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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Mt.province, 12 LGUs in Cordillera get RDC’s highest medal of excellence on forwarding local autonomy

Cordillera - Twelve local government units of Cordillera including Mt.Province were recognized by the Cordillera office of the Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) for their vital contributions in the pursuit for regional autonomy through the coveted Forwarding Local Autonomy Medal of Excellence (FLAME) award during First Quarter RDC Full Council Meeting held in Bangued, Abra.

According to Mt. Province PIO, the province itself was awarded 1st place under the province and highly  urbanized city category. 

Other awardees from Mt. Province are Bontoc LGU, Bauko LGU and Paracelis LGU under the category 2: First to Third Class Municipality/Component City; and Category 3: Fourth to Sixth Class Municipality.

According to RDC-FLAME, the awards aim to recognize the contributions of local governments in upholding the goals of the Regional Development Council (RDC) - CAR towards good governance and sustainable development, and the attainment of an autonomous government. 

The criteria for choosing the top LGU performers include the localized strategies in advancing the cause for the regional autonomy, the support of the concerned local governments to the initiatives of the region's policy-making body in promoting the true essence of autonomy to the grassroots level.

It also includes the existence of various program and projects of LGU that will help in advancing the pursuit for autonomy in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

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Four provinces in Cordillera pass good financial housekeeping standards

Cordillera - Four provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) passed the good financial housekeeping (GFH) standards for the year 2019 as announced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In the official list released on January 31, 2020, Abra, Apayao, Benguet and Mountain Province in CAR were among the passers of the GFH standards. 

In the city Category, Baguio city made it to the list and for the municipal category, 22 municipalities of Abra were included. 

All of the local government unit and the provincial government passed the qualification based on COA's audit and compliant to the full disclosure policy (FDP) by posting requirements in three conspicuous places for the last two preceding quarters and compliance with the FDP on the FDP portal for the last two preceding quarters.

Passing the GFH standard will have a bearing in the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards. It it the number one criteria in selecting the winner for the SGLG award. 

According to PNA only 89 percent of the total LGUs in the country have passed the GFH. There were total of 1,706 LGUs throughout the country that were assessed, of which only 1,522 have passed.

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WATCH: Biyahe ni Drew goes to Bontoc's Maligcong Rice Terraces

Photo Courtesy || Biyahe Ni Drew YT Channel

Cordillera - Maligcong Rice terraces located in Bontoc, Mt Province, is one of the most scenic view every nature lovers should have in their travel itinerary.

GMA's travel documentary hosted by Drew Arellano featured his journey to the small town of Bontoc and his hike to the summit of Mt, Kupapey just to have a full view of the breathtaking rice terraces.

To get the best glimpse of the sunrise and the sea of clouds over the rice terraces, Drew's team needs to wake up early in the morning and hike Mt. Kupapey for 30 minutes. 

"Makikita mo talaga ang texture ng mismong photograph kapag kukuha kayo ng picture, napakaganda...," Drew commented after seeing the majestic rice terraces. 

Watch Drew video below

Going to Maligcong is very easy. If you are coming from Manila, you can take Coda Lines bus in Cubao going to Bontoc town. The bus only makes trips in the evening from 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm and 10:30 pm. The fare is less than P1,000 only.

If you are coming from Baguio City, you can take the GL trans buses which are stationed at Dangwa Terminal or the Rising Sun buses stationed at Slaughter Compound in Magsaysay. Ticket prices range from P180 to P212. 

Getting to Maligcong from Bontoc can be done by riding a jeepney at the back of the Public Market. Just tell the driver that you are going to Maligcong Rice terraces. The fare is only 20 pesos. Jeepney departure time are 8:00 in the morning, and 12:00 noon, 2:30, 4.30 and 5:00 in the afternoon.

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

Photo Courtesy || Sabangan MPS

Cordillera - Netizens commended the honesty of a tricycle driver in Sabangan, Mt. Province for turning over a cash he found to the police station. 

Report from the Sabangan Municipal Station said Mr. Rudy Lamyong Caligtan, a member of the (STODA) from Barangay Losad, Sabangan, Mt. Province turned-over cashed money in different denomination amounting to P14,320. 

Caligtan said he found the money at the Nacagang Junction which he later turned it over to the police station. 

The owner of the said cash later notified and came to the police station to claim the money. 

Photo Courtesy || Sabangan Mps

Netizens meanwhile expressed their commendation to Mr. Caligtan for his honest act of returning the lost cash. 

"What you did is the best, May the Lord bless you and will reward your honesty," one netizen said. 

"Good job, May your good deed inspires others to follow. God Bless You," another commented. 

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Honest man from Mt. Province returns cash he found at Natonin Landslide Ground Zero

Photo Credit: Lyn Kiswong Afig

Cordillera - An  honest man from Mountain Province returns money worth P112,000 he found at the Natonin landslide during the retrieval operation of victims caused by typhoon Rosita. 

Benigno Sayaan Kiswong, a residence of Natonin who volunteered along with policemen, army personnel and government officials in the retrieval operation found the cash and turned it over  to authorities for safekeeping.

In a Facebook post by Lyn Kiswong Afig, daugther of Mr. Kiswong she expressed her commendation and appreciation of her father's noble act. 

"God fearing, honest and trustworthy. I'm proud of you daddy Benigno Sayaan Kiswong," Afig wrote.

"Siya po ay isang nakatulong sa landslide sa Natonin, Paracelis, Mt. Province. Siya po ay nakahanap ng malaking halaga ng pera, worth 112K. I'm proud of you daddy. God be with you and God bless you always," she added.

READ ALSO:  Honest Passenger and Driver from Tublay return Php400,000 lost cash to a former OFW owner

Mr. Kiswong was said to be among those who volunteer their time and energy to help in the retrieval operation of the victims of typhoon Rosita. 

In desperate times when money is involved, people tend to compromise or do unwise decisions then worry about the consequence later. 

Mr. Kiswong however, prove that in life, money is not everything. He is indeed a God fearing, honest and trustworthy man who believes on the "Inayan" principle.

READ ALSO: Honest Baguio taxi driver hands back forgotten cellphone to owner

It can be recalled that at least 15 people lost their lives during the typhon in the different regions of Luzon, including nine in Natonin.

There are still 26 people who are still reported missing in the town.

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President Duterte to visit victims of Typhoon Rosita in Mt. Province

Photo Courtesy: PNA

Cordillera - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit the victims of Typhoon Rosita in Mt. Province according to his former aide Bong Go. 

According to Bong Go, Duterte's trip was scheduled on November 1 but was halted due to road damages which is impassable right now. 

"Susubukan naming pasukin subalit based on the assessment at advance team na pumunta doon ay hindi talaga accesible yung roads ( We will try to enter, but based on the assessment and the advance team who went there, the roads are impassable)," Go said during an interview in Manila.

"Not passable at talagang gumuho 'yung daan patungo doon at even the landing site pa ay mahihirapan dumaan 'yung ating Pangulo ( It's impassable and the road towards the area already collapsed, it's also difficult on the landing site," he added. 

It can be recalled that President Duterte met with the families of some of the victims of typhoon Ompong in September and offered cash assistance and goods.

The Mountain Province Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said that all three buildings of a DPWH compound located in Natonin town in Moutain Province were buried in the landslide during the onslaught of typhoon Rosita. 

Rescue and retrieval operations started yesterday (Wednesday) morning and 10 bodies were recovered and 14 people were so far rescued as of 4 pm yesterday. 

It was learned that most of the victims were construction workers of the DPWH building that sought refuge during the typhoon. 

Initial reports said around 31 people, most of them are laborers, one project engineer, two to three security guards and six to seven evacuees were in the DPWH building when the landslide occurred. 

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Two boys in Sagada invented an improvised glass and bottle crusher received award

Photo Courtesy || Provincial Government of Mountain Province

Cordillera - They may be only elementary pupils, but these two kids have a brilliant mind of an inventor. 

Nixon L. Labian and Jimber Lee A. Camared of Sagada, Mt. Province just invented a treadle glass and bottle crusher that is capable of crushing bottles and broken glasses which are not usually accepted in most junk shop. The machine can be used to crushed bottle that can be mixed with cement according to Mt. Province PIO.

The crusher that was invented by Labian and Camared even got a nod from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. The office found that the crusher is a functional hand operated manual treadle glass and bottle crusher with pedal. The crusher is operated using a discarded bicycle attached to it with brace to make it steady and more durable. 

The machine is capable of crushing medicine bottles, broken glasses and other types of bottles. It can grind bottles that weigh about 2575 grams.  

Using a recycled ball mill, Labiang who was then in grade VI in school year 2016-2017 invented an improvised glass and bottle crusher. Last year, Camared introduced innovations to the prototype glass crusher by attaching a bicycle to function as a treadle. The treadle glass and bottle crusher entry of Banga-an Elementary School was able to garner the first place during last year's Regional Science and Math Festival - Elementary Category of the Department of Education held at La Trinidad, Benguet. 

READ ALSO:

Ibaloi doctor awarded by President Duterte as among the 2016 Outstanding Young Men and Women

Cordillera IT students among the best programmers in the country: Win award at PPC 2017

Labian and Camared are students of Banga-an Elementary School in Sagada. They were recognized by the Provincial Local Government Unit of Mountain Province for their ingenuity and effort in developing an improvised device that can contribute to the reduction of solid waste. 

Read Also: The best bread in the Philippines is found in Sagada

The provincial goverment of Mt. Province awarded them  with Certificates of Commendation and cash incentives of Php 2,500 each. 

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PNP Chief "Bato" Dela Rosa now an adopted son of Mountain Province with an Igorot name "Muling"

PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, adopted son of Mt. Province. Image Credit: PIA CAR

Cordillera - Philippine National Police Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa is now an adopted son of Mountain Province. He was given the Igorot named "Muling" which means "hard, firm and solid leader" reports PIA-CAR.

Dela Rosa was in Mountain Province this week as a guest of honor during the 50th Mt. Province Foundation Anniversary on April 7th.

In his keynote address, he expressed his gratitude to the local government of Mountain Province for supporting President Duterte's war on drugs.

Recently, Mt. Province was among the five provinces of Cordillera declared as Drug-free provinces. Dela Rosa further called for the province to continue working towards eliminating illegal drugs.

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