Pagbubukas ng Bambanti Festival 2025, dinagsa sa Isabela ngayong araw sa panlalawigang kapitolyo.

Bagaman at may mabigat na daloy ng trapiko sa umpisa at mahinang pag-uulan, di ito inalintana ng libu-libong mga manonood na dumagsa sa lugar upang masilayan ang mga obra na mga booths.

 Naging hudyat ito ng pagbubukas sa publiko sa pagdiriwang.

Kita ang mga gawang Isabeleno at pagpapakita ng kanilang mga produkto, na may layuning ipakilala ang mga natatanging handog ng Isabela sa mga bisita .

Bukas ang mga booths mula Ika-20 hanggang Ika-25 ng Enero 2025 sa Bambanti Village, na matatagpuan sa harap ng Kapitolyo, Isabela, kung saan makikita ang iba’t ibang produkto at serbisyo mula sa karamihan sa 34 na iba’t ibang bayan at tatlong mga lungsod ng lalawigan.

May grand singing finale, beauty pageant, concert at iba pang pakulo.#

Ulat ni LORENZO BUNCAG

CABAGAN, Isabela-Dinakip ang isang lalake at kinumpiska ang shabu at iba pang ebidensya mula sa kanya sa Anao sa bayan na ito kamakalawa. Kinilala ang suspek na si  “Harold” na construction worker at residente ng nasabing barangay na matagal nang pinaghihinalaang sangkot sa bentahan ng iligal na droga.

Nakumpiska mula sa pag-iingat ng suspek ang isang  maliit na plastic sachet na naglalaman ng hinihinalang shabu, isang (1) genuine na ₱1,000 bill na ginamit bilang buy-bust money, at isang cellphone.

Minarkahan at inimbentaryo sa lugar ng operasyon ang mga ebidensya sa harap ng suspek na sinaksihan ng opisyal ng barangay ng nasabing lugar at ng kinatawan ng National Prosecution Service (NPS) at media.Nasa likod ng matagumpay na operasyon ang Cabagan Police Station (Lead Unit) katuwang ang PDEU-PIU-IPPO at PDEA Regional Office 2.

Matapos ang operasyon, agad na dinala ang mga suspek at mga nakumpiskang ebidensya sa himpilan ng Cabagan PNP para sa dokumentasyon at disposisyon habang inihahanda ang kasong paglabag sa RA 9165 o Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 laban sa kanya.#

Nasa maayos nang kalagayan ang pitong indibiduwal na sakay nang nawawalang bangka na may tatak na Ren-Zen 2 na papunta sana sa isla ng Calayan noong Enero 15, 2025.

Agad na nabigyan ng atensyong medikal ang pitong katao na kinabibilangan ng limang tripulante at dalawang pasahero kasama na ang isang kawani ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) para matiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan matapos ang ilang araw na sila’y napaulat na nawawala.

Ganap na  alas-singko, Enero 17, 2025 nang nakita na ang pitong indibidwal kasama ang kanilang inaayos na bangka sa Dalupiri Island matapos ang ilang araw na paghahanap ng mga otoridad.

Hinihintay na lamang ang maayos na lagay ng panahon para muling makabyahe papuntang mainland Calayan.

Base sa mga opisyal ng Dalupiri Island, habang naglalayag ang pitong katao papunta sa Calayan ay nagkaroon ng aberya at nasira ang makina ng kanilang bangka sa baybayin sa pagitan ng Calayan at Dalupiri kaya’t nagdesisyon silang pumunta sa pampang ng Dalupiri Island dahil ito na ang pinakamalapit na pwede nilang puntahan.

Inayos pa umano ng mga nasabing indibiduwal ang kanilang bangka para makapunta malapit sa centro ng Dalupiri kung saan mayroon nang mga residente na tumulong sa kanila.

Hindi naman umano nagawang humingi ng tulong ang mga nasabing indibiduwal dahil wala ring signal sa kanilang kinarorooan.

Sapat naman ang kanilang kinain habang nasa gilid ng dagat dahil may mga dala silang suplay mula sa mainland Cagayan.

Una rito, 4:30 ng umaga noong Enero 15, 2025 nang pumalaot ang pitong indibiduwal mula sa bayan ng Claveria papunta sa Calayan nguni’t bigong makarating sa nakatakdang limang oras na biyahe hanggang sa sila’y makita ng mga kapwa mangingisda at rescuers noong Biyernes (Jan. 17) ng alas-singko ng hapon sa isla ng Dalupiri.#

TUGUEGARAO CITY-An engine-powered fishing boat with seven occupants is being searched since it went missing on January 15 morning after leaving Claveria town in Cagayan, the Philippine Coast Guard-Northeastern Luzon said on Friday.

 The four-engine MV Ren Zen 2 fishing boat left at 4:30 in the morning on January 15 and supposedly to arrive along the shores of Dilam in Calayan, Cagayan after five hours. However, it was not seen.

Authorities and relatives could not contact anyone of the passengers.

 The boat has seven occupants, including Philippine Coast Guard member Francisco Maday. The other occupants are Sammy Suarez, Regie Erial, Joel Nanay, Rolando Hidalgo, Benjamin Gutierrez and Ernesto Duerme.

 Reymalyn Mariano, a relative of the occupants, said they contacted villagers along Fuga in Aparri and other sites where they may possibly be moored or supposedly take shelter, but no sightings were reportedly seen. #

Ipinapabatid ng ISELCO 2 sa mga member-consumer-owners ang pagbaba ng singilin sa kuryente na ipatutupad ngayong buwan ng Enero 2025. Php 8.3814/kwh para sa mga residential consumers, Php 7.1911/kwh sa Low voltage, Php 5.3254/kwh sa High voltage at Php 10.9665/kwh sa SPUG-Palanan.

Dagdag ng kooperatiba, kailangang patuloy pa rin ang aming paalala na mahalagang maging masinop at matalino sa paggamit ng kuryente.#

CAMP MARCELO ADDURU, TUGUEGARAO CITY– Police Regional Office 2 commenced 2025 with a New Year’s Call to Regional Director, PBGen Antonio P Marallag Jr., followed by a command conference. The event brought together key personnel from across the region to address critical issues and strategize for the year, with a particular focus on the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections.

The command conference included a lecture by Atty. Michael E. Camangeg, Provincial Election Supervisor, Cagayan, covering the legal framework governing COMELEC checkpoints and providing comprehensive guidelines and procedures on the application for Protective Security Personnel (PSP). This engagement ensures that all Valley Cops are fully informed and compliant with election-related regulations.

Moreover, a thorough analysis of the current crime environment in Region 2 was also presented, highlighting emerging trends, challenges, and potential threats. PRO2 also showcased its operational accomplishments from the previous year which serve as a benchmark for future performance and in identifying areas for improvement.

A significant portion of the conference focused on preparations for the 2025 National and Local Elections, including strategies for ensuring a safe, secure, and fair electoral process; plans for election security; prevention of election-related incidents; and coordination with other government agencies.

In his address, PBGen Marallag Jr emphasized the critical role of PRO2 in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and maintaining peace and order in Region 2 during the elections. He underscored the importance of proactive measures, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, intelligence gathering, and close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the officers for their unwavering commitment, dedication, and tireless efforts in serving and protecting the Cagayan Valley region.

The New Year’s Call and command conference served as a crucial platform for strategic planning, coordination, and capacity building within PRO2. The event reinforced the regional office’s commitment to ensuring a secure and peaceful environment for the upcoming elections and its dedication to serving and protecting the people.#

Paparangalan ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 2 ang apat na lungsod sa Lambak ng Cagayan.

Kabilang ang Cauayan City, City of Ilagan, Tuguegarao City at Santiago City.

May kabuuang 74 o79.57% mula sa 93 Local Government Units (LGUs) sa rehiyon ang pumasa sa Child-Friendly Local Governance Awards (CFLGA) 2024.

Nagpapakita rin ito ng pagtaas ng bilang ng mga pumasa na LGU mula 59 noong 2023 ay 74 nitong nakalipas na taong 2024.

Iginagawad ang CFLGA sa mga LGU na nagpapatupad ng mga programa at serbisyong pang-bata na naglalayong isulong at iangat ang kapakanan ng mga bata.

Gumagamit ito ng mga indicator na sumasaklaw sa pamamahala at sa apat na pangunahing karapatan ng mga bata, katulad ng kaligtasan, pag-unlad, proteksyon at pakikilahok. Ang mga pumasa ay pagkakalooban ng Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG).#

Renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) has strengthened its commitment to the indigenous peoples (IP) communities of Itogon, Benguet, with the turnover of additional benefits to the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO) on December 18, 2024, followed by the Itogon Indigenous Peoples Organization (IIPO) on December 23, 2024.

The additional benefits were shared based on a 60-40 split as agreed upon by the IPOs, with TINPO receiving 60%, amounting to PhP3,808,530.00, and IIPO receiving 40%, equivalent to PhP2,539,020.00.

SNAP-Benguet provided PhP5 million for special CSR projects for the first three years, which was allocated to the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO) as agreed upon by both IP groups. For succeeding years, PhP1 million will be awarded to barangays as determined by the two IPOs.

The additional benefits – the result of direct negotiations between SNAP-Benguet and the IP organizations (IPOs) – are intended to help the IPOs implement development and capability-programs within their Ancestral Domain, preserve their cultural heritage, and support similar initiatives. This forms part of SNAP-Benguet’s long-standing partnership with the indigenous cultural communities that host the 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plant. SNAP-Benguet has committed to providing the Itogon ancestral domain with approximately PhP10.3 million in total benefits annually starting in 2024.

“On behalf of the COELs [Council of Elders], we want to express our gratitude to SNAP for the support,” said TINPO Chieftain Norberto Pacio. “We now have the benefits that we have been waiting for.”

Mrs. Rosita Bargaso, IIPO Chair, said, “Salamat sa SNAP at sana ay magtagal pa ang magandang samahan nating dalawa. (We thank SNAP and hope our partnership lasts even longer.)”

SNAP-Benguet assumed ownership and operation of the Binga hydroelectric facility in 2008 through a successful privatization bid. Following this transition, the company conducted consultations with the IP communities, which culminated in an agreement to provide benefits through a corporate social responsibility program. To date, SNAP has provided PhP37.2 million in benefits to TINPO, reflecting the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering its host communities while advancing renewable energy in the region.#

Solid waste remains to be a key environmental challenge in today’s world. As local communities work towards progress and development, the production of solid waste inevitably increases.

The province of La Union, however, believes that this ecological issue can be addressed through the concerted efforts by the government, residents, the private sector, and all stakeholders, aligned to the spirit of La Union Probinsyanihan.

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the leadership of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David has been implementing programs and projects that aim to foster community effort in reducing solid waste.

“January is Zero Waste Month, and this is a timely reminder to our KaPROBINSYAnihan to continue with our efforts to enjoin everybody in this environmental cause,” Gov. Ortega-David said. “Hence, we at the Provincial Government introduce innovations in our aim to go zero waste”, she added.

One such is the “Sukat Bukel” project, which literally translates to “exchange seeds.” Launched in 2019, La Union residents bring their scrap fruit seeds to the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO), and get kilos of rice in exchange.

“This has significantly reduced organic waste, which helped de-clog our landfills in the province,” said Environment Officer Analyn Valdez.

The PG-ENRO then uses the collected scrap seeds to maintain the provincial nurseries, where they grow various endemic tree seedlings such as narra, avocado, tamarind, and cacao.

In 2024, about 254 individuals participated in the project. “We collected over 1,100 kilos of different native forest and fruit seeds last year. In exchange, we dispensed more than two thousand kilos of rice,” Valdez said. Other participants opted to get tree seedlings such as calamansi and grafted rambutan, instead of rice.

“Given the number of the beneficiaries, we can say that the project is effective and we are keen to make it sustainable,” she added.

Most fruit seeds collected were Cacao, Guyabano, Atis, Mango, Pomelo, Jackfruit, and Guyabano.

On the other hand, the Provincial Government is also enforcing the 2023 Plastic Code of La Union as it gears towards making La Union a single-use plastic free province. This initiative aims to mitigate the negative effects of plastic on the environment and promote sustainable practices.

The ordinance imposed the ban of utilizing single-use plastics and polystyrene products in all business establishments in the province. Under the ordinance, it is prohibited to use plastic forks, spoons, cups, plates, straw, food containers and products made of styrofoam.

“We continue to intensify our information education campaign and we encourage our province mates to use alternatives to plastic,” Gov. Ortega-David emphasized.

With the increasing number of tourist arrivals in the province, the environment office focuses on maintaining cleanliness in the key tourist destinations and coastal areas.

The PG-ENRO in collaboration with the different local government units continue to monitor the giant trash bins installed in the popular destinations including the Urbiztondo surfing area in San Juan; Bilagan Road in Santol; Baluarte Watchtower in Luna; Immuki Island in Balaoan; San Carlos beach in Caba; and Agoo Eco Park.

“We underscore our thrust on environmental sustainability that is why we encourage our visitors and locals to properly dispose of their trash to preserve the beauty of our tourist spots,” Governor Ortega-David remarked.

As part of enhancing the province’s solid waste management, PGLU, in cooperation with a private sector namely Project Hope and Century Tuna’s Save our Seas Project,  launched the Palit Basura Program wherein residents exchanged their earned recyclable bottles and solid wastes to canned goods.

About 8, 639.35 kilos of polyethylene bottles and solid wastes were collected in the said program last year which benefited more than 400 beneficiaries in exchange of 10, 997 canned goods.

With these initiatives, PGLU proposes to develop more relevant programs and projects on the environment for the whole year to foster ecological preservation and environmental sustainability, ensuring a greener future for the next generations to come.#

Ulat ng LNC Team

CAMP ROSARIO TODA, City of Ilagan, Isabela-Maigting na pagbabantay sa gaganaping halalan sa Mayo 2025, tiniyak habang nakahanda na ang mahigit 2,000 na mga pulis na idedeploy para magbantay sa Isabela.

Ito ang pahayag ni Police Colonel Lee Allen Bauding, panlalawigang direktor ng PNP Isabela, sa pulong pambalitaan na isinagawa ngayong Enero 16 sa Isabela Police Provincial Office dito sa siyudad.

Dagdag niya, nakaangkla rin ang mga security measures sa mga lugar na nailistang election hotspots bagaman at maaaring matanggal ang Jones at Maconacon sa mga nasa pulang kategorya dahil inirekomenda na ng provincial joint security control center ang pagpapababa sa kategorya nito.

Ito ay dahil wala nang mga isyu ng election violence sa nakaraang dalawang halalan sa mga naturang lugar.#