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==Farmer surrenders endangered bird to a local TV station==
==NFA 2 launches door-to-door palay buying system==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=481328149860
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=481336618585
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''February 02, 2012''
*''Thursday, May 10, 2012''


SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela– A farmer at barangay Nagassican in this city has turned over to a local television station here a  rare bird which he caught in his farm recently.
SANTIAGO CITY,Isabela- The National Food Authority (NFA) 2 has launched a mobile palay buying system starting this cropping season, to enable the agency to meet its procurement program this year.


The bird identified as a baby owl was seen by Rodrigo Albay while he was working in his farm and he caught it, unaware that it is an endangered species.
NFA Regional Director Ruben Reside said the agency will directly buy palay harvest of farmers right at their doorstep as a way to help the farmers lessen their fare expenses in selling their palays.


Albay said he used to see birds of this kind in his farm but this is the only time that he was able to catch one because the birds are elusive especially to human beings.
“The NFA mobile buying system was conceptualized due to competition of private palay traders where they have higher prices than NFA," Reside said.


The farmer said he was advised by his neighbors to surrender the bird to ABS-CBN Cagayan Valley based in the city, as the said station has a program for caring and protecting the environment.
He said the NFA buying price is pegged at P17 per kilo of dried palay, while private traders’ buying price are higher than the NFA.


ABS-CBN Cagayan Valley management will turn over the said owl to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The NFA has targeted to buy this year 1.5 million bags of palay to be a buffer stock of the agency for future consumption.


Last year, the TV station also turned over an endangered bird to the DENR.  
Reside said the strategy to buy palay right at the doorstep of farmers was conceptualized by the agency to fill the buffer stock of the agency. The mobile NFA buying team will penetrate barangays to buy palay composed of a team leader, classifier, and cashier using NFA trucks.


==DOST’s SET UP beneficiary produces biggest fresh water prawn==
The agency, in February this year, has supplied 400,000 bags of rice at the National Capital region to augment the rice requirement of NCR.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=74384
*By: Benjie S. de Yro
*''January 31, 2012''


ILAGAN, Isabela- A university professor in this capital town who is a recipient of the “Ulang project” under Small Entrepreneur Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) of the Department of Science and Technology has produced the biggest ulang or fresh river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) compared to the same specie produced by Regions 5, 6, 9 and 12, according Director Urduja Tejada.
As of press time, the agency has a buffer stock of rice in the region that is good for 30 days.


“The fish farmer-professor identified as Enrico Santos whose farm is located at Barangay Marana here harvested 12 piece per kilo, breaking the existing record harvest of the Bicol region which registered 20 pieces per harvest,” Tejada said.
==Isabela Day==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/359185/vizcaya-development
*By: www.mb.com.ph
*''Wednesday, May 09, 2012''


The project is in collaboration between with DOST and the World Fish Center which provided technical assistance through the latter’s Aquaculture Scientist Hermogenes Tambalque.
ILAGAN, Isabela— The provincial government has declared May 11, 2012 a special non-working holiday in celebration of the 156th founding anniversary of Isabela. Gov. Faustino Dy III said this would give Isabelinos time to witness and participate in the celebration. Isabela Day will be highlighted with the visit of Malaysian Prince Tunku Naquiyuddin Ja’afar. Ja’afar will be visiting the province as partner in the fight against dengue. Dy recently visited Malaysia. Alvin Paras, information officer, said Ja’afar will be visiting the Gov. Faustino Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital, the Lingap Center and the Women and Children Protection Center.


“We assisted five other regions in the country and this is the first time we were able to harvest such sizes,” Tambalque said.
==Coop office to release livelihood loan assistance to SMEs==
 
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=481336439925
Prior to last week’s ceremonial harvest attended by both agencies and other fish farmers in the area, Santos already has a ready market for his produce which he intends to sell at P350 a kilo.
 
From his 600 square meter pond, he will be able to net an income of P40,000 or a return of investment of 75 percent. He said he will develop another pond for his ulang as a result of such encouraging income which he earned in just four months.
 
Santos revealed that during the first two months, he spent almost 40 bags of commercial feeds until DOST and World Fish introduced to him the green feeding technology.
 
As the name suggests, vegetable waste are chopped and blanched as an alternative feeds to the prawns. The technology, Santos admitted, saved him production cost as his commercial feeds dramatically dropped from 40 bags to only 4 bags during the last two months of the operation.
 
DOST provided Santos with 4,000 pieces of post larvae ulang which he seeded in June.
 
Tejada expressed hope that with more production at less expense, other fish farmers will likewise venture into ulang culture as alternative to rice and corn production.
 
“Ulang production can be the best alternative source of income at the same time increase fisheries production at a time when the catch in municipal and marine waters is dwindling,” Director Tejada said.
 
==BIR – Isabela intensifies tax mapping operations==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=74266
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 30, 2012''
 
NAGUILIAN, Isabela- Bureau of Internal Revenue – Isabela Revenue District Office (BIR-IRDO) chief Nerissa Agraam has ordered the tax collection agents to intensify the tax mapping operations in the province to assess all business establishments that are operating in Isabela.
 
Agraam said the intensification of tax mapping operation aimed to know the right taxes due to the government. "The tax mapping operations will also ensure that all business establishments are all accounted by the government’s revenue collection agency and to assess the right taxes of the business establishments being paid to the BIR annually," she added.
 
Agraam advised businessmen to pay taxes religiously to avoid inconveniences or closure of their establishments, adding that several establishments have been padlocked in the past for their failure to pay their taxes.
 
She also warned that they are continuously implementing the Run-After-Tax-Evaders (RATE) program to ensure that all business establishments are complying with the tax regulations of the BIR.
 
The revenue chief also reminded business establishments to always and automatically issue official receipts to customers in every transaction.
 
The intensified tax mapping operations in the province will continue until all business establishments have fully complied in paying the right taxes due to the government.
 
==NIA 2 introduces five rice-cropping in two years scheme==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=74010
*By: PIA
*''January 26, 2012''
 
CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 2 has introduced a five rice-cropping in two years time scheme to ensure more yield for a period of two years.
 
NIA 2 director Engr. Vicente E. Galvez said the scheme would help the government attain its rice self-sufficiency program come year 2013 and it would also help farmers gain income through farming.
 
The scheme will also evade calamities which affect palay that are about to be harvested in September and October cropping season by moving the planting season a little bit backward.
 
Galvez said the usual cropping season starts at July for first cropping season and November for the second cropping season in the region.
 
Based on the demonstrations and study conducted by the NIA 2, Galvez said the first cropping season will be started after the harvest this March 2012 and the scheme will also be introduced to farmers under the Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MRIIS).
 
Irrigation water systems under the NIA will operate two weeks after harvest this March to ensure the continuous flow of water for rice lands.
 
The program of NIA will run until 2013 and it will be sustained depending on the climate situation.
 
NIA 2 has piloted the program in some areas in the region and seems effective and the agency will try to expand to other areas using the existing facilities of NIA.
 
These areas in the region include the NIA operated pumping stations where water for irrigation are pumped up from the rivers and mini dams that are constructed by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
 
==NFA 2 lauds LGUs for supporting I-Rice promotion==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=73456
*By: PIA
*''January 21, 2012''
 
SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela- The National Food Authority (NFA) regional office located in this city has lauded the support of the region’s five provinces, municipal and city local government units in promoting Iron Fortified Rice (I-rice).
 
Ruben Reside, NFA 2 director, said the launching of I-Rice last year has gained positive results from local governments as shown in the resolutions which they passed supporting the promotion of I-Rice and urging their constituents to utilize I-Rice.
 
“I-Rice helps fight anemia and infections. It also helps maintain healthy body and body resistance against diseases,” the NFA chief said.
 
Reside said the agency is supplying I-Rice in local government units’ bigasang bayan retail outlets to give the public an access for the said commodity.
 
I-Rice is also be supplied to local government units on their relief operations in time of calamities.
 
Meanwhile, NFA 2 information officer Fe Salem said that as of January 15 inventory, there are 8,772 bags mixed with fortificant, a yellowish rice-form piece mixed in well-milled or regular-milled rice.
 
“There are also a total of 730 bags stand by rice ready to mix with fortificant,” Salem assured.
 
At present there are 161 bigasang bayan and 639 bigasan sa barangay outlets which sell I-rice.
 
I-Rice is sold by the agency at a reasonable price of P27 per kilo, cheaper than commercial rice sold at P35 to P40 in the markets.
 
Reside assured the continuous supply of I-Rice in public markets through their designated bigasang bayan.
 
He also urged the public particularly those who have not tried the I-Rice to visit and buy I-Rice as it is more affordable compared to commercial rice.
 
==SK to conduct counseling sessions to campus students==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=73098
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 18, 2012''
 
ILAGAN, Isabela- The Sangguniang Kabataan provincial federation headed by Kristyna Louise Dy will conduct counseling sessions to students of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the province to avert early pregnancy cases among students.
 
Dy who is also an ex-officio member of the province’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan and chairman of the committee on youth affairs, said she was informed by higher education institution officials in the province that there are some cases of early pregnancy among students.
 
“The HEIs has requested the SK office to conduct counseling sessions to students to enlighten and guide them in their education paths without hassle and not to be victims of early pregnancy,” Dy said.
 
She said the SK leadership took note of the reports and is now planning to launch a counseling sessions to students in higher education institutions of Isabela although the program is supposed to be implemented in secondary schools only.
 
The SK official believed that through counseling, students will not become victims of early pregnancy and continue their studies well until they can finish their respective curriculum courses.
 
The SK will be inviting effective and expert counselors to give advice to students.
 
Aside from counseling, the SK will also be conducting anti-drug campaigns inside the school campuses.
 
Dy likewise assured that the SK basketball tournaments participated by youths from the different municipalities will still be continued.
 
==Provincial gov’t moves to mitigate impact of floods==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=72909
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 17, 2012''
 
ILAGAN, Isabela- The provincial government is ironing out possible solutions to mitigate the impact of floods in the province during the climate change summit held here recently.
 
Provincial Planning and Development officer Nestor O. Salvador said the provincial government has proposed projects on flood control along the Cagayan river area in the municipalities of Cauayan, Angadanan, Reina Mercedes, Ilagan, Naguilian, Tumauini, Cabagan; Magat river in San Mateo, Reina Mercedes, Gamu; Siffu river in Roxas, Aurora, San Manuel; Ganano river in Echague, Cordon, Santiago City; and Pinacanauan river at San Mariano.
 
He said these projects will be implemented as soon as the budgetary requirements will be available. Under the proposal, projects on flood control will need P2.350 billion from funding agencies and P235 million as counterpart fund from the provincial government.
 
"Dredging will be the top priority to be conducted at heavily silted river sections, creeks and other waterways particularly in Ilagan, Tumauini, San Pablo, Roxas, San Mariano, San Manuel, Angadanan, Reina Mercedes, Cauayan City, San Mariano, Cordon, Santiago City and Echague," Salvador presented.
 
A watershed development and riverside control and protection are also proposed.
 
==Functional operation center for disaster risk reduction pushed==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=72772
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 16, 2012''
*''Tuesday, May 08, 2012''


ILAGAN, Isabela- The Cagayan Valley’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources chief has urged the provincial leadership of Isabela to establish a functional risk reduction and management operations center exclusively for the monitoring of calamities that may hit the province.
ILAGAN, Isabela– The provincial government of Isabela through the cooperatives office will release today the interest-free livelihood loan assistance in the amount of P3,000 and each to selected small and medium enterpreneurs (SMEs) to be held at the capitol amphitheater.


DENR 2 director Benjamin Tumaliuan said during the first ever Climate Change Summit held at the provincial capitol last week that necessary equipment and manpower should be available in the operation center to ensure the province's preparedness to quickly respond to affected Isabelinos.
Governor Faustino G. Dy III will lead the distribution of checks to the 1,315 selected Isabelino SMEs from the sixteen towns of the province.


He said the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), National Irrigation Administration, Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MRIIS), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other government agencies and offices should also have their agency representatives in the operation center so that necessary precautions to avert damages on lives and properties in Isabela and in the lower Cagayan river basin as well.
The livelihood loan assistance is an aid to SMEs to further increase their income from their chosen small business.


Tumaliuan lauded the provincial government of Isabela for initiating a climate change summit which he said is a venue for all government offices, non-government organizations, academe, clergy and other sectors in the province to mitigate the effects of climate change in the province.
The distribution of the loan assistance is programmed by the cooperatives office for a series of distribution schedule to help not only the SMEs but also to Isabelinos who have the interest in establishing a small business.


He added that the onslaught of typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao which killed more than a thousand individual and affected thousands of families in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City and the typhoons and floods that hit the province in previous years were alarming so actions must be done to lessen the impacts of these disasters.
Alvin Paras, provincial information officer, said the loan assistance is provided by the provincial government with no interest to help SMEs expand their small business.


==BFAR to release funds for fishing boats of fisherfolks in Isabela==
Paras said the provincial government has set aside P3.928 million for the said program.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=72611
*By: Oliver T. Baccay
*''January 15, 2012''


The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) region 2 is set to release funds to replace fishing boats of fisher folks in the coastal towns of Isabela.
The sixteen towns that were notified by the provincial government where SMEs came from are the towns of Burgos, Cabatuan, Tumauini, Luna, Quezon, San Mariano, San Manuel, Quirino, San Pablo, Alicia, Gamu, Benito Soliven, Cabagan, Cauayan City, Ilagan, Naguilian, Santo Thomas.


These boats were destroyed during the onset of typhoon “Juan” in December 2010.
==Isabela Braces For 11-Hour Blackouts==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/359025/isabela-braces-for-11hour-blackouts
*By: ELLSON A. QUISMORIO
*''Monday, May 07, 2012''


Regional director Jovita P. Ayson stated that they are yet to determine the number of beneficiaries based on the reported number of victims during the said calamities and the number of boats to be built by the beneficiaries.
Power users of the Isabela Electric Cooperative I (ISELCO I) are bracing for two 11-hour blackouts this week.


Ayson also stated that they will let the fisher folk build their own fishing boats and BFAR will finance the materials needed to implement counter parting scheme wherein the beneficiary shall be responsible for the labor and the materials will come from the government.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), in its ad¬visory yesterday, said the scheduled power interruptions would take place on Wednesday and again on Thursday. Both blackouts will last 11 hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Typhoon “Juan” was one of the most devastating disasters in the region where many families lost their homes and livelihood. A lot of casualties were also recorded. Most of the victims were from the coastal towns of Isabela and the 1st district area.
The power transmission company said the outage on Wednesday is to make way for the replacement of wood poles and other line hardware along the Santiago-Cauayan 69- kilovolt transmission line, while the interruption the next day is to correct the defective substation equipment at Santiago Substation.


“This is our efforts in helping the fisher folk restore their livelihoods and part of our rehabilitation and recovery plan which we contributed in the disaster management council,” Ayson said.
As the province’s distribution utility (DU), ISELCO I will determine which specific cities and municipalities will be affected by the back-to-back power interruptions.


She mentioned that the fishing boats will both be motorized and non-motorized, depending on the needs and to where it will be utilized.
The DU is allotting available power within its franchise area and implementing the power interruption schedules among end-users.


On the other hand, Ayson further stated that they will also release some fishing gears to the fishermen and provide post harvest facilities to help boost their productions and upgrade the quality of their products.  
“Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion. NGCP customers and the general public are advised to take the neces¬sary preparation and precaution for this scheduled interruption,” the NGCP said.


==P 2M worth Kabuhayan starter kits awarded to workers, OFWs in 2011==
NGCP is a privately-owned corporation in charge of operating, maintain¬ing, and developing the country’s power grid and electricity superhighways.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=72512
*By: Thelma C. Bicarme and Reginald Estioco
*''January 14, 2012''


The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 2 awarded a total of ₱2.64 million worth of Kabuhayan starter kits to some 264 beneficiaries in 2011.
==Guibang, Isabela, welcomes pilgrims to feast of Our Lady of the Visitation==
*Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/46613/guibang-isabela-welcomes-pilgrims-to-feast-of-our-lady-of-the-visitation
*By: Josephine Darang
*''Sunday, May 06, 2012''


Based on a report forwarded to this office, 253 of the beneficiaries were skilled workers in the informal sector and 11 were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
As National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation in Barangay Guibang of Gamu town in Isabela prepares for the arrival of pilgrims who will attend the novena Masses and fiesta on July 2, stories of miracles have come to me from residents there.


The Cagayan province had the biggest number of beneficiaries with 151 who came from the municipalities of Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Baggao, Lallo, Claveria, Sta. Teresita, Gonzaga, Sta. Ana, Iguig and Rizal. The total amount of the assistance was ₱1.51 million.
Felisa Patriarca Hanaban, 78, who sells candles and rosaries, told me that when she was 30, she suffered severe stomach pain. She said she knelt before the altar and asked Our Lady of Guibang for help.


In '''Isabela''', there were 53 beneficiaries from the municipalities of Maconacon, Quirino, Angadanan and San Manuel given kits worth ₱0.53 million.
She said she saw the Virgin Mary in a dream walk down from the altar and tell her that when she start smelling the fragrance of roses, the pain would stop. And so it was that when Nana Felisa was standing at the door trying to sell candles, she suddenly felt a wind passing by and smelled roses. The pain disappeared, and she continues to sell candles and rosaries. If you visit the shrine, you will recognize her.


The province of Quirino had 49 beneficiaries, 14 of them were returning OFWs from the municipalities of Diffun, Maddela, and Saguday. The amount of assistance totaled ₱0.49 million.
The miracle of a job


Lastly, there were 11 beneficiaries from the province of Nueva Vizcaya particularly in the municipality of Villaverde; the kits amounte to ₱0.11 million.
Prof. Elsa Cadiente brought Agnes Panao Nicolas to us.  Agnes, 57, whose parents, Severina Panao Nicolas (known as Baket Binay) and Vicente Palomares Nicolas, were the first caretakers of Our Lady of Guibang. She told us that Our Lady helped her get her first job. Agnes was a new graduate then of Bachelor of Agriculture in what is now the Isabela State University. She approached the late Bishop Miguel Purugganan to ask for help to get a job. Purugganan introduced her to Dr. Luis Evangelista, the chair of the Philippine Coconut Authority. She got the job and worked at the Philcoa for several years. Today, she lives in a house near the shrine.


The Kabuhayan Starter Kit Program is one of the livelihood support strategies of the agency to alleviate poverty in this part of the country. It provides opportunities to start a livelihood undertaking of the identified beneficiaries who must have undergone TESDA training and certification on the trade of endeavor they will carry out.
Memories


The Kit contains materials, tools, and equipment that allow beneficiaries to engage in various businesses such as but not limited to plumbing, massage, cosmetology, appliance repair, upholstery, rags making, hair dressing, manicure or pedicure and the like.  
Agnes Nicolas remembers  how her parents brought her and her siblings to Guibang on Jan. 5, 1955. They lived near the small chapel of the Virgin Mary, then made of galvanized iron and facing south. By the time I saw the church in 1993, when the late Msgr. Johnny Corpuz brought me to Guibang, the church  looked  as it does now, but already facing  east. The main door now faces the highway.


==Feature: Magat Dam, the lifeblood of Isabela==
In January 1986, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines elevated the church of Our Lady of Guibang to a national shrine. Before that, in May 1973, Our Lady of Guibang was canonically crowned by Papal Nuncio Carmine Rocco.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=72476
*By: Thelma C. Bicarme and Melissa C. Agbisit
*''January 13, 2012''


In the idyllic town of Ramon, Isabela, located some 350 kilometers north of Metro Manila, lies what is touted as one of the biggest dams in Asia— the Magat dam.
Fiesta activities


With its still waters and magnificent sunset, the Magat Dam is a favorite hang-out spot among local and foreign tourists. The dam is also the lifeblood of the Isabela, as more than 1.2 million residents rely on agriculture as the source of livelihood.
Rev. Fr. Francisco “Paco” Albano, parish priest, will lead the nine-day novena Masses, June 23-July 1, culminating in the fiesta on July 2. Novena Masses are at 5 p.m. Bishop of Ilagan Joseph Nacua, OFM-Cap, will officiate the Concelebrated Mass on July 2, 8 a.m., with  the  Power Voice as choir.


The dam was part of the Magat River Multi-Purpose Project which was based on a preliminary study conducted in 1973 by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), with the assistance of the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Fiesta Masses on July 2 will be every hour starting 5 a.m. Stylist and artist Ali Rich Garcia will decorate the altar.  Helping get white orchids, green foliage and bamboo are Zeny Zicherelli and Aurora Zipangan Lazo.


The construction of the Magat Dam and appurtenant structures was authorized by Presidential Decree 693 signed on May 7, 1975 by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos to increase the annual paddy production and corresponding per capita income of farmers, accelerate economic development through the generation of related agro-industrial activities, create employment opportunities and develop cheap source of power energy.
Milagros Dancel, a member of a Marian group in the parish, remembers offering novena Masses to Our Lady when her daughter Mylah Marie Dancel was reviewing for the dental board exams. Her daughter later ranked sixth in the exams.


The completion of the project and its inauguration on October 27, 1982 marked the realization, if not the onset of the realization of all the project’s objectives.
Those who need estampita prayers to Our Lady of Guibang can write to me c/o the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.  Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.


Irrigation for 80,000 hectares of ricelands
How to go to Guibang


The Magat Dam with its total storage capacity of 1.25 billion cubic meters at full supply level provides year round irrigation requirement for 80,000 hectares of ricelands in 17 municipalities and 2 cities in Isabela, three municipalities in Quirino Province, and one in Ifugao.
Ali Garcia and I took the Cebu Pacific flight from Cauayan. Then we were driven to Gamu town where Guibang is. The airline flies to Cauayan at 9:20 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Pilgrims can take buses like Florida, Victory or Baliwag and travel eight hours to Gamu. Driving up in cars can take seven hours. For accommodations, you can reserve at Zicherelli Hotel on the highway. Hotel rates are reasonable. Call (078) 6222340.


These ricelands are tilled by almost 65,000 farmers and have a potential of 8 million cavans of paddy rice production every cropping season or 480,000 cavans of milled rice at 65 percent recovery.
By the way, St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Gamu marks its ninth year on May 12. Fr. Ian Mamauag, the parochial vicar, says a seminar on the new Roman Missal will be held. The public is invited. Bishop Joseph Nacua will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m.


Prior to the construction of the Magat Dam, rice farmers in Isabela posted an average yield of 50 cavans per hectare, with their crops primarily rainfed. However, with the establishment of a reservoir-type irrigation system, the current average yield in the service area of the Magat River Integrated Irrigation is at 100 cavans per hectare. This is a remarkable improvement from the 50 cavans of the early years.
The province of Isabela will hold its 156th Isabela Day on May 10 and 11. Gov. Bojie Dy and Vice Gov. Rodito Albano will lead the celebration that begins with a Mass on May 10, 8 a.m. Fr. Carlito Sarte, the new vicar general, is main celebrant.


Hydro-electric power generation
Our Lady of Biglang Awa fiesta


Aside from providing irrigation water, the Magat Dam also became a primary source of power with the 360 megawatt Magat Hydro-Electric Power Plant (MHEPP) and the 6 megawatt Baligatan Hydro-Electric Power Plant (BHEPP).
This year’s fiesta of Our Lady of Biglang Awa on May 10 in Boac, Marinduque, will mark the 54th year of the canonical coronation of Our Lady, which took placed on May 10, 1958, and the 34th  anniversary of the canonical erection of the Diocese of Boac on May 10, 1978.


Water from the Magat Reservoir passes through the turbines of the MHEPP to generate power before it goes to the supply canals to irrigate ricelands.
Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista will officiate the Concelebrated Mass on May 10, 9 a.m., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Fr. Rene Sapungan, rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Biglang Awa, will celebrate Mass at the Shrine, 4 p.m. Hermana Mayor 2012 is Josephine Peñafiel Cunanan.


A portion of the power generated by BHEPP is used to operate the three pumping stations in MARIIS, one in Angadanan, (Division IV) which serves 661 hectares and two in Division III (4,989), one in Burgos which serves 4,989 hectares and the other one in Gamu which serves 2,885 hectares.
Our Lady of the Abandoned fiesta


The three pumping stations serve a total of 5,650 hectares of Riceland in Isabela.
Manila Archbishop Chito Tagle will officiate the Concelebrated Mass honoring Our Lady of the Abandoned on May 12, 9:30 a.m. Concelebrants are Fr. Baltazar Obico,  OFM, minister general; Fr. Andrew Litigio, OFM, parish priest; and OFM friars and guest priests from the Vicariate of the Holy Family.


The MHEPP was originally owned and managed by the National Power Corporation until the former’s privatization in April 2007 when its operation was fully turned over to SN Abotiz Power Inc., a joint venture of a local company, Aboitiz Equity Venture (AEV), and the Norwegian SN Power Invest (SN Power). Power generated by the MHEPP provides electricity to a portion of the Luzon grid.
Readers asked for the fastest way to help the church of Fr. Rey Floresca in Dinagat Island, Surigao. Please deposit your donations to the parish account with the PNB Surigao Branch. Savings account number 452-001300034, in the name of Reynaldo B. Floresca and Elena E. Baptisma. Thanks for your kindness. May St. Vicente Ferrer intercede for your prayers.


Magat Dam as a landmark tourist destination
Flores de Mayo at 33


The irrigation and power components of the Magat Dam have been fully developed and authorities are now considering its eco-tourism potential.
The Congregacion del Santissimo Nombre del Niño Jesus will hold its 33rd Flores de Mayo today, 5 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia, in cooperation with the City of Pasay, Unilever and SM Mall of Asia.


The Magat Dam Park Development Plan drawn by the MARIIS-Dam and Reservoir Division included the construction of a Multi-Purpose Hall, Conference Room, Coffee Shop/Restaurant and Souvenir Store, Resort/Pool Area and Skating Rink.
In Las Piñas, devotees will flock to the Church of St. Joseph to mark the feast of “Tata Husep,” or St. Joseph, who is believed to be miraculous.


Should the plan be implemented, it would create more employment opportunities for the Isabelinos.
==Pattaradday Festival: Showcasing the best of Santiago City==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/26725-pattaradday-festival-showcasing-the-best-of-santiago-city
*By: Leonardo Perante II
*''Saturday, May 05, 2012''


==Rats attack rice fields in Isabela==
MORE than a decade, or 12 years ago on Saturday, Pattaradday Festival was launched on May 5, 2000, on the fifth founding anniversary of Santiago City as an independent component city from the province of Isabela.
*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/12/12/rats-attack-rice-fields-isabela
*By: Mary Soliva
*''January 12, 2012''


Farmers in Cauayan, Isabela are facing infestation problem in their rice fields, prompting the Department of Agriculture (DA) to launch an information dissemination campaign to control it.
It was during the term of then-City Vice Mayor Amelita Sison-Navarro, who took over as city mayor by virtue of the law of succession from Mayor Joel Miranda, when the summer spectacle was born and celebrated yearly from May 1 to 5.


Aside from mass baiting, DA will provide free pest-control chemicals or rodenticides to the farmers.
Pattaradday is an Ibanag term for “unity” that would best describe how mixed cultural and ethnic groups—be they indigenous residents or multinational and domestic migrants running economic business enterprises in the city—stay together in harmony.


Authorities said the affected rice fields have reached nearly 2,000 hectares.
“There are 17 ethno-linguistic groups residing in the city that could rally around the concept of unity, and they are precisely the reasons Pattaradday came into the picture,” said Navarro.


The rats destroy the crops by chewing on the stem, even those not yet ready for harvest.
Recognized by the Department of Tourism as Santiago City’s institutionalized festival, Pattaradday did not only showcase local talents but guest performers from other provinces and in cities in the country like the famous Sinulog of Cebu, Dinagyang of Iloilo, Panagbenga of Baguio and Ibon-Ebon dancers from Candaba City, Pampanga.


Authorities have yet to determine the amount of damage caused by the infestation.
“Of course, our neighboring provinces, cities and towns in Cagayan Valley or Region 2 with their respective street dancers have already been a part of our yearly event as they compete in the street-dance showdown, making it a truly unified celebration,” said Navarro.


==DOLE to conduct construction safety trainings==
The participation of respected guest performers from as far as down south and up north makes Pattaradday virtually a national event full of life and colors. It is precisely the reason it earned the Hall-of-Fame Award from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines as Best Tourism Event from 2006 to 2008.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=71993
*By: Oliver Baccay
*''January 11, 2012''


The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 2, through the Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNet), is set to conduct series of trainings for construction workers on safety and health in the workplaces.
“At least in five of the 365 days in a year we can parade together, co-exist and show our best in the arts in the form of songs, dances and other forms of expression,” said Navarro.


Engr. Marvin Sales, senior labor employment officer, said they will open 35 slots for the construction safety training which will be held in Cauayan City, Isabela on February 4 and also for the basic occupational safety and health training which will be conducted on March 5-9 in this city.
Every year the festival theme would vary showcase from agricultural to character-first advocacy. This year it focuses on health and environment.


Sales said the trainings are very vital in the pursuit of accident prevention in the workplaces, especially those in the construction areas.
“Of course, we are getting conscious about our health, so we should have a sound mind and a sound body. Without these we cannot think well and perform well. We can achieve good character instinctively with good health and mind,” said Dr. Solomon Maylem, Santiago City veterinary officer who took charge of physical-fitness activities during the festival.


“We need these trainings so that our construction workers will be given assurance that they will not meet accident within their workplaces. This is in the pursuit of zero accident program of the government,” Sales said.
“Takbo iFun,” is a fun run designed even for the youngest or oldest runners.


He also added that the training is a requisite for workers before they will be issued a permit to work in registered construction companies.
The traditional Santacruzan procession is also held around the city during the festival.


However, he explained, they need to limit the slots to ensure that all participants will be properly trained.
To add color, a kite-flying exhibition was displayed by the Santiago City Kite-flying Society for kite enthusiasts.


After the two trainings, Engr. Sales said another set of trainings will be scheduled in the 2nd up to 4th quarter of the year.  
One of the most-awaited highlights of the festival was the Mutya ng Santiago City beauty pageant held at the AMA Coliseum in the city on May 3.


==BI – Isabela urges permanent residence foreigners to report and settle obligations this month==
Showcasing most spectacular sights and sounds during the city’s 18th birthday was the grand parade with colorful floats and street-dancing showdowns from the best street performers in the country.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=71867
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 10, 2012''
 
CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) based in this premier city of Isabela has urged permanent residence foreigners in the province to report and settle their obligations to the provincial government to avoid monthly penalty and charges.
 
Loreto Tumaliuan, Alien Control Officer of BI – Isabela, said aliens residing in the province are obliged to pay P310 for a year of stay in the country and their failure to pay on their annual dues would mean additional payment of P200 monthly as penalty.
 
"There are registered more than one thousand aliens in the province who are holder of permanent residence visas and now residing and doing business within the province," Tumaliuan said.


Tumaliuan said most of these aliens are Indian nationals who are doing business activity and some are residing in the province followed by Chinese, Americans, Germans, Mexicans and other foreign nationals who are already in the province.
As a closing remark, thousands of fire balloons were dramatically launched early evening city-wide.


Tumaliuan said his office is monitoring the registered and permanent residence foreign nationals who are in the province and is maintaining data of foreigners who are in the province.
==DA 2 official inaugurates vegetable trading center==
 
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=481336103474
The BI – Isabela is annually requiring permanent residence nationals who are in the province to pay the annual registration fee and advises them to regularly pay their obligation to avoid penalties and surcharges.
 
==Prov’l government to hold climate change summit this week==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=71708
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 09, 2012''
*''Friday, May 04, 2012''


ILAGAN, Isabela- The provincial government of Isabela will be conducting the first ever climate change summit on Friday, January 13 at the Francisco N. Dy Sr. session hall at the Isabela capitol.
SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela- Department of Agriculture (DA) 2 Regional Technical Director Lorenzo Carangyan led yesterday the inauguration of the newly built vegetable trading center located at the Integrated Transport terminal compound.


Governor Faustino G. Dy III has urged partner agencies and private institutions to adopt flood control measures to cushion the impact of disasters.
The newly-built trading center, also called as city food terminal, was constructed through the financial assistance provided by the Cagayan valley’s agriculture department in the amount of P1 million.


“The effects of climate change in our province is already felt and we, as your leaders, would like to ask your help to mitigate the impact of this climate phenomenon like reducing damage in terms of infrastructure and agriculture and saving lives of Isabelinos that are affected," Dy said.
Carangyan said the counterpart of the city government of Santiago is the construction of a huge building intended for trading of goods from the different parts of the region. The lot was also provided by the city government located at barangay Malvar.


During the climate change summit, Dy is expected to share insights on the issue of flood control and impact mitigation measures in the face of the disastrous effects of climate change.
He said the city government’s willingness to construct the building is a step to put in place the trading area where the previous location hampers the traffic flow in the city’s business district.


This will also be a venue to unveil the province’s flood control mitigation plan and to come up with a water release protocol that will govern coordinate links among local government units and government agencies.
“This project will surely help vegetable farmers in the city and in the entire Cagayan Valley," Carangyan said.


The provincial government is hoping for a successful climate change summit in the province this week to cushion the effects of climate change in Isabela.  
“Vegetable growers will not be hard put anymore to sell their products as the trading center is already present in the city," Carangayn further said.


==River swallows 3 kids==
The DA official suggested that the city government shall organize the vegetable farmers in the city to enable them to easily dispose their products at the trading center.
*Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/21175-river-swallows-3-kids
*By: www.journal.com.ph
*''January 08, 2012''


AUTHORITIES are scouring a river in Isabela province in search of three schoolchildren who were believed to have fallen and drowned while on their way home in Barangay Daburab, Cauayan City Friday.
He said the present leadership of the agriculture department wanted that all localities in the country shall establish a trading center to help farmers immediately market their products.


The victims were identified as siblings Rickson, 7, and Eric John Rasa, 6, and their friend Maureen Corpuz, 6.
The DA official was also the guest of honor during the farmers day organized by the city agriculture office where the event is the venue for raising the concerns of Santiago City farmers.


The parents of the victims sought the help of barangay officials after the children failed to return home from school.
==Batanes, Santiago City bid national Nutrition Honor Award==
 
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R02&article=461335773453
The children’s teacher said she sent the student home early Friday afternoon.
*By: Oliver T. Baccay
 
*''Tuesday, May 01, 2012''
Authorities believe the children may have decided to go swimming or have fallen into the water while crossing the river and were swept away by the current.
 
Village watchmen found the children’s bag and slippers beside the river.
 
==Ilagan town launches massive tax collection==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=71325
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 06, 2012''
 
ILAGAN, Isabela– The local government unit of the capital town of Isabela has started this week its massive tax collection activity among business establishments, tricycle and jeepney operators, real property owners and other collectibles from the town.
 
Information officer Antonio Montereal said the local treasury office has put up a one-stop shop within the lobby of the municipal hall to speed up the flow and processing of business permits and collections.
 
Montereal said the local government unit is doing the activity annually and is appreciated by Ilaguenos since it gives them shorter time in processing their business permits and in paying their taxes.
 
He urged Ilaguenos to pay their taxes before the January 20 deadline to avail tax discounts for early taxpayers.
 
He said taxes that are being paid are being utilized by the local government on various programs, projects and activities that will benefit Ilaguenos like social services, infrastructures, and other programs for the welfare of Ilaguenos.
 
==NFA 2 to supply additional 100 thousand bags of rice to NCR this month==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=71081
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 05, 2012''
 
SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela– The Cagayan Valley’s National Food Authority (NFA) is set to send 100,000 bags of rice to the National Capital Region (NCR) this month on orders from the NFA central office.
 
NFA 2 Regional Director Ruben Reside said the region has enough supply of rice for consumption of region 2 populace and the excess are being set aside for Metro Manila residents.
 
He said the NCR is now dependent on the rice supply from rice-producing regions like regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 as the NFA has minimized importation of rice from other countries since the country is aiming to be rice self-sufficient by 2013.
 
Reside said NFA 2 has already supplied 300 thousand bags of rice in previous months to NCR and this month another 100 thousand is set to be delivered to NCR.
 
Reside said the agency is now busy milling some of its palay stocks to be delivered to the National Capital Region as NFA region 2 has committed to supply 400 thousand bags until the end of this month.
 
Despite the dispersal of some rice stocks of NFA 2, Reside assured that region 2 has enough rice stocks for consumption of Cagayan Valley residents.
 
==Waste segregation trash cans now a requirement for business permit renewal in Cabatuan==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=70889
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 04, 2012''
 
CABATUAN, Isabela– Starting this year, business establishment owners in this municipality are already required to produce waste segregation trash cans at their respective business establishments before they could renew their business permits.
 
The local government unit of Cabatuan has made the policy in support to Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as Solid Waste Management Act of 2003.
 
Mayor Cid Dayrit said under his watch, he would like to strictly implement the waste segregation program through requiring business establishment owners to minimize littering of wastes especially in public places.
 
Dayrit has called on business establishment owners to follow the new policy of the locality in order to make the locality maintain its cleanliness even without any searches relative to cleanliness.
 
He said cleanliness of a certain place is one of the barometer of tourists to come back to the place if they know that it is clean, peaceful and with tranquility.
 
==3 typhoon-affected Isabela towns to benefit from foreign org program==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=70758
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 03, 2012''
 
ILAGAN, Isabela– The typhoon-affected southern Isabela towns of Jones, Echague and San Agustin, Isabela are beneficiaries of the European Commission Humanitarian Organization (ECHO) program through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
 
Antonietta Asis, chapter administrator of PRC Isabela, said a total of P18 million were allotted by the European Union in the said towns for the provision of food packs and trainings to selected health volunteers in the area.
 
The health volunteers will serve as partners of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) of the province in times of calamities.
 
Asis said the selection of the three towns depends on the prerogative of the European Commission and the Red Cross will serve as the bridge in implementing the humanitarian mission of the agency.
 
Asis said residents in the area felt elated for choosing their towns as area for implementing the ECHO program.
 
The program will officially start this month and is expected to end in the month of May this year.
 
==City treasury office calls on Santiaguenos to pay taxes early==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r02&id=70605
*By: Merlito G. Edale, Jr.
*''January 02, 2012''


SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela– The city treasury office of Santiago has called on Santiaguenos to pay their tax obligation to the city government early to avail of discounts intended for early payers.
Two of the local nutrition councils in region 2 are now contenders of the prestigious Nutrition Honor Award, the highest recognition given to Local Government Units (LGUs) that have consistently shown outstanding performance for nutrition improvement.


Claro Rosendo, local treasury operations officer, said taxpayers should avail of the 20 per cent discount on total taxes until January 20, 2012.
For this year, Batanes province and Santiago City are the entries of Cagayan Valley in the said award system, after three consecutive years of garnering the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN).


“Failure to pay on or before the January 20 deadline would mean additional surcharges and interests to the total computed taxes,” Rosendo added.
Nutrition Program Coordinator Rhodora Maestre said the two LGUs are now on their 3rd year of maintaining their CROWN award which qualifies them to be elevated into the NHA.


Taxes that are being collected by the city government include real property taxes, income and business taxes and these are added to the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) that are appropriated for the annual operations of the city.
She said Batanes province was already evaluated last week while Santiago City is scheduled for May 7-11, 2012. NNC chief Assistant Secretary Bernardita Flores led the team in Batanes together with the evaluators from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Agriculture (DA).


The city treasury office hoped to exceed their tax collection this year, as massive tax information campaign has been conducted last year.
Maestre believed that the two entries will make it as she sees the strong foundation of the programs, projects and innovations made for the eradication of malnutrition rate in the said areas.


Each year, the city treasurer office is conducting tax information drive to inform the tax obligations of the residents.
Region 2 had consistently produced national champions in the different categories of the nutrition award system to include the NHA awards received by Solana, Cagayan; Echague, Isabela; Tuguegarao City; Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya; Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan province and Isabela province.


This year, the city treasurer’s office has already started their scheduled tax information campaign in the barangays and they have already posted tarpaulins and other information materials in the strategic places to encourage taxpayers to pay their taxes on time.
These LGUs have innovative programs and projects that contributed to the eradication of malnutrition rate in their areas, a strong advocacy to promote good nutrition, support to the maternal and health care program, and the political will in implementing related laws and policies toward the development of nutrition and health of the people.

Latest revision as of 15:36, 10 May 2012

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Province of Isabela - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Isabela

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

NFA 2 launches door-to-door palay buying system

SANTIAGO CITY,Isabela- The National Food Authority (NFA) 2 has launched a mobile palay buying system starting this cropping season, to enable the agency to meet its procurement program this year.

NFA Regional Director Ruben Reside said the agency will directly buy palay harvest of farmers right at their doorstep as a way to help the farmers lessen their fare expenses in selling their palays.

“The NFA mobile buying system was conceptualized due to competition of private palay traders where they have higher prices than NFA," Reside said.

He said the NFA buying price is pegged at P17 per kilo of dried palay, while private traders’ buying price are higher than the NFA.

The NFA has targeted to buy this year 1.5 million bags of palay to be a buffer stock of the agency for future consumption.

Reside said the strategy to buy palay right at the doorstep of farmers was conceptualized by the agency to fill the buffer stock of the agency. The mobile NFA buying team will penetrate barangays to buy palay composed of a team leader, classifier, and cashier using NFA trucks.

The agency, in February this year, has supplied 400,000 bags of rice at the National Capital region to augment the rice requirement of NCR.

As of press time, the agency has a buffer stock of rice in the region that is good for 30 days.

Isabela Day

ILAGAN, Isabela— The provincial government has declared May 11, 2012 a special non-working holiday in celebration of the 156th founding anniversary of Isabela. Gov. Faustino Dy III said this would give Isabelinos time to witness and participate in the celebration. Isabela Day will be highlighted with the visit of Malaysian Prince Tunku Naquiyuddin Ja’afar. Ja’afar will be visiting the province as partner in the fight against dengue. Dy recently visited Malaysia. Alvin Paras, information officer, said Ja’afar will be visiting the Gov. Faustino Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital, the Lingap Center and the Women and Children Protection Center.

Coop office to release livelihood loan assistance to SMEs

ILAGAN, Isabela– The provincial government of Isabela through the cooperatives office will release today the interest-free livelihood loan assistance in the amount of P3,000 and each to selected small and medium enterpreneurs (SMEs) to be held at the capitol amphitheater.

Governor Faustino G. Dy III will lead the distribution of checks to the 1,315 selected Isabelino SMEs from the sixteen towns of the province.

The livelihood loan assistance is an aid to SMEs to further increase their income from their chosen small business.

The distribution of the loan assistance is programmed by the cooperatives office for a series of distribution schedule to help not only the SMEs but also to Isabelinos who have the interest in establishing a small business.

Alvin Paras, provincial information officer, said the loan assistance is provided by the provincial government with no interest to help SMEs expand their small business.

Paras said the provincial government has set aside P3.928 million for the said program.

The sixteen towns that were notified by the provincial government where SMEs came from are the towns of Burgos, Cabatuan, Tumauini, Luna, Quezon, San Mariano, San Manuel, Quirino, San Pablo, Alicia, Gamu, Benito Soliven, Cabagan, Cauayan City, Ilagan, Naguilian, Santo Thomas.

Isabela Braces For 11-Hour Blackouts

Power users of the Isabela Electric Cooperative I (ISELCO I) are bracing for two 11-hour blackouts this week.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), in its ad¬visory yesterday, said the scheduled power interruptions would take place on Wednesday and again on Thursday. Both blackouts will last 11 hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The power transmission company said the outage on Wednesday is to make way for the replacement of wood poles and other line hardware along the Santiago-Cauayan 69- kilovolt transmission line, while the interruption the next day is to correct the defective substation equipment at Santiago Substation.

As the province’s distribution utility (DU), ISELCO I will determine which specific cities and municipalities will be affected by the back-to-back power interruptions.

The DU is allotting available power within its franchise area and implementing the power interruption schedules among end-users.

“Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion. NGCP customers and the general public are advised to take the neces¬sary preparation and precaution for this scheduled interruption,” the NGCP said.

NGCP is a privately-owned corporation in charge of operating, maintain¬ing, and developing the country’s power grid and electricity superhighways.

Guibang, Isabela, welcomes pilgrims to feast of Our Lady of the Visitation

As National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation in Barangay Guibang of Gamu town in Isabela prepares for the arrival of pilgrims who will attend the novena Masses and fiesta on July 2, stories of miracles have come to me from residents there.

Felisa Patriarca Hanaban, 78, who sells candles and rosaries, told me that when she was 30, she suffered severe stomach pain. She said she knelt before the altar and asked Our Lady of Guibang for help.

She said she saw the Virgin Mary in a dream walk down from the altar and tell her that when she start smelling the fragrance of roses, the pain would stop. And so it was that when Nana Felisa was standing at the door trying to sell candles, she suddenly felt a wind passing by and smelled roses. The pain disappeared, and she continues to sell candles and rosaries. If you visit the shrine, you will recognize her.

The miracle of a job

Prof. Elsa Cadiente brought Agnes Panao Nicolas to us. Agnes, 57, whose parents, Severina Panao Nicolas (known as Baket Binay) and Vicente Palomares Nicolas, were the first caretakers of Our Lady of Guibang. She told us that Our Lady helped her get her first job. Agnes was a new graduate then of Bachelor of Agriculture in what is now the Isabela State University. She approached the late Bishop Miguel Purugganan to ask for help to get a job. Purugganan introduced her to Dr. Luis Evangelista, the chair of the Philippine Coconut Authority. She got the job and worked at the Philcoa for several years. Today, she lives in a house near the shrine.

Memories

Agnes Nicolas remembers how her parents brought her and her siblings to Guibang on Jan. 5, 1955. They lived near the small chapel of the Virgin Mary, then made of galvanized iron and facing south. By the time I saw the church in 1993, when the late Msgr. Johnny Corpuz brought me to Guibang, the church looked as it does now, but already facing east. The main door now faces the highway.

In January 1986, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines elevated the church of Our Lady of Guibang to a national shrine. Before that, in May 1973, Our Lady of Guibang was canonically crowned by Papal Nuncio Carmine Rocco.

Fiesta activities

Rev. Fr. Francisco “Paco” Albano, parish priest, will lead the nine-day novena Masses, June 23-July 1, culminating in the fiesta on July 2. Novena Masses are at 5 p.m. Bishop of Ilagan Joseph Nacua, OFM-Cap, will officiate the Concelebrated Mass on July 2, 8 a.m., with the Power Voice as choir.

Fiesta Masses on July 2 will be every hour starting 5 a.m. Stylist and artist Ali Rich Garcia will decorate the altar. Helping get white orchids, green foliage and bamboo are Zeny Zicherelli and Aurora Zipangan Lazo.

Milagros Dancel, a member of a Marian group in the parish, remembers offering novena Masses to Our Lady when her daughter Mylah Marie Dancel was reviewing for the dental board exams. Her daughter later ranked sixth in the exams.

Those who need estampita prayers to Our Lady of Guibang can write to me c/o the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.

How to go to Guibang

Ali Garcia and I took the Cebu Pacific flight from Cauayan. Then we were driven to Gamu town where Guibang is. The airline flies to Cauayan at 9:20 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Pilgrims can take buses like Florida, Victory or Baliwag and travel eight hours to Gamu. Driving up in cars can take seven hours. For accommodations, you can reserve at Zicherelli Hotel on the highway. Hotel rates are reasonable. Call (078) 6222340.

By the way, St. Ferdinand Cathedral in Gamu marks its ninth year on May 12. Fr. Ian Mamauag, the parochial vicar, says a seminar on the new Roman Missal will be held. The public is invited. Bishop Joseph Nacua will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m.

The province of Isabela will hold its 156th Isabela Day on May 10 and 11. Gov. Bojie Dy and Vice Gov. Rodito Albano will lead the celebration that begins with a Mass on May 10, 8 a.m. Fr. Carlito Sarte, the new vicar general, is main celebrant.

Our Lady of Biglang Awa fiesta

This year’s fiesta of Our Lady of Biglang Awa on May 10 in Boac, Marinduque, will mark the 54th year of the canonical coronation of Our Lady, which took placed on May 10, 1958, and the 34th anniversary of the canonical erection of the Diocese of Boac on May 10, 1978.

Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista will officiate the Concelebrated Mass on May 10, 9 a.m., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Fr. Rene Sapungan, rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Biglang Awa, will celebrate Mass at the Shrine, 4 p.m. Hermana Mayor 2012 is Josephine Peñafiel Cunanan.

Our Lady of the Abandoned fiesta

Manila Archbishop Chito Tagle will officiate the Concelebrated Mass honoring Our Lady of the Abandoned on May 12, 9:30 a.m. Concelebrants are Fr. Baltazar Obico, OFM, minister general; Fr. Andrew Litigio, OFM, parish priest; and OFM friars and guest priests from the Vicariate of the Holy Family.

Readers asked for the fastest way to help the church of Fr. Rey Floresca in Dinagat Island, Surigao. Please deposit your donations to the parish account with the PNB Surigao Branch. Savings account number 452-001300034, in the name of Reynaldo B. Floresca and Elena E. Baptisma. Thanks for your kindness. May St. Vicente Ferrer intercede for your prayers.

Flores de Mayo at 33

The Congregacion del Santissimo Nombre del Niño Jesus will hold its 33rd Flores de Mayo today, 5 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia, in cooperation with the City of Pasay, Unilever and SM Mall of Asia.

In Las Piñas, devotees will flock to the Church of St. Joseph to mark the feast of “Tata Husep,” or St. Joseph, who is believed to be miraculous.

Pattaradday Festival: Showcasing the best of Santiago City

MORE than a decade, or 12 years ago on Saturday, Pattaradday Festival was launched on May 5, 2000, on the fifth founding anniversary of Santiago City as an independent component city from the province of Isabela.

It was during the term of then-City Vice Mayor Amelita Sison-Navarro, who took over as city mayor by virtue of the law of succession from Mayor Joel Miranda, when the summer spectacle was born and celebrated yearly from May 1 to 5.

Pattaradday is an Ibanag term for “unity” that would best describe how mixed cultural and ethnic groups—be they indigenous residents or multinational and domestic migrants running economic business enterprises in the city—stay together in harmony.

“There are 17 ethno-linguistic groups residing in the city that could rally around the concept of unity, and they are precisely the reasons Pattaradday came into the picture,” said Navarro.

Recognized by the Department of Tourism as Santiago City’s institutionalized festival, Pattaradday did not only showcase local talents but guest performers from other provinces and in cities in the country like the famous Sinulog of Cebu, Dinagyang of Iloilo, Panagbenga of Baguio and Ibon-Ebon dancers from Candaba City, Pampanga.

“Of course, our neighboring provinces, cities and towns in Cagayan Valley or Region 2 with their respective street dancers have already been a part of our yearly event as they compete in the street-dance showdown, making it a truly unified celebration,” said Navarro.

The participation of respected guest performers from as far as down south and up north makes Pattaradday virtually a national event full of life and colors. It is precisely the reason it earned the Hall-of-Fame Award from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines as Best Tourism Event from 2006 to 2008.

“At least in five of the 365 days in a year we can parade together, co-exist and show our best in the arts in the form of songs, dances and other forms of expression,” said Navarro.

Every year the festival theme would vary showcase from agricultural to character-first advocacy. This year it focuses on health and environment.

“Of course, we are getting conscious about our health, so we should have a sound mind and a sound body. Without these we cannot think well and perform well. We can achieve good character instinctively with good health and mind,” said Dr. Solomon Maylem, Santiago City veterinary officer who took charge of physical-fitness activities during the festival.

“Takbo iFun,” is a fun run designed even for the youngest or oldest runners.

The traditional Santacruzan procession is also held around the city during the festival.

To add color, a kite-flying exhibition was displayed by the Santiago City Kite-flying Society for kite enthusiasts.

One of the most-awaited highlights of the festival was the Mutya ng Santiago City beauty pageant held at the AMA Coliseum in the city on May 3.

Showcasing most spectacular sights and sounds during the city’s 18th birthday was the grand parade with colorful floats and street-dancing showdowns from the best street performers in the country.

As a closing remark, thousands of fire balloons were dramatically launched early evening city-wide.

DA 2 official inaugurates vegetable trading center

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela- Department of Agriculture (DA) 2 Regional Technical Director Lorenzo Carangyan led yesterday the inauguration of the newly built vegetable trading center located at the Integrated Transport terminal compound.

The newly-built trading center, also called as city food terminal, was constructed through the financial assistance provided by the Cagayan valley’s agriculture department in the amount of P1 million.

Carangyan said the counterpart of the city government of Santiago is the construction of a huge building intended for trading of goods from the different parts of the region. The lot was also provided by the city government located at barangay Malvar.

He said the city government’s willingness to construct the building is a step to put in place the trading area where the previous location hampers the traffic flow in the city’s business district.

“This project will surely help vegetable farmers in the city and in the entire Cagayan Valley," Carangyan said.

“Vegetable growers will not be hard put anymore to sell their products as the trading center is already present in the city," Carangayn further said.

The DA official suggested that the city government shall organize the vegetable farmers in the city to enable them to easily dispose their products at the trading center.

He said the present leadership of the agriculture department wanted that all localities in the country shall establish a trading center to help farmers immediately market their products.

The DA official was also the guest of honor during the farmers day organized by the city agriculture office where the event is the venue for raising the concerns of Santiago City farmers.

Batanes, Santiago City bid national Nutrition Honor Award

Two of the local nutrition councils in region 2 are now contenders of the prestigious Nutrition Honor Award, the highest recognition given to Local Government Units (LGUs) that have consistently shown outstanding performance for nutrition improvement.

For this year, Batanes province and Santiago City are the entries of Cagayan Valley in the said award system, after three consecutive years of garnering the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN).

Nutrition Program Coordinator Rhodora Maestre said the two LGUs are now on their 3rd year of maintaining their CROWN award which qualifies them to be elevated into the NHA.

She said Batanes province was already evaluated last week while Santiago City is scheduled for May 7-11, 2012. NNC chief Assistant Secretary Bernardita Flores led the team in Batanes together with the evaluators from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Agriculture (DA).

Maestre believed that the two entries will make it as she sees the strong foundation of the programs, projects and innovations made for the eradication of malnutrition rate in the said areas.

Region 2 had consistently produced national champions in the different categories of the nutrition award system to include the NHA awards received by Solana, Cagayan; Echague, Isabela; Tuguegarao City; Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya; Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan province and Isabela province.

These LGUs have innovative programs and projects that contributed to the eradication of malnutrition rate in their areas, a strong advocacy to promote good nutrition, support to the maternal and health care program, and the political will in implementing related laws and policies toward the development of nutrition and health of the people.

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