No cases of bird flu in Benguet - Governor Pacalso

Photo Credit: Manny Piñol FB page.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Courtesy || Dr. Kilimanguru YT Channel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar tries 'Pinikpikan' personally cooked by Mayor Domogan

PCOO Sec. Andanar sits with Mayor Domogan and tries Igorot dish 'Pinikpikan'. Photo Courtesy || Ryan Dale B. Mangusan.

Baguio City - Presidential Communication Operation (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar has tasted one of Igorot's popular dish known as 'Pinikpikan' together with Cordillera leaders and regional directors during a meeting on August 12. 

Pinikpikan is a native chicken dish in the highlands of Cordillera which is prepared by beating parts of the chicken with a stick and burning the feathers and skin with fire. The process of slight beating and burning are what makes the soup delicious. Some cooks include the special ingredient called Etag which adds to its intense flavor. 

The Pinikpikan served to PCOO Sec. Andanar was personally cooked by Baguio City Mauricio Domogan, according to a source.

Andanar was in Baguio to meet with leaders and directors in the Cordillera region during his visit at the El Cielito Inn Hotel on Saturday, August 12, to strengthen information and communication networks in all level. 

READ ALSO: BSU HRM students' etag dish win in cooking competition in Manila.

He also attend press conference with members of the media where he answers questions pertaining to different topics, among which are the PCOO's programs and thrusts for communication networking, updates on the country's hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, federalism and updates on President Rodrigo Duterte's programs and activities. 

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

JINSP RHYS DANE IVAN PAWID

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Jeremy Pacatiw wins via TKO in Brave Combat Federation

Cordillera - The young and brave fighter from Cordillera, Jeremy Pacatiw will come unstoppable on August 12th for the Brave Combat Federation MMA event where he will come face to face with the Brazilian striker Thiago Coleta.

The 21-year old Pacatiw from the famed Team Lakay is currently signed a contract with the Bahrain based Brave Combat Federation.

His opponent, Thiago Coleta from Curitiba, Brazil is a skilled grappler and a fierce striker whom Pacatiw will find it challenging especially Coleta will be using his hometown advantage which would expected to help boost confidence on his part.

But the young Cordilleran fighter is not intimidated and confidently said in an interview that he will be raising the Philippine flag after the fight.

"I fee very proud to represent Philippines in Brazil. The reaction that I got from Philippine when I won a tough fight in short notice was overwhelming. Win or lose, I know that Philippines is there always to encourage, motivate and support me. That is my strength. I am proud of the culture of Philippines that teaches you to depend on your efforts relentlessly till you achieve your goals." Pacatiw said.

If Coleta uses his grappling and striking skill, Pacatiw will be using his speed and cardio to win the fight. This was proven during his comeback victory against Chaitanya Gavali from India in Brave 5 last April.

"My fight against Chaitanya Gavali was important in a way that it showed to the fans that I am capable of improving and it gave me another opportunity to compete in Brave. I visualize when my fight culminating in a victory. This gives me strength, This time I am well prepared and confident despite who the opponent will be." Pacatiw added. \

Jeremy Pacatiw is the first Filipino fighter introduced to Brazil by Brave Combat Federation.

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Non-Uniformed Personnel from Baguio-PNP top 2 in Search for Best NUP

Mischelle Ramos Junio in the right with Ma'am Angeles. Photo Courtesy: Junio's FB account.

Cordillera - A member of the Philippine National Police non-uniformed personnel from Baguio-PNP landed top 2 in the recently concluded quest for Best NUP in the Police force. 

Mischelle Ramos Junio from the crime registrar of BCPO station 8 and BCPO headquarters ranked 2nd in the search that covered 18 regions in the country. 

"I landed at Rank No.2. I was not able to get the most coveted Best among the Bests but reaching this far out of 18 regions is already a win," Junio wrote in his Facebook account. 

"It was a humbling experience and a challenge to keep on doing our best not for ourselves but for the calling that was laid upon us. Truly, if we want to be called the BEST," Junio added.

READ ALSO: BSU HRM students emerge as champion in cooking competition

Junio serves in the PNP for five years in this competition is the first time Baguio City Police Office was endorsed. 

She was selected as one of the best NUP for her outstanding accomplishment as crime registrar during her service in the year 2016. 

Her job as a crime registrar includes conducting crime analysis in which the police use it for intervention plans.

source | Bombo Radyo Baguio || Mischelle Ramos Junio FB page.

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BSU HRM students emerge as champion in cooking competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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List of state colleges and universities in Cordillera with FREE TUITION starting 2018

Cordillera - The signing of the Republic Act 10931 or "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act" by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 3 will now provide free education to over a million students in public tertiary and vocational schools all over the country. 

The Act which was ratified by Congress in May 2017 and was transmitted to the Office of the President on July 5 will now grant full tuition fee subsidy to students in state-run and local universities and colleges including technical-vocational schools. 

There are a total of 112 state colleges and universities in the country that will start granting free tuition fee to students starting 2018-2019. 

READ ALSO:

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

• Benguet State University (BSU) announces Free Tuition Fee 2017 

In Cordillera region (CAR), 6 universities and colleges are mandated to offer Free tuition next year. 

1. Abra State Institute of Science and Technology

2. Apayao State College

3. Benguet State University

4. Ifugao Sate University

5. Kalinga State University

6. Mountain Province State University (formerly the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College.

Students who will enroll in these universities will not pay for school charges such as entrance fees, registration fees, library fees, computer fees, laboratory fees, school ID fees, athletic fees, medical and dental fees, cultural and other similar or related fees.

Students who are poor will also provided subsidies and stipend under the student loan program where they can borrow money to their finance educational related needs. 

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BSU and Thailand's KMITL ink undergraduate student exchange program

BSU and KMITL sign MOU. 

Cordillera - Benguet State University and King's Mongkut Institute of Technology Latkrabang have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in many areas of educational cooperation, research and development.

According to BSU website, the purpose of the agreement is the collaboration on research and development between faculty members and graduate students where KMITL will find the appropriate laboratory and provide logistic requirements needed to complete the research.

Under the collaboration, both institution have agreed to exchange undergraduate students for professional internship program as well as faculty members and scholars to conduct lectures and advance studies.

Also included in the agreement is the promotion of cultural activities and interaction through the encouragement of Thai and Filipino cultures and languages.

The MOU was officially signed by BSU President Dr. Feliciano G. Galora Jr. and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Tessi M. Merestela with the KMTIL representative Dr. Patthraphon Patthrarangsarith, Department of Agricultural Education and Asst. Prof. SuntiTungtrakool, Head of the Dept. of Engineering Education.

Both leaders expressed hope and optimism that the agreement will be uphold and will benefit the institutes by continually working together and moving forward.

Earlier, the KMITL staff had the chance to tour BSU compound and visit different centers like the Benguet Agripinoy Training Centre (BAPTC), Agribased Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Centre and Benguet Vegetable Training Centre, among others.

source | | photo : bsu.edu.ph

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Baguio and La Trinidad residents may soon get a FREE Public Wifi

Baguio City - In an effort to provide internet connectivity to all Filipinos nationwide, the government and Smart Telecoms are now beefing up their project of providing residents of Baguio City a Free public Wifi.

The government's online news portal, Philippine Information Agency reports that the public wifi project is already in the pipeline at the Baguio City Hall and some famous tourist destinations like Burnham Park, Session Road and Mines View Park.

The project which is to be done in partnership with PLDT will also include putting up wifi spots in some known universities in Baguio and La Trinidad such as the University of Baguio and Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The project known as "SmartSpots targets to provide fast internet access to both locals and tourists in all usual hangout places in the city.

In fact the project was already been set up at the "The Camp", one of the known hangouts along Leonard Wood Road.

Having a reliable wifi connection is a plus factor for the city tourism industry as this will help tourists in accessing the internet to look for accommodation and places to hangout, according to Sandy Carlos of the Camp HR Operations Director for Corporate Innovators.

This would also benefit students in the city to be able to use the free public wifi for their school projects, research and assignments.

The Free Internet Access Act which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte is part of the government's plan to promote knowledge and information to all citizens to enable them to participate in the fast evolving information and communication era.

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