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IPs in Camp John Hay reservation protest P10,000 construction fine

Baguio City
Baguio City /

Indigenous peoples (IPs) residing within the Camp John Hay (CJH) Forest Reservation are up in arms against the imposed administrative fines on their structures with no building permits. Joselito Shontogan, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Loakan-Liwanag Barangay, brought to the attention of the Baguio City Council on June 3, 2024, that residential houses undergoing repairs in Loakan-Liwanag, Loakan Proper, and Camp 7 barangays had received notices of violation from the City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO). Additionally, they were instructed to pay an administrative fine of P10,000.00 for breaching Section 301 of the National Building Code. Loakan-Liwanag, Loakan Proper, and Camp 7 are three among the 13 barangays being eyed for segregation. Aligned with the 19 conditions imposed for the development of the John Hay Special Economic Zone, the city government has been actively working for decades to achieve a commitment from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) concerning the segregation of the 13 barangays within the reservation. According to records of the CBAO, there have been 34 notices of violation issued across the 13 barangays in response to complaints from the CJH management. These violations are distributed as follows: four in Lucnab, 11 in Loakan-Liwanag, one in Upper Dagsian, 11 in Happy Hallow, one in Green Water, two in Camp 7, five in Country Club, and one in Scout Barrio. Shontogan mentioned that residents were also ordered to obtain building permits, further complicating matters as they are unable to establish legal ownership over their properties amid the ongoing land dispute between the IPs in the 13 barangays and the BCDA. Shontogan appealed to the city council for immediate intervention. He sought assurance that they could proceed with repairing their structures without the threat of demolition, thus avoiding potential displacement. In response to the appeal, the Baguio City Council requested a status quo from CBAO and the CJH management. The body sought the suspension of the imposition of administrative fines until jurisdictional matters are clarified. The city council further mandated Baguio IPMR Maximo Hilario Edwin Jr. to assist affected residents in negotiating the issue with proper government agencies. In a phone interview, Donald Gas-ib, head of the CBAO Investigation and Demolition Division, said dialogues with the CJH management and the affected residents along with their respective barangay officials had been set to thresh matters out. Gas-ib said the issuance of notices of violation was a response to the complaints filed by the CJH management before their office. While he understands the sentiments of the affected residents, he said it is the mandate of their office to act on complaints regarding construction of structures without building permits. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved through diplomatic dialogues. -Jordan G. Habbiling

Six-months amnesty for water,electric connections proposed

Baguio City
Baguio City /

Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. l has proposed an amnesty granted to applicants seeking electric and water connections in the city for a period of six months. The amnesty aims to facilitate access to these basic utilities for residents who may have missed previous amnesty periods due to limited time and additional requirements. It intends to ensure that more residents can obtain the necessary connections to electricity and water, thereby improving their living conditions and access to essential services. By facilitating access to electricity and water, the proposed measure will help improve the living conditions of residents, leading to better health, hygiene, and overall quality of life. Those who were unable to meet the requirements or deadlines in previous amnesty periods are often from marginalized or low-income groups. The amnesty seeks to provide them with another opportunity to secure essential services. Yangot said offering amnesty can encourage residents who may have been using illegal connections to regularize their access, thus improving the safety and reliability of utility services in the community. The proposed measure has been approved on first reading and referred to the city council’s Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation, and Traffic Legislation for review. Similar ordinances were enacted by the City Council in the past, with the latest being on April 25, 2016 and December 12, 2016. -Jordan G. Habbiling

Joint effort against illegal deepwells in the works

Baguio City
Baguio City /

BAGUIO CITY — The City Government of Baguio, through the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), will soon collaborate with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera (DENR-CAR) in the combat the operation of illegal and unregulated deep wells. This joint effort will start once a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the city government, NWRB, and DENR-CAR is formalized. On June 10, 2024, the Baguio City Council passed a resolution granting Mayor Benjamin Magalong the authority to enter into a MOA with the two agencies. Once signed by all parties, the MOA will be sent back to the city council for confirmation. This cooperation is seen as beneficial for the city in terms of regulating groundwater extraction. It will specifically focus on monitoring groundwater appropriation, control, and conservation within the city’s jurisdiction, aligning with the initiative to enforce relevant national laws. Through the MOA, the city government will be able to establish cooperative areas where the city can support and enhance the roles of the national agencies. This partnership will tackle clandestine well operations through enhanced monitoring, thereby mitigating water shortages and contamination problems. The Baguio City Water Resources Board (RCWB) has been working with the NWRB to regulate groundwater extraction and manage other water-related concerns. However, surveys conducted by the BCWRB revealed a growing number of unregulated deep well and shallow well operations in the city. These illegal operations have led to a decline in underground aquifers, causing frequent water shortages. This problem manifests especially during peak tourism seasons. As of January 2024, up to 1,000 deep wells were found to be operating illegally in the city, with only 200 having permits from the NWRB. Without permits, oversight of compliance with health standards for operating deep wells is not possible. Permitted wells undergo periodic testing to ensure that water quality meets health standards. Currently, NWRB has the authority to shut down deep wells while the city government can only mandate operators to obtain permits from NWRB. The rigorous crackdown on illegal deep wells, part of this joint effort, aims to prevent a recurrence of the diarrhea outbreak earlier this year that affected over 3,000 individuals in the city. – By Jordan G.Habbiling

Cebu Pacific, Singapore Tourism Board Sign MOU, Promote ‘Fly, Stay, Cruise’

NCR
NCR /

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, has strengthened its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to create more opportunities for travelers to the Lion City. CEB renewed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the STB on June 6, 2024, highlighting key partnership thrusts such as enhancing destination preference and recall, providing stronger trigger for travel to Singapore with new areas of focus such as “Fly, Stay and Cruise” holidays and Singapore’s vibrant events calendar that Filipinos can travel for and enjoy. The partnership also introduced the campaign’s newest ambassadors, celebrity couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez, which will also be featured in a travel film that showcases Singapore’s innovative architecture, rich cultural heritage and unexpected experiences. The Philippines was Singapore’s 6th largest source market for tourism last year, with nearly 700,000 tourist arrivals, an 81% increase from 2022. “We are very grateful for this renewed partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. This collaboration not only aligns with Cebu Pacific’s commitment to provide accessible and affordable flights but also contributes significantly to bolstering Singapore’s tourism industry by attracting more visitors from the Philippines, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting economic growth,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. CEB currently flies to and from Singapore from several strategic hubs in the country, with an increase in flight frequency from 3x weekly to daily on the Clark-Singapore-Clark route: ROUTE FREQUENCY Manila – Singapore – Manila 3x daily Cebu – Singapore – Cebu Daily Clark – Singapore – Clark Daily “We are excited to renew our partnership with Cebu Pacific, who have been wonderful partners and have contributed significantly to our strong tourism performance. The Philippines continues to be an important market for STB, with strong recovery in visitor numbers after the pandemic. Through our new partnership, we will give Filipinos more reasons to visit Singapore by leveraging our position as a regional hub for world-class cruise ships, as well as our vibrant year-round calendar of live events,” said Terrence Voon, Executive Director for Southeast Asia of Singapore Tourism Board CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. To see CEB’s latest seat sale offers, visit bit.ly/CebuPacificSale. === Our social media handles: Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air X: @CebuPacificAir Instagram: cebupacificair About the Singapore Tourism Board The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. Captions: Photo #1: Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific (CEB) Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, and Terrence   Voon, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Executive Director for Southeast Asia, sign the partnership renewal between CEB and STB. Photo #2: From L-R: STB Manager Lorine Mallari, STB Area Director Fang Xun Ong, Voon, Iyog, STB Tourism Ambassadors Megan Young and Mikael Daez, CEB Marketing Director Michelle Eve De Guzman lead the partnership renewal between CEB and STB.

Cayetanos’ assistance program reaches Quiapo vendors

NCR
NCR /

MANILA — “Talagang kinakapos na po kami, mahirap po mabaon sa utang. Napakalaking tulong po ng binigay ninyo.” With these heartfelt words, Emilia Lapitan, a street vendor, expressed her gratitude to Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for including her as one of the 300 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program in Quiapo, Manila, on Thursday, June 6, 2024. “Napakataas na rin po ng presyo ng mga bilihin ngayon, makakatulong po ito sa aming pagtitinda,” Lapitan added. Similarly expressing her appreciation was Leticia Bulusan, a senior citizen and sari-sari store owner. Struggling to make ends meet due to her age, Bulusan said, “Pang puhunan ko po ito sa aking sari-sari store. Salamat po at mayroon na po akong pandagdag sa aking mga paninda.” Held at the Liwasan Covered Court, the distribution provided assistance to sari-sari store and sidewalk vendors who sell fruits, bags, and clothing items on the streets of Quiapo. This marks the first time that the AICS program was held in one of Manila’s historic cores, all made possible in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and in coordination with Barangay 289 Zone 40 Council, headed by Barangay Captain Marvy Jimenez. “Sa tatlong daan po na beneficiary, lahat po sila ay tuwang-tuwa. Maraming salamat po at dinala ninyo ang programa sa aming distrito,” Jimenez said. “Sana po ay mas marami pa kayong matulungan, lalo na ang mga nangangailangan,” he added. On the same day, the sibling senators’ AICS program extended its reach to Bicol, Pampanga, and Cebu, making sure that immediate support will be provided to the most vulnerable sectors in the country. PHOTO CAPTION Some 300 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program received assistance from Cayetanos’ assistance program in Quiapo, Manila,

Benhur in Kalinga

CAR
CAR /

The PRO-CAR Regional Director, BRIG.GEN.DAVID PEREDO,Jr., warmly welcomed the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr, upon his arrival at Camp Capt. Juan M Duyan, Brgy Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga on June 14, 2024.

Senator Imee Marcos holds rice summit in Nueva Ecija

Region 3
Region 3 /

PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA — Senator Imee Marcos has high hopes for the awardees and participants of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program 2023 as the much-anticipated national awarding ceremony and program kick-off, along with her initiated “BIGAYAN 2024 (Bigas at Bayan)” thought leaders roundtable discussion and rice summit on the rice crisis, take place on June 6 in Nueva Ecija, considered as the “Rice Granary” of the Philippines. “Alam kong marami ang duda kung kaya pa ba natin i-ahon ang sektor ng agrikultura sa nalalapit na hinaharap lalo’t may krisis tayo sa bigas ngayon, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nagugutom, at hindi ito mahahanapan ng solusyon agad-agad. Rice prices persist as the most stubborn cause of inflation, impacting worst of all the poor who spend half of their income on food. “But for as long as there are committed young Filipino farmers out there who are willing to keep our agriculture sector alive, my hope will always remain high,” Marcos said. The YFC program is a competitive financial grant assistance of the Department of Agriculture (DA). It is intended to bring back the Filipino youth to agriculture by providing access to capital to enable them to venture into profitable agriculture, agri-fishery, and agribusiness and agri-entrepreneurship enterprises, and providing business development assistance. “The young are not encouraged to get into the agriculture sector mainly because they see farmers remaining poor despite working daily—rain or shine—and thus, they prefer to seek more profitable professions in our big cities,” Marcos noted. She added, “We need programs such as the YFC to make farming more attractive to them, encourage agri-fishery and livestock innovations, otherwise we will continue to lose workers in the agriculture sector.” Taking advantage of the presence of the awardees, LGUs, and agriculture stakeholders, one of the highlights of the first ever rice summit coinciding with the 4th year of the YFC will be the scheduled thought leaders roundtable discussion on the country’s rice situation, dubbed “BIGAYAN 2024 (Bigas at Bayan)”, to be participated in by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), DA, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), local government unit (LGU) representatives, Young Farmers Challenge Alumni (SAKAHON), Federation of Free Farmers, University of the Philippines School of Economics, agricultural cooperatives, top KADIWA performing cooperatives, and millers, among others. “Through ‘BIGAYAN 2024’, our young farmers bring hope and innovation to our failing agricultural sector. A roundtable discussion by thought leaders from various sectors will posit new solutions to our rice crisis,” Marcos stressed. The senator noted the average age of Filipino farmers is between 57 and 59 years, with data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing the agriculture and forestry sub-sector recording the largest drop in annual decreases in the number of employed persons in March 2024 at 881,000. Since the YFC program started in 2021, there have been a total of 3,625 YFC beneficiaries operating their agribusiness enterprises in 1) production (crop production, poultry, livestock, aquaculture, vermiculture, urban agriculture, horticulture); 2) food processing (chocolate, mushroom by-products, processed vegetables, processed fruits); 3) digital agriculture; and 4) supply chain business solutions. The YFC has also monitored 219 enterprises, held local trade expositions and exhibitions, and KADIWA activities. For 2023, out of 4,812 applicants nationwide for the Start-Up category, there will be 496 provincial awardees; 48 regional awardees for the Upscale category; and 14 enterprises from state universities and colleges (SUCs) for the Intercollegiate Competition. Under Business Development Assistance, financial grants will also be awarded to SUCs, LGUs and farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs). The grant assistance to awardees will be distributed at the 2023 awarding ceremonies taking place at the Rice Biotechnology Center (RBC), PhilRice, in Nueva Ecija. The event will also showcase the products of the YFC 2023 provincial, regional and national winners and launch the 2024 YFC competition. The senator has a pending bill (Senate Bill No. 180) that seeks to establish and institutionalize the YFC program and create the Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Council. “Until today, young farmers are burdened by their lack of access to knowledge, information and education; the lack of available land to till or affordable credit; a lack of ‘green jobs’, and hardly any consultation or participation venues for the youth in agricultural policy debate and formulation. “The bill seeks to address the myriad problems of the youth in the countryside by decreeing a new program which, through a whole-of-government approach, undertakes the renewed participation of young farmers and fisherfolk in the development of rural areas,” Marcos noted in her explanatory note.

Self-taught Filipina artist donate painting in France

Lifestyle
Lifestyle /

  A historical painting recognizing the life of an Overseas Filipino Worker in France, was presented to the Philippine Embassy of France by the well-known self-taught Filipino Artist Myse Salonga. According to Salonga, her painting entitled “Marriane” was personally brought to the Philippine Embassy in France and has now been added to the Embassy’s collection, after it was accepted by Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West. “This piece is a tribute to the resilience and dedication of our OFW in France and I really heartfelt thanks to the Embassy and to Ambassador West for graciously accepting my painting,” said Salonga. Additionally, Salonga was among 50 artists from 20 different countries who came together at the exhbit to raise funds for children from the Philippines, Uganda and Uganda, and Tanzania. Beautiful paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital arts were displayed on May 30 from June 2 held at Mayenne,Laval France, in celebration of the 21st edition of “RENDEZVOUS aux JARDINS,” a project of the French Minister of Culture. Salonga explained that the painting she created recognizes a pharmacist Marianne Tan in the Philippines, who sacrificed to abandon her profession and dared to venture to the country of France, who is an undocumented worker and face odd jobs, only to meet her daughter’s request to study law. In recent years, France recognized OFWs for their sacrifice for their family in the Philippines, so Marianne was one of those who was granted a working visa and was allowed to be with her family in the Philippines and now her daughter is just waiting its bar examination. The importance of the life of an OFW pushed Salonga to draw their life so that it can be acknowledged and recognized by the whole world. The Marianne painting has a size of 24×24 inches, done on a high cotton canvass stretched on a wooden frame. The artist employs a variety of brushstrokes to create a smoky effect background and texture. She markets her artwork both locally and internationally and sold over 100 unique pantings. By Zaldy Comanda

Cebu Pacific takes delivery of ATR Aircraft, boosts inter-island travel in PH

NCR
NCR /

MANILA — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, welcomed its sixth aircraft delivery for the year – an ATR 72-600 – further strengthening its commitment of delivering inter-island connectivity in the Philippines. The brand-new turboprop aircraft arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila on June 5. “With more than 7,100 islands in the Philippines, our commitment to serve passengers traveling between inter-island destinations requires us to invest in turboprop aircraft,” said CEB Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs. “This aircraft delivery brings our turboprop fleet to 15, and we will be receiving our sixteenth ATR turboprop in October. With this, CEB will be operating the largest turboprop fleet in the Philippines, enabling us to serve more passengers across the country,” he added. CEB operates its turboprop fleet in 25 domestic destinations, servicing almost 2.5 million passengers yearly. Some of the destinations that can only be accessible by turboprop and smaller aircraft include Camiguin, Calbayog, Siargao, Masbate, Surigao, Busuanga and Naga. The ATR 72-600 is one of the latest generations of twin engine turboprop airliners produced in France and Italy by manufacturer Avions de Transport Regional (ATR). It is used by multiple airlines worldwide as a regional aircraft. ATR says that the 72-600 can access short, narrow and unpaved runways, and can handle steep approaches and high-altitude landings and takeoffs.  It carries around 78 passengers and has a maximum range of 1,300 kilometers depending on payload. Apart from ATRs, CEB also operates a diversified commercial fleet mix of eight (8) Airbus 330s, 39 Airbus 320s, and 21 Airbus 321s, enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

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