Cordilleran from Abra, ex-chief justice Bersamin appointed executive secretary by President Marcos Jr.

Photo Courtesy || Office of the President

Cordillera - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "BBM" has appointed retired chief  justice Lucas Bersamin as the new Executive Secretary as announced by Malacañang on September 27, 2022, Tuesday.

The 72-year old Bersamin, a native of Bangued, Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) took his oath of office before President Marcos.

Bersamin was appointed as the new secretary replacing former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez who is now serving as Presidential Chief of Staff.

As an Executive Secretary, Bersamin will be referred to as the “Little President" who is mandated to “directly assist the President in the management of affairs of the government as well as to direct the operations of the Executive Office," according to the Official Gazette.

The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) is also deemed “unique,” in the sense that it has both line and staff functions.

Its staff function pertains to its duties to the President, while its line function pertains to its management of the Office of the President and its attached agencies, according to Philippine Information Agency.

The OES also performs other duties upon the discretion of the President or as stated by law.

Read More

78-year old Lolo turns birthday into a community pantry to help earthquake victims

Photo Courtesy || Geraldine Laureta Azada

Cordillera - Instead of hosting a party for his birthday celebration, a 78-year old Lolo in Abra had decided to put up a community pantry  to help the people in his neighborhood who were affected by the series of strong earthquake that hit the province recently. 

In a photo shared by his relatives on social media, Lolo Santiago Laureta is seen standing in front of a table with various kinds of vegetables like tomato, strings beans, bitter gourd, eggplant, okras, and more.

Photo Corutesy || Geraldine Laureta Azada

Aside from vegetables, Lolo Santiago also offered free ice cream to those who wanted it. 

"Happy 78th birthday Lolo Santiago Laureta! Community pantry instead of birthday party," the relatives wrote in the photo caption. 

They invited everyone to come to the community pantry and reminded them to bring their own eco bag.

Abra province was hit  by the magnitude-7 earthquake, the hardest among the northern provinces. Many residents were in need of assistance like food, water, shelter and financial help to recover from the earthquake.

Read More

PAF pilots land Blackhawk on narrow road to deliver relief goods to the people of Abra

Photo Courtesy || 205thTHW

Cordillera - Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing strategically landed PH's most advance helicopter, the Blackhawk in a narrow road to be able to drop off relief supplies to residents living in a remote village in Abra after the onset of the devastating Luzon earthquake. 

The Black Hawk helicopters are the new assets of the PAF that were delivered last year from the Polish aerospace manufacturer.

During these critical times, the Black hawks are very effective in delivering relief supplies and rescue personnel in geographically remote areas of the country.

Since the onset of the Abra earthquake, the pilots and crew of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing of the Philippine Air Force have not ceased delivering relief for the people. 

On July 31, 2022, the aircrew of the Hueys and Black Hawks continue to conduct Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations (HADR). 

Ferrying hundreds of relief boxes by flying back and forth, a profound sense of satisfaction and fulfillment is felt in the hearts of every pilot and crew who flew in the affected province, knowing that help is delivered.

source || 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing

Read More

Enchanted Kaparkan Falls in Abra Now Open For Tourist

Photo Courtesy || Abra Tourism

Cordillera- The tourism office of Tineg, Abra has announced the opening of the Kaparkan Falls in the municipality of Tineg. 

In an advisory "The Public is hereby informed that the Kaparkan Falls in the municipality of Tineg is officially open for tourism this rainy season of CY2022. Effective July 15, 2022.

Kaparkan Falls also known as Mulawin Falls is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. 

Since its discovery in 2015, Kaparkan Falls located at Sitio Kaparkan, Barangay Caganayan, Tineg, Abra is considered as one of Abra's prime tourist destination.

Its unique spring terraces of waterfalls can be best experience during rainy season.

Reaching this amazing fall is a challenge but it's worth. It takes you couple of hours to travel by bus or car from manila then you have to take the “giant truck” from the town center going to the place and the ride is like a roller coaster by land. 

From the the parking area you have to take a hike down to the main fall about 20-30 minutes depending on your pace.

Read More

Innovative Cordilleran teacher redesigns classroom cozy for students feel calmed

Cordillera - They say the classroom should be a place for learning, inspiring and passing knowledge to the students. And to achieve that, a classroom should be set in a calming manner for student to concentrate and focus their attention to learning. 

This goal could be what Teacher Aivorie Ballangan of Supo Elementary School in Abra had in mind when she turned her boring classroom design into a minimalist cozy one. 

She painted the walls, cabinets, and drawers with a perfect balance of white and brown that doesn't dull the eyes of her students. 

She discouraged the use of too much decorations that usually hang or stick of the wall but replaced them with flowers and a map instead. 

According to Teacher Ballangan, she chose the type of classroom designs because she wanted her students fell calm during their 8-hours long stay inside of the classroom. 

READ ALSO:  College sweethearts inspire each other to graduate Magna Cum Laude

Teacher Ballangan knew that the classroom environment played a major role in student learning. 

A study in a university in the United Kingdom found out that a classroom with overwhelming decorations like posters and visuals actually distracts students attention but a classroom with minimal wall displays, clean and well-organize helps students concentrate and bring out their potentials.

She shared some photos of her classroom to inspire other teachers the importance of setting the classroom in a more relaxed and cozy environment.

Photo Courtesy || Aivorie Ballangan

Read More

Cordilleran from Abra is Asia's Most Exemplary Woman Artist of the Year

Photo Courtesy || Asia's Golden Icons Awards

Cordillera - Cordilleran visual artist, Jinkee Molina-Sangoy was among this year's awardees for the Asia's Golden Icons Awards 2022.

Sangoy will be awarded as "Asia's Most Exemplary Woman Artist of the Year" on June 28, 2022 at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila Resort Hotel, Paranaque City.

She is the only Cordilleran to get award together with Filipino celebrities like Alex Gonzaga, Donita Nose, Robin Padilla, and etc.

Sangoy is an artist from the Tingguin tribe in Abra, whose artworks were featured internationally like the World Art Expo 2022 in Indiana, USA and the 2019 European Art Magazine.

Sangoy uses watercolor, acrylic and mixed as her preferred mediums and got her inspiration from the work of famous painter Van Gogh and Monet.

Asia's Golden Icons Awards recognizes individual achievers and business entities that have significant impact in the community or has shown excellence in their area of their expertise. 

The awards evidenced that they continuously succeeds in their chosen fields. 

The recognition will aid deserving individuals and companies to position themselves, their brands or to be known well within their sectors and to the industry.

Read More

Cordilleran doctor from Abra ranks 3rd in the October 2021 physician board exam

Photo Courtesy || Ms. Alyssa May Bringas Madriaga via UST CN

Cordillera - Proud Abrenean doctor Ms. Alyssa May Bringas Madriaga ranked third in the recently concluded October 2021 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE). 

Madriaga, a graduate from University of Santo Tomas (UST), and a native of Pidigan, Abra got a rating of 87.33 percent.

Ian Gabriel Juyad of UP Manila emerged as the topnotcher in the examination with an 87.50 percent rating. 

He was followed by Jian Leal and Geremiah Llanes in the 2nd spot, who both had a score of 87.42 percent. 

READ ALSO: Igorota is Class Commander in Basic Helicopter Pilot Training (BHPT) Class 2020 of PNP-SAF

A total of 1,677 examinees out of 2,302 takers passed the Physician Licensure Examination in October 2021, with graduates from the University of the Philippines-Manila leading the batch, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said Thursday. 

The PLE was conducted at testing centers located in Metro Manila and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan by the Board of Medicine.

This exam was originally scheduled for September but was moved to October 30 to 31 and November 1 to 2, after it was canceled due to the implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

Read More

Diligent 5th grader boy in Abra sells Donuts despite storm surge to help parents

Photo Courtesy || Jedd Za Trin

Cordillera - A boy from the province of Abra has been praised online for his resiliency in selling pandesal despite the continues rainfall brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon.

Photos shared by netizens online shows Prince Julian Bolesa of Abang, Bucay, Abra selling pandesal around the neighborhood with his bicycle very early in the morning. 

The non-stop pouring of rain over North Luzon doesn't stop Prince from making money. 

According to a post from Jedd Za Trin, the young boy buys donuts from C-J Bakery at Poblacion, Bucay then sells them  around the town using his bicycle. 

 At a very young age, this grade 5 student learned the value of money and diligence. 

When other children at his age  are just learning some household chores or some new computer games, Prince on the other hand is learning to help out his parents with this entrepreneurial skills.

He worked on despite the pouring rain and received an outpouring of support and blessings.

Thanks to sympathetic netizens and  kindhearted neighbors extending their help beyond measure and buying his pandesal and donut on a regular basis.

This proves what Benjamin Disraeli said that 'diligence is the mother of good fortune.'

Meanwhile, netizens were amazed to see a diligent boy who knows how to make money rather than going to streets and beg for money.

Read More

Cordilleran cop from Abra praised for heroic act of saving drowning child

Photo Courtesy || PNP

Cordillera - A hero cop from Abra has been praised online for his heroic act of saving a child from drowning. 

Police MSG Gilbert Andulay, a native of Dilong, Tubo, Abra performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a child who drowned in Barangay Magsaysay in Ilocos Sur on May 30, 2021. 

No other than the chief of the Philippine National Police PGen Guillermo Eleazar commended MSG Andulay for showing heroism while off-duty.

“Saludo ako rito kay Police MSG Andulay dahil kahit na hindi siya naka-duty, handa pa rin siyang sumagip ng buhay at magbigay ng serbisyo sa kapwa,” PGen Eleazar said.

“Ang pagiging pulis ay walang pinipiling oras o lugar. Kung may nangangailangan ng aming tulong, kami po ay handang  tumugon,” he assured.

Andulay is presently assigned at the Narvacan, Ilocos Sur-Abra boundary Quarantine Control Point. He is part of the 103rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1.

PGen Eleazar called on all police officers to emulate PMSG Andulay and all the other cops who show what being part of the PNP truly means:  genuine public service and  heroism.

He said that PMSG Andulay and other policemen who demonstrate genuine public service beyond duty should serve as reminders for other PNP personnel why they truly joined the police organization.

PGen Eleazar assured that the PNP will give appropriate award to PMSG Andulay in recognition of his dedication and passion for police service.

“Tandaan natin kung bakit tayo nangarap magpulis at nagsikap maging pulis.  Ito ay upang magbigay ng tapat na serbisyo publiko dahil likas sa bawat isa sa atin ang maging matulungin sa kapwa at sagipin ang mga nangangailangan ng saklolo,” the PNP Chief pointed out.

“Ipagpatuloy po natin ang ganitong gawain. Patunayan po natin sa publiko na tayo’y kanilang mapagkakatiwalaan at laging maaasahan,” PGen Eleazar said.

source || PNP - PIO

Read More

Self-taught artist in Abra paints amazing portrait of Christ's face on roadside

Photo Courtesy || Mr. Midas Bayle Villanueva II

Cordillera - A portrait of Christ's face painted on a small hill beside a road in Abra has became a popular destination for local tourists in the province. 

The creator of the portrait is a young local artist from Bucay, Abra, Mr. Midas Bayle Villanueva II or popularly known as Judas II. 

Villanueva has been painting since high school and one of his favorite subject to paint is the Lord Jesus Christ.

READ ALSO: Igorot artist from Mt. Province chosen as one of the 40 best portrait painters in the world

"Ever since wala pang pandemic mga holy scriptures na favorite kong gawin like Lord Jesus always kong ginagawa lalo na nung high school pa lang ako," Villanueva said in an interview.

Villanueva is one of the self-taught Filipino artists who didn't go to a prestigious art school to learn the art of painting.

READ ALSO: Self-taught Igorota artist makes intricate wire sculpture by twisting single strand of wire

He mastered the art of spray painting as his forte and he interpreted his artistic skill through different canvas like shirts, skin, bikes, cars and walls. 

His recent painting was actually painted in a small hill beside a road where many motorists can have a look and make a stop to take a selfie. 

Read More

4 Cordillerans among topnotchers in Radiologic, X-Ray Tech Board Exams

Photo Courtesy || Abra and Kalinga Provincial Government

Cordillera - Four students who traces their roots to Cordillera were among the topnotchers in the recently concluded Radiologic Technologist and X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examinations in May 2021.

One is Gail Tullo Quinto who hails from Tangadan, San Quintin, Abra. She ranked in Top 2 in the May 2021 Radiologic Technology board exam with 90.20 percent passing rate. 

Another Cordillerans in the Top 10 are two proud iKalingas. They are Russel Eliza Amangan Cuaresma from Pasil and Charimar Nadine Cayoma Ordonio from Pinukpuk.

Cuaresma landed in the Top 3 with a passing rate of 90 percent while Ordonio landed on the sixth spot with 88.60 percent passing rate.

Meanwhile, Mayshell Baliling Basiag, also a proud iKalinga topped the May 2021 X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination. 

Basiag is an alumnus of the International School of Asia and the Pacific located in Tabuk City. 

The provincial government of Abra took pride of the achievement as this is the first time a school established in the province produced a topnotcher.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 776 out of 1,917 passed the Radiologic Technologist Licensure Examination while a total of 21 out of 77 examinees passed the X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination.

The PRC and the Board of Radiologic Technology conducted the licensure exam in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Rosales, Tacloban and Tuguegarao on May 16 and 17, 2021. 

Read More

Creative teachers in Abra use Comfort Rooms to record video modules for kids

Photo Courtesy || DepEd Tayo Bucay North Elemtary School

Cordillera - To produce quality and noise free instructional videos for the pupils, these creative teachers in Bucay North Elementary School in Abra used the comfort room as a recording studio. 

According to Mary Hazel Ballena, Principal II of the said school, the comfort room is a perfect venue to record videos because it is free from noise coming the outside and the voice is clearer.

"Gapu ta adda kami iti igid kalsada, naariwawa ti aglawlaw isu nga inpanmi ti recording studiomi iti banyo tapno nalawlawag ken maymayat ti timek ken uni dagiti video a maaramid (Because we are located beside a road and the surrounding is noisy we moved our recording studio in the bathroom so that we can produce videos that are clearer and have quality sounds.)," Ballena wrote on Facebook.

She added that instructional videos they made is one way the teachers used to show and explain to the kids about their modules.

The teachers were able to record six instructional videos using the comfort room and students can view them in their Facebook Page DepEd Tayo Bucay North Elementary School.

Read More

Cordilleran taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa from Abra makes it to Tokyo Olympic

Photo Courtesy || PSC

Cordillera - Filipino taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa from Abra secured a ticket to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after winning against Zaid Alhawani in the semifinals of the men's -58kg semifinals division at the 2021 Asian Taekwondo Olympic Qualification tournament in Amman, Jordan.

With the win, Barbosa joins fellow Cordilleran Neshty Petecio who will play in the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Barbosa will join other Filipino athletes who have officially qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. They are:

Hidilyn Diaz - Weightlifting

Nesthy Petecio - Boxing

Carlo Paalam - Boxing

John Obiena - Pole Vault

Carlos Yulo - Gymnastics

Eurmir Marcial - Boxing

Irish Magno - Boxing

Cris Nievarez - Rowing

Meanwhile, another Cordilleran Gold Medalist Jason Baucas failed to qualify to the Tokyo Olympic.

Read More

Abra student proves Narra bark extracts could potentially treat cancer

Photo Courtesy || Province of Abra

Cordillera - A medical student and her teammates from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Vigan have proven that Narra bark extract have  properties that could potentially treat cancer. 

Medical student Kathlyn V. Sagmayao, 25, from Ableg, Daguinan, Abra presented in their research some evidences proving that Narra bark extract contains substance that can reduce the growth of blood vessels thus, stopping tumors to grow.

However, Sagmayao suggested further scientific studies to identify and isolate the bioactive compound of Narra that is responsible for the antiangiogenic activity. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Lawyer - First ever Filipino License Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales

Moreover, the well-known phytochemical substances found in Narra (Pterocapus indicus tree) have been attributed to its antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and cancer cell killing abilities.

These phytochemicals namely Pterocarpin, Pterostilbene and Isoliquiritigen posses properties in treating prostate cancer.

Sagmayao's research ranked third during the National Medical Student Research Competition of the Association of Medical Colleges Student Network (APMC-SN) held in March 19 - 21, 2021.

READ ALSO: Abra kids win National Music Competition for Young Artist in Pasay City

She joined the competition representing the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan with the support of her class adviser Dr. Alma Bolante-Segismundo, who is also an Abreño. 

Sagmayao is a graduating student of Doctor of Medicine at UNP. 

source || Province of Abra

Read More

Abra students top 3 in 7th World Innovative Technology Challenge in Australia

Photo Courtesy || Abra Province

Cordillera - Students from Abra National High School won bronze in the 7th World Innovative Technology Challenge under the symposium category. 

Abra Schools Division Superintendent Benilda Daytaca handed the bronze medal and certificates to Ma. Teresita Viste and Kenneth Seruno for their invention of a device that can prevent the spread of Covid-19. 

Photo Courtesy || Abra Province

On November 13, 2020, the two students presented their invention online - a gadget called Automated Solar Powered Disinfectant Device that is equipped with a mist mechanism, UV lamps and live broadcast system. 

The solar panel attached to the machine is used to power the device for misting disinfectant, for the UV lamps and for the camera. 

Photo Courtesy || Abra Province

The broadcast system is compose of a camera that is capable of recording a 360 degrees panoramic view.

Viste and Seruno with four other members of the Abra High's Robotic Team led by coach Jephunneh Gasmen are now preparing for the World Robot Games to be held virtually on March 25-28, 2021.

Read More

Kids in Abra learn from their teachers via Walkie Talkie two way Radio

Photo Courtesy || DepEd Tayo Abra

Cordillera - To continue teaching their pupils in the new normal, teachers from this little town of Abra had came up with this innovative idea of using walkie talkie two-way radio as a means to teach their students since internet is not accessible in the area. 

Teachers from Danac Elementary School opted to use walkie talkie to be able to assist pupils and parents in learning and answering their Self Learning Modules, according to DepEd Tayo Abra. 

Each grade level is allotted an hour of On Air Class Discussion from Monday to Friday. 

In  a video posted by DepEd Tayo Abra, a teacher is using hand-held two-way radio to relay instructions to the parents and kids on how to answer their modules. 

Parents and kids on the other end carefully listen to the teacher's instruction via walkie-talkie. 

Meanwhile, a grade 6 teacher from Ifugao went extra mile just to help one of her student whose living in the mountain learn from his module. 

Teacher Helen Omela of Ayangan Elementary School in Mayoyao, Ifugao even followed her student when he went to their 'kaingin' to guard their rice plant against Maya birds. 

Photo Courtesy || DepEd Tayo Ifugao

The kids together with their parents were pleased with the concerns and love shown by the teacher Omela.

Read More

Young Taekwondo athlete from Abra bags Gold Medal in Singapore

Photo Courtesy || Guessteen Merile A. Aznar

Cordillera - A young taekwondo athlete from Abra bagged Gold Medal at the 7th Daedo Taekwondo Open Championships 2019 which was recently held in Singapore on 7 -8 December last year. 

Guessteen Merile A. Aznar won the gold in the Senior Division-female 67kg, besting other athletes from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. 

The 7th Daedo Taekwondo Open Championships is sanctioned by the Singapore Taekwondo Federation and  organized by J H Kim Taekwondo Institute (Bukit Timah) and managed by Han Academy Pte. Ltd.

Photo Courtesy || Guessteen Merile A. Aznar

The objective of this year's edition is to promote youth development and to support high performance in Singapore. 

Taekwondo is a martial art that originated from Korea and it is the world's most widely practice martial arts. 

It is an Olympic sport that teaches artistic discipline, self-defense and a way of life. 

Read More

Abra Police officers act of kindness: help struggling woman harvest 'palay' in her field

Cordillera - Instead of the usual weapons that they carry in their day to day patrol, these Police officers in Abra took hand sickles (kumpay) to help a woman who they found in her farm harvesting grains of rice alone. 

According to Pidigan Police Station, at around 8 AM Friday morning, officers from Pidigan, Abra headed by PCPT Facundo B Guinsad were patrolling the town when they noticed the woman working alone in a wide farm.

READ ALSO: Brave Policemen of Kalinga risk their own lives to save a family lost at NPA ambush point 

Out of their kindness and their mandate to help local farmers in any way they can, the cops immediately brought their sickles and help the woman harvest her rice grains. 

Photo Courtesy || Pidigan Police Station

---

Julius Maguiwe - First Igorot officer graduated from US Coast Guard Academy

Igorot cop to assume post as Chief of Police of Boracay Island

---

Police officers make a positive impact in the community from keeping the people safe to small acts of service like helping farmers in the field. 

They go above and beyond their job duties to become real-life superheroes for society's littlest citizens.

Kudos to the polices of Pidigan, Abra.

Read More