Baguio City included in the lists of UNESCO designated Creative Cities

Photo Courtesy || One Cordillera

Cordillera - Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines has been named a UNESCO Creative City for its leadership in craft and folk arts using technology. 

This designation affirms that the city is an international hub for craft and folks arts innovation and inspiration. It shows the world that Baguio is an international hotspot in arts and craft aside from being one of the famous tourist spots in the country. 

The city now joins 64 cities from 44 countries that have been designated as UNESCO Creative Cities working together towards "placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and co-operating actively at the international level," according to the website.

Some of the known advocates of cultural arts and craft in the city are Baguio Arts Guild, Bencab Museum, Museo Kordillera, Garden Theater, Ili-Likha, Maryknoll Pitak, Vocas, Pasa Kalye,  Easter Weaving Center, Narda's traditional weaving and Asin Village Woodcarving,

Baguio City is now the 5th Southeast Asia city that make it to the exclusive group joining Phuket, Thailand, Pakalongan and Badung in Indonesia and the city state of Singapore. 

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a UNESCO project that started in 2004 aims in promoting cooperation among cities to promote creative industries, strengthen participation in cultural life, and integrate into sustainable urban development policies.

As of this moment, there are already a total of 180 members of the Creative Cities Network from 72 countries around the world. 

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Fil-am YouTuber Wil Dasovich tries famous Igorot bacon "ETAG" of Sagada

Wil Dasovich bites etag: Photo: Screen-grab | Abs Cbn

Cordillera,- Filipino-American vlogger Wil Dasovich visited Sagada and tried the famous Igorot native dish called "etag"  in the new released episode of Kuya Kim's Matanglawin show of Abs Cbn.

Dasovich has learned a lot of things in the making of etag, starting from the preparation of the meat, salting, smoking and of course the eating.

He also tries the etag pizza which is a modern twist of the etag as an additional toppings to the pizza.

"Etag" or "Innasin" to the kankanaey and "kinuday" to the Ibaloi is basically a salted pork or smoked bacon which is regarded as part of the Cordilleran culture of preserving meat food. It is initially prepared by salting the freshly sliced slab of pork and then curing it through either sun-drying or smoking.

Sun-drying and smoking require a minimum amount of time to achieve the desired texture of the etag, usually around three to four hours until the meat is fully dehydrated.

The method of preserving meat done by the Igorots is a unique way of storing meat food in order to last longer.

In the show, Dasovich also visited the hanging coffins, one of the top tourist destinations in Sagada and learn the way Igorot ancestor bury their dead.

Watch the episode below:

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BSU HRM students emerge as champion in cooking competition

Australian chef Chris Urbano respects Igorot tradition and cooks Cordilleran dish 'Pinikpikan'

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Memorial Wall in honor to fallen Cordilleran cops and soldiers mulled

Cordillera - The city council of Baguio is proposing a plan to build a memorial wall in Burnham Park to honor  the brave soldiers and policemen who sacrifice their lives for Marawi and other parts of the country. 

An ordinance filled by Councilor Edgar Avilla this week aims to commemorate the "service rendered by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose roots are in the City of Baguio and the Cordillera region who have been killed in action (KIA) in the war against terrorism in Mindanao and other parts of the country."

"The time is now ripe for the city to pay homage to the Igorots who were killed in action by installing a memorial wall with the names of the deceased inscribed in the memorial wall, and a bust depicting combat shoes to emphasize that our soldiers and policemen died literally with their boots on," Avilla said. 

Inscribed in the memorial walls are eight names of Cordilleran warriors who passed away serving their duty to protect the country. They are: 

• Police Chief Inspector Fredie Manuel Solar - Baguio City ( Solar was the first casualty in the war in Marawi).
• Corporal Benito Serrano - Conner, Apayao
• Private First Class Gener Tinangag - Barlig, Mountain Province
• Police Officer 3 Alexis Mangaldan - Bangued, Abra
• PO1 Moises Kimayong Jr. - Lagawe, Ifugao
• Corporal Nelson Wailan - Tabuk, Kalinga
• PO2 Daniel Tegwa - Bauko, Mountain Province
• PFC Jethro Estacio - Banaue, Ifugao

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

Heroism of 3 Igorot SAF troopers recognized to serve as inspiration to fellow policemen

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The proposed memorial wall will be in black granite with benches and flower beds around it to add serenity and solemnity to the memorial, Avilla described. 

Earlier this year, a monument was built at Lepanto National High School ground in Mankayan to honor the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) who were killed in a botched operation in Maguindanao. 

source | PNA

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Cordilleran soldiers sought-after in Mindanao because "they are full of courage and they don't complain" - PCO Asec. Banaag

Photo Courtesy || Armed Forces of the Philippines

Baguio City - Presidential Communication Operation Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Marie Banaag recognized the gallantry of Cordilleran soldiers in liberating Marawi City in the hands of the Maute insurgents.

In a radio interview, Banaag expressed gratitude to the soldiers who fought until the end to liberate Marawi.

"We are grateful to our fellow Igorots who did not leave Marawi and fought until the end to help the liberation of Marawi," Banaag said.

She also said that both Cordillerans and non-Cordillerans are talking about the bravery of the Igorots and they want them in Mindanao because of their attitude.

"They want Cordillerans in Mindanao because they don't complain and they are always full of courage. Every time I am in Mindanao, I always see officials who are Cordillerans and the non-Cordillerans talking about the bravery of the Igorots. Everything about my being a Cordilleran, goes out to them," Banaag added.

General MacArthur once said, "Many desperate acts of courage and heroism have fallen under my observation on many fields of battle in many parts of the world. I have seen forlorn hopes become realities. I have seen last-ditch stands and innumerable acts of personal heroism that defy description, but for sheer breathtaking and heart stopping desperation, I have never known the equal of those Igorots riding the tanks. Gentlemen, when you tell the story stand in tribute to those gallant Igorots."

READ ALSO: Memorial Wall in honor to fallen Cordilleran cops and soldiers mulled

Banaag works in Malacanang as the Communications Assistant Secretary of the present Duterte Administration. Part of her work is to hold media press briefing for the President when Secretary Martin Andanar and Spokesperson Ernesto Abella are not available.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Eduardo Año also expressed his gratitude and lauded the Cordilleran warriors  of their bravery. Most of the concluding fights against the terrorists were fought by them who belongs to the Special Operation Command and the Scout Ranger Company. 

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AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año commends brave Cordilleran warriors in Marawi

Igorot soldier in Marawi puts his life in danger to save hostages

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source | PNA

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AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año commends brave Cordilleran warriors in Marawi

Photo Courtesy || General Eduardo Ano / Wikipedia

Cordillera - No less than the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Eduardo Año praises the soldiers from Cordillera who were part of the assault team that targets the Maute leaders leading to eventual liberation of Marawi City.

In his own words, Año recognized the ultimate sacrifice of the Cordilleran warriors during the final battle to neutralize Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

"The Philippine Government will forever be grateful to the Cordillera Warriors who gave the ultimate sacrifice and who were part of the striking force that finally killed the Isis inspired leaders Maute and Hapilon," Año said.

The final push towards the liberation of Marawi presented great challenge to Filipino soldiers specially to the Cordilleran Warriors because of the enemy's firm to protect their last stronghold. This leads to the loss of many of the Cordilleran soldiers.

"We are saddened with the loss of our brave soldiers specially our Cordillera Warriors belonging to the Special Operation Command and the Scout Ranger Company who led the daily assault against the Isis leaders and eventually liberated Marawi," General Año said.

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Igorot soldier in Marawi puts his life in danger to save hostages

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

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Año also extends condolences and to the families of the soldiers and express gratitude for their service to the country.

"To the relatives of the Cordillera Warriors, we extend our sincerest condolences, thanks and gratitude for their service to the country of these brave Cordilleran Warriors. Rest assured that the country will always treat them as our heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice to attain peace for the people of Marawi," Año added.
The government has listed 155 soldiers including policemen who were killed in Marawi while almost a thousand casualties from the side of the terrorist group Maute.

The Cordilleran Warriors of Marawi. Photo Credit: Harley Palangchao FB page

source | sunstar baguio
photo | davao today

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SM Foundation now accepting College Scholarship 2019 | Apply Online

Baguio City - The SM Foundation, the advocacy arm of the SM Group of companies, is now accepting application for the SM College Scholarship Program for school year 2019 - 2020.

The SM College Schoolarship Program is open for students from Benguet, NCR, Albay, Batangas,  Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Tarlac, Zambales.

For Visayas and Mindanao, the areas covered are Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, South Cotobato, Zamboanga del Sur.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested students can now apply via online by going to SM website here http://www.sm-foundation.org/programs/education#carousel-sm-foundation.

Register your valid email and password and you will be directed to page where you will fill-in necessary information in order to be qualified.

QUALIFICATION

The SM College Scholarship Program is open to fourth year public high school students who have a weighted average of at least 88% by the second or third grading period and the family must earning an annual income of PHP150,000 at most.

Successful scholarship grantees from Benguet and other areas can enroll in any of SM partners namely Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras and University of the Philippines-Baguio campus. A full tuition, monthly allowance, part-time job opportunities during school break and also exclusive job offers with the SM group upon graduation.

Click HERE to see complete list of SM partner schools.

COURSES OFFERED

a. BS in Computer Science
b. BS in Information Technology
c. BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering/ BS In Electronics Engineering
d. BS in Computer Engineering
e. BS in Civil Engineering
f. BS in Electrical Engineering
g. BS in Mechanical Engineering
h. BS in Elementary Education
i. BS in Secondary Education major in Biology, Chemistry, General Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, English
j. BS in Accountancy
k. BS in Accounting Information Systems
l. BS in Internal Auditing
m. BS in Management Accounting

The SM College Scholarship Program started with the vision of SM patriarch Henry Sy, Sr. to send one child from a less fortunate family to college. After graduation and upon employment, this could send one sibling to school and this help provide a better future for the family.

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Igorot soldier in Marawi puts his life in danger, talks face to face with terrorists to free hostages

Photo Credit: Josephine Jaron Codilla FB page

Cordillera - An ultimate display of heroism by an Igorot soldier fighting in Marawi has gone viral on social media after his story was posted by Josephine Jaron Codilla about his gallantry and heroism during an intense battle in the warn torn Marawi City.

The Igorot soldier is Captain Jeff Buada from Tuba, Benguet, a member of PMA Maragtas Class 2007 and currently assigned in the 15th Scout Ranger Company.

According to the post of Ms. Codilla, Captain Buada did what he think will save the lives of the hostages including the wounded soldiers.

"He literally put his life on the line to rescue hostages by removing his helmet, putting down his firearm and urging hard core terrorist face-to-face to free their hostages and allow the soldiers to bring the wounded to the hospital," Codilla wrote.

Captain Buada also "requested all the units behind him to cease fire, to put off the engines of tanks in order not to agitate the enemies, many of whom were in a state of war shock".
His action has resulted in the successful rescue of many women and children before the fighting resumed.

"To me, the ultimate act of gallantry and heroism was displayed yesterday by someone who deserves maybe even more than the Medal of Valor," Codilla added.

Meanwhile, the wife of Captain Buada cried when she learned the heroism done by his husband in Marawi and she was very proud of him as a soldier serving the country.

READ ALSO: AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año commends brave Cordilleran warriors in Marawi

She revealed that Captain Buada has only a month recovering from a knee injury caused by a bullet that hit him during the previous fight in Marawi, but returned to to the battle zone to see his men and continue the fight.

The continued gallantry of Filipino soldiers in Marawi has led to the killing of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

The efforts and the bravery of our soldiers will never be forgotten and also those who died serving the country.

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Igorot hunk from Besao, Mt. Province named Toughest Pinoy 2017

Photo Courtesy || Renz Lou Lagria

Baguio City - Igorot hunk Renz Lou Lagria emerged as the champion during the search for Toughest Pinoy 2017 held at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila last October 20, 2017.

Known as one of the so called 'Panagbenga Hotties', Renz Lagria from Baguio city but originally from Besao, Mountain Province came out at the top against nine other finalists after passing various physical challenges that test the limits of their physical strength, mental endurance and emotional resilience.

READ ALSO: Igorot Inventor Douglas Paticawen recognized at First ASEAN Skills Olympics competition

Carrying the title "The Fit Influencer, Renz Lagria, 20-year-old was the youngest finalist in the said competition "R U Tough Enough" sponsored by KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment.

Lagria, who is considered one of the hottest and sexiest Igorot pageant model today, drew his strength and toughness from being an Igorot who grew up in the mountains and being a construction worker at a young age.

READ ALSO:  Kalinga pilot, the first Filipina to be in-command of a Philippine Air Force C130

He won PHP250,000 and other prizes as the R U Tough Enough (RUTE) toughest Pinoy champion.

KIX, the ultimate action-entertainment TV destination aims to go beyond the stereotypes by recruiting 5 male and 5 female contestants to face off. 

All the contestants will go through rigorous series of physically demanding and emotionally enduring challenges. 

And this year winner is from Cordillera.

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Freddie Aguilar and other country's top musicians converge for a big concert in Sagada

Cordillera - Music lovers in the north would not have needed to go to the city or travel to Manila just to watch concerts from famous singers in the country because on October 28 and 29 ( Saturday and Sunday ), the country's top musicians and singers will be performing a concert dubbed "Concert in the Clouds" in the heart of Sagada.

Among those musicians and singers lined up to perform are Freddie Aguilar, Noel Kabangon, Gary Valenciano, Joey Ayala, Raymond Lauchengco, Lolita Carbon, Ely Buendia and the UP Dharma Down.

The concert will start from 12 noon to midnight of the 28th and will resume at sunrise on the 29th until sundown. The even is expected to be flocked by 4,000 people, according the Philippine News Agency.

Ticket price range from Php1,000 and Php2,000 for VIP tickets.

When you buy a ticket you are a contributor to the cause for the beneficiaries such as the Sagada Sped Center, 20 DayCare Centers, Sagada Art Club, Sagada All Sports Fund, purchase of safety equipments for the Sagada Guides Organization, Sagada Eco-police, fund for Children's Heart Patient, Senior Fund, Indigenous People, Children's Playground, Red Cross and the Moran Foundation.

This is the first time that a big concert by leading top artists in the country will be held in Cordillera, according to Sagada Mayor James Pooten, thus the local government has assured that security preparations are in place to provide security to those who will watch the concert.

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Baguio City plans for underground cable system to eliminate wiring mess in downtown streets

Photo Courtesy || Public information - Baguio City

Baguio City, - In an effort to make the city streets of Baguio City more appealing, an ordinance was created  by the city local government to end the long problem of electrical and communication wires dangling over city streets of the central business district. 

The plan was supported by electrical company BENECO to transfer its electrical wirings underground to help conceal them and keep the city streets from dangling cables which becomes an eyesore to everyone.

City councilor Joel Alangsab, one of the co-author of the ordinance have said that it would take the cooperation of both the Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc. (BENECO) and local telecommunications company that runs their wiring on city streets to solve the problem of sagging wires.

He also said that a proposal for an underground cable system is one of the viable solution but pointed out that such plan will present a problem in the financial aspect.

"There is a proposal na iunderground nalang itong mga cables and electrical wirings natin, but of course, the number 1 problem there is the financial aspect. It will cost Php 2 Billion," Alangsab said.

Davao is one of the city that implemented underground cabling system in its major streets which started early this year and will be finished  by 2020.

Davao City would be a good model city for the local government of Baguio to follow. It has created and passed and ordinance that mandates all electric utility companies and public telecommunication carriers servicing the city to place all their wirings and cables underground. Companies that violates the ordinance will be fine of P5,000 and cancellation of business permit.

It can be recalled that Mayor Mauricio Domogan has ordered the City Engineering Office and City's Council's committee to conduct a feasibility study of the said underground cable system in the city last June, 2017.

Domogan said the proposal has merit as it address the messy wiring and cable networks of public utility companies that has created eyesores as well as pose safety to people.

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