Cordillera OFWs to get better services from OWWA. OFWs can take non-collateral loan up to P350,000

OWWA Administrator Han Cacdac talks during a consultation meeting of Federation of OFWs in CAR. Photo Courtesy: OWWA Baguio.

Cordillera - Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Cordillera will soon experience better services from the Overseas Welfare Administration (OWWA) after a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on  Monday by both Baguio City/Benguet province officials and OWWA officials. 

No less than OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac  and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan lead the signing at the Baguio Country Club together with Local Government officials of Baguio and Benguet. 

The MOA aims to help OFWs and their families to have an easy access to government services when they need. 

Part of the MOA is the creation of a help desk that will serve as link to other agencies of the government like the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Cacdac explained that the help desk will also serve as a venue for OFWs and their families to get help and immediate assistance in the different localities. 

He also mentioned the OF bank that was just launched on Jan. 18, a campaign promise of the president to aid OFWs who needs financial assistance like loans and livelihood funding. 

OFWs can take advantage of the non-collateral loans of up to Php350,000 at only 6% annual interest rate and OFWs can borrow capital to start a business of other projects.

Just like any other banks, the OF bank provides competitive deposit products such as Peso ATM Savings, time deposit and checking accounts. It also include a special Savings Plans designed for OFWs to encourage and inspire them to develop the habit of saving money. 

Soon the bank will be used by OFWs as a center to remit money at the cheapest, fastest, secure, and convenient mobile credit-to-account-system that is better than other remittance centers in the country.

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Presidential Spokesman Roque says he is a 'proud Cordilleran' ; first house located in Baguio

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque shakes hand with Baguio residents. Photo Courtesy || PIA Cordillera

Baguio City - Speaking before thousands of Baguioans at the newly refurbished Baguio Athletic Bowl on Thursday (February 1), presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said he is a 'proud Cordilleran' and revealed the near completion of his first residential house somewhere in Baguio, according to Philippine News Agency. 

The 23rd year celebration of Baguio's Panagbenga Festival formally opened Thursday morning with a parade that started from upper Session Road down to Magsaysay Avenue going to Harrison Road then to the Athletic Bowl. 

The Panagbenga Festival highlights the deep cultural roots and creativity of the people of Baguio and nearby provinces of Cordillera. 

Roque was the guest speaker during opening ceremony of the festival at the Baguio Athletic Bowl. He also held a 30-minute press briefing where he told the media that he will try to convince the president to be the guest speaker during Panagbenga's grand street dancing parade on February 24. 

"I will convince (President Rodrigo Duterte) to attend the highlights of the celebration. Talagang kukumbinsihin ko siya na umakyat." Roque said in  an statement before thousands of Panagbenga opening revelers. 

The city government of Baguio had sent an invitation to Malacanang inviting President Duterte to be the guest speaker during the program of the grand street dancing parade on the 24th February. 

Baguio residents are expecting Duterte to heed to the invitation. 

"Asahan niyo po na kukulitin ko siya, para makabalik ako ng Baguio. Sa ngayon wala pa sa schedule," Presidential Spokesperson Roque reiterated during the press briefing. 

source || PNA website

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Duterte appoints 2 Cordillerans to consultative committee to review the 1987 constitution

Photo Courtesy || PNA.

Cordillera - Two Cordilleran lawmakers are among the chosen advisers by President Duterte as member of the consultative body to review the 1987 Constitution. 

On January 23, the president appointed 19 advisers for the consultative commission including former Kalinga representative Laurence Wacnang and former University of Baguio president Virgillio Bautista. 

Dr. Gil Bautista is the son of University of Baguio founder Fernando Bautista. He was a former member of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) under former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. 

"We hope we can come up with a Filipino model of federalism, one which is more applicable to us as a nation," Wacnang said in an interview with PNA. 

Wacnang was the first governor of the province of Kalinga after it separated from the province of Apayao in 1995. He had started the Kalinga Bodong Council, which was later adapted as a traditional practice in settling disputes among the Kalinga warring tribes. 

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, an advocate of federalism was appointed to head the body. 

Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., father of Senate President Koko Pimentel was also chosen as part of the committee. 

Others appointed to the post were former SC Associal Justice Bienvenido Reyes, Radio Mindanao Network founder Atty. Reuben Canoy, former Justice and Solicitor General Antonio Nachura Jr. Julio Cabral Teehankee, former dean of the De La Salle University's College of Liberal Art and Father Ranhilio Aquino, dean of San Beda's Graduate School of Law. 

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Eduard Folayang and other athletes inspire Tondo kids in Manila

Global Citizen Athlete Ambassador Eduard Folayang poses a photo with kids at Tondo in Manila. Photo Courtesy: One Championship

Cordillera - Global Citizen Athlete Ambassadors Angela Lee, Brandon Vera and Team Lakay champion Eduard Folayang toured the Tondo area in Manila to give hope  and inspire children about the importance of education. 

Together with Young Focus team, the athletes toured the area, met community members and visited Young Focus centers that cater children from infancy, preschool, all the way up to the tertiary level. 

The athletes spent their times helping the kids with their lessons such as Mathematics and English. They also shared their personal stories and told the children the importance of education. 

Some 100 Young Focus students and staff were also given a privilege to attend the ONE:GLOBAL SUPERHEROES events last Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Global Citizen Athlete Ambassador Eduard Folayang helps a young kid with her lesson. Photo Courtesy: One Championship.

"It was such an amazing experience, of course. You really feel for the hardship my countrymen are experiencing now, especially the youth. As a ONE Championship athlete, it is my honor to be able to give back to the Filipino people. I'm sure the entire world would also love to be part of this movement, so I encourage everyone to check out Global Citizen and how each of us can help in our own little ways." Global Citizen Athlete Ambassador Eduard Folayang said. 

Young Focus is a local NGO in the Philippines that provides underprivileged youth in the Tondo or "Smokey Mountain" Area of Manila the chance to develop themselves intelectually, emotionally, physchologically, and spiritually. Through education, Young Focus addresses poverty directly by giving the next generation the best possible opportunities in life.

source || One Championship

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Jeje Eustaquio wins new Interim flyweight belt in One Championship

Photo Courtesy of One Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Geje Eustaquio has proven to the world he is the better fighter as he delivered superb techniques to dominate and defeat Kairat Akhmetov of Kazakhstan to win the ONE Championship interim flyweight title at the Mall of Asia Arena last night. 

The Igorot superb striking power and impressive ground defense worked in his advantage against the Kazakh's known take-down power. 

In their first meet up last September, Eustaquio lost in a split-decision but last night was a crystal clear unanimous victory which led him to his next opponent, the ONE undisputed flyweight champion Adriano Moraes. 

Eustaquio now joined the list of Filipino ONE champions who hold MMA world titles like heavy weight champion Brandon Vera.

"This belt is not mine, but it's ours. I'm proud to represent this flag, this country," said Eustaquio. 

He also called on ONE regular flyweight king Adriano Moraes, who was also among the audiences on the venue to give him another chance of fighting him. 

"Give me one more try, Adriano. I'll give you a better fight this time," Eustaquio said. 

In which Adriano responded, "Geje really deserved it tonight. I have too much respect for this guy. I'd like to do it again.".

Another Pinoy and proud Igorot Joshua Pacio, won an stunning performance last night, submitting Sanda champion Lan Ming Qiang with a head choke in the first round. 

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DENR preparing criminal charges against tourists responsible of burning grassland inside Mt. Pulag

Photo Courtesy: BFP National Headquaters

Cordillera - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is preparing to file criminal charges against group of tourists who are responsible in the burning of almost 1.5 hectares of grassland, including luscious grass and dwarf bamboo plants inside the Mt. Pulag National Park. 

Last Saturday afternoon, fire hit a camp on Mount Pulag National Park in  Kabayan, Benguet causing a massive forest fire destruction of the richly verdant grassland. 

Initial Investigation revealed that the blaze was caused by a portable butane burner left by a group of hikers from Cebu. 

Firefighters arrived a the scene at around 7.10 p.m and were able to stopped the fire at 9.15 p.m.

After the incident, the DENR is planning to impose additional requirements for tourists visiting the park to ensure that such incident would not be repeated. 

Meanwhile, Mt. Pulag national park management team is looking for an open area to be designated as a place where tourists and visitors can cook. 

They also plan to require overnight campers to bring with them portable fire extinguishers whenever they planned to stay in the park overnight.

Butane Burner left by campers from Cebu. Photo Courtesy: BFP

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"Fallen Not Forgotten" SAF 44 heroism docu film to be screened at SM Baguio on January 24.

Image Courtesy to Fallen Not Forgotten official FB page.

Baguio City - A new documentary, Fallen not Forgotten, a film tribute to the heroism of the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police will be screened to the public in all designated movie theaters around the country on January 24, Wednesday.

Cinemas in Luzon that will screened the film to the public are the following

ROBINSON’S ILOCOS 

ROBINSON’S PAMPANGA 

SM BACOOR

SM BALIWAG

SM BAGUIO 

SM BATANGAS 

SM ROSALES 

SM CAUAYAN 

SM CLARK 

SM CABANATUAN

SM DASMA

SM LIPA

SM LUCENA 

SM NAGA

Produced by Caelistis Production, the documentary will featured reenactment of the heroic battle encountered by the 44 SAF leading in the killing of Malayasian terrorist Zulkifi Abdhir, who had a $5-million bounty from Washington.

Some of the events in the film were participated by SAF 44 survivors because they wanted to show the world what really happened, contrary to what others say that are alternative version. 

Watch the trailer of "Fallen, Not Forgotten."

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Looking for Job? The Benguet State University (BSU) needs many workers. Apply Now!

Cordillera - The Benguet State University (BSU) has posted on its website job vacancies that can be filled by those who are looking for work. Details about the job vacancy can be accessed through their website or you can see them below. Application period will start tomorrow (Jan. 19 - 24, 2018).

Two (2) Administrative Aide III
Place of Assignment: Dept. of Biology, OVPRE
Salary: PhP 473.00/day

* Two (2) Administrative Aide III (Driver)
Place of Assignment: Transportation and Automotive Services (TAS)
Salary: PhP 473.00/day

* One (1) Administrative Aide IV (Mechanic I)Transportation and Automotive Services (TAS)
Salary: PhP 508.00/day

*  Eleven (11) Administrative Aide IV
Place of Assignment: Registrar, Procurement Mgt. Office, VP for Academics, IRO, UPAO, OSS
Salary: PhP 508.00/day

* Five (5) Administrative Assistant II 
Place of Assignment: Office of Student Services
Salary: PhP 679.00/day

* One (1) Bookkeeper
Place of Assignment: Accounting Office
Salary: PhP 679.00/day

* Two (2) Laboratory Aide I
Place of Assignment: College of Agriculture-Animal Science, College of Forestry
Salary: PhP 440.00/day

* One (1) Science Research Assistant
Place of Assignment: Horticulture Research and Training Institute (HORTI)
Salary: PhP 730.00

* One (1)Test Technician II (Psychometrician)
Place of Assignment: Office of Student Services
Salary: PhP 679.00/day

* Two (2) Utility Worker I
Place of Assignment: University Library, Institute of Public Administration 
Salary: PhP 409.00/day

* Ten (10) Watchmen
Place of Assignment: Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC)
Salary:  PhP 420.00/day

* Three (3) Research Assistant (Job Order/Contract of Service)
Place of Assignment: DOST-PCHRD Project 8 
Salary: PhP 24,781.20/month 

Interested and qualified applicants regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, civil status, disability (PWD), ethnicity or political affiliation should signify their interests in writing by attaching the following documents:

1. Application letter (specifying the position applied for and its date of publication)
2. Fully accomplished Personal Data Sheet (PDS), including the Work Experience Sheet (CS Form No. 212 attachment Form) with recent passport-sized picture with name and signature (CS Form No. 212, series of 2017) which can be downloaded at www.csc.gov.ph
3. Photocopy of OTR or Certification of grades with the total units required for the degree (basis in the determination of units earned)
4. Photocopy of employment certificate(s)
5. Photocopy of eligibility (CSC or TESDA) or professional license
6. Photocopy of training certificates after graduation, within 
7. Certified photocopy of performance evaluation rating in the present position for one year preceding this publication (if applicable)
8. Photocopy of commendation or award certificates

source || BSU official website

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WATCH: Province of Ifugao featured in DENR's "Our Fragile Earth" Documentary.

Cordillera - The province of Ifugao in the northern part of Cordillera is featured in the 6th episode of a documentary series called "Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines" which is hosted by Senator Loren Legarda and directed by internationally acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza. 

The documentary series is conceptualized by Legarda and produced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), consists of 12 short documentaries that were shot by Mendoza on location and took two years to finish. 

WATCH ALSO: The Most Feared Weapon of the Igorot Warriors

"This series aims to educate citizens or our protected areas, which are critical in conserving our biodiversity that is essential to our existence and survival. Through this documentary series, Filipinos will learn more about our protected areas--richness of these areas and the challenges in conservation.  We want Filipinos to appreciate the unique natural heritage that we have and enjoin everyone to protect them," Legarda said. 

READ ALSO: WATCH: Korean TV features Cordillera's Unique Way of Farming

Protected areas are identified portions of land and water set aside by reasons of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. 

There are 240 identified protected ares in the country including the Ifugao Rice Terraces. 

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How Baguio housewives turn trash to cash and export them to major countries such as South Korea and Europe

An original and colorful placemat made by Baguio housewives. Photo || Just Project FB page

Cordillera - Some groups of housewives in Baguio city prove that waste or trash doesn't really have to be wasted but instead create an income out of it.

That is true, because in Baguio, some housewives are actually turning trash into cash by skillfully weaving junk food wrappers after they are washed, cleaned and dried to make some useful products such as bags and placemats.

By the help of Just Project Biotechnology, the housewives were contracted to make bags to be sold during the Baguio Flower Festival's Session Road in Bloom activity way back in 2015 according to Joseph Medez, a native of Baguio and owner of Just Project Biotechnology.

A Korean customer bought bags and got satisfied with the quality and later imported the products in his country.

"This is unexpected because this was just a family business. My customer, 34-year-old Korean Shiney Kim, bought bags in our stall and got satisfied with the quality, he continued patronizing until we decided to partner and export the products," Medez said.

Read Also:
WATCH: Baguio Bardilleranz earns first golden buzzer on PGT 2018 Season 6.

Medez explained that they prefer housewives to make the bags for them because they have the skill and they are enjoying their work as they do not even leave their home while earning additional income for their families.

A coin purse. Photo || Just Project FB page.

Through Just Project Biotechnology, products made by these housewives such as bags, placemats, key chains, purses, wallets, laptop bags, coaster and many more are now exported to South Korea, France, Taiwan, Europe and soon to Germany.

Prices start at Php800, depending on the item and size. They also customize bags according to the client's preference, which may cost up to Php 1,500.

Real Also: 
Baguio-raised girl selected deputy commander of the DLA Distribution Puget Sound in the U.S.

What makes their products stand out among other export items is their original design and the materials are patented, Medez said.

He said their products are the only ones made out of junk food wrappers.

source || PNA

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