Abrenean Lucas Bersamin takes oath as Chief Justice before Durterte

Photo Courtesy || Presidential Communication

Cordillera - Newly appointed Supreme Court Justice Lucas Bersamin took his oath before Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday at the Malacanang Palace. 

Bersamin was accompanied by his family during the oath taking at the Heros Hall of Malacanang.

The president appointed Bersamin to replace former Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro who retired last October 8. 

Atty. Bersamin was appointed as the new Supreme Court Chief Justice last November 26, 2018 based on seniority.

The 69-year-old Bersamin is a native of Bangued, Abra, a brother of former Abra congressman Luis P. Bersamin.

Prior to his new appointment, Bersamin served as a trial court judge and appellate court magistrate before being appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009. He also served as a presiding judge of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 96 in 1986.

He was also appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the High Court in 2009. 

Bersamin studied law at the University of the East in 1973 and place top 9th in the Bar Examinations of the same year.


He was a recipient of the Judicial Excellence Award for Best Decision both in Civil Law and Criminal Law.

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Cordilera's Team Lakay Champions recognized at the Senate

Photo Courtesy || Eduard Folayang FB

Cordillera - Members of the Team Lakay are now the talk of the town and earlier paid a visit to the Philippine Senate and spend time with some of the senators.

In a photo shared by ONE World Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang, he and ONE Bantamweight Champion Kevin Belingon, ONE Flyweight Champion Geji Eustaquio, ONE Strawweight Champion Joshua Pacio,  Brave Combat Federation Champion Stephen Loman and Coach Mark Sangiao posed a photo with the senators.

With their individual ONE Belt hanging on their shoulders, the Cordilleran warriors proudly joined the senators in a photo shoot headed by Senate President Sotto along with Eight Division World Champion Manny Pacquiao, Migz Zubiri, former Senate president Pimentel and others.

Team Lakay Champions also posed with their cup of coffee at the senate house.

Photo Courtesy || Eduard Folayang

Last December 2, the city government of Baguio organized a "Parade of Champions" to honor Team Lakay dedication to the sport.

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We Love Baguio as Much as you do: A Friendly Message To Tourists Visiting Baguio

Photo Courtesy || DOT Cordilleras

We know for a fact that there are a lot of reasons to visit Baguio City. Aside from its chilly weather, you can enjoy the parks and pine trees, the ukay-ukay or pre-loved shops in Session Road, the food, and of course the strawberries, from strawberry picking to strawberry taho (soya), strawberry ice cream and to strawberry jam! And not the least, the Ube Jam at Good Shepherd and more! As the city progresses and grow, a lot of tourists drove at the city every year that makes the city one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

HOWEVER, as the tourist continues to deluge, the challenge starts arising. When a city becomes a tourist destination, it could be good and hurtful at once. It’s good due to economic benefits, and hurtful since perhaps we can damage the place. How?

Generally speaking, traffic is getting worse. Yes, the traffic is jammed! Baguio City has become a blockbuster hit when it comes to the long lines of vehicles. 

And if you went to Baguio years ago, the trip is different even without the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) or TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan Expressway) the travel time is extended, but you will never get stuck in traffic. 

Like, what a lot of people complaining about today. This shows how bad the traffic congestion within the city. Also people rushing around the city streets looked like ants running in the subways of an ant farm.

Then the garbage, this is the worse part. Baguio City is overwhelmed with mountains of rubbish. Litter is everywhere. Garbage bins are overflowing with trash. Could it this be really worse? Yes, it is! Compared to the Baguio City we knew before. Fresh and clean.

We cannot just blame tourist for these problems definitely residents are responsible too. Though it is fair to say that tourist have big contribution especially on holidays and during peak seasons.

With this letter for our tourists who have plans to visit Baguio City, may this serves as a friendly reminder that we people have to be very responsible in preserving Baguio city or any other tourist spots we visit. We take something beautiful from nature in return we must take care of the nature. Isn’t it nice to see that our future children will be able to enjoy or experience the same beautiful place we enjoyed?

Book Budget Hotels in Baguio

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Since traffic is jammed. I recommend for tourist not to bring their car as much as possible. This would greatly reduce the number of cars along the narrow roads of Baguio thus avoiding the change of traffic congestion to happen. Instead use public transport and enjoy travelling Baguio with others 

However, if you can’t take riding a bus and it really is convenient for you to bring a car my suggestion would be yes bring it. But to avoid being stuck and get frustrated in the streets of Baguio because your time has been wasted waiting for the traffic to move, park your car in your hotel and enjoy sightseeing on foot. Walking is the best option you got to roam around Baguio City. You will really appreciate and feel the chills when you are walking. Rather in a car stuck in traffic.

You will save your time going around the Baguio City. Not just your time, you can save gas too! And with that, you were able to help to lessen the traffic and pollution. And at the same time, you will love the city vibes of Baguio.

And the trash, please, Baguio City is not a dump site for garbage. It is a tourist destination for people. Aren’t you disappointed seeing trashes everywhere?

There are garbage bin everywhere, but it is not enough to accommodate all the trashes produced by the thousands of people in Baguio City. Little things make a difference. If you see the bin is overfull, have an initiative to dispose it properly not around or near the full trash bin. Our advice is better take your garbage with you and dispose them at home or in your hotel.

Have you ever imagined walking in a Burnham park or at the streets of Baguio rubbish free? It feels good, right? Why not make it that way?

Let’s discipline ourselves everywhere please do practice it not just inside your homes. Treat not just the Baguio City but in every place you are going to make it clean and green.

These things aren’t too much to ask. Let’s help Baguio City maintain is clean surrounding and relaxing atmosphere. Thank you!

Enjoy your stay in Baguio City – The City of Pines. Merry Christmas! Have a blast!

Contributed by Jean Sams

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Igorot lady cop returns P40,000 lost cash belonging to a senior citizen

Photo Courtesy || Pnp Cordillera

Cordillera - A female officer from the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-COR) had returned a lost sling bag containing over P40,000 cash to a senior citizen, according to Pnp Cordillera.

According to Chief Inspector Thrislyn Sagpaey, she found the sling bag in front of the Health 101 Restaurant in KM. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet when she was about to enter the place. 

Sagpaey tried her best to locate the owner of the bag but she couldn't find the owner so she opened the bag and found P39,958.75 cash, a pair eyeglasses, two pens and a cellphone which she later used to call the son and told him they can claimed the lost sling bag from her. 

The owner of the bag is George Walsiyen, 78-year old from Betag La Trinidad, Benguet. He said, he lost his sling bag on November 27 when he went out to pay his taxes.

Informed that his sling bag has been found, he went to the Regional Operation Plans Division to claim it. 

He offered a cash reward to Sagpaey who found the bag but the officer refused to accept it. 

Sagpaey said, the feeling of happiness from the statement of the owner saying "Thank You, I hope you will be successful in life" is more valuable.

Delighted over the honest female officer, PRO-COR took pride of Sagpaey and commended her for her deed.

"The act of Sagpa-ey is indeed one of the many Philippine National Police's good deeds that need to be shared and emulated by all. We commend the rightful deed of an honest cop and we hope that said good deed will inspire other personnel to do the same given the situation," PRO-COR Director Rolando Nana said in a statement via Sunstar.

source || Pnp Cordillera

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Rescued NPA fighter in Kiangan, Ifugao reunited with his mother after 5 years of separation

Photo Courtesy || Hukbo

Cordillera - A former NPA fighter was rescued and reunited to her mother at the Battalion Headquarters 54IB, 5ID, PA, Tiger Hill, Sitio, Ibulao, Kiangan, Ifugao last November 30, 2018. 

The mother emotionally embraced and cried after seeing his long lost son. She couldn't believe that she can see her son alive after 5 years of hiding in the mountains. 

"The mother emotionally embraced her long lost son with tears of joy and happiness that she personally touched her son physically, while Ka-Iyong comforted his mother and expressed his feelings by asking sorry for what he has done while emotionally crying," according to Hukbo.com.

Troops of 54th Infantry (Magilas) Battalion (54IB) successfully facilitated the reunion of the mother and son. 

Ms. Analyn, the mother thanked the soldiers for rescuing his son and giving him care during the battle between the soldier and the rebels lately. 

"Ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat at taos pusong nagagalak sa mga kasundaluhan ng makita ko na buhay ang aking anak sapagkat ako ay alalang-alala sa nangyaring enkwentro, bagkus siya ay inaruga ng mga sundalo," Analyn said.

Meanwhile Ka-Iyong, comforted her mother saying not to worry because the soldiers didn't harm him instead they took care of him during the encounter. 

"Huwag ka nang mag-alala sapagkat nasa mabuti na akong kalagayan, hindi nila ako sinaktan bagkus ako ay inalagaan ng maayos ng mga sundalo mula noong ako ay nahuli sa lugar ng engkwentro," Ka-Iyong said to his mother. 

Ka-Iyong was very happy that he was rescued and given a second change to change his life and comeback to the society. 

LTC Narciso B Nabulneg Jr, Commander of 54IB said that "the men and women of 54IB were very glad that a former NPA fighter was rescued and reunited to his mother after 5 long years of separation. 

"This would be a wonderful gift filled with joy this Christmas season," Nabulneg said.

Nabulneg also issued a call to NPA members to lay down their arms and go back to the folds of the law and enjoy the Christmas with peace and joy in their hearts and minds and celebrate New Year with a new life and a bright future like Ka-Iyong. 
source || Hukbo.com

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The igorot warriors that bring Philippine MMA to the world's spotlight

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay Official FB

Cordillera - No one could ever disagree with the words of ONE Championship CEO and chairman Chatri Sidyodthong that Team Lakay is the number one team in the world. Team Lakay's success in the MMA arena is collectively worked out by the Igorot martial artists who dedicated lots of their time and effort in this particular sport. For them, martial arts is a passion they love doing. It's a career that is fulfilling and a sport they care about and are willing to share to others.

Their dedication to the sport has been  rewarded abundantly. This year is a great milestone for them as they took home five world championship belts in different weight classes; four under the banner of ONE championship and one under Brave Combat Federation. 

Eduard "The Landslide Folayang" just recently became ONE Lightweight World Champion last November  23, 2018. 

Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon became the ONE Bantamweight World Champion early in November. 

Joshua Pacio became the ONE Strawweight World Champion in September.

While Geje Eustaquio became the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion in June.

Stephen Loman on the other hand, became Brave Bantamweight World Champion. 

Yes, it's five world championship belts that they had taken and brought home to the Philippines. 

These are the Igorot heroes that brought the Philippines Mixed Martial Arts to the world's spotlight. Because of them,  Philippines is now known to have the best mixed martial artist in the world. 

The successful journey of Team Lakay from its humble beginning up to becoming the number one team in the world is a product of teamwork and humility. 

As Eduard Folayang - the newly crowned world lightweight champion said, " We help each other so that we can be able to have these belts." 

To honor the big contribution of the legendary martial arts heroes and the champs of Team Lakay, the city government of Baguio organized the "Parade of Champions" on December 2, 2018.

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Health Benefits of drinking "Tapuy": Cordillera's traditional rice wine

Photo Courtesy || PhilRice

You might have heard of  Tapuy when you visited Baguio or some places in the Cordilleras. You might have even tasted and got intrigued with this one-of-a-kind local drink. Stalls in major souvenir shops sell bottles of Tapuy in different varieties. The most popular one is the red rice wine. But, do you know the benefits you can get from drinking rice wine or Tapuy?

What is Tapuy/Tapey?

Tapuy is a traditional Cordilleran alcoholic beverage made from fermented steamed glutinous rice (red or white) and yeast (locally known as bubud). 

In Japan they call it sake, makgeolli in Korea and brem in Bali. Rice wine is a popular alcoholic drink in South East Asia. While Tapuy is the local wine in Cordillera.

Rice wine  isn't only used as a beverage but used in different cuisines as well.  Research studies conducted about rice wine suggested that it is beneficial for health in many ways.  But did you know that  Tapuy offers many  health benefits just the same? Tapuy contains essential amino acids, sugars and organic acids, as well as vitamins and minerals.


These are some of the health benefits of Tapuy you probably didn't know.

• It promotes blood circulation.
• It reduces inflammation.
• It improves immunity and metabolism.
• It serves as an anti-bacterial substance.
• It helps improve the skin's protective function or slows down the signs of aging by protecting the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays.
• It helps with the destruction of free radicals that cause cancer.
• It boosts stomach health because of  the presence of lactic acid bacteria which are considered probiotic.

Read Also: Survey says Igorots are among the 'healthiest' Pinoys in the country

Tapuy, specially the kind that was made from red glutinous rice offers anti-oxidant benefits. A study published in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation shows that "red rice wine is a new and healthier version" of Tapuy. The pigmented rice  was used in this particular wine which is an excellent source of anti-oxidant.

Photo Courtesy || Pixabay.com

Another interesting health benefits of rice wine is its anti-cancer potential. A study conducted by scientists from the Korean Food Research Institute discovered that dealcoholized rice wine could eliminate gastric cancer cells in mice. They found out that the size of gastric tumors was reduced after the mice were injected with non-alcoholic makgeoli mixture for 7 weeks. The study suggests that plant extract used in the drink have an anti-cancer effect. (michaelrucker.com). 

So, the next time you drop at your favourite souvenir shops in Baguio, grab a bottle of Tapuy and enjoy the health benefits that comes with it. Just remember to drink moderately and responsively. 

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Benguet State University now ISO 9001:2015 certified

Cordillera - Benguet State University (BSU) had announced that it is now an ISO 9001:2015 certified university. 

The university has gone through numerous documenting and operational procedures to improve its Quality Management System, satisfy requirements of relevant interested parties, and provide quality education and innovative research aligned with sustainable development and client satisfaction.

The ISO (International Standards Organization) is an independent, non-governmental, international organization who promote worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial standards. Specifically, the ISO 9001:2015 standard is an international recognition  given to organizations who implemented a rigorous and effective quality management system.

The ISO 9001 certification means that the university fulfilled the requirements in ISO 9001 and passed the evaluation of the university Quality Management System (QMS) in terms of effectiveness and the right implementation of improvements.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification came after the university followed the 24 Opportunities for Improvement (OFI) and recommendations presented by TUV Rheinland team led by Mary Grace Balobalo on October 22-23, 2018. 

Having this new standardization program, it provides the BSU many benefits  including better process integration, and improved staff and students engagement. It also helps in the better decision making, improvement of customer satisfaction and improvement in the credibility and image of the university.

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Benguet province poised to become top producer of high value tomato in 2019

Photo || Pixabay

Cordillera - The province of Benguet will soon become the top producer of high value tomato in 2019 after a project called KSmart Project was launched by the Department of Agriculture to beef up the use of smart greenhouse.

DA Secretary Manny Pinol said a $2.43 million grant from the South Korean government will fund the KSmart greenhouse project. 

He said that 'eighteen units of Smart Greenhouses each capable of producing 18 metric-tons of salad tomatoes will be constructed in different locations in Benguet'. 

The said project will transform Benguet province not only a producer of sweet strawberries but also the country's biggest producer of high value tomato salad. 

The greenhouse project is one of the MOU signed between the Philippine government and the South Korean government in a bilateral meeting after President Duterte visited Korea early June this year. 

The memorandum of agreement was signed by Sec, Manny with the Korean Agency for Education and Public Information Service (EPIS) for the implementation of the Smart Greenhouse Program.

Sec.Manny and members of the Philippine delegation attended a training on Smart Agriculture that showcases Greenhouse farming in Chonju Province, South Korea. 

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"The participants were impressed with modern farming technology where tomatoes grow on Coconut Peat imported from the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam," Pinol wrote on his FB page.

The DA secretary is committed to included in the 2020 DA budget an allocation for more greenhouses as soon as the project proves effective.

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Biodegradable plastic bags made from potatoes: An innovation challenge for Cordillerans

Photo Courtesy || Bosigan Multipurpose Cooperative

Can we actually make plastic bags out of potatoes? Surprisingly, yes! There’s nothing impossible nowadays. Potatoes can be an answer to plastic pollution.

Did you know that a plastic bag from potato  was accidentally discovered by a twenty four year old Swedish designer Pontus Tornqvist? This kind of plastic is biodegradable and can actually decompose in soil in just two months compared to regular plastic which lasts for 450 years or more.

In fact, a plastic bag or wrapper made from potatoes can be edible. Imagine  buying your favorite treats in a plastic wrap or a soda drink  in a plastic container and straw made from potatoes. After consuming the goodies, you then proceed eating the wrappers or containers that came with it. That will be a huge help in solving plastic pollution because you reduce the use of non-biodegradable plastics.

Cutlery made from potato. Photo Courtesy || the Sun

The good thing is, Cordillera has an abundance of potatoes. One can use it for his pinikpikan dish and french fries 'merienda' and now it can be used to create plastic bags.

Now that a plastic bag and cutlery can be made from potatoes, Cordillerans can put those potatoes including those rejected ones into good use. Since the raw materials are locally available, it is an advantage for interested researchers and inventors to learn from Tornqvist's original idea with his existing invention, enhance his techniques  and come up with the same or other unique biodegradable and eco-friendly products.

Coming up with a valuable invention that can help solve people’s problems doesn’t need to have complicated materials, equipment or process. The Swedish Pontus Tornqvist used mainly potato starch, water and glycerol to make a thick mixture by heating then placed into molds then heated further until solid.

Pontus Tornqvist. Photo Courtesy || the Sun

The human inquisitive nature is just perfect for this kind of  innovation. Brilliant  Cordillerans may be able to make biodegradable plastic bags using different raw materials from their backyard, that  have similar texture and components with potatoes.

This is an environmental campaign to share awareness of what we can do to contribute in solving the problems that we now face regarding plastic pollution not only in the Philippines but worldwide.

The Philippines is one of the five countries that produce half of the world’s plastic waste with almost 7,000 tons of plastic wasted everyday which mostly ends up polluting bodies of water according to the 2015 report of Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment.

It is such an alarming situation that 80 percent of pollution in the sea with eight million tons of plastic waste each year comes from the land as reported by the UN. This water pollution not only endangers but kills millions of marine life and destroys the marine ecosystem overtime. Worst, it affects the populace as well.

Different government Agencies and NGO's are looking into ways to reduce the negative impacts of plastic pollution and find a solution for this problem on the long run. The city of Baguio and other major cities in the country move to impose ban on single-use plastics as a support to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Since we all use plastic products and has become an integral part of our daily activities, we should be aware of the catastrophic threats this plastic pollution can do not only to the environment but to our health as well.

Some informed individuals are already taking part in preventing more plastic pollution by reducing the use of plastic through constant practice of garbage segregation and proper waste disposal by reusing, reducing and recycling while adopting alternatives for plastic products by using personalized tumblers, mugs, cloth bags, and other eco-friendly items.

Some  municipalities in Cordillera are already implementing the "no plastic bags" at the market so everyone is encouraged to use biodegradable wraps and bring their own bags and “bayong” when going shopping.

Now it's high time to help protect the environment. Creating  eco-friendly plastic bags from potatoes could greatly help. The solution to plastic pollution is just around our backyard.

sources
https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9046845/potato-plastic-the-plastic-made-from-potato-starch/

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