Igorota beauty vies for Miss Philippines Earth 2020

Photo Courtesy || Roxanne Baeyens

Cordillera - Roxanne Baeyens of Cordillera is among the official candidate for the upcoming 20th edition of Miss Earth Philippines 2020.

Baeyens successfully passed the first screening on January 28, 2020 at Carousel Garden in Mandaluyong as confirmed by her talent agency

The 22-year old Igorota-Belgian beauty queen is a native from Besao, Mountain. 

She was crowned Face of Tourism 2019 and won 1st Runner-Up at Miss Tourism and Culture Universe last year. 

Baeyens stands 170cm tall and finished up degree in Tourism at Saint Louis University. 

She is considered as one of the strong contenders for the Miss Philippines 2020 because of her experience in the field of pageantry. 

Baeyens currently lives in Manila where she actively advocates the environment on her social media account. 

Miss Earth Philippines is a Filipino national beauty pageant held annually in search of the most beautiful and environmentally-conscious and aware woman in the Philippines. 

The pageant's current titleholder is Janelle Lazo Tee from Pasig City who was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2019 on July 10, 2019.

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UB grad Jenny N. Diwayan from Besao is Top 10 in January 2020 Architect Licensure Examinations

Photo Courtesy || University of Baguio

Cordillera - A graduate of a Baguio-based university is among the 10 topnotchers of the January 2020 Architect Licensure Examinations, according to the latest results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Jenny Ngala Diwayan from the University of Baguio landed on Top 10 after earning a score of 81.70 percent.

Diwayan is a daughter of Gertrude Diwayan from Besao, Mt. Province according to a source.

Another graduate from Baguio, Rhicel Gonzales Sapasap from Saint Louis University topped the list with a score of 82 percent.

The PRC announced that 1, 242 out of 2,229 passed the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) given by the Board of Architecture in the different testing locations in the Philippines including Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Legaspi last January 24 and 29, 2020.

Megan Joyce Herrera Cruz from UP-Diliman and Denzel Lance Leon Dantis from Mapua University-Manila shared the second spot with a rating of 83.20 percent.

Congratulations! Jenny Ngala Diwayan

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5 Universities in Cordillera among Top Universities in the Philippines

Cordillera - The Webometrics Ranking of World Universities has released its January 2020 edition of the top 100 universities in the world. 

Five universities in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) made it to the top 100 based on web presence, impact, openness and excellence. 

Saint Louis University (SLU) was ranked number 17, followed by Benguet State University (BSU) in rank number 24. 

The University of the Philippines - Baguio branch was ranked number 40; University of the Cordilleras (UC) in rank 59; University of Baguio (UB): 70; and Ifugao State University (IFSU): 92. 

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines-Diliman remained to be the top 1 among Philippine schools. 

Webometrics Ranking of the World Universities is the largest public research organization in Spain that belongs to Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Clientificas (SCIC) research group. 

Its goal is to measure the capability of any universities and colleges towards an E-university. They publish announcement of top schools in the world in January and July each year. 

The Commission on Higher Education has recorded a total of 2,393 higher education institutions including universities and colleges satellites based in the 2018-2019 statistics.

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LOOK: Baguio artist paints touching tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter

Photo Courtesy || Reynaldo Campos Dayadante Jr

Cordillera - Basketball fans in Baguio City grieved the death of iconic Lakers legend Kobe Bryant including a local artist who created a painting of Kobe on a canvas as a way to pay tribute to the legend.

Reynaldo Campos Dayadante Jr. posted on his Facebook account a timelapse of his work, in which he painted Kobe and his daughter.

Dayadante used his painting skills to commemorate the late Bryant and his daughter Gianna Mari who died with seven others after their helicopter crashed last Sunday in Los Angeles.

READ ALSO: Baguio City Hall lights purple and gold in honor of Kobe Bryant

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Baguio City Hall lights purple and gold in honor of Kobe Bryant

Photo Courtesy || Prologue Clan Gamin

Cordillera - The Baguio City Hall turned purple and gold to honor the passing of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. 

Purple is the color of the Los Angeles Lakers to which Kobe played his entire 20-year career in basketball. 

41-year old Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Monday (Manila time) in California, U.S.A.

Meanwhile, The Palace is saddened by the death of Bryant and expressed condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, loved ones and fans around the globe.

"The Palace extends it's deepest condolences to the family... We share in their grief," Palace spokesman Panelo said in a statement.

Bryant, who won five NBA championships and two Olympic gold medals was a frequent visitor in the Philippines and was well-loved by his Filipino fans. 

It can be recalled that Bryant first flew to Manila in 1998, just two years after he debuted in the NBA when he was 18-year old. 

He last visit was in 2016 years just after his retirement.

On Monday, Filipino fans troop to Araneta Coliseum to join the entire basketball world in mourning the death of the NBA legend. 

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Former Mc Donald service crew and construction worker became lawyer through dedication and hard work

Photo Courtesy || Howard Chan's Filipinosolophy blogsite and Rated K

Cordillera - "Don't give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you". These are the words of a former American famous basketball player named John Wooden and could be one of the motivation of Mr. Howard Chan to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. 

Howard worked as a service crew of a famous fast food restaurant in SM Baguio before becoming a lawyer in 2015. 

To help her mother financially, Howard also worked as a laborer in a construction site and also a part time carwash boy.

Howard shared on his blog site Filipinolosophy the struggles he and his family experienced during the time he was not yet a lawyer. 

During his struggles, he realized that not all rich people are genuinely helpful to the poor.

"Coming from a working class family, it was hard for me to believe that well-to-do people genuinely care for the poor. We've had rich relatives who never even bothered to check on us when we had no electricity, water, nor food to eat." Howard wrote. 

Although they had rich relatives, Howard is not saying, they are entitled to be helped however, he pointed out that a "little help [from them] would have been great."

Their struggles help Howard to developed a kind attitude towards poor people and became a humble person. 

"When I became a lawyer, I just knew that I have to be that kind of lawyer that I admire back in the days when we were struggling. I don't have to be the smartest of the most prominent. I just want to be one of the most judicious and moral" he shared. 

Watch Howard inspiring story as featured by Rated K:

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Baguio City declares NPA persona non grata

Cordillera - The City of Baguio has joined other local government units in the Cordillera Administrative region (CAR) in rejecting the presence of the New People's Army (NPA). 

In a resolution passed by the city council on Monday, the presence of the NPA is not welcome in the city of Baguio. 

However, the resolution did not include civic groups and personalities who support the NPA. 

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan removed the provision and said no mechanism to justify a persona non grata declaration against any person and group or organization accused of supporting the NPA. 

Baguio City is the 44th Cordillera council government that declared the New People's Army persona non-grata according to the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. 

The NPA is listed among the terrorist organization by the United States of America, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

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Good News! Baguio doctor discovers cure for color blindness

Cordillera - According to American Academy of Ophthalmology, color blindness is a condition in which a color blind person is unable to see colors in a normal way. It occurs when someone cannot distinguish certain colors.

Color blind people in the Philippines are generally not allowed to work as soldiers, police officers, seafarers, pilots, interior designers or be employed in the electronics industry.

People suffering from color blindness or color deficiency  may  not be illegible to do certain jobs. However, they may find hope to able to see the full colors of nature and live their lives or perform tasks like people with normal visions do.

Fortunately, a  doctor from Baguio has discovered a solution or therapy that can cure color blindness.

Dr. Jun Dizon, an optometrist based in Baguio City, had developed a cure called 'color vision photo therapy' or color blind photo therapy.

According to Dr. Dizon, color blindness is non-treatable but through their research they were able to develop a solution through  vision photo therapy.

He revealed that their long research and study on the therapy has shown great results in patients who are suffering from color blindness. 

Dr. Dizon was able to prove the effectiveness of the therapy to almost 200 patients who have been cured since 2013. 

In fact, a student who was denied due to  color blindness from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA)  has testified to the effectiveness of Dr. Dizon's photo therapy. 

He said it took a month and 2 weeks for him to undergo with the therapy for his condition to be cured. He is now planning to enroll again at PMMA to pursue his dream of becoming a seaman. 

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FREE Wedding in Baguio City on February 14, 2020 at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park

Photo Courtesy || Pag Ibig Fund

Cordillera - Are you planning for a wedding day without the hefty price tag? How about a wedding for FREE? 

Here is your chance as a free mass wedding dubbed "I DO, I DO Araw ng Pag-ibig" will be conducted by Pag-IBIG Fund Baguio Branch in partnership with the city government of Baguio on February 14, 2020 at 3 p.m. at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park. 

Pag-IBIG Fund Baguio Branch said it will sponsor everything the couples need for the wedding, such as food and catering, bridal car, symbolic cake, ring and, among others. 

Mayor Benjamin Magalong is expected to be the one who will officiate the civil rites of 50 couples who are going to tie the knot which will be done simultaneously with other couples in major cities in the country.

The Baguio Public Information office said in a post they are calling interested couples to join the mass wedding by submitting their papers at the City Mayor's Office. 

Couple who are interested to participate should have applied for their license not later than January 27 and must have the following requirements:

• Proof of age either the birth certificate or baptismal certificate (one must be a resident of the city)
• Parental consent for applicants aged 18 to 20 to be given preferably by the father (personal appearance with valid ID)
• Parental Advice for applicants aged 21 to 24 to be given preferably by the father
• Certificate of No Marriage for both parties from the Philippine Statistics Authority
• Certificate of Seminar of Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood at the Baguio Health Service Office
• Tree Planting Certificate issued by the City Environment and Parks Management Office
• Legal Capacity for foreigner applicants issued by their Consular Offices
• Widow or Widower death certificate of deceased spouse
• Cedula or passport of both applicants
• Valid ID of both applicants;
• Ten Days posting
• Processing Fee of P142
• Solemnization Fee of P500

The annual Pag-IBIG Fund Mass Wedding in partnership with city government of Baguio aims to help couples who lack financial capacity to fund for their wedding but wanted to formalize their union. 

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Three Best Criminology schools in the Philippines to study Criminology.

Photo and Logo Courtesy || Google

Cordillera - University of the Cordilleras (UC) ranked 1st in the list of 70 Top Criminology Schools in the Philippines for the year 2019. 

Based on the results of the two criminologist licensure examinations in June and November 2019 including program accreditation status and faculty-student ratio, UC emerged on top of the list with an overall score of 87.02 percent besting other colleges and universities in the country. 

University of the Cordilleras is among the 7 colleges and universities accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Centers of Excellence (COE) in criminal justice education including the discipline of criminology. 

Also in the list is the University of Baguio (UB) which made it to the 2nd spot with an overall score of 83.01%. 

Another Cordillera-based university that made it to the top list is Ifugao State University in Lamut, Ifugao. It was ranked in the 4th spot with 74.71% overall score. 

Photo Courtesy || localpulse.net

The ranking which was conducted by Local Pulse School Ranking used 5 performance indicators including Weighted Overall School Board Performance in a Year (40%); Number of Total Examinees (20%); Top Performing Examinees (10%); Level of Accreditation (20%); and Faculty-Student Ratio (20%).

Local Pulse School Rankings is created to guide students who are planning to take any degree program in one of the colleges and universities in the country.

The University of the Cordilleras formerly Baguio Colleges Foundation (BCF) is a private university located in Baguio City.

source || localpulse.net

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Honest Baguio Cop returns lost bag with cash and credit cards to owner

Photo Courtesy || Wilfredo Gatchalian 

Cordillera. Honesty is doing the right thing although no one else knows or is watching and it is a human core value that needs to be emulated by all. 

Recently, an honest police officer in Baguio City returned a bag containing cash worth Php20,000.00, credit cards, passbook, passport, car spare key and driver's license to the owner. 

The owner of the bag Mr. Wilfredo Gatchalian shared in social media the good deed of Police Officer Buhong who returned his bag after losing it on December last year. 

In his Facebook post, Gatchalian said he was not expecting that his lost bag will be returned to him. However, he was very thankful that a police officer returned his bag.

"Nanlulumo na nga po ako tapos bigla may nagchat sa akin napulot daw bag ko. Hindi ko nga inexpect na mabalik pa eh. Napakabait pulis doon, Strick pero mabait," he said.

He tried to give a reward to P.Lt Buhong as an expression of gratitude for his good deed but the police officer refused to accept it. 

"Sana lahat ng police ganito. Binibigyan ko si sir ng reward pero ayaw pa niya tanggapin. Labis labis ang pasasalamat ko sa iyo at sampu ng mga kasama mo sa station 3 ng Baguio City. Nawa'y marami ka pang matutulongan na nangangailangan," Gatchalian added.

Many netizens who read the post had expressed their admiration to P.Lt Buhong.

"Wow, that's something worth emulating! Congratulations PO Buhong. Another feather on the cap of PNP Cordillerans," one netizen wrote. 

According to a post, P,Lt Buhong is from Bili, Amduntong, Ifugao. 

Stories of honesty such as this is definitely worth emulating. We hope that the good deed of P.Lt Buhong will inspire not only police officers and taxi drivers but all of us. 

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DILG Sec. Eduardo M. Año commends Baguio cop Julious Walang for risking his life enforcing law

Photo Courtesy || Wikipedia

Cordillera - Secretary Eduardo M. Año of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has commended the Baguio traffic policeman for risking his life in enforcing the law when apprehended an intoxicated taxi driver. 

"He was literary hanging on for his life as he was performing his sworn duty. Salamat, Patrolman Julious Walang sa tapat at walang takot na pagpatupad sa iyong tungkulin. Kailangan natin ng mga pulis na katulad mo na hindi nagdadalawang-isip na itaya ang buhay para sa tawag ng tungkulin. Mabuhay ka! Año said.

"May you be an inspiration, not just to the police officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP), but to all of us in law enforcement as we perform our duty on a daily basis," he added.  

Año also asked the Supreme Court (SC) to investigate the incident that involved the alleged interference and bullying done by a judge resulting in the release of the suspect from police custody.

Video footage of the incident that went viral showed how Patrolman Walang courageously barred the way and held tightly on the hood of the cab to stop the drunk driver but  he was almost run-over by the taxi who attempted to flee. 

"Makikita niyo talaga sa video na walang balak sumuko ang driver pero hindi pumayag yung patrolman kaya kumapit ito sa hood nang sasakyan para mapigilan yung driver sa pagtakas," Sec. Año added.

Sec. Año also requested Supreme Court Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta to investigate the judge who allegedly bullied and shouted at the police officers in the Baguio Police Station to secure the untimely and immediate release of the taxi driver, according to DILG website. 

According to the police officers on duty at the station, the judge suddenly barged in the police station, intimidated and shouted at them without asking about what really transpired in the incident. 

READ ALSO: Baguio cop mulls filing case against judge who defended drunk taxi driver

"There is proper forum to secure the release of the suspect and that is not the police station. He must wait for the police to process the case, the prosecutor to file charges against the suspect and for the cause to be raffled to his sala before he can assume jurisdiction. The said judge has to follow the law, just like all of us. As guarding of the law, a judge must serve as an example in following the law and not in breaking it," Sec. Año said.

source || DILG

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Baguio Police Office (BCPO) to file criminal case against drunk taxi driver who nearly run-over Baguio cop

Update: The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) is pursuing to file a criminal case against drunk taxi driver who almost run over a police officer who stopped him for traffic violation. 

BCPO Chief Col. Rae Co said in a local radio interview that as soon as all statements and testimonies had been gathered, the office will immediately file the necessary case against the driver.

He also said that Mayor Benjie Magalong had already coordinated with Supreme Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez for a possible filing of case against a judge who allegedly intervened on behalf of the driver.
___________________________________________

Cordillera - The Baguio cop who was cursed and nearly run over by a drunken taxi driver, is studying a possible filing of an administrative case against a judge who allegedly interfered with the work of the police and helped the taxi driver escape from being charged.

In a news report, the judge who was identified as Roberto Mabalot, arrived at the police station and allegedly prevented police officers who were preparing to give a citation ticket and left the station with the taxi driver. 

The taxi driver at that time was being investigated for violating the anti drunk and drugged driving law but was released after Judge Mabalot allegedly ordered the police to do so.

Video footage of the incident that went viral showed the taxi moving forward to the police officer who tried to blocked its way. The police avoided being run over by clinging to the hood of the car.

Police investigation later showed that the taxi driver was under the influence of alcohol as shown by a failed breathalyzer test. 

Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Chief Director Allen Ray Co said in an interview that they are contemplating filing a case against Judge Mabalot for alleged interfering with the investigation. 

Meanwhile Judge Mabalot, in a post by Baguio Public Information denied that he had interfered for the release of the offending driver and the taxi unit. 

In a message he sent to mayor's Facebook Page, he dismissed the allegations that he use his influence and position to get the driver off the hook. 

"I declare that I did not all interfere. The police will confirm this fact," Judge Mabalot said in the message.

source || Bombo Radyo Baguio

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Mayor Magalong orders arrest of those who indiscriminately throw garbage in Baguio City

Cordillera - In order to keep Baguio from becoming city of garbage rather than city of pines, Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered the city police to arrest those undisciplined people who just indiscriminately throw their garbage anywhere.

Recently, social media have been flooded with photos of thrash left over Baguio parks and other top tourist destinations in the city amid the information drive campaign informing tourists and local visitors to observe proper disposal of trash. 

"Our city is overwhelmed with trash this holiday season, hence, I am asking for your cooperation," the city mayor said in a statement.

On December 28, 2019, The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) had launched an aggressive anti-littering campaign to apprehend those who were caught for not properly disposing of their trash.

READ: We Love Baguio as Much as you do: A Friendly Message To Tourists Visiting Baguio

Immediately after the campaign has been launched, the BCPO has reported they have arrested fourteen individuals who violated, eight of them were local residents while six were tourists, according to BCPO city director PCol Allen Rae Co.

Violators were issued citation tickets to pay their fines with some of them opting to render community service. 

READ: Baguio city impresses foreigner: It's the best place to live because people respect you

The record from the Department of Public Works and Highways showed the city was flocked by incoming tourists passing through Kennon Road and Marcos Highway.

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Baguio-La Trinidad Jeepney driver offers free ride on Christmas Day

Photo Courtesy || Jay Son Luks

Cordillera - This jeepney driver plying Baguio-Tomay route is giving away his best gifts to commuters on Christmas Day. He is offering free rides.

Facebook user Jay Son Luks shared a now-viral photos of a Jeepney with plate number AYK 692 that is offering passengers free ride on Christmas Day. 

Jay Son wrote in his Facebook post thanking the unnamed driver who offered free ride to them.

"Flex ko lang sinakyan namin. FREE RIDE!!! Salamat boss idol amo driver. Sana ay maganda ang buong taong byahe mo.

Photo Courtesy || Jay Son Luks

He shared that he was overwhelmed and awed by the drivers' Christmas present because he know how hard being a jeepney driver is. 

"I am a driver and my father has been a jeepney driver for more than 3 decades so alam ko ung hirap ng jeepney driver.  So giving free rides to all commuters is really a deed worth to be praised," Jay Son said. 

Although he was not able to take a photo of the driver, Jay Son posted and wished the driver good luck and his jeepney to be in good condition for a longer time. 

Of course, Netizens absolutely loved the driver's present.

One netizen wrote: "Wow so nice. That's the true meaning of Christmas. God bless you more this coming years."

Another praised the driver because he knew how hard it is for a jeepney driver to earn a living yet this driver managed to offer a ride for free. 

"God bless Manong. Kahit kapaskuhan ay nagawa mo na bumiyahe para lamang mabigyan ang aguinaldo ang ating mga kababayan. Merry Christmas," Mer Vie said.

Have you experienced getting a free on Christmas day? Share it in the comment box below or in our Facebook page. 

Share this post to all your friends. Let's give recognition to this generous driver.

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TPLEX Sison-Rosario now open, cuts travel time by up to 30 minutes to Baguio City

Cordillera - Good news for those travelers looking to reach Baguio for a shorter period of time. The Sison-Rosario segment of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway or TPLEX has been opened to motorists since December 24, 2019. 

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar on Monday, December 23, 2019 conducted an inspection of the said segment and directed the opening to travelers the next day. 

"Considering that Baguio is a go-to holiday destination, we opened the segment to provide ease to our tourists who want to experience the beauty of the City of Pines. While significantly cutting their travel time, we also want to ensure that the expressway is in its utmost quality for their safety," Villar said. 

According to Villar, the opening of the Sison-Rosario segment would cut the travel time to Baguio by up to 30 minutes as well as ease the traffic bottleneck along Manila North Road towards Kennon Road. 

He added that the newly opened segment of the expressway will be free of charge to the motorists.

"Wala munang bayad and Sison to Rosario Segment ng TPLEX. Munting regalo natin ito sa ating mga kababayan na uuwi sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya," Villar added. 

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Baguio cab driver Bhong Balisong returns P60,000 cash of a retired Police Officer, gets city commendation

Photo Courtesy || Bhong Balisong

Cordillera - An honest taxi driver returned a misplaced bundle of cash, P60,000 to be exact to a passenger who accidentally left it inside his taxi on 9 December 2019.

The driver, Bhong Balisong, recounted that he found the bundle of cash left in his taxi after dropping off his passenger.

Instead of keeping the money for himself, Balisong immediately posted at the Baguio Sumbungan Forum Facebook page to inform about the cash left in his taxi.

The owner Mark Madalang - a retired police officer contacted him and they arranged to meet at Bombo Radyo Station to claim the money as well as praise Mr. Balisong of his honesty live on air. 

According to Balisong, he was never interested in keeping the money because he knew it was owned by somebody and they work hard to earn it. 

He said his conscience cannot bear to feed his family with the money he had not worked for.

READ ALSO: Honest Kalinga tricycle driver returns cheques amounting to P2.1 M

On Monday, the City Government of Baguio passed a resolution commending Bhong Balisong for his exemplary act of honesty and uprightness in returning the cash to the rightful owner. 

"Mr. Balisong's act of honesty and uprightness elevates the status of taxi drivers in the City of Baguio and is worthy of commendation, praise and emulation by all taxi drivers as well as the constituents of the City of Pines," part of the resolution read.

READ ALSO: What do tourists say about taxi drivers in Baguio City

"Taxi drivers in the City of Baguio are known for their honesty particularly in returning exact change without demanding additional charges from passengers." the resolution added.

READ ALSO: Lolo from Benguet finally found lost 14K cash collection for Death Aid

source || Bombo Radyo Baguio, Sanguniang Panglusod - Baguio 

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'Silent Night' ordinance in Baguio signed into law

Cordillera - The people and residents of Baguio deserve a quiet and peaceful night to recover from the hard day's work. 

Thanks to the ordinance authored by Councilor Edgar Avila that had been passed into law last year making it unlawful for any person to make or cause "excessive, unnecessary, or unusual loud sounds" from any audio device within residential areas, subdivisions and public streets in the city from 10 pm to 5 am.

The good councilor explained that people look forward to going home after a hard day's work or after school and expect an evening of rest, peaceful bliss and good night's sleep. 

However, some inconsiderate and selfish individuals seems to neglect the well-being of their neighbors and go beyond their selfish noisy parties and celebrations.

"Our people are deprived of the well deserved peace because of rowdy, noisy parties or gatherings in the neighborhood and neighbors and strangers who take for granted the well-being of others and think only of their own enjoyment," Avilla said.

The ordinance now prohibits excessive loud noise coming from any audio and musical instruments such as radio, CD player, television set, amplifier, drums, loudspeaker, karaoke or videoke within residential areas, subdivisions, public streets and 200 meters within schools, hospitals and places of worship.

Violators of the ordinance will be given an initial verbal warning to remind them to tone down the noise. However, failure to heed the warning and if violation is deemed excessive, a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of up to six months shall be imposed for the first offense; P3,000 for the second offense and P5,000 for the third offense.

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Baguio city hailed as best in eGov Systems for Global Competitiveness

Photo Courtesy || Mayor Benjie Magalong FB

Cordillera - The National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) awarded Baguio city as best in eGov System for Global Competitiveness. 

The award is an affirmation that the city government is globally competitive, recognized and virtually accessible and interactive.

NICP has adjudged the city government of Baguio as Best in eGov System for Global Competitiveness Award for developing world class information, communication, technology system that are par with international standard, the city's website reports.

The Baguio City Budget Office has developed an online Budget monitoring system called eBOMs. 

The eBOMS is an online and in-house developed system used by the city government in preparing and monitoring the city's annual budget. 

It also used in generating real-time reports as required by the Commission on Audit, DBM, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other local executives for fiscal decision-making.

The award-giving event organized by the Department of Information and Communication Technology, DILG, and the NICP was developed to help simulate eGovernance, particularly in the LGU-level, to enable LGUs to become "catalysts of change" based on the Philippines Digital Strategy and the Philippine ICT Roadmap 2011 - 2016. 

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Vietnamese national thankful to Baguio taxi driver for the return of her jewelry worth Php200,000

Photo Courtesy || Thuy Diem Vo

Cordillera - A Vietnamese national who came to Baguio city to conduct a livelihood seminar on jewelry and bonsai making felt elated after recovering her lost jewelries worth  $4,200. 

Thuy Diem Vo expressed her appreciation and gratitude to all her Filipino friends and the Baguio police who helped her find the taxi where she left her bag containing the jewelries.

RELATED: Airport cleaner from Abra returns Php430,000 he found at Ninoy Aquino International Airport

"Tears of happiness my sisters and I felt when I found something lost in the Philippines," Thuy said. 

"Thank you Lord for hearing the prayer of my sisters. Thank you Baguio city police. Thank your for the kind taxi driver," she added.

Francisco Jeyson was the driver of the Gentle Breeze taxi where the Vietnamese left her valuable stuff.

On Tueday, Jeyson received a commendation from the city council for his selfless act of returning the lost items left in his cab, according to Sunstar. 

A resolution passed by councilor Arthur Alad-iw, recognized Jeyson for his good deed that is worthy of praise and deserves commendation from the city of Baguio.

READ ALSO:  Baguio City is home to the most honest taxi drivers in the Philippines

"The heroism of Mr. Jeyson on his act of honesty - where his will defied greed, when his heart listened to the brain, when his sense of duty prevailed over a chance to have a property, when his integrity feel to compromise with money made with little effort - is worthy emulating by all taxi drivers as well as the constituents of Baguio," the resolution reads.

Indeed, Taxi drivers in Baguio are known to be honest and trustworthy. 

READ ALSO:  Honest taxi driver from Sagada returns lost mobile phone to owner

Many visitors and tourists have witnessed the truthfulness of Baguio being the home of honest taxi drivers in the country. 

Francisco Jeyson joins the growing number of ordinary Filipinos who worked with honesty and who value integrity over money. 

Matago tago ka kailyan.

source || Thuy Diem Vu, Sunstar

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