SP directs NIA-AARIIP to submit a report on the status of irrigation projects in the province

Lingayen --- “Prepare a report and tell this august assembly what you’ve been trying to say with finality and totality.” This was demanded by Board Member Ranjit Shahani to Engr. Reynaldo Mencias, Project Manager of the National Irrigation Administration – Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (NIA-ARIIP), during the August 5 regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, here. The move was necessary to determine the status of the irrigation component projects in the province and to further elucidate the funding of the Php3.8 billion re-regulating pond built at the estuary of the Agno river in San Manuel. The NIA-ARIIP opened on July 23 the west bank gate of a 68-hectare irrigation water reservoir below the San Roque hydro-electric dam and started releasing irrigation waters to more than 12,000 hectares of rice lands in central Pangasinan. The reservoir at the mouth of the Agno River was designed to hold 5.5 million cubic meters. The news media, however, reported last week that the east gate of the pond designed to divert water from Agno to eastern Pangasinan remained closed after the NEDA put on hold the release of funds for the building of a 10-kilometer main canal from the reservoir to irrigation canals going to eight towns in Shahani’s district. Relative to this, board member Danilo Uy asked Engr. Mencias to address problems resulting from road widening in Urdaneta City that affected irrigation canals in the city. “Bago kayo mag-road widening, dapat may gawin kayong alternatives sa mga daanan ng tubig papunta sa mga farmlands, hindi ‘yung tambak kayo nang tambak,” he said. In response, Assistant Project Manager of NIA-ARIIP Ceferino Sta. Ana said the DPWH is responsible on the road widening. The NIA-ARIIP is studying plans on how to restore the affected irrigation canals and drainage systems,” he added. Towards the end, BM Uy asked Mencias “to check on the irrigation canals in the districts under their management so that farmers may know which are functioning and not-functioning.” With the re-regulating pond which stores volumes of water discharged by the San Roque dam, the province is expected to at least double its rice, corn and vegetable production with irrigation water made available yearround.. Aside from Pangasinan, San Manuel and Moncada in Tarlac and Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija will get irrigated if the Lower Agno River Irrigation System under the ARIIP project will be completed. During the launching, Mencias told newsmen that in addition to the P420 million funds allotted to build the canal that sucks water from the east bank gate of the water reservoir that was suspended, the project will need another P2.2 billion more to irrigate another 12,000 hectares more in eight eastern Pangasinan towns, the towns of Bautista and Alcala in the third district and the towns in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija. BM Liberato Villegas also stirred the attention of Engr. Frida Nidoy, Chief of NIA in San Fabian, to check on reports that the structure of the line canals in San Fabian which were recently built but were said to be breaking down.(PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca)

More Pang'nan's congressional districts, more monies

Government project funded by the P70 million
Pork Barrel

By MORTZ C. ORTIGOZA

 Last July 29, I diligently observed the public consultation undertaken by the Sanguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) on the implication of redistricting or legislative apportionment in Pangasinan.
 Many spectators were there, including some board members who did not make their home work, (like reading the two pages annotation of the Philippine Constitution by Lawyer Hector de Leon on apportionment vis-a-vis Section 5 (4) of Article VI), and who were still at a loss on the advantages and disadvantages of redistricting.
 To cut short my verbiage: Adding two more congressional districts in the humongous province Pangasinan has more advantages.
First, two legislative district means P70 million each from the Priority Development Allocation Fund or the controversial “Pork Barrel” or P140 million for Pangasinan from both of them;
 Second, striking out the more than 200 thousand populated city of San Carlos in the present aggrupation of towns like Bayambang, Calasiao, Malasiqui, Mapandan, and San Barbara in the Third Congressional District means Representative Baby Arenas’ PDAF can benefit more of her constituents in terms of school buildings, roads, books, scholarships.
 ***                       EXISTING AND PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

That’s why I ribbed a resource person, a distinguished member of the BAR who sported a coat & tie, after I bumped into him at the ground floor of the stately American era provincial Capitol.
 “Sir, I appreciated your being poetic by quoting an American adage “If ain’t broken, why fix it”. But we were not talking at the August Chamber about the already stable six congressional districts in Pangasinan .What we are in after are proportional representation and the advantages of an additional P140 million pork barrel for infrastructure in the province that has been abandoned by President Aquino (Read the SONA 2013) after his gubernatorial bet did not win in the poll".
 ***                      
                             EXISTING AND PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

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 Another member of the Board poses during the hearing of redistricting: “What will happen if two of the six members of Congress oppose the redistricting of the province?”
I cringed in my seat with broadcaster RJ - who thought that NICA (National Intelligence Coordinating Agency) and Wharton (School of Economics at Harvard University) of news scribe Orly Guirao and former Congressman Ranjit Shahani was a woman who has a tryst with Orly and the War Tones of his (RJ,s) cell phone.
 “That Board Member should know, as what students of political science know that Congress in general decides despite the opposition of congressmen in the province that would be affected by the redistricting,” I whispered to RJ of Home Radio.
 “Besides, before Congress can enact a law on legislative apportionment, Pangasinenses would ratify first if they want more redistricting,” another media man opined.
 “No, ratification is only for barangays or town that wants to be town or city respectively. Or towns that want to be a province,” I butted proudly by telling him that I read that on the papel na ginawang pambalot ng tinapa given by media man Harold Barcelona.

 ***
 After the session attended by political dignitaries like former congressman Mark Cojuangco, Abono Party Chairman Rosendo So, San Carlos City Mayor Ayoy Resuello, Mayors League President Noel Nacar, Calasiao Vice Mayor Roy Macanlalay, I met in front of the Capitol San Carlos City’s Vice Mayor Bogs Resuello who asked me:
 “ What will happen to the terms of incumbent congressmen affected by the reduction of the district?” I opined: Rep. Gina de de Venecia remains. She ends her term after she wins the 2016 post. The stricken-out town of San Jacinto that will be transferred to the Third Congressional District does not disturb Gina’s term. The same too with Rep. Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas in case she seeks reelection in 2016 and 2019 (that’s if daughter former solon Rachel make a comeback as I wrote in my earlier column) as her residence Malasiqui remains with the Third Congressional District. It’s a different story with Rep.Marlyn Agabas-Primicias, a resident of San Nicolas. In case she wins the 2016 election, she starts a new term Seventh Congressional District where San Nicolas was grouped in Option 1 with Balungao, San Manuel, San Quintin, Santa Maria, Tayug, Nativida, and Umingan, or grouped in Option 2 with Rosales, Balungao, San Quintin, San Maria, Tayug, Natividad, and Umingan.
 Iskol Bukol University named Atong Remogat asked.

                              EXISTING AND PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

“How about Board Members like Raul Sison and Nino Arboleda who whined that they do not want their towns (Urbiztondo for Raul, Alcala for Nino) whisked away from the 2nd and 5th congressional district because it would be a kiss of death in case they seek re-election in a district that they did not belong to in the past elections?” a professor from
“Siempri madali lang iyan, Raul and Nino can change their residence to the district where most of the towns of their old district belong.
The law says one year residence and registration as voter there qualifies one to become a candidate for an office there,” another professor of vulcanizing from Wanbol University opined.
(You can read my selected columns at http://mortzortigoza.blogspot.com and articles at Pangasinan News Aro. You can send comments too at totomortz@yahoo.com).

Chan to hone gun skills of media men

Media man checks his hand gun

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

 LINGAYEN – After a series of assassination of media men in the country this year, the provincial police director of Pangasinan mulls to hold a police-media family shooting competition to improve the gun handling skills of reporters.
 Senior Superintendent. Marlou Chan said his office will provide experts to teach the members of the fourth estate about proper gun handling and accurate shooting.
 “Ang tawag doon “ tyro”, mga neophytes, first time,” Chan described a media man who has to learn for the first time firing a gun.
 The provincial director is known as one of the most media friendly provincial directors in Pangasinan.
 Chan, an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy, led the introduction of new gun handling and shooting techniques he learned in the recent shooting competition at Clark Field in Pampanga.

Colonel Chan (R) with a media friend

He said the competition was participated by regional and provincial directors all over the country.
Despite conveying to the 48 chiefs of police the various shooting techniques by gun shooting experts brought by Chan, he said that shooting out with the malefactors would still be the last recourse by the police.
“Their skills can only be used as required. Discretion still plays a crucial role. (The competition) only gives them skill and competence,” he stressed.
The provincial director also planned to enjoin all the members of the PNP in Pangasinan from the top official to the lowest police patrol to harness their gun skills. “We intend to do it on a regular basis not only for chiefs of police. It is needed by provincial director down to the lowest police officer 1” on the ground especially sa PO1".
 He allayed the apprehension by lower ranked policemen about the expenses that would be entailed by a shooting competition considered by many as a luxury. “Merong binili ang ating regional director na re-loader (of spent shells). Ibig sabihin noon pag may re-loader ka cheaper (the bullets). Kasi ang presyo ng bala ay 40 percent or even 30 percent (less),” he cited.
 Chan plans that the expenses on the bullets in the incoming gun competition participated by all of his policemen could be subsidized by the provincial police office.

Ombudsman involves Pangasinan youth in preventing corruption

by April M. Montes LINGAYEN – “The battle against corruption is not just the work of the government; it demands every sector of society to halt this practice.” Lawyer Gerard Mosquera, deputy ombudsman for Luzon, told this to youth leaders during the launching of the Campus Integrity Crusaders (CICs) program at the Pangasinan National High School in this town last July 31. Mosquera said, “It is important that principles of good governance are planted among the youth so they can realize at an early age that corruption is wrong and they can do something to prevent it.” With this intent, the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) and the Department of Education (DepEd) joined hands to introduce the CIC program among young Pangasinenses. The CIC refers to any non-partisan school-based youth organization recognized by a secondary or tertiary educational institution and duly accredited by OMB. The strategy of accrediting CICs aims to empower the youth in their involvement in corruption prevention initiatives by developing their leadership skills and instilling values of integrity and social responsibility. Under the CIC program, youth organizations can undertake activities that will encourage their members and the community to become government watchdogs against anomalies. “Through this campaign, we can create an environment where people, especially the youth, have the courage to become whistleblowers,” said Mosquera. "If they witnessed irregularities, even among their parents, they will not turn a blind eye but will report it to authorities instead,” he added. Meanwhile, Dr. Teodora Nabor, assistant schools division superintendent of DepEd-Pangasinan I, said the event embodies that President Benigno S. Aquino III is serious in his call for the “matuwid na daan.” OMB will also conduct the Ombudsman Integrity Caravan-University Tour this September in 10 colleges including Pangasinan State University here as part of its 25th year anniversary celebration. The university tour seeks to bring in the programs of the Ombudsman and to explain how the community can help the OMB in implementing its programs against corruption. (PIA-1, Pangasinan)

SK and barangay registrants balloon to 180-T

DAGUPAN CITY - The Commission on Elections in Pangasinan surpassed its target number of registrants for the Barangay and Sangguiang Kabataan elections as the number ballooned to 180 thousand. After the ten-day registration period, Comelec’s tally revealed that new registrants (18 years old and above) numbered to 68,391 while registrants for the Sangguniang Kabataan ballooned to 131,175. “So far, so good. Very enthusiastic ang mga kababayan natin,” said Provincial Election Supervisor Marino Salas who expressed amazement during the KBP Forum on the huge turnout of registrants. He said Comelec is merely expecting 50,000 registrants for the barangay and at least 75,000 for the SK considering the midterm elections has just ended. Top three local government units with the greatest number of registrants for the barangays are: San Carlos City, Bayambang town and Dagupan City. Bayambang town topped the most number of registrants for SK owing to its 86 barangays. Salas said however that despite the huge number, there were no unlikely situations of pushing and physical injuries like those witnessed in Metro Manila saying “Pangasinenses are disciplined.” There were the usual minor complaints like not being accommodated, ‘hakutan’, ‘singit’, ‘flying voters’ and hanging of computers but these were addressed properly, he said. Salas said all the registrants will be screened during the Election Regular Board hearing set in August. He said Comelec deemed not to extend the registration as schedules are already laid out. Election period starts on September 28 to November 12. Filing for certificates of candidacy is from October 15-17 while the campaign period starts on October 18-26.(VHS/PIA1-Pangasinan)

Experienced Robber vs. Shrewd Bank Manager

During a robbery in Guangzhou, China, the bank robber shouted to everyone in the bank: "Don't move. The money belongs to the State. Your life belongs to you."
 Everyone in the bank laid down quietly.
 This is called "Mind Changing Concept” Changing the conventional way of thinking.
 When a lady lay on the table provocatively, the robber shouted at her: "Please be civilized! This is a robbery and not a rape!" This is called "Being Professional” Focus only on what you are trained to do! When the bank robbers returned home, the younger robber (MBA-trained) told the older robber (who has only completed Year 6 in primary school): "Big brother, let's count how much we got." 
 The older robber rebutted and said: "You are very stupid. There is so much money it will take us a long time to count. 
Tonight, the TV news will tell us how much we robbed from the bank!" This is called "Experience.” Nowadays, experience is more important than paper qualifications!
 After the robbers had left, the bank manager told the bank supervisor to call the police quickly. But the supervisor said to him: "Wait! Let us take out $10 million from the bank for ourselves and add it to the $70 million that we have previously embezzled from the bank”. This is called "Swim with the tide.” 
Converting an unfavorable situation to your advantage! The supervisor says: "It will be good if there is a robbery every month.
" This is called "Killing Boredom.” 
Personal Happiness is more important than your job. 
 The next day, the TV news reported that $100 million was taken from the bank. The robbers counted and counted and counted, but they could only count $20 million.
 The robbers were very angry and complained: "We risked our lives and only took $20 million. The bank manager took $80 million with a snap of his fingers. It looks like it is better to be educated than to be a thief!" This is called "Knowledge is worth as much as gold!" 
 The bank manager was smiling and happy because his losses in the share market are now covered by this robbery. This is called "Seizing the opportunity.” 
Daring to take risks! 
 So who are the real robbers here? 

Guv Espino condoles with family of waylaid scholar

LINGAYEN---Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., extended the province's sympathy and condolences to the family of Shanika Bautista Toquero, a 17 year old provincial scholar who was raped and killed in Barangay Bila, Sison where she lived with her family. The governor's sentiment over the tragic fate of the student was conveyed by Administrative Officer V Irmina Francisco who visited the wake of Toquero last July 26 to condole with the bereaved family and offer prayers and sympathies. The waylaid victim's body was found lifeless on July 22 at 6:30 am along a creek near the Toquero residence. Shanika suffered several stab wounds in different parts of the body with her lower garment stripped. Ms. Francisco lamented the death of Shanika who just acquired her scholarship. Toquero is among the eight scholars under the National Commission on Indigenous People who made it to the list of scholars of the provincial government this year. As this developed, Police Senior Inspector Raymond Cometa Nicolas disclosed that the suspect on Toquero's death has been arrested on the evening of July 22 at 9:45pm following a hot pursuit operation by operatives of the Sison Police Station. The rape suspect, identified as Freddie Quimson Abalos, a 28-year old resident of Barangay Poblacion, Laoac, is now at the Urdaneta City Jail. (PIO/Angeline D. Villanueva)