22 children get free cleft palate surgery in Nueva Vizcaya
Region 2By Victor Martin BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya- A total of 22 children born with cleft lips and cleft palates benefited from free surgeries provided by the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM) at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital (NVPH) in Bambang town here on June 22. Organized by the Rotary Club of Bayombong Capital and the Lumabang Shriners, the activity led by PBM’s Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mel Anthony Cruz spearheaded the surgeries on the patients who were screened last June 13. Gerald Gamboa, president of the Rotary Club of Bayombong Capital said the registration through online was conducted on May 8 to June 13 before its final final screening on June 21 at the NVPH’s out-patient department. Gamboa said three of the 22 patients, who came from as far as Apayao, Ifugao and Isabela provinces are under one-year-old, while the oldest is a 30-year-old from Bambang town here. “Our goal is to help and bring joy to the children with cleft deformities, especially those who are from underprivileged families,” Gamboa said. Medicines and food were also provided to the patients and their families. Gamboa expressed his gratitude to the medical team, as well as the personnel of the NVPH for the collaboration in conducting life-changing event to the children and their families.
City’s livability index shows only one barangay is livable, two others declining
Baguio CityBy Aileen P. Refuerzo Baguio PIO BAGUIO CITY — A study on the livability of the city’s 128 barangays has shown that only one remains to be livable, two with declining status and the rest moderately livable. The barangay livability index was put together through an intensive study conducted by the city government through the City Planning Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) and partners from the private sector as part of the crafting of the Comprehensive Land Use Development Plan (CLUP) 2024-2032 which charts the city’s physical and economic development for the next eight years. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the study was done alongside the Barangay Digital Twin Project, which for its part provides digital representations of the barangays based on audit and mapping of their existing structures and remaining natural covers. Both aimed to determine the current status of the barangays to serve as guide for the city government and the barangays themselves in deciding their development thrusts towards becoming livable, inclusive, creative, sustainable and resilient. The liveability index presented during a townhall meeting held June 4, 2024 showed that only South Drive barangay made the cut as a livable barangay. Lower Dagsian and San Antonio Village manifested declining livability while 41 were found to be moderately livable and the remaining 84 were of minimum livability compliance. CPDSO Coordinator Arch. Donna Tabangin said the livability parameters used in examining the barangays were localized based on Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Philippine Development Plan. The indicators used were set by urban planners and experts who have been cooperating with the city government in the crafting of the CLUP. These are: Healthy place (based on proximity to a district health center, communal hand washing stations, liquid waste management, solid waste management and land ownership); With food sources (urban food/survival gardens, satellite markets, good preparation enterprise); Safety and Security from Crime (crime rate, anti-road obstruction, response time to emergency events; Accessibility (access type to barangay and interior communities, ramps on sidewalks and public building entrances, pedestrian lanes, sheltered public utility jeepney waiting areas, accessibility of dwellings; Mobility choices (proximity to school or barangay hall, with off-street pick-up and dropoff points, connected sidewalks and traffic accidents; Presence of essential retail and services; Safety and Security from Hazards (climate and disaster risk assessment on seismic, flood, landslide and sinkholes, building safety, evacuation area and fire response time); Community Spaces and Engagement (open space to built-up ratio, proximity to open/green spaces, parks and playgrounds, library, culture and creative facility, outdoor sports and recreation, community civic/social activities. Clean Water Supply (connection to water supply, water quality in rivers and creeks, rainwater harvesting facility, unoccupied waterway easements) and Good Governance (financial management, enterprise development, community involvement and transparency and accountability). The livability index is part of the CLUP of the city which was approved recently by the City Development Council and will soon be submitted for approval by the Regional Land Use Committee and the city council.
Drug group member, arrested in Ilocos Sur
Region 1CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union — A member of the drug group, was arrested by the personnel of the Bantay Municipal Police Station in the province of Ilocos Sur and caught with illegal drugs, after a search warrant operation was conducted at his house in Bantay, Ilocos Sir, on June 21. Pursuant to the search warrant issued by Presiding Judge Fatima F Vitamog-Querobin, Branch 9, Regional Trial Court, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, the operation was launched against the 37-year-old member of the drug group in the province, who is on record of PDEA as High Value Individual. The Bantay MPS (lead unit) was accompanied by the personnel of ISPIU, RIO1, ISPDEU, 1st ISPMFC, ISPPO, PDEA, ISPO, and 101st MC RMFB1, when the operation was carried out The police recovered as evidence seven grams of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price of P47,600.00 contained in three pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets. The meticulous inventory and marking of pieces of evidence was done on-site in the presence of mandatory witnesses, as required by law, and the suspect, who is facing a charge of violation of Republic Act 9165 known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
DAR-CAR and DAR Benguet distributes 293 e-Titles and 131 CLOAs to 424 ARBs
CARBy Jessica Fernando DAR Regional Information Officer The Department of Agrarian Reform – Cordillera Administrative Region, Benguet Provincial Office, distributed 131 Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) with a total of 83.2823 hectares of land to 130 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) covered under Executive Order 75. Additionally, 380 e-Titles covering 234.7606 hectares were given to 293 ARBs from Atok, Itogon, Kapangan, Kibungan, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Municipalities on June 18, 2024, at the Closed Gym, Benguet State University, La Trinidad. The distribution of e-Titles and CLOAs mark a significant milestone in empowering local farmers and advancing agrarian reform in the region. This event not only provides legal land ownership to ARBs, enabling them to secure a stable future for their families, but also highlights the collaborative efforts of government agencies and local officials in promoting sustainable agriculture and community development. The support from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and other stakeholders underscores the ongoing commitment to improving the lives of farmers through comprehensive agrarian reform initiatives. During the distribution, DAR Regional Director Samuel S. Solomero emphasized the significance of these titles, stating that they are provided at no cost to the ARBs, thanks to the support from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III. He also assured ARBs receiving their titles from the Project Support to the Parcelization of the Land for the Individual Titling (SPLIT) that the New Agrarian Emancipation Act will absolve their debts accumulated under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Additionally, more support services and programs, including farm machineries, equipment, and training, will be provided to all ARBs. Hon. Elpedia Alos, also an ARB from the municipality of Atok expressed her community’s gratitude, noting the positive impact of legal land ownership on farmers’ lives. “Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa mga staff na nagpupunta sa amin maski anong mga hindrance, hindi sila nagsusurender, sa lahat ng staff ng DAR. Buong puso po ako nagpapasalamat para sa mga kapwa magsasaka ng Benguet. Nawa po sa mga darating pang araw ay mas marami pa pong mga katulad naming magsasaka ang mabigyan ninyo ng ganitong pagkakataong mapasakanila rin ang buong buo ang mga lupa na kanilang sinasaka.” Alos said. She has also echoed the message of RD Solomero about the support services to come their way as ARBs to give better opportunities for them and continue innovation in their livelihood. Kapangan ARB Gretchen Alunes expressed gratitude for finally legally owning the land farmed by their forefathers, stating, “With this project, you have truly [allowed us] to farm our own legacy.” ARB recipient of CLOA covered by EO 75 Jose G. Bayas Jr. thanked for the opportunity and requested help with processing their other lands, highlighting the ongoing need for support and collaboration. He discussed the broader benefits of land ownership for ARBs, including economic growth and community development. DAR Legal Affairs Office OIC-Assistant Secretary Atty. Eugene P. Follante explained DAR’s process in acquiring these titles for ARBs and emphasized that DAR’s support services will continue as long as ARBs establish their ARB Organization for improved services. He encouraged ARBs not to sell their land but to become successful farmers. Benguet Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Lailani A. Cortez highlighted the importance of collaboration with Local Government Units and partner agencies, stating, “Today, we reap the fruits of our efforts. When individuals work together, support each other, remarkable things happen.” DAR-CAR Assistant Regional Director for Administration Virginia D. Aycud encouraged ARBs to safeguard their land titles as a proud achievement in their livelihood as landowners, adding that there is more to look forward to as ARBs. The event was further supported by the attendance of several Local Government Units and representatives, including Tublay Mayor Hon. Armando I. Lauro, Councilor Jayson Dangwa of La Trinidad, President of La Trinidad IPO Marcos L. Anod, Barangay Captain Alfredo Agmaliw Jr. of Barangay Wangal, IPMR Teodora H. Esteban of Wangal, PARCCOM representatives, Mayor of Atok representative and officials from the Department of Environment and Resources. Their presence underscored the remarkable unity and collaboration in creating opportunities for ARBs, ensuring their livelihoods, and contributing to the community’s development.
Cebu Pacific leads the way in sustainable Philippine Aviation
Environment, NCRCebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) continues to make strides across the three dimensions of sustainability – environmental, social, and governance (ESG), as highlighted in its recently released 2023 sustainability report, “Sustained Momentum.” With the milestones featured in the report, CEB, the Philippines’ leading carrier, has solidified its position as the pacesetter in sustainable aviation in the country. “We remain committed to pursuing sustainability in aviation through initiatives that mitigate our environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to economic progress. Furthermore, we are dedicated to continuously integrating responsible business practices that support our growth ambitions in the future,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. CEB’s environmental thrust centers on decarbonization. Its core strategy is modernizing its fleet with the advanced and fuel-efficient New Engine Option (NEO) aircraft. With 43% of its fleet consisting of NEO aircraft, the airline reduced its carbon emissions by 161,000 tonnes. CEB aims to have an all-NEO fleet by 2028. The airline also saved 16 million kilograms of jet fuel by implementing flight optimization and comprehensive fuel efficiency best practices, which further reduced carbon emissions by almost 51,000 tonnes. Apart from this, CEB’s sustainability priorities emphasized strong social responsibility. This includes investing and empowering employees, evidenced by the signing of a collective bargaining agreement with Juan Wing Association of the Philippines, the airline’s cabin crew union. Furthermore, CEB champions diversity, equity, and inclusion through its “IncluCEB Space” program, launched in 2023 to foster acceptance and empowerment among its workforce. In terms of governance, CEB received a 3-arrow golden recognition under the Golden Arrow Awards that recognized the airline as one of the top Philippine listed companies in corporate governance. Moreover, CEB improved its ESG performance in both its S&P Global ESG score and MSCI ESG ratings For these efforts CEB has gained recognition from both local and international bodies in 2023. The airline’s decarbonization initiatives were recognized with a gold rating by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation’s (CAPA) Global Airline Sustainability Benchmarking Report. CEB was likewise hailed the Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline in the Philippines by World Economic Magazine.
Governor Gambito leads Nueva Vizcaya in Renewable Energy Transition
Region 2By Rachel Magday NUVA VIZCAYA — In a significant move to combat the adverse effects of climate change and reduce high electricity consumption, the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, is transitioning from traditional energy sources to renewable energy. This initiative will see the installation of solar panels on two major buildings: the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center(NV Convention Center) and the Patricio G. Dumlao Executive Building(Provincial Capitol Main Bldg). The provincial government has allocated P51 million for this groundbreaking project. According to Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr. Edgardo Sabado, this transition to renewable energy is expected to yield substantial financial benefits. “With the shift from traditional energy sources to renewable energy, the provincial government anticipates annual savings of 10 to 11 million pesos,” Engr.Sabado stated. Acting Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) head Kathleen Marcelo provided additional context on the province’s current energy consumption. “The monthly electric consumption of the provincial capitol is around P2.8 million and this figure is exclusive of other facilities managed by the province, such as hospitals, which consume an additional P1.2 million per month,” Marcelo explained. Beyond the renewable energy initiatives at the provincial capitol, the provincial government is also prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices. The “Padanum ti Umili” project, a solar-powered irrigation system aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, is being implemented in the municipalities of Villaverde and Quezon, as well as the demo farm of the Provincial Agriculture Office at Sitio Polloc, Brgy. Roxas Solano. The province has allocated P14 million for the first phase of this project. The project aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Governor Gambito emphasized the importance of these initiatives, noting that they not only address environmental concerns but also demonstrate fiscal responsibility. “These projects are a testament to our commitment to sustainable development and prudent financial management. By investing in renewable energy, we are securing a greener future for Nueva Vizcaya while also ensuring significant cost savings. Our province is leading the way with several innovative initiatives in public service that I have introduced, and I am committed to ensuring that Nueva Vizcaya remains at the forefront of these advancements,” Governor Gambito remarked. The installation of solar panels is set to commence soon, while the implementation of the solar irrigation system is almost 100% complete. These efforts mark pivotal moments in the province’s journey towards sustainability. By setting a strong example, these initiatives pave the way for other local government units to follow, demonstrating that renewable energy can be a practical and advantageous alternative to traditional energy sources. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, Governor Gambito’s proactive approach serves as an inspiring example of how local governments can lead the way in environmental stewardship and energy efficiency
