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Depressed laborer commits suicide

July 5, 2018, 5:33 am
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BANAUE, Ifugao – A laborer committed suicide here Thursday by drinking herbicide due to depression.
The victim was identified as Erning Anaa Nginhena, 32, single.
A police report said Jessie Biniahan, barangay captain of Cambulo, reported to police the incident saying it transpired at the house of a certain Paulina Romrom, the victim’s aunt in Sitio Mattaw where the victim was staying.
Investigation disclosed the victim was lonely, often sitting in one place and talking to himself while mentioning the names of his mother and grandparents who passed away as observed by his sister and neighbors.
Around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, relatives and neighbors saw the victim vomiting near their house but no one asked or sent him to the hospital knowing that he might have eaten something causing him to vomit. The victim then slept at the sala while the relatives and neighbors went to till their fields.
When they returned, they saw the victim still asleep at the sala. At around midnight, his aunt went to urinate,  passed by the sala and noticed the victim was still sleeping.
She checked on him but he was already lifeless. Relatives and neighbors found an empty bottle of Gramoxone (herbicide) inside the native house which was allegedly drank by the victim before he vomited.
They checked what the victim vomited and smelled scent of the herbicide.
The family accepted the fate of the victim saying they were not interested to ask for thorough investigation knowing the victim committed suicide.

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37 Benguet studes downed by food poisoning now safe

July 5, 2018, 5:36 am
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By Dionisio Dennis Jr.

BAGUIO CITY -- The 37 students rushed to the Atok District Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after eating contaminated candies are now out of danger, Buguias Mayor Ruben Tindaan said in a telephone interview on Thursday.
Tindaan said first aid was immediately administered to the affected students. Most were declared safe and discharged Wednesday evening.
He, however, said the five high school students who were the last to reach the hospital remain confined but are out of danger. “The hospital staff are still monitoring them and are making them vomit,” he said.
The mayor said the victims consisted of 19 elementary pupils of the Natubleng Elementary School and 18 high schools students of the Natubleng National High School.
He related that the Buguias municipal police, at about 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, received information on scores of students being rushed to the hospital due to suspected food poisoning.
Investigation showed that a Korean couple handed out the apparently contaminated candies to the students, who went out of campus during their recess. Soon after, symptoms such as stomach ache and vomiting began to manifest in the students who ingested the questionable sweets.
It was reported that the couple, said to be missionaries, have been staying in Barangay Bangao for weeks.
Upon investigation, the Koreans claimed that the candies were bought from a local store. The police had already confiscated the remaining candies and submitted them for laboratory testing.
Tindaan pointed out that the Koreans are still in custody, pending results of the laboratory examination and for their own safety.
Initial information received on Wednesday evening said the Koreans were already on board a bus bound for Bontoc, Mountain Province, when flagged down by the police at about 2:49 p.m. in Abatan, Buguias.  -- PNA


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Baguio ‘smarter roads’ plan okayed to ease heavy traffic

July 5, 2018, 5:38 am
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By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan has ratified the city council’s “Smarter Roads Ordinance” that seeks to improve traffic flow in the Summer Capital.
Ordinance No. 73, series of 2018, authored by councilors Mylen Yaranon and Benny Bomogao, included in its provisions:  No stopping within 10 meters before and after intersections; use Baguio City Police Office-Traffic Management Unit as a resource to direct traffic in some intersections; reduce the number of one-way streets within the central business district area and implement modern roundabouts at identified critical intersections where applicable.
Also included were implementation of transit lanes, self-enforcing road markings and public transport stops (loading and unloading zones), use of thermoplastic paint for all road markings, location of new pedestrian crossings, changes to promote traffic calming in the CBD and some highways and information sharing of new routing with Google Maps, Waze, and others.
The ordinance directed the city engineering office’s traffic and transportation management division to lead implementation of its provisions.
“Improving our roads or streets and introducing changes in policy will improve traffic flow and thereby ease  traffic congestion in the city,” the measure stated.


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Imee Marcos backs PNP ‘anti-tambay’ drive

July 5, 2018, 5:41 am
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By Martin Sadongdong

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos on Monday expressed support for the intensified campaign against street idlera or tambays of the Philippine National Police.
Speaking to reporters at Camp Crame, Marcos dismissed allegations of human rights violations in the PNP’s anti-tambay drive.
“There are so many human rights at nakasaad ‘yan sa ating batas subalit maraming freedom o karapatan na hindi pinag-uusapan (and it is included in the Constitution but there are a lot of freedom or rights that are not being discussed,” Marcos said.
She said critics should also consider the public’s freedom from fear, lawlessness and oppression.
“Hindi lahat ng tambay inosente at alam natin ‘yan (Not all street idlers are innocent and we know that),” Marcos noted.
“On a personal note bilang local executive o governor, ang mga tambay minsan ay nagiging sanhi ng takot (as a local executive or governor, street idlers sometimes cause fear [to public]),” she added.
She cited for example tambays who are cat-calling or harassing ladies or women who are walking on the streets at night.
“Kapag sa gabi ang ating mahal sa buhay na naghahanapbuhay na tumatawid sa daan ay nangangamba (At night our loved ones working at night are afraid of walking on the streets),” she said.
“Ang akin lang po, ang sabi ni Presidente hindi naman aarestuhin o dadalhin sa kulungan ang mga tambay kundi aalamin kung anong pakay nila o kung meron silang ginagawang labag (As far as I’m concerned, the President said street idlers are not to be arrested or brought to jails but be asked of their intention or if they are violating [local ordinances]),” Marcos explained.
She then assured the public that there is nothing to fear since the anti-tambay drive are not indications of a looming declaration of martial law in the Philippines, a move her father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., did several years ago.
“It’s the call of the President but I don’t think that’s entirely necessary,” Marcos said.
However, she added: “President Duterte has declared martial law when necessary otherwise he hasn’t. Bakit pa siya magkukubli, bakit pa siya magkukunwari at magsisinungaling kung martial law ang kailangan nakita naman natin buong tapang niya idineklara. So bakit pa siya mag-aalinlangan kapag kinailangan mo yun (Why would he hide or lie if martial law is needed, we all saw he bravely declared it. So why would he hesitate if you need it?)
Marcos was referring to President Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017, the day Maute terror group laid siege to Marawi City.
Meanwhile, Marcos was asked by a foreign journalist from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on whether President Duterte had the same style of leadership with her father.
“Not at all. I think you are asking the wrong person,” she said.
The PNP’s anti-tambay drive raised public concern due to allegations of human rights abuses.
In Makati City, police wrongfully arrested a call center agent waiting for a ride to work when he was thought to be a tambay.
The death of 25-year-old Genesis Argoncillo while under police custody further sparked the issue.
He was initially arrested for loitering in the street while half-naked by police in Novaliches, Quezon City.
He died four days after allegedly being mauled by hi co-inmates inside the prison cell where he was detained.

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Reunion concert set for ailing newsman, gigs for-a-cause artist

July 5, 2018, 5:46 am
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By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Over 20 folk, country and jazz musicians who dominated Baguio City’s music scene in the 70s and 80s will band together for a rare reunion gig to help an ailing veteran newsman who authored numerous benefit concerts for countless patients.
The concert dubbed “Homecoming Pagsasabatan Jam for-a-Cause” will happen on July, 6 p.m. at Francis Resto Bar KC 108 Francis C. Manno Bldg, Cruz, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Proceeds will help sustain the four-times-a-week dialysis treatment of Ramon Dacawi or “Mondax,” the self-effacing former City Public Information Office chief who practically pioneered the concept of civic or community journalism in the City by writing on the plight of indigent patients, other people in need and other noble causes that inspired people to respond.
Joining Mondax in the beneficiary column will be fellow kidney patient Libna Oakes, daughter of musician and benefit concert volunteer Dick Oakes who himself will perform in the show.
Oakes years ago performed in similar benefit gigs for his wife and other daughter who were then both battling cancer before succumbing to the disease one after the other.
The musical treat for-a-cause will be led by Conrad Marzan, lead singer of the Foggy Mountain Band and folk and country guru, lawyer Jose “Bubut” Olarte.
Marzan had been mounting reunion benefit gigs every time he comes home from northern California where he has been based for years.
Joining the powerhouse cast are Allan Del Rosario, Arsen Marzan, newsmen March Fianza and Alfred Dizon, Sammy Comiles, Ira Altamirano, Bobby Carantes, Roel Carantes and Raine, Boby Go, Alma Angiwan, Liza Noble, Atty. Rolly Vergara, Johnny and Rey Pomar, Bryan and Rocky Aliping, Mercy Bastian, Boy Cacho. Art Tampoa, Serafin Marzan, Jimmy Ganaban, Dianne and others.
Tickets priced at P100 a piece are available at Luisa’s Café along Session Road, the Philippine Information Agency Cordillera at Insular Life Bldg. and at the Public Information Office at City Hall.

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Ecija cop returns P.5 million to trader

July 5, 2018, 5:47 am
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By Ding Cervantes

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A businesswoman recovered her bag containing P550,000 that she left at an automatic teller machine (ATM) near a public market in Llanera, Nueva Ecija on Friday.
Senior Police Officer 1 Gerald Paul Cayog returned the bag which he found atop the ATM while patrolling the area at around 10 a.m.
Cayog managed to locate the owner of the bag, Hermenila Silao, through her identification card.
Police officers and employees at the Llanera police station witnessed the turnover of the bag to Silao.
The Central Luzon police office said it is preparing a commendation for Cayog for his “exemplary honesty.”         

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Fire kills Canadian, 3 stepkids in Agoo

July 5, 2018, 5:48 am
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By Erwin G. Beleo and Liezle Basa Iñigo

CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union — A elderly Canadian man and his three stepchildren, aged three to 10, were trapped and killed by a fire that razed their house in Barangay San Julian East, Agoo town, this province last June 24.
Chief Insp. Silverio Ordinado, Jr., La Union Police Provincial Office  spokesman, identified the fatalities as George Asprec, 74; Charlie Jhon Higuera, 10; Charmaine Higuera, 9; and Charles Mathew Higuera, 3.
Ordinado said the charred remains of one of the child victims was retrieved by firemen from under a bed on the second floor of the two-storey house
Arson probers said the Canadian and the two other children were found locked in an embrace inside the comfort room.
They were taken to the La Union Medical Center in Agoo but were pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician, Dr. Juan Komiya Jr.
Citing the initial investigation, Senior Supt. Ricardo Layug Jr., police provincial director, the fire broke out at 7:30 a.m. that day and put out an hour later.
An electric fan that overheated is suspected to have caused the fire, Layug said.
George, identified as the stepfather of the children,, tried to save the kids on the second floor; however, the stairs caught fire and the four were trapped, according to BFP Agoo investigations.
Asprec was found with two kids in his embrace inside the comfort room while the other victim was found under a bed.
Asprec’s live-in partner, two of her kids, and their stepchild escaped from the burning house.

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Leader of Ecija quarry operators gunned down

July 5, 2018, 5:50 am
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By Ariel P. Avendaño

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — Police are still trying to identify gunmen who shot dead a leader of quarry operators in this province, who is also an active supporter of local media before midnight June 24.
The armed assassins were riding-in-tandem on a motorcycle.
Supt. Ponciano P. Zafra, city police chief, identified the victim as Manuel Gabriel Lacsamana, 52, married, and chairman of the quarry operators of the province.
Investigation showed that Lacsamana was driving his red Mitsubishi Strada pick-up in the north direction along Mabini Street, Barangay Mabini Extension, this city, when the motorcycle-riding assailants drove beside his vehicle.
Suddenly, the backrider opened fire at Lacsamana. The victim stained two fatal bullet wounds in the lower left side of the face and declared dead-on-arrival at the Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, Zafra said.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team collected at least nine bullet casings of a .45-caliber gun at the crime scene.
Lacsamana, who used to be a volunteer reporter for the Manila-based radio station DZRH, is no stranger to local media.
Having been successful in his quarrying business, Lacsamana had initiated livelihood programs for community-based media practitioners to uplift their lives.
Just a week before he was killed, Lacsamana told this reporter: “I can feel the difficulty and sacrifices in the beat of local media, that’s why I want to uplift their lives through our livelihood and housing projects.”

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President Duterte asked to grace 31st Cordillera day

July 5, 2018, 5:50 am
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ConCom hears Cordi on autonomy, federalism 

BAGUIO CITY-- The Regional Development Council has invited President Rodrigo Duterte to grace the 31st anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region in Ifugao on July 14.
This, as the Consultative Committee (ConCom) reviewing the Philippine Constitution held a two-day public consultation here early last week to drum up support for the conversion of Cordillera into an autonomous region towards the country's shift to a federal form of government.
City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who chairs the RDC, told a press conference at city hall Wednesday, they are now coordinating with the Office of the President  for the details of the event.
Domogan said that the RDC’s invitation to the President is aimed at drumming up the region’s clamor for autonomy.
“We hope that the President can squeeze in his busy schedule our invitation for the 31st anniversary of the Cordillera,” he said.
CAR became a region following former President Corazon Aquino’s issuance of Executive Order (EO) 220 which gave way for the creation of CAR as an administrative region pending its becoming an autonomous region.
He said that annually for a number of years now, the Cordillera leaders led by the RDC has been boosting the clamor for autonomy by holding various information campaign activities, lectures and other events to inform the residents in the region of the continuing bid for autonomy.
The annual Gong Relay, where a giant gong, representing the region’s culture is brought to the different provinces and cities in the Cordillera to boost the campaign. The gong relay, which lasts for a week commencing at the host province and ending in the same place in time for the big day, to commemorate the date of the issuance of EO 220 in July 15.
The mayor, however, said that the invitation for President Duterte is for July 14, a day before the anniversary day, to highlight the event on the following day.
Domogan said that celebration would be graced by the gathering of all leaders of the region and its people.
There would be merry making and the offering of animals to the “Kabunyan” (gods) in thanksgiving for taking care of the region, its officials and the people, he added. 
Meanwhile, the ConCom reviewing the Philippine Constitution  heard the voice of the Cordillera people after a two-day public consultation it conducted here until Tuesday -- a unified support for the conversion of Cordillera into an autonomous region towards the country's shift to a federal form of government.
On Tuesday, the public consultation was capped by the signing of support by the participants.
On June 25-26, the ConCom sought the insights of the Cordillera people on federalism through several sessions. One was with the Philippine Military Academy, attended by over 500 officials and cadets. Another was a town hall meeting with various sectors of the Cordillera community, attended by about a hundred people. Another is a meeting with representatives of local governments, non-government organization, the Regional Development Council (RDC), regional line agencies, and private sectors, with an audience of over a thousand people.
The ConCom also held a convention of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, students, and professionals numbering about 2,500.
ConCom Commissioner Lawyer Laurence Wacnang, who hails from Cordillera, citedCordillerans' expression of support to federalism in a consultation with over a thousand attendees.
Wacnang, a former Kalinga provincial governor and representative, is an advocate of Cordillera autonomy.
“I was surprised with Manang Brigitte (former National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Commissioner Brigitte Pawid) to have agreed that our proposal is favorable to the Cordillerans and that to me says a lot," remarked another ConCom commissioner, Dr. Virgilio Bautista, who also hails from the Cordillera and the former chairman of the Cordillera RDC.
Bautista, however, clarified that the clamor of one group for a regional security is not possible. “This is something that we cannot afford to have because there is no limit to having private armies and we cannot afford that in order to maintain peace and order, which is also agreed to by the Bangsamoro,” he explained.
Bautista assured that the draft Constitution the ConCom commissioners are set to hand over to President Rodrigo Duterte in early July reflects the desires of both the Cordillera and the Bangsamoro. “We did not reduce any of their self-governing authorities, but they have to respect that the Philippines is a sovereign country,” he said.
Baguio City Mayor and RDC Chairman Mauricio Domogan expressed support to President Duterte’s call for a shift to federalism through autonomy.
Baguio City Councilor Michael Lawana, who heads the regional federation of barangay captains, also relayed his group’s support to autonomy towards federalism.
Andres Ngao-I, chairman of the Kalinga Bodong Council and the Regional Indigenous Peoples' Education under the Department of Education (DepEd), expressed satisfaction over the public consultation conducted by the ConCom in the Cordillera.
Arthur Abbacan of Pasil, Kalinga said of the just-concluded public consultation of ConCom: “It's successful. There should be consultations with all concerned stakeholders because this is new. We have learned from past experience, where the Congress changed a number of provisions of the autonomy bill. But now, with the strong leadership of President Duterte, maybe, this is the time for us, for our country to attain what we have been clamoring for in the region, aspiration as one IP region.”
Abra Vice Governor Ronald Balao-as said their group, the Unified Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army, supports autonomy towards federalism. "We have been fighting for regional autonomy in the Cordi for almost three decades," he noted.
The support was echoed by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Marie Rafael, a native of Mountain Province.
The Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also launched the logo “Pederalismo”, bearing the Philippine flag, an eagle, and the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. 
The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government said the transition to federalism will bring stronger autonomy and improved policies in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
“Federalism, in essence, is about empowering the regions and this, I believe, would give a certain level of autonomy not just to the Cordillera Region, but to the other regions in the Philippines” said DILG Assistant Secretary for Communication and Public Affairs Jonathan E. Malaya.
The DILG, in partnership with the Presidential Management Staff regional field unit, held regional consultation on federalism here.
Malaya noted “it is best to attend the Pederalismo serye town hall meeting with basic sectors, the Consultative Committee’s (Concom) Consultations and the Federalism convention/rally when the national government brings the roadshow to Baguio today (June 26).
“The future of the Cordillera region will be tackled during DILG’s dialogue with multi-sectoral groups. So let us all take part in the roadshow to know more about the form of autonomy that constitutional reform will give to Cordillera,” said Malaya.
Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides for the creation of autonomous regions for minority groups in the Cordillera and Muslim Mindanao.
The federalism event here was graced by members of the Consultative Commission (ConCom) that President Rodrigo Duterte formed to review the 1987 Philippine Constitution. -- PNA

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OPAPP scammers using PAMANA to fleece funds

July 5, 2018, 5:52 am
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LGUs warned 


BAGUIO CITY -- Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) national program director Sherwin Vizconde has called on local government units to report incidents of individuals or groups claiming to represent the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to collect money through PAMANA projects.
“You can contact me directly, the office, or someone from the Area Management Teams (AMTs),” Vizconde told Cordillera officials in this summer capital recently.
According to Vizconde, people claiming to be from OPAPP have been tricking people into giving them money with the false promise of giving them PAMANA projects.
“These individuals are even using the names of OPAPP officials to ask for money,” he said.
Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza earlier issued the same warning to the public on June 5 after he met an individual who lost a considerable amount of money to people misrepresenting the agency.
Vizconde was in Baguio City to spearhead the conduct of a midterm assessment of PAMANA projects with implementing partners in CAR.

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55 May poll winners face disqualification in Baguio

July 5, 2018, 5:53 am
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By Pamela Mariz Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY -- Fifty-five winning candidates in the May 13 barangay elections in Baguio City are facing disqualification for failure to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenses (SOCE), the city's Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer said on Friday.
Lawyer John Paul Martin, Comelec-Baguio election officer, said the fate of the winning candidates is now at the hands of the Comelec en banc, whether they would be allowed to file late.
“We will wait for the decision of the central office on what will happen to the barangay officials who did not file their SOCE,” he said.
Martin said those who face disqualification include a barangay captain, 11 councilors or kagawads, three Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairmen or youth council heads, and 40 SK kagawads.
The election official said all election candidates, whether they won or lost, are required to submit their SOCEs within 30 days after election day.
Based on Comelec records, only 1,785 filed their SOCE out of the 2,129 who ran for barangay captain and councilors in Baguio.
Out of 416 who ran for Sangguniang Kabataan positions, only 302 submitted their SOCEs.
Failing to comply were 344 for the barangay captain and councilor positions, and 114 for SK.
“This is a big number, considering that all the candidates have been informed of their obligation to file their SOCE, whether they won or lost. This is provided for by law and they are given a month to file, thus there is no reason for them to forget it,” Martin stressed.
He said Comelec-Baguio would submit to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the names of those who won in the election but failed to comply with the requirement of Section 14 of Republic Act 7166 for the submission of the SOCE.
The penalty for non-filing of the SOCE is disqualification for the winning candidate, making the person ineligible to sit in office. For those who lost, they may be barred from running in the next elections and from holding any office in government.
“The Campaign Finance Office of Comelec is focusing on this and looking at the names of those who did not file their SOCE,” Martin disclosed.
He related that three winning barangay officials who filed their SOCEs with Comelec-Baguio after the deadline but were not received due to the late filing.
The three proceeded to the central office of the Comelec to file, but their documents, though received, were marked “late,” and they were not issued certificates of compliance.
“The certificate of compliance issued by the Comelec to the candidates, who personally filed their SOCE, is the basis of the DILG in checking whether the barangay filed a SOCE,” Martin pointed out.
The elected barangay officials, whose terms end in 2020, are set to take their oath of office on June 29, to be administered by Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan. -- PNA

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PRDP Tabuk road project nearly done

July 8, 2018, 5:35 am
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TABUK CITY – A farm to market road here is near completion to make access of farmers easier to the market where they can sell their goods faster.
“With 85 percent accomplishment, improvement of Bulanao-Amlao farm to market road will soon be completed,” said provincial agriculturist engineer Domingo A. Bakilan.
Bakilan added once the road has been completed, side structures will be constructed including road signs.
The 15.8-km road is funded and implemented under the Dept. of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project with a project cost of P180, 281,000.
It will support the coffee industry in the province as well as putting an end to the long time problem suffered by residents in transporting people, goods, and products to and from the market.
Engineer Orlando Panabang, PRDP engineer said slope protection, drainage and  rectification of defects will be completed.
Along with the FMR, the Kalinga Coffee Trading Center located here at Bulanao will be turned over to six farmer cooperatives as proponent groups of the Kalinga integrated coffee processing and marketing enterprise, a subproject under the PRDP’s I-REAP enterprise development component.
The trading center will be used for consolidation and marketing of coffee green beans from PG members.
“Before the year ends, we hope to turn over all the goods and processing equipment needed for the operation of the enterprise and the KCTC in time for the next harvest season,” said Jocelyn Beray, PRDP regional project coordination office – CAR I-REAP head.
Under the PRDP, Kalinga has recently turned over the first FMR which is the Banneng-Gombowoy FMR in Tanudan.
Meanwhile, the Improvement of Catabbogan-Wagud FMR in Pinukpuk is also ongoing  and 37 percent done as of May.
Three more proposed infrastructure subprojects are yet to be approved for implementation. -- Elvy Taquio

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Baguio night market time extension pushed

July 8, 2018, 5:43 am
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By Dexter A. See 

BAGUIO CITY – Operating hours of the night market here which has caught the fancy of tourists may soon be extended.
Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said he was open to proposal of night market vendors for the extension provided they strictly comply with conditions on proper waste disposal.
He said the night market operation could be extend up to the wee hours of the morning the following day but this has to be discussed with vendors and Baguio City Market Authority so potential problems can be ironed out.
Vendors earlier urged the local government to allow time extension for them to recover huge losses as a result of monsoon rains.
Vendors proposed that the night market start around 8 p.m. and end 3 a.m. especially during rainy season.
Domogan said the BCMA will evaluate compliance of night market vendors to rules imposed by the local government so those who will be found not complying will be excluded from possible extension to be granted in the coming weeks.
Over 1,000 night market vendors occupy the 500-meter stretch of the right side of Harrison road for the night market operation that serves as one of the major tourist attractions in the city which operates from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
The night market was approved by the local government over a decade ago to serve as the alternative vending area for sidewalk vendors who were displaced from anti-peddling campaign launched to rid the city’s streets from the proliferation of sidewalk vendors which was pinpointed by the Baguio-Boracay Re-development Task Force as one of the major eye sores in the city several years ago.
Previously, the conduct of the night market was done in the concrete portion of the Baguio Athletic Bowl before it was transferred to a 500-meter stretch of Harrison Road where the vendors tremendously increased to over 1,000 from the previous 400 vendors that originally started the night market activity.
Domogan appealed to the night market vendors for understanding in awaiting the decision of the BCMA relative to their request for extension.

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Ifugao sets homestays; Du30 eyes it as next tourism hub

July 8, 2018, 5:44 am
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LAGAWE, Ifugao — Homestays may be the next trend in Ifugao, as the province gears up to become the Philippines' next top tourist hub.
Home of the breathtaking and world-renowned Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao is prepping up for what President Rodrigo Duterte eyes as one of the country's next tourism hubs, as relayed to the province by Presidential Adviser Francis Tolentino recently.
Ifugao tourism officer Roscoe Kalaw said the provincial government has launched a homestay drive, where residents are encouraged to accept tourists into their own homes, especially where there are no available accommodations. 
Ifugao was featured in a scene in Marvel Studio's blockbuster movie "Avengers: Infinity War" earlier this year, where the Banaue Rice Terraces was featured as sort of a retirement home for one of the movie's characters.
Ifugao is being eyed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the Philippines' next top tourism hub, as relayed to the province by Presidential Political Adviser Francis Tolentino last week.
Prepping up, the provincial government has now set up a homestays program, where locals are encouraged to accommodate tourists in their own homes. (Photo by Indochina Productions)
"We are encouraging homeowners to convert and utilize their houses as homestay establishments,” Kalaw said in an interview during Ifugao's recent 52nd founding anniversary celebration. - PNA

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Tuba water system plan up in two weeks

July 8, 2018, 5:58 am
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By Primo Agatep
TUBA, Benguet -- The waterworks system project engineering plan intended for this upland town is up for submission in two weeks, Councilor Jerome Palaoag said last week.
Palaoag, who was tasked by Mayor Ignacio Rivera to oversee the project, said the engineering plan is still being prepared by the municipal engineering office but he expects it to be submitted on time.
Upon submission and once approved, the bidding process will start, he said.
The project is under the Comprehensive Development and Annual Priority Investment Plans of the municipality, which was allocated an initial budget of PHP30 million. It has three stages -- the sourcing of water, development of pipelines and water tanks, and the distribution of water to consumers.
The water will be sourced from the Adafang Spring, which is located in Barangay Poblacion.
Initially, the project will benefit about 7,000 residents of Barangay Poblacion and the nearby Sta. Lucia housing project.
Palaoag echoed Rivera’s plan that the waterworks system should be operated and managed by the municipality through a separate department or unit that would serve as an “economic enterprise.”
The mayor earlier said the project would guarantee sustainable water supply for the town’s growing population, especially considering its increasing economic activities. -- PNA 



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Tips for safe driving this rainy season

July 8, 2018, 5:59 am
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MOTORING 

Wilbert Tan 

Driving in the rain can be quite troublesome, and in some cases, it can be downright unsafe. Whenever you’re behind the wheel and it’s raining heavily, it pays to be focused on your surroundings. Distracted driving is already a huge risk on its own, and adding low visibility and wet roads to the equation only serve to put you in more danger. With that in mind, here are four good tips to help you keep safe and avoid any untoward incidents while driving this rainy season.
1. Turn your headlights on
Rain can reduce visibility, so always keep/turn your headlights on when it’s raining. Doing so serves two important purposes: one, it allows you to see further, and two, it lets drivers from the opposite direction know that you’re there. It also allows you to see slick and heavily waterlogged spots on the road more easily. If your car has fog lights, use them. Next time you’re driving during a heavy downpour, take note of the cars that do not have their headlights on and observe how difficult it is for you to see that car.
2. Be wary of larger vehicles
Pay close attention to large vehicles on the road, such as trucks and trailers, as they approach or pass you by. These vehicles are more prone to losing control during strong wind and rain, and their drivers may find it difficult to stay in their lanes. Likewise, regardless of the size of the vehicle in front of you, give yourself more space than usual when faced with a heavy rainstorm so you’ll have more time to react to traffic.
3. Keep your windshield clean and clear
A windshield that’s free from any dirt, deposit, and excess moisture lets you see what’s in front of your car better and respond quicker to the outside environment. That’s why visibility is extremely important when it’s raining. If your windshield contains any cracks or other defects in your line of vision, you need to have it taken care of immediately. If you see streaks on your windshield when you use your wiper, wipe the blades clean or replace them.
4. Protect yourself from hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is what happens when your tires fail to get a grip on the road and you lose control of your car’s direction. This usually occurs when you step on the brakes abruptly while the car is at high speeds. To prevent your car from hydroplaning, keep your speeds at manageable levels when it rains, and again, keep your distance from other vehicles so you won’t have to make abrupt stops. It also helps to ensure that your tires are properly inflated before travel.


Northern Philippine Times
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Cordillera leaders press peace talks between government, CPP-NPA

July 8, 2018, 6:01 am
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By Marlo T. Lubguban

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The joint Regional Development Council and Regional Peace and Order Council meeting recently held a meeting here to address peace concerns in the Cordillera like resumption of peace talks between the government and Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.   
Also discussed were accreditation of civil society organizations that will facilitate access to far-flung areas to provide aid and services and untagging of the seven Cordillerans from the Dept of Justice list of terrorists and need for consultation on the massive Chico river pump irrigation project. 
Both councils tasked the RDC private sector representatives to lead consultations between CSOs and line agencies in coordination with Natioal Economic Development Authority to facilitate the CSO accreditation system.
This task recognizes that PSRs are the most appropriate to work with the CSOs as the former generally represent the latter in the RDC.
The councils decided to defer passing the resolution to request untagging of various Cordillerans as terrorists.
It was agreed that Dept. of Local Government will write the DOJ to find out more procedure of tagging and untagging.
The RPOC also committed to verify with various intelligence agencies the basis of the tagging.
On the resumption of peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF, both councils approved a resolution supporting the administration’s resumption of peace talks between the GRP and the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Addressing military and NPA encounters, RDC PSR Andres Ngao-i urged the body to move even further and conduct localized peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF within their respective municipalities.
Former Mayor and OPAPP representative Tom Killip added that in his hometown of Sagada, Mountain Province, localized peace talks have been a long-accepted strategy for maintaining peace.
Finally, the RDC and RPOC agreed that benefits to the Kalinga side of the pump irrigation project must be increased as the water is sourced from the Cordillera region.
NEDA and the RDC sectoral committee on watershed and Environmental Management were tasked to draft a resolution urging NIA and DA to increase the benefits to the Kalinga side of the project.

Northern Philippine Times
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ConCom highlights Cordi autonomy in public gab

July 8, 2018, 6:03 am
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By Marlo Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY –  The Constitutional Commission to review the 1987 Constitution (ConCom) held a public consultation with Cordillerans last June 26.
           The Cordillera people were enlightened about the administration’s steps towards federalism and how the Cordillera region fits in the plan.
          Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Commissioner Prof. Eddie Alih said in the proposed federal constitution, the Bangsamoro and the Cordillera will have more fiscal autonomy than other regions.
         Both will receive more share from the national budget and have more flexibility in implementing development plans compared to the current set-up. This will put the two regions at par with other regions.
         “These two regions are asymmetric in nature as an answer to historical injustices,” Alih said referring to history of the two regions who have suffered policy discrimination and stagnation in development due to cultural and geographical differences.
         Baguio Commissioner Dr. Virgilio Bautista said much of provisions of House Bill 5343, the proposed Cordillera organic act, have been integrated in the draft constitution.
          RDC chair and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the ConCom is recommendatory in nature and Cordillerans must continue to campaign for autonomy towards federalism.          
           The event was led by the Presidential Management Staff in CAR and co-coordinated by NEDA-CAR as the secretariat of the Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR). NEDA and the RDC continue to raise awareness and gain support for Cordillera autonomy in the regional and national level through IECs, alliance building and capability building projects.












Northern Philippine Times
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PLLO support to Cordi autonomy quest lauded

July 8, 2018, 6:04 am
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 BAGUIO CITY  – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan lauded the support committed by officials of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) to the renewed quest for autonomy by the Cordillera after a local gathering involving the concerned government agencies and local governments on how to advance the pending autonomy bills in both chambers of Congress.
The local chief executive said that the Regional Development Council in the Cordillera is elated over the gains in the quest for autonomy in the national level, particularly in the legislative and executive branches, with a sustained effort at getting a certification from President Rodrigo R. Duterte that the pending autonomy bills are urgent priority administration measures that must be enacted into law as part of the advocacy efforts.
“We gained the support of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office in advancing our quest for autonomy in both chambers of Congress because now is the time for us to achieve autonomy, especially with the enabling environment as shown by the support from no less than President Rodrigo Duterte to the clamor of local officials for the decentralization of powers and resources,” Domogan said.
House Bill (HB) 5343 is authored by all Cordillera congressmen while Senate Bill (SB) 1678 is authored by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and both bills are geared towards the establishment of an autonomous region in the Cordillera.
Domogan revealed that PLLO officials also committed to help in working out with the Office of the President the necessary certification at the stage when the pending autonomy bills will require the same to fastrack its approval in both chambers of Congress which will be subjected to the traditional bicameral conference committee refinement prior to submission to President Duterte for his signature.
According to him, the snowballing support that the region’s renewed quest for autonomy is receiving from the national government is a manifestation of the Duterte administration’s commitment to grant autonomy to the Cordillera pursuant to the mandate of the 1987 Constitution.
Domogan explained it is important for the Cordillera to grab the opportunity of becoming an autonomous region during the term of the President because the chances of achieving autonomy after the President’s term might be bleak, especially when those who will be elected into power will not value the importance of decentralization of powers.
Domogan said Cordillera congressmen are also following up the eventual placing into the calendar of the House Committee on Local Government HB 5343 for committee approval prior to the issuance of the required certification from the President so that it will be immediately acted upon in plenary.
                Earlier, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza said the President will only certify the autonomy bill as urgent once all the necessary consultations relative to the final version of the bill shall have been completed so that whatever will be the output of the committee will be the one that will be certified as urgent for immediate action by both chambers of Congress.
Northern Philippine Times
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DA honors ‘Gawad Saka’ achievers in Cordillera

July 8, 2018, 6:06 am
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BAGUIO CITY — The Dept. of Agriculture has recognized contributions of individuals and groups for their effort to improve the agricultural industry in the region.
During the regional “Gawad Saka” awards last week led by DA Assistant Secretary for Agri-business Andrew Villacorta, the department acknowledged individual farmers, fisherfolk and groups, who excelled and made significant contributions in the development of agriculture and the fishery sector in the regions.
Villacorta said “their efforts have helped improve the lives of the farmers and fisherfolks.”
Leading the region’s “Gawad Saka” awardees included Honorio Clemencia named “Outstanding Rice Farmer” for his adaption of the integrated rice-based farming system; Rogel Marsan as the “Outstanding Organic Agriculture farmer”; and Romeo Kimbungan for “Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur”.
Renier Bilan won the “Outstanding Fisherfolk” award; Saint Williams Multi-Purpose Cooperative for “Outstanding Small Farmer Fisherfolk Organization” and the Bantay Rural Improvement Club for “Outstanding Rural Improvement Club”.
Bauko Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council was awarded for “Outstanding Municipal/City Agricultural and Fishery Councils” and the Mountain Province Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council for “Outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council”.
Villacorta said the “Gawad Saka” award is given annually for the government’s recognition of the agricultural achievements and contributions in helping achieve food sufficiency.
Each awardee received a trophy, a P50,000 cash prize, and a chance to be recognized in the national search.
Villacorta talked about the importance of the farmers in the Cordillera to the overall production of the country.
He said that Cordillera has a very big contribution in agriculture, producing about 80 percent of the temperate vegetable crops requirement of the country.
“Hindi matatawaran ang kontribusyon ng Cordillera sa produksyon ng gulay sa buong bansa, even sa organic farming, nangunguna ang region na ito, kaya kailangan talagang mabigyan ng malaking tulong ang Cordillera (The Cordillera’s contribution in terms of vegetable production in the entire country is priceless. Even in organic farming the region has been on top that is why there is a need to assist the Cordillera),” he said.
He also commended the rice farmers in the region, saying from 150,000 metric tons of rice, they are now producing 450,000 metric tons.
“Almost tumaas ng thrice yung production nila mainly in Kalinga, Apayao at sa Abra, Napakalaking achievement yon kasi nag-contribute sila sa national record breaking performance ng rice production sa buong bansa kaya tayo umabot ng 19.3 million metric tons, yun ang highest so far (The rice production mainly of Kalinga, Apayao and Abra contributed to the national record breaking performance in rice production nationwide. this is a big achievement with the country yielding 19.3 million metric tons of rice),” he added.
“Agriculture and Agri-fishery are more than just sowing seeds or going out to the sea and to culture fish, it is a science, a business, an advocacy, a passion and a gift,” Villacorta said during the awarding. -- PNA


Northern Philippine Times
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