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DTI-Abra intensifies price monitoring

BANGUED, Abra (Feb. 3) ¯ The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Abra assured the public that the businesses have not increased prices on basic commodities. DTI-Ifugao and Kalinga also claim the same.

DTI conducted its price monitoring in the Bangued Central Market and the various stores in this capital town on February 1, 2006. As a result, the monitoring showed that there has been no price increases because the 2% increase in the Reformed Value Added Tax (RVAT) is not really that much.

Gaspar Chan, president of the Abra Chinese Chamber of Commerce likewise commented that the business owners have no choice but to implement the RVAT despite the difficult and unprofitable condition of conducting business activities in Abra. He said that while he recognizes the eminent power of the state to tax, the RVAT law entails many sacrifices especially the consuming public. #Maritess B. Beñas/PIA-Abra

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Anti-bird flu campaign reinforced in MP

BONTOC, Mt. Province (Feb. 3) — Strengthening its anti-avian (bird) flu campaign, Bontoc government created its Provincial Bird Flu Task Force to create readiness and preventive programs, and coordinate measures against the threat the high pathogenic avian influenza poses to the country and the province.

Governor Maximo Dalog chairs the Task Force. Members of the group come from the office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, office of the provincial veterinarian, health centers, all municipal agriculture offices, police offices, some government agencies, media people, and various poultry raisers association in the province. # PIA-MP

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Dalog calls for tree protection

BONTOC, Mt. Province (Feb. 3) — Governor Maximo Dalog appealed to the people not to destroy or burn the trees planted under the provincial government’s tree-planting program.

The provincial government has already planted 56,000 trees in a span of one year. However, Dalog anticipates the summer months when forest fires are rampant.

With still more than a year left in the target period, Dalog asked the different mandated bodies of the provincial government particularly the Provincial Agricultural and Environment and Natural Resources Officers’ Board (PAENRO) to come up with another goal.

“I think we should be planting more trees,” Dalog said as he assured that planting materials are ready since the province has already established seven provincial nurseries, 14 municipal and 46 barangay nurseries. # PIA-MP

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DOH extends anti-meningo vaccination period

BONTOC, Mt. Province (Feb. 3) — The Department of Health has expanded the anti-meningoccocal vaccination Mountain Province upon the request of the provincial government.

With the new shipment of vaccines from the Center for Health Development–Cordillera, the target has been expanded to include all elementary school children and teachers. The priority group now includes children aged 9-12 years old.

According to health authorities, meningo vaccines come in different composition either as bivalent AC vaccine or quadrivalent A,C,Y, W135 vaccine. Currently available and being used in the campaign is Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine A+C manufactured by Aventis Pasteur. It is a single dose and protects a person from the disease for three years.

The last confirmed case in the province was recorded in October 2005. The province had high incidence of meningo last year with 69 cases admitted in hospitals; and in Baguio and Benguet, 59 were discharged, while 10 died. # PIA-MP

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OFWs earn money yet lose family

LAGAWE, Ifugao (Feb. 3) — The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) may be bringing in huge remittances that helped uplift the country’s economy but to the detriment of their families left behind.

In Ifugao, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is coming up with measures to address family problems of OFWs as they are on the process of conducting round table discussions with OFWs.

The round table discussion started in Lamut. The PSWDO will also be going around the other towns of the province before coming up with interventions to the address OFW concerns.

The PSWDO is also planning to federate all the OFWs including their families to facilitate program implementation.

According to PSWDO, nationwide data from Achieve Incorporated show that domestic helpers top the list of the OFWs followed by Guest Relations Officers with seafarers coming in as third.

In Ifugao, the reason why most couples are pushed to go abroad according to PSWDO reports is that they have to earn money for the education of their children. However, it was also found out that most of these OFWs have broken families leading to social problems affecting the youth.

With these problems arising, Ifugao-PSWDO has initiated a round table activity with the participation of former OFWs and children to help them.

While the OFW feels emotionally stressed in some instances this is coupled with the maltreatment of their employers.

For other families, the excessive money sent by OFW to his or her family sometimes is a reason for their children to drop out with the notion that they need not go to school because they can already afford the amenities in life.

With these findings, the PSWDO hopes to finish all round table discussions in the province by the end of February in preparation for the federation of OFWs in the province. # Jina Shirley G. Dacmay/PIA-Ifugao

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Kayapa Bridge completed

LAGAWE, Ifugao (Feb. 3) — Travelers from Barangay Piwong to the center of commerce in Lagawe can now take the Kayapa bridge, which was recently completed.

According to Engr. Judith W. Binwag, Head Construction Division DPWH-Ifugao, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was forged between the Hingyon Municipality and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) relative to the implementation of the project.

Furthermore, the Tupaya Bridge in Lamut is being constructed. This will link the different barangays of Ayangan or the Bah-elna side in Lagawe and will serve as another route going to the towns of Aguinaldo, Mayoyao and Alfonso Lista all in Ifugao without passing thru Isabela. # Jina Shirley G. Dacmay/PIA-Ifugao

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