OFW recieves Php50,000 under the new OWWA MEDPlus program.

Mr. Aspuria receives his medical assistance from OWWA-CAR worth Php50,000

Cordillera - The Overseas Worker's Welfare Administration - Cordillera (OWWA-CAR) has awarded cash benefits to an OFW from Saudi Arabia who went home due to illness.

Mr. Fernando Aspuria received the amount of P50,000 pesos from the OWWA-CAR office on August 2 as medical assistance under the newly implemented OWWA benefits called MEDPlus. 

Mr Aspuria was an OFW for almost 17 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a Trailer Truck Driver and went home on February this year due to stage 5 chronic kidney disease. 

He learned about this new program of OWWA for OFWs suffering from illness through social media and went to OWWA-CAR office in Baguio city and was given cash assistance right that day. 

According to OWWA-CAR, Mr Aspuria was the first beneficiary of the said medical assistance in the region. 

Aside from the MEDPlus he recieved, he was also advised to apply for Balik Pinas Balik Hanap Buhay Program (BHBHBP) which he is expected to received P20,000 for livelihood assistance.

The MedPlus Program for OFWs was designed to provide supplemental medical assistance for active OWWA and Philhealth members with dreaded diseases and were hospitalized either at the jobsite of while in the Philippines. 

OFWs who were hospitalized overseas or here in the country on February 1,2017 onward are covered under this program.

OWWA-CAR started accepting applicants for MEDPlus on June 15, 2017. 

source: OWWA Baguio FB page

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Mine tunnel water leak in Itogon causes force evacuation of more than 10 families

Baguio City - Eleven families were reported to have been evacuated in Sitio Goldfield, Barangay Poblacion in Itogon Benguet after water from a tunnel of an old mine was seen leaking. 

Families residing near the area were advised by authorities to evacuate due to a possible land erosion caused by the said leak of an old mine owned by Atlas Mining and Development Corporation. 

Local radio station reports that evacuated families were temporarily sheltered at the Goldfield Elementary School where they were given relief goods and later were allowed to go to their relatives. 

Police authorities of the Itogon Municipal Police Station has put up police line to prohibit residents from returning to their homes until the area was studied and declared safe. 

The local government of Itogon, Benguet Corporation and Mines and Geosciences Bureau will conduct today a study to the area to determine the cause of the water coming from the tunnel.

Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan has appealed to the affected families not to return yet  to their homes and allow authorities to conduct a study to determine the cause of the problem.

source: Bombo Radyo Baguio

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Philippine Military sets August 20 for entrance examination

The Philippine Military Academy will be administering the PMA Entrance Examination on August 20, 2017 in forty (40) examination centers all through-out the country. The PMA Entrance Exam is the first stage in the selection process for cadetship in the premier leadership training school in the country.

PMA Cadets enjoys a full government scholarship. It means, they do not have to pay any single centavo during the entire years of training in the Academy where they will earn a Bachelor of Science Degree. They are also commissioned as 2LT and Ensigns in the Armed Forces of the Philippines upon graduating from the Academy.

This year marks the initial batch of Grade 12 students under the K to 12 Basic Education Program who will be graduating by 2018. They will be allowed to take the PMAEE provided that they will graduate before 01 April 2018. PMAEE applicants will also come from college-level students who graduated from 4th-year High School of the old curriculum.

PMA is at the forefront of the AFP modernization program because its graduates are the ones to lead the Armed Forces in the years to come. As such, Cadets are at the receiving end to the state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment in PMA:

- Model classrooms
- New cadet barracks (student dorms)
- Computer rooms
- Simulation rooms
- Fitness center
- PMA Station Hospital

Qualifications for admission in the Philippine Military Academy are the following:

- Natural-born Filipino citizen,

- Minimum 5 feet for both male and female,

- Physically fit and of good moral character,

- Single and has never been married,

- High school graduate. Senior High School Students (Grade 12) may apply provided that they will graduate before 01 April 2018

- No administrative/criminal case, must pass the PMAEE, and should have been born from April 01, 1996 to April 01, 2001.

Successful applicants will compose the PMA Class 2022 who will be officially received in the Academy in an Oath-Taking Ceremony and Reception Rites on April 01, 2018.

To all applicants, please be reminded of the things to bring during the examination:

- Examination Permit (sent by Office of Cadet Admission)

- Valid Identification (School ID, Voter’s ID, Driver’s License, etc)

- 2 pcs 2×2 picture with white background

- 2pcs mongol 2 pencil

For those interested to take the exam but did not apply, you can take the exam as a walk-in applicant. Just proceed to the examination center of your preference with the following:

- Birth Certificate

- High School Report Card/Form 137 or 138 or College Transcript of Records

- Valid Identification (School ID, Voter’s ID, Driver’s License, etc)

- 2 pcs 2×2 picture with white background

- 2pcs mongol 2 pencil

For those who applied online or by mail but did not receive their exam permit, you will be treated as walk-in applicants.

source | | Philippine Military Academy 

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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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Brave Igorot soldier from Bontoc 1st Lt. Fagyan shares his experience fighting in Marawi

Photo Courtesy || Philippine Army

Cordillera - 1st Lt. Kent Fagyan appeared at the Batasang Pambansa hall in Quezon City during the joint session of the House of Representative and Senate on Saturday to share his experience in the battle he and the rest on his platoon had experienced in Marawi City.

1st Lieutenant Kent Fagyan is an Igorot soldier from Gonogon, Bontoc, Mountain Province. He was sent to Mindanao and both served during the Zamboanga siege and the Marawi siege.

In his speech, he detailed how the Marawi battle is very much different from the Zamboango siege he experienced in 2014 because they are facing a different kind of enemy (the Maute terrorist group). 

He explained that the Maute fighters have more advance war equipment like radio frequency scanner, high caliber firearms and drone. He also said that the enemy are fighting in an advantage position.

Fagyan, 29-year-old is the commanding officer of the 15-DRC 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. He told the house how they are fighting the battle from house to house, chamber to chamber to clear the city from the enemy and also rescue those trap civilians inside.

To clear every corner of the house from hiding Maute fighters, Fagyan told that his team must use tear-gas and grenades.

During the Fagyan's speech senator Dick Gordon noticed Fagyan's right arm was wrapped and he asked how he got wounded. Fagyan told him he got wounded together with his two colleagues in a close encounter with the enemy in a house they were conducting clearing operation.

Gordon was emotionally moved by Fagyan's story and saluted him for his bravery An applause followed from both the congressmen and senators ensued.

Wounded Fagyan also expressed his gratitude to all those who have supported them by sending clothing, food and water.

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

"In behalf po sa mga kasamahan ko na lumalaban pa sa Marawi, nararamdaman po namin na hindi kami nag-iisa na lumalaban sa kanila," he said.

Legislators on Saturday finally voted in favor to the request of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend Martial Law in Mindanao for 150 more days to completely eradicate Islamist insurgents in Marawi City.

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JOB VACANCY: DepEd Cordillera is hiring 37 admin staff for elementary and secondary position

Cordillera - The Department of Education Cordillera (DepEd - CAR), School Division of Benguet has announced its job vacancy for elementary and secondary administrative staff position.

In a note published on DepEd Benguet website (http://depedbenguet.com/publication/) vacancy positions to be filled are for Administrative II and Administrative Assistance III. 


The note also said that "application letter shall be filled at the DepEd CAR, SDO Benguet located in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet (see map below) through the Records Section before the [specified] deadline". 

Applicants should bring with them the following documents:

– Personal Data Sheet (PDS)
– Service Records
– Transcript of Records
– Performance Ratings for the last three(3) rating periods 
– Certificates of Trainings/Seminars attended
– Certificate of Eligibility
– Other Pertinent Documents

MAP of DepEd-Car School Division Office Benguet

Click HERE to go direct to Google Map

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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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