ADIVAY_DIGEST_2017

The Official Quarterly Publication of the Provincial Government of Benguet July to September 2017 | Issue NO. 5 

Governor Crescencio Pacalso 

presented the status of the 

province after one year of his 

administration through Kapihan 

sa Benguet on August 

15, 2017 which was covered 

by the Philippine Information 

Agency at the Governor’s Office 

Conference Hall 

In his address, Pacalso 

outlined the accomplishments 

of the provincial government 

for a year. On social services, 

CONTINUE ON PAGE 6 

In preparation for the 

State of the Province Address or 

SOPA for CY 2017, Governor 

Crescencio Pacalso instructed 

the Chiefs of Offices to submit 

the highlights of their respective 

offices’ accomplishments for the 

period July 1 to December 31, 

2016 and January 1 to June 30, 

2017. 

Their reports will be his reference 

and guidance for the delivery 

of the SOPA and other events 

where he will be required to make 

a status report. Incidentally, the 

reports may also be one of the bases 

for the formulation of each department’s 

budget proposal for CY 

2018. 

The focus of the reports shall 

be on the major accomplishments 

that are, if possible, backed with 

statistics. The reports shall also 

include ongoing projects and those 

that are yet to be implemented 

for the remainder of the 

year. 

In connection with this, Pacalso 

instructed the Provincial 

Planning and Development Office 

to implement all SEFfunded 

infrastructure and waterworks 

projects; all other infrastructure 

projects shall be 

implemented by and under the 

supervision of the Office of the 

Provincial Engineer. The delineation 

of functions was due to 

the special and nationally 

funded projects being handled 

simultaneously by the Office of 

the Provincial Engineer.

Deputy and Officer-in-Charge 

of the Benguet Provincial Prosecutor’s 

Office Andres M. Gondayao 

was the Guest of Honor 

and Speaker during the 

Awards Program of the province 

in celebration of the 117 th 

Civil Service Anniversary held 

on September 25, 2017 at the 

Gov. Ben Palispis Hall, Provincial 

Capitol. 

His message focused on 

―Change‖, anchored on corruption 

and illegal drugs being 

two major hindrances to development 

especially in governance. 

He urged everyone 

to ―evaluate performance and 

reevaluate by reflecting back 

on our first entry starting from 

the submission of application 

letter with the provincial government.‖ 

Gondayao stressed that 

the law on corruption is designed 

for government service, 

specifically Republic Acts 

No. 3095 and 6713. He openly 

lauded former Provincial Board 

Member Thomas Dampac who 

lived up to the principle of 

simple living and thus was not 

tainted with corruption. He also 

cited Judge Salvador Valdez 

of Baguio City and Benguet, 

citing how he mingles 

with lawyers outside of the 

court, but during hearings, he 

is able to separate the personal 

from his official work as justice 

of the trial court. 

Gondayao’s message was 

very relevant as the province 

has recognized its careerdevelopment 

oriented, loyal 

and model employees. Leading 

the awardees are two 

model employees under the 

first and second level categories: 

Rafael M. Esteban of the 

Benguet General Hospital and 

Marjorie A. Bomogao of the 

Provincial Accounting Office, 

respectively. 

Eight others were recognized 

for having pursued further 

studies and completed 

their master degrees at their 

own expense while employed 

with the provincial government. 

Twenty employees 

without tardiness, undertimes 

and no leaves of absence for 

the period July 1, 2016 to 

June 30, 2017 were also given 

due recognition. 

Meanwhile, service or loyalty 

awardees were also honoured: 

Number 

of years 

in 

Service 

Number of 

Employees 

15 36 

16 28 

17 21 

18 16 

19 21 

20 19 

25 19 

30 22 

35 11 

40 2 

Consistency. The word is synonymous 

to regularity, steadiness, 

evenness, uniformity and 

stability. Meanwhile fairness is 

synonymous to justice, equality, 

impartiality, objectivity. 

Those two words have always 

been used interchangeably; 

I, too, am one of those who 

thought they were one and the 

same. And that’s not at all surprising, 

especially when those 

two often go hand in hand. 

Unfortunately, the same may 

also be said of their negative 

counterparts. Often, inconsistencies 

and unfairness also go together. 

Case in point: at one time or 

another, we have experienced 

inconsistencies and unfair treatment 

when it comes to the interpretation 

and application or implementation 

of rules, regulations 

and policies. Sadly, this is 

being experienced to this day, 

and does not seem likely to go 

away any time soon. These inconsistencies 

and inequities often 

result to confusion and, 

worse, conflicts and misunderstandings. 

If I may put it bluntly, 

not everyone is accorded the 

same treatment in terms of 

rights and privileges. 

We all are cognizant of the 

fact that policies, rules and 

guidelines exist, and that they 

must be observed and strictly 

followed. However, order goes 

out of the window when there is 

no uniformity and objectivity in 

the implementation of these policies. 

In the presence of these 

policies and rules, who says that 

the enforcers have the right to 

decide who should be covered 

CONTINUE ON PAGE 20

The Province of Benguet cohosted 

the celebration of the 30 th 

Cordillera Month with the National 

Commission on Indigenous Peoples 

(NCIP) this July 2017. 

Benguet led in the conduct of 

four annual major events of the 

celebration, namely the Kapihan 

on June 28, 2017 at the Gov. Ben 

Palispis Hall; the Unity Gong Relay 

Kick-off program with ceremonial 

tree planting on July 8 was at the 

Provincial Capitol Grounds; the 

Cordillera Officials Fellowship program 

on July 14, also at the Gov. 

Ben Palispis Hall; and the Cordillera 

Foundation Day program on 

July 15 at the Benguet Sports Multipurpose 

Gymnasium in Wangal, 

La Trinidad. 

Benguet also spearheaded two 

new events this year: the 1 st Cordillera 

Cultural Summit on July 28 

and also the 1 st Cordillera Thanksgiving 

Day, or a Day of Prayer for 

the Cordillera, on July 29. Both 

Regional Development Council and Benguet Provincial Officials respond to queries 

from the media regarding the celebration during the Kapahian sa Benguet 

were at the Gov. Ben Palispis 

Hall, Provincial Capitol, La 

Trinidad. 

As co-host, the provincial 

government shared expenditures 

with a total amount of 

Php843,079.95 as certified by 

the Provincial Accountant. 

Editor- In-Chief: 

Associate Editor: 

Photographers: 

FLOR T. BAY-ON, Governor’s Office 

CHERRY ANN C. GOLONGAB, Governor’s Office 

Dean Mark D. Monang and 

Arthel Vincent Tello, Governor’s Office 

Layout Artists: 

Jenny Rose T. Borja, PGO 

Jobelle A. Batanes, PGO 

Julien Rex Chicay, PGO 

Writers / Contributors: 

Brian A. Camhit, PGO; 

Rosemary G. Badival, PPDO; 

Aida P. Saingan, BeGH; 

Gina A. Yog-a, PGO; 

Anabelle B. Hidalgo, PBO; 

Eduardo A. Solis, PEO; 

Delinia D. Juan, OPAG; 

Adam P. Ventura, PGO; 

Marvi G. Burgos, SPO; 

Nereo P. Martin, BPENRO; 

Victoria B. Akia, PGSO; 

Melba P. Marcos, PSWDO; 

Jenifer S. Delos Santos, PHRMDO; Maria Imelda C. Ulep, BeGH; 

Francis Louis S. Likigan Jr., PGO; 

Eleazar B. Carias, PGO; 

Geronimo I. Gemino, PGO; 

Flora P. Manuel, BTS; 

Purita L. Lesing, PVO; 

Mary Jane P. Lampacan, PTO; 

Esperanza L. Sube, PASSO; 

Ferdinand P. Catores, PLO; 

Regina P. Bandao, PGO; 

Antonette L. Agpas, PHO; 

Daisy S. Quirino, PGO; 

Susan C. Aro, SCA-PIA-CAR; 

Dr. Henry B. Daz, BeGH; 

Mary Ann S. Pacio and Onofre Limbayos, DepEd Buguias District 

Circulation Staff: 

Consultant / Adviser: 

Camilo B. Alumit and Jocelyn M. Fransisco, PGO 

Atty. Noel G. Ngolob, Provincial Administrator 

Benguet, along with the City of 

Baguio, signified their interest to 

host the 2018 Palarong Pambansa, 

alongside with four other 

bidders. 

If the bid will be favorably considered, 

this would be the ―Coolest 

Palaro‖ ever. According to Provincial 

Administrator Atty. Noel Ngolob, 

what Baguio and Benguet offer 

is the cool climate. It is to be noted 

that previous Palaros held in 

other regions led to many delegates 

having difficulty in adjusting 

to the hot temperature. This had 

severe impact on their sports performances 

and their provinces’ 

standing in the competitions. 

CONTINUE ON PAGE 6

Benguet is now preparing for the celebration 

of the 117 th Foundation Day Anniversary of 

the province this coming November 2017. For 

the planning of the activities, Governor Crescencio 

Pacalso issued Administrative Order No. 2017 

-060 on September 8, 2017 creating the Executive 

Committee and the Working Committees. 

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines 

(BSP) Benguet Council conducted a 

Patrol Leaders Training Course 

(PLTC) at the BSP Council Office in 

Km. 5, La Trinidad. 120 interested 

boy scouts from Grade 5 to Grade 6, 

from the 14 districts of Benguet participated, 

and were divided into 

three batches. 

The first batch conducted on August 

18 to 20 was composed of the 

participants from the districts of 

Atok, Kabayan, Itogon 1, Tuba and 

Bakun Group 1, while the second 

batch on September 1 to 3 were 

those from the districts of Kapangan, 

Kibungan, Sablan, Tublay, Buguias 

Group 1 and La Trinidad Group 1. 

The third batch on September 22-24 

was composed of Itogon District II, 

Mankayan, Buguias Group 2, La 

Trinidad Group 2 and Bakun Group 

2. 

The main objective of the training 

was to demonstrate the technique 

of ―learning by doing‖. The 

participants were taught to do things 

the practical way towards grabbing 

opportunities for leadership in scouting 

and to acquire knowledge on the 

principle of discipline and its application 

in real youth life. – melbeth 

sabyat 

Pacalso heads the Executive Committee with 

Vice Governor Florence Tingbaoen as his Vice 

Chairperson and the members are composed of 

all the Provincial Board Members. 

To oversee or coordinate the activities/ 

programs of the working committees, a steering 

committee was created, with Provincial Administrator 

Noel Ngolob as chairperson and Board 

Member (BM) Robert Namoro as Vice Chairman. 

The working committees with their Chairmen 

and Co-chairmen are: 

CONTINUE ON PAGE 5 

La Trinidad – On July 27, 2017, the Philippine Red 

Cross (PRC) – Benguet Chapter, recognized blood 

galloners, in observance of the 2017 Blood Donors 

Month which is July of every year. This year, the slogan 

for the celebration was “Give Blood, Give Now, 

Give Often”. 

Blood Galloners are those who regularly donate 

and have donated or were extracted blood totaling at 

least 4,000 cc. 

The Benguet Chapter conducted a number of activities 

which included a motorcade around La Trinidad 

valley; a press conference with concerned stakeholders, 

blood donation drive, and the recognition 

program simultaneously. 

CONTINUE ON PAGE 20

FROM PAGE 4 

Committee Chairman Co-chairman 

Kapihan sa 

Benguet 

PHRMDO Rosaline 

Q. Elayda 

BM Fernando M. 

Balaodan 

Committee Chairman Co-chairman 

Job Fair 

PESO Jolly 

Ann K. 

Garcia 

BM Florencio 

V. Bentrez 

Information, 

Invitation & 

Program 

Executive Asst. 

Jeanira G. Okubo 


Balaodan 

Culture and Arts 

Events 

CTOO 

Clarita D. 

Prudencio 

BM Sario M. 

Copas 

Fund Raising 

PT Imelda I. 

Macanes 

BM Johnny D. 

Waguis 

Children’s 

Events 

PV Miriam 

V. Tiongan 

BM Jim G. 

Botiwey 

Reception 

PBO Tomasa S. 

Atayoc 

BM Ruben E. 

Paoad 

Farmers’ Events 

PAg Lolita 

B. Bentres 

BM Robert M. 

Namoro 

Technical 

PPDC Tuho C. 

Chapdian 

Skilled Workers’ 

Event 

Engr. 

Joseph M. 

Cervantes 

Site and 

Security 

Parade 

Cañao 

Agri-tourism 

Fair 

Trade Fair 

Health Fair 

Acting PGSO Lydia 

V. Emmon 

PW Peter P. Tip-ac 

PE Reny S. Tabdi 

PAg Lolita B. 

Bentres 

Pac Lucia P. Kisim 

PHO Nora M. Ruiz 

BM Juan M. 

Nazarro, Jr. 


Balaodan, BPNP 

Director Florante 

J. Camuyot 

BM Bernard S. 

Waclin 

BM Robert M. 

Namoro 

BM Roberto K. 

Canuto 

BM Jim G. 

Botiwey 

Search for Mr. & 

Miss Benguet 

Music Fest 

Environment 

Mass Wedding 

Sports 

Ecumenical 

Documentation 

and Archiving 

APA Florita 

T. Bay-on 

SP 

Secretary 

Brian J. 

Crispin 

BPENRO 

Julius T. 

Kollin 

PSWDO 

Juana B. 

Bannawe 

SDO II 

Deanmark 

Monang 

PAs 

Sambrano 

T. Soriano 

ISA III 

Jenny Rose 

T. Borja 

VG Florence 

B. Tingbaoen 

BM Nestor T. 

Fongwan, Jr. 

BM Ruben E. 

Paoad 

BM Johnny D. 

Waguis 

VG Florence 

B. Tingboaen 

Further, the Awards Committee was also created through Administrative Order No. 2016-052 with reference 

to Provincial Ordinance (PO) No. 14-168, as amended by PO No. 16-188. The Committee is 

tasked to search for deserving citizens to the Benguet Leadership, Everlasting, Achievement, and Outstanding 

Student Leadership. 

The members are BMs Florencio V. Bentrez, Apolinario T. Camsol, Ruben E. Paoad, James M. 

Guanso; and Assistant Provincial Legal Officer Richard S. Antero, Provincial Budget Officer Tomasa S. 

Atayoc, Assistant Provincial Administrator Florita T. Bay-on, Provincial Social Welfare and Development 

Officer Juana B. Bannawe, Chief of Benguet General Hospital II Maria Imelda C. Ulep, Provincial 

Human Resource Management and Development Officer Rosaline Q. Elayda, Secretary to the Sanggunian 

Brian J. Crispin, and Chief Tourism Operations Officer Clarita D. Prudencio.

Belen Caday-as from the Municipality of Kibungan was 

the Class valedictorian among 215 graduates of the Nutrition 

School On the Air (NSOA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region 

(CAR). 

Caday-as garnered a score of 55 out of the perfect score of 

60, making her the top honoree in the awarding ceremony by 

the National Nutrition Council (NNC) at Hotel Supreme, Baguio 

City on August 5, 2017. 

All participants in the NSOA program were from Baguio City, 

Benguet, Mt. Province, Ifugao and La Union. They completed 12 

sessions conducted from May 4 to July 20, 2017. The sessions 

involved once-a-week broadcast lessons, with quizzes’ answers 

sent through short messaging service (SMS). 

The youngest participant, a nine-year old Ashmere Pongdad 

was from Bahong, La Trinidad while the oldest was Lolita Borja, 

71 years old from Aurora Hill, Baguio City. 

According to Program Adviser and DZWT Radio anchor Rose 

Malekchan, the NSOA program aims to promote good nutrition 

practices in rural areas, especially those hardly reached by the 

government, and to educate the people on healthy lifestyle. 

NNC Regional Program Coordinator Rita Papey, in her 

speech, encouraged the graduates to cascade their learnings to 

their respective communities. 

FROM PAGE 3 

To be considered there are 

several criteria that must be 

met. The billeting areas for the 

delegates must pass in terms of 

adequacy of sleeping quarters, 

comfort rooms, washrooms and 

shower areas. The billeting areas 

must also be equipped with 

screened windows, kitchen and 

dining areas, adequate water 

and power supply. The host 

should also be able to guarantee 

availability of medical/first 

aid facilities, telecommunications 

and internet connectivity, 

and a solid security and peace 

and order plan. 

The requirements for the 

playing venues involve the adequacy, 

availability and readiness 

of playing venues and facilities, 

including compliance with their 

standard measurements. The 

playing venues and facilities 

should also have excellent safety 

features such as appropriate 

flooring and roofing or covering 

where necessary, entrances and 

exits, and proper signages. 

Adequate water supply, excellent 

lighting system, good 

ventilation, and capacity to supply 

power during the events 

should also be present. There 

should also be a space designated 

for the officials and spectators, 

and this includes parking 

areas for vehicles. 

In order to meet the accessibility 

requirement, the playing 

venues must be at least within a 

15-20 km radius from the billeting 

area. 

A team from the Department 

of Education Central Office, led 

by Director Jose Rosales, conducted 

a visit and ocular inspection 

of the proposed playing venues 

and billeting quarters in the 

province on August 16 to 18, 


FROM PAGE 1 

including education and 

health, financial assistance of 

more than Php 9 million was 

provided for indigent patients 

of the Benguet General Hospital, 

Php 6.5 million for 209 

provincial scholars, and Php 

2.9 million for 21 volunteer 

teachers in public schools. 

He also mentioned various 

infrastructure projects, 

which include farm to market 

roads, provincial roads, 

school buildings, tourism infrastructures, 

and other facilities. 

Special projects with 

external funding were underlined, 

such as those on drugrelated 

issues and concerns 

in barangays, where a total 

of Php 8.4 million was earmarked, 

with each barangay 

receiving Php 60,000.00. 

Php70 million was allotted 

for priority infra projects, or 

Php500,000.00 per barangay. 

As for administrative operations, 

the total amount of 

Php 1.4 million will be divided 

among the barangays, at 

Php10,000.00 each. Download 

of the funds is subject 

to compliance with specific 

requirements. 

On social protection, the 

BAHAY PAG-ASA is now operational, 

although it has not 

yet fully met the standards

of the Department of Social 

Welfare and Development. 

―At least,‖ the Governor said, 

―there is one‖. 

Pacalso further reported 

that some national line 

agencies were provided lots 

through a Deed of Usufruct, 

like the Offices of the Bureau 

of Jail Management and Penology. 

The building of the 

Civil Service Commission – 

Benguet Field Office has just 

been completed, while that 

of the Office of the Registry 

of Deeds is still ongoing. 

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang 

Panlalawigan, headed 

by Vice Governor Florence 

Tingbaoen, reported on resolutions 

passed and approved, 

as well as provincial 

and budget ordinances. 

Members of the Provincial 

Board present expounded on 

their roles as Chairpersons 

of their respective standing 

committees. Ordinances highlighted were on the 

Local Investments and Incentives Code, the Gender 

and Development Code, and the Study Now 

Pay Later Ordinance. 

In the ensuing open forum, some issues 

raised were on the plan of promoting the Cacao 

Industry as intervention to the cultivation of marijuana 

in Benguet, the stand of the province on 

the proposal to legalize marijuana cultivation, 

current quarantine issues due to bird flu, illegal 

settlers in communal forests, organic farming, 

and Baguio-Benguet’s bid to host the 2018 Palarong 

Pambansa. 

The Philippine Economic 

Zone Authority – Baguio City Economic 

Zone (PEZA-BCEZ), through 

its Administrator, Atty. Rene Joey 

S Mipa, turned over painting materials 

to twelve (12) public schools in 

Benguet for their Brigada Eskwela, 

particularly for the improvement of 

their school buildings or facilities. 

The turnover was conducted on August 

18, 2017 at the Capitol Open 

Gymnasium, La Trinidad. 

The materials and supplies were 

turned over to the school head 

teachers/principals of the following 

schools: 

Kapangan Central National High 

School 

Sablan National High School – 

Main 

Ampusongan National High School 

Governor Bado Dangwa Agro- 

Industrial School 

Lepanto National High School 

Tublay School of Home Industries 

– Main 

Loacan National High School 

Maximino Fianza Lopez Elementary 

School 

Albis Elementary School 

Dorencio Elementary School 

Kamora National High School 

Basil Elementary School 

Newly appointed Schools Division 

Superintendent Marie Carolyn 

Verano, in behalf of the beneficiaries, 

expressed her profound 

thanks to PEZA-BCEZ for the assistance, 

which will surely be appreciated 

and put to good use.

A total of 107 employees, in 3 

batches, participated in a 2-day 

training on Gender Sensitivity conducted 

by the Provincial Government 

of Benguet for two (2) days 

per batch. The seminar-workshops 

were conducted in 3 batches on 

June 22-23, July 5-6, and July 19- 

20, 2017, at the Benguet General 

Hospital Training Hall, La Trinidad. 

The training aimed to enhance 

the awareness of employees on 

Gender and Development, particularly 

on respect and sensitivity towards 

other employees and, in the 

process, working harmoniously 

within the organization. 

Gender and Development 

(GAD) Director Frances Noelle 

Escalera of Benguet State University 

(BSU) was the lone resource person 

for the first and second batch, 

with Assistant Professor I Winston 

N. Ros, also of BSU, joining her for 

the third batch. 

The training focused on the 

following learning interests: 

Knowing ME, knowing YOU in 

relation to gender and sex roles. 

24 hours profiling to reflect on 

and understand gender division 

of labor in given situations. 

Brainstorming & sharing of gender 

roles in social institutions 

such as family, school, mass 

media and the workplace. 

Storytelling: Identify and relate 

valuables and how it can 

contribute to development 

. 

Discussion on Power; Power To, 

Power Over, Power With and 

Power Within. 

Reflections: After this GST I will 

begin to...I will continue to… 

Ms. Jeanira G. Okubo, Executive Asst. III, represented 

Governor Crescencio Pacalso. She challenged the participants 

to be gender-sensitive in their respective offices and 

homes. She said that those who have power should use it 

for development, since it ―is not about having power or authority, 

but more on how power can be used for development‖. 

She also touched on self-transcendence in embracing 

change. Gender Sensitivity and Development (GAD) is an 

ongoing program of the government, which means it is a 

continuing struggle since there is a need to unlearn old beliefs 

and practices on sex and gender roles in society. 

Okubo added that change cannot happen when we cannot 

see who we are. No one is really powerless, since there 

is something in every person. Thus, awareness is the key for 

one to be sensitive and it all starts within each of us. By being 

empowered through the training, she encouraged everyone 

to apply their learnings towards making Benguet a better 

place. – jenny delos Santos 

The Department of 

Social Welfare and Development 

conferred the Seal 

of Child Friendly Governance 

to six municipalities of 

Benguet on August 3, 


The municipalities of 

Bokod, Itogon, La Trinidad, 

Mankayan, Sablan and Tuba 

are among the 38 local 

government units (LGUs) in 

the Cordillera Administrative 

Region that received 

the Seal. Mayor Materno 

Luspian of Mankayan and 

Councilor Estrella Adeban 

of La Trinidad personally 

received their award, along 

with the local chief executives 

of the other LGUs in 

the region. 

DSWD Regional Director 

Janet Armas delivered a talk 

on the importance of continuing 

partnership with the 

LGUs and subsequently 

challenged the awardees to 

sustain their performance 

and aim higher, even target 

the national award. 

Jeeson Alamar, representing 

the Executive Director 

of the Council for the 

Welfare of Children, encouraged 

the LGUs to protect 

children’s rights and welfare, 

especially in far-flung 

barangays as they remain 

the vulnerable sector in every 

community. 

The criteria for the 

award include the passing of 

the mandatory annual Child- 

Friendly Local Governance 

Audit by concerned agencies.

Dr. Antonette Agpas of the Provincial Health 

Office presented a report on the status of reproductive 

health in Benguet during the reenactment 

of the signing of Provincial Ordinance 

No. 17-204, or the Responsible Parenthood and 

Reproductive Health Code of the province, on 

August 17, 2017 at the Hotel Supreme in Baguio 

City. 

Agpas’ report, which covered the seven-year 

period from 2010 to 2016, focused on 13 Reproductive 

Health (RH) Elements. The table below 

shows statistical data on the 13 RH elements 

for the most recent 3-year period 2014 

to 2016. 

Meanwhile, the provincial officials did a 

reenactment of the signing or approval of 

Provincial Ordinance No. 17-204 enacting the 

―Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive 

Health Code, Policies and Programs of the 

Province of Benguet, Appropriating Funds 

thereof and for Other Purposes‖, during the 

Family Forum on Family Planning and Development 

held on August 11, 2017 at the Hotel 

Supreme, Baguio City. The Benguet Responsible 

Parenthood and Reproductive Council 

per the Provincial Ordinance was also presented 

during the said forum. 

RH Elements 2014 2015 2016 

1. Contraceptive 

Prevalence Rate 47.22 56.67 63.43 

2. Current Users of 

Permanent FP 

Methods 

5,228 5,774 6,301 


Artificial FP Methods 6,302 6,979 7,892 


Natural FP Methods 299 383 487 

5. Pre-natal Care 8,520 7,475 10,244 

6. Pregnant Women 

Given Complete 

Iron w/ Folic Acid 

Supplementation 

7. Skilled Birth Attendance 

8. Postpartum Care 

Rate 

9. Postpartum 

Women Given Complete 

Iron Supplementation 

10. Postpartum 

Women Given Vitamin 

A Supplementation 

11. Fully Immunized 

Children 

12. Exclusive 

Breastfeeding 

13. Orally-Fit Children 

6,820 

7,610 7,096 

5,850 7,994 9,633 

66 77 65 

55% 63% 58% 

58% 63% 57% 

8,082 8,055 7,750 

6,671 6,751 6,914 

7,275 9,358 11,769 

An inspection team from the Department of the 

Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted 

an inspection and monitoring of two road 

projects under the KALSADA Program in Benguet 

on June 27 and 28, 2017. They are the Rehabilitation 

and Improvement of Halsema- 

Madaymen Provincial Road in Kibungan and the 

Improvement and Upgrading of Guinaoang- 

Suyoc-Gambang Provincial Road in Mankayan. 

The detailed inspection was conducted in 

view of several negative observations noted. It 

also called for a technical investigation on the 

causes of the defects and delays in the projects’ 

implementation. 

Some of the team’s observations included 

the inadequacy of workforce deployed at the 

project site, lack or absence of appropriate road 

signs and required barricades in and around the 

project vicinities, and various road obstructions 

such as electric posts and facilities. It was also 

noted that both projects featured very high slippage, 

at -16.16% and -33.37%, respectively. 

The DILG requires submission of bimonthly 

progress report on the financial and 

physical accomplishment of Conditional Matching 

Grant Program (CMGP) projects every 10 th 

and 25 th of the month, and quarterly financial 

and physical reports of operations within 15 

days after the reporting.

sense of understanding and develop 

the values that sports has to 

offer. She also encouraged everyone 

not to ever forget indigenous 

games. 

The Sports for Peace: Children’s 

Games and Barangay 

Sports Education Seminar is one of 

PSC’s Grassroots Development 

Program. 

The Children’s Games drew 

977 participants, aged 12 years 

old and below, to various ball 

games such as basketball, volleyball 

and football, as well as indigenous 

games like kadang-kadang, 

Benguet Provincial Governor 

Crescencio Pacalso expressed his 

gratitude to the Philippine Sports 

Commission (PSC) for choosing the 

province to host the second leg of 

Children’s Games, primarily by 

sponsoring and spearheading the 

conduct of ―Sports for Peace: Children’s 

Games‖ and the ―Barangay 

Sports Education Seminar‖ on July 

11 to 13, 2017 at the Benguet State 

University. 

The event was an avenue for the 

children of Benguet develop 

and expose their talents and 

skills in the field of sports. He 

then encouraged the participants 

and coaches to perform 

in the spirit of sportsmanship, 

make friends, and enjoy the 

games. Unfortunately, the 

children’s games was only for 

participants from the municipality 

of La Trinidad, which 

spurred Pacalso to request 

PSC to conduct the same activity 

every year for the entire province. 

During the opening 

program, PSC Commissioner 

Celia H. Kiram represented 

PSC Chairman 

William Ramirez. She said 

that the PSC targets to 

bring the sports program 

to the grassroots for children 

to have a strong 

sanggol, and salikawkaw. The 

3K and 5K Fun Run, on the other 

hand, attracted around 500 

children. 

Meanwhile, the Barangay 

Sports Education Seminar was 

attended by representatives 

from all 13 municipal government 

units and 140 barangays 

in the province. The PSC officials 

briefed them on the mandates, 

functions, responsibilities 

and programs of PSC. 

In their feedback, the participants 

said they felt a sense 

of kinship, thanks to the PSC 

―coming down to their level for 

the first time‖. They appreciated 

the effort and initiative it 

took for them to discuss their 

sports development programs, 

up close and personal. – dean 

mark monang

A total of more than Php133 million 

fund under the Conditional Matching Grant 

Program (CMGP) to provinces for the repair, 

rehabilitation and improvement of provincial 

roads in Benguet have already been endorsed 

to the Department of Budget and Management 

for fund release, according to the Central Office 

of the Department of the Interior and Local 

Government (DILG). 

In a letter dated July 12, 2017 from Undersecretary 

Austere Panadero to Governor Crescencio 

Pacalso, three (3) proposed projects 

were included under the FY 2017 CMGP Program. 

Name of Project 

Approved Budget 

for the Contract 

downloaded to the province. 

Meanwhile, the DILG also identified the five 

Municipalities in Benguet covered by the PAMA- 

NA Prioritized Projects for CY 2018; they are 

Bakun, Itogon, Kabayan, Kibungan and 

Mankayan. The road projects are: 

Municipality 

Bakun 

Itogon 

Project Title 

Improvement of 

Dangandangan- 

Copcopit-Guiweng 

FMR 

Improvement 

Balococ FMR 

of 

Project 

Cost 

P60 

million 

P3 

million 

Road Upgrading and 

Improvement of Halsema-Madaymen 

Provincial 

Road (Phase 

II) 


Improvement of 

Guinaoang-Suyoc- 

Gambang Provincial 

Road (Phase II) 

P45,244,985.00 

P44,000,000.00 

Kabayan 

Kibungan 

Opening/ 

construction of 2.5 

km Otek-Lower 

Loakan-Liang-Baski 

Road 

Impvt of Talabing- 

Tawangan-Tinoc 

Road 

Opening of Ba- 

cawayan-Mocgao- 

Badeo FMR (with 

bridge component) 

P20 

million 

P12 

million 

P90 

million 


Improvement of Amburayan-Boneng 

Provincial 

Road 

Total 

P44,000,000.00 

P133,244,985.00 

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of 

the province was advised that the procurement 

process for the projects may now proceed in 

accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 

No. 9184 and its 2016 Revised Implementing 

Rules and Regulations. Moreover, the BAC is 

cautioned to ensure that the award of contract 

shall be made only after the funds have been 

Mankayan 

Opening of Batang to 

Bacayaoan-Camiogan 

-Mocgao-Bagdeo 

road (15 km with 

8.01 m concrete 

bridge) 

Repair/rehabilitation 

of Camantaki Barangay 

Road 

Improvement of Bulalacao-Mannaba 

Access Road 

P90 

million 

P20 

million 

P3 million

The Memorandum 

of Agreement (MOA) between 

the Province of Benguet 

and Hydroelectric 

Corporation (HEDCOR) for 

the 19 Megawatt Bineng 

Combined Project of the 

Aboitiz Power was finalized 

through Sangguniang Panlalawigan 

Resolution No. 

17-130 passed on July 17, 

2017. This officially authorized 

Provincial Governor 

Crescencio C. Pacalso 

to represent the province 

to enter into MOA with the 

HEDCOR. 

The authority was issued 

after the MOA with 

the La Trinidad Indigenous 

Peoples Organization and 

the three host barangays: 

Alno, Alapang and Bineng, 

were perfected on January 

24, 2017; February 1, 13 

and 20, 2017, respectively. 

Governor Pacalso and 

President and Chief Operating 

Officer Rene B. Ronquillo 

of HEDCOR led in 

the signing of the MOA. 

Under the Agreement, 

HEDCOR shall, in accordance 

with existing laws 

such as Republic Act No. 

9513 or the Renewable Act 

of 2008 and Republic Act 

No. 9136 or the Electric 

Power Industry Reform Act 

(EPIRA) of 2001 and its 

Implementing Rules and 

Regulations, comply with 

its remittance obligations; 

to deliver to the province 

one centavo per kilowatt 

hour of the power generated 

and delivered by Bineng 

HEPP; coordinate with the 

province for the performance 

of maintenance works and 

repairs on access roads, right 

-of-way and easements; and 

extend preference 

on 

employment 

opportunities 

to bonafide 

residents 

of the 

province. 

On the 

part of the 

province, it 

shall continue 

to observe, 

abide and respect the 

obligations and responsibilities 

of HEDCOR under any 

existing agreements established 

by it; institute 

measures to protect and preserve 

the forest and water 

resources within Benguet, 

specifically areas covering 

the Bineng Combined HEPP; 

assist in the maintenance of 

peace and order within the 

areas covered, and several 

others. 

The agreement supersedes 

all previous agreements 

and shall be valid for 

a period of 25 years from its 

execution and shall remain 

in effect for as long as HED- 

COR operates Bineng Combined 

HEPP within Benguet.

The Department of the Interior 

and Local Government (DILG), particularly 

the Office of the Undersecretary 

for Local Government, issued a directive 

requesting local governments to ensure 

that only those licensed by the Philippine 

Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) 

are allowed to engage in construction 

projects. 

This move to professionalize the contracting 

industry was made through Republic 

Act No. 4566 or “An Act Creating 

the Philippine Licensing Board for Contractors, 

Prescribing its Powers, Duties 

and Functions, Providing Funds Therefor, 

and for Other Purpose” and its Implementing 

Rules and Regulations. 

Specifically cited in the directive are 

Sections 37 and 38, which focus on Individual 

License and Joint License, respectively. 

Section 36 of the same law instructs 

architects and engineers preparing 

plans and specifications for a construction 

work to require all bidders to 

first secure a license before participating 

in the bidding. 

According to PCAB, the directive was 

issued due to the presence of unlicensed 

contractors, subcontractors and specialty 

contractors that undertake construction 

projects. PCAB is a government 

agency that takes charge of licensing 

contractors for public and private construction. 

In August 18, 2017, the Provincial 

Government of Benguet and the National 

Economic Development Authority Cordillera 

Regional Office (NEDA-CAR), in coordination 

with the Office of Congressman 

Ronald Cosalan, conducted a Benguet 

Leaders Forum focused on Cordillera Autonomy 

at the Benguet Sports Center Multi-purpose 

Gymnasium in Wangal, La Trinidad. 

Benguet took on the role of the secretariat, 

as well as took charge of the venue 

and the lunch of the participants, while 

NEDA-CAR staff were the facilitators/ 

resource speakers. 

After the opening program graced by 

Congressman Ronald Cosalan and Governor 

Crescencio Pacalso, the NEDA-CAR 

headed by Regional Director Milagros A. 

Rimando, discussed on the identified subjects 

of interest, which include changing 

from Unitary Government to Federal System, 

experiences in Federalism and Autonomy, 

history of the struggle for selfdetermination 

and the reasons for the 

quest for Cordillera autonomy, and the 

roadmap for achieving Cordillera autonomy 

towards Federalism and House Bill No. 

5343 provisions.

Briefer 

The Province of Benguet was the co-host of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) of 

the 30 th Cordillera Month Celebration last July 2017. 

The focus of this year’s celebration was on Cordillera Indigenous Peoples’ Concerns (CIPC). As co-host, 

Benguet participated in CIPC meetings chaired by NCIP Regional Director Ronald P. Calde, in the preparation 

of plans, including tasking and/or defining of the roles and responsibilities of both and all lead agencies for 

the different events. 

As a result, Benguet Provincial Governor Crescencio Pacalso issued Administrative Order No. 2017-031 

creating the working committees to closely work with their counterparts in the regional line agencies for the 

celebration. 

Activities/Events 

Benguet was tasked to lead six (6) annual major activities or events: 

Benguet initiated the one-day Cordillera Cultural Summit held on July 28, 2017 and a Thanksgiving Day or a 

Day of Prayer for the Cordilleras held on July 29, 2017, both at the Gov. Ben Palispis Hall, Benguet Provincial 

Capitol. 

Budgetary Allocation and Expenditures: 

Benguet appropirated Php 961,500.00 from the General Fund as support to Cordillera Month Activities. The 

actual disbursements as of August 15, 2017, as per report by the Provincial Accounting Office, amounted to 

Php 843,079.95. 

Main Issues/concerns: 

Activity Time and Date Venue 

Kapihan sa Benguet re Cordillera 

Month activities and schedules 

10 o’clock a.m. to 12 

noon; June 28 

Cordillera Unity Gong Relay Kick-off Program 8:00 o’clock a.m. to 12 

with cultural ritual and ceremonial tree noon; July 8 

planting 

Cordillera Officials Fellowship Program 

4:00 o’clock pm onwards; 

July 14 

Civic Parade 

8 to 9 o’clock a.m; 

July 15, 2015 

30 th Cordillera Foundation Day Program 9:00 o’clock a.m. onwards; 

July 15 

Coffee Pavilion and mini Trade Fair 8:00 o’clock a.m. onwards; 

July 15 

Gov. Ben Palispis Hall, Provincial Capitol, La Trinidad 

Benguet Provincial Capitol Grounds, La Trinidad 

Gov. Ben Palispis Hall, Provincial Capitol, La Trinidad 

Benguet Capitol Grounds to Benguet Sports Center 

Multipurpose Gymnasium, Wangal, La Trinidad 

Benguet Sports Center Multipurpose Gymnasium, Wangal, 

La Trinidad 

Benguet Sports Center Multipurpose Gymnasium, Wangal, 

La Trinidad 

1. Identification and invitation of the Guest of Honor and Speaker for the Cordillera Foundation Day Program 

There was a pool of speakers identified during a meeting of the Technical Working Group, including 

Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. NEDA-CAR informed 

that he accepted and confirmed through Mr. Dexter A. See. One of Secretary Dureza’s staff, Mr.

Joey Olpindo, even called up confirming 

Secretary Dureza’s acceptance 

to grace the program. Five 

days before the event however, Secretary 

Dureza cancelled his confirmation 

for July 15, instead, he will be in 

Baguio on July 14, 2017. Several alternates 

were suggested and invited 

but all were in vain: DA Secretary 

Emmanuel Piñol, Senator Aquilino 

―Koko‖ Pimentel III, and DPWH Secretary 

Mark Villar 

Finally, just a day before the 

event, Executive Director Rico S. 

Pableo, Jr., of the National Commission 

on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), 

confirmed to grace the Foundation 

Day Program upon our invitation. He 

was the first suggestion of the province 

of Benguet in the first meeting 

of the CIPC Technical Working 

Group. The task was so stressful for 

the Program Committee of the host 

province as we have to rush the 

printing of copies of the program, 

and necessarily required some staff 

of the Governor’s Office to work late 

till 11 o’clock in the evening of July 

14, 2017. 

2. Confirmation of provincial delegates for 

accommodation purposes 

Some provincial point persons or coordinators 

were late in submitting the list of the 

delegates who opted to avail of the accommodation, 

thus, problems were encountered in the 

reservations. There were also some who confirmed 

but did not arrive but still Benguet is 

obliged to pay for their accommodation due to an 

earlier reservation. 

3. Non-participation or attendance of some Regional 

Line Agencies despite Regional Development Council Regional 

Memorandum dated 13 June 2017 encouraging all 

Regional Line Agencies, Local Government Units, SUCs 

and other government instrumentalities to participate in 

the celebration of the 30 th Cordillera Month (with attached 

schedule of activities). 

Remarkable Observations: 

1. The Unity Gong Relay Kick-off program, the Cordillera 

Officials Fellowship Program, the civic parade, and 

the Foundation Day Program were well attended, not 

one of the seven Congressmen however was around; 

2. Benguet was well represented throughout the sixday 

Unity Gong Relay; 

3. Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan of Baguio city and the 

Regional Development Council Chairman has attended 

and participated during the Unity Gong Relay Kick 

-off program, the Cordillera Officials Fellowship Program 

and the Cordillera Foundation Day Program. 

We have not formally notified him but an invitation 

only through a copy of the different programs has 

sufficed. 

No. 9003. 

The National Solid Waste Management Commission 

(NSWMC) has finally approved the Provincial 

10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan of Benguet. 

This was communicated by the agency in a letter 

dated July 18, 2017 to Governor Crescencio Pacalso. 

Through NSWMC Resolution No. 934, series of 

2017, the 10-year plan of the province was approved 

and, along with it, a commendation for Benguet 

in its efforts and initiative in formulating the 

plan in compliance to the provisions of Republic Act 

The Commission requires the provincial government 

to submit an annual progress report on 

the strategies implemented and accomplishments 

through its secretariat. Other additional 

requirements include data on the key issues facing 

the province and the municipalities, the goals 

for the plan, location of the province indicating 

the map locations of its municipalities, the projected 

population for the 10-years period, a list 

of the manpower and existing equipment utilized 

in SWM, and information on how source reduction 

is implemented, among others. 

CONTINUE ON PAGE 22

The Mentor Me program 

is a component 

of the Project Kapatid, 

an undertaking 

jointly being implemented 

by the DTI and 

the Philippine Center 

for Entrepreneurship 

(PCE) or the Go Negosyo. 

It aims to assist 

micro, small and medium 

enterprises 

(MSMEs) to level up 

and sustain their businesses 

through regular 

coaching and mentoring 

sessions by successful 

and well-known 

entrepreneurs or practitioners 

on the differ- 

The winners in the 1 st Provincial 

Director’s Invitational Shoot 

Fest were recognized and handed 

their trophies on August 7, 2017 during 

the Flag Raising Ceremony at 

the Benguet Capitol Grounds. 

Under the team category, the 

champions are from the Provincial 

Public Safety Command. The Buguias 

and Tuba Municipal Police 

Stations are 1 st and 2 nd Runners-Up, 

respectively. 

Under the Individual category, 

the Champion is Senior Police Officer 

2 (SPO) Joseph Miller Fakat 

and the 1 st Runner-Up is SPO 2 

Dwight Sean Arucod. For the Lady 

category, Police Officer 3 (PO) Rubilyn 

Duping is the Champion followed 

by PO2 Marisa Calixto; under 

Classic, SPO3 Dionisio Abibico Jr 

emerged Champion and trailed by 

PSupt Edward Aquintey. 

In the Standard category, Police 

Officer 2 Maribel Kiwang tailed 

SPO4 Gifford Guiad, the Champion. 

Special awards were likewise handed 

to GLOCK Champ SPO1 Dwight 

Sean Arucod and BERETTA 

Champ SPO2 Crismark Hibaon; and 

for the Aggregates Match, three were 

awarded: Production Lawman 1 st 

Runner-Up was SPO2 Miller Fakat, 

Production Lady Lawman PO2 

Jeanette Gay Patores; and the 

Champion under Standard was 

SPO2 Taggart Bagsiyao. 

The Department 

of Trade and Industry 

(DTI) – Benguet Provincial 

Office launched 

its Kapatid Mentor-ME 

(KMME) Program for 

Benguet on August 16, 

2017 at the Gov. Ben 

Palispis Hall, Provincial 

Capitol. Around 300 

participants, composed 

of Small Medium Enterprising 

(SME) Units, 

private and government 

institution partners 

and mentors, 

were present during 

the roll-out activity. 

ent functional areas of 

entrepreneurship. 

A briefer was given 

regarding the Go Negosyo 

program, specifically 

Republic Act 

No. 10644 or the Go 

Negosyo Act, and the 

marketing aspect. 

There was also a discussion 

on the Recognition 

of Local Mentors 

and Mechanics of 

Business Cliniquing. 

To qualify, prospective 

mentees 

should be at least 18 

years old, a resident 

of the province/ 

district, with a DTI 

registered business 

that has operated for 

at least one year, and 

with a potential of enterprise 

for growth. 

They must also be 

willing to attend 

weekly sessions on 

specified schedules 

and enter into a Contract 

of Commitment. 

The business owners 

applying for mentorship 

must also have 

employees or manage 

a team. Source: DTI - 

Benguet

The delegates, whose age 

ranged from 11 to 17 years, were 

accompanied to the Festival by 

their coaches, namely Drixie Jane 

Luis, Michael Rimando and Brendaley 

Tarnate. 

In her letter dated July 31, 

2017, Tarnate, who is also the 

President of the Muaythai Association 

of the Philippines – Benguet 

Chapter, expressed her thanks to 

the provincial government of 

Benguet for its support to the 

team through the provision of 

transportation and accommodation 

needs of the athletes. 

During the event, the PENCAK 

SILAT was also conducted and 

nine (9) from Benguet joined. 

Their registration and accommodation 

are free. 

Delegates presents themselves to the Provincial Officials before proceeding to 

compete in Manila 

All 25 Benguet delegates 

to 2017 the Amateur All Women’s 

Festival of Martial Arts 

held last July 25 to 29 at the 

Harrison Plaza in Manila 

brought home a total of 25 

medals. In the combative 

sports category, they won 7 

golds, 7 silvers and 3 bronzes, 

while for Waikru, they reaped 

3 golds, 2 silvers and 3 bronzes. 

PENCAK SILAT is a newly introduced 

sports for the National 

State Colleges and Universities 

Athletic Association (SCUAA) for 

tertiary education and Palarong 

Pambansa for the Department of 

Education. 

Being tasked to organize the 

first ever school-based 4-H club in 

my municipality of Kapangan was 

something I definitely welcomed 

with open arms. I knew it is going to 

be an experience that I will cherish 

and be proud of. It certainly made 

me more connected to the organization. 

For three consecutive years, my 

son has represented Kapangan in 

the canvass-painting contest during 

the Farm Youth Convention, and he 

has even placed first and second. His 

opportunities to compete also became 

opportunities for me to become 

more aware of, and exposed 

to, the organization. I got to join Regional 

and National Farm Youth Conventions, 

which also turned out to 

be excellent learning experiences 

for me. You see, aside from 

competitions, these conventions 

also featured inspiring and highly 

informative lectures and talks, 

as prominent and successful 

personalities in the farming industry 

shared their stories and 

knowledge. 

Through these activities, I 

learned about the numerous 

learning and training opportunities, 

such as those offered by 

the Department of Agriculture 

and Agricultural Training Institute 

– Cordillera Administrative 

Region (ATI-CAR), among others. 

The Provincial Government 

of Benguet is also supportive to 

the 4-H family’s cause, as manifested 

in the Agro-industrial tourism 

fair and agri-skills competition during 

the annual Benguet Adivay, as 

well as various provincial agricultural 

development conferences. 

 

Indeed, being part of the organization 

is a great honor. 

There is a sense of fulfillment, as 

it trains my HEAD to think, plan 

and to reason; my HEART to be 

kind, sympathetic, committed 

and true; my HANDS to be useful, 

helpful and skillful; and my 

HEALTH to be strong, efficient 

and productive, so as to enjoy 

life. - marieliese c. yangken

“They say that it is never too late 

to learn new things; then we can 

also say that it is never too early to 

learn,” said training coordinator and 

adviser Mrs. Jeselle D. Hamadon as 

she welcomed the 37 membersparticipants 

of the Basic First Aid 

Training for Ucab Elementary School 

Junior Red Cross Youth Council (UES 

prevent, further injuries or illnesses that may 

happen at any time and place. 

Lectures and demonstrations focusing on 

the different aspects of First Aid were provided. 

They include Bandaging Techniques, Guidelines 

in Giving Emergency Care, Patient Casualty 

Handling and other common emergencies. 

The Drills Simulation Exercises took place 

after deliberations and discussions with the supervision 

Mrs. Hamadon and Mr. Randall M. 

Laruan, Field Staff of Red Cross Benguet Chapter. 

- Melba Bacayan-Dumawang 

-JRCYC) on September 1 and 2, 

2017 at the Ucab Elementary 

School, Itogon. 

The objective of the two-day 

training was to reiterate to the 

members the importance of giving 

proper and immediate care to an 

injured person or those suddenly 

ill, and how it is a social and moral 

obligation as a concerned citizen. 

The training was also conducted 

to enable and empower them to 

identify ways to lessen, if not totally

Last August 08, 2017, different 

groups from Civil Society Organizations 

(CSOs), Private Organizations 

(POs), Non-government Organizations 

(NGOs), and the government 

sector, headed by Governor Crescencio 

C. Pacalso, the municipal 

mayors, gathered at the Gov. Ben 

Palispis Hall, Provincial Capitol, for 

the Project #EndHunger, a summit 

on ending hunger. 

Spearheading the project was 

Gawad Kalinga Community Development 

Foundation Inc. (GKCDFI), a 

movement committed to end poverty 

for 5 million families by 2024. 

The summit brought different 

speakers and implementers who 

shared their insights and experiences 

from their own interventions to lessen 

and eradicate problems on hunger 

and poverty. 

The first session focused on why 

we cannot end poverty without 

confronting hunger. Keynote 

speaker Fr. Bievenido Nebres, former 

President of Ateneo De Manila 

University (ADMU) talked 

about concerted efforts, mitigations 

and programs in leveling 

poverty by building capability 

through education and health. 

Participants from Happy Hallow 

Elementary school in Baguio City, 

including teachers, actively shared 

their experiences. According to the 

teachers, the level of participation 

and competencies of their pupils 

greatly increased after the onset of 

the feeding program a year ago. 

In the second session, Gawad 

Kalinga showed its Kusina ng Kalinga 

(KnK), a working model that 

was launched at the Happy Hallow 

Elementary School. The Parent- 

Teachers Association were activated 

for the program, as they cook 

for the pupils every lunch time. 

Despite the decrease in income of the 

school canteen, the health of the pupils 

is given priority. 

Ms. Marian Yanga of Jollibee 

Foundation’s Busog Lusog Talino 

School Feeding Program (BLT) was 

also present to expound on their 

community-based feeding program 

through the establishment of central 

kitchens where nutritious meals are 

prepared. 

Dr. Carmale Oracion of the 

Ateneo Center for Educational Development 

and Mr. Aivon Mari Sison 

-Omo of Noble Trends Unbound 

Foundation (NTUF) shared their 

models in addressing hunger at the 

community level. Mayor Herminigildo 

Velasco of San Gabriel, La Union 

shared how the local government is 

currently addressing the problems of 

the schools on hunger. 

Mr. Mark Lawrence Cruz, the head 

of New Initiatives of Gawad Kalinga, 

talked about the impact of the feeding 

program and transformation of 

the communities. 

#EndHunger is geared to encourage 

the different government and 

non-government organizations and 

other stakeholders to participate in 

caring for the less fortunate families. 

There is a herculean task ahead of 

us, as our nation faces the reality of 

moving to a higher level. Compassion 

and love are the strength we 

need to topple poverty, as mentioned 

by the Governor during the summit, 

team work and cooperation is a factor 

to make our dream work. – francis 

Louis likigan, jr.

FROM PAGE 2 

and who shouldn’t? Is there supposed to be room 

for subjectivity and, consequently, inconsistency, 

when applying the rules? I don’t think so. 

As workers in government, we are governed by 

various rules on appointments, personnel and fiscal 

matters. If there is consistency and fairness in their 

implementation, it simply means that what is applicable 

to one is applicable to all – rank, position and 

designation notwithstanding. Otherwise, you should 

be the one held accountable for not enforcing them 

properly. 

It works both ways, though. Each of us has a 

responsibility to be aware of the rules and policies. 

Otherwise, we’re just sitting ducks, and completely 

at the mercy of those who are enforcing the rules. If 

they say jump, we all jump. All because we don’t 

know any better. 

So know the rules. Know how they apply to you. 

If you spot inconsistencies and feel like you are getting 

unfair treatment, call them out. But make sure 

you know where the inconsistencies lie, and which 

injustice must be addressed. 

You see, inequities and irregularities will never 

be corrected unless they are pointed out. Whether 

you are enforcing the policies or you are on the receiving 

end, be informed. That’s the best way for 

you to help the system and, in the process, protect 

yourself. 

FROM PAGE 4 

During the Press Conference with stakeholders, 

Benguet Red Cross Chapter Administrator 

Oscar Paris explained that the event 

serves to raise awareness of the need for safe 

blood and blood products and to thank all the 

blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood 

to those in need. He further informed that 

blood is an important resource, both for 

planned treatments and urgent interventions, 

thus helping patients suffering from lifethreatening 

conditions live longer and supports 

complex medical and surgical procedures. 

Meanwhile, he said that this year’s campaign, 

is focused on blood donation in emergencies. 

Its objectives are to encourage all 

people to strengthen the emergency preparedness 

on health services in their communities 

through blood donation; engage authorities in 

the establishment of effective national blood 

donor programs with the capacity to respond 

promptly to the increase in blood demand during 

emergencies; promote the inclusion of 

blood transfusion services in national emergency 

preparedness and response activities; 

to build wider public awareness of the need for 

committed, year-round blood donation activities 

in order to maintain adequate supplies; 

and celebrate and thank individuals who donate 

regularly and to encourage young people 

to become donors also. 

The Provincial Government of 

Benguet, through its Public Employment 

Service Office (PESO), is known to aid in 

the employment of deserving students 

during the summer break in order to 

help augment their school expenses. 

However, this year’s batch of summer 

job students get more than that. 

Ninety (90) students who qualified in 

the summer employment program underwent 

a one-day training on ―Career 

and Employment Coaching cum Orientation 

on Ecological Solid Waste Management 

Act and Basic Disaster Risk Reduction 

and Management‖ last August 28, 

2017 at the Gov Ben Palispis 

Hall, Provincial Capitol. 

The briefing on disaster risk 

reduction and management was 

led by Jessie Jose Domeris, Local 

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 

Officer II from the Office 

of the Governor. Sinclaire 

Gawiden of the Benguet Provincial 

Environment and Natural Resources 

Office was present to discuss 

the Ecological Solid Waste 

Management Act. 

They also received coaching 

on career development and employment. 

Fay Ann Farangan, 

Guidance Counselor of Benguet 

State University, was their coach 

on career development matters. 

Elengy Bolidi, the PESO of La 

Trinidad, talked on employment 

issues and concerns. 

The provincial government 

provided funding in the amount 

of Php31,200.00 for the food of 

the participants and honoraria of 

the resource speakers. - Jolly 

ann Garcia

―A dream come true: when dream comes true, nothing is 

stoppable”. 

Ballet classes are now 

available at the La Trinidad 

Central School (LTCS), 

through its Punta del Pie 

Class, which aims to bring 

classical ballet closer to 

the local communities of 

the Province of Benguet. 

Punta del Pie is affiliated 

to Tiptoe Ballet Coaching, 

based in La Union, 

that offers an on-call tutorial 

service for ballet, contemporary, 

and jazz dances 

based on the curriculum 

program of the Australian 

Teachers of Dancing, Ltd. 

(ATOD), an international 

group of ballet enthusiasts. 

Its curriculum is categorized 

into eight levels 

depending on the child’s 

age. 

The curriculum aims to offer a quality and dynamic ballet program 

and is especially designed for the children of La Trinidad, Benguet. 

The class would allow the children obtain fundamental skills 

and techniques necessary for the attainment of excellence in the 

field of ballet. This will also help expose the children to different ballet 

competitions and examinations both in the national and international 

level. 

This dream ballet class started last July 2017 but enrolment is 

still open. Interested parties may visit LTCS or contact the instructor 

through mobile number 09491572522. 

The Punta del Pie Class of La Trinidad is being handled by the 

very first Filipino affiliate member of ATOD, Mr. Edwin E. Vicente, 

who had been teaching ballet for the last 22 years. This dream was 

put into realization after Dr. Avelardo Leon of LTCS introduced Mr. 

Vicente to School Principal I Lesio B. Nga-ew. It is hoped that with 

the concerted efforts of all those involved in the ballet class, the 

Punta del Pie Ballet Class of La Trinidad could be the hub of passionate 

and outstanding ballet dancers in the province of Benguet. - 

– Jennifer L. Balinggan 

The Hydro Electric Corporation 

(HEDCOR), in a letter to the 

Provincial Governor, underlined nine 

(9) concerns that everyone should 

know regarding water consumption. 

1 st - Of the worlds’ total population, 

only 54% has access to clean 

and fresh water at home; 

2 nd - Less than 1% of the earth’s 

water is available for human use; 

3 rd – 30 gallons of water are used 

to build a new car; 

4 th – Flushing 15 times per day 

consumes 33,000 gallons of water in 

a year; 

5 th – A leaking pipe can waste 

100 gallons per day; 

6 th – Over 2 billion liters of bottled 

water are consumed in Britain 

every year; 

7 th – 8% of the world’s water is 

used domestically; 

8 th – 22% is used for industry; and 

9 th – 70% is used for irrigation. 

These were gleaned from various 

sources, specifically the Environment 

Protection Authority (EPA) Water 

Facts, United Nations Educational, 

Scientific and Cultural Organization 

(UNESCO) Water and Industry Figures, 

World Health Organization, 

United Nations International Children’s 

Emergency Fund (UNICEF) 

Water and Sanitation Fact Sheet, 

Water Footprint Network, United 

Nations Habitat, Metro, British Bottled 

Water Producers, Zenith, Sea- 

Metrics, CNN and Mother Nature 

Network.

FROM PAGE 15 

With the approval, Benguet can now implement its Ecological Solid Waste Management System, 

like the establishment of materials recovery facilities (MRFs), the practice of segregation at source, 

segregated collection, and other recycling and composting methods within the locality. 

On the status of the SWMPs of the municipalities as of this writing, Benguet Provincial Environment 

and Natural Resources Officer Julius Kollin reported that La Trinidad’s plan has been approved. Marked 

as ―conditionally approved‖ are those of Bokod, Kapangan and Tublay, while the plans of Atok, Itogon, 

Kabayan, Sablan and Tuba are still under evaluation by the Commission. As of this writing, Buguias’ 

plan was endorsed to the Chief of SWM Division, while those for Bakun, Kibungan and Mankayan were 

returned for enhancement. 

The Department 

of Agriculture — Agriculture 

Training Institute 

(DTI-ATI), Cordillera Region 

conducted a capability 

building and leadership 

training for 105 

members of the 4-H Club 

(H stands for head, 

heart, hands and health) 

of the Gov. Bado Dangwa 

Agro– Industrial School 

(GBDAIS) - Main on June 

17 and 18, 2017 at the 

school’s main Social Hall. 

The learning providers 

on the first day were 

Municipal 4-H Coordinator 

Freda Pacsi who gave 

a briefer on what 4-H 

Club is all about. 4-H Focal 

Person Gener Dizon 

from ATI-CAR gave an 

inter-active lecture on 

self-awareness while 

Hoover Agyao spoke on 

capability building. 

On the second day, 

Jerico Dioso of the Balakbak 

Baptist Church 

expounded on Leadership 

in biblical perspective. 

He 

stressed 

―Leadership is serving 

others for them to be 

able to accomplish 

God’s purposes in their 

lives.‖ 

Closing the activity 

was Public Schools 

District Supervisor of 

Kapangan Aladin 

Dobinto with statement 

that ―a team will 

work if the leader is a 

potential one or has 

potentials to lead.‖ 

The training was 

conducted with the 

aim of equipping the 4 

-H Club members with 

the foundation of leadership 

to carry out the 

objectives, vision, mission, 

slogan and motto 

of the club. – marieliese 

c. yangken 

Regional Director Marie Venus Tan of 

the Department of Tourism Cordillera Regional 

Office, in a letter dated 08 August 2017, informed 

Governor Crescencio Pacalso of four 

tourism road projects in Benguet that are 

funded under the DOT-DPWH Convergence 

Program on Enhanced Access. The total 

amount of funding for said road projects is Php 

452,485,000.00. 

The four projects are: 

Ballay-Tabio-Tonoman-Bulalacao-Tawangan- 

Lusod Road leading to Bulalacao Lakes and 

Mt. Tabeo, Kabayan (Php58.485 million) 

JNR Bulalacao-Cabacab-Sinto Road leading to 

Agritourism farms, Mankayan (Php90 million) 

{JNR means Junction from National Road} 

JNR Natubleng – Nabalicong – Cabuguiasan- 

Pacso-Tonglo-Saclalan Road leading to various 

attractions in Buguias (Php 175 million) 

Timbak Caves Road leading to Mummy Apo 

Anno Cave, including bridge, in Atok and 

Kabayan (Php129 million) 

The inspection and validation of the approved 

road projects were conducted on August 

21 to 25, 2017. The participation of the 

Tourism Office of the province was requested 

for mutual appreciation and facilitation of information 

exchange that may arise on site.

* * N E W S B I T S * * N E W S B I T S * * N E W S B I T S * * 

Three municipalities in Benguet 

are being considered for inclusion 

in the Department of Energy’s 

(DOE) ―Philippine Geothermal Resource 

Inventory and Assessment‖. 

This project is in support of DOE’s aim 

to accelerate the development of indigenous 

geothermal energy resources 

both for power and nonpower 

applications. 

As candidate areas, the municipalities 

of Tuba, Tublay and Buguias will 

undergo detailed surface studies to 

include geology, geochemistry and 

geophysics in order to determine the 

source of the hot springs and their 

viability for power or non-power applications. 

Mr. Ariel Fronda, Chief of the Geothermal 

Energy Management Division 

of the Renewal Energy Management 

Bureau of DOE, has assigned three of 

his staff for the conduct of the studies. 

They are Senior Science Research 

Spoecialist Rainier Halcon, Science 

Research Specialists II Joel Miguel 

and Jose Miguel Paras. 

Through Executive Order (EO) 

No. 29 issued on June 28, 2017 from the 

Office of the President of the Philippines, 

the month of July of every year as National 

Disaster Consciousness Month has been 

renamed to National Disaster Resilience 

Month. This effectively shifts the focus 

from disaster awareness building to disaster 

resilience. 

Awareness of the public on the importance 

of disaster risk reduction and 

management has increased through government 

efforts and previous emergencies, 

hazards and disasters; hence, the 

renaming. 

In the same EO, the need to promote 

the significance of disaster resilience is 

emphasized. This means the ability of individuals, 

communities, organizations, and 

states to adopt to and recover from the 

effects of hazards and disasters through 

effective risk management. This requires a 

paradigm shift from a reactive to a proactive 

approach to increase people resilience 

and decrease their vulnerabilities. 

Three Benguet entities are 

among the national finalists in the 

2017 search for National Organic 

Agriculture Achievers’ Awards of the 

Department of Agriculture. According 

to Regional Executive Director 

Lorenzo Caranguian, they are the 

Municipal Local Government Unit of 

Itogon, La TOP Multipurpose Cooperative, 

and the Marsan Family of the 

Cosmic Farm. 

The National Technical Search 

Committee conducted its field validation 

on the finalists last August 10 

to 11, 2017. Accordingly, winners 

shall be announced. 

The Water Test: Take a 

glass of water, drop a tablespoon 

of raw rice inside 

and stir it for some time 

and if the rice float at the 

top, then it is considered 

plastic rice because rice 

doesn’t float on the water, 

The Fire Test: Take a hand 

full of rice and burn it using 

a lighter and see 

whether the rice releases 

the plastic smell or not 

The Hot Oil Test: Take some 

rice and drop them into 

very hot oil. If it’s plastic 

rice, it will melt and stick 

together at the bottom of 

the vessel. 

The Fungus Test: After boiling 

the rice, put some of it 

in a bottle and leave it for 

3 days. If mold does not 

appear, then your rice is 

fake. Plastic rice will not 

grow mold in any weather 

conditions. 

The Boiling Test: While boiling 

the rice, if it contains 

plastic rice, it will start forming 

a thick layer at the top of 

the vessel. 

(Source: https:// 

www.quora.com)

* * N E W S B I T S * * N E W S B I T S * * N E W S B I T S * * 

Presidential Proclamation No. 247 officially 

declared the month of September of every year as 

Development Policy Research Month (DPRM). This is 

to promote and draw nationwide awareness on the 

importance of policy research in the formulation of 

national development plans, programs and policies. 

This year’s theme is “Pagpapatibay ng Desentralisasyon 

Tungo sa Kaunlarang Pangrehiyon” or 

“Strengthening Decentralization for Regional Development”. 

According to the Philippine Institute for Development 

Studies (PIDS), the theme is anchored on the 

ongoing discourse on federalism and to highlight the 

need for an in-depth reflections and analysis encompassing 

the bigger umbrella of decentralization reforms 

and not just purely on federalism. 

PIDS is the lead agency in coordinating the 

activities for the annual observance of the DPRM. In 

support, the provincial government has participated 

by displaying the DPRM banner at the frontage of the 

Provincial Capitol. 

Upon invitation of the National 

Youth Commission of the Office of the 

President, the Provincial Government of 

Benguet, in coordination with the Department 

of Education Benguet Division 

Office, sent two (2) youth leaders to the 

Pilot Testing of the SK Mandatory Training 

Modules for Northern Luzon. They 

are Ernie Abentao, Jr of Ampucao National 

High School, Itogon and Ricardo 

Sibaton from La Trinidad Alternative 

Learning System (ALS). 

The training was conducted on July 

24 to 26, 2017 at the Palacio de Laoag, 

Ilocos Norte. It was conducted in pursuance 

to the competency requirements 

under Republic Act No. 10742 or the 

Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 

2015. 

* * S N A P S H O T S * * S N A P S H O T S * * S N A P S H O T S * * 

Traditional ritual before the Unity Gong Relay 

Kick-off Program 

30 th Cordi Month celebration Kapihan sa Benguet 

Capitol Gov. Ben Palispis Hall


RDC Officials take turns inthe beating of the Gong 

Gov. Pacalso leads the Ceremonial Tree 

Planting at the Benguet Capitol Terraces 

RDC and Benguet Officials after the Kick-off Program 

The Cordillera Day civic parade with participants approaching the 

Benguet Sports Center Multipurpose Gym for the Foundation Day 

Program 

Mayor Mauricio Domogan & Vice Governor 

Tingbaoen dance the Benguet dance to the 

beat of the Solibaos and gongs


The Cordillera Day civic parade with participants approaching the Benguet Sports Center 

Multipurpose Gym for the Foundation Day Program 

Guest of Honor and Speaker Rico Pableo, Jr, Executive 

Director of NCCA delivers his piece during the 

program 

NCIP and Benguet turnover the Unity Gong and Symbolic Key to 

next year’s hosts DILG and Ifugao Province 

RDC and provincial officials with NCCA Director 

Pableo


Ribbon cutting at 

the Benguet Capitol 

Lobby to open the 

1 st ever Cordillera 

Cultural Summit at 

the Gov Ben Palispis 

Hall 

CY 2017 Model Employees of the Year Marjorie A. Bomogao and Rafael 

M. Esteban ( in yellow uniform - 2 nd and 1 st level categories) 

Benguet Prosecutor 

Andres Gondayao 

delivers his message 

during the 117 th Benguet 

Civil Service Anniversary 

Celebration 

Children Sports for Peace conducted by the 

Philippine Sports Commission 

Governor Pacalso administers Oath of Office of the Officers of the Association 

of Technical-Vocational School Administrators (ATVIB) 

Governor Pacalso turns over PSC donated balls 

to recipient municipalities 

Officers of the Small-Medium Entrepreneurs of Benguet take their Oath before 

Governor Crescencio Pacalso


Speakers and participants to the forum on Anti-bullying Act that was initiated by the Philippine National 

Police personnel. 

ADIVAY 2017 

BENGUET 

CULTURE, 

OUR FUTURE: 

Children Sports for Peace conducted by the Philippine Sports 

Commission 

Sustaining 

Cultural 

Identity 

Amidst 

Global 

Changes

ADIVAY_DIGEST_2017

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