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Idle lands to be exempted from Baguio property tax

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By Dexter A. See 

BAGUIO CITY – The city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance exempting owners of idle lands in the city from paying the required real property tax.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Ellaine D. Sembrano stated Baguio City is a declared townsite reservation and all lands outside government proclaimed reservations are classified as residential lands.
However, she explained due to the city’s mountainous and peculiar topography and the prevalence of trees, some residential lots are reportedly difficult to develop prohibiting the maximum utilization of the said lands.
The ordinance added the physical difficulty of developing lands located in mountainous areas is actually an opportunity vis-à-vis the environmental programs of the local government and the said situation could be explored as one measure for the enhancement of the city’s ecological quality as the city is also popularly known as the City of Pines.
The ordinance said it is fitting to look into all possibilities that lead to the affirmation of such reputation.
Under the proposed ordinance, those that shall be exempted from paying real property taxes are real properties owned by the Republic of the Philippines or any of its political subdivisions, except in the beneficial use has been granted, for consideration or otherwise, to taxable person; charitable institutions, churches, parsonages or convents appurtenant thereto, mosques, non-profit or religious cemeteries and all lands, buildings, and improvements actually, and exclusively used for religious, charitable or educational or hospital purposes; all machineries and equipment that are actually, directly and exclusively used by local water districts and government-owned or controlled corporations engaged in the supply and distribution of water or generation and transmition of electric power; all real properties owned by duly registered cooperatives as provided for under the Cooperative code of the Philippines; machinery and equipment used for pollution control and environmental protection and residential lands forested with Benguet pine trees provided that the said lands will meet the qualifications such as, the land area is not less than 200 square meters, the Benguet pine trees shall have a trunk diameter of 12 inches and a density of at least 20 pine trees per 100 square meters, that the property is not occupied or tilled whether by the owner or any individual and that the lot subject for exemption is communicated to the City Treasury Office attached the certifications from the City Environment and Parks Management Office and the Punong Barangay attesting that said lot is indeed forested with Benguet pine trees among other conditions.
Except as provided in the ordinance, any exemption from payment of real property tax previously granted to or presently enjoyed by, all persons, whether natural or juridical, including all government-owned or controlled corporations are hereby withdrawn upon effectivity of this ordinance.
Further, the ordinance pointed out the exemptions contained in the measure shall automatically cease for violation of any of the prescribed conditions and the taxes shall be levied, including all applicable penalties.
The application for exemption under the ordinance shall be done annually.



Truck ban exemptions bared; slaughterhouse park rules set

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BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan issued Administrative Order No. 50, series of 2017 exempting trucks loaded with perishable goods, water delivery trucks and those containing mine ore of large-scale mining companies from new truck ban ordinance in the city.
            Domogan met with La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, officials of vegetable and cutflower truckers and traders, owners of water delivery companies and lawyer Eduardo M. Aratas of the Philex Mining corporation to discuss extent of exemption granted to them while awaiting the amendments to be introduced by the local legislative body to the pertinent provisions of the ordinance.
            Under the mayor’s order, a maximum of 30 trucks loaded with perishable agricultural products bearing the duly authorized stickers shall be exempted daily from the coverage of the provisions of Ordinance No. 05, series of 2017.
            A maximum of 10 trucks loaded with cutflowers will be exempted from the coverage of the same ordinance on Thursdays to Saturdays while a maximum of seven trucks with a similar load will be exempted from the truck ban on Sundays to Wednesdays.
            On the other hand, water delivery trucks will be exempted from the coverage of the truck ban but owners of water delivery companies should coordinate with their clients to arrange the schedule of delivery beyond the prescribed truck ban.
            A maximum of seven trucks of Philex Mining Corporation will be exempted from the coverage of the truck ban in the morning while a maximum of seven trucks of the same company will also be exempted from the coverage of the truck ban in the afternoon.
            The city government, in coordination with the concerned associations of truckers and traders and the Baguio City Police Office–Traffic Management Branch shall issue 210 transferrable stickers specifically to the vegetable truckers for the use of the group in determining the trucks that will avail of the exemption from Mondays to Sundays.
            The mayor’s order shall take effect after the City Council shall have confirmed the same after it was forwarded to the local legislative body for immediate action.
The stickers that will be used to the concerned group of truckers will be issued to the officials of the organization which will be in charge of disposing the transferrable stickers to their members who will be exempted from the truck ban.
This, as the city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance regulating parking of motor vehicles at Sto Nino Slaughterhouse compound barangay to prevent congestion in busy streets of the barangay.
            The ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr. identified several areas within the barangay as potential parking areas wherein parking fees shall be collected and accrue to the local government and the barangay.
            The identified parking areas in the said barangay are the covered area bounded by Magsaysay Avenue and Balajadja St. fronting the existing bus terminal and flea market and the former Times Transit terminal, including its back portion.
            Under the pertinent provisions of the ordinance, the rates for these pay parking areas shall be P60 for the first two hours and additional P10 for each succeeding hour for trucks.
Buses will be charged P50 for the first two hours and P10 for each succeeding hour; P20 for the first two hours and P10 for each succeeding hour for vans, pickups, jeepneys, cars and others of similar capacity vehicles; P10 for the first two hours and P5 for each succeeding hour for motorcycles and a flat rate of P200 for overnight parking. -- Dexter A. see


Philippines now one of top foreign retirees’ choices

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BAGUIO CITY - - Each country has “most googled product”.  Guess what people are searching for in the Philippines? It’s to retire.  
 This is based on a map of the world with the “most googled product” as released by Fixr.com in 2015, Eric de Ausen Pati, officer-in-charge of  Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) said during a recent |”tourism investment forum roadshow here.” 
Most retirees especially those engaged in business settle in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, said Pati. 
Cebu province is the second preference while a good number reside in Clark, Subic, Davao, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro and Baguio City.
Among reasons why retirees abroad want to stay in the country and make it as their second home  include  affordable lifestyle  such that their pension could go a long way unlike if spent in their own country and  they can send their children to colleges and universities and finish schooling and learn English.
There are investment opportunities, it is half-way home during winter season in their country and there are various places to spend weekends and do volunteer work.
Their presence has economic gains in an area, said Pati. “They consume goods and services like housing, food, entertainment, health services, pay taxes that support public goods and services, help finance joint ventures with local businesspeople, do businesses, and bring capital into the area.”
 Pati presented some data recognizing the country as top destination apart from articles written in different international papers like The Wall Street Journal and The Huffington Post.  It ranks 19th World’s Best Places to Retire by the International Living, Annual Global Retirement Index for 2017; ranks 17th as Best Countries for Raising a Family based on InterNations Survey for 2017; ranks 23rd Expat Destinations in the 2016 InterNations Survey;  top 20 Best Foreign Retirement Havens in 2015 particularly Tagaytay & Subic according to Forbes Business Magazine;  ranks 8th as Top Expat Destination in 2014 based on InterNations Survey; and ranks 7th among the 21 Best Places to Retire Overseas in 2014 by Live & Invest Retire.
Pati said retirees who would like to stay in the country could avail of the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) which entitles them to hold permanent residency with multiple-entry and indefinite stay.
More than 48,000 foreign nationals mostly married and brought their families with them availed of the SRRV Program.
They are mostly from China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, India, United States, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia, according to Pati.
They are entitled to privileges such as exemption from the Bureau of Immigration Alien Certificate of Registration Card (ACR I Card) and likewise customs duties and taxes for the importation of household goods and personal effects up to US$7,000 worth, he added.
They are also acquainted through seminars and workshops on the way of living in the country, do business, learning Tagalog and other dialects, health care, financial management and even making a last will and testament. Activities are also prepared for them such as educational tours, sports fest, summer outings, Valentine gimmicks and different social responsibilities.
For more details, visit their website www.pra.gov.ph or emaile at  gm@pra.gov.phdm_marketing@pra.gov.ph or contact them at Tel. No. 848-1418, Fax No. 848-1411 in their office in Manila located at Citibank Tower, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.  They also have office based in Cebu Satellite, Crowne Regency, Fuente Osmena. Satellite offices are found in Davao City, Baguio City and Clark in Angeles City. 
PRA, an attached bureau of the Department of Tourism, is mandated to develop and promote the Philippines as a retirement haven and provide further best quality of life to the targeted retirees in the most attractive package. -- PIA-CAR


Brothers ambushed; 1 slain, another hurt

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BANGUED, Abra – A student was killed while his brother is fighting for his life after they were waylaid Tuesday around 11 p.m. here along Domaoal Street, Zone 6.
The victims were named as brothers Dino and Sean Shendrick Baro, residents of Macray Tayum, Abra.
Investigation conducted by Bangued police disclosed the victims were on board their motorcycle traversing the road towards Sta. Rosa, Bangued, when they were shot several times by unidentified suspects particularly in front of Jannsen Hall Building.
Sean Shendrick managed to drive towards Capitulacion Street but they crashed at the side of the road.
Sean Shendrick Baro was shot twice on his body while Dino Baro was hit thrice.
They were rushed by responding personnel of Bangued police to Abra Provincial Hospital but Sean Shendrick was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician while Dino is still in crticial condition.

Polcie recovered five cartridge cases and one slug of Cal.45. at crime area. Motive is yet to be determined as investigation is going on.

Worker stabs employer dead

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By Ding Cervantes

CANDABA, Pampanga – Police have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly stabbed dead the wife of his employer, who was also wounded in the incident in Barangay Lanang here on April 30.
Relatives of Catherine delos Santos, 25, and her husband Jackie, 29, said that a P400,000 reward would be given to anyone who could help locate and arrest the suspect, identified as Rodolfo Yupio Jr.
Jackie told police that he woke up at around midnight to find his wife bloodied on the kitchen floor.
He said he saw the suspect standing near his wife, holding a knife.
Jackie said a scuffle ensued between him and Yupio, causing injuries to both of them.
The suspect managed to flee as Jackie sought neighbors’ help.
Police said Yupio has been working at the couple’s fish farm for six years.
Jackie told probers that the night before, the suspect asked Catherine to give him his salary in advance.
Catherine reportedly told Yupio to wait until the next day as it was late.
On the same night, Jackie said Yupio was seen having a drinking spree with his friends.


CPLA-CBA factions ‘unite’ to push Cordillera autonomy

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BAUKO, Mountain Province – The Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army – Cordillera Bodong Association (CPLA-CBA) urged government to grant Cordillera regional autonomy they said they had long been pursuing.
This happened during consultation themed “Pioneer Cordillera champions coming together moving forward for autonomy towards federalism,” recently at  historic Mount Data Hotel in this town with  Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Sec. Jesus Dureza.
Dureza urged groups and entities from Cordillera to unite to attain autonomy during consultation organized by the Regional Development Council – Cordillera in collaboration with the OPAPP to explore engagement of advocates for Cordillera autonomy in reinforcing RDC program to achieve autonomy towards federalism. Dureza said the Duterte Administration is supportive of Cordillera autonomy and Bangsamoro of Mindanao.
He urged Cordillerans regardless of culture, tradition and belief to unite to show that they are one in pursuing regional autonomy.
“In the Cordillera region, madaming grupo, mayroon pang nagkawatak watak and we can understand that since the Cordillera has a very diverse culture, people and tradition; there should be one united effort from by all towards autonomy in the Cordillera region,” the Secretary said.
During the event, leaders and representatives from various factions of the CPLA with its political arm the CBA, voiced out their support to regional autonomy.
Despite the CPLA-CBA coming from the different factions, CBA president
Andres Ngao-i of Kalinga said they are one in supporting the autonomy status for the Cordillera region.
“We are not only a supporter of the fight for autonomy but we are reminders of the national government of the agreement of the CPLA with the government in attaining the autonomous status of the region,” Ngao-i added.
“We, the CBA-CPLA, are claiming from the government for their part particularly in granting the autonomous status for the Cordillera region which was part of the written agreement and signed in the historic Mount Data Hotel in 1986 with then President Corazon Aquino and the CPLA led by Father Conrado Balweg.”
“We want to be united, we want to return the time of Father Balweg when we are one group fighting for the Cordillera region,” he added.
Among the CPLA leaders present who shared their thoughts were Conrad Dieza, former Mayor Mailed Molina and the Cosagon faction.
Ngao-I said the CBA as political arm of CPLA and neutral to different factions, will form a technical working group to study how to unify CPLA factions in the coming weeks.

More than a hundred CPLA members came to the event and expressed their support to Cordillera autonomy. -- PIA CAR

DENR approval needed on CJH barangays’ segregation

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By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The approval of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources is needed to segregate barangays within Camp John Hay here. 
This, as Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan told officials of Bases Conversion and Development Authority and its subsidiary, the John Hay Management Corp., he will personally provide assistance to secure approval of the DENR on survey to start segregation of 13 barangays from the 625-hectare Camp John Hay forest reservation.
The mayor expressed optimism segregation of the 13 barangays from the reservation will be realized during the term of President Duterte following positive pronouncements from new set of BCDA and JHMC officers on how to pursue segregation.
“We already had several meetings with BCDA and JHMC officials regarding the segregation of the 13 barangays and we were able to somewhat reach an agreement that it should be pursued the soonest through the conduct of consultations with the affected stakeholders. We made it clear to them that what should be segregated is the areas occupied by the barangays,” Domogan said.
He added he was awaiting decision of BCDA and JHMC officials on how to undertake the segregation so city officials will be able to provide  inputs for realization of government commitment to inhabitants of the concerned barangays.
Domogan said, residents in the barangays to be segregated must understand rules being implemented by BCDA and JHMC regarding entry of construction materials wherein if the said materials will be for improvements of their houses, they must coordinate the matter with JHMC for their information and guidance.
Under existing rules, vertical and horizontal improvements of structures within the barangays situated within the Camp John Hay reservation are prohibited, except for individuals who own titled properties in said barangays.
Domogan said what is important now is for BCDA and JHMC officials to recognize the validity of the 19 conditions imposed by the local government for the development of the 247-hectare John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) wherein one of the conditions was for BCDA to facilitate the exclusion of the 14 barangays from the forest reservation.
He said the present BCDA and JHMC leadership is proactive that is why there is no compelling reason why segregation of the 14 barangays will not be realized considering existence of final survey results which only needs the approval of the DENR to start the process so people in the barangays to be segregated will have the chance to process titling of their lots once the lands in their barangays will be reclassified as alienable and disposable.

He said he was also awaiting results of the survey that was conducted for the identification of the political boundaries of the concerned barangays to be aligned with the cadastral survey conducted by the DENR to thresh out differences prior to implementation of segregation. 

NEWS BRIEFS

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 Benefits for Baguio single parents eyed

BAGUIO CITY – The city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance providing additional benefits to single parents and their children, appropriating funds and for other purposes it may serve.
            The ordinance authored by Vice Mayor Edison R. Bilog stated a solo parent seeking benefits shall be qualified and identified based on the qualifications of a solo parent, a bonafide resident of the city as certified by the punong barangay where the solo parent resides and must have applied for and has been issued a valid solo parent identification card duly signed by the City Social Welfare and Development officer and the City Mayor.
            Under the proposed ordinance, the local government shall provide a training program for solo parent and their children shall be provided at the barangay level, barangay solo parents assistance desk and other services and death benefit for the solo parent amounting to P10,000 if the cause of death is natural and P20,000 if the cause of death is by accident and on top of the death benefit, a rider of P5,000 will be given to the children of the deceased solo parent for funeral expenses.
            Bilog proposed the allocation of P1 million annually from the budget of the local government which shall be incorporated in the budget of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
            On the other hand, the barangays shall allocate in their annual budget the necessary funds to be able to implement the provisions of the ordinance.
            The City Social Welfare and Development Office shall prepare rules and regulations of provisions of the local legislative measure subject to the confirmation of the city council and city mayor. -- Dexter A. See 

 NFA-Abra to rice retailers: Renew licenses

BANGUED, Abra -- The National Food Authority urged rice and corn retailers of the towns of Bucloc, Dolores, Luba, Manabo and Sallapadan to renew their licenses to do business.
Requirements for individuals who will renew their licenses are 2x2 ID picture, 2016 Income Tax Returns, and income statement for those with more than P100, 000 capital. 
The same requirements are to be submitted by cooperatives plus a copy of their registration from the Cooperative Development Authority. 
For new applicants, they are required to submit their Tax Identification Number (TIN) and a sketch map of the location of their business for inspection purposes.
NFA Abra Branch provincial manager Veralew de Vera earlier set a schedule from January to June for registration of rice and corn retailers in Abra to avoid congestion in the office.
Scheduled for May are the towns of Daguioman, Malibcong, Lagangilang, Tineg and Villaviciosa.  For the month of June are the municipalities of Pidigan and Tayum. 
Already done are the towns of Bangued, Lagayan and San Isidro in January;    Boliney, Danglas, Langiden, San Juan and Tubo in February, and the towns of Bucay, Lacub, Licuan, San Quintin and Pilar in March. -- PIA Abra

Baguio cops to get share from traffic violations fees

BAGUIO CITY – The city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance granting the Baguio city Police Office–Traffic Management Branch 25 percent share of fines from traffic violations in the city.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr. said the 25 percent share of the BCPO-TMB shall be deposited or credited by the local government to the account of the BCPO-TMB under its maintenance and other operating expenses and shall be disbursed pursuant to the usual accounting and auditing rules and procedures.
Yangot claimed the collections from traffic violations are among notable sources of revenue of the local government and the increasing collections from traffic violations can be attributed to the continuous and relentless efforts of the BCPO-TMB personnel.
He said the prescribed share of the BCPO-TMB from the fees will only be used by the office for their maintenance and other operating expenses and not for any other purpose. -- Dexter A. See

 Tagudin’s Tikanlu Festival boosts tourism

TAGUDIN, Ilocos Sur — The 10th Tikanlu (tinungbo, kangkanen and lubi-lubi) Festival held here last week has the potential to be a major Philippine festival and tourist draw.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo bared this Tuesday citing the municipal government headed by Mayor Roque Verzosa for staging the event. She likened it to international historical, cultural and religious events made feasible with by cooperation of people from small towns like Tagudin.
“I did not have second thoughts when I received an invitation to grace the Tikanlu festival,” she told Tagudin residents. “Tikanlu has a big potential to become a major festival. We just need to improve it and I give my commitment to help.” Festival organizers and local folk prepared a giant glutinous rice cake measuring 10 meters in diameter to spice up festivities.
It was made using 15 50 – kilo sacks of glutinous rice produced by the farmers, 1,500 coconuts and 7.5 sacks of muscovado sugar. It was simultaneously cooked by 50 persons and is estimated to be good for 10,000 persons.

Programs set to improve Abra PCL in governance

BANGUED, Abra-- The Philippine Councilors’ League Abra Chapter cited importance of capacity development in their ranks order so they could perform their duties efficiently.
PCL Abra President Jun Dion said one program the Sangguniang Bayan members are enjoying now is tie-up program between the Dept. of Interior and Local Government and PCL -- the “newly elected officials program,” a termed-based capacity development program that trains  council members on their roles and functions.
Through this program, councilors are encouraged to pursue their education, take up technical and degree courses in the PCL Legislative Academy to become competent legislators in their areas.
“Maraming SB na ang nag-pursue ng kanilang legislative education from Abra. They will learn how to draft ordinances and resolutions and adapt programs suitable in their own towns,” he said.
Dion said they plan to institute computerization of all council offices in the province to hasten data encoding and decoding and maintain records of all files including ordinances and resolutions.
They are also currently drafting an ordinance to be passed in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan requiring mandatory drug testing of all government employees. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

 Building owners required to secure parking lots

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring all owners and operators of commercial buildings whose building permits were issued pursuant to the provisions of the National Building Code to provide sufficient lighting facilities, layout, and security personnel within the parking lots of their buildings.
            The ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr. stated the purpose of the local legislative measure is to secure the customers’ property within the vicinity of the building and to avoid any other circumstance that may cause damage to the said properties.
            Under the ordinance, failure of the building owners to provide the necessary lighting facilities, layout, and security personnel for their parking lots after due notice shall be fined P5,000 or an imprisonment of one month or both upon the discretion of the court.
            According to him, many cases involving crimes within parking lots often revolve around lack of sufficient lighting, surveillance, and response from the building owners and once crime occurs in an area, authorities find difficulties in investigating the said incidents because of the absence of adequate security personnel who should serve as a deterrent to the commission of such incidents-- Dexter A. See

 DOLE gives gardening facilities to Ifugao PO

HUNGDUAN, Ifugao -- The Ifugao  office of the Dept. of Labor and Employment recently turned-over gardening facilities to a peoples’ organization of this town costing P628, 767.00 that will benefit 45  members.
Labor and Employment Officer III Joseph Tuguinay facilitated the turn-over to Mamaddikit Women’s Organization represented by Evangeline Agwat, its president, and witnessed by Barangay Captain Noel Butihling and Municipal Agriculturist Roldan Dulawan.
The gardening facilities included pipes, plastic drums, knapsack sprayers, grub hoes and other implements.
Tuguinay told the group their responsibilities as stipulated in memorandum of agreement and encouraged them to make good their gardening engagement to boost their livelihood.
Hungduan municipality has nine barangays and has a cool climatic conditions and fertile soil that is very much suited and favorable for growing highland vegetables and other root crops. About 7, 487 hectares of the land in are devoted to agricultural potential for the production of high value commercial crops. -- PIA Ifugao

 PRO–Cordillera seeks partnership with media

BAGUIO CITY - - The Police Regional office – Cordillera urged partnership with media practitioners so law enforcement and peace and order services are accurately delivered for the people.
Regional police director Chief Supt. Elmo Francis Sarona made the call during the PRO-Cor media fellowship night recently held at Philippine Information Agency Cordillera Regional Office grounds.
‘Aside from delivering the news and information to the people on what we, your law enforcement agency, has been doing and accomplished, you also play a vital role in ensuring that we are properly carrying the mandates that are tasked for us. You will be our check and balance’, Sarona said.
‘Whether the report is good or bad, we will not make offense on criticisms as what is important is we achieve our battle cry of discipline, commitment and teamwork wherein you are part of the teamwork aspect,’ he added.
In the said event, PRO – Cor also reported that crime volume in Cordillera went down by 35.62 percent or from 3,636 cases in the first quarter of 2016 to 2,341 during the same period this year.
On the campaign against illegal drugs, PRO – Cor recorded  a total of 7,390 drug surrenderers that include 6,425 users and 955 pushers.  68 others were arrested on official police operations.
PRO – Cor already declared the Cordillera provinces of Abra, Apayao, Mountain Province, Kalinga and Ifugao as drug – free provinces. PIA CAR

DOST Ifugao Innovation Center to boost livelihood

LAMUT Ifugao --  The Department of Science and Technology, in partnership with the Ifugao State University.
Recently inaugurated the Innovation and S&T Center at the IFSU Main Campus here. DOST Cordillera regional director Victor Mariano and IFSU president Dr. Serafin Ngohayon, assisted by former DOST - CAR RD Julius Caesar
Sicat (now the regional director of DOST Region 3), DOST – CAR assistant regional director Nancy Bantog and Ifugao Provincial S&T director Genna Jallorina led ribbon-cutting of the facility that aims to boost the delivery of DOST programs and services in the province, and bring technology and innovations to micro, small and medium enterprises in Ifugao. Mariano said the new facility here will strengthen ties between DOST, IFSU, program beneficiaries and co-operators that will help improve the livelihood of the people of Ifugao.
‘This is the advocacy of the DOST, to bring inclusive growth to all the Filipino people, through science and technology and innovations,’ Mariano said.
Ngoyahon said the facility is a concrete landmark of what partnership means and what it would bring to the people.
Sicat  noted collaboration with industries, institutions and the academe like this partnership with IFSU was in line with socio – economic agenda of DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña in bringing science for the people towards world class relevance and region- based technology.
Sicat along with project proponent, former DOST regional director Ben Ladilad, and ariano were involved in the realization of this project.
Through the provincial S&T Center, DOST can bring its programs and services closer to the people of Ifugao.  With the facility as an innovation center, improving the competitiveness of local and indigenous products (both food and non-food) of the province will become a priority, Jallorina said.
We can use pulled out SET – UP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) equipment to assist local folks improve their indigenous agricultural products and well as other food and non – food livelihood produce. Eventually they can also be a SETUP implementer if they are ready to bring their livelihood undertaking at a higher level, Jallorina added. -- PIA CAR

Council okays trade fair organizers outside Baguio  

BAGUIO CITY – The city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance that seeks to amend several sections of the city’s trade fair ordinance to improve the city’s ability to generate added revenues from the conduct of regulated trade fairs in the city.
The proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr., stated Section 2 of the trade fair ordinance will state that it is hereby declared a policy of the local government of Baguio to regulate trade fairs in the city for a period of not exceeding 30 days in suitable private or public places that promote agricultural, industrial and commercial products, crafts and other merchandise through inter-regional trading fostering better livelihood opportunities, enhancing local tourism, and helping advance economic development.
Further, Section 13 of the said ordinance will now provide that trade fair participants shall not be limited to Baguio city residents and Cordillera-based enterprises not located in the city; provided, that the local businessmen shall be given priority; and, provided, further, that 20 percent of the trade fair’s gross income from the holding of trade fairs shall be paid to the City Treasury Office and used to support the beautification and cleanliness programs of the city.
On the other hand, Section 16 of the same ordinance will now provide that trade fairs and exhibits that are sponsored and organized by a national government agency where the city is the host local government shall pay the appropriate special permit fee, provided that all participants shall pay their special permits fees and other charges.
Dexter A. See

Philhealth Kalinga cleanses membership data

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga -- Philhealth cleaned up its membership database particularly indigent members that resulted to list from more than 52,000 poor members to more than 47,000.
Rommel Aranca, Philhealth Field Officer, here said they have removed double registration, synchronized membership of poor families enrolled under the 4Ps program and local government unit- sponsored program to the national listing under the National Household Targeting System (NHTS).
Simultaneous with the cleansing of membership records was renewal of NHTS members under Listahanan 2 program of the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development. “This will result in easing the burden of LGUs in sponsoring membership of poor families if they will be absorbed by the national government under NHTS,” Aranca said.
Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are in the country.
Aranca informed that their office established a per barangay baseline data to easily determine what barangay needs attention in terms of membership enhancement.
Meanwhile, Philhealth is also working with the Dept. of Trade and Industry’s Negosyo Center in ensuring the coverage of every enterpriser and the employees to the state-run health insurance, and with Pag-ibig and the Social Security System for the membership of their members.
Aranca said he oriented his three partners in this city on the process of enrolling their employees to Philhealth.
Aranca also announced that Pasil is now an accredited collecting agent of Philhealth. He said other LGUs can pay membership premiums of their sponsored members as well as individual members to Pasil. PIA Kalinga

DOST turns over shredders in Abra

BANGUED, Abra -- The Department of Science and Technology here turned over three shredder machines to two farmers’ groups and   to Lagangilang govnerment last week.
The shredder machines costing P585, 000 will be used for the LGU’s solid waste management program and   for vermicomposting for organic farming of the Abra Vegetable Seed Growers Development Cooperative (AVSECO) and Immuli Pidigan Farmers’ Association.  
“The shredders have two components - one for shredding plastic materials and the other for biodegradable materials,” said DOST provincial director Menandro Buenafe as he demonstrated how to operate the machine before handing them over to recipients.
“We need to promote organic agriculture so we need to equip the farmers with this machine,” he said.
In vermicomposting, shredded plant debris like leaves, grasses and manure are used to feed the African Nightcrawler, a type of earthworm that produces organic and mineral nutrients good for the soil.
DOST is also currently holding free trainings  on how to fabricate food processing machines like noodle machine maker and other mechanization programs to machine shops in the province to strengthen local machine fabrication.
“Our farmers drive all the way to Pangasinan to buy tractors to be used in their farming. It’s high time we train our mechanical engineers to make some,” he said. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

 DA official to Benguet farmers: Have agri-plan

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Agricultural production should be based on a scientific  plan with a component on capacity building and networking, an official of the Department of Agriculture  told Benguet farmers.
Dept. of Agriculture Undersecretary for Agribusiness and High Value Crops Evelyn G. Laviña cited this in her message  at La Trinidad municipal gym recently.
‘I challenge the farmers to have an agri-plan and to study the agricultural market; a farmer should know if he will profit from his produce,’ she said.
The agri-plan may include seedling source, variety, market potential, and processing.
‘You are lucky in this town, you have the fruit that is shaped like a heart, the strawberry is anti-oxidant and very nutritious’, Laviña said as she prompted that the town’s popular strawberries have big potentials if well-packaged.
La Trinidad supplies most of the country’s strawberries and cut flowers including roses. Its proximity from  Baguio City attracts tourists primarily to the strawberry fields and rose gardens.
‘We will work together. You do your part and the government will do its share to have a productive economy and improve the living condition of all of us. Continue your good agricultural programs and we enhance for a better production,” Laviña emphasized. -- PIA CAR

 46 Ifugao cops complete criminal probe course

LAGAWE, Ifugao - - Forty six criminal  investigators  from the municipal police stations, Provincial Public Safety Company and Ifugao Police Provincial Office  recently completed  Criminal Investigation Course (CIC) at Camp Joaquin Dunuan here.
The 45-day training aimed to enhance skills of police investigators in the province for better investigation work.
In his message during the closing ceremony, executive judge Romeo Habbiling of RTC Branch 14 in Lagawe urged police investigators to strictly follow process of chain of custody especially on illegal drugs and firearms with defaced serial numbers.
“I am enjoining you to be careful in gathering, preserving and presentation of evidences in court,” Habbiling said.
Lamut  Mayor Mariano Buyagawan, Jr.  urged police to actively participate particularly in preparation of sworn statements and preservation of evidence until filing of cases in court. -- PIA Ifugao

 Kalinga dads approve tourism development plan

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved adaption of provincial tourism development plan which shall serve as a blueprint for development of potential tourist destinations in the province.
This is also in support to Republic Act No. 10561 known as “An Act Declaring the Province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region as a tourism development area and providing funds therefore”.
Gov. Jocel Baac, in his message,  said the tourism development plan will integrate  existing and proposed development initiatives of government and private stakeholders.
The development of these tourist destinations will generate livelihood opportunities that will contribute to the upliftment of the socio-economic conditions of the residents in the communities.
Kalinga, as stated in provincial development and physical framework plan, is envisioned as an agri-industrialized province and eco-tourism destination with self-reliant communities living in a safe environment.  -- PIA Kalinga

 Ifugao swine raisers learn artificial insemination process

 LAMUT, Ifugao -- The Provincial Veterinary Office recently conducted training on artificial insemination of swine  for 36 young livestock farmers  in the province at the  Provincial Artificial Breeding Center Facility in  Barangay Mabatobato here.
PVET training coordinator Ferdinand Dunuan said the training was held for  participants to gain knowledge  and skills  on artificial insemination (AI) so that they can perform and accomplish AI for swine by themselves.
Backyard swine production is now a common undertaking by households in all the towns of Ifugao due to the continued pig dispersal program of the province for livelihood and additional sources of income for the people.  But one of the problems of swine raisers is the difficulty in looking for boars for natural breeding.
The provincial government established PABCF in 1969 and remains operational until now to cater to the needs of swine raisers in the entire province. However, there are only few agricultural technicians who attend to the concerns of livestock farmers in all the municipalities, and they are not always available to render AI.
During the training, PABCF chief Roland Takinan oriented trainees on the operation of the center followed by message of Provincial Veterinarian James Gopeng.  Dunuan gave a   lecture on artificial insemination of swine, proper techniques and semen handling.
The participants also had a  hands-on practicum on collecting the semen of boars and processing them in the laboratory for use in artificial insemination conducted by PABCF technician Fidel Guimbungan. -- PIA Ifugao)

 BIR-Kalinga exceeds 1st quarter collection target

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga– The Revenue District Office 11 covering the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao collected P169 million first quarter of this year exceeding its P146M collection target for the period.
Revenue District Officer Eduardo B. Gayas said that if the collection trend continues, the revenue office can meet its P727M collection target for the year. 
Explaining that tax is a basic obligation and the country’s ‘life blood’, he urged tax payers to pay the right tax amount to the government. He advised taxpayers to visit their office for tax assessment before they remit their tax dues at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).
Gayas also promoted BIR’s electronic filing and payment system (EFPS) where filing and payment of tax is done online. Under the system, individual tax payers can opt to remit their payments using their bank accounts through on-line fund transfer.
The system, he said, makes transaction more convenient to individual tax payers provided they are properly registered with BIR’s EFPS structure.
Gayas also announced BIR allows extension in tax payments until July 15 to tax dues amounting to P2, 000 and above, provided half of the amount is paid upon filing of the ITR on or before the April 15 deadline. -- PIA Kalinga  

Tabuk City implements P5M-worth BUB projects

CITY OF  TABUK, Kalinga – The city local government unit has started implementing  P5 million-worth  access road projects funded under the Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government.
City operation officer Mediatrix Alinio said the fund was allotted to seven barangays namely  Agbannawag, P1M; Gobgob, P1M; Appas, P600, 000; Balong, P600, 000; Ipil, P600, 000; Malalao,P600, 000, and San Julian, P600, 000.
Last year, DILG had committed P20M BUB aid to every LGU in the province for 2017 to finance infrastructure, livelihood and other impact projects.
The national government uses the BUB as tool to reconstruct the country’s rural picture through participatory planning down to the grass roots.
Alinio said no amount of development effort works well to alleviate people in the countryside without first listening to what they need and what should be done.
Under the BUB system, target beneficiary areas are consulted in the identification of priority projects and are involved in the actual monitoring during project implementation.
The system has also countered the dole-out mentality   with the counter-part scheme between the national government through line agencies, and local government units in providing costs of projects have developed.
In the process, LGUs are encouraged to organize civil societies composed of sector representatives as local partners from whom inputs to a particular project come from.
Under the BUB, people do not feel only as recipients of government actions but more importantly as partners. With the set-up, moves for change are better accepted and definitely will work well in the countryside, Alinio said.  --PIA CAR

 DOST accepting proposals for funding until June

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga - - The Department of Science and Technology provincial office  here urged entrepreneurs to submit  business proposals for possible funding assistance by the department.
Alfonso Berto, provincial DOST officer,  said proponents are given until June this year to submit proposals on manufacturing business and processing including upgrading of existing ones.
He said DOST Kalinga has so far accepted seven project proposals which are under review by their regional office. Three were proposed by individual entrepreneurs while the four others were submitted by group proponents.
Individual project proposals have bigger chances of being approved. -- PIA CAR

 Pag-IBIG Fund fixessystem, membership ID

BAGUIO CITY -- The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund Member Services Branch is currently upgrading  its system  to ensure accuracy in the recording of members’ transactions and to speed up the processing of loan applications and provident benefit claims.
Lilian D. Nievera, supervising kloans and credit officer of Pag-IBIG Baguio member services branch, said short term loan and provident fund mManagement systems which will require membership ID number is an ID-based records-keeping and capturing system, which is an enhanced system on updating and maintenance of Pag-IBIG members’ contribution records.
“Effective April, all applications for MPL calamity, claims and membership contributions including housing loan payments shall require the members’ MID,” she said telling members to have their Pag-IBIG MID secured at the branch’s registration desk (Counter 7) or register online at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph. -- PIA- CAR

 Abra, DOLE, turn over P.5-M equipment to farmers’ group

BANGUED, Abra -- The Department of Labor and Employment and provincial government led by Gov. Maria Jocelyn Bernos turned over P498,000  worth of farm implements to San Isidro, Lagangilang Forest Land Management Association, Inc.
These included two sets of kuliglig, two water pumps, one grass cutter and one mechanized rice thresher.
Farm implements were funded by DOLE upon request of the provincial government to help this farmer’s association composed of 115 farmers.
 “They will have to rent the farm implements when they use them for maintenance. They were also required to put up a housing where they can place and keep safe these facilities from the rain and other elements,” said Gabriel De La Vega of DOLE-Abra.
He added this will gear and equip the farmers here so they will not be left out and displaced in this growing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) consciousness. Giving them farm implements they need will give them confidence to upgrade and hoist their production quantity and quality alike, he said.
“It’s only here that farmers are poor and lowly. In other Asian nations they have cars and live affluently. They are mechanized,” he said.
Bernos urged the farmers to make use of the facilities and take good care of them.
Felipe Trongco, the association’s president, expressed his gratitude to the government in behalf of members for the facilities which will help them in their farming. -- Ginalyn B. Brioso

Hike in stipend of day care workers proposed

 BAGUIO CITY – The city council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance increasing the monthly compensation of day care workers in the city for them to be able to cope with the continuous increase in the prices of basic commodities triggered by the uncontrollable oil prices in the world market.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr. stated the local legislative measure shall be known as an ordinance increasing the monthly compensation of the day care workers in the city and providing rules for other purposes.
Under the proposed ordinance, Yangot underscored the subsidized day care workers of the city shall be deemed employees of the city and shall be paid their regular salaries under existing appropriations of the local government.
Yangot added the monthly salary of the subsidized day care workers should continuously increase from the original P4,000 to P8,000, hence, subsidized day care workers will be further entitled to benefits and allowances to which regular employees are entitled.
On the other hand, the monthly participation fee of the parents shall not exceed the amount of P20 per month which will be utilized exclusively for the purchase and procurement of teaching materials only.
Based on available records of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, there are already 79 day care workers in the city wherein 12 of whom are regular employees of the local government and they are receiving a salary of at least P14,000 each while the 67 others subsidized day care workers from the city wherein they are receiving P4,000 monthly stipend. -- Dexter A. See

 DILG trains Abra LGUs on rural monitoring system    

BANGUED, Abra – The Dept. of Interior and Local Government recently conducted among local government units training on “data banking”   in planning development programs and projects to ensure responsiveness of such programs to real needs and problems of communities and effectiveness of implementation.
This was main goal of the training program on community-based monitoring system (CBMS) accelerated poverty profiling (APP) being conducted by the regional DILG for local government units in the province.
Here, participants in CBMS training were local employees of the municipalities of Dolores, Malibcong, Penarrubia and Danglas. 
The first module was orientation on how to use the gadgets and how to administer the survey questionnaires conducted at the Origines Hotel at Barangay Calaba.
This was followed by actual data collection using the CBMS software dubbed as CBMS Scan.  The data collection is expected to be carried out in one month.
The questionnaire is set inside the CBMS Scan, the software being used in the survey. The CBMS scan fast-tracks data collection and processing by encoding data while interviewing the household respondents. The location of the household is taken at the same time by getting the GPS data using android tablets.
It also features security measures to maintain confidentiality of information while facilitating census management.
The participants are likewise taught on how to install and open the CBMS Scan including the menu of CBMS app and the registration of the mobile devices.
The training is an activity among the DILG’s Bureau of Local Government Development, CBMS International Network Coordinating Team, and the four local governments. The training team in Abra was headed by Rolando Gonzales of DILG-CAR.

Baguio folks urged: Join anti-graffiti campaign

BAGUIO CITY-- Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan urged barangay officials here to aggressively implement anti-graffiti campaign to help bring back cleanliness of the city amidst rapidly growing population.
The local chief executive said he cannot understand why there are some youth who resort to graffiti to express their sentiments instead of using their talent and skills in good deeds.
“It is unfortunate that graffiti continues to proliferate in the city because of the increasing number of youngsters involved in the said illegal activity. We do not tolerate individuals involved in dirtying our city that is why we are now involving the barangay officials in our campaign to instill discipline among our youth,” Domogan said.
He added an administrative order was recently issued deputizing barangay officials in the implementation of the citywide anti-graffiti campaign by monitoring their constituents for graffiti to send a clear message to the public that city and barangay officials mean business in ridding their areas of jurisdiction from graffiti. -- Dexter A. See

 DOST-Abra checks hydromet devices  

BANGUED, Abra-- The Department of Science and Technology personnel led by provincial head Menandro Buenafe are going around municipalities of the province where hydromet devices were installed to check if they are functioning properly and ready for disasters.
There are four kinds of hydromet devices- the automated rain gauge (ARG), automated weather stations (AWS), water level monitoring station (WLMS), and tandem or combination of ARG and WLMS (TDM).
They save human labor by automatically recording weather-related information. The
Engineer Ingemar Zarate said the ARG measures volume of rainfall. ARGs installed in different sections of Abra River, and almost all 27 municipalities have an ARG. The data collected by the instruments warn of flooding.
The AWS provides timely weather condition of a certain area in its coverage. The data generated from the AWS are directly monitored by the Weather Bureau of the government for ready and easy utilization.
The WLMS, measures water level in a particular area where the device is installed. This serves as an immediate warning device for the local people for their appropriate action to prevent dangers of flooding.
The TDM is more effective as it is a combination of the ARG and WLMS. But not all municipalities have been installed with this device.
Zarate urged the people to take good care of these hydromet devices so  these could last longer for their own benefit in terms of safety in times of calamities. -- PIA Abra

 Banaue folks urged: Join community activities

BANAUE, Ifugao -- Village folks in this tourist town were urged to always participate in community-led activities during barangay assemblies for important updates and information.
“I am enjoining everyone to always attend the activities of your barangays so that you will know personally the situation of your place in terms of good governance and other information from other government agencies,” said Board Member Clemente Bongtiwon who recently graced the barangay assembly of Bocos, this town.
Bongtiwon said the barangay assembly is a venue for village officials and other government agencies to present accomplishments, programs and activities for information of the public to help them in decision making.
With the theme “Sulong Barangay Kontra Droga, Krimen at Katiwalian: Makiaalam! Makilahok! Makiisa!”, the recent Barangay Assembly Day started with a contested ethnic parade and program at the barangay open court.
Representatives of the national government like the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency and Banaue Police Station also joined in the barangay assembly and conducted information advocacy. -- PIA Ifugao

Kalinga male employees oriented on healthy lifestyle

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga -- One hundred male employees of local and national offices here were recently oriented on healthy life style and on men’s role on reproductive health at Davidson Hotel.
Dr. Bernadette Andaya, head of DOH provincial office, said the activity aimed to educate males on their obligation of living a healthy lifestyle and to remind them of their part on the promotion of reproductive health.
Republic Act No. 10354 or the Reproductive Health law “implies that men and women attain equal relationships in matters related to sexual relations and reproduction” thus they should be aware of their respective roles and responsibilities.  
“Being the so-called heads of the family and would-be for those still single, males have to take the heavier responsibility of leading the family through the correct path and be the major bread earner,” Andaya said. -- PIA Kalinga




DENR approval needed on CJH barangays’ segregation

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By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – The approval of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources is needed to segregate barangays within Camp John Hay here. 
This, as Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan told officials of Bases Conversion and Development Authority and its subsidiary, the John Hay Management Corp., he will personally provide assistance to secure approval of the DENR on survey to start segregation of 13 barangays from the 625-hectare Camp John Hay forest reservation.
The mayor expressed optimism segregation of the 13 barangays from the reservation will be realized during the term of President Duterte following positive pronouncements from new set of BCDA and JHMC officers on how to pursue segregation.
“We already had several meetings with BCDA and JHMC officials regarding the segregation of the 13 barangays and we were able to somewhat reach an agreement that it should be pursued the soonest through the conduct of consultations with the affected stakeholders. We made it clear to them that what should be segregated is the areas occupied by the barangays,” Domogan said.
He added he was awaiting decision of BCDA and JHMC officials on how to undertake the segregation so city officials will be able to provide  inputs for realization of government commitment to inhabitants of the concerned barangays.
Domogan said, residents in the barangays to be segregated must understand rules being implemented by BCDA and JHMC regarding entry of construction materials wherein if the said materials will be for improvements of their houses, they must coordinate the matter with JHMC for their information and guidance.
Under existing rules, vertical and horizontal improvements of structures within the barangays situated within the Camp John Hay reservation are prohibited, except for individuals who own titled properties in said barangays.
Domogan said what is important now is for BCDA and JHMC officials to recognize the validity of the 19 conditions imposed by the local government for the development of the 247-hectare John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) wherein one of the conditions was for BCDA to facilitate the exclusion of the 14 barangays from the forest reservation.
He said the present BCDA and JHMC leadership is proactive that is why there is no compelling reason why segregation of the 14 barangays will not be realized considering existence of final survey results which only needs the approval of the DENR to start the process so people in the barangays to be segregated will have the chance to process titling of their lots once the lands in their barangays will be reclassified as alienable and disposable.

He said he was also awaiting results of the survey that was conducted for the identification of the political boundaries of the concerned barangays to be aligned with the cadastral survey conducted by the DENR to thresh out differences prior to implementation of segregation. 

Baguilat pushes probe of secret police cells

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IFUGAO Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat is set to file a resolution urging the House of Representatives to immediately conduct an investigation into the alleged secret police cell in a Manila station where drug suspects are allegedly held until they cough up money.
Acting on a tip, lawyers of the Commission on Human Rights went to a police station in Tondo and were shocked to see about a dozen men and women locked in a cell hidden behind a shelf.
The detainees claimed they were being held against their will until they paid P40,000 to P200,000 demanded by the police.
The station chief has since been relieved of his duty but Baguilat said more should be done considering the blatant disregard for the rights of the detainees, who are presumed innocent and entitled to due process. That the police demanded payment has made the situation even worse.
"I commend the Commission on Human Rights for doing its duty to the people, which is to protect them from abuse of State power. This is a clear instance of abuse of power by the very same people who are supposed to protect us," said Baguilat, "What happened here is a disgrace to the uniform and a violation of the policemen's oath to serve and protect the people."
Baguilat also expressed hope that the House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, would immediately take up the issue and not just sweep it under the rug, like what the Speaker did with Baguilat's call for an investigation into extrajudicial killings.
"This is an issue of vital concern. It was a good thing that the CHR got wind of the existence of such a secret cell.  But we have to find out if there are more out there, whether taxpayer's money is being used to build and hide them, why our police administrators don't know about them, or if they do know about them, why they are tolerating this abuse of people's rights," Baguilat said.


TESDA offers free training to slain cops’ dependents

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TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offered free technical-vocational training to dependents and relatives of four policemen killed during an operation in Lubuagan municipality last February.
Imee Ann Dong-as of TESDA said the free training is under training for work scholarship program that includes in its beneficiaries members of families of police and military killed in operations up to fourth degree of consanguinity.
Dong-as informed said the father and a cousin of the late PO1 Vincent Paul Tay-od will train on driving, two cousins on food and beverage service, two other cousins on heavy equipment- backhoe loader operations and another who is still choosing his training course.
“We are waiting for beneficiaries of the other three policemen – PO1 Charles Ryan Compas, PO2 Jovenal Aguinaldo, PO3 Cruzaldo Lawagan who signified their intent to avail of the program to come apply at our training center,” Dong-as said.
The four policemen were killed in a shootout on Feb. 21 while serving warrant of arrest against Willy Sagasag, a top wanted person.
The granting of free training is part  of  President Duterte’s humanitarian policy of giving support to families of law enforcers killed and wounded in action. -- PIA Kalinga



Fatalities pile up in NL as drug war intensifies

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MORE DRUG SUSPECTS were killed or arrested last week in North and Central Luzon by lawmen and suspected vigilantes even as police have launched a manhunt for Edmundo Uclos, chairman of Barangay Mabuttal in Ballesteros town in Cagayan and his brother Arnulfo after raids on their houses on Tuesday yielded 50 grams of shabu with an estimated value of P200,000.
Police said the suspects are “high-value” drug pushers who surrendered under Oplan Tokhang last year. 
Meanwhile, among those willed was Lucina Carulla, 60, who was sitting in front of her house in Barangay Guiset Norte, San Manuel, Pangasinan Tuesday when motorcycle-riding men opened fire.
She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Don Laureano Perez Memorial Clinic. 
Louie Vallo, 36, was eating dinner with his son at their house in Barangay Mancup, Calasiao also in Pangasinan when two men entered and shot him. Vallo’s son was unhurt.
In Ilocos Sur, Mario Cabbab, 44, allegedly shot Gian de la Cruz, 23, a resident of Barangay Buliclic, Sta. Lucia Tuesday.
The two reportedly had an altercation after De la Cruz refused to lend money to the suspect.
A manhunt for Cabbab is underway.
In Pampanga, Francisco Manabat, 50, chairman of Barangay Bantay Bayan of Sta. Ines; Cesar Sta. Cruz, 49, and Willie Marin, 53, were nabbed for allegedly selling shabu to anti-drug operatives who posed as buyers. 
On Sunday night, security guard Manuel Nillo Tani, 38, was allegedly shot dead by his drinking buddy Salvador Padilla in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.
Padilla was arrested in a follow-up operation. Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the killing.
Meanwhile, another security guard, Dante Garcia, 50, was wounded while his companion Rogelio Cayab-yab, 47, was unharmed in an attack in nearby Malasiqui town.
Garcia and Cayabyab were on their way home from the wake of a friend when the suspect, identified as Reynaldo Aquino, shot them.
 Probers are eyeing a quarrel over a card game at the wake as the motive for the attack. 
Lucina Carulla, 60, was sitting in front of her house in Barangay Guiset Norte, San Manuel, Pangasinan when motorcycle-riding men opened fire Sunday night. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Don Laureano Perez Memorial Clinic. 
Louie Vallo, 36, was eating dinner with his son at their house in Barangay Mancup, Calasiao also in Pangasinan when two men entered and shot him. Vallo’s son was unhurt.
In Ilocos Sur, Mario Cabbab, 44, allegedly shot Gian de la Cruz, 23, a resident of Barangay Buliclic, Sta. Lucia Monday. The two reportedly had an altercation after De la Cruz refused to lend money to the suspect.

In Pampanga, Francisco Manabat, 50, chairman of Barangay Bantay Bayan of Sta. Ines; Cesar Sta. Cruz, 49, and Willie Marin, 53, were nabbed for allegedly selling shabu to anti-drug operatives who posed as buyers. – By Eva Vispera, Ric Sapnu, Raymund Catindig  

P262.9M Cordillera projects approved for PRDP funding

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By Mabel Zabala

BAGUIO CITY- - The Cordillera Regional Project Advisory Board  has endorsed 12 subprojects for funding under the Dept. of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in a recent meeting here at Dept. of Agriculture conference hall.
The RPAB agreed these subprojects which include communal irrigation systems, potable water systems, tramline system and slope stabilization works are viable will bring socio-economic impact and benefits to  beneficiaries and to the region as a whole, said DA regional director Dr. Lorenzo M. Caranguian.
These subprojects have a total amount of P262,990,209.64 distributed as follows: improvement of Sta. Maria-Mallig-Upper Atok farm-to-market Road at Flora, Apayao worth P198,061,000,  improvement of Bongbongna-Poitan communal irrigation  system at Banaue, P7,363,000; construction of Amchu-uy-Bae CIS at Banaue, P2,272,000; improvement of Aparnga-o-Ki-iyang CIS in Banaue, P6,769,000; construction of slope protection at Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet, P10,793,000; construction of Surek Tramline in Ekip,P3,912,000 and  Wakal tramline, P3,985,000  in Nawal, both in Bokod, Benguet;  construction of Talubin level II potable water system in Bontoc, Mountain Province,  improvement of Mainit Chorngowan P7,000,000 and improvement of Can-eo PWS, P3,700,000, both in  Bontoc.
"We encourage provinces to propose more other infra subprojects like these," Caranguian said . 
With funding for farm-to-market roads already depleted, he said infrastructure such as potable water system and communal irrigation systems are eyed as priorities for funding under the PRDP.

The RPAB is composed of regional heads from different government agencies who review, provide suggestions and  approve subprojects to  higher approving bodies in national level under the PRDP. 

Clark-Bagabag air route to boost North Luzon tourism

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By Larry P. Fabian

BAGUIO CITY – A new air route will boost tourism in Northern Luzon, Tourism official said.
In the Cordillera, Tourism regional director Marie Venus Q. Tan announced Tuesday the launch of the new air route that would make the Cordillera Administrative Region and other parts of Northern Luzon more accessible to foreign tourists.
“We will launch the Clark International Airport-Bagabag Airport in Nueva Vizcaya air route on May 17, expected to boost and ease the travel time of our foreign visitors who would like to immerse themselves first in the highland resorts of the Cordillera region,” Tan said.
Tan said most of the region’s foreign visitors are Europeans, mainly the French who topped the list of the foreign visitors in 2016 with 72,000.
“The number of foreign visitors this year is increasing, and the number of French arrivals is now being overcome by Israeli citizens, who travel first in the Cordillera for cultural immersion,” she disclosed.
The DOT director added that most of these European tourists maintain high positions of employment in the private and government sectors in their countries, and they will certainly boost the economy of the different tourism destinations in and around CAR.


Task force clueless on project work equipment

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CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga – A task force created by Gov. Jocel Baac to investigate recently burning of heavy equipment contracted to improve the Allaguia-Asibanglan provincial road is still clueless on perpetrators.
The provincial police office was earlier tasked to head Task Force Pamana Project-Allaguia to look into the burning of a  Volvo backhoe owned by  Randy Balbino Construction Company and Royal Seabees Construction  at Sitio Bakwit, Allaguia, Pinukpuk.
The concreting and improvement project costing P32 million is under the Payapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn or Pamana program of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government.
PAMANA aims to extend development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach, conflict-affected communities to ensure that they are not left behind.
The perpetrators remain at large. PNP report quoted barangay officials the alleged perpetrators are not members of the New People’s Army but somebody with claims on the project or might be an insider with bad sentiments on management.
This was corroborated by the assessment of the 503rd Infantry Brigade.  However, Kenneth Marcelino, project engineer of Royal Seabees Construction, said there was never any conflict between management and their employees since the start of the project.
Engineer Max Mayer Adong who went to project site urged barangay officials of Allaguia and Asibanglan to come out with their own investigation for perusal of the task force. -- PIA Kalinga



Ifugao druggies recount past; eye better life, future

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KIANGAN, Ifugao -- More than a hundred drug surrenderees in the province are optimistic of better life, harmonious relationship with family and community after completing rehabilitation program here at Ifugao Reflection Camp.
In their testimonies during recognition ceremony at Kiangan War Memorial Shrine, some of the 109 drug surrenderees said the IRC helped them mend their way of living for better future, family and environment.
They completed 6-month rehabilitation
program that can qualify them for recommendation for delisting from drug watch list.
A female drug surrendered from Lagawe said her life before had no direction.
Her children and neighbors were afraid of her due to her illegal drug activities but her life changed when she became an IRC camper.
“When my family learned that I entered the IRC, they supported me and helped me to start a small business,” she added.
Another camper from Lamut narrated through activities at the IRC, his relationship to God and family was strengthened. “Dahil sa illegal na droga ay muntik na kaming maghiwalay ng asawa ko dahil sa aking ginagawa. Kaya kayong mga kabataan, huwag ninyong subukan na gumamit ng bawal na gamot,” he said.
Two drug surrenderers also urged the public not to misjudge them because they really wanted to have peaceful and normal life like others in the community.
“We are enjoining your support, don’t be afraid of us, we are already reformed and we want also to be advocates against illegal drugs,” they stated.
The youngest drug surrenderee urged others to live a normal life and be an example or asset in the community to avoid being jailed.
The recognition ceremony was graced by DSWD Assistant Secretaries Lorraine Badoy and Anton Hernandez, and Office of the President Assistant Secretary Aurora Ignacio. -- PIA Ifugao










POLICE ROUNDUP

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Suspect’s pa nabbed for bribing anti-drug agent

SAN JUAN, La Union -- A businessman was arrested here April 28 for allegedly bribing an anti-drug operative.
Jacklord Soriano handed P81,000 to Paul Pestelos, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-La Union special enforcement office agent, for the release of his son Jack Warren, 22 who was nabbed in a sting here in Barangay Urbiztondo  a dy earlier, said  Bismarck L. Bengwayan, Ilocos PDEA information officer.
Jacklord earlier reportedly approached several PDEA agents handling the case of his son. He openly offered a large sum of money for the release of his son.
The agents immediately arranged video surveillance in their office and invited the father to talk inside wherein his illegal offers were recorded.
The law enforcers immediately cuffed the father after he offered P81,000 which was confiscated and will be used against the suspect as evidence He was charged under Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code or corruption of public officials.
“Our sacrifice for our community and family cannot be tainted by bribery,” said Jeoffrey Tacio, PDEA-Region 1 director. 
In Pangasinan, Victoriano Ortega Jr., 32, councilman of Barangay Malibong in Urbiztondo, and former councilor Mark Joseph Andrada of Urdaneta were collared after police recovered sachets of shabu during raids on their houses also on April 28.          

 Buried drum yields firearm in Pinukpuk

PINUKPUK, Kalinga -- Troops of the army’s 50th Infantry Battalion discovered a drum buried in the ground that contained an armalite rifle and subversive documents of New People’s Army here in Barangay Apatan Morning of April 30.
Maj. Gen. Paul T. Atal, commander of the army’s 5th Infantry Division (5ID), said troopers were on security patrol at 6 a.m. when they discovered the drum believed buried by members of the Komiteng Larangan Guerrilla Baggas, a local guerrilla unit of NPA that operates in the area.
Apart from an M16A1 rifle, the drum also contained detonating cord, detonating fuse and subversive documents.

More NPA sightings in Cagayan towns
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan -- the Cagayan Police Provincial Office recorded 989 sightings of New People’s Army rebels in the 12 towns of the province.
Chief Insp. Santos Valdovizo said there are two main groups of communist rebels operating in Cagayan – the west committee led by Christina Garcia, and the east committee headed by David Soriano. Together, their members are scattered over 89 barangays in the province. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Fire razes Baguio's Café by the Ruins

BAGUIO CITY -- Café by the Ruins, a popular restaurant here caught fire on afternoon of April 29.
The Bureau of Fire Protection said the fire in the café’s city hall branch in Chuntug Street, Baguio, broke at 12:04 p.m. It reached second alarm and was declared out at 12:50 p.m.
Netizens said carpenters from a neighboring hotel tried to put out the fire as it happened while customers were eating inside the café.
Edgie Guevarra, a customer took a video of the fire incident.
Café by the Ruins, in its Facebook account, said there no guests or members of the staff were affected by the blaze.
“We'd like to update everyone that our staff and guests are safe and we thank you all for the concern. We are handling this emergency as diligently and efficiently as we can,” the management’s statement read.
“The fire at Cafe by the Ruins (City Hall branch) has been put out. All customers and employees were safely evacuated. There is an ongoing investigation. Thank you for your concern and support,” it added.
The Baguio café has been a favorite of local and international tourists. It was even used as one of the movie locations of a popular local film “That Thing Called Tadhana” in 2014.

Illegal drug group member nabbed

BAGUIO CITY – An alleged member of a local drug group was arrested night of April 21 by anti-narcotics agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera with police in a sting operation here at Purok 4, Sumulong Extension, Holy Ghost Proper.
Christian Tuano Villaluz, alias Bentong, 28, of Sta. Escolastica Village, was nabbed when he sold three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu to a PDEA-CAR undercover agent.
He is now detained at the Baguio City Jail and will be facing a case for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act Number 9165 otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002".

Farmer nabbed for highgrading 

MANKAYAN, Benguet – A farmer was arrested here Tuesday for highgrading. The suspect ws named as Nestor Kitayan Martin, 38, here of Camanpaguey, Cabiten.
Martin was nabbed along Cervantes Road., Poblacion after Jonathan Segundo, presiding judge of MTC Mankayan issued warrant against him for iViolation of Presidential Decree 581 (highgrading) and set bail of P10,000 for his temporary liberty.

Ifugao bocap nabbed for theft

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao – The barangay captain of San Marcos here was arrested Tuesday for qualified theft and denied by the judge who ordered him arrested.
Nabbed was Aldwin Manganaan Patli, 32 after Judge Rufus G Malecdan of the RTC Branch 15, Alfonso Lista issued warrant against him.

 Wanted man arrested in Sadanga 

SADANGA, Mountain Province – Cops of Baguio City found a laborer wanted for serious physical injuries in the summer capital and arrested him here along with local police Tuesday at Barangay Bekigan.
Nabbed was Norman Wara “Ngawit” Fokeng, 30, resident here after  Mia Joy C. Oallares-Cawed, presiding judge of 1st Judicial Region, Branch 4 issued warrant for his arrest. Cawed set bail of P24,000 for his temporary liberty.

Farmer nabbed for acts of lasciviousness

BAGUIO CITY -- A certain Rufino Dugiang Bimmutag, 27, laborer  of km 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan Tuba, Benguet was arrested Tuesday in this city for acts of lasciviousness. This, after warrant of arrest was issued by  Mia Joy C. Oallares-Cawed, presiding judge of RTC Branch 4, Baguio City against him and recommended bail of P12,000 for his temporary liberty.

 Epileptic found dead in Abra comfort room

LAGANGILANG, Abra – A man suffering from epilepsy was found dead was found dead at his residence here in Barangay Presentar around 4 p.m.
A police report said a concerned citizen reported to police the victim Exikiel Lopes Obillo, 34 was found lifeless lying inside their comfort room by his son Carl Yheksell Obillo.
Police found no injury on the victim’s body.  Locals said the victim  often had seizures. Relatives declined autopsy of the victim.

Trike driver bumps taxicab; injured

SABLAN, Benguet -- A vehicular traffic accident transpired here Tuesday around 9 a.m. along Monglo, Bayabas involving a tricycle driven by Juanito Cachero Ap-ap, 46, farmer and a taxicab bearing plate number AYR 446 driven by Benjamin Capinpin Ibangga, 55, of Spring Hills, San Luis, Baguio City.
Police Investigation disclosed the tricycle encroached the opposite lane and accidentally bumped the taxicab coming from the opposite direction. The driver of the tricycle sustained multiple injuries on different parts of his body and was immediately rushed to the Baguio General Hospital by the responding firemen. Both parties agreed to amicably settle the case.

Gunrunning syndicate member, 3 nabbed for guns
CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Regional police implementing search warrants arrested an alleged leader of a gun-running syndicate and three others last week.
Police arrested the leader of “Balagan Group” identified as Edwin Dela Peña Balagan, 45, in his residence at Madago, San Ramon West, Manabo, Abra Tuesday. 
Confiscated items were Cal. 45 pistol, two magazines for Cal. 45; Cal.5.56 rifle and more than 100 bullets.
A police report said the Balagan Group is believed to be involved in gun-running activities and responsible in supplying illegal firearms to criminals in Abra and nearby provinces.
Meanwhile, another two revolver custodian identified as Pedrito Bustillo Silvano Sr. and Pedrito Bustillo Silvano Jr., both of Camp 6, Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet were also arrested in their residence early Tuesday. Items confiscated were Cal. 38 revolver and four bullets.
 Gavino Ducayag was also arrested in his residence at Barikir, San Antonio, after several firearms and bullets were seized in his house Monday morning.
Seized items were an M16 rifle loaded with two bullets, two magazines for M16 rifle; six short magazines for M16 rifle; 66 bullets for M16 rifle, nine bullets for GA 12 Shotgun and one bullet for Cal 9 mm handgun.
Arrested suspects are now in jail in concerned police stations.

Young man stabbed by 2 farmers in Abatan
BUGUIAS, Benguet – A farmer was stabbed here Tuesday in Barangay Abatan around 11 p.m. wherein the victim was named as Efren Bay-Og, 20, while suspects were identified as Leo Garcia Cabugat, 26, and Mar Cabugat Saltat, 26, both farmers.
 Investigation disclosed that the victim and the suspects together with their companions were about to go home after their drinking session at one of the liquor stores.
However, a heated conversation ensued along the way which caused a fist fight among them, wherein suspects stabbed the victim. Bay-og was rushed to Lutheran Hospital in Abatan, Buguias, Benguet and later transferred to Luis Hora Regional Hospital in Bauko, Mountain Province for further treatment
Police report didn’t say if assilants were arrested.

Two men hacked in Kiangan brawl
KIANGAN, Ifugao – Two men were hacked here April 26 around 9:53 p.m. in a brawl along the road of Baguinge involving Joval Humiwat Buhyag, 35 and Greggie Manghi Tuliaw, 30 and Esteward Humiwat Buhyag who ran away after the incident.
Responding cops rushed victims Greggie Manghi and Joval Buhyag to  Natuwolan Hospital, Lagawe, for medication due to hack wounds on their foreheads.  Investigation reveals during the brawl, Buhyag got a  bolo and hacked the victims and fled towards unknown direction.

 
Member of Sadeek drug group nabbed

BAGUIO CITY – A member of the Sadeek drug group identified as Christian Villaluz, 28, here of Santa Escolastica was arrested at Purok 4, Sumulong Extension, Holyghost Proper night of April 28.
The drug group is operating in Baguio reportedly responsible for distributing illegal drugs in the city and nearby provinces. Five members of the group were arrested last year and Villaluz was the latest arrested.
Confiscated from Viallaluz were shabu and buy bust money of o P1,000.

 Two drug suspects arrested in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY -- Two drug suspects were arrested here April 28 for illegal drugs. They were identified as Marie Claro De La Cruz , 39, waitress, of Bacolod City and John Lagadan Wangdali Jr., 42, of Lubon, Tadian, Mountain Province, both residents here of Block 3 Middle Quirino Hill.
Confiscated from them were shabu and buy-bust money pf P500.

 
‘Drug pusher’ nabbed with shabu, P200K

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – An alleged illegal drug pusher named as Joey Daw-ayen Villamor, 36, farmer of Lanas, Loo Buguias, Benguet was arrested here at Barangay Shilan on April 30.
Seized from Villamor were shabu, drug paraphernalia, buy bust money of P500, cash of P200,000, Cal. 38 revolver and five bullets.

Unemployed man found dead in room

BAGUIO CITY – An unemployed man was found dead here April 30 midday at Lot 3 Himalaya Street, Shangrila Village, San Luis Village. The body was identified as that of Arnold Adriano Talplacido, 38. 
Adoracion Esplana Cayabyab, 64, stay-in caretaker of the house, said she last saw Talplacido alive 8 p.m. April 28 when the victim had dinner and watched TV. Talplacido did not go out of his room for two days so she knocked on the victim’s bedroom which was locked from inside. When he didn’t get a reply, she sought assistance from their tenants who opened the bedroom door with a duplicate key and discovered the body. 
Police brought the body to Bahay Damayan Funeral Homes, Marcos Highway for autopsy while waiting for his relatives.

 
 Boy ran over by water delivery truck killed

BAGUIO CITY – A 14-year-old kid died when he was ran over by a water delivery truck here April 30 around 7:20 p.m. along Crystal Cave Road.
The victim was identified as Ahron Waive Partosa Daluyen, Grade 7 student, and resident of No. 321 Upper Asin Road, km 3. Purok 1.
Police said he was ran over by Isuzu Elf water truck bearing a license plate Nr. RHD-275, driven by Bonifacio Velasco Ronquillo III, 19. 
 Investigation disclosed the truck with plate no. RHD-275 loaded with 20 drums of water was slowly traversing towards Crystal Cave turning point when a group of teenagers ran after the vehicle. Three were able to hitch at the back of the truck. The victim was not able to hitch at the back of the vehicle prompted so he held at the side of the truck but slipped then fell and was ran over by the right rear tire of the same vehicle.
The victim died on the spot due to severe traumatic head injuries as confirmed by Dr. Rodrigo Leal. The victim's body was brought by police to  Bahay Damayan Funeral along Marcos Highway
 Responding traffic investigators processed the scene of accident, confiscated the driver’s license of the suspect and the OR/CR of the vehicle for reference in filing of case. Case is for inquest.


2 persons drown in P’sinan waters

BOLINAO, Pangasinan – Two persons drowned in separate incidents in Pangasinan on April 30.
Joel Solon, 49, of Cosmo Fortune Corp. based in Taguig City, was swimming on a beach with his co-employees in Barangay Patar in this town during a company outing when the accident occurred.
Construction worker Jessie Ruiz, 28, was swept away by the strong current of the river in Pozzorubio when he took a dip after a drinking spree with his brother and a friend.
Ruiz was pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital. – Eva Visperas

 Security guard shot dead, another hurt

By Eva Visperas
URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan -- Security guard Manuel Nillo Tani, 38, was allegedly shot dead here April 29 by his drinking buddy Salvador Padilla. Padilla was arrested in a follow-up operation. Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the killing.
Meanwhile, another security guard, Dante Garcia, 50, was wounded while his companion Rogelio Cayab-yab, 47, was unharmed in an attack in nearby Malasiqui town.
Garcia and Cayabyab were on their way home from the wake of a friend when the suspect, identified as Reynaldo Aquino, shot them.
              Probers are eyeing a quarrel over a card game at the wake as the motive for the attack. 

 Man kills self, wife, daughter

By Raymund Catindig
BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya – A businessman reportedly committed suicide after shooting his wife and daughter here in Barangay Abinganan, Bambang on Tuesday.
Reonel Ramel, 49, reportedly told his neighbor Nixon Domingo, 37, at around 9 a.m. that his family would commit suicide.
Domingo told police he heard gunshots when Ramel entered his house.
              Ramel died from a gunshot to the head and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital.
His wife Monica, 49, manager of the Rural Bank of Bayombong, and daughter Catherine were confined in the same hospital.
Ramel had been depressed after his brother filed a frustrated murder case against him over a hacking incident, according to his neighbors.












‘Minahang Bayan’ eyed for Benguet small miners

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LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A measure establishing framework for small scale mining operations is seen to  pave the way for establishment of a “minahang bayan”.
The  Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on mining and energy chaired by board member Apolinario Camsol crafted an ordinance establishing rules for operation of small scale mining and quarrying in the province now up for  second reading.
Camsol said the proposed ordinance if acted upon will benefit  small scale miners.
By then they will be working out their own “Minahang Bayan,” he added.
Among provisions of the local measure are need for prior approval of two sanggunian bodies, procedure in  application  for small scale mining  and quarrying contract, transport of minerals products, seizure and disposition of illegally sourced mineral products, imposition of local taxes and administrative fees, adverse claims, protests and oppositions, fines, prohibitions and penalties.
Republic Act 7076 or the "People's Small-scale Mining Act of 1991", provides that  small-scale mining operations shall be undertaken only within the declared People’s Small-Scale Mining Areas or Minahang Bayan.
It also incorporates a provision on contractors’ obligation on the payment of taxes.

There is still no Minahang Bayan declared in Benguet where there are about 30,000 small scale miners  with their families. 

LU cops return bag with P113-K

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By Jun Elias

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – Two members of this city’s police station returned a bag containing at least P113,000 in cash and documents, which they found in a restaurant in Barangay Biday here on April 6.
Renato Alvarez of Sison, Pangasinan was grateful that the bag was returned to him, saying the money belongs to a lending firm where he works.
Alvarez said he went into the restaurant at around 4:30 p.m. and placed the bag on a chair beside him.
He said he discovered that the bag was missing as he was in a bus heading home.
Alvarez sought the help of the Sto. Tomas police, which called up Chief Insp. Bernardo Manzano, deputy chief of the San Fernando City police.
Manzano ordered beat patroller, Police Officer 2 Sonny Perez, to look for the bag in the restaurant.
Perez found the bag on the chair where Alvarez left it.
Manzano and Perez returned the bag to Alvarez, who traveled back to San Fernando to claim it.


Kalinga’s TAMPCO now billionaire coop

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CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga -- The Tabuk Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TAMPCO) here is now a billionaire coop with total assets of P1.09 billion in 2016.
This milestone was achieved as the coop celebrated   its 45 years of service to the people   with the theme, "TAMPCO @ 45: Sadiri dagiti Miyembro, Kamang ti Tattao".
Elmerli Colangan, chief executive officer,  reported during their recent  45th general assembly  the coop’s assets  dramatically increased by 13 percent or up by P124 million  in a year attributing the good performance to the continuous patronage and support of members to its banking services.   
The growth in asset resulted also to increase of cash, loans receivables and investments.  
Membership increased by 1,230 from 12,928 in 2015 to 13,937 last year translated to a P14.8 million in additional fixed deposits.
Management was able to decrease the coop’s delinquency rate based on maturity by one percent from 7.17% in 2015 to 16.17% last year.
TAMPCO was organized during the Cory Aquino administration and succeeded to operate despite difficulties in managing its credit services. It survived and grew year after year to become at present one of the richest cooperative in Northern Luzon.
On its social responsibility, TAMPCO conducted tree planting activities and actively participated in the monitoring of the National Greening Program.
It  gave donations for restoration of destroyed portion of the irrigation system in Cabaruan this city due to typhoon Lawin and to the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Luzon’s relief operations.

 Meanwhile, Rev. Claudio Bagano, chairman of the board of directors. reported the body passed 24 resolutions  which include the hiring of seven new employees; making Tax Identification Number a mandatory requirement for regular membership applicants; supported moves for exclusion of cooperatives from the Cooperative Information System Act; against moves to repeal tax exemption of coops; abolition of the irrigation service fees; adoption of DOLE’s formula for the 13th month pay; establishment of TAMPCO branch in Rizal, and approval of the 70:30 allocation of net surplus to dividends and patronage refund in favor of dividends. --  PIA- CAR
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