Undefeated Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes Martin knocks out Thai foe in 3rd round.

Photo Courtesy || Carljammeswonderboy Martin

Cordillera - Promising young boxer from Ifugao  proved once again that he has the power punch of a champion after defeating his Thai opponent just before the end of the 3rd round. 

The 19-year old Martin didn't give any chances for the veteran Thai champion to dominate the fight as he scored two knockdowns in the first round and in the third round before finally ending the fight with TKO near the end of the third round.

Martin has now improved his undefeated record with 12 wins with all 11 wins coming by way of TKO.

READ ALSO: Igorota MMA fighter Gina Iniong wins at ONE: Clash of Legends in Bangkok

The young boxer is a native of Lagawe, Ifugao and had been training under his new coach Gerry Penalosa who is giving him a push in his career after his brother Abel asked help from Gerry to allow him to train in his gym after the gym where Martin used to train were destroyed by Typhoon Rosita. 

Peñalosa  donated three pairs of boxing shoes and two heavy bags to Martin  for his training. 

According to Peñalosa, Martin's explosiveness and left-handed punch reminds him of Manny Pacquiao's power. 

"The kid has charisma. He's not hard to talk to. Carl is explosive and left-handed. He reminds me of Manny and has tremendous power. What he lacks is experience. We won't rush him. We'll test him and bring him up slowly. By next year, he could be ready for a world title shot." Peñalosa said. 

At a young age, Martin revealed that Manny, Penalosa, and Z Gorres are his idols. Since he was a kid, he loves boxing and he hopes that one day, he'll make a name for himself in the ring as a champion as well. 

READ ALSO: Forbes picks 2 Igorot Martial Artists as Pacquiao's Successor

Like his cousin Stephen Loman, who is now a famous MMA fighter under Brave Combat Federation and his town mate Kevin Belingon under ONE Championship, Martin will soon become a new Cordilleran champion. 

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Igorota MMA fighter Gina Iniong wins at ONE: Clash of Legends in Bangkok

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay's female MMA fighter Gina "The Conviction" Iniong proved herself to be the better fighter tonight as she defeated her Malaysian foe Jihin "Shadow Cat' Radzuan at the ONE: Clash of Legends held in Bangkok, Thailand. 

29-year old Iniong from Baguio City showed greater experience in the ring as she outpoints her younger opponent from Malaysia.

READ ALSO: Forbes picks 2 Igorot Martial Artists as Pacquiao's Successor

After three rounds in the cage, all three judges scored the fight via split decision declaring the Igorota from Cordillera the winner. 

Iniong has now improves her professional MMA record with eight (8) wins and four (4) losses. 

READ ALSO: Undefeated Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes Martin knocks out Thai foe in 3rd round.

ONE: Clash of Legends is the first ONE Championship bout to be held in Thailand this year featuring Muay Thai fights and Mixed Martial Bouts including Iniong VS. Radzuan in the women's atomweight division.

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Important guidelines for tourists visiting beautiful town of SAGADA

Photo Courtesy || Bftamp Guides

Cordillera - The beautiful town of Sagada and its humble people are welcoming tourists around the world to come and visit their place and experience the unique culture of their people.

But before you pack your things and go to their place, the local government wanted to remind you of these simple guidelines that you should keep in mind when in Sagada.

Sagada's town mayor Mr. James Pooten issued these guidelines for tourists via the Philippine News Agency website.

All visitors are required to register at the tourism office where they pay certain fees like the environmental fee and guide fee among other fees.

"Travel agencies, groups, and individuals must register for the tours at the Tourist Information Office (TIO)," Pooten said.

He reminded the tourists to bring their official receipt with them which will serve as their entrance pass to the tourism sites.

Visitors who would like to visit the Echo Valley, Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave don't need to bring their car with them because the place is near and only require short walks. They can leave their cars at the designated parking area.

"Fetching of tourist is only allowed from Sumaguing cave back to the town center. There will be no designated parking space near the cave," Pooten added.

He said all tourist vehicles, whether private or government-owned, are required to park their vehicles during their stay in Sagada at their hotel parking or in pay parking areas.

"Only local transport shall be allowed to ferry tourist to identified sites. Registered municipal tourist shuttle will have one general line up stationed at the Tourist Information Center," he said, noting that this would assure that all tourists are accounted for and are safely back at their lodgings at night.

For accommodations, Pooten said that only LGU and Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited inns, hotels or home stays under the Sagada Inns and Hotels Association (SIHA) will be allowed to operate as accommodations.

These establishments must follow the standard pricing, he added.

Regarding waste management, Pooten said tourist are encouraged to bring their own refillable water tumblers and discourage from using plastic bottles.

Pooten also remind tourist to respect Sagada's culture especially when visiting sacred sites and participating in the local rituals.

"Please respect the culture. Keep a distance from rituals or any sacred sites. Do not touch or disturb coffins or burial sites. Do not attempt to join or film any rituals without direct permission from the presiding elders," he said.

"Do not disturb mass in the church or shoot videos/photos in or around the church during mass," Pooten added.

Sagada has so many places to spend time during the holidays and it's one of the most visited places in the Cordillera especially this coming months where a lot of festivals will be celebrated.

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9 Cordilleran policemen receive award for their hard work, cooperation and perseverance

Photo Courtesy || PIA - CAR

Cordillera - Nine Cordilleran police from different municipalities were awarded medals for their cooperation, hard work and perseverance.

Two different police medals were awarded to them. These are the Medalya ng Kalingan and Medalya ng Papuri.

The Medalya ng Kagalingan was awarded to Supt. Radino S. Belly, Senior Police Officer 2 Geofrey Langbayan, and SPO1 Benafin Dacuyong Jr. 

The cops received award after a successful anti-illegal drug operation that resulted in the confiscation of illegal drugs worth more than 3 million pesos in Kayapa, Bakun and Tacadang, Kibungan, Benguet last month.

TRENDING: NAPOLCOM says Cordilleran cops among most disciplined law enforcers in the country

Another Cordilleran cops who received the same award are Sr. Insp. Edwin Sergio, SPO1 Melvin Llanes, and SPO1 Arsenio Vidal, for serving a search warrant against Jomar Barbosa Puruggganan and the confiscation of 21 sachets valued at P102,690.20 during a drug bust on Feb. 1 in Sitio Pacpaco.

READ ALSO: 

Cordilleran Police Chief Supt. Empiso is the new head of PNP Special Action Force (SAF)

Ibaloi PNP-SAF presented exemplary award by President Duterte

Meanwhile, the Medalya ng Papuri was given to Insp. Nicasio Sacliwan, SPO3 Washington Kitongan and SPO2 Prudencio Tinong, for the arrest of Real Gold Boclongan Olsim, and Celso Bayongan Capuyan, who were arrested of illegal-drugs worth P17,043.52 in Purok Datu, Bulanao, Tabuk City Kalinga in January.

source || news.mb.com

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The Most Disciplined Cops in the Philippines - The Cordilleran Cops

Photo Courtesy || PNP

Cordillera - The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) listed cops from the Cordillera Administrative Region were among the country's most disciplined law enforcers.

The assessment report by NAPOLCOM which was released by the Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-COR) stated that Cordillera policemen were included in the country's top three most discipline cops.

The reason according to RIAS-CAR director Senior Superintendent Jimmy Catanes is that only 1.6 percent from the 6,224-strong regional police force have been subjected to charges ranging from simple to grave offenses only. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police S/Supt. Jesus Cambay to be promoted one star general

According to Catanes, this is so far the lowest ratios of policemen being charged among all the 17 regional police offices. 

"We are proud of our law enforcers from the Cordillera because of their professionalism in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities to serve and protect the people. We observed that law enforcers from the region are faring well compared to their counterparts from other regions, especially when it comes to discipline," Catanes said.

In order for this good reputation to continue, Catanes urged the public to help them in removing those so-called police "scalawags" who are  putting bad image to the police force by reporting them to the concerned authorities. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police Chief Supt. Empiso is the new head of PNP Special Action Force (SAF)

Last year Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde urged the police to never slow down in their works which requires deep commitment, dedication to duties in order to keep the community safe and peaceful.

"As Chief PNP, I want to underscore the fact that under my term, we will not leave no stones unturned in addressing the nation's peace and order problems particularly on illegals drugs and crime, as well as police scalawags," Albayalde said.

LATEST STORY: 9 Cordilleran police receives medals for their hard work, cooperation and perseverance

He repeatedly emphasized the importance of discipline in the ranks of the police as he sent the message to all commanders that they are responsible for disciplining their personnel.

WATCH: Cordillera Singing Cops

source || heraldexpress.com

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Forbes picks 2 Igorot Martial Artists as Pacquiao's Successor

Cordillera - Two Igorot martial artists are among the list of famous Filipino world champions in the Philippine combat sports that international business magazine Forbes picked as Pacquiao's successor once he hangs up his gloves for good. 

According to Forbes, it listed Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang and Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon among the possible fighters that could be in a position to succeed Pacquiao as the new face of Filipino combat sports. 

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Folayang has all the reasons to be in the list as Forbes says:

"He's currently in this second run as champion and he has been tabbed to main event his promotion's biggest show of the year on March 31 in Japan. Folayang will face Japanese legend Shinya Aoki in a high-profile rematch..."

READ ALSO: Cordilera's Team Lakay Champions recognized at the Senate

"If he can reaffirm his dominance over Aoki and bring the ONE title back to the Philippines, his already sizable popularity in his country will grow even more. Folayang has long been compared to Pacquiao by many, including ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Folayang has also said Pacquaio's career, success and way of life are part of what motivates him," Forbes added.

Another Igorot in the list is Belingon who currently holds ONE world bantamweight title. Belingon popularity in the world of combat sports is evident in his past fight where he defeated legendary Bibiano Fernandes via split decision during their second fight.

Photo Courtesy || Kevin Belingon

His speed and explosiveness are also comparable to Manny Pacquiao's style which he is known for. 

Belingon will be part of the ONE: NEW ERA card set for March where he is going to face Fernandes for the 3rd time. This fight will be a test for Belingon and a stepping stone for him to be in the Filipino MMA scene. 

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

"In March, the two men will have their rubber match. At 32, Belingon is younger than Folayang, but he needs a second win over Fernandes to entrench himself in the Filipino MMA scene and to be further established as one of the truly elite in his promotion and across the entire MMA scene." Forbes said.

The other three Filipino fighters included in the Forbes' list are Erwin Ancajas, Jhack Tepora and Michael Dasmarinas. 

source || Forbes

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) eyes to serve flights to-and-from Baguio

Cordillera - Visitors who want to visit the summer capital of the Philippines for a vacation may soon have the option to go by plane as soon as the Loakan airport re-opens for airlines. 

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has expressed its willingness to open flight to-and-from Baguio once the Loakan airport is going to be rehabilitated and reopened.

According to a report from Inquirer, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia relayed what the Civil Aviation of the Philippines (CAAP) said that the Loakan airport "needs improvements for safety purposes" before it can be used for commercial flights. 

READ ALSO:  SLU nursing grad praised for delivering baby girl in Philippine Airline flight

Pernia said that PAL is willing to open it's flights to the country's summer capital once the Loakan airport reopens and when CAAP gives the go signal to operate. 

The opening of the Loakan airport could reduce the travel time going to Baguio from Manila and vice versa. 

Currently, the travel time from Manila to Baguio by land is five to to eight hours considering traffic on the road compared to around 45 minutes if by plane.

The Loakan Airport is classified as class 2 principal airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and has been closed to commercial flights since 2009. The airport only serves chartered and military flights as of this moment.

With the plan of improving the airport to be able to accommodate commercial flights  presents considerable benefits for both businesses in the region as well as increase tourist arrivals in the Cordillera. 

The initial study conducted by RDC in 2013 had shown that the airport would not need  redesigning aside from the widening work to be made on its tarmac from the current 40 meters to 60 meters.

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Cordilleran Police S/Supt. Jesus Cambay to be promoted one star general

Cordillera - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to administer the oath of office to a newly promoted Cordilleran Police in a ceremony to be held at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

READ ALSO: NAPOLCOM says Cordilleran cops among most disciplined law enforcers in the country

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde will administer the oath taking to Senior Superintendent Jesus Cambay in his promotion to one-star general.

S/Supt. Cambay is a native of Lagawe, Ifugao and Baguio City and a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988.

Cambay was the head of Police Regional Office-6 (Western Visayas) and has been designated as the Commander of the Metro Boracay Task Force (MBTF) in leading the 610-strong police personnel deployed in Boracay, Aklan in preparation for the six months closure and rehabilitation of the famous Boracay Beach. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Police Chief Supt. Empiso is the new head of PNP Special Action Force (SAF)

During his leadership in the Boracay  index crimes fell by 80 percent. Only 10 cases of crime against property, including two robberies and eight theft, were recorded. 

As a professional, Cambay had served as the Police Director of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) in 2012.

He was also assigned in different areas in the Cordilleras, both in the provincial and the regional offices from 1989 to 2008. 

He has also received various police and military medals for his performance such as the Medalya ng Mabuting Asal, Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod and many other awards by various civic and socio-economic organizations. 

READ ALSO: 

Cordilleran soldier Pvt. Louis Dulawan promoted PSG Officer donned by President Duterte

Cambay is a product of Lagawe Central in Ifugao, he had his secondary education in Isabela State University Science High School at PMA and took up his Masteral Degree at the Baguio Central University. 

He was a graduate of local police courses in comptrollership, basic intelligence and senior officer executive course and in vital installation security in New Mexico, USA in 2003.

READ ALSO: Filipino from Cordillera successfully joins Canada's Royal Police Force

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Igorot runner finishes Hong Kong's most difficult trail run in 35th place

Photo Courtesy || avenuehk.com

Cordillera - It was not an easy run for anybody to finish an 89 kilometers with 8,620 meters of elevation in the span of two days. 

Just like Igorot Trail Runner, Jomar Buclay from Mountain Province, Philippines, he went through a lot of stinging and persistent discomfort during the race to finish in the 35th place. 

The 30-year old Buclay of Otucan, Bauko successfully finished the race in the recently concluded 9 Dragons Ultra that was held in Hong Kong on February 2, 2019. 

According to avenuehk.com, the running competition is an 89km super trail race where runners need to finish in nineteen (19) hours. The race started at 12:00 am of February 2, at Tai Tong Shan Rd. Yeun Long and finished in Tai Po Dr, Tai Po, New Territories. 

Buclay finished at position 35 with an elapsed time of 17 hours and 14 minutes from successfully running, climbing, and descending the most difficult trail run in Hong Kong. 

Only 82 runners including Buclay finished the race with 92 runners gave up from  the one-hundred seventy six (176) race participants.

Photo Courtesy || Jomar Buclay

The 9 Dragons Ultra is a challenging, multi-day trail and ultra running event held in Hong Kong. 

It crosses Kowloon and the New Territories in Hong Kong from West to East. The route uses a variety of trails including the world famous MacLehose and Wilson, among many others. 

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First Kimchi Factory in the Philippines to be built in Benguet

Cordillera - Kimchi - the famous traditional side dish that screams Koreans, may soon be produced in the Philippines and the factory will be located in the capital town of Benguet - La Trinidad. 

That is, if the Korean investors are successful in locating a suitable land for their proposed 3,000-hectare kimchi factory.

According to La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda, the Korean investors have not yet able to locate the said land area so they need to reduce the land size. 

Mayor Salda said that the local government is now helping the South Korean investors in locating a suitable land for the said factory which will add another avenue for vegetable farmers to sell their produce especially cabbage.

Establishing the first Kimchi factory in Benguet province will greatly help the local vegetable farmers considering that one of the top ingredients of Kimchi  are cabbage, radish, and other vegetables that can be produced in the province. 

TRENDING STORY: Survey says Igorots are among the 'healthiest' Pinoys in the country

"We were able to identify some public and private properties in the municipality which might be suitable for the proposed kimchi factory  but most of them were not able to pass the standard of the Korean investors that is why we continue to look for other areas that will be offered to them for the realization of their desired project that will contribute in spurring the significant increase of economic activities in the municipality," Mayor Salda said.

Mayor Salda said that the investors had reduced the land area for the proposed kimchi factory so that it could be easier to find a suitable land. This according to Salda shows how the Koreans are eager to set up the factory the soonest possible time. 

READ ALSO: Mobile App to help Cordillera farmers monitor oversupply of vegetables in advance

If the factory is going to push trough, it would not only benefit the farmers but also generate additional jobs to local residents of the province, according to Salda.

The market for Kimchi in the world market has grown significantly over the years and establishing a factory here in the Philippines would not be a problem because the supply of raw materials is abundant despite greater demands.

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