Hollywood "Black Panther" movie inspired by Ifugao designs

Okoye, Danai Gurira’s  in Black Panther movie. Photo Courtesy || Marvel

Cordillera - Record-breaking movie by Marvel the "Black Panther has showcased some of the stunning African costumes including Ifugao's indigenous artifacts and Asian themes. 

According to Anthony Francisco, a senior visual development illustrator for Marvel, the garb that Dora Milaje (the elite, all-female group of the Wakandan) worn was partially inspired by Filipino tribal artifacts from Ifugao. 

Francisco who grew up in the Philippines told Buzfeed that he saw African artifacts mixed with tribal Filipino decor in his relatives' homes in Ifugao. He was inspired specially from the Ifugao tribe who live at the base of the Cordillera Region in the north of Luzon. 

This tribal inspiration shows up in the costume of Okoye, portrayed by actress Danai Gurira. The small golden rings hanging from the tassels at the side of her uniform were amulets, drawn from Filipino superstitious belief.

The word Ifugao means "people of the Earth" in English are known for their ancient rice terraces,  a UNESCO heritage site built by the ancestors of the tribe in 100 B.C.

The Ifugao tribe continues to preserve its rich cultural elements, including weaving, beading and tradition narrative chants. 

source || Huffington Post & Inquirer USA

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House OKs bill requiring hospitals to provide Free Dialysis

The House committee on health approved a substitute bill requiring government hospitals to provide free dialysis treatment to indigent patients.

The bill substituted House Bills 621, 2466, 3924, 4391 and 5503 and HR 244.

The bill mandates all government hospitals to establish, operate, and maintain a dialysis service facility in their respective hospitals.

It further provides for the establishment of affordable and accessible kidney transplant facilities in strategic areas across the country, as kidney transplantation has been shown to provide the highest quality of life for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

“The measure was crafted to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health developments. Specifically, to improve the delivery of healthcare services to patients with ESRD and encourage them to have a kidney transplant,” said committee chair Rep. Angelina Tan.

Moreover, the bill seeks to assist patients who pursue first peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis should there be contra-indications.

It also provides a screening policy for indigents, and establishes kidney disease prevention activities to benefit ESRD patients and their families.

Its provisions qualify an indigent as a patient with no or insufficient source of income or family subsistence, an indigent as identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development National Household Targeting System-Poverty Reduction (DSWD NHTS-PR), or an indigent but not listed in the NHTS as assessed by a municipal development officer.

Moreover, the bill recognizes the “catastrophic” financial drain caused by fighting kidney diseases.

The measure includes the expansion of the PhilHealth benefit package for kidney transplantation of renal replacement therapy for both the living and deceased donors.

It also expands the PhilHealth coverage for the processes involved in kidney transplantation—from assessment, evaluation, and screening-- to treatment procedures and remedies, and even rehabilitation of donors and recipients.

The bill is authored by Reps. Joseph Stephen Paduano, Arthur Yap, Alfredo Vargas III, Tan, Mark Go, and Carlos Isagani Zarate.

Among those present during the meeting were Tan, Go, Reps. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Estrelita Suansing, Lourdes Aggabao Elisa Kho, and Peter John Calderon. | CMBE

source || congress.gov.ph

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Ilocos Governor Imee Marcos - Adopted Daughter of Kalinga, named "Laggunawa"

Governor Imee Marcos wears traditional Kalinga attire during Kalinga's second Bodong Festival. Photo Courtesy||L Rose Cheo FB Page.

Cordillera - Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos was honored by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga as a "daugther of the province of the province during the gracing of Kalinga's second Bodong Festival and 23rd founding anniversary. 

Governor Marcos was given the name "Laggunawa" which means, "a beautiful and strong daughter of a tribal leader".

"Sakto yung pangalan ko, anak daw ng chief, kaya I'll have to live up to that name. Sabi nila, This ideal is what you should grow up to, so I must become Laggunawa. I am deeply honored by this endowment and I will treasure this resolution" Marcos said.

According to provincial tradition of Kalinga, being named a daughter of Kalinga is a customary ethnic practices which is a way of recognizing a person "who have singularly endeared themselves and contributed outstanding services to the people.

Sons and daughters of the province are granted certain privileges, including protection under the umbrella of the Kalinga Peace Pact institution of the Bodong Justice System "Pro-Pagta.

Governor Marcos also urged the opening of tourism routes from Ilocos Norte to the Cordilleran Region.

"Sapagkat ang nakikita lagi ay yung coastal - La Union hanggang Ilocos Norte. There's a very, very rich culture here at kitang-kita na iisa ang ating kultura whether upland, midland, or lowland," Marcos said.

She also supports the call for Apo Whang-od, the aging traditional mambabatok (tattooist) of Tinglayan Kalinga to be included as a National Living Treasure.

source: BBM

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TESDA pushes scholarship grants nationwide

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will bring its scholarships closer to those who want to avail of free skills training and even help its graduates in finding a job.

This after TESDA Director General Guiling ‘Gene” Mamondiong has stepped up the agency's promotion of the scholarship grants in the provinces, municipalities and districts, when he talked about the two-day National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Enrollment and Jobs Bridging which will be held on February 27-28.

Mamondiong said that the national TVET enrollment and jobs bridging will be held simultaneously nationwide in local government units (LGUs), sports complex, malls, municipal stadium, and other designated areas.

The event aims to reach out to people the various programs of TESDA which they may avail of, he said.

“This activity will be conducted in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Regional/Provincial Offices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), companies/industries, technical-vocational education institutions (TVIs) and other stakeholders,” said Mamondiong.

Enrollment is open to all Filipinos age 15 and above for those interested to pursue various technical-vocational (tech-voc) courses.

Requirements for the enrollment include valid ID or NSO birth certificate and 1x1 picture. On the other hand, job applicants should bring their TESDA certificate and resume.

Mamondiong said the event likewise aims to extend to assistance to TESDA graduates in finding employment.

This will serve as "social marketing" and "advocacy mechanism" of TVET and TESDA, he added.

Mamondiong said that the TESDA scholarship program is expected to serve as a driving force for change and upliftment of the lives of the of Filipino people who will contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

The TESDA chief has also released new rules in awarding scholarship grants under the 2018 Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), in line with the TESDA Reform and Development Agenda.

--Tesda Press Release || Date: 12-Feb-2017

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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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