Cordillera trivia radio quiz this July
Posted on | Sunday, 7 July 2013 | No Comments
By Susan Aro
BAGUIO CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- A contest on Cordillera Trivia over Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) member stations in the city will be launched on July 8 in line with the 26th anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region this July.
The Cordillera trivia contest will run daily from July 8 – 27, 2013 except Sunday. Daily winners will receive a P100 cellphone load of their choice as prize.
For the contest mechanics, the participating stations will float one question per day and answers will be entertained thru text. For proper identification, contestants are required to indicate full name then their response. Text response format - Name space Response;
The first texter to give the correct answer will be declared the winner for the day.
The radio host will forward the name and cellphone number of the winner to the Philippine Information Agency regional office. Each winner will be called for validation. The prize will be forwarded to the winner thru text.
In a day, a texter who wins in a radio station cannot join the radio quiz in another station.
The trivia contest is a project under the Regional Development Council-Information Education and Communications Committee on Regional Development and Autonomy for the General Public spearheaded by PIA in coordination with the KBP. (PIA-CAR)
Unity Gong relay kicks off July 9
By Joseph Zambrano
BAGUIO CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- As part of the 26th anniversary celebration of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Unity Gong will go around the different provinces in the region next week.
With the gong as an inherent instrument practically in all the celebrations, rituals and gatherings of the Cordillera provinces, it is a fitting symbol of regional unity.
The Unity Gong relay will send-off at the Baguio City hall on July 9 with a ritual and “uggayam” by Mayor Maurico Domogan.
From Baguio, the team led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Cordillera Director Edilberto Carabbacan and chair of the Infrastructure and Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC), which is spearheading this year’s celebration, will bring the gong to Bontoc, Mountain Province and will be received by Gov. Leonard Mayaen.
On January 10, the caravan proceeds to Ifugao and newly elected governor Denis Habawel, will receive the Unity Gong in the capital town of Lagawe.
The following day, July 11, the Unity Gong will proceed to Tabuk, Kalinga and will be received by Gov. Jocel Baac.
On July 12, it will be in Apayao and Gov. Elias Bulut Jr. will receive it in Luna. On July 13 it will travel to Bangued, Abra and will be accommodated by Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin.
The concluding journey of the Unity Gong is in La Trinidad, Benguet. Gov. Nestor Fongwan will hand it over finally to the RDC on July 15, the Commemoration Day.
A symbolic tree planting within the provincial capitol grounds and signing of memorandum of agreement between the Department of Interior and Local Government-Cordillera and concerned local government units relative to Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG), Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) and other DILG implemented programs will be conducted as part of the turn-over program in all the provinces.
The theme of this year’s CAR Day commemoration is “Bridging ONE Green Cordillera”. ( JDP/JBZ- PIA-CAR)
Short film contest on Cordillera autonomy and development set
BAGUIO CITY, July 5(PIA)--The search is on for the best short films that highlight efforts for Cordillera autonomy and development.
The contest is open to amateur filmmakers who are willing to independently produce a short film focusing on the Cordillera Autonomy and Development (based on House Bill 5595/Senate Bill 3115) and how the two concepts apply to the day-to-day lives of the Cordillerans.
The contest has two categories: the Student Category and the Open Category. The Student Category is open to college students nationwide who may work individually or as a team. The Open Category is open to Cordillerans as defined in House Bill 5595 (to quote: “The term Cordilleran shall apply to all citizens of the Philippines who are domiciled within the territory of the Cordillera Autonomous Region”).
Film entries must be 5 to 7 minutes long. Entries exceeding 7 minutes will be disqualified.
Entries must be independently produced and must not contain clips or segments from copyrighted works.
Entries may be done in, but not limited to, the following formats: documentary, animation, short fictional film, or experimental.
Dialogue can be in Filipino, English, or any Cordilleran vernacular. Subtitle must be provided for entries whose dialogue is in Cordillera vernacular or dialect.
Interested applicants must submit the following: A) A DVD copy of their entry (one entry per disc for those who intend to submit multiple entries) in .AVI, .MOV, or .MP4 (highest resolution) format labeled with the film title, name/s of participant/s, address, email, and contact number/s. B) A printed copy of a narrative description or synopsis (2 to 3 sentences) of the film. C) Duly accomplished entry form.
Form for the open category can be downloaded athttp://www.scribd.com/doc/151818094/Cordillera-Autonomy-and-Development-Short-Film-Contest-Entry-Form-Open-Category and the student category at http://www.scribd.com/doc/151818646/Cordillera-Autonomy-and-Development-Short-Film-Contest-Entry-Form-Student-Category.
Deadline of submission of entries is on August 31, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
Participants may submit their entries either personally or through mail to the Philippine Information Agency - CAR office at Romulo Drive, Barangay Lualhati, Baguio City 2600.
Ten entries (five per category) will be shortlisted by a panel of judges. The shortlisted entries will be uploaded on YouTube and the Top 5 videos with the most “likes” and comments will be selected. Those found manipulating the "likes" based on applications and programs would be disqualified. The judges would then choose from the shortlist.
There will be one winning entry per category. Awarding of winners will be on October 2013.
Winning entries will be used for Cordillera Autonomy and Development IEC purposes.
For queries, interested participants may contact (074) 442-8240 or 09175088534 and look for Pryce E. Quintos.
For more information on Cordillera autonomy and development, visit http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/opinion/2012/05/11/dacawi-5-principles-autonomy-draft-221031.
The contest is a project under the Regional Development Council IEC on Regional Development and Autonomy for the General Public. (JDP/Pryce Quintos-PIA CAR)
Abra PNP bares top 100 most wanted persons
Posted on | Thursday, 16 June 2011 | No Comments
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
SSS issues revised guidelines in the installment payment scheme for employers
Posted on | Tuesday, 24 May 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra-The Social Security System (SSS) has recently issued a circular regarding the revised installment payment scheme for employers on delinquent payment of contributions and loan amortizations.
Abra SSS branch manager Benedicta Garcia, in an interview, explained that Circular No. 2011-002 series of 2011 pertains to the guidelines in the installment payment scheme for employers covering all employers
including household employers who are delinquent or has not remitted all contributions and salary/calamity loan amortizations for at least six months including penalties due and payable to the SSS.
Garcia said an employer shall be given 30 days upon receipt of the final demand letter to submit a proposal to settle its liabilities. Otherwise, the SSS shall file a case of non-remittance of SSS contribution and loan amortization against the employer.
For employers with pending collection cases, the SSS may still accept the proposal and the employer may move for the provisional dismissal of the case without objection from the SSS. However, in the event that the employer again fails to remit its full delinquency or defaults up to two monthly payments and/or non-payment of current contribution/salary/calamity loan amortizations, and/or non-compliance of any of the terms and conditions of the installment payment proposal, SSS may re-file the case against the employer.
The installment proposal shall be received and approved by the branch head subject to the following conditions: 1) the contribution delinquency shall be subject to the three percent penalty per month for late payment, the salary/calamity loan delinquency to the one percent penalty per month for late payment until full payment in accordance with the approved payment plan.
Second, the total delinquency shall be in accordance with the schedule of monthly installment such as: P2,000, payable in 24 months; for the total amount of delinquency of over P2,000 but not over P5,000, the maximum number of monthly installment is 36 months; and for those with total delinquency of over P5,000, the maximum number of monthly installments shall be 48 months.
Upon submission of the installment proposal, the employers shall be required to pay at least five percent of the total delinquency as down payment, she explained.
The approval of the installment proposal does not excuse the employer from remitting his current contributions and salary/calamity loan amortizations every month as they fall due.
With the availment of this scheme, the employers may restore their privilege of availing the short-term loans from the SSS. *(JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR, Abra)
BANGUED, Abra-The Social Security System (SSS) has recently issued a circular regarding the revised installment payment scheme for employers on delinquent payment of contributions and loan amortizations.
Abra SSS branch manager Benedicta Garcia, in an interview, explained that Circular No. 2011-002 series of 2011 pertains to the guidelines in the installment payment scheme for employers covering all employers
including household employers who are delinquent or has not remitted all contributions and salary/calamity loan amortizations for at least six months including penalties due and payable to the SSS.
Garcia said an employer shall be given 30 days upon receipt of the final demand letter to submit a proposal to settle its liabilities. Otherwise, the SSS shall file a case of non-remittance of SSS contribution and loan amortization against the employer.
For employers with pending collection cases, the SSS may still accept the proposal and the employer may move for the provisional dismissal of the case without objection from the SSS. However, in the event that the employer again fails to remit its full delinquency or defaults up to two monthly payments and/or non-payment of current contribution/salary/calamity loan amortizations, and/or non-compliance of any of the terms and conditions of the installment payment proposal, SSS may re-file the case against the employer.
The installment proposal shall be received and approved by the branch head subject to the following conditions: 1) the contribution delinquency shall be subject to the three percent penalty per month for late payment, the salary/calamity loan delinquency to the one percent penalty per month for late payment until full payment in accordance with the approved payment plan.
Second, the total delinquency shall be in accordance with the schedule of monthly installment such as: P2,000, payable in 24 months; for the total amount of delinquency of over P2,000 but not over P5,000, the maximum number of monthly installment is 36 months; and for those with total delinquency of over P5,000, the maximum number of monthly installments shall be 48 months.
Upon submission of the installment proposal, the employers shall be required to pay at least five percent of the total delinquency as down payment, she explained.
The approval of the installment proposal does not excuse the employer from remitting his current contributions and salary/calamity loan amortizations every month as they fall due.
With the availment of this scheme, the employers may restore their privilege of availing the short-term loans from the SSS. *(JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR, Abra)
Category:
Abra
June 30, deadline for delinquent loans condonation -- SSS
Posted on | Monday, 16 May 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra-Social Security System (SSS) members with delinquent loans are reminded to settle their arrears on or before June 30, 2011, the period within which the penalties of delinquent loans are condoned.
Abra SSS Branch manager . Benedicta Garcia explained over the local radio here that the loans covered by the special program are the short-term loans such as salary loans.
However, only the penalties are condoned. The principal of the loans are still subject to repayment.
Garcia enjoined SSS members with applicable loans to take advantage of this rare opportunity because such programs usually come only after every 10 years and there is even no assurance that it will be implemented again.
She stressed that unsettled loans continue to accumulate interests. She cited the possibility that when retirement age comes, the accumulated interests on their delinquent loans might even become more than the total amount that is due them upon retirement.
Garcia likewise clarified that this special program on penalty condonation is only for employees and does not cover the self-employed and voluntary members.
It can recalled that there had been a similar program for the self-employed and voluntary members in the past year. Those who failed to avail of the program especially implemented for them can no longer avail of the penalty condonation.
Garcia suggested that since the interests on their loans continue to accumulate, they start paying their loan amortizations now. She further advised the members concerned to consult the SSS office and make arrangements to facilitate their repayments. *(JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR,Abra)
BANGUED, Abra-Social Security System (SSS) members with delinquent loans are reminded to settle their arrears on or before June 30, 2011, the period within which the penalties of delinquent loans are condoned.
Abra SSS Branch manager . Benedicta Garcia explained over the local radio here that the loans covered by the special program are the short-term loans such as salary loans.
However, only the penalties are condoned. The principal of the loans are still subject to repayment.
Garcia enjoined SSS members with applicable loans to take advantage of this rare opportunity because such programs usually come only after every 10 years and there is even no assurance that it will be implemented again.
She stressed that unsettled loans continue to accumulate interests. She cited the possibility that when retirement age comes, the accumulated interests on their delinquent loans might even become more than the total amount that is due them upon retirement.
Garcia likewise clarified that this special program on penalty condonation is only for employees and does not cover the self-employed and voluntary members.
It can recalled that there had been a similar program for the self-employed and voluntary members in the past year. Those who failed to avail of the program especially implemented for them can no longer avail of the penalty condonation.
Garcia suggested that since the interests on their loans continue to accumulate, they start paying their loan amortizations now. She further advised the members concerned to consult the SSS office and make arrangements to facilitate their repayments. *(JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR,Abra)
Category:
Abra
Abra High School opens annex to decongest the main campus
Posted on | Tuesday, 10 May 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B.Beñas
BANGUED, Abra,- Another extension of the Abra High School, the province’s primary national high school, will be opened this school year in order to decongest the main campus in located within the Bangued town proper
Provincial Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin reported that repairs and expansion of facilities are now underway in the Calot Elementary School to accommodate the students who are interested to go to Brgy. Calot, Bangued for their secondary education.
The Abra High School (AHS) had earlier established its first extension in Brgy. Mudeng, La Paz. The establishment of the extension in La Paz was then inspired by the great number of students coming from La Paz and its neighboring towns and barangays of Bangued located across the Abra River which had become isolated during the rainy season.
As of the last school year, AHS Main Campus in Bangued had more than 2,400 students while the Mudeng Campus had more than 500 students.
With the increasing number of prospective enrollees in the main campus, given the limited number of classrooms and area for possible expansion, the AHS is constrained to establish additional extension. Brgy. Calot was specifically identified as a conspicuous place as it would cater to the needs of the people in the southern part of Bangued which are very far from the main campus.
Meanwhile, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent concurrent Principal of the AHS, Mr. Francis Cesar Bringas, clarified queries from the public regarding the schedule of enrolment in the AHS. He said old students are already considered enrolled though they still need to confirm their enrolment for this coming school year.
Incoming first year students, on the other hand, will start their enrolment on May 23 until the opening of classes in June. The students should be accompanied by their parents to be able to participate in the Brigada Eskwela which is the clean-up activities in the public schools.
Bringas further explained that even if the incoming first year students have earlier registered last January, 2011, they still need to confirm their enrolment. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR,Abra)
BANGUED, Abra,- Another extension of the Abra High School, the province’s primary national high school, will be opened this school year in order to decongest the main campus in located within the Bangued town proper
Provincial Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin reported that repairs and expansion of facilities are now underway in the Calot Elementary School to accommodate the students who are interested to go to Brgy. Calot, Bangued for their secondary education.
The Abra High School (AHS) had earlier established its first extension in Brgy. Mudeng, La Paz. The establishment of the extension in La Paz was then inspired by the great number of students coming from La Paz and its neighboring towns and barangays of Bangued located across the Abra River which had become isolated during the rainy season.
As of the last school year, AHS Main Campus in Bangued had more than 2,400 students while the Mudeng Campus had more than 500 students.
With the increasing number of prospective enrollees in the main campus, given the limited number of classrooms and area for possible expansion, the AHS is constrained to establish additional extension. Brgy. Calot was specifically identified as a conspicuous place as it would cater to the needs of the people in the southern part of Bangued which are very far from the main campus.
Meanwhile, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent concurrent Principal of the AHS, Mr. Francis Cesar Bringas, clarified queries from the public regarding the schedule of enrolment in the AHS. He said old students are already considered enrolled though they still need to confirm their enrolment for this coming school year.
Incoming first year students, on the other hand, will start their enrolment on May 23 until the opening of classes in June. The students should be accompanied by their parents to be able to participate in the Brigada Eskwela which is the clean-up activities in the public schools.
Bringas further explained that even if the incoming first year students have earlier registered last January, 2011, they still need to confirm their enrolment. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR,Abra)
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Abra
Abra job seekers invited to apply in May 18-19 jobs fair
Posted on | Sunday, 8 May 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra- The Provincial Jobs Fair Committee is inviting job seekers to the jobs fair to be conducted on May 18 – 19 at the provincial capitol here.
This annual job fair is a project of the provincial government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other partner-agencies.
Employers both from private business firms and institutions and recruitment agencies for overseas employment will offer employment opportunities during the jobs fair. Some may even hire applicants on the spot.
Relative to this, DOLE provincial head Dr. Emerito Narag reminded the job applicants to bring along with them all their requirements such as bio-data, Certificate of Employment, authenticated birth certificate from the National Statistics Office, and 2 x 2 ID pictures.
Last year, 14 applicants who registered in the jobs fair were deployed in local establishments while 20 were assisted for overseas deployment, according to Constancia Trongco, officer-in-charge of the Abra provincial PESO.
Meanwhile, the commitment of Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin to support interested and qualified skilled workers to work abroad still holds. Although the jobs fair committee had not formulated the guidelines for the implementation of the plan for the provincial government to provide financial assistance for qualified workers who need money especially for their placement fees, the Governor still helped those who sought his assistance.
Bersamin moved that a proposal be prepared and submitted for regular funding by the provincial government through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in order to have a ready financial assistance for those in need. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR,Abra)
BANGUED, Abra- The Provincial Jobs Fair Committee is inviting job seekers to the jobs fair to be conducted on May 18 – 19 at the provincial capitol here.
This annual job fair is a project of the provincial government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other partner-agencies.
Employers both from private business firms and institutions and recruitment agencies for overseas employment will offer employment opportunities during the jobs fair. Some may even hire applicants on the spot.
Relative to this, DOLE provincial head Dr. Emerito Narag reminded the job applicants to bring along with them all their requirements such as bio-data, Certificate of Employment, authenticated birth certificate from the National Statistics Office, and 2 x 2 ID pictures.
Last year, 14 applicants who registered in the jobs fair were deployed in local establishments while 20 were assisted for overseas deployment, according to Constancia Trongco, officer-in-charge of the Abra provincial PESO.
Meanwhile, the commitment of Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin to support interested and qualified skilled workers to work abroad still holds. Although the jobs fair committee had not formulated the guidelines for the implementation of the plan for the provincial government to provide financial assistance for qualified workers who need money especially for their placement fees, the Governor still helped those who sought his assistance.
Bersamin moved that a proposal be prepared and submitted for regular funding by the provincial government through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in order to have a ready financial assistance for those in need. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR,Abra)
Category:
Abra
P11 M from tobacco taxes poured into farm-to-market roads
Posted on | Friday, 6 May 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra - Farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in this capital town will be made all-weather lanes with the allocation of P11 million from the 2010 congressional shares of Abra representative Ma. Jocelyn V. Bernos from Republic Act 7171 Funds or the Tobacco Excise Tax.
In an interview with assistant provincial engineer Paterno Bernal, the amount of P11,148,170 had been allocated by the office of representative Bernos and released to the provincial government for implementation.
Bulk of the fund, a total of P8.6 M will be utilized for the concreting of 19 segments of FMRs in 16 barangays or a total stretch of 1,477 meter-road network at intermittent sections in order to make an all-weather road connection from the barangays to the capital town.
The amount of P2.5 M will be used to make the concrete covers of canals in barangays Zones 5 and 6 in the heart of the town to ensure the health and sanitation as well as the road worthiness in the area..
Bernos explained that priority has been given to these farming barangays where agricultural produce need to be transported to the market. She gave assurance that other barangays will benefit from next year’s funds.
The projects will be implemented under the administration and supervision of the Provincial Engineer’s Office. (JDP/MTBB-PIA CAR,Abra)
Category:
Abra
DILG now accepting nominations to One Town One Scholar Program
Posted on | Thursday, 28 April 2011 | No Comments
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)
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)
Category:
Abra
P38.3M allotted for road-building projects in Abra
Posted on | Monday, 25 April 2011 | No Comments
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)
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)
Category:
Abra
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)
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)
Category:
Abra
Police trains women cops on gender issues, program
Posted on | Tuesday, 19 April 2011 | No Comments
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)
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Abra
Assistance Program benefits 540 Abreñan students
Posted on | Friday, 8 April 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra–A total of 184 students in the province received their scholarship benefits from the office of Congresswoman Ma. Jocelyn V. Bernos last April 4 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall.
These students make up the second batch of scholarship grantees of the Joy – Educational Assistance Program (Joy-EAP) for the second semester of the school year 2010-2011 which a total of 540 scholars.
The scholarship program is coined after the nickname of the Congresswoman, Joy. It is granted to poor but deserving students to pursue their college education.
Joy-EAP is implemented through the office of the National Commission on the Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Abra headed by lawyer Russel Bragas.
The Joy-EAP is granted to all interested Abreñan students regardless of their ethnic origin – Ilocanos and Tingguians alike, unlike in the past years when NCIP scholarship was exclusively given to Tingguian students.
The scholars are required to present their enrolment form and a certification from the barangay captain that they are residents of said barangay.
Scholars will study in the province regardless of the school where they enroll and the course they take up.
In an interview with the congresswoman, she bared said that there is now a scholarship program from the Department of Agriculture (DA) which is open to all fresh graduates in high school.
Scholars under the DA scholarship program may enroll at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna or at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in La Union or at any agricultural college or university provided the student is willing to take up an agricultural course.
Interested applicants to the DA scholarship program may visit the district office of Congresswoman Bernos at the ground floor of the provincial capitol in Bangued. *(MBB-PIA CAR/Abra)
Category:
Abra
DepEd-Abra to teachers: Benefits ready for release; Observe austerity on graduation ceremonies
Posted on | Monday, 4 April 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra, – The Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Abra had issued its official statement clarifying various issues affecting the public school teachers in the province.
Schools Division Assistant Superintendent Francis Cesar Bringas, in a radio interview assured the public schools teachers that their benefits are now ready for release.
The clarification came as a response to text messages received by local radio commentators here regarding the payment of the differentials of teachers on their salary step increments.
Bringas said the payments are now ready for release. However, he explained and appealed for the understanding and patience of the teachers because the payments will not be released to all the districts at the same time because the accounting department of the Division Office cannot do the task for all the districts at one time.
The office has to schedule the releases per district, although Bringas assured the teachers that the papers have all been processed and are now ready for signing by the officials concerned.
The Assistant Superintendent likewise clarified the issue on the release of the uniform allowances of the public school teachers. He said the national uniform is distributed by the DepEd central office because there is only one distributor for the uniform throughout the country. The regional uniform is being handled by the Cordillera Regional Office as agreed upon among all the provinces.
It is only the division uniform that Division Office can dispose according to the agreements among the teachers themselves within the division level.
Aside from the issues affecting the teachers, Bringas also clarified the issues regarding graduation expenses of students and pupils. He reiterated that whatever contributions relative to enrolment and graduation expenses or whatever affairs the public schools have to undertake, must be determined and agreed upon during the meeting of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of the schools.
Bringas emphasized that the PTA should observe austerity always taking into consideration the capacity of the families to pay whatever contributions or expenses they have to shoulder. *(PIA CAR/Abra)
BANGUED, Abra, – The Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Abra had issued its official statement clarifying various issues affecting the public school teachers in the province.
Schools Division Assistant Superintendent Francis Cesar Bringas, in a radio interview assured the public schools teachers that their benefits are now ready for release.
The clarification came as a response to text messages received by local radio commentators here regarding the payment of the differentials of teachers on their salary step increments.
Bringas said the payments are now ready for release. However, he explained and appealed for the understanding and patience of the teachers because the payments will not be released to all the districts at the same time because the accounting department of the Division Office cannot do the task for all the districts at one time.
The office has to schedule the releases per district, although Bringas assured the teachers that the papers have all been processed and are now ready for signing by the officials concerned.
The Assistant Superintendent likewise clarified the issue on the release of the uniform allowances of the public school teachers. He said the national uniform is distributed by the DepEd central office because there is only one distributor for the uniform throughout the country. The regional uniform is being handled by the Cordillera Regional Office as agreed upon among all the provinces.
It is only the division uniform that Division Office can dispose according to the agreements among the teachers themselves within the division level.
Aside from the issues affecting the teachers, Bringas also clarified the issues regarding graduation expenses of students and pupils. He reiterated that whatever contributions relative to enrolment and graduation expenses or whatever affairs the public schools have to undertake, must be determined and agreed upon during the meeting of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of the schools.
Bringas emphasized that the PTA should observe austerity always taking into consideration the capacity of the families to pay whatever contributions or expenses they have to shoulder. *(PIA CAR/Abra)
Category:
Abra
Dolores, Abra to hold first “Sakuting’ Festival on May 5- 7
by Lito Dar
After the successful staging of the first ‘Miki’ festival in Bangued, the municipality of Dolores will be bringing in the second town festival of Abra with its first ‘Sakuting’ festival scheduled on May 5 to 7.
In a Kapihan forum Thursday at the Department of Tourism (DOT-CAR) Regional Office, Dolores Mayor Robert Victor Seares Jr. personally headed a team to promote their first ‘Sakuting’ festival to the city of Baguio and the rest of the Cordillera.
According to Seares, the quiet town of Dolores, which is 20 minutes drive from the capital town of Bangued, is a fifth town municipality with 15 barangays, a population of about 11,000 and whose primary source of income is agriculture.
Seares stressed that through the Sakuting festival, they hope to promote the tourism sector of town which also has other key scenic places likes caves and an underground river to offer visitors and tourists. “From the Poblacion, our underground river is just 30 minutes away,” Seares said.
Meantime, Festival Coordinator and consultant Ian Alcanzaren Jr, who is one of the minds behind Bangued’s Miki Festival, explained that ‘Sakuting’ is a dance which basically originated in Dolores. “It was originally an all-male dance performance presenting a mock fight between Ilocano Christians and non-christians using sticks,” Alcanzaren said.
“Through the Sakuting, which is traditionally performed during Christmas at the town plaza or throughout the town, we also hope to build up and nourish the great cohesion and strengthen the relationship among the people of Dolores,” Alcanzaren added.
The Sakuting festival, with its theme, ‘Solidarity is the foundation of a strong community’ also aims to promote and modify various approach of dancing the ‘Sakuting’ and through the said dance, which by tradition underlies the sense of unity, cooperation and involvement, also hope to renew the spirit of Bayanihan among Ilocanos.
The Sakuting Festival will kick-off on April 15 with the highlights to be celebrated on May 5 to 7. Scheduled activities include: sports competitions, the Search for Ms. Dolores, local product booths, civic parades, cooking competition, the ‘Dolores got Talent’ competition, and a ‘Karambola (cockfight), among others.
On May 7, there will be a Eucharistic celebration and a grand parade which will be highlighted with a
‘Sakuting’ street dancing and dance showdown, in the morning and to be followed by a barangay night with a ballroom dance competition. (PIA CAR)
After the successful staging of the first ‘Miki’ festival in Bangued, the municipality of Dolores will be bringing in the second town festival of Abra with its first ‘Sakuting’ festival scheduled on May 5 to 7.
In a Kapihan forum Thursday at the Department of Tourism (DOT-CAR) Regional Office, Dolores Mayor Robert Victor Seares Jr. personally headed a team to promote their first ‘Sakuting’ festival to the city of Baguio and the rest of the Cordillera.
According to Seares, the quiet town of Dolores, which is 20 minutes drive from the capital town of Bangued, is a fifth town municipality with 15 barangays, a population of about 11,000 and whose primary source of income is agriculture.
Seares stressed that through the Sakuting festival, they hope to promote the tourism sector of town which also has other key scenic places likes caves and an underground river to offer visitors and tourists. “From the Poblacion, our underground river is just 30 minutes away,” Seares said.
Meantime, Festival Coordinator and consultant Ian Alcanzaren Jr, who is one of the minds behind Bangued’s Miki Festival, explained that ‘Sakuting’ is a dance which basically originated in Dolores. “It was originally an all-male dance performance presenting a mock fight between Ilocano Christians and non-christians using sticks,” Alcanzaren said.
“Through the Sakuting, which is traditionally performed during Christmas at the town plaza or throughout the town, we also hope to build up and nourish the great cohesion and strengthen the relationship among the people of Dolores,” Alcanzaren added.
The Sakuting festival, with its theme, ‘Solidarity is the foundation of a strong community’ also aims to promote and modify various approach of dancing the ‘Sakuting’ and through the said dance, which by tradition underlies the sense of unity, cooperation and involvement, also hope to renew the spirit of Bayanihan among Ilocanos.
The Sakuting Festival will kick-off on April 15 with the highlights to be celebrated on May 5 to 7. Scheduled activities include: sports competitions, the Search for Ms. Dolores, local product booths, civic parades, cooking competition, the ‘Dolores got Talent’ competition, and a ‘Karambola (cockfight), among others.
On May 7, there will be a Eucharistic celebration and a grand parade which will be highlighted with a
‘Sakuting’ street dancing and dance showdown, in the morning and to be followed by a barangay night with a ballroom dance competition. (PIA CAR)
Category:
Abra
Abra Dads to Boliney, Manabo people: Refrain from violence, trust us
Posted on | Sunday, 3 April 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra, -- After a series of failed closed-door negotiations between the tribal leaders of the municipalities of Manabo and Boliney regarding their boundary dispute, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) en banc met last week to deliberate the issue.
SP presiding officer Vice Governor Rolando Somera appealed to the people of both municipalities to keep their cool since they have sought their intervention to resolve their problem on their boundaries.
The area being disputed involves an approximate 483 square hectares which is considered a hot item because of the presence of mining prospects there.
Meanwhile, Atty. Allen Brix Bachiller, chairman of the SP Committee on Rules, emphasized to the leaders of both towns to submit to the provincial board the needed documents as per ruling of the Supreme Court.
These documents which should be submitted to aid the SP members in resolving the conflict include; map of the municipality and the barangay concerned verified by the Land Management Bureau; Certificate of Territorial Jurisdiction of the municipality under dispute by the Assessor’s Office of each of the local government units (LGU); and a technical description of the boundaries of both LGUs.
The SP had set a schedule for each of the parties to present their evidences of ownership on the disputed area. During the SP regular session on April 5, Manabo will present their documents while the following regular session on April 12 will be Boliney’s turn.
Both parties will have their hearing on April 19 after the presentation of all their documents.
Bachiller reiterated the appeal of the provincial board that the tribes refrain from committing any form of violence while the process is on-going and put their trust in the SP since they have already committed to help them resolve their conflict. *(PIA CAR/Abra)
BANGUED, Abra, -- After a series of failed closed-door negotiations between the tribal leaders of the municipalities of Manabo and Boliney regarding their boundary dispute, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) en banc met last week to deliberate the issue.
SP presiding officer Vice Governor Rolando Somera appealed to the people of both municipalities to keep their cool since they have sought their intervention to resolve their problem on their boundaries.
The area being disputed involves an approximate 483 square hectares which is considered a hot item because of the presence of mining prospects there.
Meanwhile, Atty. Allen Brix Bachiller, chairman of the SP Committee on Rules, emphasized to the leaders of both towns to submit to the provincial board the needed documents as per ruling of the Supreme Court.
These documents which should be submitted to aid the SP members in resolving the conflict include; map of the municipality and the barangay concerned verified by the Land Management Bureau; Certificate of Territorial Jurisdiction of the municipality under dispute by the Assessor’s Office of each of the local government units (LGU); and a technical description of the boundaries of both LGUs.
The SP had set a schedule for each of the parties to present their evidences of ownership on the disputed area. During the SP regular session on April 5, Manabo will present their documents while the following regular session on April 12 will be Boliney’s turn.
Both parties will have their hearing on April 19 after the presentation of all their documents.
Bachiller reiterated the appeal of the provincial board that the tribes refrain from committing any form of violence while the process is on-going and put their trust in the SP since they have already committed to help them resolve their conflict. *(PIA CAR/Abra)
Category:
Abra
Abra stakeholders commit to advocate measles elimination
Posted on | Friday, 25 March 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra, Saturday March 26 – Various stakeholders had come together at a forum in the Provincial Capitol social hall on March 23 to commit themselves in the advocacy to eliminate measles in the province.
The Abra Provincial Health Office headed by Dr. Godofredo L. Gasa in collaboration with the Department of Health-Center for Health Development, Abra field office headed by Agnes P. Casia, convened an advocacy meeting regarding Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA).
During the activity, various local and national agencies signed their pledge of commitment to promote the advocacy on the said program.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DULG) committed to take charge of the conduct of information dissemination and distribution of flyers and streamers to the 303 barangays in the province.
The office of the vice governor assured the passage of a resolution for the executive order to support the program.
The Philippine National Police, on the other hand, will provide security during the motorcade which will serve as the kick-off activity on April 4 when the vaccination starts.
The media, both private and the government media, will provide full coverage in both print and broadcast, of all the activities relative to the program.
As an initial output, the Philippine Information Agency had already started drumbeating the Information Education Campaign during its weekly program, the Hot PIA Info Link.
Aside from the print releases, Interpersonal Education Campaign (IEC) will be carried out in partnership with the various women organizations in the province, since PIA chairs the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) Provincial Federation in Abra and is conducting regular meetings with the municipal chapters throughout the province.
It can be noted that the health department had already conducted three successful nationwide campaigns since 1998. However, annual routine measles immunization coverage was sub-optimal with pockets of low coverage distributed all over the country that resulted to measles outbreaks that included Baguio City in 2010.
In Abra, there had been two laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in 2010. *(PIA CAR/ Abra)
BANGUED, Abra, Saturday March 26 – Various stakeholders had come together at a forum in the Provincial Capitol social hall on March 23 to commit themselves in the advocacy to eliminate measles in the province.
The Abra Provincial Health Office headed by Dr. Godofredo L. Gasa in collaboration with the Department of Health-Center for Health Development, Abra field office headed by Agnes P. Casia, convened an advocacy meeting regarding Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA).
During the activity, various local and national agencies signed their pledge of commitment to promote the advocacy on the said program.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DULG) committed to take charge of the conduct of information dissemination and distribution of flyers and streamers to the 303 barangays in the province.
The office of the vice governor assured the passage of a resolution for the executive order to support the program.
The Philippine National Police, on the other hand, will provide security during the motorcade which will serve as the kick-off activity on April 4 when the vaccination starts.
The media, both private and the government media, will provide full coverage in both print and broadcast, of all the activities relative to the program.
As an initial output, the Philippine Information Agency had already started drumbeating the Information Education Campaign during its weekly program, the Hot PIA Info Link.
Aside from the print releases, Interpersonal Education Campaign (IEC) will be carried out in partnership with the various women organizations in the province, since PIA chairs the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) Provincial Federation in Abra and is conducting regular meetings with the municipal chapters throughout the province.
It can be noted that the health department had already conducted three successful nationwide campaigns since 1998. However, annual routine measles immunization coverage was sub-optimal with pockets of low coverage distributed all over the country that resulted to measles outbreaks that included Baguio City in 2010.
In Abra, there had been two laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in 2010. *(PIA CAR/ Abra)
Category:
Abra
Abra PNP presents side on alleged failure to respond in shootout
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra, March 26 – The Abra Provincial Police Office (APPO) presented their side on their alleged failure to immediately respond to crimes particularly in the recent shootouts in this capital town which riled the people.
In a press conference over radio DZPA here, P/Supt. Johnny Bacbac, deputy provincial director for administration, challenged the citizens to come out and give their support to the PNP investigators in order for the PNP to be able to pursue cases and file charges in court against suspects and erring policemen.
People are apparently furious over the shootout last March 18 here that claimed the lives of Barangay Captain Loreto Barbosa of Taping, Dolores and Perry Carl V. Benedito, a first year high school student of the Divine Word College of Bangued.
Wounded in the same incident were Brgy. Kagawad Helen Bisquera and Jocelyn Masaoay.
The press conference was held on March 24, a day after the special meeting of the Abra Multi-Sectoral Group (AMSG) cum Peace Dialogue initiated by Bishop Leopoldo C. Jaucian, with the local officials led by Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin and Bangued Mayor Ryan S. Luna.
Abra Task Force Commander PSSupt. Robert Soriano informed the public during the said presscon that he had already sent his recommendation to the chief PNP director for the suspension of all permits to carry firearms. Latest APPO reports said there is now a suspect, but whose name is still withheld pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Meanwhile, the family of Benedito had aired their sentiments for the very slow process of investigation. Darwin Benedito who spoke in behalf of the family appealed to the provincial director of the APPO to give his order for the speedy investigation of the case, and to all the political leaders in Abra to please stop once and for all their “politicking activities” as the expense of the innocent citizens especially because in this particular crime incident, the most vulnerable sectors of society, women and children have become victims of political violence in Abra. *(PIA CAR/Abra)
BANGUED, Abra, March 26 – The Abra Provincial Police Office (APPO) presented their side on their alleged failure to immediately respond to crimes particularly in the recent shootouts in this capital town which riled the people.
In a press conference over radio DZPA here, P/Supt. Johnny Bacbac, deputy provincial director for administration, challenged the citizens to come out and give their support to the PNP investigators in order for the PNP to be able to pursue cases and file charges in court against suspects and erring policemen.
People are apparently furious over the shootout last March 18 here that claimed the lives of Barangay Captain Loreto Barbosa of Taping, Dolores and Perry Carl V. Benedito, a first year high school student of the Divine Word College of Bangued.
Wounded in the same incident were Brgy. Kagawad Helen Bisquera and Jocelyn Masaoay.
The press conference was held on March 24, a day after the special meeting of the Abra Multi-Sectoral Group (AMSG) cum Peace Dialogue initiated by Bishop Leopoldo C. Jaucian, with the local officials led by Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin and Bangued Mayor Ryan S. Luna.
Abra Task Force Commander PSSupt. Robert Soriano informed the public during the said presscon that he had already sent his recommendation to the chief PNP director for the suspension of all permits to carry firearms. Latest APPO reports said there is now a suspect, but whose name is still withheld pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Meanwhile, the family of Benedito had aired their sentiments for the very slow process of investigation. Darwin Benedito who spoke in behalf of the family appealed to the provincial director of the APPO to give his order for the speedy investigation of the case, and to all the political leaders in Abra to please stop once and for all their “politicking activities” as the expense of the innocent citizens especially because in this particular crime incident, the most vulnerable sectors of society, women and children have become victims of political violence in Abra. *(PIA CAR/Abra)
Category:
Abra
Bersamin endorses 2 major projects to energize off-grid areas
Posted on | Tuesday, 15 March 2011 | No Comments
by Maritess B. Beñas
BANGUED, Abra,Tuesday March 15 – Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin, endorsed two major projects of the Abra Electric Cooperative (ABRECO) for funding in order to energize the off-grid areas in the province.
These are the revival of the mini-hydro project in Daguioman municipality which had long hibernated due to various reasons, and the energization of the 12 sitios/villages in the different far-flung areas in Abra.
The endorsements for the said proposed projects were made separately to the concerned agencies. The funding requests for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and eventual operationalization of the mini-hydro power generation plant in Brgy. Ableg, Daguioman and was was addressed to the office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) through lawyer Russell A. Bragas, the provincial head.
Said endorsement was made in support of the local people’s manifesto and supported by the local legislators through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 1 series of 2011 and other related documents.
With the operation of the proposed mini-hydro project power generation plant, ABRECO will be spared from the high cost of electric power supply sourced from the National Grid Corporation.
The second project proposal was endorsed to the National Electrification Administration (NEA) through deputy administrator for Electric Distribution Utilities Services Edgardo R. Piamonte. The application specifically requested for a grant to ABRECO for the energization of several sitios in several barangays in the province that are still within the off-grid areas due to the vast resources required in the installation of extension lines.
General manager Loreto P. Seares Jr. expressed his gratefulness for the all-out support of Bersamin because it is the ultimate goal of ABRECO to pursue its rural electrification program to improve the service delivery system of the cooperative for the benefit of the rural people in the end.
Seares recognized the great help of the local leaders in attaining development most especially the chief executive of the province as he said, “Working hand-in-hand with the provincial government will surely benefit the people of Abra. Together we will make the difference and harmony will give us strength.” *(PIA CAR/Abra)
Category:
Abra