Dalog visits Natonin to give goods

November 13, 2018, 6:50 am

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NATONIN, Mountain Province -- At the onslaught of Typhoon Rosita, lawyer Cyphrine Dalog, chief of staff, Office of the Congressman went here to distribute relief goods at the landslide portion at Barangay Banawel where more than 10 persons were buried alive in a Dept. of Public Works and Highways building.

The administration building and offices of the Mountain Province Second District Engineering Office collapsed on Oct. 30 due to an enormous landslide caused by Typhoon Rosita.

A total of 30 people were reportedly missing at that time while 17 were already retrieved and declared dead from the site as of press time.

Dalog met with DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and Legislative Caretaker Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang together with DPWH-CAR Regional Director Tiburcio Canlas, MPSDEO District Engineer Rustom Martinez, other DPWH personnel, Mountain Province PDRRMC, PNP, BFP, LHMRH, and other volunteers.

In an interview, Dalog said it is very important in times of need that victims of disasters like this should be given utmost importance. “We really need to reach out to our brothers and sisters who have been affected by recent disasters because this is the only way we can show our concern and comfort to our fellow kakailyans in times like this,” she said.

Dalog, who represented the Maximo B. Dalog Foundation, Inc. also visited the municipality of Paracelis to console and distribute relief goods to constituents in this remote area of the province who were severely affected by the typhoon. “We thank DPJ Construction and resident-volunteers of the municipality for assisting us in the distribution of relief goods,” she added.

Among those distributed were basic needs of rice, water, can goods and noodles. People of the affected areas also volunteered in the repacking of goods that have been distributed to barangays gravely affected by the typhoon like Palitud, Carupian, Sinmakbot, Dannal, and Damsite. – Erlindo Agwilang

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RDC attributes cash transfer woes to unsuitable guidelines

November 13, 2018, 6:54 am

≫ Next: DOH celebrates IP month with autonomy advocacy

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By Marlo T. Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – Noting difficulty in the release of Unconditional Cash Transfer funds (CCT) particularly in remote Cordillera areas, the regional social development committee of the Regional Development Council, agreed Oct. 9 during its regular meeting to draft a resolution requesting the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to relax its guidelines on the release of UCT to beneficiaries.

The UCT, a cash transfer project scheme to minimize the effects of the TRAIN Law, “seeks to provide cash grants to poor households or individuals who will not benefit from the lower income tax rates but maybe adversely affected by rising prices”. The UCT covers three existing cash transfer tracks which are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Social Pension Program, and National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (Listahanan).

Latest data indicate that 7,652 4Ps beneficiaries and 19,767 Social Pension Program beneficiaries remain unpaid in the Cordillera. The large number of unpaid beneficiaries was attributed to the LBP guidelines restricting the travel time of LBP cash-delivering armored cars to only 2 hours. Further, the armored cars are limited in terms of the type of terrain they can traverse. The LBP central office in Manila holds biddings for cash transport services of conduits. RSDC chair and DSWD Regional Dir. Janet Armas notes that beneficiaries of the program in Apayao and Kalinga are being serviced by conduits from Abulog and Aparri in Cagayan, respectively.

Considering the rugged terrain of the Cordillera and the far-flung location of the municipalities where much of the beneficiaries are located, the committee observed that such restrictions caused delays in the implementation of the project.

This concern shall be submitted to the next RDC en banc meeting for discussion and proper disposition. The NEDA-CAR as the secretariat of the RSDC shall submit their concern to the upcoming national social development committee and RSDC consultative meeting in November 2018.

This is an example of misalignment of national polices and its implementation in the geographically and culturally unique region which Cordillera autonomy hopes to address.

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DOH celebrates IP month with autonomy advocacy

November 13, 2018, 6:59 am

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By Marlo T. Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – The Dept. of Health-Cordillera conducted a training for their staff on understanding indigenous peoples in the region to enhance their work related to health concerns among other issues.

The training, held in commemoration of Indigenous Peoples Month in coordination with regional offices of National Economic Development Authority and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples was held at the DOH Regional Training Center on Oct. 22.

Joel Cervantes of the La Trinidad local government unit and member of the autonomy information education campaign (IEC) speaker’s bureau presented basic concepts, history, and core messages of Cordillera autonomy,

He said Cordillerans have unique a history, geography, and cultures that make it necessary for the establishment of an autonomous region.

He added that an autonomous region would provide policies that will be more appropriate to the region taking into consideration the unique characteristics of its people and terrain.

Cervantes also quelled worries regarding the administration’s push for a revision of the 1987 Constitution and shift to a federal form of government.

He said that autonomy towards federalism is the ideal direction because of the legal basis of Cordillera autonomy is in the current Constitution and Executive Order 220 by then-President Corazon Aquino.

He noted that the autonomy advocacy led to the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region and thus the establishment of regional line agencies like the DOH-CAR.

A similar event was held by DOH-CAR with NCIP and Cervantes in the DOH CAR Regional Training Center on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 29.

NEDA-CAR coordinated with DOH, NCIP, and regional line agencies, civil society organizations, local government units, and state universities and colleges to raise awareness and gain their support for Cordillera regional autonomy. Adopted by the Regional Development Council as its theme for Cordillera development, autonomy is seen as the best way to achieve sustainable development and just and lasting peace in the region.

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Baguio unveils ‘Silahis ng pasko’ events, treats

November 13, 2018, 7:13 am

≫ Next: Ifugao, Benguet identify rich culture for historical mapping

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By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – “Silahis ng Pasko,” the longest-running Christmas season offering in the city unveiled its list of yuletide treats as part of the Christmas in Baguio 2018 calendar of events.

Former councilor Narciso Padilla, head of the National Correspondents Club of Baguio which sponsors and coordinates the 45-year old event with the City Government through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) said activities will begin with the Grand Opening Day Extravaganza on Dec. 1 featuring a string of children’s activities.

Thousands of Day Care children and parents garbed in Christmas costumes will once again spread cheer along Session Road for the annual Mardi Gras at 8 a.m.

The parade will end at the Melvin Jones for the Silahis ng Pasko opening program to be graced by Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Rep. Marquez Go.

At 2 p.m. the Miss and Mr. Little Silahis ng Pasko will be staged at the Malcolm Square featuring the awards ceremonies, children’s “kultora-o-rama,” and dancefest.

On Dec. 2, the Share-A-Joy Children’s Christmas Fun Alley and Raffle Joys will happen for Little Helping Hands, newspaper boys, shoeshine boys, baggage boys and bag sellers. A Palaro and raffle will also be conducted at 9 a.m. at the Malcolm Square.

Dec. 8 will be the Immaculate Conception Day festivities with a Thanksgiving Holy Mass at the NCCB Shrine of the Brown Madonna along Km. 7 Asin Road, Tuba, Benguet for peace and solidarity and progress.

On Dec. 9, the Philippine Military Academy cadets will hold their day at the Burnham Park by staging the traditional Silent Drill exhibition at the Melvin Jones at 10 a.m. .

At 2 p.m., the cadets will move to the People’s Park at 2 p.m. for Christmas concert of the PMA band.

The Quest for the Baguio Lucky Christmas Family will happen on Dec. 8-9 with the winning family to receive a red carpet reception, accommodation, sightseeing tours and courtesy calls on ranking government officials.

Simultaneously on Dec. 7-8, Silahis will revive the Quest for the Baguio Lucky Foreign Visitors, an international tourism promotions program, to be coordinated by mediamen Thom Picana and Primo Agatep.

The Baguio City National High School will stage the Dancing and Singing Christmas Tree at 2 p.m. at the Malcolm Square.

Dec. 15 will be reserved for the Special Day for Special People which will feature an amateur singing contest and instrumentals at 8:30 a.m., a chess tournament for the sightless special athletes and a children’s palaro for the blind, mentally challenged, hearing and speech impaired and the orthopedically impaired at the Malcolm Square.

On Christmas Day, Silahis will stage the Santa Claus on the Road and the Quest for Lucky Christmas Baby 2017 while the counterpart New Year Baby will be selected on Jan. 1.

On Dec. 27, Silahis ng Pasko will sponsor a Holy Mass at the at 4:30 a.m. to be officiated by St. Vincent parish priest Fr. Jeffrey. Habado at Malcolm Square.

The Baguio Lucky Balikbayan and the Cordillera Sportsmen Day will be held on Dec 29 9a.m. at the Sunshine Park.

Padilla said they will award the lucky balikbayans in the individual, family and couple categories and the Balik nang Balik Balikbayans during the event along with the 12 Outstanding Baguio-Benguet Elderly Luminaries.

The event will also serve as the Baguio-Cordillera International Athletes and Sportsmen “Mabuhay” get-together party.

A fellowship “salu-salo” over “Pinikpikan” fare will cap the event.

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Ifugao, Benguet identify rich culture for historical mapping

November 13, 2018, 7:15 am

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By Marlo T. Lubguban

The Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) and National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera conducted another provincial consultation for mapping and marking of historical sites in the Cordillera.

The mapping and marking of Cordillera historical sites is a joint project of MPSPC and NEDA-CAR as part of the Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program.

One of the purposes of the SPCAR program is to enhance regional identity of Cordillerans.

One of the ways of doing this is to create markers for sites in which the pursuit for self-determination was exhibited.

In Ifugao, the Ifugao State University hosted the 5th provincial consultation for Ifugao on Oct. 15 as part of their week-long 98thfounding anniversary celebrations.

Ifugao elders from the academe, local government units and tourism offices all provided their inputs on sites that they deemed worthy to be mapped and marked as part of the region’s history of self-determination and autonomy.

Considered as Ifugao heritage, the participants of the workshop agreed to map several clusters of rice terraces in the province: The Nagacadan Terrace cluster in the municipality of Kiangan, the Hungduan terrace cluster, the central Mayoyao terrace cluster, and the Bangaan terrace cluster and the Batad terrace cluster both in the municipality of Banaue.

Also included is the rice terrace cluster in Barangay Burnay in Lagawe claimed to be carbon-dated as far back as the 6th century AD.

Participants also recognized the Ifugao peoples’ bravery and patriotism and decided to map two sites that demonstrated this: The Awa Victory site in Julongan; and the famous Yamashita 1945 Surrender site in Kiangan. The participants also agreed to include Julongan in Kiangan it being the site of the 1897 Ifugao victory against the Spanish government that set up a command center in Kiangan in 1896. Both sites are already recognized by National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

It was also acknowledged that Ifugao played a role in the pursuit for Cordillera autonomy. Hapao, Hungduan was considered an important site signifying autonomy struggle in the province. Lagawe, as the capital town of Ifugao, was also cited with Ifugao as the sole province that voted ‘yes’ to autonomy in the first plebiscite.

One participant added,

“These are tangible structures that could educate our youth and urge them to read further about the struggle.” In Baguio City, Benguet elders from the academe, local government units, civil society organizations, tourism groups, and regional line agencies gathered in Baguio for the final provincial consultation on mapping and marking of historical sites in the Cordillera on Oct. 23.

The event was coordinated by the MPSPSC and NEDA-CAR

This was the last leg of provincial consultations before the regional workshop in Baguio in November to finalize the list of sites where the markers will be placed.

UP Baguio Dean of the College of Arts and Communications Dr. Jimmy Fong presented a lecture on the local history of Benguet. Citing the 1987 Constitution as the primary basis in selecting the sites, Professor Fong emphasized that sites should exhibit the distinct historical and cultural heritage that portrays self-determination and the autonomy struggle.

The Benguet folk were quick to list sites that showcase the history of self-determination of the province.

Sites that exemplified self-determination include the Battle of Tunglo in southern Benguet and the site of the Spanish Garrison in Puguis, La Trinidad. Accordingly, it is at these sites where Ibaloi warriors resisted early Spanish rule and prevented further influence in the Cordillera. However, the exact location of the Battle of Tunglo cannot exactly be identified. Elders approximate it to be somewhere in Crystal Cave going to Tuba, Benguet.

The Binga and Ambuklao Dam sites were also among the favorites for mapping and marking; a reminder of the lack of free prior and informed consent done by the national government in implementing these projects in the past. The construction of these dams were also the basis of the outrage over the Chico River dam project of the 70s.

The most notable site is Camp John Hay as part of the property of Mateo Cariño. Mateo Cariño’s case was not just the basis of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, “it was the first legal win of Indigenous Peoples, not just in the Philippines but all over the world, especially in recognition of ancestral land ownership”, according to Atty. Harriet Abyadang of NCIP Benguet.

These sites, including those listed in other provinces will be presented during the regional workshop which will be held November in Baguio

These sites, including those listed in other provinces will be presented during the regional workshop which will be held November in Baguio.

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Suspect in La Union town mayor’s ambush charged

November 13, 2018, 7:18 am

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By Erwin Beleo

BALAOAN, La Union – The La Union provincial prosecutor’s office has found probable cause to indict for murder and frustrated murder the suspect in the ambush-slay of Sudipen Mayor Alexander Buquing, his police escort and driver, and the wounding of his wife, Vice Mayor Wendy Joy Buquing in Barangay Cadapli, Bangar, La Union on Oct. 1. “All circumstances would lead to a finding of probable cause that Sibayan was one of those who shot then Mayor Buquing, PO2 Rolando Juanbe, driver Bonifacio Depdepen, and wounding then Vice Mayor Wendy Joy. Sibayan should be indicted for murder and frustrated murder with the use of unlicensed firearm,” La Union Provincial Prosecutor Danilo Bumacod stated in his 12-page resolution.

Sibayan is currently detained at the La Union Provincial Jail

Sibayan was identified by witnesses as the gunman holding an M-16 rifle while onboard a white pick-up truck during the ambush.

Buquing’s group came from a wake in Barangay Castro in Sudipen when they were attacked.

A witness stated that he saw the white pick-up overtake the vehicle of Mayor Buquing and his group.

The suspects then opened fire at Buquing’s group.

The witness said Sibayan was not wearing a mask to conceal his identity.

Bumacod also stated in his resolution that the M-16 cartridges recovered by investigators from the crime scene matched with the pieces of evidence seized during a raid at the house of Sibayan in barangay Butubot Norte here on Oct. 9, 2018.

“After cross-matching examination, the PNP Crime Laboratory in Region 1issued the result on Oct. 12. The final conclusion was the fired cartridges recovered at the crime scene and the fired cartridge taken from Sibayan were fired from one and the same firearm,” Bumacod said.

“All circumstances would lead to a finding of probable cause that Sibayan was one of those who shot then Mayor Buquing, PO2 Rolando Juanbe, driver Bonifacio Depdepen, and wounding then Vice Mayor Wendy Joy. Sibayan should be indicted for murder and frustrated murder with the use of unlicensed firearm,” La Union Provincial Prosecutor Danilo Bumacod stated in his 12-page resolution.

Sibayan is currently detained at the La Union Provincial Jail

Sibayan was identified by witnesses as the gunman holding an M-16 rifle while onboard a white pick-up truck during the ambush.

Buquing’s group came from a wake in Barangay Castro in Sudipen when they were attacked.

A witness stated that he saw the white pick-up overtake the vehicle of Mayor Buquing and his group.

The suspects then opened fire at Buquing’s group.

The witness said Sibayan was not wearing a mask to conceal his identity.

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Inmate grabs cop’s gun, kills self in P’sinan

November 13, 2018, 7:20 am

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ASINGAN, Pangasinan, — An inmate allegedly killed himself using a gun he grabbed from a policewoman at a police station in this town yesterday.

Rodolfo Vibora Jr., 38, a native of Tacloban City, reportedly took the 9mm pistol of Police Officer 1 Jessa Mae Laganina while giving food to another inmate.

Supt. Virgilio Pascua Jr., Pangasinan police deputy police director for administration, who was at the police station during the incident, said he tried to convince Vibora to return Laganina’s service firearm, but the inmate instead shot himself in the head.

Vibora was detained for allegedly killing his brother-in-law. – Eva Visperas

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Asin hydro power plants’ rehab slated; talks between feuding power firms pushed

November 13, 2018, 7:23 am

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By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said rehabilitation and operation of the city-owned Asin minihydro power plants will be implemented as soon as possible so the local government can generate renewable energy and additional income for the city.

This also means ironing out differences between two feuding power firms who would like to operate and generate power along the Asin River.

The local chief executive claimed officials of the Kaltimex Energy Philippines, the winning bidder for the rehabilitation of the minihydro power plants, is about to strike a deal with a prospective partner to pursue the realization of the project.

He said part of the contract that should be complied by Kaltimex and its prospective partner will be the immediate settlement of its obligation to pay some P18 million annually as lease rentals of the power plants and the replacement of its P150 million performance bond to conform with the prescribed bonding requirements.

“We hope that Kaltimex will start implementing the rehabilitation of the Asin minihydro power plants after it finds a partner to complete the proposed rehabilitation so that the city-owned plants will be operational within the next three years,” Domogan said.

The city mayor said he is arranging a meeting between officials of Kaltimex Energy Philippines and Global Goldlink Energy to iron out issues on the use of the water of the Asin River for the operation of the two renewable energy plants to benefit the greater majority of the people living in the areas affected by the implementation of the projects.

According to him, the local government does not actually object to the plan of Goldlink to put up a similar power plant or a series of power plants along the same river system provided that their operation will not significantly affect the operation of the city-owned power plants because both companies intend to produce renewable energy that could be used to help lower the power cost within the host communities.

Earlier, Kaltimex raised an objection on the plan of Goldlink to put up a series of minihydro power plants upstream because it will significantly affect the company’s plan to increase the capacity of the city-owned power plants which resulted to the filing of petitions for the cancellation of the service contract issued by the energy department to Goldlink which is now undergoing litigation with the proper agencies.

In 2015, the local government signed a contract with Kaltimex for the rehabilitation and operation of the city-owned Asin minihydro power plants but the said contract was only confirmed by the local legislative body in 2017 or over a year since the signing of the same.

The local government took over the operation of the Asin minihydro power plants from the Aboitiz-owned Hydroelectric Development Corporation (HEDCOR) in 2006but the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued a cease and desist order against the city in October 2012 that resulted to the stoppage of the operation of the power plants since the local government was not able to secure a certificate of compliance from the regulating agency.

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Food handler dies, 2 hurt in LU crash

November 13, 2018, 7:26 am

≫ Next: Gov’t agencies push Cordillera autonomy; up info campaign

≪ Previous: Asin hydro power plants’ rehab slated; talks between feuding power firms pushed

By Jessica Jane Barriento

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union- A 22-year old food handler was killed in a motorcycle accident here Tuesday dawn along Pennsylvania Avenue in Barangay Madayegdeg.

A city police report said, it was about 1:20 a.m. when Emerwin S. Martinez was driving his motorcycle westward when another motorcycle came from opposite direction and overtook another vehicle which resulted to the collision.

The respondent driver was identified as Ren Paul L. Abran, a resident of Suyo, Ilocos Sur.

As a result of the incident both drivers sustained severe injuries and were brought to Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center for medical treatment but Martinez was declared dead on arrival.

Martinez is a married man and a resident of Barangay San Francisco of this city.

Meanwhile, an unnamed backrider of Abran was also injured.

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Gov’t agencies push Cordillera autonomy; up info campaign

November 13, 2018, 7:27 am

≫ Next: Cargo truck smashes 5 vehicles; cop hurt

≪ Previous: Food handler dies, 2 hurt in LU crash

By Marlo T, Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – Gov’t agencies have intensified campaign to push realization of Cordillera autonomy.

Several information education campaign (IEC) activities were conducted by various regional line agencies in partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority Cordillera and autonomy IEC speakers’ bureau to raise awareness of Cordillera autonomy throughout October.

Autonomy advocate Menzie Kuengan of the Commission on Higher Education discussed key features of Cordillera autonomy and its benefit to farmers during the Dept. of Agriculture capability training of Benguet farmers.

In simultaneous activities, Vladimir Cayabas of NIIT, Alma Toyoken of Social Welfare and Development and Lawrence Balud of La Trinidad, Benguet municipal government gave lectures during the makilahok orientation under Dept. of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi Program.

Another lecture was held under the program on Oct. 19 with Joel Cervantes of La Trinidad municipal government.

Also on Oct. 17, the Commission on Population gathered educators from Tabuk, Kalinga for a 3-day workshop in Baguio City which included a discussion on Cordillera autonomy.

RDC autonomy IEC speakers’ bureau member Briccio Domondon presented key points of Cordillera autonomy and emphasized the importance for raising awareness and gaining support for the advocacy Domond on said, “CAR is a temporary set up that is intended to prepare the region for autonomy.” The NEDA-CAR, the technical secretariat of the Regional Development Council (RDC), leads the renewed pursuit of Cordillera autonomy since its adoption as the central theme of Cordillera development in 2006. Cordillera autonomy is viewed as the best strategy to achieve sustainable development in the region.

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Cargo truck smashes 5 vehicles; cop hurt

November 13, 2018, 7:29 am

≫ Next: Cordi records 97% Dengue hike, 31% in leptospirosis

≪ Previous: Gov’t agencies push Cordillera autonomy; up info campaign

BAGUIO CITY – A cargo truck lost its breaks here Wednesday around 7 a.m. and hit five vehicles in a smash-up that resulted to the wounding of a police office.

A police report identified the victim as PO2 Nelson Aspilan Socayen, 32, married, assigned at city police traffic management unit.

His vehicle was hit by a Fuso aluminum van truck with plate no. AFA-7412 driven by Robert Almocera Bumadilla, 37, married, truck driver and of B47 sitio Batasan Floodway Taytay, Rizal.

Investigation disclosed that the vehicle driven by Bumadilla came from Upper Bokawkan, headed to Lower Magsaysay Avenue when the vehicle incurred a loose brake.

Bumadilla tried to evade other vehicles, swerved to the right outer lane hitting the Honda 125 Motorcycle with plate no. DA-33881 driven by PO2 Socayen.

After the impact, the said truck continuously moved forward hitting five other vehicles.

As a result Socayen suffered injury on his left leg and right hand and was brought to Pines City Doctor's Hospital for medical treatment, while undetermined cost of damages incurred to the other vehicles.

Responding Traffic Investigators confiscated the driver's licenses of the drivers involved and the OR/CR of the vehicle for evidence,

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Cordi records 97% Dengue hike, 31% in leptospirosis

November 13, 2018, 7:33 am

≫ Next: Public hearing on Convention Center rehab set Nov. 14

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By Pamela Mariz Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY-- Dengue cases in the Cordillera Region recorded from January 1 to Oct. 6 this year rose to 5,921 cases, which is 97 percent higher than the 2,999 cases during the same period last year, the Dept. of Health Cordillera reported last week.

The DOH Cordillera also reported a 31 percent hike in leptospirosis cases during the period

Geeny Austria, a nurse at the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health-Cordillera, said based on collated reports from disease reporting units in provinces comprising the region, there were 11 deaths due to dengue this year compared with nine last year .

Kalinga province recorded the most cases of dengue with 1,139; followed by Benguet with 1,025 cases; Apayao, 887; Abra, 829; Ifugao, 568; Baguio City, 418 cases; and Mountain Province with 224 cases.

She added that out of the total number of cases, 831 came from other provinces outside of the Cordillera who sought medical treatment in hospitals in the region.

Austria said that 3,161 of the recorded patients were males with ages ranging from four days to 96 years old.

On leptospirosis, there were 61 cases in 2017 which increased to 80 cases in 2018, or a 31 percent hike.

There was one death due to leptospirosis in 2017 and five deaths in 2018.

Austria said that leptospirosis cases had an increasing trend, which was caused by the leptospira bacteria carried by rats and other four-legged animals like livestock and dogs.

The Leptospira bacteria, she explained, is most commonly spread via water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, but contaminated food or soil can also act as vehicles for transmission of the disease.

According to DRUs, Benguet had 14 leptospirosis cases; Apayao and Baguio City with 10 cases each; Kalinga has seven cases; Ifugao has four cases; and Abra and Mountain Province with 2 cases each.

Austria said leptospirosis is a preventable disease.

She urged the public, especially parents to prevent their children from swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water. -- PNA

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Public hearing on Convention Center rehab set Nov. 14

November 13, 2018, 7:34 am

≫ Next: POLICE ROUNDUP

≪ Previous: Cordi records 97% Dengue hike, 31% in leptospirosis

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The city council will conduct a public hearing on the on-going rehabilitation of the city-owned Baguio Convention Center here on Nov.14 to get sentiments of stakeholders on the unilateral revision of the project plans resulting to the deletion of the proposed mezzanine, escalator and elevator provisions of the facility.

Councilor Maria Mylen Victoria G. Yaranon, chair of the city council committee on public works, said that the scheduled public hearing aims to get public opinion on the revised plans of the project to send a clear message to as input into the decision of the officials of the Cordillera office of the Department of Public works and Highways revising the original plans they were mandated implement.

Expected to serve as resource persons during the public hearing are DPWH-CAR officials who have to justify their revision while the local government’s technical working group will explain merits of the original plan.

Earlier, the DPWH-CAR bid out the multi-million rehabilitation of the city’s premier convention facility using the original plans and programs of work, a product of the local government’s TWG that included a mezzanine, escalator and elevator to enhance the capacity and accessibility and features of the facility.

However, during the implementation stage, the contractor could not locate the appropriate foundation for the proposed mezzanine, escalator and elevator because the local government did not provide the agency with the original plans of the structure for the technical personnel to locate where to place the foundation of the added amenities of the convention center.

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POLICE ROUNDUP

November 13, 2018, 7:44 am

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Fire eats up 2 buildings at scenic Kiltepan Peak

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- A disastrous fire believed caused by arson razed two buildings estimated at P5 million here at the scenic Kiltepan Peak in this tourist town on the property of businessman Wilson Capuyan Thursday night.

One was a restaurant which had not been operational for a year and the other was a residential cottage.

By 9:10 p.m., four consecutive heavy blasts of what seemed to be explosives were heard in town followed by continuous pealing of bells.

Continued and fast pealing of bells in town had always been associated to signal a fire is ongoing leading residents to go to the site including officials from the local government unit, police and firemen. The two structures were razed except posts and concrete walls of the restaurant building.

Eleven unused explosives were found in the vicinity of one of the razed buildings, and a heavy smell of gasoline at another unburned cottage.

At press time, investigation was ongoing by Bureau of Fire personnel. -- Gina Dizon

Former Pines Theater building burned

BAGUIO CITY – The Pines Northfield Building here along Lower Session Road was burned Monday due to still unidentified cause.

Initial police investigation showed a certain Joy Baday Jaramel, security guard claimed the fire started around 7 p.m. while he was about to close a window.

A Police report said it took almost two hours until the fire was declared out by firemen. The fire caused severe damage at the former site of the then Pines Theater.

No casualties were reported while cause of fire and cost of damage has yet to be determined.

Drunk driver killed in Kalinga crash

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A drunk motorcycle driver was killed when his vehicle crashed onto an electric post here Wednesday around 5:30 p.m. along the Tabuk-Bontoc national road at Sitio Dadalao, Barangay Lucog.

The victim was identified as Winkle Amlos Siwag, 18, student, here of Purok 3, Bulanao.

Investigation disclosed the victim under the influence of liquor drove his motorcycle Suzuki Raider 150, bearing plate number 5095 QV along with his companions all onboard their motorcycles.

The group came from Barangay Lucog and were heading towards Bulanao as convoy. Upon reaching a curve, the victim lose control of his motorcycle and crashed onto the steel post. The victim suffered injuries on his head and was rushed to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Baguio city gov’t worker mauled, hacked in cemetery

BAGUIO CITY – A city government employee was mauled and hacked by two men residing inside the public cemetery here at Barangay San Luis here Wednesday around 5:15 p.m.

Police identified the victim as Alberto Chanog Bansen, 47 of the City Environment and Parks Management Office assigned at the place of incident.

The victim was reportedly was beaten by a certain Baril Valdez and hacked by Salvador “Itong” Abuen Valdez.

Investigation disclosed that the victim and his companions were invited by the group of the suspect for a drinking session at their barracks inside the cemetery.

The victim was left alone and had a misunderstanding with the suspect and suddenly beaten up. The commotion was pacified but the victim went back to ask the suspect why they beat him but Baril punched him while “Itong” hacked his head with a bolo after which, the suspects ran to unknown direction.

Police found the victim lying unconscious with a wound above his left ear. The cemetery guard said she personally saw the suspects punch and hack his head.

Bansen was rushed by responding personnel to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center then went back to scour the vicinity but could not find the suspects. The area has no CCTV camera.

BC workers turn over explosives to cops

ITOGON, Benguet – Benguet Corp. personnel turned over explosive components to police here Wednesday they found in abandoned shanties formerly occupied by small scale miners here at First Gate, Ucab.

This, during implementation of demolition of illegal structures last week. The team found four pieces of dynamite and later turned these over to police.

Members of the BC demolition team included Rex L. Calde, assistant unit manager, claims department,

Toyota Corolla hits expensive BMW

TUBA, Benguet – An expensive BMW car was hit by a Toyota Corolla here Nov.7 around 1:30 p.m. at Badiwan, Poblacion. The gray BMW Sedan 320i, 2006 model with license plate ZDN 765 was driven by Jianfie Li, 31 Chinese national and resident of 10B Francis St., Peters Ville, Camp 7, Baguio City while the Toyota Corolla with license plate TBS 157 was driven by Donald Roxas David, 53, of Dontogan, Green Valley, Baguio City.

Investigation disclosed both vehicles were traversing towards La Union when the BMW suddenly stopped due to traffic obstruction. The tailing Toyota Corolla applied brakes to avoid collision but it still moved forward due to slippery road. As a result both vehicles incurred damages with still undetermined cost. No person was hurt during the incident. Both parties agreed to settle the case amicably.

Tamara FX cuts Ifugao road lane, hits 2 men

LAMUT, Ifugao – A motorcycle driver and his rider were severely injured when their vehicle collided here Wednesday with a Tamaraw FX around 4:20 p.m. along Lamut Bridge at the boundary of Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya,

The Toyota Tamaraw FX bearing Plate No. UFU 240 was driven by Gerardo Piniliw Habiling, 54, of Mumpolia, Hingyon town with no driver’s license while the Honda TMX 155 motorcycle with Plate no. 6907CY driven by Armando Banhan Genna 39, farmer of Jolowon, Lamut town. Investigation disclosed the Tamaraw FX was headed to Lamut. While at the bridge near a curve at site of Lamut PNP checkpoint, it encroached the opposite lane causing it to collide with the Honda TMX which came from Poblacion Lamut.

As a result driver of the motorcycle sustained multiple injuries on his head and multiple abrasions on his left knee while his back rider David Baliwang Pedro felt pain on his left leg. The driver of the Tamaraw FX was unharmed.

Both vehicles incurred undetermined cost of damage and were brought to Lamut police station for safekeeping. The victims were brought by responding PNP and Lamut Disaster personnel to Panopdopan District Hospital for medical attention. Habiling voluntarily surrendered himself to police.

BWD employee, rider hurt as taxi huts them

BAGUIO CITY – An employee of the Baguio Water District driving a motorcycle including his rider were severely injured when they were hit by an Innova taxi here Wednesday around 5:20 p.m. along the intersection of Marcos Highway, Crystal Cave and Kitma Road.

The taxi with license plate No. AYU-631, was driven by Ceford Lalwet Doyayag, 24, while the Yamaha motorcycle with license plate no. MV File-1401-000000-43356 was driven by Simon Palilo Jammas, 26, driver/ plumber of Bawadi.

Investigation disclosed the taxi came from Crystal Cave Road when it collided with motorcycle, which came from the city proper headed to Green Valley.

Due to the strong impact, the motorcycle was thrown on the opposite lane while Jammas’s body was slammed on the front of a Mitsubishi Pajero Wagon parked on the opposite lane roadside.

All vehicles were damaged while Jammas’s rider also suffered injury on different parts of his body.

Victims were brought by medical personnel to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. Licenses of both divers were confiscated including their OR/CRs.

Motorbike driver hurt in Kalinga collision

RIZAL, Kalinga – A motorcycle driver was hurt when his vehicle collided with another here Wednesday around 5:40 p.m. along the national road particularly near the boundary of barangays Kinama and San Francisco.

The black motorcycle was driven by Jeffrey Tubban Guzman, 19, while the blue Euro 150 was driven by Benjie Ardilles Callueng, 25, farmer.

Witnesses said the black motorcycle was with backrider Roquelyn Balanay Bangan when it collided with blue motorcycle coming from opposite direction.

Both vehicles fell down on the cement road. As a result, Guzman incurred head injuries and was rushed by his relatives to Juan Duyan District Hospital and further referred to Saint Paul Hospital at Tuguegarao City for medical treatment while. Callueng and Ms. Bangan had no injuries.

Both drivers were not wearing helmet or motorcycle safety gears when the incident happened. Involved motorcycles were brought to Rizal police station.

Fire from shanty burns bizman’s house

BAGUIO CITY – A 1-storey wooden house of a businessman was burned here Wednesday around 8:30 p.m. at No. 131 Purok 5, Upper Camdas.

Police said the house was owned by Joey Singson Rulla, 49. A nearby shanty, where the fire originated, was also partially burned. A certain Renato Clarin Jereos, 53, construction worker was reportedly staying at the shanty.

Police, fire and a civilian volunteer identified as Mark Anthony Guzman, of 94 Middle Quirino Hill, helped suppress the fire. Guzman was injured during the incident and rushed to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. Fire investigator SFO2 Mario Basongan declared fired out 9:26 p.m. that night. Cost of damage was still undetermined.

Minor nabbed for robbery with violence

BAGUIO CITY – Police nabbed here Wednesday a certain Andrew Gabriel Bacog Jimenez, 17 of Barangay Lualhati, Lower Wright Park for robbery with violence.

This, after Ivan Kim B Morales of RTC 59, Baguio City issued warrant against him while setting bail of P100,000 for his temporary liberty.

Masseur arrested for lasciviousness

BAGUIO CITY – A masseur was arrested at Maharlika Livelihood Center here Wednesday for acts of lasciviousness. Nabbed was Ram Pascua Vistal, 31, who was living in an establishment in Maharlika and native of San Fernando City.

Vistal was nabbed after warrant was issued against him by Roberto R. Mabalot, presiding judge, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, First Judicial Region, Branch 2, Baguio City.

Mabalot set P12,00 bail for Vistal’s temporary liberty.

Man arrested for reckless imprudence

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A certain Benny Danion Equias 53, here of No. PE 114 Upper Wangal was nabbed along km 5 of the Halsema Highway Wednesday for reckless imprudence resulting to serious physical injury.

Arrest was made by virtue of warrant issued by judge Roberto R. Mabalot of MTC Branch 1, Baguio City. The judge set bail of P36,000 for Equias’s temporary liberty.

November 7, 2018.

Young man nabbed for shabu

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Joint operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division and Regional Intelligence Unit 14 (RIU-14), La Trinidad Drug Enforcement Unit and PDEA-CAR arrested Jefferson Curameng Requizo, 22, of Solano, Nueva Viscaya and resident here of Barangay Balili at Trading Post, Monday evening for illegal drugs.

Confiscated from the suspect were three sachets containing shabu, buy bust money and a cellphone.

Philex miner arrested for illegal drugs

ITOGON, Benguet -- Joint operatives of Itogon and regional police office arrested Rolly Aspuria Selga, 28, miner in his residence here at Philex Mines Eastern B, Ampucao Monday night for illegal drugs.

Confiscated from Selga were two sachets containing suspected shabu and a mobile phone.

Man cornered for illegal gun, bullets

SABLAN, Benguet -- – A certain Larry Mangorangca Lumano, 43, of Central Fairview, Baguio City was arrested here at Sitio Palali, Poblacion afternoon of Nov. 1 for illegal gun and ammunition.

Before his arrest, a concerned citizen saw the suspect with a firearm tucked in his back partly covered by his jacket that prompted them to report him to the police.

As a result, Sablan police seized the unlicensed Cal. 9 mm pistol and magazine and three bullets from his possession.

Security guard nabbed for illegal gun, bullets

BAGUIO CITY – A security guard identified as Andres Vallejo Paloga, 46, here of Adiwang Road, Green Valley, was arrested inside Highland Bar at Block 4, Hilltop, afternoon of Nov. 2 for possession of Cal. 22 handgun loaded with four bullets. A case for illegal gun and ammunition was prepared against him for filing in court.

OFW nabbed for estafa

BAGUIO CITY – An overseas foreign worker was arrested here Monday for estafa. Nabbed was Gina Bala-oy Inong, 47, married, here of km 4 Asin. She was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued against her by Cecilia Corazon S. Dulay-Archog, acting judge of RTC Branch 8 La Trinidad, Benguet . the judge set bail of P28,000 for Inong’s temporary liberty.

Man nabbed for illegal gambling

ITOGON, Benguet – A laborer was arrested here Monday for illegal gambling. Nabbed at Ud-udan, Ampucao was Manuel Padungay Sapalit, married, 51 after warrant was issued against him by Judge Maria Clarita Casuga-Tabin of MTC, Branch 4, Baguio City. Arrested person is under custody of Itogon police.

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CHR probes Baguio college’s pregnancy tests on students

November 13, 2018, 7:46 am

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BAGUIO CITY -- The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday started the probe on the controversial memorandum of Pines City College (PCC) in Baguio City mandating pregnancy testing to its female students.

“The CHR is alarmed with the documents circulating in the internet showing Pines City College’s policy of mandatory pregnancy testing not only as to possible MCW (Magna Carta of Women) violation but also of other women’s rights particularly on the rights to privacy and bodily autonomy,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

“Women and girls should not be denied exercise and full enjoyment of basic rights, they should not suffer negative consequences in educational and work spaces simply because they are pregnant,” de Guia added.

De Guia added that pregnancy does not determine one’s capacity as a student. “That deregulation and commercialization policies in education that host unjust determination and widespread collection of widespread exorbitant and dubious fees must be scrapped.”

“As Gender Ombud, the Commission through its CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) office is investigating the case motu propio, according to the institution due process and verifying the existence of the policy.”

The memorandum signed by PCCs’ school physician Dr. Aurelia Navarro and vice president for administration Maria Regina Prats requires the Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy department deans and heads to require their female students to undergo mandatory pregnancy test this week.

The institution, in a statement late Tuesday afternoon, said that PCC abides by its policy of pregnancy tests for female students who are enrolling in courses such as Clinical Dentistry, Roentgenology, Anesthesiology, and Endodontics, that “would endanger both mother and child.”

“It is a policy agreed to by our students upon their enrollment in this institution,” it stated.

“We believe it is a policy protective of our students while they are in our care and are deployed to internship programs in hospitals and to clinical practice.”

The copy of the memorandum went viral on social media on Tuesday on Facebook which drew flak from netizens.

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Widow of slain mayor eyeing Ecija hubby’s post

November 13, 2018, 7:48 am

≫ Next: Benguet kicks off 118th foundation day, Adivay fest

≪ Previous: CHR probes Baguio college’s pregnancy tests on students

By Ariel Avendano

GEN. TINIO, Nueva Ecija – The wife of slain General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote will seek the mayoral post in the midterm elections next year following the withdrawal of her done on Thursday.

Mayvelyn J. Bote, submitted her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) before election officer Melanie Palon at the Commission on Elections office here shortly after her son Byron Joseph withdrew his COC, 22 days before the last day of substituion of official candidates.

” I was not really interested in entering politics, because I was saddened by what happened to my husband. But I was convinved by many residents to continue the programs and projects initiated by my husabnd,” the slain mayor’s widow said.

“We have decided to make the substitution this early and not wait anymore until the November 29 deadline so that we can make preparations for our platforms and campaign strategies”, she added.

Her son also welcomed the move and stressed that his mother is more service oriented and familiar with local affairs.

Then Mayor Bote was assassinated by still unidentified gunmen in his vehicle upon exiting the National Irrigation Administration compound on July 3, 2018.

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Benguet kicks off 118th foundation day, Adivay fest

November 13, 2018, 7:48 am

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By Primo Agatep

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The 13th Adivay Festival opened here on Monday, coinciding with the 118th foundation anniversary of the province, for which various simple activities have been lined-up.

“Our celebration of Adivay will continue. The festival is already an institution,” Gov. Crescencio Pacalso said during the special edition of “Kapihan” at the provincial capitol.

The Adivay Festival was first staged in 2005. "Adivay" is an Ibaloi term that means "coming together". The celebration is a gathering of Benguet's 13 towns in this provincial capital, with focus on the culture and products of the municipalities.

Pacalso said the festival and anniversary celebration will be toned-down this year to show sympathy to calamity victims in the different municipalities of the province, particularly in Itogon, where over 80 people died in a landslide at the height of Typhoon “Ompong” last September.

“The festival is one way of meeting our brother and sisters from the 13 municipalities and to share with them the blessings that the province has to be thankful for," the governor said.

This year’s celebration carries the theme, "Benguet Culture - Unity, Industry, Prosperity: Managing Adversaries with Excellence thru Enhanced Indigenous Resilience”. It will feature the rich history, traditions, arts, music, culture, sports and trades and industries of the province from November 5 to December 9.

Topping the activities are Small-Scale Mining and Land Congress, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit, Agro-Tourism Fair, and Environmental Forum.

For the first time, the First Aid Safety Olympics will be held for elementary and high school students representing the 14 school districts of the province. The activity aims to enhance the students’ capability in giving first aid assistance.

Pacalso said the small-scale mining congress will focus on explaining to the pocket miners the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) stoppage order on the conduct of any activities related to illegal small-scale mining.

“Their lack of information on the matter has affected their livelihood and countless were dislocated,” he said, pointing out that the “order” is only “temporary”.

The governor also said laws pertaining to “Minahang Bayan” (community mining) will also be tackled as he expressed optimism that the industry will recover.

In addressing the challenges of time and the economic difficulties the locals are encountering, he urged small-scale miners to look for alternative livelihood such as by engaging in agriculture, specifically organic farming.

Provincial Administrator, lawyer Noel Ngolob, also expressed hope that “overlapping” laws will be addressed during the land congress.

He added that the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) will be discussed and proposed for adoption by local government units (LGUs) in their annual development plans.

Moreover, environmental programs on managing the water quality of the rivers, waste management and clean air programs will also be presented.

Provincial Agriculturist Lolita Bentres said the agro-tourism fair will showcase different products from the different municipalities of Benguet. It will also serve as a meeting point of both products and buyers and seek to link the producers to potential markets.

A Farmer’s Event will also be staged to help farmers become more efficient.

In marking its foundation day, the province will honor its outstanding men and women for their leadership and achievements.

To foster friendship and cultural ties, a signing of Sisterhood Agreement with Ha Giang Province of Vietnam will also highlight the festivities.

The ties will open the gates for the two provinces to have exchanges in the fields of culture, agriculture, tourism and investment as well as other business opportunities that will promote the products of both areas and strengthen their relationship. -- PNA

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Kalinga domestic helper poisoned in Saudi Arabia

November 13, 2018, 7:50 am

≫ Next: Bontoc wins top nat’l good governance award

≪ Previous: Benguet kicks off 118th foundation day, Adivay fest

BALBALAN, Kalinga -- A migrant worker from this town has died from poisoning in Saudi Arabia where she has been working as a maid for less than four months.

Emerita Gannaban, 44, Oct. 27 after drinking a still undetermined liquid, according to reports reaching her family in Kalinga.

Reports did not say if the she was forced to drink the poison or if she committed suicide by drinking it.

It was Gannaban’s first overseas job and she should have been monitored by her recruiters, the local YHMD International Manpower Services and Aloula recruitment office in Saudi Arabia.

Her brother, Cezar Bawit, said a nurse at Prince Mohammed Abdulaziz Hospital in Saudi Arabia contacted them on Oct. 29 about Gannaban.

She was reportedly taken to the hospital and was able to inform a hospital staffer about her situation, Bawit said.

Bawit said his sister’s mouth and internal organs were burned by the liquid she had ingested.

She also had bruises all over her body.

“Before she died, my sister had phoned us about being maltreated,” Bawit said, adding that she wanted to come home, less than four months since she was recruited on June 23.

“She told us she was being locked in the bathroom and had not been fed nor given time to rest properly after work,” Bawit said.

The family was about to report the situation to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration but they had already been told of Gannaban’s death.

He said the family would decide on a course of action, but the Dept. of Foreign Affairs had advised them to delay pursuing a complaint until after Gannaban’s remains have already been repatriated.

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Bontoc wins top nat’l good governance award

November 13, 2018, 7:51 am

≫ Next: CBAO ordered: Probe illegal Baguio structures

≪ Previous: Kalinga domestic helper poisoned in Saudi Arabia

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Bontoc is the only municipality in Mountain Province, and one among the only seven local government units in Cordillera Administrative Region that received Tuesday the 2018 National Seal of Good Local Governance during awarding ceremony at Manila Hotel, Tent City, Manila.

Other awardees in CAR were the municipalities of Bucay, Dolores, Peñarrubia, La Paz, San Juan and Tubo, all from bra.

For the second time in a row, Bontoc passed the test of good governance, earning again the SGLG which is one of the highest awards given by the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government to LGUs which recorded exemplary performance in government service.

For this year, the DILG has raised the criteria for LGUs hoping to get the seal.

Instead of using the previous assessment method called “4+1” where LGUs need to pass four core areas and one essential area, the department has required LGUs to pass in seven areas in the latest assessment.

Bontoc passed with flying colors the seven areas to include financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order; business-friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management, and tourism, culture and the arts.

As an awardee, Bontoc received the 2018 national SGLG awardee marker and is entitled to the performance challenge fund (PCF) in the amount of P3.2 million.

The PCF is an incentive fund from the national government to the LGU- SGLG recipients for funding to high-impact projects.

Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey who personally received the award expressed his gratitude to everyone and attributed the award to the collective and collaborative effort of the workforce of the Bontoc LGU and partner agencies.

This, he said, with the support and cooperation of the people of Bontoc.

“All our efforts have paid off. This award is for all of us. The municipal government cannot claim full credit for passing the SGLG national assessment. This success is due the concerted efforts of all stakeholders,” Odsey said.

Representatives from Bontoc who accompanied the mayor in receiving the award were Sangguniang Bayan member Viola Okko, administrative officer Zenith Rose Dalog and municipal local government operations officer Jill Fa-ed.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año commended the 2018 awardees for besting the “all-in” assessment criteria of SGLG.

He expressed his appreciation to local chief executives for steering their respective LGUs into greater heights, adding awardees are reaping the fruit of their dedication and sacrifices.

“This is a testimony that LGUs in our country are continuously striving to improve the quality of service to the people,” Año added.

Senator Loren Legarda who was one of the keynote speakers congratulated the awardees for their all-out performance in giving the quality services.

“All of you are what makes the nation great. At the end of the day, whatever we legislate. It is the LGUs that matters most. It is because, it is the LGUs that implement these,” Legarda said.

Other dignitaries present are Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, DILG regional and provincial directors.

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CBAO ordered: Probe illegal Baguio structures

November 13, 2018, 7:55 am

≫ Next: 25 dead, 15 still missing in Cordi after ‘Rosita’

≪ Previous: Bontoc wins top nat’l good governance award

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan ordered officials and personnel of the City Buildings and Architecture Office to hasten investigation of illegal structures erected on danger zones, forest reservations and other public lands to ease waterways and road-right-of-way in the city.

“We know that it is difficult to clear our waterways and road-right-of-way from established obstructions but we have to be consistent on the matter before nature will take its toll against us,” Domogan said.

He said there are national and local laws that provide required easement of waterways and road-right-of-way which must be freed from obstructions, particularly illegal structures that constrict the free flow of water in creeks, streams and river systems and the mobility of motor vehicles and pedestrians on the established road-right-of-way.

According to him, the migration of people to the urban centers of the region has greatly contributed to the proliferation of illegal structures that are constricting numerous waterways and road-right-of-way in the city contributing in the worsening effects of natural calamities.

He said preservation and protection of the city’s environment has been the primordial program of the local government because it is the state of the environment that greatly contributes in maintaining the cool weather condition prevailing in the city which is being frequented by thousands of foreign and domestic tourists.

Domogan said government agencies and the local government must continue working together in implementing programs and projects geared towards improving the city’s state of environment aside from helping free waterways and road-right-of-way from obstructions in such problem areas in the city.

hasten issuance of building and occupancy permits for legitimate structures to allow building owners to pay their taxes to the local government.

Because of the need for a home in the city where they work, he said people resort to constructing their shelters in restricted areas, specifically the existing easements of waterways and road-right-of-way, that often create more problems for the local government.

He urged residents not to constrict easements of waterways and road-right-of-way as these will surely result to them wasting their money when these are demolished.

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