LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — In celebration of its 53rd founding anniversary, Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap committed to donate two dialysis machines and one dental chair to Benguet General Hospital in a bid to improved its services and advance health care services in the province. Yap also commended the dedication of BeGH’s medical professionals and staff, who have been instrumental in delivering essential healthcare services to the people of Benguet. The solon added providing better healthcare facilities and accessible medical services is essential to uplift the welfare of their fellow Benguet residents, adding with these additional dialysis machines and dental chair, he hopes to bring even more accessible, quality healthcare to the province. “I cannot think of a good way to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of BeGH but to donate two additional dialysis machines for the hospital. Magbibigay din tayo ng isang dental chair kasi lumang luma na yung ginagamit nila sa hospital,” said Yap. Yap meanwhile emphasized the importance of government support in expanding hospital capabilities, noting that his office is working on to bring in more healthcare funding to rural hospitals like BeGH. Yap also initiated for the funding of 10 dialysis machines in 2021. “Parang kailan lang when we opened the dialysis facility ng hospital, we were able to get sa national government ng 10 units during that time. Masarap sa pakiramdam na nakikita natin na maraming nakikinabang. Now additional two units naman na idodonate natin,” added Yap. “Maraming nagpapadialysis na mga kailyan natin and to accommodate more sa BeGH, this is important. Marami tayong natutulungan thru our medical assistance program, but we want more to utilize yung facility ng BeGH.” Yap’s continuous allocation of resources from the national government has also enabled BeGH staff to receive adequate salaries and incentives with the hopes of constructing a new building for the hospital to cater to more patients in the province. “Gaya ng lagi natin sinasabi, we will not stop here, hindi tayo makokontento kasi our province deserves the best. So more will come,” Yap closed. Since coming to Benguet, Yap was instrumental in using his personal resources to put up and equip the BeGH molecular laboratory for suspected and potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, the existence of the high flow oxygen machines and other essential health equipment during the pandemic. (By Redjie Cawis-PIA-CAR)

CAMP MAJ.BADO DANGWA,Benguet — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) made a significant impact on its anti-illegal drugs campaign following the seizure of P130,040,403.00 worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 25 drug personalities during the month long drug ops from October 1 to October 30, 2024. According to reports from the Regional Operations Division, 102 operations were conducted, which included 78 marijuana eradication efforts, 12 buy-bust operations, six implementations of search warrants, three services of warrants of arrest, and three police responses. These efforts led to the confiscation of 107.41 grams of shabu, 470,353 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants, 27,402 pieces of marijuana seedlings, 5.00 grams of marijuana seeds, 274,525.50 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops; 10,000 grams of dried marijuana stalks, and 3.00 ml of marijuana oil, with a total Standard Drug Price of P130,040,403.00. Additionally, 25 drug personalities were arrested, with 15 identified as High Value Individuals and 10 identified as Street Level Individuals. The most significant operations occurred in Kalinga, where the Lumin-awa Cops of Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO) confiscated illegal drugs worth PhP59,057,110.00, and in Mountain Province, where the Inayan Cops of Mountain Province PPO seized illegal drugs valued at PhP45,098,005.00. Moreover, in Benguet, the Cabalyero Cops of Benguet PPO also had substantial success with the seizure of PhP25,296.048 worth of illegal drugs, and in Baguio City, the Napino Cops of Baguio City Police Office confiscated a total of PhP553,036.00 worth of illegal drugs. These achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of PRO-CAR in combating illegal drugs and ensuring community safety. Beyond law enforcement, PRO-CAR actively engages in community education programs and collaborates with local organizations to provide essential support services. By integrating enforcement with prevention and support initiatives, PRO-CAR aims to foster a drug-free and secure environment across the Cordillera Administrative Region.