Baguio judge convicts 3 drug pushers

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

Wage Board rules out new wage hike order

by Lito Dar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kapangan police confiscates P.6M worth of marijuana bricks

by Susan Aro

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

by Joseph B Zambrano

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

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

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

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

Atok farmers appeal for water pumps for their vegetable gardens

by Redjie Cawis

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Noynoy Favors the AFP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baguio Fire Department trains barangay folks as firefighters

by Redjie Cawis

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

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

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

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

Plant tree saplings instead of seedling for better survival - DENR

by Redjie Cawis

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

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

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

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

RDC fast tracks draft of third autonomy law

by Lito Dar

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

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

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

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

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

Tripartite Council to pursue industrial peace in work sites

by Lito Dar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Lito Dar

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DPWH readies 5-year infra plan for CAR

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

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


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

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

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

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

Organized crimewatch launched in Baguio

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

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

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

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

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

Labor day jobs fair to focus on displaced OFWs

by Lito Dar

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Abalos lifts number coding scheme for Lent

by Redjie Cawis

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

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

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

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

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

DOH subsidizes health insurance of 12,094 CAR indigent families

by Lito Dar

In line with PNoy’s Health Agenda or Universal Health Care (UHC) program, the Department of Health (DOH) has sponsored the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth coverage of 12,094 indigent families in Cordillera.

According to DOH-CAR regional director Myrna Cabotaje, the sub-allotted fund for performance-based grants to the different provincial local government units (LGUs) in the region including Baguio City, amounting to P7,558,700,is in support of the National Health Insurance Program for indigent families and part of the UHC’s Financial Risk Protection component.

Cabotaje explained that the 12,094 beneficiaries were already enrolled during the National Philhealth Registration Day held last October 2, 2010. They were pre-selected based on the National Household Targetting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

Abra has 3,122 beneficiaries; Apayao, 1,685; Benguet, 1,350; Ifugao, 1,540; Kalinga, 2,239 and Mountain Province, 1,980 and Baguio City, 178.

“The Philhealth coverage of the indigent family beneficiaries were already paid for by their respective LGUs and now we have already prepared the checks for the DOH subsidy and ready for release or distribution,” Cabotaje said.

Cabotaje also affirmed that the DOH, in partnership with PHIC and the different provincial LGUs, will also look for additional indigent family beneficiaries for the program since out of the P7,558,700 allotted fund from the DOH central office, the Philhealth coverage of the 12,094 beneficiaries only totals to P5,390,400.

“There is still remains a balance of P2,168,300 and we have already requested the office of PHIC regional vice president Leo Douglas Cardona to enroll additional indigents listed in the NHTS-PR, to increase the health insurance coverage in the region and at the same time to fully utilize the said funds,” Cabotaje said.

Cabotaje also disclosed that there is a plan to increase the funding for the said program for this year to reach out to more indigent families. She called on the different LGUs to enroll additional indigent families so that the region will attain the goal of having a Universal Health Insurance Coverage. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

Installed rain gauges to serve as early warning devices

by Lito Dar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agro-chemical companies support ordinance on collection, disposal of empty pesticide containers

by Susan Aro


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Cordillera’ s boxing pride knocks down Thai opponent, retains WBO title

by Redjie Cawis

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

DA to build Agri-Pinoy trading center in La Trinidad

by Lito Dar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gang member nabbed for selling, cultivating MJ

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


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


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


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


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


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

Kapangan hydro project up for public consultation

by Lito Dar

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

PDEA-CAR inks MOA with transport group for drug-free streets

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

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

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



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


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

Benguet SP supports additional benefits to solo parents

by Susan Aro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Cordillera bodies seek PNoy’s blessing for their re-activation

by Lito Dar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alcala turns over agri projects in Benguet

by Redjie Cawis

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

P1M proposed for repair of fire hydrants

by Aileen Refuerzo

Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas proposed the appropriation of P1 million for the rehabilitation of all existing fire hydrants in the city.

In a proposed ordinance, Farinas said the city must repair the hydrants to boost the fire-fighting capability of the fire department and avert loss of lives and properties during fire incidents.

“It has been observed that many of the fire hydrants in Baguio are either dilapidated or fully unserviceable, thus these must be repaired and improved to be able to serve its purpose,” Farinas said.

“Several fire incidents have occurred in different locations within Baguio, and the constant problem of those responding to said incidents is the lack of water necessary for their rescue operations.”

The restoration of the hydrants to its full capacity and usability will mean more saved lives and properties.

He proposed that the P1 million be appropriated from the 2012 Executive Budget of the Baguio.

As further proposed that the City Buildings and Architecture Office undertake the necessary processes in the proper implementation of this ordinance after a thorough inspection and evaluation of the disposition of these fire hydrants.

Farinas’ proposal is being studied by the city council. *(PIO Baguio City/AR-PIA CAR)

Stiffer fines sought for businesses operating without permit

by Aileen Refuerzo

 A stiffer fine is being sought here to penalize businessmen who continue to operate their enterprise without the necessary business permit.

Councilor Philian Louise Weygan-Allan proposed an ordinance amending existing tax measures to impose a P5,000 fine on business establishments that will operate for more than a year without securing a mayor’s permit.

As proposed, the penalty can be levied after an investigation conducted by the city treasurer’s office and the concerned barangay. In her proposed Tax Ordinance No. 15-2001, Weygan sought to amend section 3, section 2 of Tax Ordinance No. 2004-01 entitled “An Ordinance Providing a Set of Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration, Appraisal, Assessment, Levy and Collection of Realty Taxes, Business Taxes, Permit Fees, Building and Lot Rentals in the City of Baguio and such other Fees and Charges Therefor Pursuant to the Provisions of the Local Government Code 1991.”

Tax Ordinance Numbered 2004-01 amended certain provision of Tax Ordinance No. 2000-001 including Section 3, Section 2 F), Chapter I. Title I of Tax Ordinance Numbered 2000-001.

Under said measure, the city imposes a penalty of P1,000 fine or imprisonment against businesses operating without permits for not more than six months.

But Weygan said that the City Treasury Office observed that, despite the P1,000 fine, many businessmen continue to operate without the permit for more than a year, thus, the need to impose a stiffer penalty.
Weygan’s proposal has been approved on first reading and will be deliberated on by the city council on second reading after publication. *(PIO Baguio City/AR-PIA CAR)

Baguio cabbies want to be included in fuel subsidy

by Redjie Cawis

Cab drivers in Baguio City and Benguet want government to include taxi cabs in the fuel subsidy being offered by the national government.

According to members of a taxi operators and drivers association who do not want to be identified, taxis are also part of the transport sector and they should also be given subsidy.

They also claim that the taxi groups have legitimate transport franchise which is a requirement by the Department of Energy in securing the smart card for the subsidy.

Last week, President Benigno Aquino III said that government has approved a fuel subsidy for public utility jeepneys and tricycles amid rising oil prices. Aquino said the funds would be sourced from government savings.

The DOE plans to start distributing smart cards to jeepney drivers under the government’s fuel assistance program by May.

Some 214,000 cards will be distributed, each good for P1, 050 worth of diesel fuel, to help PUV drivers cope with rising prices of fuel.

The DOE is coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to draw up a list of legitimate franchise holders. They are still screening banks that will print the smart cards to make sure the cards are good only for fuel discounts

Meanwhile, the Public Transport Affairs Office and other taxi operators are still pushing for the P15 additional fare of taxi.

PTAO head Perfecto Itliong said that their petition for the increase of the flagged down rate is still pending in the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. (RC-PIA CAR)

Cash grants, educational assistance released to Baguio CCT beneficiaries

by Lito Dar
 A total of 377 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries in the city received their first cash grants recently.

The released amount, totaling P908,600 represents the CCT assistance for the month of January and February this year.

Held April 12 at the Baguio Convention Center, leading the releasing of the assistance were Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Association of Barangay Council (ABC) president and Councilor Joel Alangsab, City Social Welfare and Development (SWDO) officer Betty Fangasan, Department of Social and Welfare and Development (DSWD-CAR) Pantawid Pamilya Programs and Operation Division head Janet Armas, Department of Education (DepEd-Baguio) officials, and Land Bank (LBP-Baguio) representatives.

In a statement Fangasan, stressed to the beneficiaries that the initial cash release grant is only part of the package of services that the government offers under the CCT program. There are more services that are being prepared for them such as livelihood and feeding programs for their Day Care children by June, she said.

Thus, Fangasan calls on the CCT beneficiaries’ cooperation and participation in attending their regular meetings and in complying to all the other conditions of the program, such as regularly bringing their kids to a regular check-up and attending school meetings.

Beneficiaries are urged to comply with the program conditions to keep them from being delisted as this would be a big help for their family.

In the same activity, 65 college students, who are also children of CCT beneficiaries, received an educational assistance, courtesy of Senator Pia Cayetano and Bayan Muna Representative Rafael Mariano.

In an interview, Janet Armas explained the said educational assistance is a one time grant to CCT beneficiary dependents who were enrolled in the second semester, October to November 2010. The assistance also goes as high as P15,000 depending on the assessment submitted to them from the college/university the beneficiaries are studying.

Armas also stressed that they will be monitoring the impact of the educational assistance to the beneficiaries and at the same time look for additional funding that would help address the other needs of the CCT household beneficiaries.

In his message, Domogan also calls on beneficiaries to religiously comply with the conditions of the CCT aside from the big help it would bring to their families, the program’s good implementation and performance in the city may inspire the government or the DSWD central Office to add more CCT beneficiaries in Baguio.
“We should look at this program as an opportunity so you should also help yourself by complying with the program’s conditions, as this is the contribution of the government to help people. You may say that the cash assistance is not sufficient but I am sure that this would be a big help in improving your life conditions,” Domogan stressed. (LD PIA CAR)

Baguio correspondents club all set for Holy Week media camp

by Lito Dar

The Baguio Correspondents and Broadcaster Club (BCBC) is all set for this year’s Holy Week media camp, at Camp Peppot, Burnham Park, which will run from Monday April 18 up to Easter Sunday of April 24.

According to BCBC president Migs Velarde, winning the “Lucky Summer Visitor” activity will highlight the weeklong activity. First time visitors of Baguio who will be selected on Maundy Thursday will be accorded with a red carpet treatment as well as free food and accommodation and tour packages for four days.

For the summer camp, Velarde affirmed there will also be free journalism workshops on broadcast, print, and photo at the camp to be provided by BCBC members, every afternoon, from Monday to Saturday. The journalism workshop was launched last year.


“College students, especially Mass Communication students as well as journalism enthusiasts are welcome to attend the workshop. Speakers will be our colleagues who will also share their experiences in the media industry,” Velarde said.

The Media Camp will also have different sponsors each day, which includes the Hotel and Restaurant Associations of Baguio (HRAB), the Benguet Electric Cooperative, BCBC Miners Team, Baguio Water District, Aboitiz, Manila National Tollways Corporation, SMART Communication, and Chevron.

For Saturday, April 23, this will be a tribute to the senior members of BCBC as well as commemorations of past media personalities including Presidential Management Staff officer Jose Capadocia who has been a long time friend of BCBC. There will also be a band that will play classical music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

For Easter Sunday, the families of the media including their kids will be invited to the camp to join an Easter Egg Hunt and fun games sponsored by SM City Baguio and Jollibee. The BCBC will also prepare additional prizes for a whole day of fun and surprises.

Velarde also stressed that for Holy Week’s media camp there are already designated camp director and directress who will handle every scheduled activity, Nonnette Bennett for the journalism workshop, Roderick Osis as the Lucky Summer Visitor Tour director and Dodie Mendillo, Dexter See, and Rizaldy Commanda for camp operations.

The Department of Tourism (DOT-CAR) will also sponsor a Kapihan forum at the camp on Wednesday to promote the other scheduled tourism activities this summer vacation. (LD - PIA CAR)

2 plane crash victims airlifted to Manila

by Redjie Cawis

Two victims of the ill-fated plane crash here in Baguio City were airlifted yesterday to Manila.

The victims, Vanessa Cabiso and pilot Col. Reynaldo Garcia who have serious injuries were transferred to Saint Luke’s Medical hospital in Metro Manila for further medical treatment.

Cabiso suffered a fracture at the back and the collarbone while Garcia suffered burns in various parts of the body.

They were among the victims of the six-seater Piper Aztec plane, with tail number RPC 5140 that crashed and burst into flames in the horse-riding trail in Camp John Hay at 2:53 p.m. after taking off from the Loakan Airport.

The two other victims are still confined at the Intensive Care Unit of the Baguio General Hospital.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is still conducting investigation on the cause of the accident.

The CAAP also is trying to match the passengers of the plane and the flights manifest that was given by the Tower Control in Loakan Airport.

In an initial report, the CAAP and the police identified those killed in the crash, based on the manifest, as Jose George and Grace Alvarez. They also identified the four injured as Garcia, Jose Miranda, Ness Guerrero, and Basil Matthew.

The manifest did not include Cabiso; one Ireneo Yabut; and one George Haranas. Haranas was reportedly among the fatalities while Yabut was among the injured.

The CAAP is yet to release an official statement on the details and other information of the plane crash. (RC-PIA CAR)

BIR to taxpayers: file before deadline

by Joseph B Zambrano

 Three days before the deadline on April 15, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Cordillera  is reminding taxpayers to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) to avoid  long queue.

With this year’s theme, "Buwis Mo Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas," the Bureau is intensifying its tax compliance verification drive to ensure that business establishments and the tax paying public fulfill the taxation requirements and that correct taxes are declared and paid.

BIR-CAR director Atty. Eduardo T. Bajador, said that a 20 percent interest and a 25 percent surcharge will be charged should a taxpayer fail to file income tax before the deadline.

He explained that establishments which under-declare earnings by 30 percent could be temporarily closed under their office’s ‘Oplan Kandado’ program while concerned owners or proprietors could be criminally charged under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) campaign.

Meanwhile, Bajador shared that a bill was filed pushing for the creation of a unified invoice system which aims to enhance tax payment consciousness and improve collection.

House Bill 4089 proposes the centralized printing of official receipts (ORs) that shall be undertaken by only one printing outfit or factory under the direct supervision and control of BIR.

“It's about time that we adopt a unified invoice system to effectively reduce, if not eradicate, the irregularities and anomalies in tax collection and tax evasion,” he said

As indicated in the proposed measure, the BIR shall be mandated to create a centralized printing of all ORs that shall be classified according to industry, profession or business.

This will prevent the printing and issuance of double or triple sets of receipts as well as the printing of fake, spurious and unregistered receipts, Bajador added. (JBZ-PIA CAR)

Chef nabbed with marijuana

 A 43-year-old chef was caught red-handed with marijuana in a buy-bust operation by anti-drug agents last April 7 here.


Edward Mendoza Jarencio, who identified himself as a brother of former Philippine Basketball Association player Alfredo “Pido” Jarencio, sold 80.50 grams of dried marijuana leaves to a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) agent acting as poseur-buyer in a buy bust operation.

When frisked, he yielded an additional 18.20 grams of the dangerous drug and a rolled aluminum foil containing the same. The total dried marijuana nabbed from Jarencio had a Dangerous Drugs Board value of P2,467.50.


Jarencio is a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management, native of Quezon City and resident of Lourdes Subdivision, Baguio City. He works as chef in one of the establishments along Session Road.


Meanwhile, PDEA–CAR’s Benguet Special Enforcement Team and Kibungan Municipal Police Station (MPS) destroyed 1,000 full-gown marijuana plants with estimated DDB worth of P200, 000, in an eradication operation at Sitio Bileng, Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet last April 6.


The approximately 200 square meters marijuana cultivation site, concealed by chayote and banana plantations is about an hour of up and down hill walk from the nearest area that can be reached by vehicle.


Earlier, operatives of PDEA–CAR, the Benguet Police Provincial Public Safety Company, and the Bakun MPS uprooted 5,500 full-grown marijuana plants and 2,400 marijuana seedlings and burned these on-site at Bagu, Bakun, Benguet during a marijuana eradication in a 1,112-square-meter marijuana plantation. The destroyed marijuana plants had an overall DDB value of P1,196,000. *(PIA CAR with reports from PDEA CAR)

2 killed, 4 injured in Baguio plane crash

by Redjie Cawis

Two people were killed while four others were hurt after a private plane crashed inside the Camp John Hay, here Sunday afternoon.

The six-seater Piper Aztec plane, with tail number RPC 5140, crashed and burst into flames in the horse-riding trail in Camp John Hay at 2:53 p.m. after taking off from the Loakan Airport.  The plane was owned by Techno Air Company based in Bulacan.

Based on the flight manifest of the Loakan Tower controller, listed were  Col. Reynaldo Garcia,59, the aircraft pilot and passengers Josephine Miranda,50; J. Vanessa Cabiso, 26; Ereneo Yabot aka Abot Carino, 51; Jose George Haranas, and Grace Alvarez.

Baguio City Police Station 4 commander Senior Inspector Ruben Porte identified the fatality as Jose George Haranas who died on the spot and Grace Alvarez who expired while undergoing treatment at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center at around 6:30 p.m.

The injured identified as Garcia, Miranda, Cabisa, and Yabot were rushed to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

Based on police reports, the plane took off at around 2:48 p.m. from Loakan Airport en route to Plaridel town in Bulacan when it crashed and landed on pine trees Camp John Hay.

According to pony boys at the area, they saw the plane flying low then the plane got caught on the pine trees before eventually crashing and exploding at the site.

The pony boys also were the first responders to the crash site. They pulled out four of the victims of the crash and even used their jeepney and a van to transport the victims to the hospital before the ambulance and the fire truck arrived.

Fire brigade from the Camp John Hay responded and put off the fire on the totally burned plane. Parts of the plane were also scattered on a grassy slope in the wooded area.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is conducting an investigation of the incident. They are looking into human factor as well as maintenance issue as possible causes of the accident. The weather was good when the accident happened. *(RC-PIA CAR)

Shahani urges Filipinos to take moral responsibility, help move the country forward

by Lito Dar

Health and environment problems such as climate change are all caused mainly by human induced behavior particularly behaviors that are not morally and spiritually guided.

This was stressed by former Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani, in her keynote address, during the “Inward, Upward…Onward, Forward—for health, environmental integrity, and Human Values,” symposium Friday at the University of the Philippines (UP-Baguio).

According to Shahani, aside from health and environmental concerns, the Philippines is now also sliding down or moving backward, from once one of the leading economic country in Asia, which is why all Filipinos should wake up and help the government move the country forward.

“Wake up my friends, my fellow Filipinos, it will depend on each and everyone of us, not only to help ourselves but also to help others, to serve all as the problems of health, environment are mainly because of human behavior, interventions not guided by values. It is about time that we take our responsibility, for our national destiny and faith,” Shahani said.

Shahani said that it is important for every person to look inside themselves, since there is good in each and everyone, then to look upward – to God, for spiritual guidance, as this is what each and everyone needs - moral and spiritual values - to move forward and help others, even the government, in moving the country forward.

“We have to make our inner lives the foundation of what our outer lives is going to be. We have something good inside each and every one of us and our inward part is the starting point of ourselves. Learn how to keep silent so you can listen to yourself, then you would realize that there are many good qualities, peaceful, good, respectful, which is very important in any things that you are doing, personally, on health or environment, on shaping your own human values,” Shahani said.

“With the power of this human (moral) value and through spiritual guidance, we can transform this country, regarding who are the government leaders, the transformation will depend on all of us, as the power is all inside of each and every one of us,” Shahani stressed.

The said symposium was organized by the Brahma Kumaris Philippine Foundation, in partnership with the City Government of Baguio, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Health (DOH), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, in line of the celebration of Health Day and Earth Day this April.

In an interview, Brahma Kumaris, Philippines national coordinator Rebecca Ortega, said that the main objective of the symposium is to give emphasis on the importance of values in all human endeavor, especially on the preservation of our environment and health protection.

“Hindi lamang sa kalusugan ng katawan kundi pati kaisipan. Ang Brahma Kumaris ay isang organisasyon na nag-e-emphasize ng mga values for human wellness and world betterment. Nais naming makatulong na ibalik ang values sa buhay ng tao,” Ortega stressed.*(LD - PIA CAR)

DSWD identifies 79,135 poor households in CAR, validation going on

By Lito Dar

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)- led National Household Targetting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) survey results shows 79,135 poor households in Cordillera or about 33.84 percent of the 233,863 households assessed all over the region.

Of the 79,135 poorhouseholds, Abra registered 17,509; Apayao – 11,119; Benguet - 13,819; Baguio City – 3,613; Ifugao – 12,032; Kalinga – 13,427, and Mountain Province- 30,900.

In his report during the Regional Development Council’s (RDC) En Banc Meeting in Bontoc Mountain Province last week, DSWD-CAR Regional Director Leonardo Reynoso said validation of the NHTS-PR data is still on-going as there are still complaints and requests for assessments coming in.

According to Reynoso, in line with the conduct of validation, DSWD-CAR received a total of 38,198 complaints of which 32,748 were already resolved by the different Local Validation Committees (LVCs).
Reynoso also confirmed that most of the complaints were individual claims that they are poor and must be included in the list of poor households. “This is the most perennial problem or complaints that we receive in the region as almost everybody wants to be included in the list of poor households,” he said.

Other complaints include individual claims: that they have not been visited by an enumerator for an interview, a certain household should not be included in the list of poor household, that the interviewer incorrectly entered data, and that the list is incomplete and does not represent the actual poor households in the community.

Reynoso, during the said meeting, affirmed that the DSWD accounted all the complaints on the NHTS as part of the Local Verification Process and that they have even segregated the complaints by province/municipality. For the next step, he assured that they will communicate to all LGUs the actions taken on these complaints.
“All concerned local government units shall be properly updated on the action taken on the complaints and shall be provided with a copy of the details within this month of April,” Reynoso stressed.

The NHTS-PR upon completion would be the basis of the government’s identification of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or CCT program, identification of social pensioners (senior citizens) and Philhealth indigent program.

In addition the NHTS-PR data will also be made available to the different LGUs in the country and other private partners or stakeholders for the identification of their civic and social programs for the poor families or households in the country.* (PIA CAR)

PDEA nabs 3 drug pushers

Three shabu pushers were arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in two separate buy-bust operations in the city on April 7.


Carmina Dizon Atienza, 21, single, high school undergraduate, native of Angeles City, Pampanga and resident of Block II, Lot 41, No. 30 St. PZMRC, Dapdap, Mabalacat, Pampanga, was nabbed at around 3:30PM near the Solibao Restaurant in Burnham Park.


Atienza sold one sachet of shabu, containing .2 gram of the dangerous drug to a PDEA – CAR agent who posed as buyer. She claimed she gets the shabu that she peddles in Baguio City from a supplier in Pampanga.
Meanwhile, Alexander Tagano Pido, 27, married, high school undergraduate, jobless, native of Tubod, Lanao Del Norte and resident of Quezon Hill, Baguio City; and Al Mala Macabalang, 21, male, married, high school undergraduate, jobless, native of Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur and resident of No. 3 San Luis Village, Baguio City, were apprehended within the vicinity of Malcolm Square, Baguio City at about 5:45 PM after they sold a sachet of .09 gram of shabu to a PDEA – CAR agent poseur-buyer.


Rolls of aluminum foil used in sniffing shabu, were likewise seized by the operatives from Pido.


Pido had been previously implicated in murder and robbery cases, while Macabalang had been involved in a Theft case. They point to a drug group in Baguio City as their shabu source. *(PDEA//PIA CAR)

Domogan reminds Baguio folks to be safety conscious

by Lito Dar

City Mayor Mauricio Domogan reiterated his call to the citizenry to be safety- conscious and help themselves to be prepared on any disaster or calamities that may happen in the city.

This as Office of Civil Defense (OCD-CAR) Regional Director Olivia Luces, reported during the recent Regional Development Council (RDC) at Bontoc Mountain Province that from January up to March 26 of this year, there are already 37 occurrences of earthquakes, with magnitudes varying from 5.4 up to 9, worldwide and 198 more earthquakes occurrences with lesser magnitude.

In an interview, Domogan stressed that since last year, he already signed an administrative order creating the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council which also includes an outline on how the city would respond or act during disaster or calamities, as well as provision on the needed equipments.

“We keep on doing all we can to prepare for the occurrence of any disaster or calamity that may happen but again I reiterate my call that we cannot do it alone, as we need every citizen to also make themselves be prepared. Government assistance will always be there but again they are the first who could really help themselves during such times,” Domogan said.

According to Domogan, the geological map of the city shows that there are many danger zones that are unfit to construct buildings but then again people are stubborn and insist to live in such areas.

“It is just like inviting a disaster to happen to their family, and if ever something happens, which I hope would not come, they would blame again the city government as if we have done nothing to warn or remind them,” he stressed.

Domogan also called on the city establishments especially boarding houses to comply on safety regulations such as the Fire Code.

“We will not hesitate to issue closure order on commercial establishment such as boarding houses which would not comply with safety regulations and requirements, as inspection is regularly being done in the city,” the mayor said. *(PIA CAR)

A Sad Day for Filipinos

By Benjie Oliveros
bulatlat.com

March 30 is a sad day for Filipinos. Three overseas Filipino workers Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, Ramon Credo and Elizabeth Batain were executed after being caught by Chinese immigration authorities and subsequently sentenced to death for carrying heroin into China. Even before the execution, one could already feel the somber mood of the people being shown in television coverages. It’s as if time stood still until the announcement that the three were already dead.

Malacañang came out with a statement expressing sympathies to the families. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reminded the people of the efforts the government exerted in trying to stop the executions. Malacañang also talked tough against drug syndicates.

Reading from the statement, Valte said, “Their deaths are a vivid lesson in the tragic toll the drug trade takes on entire families.” The government also vowed to break the “chain of victimization” being done by drug syndicates and called on the support of the citizens to do this.

However, Migrante International blamed the government for not doing enough to save the three OFWs. It also pointed to the continuing labor export policy of the government as the cause of the woes of OFWs.

The anchors of both Channels 5 and 7 defended the government saying that it has done a lot in trying to save the three OFWs from execution, even sending Vice President Jejomay Binay to China to appeal in behalf of the three OFWs. Tulfo of Channel 5 said the government should investigate Philippine airport authorities to find out how the drugs were slipped out of the country, in the first place.

Well, an investigation of drug syndicates, their network and dealings and a thorough asssesment of the handling of the cases of the three OFWs by the Department of Foreign Affairs(DFA) and consular officials in China are in order. The government, through the Philippine Natonal Police, has a continuing program of breaking drug syndicates and catching the culprits. There is nothing new in that. However, the government really needs to investigate how these drugs were slipped out of the country through the airport. Either some one is sleeping on the job or is earning extra money because the manner by which the drugs were concealed, such as through the lining of suitcases, is not new.

The Aquino administration should also not merely brush aside the allegations of lack of assistance by Philippine embassy officials. After all, Migrante International has received more than enough stories and reports of OFWs in distress who have not been assisted by DFA officials and of OFWs in death row who were not provided with lawyers and were not even visited until their execution was about to be promulgated. By that time, it was too late.

Migrante is also right in pointing to the country’s continuing labor export policy as the root of all these problems. First, because the country is being able to export migrant workers, the government is not pressured to address the worsening unemployment situation by generating jobs. It is even not pressured to solve the country’s economic problems. The government benefits a lot from labor export in the form of revenues from licenses and fees; it is the biggest export earner for the country; it props up the country’s dollar reserves; and it boosts domestic consumption.
The government could just go on implementing the neoliberal prescriptions of the IMF-WB. In the meantime, advanced capitalist countries try to save their failing economies by implementing stimulus programs and generating jobs through government spending, implement protectionist measures and provide hidden subsidies such as in agriculture, and try to gain undue advantage for their investments, multinational companies and export products by pressuring third world countries to further open up their economies and not to deviate from the neoliberal policies of deregulation, liberalization and privatization.

Second, because Philippine embassies have the task of opening up opportunities for the country’s labor export, consular officials walk on eggshells in dealing with officials of host countries and employers of OFWs. This is why they always advise OFWs who escape to return to their employers or to just go back home and not file cases or demand for what is due them. This is also the reason why the Department of Foreign Affairs rarely, if at all, files diplomatic protests against abuses committed against Filipinos abroad. The US was able to spirit out of jail a convicted rapist Lance Cpl Daniel Smith, who was accused of raping a Filipina in Subic in 2005, and even had him acquitted. But the Philippines would never do such a thing. There is truth in the saying, “Do not bite the hand that feeds you.”

Thus, OFWs are always vulnerable to abuse by their employers, unscrupulous recruiters, and even by Philippine embassy officials. The sad thing is that OFWs, even those who have experienced being abused or were subjected to stressful situations such as wars, would still prefer to risk working abroad just to earn a decent income than risk hunger and slow death for his or her family. This makes them vulnerable to the machinations of drug syndicates and white slavery gangs.

During his inaugural address, President Benigno Aquino III promised that his administration would create enough jobs in the country so that Filipinos would no longer feel the need to work abroad. In the meantime, he said, the government would intensify its services to OFWs. Well, the tragic fate of Villanueva, Credo, and Batain shows that this is all rhetoric as of now. And there are no indications that this would change in the future. Republished by Cordillera News Portal

City to reconcile conflicting laws on land disposition

by Aileen Refuerzo
The city government is working on reconciling conflicting laws relative to the disposition of alienable lots in the city.

The mayor last week convened a committee earlier requested by the city council to review, study and recommend actions on the developments surrounding Republic Act No. 10023, a new law that authorizes the issuance of free patents to residential lands.

The mayor said that with the committee at work, the city hopes to find a common ground amid the conflicting provisions of the city’s present procedures of disposing lots in accordance with its status as a townsite reservation vis-à-vis the provisions of the Free Patent law and the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) law.

“I hope that this will resolve the issues arising from these conflicting laws and guide us properly in dealing with the disposition of lands here in our city,” the mayor said.


The mayor also said that whatever decisions on the land disposition procedures that will be agreed on by the committee will be adopted by the city for incorporation in the proposed bill to amend the city charter which is now undergoing deliberation before the Senate.

The committee which the mayor heads is composed of the city legal officer as co-chair with the chair of the city council committee on urban planning, lands and housing, the city planning and development coordinator, city assessor and representatives of concerned line agencies primarily the Dept. Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as members.

The city has been asking the DENR to defer the implementation of the Free Patents law in the city due to the conflict.
City and DENR-CAR officials earlier agreed that the free patents law runs counter to the city’s present procedure of disposing alienable and disposable lots and thus is inapplicable to the city’s setting as a townsite reservation.


They said townsite sales applications (TSAs) cannot be converted into residential free patents.

TSAs have a maximum of 1,000 square meters of land to be claimed as compared to residential free patents with a maximum of 200 square meters in highly urbanized cities like Baguio.

Officials fear that this will be abused by land claimants of alienable or disposable lands by opting for residential free patents because under the new law, multiple applications may be made up to 12 hectares of land owned by claimants nationwide resulting to land monopoly.

The committee is looking into the DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-12 which promulgates the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the issuance of free patents under the act and the Draft Administrative Order providing guidelines for the disposition of alienable lands for residential purpose in the city of Baguio relative to the free patents law.

Republic Act No. 10023 entitled “An Act Authorizing the Issuance of Free Patents to Residential Lands” was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in March last year.

The DENR considers said new law as a “landmark measure as it streamlined the requirements and procedures of land titling involving zoned residential lands.” *(AR/Baguio City PIO//PIA CAR)