By Jesse Maguiya-Tabuk City-PIO   Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Demolition Task Force of Tabuk City Local Government convened in a meeting to re-organize and prepare for their upcoming road right-of-way clearing operation scheduled for February. The operation is set to take place from February 24-26, 2025, in Barangay Agbannawag. The task force, a comprehensive team composed of various government agencies, includes representatives from the City Legal Office, the Tabuk City DILG Field Office, the DPWH Kalinga Engineering District, the City Building and Architectural Office (CBAO), the City Engineering Office, the City Motor and Equipment Pool Office, the Public Order and Safety Office, the City Assessors Office, the City Public Information Office, the the Tabuk City Police Office, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council, the Kalinga Electric Cooperative (KAELCO), and the Association of Barangay Councils. One of the critical points discussed during the meeting was the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2024-053, which details the nationwide implementation of the Barangay Road Clearing Operations, Assessment, Validation, and Recognition under the Bagong Pilipinas Program. The memorandum emphasizes the importance of clearing road obstructions, particularly in barangay areas, to ensure safer and more efficient infrastructure development. Attorney Arthur Kub-ao, Chairman of the Demolition Task Force, explained that the demolition operation, initially planned for December 2024, was delayed due to various factors. However, the rescheduled operation will now proceed in February 2025. According to Kub-ao, affected residents have already been notified through notices and general assemblies, leaving no further reasons for postponing the operation. One of the key reasons for the demolition is the construction of the new Agbannawag Police Station, along with the ongoing road widening project along the national highway in the area. These infrastructure improvements necessitate the removal of illegal structures that have encroached upon the road right-of-way. During the meeting, assessments were presented, showing that several structures along the national highway in Barangay Agbannawag have been occupying or encroaching on public road spaces. This has hindered both the development of the area and the smooth flow of traffic, making the road clearing operation essential for the area’s growth and safety. The demolition task force is committed to ensuring the timely execution of the operation, with full coordination between all involved agencies and the affected local communities. The operation is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve public safety across the region. Photos: Ralph Banna        

By Laarni S. Ilagan   Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) lineman Reagan Acdong turned-over a Philippine Scops Owl (Otis megalotis) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), on January 17. Acdong officially handed the owl over to Jasper Oligo, DENR-CAR’s Wildlife and Rescue Officer at their office in Baguio City after caring for it for two weeks. The baby owl still with its cottony tufts of soft downy feathers still starting to turn into harder feathers and could not yet fly, was rescued last January 3, 2025 by BENECO linemen J1 crew of BENECO. The heavy maintenance team linemen were conducting a scheduled retirement of idle wooden creosoted pole behind the wooded area at the Baguio Convention Center. Acdong is part of the J1 team. “We initially noticed that the tip of the pole was deeply hollowed. Baka adda billit dita (there might be a bird inside) kuna ni boss Rufo Madilat,” Acdong recalled. Madilat’s suspicion proved prophetic when the pole fell after the crew cut the pole with chainsaw, the baby owl came out of its hollowed tip. Acdong cared for it for two weeks and fed the owl with rodents, lizards and insects. He said he initially thought of releasing the baby owl at the area where it was rescued for the mother to come back and care for, but decided otherwise when he noticed it was still struggling to fly on its own. He also noticed the presence of cats that could prey on the vulnerable owl. While in his care he noticed the fast development of the owl’s wings and taught it to fly. “Wild life like this owl, that our crew usually encounter in the course of their work, were mostly sadly electrocuted. In my 20-years in BENECO as lineman and eventually as Construction and Maintenance Officer (CMO), this is a first live rescued wild life,” Engr Percival Aspillan said. According to Oligo, the owl could be 2-3 months old left alone by the mother that may have judged its youngling capable of surviving alone. It may also have been stressed by the chainsaw’s loud sound. Oligo lauded Acdong’s care for the baby owl and decision to turn-over to their office. Though he said that if in the future BENECO crew again rescue wild life, away from the city, they can immediately release them in the forest or vicinity they encountered them. Oligo assured Acdong that he will be releasing the owl this afternoon in a heavily forested area, its natural habitat.

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Twenty two promoted and 15 newly-appointed permanent employees of the Provincial Government took their oath of office before Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. at the Provincial Governor’s Office and at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office. The oath-taking took place in the presence of Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli, Board Members Ezra Samson A. Gomez, Ricardo M. Masidong, Jr., Henry D. Bastian, Jr., and Joshua B. Fronda who altogether, relayed their respective message of congratulations and encouragement. Also, Provincial Human Resources Management Officer Leonila Milagrose F. Malla-ao, office heads, family, friends, and colleagues of the inducted employees stood as witnesses to the ceremony. Meanwhile, the promoted and newly-appointed personnel were oriented by Board Member Tomas B. Tawagen on their vital role in providing quality services to the people of the province before the ceremony. The Provincial Government congratulates the following personnel: Voniff Deon Y. Likigan – Engineer I at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Marjorie T. Engngeg – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the PDRRMO Angeline N. Bayle – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the PDRRMO Jomar S. Vargas – Administrative Aide I (Utility Worker I) at the Provincial Human Resources and Management Office (PHRMO) Maureen B. Sacgaca – Administrative Aide III (Clerk I) at the PHRMO Caren Michelle L. Dangit – Administrative Aide IV (Bookbinder II) at the Provincial Assessor’s Office (PAssO) Jeffrey O. Afidchao – Engineer I at the Office of the Provincial Agriculture and Biosystem Engineer Daphna Fa-e T. Fantiyao – Medical Officer III at the Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) Marie Lei O. Bandoc – Nutritionist Dietitian II at the Provincial Health Office Charlie Sheen A. Maskit – Security Guard I at the Provincial Security Services Office (PSSO) Rose L. Lomas-I – Nurse I at the BoGH Angelika Inglay A. Ringor – Nurse I at the BoGH Tanya Crystal F. Khayad – Nurse I at the BoGH Lorimae M. Pakurao – Nurse I at the Barlig District Hospital Kent M. Falitang – Economic Researcher at the Provincial Planning and Development Office Samuel Kurt B. Fagyan – Administrative Aide V (Audio-Visual Equipment Operator) at the PHRMO Marilou P. Sapdoy – Administrative Assistant II (Audio-Visual Aids Technician) at the PHRMO Salvacion P. Likigan – Provincial Government Assistant Department Head of the PAssO Brenda Joy B. Golocan – Administrative Officer V (Administrative Officer III) at the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) Clay Angelo D. Bayle – Administrative Assistant IV (Photographer III) at the Provincial Information Office Weldon Lee L. Manalang – Security Guard II at the PSSO Adelfo I. Edan, Jr. – Nurse II at the BoGH Elvie A. Lubang – Nurse Attendant I at the BoGH Jasper S. Manogan – Nurse Attendant I at the BoGH Martina B. Safawil – Midwife I at the BoGH Lyndon John V. Awichen – Administrative Aide IV (Driver II) at the BoGH Tom P. Agluya – Medical Equipment Technician at the BoGH Mananne B. Sumedca – Administrative Assistant I (Bookbinder III) at the PGO Leticia F. Dacawe – Senior Agriculturist at the Provincial Agriculture Office Janine K. Damitan – Engineer II at the Provincial Engineering Office John Melville L. Maskay – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the Provincial General Services Office Fernando F. Balagot, Jr. – Administrative Assistant II (Accounting Clerk III) at the Provincial Accounting Office (PAccO) Maria Louisa F. Napa-eg – Accountant IV at the PAccO Lyn S. Killip – Local Revenue Collection Officer IV at the Provincial Treasury Office (PTrO) Faith Ann P. Landisan – Local Revenue Collection Officer I at the PTrO Ruth G. Ticangen – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the Mountain Province Environment and Natural Resources Office (MPENRO) Angelica B. Maday-a – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the MPENRO        

By: Jamie Joie P. Malingan-PIA Abra   BANGUED, Abra  – Abra Provincial Police Office (PPO) Provincial Director PCol. Gilbert Fati-ig emphasized the religious conduct of checkpoints in the province as the election period comes close. Fati-ig, during the first Monday flag raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Grounds on January 6, shared that the different police stations in Abra will religiously conduct checkpoints to ensure public order and safety as the election period kicks-off on January 12, 2025. “Ang aim ng Abra PPO ay zero-shooting incidence dito sa Abra lalo na ngayong election period. I seek your sincere cooperation dito sa pag-observe natin ng peace and order dito sa Abra,” Fati-ig appealed. He shared that one 45 caliber gun was already confiscated at a checkpoint and a case was already filed for it. The Provincial Director advised gun owners to keep their guns, even those with papers, at home during the election gun ban starting Jan. 12. Abra has been identified as a hotspot in past election periods and is known to have a violent poll history. Meanwhile,  Fati-ig also reported that during the holiday season, a total of 14 firecracker-related injuries and three  crime incidents were recorded in the province. Bangued recorded the most number of cases of firecracker-related injuries. Of the 14 injuries, five were  due to ‘boga’ or improvised cannons and others were due to  ‘kwitis’ or skyrocket accidents. The province also had three crime incidents during the holidays that involved a shooting in Pilar, another shooting incident under investigation, and a hacking incident in Tayum due to drunkenness. All three cases were already referred to the Prosecutor’s Office. Fati-ig encouraged the public to cooperate in crime prevention and keeping Abra communities peaceful and safe. “Public order and safety is all our concern. I urge everyone nga paki-report ang napansin ninyo o nakita ninyo na crime sa mga nearest police stations ninyo para makapag-response po kami ng maaga,” he said.        

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Finally, Benguet Day will now officially be held every 23rd of November following the signing of Republic Act 12099 recently. RA 12099, was signed into law December 13, 2024 recognizes November 23 of every year as a special non-working holiday in the province to be known as Benguet Day in commemoration of its foundation day. Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap, who filed the bill which eventually became a law explained the 23rd of November 1900 was the momentous day when the first civil government in Benguet was established. “We’re elated with the enactment of this into law, finally, kinikilala na ng batas ng Pilipinas ang Nov 23 bilang holiday sa Benguet in commemoration of our birth. Alam naman ng lahat na talagang November 23 ang selebrasyon ng Benguet Day at by filing this Bill, I would like to give proper recognition sa pinagmulan ng ating probinsya,” said Yap. The solon pointed out that the rich history of Benguet indicates that although the people of the province are comprised of different groups, tribes, and cultures, they have harmoniously co-existed through the government established then for the said purpose. Yap underscored that the inception of the civil government of Benguet under Act 48 with its then Civil Governor H.P, Whitmarsh has needless to say, paved the way for the sustained growth and development of the province for over a century now. “We actually filed for the first time this last Congress pa, it hurdled Congress and it was passed by the House pero naipit sa Senate. Based on the records of Congress, it was the first time na nai-file itong ganito but hindi naman na relevant yun kasi this term, we made sure to lobby hard sa Senate. It was a very complicated process kasi kahit local holiday lang siya, there’s a lot to consider. Kailangan pag-aralan yung economic impact din and a lot more. I had to be there every step of the way kasabay nung ibang nilalapit natin sa Senado and I thank Sen JV Ejercito for sponsoring this sa plenary. And of course, our President Bongbong Marcos for the enactment of this law,” added Yap. The declaration of every November 23rd as a special non-working holiday in Benguet, according to Yap, in celebration of its founding anniversary will surely provide the appropriate opportunity for the province to revisit its past and re-connect with its roots. Yap added that the declaration of the special non-working holiday in the province provides a reason for the province to celebrate milestones, big or small, that have since the civil government’s creation over a century ago. Yap also explained that when the holiday falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the holiday shall be observed on the Monday that follows. The law also repealed RA 7672 declaring June 18 as a special non – working holiday in the province. “June 18 will still hold a significant place in our history and I will speak with Governor Diclas to plan an activity every year to recognize din yung date na yun sa history ng province,” Yap qupped. RA12099 meanwhile, was passed in the House of Representatives on Sept. 5, 2022, amended by the Senate on August 27, 2024 and which amendments were concurred by the lower house on Sept. 25. “Marami pa tayong pinupush na mapasa na batas, lalo yung mga local bills natin.Marami na tayong napasa din na may impact sa senior citizens, youth, work force, agriculture sector and health. But there’s still a lot of work so we will not rest until makuha natin yun,” Yap closed.      

CORDILLERA – The Department of Health-Cordillera recorded 17 additional cases of  Firework-Related Injury (FWRI) as of January 2, bringing a total 42 injuries and one stray bullet injury in the region. The province of Abra listed higher number of FWRI cases to 9, followed by 8 in Baguio City; 8 in Kalinga;  7 in Benguet; 4 each in Apayao and Mt.Province and 1 in Ifugao. The age range of cases is from 4 to 84 years old (median of 16 years) and no death was reported. Majority of injured cases are males with 32 cases. Eleven cases sustained eye injury;26 cases had blast/burn injuries without amputation; three case of blast/burn injury with amputation, and one with multiple injuries. The stray bullet injury was reported from Kalinga, the case is a 16-year-old female.

TUBA, Benguet – The traditional New Year’s Eve celebration turned sad for 36 families after a fire gutted 24 houses in Riverside Compound, Barangay Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet, early on January 1. Initial reports indicate that at least 36 families, comprising 155 individuals, were affected by the fire that broke out at 1:00 a.m., after the New Year’s Eve 2025 celebration. The next morning, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, acting chairperson of the Metropolitan Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA), immediately met with the Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headed by Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan. Magalong also met with 36 affected families for immediate assistance prepared by the Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for the fire victims. Magalong also thanked the Baguio City Fire Station for being first responders, water deliveries and local disaster-response teams for their quick assistance to the Tuba Fire Station in extinguishing the fire. Those who lost their homes were temporarily taken to Camp 6 Elementary School, and Barangay Camp 4 Multi-purpose Hall, while the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are still being determined. Those who wish to help may proceed to the Camp 6 Jeepney terminal/staging area in Baguio City, where they will be taken to the affected families in Camp 6.      

  The Department of Agriculture – Cordillera (DA-CAR) turned over four specialized hauling vehicles for hogs, 14 meat processing equipment, 10 cold storages, and nine hog feeders to 10 Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) who are beneficiaries of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) project at the Dairy Farm, Dontogan, Baguio City on December 27, 2024. The turned over hauling truck, machinery and equipment costs P19,520,500. Four hauling trucks amounting to P13,280,000.00 were turned over to Abra Diocesan and Employees Multipurpose Cooperative of Abra, Tobano Omang Livelihood Project Organization in Atok Benguet, Balili Backyard Hog Fattening Association of Mankayan and Dumap-ay Farmers Association of Alab, Bontoc, Mountain Province. Although, the trucks were entrusted to the abovementioned organizations, other organizations belonging to the cluster groups can also request for the use of the same. In addition, meat processing equipment amounting to Php2,963,000 and cold storage amounting to P2,275,000.00 were also turned over to Sagubo Multipurpose Cooperative, Taloy Sur Integrated Farming Producers’ Association, Bakir Vegetable and Corn Farmers Association, Tadian Farmers and Fisherfolks and Irrigators Association, Dumap-ay Farmers Incorporated and Abra Mountain Cooperative. Nine hog feeders amounting to P106,155 were also given to the Kapangan Overseas Filipino Worker Returnee’s Organization. “Our activity today is not only for the turn-over of these machineries and other equipment but also to show our partnership”, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dr. Arlene M. Sagayo said during the ceremony. “Our dream is to strengthen the livestock industry in the Cordillera, let us sustain the supply of swine in our region because that is one of the purposes of the INSPIRE project. Dr. Kevin Jim Luna also shared the purpose of the INSPIRE project that started in 2022. “Although for us in CAR, the implementation of INSPIRE projects ended in 2023, but we are evaluating all the current projects so that we can propose for additional support the post-harvest operations,” he said. “We are very happy for your testimonies and we are glad because the Department of Agriculture did a very good job in selecting you as qualified beneficiaries that can sustain the INSPIRE project,” Marlyn Tejero, the Regulatory Chief said during her closing remarks. “We hope that the projects that were turned over will be operated and aligned to its purpose,” she added. Other Key officials who supported the turn-over ceremony were Dr. Rodel Bagawi from PVO Mountain Province, Roger Bengwasan from PVO Benguet, Dr. Leisley Deligen Supervising Agriculturist of the Regulatory Division and Cirilo Batan from APCO, Benguet.// Tan Dulag, Livestock Program    

The Criminal Investigation Course (CIC) Class 02-021-RCAR-2024-071 officially concluded during the closing ceremony held at the PRO-CAR Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on December 27, 2024. The ceremony was graced by Col. Julio Lizardo, Chief Regional Staff, as the keynote speaker, along with Col. Marvin Diplat, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division; Col. Manolita Galvan, Training Manager of the Regional Special Training Unit-CAR; Lt.Col. Jerry Haduca, Assistant Division Chief of the Regional Learning and Doctrine Development Division; and other PRO-CAR personnel. As the highlight of the event, the members of CIC Class 02-021-RCAR-2024-071, composed of 50 police officers from various units of PRO-CAR, received their Certificates of Completion and CIC pins signifying their official graduation from the said course. Moreover, the top performers during the training were awarded and recognized. Medalya ng Kasanayan was awarded to PCpl Rowena L Icalla, with an average of 87.58%, for being the Top 1, while Medalya ng Papuri were given to PCpl Jen Jen D Callis, with an average of 87.43% , for being the Top 2, and PCpl Chicky Faith C Tenay, with an average 87.36%, for being the Top 3. Further, Leadership Awards were also presented to PCMS Junar B Paras for serving as the Class Marcher and PMSg Prince G Doligas for serving as the Class President. Lizardo, commended the graduates and emphasized the importance of continuous professional development and adaptability in their careers. He encouraged them to pursue further training to build upon the knowledge and skills they acquired during the CIC, ensuring a well-rounded skillset for their roles as investigators.