Department of Agriculture launches 'state-of-the-art' greenhouse in Baguio city

Photo Courtesy || Manny Pinol

Cordillera - Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol led the launching ceremony of the nine 'smart greenhouses' on Friday at the Bureau of Plant Industry located in Baguio City.

The 3,450 square meters 'state of the art' greenhouse have been set up for the training of farmers to enable them to learn how to manage a modern greenhouse facility. 

The PHP122 million worth smart greenhouse facility is a pilot project of the DA and funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). 

It aims to train Cordillera farmers in the production of high value-added agricultural products like cherry tomatoes and strawberries  among others. 

DA Sec Piñol said this would be part of department goal modernizing the Philippine Agriculture industry by pursuing modern farming method that is fully automated and state-of-the-art. 

The smart greenhouse is fully automated and some features like temperature and water control can be operated using a mobile phone. The greenhouse is also solar-powered. 

The Korean built greenhouses can produce a ton of red and yellow cherry tomatoes also known as grape tomatoes every week based on current computation and output, according to Mr. Jesus Aspuria, Center Chief of BPI-Baguio.

Photo Courtesy || Manny Pinol

Piñol said there is a demand of farm products from our country by the international markets like countries in eastern Europe. 

"They are hungry with farm products from our country. They would like to discover what the Philippines has to offer," he said. 

According to Piñol, the success of the smart greenhouse will be replicated in all regions of the country to help other farmers learn this modern technology so that they can produce high quality products for the country and for export as well.

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Baguio cops improvise unique way to demonstrate safety tips during Panagbenga

Photo Courtesy || BCPO FB

Baguio City - When Baguio cops were tasked to give safety tips to visitors during the Panagbenga festival last week, cops from the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) came up with a unique way to get people's attention.

By simulating what airline attendants do when they demonstrate safety tips to passengers before the plane take-off, members of the BCPO used a public address system to broadcast safety tips while other policemen demonstrated what was being said in the PA.

Patrolman Elyson Sarmiento demonstrated the safety tips while his partner Cpl. Brishelle Balinte narrated.

Sarmiento, who was dubbed as the "Robin Padilla of the Baguio City police" did the demonstration  about where to keep mobile phones to avoid being stolen by pickpocket gangs.

“We all know your mobile phones are expensive. You want to show it off to everyone. But after you take your selfie, put it in your front pocket so you won’t lose it.” Cpl. Brishelle Balinte said over the PA.

"Your wallet, which is thick because it contained the list of all your debts should be kept in your front pocket, I don't understand why you keep it in your back pocket," he added.

The strategy proved to be effective as the crowd were amused with the show as they listened and watched with laughter.

According to BCPO director, Col. Eliseo Tanding, the cops' gimmick showed positive results as they have recorded almost zero cases of pick-pocketing or theft during the weekend.

The cops demonstration is part of "Oplan Tambuli" (Police Service of Wheels) that the BCPO is doing to disseminate information and deliver safety and security tips using loud speakers or megaphones installed in their patrol cars.

Tanding said, the "Oplan Tambuli" is a regular activity of the BCPO where they go around the different villages to provide safety and security guidance to the residents.

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Bontoc General hospital receives first-class, state-of-the-art CT SCAN from St. Luke's Medical Center

Photo Courtesy || Mountain Province PIO

Cordillera - Medical services to the people of Mountain Province is expected to be enhanced with the turnover of a CT (computed tomography) Scan machine to Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) from St. Luke's Medical Center last February 28, 2019 according to Mountain Province PIO. 

Rt. Rev. Brent Harry W. Alawas said that Bontoc General Hospital is a lucky recipient of this first-class, state-of-the-art CT scan given by St Luke's Medical Center.

"There was quite a number of big hospitals that were competing for the CT Scan machine, which is not only an ordinary CT Scan but is considered first-class, state-or-the-art and which worth is close to a hundred million pesos," Bishop Alawas said. 

Ms. Emarfil Marie Q. Whale, the outreach program manager of St. Luke's Medical Center said that Bontoc General Hospital met all the criteria; thus, being the ultimate recipient of the CT Scan machine. She also thanked the office of the province's representative for readily providing transport for the machine. 

READ ALSO:  Luis Hora Hospital in Bauko, Mt. Province first Kidney Dialysis Center now Operational

"The process in bringing the machine to Bontoc seemed like a daunting task, but it had to be done because this will be of great assistance to the people of Mountain Province. It shall save time of travel, money and it will ensure that clients will be receiving better health services that Bontoc General Hospital can and will provide. Thank you Atty. Cyphine Maxcel Dalog for your assistance," she said during the turnover ceremony. 

"Through everyone's selflessness, a task which I thought was impossible due to the winding mountain paths was done and is now here for everyone to use. Today we are all witnesses to the improvements of the hospital and its increase in better health facilities not only for the people of Mountain Province but also for various provinces who may seek the services of the BoGH," she added.

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

source || Mountain Province PIO FB page.

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Lito Adiwang - a rising Cordilleran MMA champion

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Considered as one of Team Lakay's rising MMA star in the pipeline, Lito Adiwang proved once again that he is going straight to becoming a world champion someday. 

The Baguio-based young fighter got his chance to join Rich Franklin's ONE Warrior Series and had his second big break when he floored down Alber Corrreia da Silva earlier in the first round during their encounter in Singapore yesterday. 

The 25-year old Adiwang used his unconventional way of attacking his opponent. His unanticipated assault followed by his blinding speed in punching made a big difference in the fight. 

He caught Silva with a big left straight causing Silva to recline to the canvas. Adiwang didn't miss his chance, he followed Silva to the ground and unloaded series of big punches forcing the referee to halt the fight in under 45-seconds. 

Adiwang's excellent performance gave yet another victory for La Trinidad-based MMA Gym Team Lakay. Adiwang now improved his record to 7-2. 

Will Adiwang be the next exciting fighter for Team Lakay and can follow the footstep of top-tier Team Lakay champions like ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang and ONE Interim Bantamweight World Champion Kevin Belingon? The big chance is there especially that he is under the careful watch and mentoring of one of the best coach Mark Sangiao. 

Watch Lito Adiwang's impressive performance below:

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Baguio City as wedding capital of the Philippines

Pexel.com

Cordillera - Couples planning to get married would want to choose Baguio City as the perfect venue for the most important day of their lives. Aside from being the Summer Capital and a premier tourists destination in the country, Baguio city is now becoming a wedding capital especially that the city council of Baguio has proposed an ordinance making it as honeymooner's haven of the north.

In fact the ordinance has already been approved on the first reading.

Baguio city has so many reasons to be declared as the wedding capital of the Philippines. The romantic scenery and the cool weather are almost perfect for couples to hold their wedding and spend their honeymoon. 

The city has so many establishments like beautiful hotels, food and wedding businesses that can cater to wedding needs. 

Also, as stipulated in the ordinance, many couples from different parts of the world often choose Baguio City to hold their important events because of the cool climate.

These are the reasons, Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr, the author of the ordinance wanted Baguio to be declared as Honeymooner's Haven and wedding destination of the north. 

According to Yangot, the adoption of the measure is seen as one of the major drivers of the local economy as many of the hotels and business establishments would double their profits because of this ordinance.

Tax incentives would also be given to hotel owners and operators who are supportive to this program. A 10 percent exemption from payment of business taxes of their gross sales will be given to them if they hosted wedding and honeymoon events. 

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La Trinidad to bake world-record giant strawberry cake to highlight Strawberry Festival 2019

Photo Courtesy || Shanon.ethan FB

Cordillera - Benguet's capital town La Trinidad is gearing up to rebuild a replica of the Guinness World  Record biggest strawberry short cake to highlight the upcoming Strawberry Festival set on March 4 to March 29, 2019

According to La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, the giant strawberry cake will be a replica of the 2004 cake that gave the town the Guinness World Record for the biggest strawberry shortcake. 

The cake weighed 9,622.24 kilograms and was served to more than 10,000 persons.

The celebration of the upcoming Strawberry Festival aims to promote the town as the strawberry capital of the Philippines and hopes to encourage local and foreign tourists to visit the town. 

"This is also an avenue to promote, not only La Trinidad Strawberries but also the town's many other products which are derivatives of the berry while celebrating the town's cultural diversity and richness," Salda said during a press conference. 

Last two years ago, the town has baked the first replica of the giant cake with the measurement of 1.5 meters high by 1.8 meters wide by 2.5 meters long and weighs at 2.5 tons. 

This year, the town will showcase the award-winning cake with the same design and the same measurement. 

 The ingredients to be used in the making of the cake are:

225 kilos of butter,

275 kilos of fresh strawberries,

325 kilos of sugar, 

225 kilos of fresh eggs, 

175 kilos of milk,

425 kilos of all-purpose flour, 

2.5 kilos of baking powder,

5 kilos of baking soda,

7.5 kilos of vinegar, 

15 kilos of strawberry flavor, 

500 kilos of whip cream,

and 10 kilos of food coloring.

The total cost of the cake is Php500,000 and it can make 500 pans which when sliced will make 16,000 slices. 

Cake lovers can have a taste of the cake on March 23, starting at 11 a.m at the Lednicky hall in the municipal building. 

There will be a free 50 slices to be served and the succeeding slices will be sold at Php20.00 per slice.

Funds from the cake is going to pay for the expenses of the organizers. 

source || pna

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Amazing Abra: Top 20 Must-See Tourist Spots in Abra 2019

Contributed By: Daniel's Eco-Travels

Abra, just like Kalinga, stands witness to the historic struggle of the people against corporate aggression. During the Marcos regime, they valiantly resisted the Cellophil Resource Corporation from logging their mountains. Despite years of civil unrest and insurgencies, Abra is now rising to the scene as a premier ecotourism destination.

Yes, Abra offers more than its historic churches or cultural sites. Its vast landscape also hosts countless natural wonders waiting to be discovered. If sustainably managed, these could help boost the local economy while preserving the natural environment.

Without further ado, here are the top 20 must-see tourist spots of Abra.

1. Sapilang Falls (Bangued), Abra

Sapilang falls now greets and welcomes every nature lover to its rustic realm. From barangay Sagap, it takes around 30 minutes of quite easy trek to get here, passing across forested trails. Oh, you will also be crossing a river so expect your feet to get wet. The falls are called because they cascade on one place. However, they are not identical. The first falls to see is tall, thin, and has multi-layers. The second falls, on the other hand, descends on a broad and bare rockface. This can be climbed. This waterfall has an extension which cannot be seen from below. By the way, one must register at the barangay captain’s house upon arriving in Sagap. As of press time, the guide fee is 200 pesos.

2. Kaparnakan Fall (Tineg), Abra

This is perhaps one of the most famous tourist spots of Abra. Unlike most popular falls in the country, Tineg is bizarrely unique. It cascades on a terraced-like manner on bare limestone rocks. It has numerous pools along its broad stretch with crystal-clear water. According to the locals, the waters do not turn murky even during the rainy months. That is, because they emanate from an underground spring. Collectively, the falls measures around 500 meters high and 60 meters wide. The surrounding forests also add beauty to the sight. No wonders, some locals tag the place as “Mulawin.” By the way, Kaparnakan falls feeds the Tineg River.

3. Piwek Formation (Tineg), Abra

It is quite a challenge to get here. But the view and pleasure it gives is simply beyond words’ description. Biyahe ni Andrew once featured this among the tourist spots of Abra. Similar to Tinipak River in Rizal, Piwek Rock Formations are a cluster of white rocks and boulders along the river. The turquoise and clear waters of the river makes this even more alluring to visit.  The rock formations are becoming a popular jumping spots. The highest of which is around 11 meters. Well, the locals love jumping from this point. And many tourists tried it already.

4. Tagpew / Tagpao Falls (Tubo), Abra

Tagpew falls majestically on the face of a massive cliff. It measures around 120 meters high, making it one of the highest falls in Abra. To get here, one has to hike for three to five hours from from sitio Batayan of barangay Alangtin. Thick pine forests cover much of the trail. To date, only a few locals and hunters glimpsed of the falls’ pristine beauty. By the way, Tagpao, in the local dialect, refers to a woman’s organ of copulation. According to the locals, the rock formation at the base of the waterfall resembles the shape of the said woman’s organ.

5. Kili Falls (Tubo), Abra 

One of the rising tourist spots in Abra, Kili falls projects a rejuvenating view. It is a small fall, measuring around 15 feet high. But don’t be deceived. The falls has a huge water volume and a powerful force that it formed a wide and very deep pool. Oh, this pool is inviting especially in the middle of the day. Its sparkling and crystal-clear waters offer a soothing bath or swim. The rocks surrounding the pool provide good jumping or diving platforms. There is also a nearby hot spring. Oh, the awesome sight of the falls and the rustic environment simply makes this spot a must-see for every nature lovers out there.

Continue to number Top 6 - 20 Must-See Tourist Spots in Abra Here

Read Also: Mt. Amuyao: Barlig’s premium eco-hiking destination

Read More Eco-Travel Destinations in Cordillera by visiting Daniel's Eco-Travel website here.

o Sources: Daniel's Eco-Travel Blog

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LOOK: First 7-Eleven convenience store now open in Tabuk, Kalinga

Photo Courtesy || fujiyo sakai via Tabuk Life

Cordillera - Philippine biggest convenience store 7-Eleven has opened its first store in the city of Tabuk in Kalinga. 

The first ever branch of 7-Eleven convenience store is located along Quezon St. in Dagupan, Tabuk City. 

Kalinga Province Jocel Baac, Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban, and Vice Mayor Darwin Estranero lead the grand opening on Saturday.

Photo Courtesy || fujiyo sakai via Tabuk Life

Photo Courtesy || fujiyo sakai via Tabuk Life

7-Eleven Inc. is a Japanese-owned American international chain of convenience stores. It sells different kind of foods ranging from snacks, hot and cold beverages, different beauty products, personal care products and so much more. 

7-Eleven is generally open 24 hours and 7 days a week. 

The 7-Eleven brand is known and loved around the world because it focuses in making life easier for customers. Almost anything people needs and wants can be bought in the store without going to big supermarkets and malls. 

In the Philippines, 7-Eleven is run by the Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC). Its first store was opened in 1984 in Quezon City. 

As of 2017, 7-Eleven stores has reached over 2,285 branches all over the Philippines. It has helped hundreds of Filipinos by providing them jobs as clerks, managers and store keepers. 

READ ALSO: Jollibee Foods Corporation to open its first store in Tabuk, Kalinga

It has also helped many Filipino entrepreneurs to own a business by offering them a franchise business where they provide world-class training and support to the franchisee. 

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Danny Kingad now officially part of ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix - ONE CEO announced

Photo Courtesy || Chatri Sidyothong FB

Cordillera - Cordilleran MMA fighter Danny "The King" Kingad is now officially part of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix contest as ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodthong announced in his FB account the line-up fight for the said event. 

"BREAKING NEWS: The ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix kicks of at ONE: A New Era on March 31 in Tokyo, featuring all quarterfinal fights with some of the best flyweights on the planet together! BOOM!!!

Stay tuned for more big news"

That was the announcement of ONE CEO Chatri Sidyothong in his Facebook Page on Thursday (Feb. 21, 2019). 

It would be a 'wish came true' for the Cordilleran fighter as he was looking for this opportunity to be part of Grand Prix where he is going to showcase the best of himself to earn a title in the sport. 

In an interview from local media, Kingad said he was very excited to showcase his talent against the best in his division. 

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

Now that he is part of the event, he said he will be doubling his efforts and will train harder.

"I am very excited to showcase my talent against the best in my division. Expect me to double my efforts and to train harder now that I'm already part of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix," Kingad said.

"I am looking forward to fighting the top talent and earning that world title. I think everybody has the right to earn their spot, and I'm here to earn my spot," he added. 

On March 31, Kingad will be facing Hawaii based fighter Andrew Leone. 

READ ALSO: Undefeated Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes dubbed the new Manny Pacquaio.

Andrew Leone was a former foe of Kingad's team mate Kevin Belingon. 

Leone suffered a brutal defeat in the hands of Belingon during their encounter last year via 2nd round TKO. 

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Mt. Amuyao: Barlig’s premium eco-hiking destination

Contributed By: Daniel's Eco-Travels

View of sunrise at Mt. Amuyao.// Photo by Wow Barlig via Daniel's Eco-Travel

Mt Amuyao is the premium ecotourism destination of Barlig. Soaring to more than 2, 702 MASL, it is the highest peak in Mountain Province and the fourth highest in Luzon. Some sources, however, suggest that Mt Amuyao is 2, 862 MASL. If verified, this will make it to the top ten highest mountains in the Philippines.

Regardless of conflicting measurements, Mt Amuyao remains among the most popular hiking destinations in the country. It is both a cultural and ecological pride of Barlig. During the annual Fortan Festival, legends and folklore depicting the mountain are portrayed through traditional dances and plays. The locals even boldly proclaim, “When we speak of Mt Amuyao, we also speak about Barlig.”

On the Trail to Mt. Amuyao

Originally, there are two trails leading to Mt. Amuyao. However, the local government of Barlig closed the Batad-Mt. Amuyao trail for regeneration purposes. A new trail Mt. Amuyao to Ogo-og was also constructed. This now offers hikers the opportunity to explore the other barangays of Barlig especially those in Kadaclan cluster, known as the “Shangrila on the Edge.”.

Before hiking to Mt. Amuyao, tourists should register at the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) of Barlig and pay 25 pesos each. A guide is also required for every five tourists. Fee per guide is 1,500 pesos for a day. If overnight is preferred, the guide fee is 2000 pesos. For every excess in the pack, 100 pesos is required each. Mt Amuyao is part of barangay Macalana. Thus, the it also collects an environmental fee of 50 pesos per person.

From Macalana, the trail will lead one along stone-walled terraces and pine forests. On the higher elevations, mossy forests dominate. The trail may be winding and steep on some parts, but the sights of orchids, mosses, and trees can relieve one’s exhaustion. Small, endemic birds are also usual sights. Moreover, there are two springs where hikers can stop for a drink. On a personal note, a slower pace would be preferable since you get to see and appreciate the natural wonders lining the trail.

All in all, the hike to Mt Amuyao can take three to five hours, depending on one’s pace.

When atop Mt Amuyao

View atop Mt. Amuyao on clear, sunny days.// Photo by Neo Jay Garcia via Daniel's Eco-Travel

The sights to see atop Mt Amuyao are every mountaineers dream. Foremost of which are the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Stunning sea of clouds frequently appear. According to the locals, the best time to go to Mt Amuyao is just after the rains. They claim that the sea of cloud formations are at their best during these times.

On clear, sunny days, one can have a panoramic glimpse of the mountain ranges of Ifugao, Kalinga, Benguet and the distant plains of Isabela. Add to these the mountains of Barlig, carpeted in mossy and dipterocarp forests. Barlig, after all, is the last ecological frontier of Mountain Province.

During the summer months of March to April, the bonsai forest of Mt Amuyao comes in full bloom. Flowers of different colors spring in full display. Even white orchids can usually be spotted especially along the trails. Just like in Mt. Pulag, Mt. Amuyao has groves of mini-bamboos.

Because of the strategic location and height of Mt. Amuyao, both ABS-CBN and GMA established relay towers.

Extra-Sights to Visit Near Mt Amuyao

Visiting Mt. Amuyao may already be a fulfilling and rewarding hike. However, for those who want to try out other experiences, there are nearby spots in Barlig. These include the hot springs and waterfalls of sitios Allob and Mornang, Tomallan Falls, Wangcharlin Falls, the multi-layered Monkingub Falls, Rock of Ages, Lake Tufub, Siblaw Taraw Quicksand and others. Some of these, however, are only accessible along hunter’s trails. Thus, a guide is always recommended if one wishes to gaze on these.

For more information on the tourism spots in Barlig, you may read this article, Top Ten Places to Visit in Barlig.

How to Get to Barlig:

Bontoc, capital town of Mountain Province, is the jump-off point to Barlig. There are two regular jeep departures to Barlig central namely, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. The jeepney station is located along the All Saints Cathedral. I advise tourists, however, to be at the station at least 30 minutes before the departure since the jeeps are usually filled to capacity.

Where to Stay/Eat in Barlig:

Travelers or visitors may stay at Halfway Inn and Restaurant (Rate: 200 per head/ night); Seaworld Inn (Rate: 200 per head/night); Cozy Nook and Cafe (Rate: 300 per head/night, with hot shower). There are several stores which sell basic commodities. Other dining in Barlig central are Hanjo Cafe and Loloped’s Eatery.

By the way, Globe is the only existing network in Barlig central.

Barlig Tourism Office Guidelines:

1. Register at the Tourism Office and PNP Station.
2. Pay the registration fee of 25 pesos individually at the Treasury Office on weekdays and at the Tourism Office on weekends.
3. Tourism office will assign a tour guide for the tourist.
4. Tour guide will accompany the tourist to the designated barangay (Macalana) to pay the environmental fee of 50 pesos individually.
5. The group will then proceed to their destination.

For your information needs:

If you need further information that may help in setting up your itinerary, simply ask them on the comment section below. You can also message us on our facebook page namely, Daniel’s Eco-Travels. I will be more than glad and willing to answer them whenever I can:)

You may also message the tourism office on their facebook page called, Barlig Tourism. Or contact Mr. Jess Valdez, Acting Tourism Officer, through his no: 0995 362 6488 or email him at jessa080969jr@gmail.com.

Read More Eco-Travel Destinations in Cordillera by visiting Daniel's Eco-Travel website here.

Photo Sources: Daniel's Eco-Travel Blog

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