Earthquakes strike three areas in Cordillera - PHILVOCS

Cordillera - Series of earthquakes with the highest magnitude of 3.6  strike three areas of the Cordilleran region starting midnight up to this morning local time, PHILVOCS said.

According to the recent Philvocs record published on its website, the strongest quake with a magnitude of 3.6 hits Bontoc in Mountain province at around 2.53 A.M followed by a 2.2 magnitude quake that hits Abra at around 3.30 A.M, then another quake was recorded in Besao, Mountain province early this morning.

READ ALSO: DTI Ifugao warns the public about new scam that asks members P170 in exchange of P500

Local radio station reports no casualties has been recorded after the incident.

Just this week, the province of Leyte has been hit by a 6.5-magnitude quake on Thursday injuring scores of people and cutting off outlying villages.

The strong earthquakes has also caused damaged to a power plant, landslides and cracked roads and buildings. This cause the local government to declare state of calamity to the area.

Two deaths were reported and four people were missing while around 20 people were injured according to The Associated Press.

The Philippine archipelago sits of the line of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where earthquakes and volcanoes are common.

In 1990 a magnitude of 7.8 strikes Luzon on July 16 that casuse damage within an area of about 20,000 square kilometers, stretching from the Cordilleran Region through Central Luzon.

Baguio City was among the hardest hit causing massive collapse of around 28 buildings.

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DTI Ifugao warns the public about new scam that asks members P170 in exchange of P500

Cordillera - The Department of Trade and Industry-Ifugao (DTI-IFUGAO) has warned the public about a group in the province that recruits members to pay P170 in exchange of P500 worth of groceries.

In its Facebook post, DTI-Ifugao has informed the public about the group called Maharlika Global Heritage INC that is presently going around Ifugao province recruiting people to join with just a minimal membership fee of P170 and in returns, members will get grocery packages worth P500 every month. Worst, the group also promised recruits that they will get SSS and Philhealth lifetime membership.

Anyone who were not informed of the group's scamming modus will easily get trapped with that minimal fee of P170. But one should question the promised return which is highly "too good to be true." How can you get a lifetime SSS and Philhealth membership by paying only P170?

Before you get scammed by this group and wasted your money and time listening to their sales talk, it would be better to know several indications of a scam.

1. Promises seem too good to be true.
Scammers often promise incredible 10x or even 100x returns of your invested money and offer your returns that are often impossible.

2. They offer a "guarantee."
Scammers try to persuade you to join their group by telling you get "sure 100% returns" in a week or month. True investment do not offer guarantee.

3. They run their scam on Facebook.
Most scammers know that there are people on Facebook who are vulnerable and desperate to earn money. What they do is they create a Facebook Page which they run with poorly designed ads graphics and with members that are informed to say good things about the company. Mostly these are fake accounts.

4. They offer minimal fee that is affordable.
This is a bait as well as a test. When they learn that people in a particular area joined despite the fact that the return is obviously misleading and outright fraud, they know the people are easily get fooled. So the next time, they will increase the membership fee into thousand and then later on millions. When a lot of people deposit their money, then they disappear like smoke.

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National Food Authority assures no 'Fake Rice' in Baguio City and Benguet

(Wow-Cordillera) - The National Food Authority or NFA has assured the rice-consuming public that there is no fake rice being sold in public markets in the Philippines including Baguio City and Benguet, Philippine Information Agency reported.

This comes after NFA Baguio-Benguet chapter conducted an inspection to a rice sample taken from a consumer from Baguio City who claimed it was a fake rice but, laboratory analysis reports it was real rice and not a fake rice.

There were several reports circulating on social media about  the alleged fake rice made of plastic being sold in public markets. Netizens posted videos of cooked plastic rice that is bouncing as indication it was fake.

The NFA Baguio Benguet Chapter headed by Cecilia Concubierta recently conducted inspections of rice stalls in the Baguio Pubic Market and market areas in La Trinidad to ensure there is not fake rice being sold.

In line with helping the public to be vigilant when buying rice, NFA has release guidelines on buying rice to ensure they will not be a victim of fake rice.

For raw rice, consumer should make sure that they buy only from retailer accredited by the NFA or from their "suki" rather than from vendors they do not know or trust. An NFA accredited store displays the trader's full name and license number.

If the grains are uniformly-sized, there's a chance they may have been made by a machine. All rice grains have a chalky dot or scar at the tip of the kernel where the germ or embryo was removed. It looks like a small groove at the tip of each grain of rice.

Aside from the appearance, consumer should also be aware of the smell of rice. If it smells anything like plastic or any synthetic material, it should be subjected to laboratory analysis to ascertain the composition of the "grain".

For cooked rice, consumer must also make sure it does not smell unusual. There should be no foam-like substance left on top of the rice when cooked. It one feels ill from eating any suspected fake rice, it is best to see a doctor immediately.

Consumers who might have complaints about fake rice may contact NFA Bantay Bigas Hotline 0906-4363133.

They can also bring at least 1 kilogram of rice sample to NFA offices for inspection or they may contact any NFA agents to get the sample from them.

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Saint Louis Baguio graduate tops the 2017 Architect Licensure Exam

Baguio City - A graduate from Saint Louis University in Baguio has topped the list of the 1, 490 who have passed the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) conducted by the Board of Architecture held in Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Davao and Legaspi last June 23 and 25, 2017.

Jefferson Sabiano Ventura recorded a score of 84.70 in the exam given by the Board of Architecture headed by its Chairman, Arch. Robert S. Sac, Arch. Fidel Jose R. Siapno and Arch. Robert M. Mirafuente.

The Professional Regulation Commission released the result two days after the last examination day. There were about 2,679 examiners but only around 1,400 were lucky to have passed.

Aldous Yabut Olbes was placed the second topnotcher with a score of 84.30 followed by Judy Ann Dela Cruz Larin of Bulacan State University-Malolos who got a score of 82.90.

Please see the complete list of the top 10 passers below.

You can check the complete list of passers by going to http://www.prcboardnews.com/2017/06/prc-results-slu-alum-tops-june-2017-architect-board-exam.html

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Cordilleran artist tasked to undertake Baguio's iconic Lion's Head face makeover

Baguio's Lion's Head. Photo: wikipedia

Baguio City - The dull and pretty old looking Lion's head at Kennon Road will be soon getting a face makeover by Wigan Nauya the son of a known Cordilleran artist Lopez Nauya who originally  the monument's original sculptor.

Wigan together with local artists will repaint and re-do the the Lion's head beginning next month. The makeover is expected to portray the Lion as "more bolder, more fierce, more aggressive, more positive, and smart".

According to city councilor Elmer Datuin who chairs the committee of the city's Special Events Parks and Playrounds, the plan to do the reconstruction of the Lion's head is to present the true appearance and color of a lion.

"We will not only do the re-painting but we will also do the reconstruction of the Lions Head. We will now present a new Lions Head which is more bolder, more fierce, more aggressive, more positive, smart. We hope to approximate yung true color of a lion. May konting pagbabago as far as the physical appearance is concerned. so hindi lamang kulay an ating gustong gawin, Datuin said in a radio interview.

The Lion's head along Kennon Road is the first landmark to be seen by tourist coming to the summer capital of the Philippines. Repainting and reconstruction of the said landmark to a new level would "project the city as the Lion Center in the whole world" according the Datuin. "The lion is that area is guarding us in the city of Baguio," he added.

The cost of the reconstruction of the 45-year-old Lion's head was estimated to cost the city a total of P400,000.

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Lost Korean said he will never forget the kindness of the people of Barlig, Mt. Province

Photo Courtesy || Barlig Municipal Station

Cordillera - Choi Sungkyu, the Korean tourist who was rescued last week after he got lost in Mount Amuyao in Barlig, Mt. Province  had expressed his gratitude to the police, the volunteers and the locals for their effort in searching him.

Mr. Sungkyu also said that he will not forget the kindness of the people of Barlig and even told that he will give a donation to the said municipality as a way of appreciation.

He considered that day he was found to be his second birthday after he nearly gave up and lost hope that he will be rescued.

Mr Sungkyu's initial plan was to hike the Cordilleran mountain from Barlig to Banawe, Ifugao in preparation of his major climb in Santiago, Spain however, he was lost after two hours of walking.

Using his phone, he informed local authorities that he can't find his way back.

A rescue operation was mobilized by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Mt. Province, Sagada MDRRMC, locals from Barlig and 16 Korean nationals.

During those times he was lost in the forest, he said that he managed to survive with just two bars of chocolate, two bananas, and two packs of cracker. 

He said that he chose not to eat plants in the area thinking that he might get poisoned. 

"I thought of my family and God, I prayed every night, please, please, oh my God, please. Please give me power," he said.

Rescuers were able to locate Choi and gave him sardines and rice to gain back  his strength. 

He was then transported to a town hospital where he was given immediate medical care.

He and his family expressed their gratitude to all the people who sacrificed their time and effort in rescuing him.

source: abs cbn

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Lost Korean in Mt. Province survived by eating paper bills and drinking own urine

Mr. Choi Sungkyu at Barlig hospital. Photo Credits: Barlig Police

Mountain Province - The Korean guy who was reported missing last week for 11 days has been found alive on Tuesday by a local hunter in Barangay Latang, Barlig.

Choi Sungkyu was found at around 10:40 am after he was lost last June 9.

Barlig Municipal Police Chief Inspector Carolina Lacuata said  Sungkyo was seen very weak by a local hunter who joined the team of rescuers to find him.

"Mr. Sungkyu can not speak English, but rescuers were able to convince him to the rice field," PCI Lacuata added.

According to a report by ABS CBN, Sungkyu survived by drinking his own urine after he could no longer find spring water to drink.

He also told rescuers that the only food he had at that time was a "bag of peanuts" which he "thriftily ate when he realized he was lost".

The report also said he even "chewed some of his paper bills, believing that these contain salt which the could help him survive."

Mr. Sungkyu was brought to Barlig hospital for treatment and he was now in  a stable condition.

Report said Sungkyu was a Korean real state broker who traveled to the Philippines for vacation and chose to travel by himself.

source: ABS CBN

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DOLE-CAR to conduct Independence Day Job Fair on June 12

Baguio City - Job seekers who are looking for work in Baguio City and the rest of Cordillera should mark their calendar this coming June 12, 2017. The date will not only be for celebrating the Philippines Independence Day but a chance to find a new career or job. So, go ahead, update your resume and practise your job interview skills.

There will be around 30 to 40 companies that will be offering jobs in the locality, according to the Department of Labor and Employment- Cordillera (DOLE-CAR).

The Independence Day Job Fair will be held in  two different malls in Baguio City.

Among the companies that will participate in the job fair are two government institutions - the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which are now on the process of recruiting interested individuals to join the ranks of police officers and agents.

Also, there will be a scheduled seminars and counseling to be conducted by companies to small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs to get more insight on how to establish successful business.

Meanwhile, the city of Baguio has laid out the activities in celebrating of the 119th Philippine Independence Day, with the theme "Pagbabagong Sama-samahang Balikatan".

The celebration will commence with a program at the Baguio Convention Center at 8:00 that will begin with the procession of officials and guests and singing of the National Anthem and Baguio Hymn by the Baguio City High School Chorale.

City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Representative Marquez Go are expected to deliver their messages.

By Alex.

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OWWA CAR now offering college scholarship for OFW dependents

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration -CAR are now accepting applicants under OWWA College Scholarships on the following programs for the qualified dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with active OWWA membership for financial assistance of P60, 000.00 per SY.

A. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for courses leading to any 4 to 5-year Baccalaureate course

Who may apply under EDSP
1. For incoming Freshmen
a. Child /sibling of active OFW for EDSP
b. Single
c. Grade 12 graduating student this coming 2018
d. Not more than 21 years old.
2. For those already enrolled in 2nd to 5th year college
a. Single
b. Not more than 30 yrs old
c. With a general Weighted average not lower than B letter grade or 85% equivalence in all academic and non-academic subjects during the last school year attended in full load.

B. Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) for baccalaureate courses from the priority fields in Science and Technology as identified by Department of Science & Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Basic qualifications under CMWSP

1. Be a child of an OFW whose annual gross income is not more than US $6,780.00
2. Not more than 21 year-old and graduating high school student or who has graduated but never enrolled to college or associate courses;
3. A Filipino citizen with good health and of good moral character;
4. Not a recipient of any scholarship award from any government or private institution;
5. Has passed the qualifying examination for OWWA CMWSP scholarship conducted nationwide by DOST on 15 October 2017.

Where to file:

a. OWWA BAGUIO Office-17 Manongdo Bldg.,Private Rd, Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City
b. You may also file your application at DOLE provincial office, Municipal Office (look for PESO or Migrant Desk officer)
When: All applications must be submitted before July 31, 2017.
What are the basic requirements?
a. Application forms (available at OWWA office of at OWWA website)
b. 2x2 picture of applicant
c. Birth certificate of applicant(proof of relationship to OFW)
d. Proof of OWWA membership

Pls submit applications at Owwa Baguio 17 Manongdo Bldg,Private Road Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City.
Mobile number is 0999-994-9296,
0917-500-1294 or
Landline 300-3658 ,
Tele fax 445-2260.

source: OWWA CAR FB page.

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Three OFWs from Cordillera receive assistance and benefits from OWWA-CAR

Mrs. Casuga received her starter kits livelihood assistance. Photo Credits: OWWA-CAR

Baguio City - Three Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) just received benefits and assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Cordillera regional office in Baguio City.

OWWA-CAR posted on its Facebook account three former OFWs who were the recent beneficiaries of cash, livelihood and medical assistance and also skills training assistance.

Ms.Rosalina B. Casuga is a worker from Malaysia for six months. She is a returnee from San Carlos Heights,Baguio City. She applied under the Balik Pinas Balik Hanap Buhay Program at OWWA CAR and received her starter kits livelihood assistance on June 2,2017 . The program is a package of livelihood support to OFW s who are returning to the Philippines either displaced by hostilities,distressed workers or other distressful situations.



Ms. Rita B. Banggawan is an OFW from Pasil, Kalinga and worked as caretaker for six years at Taipei, Taiwan. She reported at OWWA CAR Baguio and was able to file her application under the Welfare Assistance Program, illness category and received the amount of P 10,000.00.





Ms. Irene P. Gaoken from La Trinidad Benguet is a former OFW from Hongkong for 6 years and have availed under Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP). 

Ms Gaoken encourage her fellow OFWs to be aware of the OWWA programs so that they too can avail as long as they are a member of OWWA.
OWWA is a government welfare institution that protects and promotes the interest of Overseas Filipino Workers. It provides many programs and services to the member such as scholarship grants for OFW dependents, medical assistance, livelihood trainingx and assistance, loan program for those who want to start a business and many more.

To know more about OWWA, you can visit any of their nearest regional office in your area or you can also visit their website at http://www.owwa.gov.ph/?q=content/programs-services 

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