Socialized housing accreditation, housing for homeless sought
Posted on | Saturday 18 June 2011 | No Comments
by Aileen Refuerzo
Councilor Isabelo Cosalan sought the accreditation of the city government with the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) to enable the city to avail of the Localized Community Mortgaged Program (LCMP) for its housing project.
In a proposed resolution, Cosalan said the city has many homeless residents in need of low-cost housing projects and the city despite several local legislations asking for the implementation of housing projects has not come up with a concrete settlement project due to lack of funds.
“The lack of funding is the primary reason why there has been no city government implemented or completed socialized or mass housing project,” Cosalan said.
He said this can be addressed by the LCMP of the SHFC which is, “… an innovative scheme whereby qualified partner-local government units (LGUs) may apply for an Omnibus Commitment Line (OCL) not exceeding P 50 million.
This is made available through the SHFC to accommodate priority projects identified by the partner-LGUs.
He said the city government, through Mayor Mauricio Domogan, can apply for accreditation with the SHFC to avail of the LCMP.
“The City has to demonstrate its sincerity in uplifting the plight of its poor and homeless constituents by providing access to decent, safe and affordable housing opportunities,” Cosalan said.
The provision housing opportunity for the residents is recognized by the city which in its Comprehensive City Land Use Plan acknowledges that, “Shelter planning is a responsibility of the Local Government Unit … The implementation of low cost housing programs and projects to benefit the underprivileged sector of the population is a primary concern under this sub-sector.”
It is also enshrined in Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code and Republic Act 7279 also known as the Urban Development and Housing Act, mandate local government units to implement within their respective jurisdiction programs and projects for low-cost housing and other mass dwellings. (AR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)
Councilor Isabelo Cosalan sought the accreditation of the city government with the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) to enable the city to avail of the Localized Community Mortgaged Program (LCMP) for its housing project.
In a proposed resolution, Cosalan said the city has many homeless residents in need of low-cost housing projects and the city despite several local legislations asking for the implementation of housing projects has not come up with a concrete settlement project due to lack of funds.
“The lack of funding is the primary reason why there has been no city government implemented or completed socialized or mass housing project,” Cosalan said.
He said this can be addressed by the LCMP of the SHFC which is, “… an innovative scheme whereby qualified partner-local government units (LGUs) may apply for an Omnibus Commitment Line (OCL) not exceeding P 50 million.
This is made available through the SHFC to accommodate priority projects identified by the partner-LGUs.
He said the city government, through Mayor Mauricio Domogan, can apply for accreditation with the SHFC to avail of the LCMP.
“The City has to demonstrate its sincerity in uplifting the plight of its poor and homeless constituents by providing access to decent, safe and affordable housing opportunities,” Cosalan said.
The provision housing opportunity for the residents is recognized by the city which in its Comprehensive City Land Use Plan acknowledges that, “Shelter planning is a responsibility of the Local Government Unit … The implementation of low cost housing programs and projects to benefit the underprivileged sector of the population is a primary concern under this sub-sector.”
It is also enshrined in Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code and Republic Act 7279 also known as the Urban Development and Housing Act, mandate local government units to implement within their respective jurisdiction programs and projects for low-cost housing and other mass dwellings. (AR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)
Category:
Baguio City
City to work out settlement for purchase of Baguio Convention Center
by Aileen Refuerzo
Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week directed city legal officer Melchor Carlos Rabanes to work out the compromise settlement with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the resolution of the ejectment case it filed against the city over the purchase of the Baguio Convention Center.
In his Ugnayang Panlungsod press briefing last Wednesday, the mayor said he asked Rabanes to immediately coordinate with the GSIS legal counsel in preparing the compromise settlement which will be submitted to the court for approval.
This developed as the city council last Monday approved the mayor’s request for the realignment of P200,185,882.05 pooled from unused funds from the city coffers to pay the city’s outstanding balance to purchase the convention facility and avoid incurring more interest or lose the facility altogether.
The mayor pushed for the city’s payment amid the still unclear status of the city’s share from the lease rental of Camp John Hay from which the city was supposed to get the payment for the BCC as per the 2004 tripartite purchase agreement with the GSIS and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).
The BCDA failed to deliver the amortizations on the deadlines set under the MOA due to the developer Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo)’s default in its payments.
This prompted the GSIS to file an ejectment case against the city for failing to pay its amortizations for the purchase of the facility originally pegged at P250 million.
Due to the non-payment, the city’s obligation has ballooned to P318 million exclusive of the initial payments made by the city amounting to at least P100 million.
After negotiations, the city’s balance was cut down to P200,185,882.05 and the city was given until May 30 to settle.
The mayor said that since the city failed to beat the deadline as the city council’s approval came only last Monday, the arrears can be expected to increase anew thus the need to speed up the settlement process. (AR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)
Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week directed city legal officer Melchor Carlos Rabanes to work out the compromise settlement with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the resolution of the ejectment case it filed against the city over the purchase of the Baguio Convention Center.
In his Ugnayang Panlungsod press briefing last Wednesday, the mayor said he asked Rabanes to immediately coordinate with the GSIS legal counsel in preparing the compromise settlement which will be submitted to the court for approval.
This developed as the city council last Monday approved the mayor’s request for the realignment of P200,185,882.05 pooled from unused funds from the city coffers to pay the city’s outstanding balance to purchase the convention facility and avoid incurring more interest or lose the facility altogether.
The mayor pushed for the city’s payment amid the still unclear status of the city’s share from the lease rental of Camp John Hay from which the city was supposed to get the payment for the BCC as per the 2004 tripartite purchase agreement with the GSIS and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).
The BCDA failed to deliver the amortizations on the deadlines set under the MOA due to the developer Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo)’s default in its payments.
This prompted the GSIS to file an ejectment case against the city for failing to pay its amortizations for the purchase of the facility originally pegged at P250 million.
Due to the non-payment, the city’s obligation has ballooned to P318 million exclusive of the initial payments made by the city amounting to at least P100 million.
After negotiations, the city’s balance was cut down to P200,185,882.05 and the city was given until May 30 to settle.
The mayor said that since the city failed to beat the deadline as the city council’s approval came only last Monday, the arrears can be expected to increase anew thus the need to speed up the settlement process. (AR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)
Category:
Baguio City
City to develop idle lots and non-performing assets
by Paul Rillorta
The city government is now looking into its non-performing assets for eventual development.
City Mayor Mauricio Domogan has specifically designated a project study team to pinpoint city- owned idle lots which could be converted into economic hubs.
Domogan said “non-performing assets needs to be utilized into more productive and self-sustaining economic ventures in order to optimize its use.”
Administrative Order No. 68 series of 2011 specifically designates members of the project study team to study city properties as an income- generating project composed of the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator, Office of the City Building and Architecture, Office of the City Assessor, Office of the Social Welfare and Development, Office of the Budget Officer, Office of the City Accountant, and Office of the City Treasurer.
Among the targeted city property being studied is a vacant lot located at Upper Session Road adjacent to the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
The lot is about 2,000 square meters and covered under Proclamation No. 611 of then President Ferdinand Marcos reserving the same for demonstration and training center site purposes of the Department of Social Welfare.
A memorandum of agreement on the lot was entered into between the DSWD and the city government in 1992 which devolved half of the area (1,000 sq. m.) to the city for its social welfare purposes.
The project study team will prepare the development proposal for the area and will conduct official survey site inspections and technical assessments on the property and would also prepare engineering designs, architectural plans, estimates, and specifications.
The market, technical, financial, economic, and operational analysis aspects of the project will also be prepared by the team. (PR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)
The city government is now looking into its non-performing assets for eventual development.
City Mayor Mauricio Domogan has specifically designated a project study team to pinpoint city- owned idle lots which could be converted into economic hubs.
Domogan said “non-performing assets needs to be utilized into more productive and self-sustaining economic ventures in order to optimize its use.”
Administrative Order No. 68 series of 2011 specifically designates members of the project study team to study city properties as an income- generating project composed of the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator, Office of the City Building and Architecture, Office of the City Assessor, Office of the Social Welfare and Development, Office of the Budget Officer, Office of the City Accountant, and Office of the City Treasurer.
Among the targeted city property being studied is a vacant lot located at Upper Session Road adjacent to the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
The lot is about 2,000 square meters and covered under Proclamation No. 611 of then President Ferdinand Marcos reserving the same for demonstration and training center site purposes of the Department of Social Welfare.
A memorandum of agreement on the lot was entered into between the DSWD and the city government in 1992 which devolved half of the area (1,000 sq. m.) to the city for its social welfare purposes.
The project study team will prepare the development proposal for the area and will conduct official survey site inspections and technical assessments on the property and would also prepare engineering designs, architectural plans, estimates, and specifications.
The market, technical, financial, economic, and operational analysis aspects of the project will also be prepared by the team. (PR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)
Category:
Baguio City
Dad pushes for blood council in city
by Paul Rillorta
“Blood donation is a humanitarian act” (RA 7719).
Banking on this principle and in order to strengthen voluntary blood donation in the city, Councilo Erdolfo Balajadia passed a measure for the creation of the City Local Blood Council (CLBC).
The CLBC will be organized as a non-profit, non-government, multi-sectoral group with members coming from the city government and private sector of the local community committed to support the blood program of the government.
“When this is realized, it will ensure adequate supply of blood through blood promotion of voluntary blood donation for our people especially our indigent residents,” Balajadia said.
The blood council will spearhead the planning, organization, and coordination of implementing a local blood donation program of the local government, non-government organizations, companies, religious and civic actions groups,and universities on a monthly basis to ensure adequate supply of safe blood for the community.
The council will be sourcing out financial and other support from allocations of the city government, contributions from the business sector, contributions from the Philippine Red Cross-National Blood Service, fund raising activities of the community, grants from donor agencies (local and international), contributions from civic, religious and non-government organizations, contributions from the mass media, grants from government, financial institutions and subsidy from hospitals, private, and government to support the Local Blood Donation Program.
The proposed ordinance will hope to strengthen Department of Health Administrative order 2010-02 pertinent to the establishment and operation of a local blood council to support the implementation of National Voluntary Blood Service Program (NVBSP) for blood safety, adequacy, quality care and patient safety in every region.
Balajadia said, "This will bolster RA 7719 or the National Blood Service Act of 1994 in promoting voluntary blood donations in the city."
This will also strengthen the mandate of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) as one of the key organizations tasked in providing safe blood for the people.
The PRC-Baguio chapter to date gives comprehensive blood services in the city including donor recruitment, blood testing, blood processing, blood storage and supply to hospitals. (PR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)
“Blood donation is a humanitarian act” (RA 7719).
Banking on this principle and in order to strengthen voluntary blood donation in the city, Councilo Erdolfo Balajadia passed a measure for the creation of the City Local Blood Council (CLBC).
The CLBC will be organized as a non-profit, non-government, multi-sectoral group with members coming from the city government and private sector of the local community committed to support the blood program of the government.
“When this is realized, it will ensure adequate supply of blood through blood promotion of voluntary blood donation for our people especially our indigent residents,” Balajadia said.
The blood council will spearhead the planning, organization, and coordination of implementing a local blood donation program of the local government, non-government organizations, companies, religious and civic actions groups,and universities on a monthly basis to ensure adequate supply of safe blood for the community.
The council will be sourcing out financial and other support from allocations of the city government, contributions from the business sector, contributions from the Philippine Red Cross-National Blood Service, fund raising activities of the community, grants from donor agencies (local and international), contributions from civic, religious and non-government organizations, contributions from the mass media, grants from government, financial institutions and subsidy from hospitals, private, and government to support the Local Blood Donation Program.
The proposed ordinance will hope to strengthen Department of Health Administrative order 2010-02 pertinent to the establishment and operation of a local blood council to support the implementation of National Voluntary Blood Service Program (NVBSP) for blood safety, adequacy, quality care and patient safety in every region.
Balajadia said, "This will bolster RA 7719 or the National Blood Service Act of 1994 in promoting voluntary blood donations in the city."
This will also strengthen the mandate of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) as one of the key organizations tasked in providing safe blood for the people.
The PRC-Baguio chapter to date gives comprehensive blood services in the city including donor recruitment, blood testing, blood processing, blood storage and supply to hospitals. (PR-PIO Baguio City/PIA CAR)
Category:
Baguio City
DPWH magsasagawa ng inspection sa itatatag na North Expressway
by Mari Cruz
Muling magsasagawa ng inspection ang Department of Public Works and Highways sa itatatag na North Expressway partikular sa tri-boundaries ng Pozzorubio sa Pangasinan; Rosario, La Union; at lalawigan ng Benguet.
Sa lingguhang palatuntunan sa Radyo ng Bayan na “Ang Bayan at ang Kongreso,” inihayag ni Baguio City Congressman Bernardo Vergara na kaisa siya sa isasagawang inspection upang masigurong hindi maisasantabi ang ipinanukala niyang by- pass road patungo sa Kennon road at hindi sa ipinanukalang linkage na susulpot sa diversion road ng Palispis-Aspiras highway.
Ayon kay Vergara, ito ay resulta ng pagsusuri ng Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) sa layuning mapaikli ang oras ng paglalakbay ng mga sasakyang magtutungo sa lalawigan ng Benguet at lungsod ng Baguio.
Makakasama niya sa isasagawang inspection sina 5th district Pangasinan Congressman Mark Cojuangco, Congressman Ortega ng La Union, at mga kinatawan ng DPWH.
Samantala, mariing itinanggi ni Vergara na may nagaganap na treasure hunting sa Rose garden kasabay ng ginagawang rehabilitasyon sa nasabing lugar.
Sinabi pa niya na ang ginagawang paghuhukay ay bahagi ng total rehabilitasyion ng parke na nagkakahalaga ng P20 milyon.
Matatandaan na pinuna ng ilang indibidual ang nagaganap na excavation at ang paglalagay ng mataas na bakod sa parke. (JDP/MC-PIA CAR)
Muling magsasagawa ng inspection ang Department of Public Works and Highways sa itatatag na North Expressway partikular sa tri-boundaries ng Pozzorubio sa Pangasinan; Rosario, La Union; at lalawigan ng Benguet.
Sa lingguhang palatuntunan sa Radyo ng Bayan na “Ang Bayan at ang Kongreso,” inihayag ni Baguio City Congressman Bernardo Vergara na kaisa siya sa isasagawang inspection upang masigurong hindi maisasantabi ang ipinanukala niyang by- pass road patungo sa Kennon road at hindi sa ipinanukalang linkage na susulpot sa diversion road ng Palispis-Aspiras highway.
Ayon kay Vergara, ito ay resulta ng pagsusuri ng Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) sa layuning mapaikli ang oras ng paglalakbay ng mga sasakyang magtutungo sa lalawigan ng Benguet at lungsod ng Baguio.
Makakasama niya sa isasagawang inspection sina 5th district Pangasinan Congressman Mark Cojuangco, Congressman Ortega ng La Union, at mga kinatawan ng DPWH.
Samantala, mariing itinanggi ni Vergara na may nagaganap na treasure hunting sa Rose garden kasabay ng ginagawang rehabilitasyon sa nasabing lugar.
Sinabi pa niya na ang ginagawang paghuhukay ay bahagi ng total rehabilitasyion ng parke na nagkakahalaga ng P20 milyon.
Matatandaan na pinuna ng ilang indibidual ang nagaganap na excavation at ang paglalagay ng mataas na bakod sa parke. (JDP/MC-PIA CAR)
Category:
Baguio City
Dinky Soliman, Kris Aquino launch supplementary feeding program in Baguio
By Lito Dar
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman and presidential sister, Kris Aquino, led the launching of government’s Supplementary Feeding Program here at the Elpidio Quirino Elementary School at Barangay Irisan, Friday.
Soliman said that the nationwide launching of the Supplementary Feeding Program is a very important ativity as it aims to address the concerns of children in terms of nutrition and the issue on hunger.
According to Soliman, President Benigno Aquino III, along with his cabinet members strongly believe that ensuring the future of the children in terms of health, nutrition and education, is a very important aspect of development.
The government’s supplementary feeding program aims to provide nutritious food to children in 43,093 local government units (LGUs)–run day care centers nationwide.
In Cordillera, DSWD has a regional budget of over P78.6 million which is set to benefit 43,093 preschoolers in 2,040 day care centers all over the region.
In Baguio, the program will benefit 3,908 preschoolers in 102 day care centers in the different barangays here in the city.
Under the program, children will be given hot and nutritious meals during the five school days in a week for 120 days. The parents of these day care children will also be the ones to manage the feeding program based on a prepared meal cycle recommended by the Food Nutrition and Research Institute (INRI) using available indigenous food ingredients.
In addition, the children will also undergo deworming and be given micro-nutrient supplementation in coordination with barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholar.
During the same event, Kris donated school supplies to 700 kindergarten and grades one, two, and three pupils from three public schools in the area, namely Elpidio Quirino Elementary school, Irisan Primary School, and San Carlos Heights Elementary School.
A total of 114 of the 700 pupils that were given school supplies are also beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. *(JDP/LD-PIA CAR)
Category:
Baguio City
Posted on | Friday 17 June 2011 | No Comments
A THIRD stab at Cordillera regional autonomy appears to have gained a favorable head start for the upland territory. However, the enthusiasm of autonomy advocates, particularly among provincial and city leaders, may be damped by certain developments concerning Cordilleran's themselves on the issue of regional autonomy as well what position the national leadership may take on the renewed drive for autonomy.
Last Tuesday, May 31, political leaders of the six provinces and two cities of the Cordilleras were upbeat on the chances for success of the new campaign for regional autonomy. Attending a regional assembly in the city precisely to get a feel of the final draft for a proposed organic act for regional autonomy, advocates for Cordillera autonomy see better chance for the eventual approval of the move.
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In the past, Cordillera voters came up with a strong rejection of regional autonomy. In 1990, the plebiscite on regional autonomy through RA 6766 was rejected with only the Province of Ifugao voting in the affirmative. Again, in 1998, a similar plebiscite on RA 8438 likewise met with defeat with only the Province of Apayao voting in favor.
For now, the general public is still in the dark on what the draft organic act contains. This could be another disaster in the making if insufficient or, worse, if the voters are not able to see and appreciate what's in the new organic act. In fact, no less than Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogon stressed the need for a resounding citizen endorsement of the draft organic act before its finalization and being forwarded to Congress for corresponding action.
Even now, copies of the draft organic act should be in the printing process and immediately distributed to the regional voters where they can get a closer and better feel of Cordillera autonomy, possibly on its advantages in the end. This week, media practitioners in Baguio say they have to get hold of a copy of the draft organic act.
Another roadblock which could derail the renewed drive for regional autonomy is on what to expect from the national leadership in this regard. It is well known and publicized that Malacañang is pushing for the cancellation of the forthcoming election for officials of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm). Will the Cordillera region get an endorsement for regional autonomy when in fact it is opposed to new elections for Armm officials? No less than Domogan himself told local newsmen that the President is "cool" to Cordillera autonomy so far. Domogan said the President may look more kindly to Cordillera autonomy if strong public clamor among Cordillerans will support the move. Although the Cordilleras together with Muslim Mindanao in the 1986 Constitution have been mandated to be the two autonomous regions of the country, the postponement of the Armm elections, if it finally materialized, may not prove to be encouraging for Cordillera autonomy as well. At this writing the Senate will still have to act on Malacañang's proposal for postponing the Armm polls. The fly in the ointment in this regard is the position taken by the Senate committee on local governments chaired by Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which is opposed to the postponement of the forthcoming Armm election.
With these, it falls in waiting for Cordillera autonomy. It seems there is not much to celebrate really as far as Cordillera autonomy is concerned. Cordillerans have got to really work harder and in a more cohesive way for President Noy to take note and extend his blessings to the project. And this could only be attained a resounding endorsement for regional autonomy by the Cordillerans themselves, not by a few placed local and regional political leaders
System set for 6th Organic Agriculture Congress
Posted on | Thursday 16 June 2011 | No Comments
by Susan AroLA TRINIDAD, Benguet, June 16 (PIA) -- It’s all systems go for the 6th Cordillera Organic Agriculture Congress focusing on the status and current efforts in organic agriculture in the region.
Through the years, organically-grown crops and livestock production have been gaining grounds with the upsurge demand of health conscious consumers.
Expected to attend the two-day congress from July 1-2 are representatives from local government units, regional line agencies, non-government organizations, organic practitioners and advocates, academe, consumers.
Department of Agriculture–Cordillera newly installed Director Marilyn Santa Catalina will serve as keynote speaker of the congress to be held at the Benguet State University.
There will be plenary sessions with paper presentations by BSU on its organic programs and accomplishments.
As can be recalled, the demo farm of BSU was certified producer of organic herbs, vegetables, and fruits. It was issued a certification last year with a life span of one year by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines.
Success stories of organic farmers will also be showcased. Members of the BSU Internal Guarantee System, and the La Trinidad Organic Practitioners will give their testimonies.
Updates on Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 and its Internal Rules and Regulations, updates on the results OCCP consultation, organic crop production, and organic livestock will likewise be presented.
Field exposure and dialogue with organic farmers will take place on the second day at the BSU organic farm, Master’s Garden, and Organic Coffee Processing at Ampasit.
The roadmap of organic agriculture in the Cordillera will also be presented. Resolutions which underscore the strengthening of organic agriculture in the region will also be presented for consideration and appropriate action during the occasion.
Awards will also be given to institutions and individuals who had contributed in the development of organic agriculture in the region. *(JDP/SCA - PIA CAR, Benguet)
Category:
Benguet
Abra PNP bares top 100 most wanted persons
by Maritess B. BeñasBANGUED, Abra - The Provincial Police Office here recently released the names of the top 100 most wanted persons in the province in an effort to solve the increasing rate of crime incidence in the area.
Almost all the wanted persons in the list are either charged or convicted of murder. With these people freely roaming around, they pose threat to the peace and security of the people. Worse, these could be tapped as hired criminals especially by people who want to sow terror in the province or by people who want to avenge their family members who are victims of violence and criminality, the police said.
Aside from baring the list of most wanted persons, provincial director PSSupt. Amando S. Lagiwid committed during the last quarterly meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council(PPOC) meeting the conduct of spot inspection of the dealers of arms and ammunitions in Bangued.
In his report on the result of the spot inspection of the two dealers in Bangued, PSI Angelito Dangli Jr., provincial information officer, said the two gun dealers had two violations - sale of PNP uniforms and the sale of M16 armalite rifles and other high power guns and ammunitions.
Under Republic Act 9516, private businesses are not allowed to sell and distribute firearms and ammunitions including all other paraphernalia of uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
It must be noted that PNP uniforms are exclusively procured, made, and distributed by the PNP alone and are not supposed to be sold elsewhere because of the high probability and tendency that these uniforms and other paraphernalia men in uniform often land in the hands of private, civilian people who are used as “gun for hire.”
Dangli said the PNP will file charges against the two dealers for violation of RA 9516. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR Abra)
Category:
Abra
206 police recruits take oath
LA TRINIDAD,- A total of 206 successful police recruits took their oath yesterday at the parade grounds of the Police Regional Office Cordillera at Camp Bado Dangwa, before Cordillera police regional director PCSupt. Villamor Bumanglag.The new PNP recruits, composed of 161 males and 45 females, are part of the PRO-COR Attrition Recruitment Program for 2011.
PRO-Cordillera was given a quota of 302 under the Police Officers 1 Recruitment Program-Attrition Quota. A total of 686 applicants were accepted; but in the end, only 206 applicants took the oath.
Bumanglag rallied the new recruits to carry their burden as it is a big challenge. It may be daunting but it’s simple to carry on - just follow orders.
The 206 newly appointed PO1s were turned over to the Cordillera Administrative Region Training Center where they will undergo further training. They will undergo the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) for six months then the Field Training Program (FTP) for another six months before the PNP recruits become permanent Police Officers 1 (PO1).
They will beef up the manpower complement of the PRO to further strengthen PNP capabilities.*(PROCOR/PIA CAR)
Category:
Benguet
Session Road, as busy as it has ever been
Posted on | Wednesday 15 June 2011 | No Comments
Session Road is the main thoroughfare of the city and the center of Baguio's commercial establishment. This is where you will find department stores, banks, movie houses, and bazaars. There are also some hotels, bakeries, restaurants, newspaper stands, bookstores, boutiques, cafes, and studios along Session Road.
Local residents, students in the different schools and universities in the city and visitors alike spend most of their free time just going up and down Session Road. It is a place to go window shopping, looking at people, or just taking a leisurely walk during a cool and quite afternoon or evening. Visitors should take note that residents of Baguio City are predominantly Catholics and when the Angelus (a Catholic devotion in honor of Annunciation and Incarnation) is supposed to be recited in the evening at 6:00 o'clock, a loud continuous siren is heard all over the city to remind everyone about it.
At Angelus time, all vehicles come to a full stop, even in the middle of the road. Similarly, pedestrians also stop and bow their heads in prayer and then greet each other "good evening" at the end of the siren. This custom is probably only unique in Baguio City and not similarly observed in other parts of the country.
Category:
Travel
Burnham Park
Burnham Park is centered around a man-made lake located at the heart of the city. It was named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham. The park is a favorite place of local residents and visitors alike. There are different facilities for recreation and relaxation that are available in the park. You can row a boat, have a picnic, attend an outdoor concert, watch a football game, go biking, or just take a leisurely stroll around the park.
At the southern end of the park is a circular skating rink where skates can be rented. There are also tennis and basketball courts, a few restaurants, outdoor kiosks, a children's playground, and an orchidarium where various kinds of plants, trees and flowers are sold. Chairs and benches are distributed around the park for those who just want to sit down and relax.
The football field at the eastern side of the park is sometimes used for parades, carnivals, concerts, political rallys, and for display booths during special events and activities. On certain Sundays and some special occasions, cadets of the Philippine Military Academy perform a parade and review or a silent drill exhibition at the field. Just after the big earthquake that hit the city in 1990, many of its residents fled their homes for fear of aftershocks and temporarily set camp in this field.
Burnham Park is an ideal place for taking photographs and a visitor should bring along a camera when going to the park. If in case you forget to bring a camera during your visit, there are commercial photographers in the park who can take your pictures. Pictures are usually delivered to you within just a few hours. It is best to determine and agree on the fee for the services of the photographer and the cost of the photographs before committing yourself to one.
Category:
Travel
Tam-awan Village-Showcase of living culture
The Tam-Awan Village is found in the northwestern part of the city. To find the village, proceed to Bokawkan Road which is behind Camp Allen, turn left at Ferguzon Road which leads to the Easter Weaving Room, and then right to Tacay Road which is an uphill climb. Upon reaching the top of the hill, take a right turn and this road will bring you to Tam-Awan Village. If you proceed further on, the road will take you to the town of La Trinidad.
As a former resident of Baguio, I didn't know about the Tam-Awan Village 'till my visit sometime in 1999. A friend of mine was kind enough to show me the place which I really appreciated. Seeing the Igorot huts reminded me a lot of a trip I took to Bontoc Province some decades back where I saw a number of Igorot homes in the different villages I visited. There are a number of Igorot huts within the village which will allow you to see how the homes of the mountain people really look like. You do get a chance to climb up the wooden ladder and see what is inside each hut. This will give you a chance to feel what it is like to be living in one of these huts. Since these huts were set up on different locations on a hillside, visitors have to climb up the steep pathways to go from one hut to another. For a lowlander who is not accustomed to Baguio's high elevation, it does get to be quite an exhilarating experience to visit the Tam-Awan village. One will surely find a need to rest at each hut just to catch a breathe before climbing further up.
If you do manage to climb up to the hut located at the highest point in the village, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the low-lying areas of La Union Province and also the Gulf of Lingayen which lie due west of Baguio. To be able to do this, be sure to time your ascent before the afternoon fog comes in, otherwise the scenic view will not be visible and all that you will see is the thick fog and the nearby pine tress.
The village has a main hut which serves as a store and an information office for visitors. There are a few native handicraft items that are sold aside from some books and publications about the Igorot people, their culture and traditions. You can also order a hot cup of native coffee which gets to be a welcome treat after completing a tour of the entire village, especially on a cold and rainy day.
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Travel