BSU obtains highest level performance by CHED
Posted on | Friday, 24 June 2011 | No Comments
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-The Benguet State University was accorded the highest category in the classification of state universities and colleges (SUCs) throughout the country in terms of its institutional performance.
BSU president Rogelio Colting said the institution was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as Level IV, which is the highest level, based on its performance in providing quality education and in compliance with the criteria set on the various aspects of tertiary education.
Level IV SUCs enjoy corresponding benefits and awards of grants and subsidies form CHED’s Higher Education Development Fund.
Such recognition gives inspiration to the people behind such as the faculty and staff and the university officials as well, said Colting.
Looking back from its humble beginnings, the institution was established by the Americans as the La Trinidad Agricultural School in 1916 . Through the years, the academic institution which has become a state university has been reaching the heights, so to speak, in terms of performance.
BSU is now at par with the other universities and colleges across regions. It is likewise recognized at the international level and is envisioned to become a key player institution in South East Asia, Colting said
BSU is celebrating its 95th Founding Anniversary as an institution from June 27 – July 2, 2011. * (JDP/SCA- PIA CAR,Benguet)
Category:
Benguet
Solon wants more grassroots consultations on autonomy
by Redjie Cawis
PUDTOL, Apayao- Apayao Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut – Begtang reiterated the need for consultations on the issues and concerns of the Cordillera Autonomy and the proposed third organic act so that people can decide well for the future of the region.
“I believe that for the proposal to prosper and finally get the nod of the majority, we must consider what our people need and want,” Begtang said.
Begtang was the keynote speaker during the Joint Provincial Development Council Meeting and the Cordillera Regional Autonomy Consultative Meeting conducted here last week.
“Through the conduct of consultative meetings such as this, we can avoid getting the blame from our people for not actively involving them in the decision-making process which greatly affects their lives,” Begtang said.
She pointed out that the acceptance of the proposal should not start and come alone from elected officials, rather it must start from the people.
The lawmaker added that opinions and sentiments of the people will be considered by the officials and from there, ‘”we can give further recommendations to the proper authorities. This way we can avoid the mistake of deciding for our people.”
Begtang appreciated the consultation meeting that was done in the municipality of Pudtol. This, she said , is one way of reaching out to the grassroots and not only to the provincial and city level.
She admitted that even after nine years of being the chief executive of the municipality of Calanasan, she is still in the dark of what autonomy has to offer especially to a province like Apayao but quickly gave the assurance that as an official of the province, she will actively help in the rigid campaign and information dissemination for her people to understand the Cordillera autonomy.
She also stressed that as the Representative of the province, the opinion and decision of the majority of the Apayaos and not her personal opinion, will be the bases of her decision to support or not to support autonomy for the Cordillera.* (JDP/RC-PIA CAR)
PUDTOL, Apayao- Apayao Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut – Begtang reiterated the need for consultations on the issues and concerns of the Cordillera Autonomy and the proposed third organic act so that people can decide well for the future of the region.
“I believe that for the proposal to prosper and finally get the nod of the majority, we must consider what our people need and want,” Begtang said.
Begtang was the keynote speaker during the Joint Provincial Development Council Meeting and the Cordillera Regional Autonomy Consultative Meeting conducted here last week.
“Through the conduct of consultative meetings such as this, we can avoid getting the blame from our people for not actively involving them in the decision-making process which greatly affects their lives,” Begtang said.
She pointed out that the acceptance of the proposal should not start and come alone from elected officials, rather it must start from the people.
The lawmaker added that opinions and sentiments of the people will be considered by the officials and from there, ‘”we can give further recommendations to the proper authorities. This way we can avoid the mistake of deciding for our people.”
Begtang appreciated the consultation meeting that was done in the municipality of Pudtol. This, she said , is one way of reaching out to the grassroots and not only to the provincial and city level.
She admitted that even after nine years of being the chief executive of the municipality of Calanasan, she is still in the dark of what autonomy has to offer especially to a province like Apayao but quickly gave the assurance that as an official of the province, she will actively help in the rigid campaign and information dissemination for her people to understand the Cordillera autonomy.
She also stressed that as the Representative of the province, the opinion and decision of the majority of the Apayaos and not her personal opinion, will be the bases of her decision to support or not to support autonomy for the Cordillera.* (JDP/RC-PIA CAR)
Category:
Apayao
Ifugao Disaster Council submits plan to SP for approval, budget allocation
by Dan B. Codamon
LAGAWE, Ifugao- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here recently submitted its Disaster Plan for the year 2011-2014 to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for approval and budget allocation.
This is in compliance with the mandate of Republic Act 10121 also known as “The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010” that says for local government units to develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive disaster plan that aims to strengthen their capacity to institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risk and enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities at all times.
The PDRRMC Plan is a mitigating and preparedness tool in dealing with the perceived consequences before and after a calamity strikes.
The Plan describes Ifugao as highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as tropical cyclones and complex weather systems as well as human-induced hazards resulting to landslides, mudslides, and flashfloods.
About 37 percent or 96,860 hectares of its land are severely prone to erosion and 19 percent or 48,893 hectares are moderately prone to erosion making more than half (56 percent) of the province land area as having problems on erosion.
The areas prone to eorsion are the municipalities of Aguinaldo,Mayoyao, Lagawe, Hingyon, Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan, Tinoc, and Lamut.
Many typhoons in the past years have brought damages to lives and properties in the province such as the landslide in 2008 during typhoon “Hana” which buried eight people alive in Pitawan, HIngyon and typhoon “Emong” in 2009 that killed 16 people, injured 19, and damaged properties, crops, and infrastructures worth millions of pesos.
Flood is not a major threat in Ifugao as it occurs only during heavy rains and are concentrated in rivers and in low base stream valleys; there is also flood as a result of local run-off of water coming from the surrounding higher landscape.
Municipalities prone to flooding include Aguinaldo, Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, and Alfonso Lista.
The PDRRMC Plan aims to reduce the occurrence of morbidity, mortality, and damage to property due to disaster and to ensure public safety and security.
It will try to sustain a zero death occurrence due to disaster; maintain zero incidence of water and environment-related disease; conduct regular information, education, and campaign to all stakeholders; implement projects that involve civil and military cooperation that builds trust and confidence and supportive of peace and order. It will also comply with building and fire prevention codes to secure properties.
Under the Plan, the implementation and management of disaster shall now be dealt in four phases - the first and second phases are considered pre-disaster phases better known as Mitigation and Preparedness which constitute mitigating disaster effects and preparing for the imminent onslaught of disaster which were not done in recent times.
The last phases are the more common and traditional Response and Rehabilitation where actions are executed during and after a calamity.
These will address the five major issues and concerns on the occurrence of injuries and deaths due to disaster, disruption of delivery of social services, increase morbidity on water and environment-related diseases, disruption of way of life due to arm conflict and increase damage to personal properties. *(JDP/DBC-PIA CAR,Ifugao)
LAGAWE, Ifugao- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here recently submitted its Disaster Plan for the year 2011-2014 to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for approval and budget allocation.
This is in compliance with the mandate of Republic Act 10121 also known as “The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010” that says for local government units to develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive disaster plan that aims to strengthen their capacity to institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risk and enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities at all times.
The PDRRMC Plan is a mitigating and preparedness tool in dealing with the perceived consequences before and after a calamity strikes.
The Plan describes Ifugao as highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as tropical cyclones and complex weather systems as well as human-induced hazards resulting to landslides, mudslides, and flashfloods.
About 37 percent or 96,860 hectares of its land are severely prone to erosion and 19 percent or 48,893 hectares are moderately prone to erosion making more than half (56 percent) of the province land area as having problems on erosion.
The areas prone to eorsion are the municipalities of Aguinaldo,Mayoyao, Lagawe, Hingyon, Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan, Tinoc, and Lamut.
Many typhoons in the past years have brought damages to lives and properties in the province such as the landslide in 2008 during typhoon “Hana” which buried eight people alive in Pitawan, HIngyon and typhoon “Emong” in 2009 that killed 16 people, injured 19, and damaged properties, crops, and infrastructures worth millions of pesos.
Flood is not a major threat in Ifugao as it occurs only during heavy rains and are concentrated in rivers and in low base stream valleys; there is also flood as a result of local run-off of water coming from the surrounding higher landscape.
Municipalities prone to flooding include Aguinaldo, Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, and Alfonso Lista.
The PDRRMC Plan aims to reduce the occurrence of morbidity, mortality, and damage to property due to disaster and to ensure public safety and security.
It will try to sustain a zero death occurrence due to disaster; maintain zero incidence of water and environment-related disease; conduct regular information, education, and campaign to all stakeholders; implement projects that involve civil and military cooperation that builds trust and confidence and supportive of peace and order. It will also comply with building and fire prevention codes to secure properties.
Under the Plan, the implementation and management of disaster shall now be dealt in four phases - the first and second phases are considered pre-disaster phases better known as Mitigation and Preparedness which constitute mitigating disaster effects and preparing for the imminent onslaught of disaster which were not done in recent times.
The last phases are the more common and traditional Response and Rehabilitation where actions are executed during and after a calamity.
These will address the five major issues and concerns on the occurrence of injuries and deaths due to disaster, disruption of delivery of social services, increase morbidity on water and environment-related diseases, disruption of way of life due to arm conflict and increase damage to personal properties. *(JDP/DBC-PIA CAR,Ifugao)
Category:
Ifugao
DOLE Cordillera has P355,000 for 'Balik Pinay' program
Posted on | Wednesday, 22 June 2011 | No Comments
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has an available P355,000 for the livelihood training of displaced women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
DOLE Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez said this is part of the nationwide reintegration program of at least two billion expatriates and those who decide not to go back to foreign countries to work.
He said the new program dubbed as "Balik Pinay" will assist interested women OFWs to develop their business and other skills for their respective livelihood in their own country.
The program was conceptualized after the recent First National Congress of OFWs where they addressed a manifesto to President Benigno Aquino III seeking the government's help in securing the future of displaced workers abroad.
According to Rodriguez, the identification of possible beneficiaries of the program will be done by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the training shall be done by the Technology Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (PNA)
LAP/FFC/AAG
Category:
Baguio City
Registration for 2011 DepEd - ALS Accreditation & Equivalency Test now open
by Lito Dar
Registration for the October 16 Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E) under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Division of the Department of Education (DepEd) is now open.
According to DepEd-CAR ALS division chief Dr. Gloria Felipe, registration for the October A&E Test opened on June 20 and will continue up to July 30. It is open to all elementary dropouts who are at least 11 years old on or before the testing date; secondary dropouts who are at least 15 years old on or before the testing date and out of school youths (OSYs), as well as adults who have not yet finished elementary or secondary education.
Felipe also affirmed that non-passers of previous ALS A&E test and learners or completers of ALS programs are also welcome to register for them to qualify for taking this year’s exam, provided that they are at least 11 years old and above – for the elementary level test and 15 years old and above – for the secondary level.
The ALS A&E is a certification of learning for OSYs and adults that is comparable to an elementary and secondary education of the formal school system. Elementary level A&E test passers will be given certification by DepEd and will be eligible for enrollment in high school education and at the same time Secondary Level A&E Test passers will be given certification by DepEd and will be eligible to enroll in any college course (given they pass the required entrance exams) or apply for work that requires a minimum requirement of high school diploma.
In 2010, DepEd-CAR got an ALS A&E passing rate of 30.29 percent or 8.94 percent improvement compared to that of 2009 wherein 55 examinees passed the elementary level exam and 1,169 passed the secondary level exam.
Designated registration and testing areas for the region include Abra National High School (HS) in Abra; Conner Central School, Sipa National HS – Santa Marcela and Pedro Bunot Central School – Calanasan, in Apayao; Lagawe Central School in Ifugao; Tabuk National HS in Kalinga; Mountain Province General Comprehensive HS in Bontoc; Quezon Elementary School in Baguio City, and Benguet National HS – La Trinidad, Loo National HS – Buguias in Benguet. A testing center will also be set up at the provincial jail in La Trinidad exclusively for inmates.
For more details and information, the public can call the DepEd-CAR ALS Division Office at tel. no. or visit the nearest DepEd or ALS Provincial offices in your respective areas. *(JDP/LD-PIA CAR)
Category:
Baguio City
PNoy hails Ifugao on its 45th anniversary
by Vency D. Bulayungan
LAGAWE, Ifugao -President Benigno Aquino III commended this province for preserving its rich culture and traditions.
Represented by Secretary Ronaldo Llamas of the Office of the Political Adviser, the President who was the invited guest of honor on 45th Foundation day of Ifugao last June 18, praised the efforts of the local government in ensuring that the people are rooted in their history as the province looks forward to the future.
“The Gotad ad Ifugao brings together the entire province, and even the entire nation, to celebrate and commemorate the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Ifugao,” Aquino said in his speech read by Llamas.
‘I congratulate you for leading the efforts towards the further development of the province; for continuing to honor your uniquely Ifugao identity while at the same time recognizing it as a channel towards greater progress for the rest of our countrymen; by turning the inherent talents of the Ifugaos into economic and cultural successes that can be appreciated by others,” he said.
Aquino appealed to the local leaders and the people here to continue on this road that will enable everyone to work together and achieve goals like the provision of social services to indigenous peoples and the protection of communities from developmental aggression and discrimination.
He made special mention of the Rice Terraces, which according to him always stands as a testament of the Ifugao’s hard work and ingenuity. “It stands as a unique symbol of what the Ifugao Province has to offer. Perhaps this is why we Filipinos consider it as our Eighth Wonder of the World as it was built by our people," he said.
The President further said that the rice terraces may well be the best example of what it means for humanity to work in communion with nature, which means working with what the world gives us, instead of destroying it.
He also appreciated other natural attractions in the province like the numerous caves, well preserved mountains/forests and the Magat Dam, the biggest in Southeast Asia. “Yours is a province that has been bestowed with an abundance of natural resources. It is only to be expected that these same resources have a prominent place in Ifugao culture,” he said.
In the same speech, Aquino disclosed that the culture of the province likewise provides not only spiritual, but also economic benefits to the region mentioning the weaving and wood carving industry of the Ifugaos which attracted tourists and enlivened the textile industry of the province and transformed the woodcarving into the province’s major industries with excellent examples finding their way into many homes in this country and even beyond our borders.
“Such industries speak of the ingenuity that is part of the identity of the Ifugao, an identity you can be proud of and in which many others are beginning to immerse themselves,” Aquino said.
He also challenged the present generation to take active part in preserving not only the natural resources of the province but also its culture and traditions.
The event was attended by local officials here led by Governor Eugene Balitang, Congressman Teddy Baguilat Jr, Vice Governor Pedro Mayam-o, board members the 11 mayors and other officials. *(JDP/VDB-PIA CAR, Ifugao)
Category:
Ifugao
Taba-ao Students’ Day: A vehicle to Excellence, Leadership and Camaraderie
Posted on | Tuesday, 21 June 2011 | 2 Comments
By Jun Pitas
Since this annual event came to life in our very small barangay Taba-ao in 2000, this has been the most prestigious event in our locality, even more prestigious than our barangay assembly. It has just concluded its 11th year of pursuit last May and it was very successful. It is another showcase of grandeur coined by the six participating sitios of Taba-ao. Whatever our lapses may be, I’m still proud to be part and a product of Students’ Day.
Students’ Day was inspired by the Sanguniang Kabataan in 1999 when they conducted a sports fest to be participated in by the different sitios of Taba-ao: Abiang, Apunan, Daclan, Dontog, Legwe and Ubod. Apunan and Ubod were merged since they have lesser population and geographically too close to each other. Seeing the significance of uniting the youth, supportive members of the community organized a well-defined and well-prepared event to bring the confidence, talent and skills of the participants out. Now, not only students but even the out of school youths and parents participate in the event especially in the street dancing competition.
Dr. Cherrelene Commom, former high school teacher at the Governor Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School (GBDAIS) and now the Teacher-in-Charge if GBDAIS-Extension in Taba-ao and Jimmy Fong, former reporter of ABS-CBN Baguio now a UP Baguio professor, organized Students’ Day in 2000. Upon the success of the event, thanks to our very supportive barangay Council formerly Headed by Sanio Coilan, in the succeeding years, our very own Students’ Day is funded by the local government.
Aside from the barangay assembly, Students’ Day is our fiesta. We have literary and musical contests, indoor games, and of course, the highlight of the event is the glamorous pageant, the search for Mr. and Ms. Students’ Day.
It used to be a one-day affair but now divided into two. First night is the talent presentation of the candidates and the literary and musical contest. The second day is also packed with other activities participated in by pupils, students, and even out of school youth. The glamorous pageant is scheduled in the evening.
From the activities I saw leadership, participation, cooperation and camaraderie among the participating sitios. I also see the laughter among the audience. I can also see nervousness not only of the participants but also from their parents. I can also see proud parents of the wonderful performance of their children. Students’ Day is a chance for bright, talented and skilled children to capture the awe of the locals. It is also their stepping-stone in their endeavor in the future.
I can still remember when I was in the sixth grade when I represented my sitio (Abiang) in the oration contest and my older sister Finney (she was in third year high school at that time, she ended Third Runner-up). I was nervous then especially that the other participants were much older than I am. They were in high school and I was then an elementary graduate. What do I have to compete with those people? Sadly I did not win and only garnered the second place but it does not matter. The important thing is I learned how to conquer my fear. I gained confidence in speaking in front of other people. Next time we had a mass health screening, Sir Fong asked me to deliver a speech of gratitude in front of the community and visitors from the different government agencies and Japanese individuals from the JICA office.
From then on I clearly see the value Students’ Day. It is a test of the values most needed in the local and global market: the value of leadership, cooperation, Christian spirit and competence.
If not also because of Student’s Day, I did not get my first job while still in college. I consecutively hosted the pageant for three years since 2009. Upon seeing my performance (fluency in the English language) a neighbor once approached me while inside a store few months after the pageant and asked me if I want to be an ESL Teacher. Feeling excited for the first job ever, I accepted the offer. Without Students’ Day, I don’t have any job experience I can write on my resume after college to make it more competitive.
May the spirit of excellence, leadership, and camaraderie live along us as we part again to pursue our every endeavor. Let us see each other again next year!
Long live Taba-ao, long live Student’s Day, long live everyone!
Category:
Features
COURAGE nanawagan ng supporta para sa dagdag sahod
by Mari Cruz
Nanawagan ang Confederation for unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) sa lahat ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan sa lungsod ng Baguio at iba pang lalawigan sa rehiyong Cordillera na makiisa at suportahan ang panawagang dagdag sahod ng mga naglilingkod sa pamahalaan.
Sa isang panayam sa Radyo ng Bayan kay COURAGE national president Ferdinand Gaite, hinikayat nito ang lahat ng kawani ng pamahalaan na magbuo ng mga union o samahan kung wala pang nabubuo sa kanilang tanggapan, at kung mayroon naman aniya ay maging aktibo sa layunin ng COURAGE na maisulong ang P6,000 na dagdag na minimum pay sa lahat ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan.
Binigyang diin ni Gaite na mas magiging malakas ang laban sa dagdag sahod ng mga manggagawa at kawani sa pribado at pampublikong sektor kung mahigpit ang ugnayan nito sa pakikibaka ng dagdag suweldo.
Sa kasalukuyan aniya ay umaabot sa 50,000 ang kanilang mga pirmang nakalap na sumusuporta sa dagdag sahod at may 20 kongresista na ang nangakong tutulong upang maisakatuparan ang naturang adhikain.
Idinagdag pa ni Gaite na kabilang si Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao at maging si Senator Bong Revilla ay sumusuporta sa nasabing adhikain ng COURAGE.*(JDP/MC-PIA CAR)
Nanawagan ang Confederation for unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) sa lahat ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan sa lungsod ng Baguio at iba pang lalawigan sa rehiyong Cordillera na makiisa at suportahan ang panawagang dagdag sahod ng mga naglilingkod sa pamahalaan.
Sa isang panayam sa Radyo ng Bayan kay COURAGE national president Ferdinand Gaite, hinikayat nito ang lahat ng kawani ng pamahalaan na magbuo ng mga union o samahan kung wala pang nabubuo sa kanilang tanggapan, at kung mayroon naman aniya ay maging aktibo sa layunin ng COURAGE na maisulong ang P6,000 na dagdag na minimum pay sa lahat ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan.
Binigyang diin ni Gaite na mas magiging malakas ang laban sa dagdag sahod ng mga manggagawa at kawani sa pribado at pampublikong sektor kung mahigpit ang ugnayan nito sa pakikibaka ng dagdag suweldo.
Sa kasalukuyan aniya ay umaabot sa 50,000 ang kanilang mga pirmang nakalap na sumusuporta sa dagdag sahod at may 20 kongresista na ang nangakong tutulong upang maisakatuparan ang naturang adhikain.
Idinagdag pa ni Gaite na kabilang si Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao at maging si Senator Bong Revilla ay sumusuporta sa nasabing adhikain ng COURAGE.*(JDP/MC-PIA CAR)
Category:
Baguio City
Besao requires pre-marriage counseling certificate in civil marriage
by Juliet Saley
BESAO, Mt. Province- A duly signed certificate of pre-marriage counseling is an integral document for a civil marriage to be officiated here. Failure to comply with the requirement could be a ground to delay the marriage.
Executive Order No. 2008-10 prescribes the rules and procedures in the conduct of its civil marriages cognizant to the sanctity and significance of a marriage ceremony.
The EO requires that couples regardless of age to undergo pre-marriage counseling to be conducted by a team of accredited pre-marriage counselors from the Municipal Health Office, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipal Agriculture Office, and from the religious sector.
Qualified to apply for marriage license are those 18 years old and above. Applicants aged 18 to 21 are required to present proof of consent of their parents; 22 to 24 years old applicants are required to present a written advise from their parents or guardians; and 25 years old and above are required to submit a certificate of non-marriage (CENOMA) which will be issued upon request by the National Statistics Office.
For applicants who are elementary or secondary drop outs, they are required to present a certification issued by an Alternative Learning System (ALS) Coordinator.
Application of marriage license could be secured at the Local civil Registrar Office after paying the necessary fees at the Municipal Treasury Office, after having complied with the needed requirements, and after the completion of the publication period of 10 days.
Municipal mayors are authorized to officiate civil marriages in their area of jurisdiction as provided for in the New Civil Code of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 386 Article 56 Series of 1973 and the Local Code of 1991. *(JBS/PIA CAR-Mt. Province)
BESAO, Mt. Province- A duly signed certificate of pre-marriage counseling is an integral document for a civil marriage to be officiated here. Failure to comply with the requirement could be a ground to delay the marriage.
Executive Order No. 2008-10 prescribes the rules and procedures in the conduct of its civil marriages cognizant to the sanctity and significance of a marriage ceremony.
The EO requires that couples regardless of age to undergo pre-marriage counseling to be conducted by a team of accredited pre-marriage counselors from the Municipal Health Office, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipal Agriculture Office, and from the religious sector.
Qualified to apply for marriage license are those 18 years old and above. Applicants aged 18 to 21 are required to present proof of consent of their parents; 22 to 24 years old applicants are required to present a written advise from their parents or guardians; and 25 years old and above are required to submit a certificate of non-marriage (CENOMA) which will be issued upon request by the National Statistics Office.
For applicants who are elementary or secondary drop outs, they are required to present a certification issued by an Alternative Learning System (ALS) Coordinator.
Application of marriage license could be secured at the Local civil Registrar Office after paying the necessary fees at the Municipal Treasury Office, after having complied with the needed requirements, and after the completion of the publication period of 10 days.
Municipal mayors are authorized to officiate civil marriages in their area of jurisdiction as provided for in the New Civil Code of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 386 Article 56 Series of 1973 and the Local Code of 1991. *(JBS/PIA CAR-Mt. Province)
Category:
Mountain Province
Apayao remains the most peaceful province in the Cordillera
by Joseph B Zambrano
Apayao remains the most peaceful province in the Cordillera region.
Based on the crime volume in the region from January to May this year, Baguio City registered the highest number of crimes committed followed by Benguet, Abra, Mt Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Apayao in that order.
In the same report, no shooting incident was recorded in Apayao while Abra had the most number in the entire region.
Overall, Apayao is the safest province in the region with 1.11 percent crime volume compared to Baguio City with 63.09 percent.
Although records from the police regional office Cordillera (PRO-COR) show a total of 5,056 crimes for the period January to May this year, compared to last year’s figure of 4,763 or an increase of 293 cases, crime solution efficiency (CSE improved by 53.72 percent as compared to last year with 7.67 percent).
According to Chief Superintendent Villamor A. Bumanglag, PRO-Cordillera regional director, most crimes against person and property happened in the capital towns and central business area. Pickpocketing and snatching were rampant in the streets of Baguio City especially in jeepney terminals, overpasses, market, and along Session road.
Meanwhile, Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr affirmed that his area is indeed a safe place. "I don’t have any bodyguards to protect me, all our politicians as well do not have security personnel that shows really that our province is safe," he said.
“Our people are law-abiding citizens and peace loving. You walk the street with no fear being attacked by anyone. Our houses do not have iron grills to protect us from burglars or “akyat bahay gang,” Bulut said.
"Police don’t need guns to do foot patrol in our province. We are for a gunless society, firearms are to be kept in the police stations and can be use only in given a situation," he added.
Bumanglag emphasized that community support and enhanced police service are two important ingredients in the prevention and solution of crimes.
Bumanglag encouraged the public to report any crime prone situation that may threaten the safety of the citizenry and peace and order in the community to the nearest police station.* (JDP/JBZ-PIA CAR)
Apayao remains the most peaceful province in the Cordillera region.
Based on the crime volume in the region from January to May this year, Baguio City registered the highest number of crimes committed followed by Benguet, Abra, Mt Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Apayao in that order.
In the same report, no shooting incident was recorded in Apayao while Abra had the most number in the entire region.
Overall, Apayao is the safest province in the region with 1.11 percent crime volume compared to Baguio City with 63.09 percent.
Although records from the police regional office Cordillera (PRO-COR) show a total of 5,056 crimes for the period January to May this year, compared to last year’s figure of 4,763 or an increase of 293 cases, crime solution efficiency (CSE improved by 53.72 percent as compared to last year with 7.67 percent).
According to Chief Superintendent Villamor A. Bumanglag, PRO-Cordillera regional director, most crimes against person and property happened in the capital towns and central business area. Pickpocketing and snatching were rampant in the streets of Baguio City especially in jeepney terminals, overpasses, market, and along Session road.
Meanwhile, Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr affirmed that his area is indeed a safe place. "I don’t have any bodyguards to protect me, all our politicians as well do not have security personnel that shows really that our province is safe," he said.
“Our people are law-abiding citizens and peace loving. You walk the street with no fear being attacked by anyone. Our houses do not have iron grills to protect us from burglars or “akyat bahay gang,” Bulut said.
"Police don’t need guns to do foot patrol in our province. We are for a gunless society, firearms are to be kept in the police stations and can be use only in given a situation," he added.
Bumanglag emphasized that community support and enhanced police service are two important ingredients in the prevention and solution of crimes.
Bumanglag encouraged the public to report any crime prone situation that may threaten the safety of the citizenry and peace and order in the community to the nearest police station.* (JDP/JBZ-PIA CAR)
Category:
Apayao
Tabuk City set to implement “cash for work, cash for training”
by Gigi Dumallig
TABUK CITY, Kalinga- The city government here is set to implement its ‘Cash for work, Cash for Training’ farmers’ assistance program with the approval of its list validation by the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) regional office.
Tabuk City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Susan Daluping said that 24 out of the 42 barangays were given the go signal to implement the program. The beneficiaries were identified through the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) and validated by the concerned city or municipal SWDO with the assistance of their respective municipal agricultural office.
Tabuk City agriculturist Gilbert Cawis Sr. said they will be helping the CSWDO especially in the preparation of their documents to ensure a smooth flow in the implementation and reporting process.
During a recent consultation in the province, DSWD CAR regional director Leonardo Reynoso directed the local government units in the province to immediately validate the listed beneficiaries and submit their proposals on how the program will be implemented in their area.
Projects he said should be agriculture related to benefit the poor farm laborers who are also beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps).
All the municipalities of Kalinga were covered by said farmers’ assistance program. (JDP/GGD-PIA CAR Kalinga)
TABUK CITY, Kalinga- The city government here is set to implement its ‘Cash for work, Cash for Training’ farmers’ assistance program with the approval of its list validation by the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) regional office.
Tabuk City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Susan Daluping said that 24 out of the 42 barangays were given the go signal to implement the program. The beneficiaries were identified through the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) and validated by the concerned city or municipal SWDO with the assistance of their respective municipal agricultural office.
Tabuk City agriculturist Gilbert Cawis Sr. said they will be helping the CSWDO especially in the preparation of their documents to ensure a smooth flow in the implementation and reporting process.
During a recent consultation in the province, DSWD CAR regional director Leonardo Reynoso directed the local government units in the province to immediately validate the listed beneficiaries and submit their proposals on how the program will be implemented in their area.
Projects he said should be agriculture related to benefit the poor farm laborers who are also beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps).
All the municipalities of Kalinga were covered by said farmers’ assistance program. (JDP/GGD-PIA CAR Kalinga)
Category:
Kalinga
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