When Non-Tabuk Residents Stand by your Door and say “Christmas…”

The spirit of giving. We all have been imbued with this Christmas concept early on in our lives. And so during the Christmas season – but within our ability to give – we open up our wallets, purses, bank books, and shell out a little (sometimes a little too much) to those outstretched palms that greet us as we approach our doors to respond to that persistent and impatient knocking.
Now, there is nothing wrong with giving. The only problem is that the person whose outstretched palms eagerly await your generosity is not from Tabuk (or Kalinga) at all! I cannot figure out these people who went through all the trouble of taking a bus ride just so they could reach our locality and move from one door to the next.
We had one such visitor at GURU lately. After having received what I could only afford to give, the caroler (who sang the very same short carol I heard her sing at the nearby establishment) moved her attention to my companions in the office – meaning, nu mano ti adda ijay place nga napanan na, isu met la ti rumbeng nga agited.
What an efficient collection system that rivals that of our tax collectors! Worse, they have this nerve to mutter something negative under their breath when your generosity failed to meet their expectations. Of course, if only you could perfectly understand what he muttered, I’m sure you would say “Amin na nga yan!” and snatch your money back.
*****
I remember our dear friend Gillian (God bless his soul). A lady acquaintance entered his beauty shop one morning and gave him an envelope in which to place his monetary support to the lady’s daughter who was running as a candidate in her school’s fund-raising contest. Since Gillian had not yet groomed a single customer, he placed a P10.00 bill (the paper bill for P10.00 was still in circulation then) inside the envelope.
The lady acquaintance had not seen the actual amount which Gillian inserted because she was busy retouching her face by the shop’s mirror. But, once outside the shop, she peeked into the envelope and saw the amount. Haan na nga ma-aklon diay gatad. Believe this: she rushed back inside the parlor and returned the P10.00 bill to Gillian!
*****
Have you seen San Juan by night? It’s all lit up. The alignment of the road lights are a fest to the nocturnal eye, that one may even have this desire to have a relaxing walk under those bright lights. But what if, as you stroll under the lights, a hooded figure steps out from a bush and say, in a gruff voice, “Merry Christmas!” but with a gun or a knife pointed at you. When such occurrence takes place, simply hand him your wallet or bag or mobile phone and greet back “Merry Christmas, too!”
*****
SOMETHING GOOD, to ponder on…
The human potential to do something good has not been drained though. We are all capable of loving our fellow human beings, of treating them with utmost respect, and helping them out when they no longer have anyone to turn to.

TABUK CITY… I INSIST

TABUK CITY… I INSIST
It had been a rough week. Not only for us Tabukeňos but also for the populace of the other 15 towns whose cityhood laws were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court last Nov. 18. Amidst the flurry created by the news, there had been a steady media coverage on the issue.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer simply said SC reverts 16 Cities to Town status. In the article written by Dona Pazzibugan, it was stressed that the Supreme Court upheld the petition of the League of Cities of the Philippines, which argued that the "wholesale conversion" of municipalities into cities would reduce the share of existing cities in the Internal Revenue Allotment, since more cities would share the same amount of internal revenue set aside for all cities.
Manila Bulletin plastered in its pages Supreme Court declares 16 cities Unconstitutional, while Manila Standard Today announced High Court voids 16 Cityhood laws.
Marieton Pacheco wrote in the online news bulletin of ABS-CBN: Supreme Court strikes down Cityhood of 16 Towns, while GMA’s online version said Supreme Court declares cityhood laws unconstitutional.
Two days after the decision, People’s Journal shouted out SC lauded on Cityhood ruling, where it emphasized Sen.Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.’s view that “the Supreme Court decision voiding the cityhood status of 16 cities will bring back order and sanity to the practice of elevating local government units to higher levels.”
Amita Legaspi of the GMA News Online concurred with it via her story titled Pimentel Lauds SC ruling Voiding cityhood Status of 16 Cities. Pimentel, it is noted, was the principal author of the Local Government Code.
The Visayas Bureau of the Philippine Daily Inquirer cried out Visayan cities lament SC Downgrade. The article mentioned that mayors of six cities in the Visayas lamented the Supreme Court ruling that effectively revoked their cityhood, saying it would be a big setback to their development programs.
With the coverage that the issue has been receiving – not to mention its hour-after-hour broadcast through both the radio and TV, plus the heated discussions that are presently going on in various chat rooms and in the online forum of different websites – I can only sit down, and feel deprived of my chance to be called a city dweller.
Unfair, isn’t it?
But all is not lost. A day after the ruling, the Philippine Daily Inquirer printed an entry from its Northern Luzon Bureau titled Luzon towns to pursue cityhood Fight. In the article, our very own City Mayor, Camilo Lammawin Jr., said they would file a motion for reconsideration on the Supreme Court decision. It went on to say that two mayors in Isabela – Amelita Navarro of Santiago City and Caesar Dy of Cauayan City – are optimistic that the tribunal would eventually uphold the cityhood of the 16 with their rightful share of the internal revenue allotment. Also, Batac Mayor Jeffrey Nalupta blamed the League of Cities of the Philippines for the ruling, saying that the league’s opposition against their cityhood had to do with greed.
*****
Every weekend, I travel from Tabuk City to Batac City in Ilocos Norte to attend masters’ classes at the Mariano Marcos State University there. I have always felt like I travel from one city to another.
But now what?
My, my… I, of course, would not want to reprint my call card and remove the word City in it. The word stays. Let us be optimistic.

LAKAYEN… NGEM AWAN IN-LAKAYAN NA

In every crate of tomatoes from the farm, a piece may be rotten. The probability is qualified by the condition that the tomatoes were packed by human hands – thus, not immune to error.

Having been raised in a farming community, I know that as a piece joins a crate, there is just a split-second for one to decide whether the piece should be included in the pickings or should it be discarded. And since one can only base his appraisal on what one sees, a tomato (or any fruit, for that matter) which looks healthy – but which may be infested with worms inside – joins the fray. And slowly contribute to the damage of the whole pack.

Which is not at all different in an organization. Since both objectivity and subjectivity are the order of the day when applicants undergo the selection process, there is always the chance that an excellently packaged contender sooner or later turns out to be one hell of a mistake. Like the illustration below:

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Who is this employee at a certain agency here in Tabuk who claims to have high morals but who cannot really live up to what he (yes, HE) preaches? He professes a strong faith in God – so strong that he fails to appreciate the fact that those surrounding him are as Christian as he is. He is one of those who truly believe that they – and only they – find favor in God’s sight, as if everyone else pales in comparison.

He acts the part perfectly. However, it is really an act. For as you turn your back and go your own way after finishing a little chat with him, he begins talking about you – even using the words you have previously uttered in front of him as his basis in concocting a tale about you.

Kalalakeng tao, tsismoso. Di la agkintayeg nu rumuar jay bibig na ti “Praise the Lord.”

I imagine him in the following scenario (let’s name him Man of Strong Faith):

CO-EMPLOYEE: Have you heard about the daughter of Mrs. Someone?

MAN OF STRONG FAITH: The pretty girl who used to come here at the office? Why? What happened to her?

CO-EMPLOYEE: She’s currently the problem of Mrs. Someone. She got pregnant.

MAN OF STRONG FAITH: Praise the Lord!

THE GOVERNOR’S HOUR, ISANGGUNI, AND THAT MURDEROUS INCIDENT LAST SEPT 2007

The provincial government has recently latched on to the realization that, in order to be truly “visible and heard of,” the media – in all forms – must be taken advantage of. In one of my classes in KASC where I teach Development Communication, I keep stressing the power of media to popularize and endear leaders to constituents.

Of course, we expect media practitioners to go out of their way to rein in the news and bring them right to the doorstep of their audiences (by way of the newspaper, the radio, or the internet). But with the growing bulk of information to be generated, processed and finally packaged, our local media practitioners just might overlook one area while zeroing-in on another. In other words, a news gatherer may possibly prioritize one source of information over another (translated: one reporter may ignore one personality and instead focus on another).

The city government has its City Updates over RN-FM every Monday, anchored by City Information Officers Oliver Gacuya and Estanislao Albano Jr. – a proof that Mayor Camilo Lammawin does recognize the power of being heard. Also, the City Hall can always be read about in the pages of this paper. And it has a regularly updated official website.

The provincial government, however, has only recently added the broadcast medium in its all-out IEC campaigns. We can now listen to The Governor’s Hour every Monday, and Isangguni (of the vice Governor’s Office) over DZRK every Tuesday. Both run from 6 to 7 in the early evening. And, according to Engr. Domingo Bakilan, the Kalinga Advocate (the official paper of the provincial government) shall resume printing this October.

Now, these are positive developments with regards to the creation of a favorable image for those who are holding key positions at present. Take the number of actual news gatherers in Tabuk and set that against the loads of information that they have to cover, then it is easy to imagine that there is always the tendency to miss a lot of important messages. Not because the media practitioners chose to ignore some offices, but because they simply cannot encompass all areas.
So, to avoid such occurrence and ensure being read about and heard of, our local leaders must really go out of their way and establish a sure-fire tactic of being in the news.

Enter The Governor’s Hour and Isangguni. Both are hosted by Provincial Tourism Officer Grace Kidang – in addition to her anchoring the Inter-Agency Segment of The Soldier’s Hour at 5-6 every Saturday (this means being on-the-air three times a week for Ms. Kidang – something she must truly enjoy, since broadcast was her first true love… what with her degree on MassCom from the University of the East).

The Governor’s Hour, Isangguni, and City Updates all cut into our TV viewing time for the newscasts. Still, I strongly recommend tuning-in to the radio for the simple reason that each bit of information dispensed on-the-air by the anchorpersons and their guests has a direct bearing on our daily lives.

Besides, Mel Tiangco or Mike Enriquez of the 24 Oras Newscast cannot respond to our gripes and complaints. The anchorpersons at DZRK and RN-FM, however, can. They give out their numbers at the start of the programs. So start tuning-in and, with zest, begin texting-in you queries, observations, criticisms and praises. Only then will our leaders know that you do care.
(As for Mel Tiangco or Mike Enriquez or those at ABS-CBN, you can catch the remaining part of their newscasts – or, catch the rerun of the day’s events in the later part of the evening).

THAT INCIDENT…

One year ago, I figured in an incident that could have ended tragically. A friend asked why I am not writing a sort of an anniversary article about it. Well, one month after the incident last year, I had a two-issue article about it. My feelings were, I believe, accurately encapsulated in that outpouring – thus I see no point in re-visiting that dark segment of my 2007.

The world is full of ill feelings as it is. I refuse to be embittered by such a sad episode. I still believe in the human potential to truly love and be at peace with one another. Our forefathers have long ago perished proving that. We, on the other hand, are here to sustain that quest – and, at the rate things are going, we may not find it in our lifetime. But we shall go on anyway, because as we watch the last fading light of the day, we somehow know that there shall be another ray of light tomorrow.

See? The tendency to be dramatic – this is one of my reasons for not looking back at September 2007.

To think that it was not a dramatic event which I figured in – but action-packed. I still have that bruise in my left palm… the one I raised to ward off the knife that was descending to butcher me.

But I no longer shudder whenever I reconstruct that scene. My wounds have healed. Why shouldn’t the rest of me?

WHEN A BEAUTY CONTEST RESULT IS QUESTIONED – Oh no, not again!

Ms. Rosabelle Atabay, the deserving winner of the title Ms. Institute of Health Sciences '08 (KASC)

Criteria are put in place to govern competitions. They are created to ensure that the highest set of standards will serve as the yardstick in the selection process of any form of competition – to isolate the “excellent” from the “mediocre,” to come up with a ranking from the best to the worst.

This hurts, but then that’s how competitions go – otherwise we shall never come up with an “ideal” that everyone has to aspire for. Whether the competition is in the area of sports, academics, or the performing arts, there shall always be a standard that has to be met. There shall always be score cards. And there shall always be someone who has to put down some numbers on the score cards.

When “experts” are called to render judgment, we have to assume that the judge was selected because the field in which he/she is judging is well within his/her scope of knowledge.
Where is this line of thinking driving at?

Well, a certain department in a tertiary school recently held its beauty pageant. One contender won hands down (she got the unanimous nod from the judges), and this columnist has no doubts as to her ability to figure prominently in future competitions, even outside the school.

The judges, after the judging duty, soon forgot all about the contest. Until word reached them that a faculty supporter for one losing candidate raised questions regarding the judgment rendered. One would normally treat things like this with a simple shrug, but when eyebrows are raised on one’s ability to choose “the best” – well, a line is crossed, and a territory is breached.

The faculty member questioned why her candidate who was wearing the full attire for motorcycle riding failed to get the award for Best in Sportswear – as opposed to the winning candidate who wore badminton attire.

The contested attire is sportswear. Between a fully covered candidate and a candidate who was showing her healthy skin, muscle tone, and impressive proportions – which one should win? Sportswear brings to mind someone who is athletic and yet manage to look sexy.

That’s why the faculty member’s questions irritated this columnist. Motorbike riding is not even officially recognized as an athletic event – it’s just a dangerous hobby. I reminded the organizer of the contest that in big beauty pageants, there is only ONE sportswear that is competed for: SWIMWEAR. The swimwear is perfect in showing off the natural endowments of the candidates – proportions, muscle tones, glowing skin and all. Well, during the search, the sexy badminton attire was the closest thing that we had to a swimwear. Throw in the candidate’s ability to show off the wear and project herself convincingly, and we have a winner. No questions should be asked.

But the faculty member later announced that her candidate should have won that particular award. Which is bad. It contributes to the development of a lower self esteem on the part of the candidate. Of course, when the teacher told her “sika kuma ti nangabak,” the candidate would only feel sorry for herself – instead of accepting defeat and being encouraged to do better in the future. And to treat the whole experience as a lesson on sportsmanship. As it was, I am sure that the losing candidate would even feel contempt for the judges whenever she sees them.

Judges are invited to give appropriate scores, according to the criteria – otherwise, judges should not even be invited in the first place.

I advise the faculty member to simply print a sash with the words “Best in Sportswear” and pin it on her candidate.

GANTIMPALA AGAD AWARD, DEP-ED PASSERS, AND THE TNHS FUND-RAISER

Kalinga-Apayao State College was one of the sponsoring agencies for this month’s first-Monday flag ceremony last September 1 at the Provincial Capitol. When our Director for Administration and Finane Rosalina Gunaban, and Board Sec Perfelia Buen called up to inform me of the MC task, I said yes (as if I had a choice, heheh) – knowing I would be able to gather juicy bits of info at the Capitol.

Civil Service Commission Director Nerissa Canguilan, a woman with a graceful aura around her, bestowed on District Engineer Leo Mustard the CSC Gantimpala Agad Award.

The Gantimpala Agad Award is a component of the Mamamayan Muna Program of CSC. Its primary goal is to give instant recognition and reward to government officials and employees who have rendered prompt, courteous, efficient and honest service, as well as heroic acts in the course of duty.

September, by the way is also the Civil Service month – and this month marks the 108^th year of the Commission.

*****

Congratulations to Mrs. Pansy Aquino and Mrs. Natividad Bayubay for having passed the Dep-Ed exams for superintendency. That’s two, out of the many who tried their luck. Schools Division Superintendent Norma Brillantes made the announcement.

Looks like there’s going to be a change in the occupant at the most coveted office at the Dep-Ed Division Office of Kalinga soon.

*****

My eye caught DTI’s Grace Baluyan in the flag ceremony gathering, wearing a barong in a lovely shade of green. On the other hand, I saw another female head of office who badly needs a hair treatment.

*****

The TNHS chorale, under Rizaldy Grindulo and Maribel Bravo, gave an excellent performance of the National Anthem and the Provincial Hymn.

Ruby Belgica, also of TNHS, brought along her dancers for a two-set ballroom presentation.

KASC’s cultural dance troupe, under choreographer Cyrila bawer, held the audience in awe with their “Segseg” performance.

Good thing we have teachers who efficiently train students, otherwise programs would be plainly boring – and remember that programs always rely on schools for additional color.

*****

Madam Remely Battikin of the Provincial Engineering Office (she prepared the program) still exudes that calm and confidence that I used to observe when she was still with us in KASC.

*****

Atty. Gelacio Bongngat, Provincial Administrator – when it was his turn to speak in behalf of the Governor – surprised me with his commanding presence – and he is young, take note.

Guru Press, through Gary Damian and Elizabeth Busacay, had a time with him later in the day – the output from which shall be featured next issue.

*****

Let’s go to TNHS. One parent commented on the canvassing process done for the fubd-raising activity in that school. After the simultaneous counting, each year level was called one after the other to announce the cash on hand. The first-year adviser then announced the total amount they had, followed by the second-year adviser, up to the fourth-year.

The parent’s issue was that to prevent the raising of doubts, the organizers could have simply asked all year levels to simultaneously post the respective amount counted.

The parent said, “If you’re going to call one year level after another, a smart-ass could simply add a little amount to top the previous announcement.”

TNHS people have to admit that, indeed, it is a legitimate argument.

Of course, nothing of the sort may have happened, in fairness to the organizers, but as we Tabukenos are fond of saying: “Tapnu koma awan ti agdiskumpliyado (so that no one may entertain doubts).”

*****

Bannawag, the premier Ilocano magazine, featured in its Sept. 8 issue the Sipag at Tiyaga awardees of sen. Manny Villar. The article shed spotlight on the 9 awardees from the north (Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and the Cordilleras) – that’s 9 out of 16 winners nationwide.

Of course, Marie Saclag and Regina Madio were there in the article.

ALMORA,, MADIO, SACLAG AND BAYLE-NG: Do they deserve their awards?

Awards. Everybody loves them. And almost everyone would do everything it would take to get one – even if it means trampling on other people’s shoulders, just so they could be pushed down, while ensuring that the person being held aloft would be noticed and eventually bag the title eyed for.

Indeed, there are awards garnered that way.

However, what if the award was truly deserved? What if the recipient did not only work hard for the honor, but also was not aware that in so doing, he or she has been satisfying the criteria of some award-giving body whose existence the awardee was not even aware of in the first place.

Mother Teresa did not begin doing her charity work just so she could win the Nobel Peace Prize in the 1990’s. Lualhati Bautista did not put his creative energies into paper just so he could win various literary awards.

Awards, for those who are truly detached from the trophy, plaque, or medal, are affirmation of the awardee’s commitment to high standards. Most awardees would say “I did not expect this; I just keep doing what I think is good.”

And, as a result of setting and sticking to these standards, other people notice. And bestow the mark of distinction to the deserving recipients.

Dr. Jaime Almora was recognized for his contribution to the promotion of agricultural technologies, in his capacity as the Magsasaka Siyentista of the Kalinga-Apayao State College; Ms. Regina Madio and Ms. Marie Saclag reaped their rewards for their dedication to high quality craftsmanship via the Sipag at Tiyaga award; and Ms. Thelma Bayle – Ng got the nod of her fellow business people for her remarkable and inspiring success in the field of business.

Dr. Almora was awarded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development of the DOST; Ms. Madio and Ms. Saclag’s distinction was bestowed on them by Sen. Manuel Villar; and Ms. Ng was recognized by the Phil. Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo.

Oh yes, the awards came from the national and regional levels – assuring us that their being recognized underwent some stringent scrutiny and evaluation. Add to that the fact that Dr. Almora, Ms. Madio and Ms. Saclag and Ms. Ng are practically unknown to those involved in the awards.

Yes, we all love awards. And without doubt, these distinctions would push the recipients to even go further than what they have achieved – to improve on perfection, so to speak.

But the awards would become more meaningful when they truly inspire other people to exert similar efforts. Otherwise, these accolades would simply end up in display shelves to be ogled at by visitors who wait by the living room.

Congratulations, again, to Dr. Almora, Ms. Madio, Ms. Saclag and Ms. Bayle-Ng! As your profits increase, so shall the number of people you inspire!

DZRK, RADYO NATIN AND THE REST

“Mayat gayam ti pagkakadwa-an ti grupo yo.”

Those were the exact words of former Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Diego Ambatali during the press conference held at the TAMPCO training hall. The affair was scheduled for the purpose of informing local media practitioners about the latest developments attained by DENR in the region.

Hazel of DZRK replied “Wen met ah.”

*****

Local media practitioners in Tabuk comprise a very small band. You can count us, or for those who DO read and listen, you can name us.

There are only three pen-pushers at the Philippine Information Agency – Peter, Larry and Gigi – and week after week, we read their output, not only on paper but also the electronic versions of their news releases via the websites of PIA, Sun Star, PBS and some other sites that publish (online) their syndicated postings.

*****

Household names in the realm of broadcast are Hazel, Fred, Helen, Renzy, Keno, Estrell, and Basil – all with the title “Kasamang” attached before their names. With their partners in “The Other Room” – Rudy, Rene, Nardz, Willy, Boy, Jun, Lando, Marlon. Through the years, they have ridden the airwaves with messages that they have earnestly packaged to whet our thirst for news, entertainment and commentary.

And their Serbisyo Publiko!

My… how many wallets have they returned? How many feuds have they bridged? How many family issues have they resolved (Agawid ka kanun kuna ni Mamam ta…etc., etc.)?

We rarely pay attention to Serbisyo Publiko because they do not concern us – but think of the people whose lives depend on the very words spewed out by, say, Hazel (Umay ka kanu ditoy Tabuk ta kasapulan ni manong mu ti dara…).

Serbisyo Publiko works. Even with the advent of mobile communications, Serbisyo Publiko is a system that has made an impact (and continues to do so) on the lives of the people of this province.

*****

The folksy strains accompanying the poems of Keno, and the reverberating rhythm of the gongs played on air by Fred – some may not be touched by these efforts, but these are impressive contributions to the preservation and promotion of culture and the arts.

*****

Crossing modulations, we have the enterprising spirit of Carousel who established the first FM station in Tabuk – Radyo Natin, which introduced listeners to the voices of Carousel (of course), Wally, Hazel, Daniel/Cool J, Dalen, Jose, Kenny G., Gary, Venus, Karla, Garry, Gani. Plus Ely B.

Some of them may have long ago ceased to be heard, but RN effectively fills the vacuum in Tabuk’s FM band. Coming from the private sector, RN treats info-dissemination a step further than DZRK – via Dalen’s fearless views. Well, her approach may receive criticism from time to time, but we have to admit that the technique does its share of causing enlightenment for people who are lazy when it comes to the formulation of their own opinions.

Dalen may be tactless at times, but how else would you jostle people who are, in her own words, Natangken ti ulo da?

*****

I have to scurry back and forth between DZRK and Radyo Natin every 7 AM for the simultaneous news cast anchored by Hazel and Dalen, respectively. It’s a good thing that Dalen has a string of sponsors to name before her actual newscast; so that by the time she does begin to give out her news for the day, Hazel shall already be halfway.

*****

Hazel has a more comprehensive take on issues – given her agency’s resources, plus her connections (every time I have to identify a certain official or head of office, I simply have to text her for the name, complete with rank and family background that one may want to know). On the other hand, what Dalen lacks in details, she makes up for her sudden infusion of nerve-racking remarks (at least for those who are natamaan at nagalit).

Textbook journalism dictates that such technique should be frowned upon when delivering straight news… but then air time is expensive, and everyone is highly mobile. So the order of the day is to lump into one hour as many life-changing messages as possible.

*****

And then we have online publication. We have one website which is up-to-date in posting news about Kalinga in its pages: kalingatambayan.com. The electronic medium may not have a strong following yet in Kalinga – but it is a medium nevertheless, and kalingatambayan is constantly being accessed by online readers around the globe – thanks to its administrator/owner Nathaniel Dalanao.

Nathaniel may not exactly fall into the traditionally held idea of a media man – but he is one all right. He has info for transmission, he has a medium, he has readers, and he has lots and lots of feedbacks – some are hostile, if you care to read the postings in his forum (a website’s version of a newspaper’s Letters to the Editor).

*****

Lastly, we have the only newspaper in the city – this paper (I have already devoted the whole month of July talking about the GURU writers. This is actually an afterthought… for fellow media people stationed in other outfits).

*****

So there. We are a small group. We may not have frequent bonding activities, but we all communicate (thanks to mobile phones and the internet). We “borrow” files (dawat actually), we cross-check details, we exchange juicy info, we filter one another, we edit one another, and believe it or not, we also criticize one another.

You ma not see us talking amiably by the side of the stage as we document a certain program: Gigi with her camera (I wonder what happened to her SLR camera?); Renzy or Hazel or Fred or Keno with their tape recorders (or is that ONE recorder?); Estrell with her pen and paper, transcribing; Ely with her camera; and Jun (Albano) with his pen, paper, tape recorder and camera (he still carries with him his SLR).

Yes, we do not chat by the side stage, but we nod at one another, and utter a brief “see you around” as the day’s occasion is wrapped up and we all hurry back to our computers to do the write up (Hazel sometimes still uses the typewriter at DZRK to type her news for broadcast).

*****

We also have what we call CROSSOVER. Gary is identified with Radyo Natin but he also writes for GURU. The photos taken by Ely B. and Carousel are printed here. Jun – first and foremost a writer – can be heard at Radyo Natin every Monday at 6 PM for updates from the City Government of Tabuk, along with head of the City Information Office (CIO), Oliver Gacuya. I also speak on the air, via DZRK – for the KASC/DevCom Hour every Saturday at 8 AM (the program has been turned over to the practicum students since June).

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And we are all gathered under the umbrella of Kalinga Media Organization (KAMO), the group established in August 2006 by its current president Regie Wacas (who is also with the Information Office of LGU-Balbalan).

Obviously, I have written this entry into my column as my own way of observing the birth of the two-year old KAMO.

Long live KAMO!

3 Female entreps shortlisted for Villar’s Sipag at Tiyaga award

by Marciano A. Paroy Jr.

In celebration of Nacionalista Party’s 100 years of nation building, current party president Sen. Manny Villar came up with the idea of awarding P100, 000.00 to micro and small enterprises that exemplify Sipag at Tiyaga in their business undertaking.

This is to raise public awareness to success stories of ordinary people that were driven by the virtues of perseverance and hard work and went into small business in order to free themselves from poverty. The awardees shall hopefully be role models for others to follow and the cash award shall in a way provide support for the development of their enterprise.

From the city of Tabuk, three female entrepreneurs made the final cut for the regional search: Ms. Nancy Busacay of Baguio entrepreneurial legion is the Bago-Ilokano-Tagalog-Igorot-Cagayano-Kalinga (BITICK) Women’s Organization, Mrs. Marie Chaclag of Ayatu’s Ethnic Crafts , and Mrs. Regina Madio of EY Care and Praj’s Gift Shop.

Last April 10, a validation team arrived to put under scrutiny the three finalists. According to Mr. Jess Battung, representative from the Office of Sen. Villar, “It is quite impressive to note that Tabuk City has a healthy business environment. Tuguegarao City has only one contender for the search, yet your city has three – all women at that.”

Mr. Bonifacio Magalong, the other representative from Sen. Villar’s office, said “For the Tabuk pre-assessment activity, we have pre-identified two prominent figures to help us in the conduct of the face-to-face interview of the three finalists.”

Selected as their partners in the evaluation process were Dr. Maximo Garming, Extension Director of KASC, representing the academe, and Pastor Batac, representing the religious sector.

During the briefing, Mr. Battung instructed their two local partners that “We will interview at least two clients of the entrepreneur, two representatives from the LGU, and finally the entrepreneurs themselves.”

The criteria set composed of the following areas: Employment generation (15%); Sales turnover (10%); Growth in profits (10%); Re-investment of profits (10%); Savings generated (10%); Sipag at Tiyaga record (25%); Impact to community such as enhancement of the quality of life of the citizens/promotion of sustainable development (20%).

Nancy Busacay

Mrs. Nancy Busacay, President of the Bago-Ilokano-Tagalog-Igorot-Cagayano-Kalinga (BITICK) Women’s Organization, is backed by her business organization that was established in 2002. This is a group of women who, according to the BaguioCity.com website, “recognized the need to unite for a mutual aid benefit fund that can assist each other during times of death or sickness. Comprising mostly the population of barangay Dagupan Weste in Tabuk, Kalinga, they were able to accumulate a small amount for loan to its members and eventually a road of opportunity for better income sources. In 2003, they registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and started implementing their livelihood or income-generating projects.”

BITICK started coordinating with the local government unit of Tabuk, Rural Bank of Tabuk and national line agencies for various forms of assistance. Today, they are engaged in food processing, popularizing Tabuk Wine such as rice wine or ‘tapey’ and fruit wine or the ‘bugnay’ wine among local residents and visitors. Berry supplies for the wine are from the Ryan’s Farm in Ipil, Tabuk, owned by Mrs. Corazon Ryan.

Marie Chaclag

Ayatu’s Craft, under the able hands of proprietress Marie Chaclag, has been steadily growing as a force to reckon with in the realm of ethnic products. As a constant fixture in trade fairs, not only within the Cordillera, but outside the region as well (most recently in Metro Manila and in Pampanga), Mrs. Chaclag’s business acumen can be proven by the sustained arrival of orders that underwent stringent quality control by the proprietress herself.

“I have a hands-on involvement in every aspect of production,” Mrs. Chaclag stressed. “And I do generate employment. Think of the women who benefit from the orders of Kalinga native fabrics that we place.”

Mrs. Chaclag is likewise involved in community matters that affect her business directly. She sits as the current secretary of the Kalinga Provincial Tourism Council.

Regina Madio

Mrs. Regina Madio, owner of EY Care and Praj’s Gift Shop, is listed in the online database of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). This is an export promotions agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry. Its thrust is to promote the Philippines as a reliable source of high-quality products and services through trade fairs, special exhibits, in-store promotions, trade missions, and other promotional activities here and abroad.

As a manager of her own business, Mrs. Madio, during the interview, said “I have always believed in the ability of the Filipino people to rise up and overcome obstacles that would normally hinder us from attaining our dreams.”

When asked by Mr. Battung about her fair business practices, she simply said “I always give what is due to other people, because it is dangerous to take advantage of others.”

The evaluating group also interviewed clients and barangay leaders, whose words were used to substantiate the statements of the business-owners. The group convened at the office of Dr. Maximo Garming in KASC last April 11 to collate their findings.

The three Tabuk finalists will compete in the regional search. Three qualifiers from CAR shall vie for the top award all the way to the national level.

KASC Builds-up its Research Database This Year

by Marciano A. Paroy Jr.

With the current upsurge in the success of research undertakings as proven in their performance in various fora last year, KASC is poised to build-up its wealth of knowledge and technologies generated through research.

Management Information System Specialist Perfelia Buen – concurrent to her role as the Secretary to the Board of Trustees – predicts that 2008 will indeed be very fruitful for KASC.

“The school is looking into the viability of many researchable areas – like sericulture,” Mrs. Buen said.

“Benguet is, at present, the leader in the region when it comes to sericulture or the production of silk,” KASC Research Director Jovita Saguibo added. “If everything goes well, KASC might establish the first silk development center in the province.”

For the past year, KASC did well as to the number of completed researches, as well as the conduct of extension activities. As summed up in Mrs. Buen’s report to the Highland Agricultural Resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC), the following are enumerated:

On Engineering: (1) Kalinga-Apayao State College Affiliated Non-Conventional Energy Center KASC-ANEC Program; (2) KASC-ANEC Computer Based Information System; (3) Participatory Rural Appraisal Assessment of the Candidate Sites of the Upland Dwellers – A JICA-Assisted Project in Kalinga; (4) Geographic Information System(GIS) Program of KASC – with three components: a) Development of Kalinga Chico River Watershed Topographic Maps and Slope and Watershed Maps using DEM data from NASA; b) Development of a model in digital survey, mapping and subdividing land areas; c) GIS-Based Farmers Information system for CBFM projects; and lastly, the (5) Biogas Research.

On Food Processing: (1) The Utililization of Taro Flour in the Preparation of By-Products; (2) Product Development Using Yam Flour and Its Utilization; (3) Acceptability of Taro Flour in the Preparation of Byproducts; (4) Comparative Study of Three Kinds of Legumes in the Preparation of Tokwa.

On Agroforestry, Environment and Natural Resources: (1) The Nutritive Value of Basidiomycetes (Kurat, Kudit and Laplapayag) in the Province of Kalinga; (2)Patch Farming Practice in Barangay Magao-gao; (3)The effects of with trellis and without trellis on the growth and yield of UBI cultivars; (4) Integrated Farming-Technology Commercialization Using KASC Agricultural Waste; (5)Mud Cake: A Study on Silt as an Alternative Source of Organic Fertilizer; (6)Weeds Management: Preventive Control Approach in Corn Production; (7) Mulches Effect on the Yield of Yam; (8) Betel Nut- An Alternative Oil.

On Crops: (1) Growth and Yield Performance of Pleurotus ostreatus as affected by different Saccharides (2) Adoption of Hybrid Rice; (3) Yield Performance of Lowland Rice Cultivars as Affected by the Ages of Seedlings on Transplanting; (4) Advantages of Plastic Bag as Handling Material to Reduce Rice Seedling Stress During Transplantating – An Initial Comparative Study with Traditional Bundling Method

On Social Research: (1) Rural Communication Channels as Tools for the Promotion of Hybrid Rice Farming in Tabuk, Kalinga.

BAR PASSERS FROM KALINGA

The results of the 2007 Bar Examinations were released last March 29, Saturday, and as soon as the word got out, the supreme Court webpage got clogged with browsers who were downloading the list of the successful examinees. According to the official press release, 1289 examinees passed the exams – out of 5,626 examinees. That gives 22.91% national passing rate.

The first and third placers are from Ateneo de Manila University, while the second placer is from the University of the Philippines-Diliman – which has two other passers (# 7 and 10) in the Top 10. No school from the Cordillera, Cagayan Valley and the Ilocos Region figured in the Top 10. The topnotcher is a female - Mercedita L. Ona. There are only two males in the Top 10 (# 5 and 8).

From the province of Kalinga, a number of examinees made it to the list of passers: Marian Kristine Ambatali, Maria Florinia Binalay, Julio D. Barcellano Jr., Ceferino Calsiyao Jr., Jinky Fianza, Venus Torbela, Ford Tuazon, Mediatrix Tumbali and Ananias Christian G. Vargas.