Canadian working in an airline wrote heartwarming message about the Igorots

Cordillera - After reading the uplifting comment of 'Becoming Filipino' vlogger by the name of 'Kulas' appreciating the toughness of the Igorots, a Canadian airliner worker Mr. Guy Beaulie couldn't help but share his heartwarming message to all Igorots. 

In his message, he expressed his admiration to the wonderful Igorots who, despite the fact that they are sometimes being discriminated by outsiders, they are very hospitable and humble people. 

Beaulie said that his 'Love, respect, and admiration' to the Igorots made him decide to build his house near Kabayan, Benguet.

Read his full message below: 

"Hey Kulas. I could not have said it better myself. I'm Canadian just like you and I traveled the world as I work for an airline. After visiting the Philippines and particularly the Cordilleras region and meeting the Igorots there, I must agree 100% with you. These people work so incredibly hard under incredibly harsh condition and they get so little of their labor. Yes, they are discriminated against by some but also admired by others like you and me and many others. I have, like you, taken the time to talk with them, eat with them, listen to them and live with them in their humble house. I ate their food. Danced their dances. Laughed with them, listen to them and cried with them. Yes they are shy. But once they get to know you they will open their arms and give you everything they can to make you feel welcome just like the Chilean people who also are similar to them.

I love the Cordilleras region and I LOVE, RESPECT, AND LOVE and ADMIRE what they do. So of all places, I decided to build a house in Benguet, in Besang close to Kabayan. I love it there. I love the peaceful people there. The children are so different than the children in Canada. The children who walk through mud, trails, mountains, rivers for hours in the rain and sometimes typhoon to go to school and back. No bus to take them there. Only the flip flops on their feet. But this is what makes strong people. People with character. People with values. People who appreciate what they have because they work so freakin hard to get it. So I'll live with them when I retire. I'll love them more this way and try to help them feel loved and appreciated. 

 Thank you Kulas for all your blogs about the Philippines. Becoming Philippino is indeed becoming kind, polite, respectful and loving. I hope to meet you in person one day and invite you to my house in Besang and meet my family there. Some are farmers and some are teachers, nurses, doctors and engineers. Yes some of them pursued their studies at the university in Baguio and became professionals at a cost that seems impossible to understand. I cried then and still cry now when I think about the sacrifices these people made to get where they are today. 

Filipinos, I can say with no hesitation, are the most polite and loving respectful and enduring people I have ever met. I decided to live with them because I love them and they love me. Keep doing what you are doing Kulas. I'll continue to watch you with them as you become Filipino, just like I am. God bless you. God bless the Philippines. God bless the Igorots.

READ ALSO:  'Igorots are one of the most civilized people' - Canadian Vlogger Kulas

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First Hospital for OFWs to rise in Pampanga: Free medication and hospitalization for OFWs

Photo Courtesy || Senator Bong Go

Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs will soon have their own hospital that will exclusively cater to their medical needs. This hospital for OFWs will soon be built in the province of Pampanga. 

News from Philippine Information Agency says a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Wednesday (February 12, 2020) by the private-public partnership of the provincial government of Pampanga, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc.

According to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who led the signing of the MOU, the construction of the hospital is to recognized the OFW's vital contribution to the country's economy. 

"Ang kahalagahan nito ay free medication and hospitalization. Libre, walang bayad ang ating mga OFW. (The significance of the project is free medication and hospitalization for our OFWS). It is solely for the OFWs," Bello said. 

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) will donate PHP200 million worth of hospital equipment to further improve the healthcare services of the soon-to-rise OFW hospital. 

A dialysis and cancer centers are also being planned to be built on a 2,000-square meter lot adjacent to the OFW hospital, according to PIA. 

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President Duterte awards, gives cash incentives to 2019 Southeast Asian Games Filipino medalists

Photo Courtesy || PTV News

Cordillera - Filipino medalists had an abundance of gifts this Christmas season as all of them received awards and cash incentives from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. 

Pres. Duterte personally leads the ceremonial turnover of checks to all the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Filipino medalists today (18 December 2019) at the Malacañan Palace Hall.

Accompanied by House Speaker and appointed chair of the Philippine Southeast Asia Games Alan Peter Cayetano, Duterte confered the "Order of Lapu-Lapu" with Rank of Kamagi medal to the national team. 

Around 600 medalists of the SEAG who are "deserving of merit and recognition" met with Pres. Duterte to receive their cash reward.

A cash incentives amounting to P300,000 (for Gold medalist), P150,000 (for Silver medalist) and P60,000 (for Bronze medalist) were also given to all the winners as stipulated in Republic Act 10699. 

On top of that, another additional cash incentives coming from the President himself will be received  by the winners; P250,000 each for gold medalist, P150,000 each for silver and P100,000 for bronze medalists.

After the turnover ceremony the president said in his speech  that he was very proud of the achievement of the Filipino athletes. 

"I am deeply honored to be in the presence of our athlete who have emerged victorious in the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games held in our country. Your triumph showcases the athleticism and sporting prowess of our people to our neighbor in Southeast Asia," Duterte said. 

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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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Kalinga, Bagobo, Maguindanao "Power" dance is a showcase of culture many Filipinos know little about

Photo Courtesy || Floy Quintos

Cordillera - The inclusion of indigenous dances during the opening ceremony of the 30th SEA GAMES "serves as a reminder of good old Pinoy energy, and a reminder of the enduring nobility of our marginalized brothers and sisters and their current struggle for survival", says Floi Quintos, the creative director behind the dance.

Quintos shared on his Facebook page the motivation and inspiration that drove him to do and direct the spectacular performance. 

"One answer is that we saw the SEA GAMES Opening Ceremony as a chance to showcase aspects of our culture that many modern Filipinos know little about or take for granted, buried under our own divisive neglect and lack of concern," Quintos wrote. 

The series of "Power" dances called "Ugat ng Ating Lakas/The Roots of our Strength featured indigenous dances from the Bagobo, the Kalinga, the Maguindanao and the pre-hispanic Bisayans. 

"To my mind, these choices pay homage to the most marginalized and neglected of our Indigenous peoples: the Lumad of highland Mindanao, the Maranao and their great ruined city of Marawi, the Kalinga who fought for their ancestral lands," Quintos said. 

Thousands  Filipino and foreign spectators inside the world's biggest indoor stadium have witnessed the amazing display of pure talent and skills from Filipino performers.

WATCH VIDEO: Cordillera ethnic dance on stage at the SEA Games opening ceremony

"In the joyful, intentionally mis-matched costumes of a hundred hiphop dancers of all genders and body types. There will be no special effects, no fabulous, hitherto unseen technological stage wizardry. Just good old Pinoy energy, talent and joy. The very things we return to. The very qualities that enable us to survive," Quintos added.

Meanwhile the Office of the President congratulates the organizers, performers, volunteers, and everyone behind the spectacular event. 

"Once again, the Filipino nation rose to the challenge and exhibited before the world the cultural genius of the Filipino and the best of Filipino talent giving world-class performances of our singers and dancers with impressive stage design and production, including lighting ceremony, as well as the mesmerizing fireworks display," it the Office of the Spokesperson FB page reads.

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Cordillera ethnic dance on stage at the SEA Games opening ceremony

Photo Courtesy || SEA Games

Cordillera - The Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2019 opening ceremony began with a series of spectacular performances from different ethnic groups in the country. 

Among them was the combat dance of the Bontoc, Ifugao and the Kalinga of Cordillera. 

The opening ceremony was one of the highlights of the SEA games and one of the things many Filipinos are excited to watch. 

Held at the Philippine Arena, the biggest indoor stadium in the world on November 30, the opening ceremony includes a line-up of performance from the country's top performers and singers like KZ Tandingan, Apl.de.ap, Aicelle Santos and Lani Misalucha.

READ ALSO: 

Igorot Muay Thai Champion going for gold in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games 2019 

Igorot wrestler to represent Philippines in the 30th Manila SEA Games

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attended the opening ceremony together with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah whom he had a bilateral meeting earlier today. 

RELATED: Kalinga, Bagobo, Maguindanao "Power" dance is a showcase of culture many Filipinos know little about

The Philippines hopes to achieve a "historic milestone" in hosting the 30th edition of the bienniel sporting event in Southeast Asia. 

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Baguio city impresses foreigner: It's the best place to live because people respect you

Cordillera - A Christian minister from Ghana said he was pleased to discover how Baguio city is  such a beautiful place to live for a visitor.

In an interview with a local TV network, Bishop Maxwell Hagan was impressed by the way he was treated with respect by the people of Baguio since he lived here.

"As a foreigner I find myself lost looking for a place and anybody who approached, they speak you with respect, they make you feel you are part of this place and part of this community" Hagan said. 

Hagan recalled how we was warmly welcomed by the people of Baguio when he visited the city in 2010. He said he was treated not as a visitor but as part of the community. 

"This is a place where visitors no longer become visitors, you become part of the family," Hagan said.

He invited others to come and visit the city and enjoy the unique culture of the city and the Cordilleras. He is confident that it will be a life-changing experience to live here. 

READ ALSO: Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard

"I'm telling you, your life will never be the same. This is a home away from home," Hagan added. 

For Hagan, Baguio is a place where you can find hope, peace and progress.

READ ALSO: Baguio City: Ranked 4th Most Improved City in the Philippines in 2019

Maxwell Hagan is a Christian preacher from Ghana and he is the Presiding Bishop of the Dominion House Christian Center Worldwide that publishes and distributes Christian-based publications. 

source || PTV

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Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard

Cordillera - Baguio City has been bestowed the "ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard" (ACTCS) after inspection and evaluation of the city in seven key areas of assessment.

Dubbed as the summer capital of the Philippines and one of UNESCO's creative cities, Baguio was recognized after initiating a campaign of urban improvement and beautification, environment conservation program, maintaining public safety and waste disposal, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation. 

READ ALSO:  Baguio City: Ranked 4th Most Improved City in the Philippines in 2019

Baguio City passed all the seven criteria set forth by in the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard. These are: 

1. Environmental management

2. Cleanliness

3. Waste Management

4. Awareness-Building about Environment Protection and Cleanliness

5. Green Space

6. Health Safety, Urban Safety, and Security

7. Tourism Infrastructure and Facilities

The ASEAN Clean Tourist City award is a recognition given to member-nations to encourage them to improve the quality of tourism in their cities, increase marketing competitiveness, create jobs for local residents and push economic growth.

READ ALSO: Baguio city impresses foreigner: It's the best place to live because people respect you

The winning cities shall receive the certificate of appreciation and a plaque with ASEAN Clean Tourist City Label. 

The award is valid for three years.

City Mayor Benjamin Magalong shared the news on his social media on November 27 and congratulate the city for the new recognition.

"Congratulation Baguio City for being one of the three winners to receive the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for 2020-2022", the post said.

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Julius Maguiwe - First Igorot officer to graduate from US Coast Guard Academy

Photo Courtesy || Julius Maguiwe

Cordillera - An Igorot officer made the Philippines proud when he graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut in the United States.

Julius Maguiwe from Mankayan, Benguet was sponsored by the Philippine Coast Guard and was appointed as an international officer to the USCGA. 

In his Facebook post Maguiwe thanked the academy and the PCG for the opportunity bestowed to him. 

"My sincere gratitude to United States of America for a fulfilled American dream experience. Thank you PCG for the trust and confidence for giving me the opportunity to represent the Philippines," Maguiwe said.

"I'm humbled to be the first Igorot to complete a Course in this Academy, Leadership Development Center. Thank you to all my seniors and leaders out there who inspired me so that I can also inspire others in my own little way," he added. 

Maguiwe also noted his achievements at the Officer Indoctrination School 2019 where he received the highest grade in Survival at Sea, highest grade in marksmanship and earned the US Pistol Sharpshooter. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran soldier Pvt. Louis Dulawan promoted PSG Officer donned by President Duterte

He also got the highest grade in Physical Fitness Test (FPT).

Photo Courtesy || Julius Maguiwe

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Abra Police officers act of kindness help struggling woman harvest 'palay' in her field

Igorot cop to assume post as Chief of Police of Boracay Island

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The United State Coast Guard Academy is the service academy of the United States Coast Guard located in New London, Connecticut.

It was founded in 1876 and it is the second smallest of the five federal service academies and provides education to Future Coast Guard officers. 

The PCG has announced that they are looking for qualified civilian applicants nationwide to study for the International Cadet Program of the USCGA Class of 2024.

Successful candidates will be provided with free tuition, monthly pay and allowances, free board and lodging, transportation expenses and government benefits, according to PCG. 

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What do tourists say about taxi drivers in Baguio City

Cordillera - We've gathered all the comments and messages from tourists and passengers who have expressed their positive experiences with taxi drivers in Baguio City and here are what they said.

Taxi Drivers in Baguio give back the passengers their exact change.

Visitors coming from other cities in the Philippines observed that taxi drivers in Baguio city always return the change even if that is only 1 peso.

"Kudos sa mga Baguio City Taxi Drivers. I just got back from Pinas and I notice na talagang ibabalik ang sukli mo kahit under P5 compared to Manila na sasabihin na wala daw siyang sukli sa P100 kaya sa Grab Taxi na lang ako." from Wagchen

"Agree! Kahit piso na sukli mo ibibigay nila." From Johny

"This is so True. Salute sa lahat ng taxi drivers ng Baguio... Ultimo piso ibabalik nila yan. Eh dito sa Manila, 100 bigay mo 70 ang patak. Wala daw sukli." - from Mitch

"Grabee binabalik nila hanggang huling piso sa sukli mo. kukulitin mo pa silang tanggapin yung tip. Sana maging standard ang ganyang pag-uugali." from Earle

"This is very true during my college days, di namemresyo at kahit 1 PESO na sukli mo ibabalik pa." from Emma

"Yes, I credit to all Baguio Taxi Driver. They return your exchange even if it's centavo." from Xiexia

"Agree! Kahit magkanong sukli mo ibibigay, kahit super ahon ang daan ng pupuntahan ihahatid kayo ng walang reklamo." from Xyza

"Pati yung sukli, parang pagmamahal ko. Walang labis, walang kulang kahit sentimo." from Gasmel

"This is legit. Stayed 5 years in Baguio and I never had any bad experiences. Fare is fair as well." from Trisha

Baguio City Drivers return any valuable item left by passengers in their cars.

"Very true. Naalala ko nun nung sumakmay kami ng taxi nung time na nasa Baguio City kami. Tapos nung driver samin "Wait lang po mam, may dadaanan lang po tayo saglit naiwan kasi cellphone nung pasahero na sumakay sakin kanina" Natuwa naman ako," from Zarah

"Yes.. totoo po..salamat kay Tito taxi driver noong nag exam kami ng board sa Baguio ibinabalik niya yung naiwan kong transparent envelope, especially yung NOA at receipt ko sa kanyang taxi, kasi napakaimportante yun sa aming magtatake ng board," from Joe

"Not only taxi drivers but jeepney drivers as well. Last week I dropped my phone inside a jeep bound from Centermall to Motorpoll via Pico then this jeepney driver find a way to gave it back to me. Thanks much. Haan ko naala jay plate number jay jeep or name man lang piman jay driver. GBU," from Jolz

"Agree much, my grandson left his cell phone in the taxi, the driver returned the cell phone by driving back to where my grandson was dropped and it was returned with no conditions, very honest," from Adecisa

"Personal experience when I was a Baguio boarding at Cadaklan village, while going to school (University of Baguio) umuulan that time at foggy. Nang may dumaan na taxi kaya sumakay ako... may isang babae sa look ng taxi and I know the driver and the lady are son and daughter of Cordillera, the lady asked me, "Anya ti nagan mo ading?" Meaning anu pangalan mo Aking Nakababatang kapatid? Then I've replied Rey Ann, Rey Ann Pagrogado, cguro na curious bakit iba sa usual na Cordillera yung family name ko. then she asked again, tagalog ka ba? Wen (Yes) auntie (Hindi ko na sinabi na Ilonggo aku). Saan ka nag-aaral, she asked. Sa UB aunti, then since traffic along Loakan road napahaba yung kwentohan namin, hanggan sinabi niya sa driver na ipasok niya yung taxi malapit sa entrance ng building ng UB, at nang aku ay magbayad na, tinanggihan ito ng driver ng taxi na nakikinig lang pala sa kwentohan namin then I've found out na yung babae pala yung may ari ng taxi at bago ako bumaba the lady told me some words na hanggang ngayon ay "MAG ARAL KA NG MABUTI ADING, WAG MING SAYANGIN ANG PAGOD MO, KASI YANG ANG MAGDADALA SAYO SA PANGARAP MO.This is true, And yes they're kind people. MOST OF THE KIND PEOPLE IS LIVING IN CORDILLERA...BASTA SIAK IGOROTAK, NOT BY BLOOD BUT IN DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE TOWARDS SUCCESS." - from Huma

Booking.com

Some have commented that taxi drivers in city of Baguio are friendly and they love to talk to their passengers during the trip. They also give advice, suggestion and recommendations on the best place to go around the city. 

Some have said that drivers are also very helpful in helping their passengers who are drunk so that they can safely reach their homes. 

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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.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran soldier Pvt. Louis Dulawan promoted PSG Officer donned by President Duterte

"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. 

READ ALSO: Honest Kalinga Jeepney driver returns mobile phone left by a passenger

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

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - Tabuk's multi-awarded rice farmer and leading agri-preneurs Honorio Clemencia won the much-coveted Outstanding Rice Farmer award in the 48th Gawad Saka Awards of the Department of Agriculture.

On October 23, 2019, Clemencia was given the plague of recognition and a P250,000 cash prize from Presidential Communication Martin Andanar and Agriculture Secretary William Dar for his exceptional contribution in rice-based integrated farming in the country. 

Clemencia from Tabuk has become an expert in the field of integrated farming as he dedicated his life in the development of Tabuk's agricultural industry and promoting government's self-sufficiency program. 

He won the award for cultivating a highly productive rice-based integrated system which makes use of both agricultural forestry management techniques and technologies, according to Crispina M. Buco of the Office of the City Agriculture Services.

"Mr. Clemencia's four-hectare farm serves as a model for his community members and other farmers. With the integration of technical knowledge and skills as well as adoption of improved technologies the farm yields itself as a standout of productivity," Buco said via Tabuk Life.

The multi-awarded rice farmer has been able to generate a collective net income of P998,387.23 and P1,298,195.29 in 2016 and 2017, respectively from his integrated farms. 

Clemencia said that he was able to support the education of his six children and improve his family's quality of life.  

"Nothing is more gratifying than being a farmer. I can personally say that farming really improved my life regardless of its difficulties for it requires hard work and dedication," he said.

The good outcome of his dedication and hard work has inspired him to conduct training and technology demonstration to help the local farmers.

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Tappiya Waterfalls in Ifugao is one of the world's best waterfalls - The Guardian

Photo Courtesy || theguardian.com

Cordillera - The website Theguardian.com listed Tappiya Falls in the Cordillera region as one of the 20 Best Waterfalls in the World. 

The Guardian's Readers's Travel Tips gathers and compiles some of the best travel destinations from around the world from travelers who have personally visited and experienced these places.

One the best travel destination they have listed is the Tappiya Falls.

World travelers include Tappiya falls to be among the best together with the Aguafraggia Falls in Italy, the Gawa waterfalls in Austria, Swartiffos in Iceland, Baatara Gorge waterfall in Lebanon, the Gocta waterfall in Peru, the Snoqualimie in the U.S., the Nachi waterfall in Japan and others.

Tappiya falls is located in the small village of Batad in the province of Ifugao. 

READ ALSO: Sagada Coffee wins international award for the second time in Milan, Italy

Tourists who are looking for additional natural attraction to visit in Batad, apart from the stunning rice terraces can visit this waterfall. 

Traveler and Guardian contributor Laurence Britton wrote this description of the Tappiya Falls.

"In a valley of the Cordillera mountains, the journey to the Tappiya Falls involves making your way to the small village of Batad, among the Ifugao rice terraces, a Unesco world heritage site (390km north of Manila). Hiring a local guide costs between £8 - £16 to take you on a trek along the luscious green terraces carving along mountains before a 30-minute descent to the falls. Here, the water plummets 30 metres to a huge, refreshing pool to swim in and wash off the sweat from the hike. Tappiya's beauty isn't solely in the fall (stunning as they are), but the journey to get there: to the remote village, the phenomenal terraces, and the tricky descent." - Laurence Britton via theguardian.com

The waterfall can be visited throughout the year. It will take around 2 to 3 hours trek from Batad center down to the falls which can be found at the bottom of the terraces. 

Tourists can swim, rest for a while and take some photos and selfies with the beautiful scenery of the waterfall.

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"Baguio City still remains to be very peaceful" - BCPO City Director PCOL Allen Rae Co

Cordillera - The Baguio City Police Director PCOL Allen Rae F. Co on Tuesday has announced during a panel interview at the city hall that Baguio city still remains to be peaceful.

"Basically, Baguio City remains to be very peaceful even compared as to last year" PCol. Co said. 

He said that the index crime dropped by 31 incidents compared to last October in the previous year with 427 incidents down to 396 this year. 

He added that the non-index crime or violations of special laws was reduced to 1,083 incidents from 2,500 incidents recorded from last year. 

GOOD NEWS: WATCH: Amazing Baguio featured on CNN Philippines' Building Bridges TV program

Co accredited the continuous fall of crime rate in the city due to the projects and program created and implemented by BCPO, as well as the cooperation and help by the people of Baguio.

Watch this 4K video of Baguio City by Wind Walk Travel Videos

"This is of course born out by the projects and programs po na ginagawa namin but also yun pong cooperation at tulong po na ating mga mamayan" Pcol. Co said.

READ ALSO:  Philippine Airlines (PAL) purchased 5 planes for domestic flight to Loakan airport

"I am again calling on you. Sana tuloy-tuloy po ang pagbigay niyo ng trust sa amin at ito naman po at susuklian namin ng mas maganda, mas progresibo, at mas peaceful na ciudad ng Baguio," he added.

GOOD NEWS: Baguio City: Ranked 4th Most Improved City in the Philippines in 2019

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) purchased 5 planes for domestic flight to Loakan airport

Photo Courtesy || Wikipedia

Cordillera - Tourists who want to visit Baguio by plane do not wait any longer, as the city is working hard to open the Loakan airport for domestic flights.

The time has come for the local government to move forward with the plan of developing and reopening the Loakan Airport. 

This would allow easier way for tourist to get to the summer capital of the Philippines.

In fact, none other than Mayor Benjamin Magalong stated that Philippine flag carrier PAL Express has already bought five aircraft that could fly to and from Loakan Airport. 

The mayor also added that even Cebu Pacific had also informed him of their plan to open domestic flights to Loakan.

The Loakan Airport is classified as class 2 principal airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and has been closed to commercial flights since 2009. 

The airport only serves chartered and military flights as of this moment.

READ ALSO: San Miguel Corp. President Ramon Ang offered to build elevated highway around Baguio City

Earlier, the city government tapped the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to shell out P160 Million for the takeover and redevelopment of the airport.

The funds will be used to renovate and upgrade the airport into "an all weather commercial airport".

With the plan to open the airport for domestic flights, there are significant benefits for both business in the region and to increase the number of tourist arrivals in the Cordillera.

READ ALSO: WATCH: Amazing Baguio featured on CNN Philippines' Building Bridges TV program

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WATCH: Amazing Baguio featured on CNN Philippines' Building Bridges TV program

Cordillera - Watch CNN Philippines feature on Building Bridges. This week program features the summer capital of the country - Baguio. 

This city nestled up in the mountains of Benguet has been a popular destination for anyone who wants to have a real chill moments and relaxation. 

With the rapid development of road networks and highways that connect central Philippines to the north, local and international tourists find it more convenient to travel. The influx of tourists to the city is attributable to the opening of TPLEX.

READ ALSO: Philippine Airlines (PAL) purchased 5 planes for domestic flight to Loakan airport

Baguio City Supervising Tourism Operation Officer Alec Mapalo said TPLEX reduce the travel time from Manila to Baguio, allowing tourists to reach the city as fast as 4 hours.

CNN Philippines features the famous tourists destination like Burnham Park, Wright Park, Mines View Park and Tam-awan Village. 

It also introduces Baguio's famous pasalubong such as Ube jam, peanut brittle, strawberry jam, Kalinga coffee and many more.

Video Courtesy || CNN Philippines YT Channel

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Philippines' top song artists Leah Salonga and Sarah Geronimo wear Ifugao fabric in The Voice Kids

Photo Courtesy || The Voice Kids Philippines

Cordillera - The Cordilleran 'inabel' is now trending as a popular attire among top celebrities in the Philippines. 

This week's episode of "The Voice Kids Philippines", the two judges coach Leah Salonga and coach Sarah Geronimo are wearing the Ifugao inabel from Kiangan Ifugao. 

Many Cordillerans are so appreciative that celebrities are starting to notice how beautiful Cordilleran inabels are. 

Weavers from the Cordillera  now have more reasons to give value to the local weaving industry. 

Handwoven products are known for their quality as these are made from natural materials and are created by local weavers who had gained expertise over many years.

Photo Courtesy || The Voice Kids Philippines

Photo Courtesy || The Voice Kids Philippines

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Baguio City: Ranked 4th Most Improved City in the Philippines in 2019

Cordillera - Baguio City was hailed as the fourth Most Improved Highly Urbanized City in the country this year, a huge leap compared to its previous ranking in 2018. 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Competitiveness Bureau released the result during the 7th Regional Competitiveness Summit on Thursday October 24, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Baguio placed fourth in the "economic dynamism" category behind Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Paranaque.

WOW NEWS: Philippine Airlines (PAL) purchased 5 planes for domestic flight to Loakan airport

Economic dynamism measures the economic activity and productivity of the local government in a particular city jurisdiction. 

The rankings of cities and municipalities are based on the ratings of the four pillars which include economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure and resiliency.

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The ranking serves as an opportunity for local policy makers and public officials to do more, to become innovative and to utilize and manage resources more effectively. 

GOOD NEWS: Baguio City to house the Philippines' first STATE OF THE ART Integrated Command Center

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez encouraged each city and municipality to "focus on addressing critical challenges and working together through coordination with the government and collaboration with stakeholders from private sectors." 

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Researchers found four Cordillera plants effective against multi-resistant bacteria

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Cordillera - Researchers from the University of the Philippines-Baguio have discovered four indigenous plants found in the Cordillera Administrative Region to have medicinal properties that could be used as an alternative to antibiotics bought in the market. 

The researchers had confirmed these indigenous plants namely Nepenthes alata, a pitcher plant locally known as kakallong, Bauhinia pupurea or butterfly tree, Ficus septica or tibig, and Melastoma malabathricum or bakgi to be effective against a type of multi-resistant  bacteria. 

According to a study conducted by the researchers, enzymes extracted from these plants can kill the multi-resistant bacteria that cause pneumonia and bloodstream infection.

"Their bioactive compounds can be used as an alternative to the commercially available antibiotics since they can significantly control the growth of the multi-resistant P.aeruginosa," read the paper published in the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading pathogen among patients with lung disease that has the ability to develop resistance to antibiotics.

In a study conducted by biologist Charlotte Elmido, Kryssa Balangcod and Teodora Balangcod, they found out that enzymes extracted from the steams of tibig plants and from the leaves of butterfly tree to be the most effective in killing the bacteria. 

They also said that tibig contains enzymes known to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, while the butterfly tree has potential bioactive compounds that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Their study also confirmed kalkallong to have antibacterial properties while the leaves of bagki also contain enzymes that can heal wound and reduce pain.

The researchers have underscored the unexplored diversity of indigenous plants in the Cordillera and their potential in the field of pharmaceutical and medicine. 

source || philstar.com

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