Saint Louis Baguio graduate tops the 2017 Architect Licensure Exam

Baguio City - A graduate from Saint Louis University in Baguio has topped the list of the 1, 490 who have passed the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) conducted by the Board of Architecture held in Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Davao and Legaspi last June 23 and 25, 2017.

Jefferson Sabiano Ventura recorded a score of 84.70 in the exam given by the Board of Architecture headed by its Chairman, Arch. Robert S. Sac, Arch. Fidel Jose R. Siapno and Arch. Robert M. Mirafuente.

The Professional Regulation Commission released the result two days after the last examination day. There were about 2,679 examiners but only around 1,400 were lucky to have passed.

Aldous Yabut Olbes was placed the second topnotcher with a score of 84.30 followed by Judy Ann Dela Cruz Larin of Bulacan State University-Malolos who got a score of 82.90.

Please see the complete list of the top 10 passers below.

You can check the complete list of passers by going to http://www.prcboardnews.com/2017/06/prc-results-slu-alum-tops-june-2017-architect-board-exam.html

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Cordilleran artist tasked to undertake Baguio's iconic Lion's Head face makeover

Baguio's Lion's Head. Photo: wikipedia

Baguio City - The dull and pretty old looking Lion's head at Kennon Road will be soon getting a face makeover by Wigan Nauya the son of a known Cordilleran artist Lopez Nauya who originally  the monument's original sculptor.

Wigan together with local artists will repaint and re-do the the Lion's head beginning next month. The makeover is expected to portray the Lion as "more bolder, more fierce, more aggressive, more positive, and smart".

According to city councilor Elmer Datuin who chairs the committee of the city's Special Events Parks and Playrounds, the plan to do the reconstruction of the Lion's head is to present the true appearance and color of a lion.

"We will not only do the re-painting but we will also do the reconstruction of the Lions Head. We will now present a new Lions Head which is more bolder, more fierce, more aggressive, more positive, smart. We hope to approximate yung true color of a lion. May konting pagbabago as far as the physical appearance is concerned. so hindi lamang kulay an ating gustong gawin, Datuin said in a radio interview.

The Lion's head along Kennon Road is the first landmark to be seen by tourist coming to the summer capital of the Philippines. Repainting and reconstruction of the said landmark to a new level would "project the city as the Lion Center in the whole world" according the Datuin. "The lion is that area is guarding us in the city of Baguio," he added.

The cost of the reconstruction of the 45-year-old Lion's head was estimated to cost the city a total of P400,000.

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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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Lost Korean in Mt. Province survived by eating paper bills and drinking own urine

Mr. Choi Sungkyu at Barlig hospital. Photo Credits: Barlig Police

Mountain Province - The Korean guy who was reported missing last week for 11 days has been found alive on Tuesday by a local hunter in Barangay Latang, Barlig.

Choi Sungkyu was found at around 10:40 am after he was lost last June 9.

Barlig Municipal Police Chief Inspector Carolina Lacuata said  Sungkyo was seen very weak by a local hunter who joined the team of rescuers to find him.

"Mr. Sungkyu can not speak English, but rescuers were able to convince him to the rice field," PCI Lacuata added.

According to a report by ABS CBN, Sungkyu survived by drinking his own urine after he could no longer find spring water to drink.

He also told rescuers that the only food he had at that time was a "bag of peanuts" which he "thriftily ate when he realized he was lost".

The report also said he even "chewed some of his paper bills, believing that these contain salt which the could help him survive."

Mr. Sungkyu was brought to Barlig hospital for treatment and he was now in  a stable condition.

Report said Sungkyu was a Korean real state broker who traveled to the Philippines for vacation and chose to travel by himself.

source: ABS CBN

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DOLE-CAR to conduct Independence Day Job Fair on June 12

Baguio City - Job seekers who are looking for work in Baguio City and the rest of Cordillera should mark their calendar this coming June 12, 2017. The date will not only be for celebrating the Philippines Independence Day but a chance to find a new career or job. So, go ahead, update your resume and practise your job interview skills.

There will be around 30 to 40 companies that will be offering jobs in the locality, according to the Department of Labor and Employment- Cordillera (DOLE-CAR).

The Independence Day Job Fair will be held in  two different malls in Baguio City.

Among the companies that will participate in the job fair are two government institutions - the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which are now on the process of recruiting interested individuals to join the ranks of police officers and agents.

Also, there will be a scheduled seminars and counseling to be conducted by companies to small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs to get more insight on how to establish successful business.

Meanwhile, the city of Baguio has laid out the activities in celebrating of the 119th Philippine Independence Day, with the theme "Pagbabagong Sama-samahang Balikatan".

The celebration will commence with a program at the Baguio Convention Center at 8:00 that will begin with the procession of officials and guests and singing of the National Anthem and Baguio Hymn by the Baguio City High School Chorale.

City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Representative Marquez Go are expected to deliver their messages.

By Alex.

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OWWA CAR now offering college scholarship for OFW dependents

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration -CAR are now accepting applicants under OWWA College Scholarships on the following programs for the qualified dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with active OWWA membership for financial assistance of P60, 000.00 per SY.

A. Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for courses leading to any 4 to 5-year Baccalaureate course

Who may apply under EDSP
1. For incoming Freshmen
a. Child /sibling of active OFW for EDSP
b. Single
c. Grade 12 graduating student this coming 2018
d. Not more than 21 years old.
2. For those already enrolled in 2nd to 5th year college
a. Single
b. Not more than 30 yrs old
c. With a general Weighted average not lower than B letter grade or 85% equivalence in all academic and non-academic subjects during the last school year attended in full load.

B. Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) for baccalaureate courses from the priority fields in Science and Technology as identified by Department of Science & Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI)

Basic qualifications under CMWSP

1. Be a child of an OFW whose annual gross income is not more than US $6,780.00
2. Not more than 21 year-old and graduating high school student or who has graduated but never enrolled to college or associate courses;
3. A Filipino citizen with good health and of good moral character;
4. Not a recipient of any scholarship award from any government or private institution;
5. Has passed the qualifying examination for OWWA CMWSP scholarship conducted nationwide by DOST on 15 October 2017.

Where to file:

a. OWWA BAGUIO Office-17 Manongdo Bldg.,Private Rd, Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City
b. You may also file your application at DOLE provincial office, Municipal Office (look for PESO or Migrant Desk officer)
When: All applications must be submitted before July 31, 2017.
What are the basic requirements?
a. Application forms (available at OWWA office of at OWWA website)
b. 2x2 picture of applicant
c. Birth certificate of applicant(proof of relationship to OFW)
d. Proof of OWWA membership

Pls submit applications at Owwa Baguio 17 Manongdo Bldg,Private Road Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City.
Mobile number is 0999-994-9296,
0917-500-1294 or
Landline 300-3658 ,
Tele fax 445-2260.

source: OWWA CAR FB page.

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Three OFWs from Cordillera receive assistance and benefits from OWWA-CAR

Mrs. Casuga received her starter kits livelihood assistance. Photo Credits: OWWA-CAR

Baguio City - Three Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) just received benefits and assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Cordillera regional office in Baguio City.

OWWA-CAR posted on its Facebook account three former OFWs who were the recent beneficiaries of cash, livelihood and medical assistance and also skills training assistance.

Ms.Rosalina B. Casuga is a worker from Malaysia for six months. She is a returnee from San Carlos Heights,Baguio City. She applied under the Balik Pinas Balik Hanap Buhay Program at OWWA CAR and received her starter kits livelihood assistance on June 2,2017 . The program is a package of livelihood support to OFW s who are returning to the Philippines either displaced by hostilities,distressed workers or other distressful situations.



Ms. Rita B. Banggawan is an OFW from Pasil, Kalinga and worked as caretaker for six years at Taipei, Taiwan. She reported at OWWA CAR Baguio and was able to file her application under the Welfare Assistance Program, illness category and received the amount of P 10,000.00.





Ms. Irene P. Gaoken from La Trinidad Benguet is a former OFW from Hongkong for 6 years and have availed under Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP). 

Ms Gaoken encourage her fellow OFWs to be aware of the OWWA programs so that they too can avail as long as they are a member of OWWA.
OWWA is a government welfare institution that protects and promotes the interest of Overseas Filipino Workers. It provides many programs and services to the member such as scholarship grants for OFW dependents, medical assistance, livelihood trainingx and assistance, loan program for those who want to start a business and many more.

To know more about OWWA, you can visit any of their nearest regional office in your area or you can also visit their website at http://www.owwa.gov.ph/?q=content/programs-services 

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Kalinga State University offers Free Tuition Fee Program for SY 2017-2018 for deserving students

Cordillera - The Kalinga State University (KSU) has announced to offer the free tuition fee program to qualified and deserving students for school year 2017-2018.

KSU President Eduardo T. Bagtang said the move is under the guideline sent by the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) to the university.

Under the guideline, the first priority beneficiaries are those students having one semester left, and the second priority are those having two semesters left. The third priority are those students under the Pantawid program beneficiaries and those who falls under the income bracket set.

Qualified students who can apply for free tuition are also those receiving educational funds of less than P15,000/semester.

Bagtang also clarified that not all qualified students can avail of the free tuition fee because the fund will depend on the amount of grant released by CHED.

So, for qualified students who want to avail of the program, it is better to go and apply early.

KSU Pre-registration and Assessments schedules are the following dates:

1. 5th and 4th Year Students                          June 1 and 2, 2017
2. 3rd Year Students                                      June 5 and 6, 2017
3. 2nd Year Students                                      June 7 and 8, 2017
4. Tranferees and Returning Students            June 9, 2017

Admission Requirements

1. True Copy of Grades
2. Certificate of Eligibility to Transfer (for Transferees)
3. School Identification Card (for Old Students)
4. NSO/PSA Authenticated Copy of Birth Certificate
5. Any Valid ID Card (for New Students/Transferees)
6. Scholarship Identification Car (for StuFAP Beneficiaries and Other Government Financial Assistance Program)
7. 4Ps Identification Card with Household Number and Certification of Membership (for 4Ps Household Beneficiaries)
8. Listahan 2.0 Identification Car and Certification of Membership (for Listahan Beneficiaries)
9. Income Tax Return (ITR) of Parents
10. BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption


Admission Process

Pre-registration and Assessment:

Step 1 - Submit accomplished Pre-registration and Assessment Form including complete Admission Requirements to the respective Dean's Offices

NOTE: Evaluation and Assessment shall be conducted by the respective colleges. Official Lists of pre-admitted enrollees with their corresponding assigned date./schedule of enrollment based from the result of ranking by prioritization/grouping are posted to the College Bulletin of Information.

Enrollment Proper:

Step 2 - Secure assessment result from the Dean's Office.

Step 3 - Fill up Enrollment Form (KSU Form 1-A) and attach result of the assessment. Subjects are given by the Program Chairman and approved by the Dean. Proof of enrollment will be printed.

Step 4 - Proceed to the Collection Office for the payment of fees.

Step 5 - Proceed to the Auxiliary Office for the validation of school ID.

Schedule of Enrollment:

1st Group            July 24-25, 2017
2nd Group           July 26-27, 2017
3rd Group            July 28-31, 2017
4th Group            August 1-2, 2017

The start of classes is scheduled on August 7, 2017.

Source: KSU FB page

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Salute to CPL. Serrano from Kalinga who was among fallen soldiers in Marawi clash

Cordillera - Corporal Benito G. Serrano was among the soldiers who were killed in action during the ongoing battle to recapture Marawi City from the control of Maute group and suspected members of Abu Sayaff.

CPL. Serrano was from Connor, Kalinga of the Scout Ranger Class 176 and of the 4th Light Reaction Company who was deployed in the Island of Mindanao.

Their mission was to conduct rescue mission to the trapped soldiers from the disabled armored personnel carrier of the 5th Mechanized Battalion when they were engaged in a fierce gun battle with the members of the Maute terrorist group who occupied Marawi City since May 23rd, 2017.

Corporal Serrano died in the line of his duty to protect the country. He was  hardworking, kind and one of the best in the military according to his senior officers.

His wife, a teacher in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur  is about to give birth to their second child.

A message of condolences were sent to the bereaved family of Coporal Serrano from many netizens, calling him hero.

The ongoing Marawi siege has claimed the lives of 11 soldiers and two police officers while 39 soldiers were recorded wounded  according to AFP Western Command spokesperson Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay.

"So far we have 11 soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the peace loving residents of Marawi," said Capt. Petinglay.

Corporal Benito G. Serrano, Photo credits: Josephine Jaron Codila

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Team Lakay's Geji Eustaquio beats Thai opponent via split decision

(Wowcordillera) - Baguio based fighter Geji "Gravity" Eustaquio successfully closed his rivalry Anatpong Bunrad of Thailand in a superb display of boxing skills, will all judges having it scored in favor of him via split decision.

The Team Lakay flyweight proved his improvement in the ring as he was able to halt the more physically taller fighter gain yet another win for the second time during the ONE: Dynasty of Heroes

With his improved footwork, timing and counter-punching tools, Eustaquio was able to revenge his lost during their encounter back in 2015.

Eustaquio was a little bit cautious to engage Bunrad in the first round, taking his time to test how strong the Thai fighter was and be able to set up his next move getting to the later rounds.

The later rounds proved to be with Eustaquio's favor as he was able to connect counter punches with elbows and right straights to frustrate the Thai fighter, although he was floored down in the third round with a head kick by Bunrad.

Defeating the Thai fighter via split decision has improved his record to 9-5 after loosing to Toni Tauro in 2016.

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