Igorot soldier in Marawi puts his life in danger, talks face to face with terrorists to free hostages

Photo Credit: Josephine Jaron Codilla FB page

Cordillera - An ultimate display of heroism by an Igorot soldier fighting in Marawi has gone viral on social media after his story was posted by Josephine Jaron Codilla about his gallantry and heroism during an intense battle in the warn torn Marawi City.

The Igorot soldier is Captain Jeff Buada from Tuba, Benguet, a member of PMA Maragtas Class 2007 and currently assigned in the 15th Scout Ranger Company.

According to the post of Ms. Codilla, Captain Buada did what he think will save the lives of the hostages including the wounded soldiers.

"He literally put his life on the line to rescue hostages by removing his helmet, putting down his firearm and urging hard core terrorist face-to-face to free their hostages and allow the soldiers to bring the wounded to the hospital," Codilla wrote.

Captain Buada also "requested all the units behind him to cease fire, to put off the engines of tanks in order not to agitate the enemies, many of whom were in a state of war shock".
His action has resulted in the successful rescue of many women and children before the fighting resumed.

"To me, the ultimate act of gallantry and heroism was displayed yesterday by someone who deserves maybe even more than the Medal of Valor," Codilla added.

Meanwhile, the wife of Captain Buada cried when she learned the heroism done by his husband in Marawi and she was very proud of him as a soldier serving the country.

READ ALSO: AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año commends brave Cordilleran warriors in Marawi

She revealed that Captain Buada has only a month recovering from a knee injury caused by a bullet that hit him during the previous fight in Marawi, but returned to to the battle zone to see his men and continue the fight.

The continued gallantry of Filipino soldiers in Marawi has led to the killing of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

The efforts and the bravery of our soldiers will never be forgotten and also those who died serving the country.

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Freddie Aguilar and other country's top musicians converge for a big concert in Sagada

Cordillera - Music lovers in the north would not have needed to go to the city or travel to Manila just to watch concerts from famous singers in the country because on October 28 and 29 ( Saturday and Sunday ), the country's top musicians and singers will be performing a concert dubbed "Concert in the Clouds" in the heart of Sagada.

Among those musicians and singers lined up to perform are Freddie Aguilar, Noel Kabangon, Gary Valenciano, Joey Ayala, Raymond Lauchengco, Lolita Carbon, Ely Buendia and the UP Dharma Down.

The concert will start from 12 noon to midnight of the 28th and will resume at sunrise on the 29th until sundown. The even is expected to be flocked by 4,000 people, according the Philippine News Agency.

Ticket price range from Php1,000 and Php2,000 for VIP tickets.

When you buy a ticket you are a contributor to the cause for the beneficiaries such as the Sagada Sped Center, 20 DayCare Centers, Sagada Art Club, Sagada All Sports Fund, purchase of safety equipments for the Sagada Guides Organization, Sagada Eco-police, fund for Children's Heart Patient, Senior Fund, Indigenous People, Children's Playground, Red Cross and the Moran Foundation.

This is the first time that a big concert by leading top artists in the country will be held in Cordillera, according to Sagada Mayor James Pooten, thus the local government has assured that security preparations are in place to provide security to those who will watch the concert.

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Apo Whang-od finally meets her idol Coco Martin of "Ang Probinsyano"

Apo Whang-od and Coco Martin. Photo credit: Jeff Fernando's Instagram

Cordillera, - Apo Whang-od, the world-renowned centenarian mambabatok of Kalinga has finally met her idol Coco Martin, the lead actor of Abs Cbn's teleserye "Ang Probinsyano". 

In a report by Abs Cbn.com, Apo Whang-od's dream of meeting her idol  came true as she was flown to Manila in a helicopter to meet Martin. 

A photo from her granddaughter, Gracia Palicas' Facebook shows Whang-od inside a helicopter enjoying the ride while having selfies from  some of the helicopter crews. 

Apo Whang-od inside a helicopter Photo credit: Gracia Palicas. 

During their meeting, Martin wrapped his arm over Apo Whang-od's shoulder while they both smile in a photo shoot. 

Apo Whang-od was a huge fan of Martin and his hit TV series as discovered by National Youth Commission chair Aiza Sequerra and spouse Liza Dino during their visit to Kalinga last February. 

Whang-od has kept a collection of shirts and posters of Martin as show of her admiration to the actor and his TV series "Ang Probinsyano".

As an avid fan, she has said that she would love to inscribe a phyton or centipede tattoo on Martin's arm - a design that according to literature, is given to Kalinga warriors as a form of recognition for their courage and bravery.  

For many years, both foreign tourists and local celebrities has visited Whang-od's place in Kalinga to have a tattoo. 

The story of her has also been published in several news agencies in the country and last year, she was featured in an art exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada. 

source | Abs Cbn | 

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US FBI-trained Igorot cop makes one of cebu's municipalities drug free

Photo Credit: bogocps.org

Cordillera, - A headline from the Washington Post website says "Duterte's police have killed thousands in the Philippines. But this police chief told his officers. Don't kill."

The article featured Igorot cop Byron Allatog, Police Chief of Bogo City who lead his officers in clearing the city they served from illegal drugs.

Byron Filog Allatog is an Igorot from Bontoc, Mountain Province, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) class 2001. 

He is the current chief of police of Bogo City - a small municipality in the island of Cebu.

LATEST NEWS: Igorot fighting cop Crisanto "The Slugger" Pitpitunge wins by TKO in Battle for Dominance

Prior to serving in Bogo City, Allatog had been a chief of police to different towns and provinces in the country such as in Tawi-tawi, Abra, and Benguet.

Allatog also served as contingent in the United Nations Peacekeeping Efforts and member of the UN-Close Security and Protection Officer of the UN Police Commissioner and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timor Leste.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran female cadet graduated from Australian Defense Force Academy

He has taken numerous trainings and courses  in policing from different high-level police agencies like the Criminal Investigation and Detective Development Courses by the PNP Detective Schools, Supervisory Management and Criminal Investigation Course from the US Department of Justice, Police Intelligence Officers Course by the PNP Intelligence Training Group and FBI National Academy Session 265 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI).

READ ALSO: Police Baguio praise by netizens for helping tourists whose car blows smoke on traffic.

39-year-old Allatog gained popularity after his named surfaced in the mainstream media for being responsible in making Bogo City drug free.

In an article published by the Washington post, it described the strategy of Allatog of "don't kill" when dealing with drug suspects. 

The article said "not a single man, woman or child has fallen on Allatog's watch."

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

His strategy is different, he told his officers that if they shot needlessly or for money, he would not protect them.

"Those are politicians. They don't give a s--- about you,... Your are just a low level officer. If you go to prison, that doesn't affect the economy. They will not care." he warned his men.

Instead, he told his officers to go serve and protect with honor and justice.

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

Photo grab: Chris Urbano YouTube Channel

Cordillera - Australian chef Chris Urbano tries cooking the famous Igorot dish called 'Pinikpikan' in one of his cooking shows on Youtube.

Urbano said, his culinary students challenged him to show them his version of the Cordilleran dish Pinikpikan.

He described pinikpikan as a famous dish in the Philippines because it comes from the Cordilleran region and it derives from the word "pik pik" to hit or to beat.

"It is interesting and perhaps controversial dish dito sa Pilipinas because that hitting of the chicken takes place while the chicken is still alive in traditional Igorot cooking," Urbano said.

He later explained that he respects the Igorot tradition and he believes that this is important to the people of the Philippines about this way of cooking and what that means to them and their family.

INSPIRING: MUST READ: Five reasons you must be proud as an IGOROT

"I'm totally respectful of the Igorot tradition,'' he said. But in his cooking episode, he asked his students that he will not be beating the chicken during the course of his show for obvious reason.

Chris Urbano is an Australian living in Manila who loves the people, culture, and food of the Philippines.

He learned to speak Tagalog so he was called the Tagalong speaking 'foreignoy. He started his cooking show on YouTube back in 2013 called Maputing Cooking which he shares his passion in cooking.

"Maputing Cooking" simply means a white guy who cooks Filipino dishes on YouTube.

Watch his Pinikpikan episode below. 

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Book of Ibaloi doctor and author Ryan C. Guinaran wins the best book for youth in the 11th Cardinal Sin Book Award

Photo credit: I love Benguet FB Page.

Baguio City, - Ibaloi author Dr. Ryan C. Guinaran's book "To My Fellow Igorot Youth: Poems, Stories, and Essays  was awarded the best book for the youth category in the 11th Cardinal Sin Book Catholic Awards (CSCBA) held on 13th September in Pasay City.

Nominees for youth category are books that gives values formation to young individuals ages 13 and above including stories of faith, virtues, morals, heroic deeds, and special youth documented activities.

Dr. Guinaran's book comprised of  stories, parables, poems and sketches about the Cordillera and the Igorot culture.

This is not the first time a book authored by Guinaran's has won award. In 2010, he was also awarded with a CSCBA trophy for his inspirational book of anecdotes for health students during the 32nd Catholic Mass Media Awards.

The CSCBA Throphy is awarded to a winning entry that scores 90% and above while a Special Citation Plaque is awarded to a winning entry that scores below 90%.

Dr. Guinaran is actively promoting the preservation of Igorot history, culture and indidenous knowledge, system and practices through initiation and collaboration in programs and publications.

He is also the founding Executive Director of DITENG- Doctors for Indigenous Health and Culturally Competent Training, Education, Networking and Governance in 2008 which aims on pioneering work on cultural competence in indigenous health, outreach services, health trainings and projects, educational material development, and research and publication.

Watch the awarding ceremony during the 11th CSCBA held in Pasay City.

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Survey says Igorots are among the 'healthiest' Pinoys in the country

Cordillera, - When it comes to proper nutrition among Filipinos, the Igorots ranked among the healthiest in the country according to the latest statistics of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

The survey is based on four nutrition indicators such as the prevalence of underweight, over nutrition, wasting and stunting.

The data shows that only 5.8 percent of Cordillerans are underweight, compared to the national level of 10.3 percent. The low percentage of Cordillerans who are underweight could be associated with the steady source of nutritious food such as fruits and vegetables.

READ ALSO: Luis Hora Hospital in Bauko, Mt. Province to launch its first Kidney Dialysis Center

Most Cordillerans are farmers planting different kinds of vegetables such as cabbage, potato, cauliflower, carrot, garden pea, bell pepper, broccoli, celery and lettuce.

While the data shows a quite good nutrition indications, the region has the highest record of people suffering from hypertension due to diets high in saturated fats, sodium and cholesterol.

The record also shows that CAR has a lower rate on stunting ( a condition that is defined as height for age below below the fifth percentile on a reference growth curve ). CAR's rates for the five to 10 and 11 to 19-year old category are lower compared to the national rate.

READ ALSO: Philippine congress approves universal health care for all Filipinos

It is also revealed that the region has the highest indicator when it comes to volume of food. The data shows that 38.7 of household in the Cordillera has an adequate source of energy intake which is below the national rate  of 31 percent.

The Cordilleran region also recorded low in wasting ( low weight for height ) among school children with a rate of 19.3 percent which is way far below the 31.2 percent national rate. The CAR rate is the lowest among other regions in the country.

The survey also shows the region has the lowest rate of risk for pregnant women with 22.3 percent compare to the national status of 24.8 percent.

However, according to National Nutrition Council Program Coordinator Rita Papey, although CAR has an adequate source of food supply, the region has a record of low consumption of fish which is needed to have a balance diet.

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Kalinga Provincial Hospital to open its first kidney dialysis center

Cordillera, - The Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) will open it institution-based dialysis center to provide kidney patients access to dialysis treatment on October.

The dialysis center, which will be an added facility of KPH is made possible because of the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) of Department of Health (DOH) with the goal of improving the delivery of basic, essential and as well as specialized health services by making health facilities more advanced to make it more responsive to the needs of its people.

The DOH Central Office will provide the dialysis machines while the provincial government allocated P8M for the construction of building.

Raymond Palicas, administrative officer V said that the dialysis center, located at the back of the Ambigaton Pharmacy will have 10 machines and is expected to be utilized by kidney failure patients in the province.

He also said that the dialysis center which measures 15x24 square meters will also feature a nurse area, waiting station, doctor’s quarter, a diagnostic laboratory, and will operate 24/7 and cater to emergency dialysis procedures.

Palicas also mentioned that as part of the mandatory requirements before a License To Operate is issued by DOH, the KPH will hire a nephrologist on a contract of service, four dialysis nurses while two of their current nurse staffs will be trained for dialysis.

‘’The hospital will not charge our patients with any amount for the procedure and will make it sure that all laboratory procedures needed by them such as complete blood count (CBC), serum creatinine, electrolytes check and Hepa profiling will be available, he informed.

Palicas also said that they are now working on the needed documents for the accreditation to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhiHealth).

‘’KPH is aware that kidney failure cases in the province are increasing and this dialysis center will offer immense help for patients undergoing lifetime dialysis treatment. They need not to go to other dialysis centers situated outside the city because KPH has same exact services and is ready to offer the best treatment possible,’’ he ended.

Asked why just now that KPH has built a dialysis center, Palicas replied that budgetary requirement is the biggest consideration in the upgrading of medical facilities. This means that huge financial resource must be available to support construction expenses and wages of additional workforce. He also said that the situation was aggravated by the absence of nephrologist in the province.

Meanwhile, Frances Reggie Ramirez, nurse II of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said that 39 patients were undergoing lifetime dialysis treatment in 2016.

The figure does not include those suffering from kidney failure but who are not able to get treatment.

She also disclosed that there were 31 deaths in 2016 due to kidney-related diseases which ranked 4th leading cause of mortality in the province.

Ramirez said that their office has no exact figure yet as to kidney failure cases for this year but certainly, the figure is close to 39.

Seventeen year-old Roneliani Istak from Malin-awa, this city who endures a twice weekly dialysis treatment was thankful for the coming of the dialysis center in KPH which she described a great relief.

Istak, in a text message confirmed her transfer to KPH once the center is operational. (Darwin S. Serion/Tabuk City Information Office)

source: Tabuk City Kalinga Official FB page. 

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Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian: The youngest chess gold medalist from Cordillera

Photo courtesy: Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian's FB 

Cordillera, - A young athlete Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Luna, Apayao was chosen to play in the inaugural Indonesia-Philippines Goodwill Chess Matches on September 9 - 13, 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Sebastian who was awarded the 2015 ASEAN chess gold medalist and consistent Palarong Pambansa athlete was selected by Asia's first Grandmaster Eugene Torre to be part of the 8-member team who will represent the country in the upcoming chess tournament in Indonesia

Torre said that Sebastian was endorsed by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP due to her excellent performance in the 2017 National Age Group Chess Championship held in Cebu City last May, according to a local magazine. 

Sebastian is the only player outside Manila who was included in the list to play against talented chess players of Indonesia. 

She will be playing in the 12 years old and under category together with other young stars of the Philippines who will be playing in other categories. 

Meanwhile, the parents of Sebastian have expressed their appreciation that their daughter was selected to be part of the Philippine team. 

They were surprised and couldn't believe Torre, the well admired chess living legend called them and announced the inclusion of Sebastian considering that there are also other talented players in the country. 

"It is an honor for us and our Province that Mhage has been selected among the equally talented woodpushers of the country. It is always our desire and Mhage's dream to consistently represent the Philippines in international competition." Sebastian's parents said. 

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Lepanto National High School bags this year's Gawad Kalasag Award

Cordillera, - Lepanto National High School (LNHS) located in the Municipality of Mankayan is this years's regional Gawad Kalasag champion in the public-rural school category.

The Gawad Kalasag Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance is an annual recognition scheme of National DRRM Council that encouraged the participation of various stakeholders in crafting and implementing DRRM-related policies, strategies and programs to protect or shield the hazard prone communities from the adverse effects of natural and human-induced calamities.

"Gawad" is a Filipino term for award and "Kalasag" stands for Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan.

LNHS emerged as the champion this year with an average evaluation rate of 86 percent surpassing the 80 percent rating requirement of the board from all the 20 entries in the region.

The school will receive a plaque and P50,000.

LNHS is among the public schools Lepanto Mining Corporation has been supporting over the years. The company is providing school materials and equipment for teachers and students like books, computers and other school needs.

"The Cordillera region is no stranger to calamities.. Lepanto therefor has to proactively and continously improve its disaster preparedness and management programs for the company, its employess and the community. The Gawad Kalasag award of LNHS attests to Lepanto's commitment to preserve and protect its community, especially the children and the students in its in-camp schools," said LCMC Vice President and Resident Manager Thomas Consolacion.

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Battle-tested Cordilleran Cop from Benguet leads NCRPO's Regional Mobile Force Battalion

Photo Courtesy || NCRPO RMFB

Cordillera, - Battled-tested and Marawi war hero, Col. Lambert A. Suerte, of Bokod, Benguet is now leading the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) after his successful stint as RMFB commander in Region 3.

Last year, Col. Suerte, an Ibaloi cop and the commanding officer of the PNP-SAF deployed in Marawi was among the special awardees who were given recognition during the 116th Philippine National Police Service Awards in Camp Crame on August 8. 

Police Supt, Lambert Suerte, who worked as commanding officer of the PNP_SAF Rapid Deployment Battalion received the award together with four other SAF commandos from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. 

Suerte received the award for his exemplary performance in the ongoing battle in Marawi City where ISIS-inspired Maute members had occupied. 

READ ALSO: Igorot jail inspector in Manila commended for rejecting huge bribe from high profile inmate

"A special award is presented to Police Supt. Lambert A. Suerte, Special Action Force, for his exemplary performance on law enforcement that led in the successful conduct of offensive clearing and counter-sniper operations in Marawi City that prevented further acts of terrorism," Suerte's citation read. 

Suerte is a proud son of Bokod, Benguet and served the Cordillera region before he was called by PNP-SAF Director Benjamin Lusad because of his vast experience in police operations.

Back in 2014, Suerte was also given recognition for his service by President Aquino. He was given the Leadership Award, which is the highest award the province of Benguet confers to its outstanding sons and daughter, who has made difference to peoples' lives. 

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No cases of bird flu in Benguet - Governor Pacalso

Photo Credit: Manny Piñol FB page.

Cordillera, - There are no cases of bird flu in the province of Benguet.

This was the announcement of Governor Cresencio Pacalso during his State of the Province Address held at Benguet Capitol yesterday.

The announcement came after a case of bird flue outbreak was detected in Pampanga that prompted Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol  to quarantine the area where an estimated 200,000 fowls, including chickens and ducks were infected.

The provincial government has already been alerted and set up quarantine areas along major entry points to thwart any entry of poultry products that might be infected.

However Pacalso, said, check points are not enough so he asked  the help of the concerned citizens to be vigilant with the entry of poultry products coming from Pampanga and report to authorities immediately.

On the effect to the farmers who are using chicken dungs as fertilizers, Pacalso believe that only around five percent of farmers will be affected.
"While it is true that most farmers use chicken dung as fertilizers, we believe that only five percent of the vegetable farmers will be affected because we still have sources coming from Bulacan and Nueva Ecija." Pacalso said.

Regarding the avian flu scare, DA Sec. Piñol  assured that public that bird flu in Pampanga should not cause panic to the public as opposed to some rumors on social media that spread fear about consumption of products coming from the province.

"I would like to contradict the public's belief that the avian flu they know is harmful to humans. There is a lot of misinformation circulating to the public. There is no way that avian flu would be transmitted from birds to humans," he said.

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Watch: Igorots don't have tails, they just have big booties - Dr. Tiwaquen

Photo Courtesy || Dr. Kilimanguru YT Channel

Cordillera - In 2017, a video created by a student from Mountain Province that explains the culture of the Igorots has gone viral on social media.

The video created and uploaded by Winston Creones Tiwaquen, a student of Saint Louis University has reached more that 750,000 views, 15,000 shares and 31,000 reactions from netizens.

His 5-minute video was about the long-time misconceptions of many Filipinos about the Igorots of Cordillera. One question that was commonly asked about them is, do Igorots have tails.

Tiwaquen explained in his video with a complete combination of geography and sociology lesson in a funny way that Igorots are humans and they are Filipino citizens residing in Cordillera which is obviously part of the Philippines.

The misconception about this indigenous people in the highlands was brought by the inaccurate information by people of long ago who might have visited the Cordillera and saw Igorots in their tribal attire.

They could attributed that Igorots have tails because of their looks when they wear g-strings or wanes that look like tails when viewed from a distance. 

The visitors knew the fact that these are not tails but they took these as jokes when telling to other people in the lowlands, thus the idea spread and now many people are asking if Igorots really have tails.

Winston logically pointed out, Igorots are humans, Filipinos are humans. THEY DON'T HAVE TAILS, they just have big booties.

Some of the questions Winston clarified in his video are, do they live in the mountains, are they civilized, do they have internet and many more.

It is time that those questions and misconceptions about the Igorots must stop and through the use of the so called technology and internet, Filipinos as a whole must be correctly informed.

Thanks to this young student from Mt. Province, the Filipinos are now getting informed.

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Igorot jail Inspector in Manila commended for rejecting huge bribe from high profile inmate

JINSP RHYS DANE IVAN PAWID

Cordillera - District jail inspector JINSP Rhys Yvan Dane Pawid from Cordillera conferred a commendation for his act of refusing to receive a huge amount of bribe money from a high profile inmate in Metro Manila District Jail-Main Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig city. 

The certificate of commendation was given to JINSP Pawid by the District Jail Warden JSUPT Jose Gemelo C. Taol. 

Read Also: Cordilleran female cadet graduated from Australian Defense Force Academy

In a post on Facebook by Metromanila Districjail Bjmp it wrote: "Our District Jail Warden JSUPT Jose Gemelo C. Taol, MPM conferred a Commendation to JINSP Rhys Ivan Dane Pawid for courageous act of rejecting a huge amount of bribe money from a 'High Risk, High Profile' drug inmate in exchange of not being transferred to SICA Jail 2 for violations of jail rules and regulations.

Read Also: Ex-PNP chief Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa admitted he loves Cordillera culture and the people

JSUPT Taol encouraged the personnel to emulate JINSP Pawid as "it is our legal and moral obligation to free this country of the scourge of drugs." JSUPT Taol shared. 

The certification of commendation received by JINSP Pawid. Photo Courtesy:  Metromanila Districjail Bjmp

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BSU HRM students emerge as champion in cooking competition

Miss Maravilla Senado and Miss Pamela Jeane Remiendo present their dish during the 13th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition. Photo Courtesy: BSU FB page

La Trinidad - Two students of Benguet State University (BSU) emerge as champions during the soybean cooking competition held in Diliman, Quezon City last August 8. 

Miss Maravilla Senado and Miss Pamela Jeane Remiendo presented their special dish during the 13th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition sponsored by the Bureau of Agriculture. 

Their dish called "Rolled Chicken Fillet with Etag-Soybean in Honey Mustard Soybean Tidbits Sauce"eclipsed other entries from other state universities in Luzon.

Rolled Chicken Fillet with Etag-Soybean in Honey Mustard Soybean Tidbits Sauce. Photo courtesy: BSU FB page

The dish is easy to prepare, healthy and affordable according to Rodeliza Flores, coach and faculty of the College of Home Economics and Technology.

"We wanted to give them (the organizers and judges) the Cordillera, thus, the inclusion of etag in the recipe", said Flores when asked what inspired the concept of the dish. 

The dish was prepared for an hour with carrots and broccoli on the sides. It also costs Php 80.00. 

With the winning, the University will be given a 1 million research grant for soybean production, processing and product packaging. The winners were also given certificates, plaque and an incentives according to BSU official FB page.

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Thailand's King Mongkut's Institute of Technology visits Benguet State University

 Visitors from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) Bangok, Thailand are in Benguet State University to have their Educational Exposure and Study Visit. Photo Courtesy BSU FB page

La Trinidad Benguet - Management staff of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Latkrabang KMITL in Thailand visits Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet this week.

The delegation of KMTL met with the management staff of BSU on 25th July to discuss educational cooperation between the two institutions.

According to the post from Benguet State University official Facebook page, members of the King Mongkut's Intitute of Techonology are in BSU this week to have their educational exposure and study visit.

KMITL is a research and educational institution in the Kingdom of Thailand located in Latkrabang 30 km east of Metro Bangkok. It has seven faculties that facilitate agricultural technology, agricultural industry, architecture, engineering, science, information technology and industrial education.

The institution was founded in 1960 in Nonthaburi province conducting training in telecommunication under the support of the Japanese government. Today KMITL is now the largest science and engineering universities in Thailand.

The university presents its plan to establish centers for innovation, a medical center and a Tech Square in the next few years.

It is expected that KMTL and Benguet State University will develop and enhance educational cooperation in the field of agriculture, engineering and science.

By Joseph B.

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Senator Sonny Angara is the new adopted son of Cordillera given Igorot name "Mismek"

Credits: Senator Sonny Angara FB page

Cordillera - Senator Sonny Angara is the new adopted son of Cordillera, after the Provincial Government of Mountain Province generously welcomed him and bestowed him an Igorot name "Mismek".

In Igorot, the word "Mismek" means "compassionate one" an apt description of his nature of being compassionate to everyone.

Senator Angara authored RA 10908, also known as the "Integrated History Act of 2016" which mandates the integration of Filipino-Muslim and Indigenous Peoples History, Culture and Identity Studies in Philippine History.

He is also pushing Senate Bill 1329 requiring all national, regional, and provincial government hospitals to establish, operate and maintain a dialysis ward or unit that will give free dialysis medical procedure to indigent patients.

READ ALSO:  Luis Hora Hospital in Bauko, Mt. Province to launch its first Kidney Dialysis Center

The bill was lauded by Ramon Dacawi, president of Baguio General and Medical Center Dialysis Patients and Partners Association, who spearheaded the signature campaign to convince national leaders and health offices to adopt a unified free dialysis program in the country.

The adoption ceremony where Senator Angara was given an Igorot hand-woven vest,  blanket, and bandana was part of the observance of the country's Cultural Communities every second week of July.

The Cultural Communities Week aims to promote awareness of the importance of indigenous tribal Filipinos to national unity and development and the need to preserve their rich cultural heritage, not only for the Philippines but the world.

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Earthquakes strike three areas in Cordillera - PHILVOCS

Cordillera - Series of earthquakes with the highest magnitude of 3.6  strike three areas of the Cordilleran region starting midnight up to this morning local time, PHILVOCS said.

According to the recent Philvocs record published on its website, the strongest quake with a magnitude of 3.6 hits Bontoc in Mountain province at around 2.53 A.M followed by a 2.2 magnitude quake that hits Abra at around 3.30 A.M, then another quake was recorded in Besao, Mountain province early this morning.

READ ALSO: DTI Ifugao warns the public about new scam that asks members P170 in exchange of P500

Local radio station reports no casualties has been recorded after the incident.

Just this week, the province of Leyte has been hit by a 6.5-magnitude quake on Thursday injuring scores of people and cutting off outlying villages.

The strong earthquakes has also caused damaged to a power plant, landslides and cracked roads and buildings. This cause the local government to declare state of calamity to the area.

Two deaths were reported and four people were missing while around 20 people were injured according to The Associated Press.

The Philippine archipelago sits of the line of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where earthquakes and volcanoes are common.

In 1990 a magnitude of 7.8 strikes Luzon on July 16 that casuse damage within an area of about 20,000 square kilometers, stretching from the Cordilleran Region through Central Luzon.

Baguio City was among the hardest hit causing massive collapse of around 28 buildings.

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DTI Ifugao warns the public about new scam that asks members P170 in exchange of P500

Cordillera - The Department of Trade and Industry-Ifugao (DTI-IFUGAO) has warned the public about a group in the province that recruits members to pay P170 in exchange of P500 worth of groceries.

In its Facebook post, DTI-Ifugao has informed the public about the group called Maharlika Global Heritage INC that is presently going around Ifugao province recruiting people to join with just a minimal membership fee of P170 and in returns, members will get grocery packages worth P500 every month. Worst, the group also promised recruits that they will get SSS and Philhealth lifetime membership.

Anyone who were not informed of the group's scamming modus will easily get trapped with that minimal fee of P170. But one should question the promised return which is highly "too good to be true." How can you get a lifetime SSS and Philhealth membership by paying only P170?

Before you get scammed by this group and wasted your money and time listening to their sales talk, it would be better to know several indications of a scam.

1. Promises seem too good to be true.
Scammers often promise incredible 10x or even 100x returns of your invested money and offer your returns that are often impossible.

2. They offer a "guarantee."
Scammers try to persuade you to join their group by telling you get "sure 100% returns" in a week or month. True investment do not offer guarantee.

3. They run their scam on Facebook.
Most scammers know that there are people on Facebook who are vulnerable and desperate to earn money. What they do is they create a Facebook Page which they run with poorly designed ads graphics and with members that are informed to say good things about the company. Mostly these are fake accounts.

4. They offer minimal fee that is affordable.
This is a bait as well as a test. When they learn that people in a particular area joined despite the fact that the return is obviously misleading and outright fraud, they know the people are easily get fooled. So the next time, they will increase the membership fee into thousand and then later on millions. When a lot of people deposit their money, then they disappear like smoke.

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Lost Korean said he will never forget the kindness of the people of Barlig, Mt. Province

Photo Courtesy || Barlig Municipal Station

Cordillera - Choi Sungkyu, the Korean tourist who was rescued last week after he got lost in Mount Amuyao in Barlig, Mt. Province  had expressed his gratitude to the police, the volunteers and the locals for their effort in searching him.

Mr. Sungkyu also said that he will not forget the kindness of the people of Barlig and even told that he will give a donation to the said municipality as a way of appreciation.

He considered that day he was found to be his second birthday after he nearly gave up and lost hope that he will be rescued.

Mr Sungkyu's initial plan was to hike the Cordilleran mountain from Barlig to Banawe, Ifugao in preparation of his major climb in Santiago, Spain however, he was lost after two hours of walking.

Using his phone, he informed local authorities that he can't find his way back.

A rescue operation was mobilized by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Mt. Province, Sagada MDRRMC, locals from Barlig and 16 Korean nationals.

During those times he was lost in the forest, he said that he managed to survive with just two bars of chocolate, two bananas, and two packs of cracker. 

He said that he chose not to eat plants in the area thinking that he might get poisoned. 

"I thought of my family and God, I prayed every night, please, please, oh my God, please. Please give me power," he said.

Rescuers were able to locate Choi and gave him sardines and rice to gain back  his strength. 

He was then transported to a town hospital where he was given immediate medical care.

He and his family expressed their gratitude to all the people who sacrificed their time and effort in rescuing him.

source: abs cbn

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