Baguio City News December 2011

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City expects to bid out Asin hydro project in January

By Aileen Refuerzo


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 31 (PIA) -- The city government expects to bid out the operation of the city-owned Asin mini-hydroelectric plants in Tuba, Benguet to qualified private investors this January. Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the city looks forward to setting the project into motion to finally realize its thrust to maximize the power generating potential of the plants and restore their viability. The plants’ operations have slackened since the city government took over the management in 2006 due to lack of funds and expertise. Last June, the city council approved the terms of reference (TOR) for the contract to rehabilitate and manage the power generating facility. The TOR provides the requirement for the “rehabilitation, upgrading, expansion, operation, maintenance and lease” of the mini-hydros for 20 years. The bid components will be for rehabilitation and rental under the conditions that the operator shall invest a considerable amount of money for the rehabilitation, upgrading and expansion of the plants to produce 41,406,178 kilowatt hours, install independent substation and power line to the national grid. The terms also provided the schedule of remuneration to the city government and other concerned parties including the provincial government of Benguet, municipality of Tuba and barangays Tadiangan and Nangalisan, where the plants are located and including the landowners whose properties are affected by the pipelines and plant facilities.(PIA CAR/AR-Baguio City PIO)

Baguio leaders rally citizens to honor Rizal’s martyrdom

By Ramon Dacawi


BAGUIO CITY,Dec. 30-- City mayor Mauricio Domogan today called on Filipinos to reflect not only on the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal but on what each has done and will need to do in the exercise of the freedom for which the national hero fought and died. “I hope that we continue to value our freedom and not take it for granted,” he said at the rites marking the 115th anniversary of Rizal’s execution by firing squad in the hands of the Spanish colonial government at Bagumbayan, now the Luneta Park in Manila. “May the lessons of our hero’s death be always remembered and serve as an inspiration to advance (his) unfinished work,” the mayor told residents who braved the early morning chill for the wreath-laying and commemorative program at the Rizal Monument built by the Baguio Jaycees beside the Burnham Park. “I wonder what would be our answer if asked what we have done and will do in the exercise of the freedom (that the national hero fought for)?,” he asked, referring to each citizen’s duty to “help build a better city (and nation)”. “This is the time to reflect not only on Rizal but on a new day, a new year,” he said, adding a new book will be opened , its pages blank and to be filled with every citizen’s contribution and work “to make our children and heroes proud”. In the same vein, Cordillera regional police director, Chief Supt. Benjie Magalong, rallied residents to learn and appreciate the greatness of Rizal’s sacrifice that today is being recognized international through monuments built in many countries honoring the national hero. In a message read for him by lawyer George Fortea, Baguio congressman Bernardo Vergara laid down the them e of the observance (Rizal: Pillar of the Nation) by quoting the hero’s statement: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice.” The day opened with a prayer from city administrator Carlos Canilao “for our leaders to widen the spirit of public service and for the Almighty to take into His fold and deliver hope to our brothers and sisters who are suffering”. Taps and a 21-gun salute from the police contingent followed and then the flag was lowered at half-mast. The mayor, joined by city councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda and city department heads, then led in the wreath-laying ceremony. Representatives of the police, Knights of Rizal, Kababaihang Rizalista and a contingent from the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation offered the secondary wreaths while the Baguio Community Rondalla delivered the intermission number. (RD-Baguio City PIO)

OWWA focuses in providing training, livelihood assistance to OFW returnees

By Lito Dar


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is currently focusing on providing Entrepreneural Development Training (EDT) to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). According to OWWA-CAR Regional Director Manuela Peña, the conduct of EDT aims to enable OFW beneficiaries plan, start or expand operation of their livelihood undertaking through the credit facilities provided by the partner lending institution; and to equip them with effective entrepreneurial capabilities to ensure sustainable management of their livelihood. Peña said that during the conduct of EDT, they also use this as a venue for OFWs to know and understand the mandate, vision, mission of OWWA by giving them a thorough program orientation and by checking their understanding on OWWA policies, guidelines and procedures. According to Peña, OWWA Car has already conducted 15 EDT trainings all over the region including the present training they are conducting in Bontoc, Mt. Province. This December alone, aside from Mt. Province, OWWA also conducted EDTs in Tabuk Kalinga; Bangued, Abra and Alfonso Lista, Ifugao. For the P2 Billion Reintegration program that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) implements through the National Reintegration Center for OFW (NRCO) and OWWA and in partnership with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Peña also affirmed that as of November they have already endorsed to LBP about 268 application/project proposals of OFWs that already finished EDT training. Aside from such program, OWWA, in partnership with DOLE also have the ‘Balik Pinay! Balik Hanapbuhay!’ training program which aims to provide livelihood opportunities to OFW returnees particularly those who worked as domestic helpers abroad. OWWA-CAR already conducted four trainings - in Alfonso Lista in Ifugao, Luna in Apayao, Tabuk in Kalinga and Baguio City, benefitting 95 participants. Aside from the livelihood skills training, they were also provided with ‘starter kits’ that they can use to start their small business. Except for the beauty care conducted in Baguio, the other trainings were all on food processing. In addition, 66 distressed OFWs here in the Baguio – Benguet area also received an NRCO livelihood grant of P10,000 each last November 29. Of the 66 grantees, 59 were Libya repatriates while the others are welfare cases. As per livelihood project proposals, 24 of them are into trading, 23 in agri-business, 17 are services and one each in manufacturing and industrial service.(JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

(Yearender) "Pamana" to bring lasting peace, development to Cordilleras

By (PNA)

DCT/LAM/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- The government has concretely shown sincerity in bringing lasting peace and development to the 23 towns and 57 barangays which are former war-torn areas in the six provinces of the Cordillera region.

This was through the release of financial grant of P207 million to the local government units which have the key roles in the implementation of "Pamana" or "Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan" (Peaceful and Prosperous Communities).

The amount is an initial release of the pledged P264 million last July 4 when the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CPLA) and Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA) concluded an agreement to work for peace and development in the region where some communities remain poor as a result of the past insurgency problems.

As earlier explained by Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Deles, the "Pamana" is "the government's peace and development framework and program to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities affected by armed conflict.

History of the region shows that for several years since the 1970s, were numerous armed confrontations between the government troops and insurgents.

Civilians were caught in the middle of the armed conflict who abandoned their livelihood resulting to the region's stunted economic growth.

The armed conflict only simmered down when the late President Corazon C. Aquino, mother of Philippines President Benigno S. Aquino III entered into a truce with CPLA founder, the late renegade priest Conrado Balweg in 1986.

The truce made the CPLA help the government in stemming the tide of communist insurgency, and development was somehow made possible in the mountainous region in northern Luzon.

"Pamana" came as a landmark peace development under the new administration. And the month of December 2011 proved a momentous occasion when stakeholders and program implementors arrived in this mountain resort for the ceremonial receipt of the initial funding of the long-range undertaking for peace and development.

The program in its implementation has six pillars to achieve its goals in the region: community projects, livelihood and employment support, sub-regional development, legacy documentation, final disposition of arms and forces and transformation of the CBA-CPLA into a potent, unarmed socio-economic group.

The community projects will include multi-purpose centers, seedling banks, micro-lending livelihood project, farm to market roads, irrigation systems, drying pavement, village pharmacies, and potable water systems.

Local residents and officials in the recent ceremonies expressed their desire for Pamana's success.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda summed up the optimism and cooperation expressed by the residents when he said that such unity would be indispensable for the Pamana's success because "only then can we truly move forward."






Baguio temperature dips to 11.4 degrees Celsius

By (PNA)

DCT/FFC/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The prevailing lowest temperature of this mountain resort 250 kilometers north of Manila further dipped to 11.4 degrees Celsius early Tuesday morning from 12 degrees Celsius Monday morning.

Local weather forecaster Wilson Locando of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said cooler mornings are still ahead next month and February.

The coldest temperature here was recorded on January 18, 1961 at 6.3 degrees Celsius; followed by the 6.7 degrees Celsius on February 28, 1963 and the 6.8 degrees Celsius on January 8, 1986.

Locando said the trend of the very cool mornings here due to the northeasterly or Siberian winds might only vary when the low pressure area somewhere in Mindanao would affect the rest of the country up north "which is very nil at this time."

The continuous dropping of the mercury here is to the delight of hundreds of visitors who have decided to stay throughout the Christmas period until New Year's Day.

Baguio temperature dropped to 12 degrees celsius; lower temperatures expected until February

By (PNA)

FFC/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 26 (PNA) - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) here said it recorded 12 degrees celsius at around 4:30 a.m. Monday which is the coldest so far in the last two weeks where a 14 degrees celsius prevailed.

Cesario Olinares, an official of the PAGASA office here, said colder mornings are expected in the next two months.

The coldest recorded so far was 6.1 degrees celsius in January 1961.

In recent years, the coldest reached 7.8 celsius in 2005.

Olinares said that this area is part where the northeasterly winds known as Siberian winds oscillates from the North Pole countries which starts to have winter these days.

Christmas visitors here, especially at the parks, described the weather here as "exciting" considering that they are mostly from the lowland provinces in northern Luzon where the coldest average temperature range from 20 to 22 degrees celsius.





DOH urged to reconsider termination of nurse volunteer program

By Aileen Refuerzo


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 25(PIA)-- The city government will ask the Department of Health to reconsider its decision to terminate all nurse volunteer and training programs saying it will adversely affect health care services in hospitals in the city. “Volunteer nurses play a vital role in a hospital setting that caters to hundreds of people since they are of big help and assistance especially during disasters and outbreaks when public hospitals are in dire need of manpower and staff,” the city council noted in approving Resolution No. 375 series of 2011. The resolution, authored by Councilor Edison Bilog, noted that the stoppage of the volunteer program for nurses has affected hospitals in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) particularly the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and several DOH-retained hospitals such as Luis Hora Memorial Hospital in Mt. Province and Conner District Hospital and Far North Hospital and Training Center in Apayao. “In BGHMC alone, close to 1,000 volunteers have been affected (and) for a public hospital like BGHMC which is servicing hundreds of patients a day, removing and terminating volunteer nurses is like crippling and disabling their services to the public,” the measure stressed. The DOH issued Memorandum No. 2011-0238 terminating all “Nurse Volunteer Programs,” “Volunteer Training Programs for Nurses,” and all similar or related programs in all DOH-retained hospitals in the Philippines. “As per Republic Act No. 9418, also known as the Volunteer Act of 2007, the current practice of registered nurses “volunteering” in hospitals to gain necessary work experience and/or to obtain a certificate of work experience for purposes of meeting the requirements for local and foreign employment is inconsistent with the said law,” the resolution said. The body said the DOH should reconsider the move for the sake of the people needing health care services nationwide. (PIA-CAR/ AR-PIO Baguio City)

Baguio City joins APIR campaign

By Julie Fianza


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 24-- Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week expressed support for the Department of Health’s Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR) campaign against using firecrackers in celebrating Christmas and the coming year. The mayor cautioned the general public, and asked that other ways of merry-making be used to observe the holidays. He asked that Baguio residents be reminded of the first Christmas when only Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and wise men were aware of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. “Let it be peace and quiet to reign as it was on that night and not noise, nor firecracker-related injuries,” he said. And on New Year’s eve, let it be spent happily with the family at home and not in the hospital, he added. The DOH has earlier issued a memorandum for DOH personnel, which was endorsed to concerned offices including government officials. The memo contains guidelines on the mobilization of Centers for Health Development, DOH hospitals and Medical centers for APIR; as a way to reduce or eliminate firecrackers/fireworks related injury cases. The high-five, hand-slapping gesture shall represent five warnings and five alternative ways to spend the holidays. There are five warnings given: (1) Mapanganib ang paggamit ng paputok, (2) Lahat ng paputok ay bawal sa bata, (3) Lumayo sa mga taong nagpapaputok (4) Huwag mamulot ng di sumabog na paputok (5) Magpagamot agad kapag naputukan. The five alternative ways are: (1) Itaguyod at makilahok sa “Community Fireworks Display,” (2) Magdiwang nang ligtas kasama ang pamilya, (3) Lumikha ng ingay gamit ang ibang bagay tulad ng torotot, busina, musika, lata atbp., (4) Makisaya sa ibang paraan tulad ng street party, concert, palaro atbp., (5) Matuto sa mga aral ng nakaraan at magsimula nang maayos na buhay sa Bagong Taon. There shall also be surveillance for fireworks-related tetanus victims in the hospitals, and that toxoid and vaccine should be readily available. Other government agencies and non-government agencies are also part of the campaign. As to the DOH memorandum, offices, hospitals of DOH and its attached agencies are declared firecracker free zone; thus selling and vending of firecrackers are strictly prohibited within the premises of said facilities. DOH Regional Director Myrna Cabotaje endorsed said memorandum from Secretary of Health Enrique Ona. As to this, Baguio vendors of firecrackers are urged to comply with prohibitions embodied in the guidelines adopted by the city council. Said ruling prohibit the sale of all firecrackers and pyrotechnics with explosive content that may endanger life and limb, such as bawang, baby rocket, small triangle, judas belt, pulled firecrackers, luces, jumbo regular and special, whistle bomb, five star, sawa, atomic big triangulo, super lolo, kwiton (giant kwitis) and watusi and their equivalents, luces, roman candles, fountains and the like, trompillo, kwitis, pailaw, pop pops, aerials like Dragon, Tiger and Platinum Products. The city council urged the creation of a “Task Force Paputok” to inspect the quantities and kinds of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices sold and held in stock by or in the possession of every licensed distributor, retailer or wholesaler. The body also set regulations on the sale and affirmed that only those persons/entities duly authorized by Special Business Permits to distribute and/or sell the firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices will be allowed to distribute and sell such products. They also set the venue and date for the distribution and sale at the Old City Auditorium, Burnham Park from.





Gov't completes assistance and rehabilitation to victims of typhoons 'Mina' and 'Pedring' in Cordilleras

By (PNA)

LAP/LAM/AAG/AAGalacgac


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 23 (PNA) - Government offices concerned in the disaster management in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have completed the rehabilitation of some 30,000 residents who suffered from typhoons "Mina" and "Pedring" which hit the region this year.

This was confirmed recently by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director Leonardo Reinoso.

The two typhoons were the only destructive howlers to affect the mountainous region for the period but left a total of 26 dead, destroyed P76 million worth of infrastructure and private residential houses, as well as agricultural crops worth more than P100 million.

Typhoon "Mina" affected the region first on August 27. It dumped more than 21 millimeters of rain in less than 48 hours and the floods in this city swept mountainsides vulnerable to erosion and caused landslide destroying three houses, and worse, breached the retaining wall of the more than 30-year-old city dump site in Barangay Irisan.

The rampaging accumulated tons of garbage plowed through a nearby residential area killing five residents, forced the closure of Asin Road for four days and affected the local water sources of Tuba, Benguet.

This precipitated the filing of "writ of kalikasan" by Benguet officials against the Baguio city government before the Supreme Court. To date, the case is still pending.

On the other hand, typhoon "Pedring" came later to wreak havoc in the region, with Ifugao Province as the worst hit by the strong winds and rains.

More than 800 houses were severely damaged or destroyed in Ifugao Province, and the landslides killed six persons and injured dozens others including those in the rescue operations.

As of October 3, Reinoso has declared that the government has already given 1,407 core houses to families in Ifugao, Kalinga, Benguet and Mountain Province whose houses were severely damaged or totally destroyed.

The government and local government units concerned spent considerable amounts not only for the relief operations for the victims but also for the livelihood of those affected.

As confirmed by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional director Olive Luces, the family victims in the region this year are now "doing well after all the relief assistance and rehabilitation efforts from the government and private sectors."






PVB unveils photo-mural in Baguio

By The Philippine Star


MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) recently unveiled a photo-mural in its Baguio branch detailing historical events and images of the city during World War II. The mural is a tribute to the Bank’s shareholders, the almost 400,000 Filipino WWII heroes.

Baguio City and Benguet Province were the sites of significant WWII events such as the formal surrender of Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita after his capture in Kiangan, Ifugao on Sept. 2, 1945 marking the close of WWII in the Philippines. Baguio City was heavily bombed both at the onset of the war in December 1941 by invading Japanese forces and by the US forces during the Liberation campaign in 1945.

The event was timed with the 70th anniversary of the Japanese invasion in the country on Dec. 8, 1941 that saw the bombing of several key locations around the archipelago, including Baguio City.

The photo-mural captures these key events and never-before-seen wartime images of familiar sites such as Camp John Hay, Session Road and the Baguio Cathedral.

“Our intention is to bring these historical events to life, to share to the residents and visitors of Baguio City what our forefathers, Our WW II veterans went through. Many of us can relate to these images as these are very familiar attractions in Baguio, and we can see through this mural that these sites are steeped in history. We also wish to honor our Filipino WWII heroes and portray their heroism to the public especially our youth,” said Ricardo Balbido Jr., Veterans Bank president and CEO.

PVB Baguio branch is open to public Monday through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PVB is a private and commercial bank and has 60 branches nationwide.

Homeward bound Baguio residents make the sale of vegetables unusually brisk -- Calimlim

By (PNA)

DCT/LOR/AAG/aag


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) -- An official of the Baguio market vendors on Wednesday here confirmed that they are having great sale on fresh vegetables due to movement of people prior to Christmas Day.

Vic Calimlim said city residents who are now homeward bound to their respective provinces for the forthcoming holidays are buying big volumes of fresh Baguio vegetables as gifts or "pasalubong".

"It is also timely when prices of our temperate vegetables had drastically gone down because of the present start of harvest season here and in Benguet province," he said.

"Even the prices of fresh strawberries are down from an average of P200 to P110. I learned that some farmers also had good initial harvest of strawberries from their terraces and farms," he said.

A survey showed that retail prices of fresh vegetables here went down by at least 20 per cent compared to last week as the prevailing prices now range from an average of P10 to P35 unlike the previous average of P50.

For instance, sayote is now sold at P10 a kilo; cabbage at P15 to P20 a kilo; and potato at P20 a kilo.

Only carrots remain at a high retail price of P60 to P80 a kilo.

Baguio police start seizing illegal firecrackers

By (PNA)

DCT/LDV/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 20 (PNA) -- The operatives of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has started to seize a number of illegal firecrackers as a measure to prevent any injury during the forthcoming revelries for Christmas Day and New Year.

Police Inspector Charisma Sta. Juana, BCPO public information officer, said the confiscations were mostly implemented in areas around the city public market.

The confiscated items included "Bawang", "Super Lolo", "Five Star", "watusi", "sawa" and others.

This period, the permitted vendors are only allowed to sell aerial pyrotechnics or "pailaw" based on a duly passed resolution of the Baguio City council and approved by City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

Domogan has repeatedly said he preferred a total ban of the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the period in order to prevent any injury to persons, damage to properties and further pollution of the air.

Benguet folk optimistic SC to shut down Baguio dump

By Artemio Dumlao


LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – Residents of Tuba town in this province are optimistic that the Supreme Court (SC) would issue an order closing down the Irisan dump in Baguio City.

This as the petition for a writ of kalikasan against the dump was officially filed with the SC last Thursday afternoon.

SC justices are now ready to study the merits of the petition, said lawyer Noe Villanueva of the Sanidad and Villanueva Law Office.

Last Wednesday, Benguet and La Union officials along with the Tuba residents signed the petition asking the SC to order the Baguio City government to finally close down and rehabilitate the Irisan dump.

Benguet officials led by Rep. Ronald Cosalan, joined by National Artist and Tuba resident Ben Cabrera, nine municipal executives from Aringay, La Union led by Councilor Charlie Juloya, and eight residents, submitted the petition.

Cosalan personally brought the petition to the SC after furnishing a copy to Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje.

Villanueva said they are hoping to get a temporary environmental protection order from the SC for the Baguio City government to halt the disposal of garbage at the Irisan dump.

“We hope the SC justices will do what is right,” Villanueva said.

“We want Baguio to sit down with Tuba officials to craft a comprehensive plan on how to face the avalanche problem, not just piecemeal solutions,” Cosalan said.

Last Aug. 27, tons of garbage cascaded from the Irisan dump at the height of typhoon “Mina,” burying alive a sexagenarian woman and three grandchildren and two other residents and contaminating potable water systems.

After receiving copies of the petition, Baguio officials maintained that they are doing their best to avert disastrous situations at the Irisan dump.

A company contracted by the local officials to haul non-biodegradable waste, however, has failed in looking for dumps outside the city.

DOT conducts seminar on new tourism law

By Julie Fianza


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA) -- Owners and operators of primary, secondary and related tourism enterprises in the city listened as Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Purificacion Molintas and Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony De Leon discussed salient points of Republic Act 9593 or the New Tourism Law at the City Hall Multi-purpose hall last Wednesday. Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who delivered the welcome remarks, expressed appreciation for the audiences’ concern for the industry and that such should be sustained. The tourism law was signed mid-2009 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as a national policy for tourism as “an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development, and strengthening the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies to effectively and efficiently implement the policy…” The tourism law targets the making of the country as a “world class tourist destination,” with links and a cordial working relationship with local and international tourism institutes. This should be done with public and private partnerships, without sacrificing environmental concerns, and that programs should be coordinated within the grassroot levels, Molintas explained. The law also mandates the formation of a tourism congress, which shall serve as “the private sector consultative body to assist the government in the development, implementation and coordination of tourism policies, plans and programs.” Hotelier and Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony De Leon I is Baguio’s representative in the tourism congress and is the vice-president for Luzon. The tourism congress is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The tourism congress is composed of representatives of DOT-accredited primary and secondary tourism enterprises and those allied and relevant enterprises to the tourism industry. The advisory board of the tourism congress includes former secretaries of DOT. Primary tourism enterprises include travel and tours services, including local tour operators and eco-tour guides; land, sea, and air tourist transport services; accommodation establishments which include hotels, pension houses, ecolodges; tourism estate management services; meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition organizers and facilities (MICE); Sports and recreational facilities; and, foreign exchange dealers. Secondary tourism enterprises are facilities and services that may be related to tourism; restaurants, specialty shops, department stores, sports facilities and recreational centers, including museums and galleries, theme parks and zoos. Services such as spas and tertiary hospitals, rest areas, agri-tourism farms, training centers, outbound travel agencies, are also considered as secondary tourism enterprise. The law also provides that primary tourism enterprises’ accreditation from DOT should be mandatory, while for secondary tourism enterprises, it is voluntary. Schedules for accreditation were already given out during the forum. Among the tourism enterprises in the congress include the Baguio Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Baguio Tourism Council, and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc.(PIA CAR/JF-PIO Baguio City)

Hundreds flock to churches in Baguio for first 'Simbang Gabi'

By (PNA)

LAP/AAG/AAGalacgac


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 16 (PNA) - Hundreds of Catholic devotees mostly visitors from lowland provinces in Luzon attended Friday the first "Simbang Gabi" or mass at dawn which serves to usher the Christmas holidays.

Most churchgoers went to the most accessible places of worship here which include the Baguio Cathedral, Saint Joseph Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, the Pink Sisters Church and Saint Vincent Church.

The mass at dawn held daily starting December 16 will culminate with an evening mass on Saturday, December 24.

One of the churchgoers, Josephine Calindog, 42, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) vacationing in the country from her work in a Middle East country, was impressed of how this mountain resort 250 kilometers north of Manila has preserved its charms, being full of plants and flowers, world-class food chains and hotels, and improved lighting systems.

"It is nice to be back in Baguio for a brief vacation. It is peaceful and beautiful, and cool," she said.

More indigent senior citizens to benefit in DSWD’s social pension program

By Lito Dar


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- More indigent senior citizens are set to benefit from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Social Pension Program this coming year. DSWD-Cordillera Regional Director Leonardo Reynoso said DSWD plans to expand the government’s Social Pension Program to more indigent senior citizens nationwide and hopefully, to also bring in other elderly, whose age are lower than current 77 years old minimum age requirement. Reynoso said they are targeting to bring the number of beneficiaries to 7,000 indigent senior citizens from the present 3,566 beneficiaries. This, however, depends on the 2012 budget appropriations that will be approved by Congress for the said program. Based on DSWD central office statement, the DSWD has a proposed budget of P1.2 Billion for 2012 to benefit some 185,914 indigent senior citizens, or 46,954 more than this year’s 138,960 beneficiaries. In the Cordillera, a total of P14,281,100 has already been disbursed to all the program beneficiaries in the region. The social pension program has 1,005 indigent senior citizen beneficiaries in Abra; 440 in Apayao; 72 in Baguio; 563 in Benguet; 363 in Ifugao; 600 in Kalinga and 526 in Mt. Province. The Social Pension Program, as provided for under Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act (ESCA) of 2010, provides a monthly assistance or subsidy of P500, given on a quarterly basis on the pre-identified beneficiaries who are indigent senior citizens who are frail, sickly and disabled, without any regular source of income and/or support from any member of the family, and not receiving other pension benefits from government and private agencies. At present, priority beneficiaries of the social pension are senior citizens aged 77 years old and above, who are included in the list poor households as identified by DSWD’s National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) - a database identifying who and where the poor are in the various parts of the country.(JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

Gov't pro-poor programs reach some 58,000 Cordillera families - DSWD

By (PNA)

LAP/AAG/AAGalacgac


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 14 (PNA) - The various government poverty alleviation programs which include the conditional cash transfer has benefited some 58,000 families in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) this year, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD regional director Leonardo Reynoso during the "Kapehan sa Baguio" said the beneficiaries are included in the total 59,949 poor families in the area who are about 20 percent of the total population of the region.

The total amount of cash transferred to beneficiaries is still being determined. The administrative region is composed of the city of Baguio and the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Ifugao and Apayao.

"Only two percent of the total poor in the region is in Baguio City," he said.

He said that the programs include not only cash assistance but also livelihood program where the poor families are helped to earn a living to make the pro-poor programs sustainable.

The Cordillera's poor are among the 4.6 million families in the country targeted by the DSWD to be given the pro-poor programs which are expected to make them as economically independent in the future.

Reynoso said that the various local government units did a lot in assisting the DSWD to consider the cash assistance beneficiaries as "the qualified recipients are personally known to the officials in the community".

He also said that among the most essential accomplishments of their office this year included the assistance, referrals and action to the problems referred to them by some 38,000 clients in the area.

DOST installs Automatic Rain Gauges in provinces

  • Source: DOST installs Automatic Rain Gauges in provinces
  • Monday, December 12, 2011
By Lito Dar


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is installing Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) in the different provinces all over the country to further improve weather forecasting. DOST-Cordillera Science Research Analyst Hansi Dinumla, in a radio interview, said they hope install the ARGs in all provinces including Baguio City before the year ends. Already installed are the ARGs for Benguet located at the rooftop of the DOST Regional Office; in Kalinga at the Kalinga State College and for Abra, in the town of Lagangilang. Installation of another ARG is on going in Bontoc, Mountain Province. Dinumla also bared that they have also provided orientation to the respective provincial Science and Technology and other local stakeholders on the operation and maintenance of such equipment. DOST-CAR Science Research Specialist II Melchor Deponio explained that the said ARGs were designed by the DOST Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), in partnership with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), also a DOST attached office. According to Deponio, the ARGs can automatically record on real time rainfall volume and at the same time send its reading to a central server or data terminal, including other pre-identified destinations, which will now become one of the basis of PAGASA weather forecast. Deponio also informed that there are also Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) – stand-alone devices that measure other weather-related factors such as air pressures, temperature and humidity that are installed in Bangued , Abra, Benguet State University (BSU), BSU annex in Bugias, Benguet and at the Ifugao State University. ‘These AWS, along with the ARGs, will play critical role in disaster or hazard mitigation particularly during typhoons and floods, which will help save lives and properties”, Deponio said. He also announced that the raw data being recorded by both ARGs and AWS in the different parts of the country can be access on Google Earth, though for now, they are still working for the webpage name. Deponio also affirmed that other government agencies as well as private companies are also independently installing ARGs and AWS in the different parts of the region. DOST he said still needs to work out how they can tap or connect to such equipments. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

Number coding suspended Dec. 19 - Jan 2

By Julie Fianza


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA)-- Private vehicle owners may travel around Baguio from December 19 to January 2 without fear of being apprehended for violation of the number coding ordinance as Mayor Mauricio Domogan signed last week the administrative order for the traffic scheme’s suspension. The move was done as tourists are expected to attend to the numerous activities as slated by the city government this Christmas season. There is a need to provide visitors and local residents free access to roads to be able to attend to activities and visit tourist spots around the city and its suburbs, the mayor stated in the AO. Activities which may be of interest are the locally-made belen displayed for judging in various barangays until Dec. 20. The Belen or nativity scene are barangay projects to build up unity between and among the officers and residents. Linggo ng Kabataan is celebrated from Dec. 12 to 18, at Malcolm Square; Character City Gift-giving shall be conducted at the Kafagwayan Adopted Park at Lower Wright Park; the Prayer Walk shall be done in various barangays. On Dec 15-16, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the barangay lights contests shall be judged in their respective areas while the traditional Simbang Gabi will be from Dec. 16-24 in various Catholic churches and at the Baguio Convention Center. Other activities which may be of interest to the general public are: on-going – Christmas Village at the Baguio Country Club; Dec. 16 -- torch parade by the University of the Philippines-Baguio; Dec. 17 -- Kafagway Sportsfest at People’s Park, Malcolm Square;Dec. 17 -- Environmental Summit at City Lights; Dec. 18 – Foreign Groups Balikbayan Homecoming Christmas celebrations at SM Baguio; Dec. 19 – Children’s Christmas Fun Alley and Raffle Joys at the DOT-PTA Grandstand. Other ongoing Christmas activities are SM’s arctic haven - a winter setting exhibit with polar creatures, and Baguio Country Club’s Christmas Village with miniature housing and transport facilities. (JF/PIA CAR/PIO Baguio City)

Cordillera autonomy bill filed in Congress

By Redjie Cawis


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 10(PIA) -- The quest for Cordillera regional autonomy is a step closer with the Cordillera lawmakers filing in the House of Representatives House Bill 5595 or the Act to Establish the Cordillera Autonomous Region. On Wednesday, December 7, five of the Cordillera congressmen - Bernardo Vergara of Baguio City, Manuel Agyao of Kalinga, Eleanor Bulut-Begtang of Apayao, Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao, and Maximo Dalog of Mt. Province - signed the bill making them principal authors of HB 5595. Congressman Ronald Cosalan of Benguet and Congresswoman Jocelyn Bernos of Abra signified to sign the bill making them principal authors of HB 5595 as well. HB 5595 was drafted after a series of regionwide consultations were conducted through the Regional Development Council(RDC) and the Third Autonomy Act Drafting Committee headed by Baguio City mayor Mauricio Domogan. Consultations were conducted in each province both by government and the private sectors for the different sectors from December 2010 to May 2011. The draft underwent several other revisions following more meetings and consultations. During a special RDC meeting held in Sulu Hotel in Quezon City on Dec.7, RDC chairman Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac together with the other members appealed to Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo to make HB 5595 a priority bill by President Aquino. Robredo told RDC members they should furnish his office a copy of the draft organic act and other necessary papers. He also suggested that the RDC seek an audience with the President and present the RDC’s stand on the significance of proclaiming the bill as a priority of the Aquino administration next year. The Cordillera Region is one of two regions in the country that is allowed by the Constitution to establish autonomous governments. But it cannot exercise that privilege unless a Republic Act is crafted and acceptable by plebiscite. Meanwhile, Executive Order 30, that created the Cordillera Administrative Region remains in effect pending the establishment of an autonomous region. Cordillera leaders believe an autonomous government will be a way of fast-tracking development in the region which has been left behind by other regions since its creation in 1987. The region has been lagging behind in terms of road networks while majority of its component provinces remain in the top 20 poorest provinces. This will be the third attempt of the Cordillera region to seek autonomy after two failed plebiscites in 1989 and 1998. Meanwhile, the RDC members also took time and went to Congress to witness the signing of the bill and at the same visit House Speaker Sonny Belmonte to show that the Cordillera are united in pushing for the regional autonomy. (JDP/RC-PIA CAR)

DOH notes decrease of dengue cases in CAR

By Friday, December 09, 2011


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH-CAR) Regional Director Dr. Myrna Cabotaje reported significant decrease in recorded dengue cases in the Cordillera region this 2011 compared to the cases recorded in 2010. According to Cabotaje, 6,409 dengue cases were recorded from January 1 to December 3 this 2011, which is 26 percent lower compared to the 4,713 cases recorded during the same period last year. Per province breakdown, Cabotaje reported that Kalinga recorded the most number of cases with 1,393, followed by Ifugao with 1,020 cases, Mt. Province 548, Baguio City – 513, Benguet – 471 cases, Abra – 407 and Apayao 54. There were also 307 dengue cases recorded but the patients are from outside the Cordillera who sought treatment in hospitals in the region. The decrease of dengue cases could be attributed to increased awareness among the people on the said illness, better community support and other government intervention programs. In spite the lower dengue cases recorded in the region, Cabotaje still reminded the public not to be complacent and always clean their surroundings for possible dengue mosquito breeding sites and follow the 4S campaign of DOH against dengue especially with the changes in climate that still brings occasional rain even during this yuletide season. The 4S stands for Seek Early Consultation, Search and Destroy possible Dengue Mosquito sites, Self protection and Say no to indiscriminate fogging. Cabotaje was guest in the weekly kapihan media forum on Wednesday. (JDP-LD/PIA CAR

PRC- Baguio to conduct nurses licensure exam

By PIA Press Release


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 8(PIA) -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Baguio Regional Office (BRO) will conduct on December 18 and 19, 2011 the Nurses Licensure Examination for 10,479 examinees in four testing venues--Baguio city, Cabanatuan city, Dagupan city and San Fernando city, La Union According to Regional Director Teofilo Gaius Sison Jr., the designated test centers in Baguio are Baguio City National High School and University of Baguio; College of Immaculate Concepcion, Good Samaritan Colleges and Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology in Cabanatuan; Colegio de Dagupan Lyceum Northwestern University and University of Pangasinan in Dagupan and Central Ilocandia College of Science and Technology, La Union College of Nursing, Arts and Sciences, Lorma Colleges and Union Christian College in La Union. Room assignments are now posted at www.prcbaguio.blogspot.com. For correction of misspelled name and school in the list, examinees are advised to call Billy Joe A. Pablo at telephone number (074) 304-3180. Meanwhile, the PRC-Baguio will conduct service on the go in Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija and the Astrodome in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on December 16, 2011. The Science City of Muñoz through Mayor Efren L. Alvarez , and the PRC Baguio Regional Office will hold the “Araw ng Propesyonal” ( at the City Gymnasium, Science City of Muñoz from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. ‘Agew na Propesyonal” will also be held at the Astrodome from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with the help of the City Government of Dagupan through Mayor Benjamin S. Lim. Services offered in both areas include : Renewal of Professional ID/License; Release of Professional ID Card and Board Certificate (per prior request by the professional and subject to availability); Issuance (upon request) of Certification of Good Standing; Registration of September 2011 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) passers; and Application for March 2012 LET and other licensure examinations. Professionals who filed their applications at PRC Baguio and wish to claim their Professional ID and/or Board Certificate in Muñoz or Dagupan City may e-mail PRC at prcbaguio.regulation@gmail.com or text 0921-969-3919 and/or 0917-961-2510 at least three or four days before the scheduled date. For available IDs/BCs, professional may visit: www.prcbaguio.blogspot.com.(PIA CAR/PRC)

Leading anti-corruption agencies to review gaps on major initiatives

By PIA Press Release


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Transparency International-Philippines is conducting a one-day forum entitled Bridging the Gaps in Integrity initiatives on December 12 at the Baguio Country Club. The forum will be undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Integrity Project of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales will give the keynote address. She will share her office's corruption prevention measures, its thrust in pursuance of corruption cases and the needed support for more effective resolution of such cases. Representatives from various agencies and sectors including Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Ombudsman, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Supreme Court (SC), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), media groups, and civil society organizations will come together to discuss success factors and challenges in implementing integrity related initiatives and pursuing resolution of corruption cases – from reporting, investigation to prosecution and define ways of closing the gaps in implementing integrity initiatives and pursuing resolution of corruption cases. Based on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2011 released last week by the anti-corruption global watchdog Transparency International, the Philippines currently ranks 129th least corrupt out of 183 countries surveyed. With a score of 2.6 (with 0 – most corrupt/10 least corrupt), there is a slight movement up for the first time since 2004, given the country’s score and rank. Consolidating the efforts of the various anti-corruption agencies is one concrete step in further strengthening integrity initiatives. To maximize resources and optimize results, agencies need to more closely collaborate to complement each other’s plans and projects. The current political environment in the country provides a great opportunity to achieve major stride in battling corruption. “We are optimistic that the Philippines will improve its standing in the CPI in the coming years. With the aggressive efforts of the government and the concerted initiatives of the civil society organizations, business community, private sectors and the whole public, we can really have substantial accomplishment in fighting corruption, “ said Dr. Georgina Encanto, President, Transparency International-Philippines.(PIA CAR/Office of the Ombudsman)

Mayor Domogan enlists people's help in discouraging 'Badjaos' from begging

By (PNA)

LAP/AAG/AAGalacgac


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 6 (PNA) - City Mayor Mauricio Domogan said Tuesday many of the tribesmen called "Badjaos" seen "caroling" along city streets these days were among those helped by the city government for their permanent resettlement.

He observed that many of the Badjaos were helped by the city government to find livelihood and permanent resettlement in order that they would not return here to beg especially during the Christmas holidays.

"The city already spent before for their transportation and livelihood but they keep on returning. So to help the government stop mendicancy in our city, I request the people to refrain from giving alms to them. These group would think that as long as people give them, they would always find their begging as profitable activity," he said.

Most affected by the practice of the tribesmen are their children who are exposed to the elements because even during nighttime, their young sleep with them along streets and parks.

The other tribesmen are likewise exposed to the danger of road accidents as they cross streets to ask for alms from motorists.

K + 12 basic education graduates will have tech-voc employable skills -TESDA

By Lito Dar


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Through the national government’s K + 12 basic education reform program, high school graduates will soon have the necessary technical-vocational (tech-voc) education and skills development that would give them a very good opportunity to be employed or to be entrepreneurs at young age. Thus affirmed Undersecretary Milagros Dawa-Hernandez, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), deputy director general, in an interview during her meeting with the TESDA Cordillera. According to Hernandez, part of the priority agenda of President Benigno Aquino III is to bring in reforms in the country’s basic education as the Philippines is one of only two remaining countries that still have a 10-year basic education. Our high school graduates today, even if they graduate as valedictorian, lack the tech-voc skills and training that could immediately provide them a better opportunity for employment or to start a livelihood, she noted. The K+12 requires all incoming students to enroll into two more years of basic education. The K+12 system will include Universal kindergarten, six years of elementary, four years of junior high school with an additional two years for senior high school. The six years of high school is set to be implemented next school year . “Through the K +12 basic education program, tech-voc education and skills development will be embedded in the curriculum of basic education, particularly on the higher years or from grade nine to 12 and through TESDA regular high school graduates could also get a National Certification (NC I or II) if they pass the required assessment,” she said. According to Hernandez, the core objective here is to provide pre-employment education and skills to young people since not all high school graduates are capable or fortunate enough to pursue higher education and that not all needs to take one just to get a good employment or entrepreneurship opportunity. “Isang katotohanan din na hindi din naman lahat ng Pilipino ay kailangan graduate ng higher education, dahil maraming industriya ang nangangailangan ng sertipikadong mangagawang Pilipino. Ang mangagawang Pilipino kung may kasanayan ay talagang mahusay na maipagmamalaki natin sa mundo (It is also a fact that not all Filipinos need to be a graduate of higher education, since there is a very high demand among different industries for nationally certified highly skilled Filipino workers. Skilled Filipino workers are among the best workers all over the world that we can proud off),” Hernandez said. Through the K + 12 basic education program, we are looking at a yearly average of about 1.2 million high school students that already have tech-voc education and skills training wherein upon graduation can even be nationally certified by TESDA (up to NC II level), upon passing the needed certification assessment requirements, according to Hernandez. She also bared that it is a priority of the Aquino administration to intensify the country’s tech-voc education and skills development training, so that we can respond to the manpower need of the leading industries in the country such as the business process outsourcing (BPOs) and electronics/semi-conductor industries. Hernandez is in the city to represent TESDA in first K to 12 pre-summit and conference at the Teachers Camp here.(JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

Police, social departments urged to stem youth involvement in crimes

By Aileen Refuerzo


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- Policemen and social workers here were urged to intensify efforts to stem the growing participation of youth in criminal activities in the city. Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas during last Monday’s department heads’ meeting urged the city police and the city social welfare and development offices to beef up their respective operations and programs to save children from being used by crime syndicates. Farinas, who heads the Task Force Safe Schools which is overseeing the implementation of policies and activities geared at promoting the well-being of students in the various schools in the city, expressed alarm over reports of increasing number of children being used by crime syndicates, gangs and fraternities. He said he has been receiving complaints from parents and teachers on these youth’s wanton behavior that they cannot be controlled anymore by their elders. “Parents themselves are appealing for the city’s help as their children aged 10-12 years old cannot be disciplined anymore and cannot be dissuaded from joining these syndicates and gangs,” Farinas lamented. Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia surmised that these groups are now using children in perpetrating their criminal activities due to their immunity from criminal offenses by virtue of the Juvenile Justice Act. Farinas said a concerted effort involving all sectors in the city must be exerted to strengthen values education, parent effectiveness and family orientation to save these wayward children. “If we do not act now, then these youth will become hardened and will become a problem of our society in the next generation,” Farinas said. Domogan himself noted that many students drop out of schools due to the presence of gangs. He said the city should have programs to entice the students to remain in schools or devise out-of-school youth programs to provide worthwhile activities for these drop-outs. Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said the city should improve its Silungan Center facilities to accommodate the increasing youth offenders. She also sought the regular conduct of parent effectiveness trainings in the barangays to continually guide parents. City officials also brought up the need for the city police to intensify the implementation of the ordinances on curfew, liquor dispensation and computer shops which can help curb juvenile delinquency in the city. (PIA CAR/AR-PIO Baguio City)

Health authorities seek public cooperation in preventing HIV/AIDS

By Lito Dar


BAGUIO CITY,Dec. 3(PIA) - - The City’s AIDS Watch Council (AWAC) spearheaded on Friday the commemoration of World AIDS Day through a parade around the city and a program at the Baguio Convention Center, which was participated in by more than a thousand people from various government line agencies, non government organizations, civic groups, academe and members/employees of the Bars and Restaurant Association of Baguio (BARS). City Health Services Office OIC Dr. Rowena Galpo, in welcoming all the participants of the celebration, said that although based on the World Health Organization (WHO), the emergence of new HIV/AIDS cases worldwide is going down, a reverse and alarming scenario is happening in the Philippines. She said that based on Department of Health (DOH) data, there is an increasing trend in the emergence of new HIV/AIDS cases in the country wherein about six to eight cases of HIV/AIDS are being recorded each day nationwide. With this development, Galpo enjoined everyone, especially those in the entertainment sector to cooperate, participate and help prevent the emergence of new cases of HIV/AIDS. “As we commemorate World AIDS Day today, we should also remain vigilant, aware and be responsible citizens at all times. Finding solution to a problem like HIV is not an easy task, though we can make it easier if we all work together,” she emphasized. AWAC President Dr. Charles Cheng also delivered the same message. He emphasized that everybody’s help and cooperation is important for us to achieve the World AIDS Day theme of, ‘Getting to Zero…Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-related death”. ‘Today is a very important day for all of us, being a part of the world community. It is just appropriate for us to help realize this theme, even though it is hard to achieve. All over the world there are about 60 million people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS and about 30 million of them already died, while the others are still suffering” Dr. Cheng said. For Baguio City, City HSO Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) head Dr. Celiaflor Brillantes reported that there are six HIV/AIDS cases recorded in the city this 2011, the same number of cases recorded in 2010. According to Brillantes, the group of MSMs (Men having Sex with Men) in recent years is becoming the most vulnerable sector to acquire HIV. For this 2011 alone, five of the six cases recorded are MSMs. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

SLU culminates centennial celebrations

By Susan Aro


BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- The Saint Louis University will end its year-long Centennial celebrations of missionary education this week with a set of activities which include community service. On December 3 will be a whole day free medical outreach at the Melvin Jones Football Grounds, Burnham Park under the auspices of the SLU School of Medicine, Nursing, Natural Sciences, Law and ASRC. SLU College of Natural Sciences Dean Gaudelia Reyes invites the public to avail of the free medical services such as laboratory tests for urine, stool, cholesterol, pap smear, blood chemistry and bone density including Electrocardiogram (ECG) with free consultations and medicines depending on the diagnosis of illness. There will also be free drug counseling and dispensing. There will also be free legal assistance sponsored by the SLU College of Law. Simultaneous with the medical and legal outreach services would be the “Handog ng SLU sa Baguio.” School president Rev. Fr. Jesse Hechanova will give the message in the opening program. In the afternoon would be a lantern parade along Session Road and a “Run for Hope” to raise funds for the SLU Halfway Home for the Boys. This will be followed by closing of Centennial Cultural Presentation by the Center for Culture and the Arts Performing Arts Group and then the awarding of winners for the landscape and lantern competitions. Open House of the SLU Centennial Village in Kamog, Sablan will be held on Dec. 2-4. The CICM (Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae) or the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sesquicentennial Celebrations was also launched last Nov. 28 which kicked off with a eucharistic celebration. Other activities include open house, exhibit, garage sale, concert, band exhibition, singing of Christmas carols, Christmas tree lighting, and a tribute to CICM. SLU is a private institution established by CICM, a Belgian Roman Catholic missionary congregation in 1911. It has since become a major pillar of education and is regarded one of the country’s respected and leading educational institutions. SLU is the largest university north of Manila and a top center of academic excellence thus playing a major role in making the Cordillera a prime education center in the North. * (JDP/SCA- PIA CAR)

Police tasked to monitor gangs who use minors

By JM Agreda


MAYOR Mauricio Domogan recently ordered the Baguio City Police Office and concerned agencies to address complaints of parents of minors allegedly being used by syndicates in illegal activities in neighboring provinces.

This after a report reached City Hall authorities on the alleged abduction of the daughter of a mediaman. She was supposedly brought to La Union and forced into committing crimes. The girl was, however, released a day after her alleged abduction after members of the syndicate learned her father is in media.

Domogan has also received reports saying several students of public schools already refuse to go to school due to the presence of gangs in campuses.

“Let’s bring them back to school. Or if they refuse let us have a good Out of School Youth (OSY) program,” the mayor suggested.

Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia, meanwhile, said these syndicates are emboldened to use minors in illegal activities because these children cannot be charged of any crime based on the Juvenile Justice Act.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda claimed the city through the Social Welfare and Development Office currently lacks a facility to house OSYs as the Silungan Center is under rehabilitation.

Tabanda stressed there is a need to intensify ‘parent effectiveness’ on the barangay level, citing the city cannot monitor all minors without the cooperation of their parents.

Baguio City Police Director David Lacdan, meanwhile, said they are doing regular monitoring of many establishments to effectively remove minors from frequenting these areas.

Lacdan also said they are also looking for solutions to effectively respond to cases involving minors after being questioned by several city officials on the operating hours of women’s and children’s desk in police stations especially at nighttime.

Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas also stressed a need to implement the city’s children’s code where businesses like bars serving alcoholic beverages are obliged to place “No Minors Allowed” signs in their establishments.

The city’s top cop, meanwhile, said there are 62 establishments on their list without business permits where minors often frequent to drink.

He said they are already coordinating with the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Division to permanently close these illegal establishments.

UNFPA Project review tackles teenage pregnancy in Ifugao

By Vency D. Bulayungan


BAGUIO City, Nov. 30(PIA)-- The issue on increasing teenage pregnancy in the province of Ifugao cropped up as a major concern of implementing government and non-government agencies during the start of the three-day UNFPA’s (United Nation Population Fund) 6th Country Programme of Assistance Project Implementation Review here. Miriam Baguidudol, the Provincial Division Chief of the Provincial Sustainable Development Division (PSDD) said that a baseline survey was conducted recently by their office to identify issues and concerns among the young and why this concern is happening to said sector. The survey shows that there is a trend of teenage pregnancies in the province. In 2006 there were 265 cases of teenage pregnancies; 293 cases in 2007; 305 cases in 2008; 342 cases in 2009; 472 in 2010, and 248 cases from January to June this year. Topping the causes of teenage pregnancies is drunkenness which occurs mostly in boarding houses and public places. “Due to lack of guidance of parents, teenagers tend to be influenced by their peers,” Baguidudol said adding that when they got drunk they did not know what they are doing. She also mentioned media as another factor of teenage pregnancy. Movies and social networking like the internet contribute to increasing cases of teenage pregnancy since the young are curious of trying what they watch, she averred. To counter said issue, the PSDD established teen centers in schools such as the Ifugao State University where Adolescent Reproductive Health issues and concerns are being taken up and information materials are displayed for the youth to read. In trying to cope with modern technology, the PSDD launched recently the text tanong wherein teenagers ask questions to the hotline of the PSDD and the staff will give the right answer. Baguidudol said that they find this effective since most of the young ones are shy to come out into the open to tell their problems as adolescents thus when this text tanong was launched, the PSDD received many concerns from the youth and were acted upon immediately. Ifugao is a beneficiary of the UNFPA’s 6th Country Programme for the development of the youth with three indicators namely RH component, gender component and population and development strategies.* (JDP/VDB-PIA CAR, Ifugao)

Cordillera officials burn P2.6-M seized marijuana bricks

By (PNA)

LAP/AAG/AAGalacgac


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 29 (PNA) - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) civilian and police officials on Tuesday burned at the football grounds of Burnham Park 2.6 million worth of seized marijuana bricks in various anti-drug operations in the region. City Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas said the marijuana bricks and other processed products of marijuana plants were already duly exhibited in Courts to prosecute suspects in the illegal trade of marijuana. The ceremonial burning was part of the activities of the week-long observance of "Anti-prohibited drugs Week" here and the rest of the region. According to Police Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, regional director of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR), the seized marijuana bricks were part of the total volume of marijuana confiscated in various plantation raids and buy bust operations in the area since September 2010 to September 2011. Magalong lauded the participation of the Cordillera communities in the eradication of the sources of marijuana in the area which in the past proved to produce good quality of the "grass". Farinas, on the other hand, thanked the students who have started to take part in the education campaign towards the elimination of the drug problem here and the rest of Cordillera urban centers.

Baguio mayor says ban on firecrackers sale stays

By (PNA)

DCT/FFC/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- Mayor Mauricio Domogan Monday said he is inclined to allow the sale of aerial pyrotechnics normally used for fireworks display during the celebrations in this mountain resort for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

However, Domogan said the city council should pass the resolution that all kinds of firecrackers should not be sold here to avoid injuries of residents, especially children, and further decrease the air pollutants.

Last October, the city mayor was all for the total ban of all firecrackers and pyrotechnics, a stand which was supported by the Department of Health (DOH) which have similar project called "Iwas Paputok."

Two weeks ago, however, the Baguio city council passed a resolution allowing firecracker vendors here to sell their legitimate products in accordance with existing regulations.

To capitulate the issue, however, Domogan has to give in for the fireworks display in keeping with the holiday mood of the residents and visitors.

"If soon the council will pass the resolution, then the policemen will have basis to arrest those selling firecrackers without permit and to seize the illegally-manufactured firecrackers and pyrotechnics. We want this measure to protect our citizenry from accidents and to further protect our environment," said Mayor Domogan.

Swimmer gives Baguio big start in B Pinoy

By Redjie Cawis


BAGUIO, Philippines – Swimmer Jenkins Lorenzo Labao churned out four gold medals, leading the host city’s dominant showing at the start of the Batang Pinoy 2011 Central and Northern Luzon qualifying stage at the Athletic Bowl here.

Labao, a 13-year-old freshman at the University of Baguio, reigned supreme in the boys’ 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 200m medley relay and 50m butterfly.

Filipino-American Nathania Rockwood of La Union and Patricia Jem Pangan of Angeles City likewise sparkled with three gold medals each.

Rockwood ruled the girls 12-13 100m breast, 50m fly and 50m free while Pangan topped the girls 14-15 years old 200m relay, 50m free and 50m fly.

The Batang Pinoy, designed for athletes 15 years old and below, is run by the Philippine Sports Commission in partnership with Smart, Maynilad and Summit Mineral Drinking Water.

Dexter John Lacuna, brother of 2011 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Jessie King Lacuna, emerged as a double-gold winner, topping the boys 14-15 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke.

Baguio City copped five gold medals in judo courtesy of Floyd Derek Rillera in the 42kg, Rainer Zaparita in the 46kg, Jerald Andre Kim in the 55kg, Htai Andro Kienh Cudao in the 60kg and Derek Clarence Dino in the 66kg.

The Baguio wrestlers were not to be outdone with David Caoili (38 kg), Elizur Cayat (42 kg), Val Kindapan (47 kg), Jerald Bosicao (53 kg), Cristendon Martin (59 kg), Roselyn Malbja (girls 44kg) and Minalyn Foy-os (girls 52 kg) ruling their respective categories.

The hosts had their share of victories in athletics, gaining top honors courtesy of Ike Kevin Yagin in the boys 1,500m run, Agustina Anganayon in the girls 1,500m run, Reagan Contic in the boys javelin throw, Stefanny Florez in the 1,600 girls walk, Jasmine Felix in the girls javelin throw and the 4x100m and 4x400m relay for boys and girls.

Baguio City quickly broke away in the medal tally of the games supported by Milo, Jollibee, The British Council, Standard Insurance, Negros Navigation-Super Ferry, Kids 3 Food Supplement at RELIV Now for Kids with 44 golds.

Run for Hope set December 3

By Redjie Cawis


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Get involved. Raise awareness. Help make a difference. Get the chance to help change the world by becoming a part of a once-in-a-lifetime event. This is an invitation from the organizers of the upcoming Centennial Run for Hope scheduled December 3 as running enthusiasts are again encouraged to join and support another run for cause. The Centennial Run for Hope organized by the Saint Louis University-Sunflower Centennial Halfway Home for Boys in cooperation with the Marketing Mixers, will support the SLU Centennial Halfway Home for Boys which is an extension program of SLU. The SLU Centennial Halfway Home for Boys provides psychosocial services including shelter, psychological assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, education and case management to boys in order to assist their reintegration into society by working with individuals, families, communities, organizations, other residential centers and concerned professionals. The Run for Hope project will help sustain the needs of the Halfway Home as well as raise the awareness of the general public on the issues about young boys needing special protection. The event will kick off at 5:30am at the Burnham Park Lake Drive. Interested runners are welcome to join either in the 3km, 5km or 10km run categories. The registration period is on going until November 30 at the Diego Silang Building lobby, Bonifacio main campus; Devesse Plaza, Maryheights Campus, Bakakeng; or at the Laperal Building along Session Road, care of race director Rosario "Che" Alberto. Registration fees are at P250 for the 3km, P300 for the 5km, and P400 for the 10km for students while P300 for the 3km, P400 for the 5km, and P500 for the 10km for non students. The registration fee includes a race kit consisting of a race number bib, a t-shirt and a copy of the route. Medals, trophies, certificates and surprises await the top runners of the event. For inquiries please contact 0927-213-4541 or Dulcy Balatero at 0905-880-3377, Evangeline Patal-e at 0927-213-4541 or visit the SLU-Sunflower Children’s Center facebook account. (JDP/RC-PIA CAR)

Vice mayor lauds implementors of drug-free, smoke-free Baguio

By (PNA)

LAP/FFC/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 25 (PNA) - City Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas on Friday lauded implementors of various programs toward making this mountain resort 250 kilometers north of Manila as drug-free and smoke-free.

He met with various village leaders to give commendations and awards for outstanding performers in curving the menace brought by the peddling and use of prohibited drugs as well as implementing the ban on smoking in public places and conveyances.

Hundreds of players and visitors to the on-going Fil-Am golf international tournament were among those who observed that not one person was seen smoking in public places.

Likewise, the rate of arrest and conviction of drug pushers had been commendable in the past 15 months when the government itself moved to crack down on perceived rise of drug peddling.

This came when the government strengthened its information campaign on the ills of the drug problem when a number of Filipino expatriates were turned into "drug mules" resulting in their incarceration abroad as well as execution of some like what happened last year in China.

According to Farinas, the umbrella organization Baguio Anti-drug Association (BADAC) will see to it that the community would further help in the suppression of distribution or sale of prohibited drugs, educate the people on the ill effects of these drugs, cut off any supply route from drug pushers to victims and the due process application to all those going against the existing laws punishing the cultivation, distribution and use of prohibited drugs.

Councilor seeks pedestrian lane near high school

By Raymund Castro


COUNCILORS unanimously approved Monday requests of parents and teachers to provide pedestrian lanes near a high school in Baguio City.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said the pedestrian lanes would accommodate students, especially those crossing the Leonard Wood Road near teacher’s Camp.


Councilor Edison Bilog, also the president of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, told the council the SLU administration has plans of putting up overpasses instead.

“As the president of the PTA will respond to your concerns, but as of now, the SLU administration has already plans to construct overpasses which will connect the school buildings, from one building to another,” he told Tabanda.

Meanwhile, Councilor Fred Bagbagen and Councilor Perlita Rondez also stressed their concerns regarding the proposed resolution.

“We should also consider the city planners for the construction of pedestrian lanes, and also, we should refer it to the planning officer,” Bagbagen said.

Rondez added to consider the budget of the City Engineers Office that will implement the project.

Trade department holds first veggie noodle cookfest=

By Art Tibaldo


A VEGGIE Noodle Cookfest was recently held in Baguio at the Easter College’s Hospitality and Management Laboratory as part of the commemoration of the 2011 Consumer Welfare Month (CWM).

Eight contestants from three schools offering hospitality, tourism and culinary management in Baguio City pitted for the major prices for the first-ever contest of its kind in the region.

The activity was conceptualization and collaborated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cordillera through its Business Development Division and the Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division as a way of highlighting a major program of DTI that can also be a part of the ConsumerNet activity.

Locally-manufactured veggie noodles are being promoted by DTI as a flagship program of the region as a commercially viable consumer item suitable for production using indigenous vegetables.

The contest highlighted the theme of this year’s CWM commemoration, “Sapat, Ligtas as Abot-Kayang Pagkain Para Sa Lahat” by promoting consumer patronage to vegetable enriched noodles as an alternative to noodles that may have undergone artificial processing.

The University of the Cordilleras and Easter College each had three contestants from their schools, while Saint Louis University fielded two of its HRM students.

The contestants were given two hours to prepare three dishes - a hot or cold appetizer, a main dish, and dessert – all incorporating veggie noodles as the primary ingredient.

Baguio Country Club Chef Napoleon Arrieta headed the panel of judges composed of Joelinda T. De Venecia of the Department of Agriculture – CAR Field Unit, Joseph Sab-It of the Baguio City School of Arts and Trade – TESDA, and Provincial Director Freda M. Gawisan of DTI-Benguet.

After a thorough review and inspection of the entries, the judges awarded Shelwyn Mark G. Garrido of Saint Louis University top honors for his entry, California Noodle Maki, Veggie Noodle Ravioli and Carrot Miki Basket con Fruit Mania.

Bagging the second and third was a tandem of students from the University of the Cordilleras, James Dave A. Reyes and Brent Dacquigan.

The winners received medals and cash prizes of P4,000, P3,000 and P2,000 for first, second and third respectively, while their schools received trophies.

Non-winning participants received certificates and consolation prizes.

The First Veggie Noodle Cookfest was successfully implemented with the help of Easter College Hospitality and Management Department, which provided the venue and MJ Gacad Incorporated that lent the LPG fuel and two-burner stoves.

Showdown looms on firecrackers ban in Baguio

By (PNA)

DCT/FFC/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 22 (PNA) -- The Baguio city council on Monday approved in a resolution sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics here during the Christmas season.

The resolution runs counter to the earlier announcement of City Mayor Mauricio Domogan that firecrackers and pyrotechnics will be banned here because of the materials' proven effects on the health of the residents as well as the adverse effects on the environment.

Agnes Montoya, one of the leaders of the vendors of the firecrackers, said her group appreciates the stand on the issue of the city council as "the traditional use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics give cheer to the celebration of Christmas and New Year."

Besides, she said her group would have their regular livelihood affected, especially that everybody needs some cash to celebrate the Yuletide Season.

Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) has given support to Domogan's stand on the total ban of the firecrackers as it fortified its similar campaign called the "Iwas Paputok."

For the past years, dozens of persons here were injured and structural fires happened due to the use of the firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

This fact led the authorities to campaign to stop the tradition and instead celebrate the Christmas holidays by other means like loud music and beating of gongs.

Whether or not Domogan will exercise his veto power on the resolution allowing firecrackers sale here will be closely monitored by groups opting for more healthful Christmas season.

Baguio makes bid for 2012 National Games from the Baguio Midland Courier

By pirieandrew


The city government of Baguio is set to bid for the hosting of the Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission National Games next year. This after the city council approved Monday the resolution for the city to host one of the well-attended sports events in the country today. Majority of the members of the city council supported the resolution sponsored by Councilor Elmer Datuin after some issues were raised when the measure was discussed. City Mayor Mauricio Domogan is likely to sign the resolution after he told earlier that Baguio is capable to host in the nearest future the Palarong Pambansa, another well-attended sports event. A number of city officials shared the same view of Datuin that the hosting of the POC-PSC National Games in 2012 can be successful if the city government partners with Benguet province, especially members of the BLISTT area. The cities of Bacolod, Silay, Bago and Talisay teamed up reason why Negros Occidental was successful in hosting the 2011 POC-PSA National Games last month. The councilor likewise said the city government is likely to get support from PSC for the much needed funding for repair of existing sports facilities. Of late, Domogan said he sees no major obstacle in hosting national sports events in Baguio although he said that other local government units are persistent in bidding for the event because of the huge amount given to host LGUs. Baguio City once joined the bid to host the Palarong Pambansa during the mid-‘90s but it lost to Naga City. Bidding to host the event is too competitive because the host city or municipality or cluster of cities or towns will be given P350 million or higher for improvement of sports facilities

DPWH urged to speed up road works for a hassle-free holiday

By Aileen Refuerzo


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 20 -- Mayor Mauricio Domogan appealed to the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to speed up the road improvement projects currently being implemented within and outside the city to avoid further inconvenience in time for the Christmas holidays and the upcoming activities that the city will host. During the Ugnayan Panglungsod press briefing last Wednesday, the mayor expressed hope that the DPWH will hasten the road works in Tarlac and Pangasinan so that travel time to the city will revert to normal and that tourists will be encouraged to come up to the city for the holidays. Last Monday, Baguio Flower Festival executive committee chair Anthony De Leon made the same pitch and expressed hope that the road network leading to the city will be cleared in time for the staging of the 17th Panagbenga festival to ensure its success. The mayor said he has also urged Baguio City District Engineering Office Engineer Ireneo Gallato to hasten repair and improvement works along roads in the city to avert the traffic problems being experienced particularly along Magsaysay Avenue and Naguilian Road. “We kept on asking Engr. Gallato to do something about the problem in said areas and I hope the contractors are now complying with our request,” the mayor said. The city council recently urged the DPWH to improve its public consultation and information strategies on their public works projects to allow people more opportunities to be informed, ventilate their opinions and to prepare for the inconvenience that may result from the implementation of the projects. The body felt that the department’s strategy was lacking after the DPWH successively implemented road works in various parts of the city resulting to traffic snarls. The body also asked the DPWH to improve coordination with the local government units in the implementation of the projects as well as the basis in deciding on the road repairs in view of observations that some roads being improved are still in good condition while those needing repair are not being touched. The city supports the move in Congress to speed up bidding procedures of projects funded under the General Appropriations Act to avoid delay that causes disturbance to the public. *(PIA CAR/RD-PIO Baguio City)

Canadian medical mission coming for 3rd straight year

By Ramon Dacawi


A CANADA-based medical mission founded barely two years ago will be on its third straight surgical outreach early next year at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).

Greater Outreach Medical/Educational Destinations (GO-MED), which membership includes nursing graduates of the BGHMC, has scheduled free surgical procedures for indigent patients from January 30 to February 12, according to medical center chief Dr. Manny Factora.

Aside from the two previous surgical missions conducted here in early 2010 and this year, GO-MED had donated two operating room beds, two anesthesia machines, 30 hospital beds and numerous surgical and medical supplies to the top regional hospital of the Cordillera, Factora said.

The mission is expected to be headed again by Dr. Peter Blair, a general surgeon who was elected GO-MED president during its annual general meeting in May last year.

Also coming in, as she did in several missions here she had helped organize, is Baguio Mission 2011 coordinator Shirley Pinlac-Maas, a native of Baguio and a graduate of the BGH School of Nursing and the Baguio City National High School.

The team, Factora said, will do laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystecomy, hernia repairs, mastectomies, thyroidectomies, ovarian tumor excision, abdominal hysterectomy and other surgeries.

He announced last week that people in need of any of these procedures may start signing up at the out-patient department of the medical center.

“We’re looking forward to meet and work with you again,” mission logistics coordinator Miechiel Maas e-mailed Factora late last month to firm up the outreach.

Last January, the visiting mission notched 75 procedures.

As in the previous missions, the visiting team members will shoulder their transport, food and billeting expenses. The team normally includes a mission leader, surgical leader, anesthesiology leader, nursing leader, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and support staff, including health educators and other non-medical volunteers.

PDEA arrests four suspected selling prohibited drugs

By (PNA)

FFC/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 18 (PNA) - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has arrested four persons here since last week for alleged peddling illegal drugs during two separate buy bust operations along Magsaysay Avenue and Barangay Bakakeng as it intensified drive against pushers.

This was learned from PDEA investigating officer Cesario Castro who said that the four suspects are now at the Baguio City Jail.

"All the four suspects are facing charges of violations against R.A. 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002", he said.

PDEA has tightened the noose against suspected drug pushers in the city when they found out that drug addicted persons have become younger. The youngest victim identified is still in the elementary grades.

Castro said that PDEA not only have to deny the supply of the drug addicts but also to go deeper to the problem like eliminating the sources of prohibited drugs and help in the rehabilitation of youths who were victims of the nefarious trade.

State of the art rice harvester to help farmers

By Joseph B Zambrano


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 17(PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Cordillera showcased a locally-designed and manufactured state-of-the- art rice harvester which combines harvesting, threshing, cleaning, and bagging in one operation to help farmers in harvesting their produce. According to DA regional executive director Marilyn Sta. Catalina, the rice harvester was specifically built to help aid in harvest which lack labor force and thresher facility. It also minimizes time and energy and allows harvesting even during night time. The unit can work on field, having a capacity of 1-1.5 hectares per day with an estimate of 18-20 bags of palay per day. With that, it consumes a maximum of 14 horsepower gasoline engine, Sta. Catalina said. To operate the machine, it requires three persons as main operators from driving to bagging of the threshed palay. One person drives the engine while two persons assist in bagging at the back, she explained. Its traction has a pair of lugged rubber tires with metal lugs suitable to freely run in the field. Thus, it fits in small paddy fields whether it is dry or wet season harvesting, she said. A numnber of farmers who witnessed how the machine works in the field appreciated the speed of the machine to perform three tasks at one time and they made some recommendations to improve further the performance and be suitable in the ricefields, Sta. Catalina added.*(JDP/JBZ PIA-CAR).

DOH advocates traditional and alternative health care

By Lito Dar


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) - - Traditional medicines and health care practices have long been part of the country’s system passed on from generation to generation. In 1997, in line with the policy of the state to improve the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people, Republic Act 8423 otherwise known as Traditional and Alternative Medical Act of 1997 was enacted. The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) was also established. Today, there are now accredited practitioners of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (TAHC) modalities such as massage therapy and acupuncture and through PITAHC, the Department of Health (DOH) is now advocating for the use of 10 herbal medicines with approved therapeutic value. These include akapulco (ringworm bush), ampalaya (bitter gourd), bawang (garlic), bayabas (guava), lagundi (five-leaf chaste tree), niyog-niyogan (Chinese Honey Suckle), sambong (Blumea Campora), yerba buena (pepper mint), pansit-pansitan, and tsaang gubat. With the country’s rich and diverse culture, as well as flora and fauna, the DOH believes that there are more herbal plants with medicinal value and indigenous traditional health care practices that have not yet been discovered or properly researched and documented. This was pointed out by Teresita Foman-eg, nurse of DOH-CAR, to the representatives of various agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and educational institutions during the regional Healthy Lifestyle (HL) coalition meeting at the DOH Regional Training Center, Tuesday. Foman-eg called on the HL coalition members to help in the advocacy of TAHC in their respective agencies, offices, institutions, or communities. She also urged educational institutions to share with them any student or institution research that involves TAHC so that together with the government, through PITAHC, they could work together for the advancement of such research. Aside from research, it is also the DOH’s objective to further intensify the advocacy on the use of TAHC and to fully integrate it into the country’s health care system, Foman-eg said. Moreover, the DOH is also pushing for the listing (accreditation and licensing) of traditional and alternative practitioners in the country. In Baguio City, there are two accredited acupuncture therapy practitioners – Dr. Manuel Quirino of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and Dr. Charles Cheng of the Baguio Chinese Hospital, according to Foman-eg. For massage therapy, Foman-eg admitted that they are still working on the listing of the licensed massage therapists in establishments here in the city offering such service. This November, the DOH is leading the observance of Traditional and Health Care Month. *(JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

DTI monitors sub-standard Christmas lights as shopping spree starts

By (PNA)

DCT/FFC/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 15 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) started on Tuesday the monitoring of Christmas lights and other decorative lights put on sale as the seasonal shopping spree begins.

DTI regional director Myrna Pablo said the move is to totally prevent the purchase of sub-standard Christmas lights which had been found out to have caused structural fires during the Yuletide Season.

The move also prevents any act of infringement against owners of patents and trademarks of the legitimate merchandise which passed all the safety standards imposed by the government.

Records show that the Philippine government has been strict in safeguarding the intellectual properties duly registered under its laws which include Republic Act 8293 otherwise known as the "Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines."

Pablo said that with just a month before Christmas Day, many families buy in advance what they need to celebrate the season.

Next month, DTI is also expected to closely monitor prices of commodities normally purchased in bulk for the season to avoid any violation of price manipulation.

Simultaneous lighting of Christmas lanterns in Baguio City set on December 1

By (PNA)

DCT/FFC/AAG


BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to complete the installation of Christmas lanterns in all main streets and Burnham Park of this mountain resort which will be simultaneously lighted on December 1. This was learned from Baguio Rep. Bernardo Vergara who observed that the city has regained its high rate of tourist arrivals in the past two months after a perceived slump due to the effects of typhoons. Vergara said that with the lighting of the Christmas and other decorative lights of the city on December 1, "many Christmas activities will serve to entertain our visitors and residents during the most joyous part of the year." The solon also noted how Baguio has steadily recovered from the usual problems of metropolitan area like the effective waste disposal system as well as the gridlocks of traffic flow. He assured that most of the on-going road and drainage repairs within and around Baguio would be finished before Christmas and New Year.

Firm seeking minerals in Benguet air stand

By Larry Madarang


BAGUIO CITY: “We are not mining, we are merely exploring,” so said, Joey R. Ayson, country manager of Royalco Resources Limited an Australia-based company to explain their presence in Bakun and Kibungan in Benguet. “Exploring and mining are two different processes and different ballgames,” Ayson said.

Exploring he explained is merely the process where one will verify if indeed there is the presence of substantial minerals to be mined and what type of minerals are in the different test sites; mining is the actual retrieval of minerals from the mining site.

Sometimes the community has misconceptions that exploration is equated to actual mining, he said. In fact, he said, the geological maps that have been created by the different exploration companies in the different municipalities in the country could be a good source of information for the geological hazard mapping project of the government.

Earlier this year, Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño and Gabriela Party List Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan authored a resolution directing the Congress Committee on Indigenous Peoples to specifically probe the questionable issuance of a Certificate of Compliance and an Exploration Permit issued to Royalco despite the opposition of tribal residents of Gambang village in Bakun.

Royalco according to the opposing residents is using these permits to justify their on-going operations in the area.

Casiño in a statement said, “we (the members of the congressional team) are intent on determining why the NCIP-issued certificates of compliance to the free and prior consent process conducted by Royalco and why the NCIP and MGD aided the mining firm in getting around the said process to get a renewal of their exploration permit”.

Bakun residents oppose Royalco operations.

The residents have brought the issue of alleged irregularities committed by the NCIP and the Mining and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before the House of Representatives.

Ambassadors say foreign mining firms willing to invest in PH

By Lito Dar


BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- The total number of business establishments and industries in the country including the Cordillera Administrative Region continues to grow. Thus reported National Statistics Office (NSO) regional director Olivia Gulla during the presentation of the preliminary results of the 2009 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) at the Pines View Hotel here recently. Based on the 2009 survey, the total number of business establishments and industries in the Philippines grew to 23,941 from 21,572 in 2008. In the Cordillera, it grew to 240 from the 233 recorded in the 2008 ASPBI. The Hotel and Restaurants and Education sectors recorded increasing trend by 17 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Gulla also reported that the increase in the number of establishments also resulted in the increase in employment. Nationwide, based on the survey, employment increased by four percent or to 2,970,640 in 2009 compared to the 2,862,621 total employment, recorded in 2008. For Cordillera, an 11 percent increase in employment was also noted in the 2009 ASPBI. From 27,436 in 2008, it grew to 30,378 in 2009, with manufacturing and real estate, renting and business activities sectors leading the way with 15 percent and 24 percent increase, respectively. As per revenue, the country posted a five percent increase from P7.5 trillion in 2008 to P7.9 trillion in 2009, with the manufacturing sector posting the highest revenue at P3.3 trillion. For Cordillera though, the global financial crisis has somehow caught up in the region as revenue decreased by 18.3 percent from P195 billion in 2008 to P159 billion in 2009, with manufacturing decreasing by 21 percent and mining and quarrying showed an 18 percent decrease in revenue. According to Gulla, the ASPBI is a continuing activity of NSO which aims to provide key measures on the performance, levels, structure, and trends of economic activities in the entire country. ‘The data collected from the ASPBI will constitute bases upon which the government and the private sector can formulate policies and evolve economic development plans,’ Gulla added. The 2009 ASPBI data is now posted at the NSO website – www.nso.gov.ph. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)

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