Nunboblayan Vol 5 Issue 2 20232

Nunboblayan A Community Publication for the Province of Ifugao produced by the DEVC191: Communication Internship for Development Journalism, Benguet State University-College of Information Sciences-Development of Development Communication, La Trinidad, Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region Volume 5 • Issue 2 • June 12-14, 2023 fogging against dengue. One member of the PHO Ifugao conducts fogging on the possible breeding sites of mosquitoes as one of their preventive measure initiatives to control and prevent the spread of dengue virus. DENGUE ALERT!IFUGAOHEALTHOFFICErecorded216denguecases,remindsdenguepreventivemeasures The Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded a total of 216 dengue occassionally doing fogging or spraying to cases in the province of Ifugao, having four municipalities with decrease the number of cases. high dengue cases from January to May 2023. dengue symptoms With 41 cases, Lagawe has the highest ‘operation taob’ within the municipality. number of cases, followed by Aguinaldo ‘Operation taob’ is one of the DOH’s As a reminder, the World Health (38 cases), Asipulo (37 cases), and Banaue Organization (WHO) discussed the (28 cases). programs to control transmission of symptoms of dengue. dengue virus by cleaning the surroundings Satornino D. Angiwan, Sanitary and emptying mosquito vectors to prevent First, dengue virus causes flu-like Inspector of PHO, explained that one of mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying symptoms for 2-7 days, which may include the reasons for the increasing dengue cases habitats or breeding sites. high fever, pain behind eyes, nausea, in Lagawe is the community’s lack of trust vomiting, swollen glands joint, bone or in their programs and failure to follow the With this, Angiwan explained that they muscle pains, and rash. rules and recommendations from the PHO are also conducting surveys to serve as and the Department of Health (DOH). scientific evidences to their IEC materials Thus, the DOH advised everyone distributed to the communities. This is to follow the Dengue Awareness Drive, PHO’s Program against dengue their way of educating the communities on especially during the rainy season. They the possible effects of dengue to one’s health reiterated the 4-S Program: To Search Angiwan reiterated their ‘4-S program’ that may lead to death when neglected. and Destroy; Self-Protect; Seek Early to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, Consultation; and Support Fogging or that pertains to: Search and Destroy; Self- PHO’s initiatives Spraying.// Jayson M. madlus • Photo Courtesy oF Protection; Seek Early Consultation; and BJMP-Ifugao Support Fogging or Spraying. Yvonne M. Ladunan, Health Education Officer II of PHO, said that Angiwan also suggests to give an they will continuously perform clean- award to the best implementor of waste up drives, operation linis, oplan tumba, management to increase participation and monitoring, to protect populations among the barangays and municipalities in and keeping them safe from the breeding cleaning the potential breeding grounds of grounds that may propagate the dengue mosquitoes. virus. Further, PHO also provides a type of With this, Angiwan also explained that insecticide (larvicide) to reduce mosquitoes they are using incense and chalk to reduce like Aedes Aegypti, the dengue carrier. dengue cases when there is an outbreak in the municipality. On the other hand, Angiwan also elaborated that they are also reinforcing However, this is costly so they are

2 Nunboblayan Lagawe RHU is on foot for Chikiting Ligtas With the aim to keep the rubella, and measles in the locality, Tuguinay children, you must submit your child for children of Lagawe safe from encourages the community, especially the vaccination kasi that is a very precious gift illnesses, the Rural Health mothers, to let their children undergo the to your child (This vaccination is a child’s Unit (RHU) of Lagawe, Ifugao, said vaccination in the Municipal Health right. If you truly love your child, you must continues the Chikiting Ligtas Unit (MHO) or strategic areas, such as the submit your child for vaccination because campaign or vaccination program vaccination area at the terminal station, and that is a very valuable present to your against polio, rubella, and measles, in Lagawe Plaza, bringing with them their child),” Tuguinay explained. that started on May 2 through child’s immunization card or yellow card. house-to-house immunization DOH Explains chikiting ligtas and will end on June 15. “Dayta ket rights ti children kuma, dakayo nga parents if you truly love your “One of the Department of Health’s Louisa Tuguinay, Nurse II of the RHU of evergreen goals is to protect our children Lagawe, Ifugao, stated that the vaccination from vaccine preventable diseases and is mandatory for all children aged 9-39 those include measles, rubella and polio. months old against measles and rubella As a measure to provide them protection, with the vaccination of one dose of Measles- we shall continue to prioritize vaccination Rubella (MR) vaccine and children aged through programs such as Chikiting Ligtas 0-59 months old against poliovirus types 1 2023: Join the Big Catch Up, Magpabakuna and 3, with the vaccination of one dose of para sa Healthy Pilipinas! to reach our Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine. young Juan and Juan as anywhere in the country. This is also a time to renew Last May, 86.66% of children ages 5 public trust in the value of all vaccines and to 9 months were vaccinated in Lagawe. continue to build long-term support and Tuguinay expressed that this collaborative awareness for immunization, as vaccines program seeks to provide additional have proven to be critical in containing or preventive supplemental against polio, limiting outbreaks of infectious diseases,” rubella, and measles to children under five underscored DOH Officer-in-Charge Dr. and below. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.// Gloria A. Thomas • Photo Courtesy of ermilinda baguilat Tuguinay added, “Dayta metlang ket tumultulong kadagijay uubing para makaiwas sa mga infections or diseases na nakakasira sa kanilang kalusugan (It can protect them against common infections that harm their health status).” RHU encourages mothers to let their children be vaccinated In the effort to reduce the case of polio,

A Community Publication for the Province of Ifugao 3 DEVC191: Communication Internship for Development Journalism BSU-College of Information Sciences-Dept. of development communication Volume 5 • Issue 2 • June 12-14, 2023 Layag ng Habi features ‘inabol’ creations, local models, in its 2nd run To unfold the awe-inspiring stories and creative designs, the Ifugao houses are: Mira Kira-Etniq Filosofi; Sela SK Provincial Federation Office will hold the second season of the Layag Spell-Abella’s; Domani-Oshkie Design You; ng Habi at Don Bosco Gym Poblacion South, Lagawe, on June 17 as part Tuccat Weaves-Tribo Estillo; Ifugao Nation; of the 57th Gotad ad Ifugao celebration. and, Creations from otopnextgen. Aezle D. Dumangeng, Ifugao SK niche in the world of fashion,” Dumangeng While, the participating local weavers President, stressed that the purpose of the added. include Baliga Weavers, Banaue Looming Layag ng Habi Season 2 is to support the Weaving, Ngileb Weavers, Lab Ikat, industry of weaving in the province and Layag ng habi advocates beauty in any Aguinaldo Weavers, Kiyyangan Weavers to showcase their rich weaving tradition form Association, Lugo Weavers, Alice Dulnuan through the participation of local designers Weaves, and Tribu Sabsabali. and establishments engaged in their own Ninety percent of the models will be culture and textile production. composed of youth, yet Layag ng Habi also Proceeds from the activity will benefit features any age, size, and beauty. the featured weavers. “It is with great hope that this program of our PLGU could help launch the One of them is Rosemarie P. Lindawan, Where to buy tickets? sailing of the Ifugao weavings across our 52, a mother of four, who said that the event mountainous borders for everyone to is a significant opportunity to showcase plus Tickets are available at the AMLAG appreciate the rich culture and tradition sizes models like her and to give motivation 2023 Agro-Industrial Trade Fair Secretariat of the Ifugao people by the tales and the to other women who are interested in Booth, or at the Mayor’s Office of each loom and for the Ifugao weavings to find its delving into the world of modeling, and this municipality. would also cease the growing population on body shaming. Those who are near Lagawe, tickets are also available at Pedro’s, Kay Ang Hill, “I wanted to send the message that our Gazebo, and Lagawe Trading, or you may own beautiful weaves need not be worn by contact the stated fashion houses directly. people of impossible waistlines, of great heights, of anorexic bodies and of miles and The said activity was assigned to the miles of legs but also by regular people of SK Provincial Federation President Office all walks. I wanted to show that our local by the Provincial Gotad Task Force in weaves can be worn by just anybody and partnership with the Provincial Local you would still find beauty in it,” Lindawan Government Unit of Ifugao (PLGU), expressed. Department of Trade (DTI), BM Odan’s Office and Gotad Task Force, funded by the She also advocates on supporting local budget of Gotad Task Force 2023. products by buying and proudly wearing the ‘inabol’ textiles of Ifugao casually, and Buyers of Patron A, which costs P999.00 not just on special events or occasions. per ticket, will be seated at the Front Seat With this, she believes that we could help A and get a free complimentary snack and the local weavers, small shop owners and Layag shirt. Patron B tickets, which cost budding designers. P499.00, will be seated at Front Seat B and entitled to a complimentary snack. featured local fashion houses and weavers Finally, tickets for general admission, which will be sitting at the bleachers, will Some of the participating fashion be free until the total capacity of the venue is reached. The gate will open at three in the afternoon and closes at five.// mica t. catubing • Photo Courtesy of layag ng habi fb page

4 Nunboblayan Towards plgu employees’ healthier lifesyyle PHO initiates ‘Biggest Loser Challenge’ The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Ifugao conducted its first and experiences a lack of exercise due to ‘The Biggest Loser Challenge’ at the capitol to combat the overweight the long hours of sitting at the workplace. and obesity of the Ifugao Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) employees from April 14 to July 14. Employees work from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with overtime at most. Just like According to Ifugao Human Resource are not allowed to participate. any other office employee, Immota has and Management Office (HRMO), the On April 14, the initial weigh-in of difficulty maintaining her health, which top four diagnoses among the province’s leads to weight gain due to the nature of her employees in 2022 are related to the 172 challengers from the different work. unhealthy lifestyles, namely hypertension, departments of PLGU was recorded along hyperucima, dyslipidemia, and diabetes with their registration. The qualifications With this, the ‘Biggest Loser Challenge’ mellitus based on the yearly medical check- for the ‘Biggest Loser Challenge’ must be aims to engage employees in a healthy up of PLGU employees. overweight or obese and has the passion to lifestyle. This challenge is not easy, but with lose weight. the determination of each participant and With the initiative of Jodelyn May the guidance of PHO and PNO, the goal to C. Namingit, Nurse III of the PHO, the The Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO) promote a healthy lifestyle and fit body to ‘Biggest Loser Challenge’ was implemented led by Marlei Ynna A. Malingan advised the PLGU employees can be fulfilled. to address health-related problems and participants to follow a healthy diet to reach to intensify the Information Education their ideal weight on the final weigh-in. Even though the competition is a three- and Communication (IEC) on healthy month-long activity, PHO Ifugao still lifestyles such as having a balanced diet, Malingan also stressed that the expects the participants to continue their regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and competition will still follow health healthy diet after the competition. alcohol. precautions for the participants’ safety. Aside from the ‘Biggest Loser “Ineexpect namin na mameet nila yung The weight loss percentage will Challenge,’ PHO Ifugao will continue ideal body weight nila tapos mag-stick sa determine the winners from the initial promoting health and wellness programs naadvise na healthy diet (We are expecting weigh-in to the final on July 14. The winners for the PLGU employees to boost their that they will be able to meet their expected will receive a cash prize from the PHO mood and enhance their productivity at body weight and stick to the advised healthy fund, wherein the 1st winner will receive work, primarily because they serve the diet),” Namingit stated. an amount of PhP 15,000. The 2nd winner public. Perlita a. cando • Photo Courtesy of will receive PhP 10,000, and the provincial health office-Ifugao competition specifications 3rd will receive PhP 5,000. Ten consolation winners will receive The competition was open to all PhP 1,000 each. interested PLGU employees with no medical restrictions. Wherein employees Employees’ engagement who underwent surgical intervention for encouraged weight loss within one year, those who have cardiac diseases, a history of syncope, Elaine Immota, Admin orthopedic problems, uncontrolled asthma, Officer I from the PLGU diabetes, hypertension, or electrolyte Technical Department and a abnormalities, and those who are pregnant participant in the activity shared that as a working individual, she gets tired when she gets home

A Community Publication for the Province of Ifugao 5 DEVC191: Communication Internship for Development Journalism BSU-College of Information Sciences-Dept. of development communication VVoolluummee55•• IIssssuuee122• June 12-14, 2023 Lagawe MPS heads feeding program in Cudog ES As part of the Philippine National Police (PNP) initiative and service The PNP received positive feedback to the community, the Lagawe Municipal Police Station (MPS) organized from the children after the food a feeding program for children at Cudog Elementary School on June 8. distribution. PCpl. Gayamo said that the feeding program significantly strengthened PCpl. Noel Gayamo, PSSgt. Angelica Makakalikasan, Makatao at Makabansa.” their relationship with the children, and Dimog, PSSgt. Alice Tucling, PSSgt. Moreover, PCPl. Gayamo said that lessened the fear of children to the police. Fernando Nalago, and PLMS Allan Ollagon led the feeding program. The intended children were taught to fear the police, so the PCpl. Gayamo also furthered that police number of children to receive meals was PNP aims to reduce fears among kids and personnel are responsible for more than 40, but because several were absent, only 20 help them develop a positive relationship just patrolling and maintaining peace and students received snacks like kakanin and with law enforcement. Thus, one of their order; they also organize social activities to juice. strategies is through school visitations and promote community cooperation. organizing feeding activities. According to PCpl. Noel Gayamo, the The feeding program of PNP continues feeding program is one of the activities With that, the Lagawe MPS personnel to be conducted monthly in elementary being carried out to uphold the PNP’s had personal monetary contribution schools in every municipality of Ifugao.// fundamental principles of “Makadiyos, among themselves as an additional budget nameryl U. ognayon • Photo Courtesy of lagawe mps to make the feeding program possible. Lagawe MAO continues anti-rabies campaign In line with the Anti-rabies campaign launched by the Department nga maagapan, matay jay kagaten na ta of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture utek ti matamaan. Worldwide, awan ti (DA), themed “Rabies-free na pusa’t aso, kaligtasan ng Pamilyang naagasan, matay nga matay ti tao isunga Pilipino,” the Lagawe Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) under the ipabakuna tayo dagituy nga alaga tayo Livestock and Poultry Development Program continues to give free tapno maprotektaran tayo iti daytuy anti-rabies immunization services. nga rabies (It is our responsibility to get our dogs vaccinated because rabid dogs As reported by Dr. Alethea de Dogs and Republic Act 9482, also known as that are not vaccinated will cause death Guzman, DOH-Epidemiology Bureau the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. He reminded to people. Worldwide, there is no cure. director, there is an 8% increase with 55 everyone that dogs are not supposed to That is why vaccination is essential for rabies cases compared to last year’s data. loiter around and must be caged or tied. our safety against rabies),” Dr. Banhan With the increasing number of rabies added. cases in the country, the anti-rabies It can be remembered that rabies is a vaccination program aims to prevent viral zoonotic disease affecting the nervous To prevent such cases, the Lagawe rabid dogs and to ensure the locality’s system of mammals and humans. This can MAO encourages everyone with dogs safety. be prevented through the vaccination of around three months old to have dogs and other pets, as well as avoiding their pets vaccinated for the safety of Dr. Marcelo Banhan, municipal interactions with wild or stray animals. everyone. agriculturist of Lagawe, stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership “Responsibilidad tayo nga ipabakuna They conduct vaccination yearly per the municipal ordinance Anti-Stray tayo dagituy alaga tayo nga aso ta nu per barangays, and their office is openly kumagat dayta, once nga rabid ti aso han catering to vaccination services.// Kate c. Cattiling

6 Nunboblayan strenthening fisher-farmer engagement BFAR-CAR revives FARMC training progs post-pandemic Recognizing the importance of active involvement and the need to A re-election was also held to select key revive the interest of fisher-farmer leaders after its hiatus since 2016, officials who will lead the organization. This the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera (BFAR-CAR) democratic process ensured that competent conducted a training program attended by the Fisheries and Aquatic and dedicated individuals assume crucial Resources Management Councils (FARMC) from the five organizations roles within the community. in the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) of Ifugao on June 8. Moreover, the crafting of the MFARMC Among the participating organizations almost finished, and only the post-harvest Internal Policy and Action Planning took are the Hapid Fisherfolk Association, aspect is left which will be conducted in place, focusing on aligning the objectives Alupapan Farmers and Fisherfolks Alfonso Lista in the following month of and strategies of the council with the Association, Senafe Agrarain Reform July. needs and aspirations of the fisher-farmer Farmers, Magulon Farmers and Fisherfolks community. Organizations, and Umilag Fisherfolks She added that the aquaculture training Association. of FARMC is a body council which gives more of farmc them power to quickly seek support from The training was re-opened to re- the government projects. The FARMC serves as a council organize and reinforce the council’s role that supports and guides participating in collaboration with the support of the essence of the farmc progs to organizations through the provision of Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and fisherfolks guidelines and recreational training. The the Local Government Unit (LGU) of concept of FARMC has long been in minds Lamut. Hector de Guzman, Regional FARMC of local fisherfolks since the 1980’s. Coordinator of BFAR-CAR, emphasized This annual event aims to empower and the need to strengthen the council and The revival of the FARMC training encourage the fisherfolk leaders to actively provide proper guidance to enhance program of Ifugao signifies a renewed participate in shaping plans, guidelines, programs and initiatives. commitment to strengthen the participation and programs for the sustainable utilization and engagement of fisher-farmer leaders in and conservation of aquatic resources. Guzman added that re-opening shaping sustainable policies and programs. the training served as a platform to re- 2-day training in ifugao status orient the fisherfolk leaders and reinforce By providing guidance and recreational their knowledge on organizing and training, the council aims to empower In the recent update provided by Maricel implementing effective strategies. organizations and promote the responsible Terrado, a staff member of the Provincial utilizations and conservation of aquatic Fishery Office (PFO) in Ifugao, a significant what transpired in the training? resources. progress has been made in training and regulatory activities within the province’s During the program, various topics were Through collaborations with Lamut fisheries sector. The training sessions, discussed including the Municipal Profile of LGU and active involvement of key conducted in PFO-Banting, spanned over the municipal councils and their functions organizations, the FARMCs’ future two-days, which covered various aspects of that includes the DILG-MC No. 2018-59 or endeavors will create a more inclusive fishery management. the Policy Content and Guidelines, and the and effective framework for the fisheries FAO 196 or the Guidelines on the Creation and aquatic resources management in the Terrado mentioned that the training is and Implementation of FARMCs. region.// andre c. daduya • Photo Courtesy of moa lamut

A Community Publication for the Province of Ifugao 7 DEVC191: Communication Internship for Development Journalism BSU-College of Information Sciences-Dept. of development communication Volume 5 • Issue 2 • June 12-14, 2023 Lamut fisherfolk reoriented on FARMC, resumes activities The presidents of the fishermen’s organizations gathered and reunited Hecthor De Guzman, regional FARMC to resume the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council coordinator of BFAR-CAR, stated that it is (FARMC) activities in Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources good to resume the lost FARMC program (BFAR) Lamut, Ifugao on June 8. activities, because it is important for every organization to have easier access to their The participating groups are the they will be given adequate support from needs, especially the fisherfolks who need Alupapan Farmers and Fisherfolks the government. fishing equipment. Association, Hapid Fisherfolks Association, Senafe Agrarain Reform The FARMC is a partnership of Guzman added that if this comes to Farmers Organization, Magulon Farmers fisherfolk organizations and BFAR. This fruition, the fisherfolks in Lamut, Ifugao will and Fisherfolks Organization, and Umilag partnership serves as their support system grow more because in the entire Cordillera, Fisherfolks Association. if ever they encounter difficulties in their Lamut fisherfolks will be considered as one fishery livelihood. of the biggest fish contributor.// ray christian B. cabaldo• Photo Courtesy of hector de guzman Experiences of beneficiaries t Nunboblayan A Community Publication for the Province of Ifugao produced Tonny Addon, fisherfolk and president by the DEVC191: Communication Internship for Development Journalism, of Hapid Association, expressed that this Benguet State University-College of Information Sciences-Development kind of activity is important to increase the number of fisherfolk members and widen of Development Communication, La Trinidad, Benguet, Cordillera the reach of the organization. Administrative Region Addon also shared that he started as a Volume 5 • Issue 2 • June 12-14, 2023 private fisherfolk in 2009, and became a leader of Hapid Organization, from 2014 EDITORIAL BOARD until present. Jayson M. Madlus • Gloria A. Thomas • Mica T. Catubing Paul Joseph A. Nuval Further, Addon elaborated that he • Perlita A. Cando • Kate C. Cattiling • Andre C. Daduya • has a lot of experiences and would like to Ray Christian B. Cabaldo • Picialine L. Taguiba • Shantal ADVISER & LAYOUT AND DESIGN share practical chunks of knowledge with B. Pablo • Nameryl U. Ognayon • Jocelyn P. Aquisio beginner fisherfolks, such as the proper placement of fish in the fishponds to avoid WRITERS Felipe S. Comila • Samuel S. Poliden • overcrowding. Russell B. Dolendo • Anna Liza B. Wakat • Crael B. Lawa • Jurjen K. Sublino • Kisha Joy Martin L. Habawel, Jr. He also emphasized the importance of I. Coyam • Mark Gonzalo D. Benter • Kate C. the FARMC program promoted by BFAR Cattiling EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS for all fisherfolk organizations in Lamut. EDITORS Nunboblayan or Nunbobleyan is a Tuwali term, when importance of farmc orgs Crael B. Lawa translated, means “Our Home”. In the practice of development In addition, members of the organizations will acquire support to LAYOUT AND DESIGN communication, development begins within the confines of the maintain their ponds and will receive funding to be used in purchasing various community. Change begins within. equipments for their fishponds and other supplies they will need. Through FARMC,

8 Nunboblayan 48 grantees of Kiangan SPES 2 pen contract The Municipality of Kiangan, Ifugao, conducted the second phase summer or Christmas vacation or any time contract of service for the Special Program for the Employment of of the year to augment the family’s income Students (SPES) this June, attended by 48 grantees from different to help ensure that the beneficiaries will be barangays of Kiangan at the Poblacion Municipal Gym. able to pursue their education. Over 100 participants joined the second with their educational purposes).” The first batch is waiting for the go- phase of the examination, but only 48 She also noted that aside from financial signal to begin their work in June, whereas passed. the second batch is expected to start in July. help, this is a good exposure for students to The grantees will be deployed in July in familiarize themselves with office works. After working for 20 days, each student the different agencies of the municipality, will receive a salary funded by DOLE and such as the tourism site, nursery, municipal The SPES program is one of the regular LGU Kiangan with 50% counterpart each. hall, Indigenous People Education (IPED) programs conducted annually by the Each workday has a rate of PhP 426.71, Center, and other designated areas. Department of Labor and Employment totaling more than PhP 8,000 per student (DOLE) in partnership with the Local grantee. how spes program help students? Government Unit (LGU). Of students involvement Mary Gumangan, Public Employment The said program is a youth Service Office (PESO) Kiangan Manager, employment-bridging program that aims Lianes Bomin-o, a grade 12 student said, “Ag hire kami ti student para tumulong to provide temporary employment to poor and grantee, stated that she was fortunate kadagiti student pang education purposes but deserving students, out-of-school because she passed despite being her da (We will be hiring students to help them youth (OSY), and dependents of displaced first time participating in the program. or would-be displaced workers during However, it has multiple requirements to process. Students in senior high school and college level are eligible for the SPES program wherein they should be students or OSYs that are at least 15 but not more than 30 years of age, with combined net income after tax of parents, including their own, if any, that does not exceed the regional poverty threshold. The students must also obtain a passing general weighted average, and those OSYs must be certified by the local Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO). All applicants must submit certificates of indigency, latest grades, and birth certificates, while minor applicants need to get a waiver from their parents permitting them to work.// Picialine L. Taguiba • Photo Courtesy of peso management

A Community Publication for the Province of Ifugao 9 DEVC191: Communication Internship for Development Journalism BSU-College of Information Sciences-Dept. of development communication Volume 5 • Issue 2 • June 12-14, 2023 Ifugao towns show local products in AMLAG 2023 With the sole purpose of showcasing their primary products, services, municipality with potential for promotion and tourist attractions, the nine municipalities of Ifugao participated or tourism industry impact. in the contested event of AMLAG 2023 Agro-Tourism and Industrial Trade Fair, which formally started on June 1 and will end on June 18 “Opening pa lang ng AMLAG, at the Provincial Plaza, Lagawe, Ifugao as part of the 57th Founding napasyalan ko na lahat ng booth pero hindi Anniversary and Gotad ad Ifugao Festival. lahat ay tapos na so ngayon na nakita ko na atleast masasabi ko na okay silang lahat. Nine municipalities out of 11 wine (Asipulo), tinawon rice (Banaue and As a local tourist, nandoon pa din yung participated in the AMLAG 2023: Alfonso Hingyon), Inabol (Kiangan), coffee and soft amazement kasi pagpasok mo pa lang sa Lista; Aguinaldo; Asipulo; Banaue; broom (Lagawe), fish and cacao (Lamut) isang booth ay makikita mo na agad ang Hingyon; Kiangan; Lagawe; Lamut; and and tomato, carrots, and cabbages (Tinoc). culture ng isang municipality (I was able Tinoc. to stroll and visit all of the booths in the They also featured their services like opening of AMLAG however not all of According to Nazario Tuguinay, weaving for Alfonso Lista, Aguinaldo, them were finished so now, I can say that agriculturist in Provincial Agriculture and and Hingyon, handicrafts in Asipulo, they are all okay. As a local tourist, there Environment and Natural Resources, the Lagawe, Tinoc, woodcarving in Banaue, is still the amazement because as soon as event aimed to strengthen the Micro, Small, blacksmithing in Kiangan, and paragliding one enters a certain booth, one can already and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and and kayaking in Lamut. see the culture of that municipality),” said encourage farmers to engage in business Dickmar Pinkihan, a local tourist from and entrepreneurship. In addition, they showcased their major Asipulo. tourist attractions such as One Thousand The Rural Based Organizations and Steps for Alfonso Lista, Mount Ambalawag Everyone is encouraged to visit the Associations such as farmers coordinated in Aguinaldo, Mount Kesi’melan in AMLAG 2023 Agro-Tourism and Industrial and supervised by the Municipal Local Asipulo, Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Trade Fair until June 18, simultaneous Government Unit-Municipal Agriculture Mount Atugo in Hingyon, Kiangan Wine with the announcements of its winners.// Office (MLGU-MAO) currently manages Memorial Shrine for Kiangan, Mount the booths. Binahagan in Lagawe, Matangili Rock in Jocelyn P. Aquisio Lamut and the New Highest Point in Tinoc The Provincial Local Government Unit among others. (PLGU) of Ifugao provided 4m by 6m collapsible tents for each municipality as The booth and the tourists booths made available for occupancy on May 30. Lilia Dulnuan, the focal person of Lagawe booth, stated that she is happy to be Ifugao towns showcase OTOP, Tourism one of the people assigned to manage their sites and services booth because this is a big help in their stead as farmers and small entrepreneurs, In connection, each municipality especially in promoting their own products. highlighted its significant products, including their respective One Town, One It is aligned on one of the event’s Product (OTOP). These are corn (Alfonso guidelines in which products and services Lista), banana (Aguinaldo), coffee and rice for sale and display should come from the

Nunboblayan A Community Publication for the Province of Ifugao produced by the DEVC191: Communication Internship for Development Journalism, Benguet State University-College of Information Sciences-Development of Development Communication, La Trinidad, Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region Volume 5 • Issue 2 • June 12-14, 2023 RCEF intensities rice competitiveness Kiangan farmers receive rice seedlings, beef up productivity Local farmers from Kiangan received rice seedlings from the Republic Act No. 11203, or the “Rice Tariffication Law,” provided legal basis Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program of the for the establishment of the RCEF or Rice Fund. Department of Agriculture (DA) in Poblacion, Municipal Gym on June In terms of reference, RCEF looks 5. into the improvement of rice farmers’ competitiveness and income of the The rice seedling assistance intends to integrated manner. Philippine rice trade. As such, the law improve the productivity of rice farmers The Agricultural Training Institute- states RCEF has an appropriated PhP 10 through high quality rice varieties. billion for the next six years. Cordillera (ATI-CAR) noted that the Further, the program aimed to provide RCEF Program “seeks to give bountiful Locally, Agriculturist Pinigat added free rice seedlings to those registered with harvests to the farmers while increasing that the program ensures Kiangan farmers accredited farm groups under the RCEF the adoption of certified inbred seeds and with good quality seedlings that can be program. integrated crop management.” used for their own farming. Of RCEF’s Contribution Towards Rice Paulo Attolba Pinigat, agriculturist Felt Effect of RCEF Competitiveness in LGU Kiangan, shared that the RCEF program ensures food security, and On the other hand, Jonie Dunuan, a Accordingly, DA-RCEF program assists promotes the country’s agriculture sector farmer and beneficiary of the said program, farmers through the provision of farm as applicable, efficient, and globally stated that the DA-RCEF program is a machineries, seed development, credit, competitive. great help for him because the program and extension service implemented in an can reduce two to three pesos per kilogram Pinigat also mentioned that the spent on rice production by the specific and practical recommendation. By sharing this program, the farmers’ productivity is expected to increase due to the quality of the seeds. It will further enhance the rice farming system and quality of service supplied to farmers. The RCEF will end in the year 2025. Thus, the organization encourages the public and those not yet registered to join. To register, interested farmers may visit the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Kiangan or inquire from Kiangan’s barangay offices.// Shantal B. Pablo