President Duterte declares Nov. 22 Special (Non-Working) holiday in Benguet

Cordillera - The Palace announced the 22nd of November 2019 to be a special non-working holiday in Benguet Province. This is to celebrate the 119th foundation day of the top vegetable-producing province in the country.

Proclamation 851 stated that, "It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Benguet be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate on the occasion with appropriate ceremonies" which was issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Photo Courtesy || Mayor's Office La Trinidad

The much anticipated trade fair has been started on Nov. 10 and will run until Nov. 24 to showcase products of different municipalities in Benguet. 

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The Adivay Festival will close with a thanksgiving ceremony on Nov. 24 and the employee's night on Nov. 29.


Read Also: Biggest Bendian Dance of Benguet attempts Guinness World Record

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Family miraculously survives car accident in Benguet

Cordillera - A family in Benguet miraculously survive a horrific vehicle accident as their car was heavily destroyed by a huge boulder along Kennon Road on Sunday. 

The family were driving along Kennon Road when their car was hit with a boulder that fell from the mountain causing almost half of the car smashed. The roof of the car was totally damaged caused by the heavy boulder.

The story of the family's survival has gone viral in social media. Jefferson Cadap, the father shared their story of survival and how they were able to get out from the car. 

"Sa speed namin na 90kph bigla nalang na stop and naramdaman ko ung glass na tumama sakin na may kasamang lupa, and yung roof tumama rin sakin. At that time, and nasa isip ko landslide. I was thinking also of my first child kasi siya yung nasa likuran ko. I was shouting at my wife (ayos lang kayo?!). When no one answered, I thought I lost everything pero salamat sa Dios he guided me on what (to do). While the rock is slowly pressing the roof down, i removed my seatbelt and try to move to the passenger's side and I heard my wife saying, "nakalock," and ung 2 kids ko started crying, ung marinig ko yun it gave me strength to struggle more. I unlocked the passenger's door and tried to open it but it was stuck (binanga banga ko po yung door whre my family was, but I could not open it because it was locked. Bumalik ako sa front where I went out, I clipped the chair  and my wife helped me to take the kids our first."

Cadap knew God had helped him rescue his family during that incident. He believed that God was in full control of the accident because he holds the the rock a little bit longer to gave him enough time to save his family.

"Thank you God for holding the rock a little bit longer for us to walk out alive", Cadap said.

The family was brought to Pines Hospital and now recuperating from their injuries. 

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8 Young Benguet Farmers Off to Japan to Learn New Farming Techniques

Cordillera - Eight young Benguet farmers were off to Japan on Wednesday for a three-year intensive on-farm training to learn new farming techniques, modern agricultural management skills and join in farm youth activities at the Farmers Cooperative of Ehime Prefecture and in Kochi Prefecture in Japan. 

According to Philippine News Agency the participants came from different municipalities of Benguet. They are Rufino Budoyan Jr. of Bokod; Francis Galuten and Gentar Manicawa, both of Mankayan; Rico Wakat of Sablan; Hardy Bua-eg of Bugias; Vincent Comila of Bakun; Arman Caris of Kapangan; and Febie Ann Mayames of Kibungan. 

The trainees will take the course that is part of the Young Filipino Farmers Training in Japan (YFFTPJ) Program which is conceived to provide training opportunities for young men and women engaged in agriculture to help improve Benguet's agriculture through exchanges in technology and farming methods. 

Read Also: Two towns in Japan need 32 farmers from Benguet

Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAG) supervising agriculturist Delinia Juan said the program will encourage young farmers into agriculture by helping them acquire new agricultural techniques, experience life in a foreign country, and strengthen their foreign language skills. 

When they return home, the trainees are expected to bring a new level of expertise that will assist them in their work and share with their fellow farmers in the provinces. 

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DENR preparing criminal charges against tourists responsible of burning grassland inside Mt. Pulag

Photo Courtesy: BFP National Headquaters

Cordillera - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is preparing to file criminal charges against group of tourists who are responsible in the burning of almost 1.5 hectares of grassland, including luscious grass and dwarf bamboo plants inside the Mt. Pulag National Park. 

Last Saturday afternoon, fire hit a camp on Mount Pulag National Park in  Kabayan, Benguet causing a massive forest fire destruction of the richly verdant grassland. 

Initial Investigation revealed that the blaze was caused by a portable butane burner left by a group of hikers from Cebu. 

Firefighters arrived a the scene at around 7.10 p.m and were able to stopped the fire at 9.15 p.m.

After the incident, the DENR is planning to impose additional requirements for tourists visiting the park to ensure that such incident would not be repeated. 

Meanwhile, Mt. Pulag national park management team is looking for an open area to be designated as a place where tourists and visitors can cook. 

They also plan to require overnight campers to bring with them portable fire extinguishers whenever they planned to stay in the park overnight.

Butane Burner left by campers from Cebu. Photo Courtesy: BFP

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Looking for Job? The Benguet State University (BSU) needs many workers. Apply Now!

Cordillera - The Benguet State University (BSU) has posted on its website job vacancies that can be filled by those who are looking for work. Details about the job vacancy can be accessed through their website or you can see them below. Application period will start tomorrow (Jan. 19 - 24, 2018).

Two (2) Administrative Aide III
Place of Assignment: Dept. of Biology, OVPRE
Salary: PhP 473.00/day

* Two (2) Administrative Aide III (Driver)
Place of Assignment: Transportation and Automotive Services (TAS)
Salary: PhP 473.00/day

* One (1) Administrative Aide IV (Mechanic I)Transportation and Automotive Services (TAS)
Salary: PhP 508.00/day

*  Eleven (11) Administrative Aide IV
Place of Assignment: Registrar, Procurement Mgt. Office, VP for Academics, IRO, UPAO, OSS
Salary: PhP 508.00/day

* Five (5) Administrative Assistant II 
Place of Assignment: Office of Student Services
Salary: PhP 679.00/day

* One (1) Bookkeeper
Place of Assignment: Accounting Office
Salary: PhP 679.00/day

* Two (2) Laboratory Aide I
Place of Assignment: College of Agriculture-Animal Science, College of Forestry
Salary: PhP 440.00/day

* One (1) Science Research Assistant
Place of Assignment: Horticulture Research and Training Institute (HORTI)
Salary: PhP 730.00

* One (1)Test Technician II (Psychometrician)
Place of Assignment: Office of Student Services
Salary: PhP 679.00/day

* Two (2) Utility Worker I
Place of Assignment: University Library, Institute of Public Administration 
Salary: PhP 409.00/day

* Ten (10) Watchmen
Place of Assignment: Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC)
Salary:  PhP 420.00/day

* Three (3) Research Assistant (Job Order/Contract of Service)
Place of Assignment: DOST-PCHRD Project 8 
Salary: PhP 24,781.20/month 

Interested and qualified applicants regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, civil status, disability (PWD), ethnicity or political affiliation should signify their interests in writing by attaching the following documents:

1. Application letter (specifying the position applied for and its date of publication)
2. Fully accomplished Personal Data Sheet (PDS), including the Work Experience Sheet (CS Form No. 212 attachment Form) with recent passport-sized picture with name and signature (CS Form No. 212, series of 2017) which can be downloaded at www.csc.gov.ph
3. Photocopy of OTR or Certification of grades with the total units required for the degree (basis in the determination of units earned)
4. Photocopy of employment certificate(s)
5. Photocopy of eligibility (CSC or TESDA) or professional license
6. Photocopy of training certificates after graduation, within 
7. Certified photocopy of performance evaluation rating in the present position for one year preceding this publication (if applicable)
8. Photocopy of commendation or award certificates

source || BSU official website

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First in the country: BENECO's 24/7 Call Center to open soon in 2018

Cordillera - Do you have any concerns, reports, inquiries and issues regarding the services of the Benguet Electric Cooperative or BENECO that you want to be resolved immediately? Or just want to report a fallen tree that affects electric lines? Well, soon you can be able to directly communicate with BENECO regarding those matters as the cooperative is set to establish its own call center early this year.

Armed with well-trained call center representatives, the BENECO call center will be able to provide customers' information regarding numerous electric distribution systems and the cooperatives numerous services.

BENECO's call center will be the first in the country to implement such 24/7 call service that is tasked in responding to customers' inquiries, reports and concerns.

Non-network and Revenue Services Department Manager Delfin Cachin said the call center is tasked to respond to customers' concerns immediately anytime of the day and any day of the week.

"BENECO decided to set up its own call center so it can respond immediately to the concerns of our customers. At the same time, the call center will allow us to conduct a survey among our customers by asking them how our people in the field performed their job," Cachin said.

Cachin explained that the call center works similar to how Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company run and it will be equipped with the same facilities and equipment like what those BPO firms have.

As of now, BENECO has hired10 people and will be hiring more additional workers who will be trained as call center agents, according to BENECO General Manager Gerardo Verzosa.

Verzosa explained, however, that there will be no forced termination of employees because the existing personnel will be trained to acquire additional competence and will be realigned to other departments.

source | | Baguio Midland Courier

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SM Foundation now accepting College Scholarship 2019 | Apply Online

Baguio City - The SM Foundation, the advocacy arm of the SM Group of companies, is now accepting application for the SM College Scholarship Program for school year 2019 - 2020.

The SM College Schoolarship Program is open for students from Benguet, NCR, Albay, Batangas,  Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Tarlac, Zambales.

For Visayas and Mindanao, the areas covered are Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, South Cotobato, Zamboanga del Sur.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested students can now apply via online by going to SM website here http://www.sm-foundation.org/programs/education#carousel-sm-foundation.

Register your valid email and password and you will be directed to page where you will fill-in necessary information in order to be qualified.

QUALIFICATION

The SM College Scholarship Program is open to fourth year public high school students who have a weighted average of at least 88% by the second or third grading period and the family must earning an annual income of PHP150,000 at most.

Successful scholarship grantees from Benguet and other areas can enroll in any of SM partners namely Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras and University of the Philippines-Baguio campus. A full tuition, monthly allowance, part-time job opportunities during school break and also exclusive job offers with the SM group upon graduation.

Click HERE to see complete list of SM partner schools.

COURSES OFFERED

a. BS in Computer Science
b. BS in Information Technology
c. BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering/ BS In Electronics Engineering
d. BS in Computer Engineering
e. BS in Civil Engineering
f. BS in Electrical Engineering
g. BS in Mechanical Engineering
h. BS in Elementary Education
i. BS in Secondary Education major in Biology, Chemistry, General Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, English
j. BS in Accountancy
k. BS in Accounting Information Systems
l. BS in Internal Auditing
m. BS in Management Accounting

The SM College Scholarship Program started with the vision of SM patriarch Henry Sy, Sr. to send one child from a less fortunate family to college. After graduation and upon employment, this could send one sibling to school and this help provide a better future for the family.

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PNP Chief 'Bato' dela Rosa applauds Police-Cordillera for impressive performance against illegal drugs

Photo Credit: BJMP Region Car

Cordillera, - Philippine National Police Chief Ronal 'Bato' dela Rosa praises Police Regional Office Cordillera for their impressive performance in the anti-illegal drug campaign of the government under the Duterte Administration. 

In his speech last Friday during the celebration of the 116th Police Service Anniversary in Camp Bado, Dangwa, PNP Chief dela Rosa highlighted the fast action of the PRO-COR in making three provinces of Cordillera drug-free, these are Mt.Province, Ifugao and Apayao.

Dela Rosa said only PNP Cordillera was able to declare three provinces drug free in the entire country in contrast with other Police offices that have declared drug free only in the barangay level.

He also thanked other government agencies such as the DILG, DOH, DSWD and PDEA for their non-stop support in the campaign against illegal drug and to their effort in helping the rehabilitation of drug surrenderees in the region.

READ ALSO: Australian chef Chris Urbano respects Igorot tradition and cooks Cordilleran dish 'Pinikpikan'

Photo Credit: Pro-Cor

During the event dela Rosa was adopted as a son of Cordillera by the Regional Development Council led by RCDC-RPOC Chairman and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Congressman Mark Go, Benguet governor Crescencio Pacalso, Mt. Province Gov. Lacwasan Jr., Acting Kalinga Gov. James Edduba and other municipal mayors, provincial board members and other officials.

He also led the awarding ceremonies for the outstanding police officers and units for the best police officers and units at the regional, provincial, city, municipality and stations in the Cordillera Region.

source: PIA Cordillera, Pro-cor, BJMP Region Car.

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Mine tunnel water leak in Itogon causes force evacuation of more than 10 families

Baguio City - Eleven families were reported to have been evacuated in Sitio Goldfield, Barangay Poblacion in Itogon Benguet after water from a tunnel of an old mine was seen leaking. 

Families residing near the area were advised by authorities to evacuate due to a possible land erosion caused by the said leak of an old mine owned by Atlas Mining and Development Corporation. 

Local radio station reports that evacuated families were temporarily sheltered at the Goldfield Elementary School where they were given relief goods and later were allowed to go to their relatives. 

Police authorities of the Itogon Municipal Police Station has put up police line to prohibit residents from returning to their homes until the area was studied and declared safe. 

The local government of Itogon, Benguet Corporation and Mines and Geosciences Bureau will conduct today a study to the area to determine the cause of the water coming from the tunnel.

Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan has appealed to the affected families not to return yet  to their homes and allow authorities to conduct a study to determine the cause of the problem.

source: Bombo Radyo Baguio

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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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Mount Pulag temperature may drop to zero, Trekkers advised to stay in the campsite

The Civil Defense Cordillera has issued an advisory today about the weather condition in Mount Pulag that temperature could drop to zero this week. Trekkers and those who are planning to go hiking are told to bring their proper clothing for cold weather to avoid hypothermia - a medical conditions when body loses heat.

The advisory that was posted on CDR's FB account says, "Trekkers during the weekends are advised to avail the homestay or campsites at the Badadak Village. Temperature may drop to zero any moment especially night time. Please bring proper clothing for cold weather to avoid hypothermia."

Mount Pulag is the third highest mountain in the Philippines, popular for hiking destination because of its "sea of clouds" and its milky-way galaxy scenery that captivated tourist who visit the place.

- CDR

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