Measures undertaken to ease traffic in La Trinidad
by SC Aro
La Trinidad, Benguet (12 December) — Measures to ease the mounting problem on traffic in this capital town, which is fast becoming a commercial hub, is now being undertaken.
Among the actions being undertaken are the proposed construction of overpasses, establishment of islands along highways, observation of loading and unloading areas, and use of pedestrian lanes.
In an interview, Mayor Artemio Galwan said there are three proposed overpasses along the national highway. These will be located across the entrance of the municipal hall which will be funded by the municipality, the Benguet General Hospital to be funded by the province and either across the Km 6 Police Outpost or in the swamp area to be funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Galwan said the funding for each overpass costs P6 million each based on DPWH estimate. These are expected to commence next year.
There is also the experimental installation of islands along Km 4 to Km5 which started last October 15 and will run for 60 days. This is expected to end on December 15, according to town’s Chief Traffic PSInsp. Robert Gaspar.
Gaspar said a meeting will take place on December 17-18 to be attended by multi-sectoral groups to assess the impact of the traffic scheme. Reactions from the multi-sectoral groups will be gathered as inputs, he added.
Gaspar also said they will also look into the observance of loading and unloading areas among drivers which is causing traffic jam. It was also observed that the volume of vehicles could no longer be accommodated within the lane of the loading and unloading zones particularly in critical areas. In this case, all public utility jeepneys should occupy outer lane while private vehicles, the inner lane.
Gaspar said the use of the pedestrian lane is not being maximized which needs strict imposition of its use.
Unfortunately, the town’s council has not yet enacted any municipal ordinance on jaywalking although there was a move before which did not push through.
Traffic in this capital town is becoming humongous which calls for stringent measures for motorists, pedestrians, business establishments and other concerned sectors cooperation. (PIA-Benguet)
Benguet PPO overshoots gun amnesty target
by SC Aro
La Trinidad, Benguet (12 December) — The Provincial Police Office accounted a total of 333 firearms surpassing its target in the government’s efforts to intensify campaign against loose firearms.
This is in line with Executive Order 817 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo implementing the National Firearms Control Program. The Philippine National Police conducted a final general firearms amnesty program which started in July 2009 and ended November 30, 2009.
The program is geared towards reducing by at least three percent monthly the number of estimated loose firearms nationwide.
Accounted under the Kontra Boga operations were 61 firearms and 257 under Bilang Boga. Kontra Boga seeks to run after organized crime groups utilizing illegal firearms in their notorious activities. Bilang Boga accounts for firearms with expired licenses and those unregistered in the possession of ordinary citizens and also those assigned to government offices.
Firearms under Custodia Legis totaled 15. These are firearms in the custody of a judicial entity or Office of the Prosecutor as evidence in the prosecution of a case.
The gun amnesty is an ultimate opportunity for delinquent firearms holders to renew their licenses and for unregistered firearms holders to have their firearms licensed in accordance with the guidelines issued by the PNP.
The directive is based on the principle on the proliferation of loose fire arms which has been identified as one of the obstacles in the pursuit of peace and order. (PIA-Benguet)
DTI-CAR pilots NERBAC in Abra
by Maritess Beñas
Bangued, Abra (12 December) — The National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) will be piloted in this province.
Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Myrna P. Pablo and Assistant Regional Director Carmelita C. Usman graced the affair.
Arell Bañez, DTI-Abra Provincial Caretaker reported that the NERBAC had been implemented in the bigger cities of Davao and Cebu right after the signing of Republic Act 7470, an act establishing the NERBAC of the Philippines on April 29, 1992. Since it was proven successful, the DTI is now bringing it in Northern Luzon to prime up the economy here.
The NERBAC is created to support the policy of the government to enhance economic growth by providing necessary and strategic economic and business information and research assistance thereby expediting the process of business formation and encouraging the growth of entrepreneurship in the country.
The Center shall be manned by representatives of government agencies with regulatory functions so that the businessmen need not waste time going around in various offices that they need to transact with.
Under the regulatory aspect, the center shall organize a one-stop shop of services or assistance center that shall expedite the processing of all government requirements necessary in establishing a business. Member agencies with regulatory function like the Social Security System, PhilHealth, Bureau of Internal Revenue and the like will all be in the Center to help the entrepreneurs.
On the investment aspect, the member-agencies shall provide information to prospective investors, both local and foreign, on the different kinds of business opportunities that are in accord with set investment priorities of the government; to establish an updated data bank of all industries and business enterprise; and to prepare pre-feasibility studies of existing as well as possible industries in the area that can help entrepreneurs decide on what business to venture into.
The Center shall also conduct monitoring of technological advances relevant to business and economy for dissemination to the general public. It likewise formulates and coordinates the conduct of relevant research projects as well as monitor and collate economic, technical and industry research output of all agencies that have reference to business enterprises and to investors in the area with focus on the utilization and how to harness the indigenous resources and technology that are required for our development initiatives.
On the same occasion, the DTI also launched the One Town One Product (OTOP) brochure, “Distinctively Abra” which showcases the OTOP products, tourist destinations and investment potentials in the province. The production of the OTOP brochure was funded by the Provincial Government of Abra.
Meanwhile, Abra’s participation in the IMPAKABSAT, a regional trade fair conducted by the DTI at the SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City on December 2 – 6, 2009, was something to boost off. Abra garnered the highest sales among the Cordillera provinces which reached almost P11 Million in cash and book sale.
OTOP Regional Winner Carlo Balneg, was able to close an order of bamboocraft products worth of P1.4M. Said amount will be a great help to the micro entrepreneurs in the province and an opportunity for more exposures in the export market. (PIA-Abra)
Mt Province voters increase by 11,500
by Juliet B. Saley
Bontoc, Mt. Province (12 December) — The Commission on Election(Comelec) has officially recorded an increase in the number of registered voters in the province.
Based on Comelec data, the total number of registered voters is now 101,702 or it has increased by 11,567 compared to the 2007 election period with 90,135.
The increase is attributed to the registration of new voters which include those who have turned 18 years old and who will turn 18 on or before the May 2010 elections, and transferees.
All the municipalities had an increase in the total registered voters. Bauko has still the highest number of voters at 22,050. Second is Bontoc with 16,992, followed closely by Paracelis with 16,134, then Tadian with 10,872.
The municipalities of Sagada has 7,669, Natonin with 7,090; Sabangan,6,236; Sadanga, 5,347; Besao,5,001 and Barlig with 4,311. (PIA Mt Province)
Quirino gov, Philhealth commit medicines for gov’t hospitals
by Ben Moses Ebreo
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya (December 11) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation(PhilHealth) and the provincial government of Quirino province will be providing sufficient medicines to their government hospitals in its bid to maximize the benefits of PhilHealth members.
Oscar Abadu, Jr. PhilHealth vice president for Cagayan Valley said Quirino governor Dakila Cua recently expressed his desire to sufficiently provide additional medicines in pharmacies of government hospitals to ensure the full accessibility of PhilHealth members of their benefits.
The move according to Abadu came due to the clamor of PhilHealth members on the provision of available medicines in government hospitals in Quirino province so that these medicines can be shouldered by PhilHealth, thereby reducing their medical expenses.
“This move was tackled during our recent meeting with chiefs of hospitals and governor Cua,” Abadu said during a press conference at the provincial hospital here.
The provision of sufficient medicines in government hospital pharmacies will be operated under the project “Integrated Pharmacy System” which is designed to provide government intervention to minimize if not totally eradicate the purchase of medicines in private pharmacies, thereby transforming the National Health Insurance Program(NHIP) into a truly socialized-oriented service. (PIA NVizcaya)
AFP eyes Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Quirino as insurgent-free areas
by Ben Moses Ebreo
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (December 10) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) is looking into the possibility of declaring three other provinces in northern Luzon as communist-free areas in its bid to end communist insurgency by 2010.
Lt. Colonel Leouel Santos, commanding officer of the army’s 77 Infantry Batallion said the provinces of Quirino, Ifugao and Ilocos Norte are potential areas to be declared as insurgent-free areas.
Santos made the statement during the official declaration of Nueva Vizcaya as an insurgent-free province which was also highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of agreement.
Based on the army’s description, a province or a city is declared as an insurgency-cleared area if armed groups, particularly the New Peoples’ Army(NPA) have been neutralized.
“Sightings of armed communist rebels are still a threat for us like in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Aurora and part of Isabela,” he told PIA.
According to Santos, the strength of communist rebels operating in Cagayan Valley region have now decreased into less than 30 armed guerillas which is now the primary focus of intensified military operations.
The remaining communist rebels of the NPA’s Central Front are operating in the towns of Jones, Echague, San Agustin and San Mariano in Isabela province while its northern front is concentrated on the coastal towns of Cagayan province, he added.
Santos said that while the armed wing of the NPA is nearing its extinction, communist supporters and sympathizers still roam the society with their intention to recruit new members to the communist front lines. (PIA NVizcaya)
Vizcaya mayor to conduct shootfest for peace and order projects
by Ben Moses Ebreo
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya (December 9) — Mayor Benjamin Cuaresma III will be conducting his 2nd shootfest to raise funds for various projects related to the maintenance of peace and order in this town.
Cuaresma said his 2nd shootfest, a Level ! Philippine Practical Shooting Association(PPSA) sanctioned match will be held on December 19 to 20, 2009 at the Vizcaya Gun Club(VGC) Firing Range in barangay San Antonio North in this town.
The shootfest is hosted by the VGC in coordination with the Philippine National Police(PNP) and the National Range Officers Institute (NROI).
Earlier, Cuaresma conducted a similar shootfest which raked in funds for the improvement of this town’s police station and purchase of several motorcycles for the PNP’s immediate response to criminalities and other untoward incidents in this town.
Cuaresma said that by conducting a shootfest, safe gunhandling and proficiency shooting will also be honed by gun enthusiasts and law enforcers that will lead to a responsive gun ownership among gun aficionados in this town. (PIA NVizcaya)
PGMA to attend canonical installation of new bishop of Legazpi diocese
by MA Loterte
Legazpi City (9 December) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will visit Thursday (December 10) this city to attend and witness the Canonical installation of Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon D.D. as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi,
The President is expected to arrive at the domestic airport here and will be met by Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, Representatives Al Francis Bichara, Edcel Lagman and Reno Lim of the Albay first, second, and third congressional districts, respectively, and Presidential Adviser for Bicol Tomasito Monzon.
The President will then proceed to the Saint Gregory the Great Cathedral in Old Albay district here for the Eucharistic Celebration and Canonical Installation rites.
Archibishop Leonardo de Legazpi of the Diocese of Caceres will preside over the Celebration of the Eucharist and Canonical Installation rites at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon.
Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of the Archdiocese of Manila and Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, along with some 31 bishops and 300 clergy from different dioceses across the country and abroad will also witness the installation of the new bishop of the diocese.
After the installation rites, the President will also pay homage to the newly appointed bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi.
Baylon, the former Bishop of the Diocese of Masbate, will be the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi, and at 55 he is considered as the youngest senior Roman Catholic cleric to be installed in Bicol and among bishops across the country.
He was ordained to the priesthood in 1978 and became Bishop on March 1998.
Baylon will take over the reigns of Acting Diocesan Administrator Bishop Lucilo Quiambao.
Diocese of Legazpi is comprised of 44 parishes in 15 towns and three cities of Albay province. (PIA V)
Pangasinan not backing out of case vs San Roque, gov stresses
By Danny O Sagun
Dagupan City (9 December) — The provincial government has not backed out of its move against agencies or personalities responsible for the massive flooding of Pangasinan in October, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. stressed in a press conference this morning.
“The province of Pangasinan has never abandoned, and has no intention of abandoning, its plan to pursue criminal and civil cases against the National Power Corporation and other agencies and personalities that have direct control over the operation and management of the San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam, if only to seek justice not only for the 63 fatalities, but also for the numerous families that were rendered homeless and stripped of their means of livelihood and other valuable properties,” Espino said in a press statement.
The governor was reacting to an Inquirer story that quoted Provincial Legal Officer Geraldine Baniqued as saying the provincial government already backed out of its court battle with the operators of the San Roque dam because of high docket fees that could amount to P98 million for the P4.9 billion damages it is seeking. The dam was being blamed for the destruction of properties and loss of lives when it released excess waters in big volumes at the height of typhoon Pepeng.
Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan was also quoted as saying that there was no need to file the case because of the class suit already filed by a group of Pangasinan lawyers last month against NPC and San Roque Power Corporation which operates the power generation component of the dam.
“The allegation that the Province of Pangasinan has backed out of the case vs. San Roque based on statements attributed to the provincial legal officer and the provincial administrator is not true, he said, noting that the statements of the two provincial officials were only their “personal comments” and not the official stand of the provincial government.
He said that the delay in the actual filing of the case was due to “certain government procedural requirements and should not be interpreted to mean that the provincial government has already shelved the case.”
He said that while it was easy to compute the damages caused by the floods, it has been difficult to pinpoint the persons and officials directly responsible for the series of decisions that led to the release of the unprecedented volume of water from the dam even after several investigations conducted by the Senate and House of Representatives and by the provincial board. “Hanggang sa ngayon nagtuturuan pa sila at di sinasagot yong tinatanong natin kung sino ba talaga ang may responsabilidad sa pag-release the tubig na yon… palaging sinasabi yong warning system at protocol nila,” he lamented.
The lawyers of the sangguniang panlalawigan and the provincial legal office, he said, are in the process of preparing the necessary complaint.” As soon as this is submitted to my office, we will take concrete steps to file the case in court.” The docket fee, he said, was not the issue.
He bared that the provincial government was pursuing the criminal complaint first against the responsible persons or persons or agencies as such complaint does not need a filing fee, he pointed out. The filing of complaint for damages, he added, would just follow. “What I’m looking at here is who is guilty, who is the culprit, and perhaps the complaint for damages will follow,” he said.
Espino expressed hope that the Japanese technicians who came to the country to look into the matter can help identify the culprit as the concerned agencies up to now do not want to name the responsible person. “We are asking the agencies to tell us, who was the one in-charge, they are not telling us.”
He said he was really angry at what happened even as he expressed his deep concern about the plight of those people who lost their homes in Rosales and Bayambang and other places ravaged by the floods.
He branded the newspaper report as an attack “below the belt” pointing out that he never abandoned his people. “Basic courtesy here dictates that I should have been asked of delicate things like these,” he said referring to the interviews made with the two provincial officials. “Mali itong tirada na ito, foul na ito,” he said stressing that he never abandoned his grieving people. He said he believed the report was already politically motivated. “I’m very interested to find justice for these people,” he said.
Espino is seeking re-election against comebacking Victor E. Agbayani, who is the incumbent second district congressman. (PIA Pangasinan)
Dynamite injures 1 in Nueva Vizcaya
by Ben Moses Ebreo
Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya (December 
— A small scale miner was seriously injured Monday(December 7) as the dynamite he was carrying accidentally exploded inside his tunnel in sitio Malilibeg, barangay Runruno in this town.
The victim was identified as Mark Paggad, 28 of barangay Runruno said Dr. Ernesto Mendoza, FCF Minerals Corporation vice president for corporate affairs which provided initial medical assistance to Paggad who sustained cuts, bruises and abrasions on his low back, right hand and right foot.
Mendoza said Paggad lighted the explosive inside the tunnel but collapsed, causing it to explode.
“This is another lesson among small scale miners, particularly on the risks that they face because of their unsafe small scale mining practices,” Mendoza said.
The FCF Minerals Corporation which holds a Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement(FTAA) to conduct large scale mining exploration here for gold and molybdenum deposits is currently working with the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) for alternative livelihood programs for the more than 500 small scale miners within its area of coverage.
The mining company here is also helping the affected communities or villages in uplifting their economic status through the provision of livelihood projects under the Runruno Livelihood Foundation (RLF). (PIA NVizcaya)
