Heroes' Lounge for cops and soldiers now open in 24 airports nationwide

Cordillera - Traveling soldiers and Police personnel can now use a comfortable lounge in 24 different airports nationwide.

This is after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has put up Heroes' Lounge in various airports across the country as a gesture to the heroism of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the construction of the said lounge is to honor the heroism of the soldiers and the Police.

"The initiative was launched to show appreciation and gratitude to the country's military men and police officers for their sacrifices towards peace and in the defending and securing the nation from harm," the Department of Transportation said in a statement.

The Heroes' Lounge will accommodate traveling uniformed personnel, including those retired, Medal of Valor awardees, and their immediate families traveling with them.

The Lounge is furnished with comfortable seats and relaxing interiors and free WIFI connection.

Below is the list of the 24 airports that offers Heroes Lounge:

Puerto Princesa International Airport

General Santos International Airport

Zamboanga International Airport

Davao International Airport

Kalibo International Airport

Laoag International Airport

Iloilo International Airport

Butuan Airport

Laguindingan Airport

Bacolod-Silay Airport

Cotabato Airport

Tacloban Airport

Dipolog Airport

Dumaguete Airport

Legazpi Airport

Naga Airport

Pagadian Airport

Roxas Airport

San Jose Airport

Bohol-Panglao International Airport

Tuguegarao Airport

Virac Airport

Cauayan Airport

Ozamiz Airport 

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Baguio suspends classes on January 27, 2020 at 12 noon onward for Chinese New Year Parade

Cordillera - Classes on Monday (January 27, 2020) for pre-school to tertiary level in both public and private have been suspended in Baguio City to pave way for the Chinese New Year Parade.

In an Executive Order No. 13-2020, issued by Mayor Benjie Magalong today (Jan. 21, 2020),it also stated the closing of Session Road (going up and down) and road in front of Casa Vallejo up to NBI-CAR are on Monday, January 27, 2020 from 12 noon to 6 p.m..

Parking along Session road in the morning of January 27 is also prohibited for the preparation and installation of rope stands. 


READ ALSO: 

Baguio kids wrote to Duterte: " Dear President, Please do not allow them to cut our trees here in Baguio.

Here is a copy of the Executive Order No. 13-2020 courtesy of Baguio Public Information Office Facebook page.

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Baguio kids wrote to Duterte: " Dear President, Please do not allow them to cut our trees here in Baguio.

Photo Courtesy || PTV, PCOO

Cordillera -- Kids in Baguio who loves trees are the newest advocates of environmental protection put pen to paper to beseech President Duterte to stop the cutting of trees in the city of Baguio.

"Dear President, Please do not allow them to cut our trees here in Baguio. This is our future. I love trees."

Those were the words of one of the six-grader elementary pupils from the Baguio Pines Family Learning Center (BPFLC) who sent a letter to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through city Mayor Mauricio Domogan. 

READ ALSO: Baguio suspends elementary, High School classes on Panagbenga Grand Opening (Feb. 1, 2019)

According to Philippine News Agency, the pupils wrote to Duterte to asked for help to keep and maintain the pine tree park beside the Baguio Convention Center and prevent it from being sold. 

On Monday afternoon, the kids were accompanied by their teachers and school head to the office of the city Mayor and turned over 67 letter to Domogan which they asked him be transmitted to President Duterte.

"I am very determined to help preserve and protect the pine tree forest near convention center. Every time we have our urban walk, we always pass along that area and it gives us a breathing space," Nikki Flores, a student of BPFLC said.

Nikki said preserving the environment, specially saving the park, is important in providing fresh and clean air for the people of Baguio.

As one who suffers from asthma, the Grade 6 pupil said the plants in the park, which release oxygen into the air, will help people like her living in the city.

READ ALSO: Honest Baguio taxi driver hands back forgotten cellphone to owner

"Its getting hotter every day, and I am having difficulty in breathing. Pine tress are giving me access to fresh air," she said.

She said that as children, they are supposed to enjoy their childhood with fresh air and a healthy environment. 

"In my age, I have been exposed to over development leading to the exploitation or our natural resources, there is cutting of trees, buildings are everywhere," she said.

READ ALSO: Baguio City is home to the most honest taxi drivers in the Philippines

Nikki said "progress does not mean pollution and over-development. If that is how we see progress, its basically a destruction. 

source || PTV

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Unlimited coffee to be served during La Trinidad's Coffee Festival 2020 set on Feb. 4-8

Coffee || Pixabay.com

Cordillera -- Are you a coffee lover and enthusiast who absolutely looking for opportunities to drink your favorite caffeinated drinks serves fresh and unlimited?

Well, here is your chance to satisfy your craving of coffee because Benguet's capital La Trinidad is going to celebrate it's coffee festival this year slated on February 4 to 8 with the theme "Aroma of Coffee, Harmony of Community".

You will also have  the opportunity to buy local coffee products directly from the coffee growers so you are 100 percent guaranteed to get the best and fresh coffee from Benguet.

Calendar of activities during the said festival includes coffee facilities and farm visit, coffee education and conference, barista demonstration, coffee cupping, roasting and showcasing of different coffee products of Benguet province including unlimited coffee drinking.

The festival was just launched last 2018 and it aims to promote coffee farming in the town of La Trinidad.

In can be recalled that Benguet is one of the source of the best Arabica in the Philippines. Last year, the locally grown Arabica coffee in Benguet emerged as the champion and named as the best coffee in the Philippines during the 3rd Philippines Coffee Conference held in Baguio on March 21 - 22.

So, marked these dates in your calendar and don't forget to bring your cup so you can have a taste of the best coffee in the country. 

Read Also: Benguet has the best Arabica Coffee in the Philippines - coffee experts say

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January 25, 2019: Remembering the bravest commandos of our land: SAF 44

Cordillera - Every January 25th of the year, we remember the gallantry of the 44 fallen members of the Special Action Forces (SAF 44), 14 of whom are Cordillerans who bravely went to Mindanao and fought members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters four years ago. 

This is the day that we are all reminded of the gallantry of the 44 young men who showed courage in the line of fire. 

On January 25, 2015, members of the Special Action Force (SAF) were tasked in a police operation codenamed Oplan Exodus intended to capture or kill wanted Malaysian terrorist and other wanted persons of the BIFF. The operation lead to the death of forty-four members of the SAF including numerous people from MILF and BIFF. 

Retired police Director Benjamin Magalong said the death of the troopers did not go in vain, as their passing is a vindication for the neutralization of the most wanted person - "Marwan" and Usman.

The 14 SAF commandos from Cordillera:

PO2 Peterson Carap of Kabayan, Benguet, 

PO1 Gringo Cayang-o of Sadanga, Mountain Province,

PO2 Joel Bumidang Dulnuan of Nueva Viscaya

PO1 Angel Kodiamat of Bontoc, Mountain Province, 

PO2 Jerry Kayob of La Trinidad, Benguet, 

PO2 Nobel Kiangan of Mankayan, Benguet, 

PO3 Noel Golocan of Mankayan, Benguet and Sagada, Mountain Province, 

PO2 Walner Danao of Irisan, Baguio City, 

PSI Gednat Tabdi of La Trinidad, Benguet, 

PSI Cyrus Anniban of Balbalan, Kalinga, 

PO3 Robert Allaga of Banaue, Ifugao, 

PO2 Franklin Danao of Tinoc, Ifugao, 

PO2 Nicky De Castro Nacino Jr. of Baguio City and Aurora Province, 

PO1 Russel Bilog of Tabuk City, Kalinga and Sagada, Mountain Province 

The Office of the Presidential Spokeperson posted today in the official FB page National Day of Remembrance to the 44 SAF members.

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How to avail PHP100,000 Centenarian CASH Gift for your Lolos and Lolas who reached 100 years old

Cordillera - If you have grandparents who are nearly reaching 100 years of age then it is time for you to help them prepare needed documents for them to avail of the cash incentives provided by the government of the Philippines to any Filipino who have reach the age of 100. 

Under Republic Act 10868, all Filipinos who reach the age of 100 will receive cash gift worth PHP100,000 and a letter of felicitation from the President of the Philippines, whether they are residing in the country or abroad. 

READ: Centenarian Lolo in Bontoc received P100,000 pesos from Government:

Aside from that, they will also be awarded with a plaque of recognition and additional cash gift from their respective city or municipality, to be determined by the local government.

How can a centenarian avail of the cash gift?

According the guidelines set forth by the Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD, a centenarian who wish to avail of the incentives must present his or her birth certificate or Philippine passport for verification of the C/MSWDO and OSCA. If said documents are not available, the centenarian may present his or her senior citizen's identification card (ID) or any other Philippine-issued ID which shows his or her citizenship and date of birth.

If all of the above mentioned documents and IDs are not available, they can present a marriage certificate, old school documents, baptismal or confirmation records and birth certificate of children. 

In the event that your lolo or lola has no written documents or papers to show, they can make an affidavit executed by at least two (2) disinterested persons at least 80 years old with personal knowledge of the centenarian's actual age or date of birth.

When all the required documents or affidavit are complete, the immediate families or relatives of the centenarian can submit them at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO). The MSWDO will verify to ensure that all the necessary documents are complete and will provide technical support and guidance in what to do next. 

READ ALSO: 100 year-old Igorot man credits long life and health with eating camote, banana and squash

The process usually takes time for the MSWDO to finish after which they will forward the verified documents to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer for review and referral at the DSWD-Regional Office. The DSWD will also undertake continuous monitoring of the identification of beneficiaries and disbursement of funds. 

Once verified, the incentives will be released to the centenarian on the first Sunday of October or during the actual 100th birthday of the beneficiary, according to DSWD. 

source || DSWD.

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Igorot boxer Alvin Tam knocks out Mexican foe in 4th round in Canada

Photo Courtesy || Alvin Tam

Cordillera - A proud Igorot professional boxer based in Canada, Alvin Tam was celebrating his huge victory over his Mexican opponent.

Tam scored a fourth round knockout victory against Mexican Rutlio Romero in the undercard of the Dekada Contender Card at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Canada.

Alvin Tam is a former WBC Asian champion and  the son of legendary Igorot boxer Rey Tam from Kapangan, Benguet. Alvin is an all action fighter who comes for the knockout in every fight. He fought on the road and was given losses that motivated him to train more. 

Read Also: 

Filipino from Cordillera successfully joins Canada's Royal Police Force

Mark Preston Lopez - Fulbrigther from Bontoc receives prestigious award from the University of Florida

His recent fight had proved him that he is going to excel in his boxing career as he came out victorious via knockout in the 4th round. That win gave him his 2nd straight victory since moving to Canada in 2015.

He arrived in Canada in 2015, found a gym and waste no time to trained hard. With the strong support of the Filipino community in Canada and his team Bowmont Boxing Club, Tam has became one of the most exciting fighter in the world.

According to Dekada, Alvin's style is exciting and reminiscent of the great Mexican fighters like Barrera and Marquez.

Watch his latest fight below

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Baguio City hits lowest temperature at 9.4 degrees Celsius as of 6 AM today

Cordillera - Baguio City's mercury dropped to 9.4 degrees Celsius at 6 A.M. Friday morning, setting a new record for the lowest temperature for 2020. 

This is the lowest temperature recorded this year since the peak of "amihan" (northwest monsoon).

The lowest recorded temperature in Baguio was 6.3 Celsius on January 18, 1961.

Some parts of Benguet has lower temperature than Baguio City like Atok, Benguet which can hit a record of 2 degrees Celsius. 

The cold front from China has intensified and made the "amihan" (northwest monsoon wind) stronger, causing the dip in temperature from Luzon to Visayas, according to Pagasa.

To protect someone from the bad effect of the cold weather, residents and tourists in Baguio are advised to dress warmly and wear warm and waterproof footwear.

They should dress in layers, wear clothes with wind resistant outer layer, wear a hat and mittens. If necessary they should also wear facemask and scarf or neck tube.

When is is very cold or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Protect the body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers, and toes because these are the parts that easily lose heat fast.

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Joshua Pacio VS Yosuke Saruta rematch set on April 12 in Manila

Updated: 

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio is set for a rematch against ONE Strawweight World Champion Yosuke Saruta in the Co-Main event of ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR at the Mall of Asia in Manila on April 12. 
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It wasn't an easy bout for the Igorot fighter from the famed Team Lakay gym of Baguio city to defend his ONE strawweight titlte against challenger Yosuke Saruta. 

The 23-year old lost the five-round match via razor-thin split decision in the main event of ONE: ETERNAL GLORY in Jakarta, Indonesia last Saturday. 

It was a close decision verdict by the judges that favored the Japanese fighter due to his aggressiveness and effective take downs in the final rounds. But Pacio was able to deliver impressive counter-punches thus making the match very close. 

A rematch between the two is inevitable to happen very soon considering the very close decision from the judges that both fighters agreed if ONE championship would push through.

"If ONE tells me to do the rematch then, bring it on. I never say no to a match. I'll fight anyone at anytime," Saruta said about the possible rematch.

Meanwhile, Pacio accepted his loss and said the fight was a huge learning experience for him. 

"Agree or not, I have to agree because that's the decision of ONE Championship so next time I fight, I need to win convincingly," Pacio said.

"This fight is a huge learning experience. The loss motivates me to keep training and improve my weakness in both my attacks and defense," he added.

Asked about the potential second fight with Saruta, Pacio is much willing to do it again as much as possible.

"I want a rematch right away but it would still depend on ONE. I'm motivated to come back and I can't wait to train again and return to the cage," Pacio responded.

Besides, no less than the CEO and Chairman of ONE Championship Chatri Sidyodthong suggested there will be a rematch because he was very disappointed about the result. In his perspective, Pacio clearly won the fight. 

"My personal opinion, as a life-long martial artist, I think Joshua Pacio won the fight. I was very disappointed," Sityodthong said.

"Just for me, from my perspective, I thought Joshua won. so yes there will be a rematch," he added.

On January 25th, Pacio's team mates, ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje Eustaquio will defend his title against former opponent Adriano Moraes in the main event of ONE: Hero's Ascent at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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Baguio suspends tertiary level classes, both public and private on Panagbenga Grand Opening (Feb. 1, 2020)

Cordillera - Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong has issued an executive  order suspending classes for tertiary level in both public and private schools on  February 1, 2020 for the celebration of the 25th Panagbenga Festival this year. 

Magalong issued an executive order No. 19 Series of 2020 announcing the said suspension for the grand opening of the city's annual celebration of Panagbenga, also known as the Baguio Flower Festival. 

The mayor issued the EO upon consultation with the Commission on Higher Education to give equal opportunities to tertiary level students to watch the highlight of the Panagbenga grand opening. 

The month long celebration of Panagbenga 2020 will carry the theme "Blooming Through The Years" is packed with so many activities that all residents, both local and tourists can participate.

Panagbenga is an annual flower festival celebrated every February in the city of Baguio that reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. It lasts over a month long and flourishes through community spirit involvement.

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