First dialysis center in Kalinga sets to open in October 2020

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Like/Darwin S. Serion

Cordillera - The Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) will soon accepting patients who are suffering from chronic kidney disease and needing dialysis treatment next month. 

Dr. Marilyn Duyan, Chief doctor of KPH, has said in a report that the hospital has tested the dialysis machines and equipment thus ready to accommodate dialysis patients  by the first week of October.

She added that the hospital also provides regular laboratory needs and tests of kidney patients like serum creatinine potasium, phosphorous and complete blood count with its upgraded laboratory facility. 

Dr. Duyan also said that dialysis staff workers like nephrologist, nurses, medical internist and administrative staff are now ready to engage in the operation of the dialysis center.

She clarified that the staffing requirement is provided by St.Mary Dialysis Care, except for the services of the medical internist which shall be the counterpart of the KPH, according to a report from Tabuk Like. 

With the opening of the dialysis center, kidney patients in Kalinga will not have to travel to Baguio City or Tuguegarao to undergo treatment but will do now at the KPH without incurring much traveling expenses.

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Kalinga pilot, the first Filipina to be in-command of a Philippine Air Force C130

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Tourism

Cordillera - A Kalinga female pilot from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was the first Filipina pilot- in-command of a Philippine C130. 

Lt. Col. Marjorie Donggayao Mukay from PAF who hailed from Sumadel, Tinglayan, Kalinga flew the C-130 acquired  by the government from the United States of America in 2016. 

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Tourism

Lt. Col. Mukay in command of the C-130 crossed the world's largest ocean starting from Tucson, Arizona to Manila.

"It is flattering that the command allowed me. There are no restrictions for females. As long as you are qualified, you can become a pilot-in-command of any aircraft," Mukay said during an interview. 

Marjorie Mukay is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Sanlingan" Class of 2005. 

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Tourism FB

Also, Lt. Col. Mukay was the first Filipina to be certified as pilot-in-command for the Philippine Air force. 

source: Kalinga Tourism & Rappler

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Cordilleran soldier named Best Battalion Commander 2018 for NOLCOM

Photo Courtesy || Sheena Mae Rafael

Cordillera - LTC Remigo A Dulatre GSC (INF) PA, the former Battalion Commander of 86th Infantry (Higlander) Battalion, 5lD, PA based in Jones, Isabela covering the provinces of Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Southern Isabela, was adjudged as the Best Battalion 2018. 

He received the award  of DSSP KAPAYAPAAN given by Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. AFP, the former Chief of Staff, AFP at GHO, CGEA.

He is also an awardee of the Meritorious Achievement Medal award and was awarded to him by Gen. Madrigal at Headquarters Northern Luzon Command last 2019 for the successful dismantling of Southern Front Committee ng Komiting Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (SFC, KR-CV).

The successful dismantling of the Guerrilla front was the first in 5lD which caused the insignificance of the CPP-NPA-NDF and forced their remnants to abandon their former lairs in the municipality of Jones, Echague, San Guillermo, San Agustin and Angadanan or the JESSA Complex.

As a result, the said municipalities are benefiting from the successful campaign against the insurgents. This can be attested by the entry of development and progress in the area.

With this achievement, Isabela is now on its normalcy compared to the previous security situations.

The emphasis on EO 70 or the Whole of Nation approach is on the right track of its implementations through the common goal of Ending the Local Armed Conflict (ELCAC) and the stakeholders' engagements.

LTC Dulatre is a native of Rizal, Kalinga and presently the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7 of the 5th Infantry Division, PA based at Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela.

Consequently, the award by the Battalion also made him the Best Battalion Commander 2018 for NOLCOM.

source || Sheena Mae Rafael

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Tabuk City, Kalinga has now Zero positive Covid-19 case after patient recovered

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - The city of Tabuk in Kalinga is now Covid-19 free after a patient who was initially tested positive has recovered, according to Tabuk City post. 

The 30-year-old male who was confirmed positive on June 10 has reportedly tested negative after his repeat test. 

Tabuk Mayor Darwin Estrañero welcomed this positive news and hope the city will maintain a zero Covid-19 case status. 

"This is a most welcome news! We thank everyone for their fervent prayers. Let's stay vigilant and compliant with health protocols so that hopefully we will be able to maintain our zero COVID-19 case status. God bless us all!," Estrañero said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, many netizens were elated hearing the news. 

One netizen wrote, "Wow, It's a great news.. Thank you Lord for the answered prayers... Stay home, keep safe and be blessed frontliners and health liners... Hope that all infected will turn negative."

"Thank you Lord for keeping Kalinga safe... Stay free from Covid Kakailian... to God be all the glory honor and praise." one netizens said. 

"Thank you Lord for hearing our prayers, continue to protect and keep us away from any danger. also to all the medical experts and frontliners for their kindness and compassion... Amen," another netizen commented. 

A localized Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) will be imposed on seven barangays of Tabuk while the rest of the city will remain under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) according to Mayor Estrañero.

source || Tabuk Life

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Four Kalinga cadets among top 10 of PMMA’s ‘’Masakbayan’’ Class of 2020

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - Four cadets who trace their roots from the province of Kalinga landed top 10 on the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy's (PMMA) "Masakbayan" Class of 2020. 

The four cadets are Javan Ludan of Bawac Dupligan, Tanudan in top 3, Glenn Paul Lupnacan in top 5, Xadelene Guisob in Top 8 and V Sano in top 9. 

READ ALSO: Kalinga soldier receives second highest combat medal from Pres. Duterte

There are 15 cadets from Kalinga including the four who landed on top 10 and will be graduating on June 12, 2020. 

PMMA is a premier state-run maritime institution which provides academic and professional training for merchant marine officers. 

It is directly under the supervision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHed) and the Philippine Navy. 

READ ALSO: Heroic story of Herbert D. Dilag - The Cordilleran soldier who received the highest award in the AFP

All the graduates of the academy will take the licensure examination at the Maritime Industry Authority and will undergo Coast Guard Officers Course in Coast Guard Officers Basic Education and Training Center in Bagac, Bataan. 

This will help them to become competent, reliable and effective leaders prior to their commisionship as Ensigns for active duty in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

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INSPIRING: Kalinga farmer's son is top 6 of PMA Masidlawin Class

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - A son of a farmer from Lubugan, Kalinga was top 6 of the 196 graduates of the 2020 Philippine Military Academy's (PMA's) "Masidlawin" Class.

In a post from Tabuk Life Facebook page, Cadet First Class Catabay Ladyong entry to the PMA was his personal choice, according to his father Chito.

READ ALSO:  Igorota from Sagada is Air Force Top 1 of PMA Laon Alab Class 2011

Chito said, Catabay "did not think of quitting from the Academy despite all the difficulties and struggles that came along while studying, instead he turned these to good account to make dream of becoming a soldier happen".

Chito said he was very proud of his son graduating from the academy as Catabay was always been telling that "entry to the PMA entails all the hardship a student would think of-training, lifestyle, academic hurdles and homesickness".

READ ALSO: Igorot cop from Mt.Province is TOPGUN of the class in VIP Protection Training Class 29-2021

Meanwhile, Catabay's mother advises him to "put to good use what he learned in the Academy and to serve for the best interest of the public, and to also listen to advice of his older brother Barabas, a police offices based in Quezon City".

source || Darwin Serion via Tabuk Life

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12 Kalinga brave young cadets graduated from PMA "Masidlawin" Class of 2020

Photo Courtesy || Midtown Photography

Cordillera - The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Masidlawin" Class of 2020 will hold its commencement exercise today, May 22, 2020 closed to the public without the usual pomp and pageantry. 

However, parents and relatives can watch the graduation rites through live stream at the PMA's official Facebook page, according to PMA spokesperson. 

12 Kalinga cadets will be joining the graduates in a live stream ceremony. They are:

1. Bagguiyac, Emerson Dorpis (Airforce) - Lubo, Tanudan, Kalinga

2. Dappay, Jepeson Addamo (Airforce) - Lacnong, Tabuk city, Kalinga

3. Dieza, Rennz Conrado A. IV (Navy) - Pinukpuk, Kalinga

4. Ewos, Rheden Laguico (Army) - Mangali, Tanudan, Kalinga

5. Fernandez, Chesterly Basilio (Army) - Poblacion, Tinglayan, Kalinga

6. Gammod, Martin Amagod,  JR (Army) - Gaang, Tanudan, Kalinga

7. Golwingon, Gemalyn Wanigon (Army) - Lubo, Tanudan, Kalinga

8. Gumilab, Reynante Tuguic (Airforce) - Ambato, Tinglayan, Kalinga

9. Ladyong, Catabay Dao-ang (Army) - Mabilong, Lubuagan, Kalinga

10. Limagen, Jessie Will Osdeg (Army) - Lubugan, Kalinga

11. Lugao, Alvin Kinao (Army) - Cabaruan, Tabuk City, Kalinga

12. Sayod, Irwin Bitao (Airforce) - Poblacion, Tinglayan, Kalinga

Congratulations to all "Masidlawin" Class 2020 graduate with your remarkable achievement. 

"Masidlawin" stands for Mandirigmang Isinilang na may Dangal at Lakas Upang Maging Tanglaw ng Inang Bayan.

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Kalinga cop donates P50,000 intended for his wedding to PNP's 'Adopt a Family Program'

Photo Courtesy || PNP Cordillera

Cordillera - A young policeman in Kalinga had decided to donate his hard-earned money that he kept for his wedding day to the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Adopt a Family or Rectang Bayanihan' fund for the people of Kalinga. 

Patrolman John Cleveland A. Pannogan and Ms. Nannete C. Velasco schedule their wedding ceremony this coming June but due to this Covid-19 pandemic, the would be couple canceled the said wedding and the money (P50,000) allotted  was voluntarily and full-heartedly donated to the "Adopt a family" fund.

The "Adopt a Family" program aims to encourage PNP personnel to help families who are in need of basic food commodities and necessary supplies during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period.

The would be couple will be looking forward for a memorable and successful celebration of their love once this crisis will be over. 

The 2nd Kalinga Provincial Mobile Force Company under the leadership of PLTCOL Igan P. Ballangan salute and hailed this young police officer for his generosity.

The Mobile Force Company is encouraging other constituents who have more in life to share God's blessings to help those in need during crisis.

Kudos to sir Pannogan and may the Lord bless you abundantly and guide you through a successful wedding plan in the future.

The people of Kalinga will surely remember your generosity. 

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Kalinga teacher braves dangerous hanging bridge and mountains daily to reach her students

Photo Courtesy || Front Row

A teacher from Kalinga has to hike muddy mountain trails and cross a perilous hanging bridge to reach her school everyday.  

The hanging bridge that teacher Maribel, students and residents of Pinukpuk, Kalinga was destroyed during typhoon Lawin back in 2016 but  was never repaired until today.

Everyone who wants to get to the other side of the mountain has no other choice than to cross this impassable bridge because their is no other way. The risk it takes in every step on the slippery bamboo and every grip on the rusty cable wire is like betting on your life.

It has been three years since she had her first assignment at an elementary school in a far flung village in Pinukpuk. What made her stay despite the struggles she has to endure in fulfilling her teaching career?

She could have taught within her comfort zone  or work near her house so she can spend more time with her family or even eat with them at home during lunch break. She could have worked in the city with less hassle on  transportation or applied for a teaching position abroad.

In her interview with Front Row, teacher Maribel shared what inspired her to keep her teaching job despite the sacrifices she has to make everyday to teach her classes. It is her passion to teach and her previous teachers were her great inspiration in following their footsteps.

Indeed, teaching and mentoring the next generation is teacher Maribel's way of life. May her story inspire the youth, spark some hope and encouragement to future teachers and give pride and honor to all those in the teaching field.

May the local government or other NGO's take notice and do something to help alleviate the struggles of the local residents of Pinukpuk, Kalingga. Three years has been long over due to fund for a repair or even a new hanging bridge.

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Miss Noreen Victoria Mangawit ramps up training for Miss Universe Philippines 2020

Photo Courtesy || Noreen Victoria Mangawit

Cordillera - Miss Noreen Victoria Mangawit is in full swing of her training as she prepares for the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2020. 

The 21-year old Mangawit who traces her roots in Pinukpuk, Kalinga  but now lives in Tabuk City is gearing up for the said event set on May 3, 2020 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Miss Mangawit has begun her in-house training as part of her preparation for the event. 

Her team has also started coaching her to improve her performance as she is new to the pageant.

The iKalinga beauty was among the fifty-two women who are set to compete for the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant this year. 

She was lucky to be chosen to represent Cordillera region together with Baguio City's beauty Miss Bea Theresa Maynigo.

In a local radio interview, Miss Mangawit said that she was very pleased to be among the candidates because this is an opportunity for her to show the culture of Kalinga.

As a canditate from the province of Kalinga, she can showcase the beauty of iKalinga, not only in appearance but also the inner beauty of the Kalinga people.

Miss Mangawit finished her Bachelor's degree in Arts and Social Science Major in Economics at the University of the Philippines - Baguio. 

She is currently working as a Presidential Staff Officer under the office of the President. 

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Two Cordillerans among official candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2020

Photo Courtesy || Miss Universe Philippines

Cordillera - Miss Universe Philippines has announced on Friday the official candidates who will vie for the crown and have the chance of representing the country in the 2020 Miss Universe pageant.

Among the official candidates are from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). 

They are Ms. Bea Theresa Maynigo from Baguio City and Ms. Noreen Mangawit from the province of Kalinga. 

Ms. Noreen Mangawit is a daughter of Nicanor and Rebecca Mangawit of Limos, Pinukpuk, Kalinga. 

Miss Universe Philippines is a beauty pageant competition and organization in the Philippines that selects the country's representative to the Miss Universe pageant.

READ ALSO:  Cordilleran Beauty Queen Roxie Baeyens is an official candidate for Miss Earth Philippines 2020

All the candidates will be promoting the pageant's slogan "Beautiful Transformation, Beyond the Coastline, and Inspiring Women with Action". 

The current Miss Universe Philippines is Gazini Ganados who was crowned on June 9, 2019 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

The 52 official candidates for this year Miss Universe Philippines were introduced at a red carpet yesterday in Manila by the new franchise owner, the Miss Universe Philippines organization. 

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LOOK: Tabuk, Kalinga to get its first modern public market with community mall worth P640 million

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - Not only does Baguio City plan to transform its existing public market into a fully modernized public market, but also Tabuk, Kalinga - a growing city in the north. 

In a proposal presented to the local government of Tabuk, a 38, 508 square-meter public market is going to be built in Bulanao.

The new market will be spacious to accommodate all existing vendors, as well as new ones, according to Mayor Darwin Estrañero via Tabuk Life.

He added that the new public market will have its own transport terminal for buses, jeepneys, and tricycles, as well as a shopping center with a department store, a supermarket, food chains, a hotel and a parking space.

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

The market is divided into 5 different sections including a wet section that is built with stainless stalls, a dry section, livestock section, a transport terminal and a commercial center.

It will also have an air-conditioned comfort room with a waiting area lounge, a breastfeeding station, and other amenities.

The Commercial Center will feature complete amenities such as a cinema, restaurants, hotel, department stores, branded boutiques, financial services, vanity services, and entertainment area.

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Mayor Estrañero revealed last year during his First 100 days Report that the proposed public market will be built by Xentro Mall Developer Inc, the same company behind the Xentro Mall in Roxas, Isabela. 

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Raffy Tulfo helps troubled farmer from Kalinga with cash and livelihood

Photo Courtesy || Raffy Tulfo in Action YT channel

Cordillera - A troubled Kalinga farmer seek helps from Raffy Tulfo hoping to reconcile with his wife and save his marriage.

Elvin Garcia from Kalinga went to Tulfo in Action Radio program to ask Raffy for help about his OFW wife, who  allegedly getting married to another man.

Garcia claimed that he saw a post on his wife's Facebook account a wedding ring indicating that she is going to be married to someone else.

His wife, however, denied her husband's allegation and that the post was just made up.  

Tulfo, on the other hand, advised the wife to come back to the Philippines to personally discuss the matter with his husband and get reconciled because he was concerned about the welfare of their very young child.

In the program, Tulfo promised Elvin to give him cash assistance and livelihood to get back on his feet after having been buried in debt due to the low price of rice. 

A good Samaritan, Joan Sapanta, who is an OFW had also gave 10,000 pesos to Garcia to help him pay for his expenses in coming to Manila.

Raffy Tulfo's program is helping thousands of Filipinos who come to him for help with their problems in life. 

Tulfo's YouTube channel has grown with more 9 million subscribers as of this writing. 

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Cordillera's First Solar Power Plant to rise in Kalinga province

Pixabay

Cordillera - A solar power plant that could be able to generate 5 megawatts is soon to rise in the province of Kalinga. 

A leading global solar power company, Sunpower Renewable Energy Corporation (SREC) has been eyeing the province of Kalinga to put up a solar power plant, according to Tabuk city Mayor Darwin Estrañero during an executive meeting last Month.

"The people of Tabuk City are expecting Sunpower Renewable Energy Corp. to put up a solar power plant in the city the soonest possible time to unburden us of paying high electricity rate," Estrañero said. 

READ ALSO: Kalinga rice farmer earns P1 Million from his farm; wins Outstanding Rice Farmer award 2019

Report said that Kalinga is one of the provinces with the highest cost of electricity and putting up a solar power plant will not only augment the power supply but will lower the cost of electricity by P2 per kilowatt hour.

"Through solar energy, not only will electricity prices get cheaper, it does not produce any greenhouse gases making it pollution free," Estrañero added.

He said that the Tabuk city government is ready to issue SREC business and building permits after being endorse by the Province Board of Kalinga and submit the construction plan to the Department of Energy for approval.

READ ALSO: Kalinga high school students awarded for solar-powered rice insect trapper invention

Estrañero highlighted some of the advantages of turning into renewable energy such as solar power plant. Using solar energy reduces reliance on oil and coal that are mainly exported from other countries. 

source || Manila Times

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Kalinga entrepreneur wins 2019 Micro-Entrepreneurship Award

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - The Citi Microntrepreneurship Award (CMA) has granted the Special Award for Preservation of Tradition to Caroline Jamias of Tabuk City, Kalinga. 

Jamias, a Kalinga entrepreneur who promotes traditional Kalinga products was recognized as the winner in the 2019 CMA special award for the preservation of tradition. 

Jamias received the award for successfully establishing her own profitable clothing business and later hired locals to trained with her at the Department of Trade and Industry.

With the small capital she borrowed from a lending company Alalay sa Kaunlaran Microfinance Social Development Inc. (ASKI), Jamias was able to grow her business. 

Now, Jamias reported that she is earning around 1.5 million pesos annually or around P125,000 monthly.

This year's winners includes Lea Mancera of Daniel's Handicraft Weaving and Metal Frame, Luzon Regional Awardee; Merly Domingo of Ebina Garment Manufacturing, Visayas Regional Awardee and Lucrecia Nero of Manna's Alternative Herbal Products and AtiManna Organic Hub, Mindanao Regional Awardee.

The Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year Award was granted to Romualdo Blanco, Jr. of Maja's Special.

The special award for agri micro-business was awarded to Rosanna Sinapilo of Coco Deli. 

CMA program is a global financial inclusion initiative that recognizes the contributions of microentrepreneurs to their local economies and highlights the importance of microfinance in supporting the economic development of low-income individuals. - cmagroup.com

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WOW!: Kalinga's "Sissiwit" song hits nearly 2 Million views on YouTube

Photo Courtesy || Hilair Wacdangan

Cordillera - Believe it or not, Kalinga's "Sissiwit" became the most popular song among Cordillerans in 2019. In fact, it's the first Cordillera song that reaches nearly 2 million views on YouTube (1.8 million views as of this writing).

Uploaded 2 years ago by Simple Tone, Kalinga YouTube channel, "Sissiwit" has been the number one song in the Cordilleras.

If the Koreans have the "Gangnam Style", the Cordillerans have the "Sissiwit". Its popularity is phenomenal. It's the most requested song at concerts, wedding occasions and community gatherings, among others. It also an ongoing viral post on Facebook today.

Like any other viral video, "Sissiwit" has reached  many Cordilleran OFWs abroad and it become a song of inspiration to them. 

It also inspired many YouTubers and song composers to create their own cover song out of it including the most popular Ilocano singer and composer The Four-Decade Dou.

The "Sissiwit" is a Kalinga word that means bird. The song was originally composed and sung by Hilair Wacdagan of Tanudan, Kalinga. 

The cheerful and lively melody of the song make it well-liked and perfect accompaniment for any traditional Cordillera dances.

There's even a trending "Sissiwit Challenge" on Facebook inviting anyone to post their "Sissiwit dance".

The song would continue to be the most-played Cordilleran music this coming year 2020. "Sissiwit" is an inescapable cultural phenomenon which serves as an introduction to Cordilleran culture and talent among Filipinos and around the world.

Original songwriter Wacdagan could not believe his composition could reach this milestone.

"Agyamanak unay ti adu adu nga suporta yu kakabsat ken kakailyan iti Cordillera, nakatataba po ng puso, haan ko namnamaen nga aglatak toy kanta tayo nga isut mangted ti ragragsak tayu tunggal ada okasyon nga isut maysa ah kararagsakan nga maisalsala tayo," Wacdagan said in his Facebook post.

The popularity of the song could diminish in the next 2 - 3 years, like most songs, however, it leaves us the mark in our musical mind that for sure whenever we listen to it, we'll definitely get up to sing and dance.

Sissiwit Lyrics

Awad tun dinukmaak

Un kaay-ayumak

Intarok ta ammaak

Sissiwit un naatap

Nu kad nu oggoman yo

Tukkayan na ima yu

Isunga ammaan yu

Satu un sissiwit ko

Chorus:

Sissiwit ko, o sissiwit ko

Nu lumawa ak, buburrun ko

Sumulag nu oggoman yu

Ta sakon di nampaamo

Immoy ko binisita

Igaw di sukbut na

Nangitlog si duwa

Maam-ammaan siya

Nu pion yu maam-ammo

Mampakada kayo

Tapnu maoggomman yu

Sa un sissiwit ko

Chorus:

Sissiwit ko, o sissiwit ko

Nu lumawa ak, buburrun ko

Sumulag nu oggoman yu

Ta sakon di nampaamo

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US travel magazine lists Apo Whang-od among 10 Filipinos transforming the nation through sustainable tourism

Photo Courtesy || Department of Tourism

Cordillera - New York-based travel magazine Travel And Leisure had listed Apo Whang-od as one of the great Filipino personalities who are transforming the country through sustainable tourism. 

The magazine has partnered with the Department of Tourism to feature Filipinos who are making big differences in their community through thoughtful and sustainable tourism. 

Among them was Apo Whang-od Oggay, also known as Maria Oggay, the last and oldest mambabatok from Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga. 

"At 103 years old, Apo Whang-od - member of an indigenous group that inhabits the mountains above the Chico River - is a living treasure of Kalinga, Province. Whang-od inked her first design at the tender age of 15, and nearly a century later, she's still giving charcoal-ink tattoos to visitors in her tiny village of Buscalan, using the thorn of a calamansi tree to draw intricate patterns, She's also looking to the future, training locals to carry on Kalinga tattooing traditions." reports Travel + Leisure website.

In 2018, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) had conferred to Apo Whang-od the prestigious Dangal ng Haraya Award at Tabuk City. 

Whang-od was nominated for the National Living Treasures Award (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan) in 2017. 

Up to this day, Whang-od is still giving tattoo sessions to local and international tourists who come to visit her at her place in Buscalan. 

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READ: The Cordilleran soldier who single-handly killed 27 rebels in a 3-day intense firefight

Cordillera - This is the story of Lieutenant Colonel Herbert D. Dilag who received the highest Military Award in the Armed Forces on the Philippines (AFP). A story of  unparalleled bravery,  exceptional heroism, and highest degree of leadership coming from a Cordilleran warrior.

"In April of 2000, 2 Suicide Squads composing of 14 volunteer scout rangers were formed to attack the 210 fully armed members of thee Abu Sayaff Group who were holding 28 hostages at the notorious 898 Hill inside Camp Abdurajak. The young and dashing 2Lt. Dilag volunteered himself to be the Team Leader of the other suicide squad.

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Tourism, Philippines

Uncertain of what could happen to them, the members of the Squads, left their valuables to their supporting comrades to be further given to their love ones, in anticipation of their deaths. The Squad headed by 2Lt. Herbert Dilag rushed-up the 30-meter 80-degree slope and bypassed 48 enemy improvised landmines. With cunning stealth, the "Suicide Squads" were able to secure and clear the area.

The 3 day intense firefight resulted to the killing of 68 member of the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the recovery of the unharmed hostages.

The 14 Ranger man team suffered massive casualties but 2Lt. Dilag carried his men one by one and place them to a safe location while he single-handly stand his ground and act as the team one sniper shooting the enemy mortar operator and machine gunners. 2Lt. Dilag killed 27 rebels during the assault which resulted in the demoralization of the enemies forcing them to back down and paved the way for the main troops to finally secure the area.

By this display of exceptional courage and a high degree of leadership, SECOND LIEUTENANT DILAG distinguished himself in combat, keeping the finest tradition of Filipino Soldiery. He was awarded MEDAL OF VALOR the highest award in the AFP for bravery. 

2Lt. Dilag's statement while he teared up upon receiving the MEDAL OF VALOR awarded by the President of the Philippines.

"We woke up at 2:00 then we took off. We hadn't slept and it was raining. Our progress was slow due to the thick jungle growth. When we engaged the enemy, we had to use one hand to hold unto tree roots, while the other hand fired the weapon. For 24 hours we withstood the steep terrain, hunger, tension and fatigue.  Then you would hear the groans of your wounded comrades saying, 'Sir, let's retreat, I'm suffering blood loss. My wounds hurt, will I live sir', words to that effect. You will then discover that you do have an untapped reservoir of courage." 

Source ||

Uncommon True Valor Story of 2Lt Herbert D. Dilag

by Lt. Col Ruben Guinolbay, Medal of Valor Nominee

Via Kalinga Tourism, Philippines Facebook Page

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Kalinga high school students awarded for solar-powered rice insect trapper invention

Photo Courtesy || PIA CAR

Cordillera - High School students from Camalog National High School of Pinukpuk, Kalinga wins the SIBOL Award for their rice insect trapper invention. 

The team composed of three students namely Alice Bayle, Brent Altero and Emmanuel Benzon won the SIBOL Award - Student Creative Research for High School Category of the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) held on November 19 - 20. 

The rice-insect trapper has a solar-powered eco-friendly physical light, a blower and a collection chamber. 

The light attracts insects then a blower strike them down into a collection chamber where they will be trapped.

The Camalog team received a certificate of recognition plus P20,000 cash reward. 

They will also have the opportunity to represent the Cordillera region in the 2020 National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) SIBOL Award - High School category, according to PIA report.

SIBOL Award is given to the most outstanding invention or creative research of high school and college students. 

RICE is the marquee event for the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) which is a biennial activity which showcases Filipino efforts that embody the nation's inventive, creative and innovative spirit.

Every other year NICE features the Filipino innovative creativity by giving due acknowledgment and appreciation of the best inventions, innovations, and researchers in the Philippines. 

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Venus Bajarin: First Female Cordilleran Brigadier General of the AFP

Photo Courtesy || Venus Bajarin

Cordillera - The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Chief Nurse Venus Bajarin was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on Tuesday, November 12, in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters Building. 

AFP Chief Nurse Bajarin receives her first star following her promotion as Brigadier General. 

BGen Venus Abbacam Magwelang-Bajarin is from Pinukpuk and Pugong, Pasil, Kalinga. 

AFP Chief of Staff General Noel Clement administered the donning of ranks along with 10 other key AFP officers who were promoted to the next higher rank. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS) Major General Erickson Gloria was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police S/Supt. Jesus Cambay to be promoted one star general

"Your promotion to higher ranks bespeaks of your hardships, sacrifices, and victories. Your experiences in the service and the habits you developed along the way attest to your commitment to perform your duties with utmost commitment and highest standard," General Clement said via the AFP website.

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"Congratulations to all of your on your well-deserved promotion. Let me also give due honor to your families and to the people who have been your constant support in your journey in the challenging path of military service. To your families, we also share this milestone with you," General Clement added. 

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