PPOC to PNP: Show up, You’ll have our Support

The provincial leadership here posed a challenge to the police force here to show up and “you’ll have our support”.

Vice Governor Allen Jesse Mangaoang through the Provincial Peace and Order Council(PPOC) directed the Philippine National Police here to submit during the Executive Legislative Agenda (ELA) meeting a shopping list of their needs so that the local government unit (LGU) could find ways and means to provide them.

However, he told the PNP to also reciprocate in terms of good performance saying LGUs were not remiss on their obligation to assist the PNP in law enforcement and therefore expect the police to discharge their duties judiciously.

In the PNP report, all LGUs in the province allocated budgetary support to their respective police district. The biggest came from the provincial government given to the Kalinga Police Provincial Office in terms of vehicle, communication equipments, gasoline and cash allotment.

Governor and PPOC Chairman Jocel Baac, through the approval of the PPOC members directed the PNP to sit down with them in the ELA forum to present their priorities.
During the PPOC meeting, Police Provincial Director Virgilio Laya admitted that the PNP is not capable of being the sole operational arm of the LGUs in the anti-insurgency campaign.

He reported during the PPOC that they are undermanned, lack mobility, equipment, and firearms. His admission prompted the PPOC to continue supporting them.
Baac who is personally making updates on recent murder cases informed the body that slowly the victims are getting justice. Where necessary to expedite the resolution of the cases, he readily offered the PNP support.

On the other hand, Provincial Prosecutor Bartolome Gamonnac reminded the PNP to build strong cases against suspects, submit evidences in order for the prosecution to prosper in court.
/PIA-Kalinga

Kalinga PPOC to activate Anti-squatting Task Force

In efforts to avert squatting here, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) decided to reactivate the anti-squatting task force.

“Before it become too late, the standard roads Tabuk City is known for has to be protected from further occupancy by private individuals and those who made them into business expansion,” the PPOC declared.
Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Grace Baluyan reported that squatting is one reason why the business climate in this city is not conducive for investors to come in.

“Progress is so slow in the province because investors who want to come in have no guarantee that the lands they will buy to establish their business are not problematic areas or are not squatted”, she said.

In the PPOC meeting last week under the Chairmanship of Governor Jocel Baac, the members adopted the creation of an adhoc committee to study the creation and composition of a new task force to be headed by a lawyer that will include solving squatting on private properties.

The first step taken during the meeting was to limit the composition of the task force members putting those who can act and show results and attached it as a sub-committee under the PPOC.

The second approach is a review, which the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is doing, of the anti-squatting ordinance for possible amendments to give more teeth on the law.
Historically, land dispute in Kalinga has claimed lives of many and brought tribes into war. The latest of the is the armed struggle in Rizal between the joint LGU-Police-Military demolition team and the alleged illegal occupants in Malapiat, Rizal.
/PIA-Kalinga

Tubban assures Support to PWD

by Gigi G. Dumallig

City Mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban assured to continue the city government’s support for the persons with disability (PWD) sector here.

To ensure this, he directed the City Social Welfare and Development Officer to include in their budget fund allotment for PWDs programs and services.

In his message during the celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week and house blessing of the Lin-awa Center Transient House, the city mayor said that he “finds inspiration from the achievements and development of the center in providing services for the PWDs.”

The house blessing he said signifies a “ritual transformation since it represents the desire for the approbation of the Almighty for the effort to bring about change.”

Lauding the initiators for their “sincere efforts in making the transformation possible,” Tubban said that the development provided the public an inspiration to also endeavor to share and give recognition for the less fortunate sectors of society such as the PWDs.

The occasion he said predicates the desire of the founders “to let the public know of their noble intentions” to generate awareness from both the beneficiaries and communities of the problems of the PWDs and unprivileged members of the society.
Recognizing the center as a “part of Tabuk City’s historical landmarks,” he said that the development will bring about physical and mental improvement for the beneficiaries and awareness among the public of the needs and problems of the PWDs.

For the past three years, the city government of Tabuk had been providing the Lin-awa Center an annual allotment of P120,000.00 for the services offered in the center such as physical therapy, Special Education Division (SPED), livelihood training and medical services.

Celebrated from July 19-23, this year’s theme of the NDPR Week is “Sa Istrakturang accessible, lahat ay able,” was chosen to align with the functions of the lead agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways, whose mandate among others, concerns the promotion of the accessibility of persons with disabilities towards a barrier-free environment pursuant to Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 better known as the “Accessibility Law.”

This is ably supported by Republic Act No. 7277 otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons” and its amendatory law, Republic Act No. 9442.

Inaugural Address of Gov. Jocel C. Baac

Friends, ladies and gentlemen:

Today, we begin another milestone in our history as a people, as we rise for public service for better progress and development.

The trust and confidence that our people have reposed in me is a clear imprimatur to lead them and our province. We want to affirm our commitment to our people who invested me with responsibility for the common good and the service of our people.
And we gladly accept this tremendous responsibility on our shoulders with the hope and prayer that God will guide us and give us the necessary strength and wisdom to serve our people with utmost dedication and dignity without counting the cost.

The mandate that we received on Election Day will always remind us that we are first and foremost servants of the common good, and that we will always uphold the interest of our people above any other consideration.

And for this reason, we need the unselfish cooperation of all, especially those who are working directly with the provincial government.

The mandate that we received is a clear sign that we can be of help to our people; that we are effectively knowledgeable of getting back to serious work and making most of the little that we have for our people.

Therefore, our new administration is determined to undertake the six point agenda which was our battle cry during the campaign.

First, the infrastructure system of the province shall be given a priority in the development funds. We shall see to it that all barangays that are isolated will be connected through the construction/opening of new roads, bridges, like the Taloctoc-Mangali road in Tanudan.

The existing provincial roads that are inadequately maintained shall be turned into an all-weather road so that our farmers can easily transport their products to the nearby market centers.

An example of this is the Pinukpuk Junction-Pakawit provincial road and the Catabbogan-Wagud road in Pinukpuk. We shall implement the provisions of Provincial Ordinance No. 2009-04 which provides for the equitable allocation of funds for the maintenance of provincial roads and bridges.

Second, alongside this economic development is the imperative improvement and strengthening of the Peace and Order Council and the empowerment of the barangays being in the front line in the delivery of the basic services in the province to address the serious issues on illegal drugs, anti-criminality campaign and insurgency which are deterrents to economic development.

We will strengthen barangay based institutions like the tanods for peace and order program and community mobilization.

Projects with a funding of 50,000 pesos will be transferred directly to the barangay where the project is located to simplify government transactions, and enhance the proficiency of barangay officials in performing their duties and responsibilities in barangay governance.

Our people must be secured in their persons and their properties; and there must be freedom from fear and freedom from want among our people. Tolerance, understanding, respect and acceptance should blossom among our people because we are a growing multi-ethnic community.

The provincial government will closely coordinate with the PNP and other law enforcement bodies to achieve this objective because I believe that development is the dividend of peace.

We will continue to recognize and utilize the bodong as an alternative means to settle disputes most especially in the areas where the customary laws or bodong exists. It gives life to and protects the people who practice this system.
The bodong, notwithstanding, will not preclude the criminal justice system under Philippine laws to apply in criminal cases under the jurisdiction of the regular courts of justice.

Third, we shall endeavor to insure the efficient delivery of health care and sanitation services to our people. We shall implement the fiscal autonomy of all hospitals under the provincial government as authorized under SP Resolution 227.
Drugs and medicines should be readily available at reasonable prices to patients in the hospital pharmacy. We will pursue constant dialogue and consultation with our doctors to find ways and means to improve the delivery of health care services especially to the poor.

The provincial government aims to provide an additional allowance for our barangay health workers (BHWs) to subsidize their meager allowance. These BHWs are in the forefront providing immediate and emergency health assistance to patients in the barangays before they come to the hospital for proper medical attention.

Fourth, is the improvement of agricultural services. Kalinga is basically an agricultural province. Our farmers rely mainly on agricultural products such as rice, corn, coffee, fruits and vegetables for their income.

We need to increase our agricultural production by judiciously using funds allocated to improve the capabilities of our farmers, funds for pre and post harvest facilities, and other subsidies from national government.

In particular, I ask the Office on Agricultural Services to kindly submit to the Office of the Governor a report on how the 7 million Pesos worth of Abono was utilized, and also a report on the utility of the tractor and other machineries.
May I also ask the NIA to submit a comprehensive report on the maintenance of the main canal that is servicing Tabuk area to Quezon, Isabela for enhancement and re-evaluation. Also, include a summary of all other existing CIS that are functional well as those that are no longer in use.

Fifth, is the promotion of environmental protection. We shall continue to promote and protect the natural resources of Kalinga for our future generation. With the recent passage of the Kalinga Environment Code by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan which was approved by my predecessor, we are now given a clear mandate to regulate the use of our eco-systems for environmental security.

Massive commercial mining shall not be allowed to prevent pollution of the rivers. However, small scale mining like gold panning may be allowed under special laws for the benefit of the people.

Sixth, in education my administration will increase the number of local school board teachers to be hired by the provincial government. We will work closely with DEPED to devise a plan to properly accomplish this objective.

We must be able to give proper education to our children by hiring qualified and capable teachers so that at the end of the day we shall have produced well informed citizens to help bring about a Kalinga Province that is politically, economically, and socially developed.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support.



Early Kalinga Art and Architecture

"The Head Hunters of Northern Luzon"

KALINGA ETHNOARCH (Smithsonian Series in Archaeological Inquiry)

Parties involved in Malapiat land dispute Agree not to enter area in Question

RIZAL, Kalinga – Parties involved in the Malapiat land dispute here agreed to observe a status quo order of Governor Floydelia Diasen for them not to construct additional structure and refrain from doing farming activities in the problem area.
In an agreement forged after a consultative meeting called by the local government unit of Rizal, Malapiat Neighborhood Association (MNA, new claimants who allegedly bought lands in the late 80’s onward) and original occupants of the area claimed and won in court by intervenors also agreed to observe religiously the agreement so as not to invite trouble.
The meeting held at the Rizal National School of Arts and Trade (RNSAT) in Liwan West on June 16 was attended by Bishop Prudencio Andaya, national line agencies, the provincial government and office of the congressman, Kalinga and Apayao Religious Association, Judge Victor Dalanao of the Municipal Trial Court of Tabuk City, Commission on Human Rights, government and private media, the military and Police.
It was further approved that the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to act as “caretaker” while solutions or a negotiation takes place.
Though not push trough by a temporary restraining order of the court, the demolition of huts built by new claimants was earlier ordered by Rizal LGU which prompted Bishop Andaya to appeal to sit down for a negotiation. “Negotiation first before demolition,” he said.
Mayor Crismark de la Cruz of this town honored the request and immediately called for a consultative meeting. “We respect lawful orders or suggestions from any group that could pave way for the solution of the problem,” he said in his message during the meeting.
In his prayer after presenting the background of the problem, he asked that the PNP and the military to establish a detachment in the area; for the convergence group composed of DAR, DENR, NCIP, Provincial LGU, OPAPP, AFP, PNP, Rizal LGU and other members to finish their job; and all concern to continue their support.
Mayor elect Marcelo de la Cruz strongly recommends that the rights of legal owners be protected regardless of which way the dispute could be solved. “We have done due process and all necessary means to bring the parties at the negotiating table, however, the law is always disregarded and efforts of the LGU is not taken seriously by the new claimants,” he lamented.
Participants to the meeting suggested for a win-win solution that could satisfy both sides. In order to give leeway for its settlement Ruben Tuazon of the Office of the Congressman pleaded for the attention of MNA members and pressed for the compliance of the status quo order of “no additional huts is built” in the disputed area.
MTC Judge Victor Dalanao supports an out of court settlement in order to live peacefully. “Even if the case reached the Supreme Court, still the highest tribunal asks the involved parties to consider out of court settlement,” he said.
KARSA President Pastor Luis Ao-as emphasized that in a negotiation, someone has to lose in order to win. “I am for a negotiation since it is the only way to save on resources and control possible collateral damage when the law takes its course,” he points out. -PIA Kalinga

Gov. Diasen leaves post with great Pride

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Governor Floydelia Diasen is ready to transfer power to the next leadership with pride for a job well done in her three years as the province’s chief executive.
The PEACE agenda of Diasen was able to gain breakthroughs in the five development areas. The PEACE is an acronym for Peace, Order and Safety; Education and Employment; Agricultural Productivity; Culture and Tourism; Environment and Health.
After two years of peace building, a Provincial Peace and Order Strategic Master Plan, a blueprint of all peace programs in the years ahead was crafted. Another significant accomplishment was the creation of the Kalinga Social Integration Program in partnership with Office of the Presidential Assistance for Peace Process where 22 former rebels were given livelihood assistance.
On education, the PLGU educational assistance program helped deserving children of indigent families pursue academic and tech-voc courses. On employment, jobs fair were conducted and applying OFWs were also granted placement fee assistance.
To increase agricultural productivity, 87 farm to market roads s were rehabilitated, 37 community irrigation system repaired, 34 units water works and deepwells, 23 flatbed dryers, and 17 multi-purpose pavements were constructed. , the lady governor was able to work out from the Department of Agriculture P20 million to rehabilitate 15 FMRs in the different municipalities.
She also informed that P10 million through her initiative was sourced out for the rehabilitation of Upper Chico River Irrigation System particularly the construction of protection walls at Baligatan creek, Tuga-Gobgob main canal, Karayan Buris, Dilag-Bayabat and TSCZB at Dananao area.
To sustain food security, the PLGU launched the rapid seed supply financing project and quick recovery program in rice areas affected by typhoons Ondong and Pepeng.
Cultural and tourism development has given impetus on the promotion of the Kalinga Ullalim festival, recording of songs, documentation of rituals and dances even on the website.
Under environment protection, forestry violation decreased with the activation of the Provincial Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee. Tree cutting and illegal transport was regulated.
To promote health, seven new equipments were purchased from the health facility enhancement program of the Department of Health while P650,000.00 worth of medicines was given to the Botika ng Bayan.
About 6,220 indigents were sponsored their Philhealth membership while health workers were granted hazard pay under the Magna Carta for Health Workers.
Meanwhile, the “economic enterprises” projects under the stewardship of Diasen are contributing to the expansion of trade and commerce and in the revenue generation of the provincial local government unit including municipal and barangay levels since they can earn income directly or indirectly through their respective beneficiaries or the operating entity.
Diasen said that on the long term, these projects propelled the opening of business and established permanent source of livelihood as they also created employment opportunities and increase production of famers in the case of agriculture projects and addressed as well poverty to many.
Forming part of her legacy is the Kalinga Astrodome and Convention Center currently under construction. A total of P18.5 million was allocated for the Capitol gymnasium during her incumbency in addition to the P8M spent to start the construction during the term of Governor Dominador Belac.
“If completed, the Provincial Government will save a lot of money because it will no longer rent venues for its activities,” Diasen said adding that this will earn money if it will operate as an economic enterprise.
Engr. Proceso Mario Bayubay of the Provincial Engineering Office said that the project still needs about P12M to complete its construction including sports facilities. /PIA Kalinga

Getaway motorcycle in Angway slay Recovered?

by Estanislao C. Albano Jr.

(posted from the news article he submitted to me for publication at Guru Press)

A team of Tabuk City policemen while still in hot pursuit of the killers of their fellow policemen the day before recovered an abandoned red TMX 155 Honda motorcycle with no plate number at Ipil,  Tabuk City, at 4 AM of March 27.
The police believe that the motorcycle which bears engine number  KCOIE000096PH and chassis number 91821690 was the getaway vehicle of the men who gunned down SPO1 Joe Angway, 51, married, resident of San Juan, this city, infront of the Tabuk Central School at Dagupan Weste 10:30 AM of March 26.
The motorcycle which nobody as yet has come to claim was found abandoned at a road deadend.
An ambulant vendor whose stall is just a few meters from the spot where Angway was shot told the  Guru Press that  the two men who she saw running away after the shots which killed Angway boarded  a motorcycle waiting at the other crossing. Driven by a third suspect, the motorcycle fled to the east.
The vendor said that the last time she saw Angway alive was some minutes before the incident, and he was lying on his hammock suspended between two trees whittling with a small bolo at a wooden stick. She heard him say that he would make the stick into a cane.
Along with unarmed two police interns and two unarmed police field trainees, Angway was  manning that busy U-turn slot of the Provincial Road between and Tabuk Central School and the St. Theresita’s School which was having its closing ceremonies at the time of the crime.
Except for the information on the recovered motorcycle, police investigators declined to go on record with the results of their investigation going only so far as say that they still do not have a firm lead in the case although a lot of angles are being considered.
Angway’s colleagues could not believe that anyone would want to harm the hard-working, humble and affable policeman.
SPOIV Tiburcio Macanas said that they do not know of any crime Angway has committed or enemy he has made.
Indicative of his confidence that there are no people who hate and want to do him harm, it was seldom that Angway did his traffic duties armed. His colleagues said that at times, he would place the gun in his clutch bag and when he reaches his beat, asks one of the ambulant vendors to keep it and that was what he did yesterday. The investigators said that one of the vendors near the crime scene turned over to them the clutch bag containing Angway’s gun, handcuffs and cigarettes.

Kalinga Candidates