6 students from Baguio win academic Olympiad in South Korea

Team Elatus poses a happy photo after winning the 2017 Global Youth Forum and Academic Olympiad. Photo courtesy: Christine Angluben.

Baguio City - Six young and smart students from the city of Baguio bag home trophy and cash prize after winning the 2017 Global Youth Forum and Academic Olympiad held last June 12-16 in Mungyeong, South Korea.

The six 10th grader students namely Chloe Rosette Angluben, Veronica Liu, Andrea Gaerlan San Gabriel, Gabrielle Berne Padaco, David Adrian Paddit and John Michael Fangolino have brought home trophy and cash prize worth $1,500 or about P75,000.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police Chriz Dulagan to represent Philippines in Man of the World 2017

The Global Youth Forum targets students from North America, Asia and Korea to seek solutions to the global issues through discussions and presentation. The forum also seeks national development through cooperation among countries.

The Baguio team called "Elatus" successfully gained the honor as the champion by brilliantly solving problems presented to them and also gave academic solutions to the given problems, Manila bulletin reports. 

Each of the students shared their knowledge in different academic subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science.

Angluben competed in Science, Mathematic, and Essay Writing in English; Liu competed in English Essay and Science; San Gabriel in Mathematics and English Essay; Paddit in English Essay; and both Padaco and Fangolino in Science. The group also brought home each Grand Award in the Academic Achievement and Exemplary Performance award.

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

These young students brought home the honor to the country despite the lack of support from their school and the government which not hinder them to go to Korea to show their brilliant minds.

source: Manila Bulletin

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Igorot cop Chriz Dulagan crowned Misters of Filipinas – Man of the World

Photo Courtesy || Joy Arguil

Cordillera - This 23-year-old hunk from Sagada, Mt. Province was crowned Misters of Filipinas – Man of the World 2016-2017 during the Misters of Filipinas 2016 Finals last September 2016.

The proud Cordilleran is also a former Mr. PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy). 

The Man of the World 2017 is another pageant production by Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation Inc. (PEPS) which aims to produce new concepts that emphasize on education and career development.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police Cpt. Dulagan gets Highest Standard Leadership Award in VIP Security and Protection Course

This year's pageant event will be held in the Philippines and will be participated by over 40 candidates from different countries.

Philippines' representative to the event is Christopher "Chriz" Comicho Dulagan, a Police officer under the PNP Aviation Security Group, Terminal 1. 

Dulagan is a proud Igorot from Tetep-an, Sagada, Mountain Province in the northern part of Luzon. He won the Man of the World Philippines title last year in the Misters of Filipinas 2016 national pageant. 

In his interview by a local radio station, Dulagan admitted he does not feel any pressure to the event instead he was very excited to show to the world the beauty and custom of the Philippines.  

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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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Sagada organic coffee wins international award in Paris

Goad Sibayan places depulped coffee beans on raised beds at his farm in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines. Credits: SGD Coffee

Cordillera - Organic coffee from Sagada called "Bana's Coffee won a medal and gained international recognition at the third edition of the International Contest of Coffees Roasted in the Countries of Origin organized by the Valorization of Agricultural Products (AVPA), a Paris-based association.

AVPA is non-government, non-profit organization composed mainly of products, coffee industry experts, and taste enthusiasts. Its goal is promoting the value of agricultural products around the world and give recognition to the excellence of producers.

The awarding ceremony took place at the Embassy of Peru in Paris on June 28. Mr. Philippe Juglar, President of AVPA, gave the award to Consul Rapunzel Acop from the Philippine Embassy in Paris, on behalf of Goad Sibayan, Butch Acop, and Rich Watanabe -- the team behind this effort in presenting Bana's Coffee to AVPA.

The winning of Bana's Coffee from Sagada has helped the Philippines establish a reputation of having the best coffee in the world.
Bana's Coffee is run by Goad Sibayan, a coffee farmer and roaster who grows 100% Arabica coffee trees in the town of Sagada.

Bana's Coffee entry into the AVPA is a collaborative effort between Goad and the Coffee Heritage Project (CHP), a non-profit private initiative dedicated to help farmers grow quality-focused coffee.

READ ALSO: Philippine big coffee supplier Henry & Sons to buy local coffee from La-Trinidad, Benguet

"We hope that with this recognition, we are able to highlight Philippines Coffee and the great work of Filipino coffee farmers like Goad, growing one of the finest coffees in the world to be the true artisans of the Philippines' coffee industry." Mr. Watanabe said.

Sixty coffee entries from 21 countries received various awards from AVPA. The Philippines joined many other coffee producers around the world.

source: Department of Foreign Affairs and SGA Coffee Facebook Page.

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How to get iDOLE - OFW ID for Overseas Filipino Workers

OFW ID Sample: Photo credits: DOLE

Baguio City - Today, July 12 is the official launch of the iDOLE or OFW ID for overseas Filipino workers that aim to replace the controversial Overseas Employment Certificate, the Department of Labor announced.

Labor Secretary Silverstre Bello III said that the new OFW ID will enhance the delivery of government services and programs for OFWs.

"Under this program, all bonafide OFWs will be given iDOLE, the ID of the Department of Labor and Employment at no cost to the OFWs. This will serve as the OEC of the OFWs," Bello said.

All OFWs will be given an OFW ID card for free and this can be applied by going to POEA's website to fill in necessary information.

According to Bello, the ID card can also be used as a debit card and an ATM card for the OFW Bank as well as a beep card for LRT and MRT.

He also said they are also working on the possibility of the card to serve as the electronic passport of OFWs, which they can use anytime, whether going abroad or going back to the Philippines.

Another good feature of the said card is the potential to used by the holder to avail of the services and programs of the government such as the SSS, Philhealth and Pag-Ibig.

HOW TO APPLY FOR OFW ID CARD

For individuals who are scheduled to be deployed overseas and for those OFWs who are are currently in the Philippines for vacation, you can visit any of the Department of Labor and Employment offices near you and inquire about the new OFW ID. Please click this link to know DOLE offices around the country.

The main office of DOLE in the capital region is located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila.

If you are from Cordillera region, you can personally visit DOLE office at Cabinet Hill Baguio City.

NOTE: Please bring with you relevant personal identification cards, passport, certificates, working permits and contract. For returning OFWs, don't forget to bring copy of your OEC.

Since this is a new concept, there are none yet in record any official guidelines issued by the department about the processing of the new ID and the least thing OFWs can do is to visit their offices.

There's a plan that soon OFWs can apply for the ID directly online or any representative from their family can apply for them.

If approve, the ID will be processed and delivered it to their home address by mail.

source: Philippine Information Agency

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Undefeated Igorot MMA fighter Danny Kingad to shine again on 29th July

Cordillera - In his quest for a new title shot and an opportunity to level up his career in the Mixed Martial Arts world, Danny "King" Kingad, 'one of the most exciting prospects in ONE Championship's flyweight division' is set to showcase to the world once again the power of an Igorot.

With a perfect six-straight wins in his belt, the young talented Igorot fighter from the mountains of Cordillera is scheduled to take another opportunity for a title shot on Saturday, 29 July, according to ONE Championship.

Team Lakay fighter Danny Kingad (6-0-0) is slated to clash with China Top Team's Hexigetu at ONE: CONQUEST OF KINGS, which will take place a the GOR Kertajya Arena in Surabaya, Indonesia.

"It will be an exciting fight. I will do my best. If he wants to strike, then I will strike with him," Kingad said. "I cannot say I will knock him out, but I can only say I will win this fight.

Coached with Team Lakay founder Mark Singiao, young Kingad, a former 2015 Regional Wushu Champion became a tremendous striker with a heart of a winner. His recent battle with Malaysia's Myhammad Aiman last April has proven his strong desire to be a champion.

One Championship, Asia's largest sports media property has announced last week another exciting event coming up this month which will feature reigning champion Kairat Akhmetov and interim titleholder Adriano Moraes in the main event.

Meanwhile another Igorot MMA fighter, Kevin Belingon is lined up with the upcoming ONE event scheduled  on 18, August in Malaysia.

Kevin Belingon is now one of the most feared strikers in the bantamweight division for his ability to finish his opponents in a variety of methods which most of them via knockouts.

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More than 17,000 jobs available in the United Kingdom for Filipino skilled workers

Cordillera - Good news for our Filipino skilled workers who are looking for jobs abroad as the United Kingdom has announced more than 17,000 jobs for Filipinos. 

According the senator Villanueva, the U.K. is looking for nurses, caregivers, foremen, engineers, computer programmers, cooks, cashiers and bookkeepers. 

"The U.K. has generously offered us a variety of job opportunities fit for our world-class skilled workers," the senator said after meeting with U.K. officials on Sunday. 

He also gave his salary estimates for civil engineers that they could take home P139,000/month, nurses would take home P113,000/month while domestic helpers would take home P61,000/month. 

Those who work as cooks, bookkeepers and cashiers will be paid with an hourly rate of P286/hour to P350/hour.

The hiring of Filipino skilled workers was discussed by senator Villanueva who chairs the Senate committee of labor and employment and human resource development during their meeting with the Philippine ambassador to the UK Antonio Lagdameo with the presence of several European businessmen.

source: GMA News

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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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National Food Authority assures no 'Fake Rice' in Baguio City and Benguet

(Wow-Cordillera) - The National Food Authority or NFA has assured the rice-consuming public that there is no fake rice being sold in public markets in the Philippines including Baguio City and Benguet, Philippine Information Agency reported.

This comes after NFA Baguio-Benguet chapter conducted an inspection to a rice sample taken from a consumer from Baguio City who claimed it was a fake rice but, laboratory analysis reports it was real rice and not a fake rice.

There were several reports circulating on social media about  the alleged fake rice made of plastic being sold in public markets. Netizens posted videos of cooked plastic rice that is bouncing as indication it was fake.

The NFA Baguio Benguet Chapter headed by Cecilia Concubierta recently conducted inspections of rice stalls in the Baguio Pubic Market and market areas in La Trinidad to ensure there is not fake rice being sold.

In line with helping the public to be vigilant when buying rice, NFA has release guidelines on buying rice to ensure they will not be a victim of fake rice.

For raw rice, consumer should make sure that they buy only from retailer accredited by the NFA or from their "suki" rather than from vendors they do not know or trust. An NFA accredited store displays the trader's full name and license number.

If the grains are uniformly-sized, there's a chance they may have been made by a machine. All rice grains have a chalky dot or scar at the tip of the kernel where the germ or embryo was removed. It looks like a small groove at the tip of each grain of rice.

Aside from the appearance, consumer should also be aware of the smell of rice. If it smells anything like plastic or any synthetic material, it should be subjected to laboratory analysis to ascertain the composition of the "grain".

For cooked rice, consumer must also make sure it does not smell unusual. There should be no foam-like substance left on top of the rice when cooked. It one feels ill from eating any suspected fake rice, it is best to see a doctor immediately.

Consumers who might have complaints about fake rice may contact NFA Bantay Bigas Hotline 0906-4363133.

They can also bring at least 1 kilogram of rice sample to NFA offices for inspection or they may contact any NFA agents to get the sample from them.

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