Lower Quirino Hill, Baguio City the siblings were found to have drug-related violations: seized were two sachets of shabu; eight chunks of marijuana hashish; numerous, assorted drug paraphernalia; and two live bullets for a caliber .45 pistol.

The siblings are members of a long existing and wide-ranging local drug group in the Cordillera Region, and both are in the Target List of Drug Personalities.
 
Reyes likewise ordered convicts Borce and Mapalao to be immediately transferred to the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila while convict Domingo will be moved to the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City.(with reports from PDEA CAR)

Kalinga holds job fair to celebrate Labor Day

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by Larry Lopez
TABUK, Kalinga - In celebration of Labor Day, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the city of Tabuk,is holding a job fair to create job opportunities to help solve the problem on unemployment. Instead of May 1, however, which falls on a Sunday, the fair will be scheduled on May 6 to have more participants.

DOLE provincial officer Avelina Manganip said 10 recruitment agencies have been invited to said job fair to be conducted at the Tabuk City hall. Most of the jobs to be offered are overseas but organizers are still working out for available recruiters of local jobs.

Manganip said that there is security for job seekers hired in job fairs because recruitment agencies participating are duly registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
She explained that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) get into trouble in the land they have been "hired" because they have usually entered the country illegally. When something wrong happens to these OFWs, they hardly find assistance from government because embassy officials also find hard time tracking their whereabouts, Manganip said.

DOLE-Kalinga regularly organizes job fairs with the support of local governments that were able to send a large number of OFWs abroad. (JDP/LL – PIA CAR,Kalinga)
 

Peace and Order Council organized for a new city

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by Gigi Dumallig TABUK CITY, Kalinga - Determined on estabishing a favorable peace and order condition towards the achievement of a secure and investment friendly environment, the city of Tabuk recently organized its City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) with the mayor as the chairperson.

As a new city, Executive Order 2011-03 cites that “there is a need for a special body to help assess and evaluate the peace and order situation and advice the local officials on how to contain criminality and other terroristic activities” in the city.

The council’s organization also manifests the city government’s endeavor to be self-reliant as a key to enhance its capabilities to improve and address their peace and order conditions through government and community participation and involvement.

The EO cites that “people empowerment in peace keeping and public safety efforts are important support to law enforcement and the criminal justices.”

As mandated, the council will be responsible in formulating plans and recommends measures for the improvement of the city’s peace, order and public safety.

It will also monitor, implement, and make periodic assessment of the prevailing peace and order situation in the city.
The council is likewise mandated to look into public concerns pertaining to government law enforcement personnel, for endorsement to their respective agencies.

Vice Mayor Darwin Estrañero is the vice-chair, with members from the various key agencies in both local and national line agencies.

A Special Action Committee has also been created to act on matters requiring immediate attention.
The Council’s chief secretariat is Julio Barcellano of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) with members from the City Information Office currently headed by . Oliver Gacuya as members.
The Secretariat’s function would include the preparation of executive plans and projects; implement and monitor the CPOC Operations; provide forum for inter-agency dialogues; assist in the conduct of research and evaluation activities; and take actions on matters relating to peace and order within their scope of authority.

Regular meeting of the CPOC is set during the first Tuesday of every month. (GG-PIA CAR,Kalinga)

2 persons arrested for cutting down pine trees

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by Andrew Doga-ong
BAUKO, Mt. Province- Two persons here who cut 29 pine trees in a watershed area here are in hot water for violating Presidential Decree (PD) 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.


PD 705 penalizes individuals who cut, gather, and or transport timber or other forest products without the necessary license issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Bauko police identified the environment law violators as Simon Litilit Degay and Primo Aligo, both residents of barangay Bagnen Proper, this municipality.

Degay who was caught by barangay Bila officials in the act of cutting down a pine tree is the chainsaw operator while Aligo is allegedly the one who ordered the former to cut the pines trees within the watershed area of barangay Bila.

Joint forces from the local police, Community Environment and Natural Resources office and the Bila barangay officials who conducted ocular inspection at the watershed area found out that the suspects felled down around 29 pine trees.

Confiscated from the suspects were one chainsaw bearing Serial No. S169192467 and 24 pieces of one inch by six inches by 12 inches (1”x6”x12”) pine lumber. All seized items are now under the custody of the Bauko police.
Police, environmental, and barangay officials are now readying the pertinent documents for filling charges against the two environment violators.

Heightened fight against illegal logging activities is in line with Executive Order 23 issued by President Benigno Aquino last February this year. The EO declares a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forest and also creates Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force to oversee the implementation of the Order. *()

Kalinga to develop a abaca industry

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by Larry Lopez
PINUKPUK, Kalinga- Development of the abaca industry looms in this municipality after experts from the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) trained farmers here on abaca production.

According to Sunshine Sacki of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office, Barangay Taggay in Pinukpuk has 2,065 hectares of natural abaca cover, a high potential area to develop an industry.
The place has soil and climatic conditions conducive to the plant. What the people here need is appropriate technology to upgrade the quality of abaca fibers harvested from the place, Sacki said.

Abaca is one of the country’s major exports, supplying 85 percent of the world’s abaca raw material.
The FIDA technology included improved abaca propagation methods that emphasized on integrated pest management.

But since the existing abaca plantation here naturally grows on the hills of Taggay, it lacks proper cultivation bringing lower quality of material. Farmers here are encouraged to devote new spaces to abaca and apply the FIDA technology. They are taught new techniques in propagating the plant through seeds, sucker,s and corm seed pieces on developed planting areas.


To avoid pest infestation, farmers are told to maintain at least a one-kilometer distance of the abaca from corn. It is observed that corn serves as favorite prey for pests and could be the bait for infestation.
As response, farmers in Taggay committed a hectare for abaca farmer’s field school (FFS), where demonstration activities on abaca production could be done.

As part of the training package, FIDA is providing two free improved hand stripping machines to the Taggay farmers, as start-up tools.

Abaca fiber is a quality material for industrial products like money bills, bags, pampers, ropes, and many others.


Sacki said DTI will come in for the marketing assistance to the Taggay farmers as soon as they are able to produce the initial fiber material. (PAB -PIA CAR,Kalinga)

Task Force confiscates 120 kilos hot meat

Posted on | Thursday 28 April 2011 | No Comments

by Mhars B. Lihgawon   

Lagawe, Ifugao - The municipal “Task Force Karne”  yesterday sent a strong warning to the smuggler of uninspected meat when it intercepted more than a hundred kilos of butchered meat brought here from a nearby municipality.

According to police report, the task force was able to confiscate 120 kilos of hot meat  during an operation at around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday on board a van without a plate number.

 The hot meat was placed in sacks ready to be delivered to prospective meat dealers in the public market of the municipality.

Police said that the confiscated meat was turned-over to the local government unit (LGU) for proper disposal while the vehicle used in transporting had been temporarily impounded.

 Meanwhile, LGU officials stated that prior to the confiscation of said hot meat, the municipal government has issued a warning to the concerned trader to stop the illegal activity however the warning was ignored.

The officials further disclosed that the municipal government is stepping-up its operation against the illegal entry of hot meat to protect the welfare of all consumers as stipulated in the “meat ordinance” of the municipality. *(MBL-PIA CAR,Ifugao)

Wage Board rules out new wage hike order

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by Lito Dar

The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB), in a board meeting Wednesday, ruled out the issuance of another wage hike order at this time despite the pending clamor due to the continuous increase in the price of petroleum products, which time affected the prices of basic commodities.

In an interview, RTWPB Board Secretary and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) OIC assistant regional director Ted Delson said under the present circumstances, the Board does not see any supervening condition or event that can be a legal basis to issue another wage hike order.

“Although there is really an increase in the price of basic commodities, it is still not extra-ordinary to warrant another wage hike. We are continuously monitoring the economic situation in the region,” Delson said.

He reiterated that RTWPB has just issued a wage hike order last January 2011 - a P12 increase in the daily cost of living allowance (COLA) of private employees. Within a one year since the last pay hike, there should be a supervening condition in order to have another wage hike order.

Delson also bared that although the labor sector manifested their intentions to file for a petition for wage hike, they said during the meeting that they are still assessing their position.

Present during the meeting were RTWPB members National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Juan Ngalob, Department of Trade Industry (DTI) Myrna Pablo, DOLE OIC regional director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez, employer representatives Atty. Milton Balagtey, and Rey Lardizabal, engineer, and labor/employees representatives Alfonso Lao and Johnny Dela Cruz.

In a related news, National Conciliation and Mediation Board regional director Brenda Rose Odsey affirmed that the Baguio Country Club employees associations has submitted a strike notice due to a failed collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiation. There is also a pending mediation preventive mediation cases involving Saint Louis University (SLU) employees.(JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

Kapangan police confiscates P.6M worth of marijuana bricks

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by Susan Aro

 The Kapangan Municipal Police Station confiscated P605,000 worth of marijuana bricks last Saturday as the police intensified its drive against ilkegal drugs.

Kapangan MPS chief of police, Sr. Insp. Onofre Willie said their office received a text message from a concerned citizen on April 17, 2011 that a male passenger on board a public utility jeepney via Gaddang en route to Baguio City was suspected to be carrying marijuana bricks.

As a result, police elements led by Willie conducted a checkpoint at sitio Aso, barangay Datakan intercepting the PUJ where the illegal drugs were loaded.

But about 20 meters away, upon noticing the checkpoint, the unidentified male passenger who was at the top of the PUJ allegedly jumped off and ran towards the mountain. The suspect boarded in Gaddang, according to the passengers.

Intercepted were 11 marijuana bricks or equivalent to 11 kilograms worth P605,000.


Willie said search operations were immediately conducted but they were not able to locate the suspect.
Based on interviews with the passengers and driver, Willie said they claimed that they do not know the person and seemingly is not from the place. Investigation is ongoing to identify the person.

Hopefully this would be a warning to the suspect not to engage in such an activity, he said.
The illegal drugs were turned over to the Benguet Provincial Police Office, according to Willie. (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR,Benguet)

“Implan Tugis” leads to arrest of 206 most wanted persons in CAR

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by Joseph B Zambrano

By all accounts, the police project “Implan Tugis” is a success following the capture of 206 most wanted persons in the region.

According to PRO-COR regional director chief Superintendent Villamor A. Bumanglag, “Implan Tugis” sets forth the strategic concepts and operational guidelines in the accounting of all wanted persons in the region.
This is a more aggressive detective efforts by police officers, detectives, and investigators to neutralize the most wanted persons (MWP)in the region in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, Bumanglag said.

“Our target is to arrest the 510 wanted persons in the Cordillera by the end of the year,” Bumanglag added.
The PRO-COR came up with the list of MWP region wide that serves as database for the “Implan Tugis.” It was distributed to Police Provincial Office (PPOs) down to the municipal police stations and the barangays.
Bumanglag explained that warrants of arrest are issued and that other law enforcement agencies are provided with the data of MWP. The list will also be published in public places for the awareness of the community who can subsequently help in the arrest of these criminals.

We are doing this program with the objective of attaining justice for the victims of crimes, Bumanglag stressed. (JDP/JBZ-PIA CAR)

Atok farmers appeal for water pumps for their vegetable gardens

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by Redjie Cawis

ATOK, Benguet- The farmers in the vegetable-producing municipality of Atok are requesting water pumps for their farmlands which are affected by the summer season.

Vice mayor Marson Lay-at said that with no rains the past weeks, farmers are worried that the continued dry season would affect the quality and quantity of the vegetables being produced.

Atok is one of the biggest producers of highland vegetables being transported to La Trinidad and Baguio City and to market outlets in the Manila and other parts of the country.

Lay-at said that there are water sources in the barangays such as creeks and streams but many farmers do not have water pumps and watering hoses to supply water to the farmlands in the upland barangays like Paoay and Sayangan. The low lying barangays of Naguey and Pasdong have already been irrigated.

At the moment, farmers are manually carrying water from the source up to their farmlands, he said.

Lay-at said they have asked the National Irrigation Authority for water pumps and water source installation in their municipality and they are hoping that this will be answered soon. They have also sought assistance from the provincial government and other government agencies to help them with their problem.


During extremely cold days from December to February, Atok farmers experience frost bites in their vegetable farms. (JDP/RC-PIA CAR)

DILG now accepting nominations to One Town One Scholar Program

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by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra - Nominations are now open to the One Town One Scholar (OTOS) program.

In an interview with provincial director Cresencio Calina of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the OTOS program is being implemented in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) but with DILG as the overseer because of the involvement of local government units in the nomination process.

Calina explained the process of the nomination to the OTOS program. Each town is given a slot of one scholar for the school year 2011-2012. The scholar should pass through the screening process to be carried out by a screening committee with the Municipal Local Government Operations officer (MLGOO) as member of the said screening committee.

The scholarship is given to deserving students who are willing to enroll in any four-year course and in any government school.


The screening committee would be following these policies: the nominee should be a graduate of public high school and must belong to the upper 10 percent of the graduating class where the student belongs. In case the municipality where the nominee comes from has no public high school, the nominee may come from a private high school.

The OTOS grantee has to submit his report card, a certification of the high school principal that the student-nominee is deserving to avail of the OTOS program, and a medical certificate from a government doctor that the nominee is physically fit to undergo college education.

The OTOS program is still part of the national government’s commitment in meeting the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). (JDP/MBB -PIA CAR,Abra)

Noynoy Favors the AFP

Posted on | Tuesday 26 April 2011 | No Comments

By SATUR C. OCAMPO
At Ground Level | The Philippine Star

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has shot up in notoriety as the most corrupt government agency in the public’s perception, per the Pulse Asia survey last month, in light of the top-level, long-running misappropriations of public funds exposed in the Senate investigation.

But President Aquino doesn’t mind. He continues to repose explicit trust in the AFP.

Speaking before Philippine Army soldiers last Wednesday at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Mr. Aquino said, “Whatever happens in the Senate investigation, we will not allow this controversy to erode the honor of the Armed Forces.”

And for good measure, he announced that Malacañang had set aside P11 billion “for various purchases of the Armed Forces,” with reassurance that he was looking for ways to fulfill the needs of the AFP “at the soonest possible time and to the best of our ability.”

That reassurance pertains to the promise — to provide whatever the AFP needs — that Mr. Aquino made on three occasions last year: his inaugural address, his state-of-the-nation address, and a command conference with the armed services shortly after assuming office as their commander-in-chief.

Last Tuesday the President signed Administrative Order 9, dated April 11, which orders the National Housing Authority to “formulate, implement and manage” a P4.2-billion housing program for 20,000 military and police personnel. (Simplistic arithmetic: P21,000 each…!?)

He also directed the Department of Budget and Management to give “priority attention” to funding the project, and the Home Development Mutual Fund to prioritize financial aid to the beneficiaries at concessionary rates and express processing through a “special loan window.”

What struck my attention about the P11-billion procurement fund is that only P3 billion would be drawn from the P5-billion AFP modernization fund. The bulk, P8 billion, would come from royalties paid by US oil firms exploiting the Malampaya oil and natural gas reserves off Palawan.

Lucky AFP for this off-budget bonanza! Tough luck for the Palawan local government! It has long begged the national government to give the province its due share of the royalties, in vain.

Lucky, indeed, is the AFP under P-Noy’s government. Its 2011 budget has been increased by P34.09 billion, from P55.67B in 2010 to P89.77B, and the Department of National Defense (including the AFP) budget has been upped by P47.22B, from P57.67B to P104.50B. The AFP general headquarters’ P5.30B allocation in 2010 has ballooned to P34.69B in 2011, of which P24.12B is for military pensions.

That’s a lot more money going through the AFP financial management system, a lot more opportunities for corruption to prevail in devious ways. The safeguards reportedly adopted will be severely tested.

Now what would the AFP buy with the fresh P11B? Mr. Aquino talked of new ships for the Philippine Navy, other watercraft and long-range helicopters “for our service contract areas around Palawan, the Sulu Sea and other areas.” What? Use the money from Malampaya royalties to buy military equipment to secure the foreign firms’ operations there?

For the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, PA commander, cited night-fighting systems, howitzers, mortars, light rocket launchers, communications and transport equipment needed to strengthen its combat capability. The PA is the main force deployed against the New People’s Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Through upgraded equipage the AFP hopes to achieve the counterinsurgency goals in its 2011-2016 Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan,” that purportedly subscribes to “the primacy of the peace process.” The goals, called “end-state(s)”, are: “a negotiated political settlement (with the MILF) within the bounds of the Philippine Constitution”; and “render the NPA irrelevant… convince them to abandon armed struggle and instead engage in peace negotiations with the government.”

Render the NPA irrelevant, how? The IPSP says: “The AFP shall continue… conducting combat operations with even greater vigor… Intensified and relentless pursuit of the NPA is intended to exhaust their armed capabilities and diminish their will to fight.”

Obviously the AFP ignores the fact that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, representing the CPP-NPA, has engaged the government in peace talk over 25 years, and that the militarist approach has mainly obstructed the attainment of peace.

Also, the militarist approach contradicts President Aquino’s statement, quoted in Pilipino in a giant billboard at the entrance to Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City, the Northern Luzon Command headquarters. It says, “Rather than relentlessly pursue the rebels, let us focus on addressing the problems of our people and the impact (on them) of military operations.”

The quotation proceeds from President Aquino’s mantra, picked up from his mother: “We must revive the peace process on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of the conflict, under clear policies that pave the way ahead…”

But the “clear policies” haven’t been articulated definitively. Instead, Mr. Aquino has approved the IPSP, which pays lip service to the peace process but hammers on the AFP’s “primary role… to ensure that the group with whom the government is talking peace will not use force or the threat of force as leverage at the negotiating table.”

Where does President Aquino stand regarding this apparent policy conflict? — Reposted by Cordillera News Portal

Baguio Fire Department trains barangay folks as firefighters

Posted on | Monday 25 April 2011 | No Comments


by Redjie Cawis

The Baguio City Fire Department has started training barangay folks in the city on basic fire fighting to augment the current lack of firefighters and resources in the city. The constant awareness of volunteers in the event of a fire will minimize the spread of fire.

Baguio City fire marshall senior Supt Richard Villanueva said that villagers are the first group to respond during fires so the city’s fire department opted to train barangay volunteer groups. The fire chief added that they have already conducted trainings among volunteers in the area.

Villanueva also bared that the city currently lacks substations to address fires immediately as only one fire substation in Irisan Barangay has been constructed. There are still 18 fire substations needed to be constructed in the city to immediately respond during fire incidents. There are also only four working fire trucks in the city.

Villanueva said awareness on fire safety measures and enforcing the fire safety designs in buildings are vital to prevent fires; awareness can also arrest fires once it has started..*(JDP/RC-PIA CAR)

Plant tree saplings instead of seedling for better survival - DENR

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by Redjie Cawis

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is recommending the planting of saplings rather than seedlings in urbanized areas like Baguio City for better chances of survival.

 DENR regional executive director Clarence Baguilat explained that although it is more expensive, they are recommending tree saplings as the impact can be seen immediately especially for beautification purposes in places like Metro Manila. He said saplings are also good for environmental protection.

 Baguilat is also recommending that saplings be planted in the city’s central business district and parks as part of the National Greening Program of the government.

 At the moment the DENR has started tree seedling and saplings production for the more than three million trees to be planted under the NGP in the Cordillera Region. The NGP is a priority project of President Benigno Aquino III to plant trees nationwide. *( JDP/RC-PIA CAR)

Ifugao govt donates search, rescue equipment to the BFP

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by Mhars B. Lihgawon

LAGAWE, Ifugao- - The provincial local government unit (PLGU) through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center (PDRRMC) donated recently search and rescue equipments to the Bureau of Fire Protection in the province to help the firemen in performing their job efficiently.

“These equipments could be used in times of calamities and emergencies in the province,” said provincial disaster action officer Gerry Gano.


Gano disclosed that the search and rescue equipments include one set of rescue basket with accessories, one unit steel chainsaw and portable generator, rope rapelling, hand held radios, medical kits, and other accessories all worth P211,100.

During the turnover ceremony, BFP – Cordillera regional director FSSupt. Samuel Jamias thanked the provincial government for the said donation. He reiterated that the search and rescue equipments would help the agency in performing its mandate to serve the people effectively and efficiently.

Meanwhile, the PDRRMC recently conducted a one day orientation  on the process of risk assessment to disaster  council representatives in the municipalities of Kiangan, Lagawe, and Lamut as one way of providing more capability  to respond in cases of disasters or calamities.

PDRRMC staff Marcela Cortez stated  that disaster risk assessment is very important in order that members of the various disaster councils can effectively and efficiently do their respective duties and responsibilities. She stressed that the disaster risk assessments include hazard characterization frequency analysis, consequence analysis, risk estimation, and risk evaluation.

Hazard characterization frequency analysis involves identifying and characterizing the hazards that threaten the area while consequence analysis is the determination of the consequences of these potential hazards to exposed population and land uses.

On the other hand, risk estimation involves estimating the risk expressed as the expected annual numbers of lives lost and damage to property and risk evaluation involves prioritizing areas by comparing the risk estimates to the acceptability criteria and assigned score. *(JDP/JBS-PIA CAR,Ifugao)

P38.3M allotted for road-building projects in Abra

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by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra - A total of P38.3 million for road building is now ready for public bidding and immediate implementation in seven priority municipalities in the province.

In an interview with Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin, the P38.3 million allocated for this year’s road building projects in the province is the share of the provincial government last year from Republic Act 7171 funds otherwise known as the excise taxes generated by the tobacco-producing provinces in the country.


The continuing road building projects of the governor is a fulfillment of his campaign promises to connect all the road networks in the province most especially in the hinterlands where most are dirt roads that become impassable during the rainy seasons.

Assistant provincial engineer Paterno B. Bernal said the governor had already given his go-signal to conduct the public bidding which is expected to go full blast this summer before the rains come. The concreting of the roads in the seven municipalities will be done in the most difficult portions of the roads.


There are eight road projects to be implemented in seven towns. These are the Tumbal Road in Manabo – P1.9 M; the Garreta – San Diego Road – P4 M and the Pidigan-Pilar Road – P4.4 M, both in Pidigan; and various provincial roads in the towns of Penarrrubia – P6 M, Licuan-Baay – P5 M, Boliney – P5 M, and Tayum – P6 M, for a total of P38.3 million.

The governor also assured the other towns the construction of similar project swhen the next releases of the share of the provincial government from the RA 7171 Funds.


He wants to see all the basic and major road networks connected to the provincial center in order to help the farmers bring their agricultural produce to the public market so that they will be encouraged to produce more and become more progressive as well as inspire the local populace to live in their own towns instead of building their houses in the capital town of Bangued.*(JDP/MBB-PIA CAR, Abra)

DFA to conduct mobile passporting in Ifugao

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by Vency D. Bulayungan
LAGAWE, Ifugao -- Soon, people from this province need not travel far to get their travel papers. The provincial local government unit (PLGU)of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), will conduct mobile passporting at the provincial capitol lobby here on May 28 to help minimize expenses of people in processing their passports by traveling to distant places such as Tuguegarao, Baguio, Manila, or La Union.

Governor Eugene Balitang announced in the daily radio program “PIA Hour” that application forms for passports will be distributed starting today. Application forms are available in the governor’s office and all the municipal local government units in the 11 towns here.

Balitang is inviting all interested persons to avail of this opportunity to get their passports processed which is part of the DFA's program to bring its services closer to the people.

On the other hand, Claire Calingayan, the information officer of the governor’s office said that applicants must bring their applications together with the required such as birth certificates, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, two valid Ids, marriage contract, and others for verification during the pre screening which is scheduled on May 9-13, 2011.

Calingayan said applicants must bring the filled up forms and documents personally for screening. She added that a pre numbered stub will be given to the applicants so they will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis.

“The processing proper will be on May 28. DFA Manila can accommodate up to 600 applications,” she added. The services offered in the mobile passporting include passport for first time applicants, renewal of passports, and replacement of lost passport.

She disclosed that DFA will bring along the biometrics machine thus passport IDs are not necessary .
Calingayan said that the regular fees and replacement of passports is P1,200.00.
 
The processed passports will be distributed during the celebration of Ifugao Day on June 14-18, 2011.

The mobile passport service has proven very helpful in the past because applicants from the provinces no longer have to process their forms at the regional office thus saving them time and money. What they do is to wait for the DFA personnel to visit their locality upon the request of their LGU and submit their applications.(JDP/VDB – PIA CAR,Ifugao)

RDC fast tracks draft of third autonomy law

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by Lito Dar

The Regional Development Council (RDC) Third Autonomy Act Drafting Committee (TAADC) chaired by city mayor Mauricio Domogan, is now bent on overseeing the drafting of a third Autonomy law, targeted to be finished by end of May.

According to RDC co-chairman, Dr. Virgilio Bautista, the drafting committee is working on the autonomy law and that they have already received four complete draft proposals from Ifugao and Kalinga, from Baguio City, and from a sectionalized representation.

Bautista also affirmed that the technical working group (TWG), which is assisting the TAADC, is now also set to fast track the drafting by starting to meet three times a week to ensure that they will meet their timetable to have the final draft ready for consultation by the end of May.

“I believe that the work now will be very fast as it is also a big help that the provinces have already given us their complete drafts, which was patterned from the second autonomy bill. The TWG is now trying to reconcile all of those submitted to TAADC and hopefully we can have the final draft by the end of May.”
Bautista said the draft will be presented to the Cordillera congressmen and governors for consultation if they still have ideas or other concerns that they want to include in the said autonomy law.

He also stressed the RDC's optimism on the region’s third autonomy drive since there are better information dissemination drives this time. “All of the provinces already have their consultations and the media people is also of big help as even those in the provinces are all active, they even have radio programs now in their own dialect,” Bautista said. (JDP/JBS-PIA CAR)

Tripartite Council to pursue industrial peace in work sites

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by Lito Dar

 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last week led the organization of a Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) that seeks to pursue industrial peace in work sites here, in essence answering part of the 22-point labor agenda of PNoy.

More than 50 employee representatives from private companies including those from manufacturing firms, business process outsourcing (BPOs), as well as health and wellness and hotel, restaurants, and bar establishments.

In an interview, DOLE-CAR OIC assistant regional director Ted Delson said the Tripartite, which is a public-private partnership, aims to pursue industrial peace in the work sites since there is no unionize group here. The TICP will be essential in creating cooperation among workers and employers so that there will be less complaints, problems, even strikes, and lockouts in the workplace.

“Upon the organization of a TIPC, there will be a tripartite body with DOLE representing the government and the TIPC officials which will formulate their own programs and policies, as well as the employers, who will ensure that there will be an industrial peace in the workplace as well as the smooth implementation of government labor and employment programs,” Delson said.

As part of the said activity, participants were given an orientation about TIPC and DOLE’s Phil-job.net program.

Meantime, DOLE-CAR Labor and Employment officer III Lorna Bacolong, explained that industrial peace as well as good governance, labor market flexibility, and social protection are part of the main components of PNoy’s 22-point labor and employment agenda, which is centered on job creation and poverty alleviation.
Baculong explained that the Tripartite will work as part of an information network on labor relations issues and industry update; to monitor implementation and compliance of tripartite instrument, codes of conducts, social accords and international conventions; implementation of (created) action plan; identification of industries with potential growth or likely to experience labor disputes and to assist the resolution of such disputes as well as to help formulate tripartite views, policy and program proposals and recommendations on labor and economic positions on relevant pending bills. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

Abra anti-illegal logging task force formed

Posted on | Sunday 24 April 2011 | No Comments

by Maritess B.Beñas

 The Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force in the province was recently formed with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) as lead agency.

In an interview with Ernesto Aton,enginer and PENRO officer of Abra, the Task Force had its first organizational meeting last week to map out a plan in the enforcement of Executive Order No. 23 which enforces a moratorium in the cutting and harvesting of forest trees in both natural and residual forests throughout the country.

The Task Force is composed of the PENRO as chairman, provincial director Cresencio Calina of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as vice-chairman, and Police Provincial Director PSSupt. Amando S. Lagiwid; Lt. Col. Noel Baluyan, Commanding Officer of the 41st Infantry Battalion, and Lt. Col. Noli Anquilliano of the 50th Infantry Battalion of both the Philippine Army, and the Commander of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Abra.

Specifically, the Task Force will undertake a massive Information Education Campaign through the print and broadcast media, and meetings in the municipal and barangay levels, and organize municipal task forces in all the 27 municipalities in the province.

The task force will enforce the directive that cutting and harvesting of forest trees in all Industrial Timber Management Agreements (ITMAs), Socialized Timber Management Agreements (SITMAs), as well as Community-Based Forest Management Agreements (CBFMAs) that are both natural and residual forests in nature are suspended.

Aton clarified, however, that tenured forestlands are not covered in the EO 23. He said that there are only two CBFMAs in the province and that these are excluded from the suspension order.These are the tenured forestlands in Brgy. Sto. Tomas, Manabo and Brgy. Layugan, Bucay. He explained that these CBFMAs are planted with gemelina trees by the CBFMA holders themselves and are not considered natural forests nor residual forests in nature. (JDP/JBS-PIA CAR,Abra)

Civil defense office looks for volunteers to assist in community disaster reduction efforts

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by Lito Dar

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD-CAR)is looking for abled males and females who want to be members of the Civil Defense Volunteer Group being formed that will assist OCD in implementing community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) efforts in the region.


According to OCD-CAR Operations officer Ronald Villa,those who will volunteer will be trained on skills and systems, and will be part of the support group in line with their goal to establish a disaster prepared family and community. This will be done through awareness, education, and the spirit of volunteerism, as well as for the enhancement of community-based DRRM programs.

At present, there are already five volunteers and hopefully there will be more to come, Villa said.
“It is our mission to help the community in establishing strategic, independent, and competent risk reduction measures and provide the members with knowledge enhancement and continuing education in DRRM, as well as skills training on life support, rescue and survival techniques,” Villa said.

For those who are interested to join the group, Villa said that a volunteer must be at least 18 years old and not more than 40 years old, of good moral values, friendly, and goal oriented. He must also be active, hard working, dedicated to serve the community, and has an interest in DRRM activities.

For being a member of the Civil Defense Volunteer Group, he/she will be educated on DRRM Knowledge, Leadership Training, and DRRM-related Skills Training – such as Basic Life Support, Basic Search and Rescue, Rope handling techniques, etc.

Volunteers will also be given Certificates of Membership and certificates of Trainings, aside from the opportunity to travel to different parts or provinces of the region.

The volunteer members will support the operation OCD-CAR in terms of monitoring, reporting, and documentation of DRRM activities; updating of Information, Communication Technology (ICT) facilities; disaster operations; and community disaster preparedness efforts. Members will also assists in conducting DRRM seminars/workshops, skills training, and other DRRM activities.

For more information, you can call OCD-CAR at telephone number 444-5298 or 304-2256. (LD-PIA CAR)

Ifugao town bans smoking in public places

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by Mhars B. LIhgawon


LAMUT, Ifugao - Smokers would now have to be more restrained and self-disciplined as the municipal government has imposed a ban on smoking in government offices, public schools premises, and public utility vehicles in this town.

The passage of the municipal ordinance banning smoking in public places is in support of the anti-smoking campaign and the unrelenting effort of the local government unit (LGU) to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of tobacco products.

This is also in line with Republic Act No. 9211 or the "Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003" whose salient points include smoking ban in all schools and health facilities (including outdoor premises) and in all enclosed or confined public places and all public transportation.

According to the ordinance, it would be unlawful for any person to smoke cigarettes or any items of the same effect inside the municipal and national offices, public school premises, restaurants, public utility passenger vehicles, and other similar places in the municipality.

However, the municipal mayor may designate a smoking area which shall not be located in or near areas where people usually gather.

Any person found guilty of violating the ordinance would be penalized P200 or four hours community service for first offense; P300 or eight hours community service for second offense; and P500 or 12-hour community service for third offense; and P1,500 for subsequent offenses or imprisonment upon the discretion of the court.

For owners and operators of businesses, a fine of P500 and warning for first offense; P1,500 and suspension of mayor’s permit for second offense; and revocation of mayor’s permit or imprisonment of 30 days or both upon the discretion of the court for third offense.

The municipal mayor has directed the local police, barangay officials, heads of national agencies and schools administrators, including drivers of public utility vehicles for the full implementation of this anti-smoking campaign. * (JDP/MBL-PIA CAR, Ifugao)

Lagawe folks aims for peace, unity in homegrown festival

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by Vency D. Bulayungan


LAGAWE, Ifugao-With the theme, "Kulpi . . . . . Pun-o-o-haan ta waday linggop ya kiphodan di nunboblayan (Unity for peace and progress)," people here will gather at the town center on April 27-29 for the “Kulpi ad Lagawe” to take a rest after the harvest season and to offer thanksgiving to Maknongan (God) for all the blessings bestowed upon this municipality.

Mayor Ceasario Cabbigat encouraged every Lagawean to join in working for a successful community festival. “Like in the early days of our forebears, we celebrate the tradition of “kulpi” with good will and sincerest prayers that the hard work and endeavors of people in our community may be blessed by Maknongan that more may share in our good fortune as a developing community,” he said.


The three days festival will showcase the best facets of the evolving culture. Cabbigat conveyed the message of hope that whatever the gains and developments established as a team in the community during his administration may continue, notwithstanding changes that are bound to happen.


On the other hand, Vice Mayor Martin Habawel said that the theme is very appropriate and relevant in the current conditions of the time. “The political and economic upheaval in the other countries is causing a vicious repercussion to other countries like ours that has an economy that is relying on it,” he said.


Moreover, Habawel said that with the blessings of the municipality such as the rich natural resources, an able populace and a rich cultural heritage, he believes that the municipality is capable to face the challenges of the times.


“The continuity of our unity and cooperation is really the essential element for achieving peace and progress of a certain community,” Habawel said. The common aspiration for a progressive Lagawe can be achieved by our individual’s commitment to do our own part as a vital member of the municipality,he added.


He disclosed that the participation of everybody in the various programs and activities of the Kulpi is a manifestation that the people here care for the municipality. He therefore urged everyone to let the essence of the kulpi reign in every citizen here which will serve as energy to propel everyone to a better and progressive town. (VDB-PIA CAR,Ifugao)

Bishop Cenzon stands firm on Catholic church’s opposition on RH bill

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by Lito Dar


Baguio-Benguet Vicariate Bishop Carlito Cenzon, in a media forum Wednesday, reiterated the stand of the Catholic Church against the Reproductive Health bill. This came after a number local media asked him about a certain priest’s homily at the Baguio Cathedral that drew controversy and allegedly led to a walkout of some parishioners.

According to Bishop Cenzon, at the moment,he is still investigating or looking for information on what have transpired during the said mass, although he also reiterated that they have been long expressed their contradiction or opposition against the RH Bill.

“We are talking about a very controversial issue here and, among the (Catholic Church) bishops, we have already decided to make a stand against it and make people aware of it. With the RH Bill we are talking about life and death, about moral values,” Cenzon said.

Cenzon also stressed that there are certain guidelines that govern priests like him, and the involved priest may also be just doing what the Catholic church has set him to do, although he might have done it with a stronger stand or in his own style.

Meantime, in a mass he officiated, Bishop Cenzon called on the local media to continue with their work guided by high ethical values, as their work is important for the people to be united and well informed about what is happening around them.


Although the task may be difficult and even includes threats to their security and life, Cenzon prayed for the media that may God continue to empower them and give them strength to perform their duty the best they can.

For this Lenten season, the Bishop also urged the media and all those who attended the mass to do church activities and personal reflections as well. “We have to do prayers and some actions to,” he said.
Aside from the regular Church Holy Week activity, Bishop Cenzon also urged them to reflect and see how they can also help others and the environment as well. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

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