Mt. Province invites everyone to "Lang-ay on the Street" on Sunday, April 2, 2023

Photo Courtesy || Provincial Government of Mt. PRovince

Cordillera - The Office of the Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. together with the Provincial Government of Mountain Province proudly invite everyone to one of the most anticipated event, the "LANG-AY ON THE STREET" scheduled on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

This year's Lang-ay on the Street calls you to indulge in native snack delicacies unique to Mountain Province capping it at dinner with tapey, lang-ay wine and “Watwat",  slice or slices of boiled meat that is usually distributed or shared as part of the meal during an Igorot feast.

The program will start from 2:00 in the afternoon until 10:00 in the evening. Cultural presentations and a concert featuring local talents will highlight the event.

Sponsored by the Office of the Congressman together with TIEZA, BOMORVA, Bontoc Business Circle now Bontoc Ug-Ugfo, DPWH-MPFDEO, MPSPC, PNP, MOPRECO, Philippine Red Cross, Mental Health Team, DTI, PIA, GAWIS for Mountain Province Inc., and the Local Youth Development Council.

Source || Provincial Government of Mt. Province

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5 sons of Sagada, Mt. Province graduated from PMMA Masidlayag Class 2022

Photo Courtesy || PMMA

Cordillera - Five proud Igorots from Mountain Province successfully finished their studies and training at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) on July 7, 2022.

These cadets are among the 114 graduates of the PMMA Masidlayag Class of 2022 who satisfactorily hurdled their training to become a merchant marines, naval and coast guard officers.

Drazen James Yodong - Sagada,Mountain Province

Oliver Egsaen Domanog - Sagada,Mountain Province 

Clayton Aclopen - Sagada, Mountain Province

Blake Baniaga Aclopen - Sagada,Mountain Province

Frenzel Somebang - Sagada, Mountain Province

READ ALSO:  Farmer's daughter from Mt. Province is Top 1 in BS Marine Transportation class of PMMA

‘MASIDLAYAG’ Class 2022 stands for ‘Mandaragat ng Silanganan na may Dangal Upang Maglayag at Gumabay sa Inang Bayan’.

PHILIPPINE Navy Flag Officer In Command Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado witnessed the 199th Commencement Exercises for the ‘MASIDLAYAG’ Class 2022 of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Saturday at the PMMA Complex.

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Philippine's First Giant Hand Footbridge is Found in Bauko, Mt. Province

Cordillera - Looking for something new to visit this holiday season? Try the newest attraction in Cordillera - the giant hand footbridge located in Andanum (Pikaw) Bauko, Mountain Province. 

Have a 'wow' moment walking on the bridge while having a beautiful view of the surrounding vegetable plantation and feel being held high up by three giant hands.

The bridge is part of the Pikaw Hotel and Resort which is still under construction but visitors can come and experience walking and having a good photoshoot on the footbridge. 

It is easy to spot the place because it's just located along the national highway. The full view can be seen if you are passing the Bontoc- Bauko route. 

For only 30 pesos for daytime viewing and 50 pesos for nighttime viewing for the entrance fee, you can enjoy having a relaxing moment at Pikaw Hotel and Resort's giant hand footbridge.

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Igorota Scientist is a Program Manager in University of Michigan, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program

Photo Courtesy || Meg Daupan

Cordillera - A Cordilleran scientist from Mountain province works as a Program Manager for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan (DDCSP).

Meg Daupan, a native from Sagada Mountain Province  graduated with a bachelor’s in Biology and a master’s in Microbiology from the University of the Philippines Baguio and Diliman, respectively. 

As part of her graduate studies, she was awarded a spring fellowship at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 🇰🇷 that specializes in microbial fuel cells research.

READ ALSO: Abra student proves Narra bark extracts could potentially treat cancer

After completing her studies, Meg worked as a science educator at the Mind Museum in Taguig. Through this experience, she greatly developed many professional skills, especially science communication and curriculum design. Then, the devastating impacts of typhoon Haiyan in December 2013 motivated her to change her career path and learn more about environmental crises. 

She made a big leap and moved to the United States 🇺🇸 in 2014 to begin her new career. She became the first Filipino to earn a master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability.

READ ALSO:  Igorot Inventor Douglas Paticawen recognized at First ASEAN Skills Olympics competition

In addition to Meg’s work and identity as a scientist, over time she has learned to better appreciate and value her indigenous roots, being half Igorot. She has continually engaged with experts in environmental justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion 💪

In her current position, Meg leads all aspects of the DDCSP-UM from recruiting students across the United States, to building partnerships with environmental researchers and conservation professionals, and serving as a mentor to the scholars.

source || pinoyscientist

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Mt. Province Cong. Dalog, Jr. urges DepEd to correct erroneous information about the Igorots

Photo Courtesy || Maximo "Maxi" Y. Dalog, Jr.

Cordillera - Mt. Province Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. has wrote a letter to Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Leonor M. Briones to amend erroneous portrayal of Igorots in learning modules dated February 4, 2021.

In his letter, Cong. Dalog specifically mentioned one learning module authored by Dr. Felicidad N. Remo and Ms. Avelina S. Espelita who in their book had described the Igorots as having curly hair. 

"We disagree on such account because in reality, a person with curly hair does not truly represent the actual appearance of an Igorot," Dalog pointed out. 

"We wish to informed the aforementioned authors that physically, we Igorots are generally similar with the Filipino majority like that of Dr. Remo and Ms. Espelita," he added. 

Dalog expressed the majority sentiments of his fellow Igorots on social media regarding some circulating photos of wrong portrayal of Igorots in learning modules. 

"We are immeasurably alarmed, offended and annoyed by such portrayal and description of us, just because we are Igorots. In view hereof, I earnestly urge the Department of Education to look into this matter by investigating/reprimanding those responsible and correct errors in the books and modules," Dalog said. 

The Mt. Province lawmaker has also reminded his fellow Igorots to always treat others equally and fairly.

"...Being Igorots does not give us the liberty to discriminate other, too. After all, we are one human race created into the image and likeness of God. Therefore, we all should treat each other equally and fairly," Dalog wrote in his official Facebook page.

Photo Courtesy || Maximo "Maxi" Y. Dalog, Jr.

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Honest tricycle driver in Sabangan returns P100,000 cash and passbooks to owner

Photo Courtesy || Pnp Sabangan

Cordillera - An honest tricycle driver from Sabangan, Mt. Province didn't hesitate to return a bag containing large amount of money and a passbook to the police station as reported by the Pnp Sabangan Facebook page. 

The post said, "A hardworking tricycle driver turn in to Sabangan MPS cash amounting to P100,000.00 and 6pcs. passbooks with receipts by Mr. Benjamin Coltong, found along the highway at Sitio Todey, Poblacion, Sabangan, Mt. Province.

Mr. Coltong's act of honesty is a testament to the many commendable traits of a Cordilleran exemplifying the culture of "Inayan".

The "Inayan" culture among the Igorots signifies the fear to the Supreme being.

This helps them not to commit things that are unpleasant and undesirable like consuming and owning something that does not belong to them. 

Salute to sir Benjamin Coltong. 

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Igorot jiu jitsu practitioner bags gold medal in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour in the United Kingdom

Photo Courtesy || Gibran Langbayan

Cordillera - Igorot jiu jitsu practitioner snatched a gold medal in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour in the United Kingdom and elevated his rank among jiu jitsu practitioners around the world

The 33 year old Gibran Langbayan from Sagada,Mountain Province and Buguias Benguet edged Piotr Winiarek of Poland in the gold medal match of purple belt master 1-69 kilograms division after the rigid quarterfinals.

Langbayan now ranks 22ndin the world under the AJP world ranking for male master 1 purple belts and 10th in Asia. He is also ranked number one in the Philippines.

The London tournament is one of the toughest jiu jitsu competitions in the world, as it consisted of numerous matches across multiple weight and belt divisions.

Langbayan, a registered nurse, trains with Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro, along with well-known international jiu jitsu masters and practitioners around the world.

United Kingdom Charge d’ Affaires Philippine Ambassador Frank Cimafranca has invited Langbayan to honor the Cordilleran athlete for his win.

Langbayan and his younger brother Godwin are jiu jitsu practitioners for over a decade now. They have won medals in national and international competitions.

source || Montanyosa Unity Facebook

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Igorota beauty queen and Miss Earth Philippines 2020 gears up training for Miss Earth 2020

Photo Courtesy || Roxanne Baeyens

Cordillera - After her stint as Miss Earth Philippines 2020, Igorota pride Miss Roxanne Baeyens is now preparing for her training as she will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Earth 2020. 

The 23-year old Igorota beauty queen traces her roots from Besao Mt.Province has always been passionate about nature and protecting the environment through various projects in her own.

In recent months she has became the poster girl of the Department of Agriculture - Cordillera in promoting urban gardening, highland agriculture and regreening.

In 2019, Baeyens represented the country in the Miss Tourism and Culture Universe pageant and finished 1st Runner-Up.

In a local radio interview, Baeyens admited she felt nervous competing in the international pageant because of pressure.

However, she said that she was very excited because this event is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for her. 

This year's 20th edition of Miss Earth pageant will tackle environmental issues in the time of pandemic. 

It features the culture and landmark of every nation's candidate through talent, fitness and fashion. 

The grand coronation night for Miss Earth 2020 will be held on November 29, 2020.

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LOOK: Stunning aerial view of the winding road in Sabangan, Mt.Province

Photo Courtesy || George Tugan FB

Cordillera - This is undoubtedly one of the best aerial view of the long and winding road of Sabangan, Mt.Province. If China has the Tianmen Mountain winding road, Philippines has one located in Cordillera. 

An areal photo captured by George Tugan shows the stunning beauty of the Baguitan Data in the municipality of Sabangan. 

Photo Courtesy || George Tugan FB

Photo Courtesy || George Tugan FB

The municipality has a land area of 72,04 a square kilometers which constitute 3.34% of Mountain Province's total area. 

It has a population of more than 9,000 according to the 2015 census.

READ ALSO: 

Son of a miner from Sabangan, Mt. Province promoted One-Star PNP General

Good Samaritan in Sabangan offered his house to stranded tourists during community quarantine

Honest tricycle driver in Sabangan, Mt. Province turned-over found cash to Police

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Igorota from Bontoc made it to the final of Asia's Grandest Livestream Competition

Photo Courtesy || Phemarie Focasan

Cordillera - The lone representative of the Philippines for the search of "Yippi's Live Star Quest" - Asia's Grandest Livestream Competition has made it to the final after outscoring 2000 performers from different countries. 

Miss Phmarie Focasan, a native from Bontoc, Mt. Province, a license architect, a singer and a dancer is calling for the support of her kababayans and kailyans.

The Yippi Asean Live "Star Quest" Competition is a search for the best Yippi Livestream performers from different countries. 

The final competition is scheduled this Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 9:30 to 10:30 pm.

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Cordilleran Marine officer honored as Best Officer 2019 of the 23rd Marine Company

Photo Courtesy || Zhina Zudi Zain

Cordillera- Another Igorot Marine officer is being recognized and been receiving awards in different fields yet kept his feet on the ground despite his great achievements.

Marine officer, CPT  Dennis. Sadlay PN, a native of Sabangan, Mt. Province is the commanding officer of the 23rd Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team-3.

Throughout his term as the Commanding Officer, his company received the BEST RIFLE COMPANY award for three consecutive years in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

While his Company has been maintaining the Best Rifle Company award for several years, his company also grabbed the GRANDSLAM BEST COMPANY award.

Moreover, his company was given the BACK TO BACK BEST IN ATHLETIC award for 2019 and 2020.

His great leadership being a Marine officer as well as a commanding officer didn't go unnoticed when he was honored as the BEST OFFICER in 2019.

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Teachers in Mt. Province walk kilometres to get Wi-Fi signal to attend webinar

Photo Courtesy || Julita Gumatay

Cordillera - Four school teachers in Mt.Province have to walk 9 kilometres and cross a river to find an internet signal to attend a webinar.

A group of public school teachers from Maducayan Elementary School in Natunin Mt. Province needed to upgrade their computer skills for the upcoming school year by attending a webinar on blended learning, but  have to walk several kilometres to reach Barangay Saliok, the nearest place where they can find an internet signal.

In an interview with GMA, the head teacher,  Julita Gumatay, said that it takes them about two  hours to reach  Barangay Saliok on foot during a good weather. However, it would take them longer on a bad weather condition as the paths are slippery.

Adjusting to the new social norm brought about by the pandemic, teachers are finding ways to fulfill their duties and responsibilities in bringing education to their students. They are ready to sacrifice their time and resources as a way of showing dedication to their profession.

"As we have pledged it, as a teacher, is to bring education to the children. Lalo na ngayon, COVID-time, talaga we are worried kung paano naman namin iaabot and edukasyon para sa nga bata,"  Gumatay said.

The teachers attended the webinar huddling together as they were using a single mobile phone and a speaker.

According to Gumatay, they have to go to a hill in the said barangay  to have a better internet signal. Despite using only one mobile phone as a remedy for a stronger signal, it's still been fluctuating because they were using a cellphone.

As resilient these teachers may be, Gumatay said that they are more worried about their students' lack of gadgets and the availability of internet signals.

"Paano kami gumamit ng internet or online na wala namang signal? Ang mga bata ay wala naman silang gadgets....they are still ignorant in using gadgets like this...," Gumatay added.

These teachers are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to bring education to the children. Just like other teachers and educators facing the same predicament, Gumatay's heartfelt request is to have a stronger cell site.

May these teachers' simple request for a stronger cell site or internet signal be granted and be considered an urgent need if schools will be implementing distance or blended learning as part of the new program in the education sector.

source || GMA

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LOOK: Mountain Province is the only Covid-19 free province in the entire Cordillera region.

Cordillera - While Covid-19 cases in the Cordillera Administrative region continue to rise as new cases have emerged over the past few days, only Mountain Province has no reported Covid-19 cases as of this writing (June 11, 2020) according to the Mountain Province DRRM Office. 

Data from the Department of Health Cordillera Center for Health Development shows that only Mountain Province has recorded zero cases of the coronavirus. 

On Wednesday (June 10, 2020) Kalinga recorded its first coronavirus case, a 30-year old resident of Tabuk City. 

Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estranero said the patient arrived from Manila on June 6 when the province organized the Oplan Padatong which aims to bring home stranded iKalingas in Manila. 

The patient, according to Estranero, remains to be asymptomatic and now confined at the Tabuk City Isolation Unit. 

The province of Ifugao has also recorded its first Covid-19 case on Wednesday from a returning OFW from Saudi Arabia.

The patient was brought to the Region II Trauma and Medical Center in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

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Honest trike driver in Mt.Province returns lost P15,700 cash to owner

Photo Courtesy || PnpMtprovince Sabangan

Cordillera - In this time of crisis where many have been hit hard financially specially those who are working in the transport sector, a tricycle driver returned a wallet containing cash to the police station. 

According to a post by PNP Mountain Province Sabangan Facebook page, Mr.Eddie B. Mercado went to the Sabangan Police station to turn over a brown wallet containing P15,700.00 and other valuable documents which he found along the road while transporting his passenger. 

Mr. Marcelo Galeng Jr. the owner of the lost items later came to the station to claim his wallet and documents from Mr. Mercado. 

The noble deed of Mr. Mercado is indeed an inspiration, an uplifting account about a simple tricycle driver with a pure heart who, despite affected by the crisis himself, still do the right thing by not keeping the money for the benefit of himself.

This is a similar story of honesty from a tricycle driver in Kalinga who returned a long brown envelope containing cheques amounting to P2.1 million. 

Read his story here:  Honest Kalinga tricycle driver returns cheques amounting to P2.1 M

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Cordilleran cop from Barlig, Mt.Province promoted One Star General of the PNP

Photo Courtesy || Montanyosa Unity

Cordillera - A Cordilleran police officer has been promoted One Star General of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Police Brigadier General Oliver Enmodias, who traces his roots from Barlig, Mountain Province will assumed the post as Executive Officer to Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO-NL).

PBGen. Enmodias is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1990 and finished his high school at the SLU Boys High in 1984.

Prior to his new assignment, PBGen Enmodias was the head of the recruitment and selection division of PRO-12 Directorate for Personnel Records and Management (DPRM).

He is known for his intelligence in the police work when he headed the two joint task forces that proved the twin bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat in 2018 and the December 31 bombing in front of a mall in Cotabato City.

READ ALSO:  Igorot Cop from La Trinidad, Benguet promoted 1-star PNP General

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Couple from Bontoc, Mt. Province celebrated wedding anniversary by donating food to the frontliners

Photo Courtesy || Jen Basco & MDRRM Office

Cordillera-  A couple from Bontoc celebrated their wedding anniversary by making a difference and sharing their blessings to others.

While the whole town is on Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), celebrating especial occasions doesn't necessarily have to be the usual norm. 

The couple Mr. Raymundo Basco and Mrs. Jen Basco decided to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary with practicality and so much consideration of other people.

Their celebration was complemented with generosity and kindness by providing snacks to the front liners through the Bontoc Operations Center (OpCen). 

They donated a box of pineapple and peanut bread, 12 bottles of local organic honey and three packs of organic muscovado sugar.

For most married couples, celebrating a marriage milestone is something exclusive and considered a very significant occasion.  

It is more than celebrating a win, survival, or achievement that made this occasion extra especial. So, don't wonder why other couples celebrate wedding anniversaries grander than their wedding.

Meanwhile, the kindhearted Mr. and Mrs. Basco,  owner of Rio Chico Marketing, could have just saved their  money or postponed their celebration until this pandemic is over. Then, plan for a  grander celebration with family and friends. 

However, they chose generosity and kindness and made a difference by celebrating their life and union together as a couple by becoming a channel of blessing to other people. 

Our best wishes and greetings for the couple. May you receive more blessings as you both grow old together! 

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People of Mountain Province are industrious and contented with simple living - Former DA Sec. Manny Piñol

Photo Courtesy || Mayor Ganggangan & Manny Pinol

Cordillera - Former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny Piñol has admired the people of Mountain Province following the good deeds of the Mayor of Sadanga, refusing the food packs offered by the government. 

He said that the people of Mountain Province are industrious and contented with simple living, although they are poor. 

"I have been to the Mountain Province several times as Secretary of Agriculture. It is a poor province which was selected to be given additional funding under the Special Area of Agricultural Development (SAAD) program of the Department of Agriculture," Piñol said.

"They are poor but the people of Mountain Province are industrious and contended with simple living," he added.

He compared the attitude of the people of Mountain province to a man he saw on social media who threw a bag of rice in front of his home in a subdivision saying that it was not enough.

Piñol's comment came after reading the story of Sadanga Mayor Ganggangan who waived his municipality's relief packs to be given to other areas who are more needy of food assistance.

Mayor Ganggangan explained that waiving of food packs does not mean that that there are no poor and needy families in their municipality. However, its "built in" and homegrown or indigenous  social structure, values, and practice of taking care of their respective relatives, kins, neighbors, or kailyan in distress will work to sustain the need of the people during crisis.

The former DA Sec. wished the Philippines had more Mayors like Ganggangan and people like the iSadangga who are "poor but proud and self-respecting".

"Imagine this, If all the well-to-do families would just refuse the food aid, then President Rody Duterte and the national government do not need to crack their heads finding funds to sustain the relief efforts," Piñol said.

source || Manny Piñol FB

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Good Samaritan in Sabangan offered his house to stranded tourists during community quarantine

Photo Courtesy || Lilian Moga

Cordillera - A week before the lockdown, a group of tourist from Manila traveled to Mountain Province with the aim to visit the well-know Sagada scenic spots. Unfortunately, on March 18, while they are on their way home to Manila, their car broke down at Tiging, Losad, Sabangan.

Luckily, with our good samaritan, Mr. Sherwin Dyke (Botsoy) Likigan, who happens to have an automotive shop near the area, invited them to stay/camp in his place while their car is being fixed. However, with the Enhance Community Quarantine, the purchase and delivery of new auto parts are very difficult considering also the damage incurred by their vehicle so the tourists decided to stay.

The tourists are Princes Mae Tapec of Zambales, Sarah Jane Tan of Mandaluyong, Noel Lozado of Las Pinas, and Katherine Narvato of Las Pinas.

Upon hearing the situation of the tourist, the Local Government Unit of Sabangan through the Municipal Social Welfare Development Officer Brigda Mangay-at, Social Welfare Assistant Lilian Moga, Municipal Treasurer Carolyn Astudillo with the assistance of the PNP personnel quickly delivered some relief to the tourists on April 7, 2020 to augment their remaining food supplies for them to last the lockdown. Earlier today, the LGU again sent some vegetables and face masks to the tourists.

Moreover, considering the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the parents of the tourist advised them to stay put until the lifting of the ECQ considering the rising cases in their areas.

During this situation, the tourist have already decided to sacrifice their time to stay rather than immerse themselves in the affected areas. The actions they have shown clearly showed us what to prioritize in this time of pandemic - to safeguard your life and the lives of your family. Staying in Sabangan for a month or two is nothing compared to endangering the lives of you family with a virus that you might caught along the way.

With the enhanced community quarantine, it is also being continuously advised to the constituents of Sabangan that staying home is one way of helping the country fight the spread of the virus. So Stay Home! Stay Safe! Save Lives!

Story By: Ardy
Photos By" Lillian Moga

source || LGU Sabangan FB

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Simple acts of kindness performed by Police officers in Besao, Mt.Province

Photo Courtesy || Bhabeth Requino

Cordillera - Hearing stories of police officers performing simple yet selfless acts of kindness across the country truly warms our hearts and restored our faith to humanity. 

We have heard many stories from our Philippine National Police (PNP) officers who are extending their duty to help citizens who need assistance in their area of responsibility, such as helping farmers harvest their produce, helping pregnant woman give birth and treating the homeless with a nice meal in a restaurant. 

Like this group of police officers stationed in Besao, Mt. Province, who not only travel to bring relief goods to the less fortunate members of the community, but also offered to do haircut, washed and changed the clothes of two brothers who seem to be in a very difficult situation. 

Photo Courtesy || Bhabeth Requino

These police officers went above and beyond their daily duties to help those in need.

Their good deeds and compassion remind us that kindness and doing good towards our neighbors and member of the community are worth emulating. 

Kudos to the Police Officers in Besao, Mt. Province. You are truly an inspiring hometown heroes.

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

Photo Courtesy || Jeff Cablog & Diverti Store

Cordillera - A Baguio based fine artist has been chosen as one of the 40 best artists of today's portrait painters by a France-based art publisher.

Jefferson Cawaon Cablog, a native of Barlig, Mt. Province is the only Filipino to be included in the list of the 40 Contemporary Great Masters of Portrait Painting 2019 book published by Diverti Editions, the publisher of Pratique des Arts Magazine based in France.

Cablog works are quite of extraordinary beauty. Most of his artwork is a revelation of Barlig culture and tradition that was told and lived by his ancestors.

His love, dedication and interest to the "Ofok or "Ob-ofok" which means the past oral stories from the great elders of Barlig are unfolded through his beautiful and unique paintings, according to barlig.com website.

In 2015, his artwork "LUSH" was chosen to be the banner artwork for the annual Film Festival (FESTIVAL INTERNATION DU FILM INSURANCE-FIFIG in Ile de Groix, Britanny, France which featured the Philippine Island. 

It was the first time they invited a fine artist from another country to have an artist residency there for 2 months and a solo exhibition thereafter.

You can visit and  check Jeff's Artwork in his official FB here.

source || shared to us by Wrachelle Calderon Cablog

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