HOMESICKNESS…
By Aisha Barry
I grew up in the United Arab Emirates and being half Filipino and having many Filipino friends I thought I was ready to move to the Philippines easily. I was wrong. It wasn’t because I didn’t like living here, I did. I enjoyed my new sense of independence. There was just something that felt off. Adjusting to little things is what took me off guard the most. Places closing early, shops not having certain items I was used to and just the general culture of it all. I remember my mother’s friends who would move to the UAE from the Philippines and they had good jobs, friends but there was always some kind of longing for home that I never quite understood. Until I moved here.
I’ve come to really love the Philippines and Baguio in particular and I don’t regret moving here but there is still something that makes home…home. When you grow up in a certain place, you get used to the way things are done. Every day you get a sense of comfort being home and when that is taken away it is normal to feel strange. There are days when I catch myself feeling incredibly sad about not being home. A place where many of my friends are, where the culture and food is what I grew up with. However, it is all part of growing up and it’s good to feel that strangeness because it means you’ve pushed yourself out of your comfort box. Be proud of yourself even when you miss the comfort of home.
No Zumba at Burnham Park. For a while?
By Aisha Barry
Early this month a notice was sent to the fitness groups who taught Zumba at Burnham Park to move their place of activity. This is all because of a trade fair. They were asked to either move to Melvin Jones or the Athletic Bowl. There are many people who’re obviously not happy about this and they have every right to. Parks are usually public, meaning that they can be used by the people. There is a benefit to the people of Baguio who use Burnham Park to exercise in a way that is fun for them. It is one way the city actually promotes a healthier lifestyle but to deny people of that routine? At what cost perhaps?
Am I nearing the deadline?
By Aisha Barry
When you’ve reached passed your very early 20s there’s a strange sense of failure if you haven’t found your passion, or dream job, or a significant other. Despite the average human life being at least 70 years, it still feels like there isn’t enough time to reach your goals and live the life you want. With the pressure to make a name for yourself at a young age, we don’t allow ourselves to explore and make mistakes. The fear of being a disappointment not just to your family but to yourself leads to a very unhappy life. Yet, almost every young person has stressed about it.
We live in a society where amazing people are succeeding at such a young age. There are CEOs who are under 30. There are young teenage activists fighting for their rights. While that is all inspiring, it does make you wonder why you haven’t quite made it yourself. Hard work and determination will get you places that is true but we also burden ourselves with so much that often times we burn out just as fast. As young people, we must try to remember that life isn’t a race and, as cheesy as it may be, to live to the fullest because we do just have this life.
The Joys of Reading
By Aisha Barry
I remember the first time I read a book, it was a children’s book that my dad had gotten me many years ago. Rupert Bear. My father had read it to me many times until I was old enough to read it on my own. That was a moment of pride. Ever since then, there have been many books that has seen me though difficult and lonely times. It was something that I used to learn about things I didn’t understand. It helped me broaden my horizons without me realizing. The older I’ve gotten the more I understand what it is that interests me and what makes me want to learn more. It is never too late to start reading as much as you can, that’s what’s so amazing about reading, there is always something that will interest you. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized what a skill it has been to read so much. The skill as well to keep an open mind and dare I say, not to judge a book by its cover?
Some changes at Burnham Park
Everybody already notices the changes at Burnham Park. People are curious about what actually is happening.
As to the closure of Burnham Carnival, the rides at the Children’s Playgrounds in Burnham Park, after a month it started has to stop operating as ordered by City Mayor Domogan until the Carnival rectifies its non-compliance of safety requirements. Based on the findings of the City Buildings and Architecture Office, some of the amusement rides operated by Belazar Ola have no safety standards when the rides were inspected. And there were already two accidents that happened.
According to Vice-Mayor Bilog, not only the ride should be closed, but the entire operation of the carnival should be closed. He also said that they are opposing the other carnival rides located near the police station on the grounds that it did not pass the normal procedure.
Firstly, it should have been approved by the City Council. Unfortunately, it was not.
Second, the carnival was made to be part of the Trade Fair which should not be.
Based on the definition of the Trade Fair itself, it does not include carnival rides.
Aside from the said two reasons, no commercial activities should be conducted on the said park. It is against the provision of the Environmental Code which provides that parks should not be a venue for commercial activities, trade fairs, carnivals, and the like.
Another issue is the putting up of a “Parking Building.” According to the vice mayor, they are opposing the Parking Building as it will not solve the traffic problem as it will have commercial spaces, so the parking spaces will only be used by the costumers or clients of the commercial spaces.**Ahmet Kiran
MINING TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
The local government of Itogon and the Federation of Small Scale Miners of Benguet appealed to Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu for a technical conference.
This is for DENR to further explain to them the duties of the National Task Force on Mining that was launched to address the increasing number of illegal mining in the country.
Itogon mayor Victorio Palangdan said, “We would want to have a technical conference with the members of the National Task Force (on illegal mining) to discuss things that need to be considered.
He also added that the conference is also for their constituents who will be greatly affected by the incoming actions of the task force.
Benguet Federation of Small Scale Mining President Engr. Lumino Kaniteng admitted that there are still small scale mining associations that do not have permits to operate and only 10-12 mining associations were given permits to operate.
The permits given to those associations were given before the national task force was formed. So there is a need for a technical conference for small scale miners here because the situation in other areas is different from Benguet.
Kaniteng added that they would also like to be more informed through the mining task force regarding the application for Minahang Bayan.
The “Minahang Bayan” program aims to register small scale miners with the LGU’s mining regulatory office headed by the local chief executive and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director, allowing the government to monitor and regulate their activities.
Palangdan and the federation are expecting Cimatu to respond to the request letter they sent last month and were hoping for their immediate response. The mayor added that they will respect whatever decision the DENR secretary will make regarding their request.**Angel Bolla
MINE CLOSURE
The municipality of Itogon Benguet explained that some of the mining company that was given the closure order does not follow the rules in mining.
According to MAYOR VICTORIO PALANGDAN of Itogon Benguet some of the mining organizations were disbanded due to land ownership issues, misunderstanding among the miners and some of the closed mines were due to illegal acts. .
They are still doing their best to settle their differences but the respondents in a complaint filed with the MGB already filed their answers.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau or MGB is responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s mineral resources including those in reservations and in the public domain.
In addition, Palangdan said that as to the land ownership issue they should file their case in court not directly with the MGB to recover real property.
The concerned mine was already closed because it is already dangerous to the miners and most especially so that the miners who don’t have any permit will not continue to operate.** Angel Bolla
GARBAGE STAGING AREA
The municipal government of Tuba reiterated that it will closely monitor the transfer of garbage from Baguio to its new staging area located in the municipality.
Tuba mayor Ignacio Rivera stated that they will make sure that the city complies with the No Touchdown Policy.
Rivera added that government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera and Environmental Management Board (EMB) must also monitor and make sure that the provisions regarding the temporary transfer of garbage to Tuba will be followed.
He also stated that Tuba will immediately notify government agencies concerned once problems arise especially during the rainy season.
“If it produces foul odor and if it rains and the leech goes down to the river, that’s a violation. So it is not only us who will monitor but also DENR and other government agencies involved,” he said.
Rivera admitted that the DENR has also sent them a letter mandating them to help in fixing and maintaining the garbage staging area which is opposed by the people.
Local officials of Tuba have decided that the location of the garbage staging area should be in barangay Taloy Sur but this has yet to be approved by the EMB. **Angel Bolla
Dual citizenships: should one have to choose?
By Aisha Barry
There’s a question on whether dual citizenship is a basic right of an individual who has two different nationalities, or is it just getting the best of both worlds? Perhaps the thing that may be annoying to some is a person is able to enjoy the privileges of one country and also the privileges of another more developed country.
One thing to remember is that while someone with a dual citizenship is able to enjoy the benefits of both countries they must also suffer some drawbacks. There are the dual obligations, meaning you will be bound by the laws of both countries such as the need to serve in the military of one country and you are not exempted simply because of your other nationality.
You may also have to pay income tax to both countries no matter where you may be working.
Sometimes having two citizenships can become difficult when trying to get security clearances for example.
There will always be advantages and disadvantages to anything, being a dual citizen is one of them. Sometimes it is the pride of representing both countries that you belong to with a passport.
Pets Are Awesome!
By Aisha Barry
Many people have pets. From dogs, cats, hamsters and even fish, but what is it about having pets that can be comforting? Company. There is a sense of calm and reassurance of coming home to your pet especially if you live alone. Pets are an added responsibility, there’s no denying that but having a pet there for you when at times you need it the most is a wonderful feeling.
Having a pet animal to take care of as a child teaches kids to be responsible to take care of their pets, like feeding them, making sure they have water and to spend time with them. Of course there are people who don’t get the idea of having a pet and being a pet owner isn’t for everyone. The thought of having to always make sure they have food, vet appointments if they need it doesn’t always seem like a fun thing. When you do have a pet however these things may seem secondary because whenever you play with them it just fills you with a sense of comfort if not joy.
Why you should care about politics
By Aisha Barry
Politics is messy. It’s confusing. That’s understandable if that’s what you think, because it can be. The amount of laws there are, the way politicians twist things and the issues you may think more important than anything else. This is especially true if you feel like you are part of a minority. The thing we must remember, however, is that politics is meant to help and guide the people of the country. That is why it is important to make your voices heard about topics that are important, but you won’t always have it your way because of democracy. That is a good thing that people choose to see how things happen. Democracy must always be there and hopefully we all have reality that benefits us all.
The importance of art
By Aisha Barry
In this economy being an artist isn’t the best paying job especially if one hasn’t climbed the ranks yet. However, the reason art is important is that it immortalizes the voices of the people. Art has social relevance it may not always be apparent but it is there. When we look at artworks in history we are always able to tell what kind of relevant socio-political message is there. That is important for not only the intended generation but also for the following ones. It reminds us what we have gone through and the feel of what was happening. We must not disregard art simply because it’s not for everyone. We should learn to appreciate what it has to give us. When art and culture combine especially, it gives a voice to those who may not feel like they have one. So, the next time there is an art exhibit go to it and look and understand what each artist is trying to tell you. You never know it may inspire you.
MEMORY OF COLONEL PARAAN ONE OF THOSE WHO JOINED THE DEATH MARCH
It has been 76 long years passed, and now we are celebrating the anniversary of Araw ng kagitingan.
Colonel Fransisco “ping” Paraan, one of the veterans and a former Mayor of Baguio City.
According to Ronaldo Paraan, third son of “Ping”, he said that “his father was trained in combat when he was assigned as a reserved officer training corps program of the University of the Philippines, and when he joined the guerilla movement.”
Until he was taken use of it and finally served in the army, in Bataan. He and his brother and a lot of Baguio boys and Benguet boys .siyempre nung natalo sila, nabihag sila ng mga hapon. They were all gathered in Mariveles and wherever they were stationed, kasi merong mga troups all over Bataan na nagumpisa to converge into the main highway, he added.
Colonel Paraan is one of those who survived the death march, Dr. Rolando shared some of his father’s experiences during the death march. Paano kayo nag-survive? Eh puro guwardiya ng mga hapon on both sides of the road. His father said, “Well there were still civilians who would throw rice and bananas to us. Anything that crawls, creeps and moves, kinakain namin. That’s the only way to survive.
For his father, araw ng kagitingan is not only the day to remember what happened instead it is the day of success. This is the day for us to be thankful because of the long years of war that was full of evil acts. That is what his father remembers every year.
Now it has been more than a decade had passed since “ping” Paraan had died, who also served as OIC mayor of Baguio since 1986 to 1988, until now it is still fresh in the mind and heart of his family and relatives. “It was every year, he would go to Bataan and visit Mt. Samat kasi he had been there also before Bataan fell. In fact, the day before he died. Two days before he died, he went to Bataan.”
The lessons learned in the life of Colonel Paraan and to those veterans of the WORLD WAR II, their families will never forget.
Every year that we celebrate this day, we should not forget to thank them, you don’t have to be present in those areas or veterans hall that is sacred. They will just bestow the values that the war teaches to survivors.
The freedom that we receive from the war is a gift from those veterans, those who died especially. They who sacrificed their lives in order for us to live, that is what we should value, don’t forget because if we won’t appreciate that, we lose the value of their sacrifices. Then what kind of generation are we? ** MARUNGOY, VIRTUE F.
BAGUIO CITY AS ONE OF THE SAFEST CITY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Baguio city was recognized as one of the top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia, based on the NUMBEO, one of the biggest global databases that give information regarding consumer price index, crime rates, and other living condition in a city.
Baguio city police office director, Police sSenior Superintendent Ramil Saculles, one of the reasons why Baguio was one of the top 10 safest cities is because of the peace and order in the locality.
Top ten safest cities in the Southeast Asia: top 1 Singapore, top 2 Valenzuela City, top 3 Chiang Mai, Thailand, top 4 Davao City, top 5 Makati City, top 6 Baguio City, top 7 Bali, Indonesia, top 8 Cebu City, top 9 Penang, Malaysia and top 10 Bangkok, Thailand.
Residents of Baguio believe that compared to the past years, the city has become more peaceful.
“Yes, I think there is still room for improvement, as I have read in the newspaper we are in number 6. Probably being one of the top 5 is a challenge. We continue to improve the public safety services being given by our policeman in the streets,” Saculles said.
He also added that public visibility in the streets and will serve as a strong point of BCPO.
The city of pines was on the first after it released a 59.43 average of safety index.** MARUNGOY, VIRTUE F.
La Trinidad as agro-tourist destination of the north
The municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet is advocating for the implementation of the proposed to make the municipality as an agro-tourism destination for Northern Luzon.
Councilor Roderick Awingan said that the project was approved by the residents in a public hearing.
He said that tourism is needed to meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the future generation.
Tourism Officer Valred Olsim said that the global trend right now is to go into farm tourism.
He added that if they lay down the systems, programs and project activities in promoting and developing farm tourism, there will be better quality and a higher level of tourism services in la Trinidad. He also said that this will help a lot of farmers.
Manager of Lilly of the Valley Jefferson Laruan said that the plan is great because they were the first one to implement the agro-tourism as a business.
He said that tourism is a big money earner. The municipality of La Trinidad will be known as wholesome because of its different agricultural activities.** Virtue Marungoy
Alleged ‘payola’ for the politicians of Benguet
Allegations are being thrown against politicians who are said to be involved in the staging area of the chicken dung at Tublay, Benguet.
Orid Tacay, the caretaker of the staging area, said that the issue is there but no one appeared to prove the allegations.
He added that for the time being that he works in the area, there are no politicians who were getting money and interfered in the operations of the said staging area.
He also said that the increased payment of the staging area is because of the legal payments to the local and provincial government.
In the regular session of the province of Benguet, some of the negotiators joined and shared their complaints.
Councilor Nestor Fongwan Jr. said that since the quarantine ordinance of the province of Benguet was implemented, the parking fees being collected by parking operators in Tublay went up by two pesos. From the original payment of 10 pesos, it went up to 12 pesos.
He added that he was told that the breakdown of the 2 pesos are for the payment of quarantine fee which is 30 centavos and the remaining 1 peso and 70 centavos goes to the board members and other provincial officers.
He said that this is over and above the alleged share of the provincial officials from the original fee of 10 pesos.
“I was shocked to hear this and told him that I am personally not receiving anything and I am not interested nor am I involved.”
He also said that his conscience is clear and appealed to everyone to have an independent investigation conducted if there is indeed a ‘payola’ happening in the chicken dung operation to stop the illegal act.
Thus, the entire officials defended themselves on the said allegation. The individuals who joined the session were advised to finalize their appeal before the next meeting.** VIRTUE MARUNGOY
ALLEGED SUPPORT OF SOME GOV’T OFFICIALS TO THE CPLA
The officials of the province of Benguet and Benguet Provincial Police Offices stressed the need to know about the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army or CPLA recruitment among the officials of the government and the people before joining.
“Personally, I also do not agree with the CPLA,” Benguet Governor Cresencio Pacalso said.
He added there was never a CPLA in the province of Benguet. It made them wonder why at this point in time, being integrated into the military services, why are they again recruiting?
They are doing this to support federalism but do they have to be an army? Why use the term that makes us cringe just by hearing it.
PSSUPT Lyndon Mencio the director of the Benguet PPO emphasized that in the constitution there is no other army in the country that is recognized except the Philippine National Police or PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP only.
Therefore, another army that is allegedly circulating in the province that is recruiting and all the alleged officials and individuals already in the group are considered invalid.
He added that people should be careful not to be recruited as an entity in an organization that is not legitimate and recognized by the Republic of the Philippines.
“I think some people are hungry to wear a uniform. They should enlist to the service arm of the country so that in times of calamity, you can be called upon to volunteer,” Board Member Florencio Bentrez said.
In the meantime, the Benguet Provincial Board is studying better plans to protect the people against the CPLA’s recruitment. They are hoping for the members already and the ones who are planning to join to think again before joining the group.** Angel Bolla
