Igorota Beauty Queen wins 1st Runner-Up in I Am Model Search International 2023

Photo Courtesy || Pageantry News International & Missosology

Cordillera - Daughter of Benguet won the 1st Runner-up of the recently concluded modeling competition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on January 20, 2023. 

Miss Maida Faith Basilio who hails from Tuba and Sablan, Benguet was crowned the 1st Runner-up in the I Am Model Search International (IAMS) 2023.

Maida is a nursing instructor at the Benguet State University - College of Nursing. She won the Ms. Sablan 2019 and was also the winner in the Ms. Tuba 2022. 

READ ALSO: Baguio girl named Miss Model Search International 2023

In a Facebook post, Maida thanked the support of her kakailyans of Benguet as well as her Filipino kababayans. 

"May this be an inspiration to my fellow youth that no matter what happens, never stop pursuing your goals because someday, everything will be worth it," Maida wrote.

READ ALSO:  Igorot model Kenneth Jhayve Bautista wins Mister Model Search International 2023

IAMS International 2023, organized by Double Event Management, is a platform that provides equal opportunities for aspiring models to gain exposure, make connections, and establish a foundation for an international modeling career.

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Cordilleran from Atok, Benguet tops Criminology Licensure Exam

Photo Courtesy || Narcilisa Ponase

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran who hails from Atok, Benguet topped the December 2022 Criminology Examination as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission. 

Miss Narcilisa Ponase Talipnao could not believed that she was ranked number 1 with a rating of 91.60 percent in the recent Criminology exam. 

Talipnao finished Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the University of Baguio (UB) and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

According to her, when she was still young, she loved to watch action films which motivated her to become a law enforcer.

In her social media post, Talipnao said she never expected to be number 1 in the exam. 

She expressed her gratitude towards God and her family for their support and regarded topping the exam as the best gift she had received.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 11,098 out of the 33,489 examinees passed the licensure exam given the Board of Criminology last December 2022 in the different testing centers in the country.

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Igorot model Kenneth Jhayve Bautista wins Mister Model Search International 2023

Photo Courtesy || Pageant Trend

Cordillera - Son of Benguet Mr. Kenneth Jhayve Bautista wins Mister Model Search International 2023 held on January 7, 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

The proud Igorot also won two major awards which includes Best in National Costume and Best in Swimwear. 

In a social media post, Kenneth expressed his gratitude to all those who supported him during the competition especially the Filipino and Cordilleran community. 

In July 2022, Kenneth was the 1st runner-up in the Mr. & Mrs. World Universe International 2022.

Kenneth Jhayve Bautista is a member of Keep Going Baguio, a community organization or support group pushing for greater mental health awareness and the welfare of people living with mental disorders.

Kenneth is also a volunteer of Hawak Kamay Pilipinas, a disaster and calamity volunteer group.

He is an alumnus of St. Louis High School of Antamok, Inc., Batch 2014. In his four years of stay in SLHSAI, he had been an active member of the Dance Troupe and the Sons and Daughters of Migrants.

Kenneth had been joining a number of pageants locally and internationally, to name a few, Mr. Itogon, Mr. Continental Philippines, and Mr. Teen International.

Bautista is also an aspiring young actor. He appeared in the local film Salidummay by Cordilleran film maker Dexter Macaraeg.

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Majestic To'wing Falls in Sablan now opens to public

Photo Courtesy || Sablan Tourism

Cordillera - Looking for a perfect spot for swimming, hiking, camping and viewing this holiday season? The To'wing Waterfalls located in Sablan, Benguet is waiving for you. 

The local tourism office of Sablan, Benguet has formally announced the reopening of the To'wing Falls after two-years closure. 

According to Mayor Alfredo Dacumos of Sablan, Benguet, tourists from across the world and locals alike may now travel to and enjoy the magnificent natural marvel situated in Barangay Lower Poblacion.

Dacumos hoped that reopening of the falls will help revive the local economy of the municipality.

Visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing water provided by the four waterfalls and three pools after walking the 488 man-made concrete steps.

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Benguet Arabica Coffee wins top award at Global Coffee Championship in Korea

Photo Courtesy || Michael Harris Conlin

Cordillera - Laguna's Liberica and Benguet's Arabica Coffee take another spot in the global coffee competition as they bagged silver and bronze medal     respectively  in the recently concluded Global Coffee Championship held in Kintex, Korea.

Represented by Michael Harris Conlin, 2019 Philippine Barista Champion, Benguet Arabica Coffee won bronze in the Brewer Competition. 

“It is an honor to represent the country and have the opportunity to highlight Philippine coffee in the world stage. I love coffee competitions. I enjoy the pressure and pushing my skills to the limit; this is one of the best ways to bring the best out of myself and grow as a coffee professional,” said Conlin in an Instagram post.

The Laguna Liberica and Benguet Arabica Coffee bested over 30 competitors per category.

Sta. Maria, Laguna’s Liberica won the Silver award in Signature Coffee Award: Latte while Balili, Benguet’s Arabica won the Bronze award in the Signature Coffee Award: Brewer. 

The coffee competition was judged by 12 world-class coffee experts in a blind round of judging, with the judges not knowing who the barista was.

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Itogon poised to become city in Benguet

Photo Courtesy || Ken Carino

Cordillera - The municipality of Itogon will soon become a city in Benguet if the House of Representative will approve a bill that aims to convert the town into a city.

Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap is planning to file a bill that will make  Itogon, Benguet into a city.

The lawmaker believed that Itogon can pass the main requirements needed in order for it to become a city unlike La Trinidad where it has a problem with land area.

"Unang-una, wala tayong problema sa land area, pagdating naman po sa income kaya naman po yan, at sa population sa tingin ko achievable po yan," Yap said in a media interview.

He mentioned that he had file a bill converting La Trinidad into a city during the 18th Congress but the town missed the minimum requirement of 100,000 square kilometers land area.

“Ang naging problema ko lang po sa La Trinidad nung fi-nile natin to nung 18th Congress may problema lang sa lupa. Siyempre po pagdating po sa lupa, mahirap po madagdagan sa lupa unless may magbigay na katabing munisipyo,” Yap clarified.

Itogon is a 1st class municipality and its the largest in land area in the province of Benguet. It has a population of 61,498 people, according to the 2020 census.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 449.73 square kilometres (173.64 sq mi) [15] constituting 16.24% of the 2,769.08-square-kilometre- (1,069.15 sq mi) total area of Benguet.

Itogon is 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Baguio, 22 kilometres (14 mi) from La Trinidad, and 267 kilometres (166 mi) from Manila.

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Benguet ranks 7th among top 10 revenue generators in the country

Cordillera - The province of Benguet in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has been awarded for the very first time for landing 7th in the top 10 local government units (LGU) in terms of year-on-year growth rate for the FY 2019-2020 nationwide. 

The office of the Benguet Governor wrote in a post that the province noted a 12.00 percent increase with P407.15 million compared to the P363.50 million Local Sourced Revenue (LSR) in 2019. 

Mary Lou Gamboa, LTOO IV at BLGF-CAR, said out of the provinces in the Cordillera region, only the Provincial Local Government of Benguet made it to the top 10. 

READ ALSO:  Baguio city to build glass walkway in Mines View Park

She also confirmed that this is the first time the Provincial Government of Benguet achieved an award for being a top LGU in terms of growth of locally sourced revenue such as real property and business taxes, fees and charges.

“Aside from the IRA (internal revenue allotment), malaki rin kasi ang kino-collect nila, like they can also depend on their collections,” Gamboa added.

Gamboa also acknowledged the Benguet Provincial Treasury Office headed by Ms. Imelda Macanes for their collective effort in achieving this milestone.

READ ALSO: Kalinga's Robusta coffee hailed among best in the Philippines

Gamboa, representing BLGF-CAR headed by Regional Director Florizelda A. Enriquez, handed the certificate of achievement to the Provincial LGU of Benguet at the Provincial Governor’s Office on May 5, 2022.

Governor Diclas expressed his gratitude to the Benguet constituents and to the Provincial Treasury Office as well as to all the offices concerned with the collection of fees and charges for their efforts in boosting the province’s revenue generation.

source || SAP Jr via Governor's Office Benguet

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Benguet cited among Most Competitive Province nationwide

Cordillera - The province of Benguet was recognized as the 10th Most Competitive Province in 2020 according to a report released by DTI-CAR during the 7th and 8th Annual Regional Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Recognition Ceremony held on February 17, 2022.

The province was also cited the 10th Most Improved Province in the entire country. 

The Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) is an annual ranking of cities and municipalities nationwide to measures how competitive the cities and municipalities are and ranks them based on the list of competitiveness indicators on the four pillars of economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency geared towards sustainable competitiveness. 

Meanwhile, DTI Undersecretary Bles Lantayona   congratulated the Cordillera region for continuously and actively participating in the CMCI.

 "In the Cordillera Administrative Region, I am proud that our very own DTI - CAR has been proactive in encouraging the cities and municipalities in the region to join the annual ranking, to gain you insights on the best practices of other participants as well as to share their own innovations and best practices for the reference of others," she said.

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Most single males in Cordillera are found in Benguet province

Cordillera - The province of Benguet in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) had the highest number of single males according to the Philippine Statistics Authority - Cordillera.

There are more than 95,000 single individuals in Benguet who are in the age group of 20 to 50 year old with around 50,000 single males.

READ ALSO: Province of Benguet has the Best Quality of Life in the Country

The municipality of La Trinidad had the highest number of singles with over 25,000 followed by Itogon, Benguet with almost 13,000.

READ ALSO: Supercar Blondie admired Igorot farmers' ingenuity of transporting vegies using motorcycle

In the 2015 Census of Population by the PSA, it recorded a total of 625, 814 unmarried individuals in Cordillera. 

The census revealed that there are 343,843 single males while there are 281,971 single females. 

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World-class Sport Complex, Olympic-size swimming pool soon to rise in Benguet

Wangal Sport Complex construction is in full swing

Cordillera - A 163 -million world-class sport facility will soon rise in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet as the improvement of the Wangal Sport Complex has started in full blast this month.

In a video released by the Benguet Congressional District Office - Cong. Eric Yap, the said complex is composed of a multipurpose gym with state-of-the-art basketball court and a multipurpose oval and facilities.

Once finished, the said sport complex can host and conduct prestigious national and international events such as the Palarong Pambansa and maybe the PBA. 

Congressman Yap said he wants Benguet to become a first-class province so his office is working hard to ask funds from concerned government agencies for putting up big-ticket projects including the upgrade of the Wangal Sport Complex.

One of the goal of the complex is to be able to host the Philippine Basketball Association in the future.

"Ang goal natin ay maghost ng PBA na maglalaro dito sa Benguet para mapromote natin ang probinsya," Yap said.

“We want Benguet to become a first-class province through the implementation of already funded big-ticket projects. We do not want our province to be left out that is why we are working hard to make the appropriate representations with concerned government agencies to fund identified priority development projects in the different parts of the province to speed up the realization of rural development,” Yap added.

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First Government Hemodialysis Center in Benguet General Hospital Inaugurated

Photo Courtesy || Governor's Office Benguet

Cordillera - The office of the Benguet Governor has announced the inauguration of the first government-owned hemodialysis center located at the Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad, Benguet.

In a simple ceremony on Wednesday, Benguet Governor Dr. Melchor D. Diclas, Cong. Eric Yap, Dr. Roger Tong-an, and DOH representative Dr. Alexie Marrero led the cutting of ribbon that formally opened the said hemodialysis center.

The center has 10 sets of hemodialysis machine that can serve at most 27 patients a day and operated by 15 trained personnel according to Dr. Meliarazon Dulay, Acting Chief of Hospital at BeGH.

Health undersecretary Dr. Tong-an said the Department of Health will be adding 10 more sets of hemodialysis machines to cater more dialysis patients.

source || Governor's office Benguet.

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Multi-awarded Igorota cop promoted Regional Chief of Cordillera Highway Patrol Group

Photo Courtesy || Mayor's Office - La Trinidad

Cordillera - The Cordillera Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has a new regional Chief and she is a full-blooded Cordilleran. 

Multi-awarded Igorota policewoman P/Lt.Col. Kimberly Esteban Molitas, who hails from Kibungan, Benguet has been appointed as CAR - HPG Regional Chief. 

P/Lt.Col. Molitas was the former spokesperson and Chief of the Public Information of the National Capital Police Office (NCRPO).

Molitas was a graduate of PNPA "MAGILAS" Class of 2000. She has held various key positions in the Philippine National Police (PNP) and also served in the United Nation's Stabilization Mission in Haiti.

READ ALSO: General Guillermo Eleazar praised Cordilleran police being 'tough as rock' and 'strong as steel'

She also trained in the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) to enhance her combat skills, develop a special kind of discipline, train her body to be physically fit and strong. 

Molitas was also one of the "12 emerging leaders of Asia" which was selected by the Asia Foundation from among 650 applicants representing 53 Asian countries. 

READ ALSO: 

Igorota Policewoman is one of Most Influential Women in Asia

In 2015, Molitas became the first Filipino policewoman to complete a Fulbright year as a Hubert Humphrey Fellow at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

She also remains a resource person for the Center for Democracy and Citizenship in the US and speaks in different in different forums cybercrime, human trafficking, and crimes against women and children.

On 5th April 2021, P/Lt.Col. Molitas paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Salda of La Trinidad, Benguet following his appointment as Chief of Cordillera Highway Patrol Group.

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Benguet municipalities soon to get their own brand new ambulances

Photo Courtesy || Office of the Benguet Congressman

Cordillera - All of the municipalities in the province of Benguet will soon have their own brand new all-terrain ambulance that would be used to provide medical assistance to the residents especially those from far flung areas of the province. 

This was announced by the office of the Benguet Congressman in its official Facebook page. 

In a photo posted earlier on Facebook, the office of the Congressman shows the kind of ambulance that would be soon delivered to the province. 

The new ambulances are equipped with all the needed requirements in transporting patients such as stretchers, oxygen and large compartments for storing medical supplies. 

The kind of medical vehicles can grip in nearly all terrain which would fit perfectly to the kind of roads in Benguet.

Benguet Congressman Eric Yap is now finalizing the delivery of the said ambulances which will be used by people who are in need of medical assistance especially during this pandemic.

He said, the ambulances would greatly speed up the delivery of quality health care services to the residents of Benguet.

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Cordilleran is Double Winner in the Global Leaders & Educators Award 2021

Photo Courtesy || Adamson Labi

Cordillera - DR. ADAMSON N. LABI - Special Assistant to the President Benguet State University Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines

On being an INNOVATOR, Dr. Labi always gives his all to contribute in the body of knowledge. 

He is the brainchild of the Learning Appreciation By Innovation (LABI Model): Banking on the ATMs of Speech Writing. 

Sample videos can be accessed through his YouTube channel. These innovations were among his outputs that led to his completion of the degree, Doctor of Philosophy in Language Education at Saint Louis University with a grade equivalent to Magna cum laude.

For almost 10 years, he also manages the Speech Management And Rhetoric Training Systems - Facilitating Innovative Tools & Solutions (SMART FITS), a professional training development center and the 1st and only School of Emceeing and Hosting in Cordillera. 

One of its flagship programs is the Train the Trainer Program (TTP). 

To date, over 400 individuals graduated from the program, many of whom are education supervisors, principals, teachers, police officers, businessmen, other professionals, housewives, students, and others. SMART FITS also offers training scholarships to deserving students all over the region. 

These include music, public speaking, emceeing, hosting, creative writing, dance, and leadership.

Dr. Labi's philosophy is, "Make a Life, Not Just a Living," which he adopted from Winston Churchill (former Prime Minister of Great Britain) and Dr. Ron Jenson (America's Life Coach). In Filipino, he translated it as, "Ang buhay ay hindi lamang paghahanapbuhay kundi paghahanap ng kahulugan ng buhay." 

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Kind-hearted cop in Benguet praised after helping 2 blind people cross the street

Photo Courtesy || Tin Dao-anis

Cordillera - Netizens in the online community has nothing but praises and admiration to a kind-hearted police officer who helped two blind individuals cross the street in La Trinidad, Benguet. 

In a photo shared on Facebook by Tin Dao-anis, the kind cop Rocky Lazo Pedroche patiently lead the two blind persons to safely cross the street along Kilometer 4 in La Trinidad. 

He do this to make sure the two can walk the street safely and unharmed by the vehicles passing from both sides of the road.

According to Pedroche, they were conducting patrol and assisting the traffic when he saw the two blind persons.

READ ALSO: Baguio Police Officer buys food to a homeless man in need

Out of his concern and his duty to serve and protect, Pedroche immediately came and guided the two to cross the busy street.

"Noong mga panahon po nayon, nagcoconduct kami ng aming patrol at the same time nag-aasist kami ng traffic. Nung nakita ko po yung dalawang may kapansanan ay nilapitan ko po, nagpakilala po ako at sinabi kung gagabayan ko po sila kung saan sila pupunta," Pedroche said in an interview.

Such action displayed by Pedroche has garnered comments of praises and admiration from social media.

READ ALSO: PNP Chief Gamboa admired Cordilleran Police for their excellence in service

Asked about Pedroche's reaction after a photo of him gone viral in the internet, he said, "Ikalat po natin ang pagtulong sa kapwa, kahit po maliit na bagay po ito, sana po ay ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtulong sa kapwa".

Watch his interview below by sir Tin Dao-anis:

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Honest Baguio cop returns lost P27,000 cash by a mother

Photo Courtesy || Pnp Cordillera 

Cordillera - An honest rookie cop of Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) returned found missing wallet of a lemon farmer on March 1, 2021.

While on his way home after rendering overnight duty, Pat Redentor Valdez, assigned at Marcos Highway Police Station (PS10) of BCPO, found a purse containing a bundle of money in different denominations, an ATM card, identification cards, and receipts along Marcos Highway.

READ ALSO: Igorot lady cop returns P40,000 lost cash belonging to a senior citizen

Immediately, he checked the ID cards to possibly identify and contact the owner of the said wallet.

Fortunately, Pat Valdez found contact details in one of the ID cards which he immediately called to inform the owner that he has found the wallet.

Pat Valdez and the owner, identified as Emeelyn L Takia of Tuba, Benguet, a mother and a lemon farmer, met at Marcos Highway Police Station (PS10) for the wallet, along with all its contents, to be safely returned to her.

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

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RT-PCR Test or SWAB Test no longer required when traveling to Benguet

RT-PCR tests no longer required when traveling to Benguet

Cordillera - Benguet has announced that it would no longer be requiring travelers to present a negative reverse transcription-plymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test or swab test when entering the province.

In PIATF meeting called by Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas on Friday (March 5, 2021), it was agreed that RT-PCR test are no longer required from people entering the province. 

It was also agreed that Travel Authorities (TA) are no longer required as per requirement by the IATF. However, if destination LGU requires such, the Provincial LGU will issue a TA for the travelers.

For LSIs and ROFs, they still have to be triaged at the Quarantine Facility in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. 

Further, for inter-municipal travels, there is no need for health declaration forms (HDF), but governor Diclas said travelers have to strictly adhere to health protocols such as wearing facemasks which will be strictly monitored by the PNP.

source || Governor's Office Benguet

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Proud Igorot working as Deputy Constable and SWAT member in Texas, USA

Photo Courtesy || Jeffry B. Tyanan || One Philippines

Cordillera - A proud Igorot from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is working as a Deputy Constable at Fort Bend County Pct. 3, Katy, Texas in the United States of America (USA).

Jeffry B. Taynan is also a member of the agency's Special Response Team  of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT). 

Taynan's job and his team is patrolling the Cinco Ranch area of Katy, Texas by vehicle or on foot, to prevent crimes and enforce the law.

Taynan traces his roots from Kabayan, Benguet but grew up in Baguio City where he studied Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Law at Saint Louis University (SLU).

READ ALSO: 

Julius Maguiwe - First Igorot officer to graduate from US Coast Guard Academy 

He worked with the Supreme Court of the Philippines as a Court Legal Researcher of the Family Court of Benguet in La Trinidad in 2000 - 2011. 

In 2011, Taynan and his family migrated to the United States of America where he took up Accountancy course at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and went to Gus George Law Enforcement Academy in Richmond, Texas. 

Taynan also graduated from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Ramsey Training Academy in Rosharon, Texas. 

READ ALSO: Igorot OFW donates P50,000 to buy rice for his hometown in Kabayan, Benguet

As a member of the  Fort Bend County's Deputy Constable, Taynan's job is risky but with his regular trainings as a member of the Special Response Team (SWAT) he is ready to accept missions and is also calm to help deescalate situations by cultivating genuine compassion, according to One Philippines.

He believes in the Divine guidance so he always pray that he'll be able to go home to his family safely every after his shift.

source || One Philippines

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READ: Message of hope and encouragement from La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda

Photo Courtesy || Mayor's Office - La Trinidad FB

Cordillera - A true public servant and like a concerned father to his children, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda wrote a heartwarming message of hope and encouragement to his constituents to keep them strong amid the pandemic.

Read his full message below:

Dear Kailyan:

I understand the suffering you may be experiencing right now: hopelessness, quarantine fatigue, confusion, anxiety, isolation or an inexplicable sense of doom and despair. But in experiencing these, remember that you are not alone. Everyone does. And it is okay. 

The brighter side to being human is that we are capable of being and doing much, much more. So amid the daily struggles and the pandemic, do not lose hope. Never lose hope. More so: Never, ever take your own life.

To our youth and children:

When you feel like the world’s uncool, everything’s uncool, your day’s uncool, remember that the world doesn’t end with a heartache or a frustrating friend or a lousy grade. Believe that a day of profound love, laughter and a diploma will soon come, since it always surely does. 

Remember your dreams and why they are worth waking up for, living for, every minute of the day. Yes. Bad times there will be, but so will good times; and the more you grow, you will soon see how each experience actually nourishes you, strengthens you to be the best of who you are.

Keep the faith. You have so much ahead you. You are filled with so much promise and are capable of so much goodness. 

You are loved. You matter. Your opinion matters. Your feelings matter. Share them. Your parents, your friends, your teacher, Pastor, Priest or counsellor, they’ll be there. Always, there will be an ear willing to listen, a hand willing to help, a friend who will laugh even at your corniest jokes. So hang in there, okay? Everything will be okay.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

To the parents: Times are tough; and in our daily struggles, we may be missing out on why we are working hard in the first place: our children. So, always find time for your children. Reach out. Talk to them. Know the warning signs. And more importantly, once spotted, swiftly act on them.

To all community members: Check in on someone - especially, our young ones - you may be concerned about. Listen to what they have to say, how they say it and show them kindness and support. Drown the noise of stigma and spread the message of love instead. Suicides find feeble footing in an atmosphere of love.

Let us not allow our present circumstance to dim the prospects of a better tomorrow – a brighter tomorrow, for one day, it will come. 

I call on all members of the La Trinidad community to be one supportive community. A burden shared is made lighter by each hand willing to carry that weight. Let us thus join hands – at least, figuratively, for the moment – in carrying that weight in our shared pursuit to heal as one.

For our LA TRINIDAD SUICIDE PREVENTION Hotline, please do not hesitate to text or call the following: 

Ms. May Claire Jimenez: 0917 859 2657

Ms. Cristina Anioay: 0910 343 6595

MAYOR ROMEO. K. SALDA

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Cong. Eric Yap to summon DepEd officials over inaccuracy in learning materials

Photo Courtesy || Cong. Eric Yap

Cordillera - Benguet Legislative Representative Congressman Eric Yap has called on the Department of Education to conduct massive review of some of the modules containing discriminatory remarks about the Igorots. 

Yap said he will file a House Resolution in Congress and summons DepEd officials to explain the inaccuracy and sign of incompetency in the learning modules of students.

Here is the full message of Congressman Eric Yap:

I strongly condemn these photos circulating online. It is unbelievable that these made its way to the learning modules of our students. Nakakagalit. Nakakadismaya. It is not clear whether it forms part of a textbook, a module or a test sheet, but regardless of its form and context, this is an insult, an obvious form of discrimination and a mockery of our rich culture in the Cordillera. 

What message are we sending our students reading these? Okay lang na ma-bully ang bata dahil sa kanyang anyo? Okay lang ma-discriminate dahil sa kasuotan? Sa murang edad ng mga estudyante, ito ang ituturo natin? If we do not act on this, the day will come that our heritage and culture in Cordillera will die a natural death because it will be perceived as something that should be ashamed of. We will not allow that to happen. 

I call on the Department of Education to undertake a massive review of its textbooks and other materials used in schools. I urge Secretary Briones to issue a Department Order instructing teachers nationwide to forbid them from using discriminatory statements such as those shown in photos in preparing their modules. This is not the first time that this happened and at this point, the Department should take responsibility. The buck stops with you. 

This is an issue that we will definitely raise in Congress through a House Resolution that I will file and we will summon DEPED officials to shed light on this matter. Not only for this incident, but for every inaccuracy and sign of incompetence in our learning materials.

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