Is this the prize of being poor?
Is it the prize of lawlessness?
The aftermath of the bloody clashes during the demolition of alleged squatters in Rizal, Kalinga, Philippines on June 25, 2007.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Violence in Rizal, Kalinga
Nine people were dead while ten policemen were injured during a failed demolition effort in the municipality of Rizal in Kalinga province last Monday.
The alleged squatters were defending the land they claim as their ancestral land, according to reports. The gun battle started at about 7:30 a.m. and ended at at about 5:00 p.m.
More stories: GMA, BBC, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Inquirer
Note: The stories in the above links were mostly based on accounts from Police reports, Mayor of Rizal, and other individuals. Contrary to reports, there was no court order; it was only released by the Regional Trial Court on that day while the gun battle is on-going, as told by a reliable source.
The alleged squatters were defending the land they claim as their ancestral land, according to reports. The gun battle started at about 7:30 a.m. and ended at at about 5:00 p.m.
More stories: GMA, BBC, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Inquirer
Note: The stories in the above links were mostly based on accounts from Police reports, Mayor of Rizal, and other individuals. Contrary to reports, there was no court order; it was only released by the Regional Trial Court on that day while the gun battle is on-going, as told by a reliable source.
Peace tops former law prof agenda
Former Baguio City law professor now Kalinga board member-elect Eduardo Buliyat identified peace and order as a top priority of his legislative agenda once he assumes office as provincial board member in July.
Buliyat revealed that he would push measures upgrading the capability of the Kalinga police force and strengthening the bodong as a complement to the national law.
Buliyat said he will work “to effect the education of police officers especially with respect to the performance of their function.”
Buliyat blamed the ignorance of law enforcers particularly on procedures in effecting a valid arrest as a big reason why many cases filed by the police are usually dismissed by the courts.
The only lawyer among the incoming members of provincial board added that he would even conduct lectures to policemen on Saturdays.
Buliyat served in various capacities as instructor and legal counsel at the Philippine Military Academy for 22 years before retiring in 2004 with the rank of a colonel. He also taught law at the University of the Cordilleras (formerly Baguio Colleges Foundation) college of law from 1982 to 2002.
To enhance crime prevention, Buliyat said he shall see to it that police visibility be heightened especially in crowded areas like the public market.
Buliyat rued the fact that the Bulanao police sub-station is within the market compound yet the volume of crimes in Barangay Bulanao happen in or around the area.
“It seems they’re just staying inside their quarters instead of patrolling,” Buliyat said.
He added that he would also see to the upgrading of police equipments and provision of patrol cars claiming the province has the funds and, if that is not enough, donors can be tapped for support. He cited the buses of PMA, which were donated by the government of South Korea.
Buliyat added further that the province may solicit from businessmen. He justified that businessmen could always use additional protection.
Lastly, Buliyat cited the need to establish additional police outposts in some areas of Bulanao and Poblacion.
On the bodong, Buliyat, a native of Lubo, Tanudan, said the customary law should not interfere with law enforcement.
“The bodong should instead strengthen the national law,” he said.
He added that one aspect of the bodong that is contradictory to the national law is the practice of revenge, one of the modes of justice prescribed in the pagta (the unwritten code of the bodong) the other being the multa (fine).
Traditionally, it is the bodong holder who meted justice against the offending member of his own tribe as a matter of duty and honor as enforcer of the bodong. Such has gradually ceased to be the case.
Buliyat said, “Bodong holders should help in the apprehension of criminals if they have knowledge (of the criminal’s whereabouts and/or his involvement).”
He added that support should be given to strengthening the bodong confederation and that the congressman-elect, Manuel Agyao, should provide funds for that.
Aside from peace and order, Buliyat included health, education and livelihood advocacies in his agenda.
“Nothing grand, just those that are doable,” Buliyat said.**Bani Asbucan
Buliyat revealed that he would push measures upgrading the capability of the Kalinga police force and strengthening the bodong as a complement to the national law.
Buliyat said he will work “to effect the education of police officers especially with respect to the performance of their function.”
Buliyat blamed the ignorance of law enforcers particularly on procedures in effecting a valid arrest as a big reason why many cases filed by the police are usually dismissed by the courts.
The only lawyer among the incoming members of provincial board added that he would even conduct lectures to policemen on Saturdays.
Buliyat served in various capacities as instructor and legal counsel at the Philippine Military Academy for 22 years before retiring in 2004 with the rank of a colonel. He also taught law at the University of the Cordilleras (formerly Baguio Colleges Foundation) college of law from 1982 to 2002.
To enhance crime prevention, Buliyat said he shall see to it that police visibility be heightened especially in crowded areas like the public market.
Buliyat rued the fact that the Bulanao police sub-station is within the market compound yet the volume of crimes in Barangay Bulanao happen in or around the area.
“It seems they’re just staying inside their quarters instead of patrolling,” Buliyat said.
He added that he would also see to the upgrading of police equipments and provision of patrol cars claiming the province has the funds and, if that is not enough, donors can be tapped for support. He cited the buses of PMA, which were donated by the government of South Korea.
Buliyat added further that the province may solicit from businessmen. He justified that businessmen could always use additional protection.
Lastly, Buliyat cited the need to establish additional police outposts in some areas of Bulanao and Poblacion.
On the bodong, Buliyat, a native of Lubo, Tanudan, said the customary law should not interfere with law enforcement.
“The bodong should instead strengthen the national law,” he said.
He added that one aspect of the bodong that is contradictory to the national law is the practice of revenge, one of the modes of justice prescribed in the pagta (the unwritten code of the bodong) the other being the multa (fine).
Traditionally, it is the bodong holder who meted justice against the offending member of his own tribe as a matter of duty and honor as enforcer of the bodong. Such has gradually ceased to be the case.
Buliyat said, “Bodong holders should help in the apprehension of criminals if they have knowledge (of the criminal’s whereabouts and/or his involvement).”
He added that support should be given to strengthening the bodong confederation and that the congressman-elect, Manuel Agyao, should provide funds for that.
Aside from peace and order, Buliyat included health, education and livelihood advocacies in his agenda.
“Nothing grand, just those that are doable,” Buliyat said.**Bani Asbucan
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Monday, June 25, 2007
Hurrah! Tabuk is now a city
Vox populi, vox Dei!
Constituents of Tabuk overwhelmingly voted "Yes" for the conversion of Tabuk into a new city in a plebiscite held last Saturday.
The "Yes" got 17,066 votes. There were however 2,033 who voted for "No".
There were about five last precincts that were not counted in the municipal canvassing by the Comelec because it is immaterial anymore to continue counting them as the wide margin lead of "Yes" votes could not be offset. The precinct counts of those uncounted precincts however show that the "Yes" votes won over the "No" votes, according to the teachers.
As usual, a low voters turn out was observed at about 48 percent as a whole.
The cityhood of Tabuk is one of the major legislative accomplishments of Congressman Laurence Wacnang.It is a historic event for Tabuk and Kalinga province in general.
Constituents of Tabuk overwhelmingly voted "Yes" for the conversion of Tabuk into a new city in a plebiscite held last Saturday.
The "Yes" got 17,066 votes. There were however 2,033 who voted for "No".
There were about five last precincts that were not counted in the municipal canvassing by the Comelec because it is immaterial anymore to continue counting them as the wide margin lead of "Yes" votes could not be offset. The precinct counts of those uncounted precincts however show that the "Yes" votes won over the "No" votes, according to the teachers.
As usual, a low voters turn out was observed at about 48 percent as a whole.
The cityhood of Tabuk is one of the major legislative accomplishments of Congressman Laurence Wacnang.It is a historic event for Tabuk and Kalinga province in general.
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Saturday, June 23, 2007
Will Tabuk be a new city?
Today, June 23, 2007, citizens of Tabuk casted their votes (in a plebiscite) whether they give a nod on the proposal to convert the municipality of Tabuk into a component city or reject it. It is simply a matter of "YES" or "NO" vote. The result of the counting of votes is yet to be known maybe tomorrow.
I observed this morning at the Bulanao Central School, in all the precincts, that it seems only few voters were coming to cast their respective votes unlike the recently held May 14 national and local elections although it had still a low voters turn-out. I guess it's the same in other places.
After all the busy weeks of campaigning for "Yes", I believe "Yes" votes are gonna win. If that happens, beginning 2008 Tabuk will have its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) increase four-folds according to estimates - to more or less 300 million. Whew! We expect that the ensuing years we will see the construction sector busy in all places of Tabuk city.
Personally however our agricultural lands, our whole green lands, must be preserved against the onslaught of rapid urbanization. That urbanization must not be equated with the destruction of our rice fields, forest, and environment. This is a matter policy of consideration.
Breaking news: Diasen killer surrendered
I observed this morning at the Bulanao Central School, in all the precincts, that it seems only few voters were coming to cast their respective votes unlike the recently held May 14 national and local elections although it had still a low voters turn-out. I guess it's the same in other places.
After all the busy weeks of campaigning for "Yes", I believe "Yes" votes are gonna win. If that happens, beginning 2008 Tabuk will have its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) increase four-folds according to estimates - to more or less 300 million. Whew! We expect that the ensuing years we will see the construction sector busy in all places of Tabuk city.
Personally however our agricultural lands, our whole green lands, must be preserved against the onslaught of rapid urbanization. That urbanization must not be equated with the destruction of our rice fields, forest, and environment. This is a matter policy of consideration.
Breaking news: Diasen killer surrendered
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Get used to it
My third year high school students had a funny way of saying what could well be the reason behind a number of people’s opposition to the idea of Tabuk becoming a city. I asked them what their vote would be assuming they were allowed to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to citihood in the upcoming plebiscite. The answer I got was a resounding “NO!” When I asked them why, they simply said, “Basta!” When I pointed out that their answer is confusing, one stood up to say, “Basta, sir, di ko talaga feel,” to the approval of the class.
That brief exchange in class reminded me of a point raised by a friend who pointed out that the main reason people are not sold to the idea of Tabuk becoming a city is the gross mismatch between the image a city evokes in one’s mind and the image one actually sees in town. “Kasla nga saan nga maibagay,” is how he put it.
Add to this the point raised by some professionals and businessmen here which saw print in a previous article. Allow me to quote them on their statement again, “Kas-ano nga agbalin nga syudad ti Tabuk ket awan pay lang ti Jollibee.”
On my part as a columnist for the local paper Guru Press, I did hammer the point that people will feel queasy about giving their nod to citihood when they could not find even a slight semblance of city living in town.
Talking of recollection, I did predict in a press conference held some months ago that Tabuk will become a city and that Mayor Camilo Lammawin will be its first city mayor. I was right about Lammawin. As for the first prediction, I still stand by it.
I’ll tell you why.
The municipal government presently gives every barangay in Tabuk an equal sharing of 100,000 from the LGU’s internal revenue allotment. If our town officials are to be believed, Tabuk’s IRA will triple if it becomes a city. This means the share of every barangay will likewise triple. The increase in the share may not be that much significant to Bulanao and the barangays around the Poblacion area, but it could go a long way in barangays like Nambucayan, Calaccad, Cabaritan and other struggling barangays. With more money to spend on projects, a barangay chairman could easily endear himself to his constituents so you can be sure they will campaign very hard for Tabuk to become a city.
As for those who keep insisting that Tabuk cannot become a city because there is no Jollibee here, you might as well find better arguments. I myself could not imagine a city without a single movie house or at least some semblance of urban living but, hey, if it depended on appearances then our town will never get to become a city and we just might miss a great opportunity to make something of our beloved Tabuk.
Part of my certainty that Tabuk will become a city despite all the talks against it is because those opposing citihood are mostly residents of the urban barangays of Tabuk. Bulanao where my I keep my family is of special mention here. I had observed the voting trend in Bulanao and in some of the urban barangays and I had long since figured that Bulanao residents (likewise residents of Poblacion and other urban barangays) are so full of political opinions but are too lazy to vote. This last election, less than 50 % of Bulanao voters exercised their right of suffrage. The trend holds true in Poblacion and the other urban barangays.
Now you go back to the point I raised on the struggling barangays, and you will probably agree with me.
If that's not enough to convince you that Tabuk will become a city, I'll give you one more fact to chew on. In the last election, barely 25 000 of the over 44 000 registered voters of Tabuk went to vote. With no candidates imploring voters to vote, often with some "donation" (in cash or in kind) on hand, expect that less will actually vote even if this particular exercise is, in fact, more important than an election -- officials will come and go but being a city will not.
How does this guarantee victory for the yes-vote? No, "dagdag-bawas" won't be necessary. Just plain "dagdag" will do. The dagdag, of course, will come courtesy of the voters who would not vote. You can't do this in the urban barangays. But, in the other barangays...the sky is the limit, my friends.
And so it is that the barrios and the sitios would, in the end, be the ones that would carry Tabuk into becoming a city while Bulanao and Poblacion get to reap the benefits.
For those who feel Tabuk does not have the looks of a city and to you out there who are not from Tabuk, read the title. Yes, you better get used to the fact that Tabuk will become a city, and never mind that there is no Jollibee or McDonald's here.
***
Let me just share one personal gripe against the citification drive. I was born in Poblacion West, just behind Tabuk National High School where I presently teach, but I grew up in Baguio City (now that’s a city) and lived for some months in Caloocan City (that’s also another city). You see I left two cities so I could live in a nice suburban town like Tabuk with lots of green wherever I look but, now that I’m here, my town officials had seen it fit to make me a city boy again.
The joke is on us
The best joke on cityhood comes courtesy of the Kalinga-Apayao Religious Sector Association, an organization of the clergy of the twin provinces that is more activist than secular. And a green joke it is.
"Baka met no agbalin nga city ti Tabuk ket ngumina ti babae," the priests reportedly said in jest.
Town officials who convened the meeting merely laughed with their audience but apparently made no reply.
Colleagues at the academe have an answer in reply to the KARSA's jest patented after Vice-Mayor Rainier Sarol's standard answer to allegations that prices of goods will increase once Tabuk becomes a city based on elementary principles of supply and demand. My colleagues claim that the fees of hookers will decrease in response to the stiff competition to be brought in by more "doves of low flight" who will come over to establish their trade.
Anyway, it was KARSA chairman and Anglican bishop Rev. Renato Abibico who said that becoming a city "should be a natural process." I suppose the good bishop's comment is self-explanatory. I happen to agree very much with it, too.
As pointed out by several naysayers and undecided, a town becomes a city because it had reached a high level of development and civilization, both of which are lacking in the case of Tabuk. They also contend that the logic of local officials that Tabuk must become a city first so there will be development later, betrays the real score: that the quest for cityhood is a quest for a bigger internal revenue allotment -- no more, no less.
I would like to add that in case their allegation is correct, then the same reflects a quality of leadership that requires huge sums at the official's disposal so he could erect a waiting shed.
Saturday's plebiscite would be a watershed moment in Tabuk's history and would have a lasting impact not only for our town but also for the entire province and, to some extent, the entire region. We would have two cities in Cordi. Cebu has at least four and it's only a province, but never mind.
What I find funny is that the opposition to the citification drive find no better argument other than the prices of goods increasing.
For one, there's the social, moral and environmental costs of a town becoming a city. Living in a city means more problems along those areas. The municipal government is somewhat incapable of dealing with the problems the way things are. How does it expect to deal with them after the imagined ecnomic boom shall have worsened them? Sure, the local government will have thrice more than its present resources, but I'm willing to bet the problems will also multiply by more than three-fold.
And what if the economic take-off our officials had been mouthing to sell cityhood to the public does not materialize? Then the joke is on us.
Know what? That's not the worst joke. The chances that there would be no economic take-off for Tabuk are really enormous. But that's stuff I don't want to dwell upon for now. For now, I'd like to take the optimist position. Yes, readers, I am voting "yes" to Tabuk City and so would majority of Tabukenos.** Bani Asbucan
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Friday, June 22, 2007
Breaking news: Diasen killer surrendered
In a breaking report in one of national TV stations last night, Joel Melod, 24, prime suspect in the murder of vice governor Rommel Diasen last April 7, 2007 yielded himself to authorities last Tuesday in Baguio City. It was only yesterday that he was presented in a press conference.
Melod is consistent in saying that he acted on his own to kill the vice governor to avenge the death of his uncle, Judge Milnar Lammawin of the regional trial court in Kalinga, on Aug. 9, 2004 and that politics is out of the picture.
Tribal revenge is questionable
But the tribal vendetta angle was dismissed by the tribe-mates of Melod from Magnao. According to Barangay Captain Johny Sappa, there was no tribal consensus so it should not be considered as tribal revenge and that their tribe should not be dragged all along into the murder case of Diasen.
Mayor Camjlo Lammawin, brother of the late Judge Lammawin, shared Sappa's view. "Our family and the whole of the Magnao tribe don't know of such plan. People should stop saying that its revenge," the mayor said.
But even without the consensus of the Magano tribe to the killing, the whole tribe is dragged into another problem - the implication of maliciously trying to implicate Congressman Laurence Wacnang in the murder of Diasen.
Wacnang, a member of the Tulgao tribe had seek refuge in their Bodong (peace pact) with the Magnao tribe to clear his name.
According to Wacnang, its high time that the rumors of his involvement be cleared. "I'm vulnerable to the situation" Wacnang said. "Somebody might make me a victim and relate it to the Diasen killing."
The Magnao tribe acceded to the request of the Tulgao tribe for the clarification of the alleged involvement.
During the meeting, Mr. Juan Edduba accused the family of Governor-elect Floydelia Diasen and her supporters as the ones who kept on saying during the campaign and in an interview with GMA 7 and other local news papers that the death of Vice-governor Diasen is politically motivated, and that Wacnang has something to do with it.
But the incoming governor denied having directly linked Wacnang to the case. According to her, what she was only saying was that the death of her husband is election related.
After a lengthy discussion, the tribal elders from the Magnao and Tulgao tribes signed a declaration clearing Congressman Wacnang of any involvement in the Diasen Killing.
The declaration also warned to penalize thru the provisions of the "Pagta" (By-laws) of the Bodong anybody making statements linking Wacnang to the Diasen murder.
Melod is consistent in saying that he acted on his own to kill the vice governor to avenge the death of his uncle, Judge Milnar Lammawin of the regional trial court in Kalinga, on Aug. 9, 2004 and that politics is out of the picture.
Tribal revenge is questionable
But the tribal vendetta angle was dismissed by the tribe-mates of Melod from Magnao. According to Barangay Captain Johny Sappa, there was no tribal consensus so it should not be considered as tribal revenge and that their tribe should not be dragged all along into the murder case of Diasen.
Mayor Camjlo Lammawin, brother of the late Judge Lammawin, shared Sappa's view. "Our family and the whole of the Magnao tribe don't know of such plan. People should stop saying that its revenge," the mayor said.
But even without the consensus of the Magano tribe to the killing, the whole tribe is dragged into another problem - the implication of maliciously trying to implicate Congressman Laurence Wacnang in the murder of Diasen.
Wacnang, a member of the Tulgao tribe had seek refuge in their Bodong (peace pact) with the Magnao tribe to clear his name.
According to Wacnang, its high time that the rumors of his involvement be cleared. "I'm vulnerable to the situation" Wacnang said. "Somebody might make me a victim and relate it to the Diasen killing."
The Magnao tribe acceded to the request of the Tulgao tribe for the clarification of the alleged involvement.
During the meeting, Mr. Juan Edduba accused the family of Governor-elect Floydelia Diasen and her supporters as the ones who kept on saying during the campaign and in an interview with GMA 7 and other local news papers that the death of Vice-governor Diasen is politically motivated, and that Wacnang has something to do with it.
But the incoming governor denied having directly linked Wacnang to the case. According to her, what she was only saying was that the death of her husband is election related.
After a lengthy discussion, the tribal elders from the Magnao and Tulgao tribes signed a declaration clearing Congressman Wacnang of any involvement in the Diasen Killing.
The declaration also warned to penalize thru the provisions of the "Pagta" (By-laws) of the Bodong anybody making statements linking Wacnang to the Diasen murder.
See related story and video below and here.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wanted Joel Melod, prime suspect in the murder of vice gov. Diasen
SO THE PUBLIC MAY KNOW...
"he never, even an inkling in his humble mind, has thought that kind of politics and that ever since he has 'never become a violent individual'."
On April 7, 2007, Black Saturday, Vice Governor Atty. Romel W. Diasen of Kalinga Province, a candidate then for Governor, was gunned down while delivering his speech during a political rally in Barangay Magnao, Tabuk, Kalinga. The prime suspect, Joel Melod, 24, confessed during the interview that the incident was a case of revenge on the murder of his uncle the late RTC Judge Milnar Lammawin two years back. Melod flatly emphasized that no one had ever paid or motivated him to do so, neither the incident was politically motivated; that it was his own personal will and volition to kill the vice governor as a matter of revenge as Diasen did not act on his promise to solve the murder of Judge Lammawin before the May 14, election.
Melod categorically refuted rumors that a known political icon has masterminded the killing of Diasen and that he was the hired killer. “There is no politician involved here ... and that there was no two million money involved; if at all true, with that amount of money, I should have fled to other far places by now.” The interview was conducted by Mr. Jerome Tabanganay of Radyo ng Bayan, Tuguegarao.
The killing of Diasen therefore was a classical example of tribal vendetta.
In the get-together party for all the Wacnang-Bejarin supporters last May 24, 2007, supporters tried to assess what went wrong in Wacnang's gubernatorial bid. The Diasen murder case was among the major factors of Wacnang's debacle. Elders and supporters as a whole decried the allegation of Floydelia Diasen's family and supporters that the killing of the vice governor was politically motivated. There were propaganda also that Wacnang has mansions in Hongkong and in the United States of America
The opponents, in a brazen disregard of and its adverse implications to the Bodong (penal code of the native Kalingas) and being aware that it was a very fertile ground to advance their political interests though, incessantly tried to impute Wacnang in the case during the campaign trails despite their personal knowledge and earlier acceptance that it was indeed in the category of tribal violence. Andres Ngao-i declared during the lunch party that such a malicious innuendo is clear violation of the bodong itself, which has a corresponding penalty, and which should never be bypassed and allowed to ever happen again.
Wacnang in his speech reiterated that he never, even an inkling in his humble mind, has thought that kind of politics and that ever since he has “never become a violent individual”. “It is time to work together towards a more democratic Kalinga and that our elected leaders therefore should really present a real alternative leadership and be able to deliver a meaningful and real change in the development of our beloved province”, Wacnang said as he acknowledged defeat. Wacnang and Bejarin thanked all their supporters and they are hoping for various opportunities for them to work together even they will be ordinary citizens later.
Melod categorically refuted rumors that a known political icon has masterminded the killing of Diasen and that he was the hired killer. “There is no politician involved here ... and that there was no two million money involved; if at all true, with that amount of money, I should have fled to other far places by now.” The interview was conducted by Mr. Jerome Tabanganay of Radyo ng Bayan, Tuguegarao.
The killing of Diasen therefore was a classical example of tribal vendetta.
In the get-together party for all the Wacnang-Bejarin supporters last May 24, 2007, supporters tried to assess what went wrong in Wacnang's gubernatorial bid. The Diasen murder case was among the major factors of Wacnang's debacle. Elders and supporters as a whole decried the allegation of Floydelia Diasen's family and supporters that the killing of the vice governor was politically motivated. There were propaganda also that Wacnang has mansions in Hongkong and in the United States of America
The opponents, in a brazen disregard of and its adverse implications to the Bodong (penal code of the native Kalingas) and being aware that it was a very fertile ground to advance their political interests though, incessantly tried to impute Wacnang in the case during the campaign trails despite their personal knowledge and earlier acceptance that it was indeed in the category of tribal violence. Andres Ngao-i declared during the lunch party that such a malicious innuendo is clear violation of the bodong itself, which has a corresponding penalty, and which should never be bypassed and allowed to ever happen again.
Wacnang in his speech reiterated that he never, even an inkling in his humble mind, has thought that kind of politics and that ever since he has “never become a violent individual”. “It is time to work together towards a more democratic Kalinga and that our elected leaders therefore should really present a real alternative leadership and be able to deliver a meaningful and real change in the development of our beloved province”, Wacnang said as he acknowledged defeat. Wacnang and Bejarin thanked all their supporters and they are hoping for various opportunities for them to work together even they will be ordinary citizens later.
Note: The video is available at YouTube.com.
2 Korean medical volunteers visit Agbannawag
Dr. Seok Tin Ahn, cardiologist, and Sima Cha, nurse and a clinical research manager, both from South Korea visited the province for a medical mission last June 5-6,2007.
The two-day medical mission was conducted at Kalinga-Gabriela Mija Kim Foundation (KGMKF) Medical Center, the medical center donated by the Medical Peace Foundation of Korea, in Agbannawag, this town.
According to Dr. Ahn, he was invited by Former Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Key Sung Sing Cho to visit Kalinga.
"Ambassador Cho was my patient and my good friend," Ahn said.
"He (Cho) told me to carry out a medical mission here in Kalinga particularly in Agbannawag to help the people needing medical assistance and to support in the setting up of the medical equipments for the hospital," Ahn added.
Ms. Thelma Bayle-Ng, appointed representative and administrator of the KGMKF medical center told Guru Press that the medical mission was programmed for three days with 100 patients a day.
"But with the inflow of patients for the first and second day of the mission coming not only from Agbannawag but even Bulanao, Dagupan, Lacnog, Sitio Soto, New Balbalan, Ileb and Tuga, we were able to serve and even exceeded the supposed number of beneficiaries at the end of the second day," Ng said, "We already served 340 beneficiaries so we have to cancel the mission for the third day, because the medicines that were brought by the two Korean medical volunteers were only intended for 300 patients," Ng explained.
Ng pleaded to those who were not able to avail of the free medical assistance that there will be another medical mission saying that "I received an e-mail from Former Ambassador Cho saying that Korea will soon be sending more medical volunteers and medicines sometime on July."
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahn explained that since this is their first time to visit the Philippines particularly Kalinga, they actually do not know what medicines to bring.
"But now that we have the information on the needs of the people, we will be able to advise other Korean medical teams to the Philippines on what medicines should they bring along with them," Ahn said.
Asked about their assessment on the health condition of the people, Sima Cha said that there are a lot of people who could not get enough medical services.
"If we have the chance to come back, we will be happy to bring more medicines and ask more medical volunteers so that we could help more people," Cha said.
Dr. Ahn added his findings that most of the patients during the medical mission suffered from respiratory tract infection, hypertension, ear infection and diarrhea.
The medical mission was carried out in cooperation with the provincial government unit, barangay health workers, social workers, nurses from the provincial hospital, barangay officials of Agbannawag and other benefactors like Dr. Nellie Alejandrino, Christine Wangdali, and Virginia "Aida" Basilan. **Guru Press, June 11, 2007
The two-day medical mission was conducted at Kalinga-Gabriela Mija Kim Foundation (KGMKF) Medical Center, the medical center donated by the Medical Peace Foundation of Korea, in Agbannawag, this town.
According to Dr. Ahn, he was invited by Former Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Key Sung Sing Cho to visit Kalinga.
"Ambassador Cho was my patient and my good friend," Ahn said.
"He (Cho) told me to carry out a medical mission here in Kalinga particularly in Agbannawag to help the people needing medical assistance and to support in the setting up of the medical equipments for the hospital," Ahn added.
Ms. Thelma Bayle-Ng, appointed representative and administrator of the KGMKF medical center told Guru Press that the medical mission was programmed for three days with 100 patients a day.
"But with the inflow of patients for the first and second day of the mission coming not only from Agbannawag but even Bulanao, Dagupan, Lacnog, Sitio Soto, New Balbalan, Ileb and Tuga, we were able to serve and even exceeded the supposed number of beneficiaries at the end of the second day," Ng said, "We already served 340 beneficiaries so we have to cancel the mission for the third day, because the medicines that were brought by the two Korean medical volunteers were only intended for 300 patients," Ng explained.
Ng pleaded to those who were not able to avail of the free medical assistance that there will be another medical mission saying that "I received an e-mail from Former Ambassador Cho saying that Korea will soon be sending more medical volunteers and medicines sometime on July."
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahn explained that since this is their first time to visit the Philippines particularly Kalinga, they actually do not know what medicines to bring.
"But now that we have the information on the needs of the people, we will be able to advise other Korean medical teams to the Philippines on what medicines should they bring along with them," Ahn said.
Asked about their assessment on the health condition of the people, Sima Cha said that there are a lot of people who could not get enough medical services.
"If we have the chance to come back, we will be happy to bring more medicines and ask more medical volunteers so that we could help more people," Cha said.
Dr. Ahn added his findings that most of the patients during the medical mission suffered from respiratory tract infection, hypertension, ear infection and diarrhea.
The medical mission was carried out in cooperation with the provincial government unit, barangay health workers, social workers, nurses from the provincial hospital, barangay officials of Agbannawag and other benefactors like Dr. Nellie Alejandrino, Christine Wangdali, and Virginia "Aida" Basilan. **Guru Press, June 11, 2007
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Saturday, June 16, 2007
Tabuk teachers decry DepEd decision to supply their uniforms
Tabuk, Kalinga - Many teachers here are complaining against the decision of the division uniform committee of the Department of Education (DepEd) for the office itself to supply their uniforms.
They charge that the decision has taken away their right to choose which outlet to buy their uniforms from because the DepEd-Kalinga is pressuring them to buy the uniforms from it and has in fact withheld their Productivity Incentive Bonus (PIB) amounting to P2,000.00 to compel them to do so.
They said that in previous years they have received the PIB April but this year the benefit has not yet been released by the division.
The teachers said that they would not mind buying from the division except that the price is significantly higher than those in stores in Tuguegarao City, Baguio City and Manila.
The DepEd-Kalinga is selling the three uniform sets - one national, one regional and the last for the division – at P550.00 per set. They said they can buy the clothe for the national uniform for as low as P250.00 in the market.
They have problems with the regional and division uniforms, however, because these have distinctive embroidery which are not available outside.
But according to Soliman Lazaro, owner of the Prince Lord Tailoring where many of the teachers are having their unforms sewn, even with the embroidery, the regional and division uniforms would not cost more than P450.00 if he will do the purchasing himself.
OIC-Assistant Division Superitendent Natividad Bayubay reacted that the delayed processing of the PIB is not connected with the sale of the uniforms.
She said that the vouchers for the PIB of three of the 10 districts of Kalinga have already been signed adding that the delay in the processing is being caused by the failure of the teachers to submit requirements such as their performance rating for the past school year.
She justified the decision of the division uniform committee to supply the uniforms by saying that DepEd Memorandum No. 01, series of 2007, gives the division committee the option to decide on the modes of procurement and distribution of the uniforms.
Regarding the higher price of the DepEd-Kalinga stocks, she said that the committee presumed that the rates of the supplier are reasonable because the same supplier is supplying almost all the divisions in the Cordillera, the NCR, and Regions V and VIII.
She also said that when they learned that the uniforms could be procured at a cheaper price in the outside market, they told the teachers who have not yet bought from the DepEd-Kalinga that they could buy outside provided that they will be wearing them starting June 4.
The teachers complained that instead of helping teachers since the textile were procured in bulk and therefore cheaper, the DepEd-Kalinga is taking advantage of them. ** Estanislao Albano Jr.
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They charge that the decision has taken away their right to choose which outlet to buy their uniforms from because the DepEd-Kalinga is pressuring them to buy the uniforms from it and has in fact withheld their Productivity Incentive Bonus (PIB) amounting to P2,000.00 to compel them to do so.
They said that in previous years they have received the PIB April but this year the benefit has not yet been released by the division.
The teachers said that they would not mind buying from the division except that the price is significantly higher than those in stores in Tuguegarao City, Baguio City and Manila.
The DepEd-Kalinga is selling the three uniform sets - one national, one regional and the last for the division – at P550.00 per set. They said they can buy the clothe for the national uniform for as low as P250.00 in the market.
They have problems with the regional and division uniforms, however, because these have distinctive embroidery which are not available outside.
But according to Soliman Lazaro, owner of the Prince Lord Tailoring where many of the teachers are having their unforms sewn, even with the embroidery, the regional and division uniforms would not cost more than P450.00 if he will do the purchasing himself.
OIC-Assistant Division Superitendent Natividad Bayubay reacted that the delayed processing of the PIB is not connected with the sale of the uniforms.
She said that the vouchers for the PIB of three of the 10 districts of Kalinga have already been signed adding that the delay in the processing is being caused by the failure of the teachers to submit requirements such as their performance rating for the past school year.
She justified the decision of the division uniform committee to supply the uniforms by saying that DepEd Memorandum No. 01, series of 2007, gives the division committee the option to decide on the modes of procurement and distribution of the uniforms.
Regarding the higher price of the DepEd-Kalinga stocks, she said that the committee presumed that the rates of the supplier are reasonable because the same supplier is supplying almost all the divisions in the Cordillera, the NCR, and Regions V and VIII.
She also said that when they learned that the uniforms could be procured at a cheaper price in the outside market, they told the teachers who have not yet bought from the DepEd-Kalinga that they could buy outside provided that they will be wearing them starting June 4.
The teachers complained that instead of helping teachers since the textile were procured in bulk and therefore cheaper, the DepEd-Kalinga is taking advantage of them. ** Estanislao Albano Jr.
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Friday, June 8, 2007
Covering for ABS-CBN
“Si Col. de Guzman po ito,” the voice on the other line replied.
“Col. de Guzman” called me at around 6:30 p.m. three days before the election. Since the voice sounded too young for a colonel, I was skeptical. Also, I do not know a Col. de Guzman among the officers assigned here in Kalinga. And yet, somehow, the voice stirred a chord in me though it was a very faint one. I ended up asking the caller to identify his unit.
He said… ABS-CBN.
I was dumbfounded by the reply and the subsequent laughter as he said, “Sika met classmate,” in an affectionately accusing tone. It was only then that the fog in my usually foggy memory had cleared.
Good old Dhobie de Guzman. Of course, that’s who it was!
Apparently, Dhobie got my number from my associate editor after having read something I wrote in this paper. Days before that Pigeon Lobien of Cordillera Today texted me that he gave Dhobie my number. I did not mind that he did since Dhobie was my biggest critic as well as one of my best friends when we were writing for the BCF (it wasn’t UC then) campus paper, The Alternative. I did mind, however, that Dhobie introduced himself as a colonel. I happen to consider it a low joke that he tried the trick purposely to make me jumpy knowing I had previously written in a tone that was highly critical of the police here. If only to get back at him (revenge is a hard habit for a Kalinga to break), I am henceforth referring to Dhobie as Col. de Guzman.
Col. de Guzman called to offer me a job as an ABS-CBN reporter for the duration of the election. I accepted the offer because I counted on it to have some effect on the politicians and their supporters here to know that a giant television network has its eye on the province. The other reason is stature. Let me explain.
A day before Col. de Guzman called, I was asking Pigeon if he knew anyone who works for a national daily as my way of asking him to help me shop for a national outfit where I could dump my reports. I wanted to get a correspondence job from one of the broadsheets because officials here may simply ignore you if you only write for a regional or local weekly. In fact, when I have difficulties trying to get an official statement through text, I misrepresented myself as a correspondent for the Philippine Star or the Manila Times. It usually worked. I know it was a sleazy trick, but the two dailies could always exact payback from me by making me a correspondent. You have no idea how dangerous a place Kalinga can be to a journalist.
By the way, the Manila Times rejected me last year because their roster for Cordillera was already full even if their Cordi correspondents were all based in Baguio.
Before we stray from the topic at hand, being an ABS-CBN reporter made my job a breeze. I no longer have to squeeze information from the right people to get a good story. The information was readily volunteered. At times, it was given to me without any questions asked.
I managed to squeeze in three reports that I never got to hear. I only learned the reports were played on TV from another old friend, Scott Saboy, son of the pioneering Kalinga journalist Augustus Saboy, who texted me upon catching my voice (if it was mine at all) on TV. My mother, on the other hand, heard the news from neighbors in Baguio City and rightfully castigated me for not telling her about my latest media escapade. Dhobie, err… Col. de Guzman told me the network executives were ecstatic over my report, but I was more inclined to believe it was his way of encouraging me to do a better job.
Basically, I reported on an alleged ballot snatching in Tabuk and the impending victory of Floy Diasen. The ballot-snatching bit turned out negative. So were similar reports that were either exaggerated or taken out of context. What was closer to the truth was that watchers and some BEIs were forced out of their precincts by some goons who proceeded to do the job of voter, BEI and canvasser. I could not have possibly reported on them because they were all just whispers, though consistent with one another, and the informants did not want to come out in the open.
For the same reason, I could not also report the vote buying, the intimidation and the many irregularities that had taken place this election. Why, I could not even get the NAMFREL to admit that the Lubuagan votes in their copy was padded? The election watchdog told me I could report it as such (an admission), but I have to promise not to attribute the report to them. I could not grant the request, so I did not report it though I personally questioned their impartiality (this requires a rather lengthy discussion and I’m not inclined to do it).
Despite all the animosities, I agree with the observation that this is, by far, the most peaceful election in Kalinga. There are several areas of concern, but the improvement could not be denied.
Now, is the local election in Kalinga honest and orderly? Let’s not call a chicken a fluffy little cow. Please lang. (xxx)*** Bani Asbucan
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Thursday, June 7, 2007
Kalinga lass bags award in international science fair
TABUK, Kalinga (1 June) -- Proving that the Ykalingas could excel in the international level, Hester Mana Docasao Umayam, 16, took home the Fourth Grand Award for her research during the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) held at Albuquerque, New Mexico last May 13 to 18, 2007 (Mexico time).
In an interview, she informed that her research on ‘Ethnomathematics in the Geometric Pattern in Woven Fabrics of the Indigenous Kalingas of the Philippines’ won the award, along with five other Filipino students from the various science high schools in the country, who also won individual and team awards.
“We were only nine students representing the Philippines who qualified as finalists in the Intel ISEF fair and I was thankful to be one of them,” she said.
Umayam, a constant honor pupil at the Kalinga Christian Learning Center (now St. Tonis) related that she had joined several teams in trying to come up with a proposal but failed, so she decided to work on her own which later gave her the chance to be recognized in the international science fair.
“It was my adviser who gave me the idea on ethnomathematics,” she said relating that she has chosen to focus her study on weaving since it interests her and is one of the common traditional practices in the province.
“When I asked the help of weavers in the province with my study, I found out that they were not aware that mathematics is being applied in their patterns,” she disclosed explaining that this is an indication that these weavers even without formal education have an innate knowledge in mathematics.
Through her research, the incoming BS Statistics student of theUniversity of the Philippines aims to document the Kalinga culture.
“As observed, only a few are now practicing weaving in the province. This study is my contribution in preserving this tradition and I also hope to elevate the respect for Kalinga people who are often branded as ‘headhunters’ outside the province. We have to show them that the Kalinga culture is also worth of their appreciation,” the young mathematician expresses.
Umayam is also expectant that her study would likewise inspire mathematics teachers and students that math is not all figures and formulas but it also has its practical applications.
“My study intends to disprove the notion that mathematics is very difficult and boring. Through this research, I hope that teachers and students will learn to appreciate and realize that mathematics has also its practical applications like in the socio-cultural activities of ethnic group like the Kalingas,” she conveyed.
Sharing her thoughts on her achievements, she expressed that she could not still believe that she could accomplish that much.
“This experience is amazing and life changing. I could not still believe that I went to New Mexico not only to visit and have a vacation but I was also overwhelmed and a little bit pressured to think that I was there to represent our country in one of the biggest science fair in the world,” she excitedly shared about her first trip abroad.
Umayam informed that they were given $500 dollars. And as finalists in the Intel ISEF, a certificate and a medal were also given upon registration. (ggd/PIA-Kalinga) Source >> here
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Milestone in Kalinga politics
Dr. Floydelia Diasen is the first elected woman as governor of Kalinga province. Her 56,479 votes obtained as against incumbent congressman Laurence Wacnang's 23,642 votes perhaps the first of its kind in Kalinga politics; it's only now where a candidate received such huge votes and a very wide margin lead against an opponent candidate especially so that the opponent has long been considered unbreakable political icon in Kalinga political history.
***
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