Baguio Roundup: 18 May 2008

2 MIN READ

“No to Bingo, STL, and Bingoteng; Casino yes, but…” – Mayor

BAGUIO CITY (May 16) — Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. last week reiterated his stand against all forms of gambling highlighted by a recent closure order against a barangay “bingo fund-raiser.”

In tow with an earlier City Council decision sending jueteng’s legal derivative – the Small Town Lottery (STL) – to the gallows, Bautista said there is no chance STL can be hard-pressed in the limelight.

He likewise accented apparent skimming of the “Bingo sa Barangay” in the foreground and declared he “will not allow” test runs of the Association of Barangay Councils’ (ABC) innovative yet controversial fund-raiser.

Punning alleged establishment of casinos in the city sparked by the construction of two new hotels along Legarda and Kisad Roads he said, “I would consider casinos in the city provided they can employ 5,000-10,000 Baguio locals.” # Isagani S. Liporada/PIO

Balik Probinsya program sends 8 families home

BAGUIO CITY (May 15) — In line with the government’s program called “balik probinsya,” Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. has sent home eight families and 18 individuals to their hometowns.

Most of these families came from Irisan dumpsite.

The city gave those who opted to stay a free-training program that includes carpentry, welding, and basic cooking and baking. Graduates were given certificates by TESDA. # Corlene Lalas for NORDIS

BRM, city join forces to launch “walk” program

BAGUIO CITY (May 16) — A ‘hike-to-and-from-work’ program tagged as “Walk Baguio, Walk,” is set to be launched via an inter-government agency flag raising ceremony and program at the Baguio Athletic Bowl, 8 am of June 2.

The Baguio Regreening Movement (BRM) and city mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. are encouraging employees from government and non-government organizations to join the inaugural walk to the venue and later, back to their respective offices.

Bautista said, “Sometimes, we just have to literally walk around to solve a global-scale pollution problem.” # Aileen Refuerzo/PIO