Cordilleran Captain Jovita G. Buclat feted OWLENSP award by President Duterte

Photo Courtesy || PCOO

Cordillera - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the awarding ceremony for the Outstanding Women in Law Enforcement and National Security of the Philippines (OWLENSP) at the Hereos Hall in Malacanan Palace on March 11, 2019. 

Among the awardees is Captain Jovita G. Buclat from Cordillera. She is a native of Tinglayan, Kalinga but was born in Itogon, Benguet.

Photo Courtesy || Operations Research Center, Philippine Army

Captain Buclat led the Forward Mechanized company attached to Join Task Force Marawi to provide support and maintenance to Armor and Mechanized operating unit during the Marawi siege in 2017. 

Her job was to rescue not only wounded soldiers but also Armored vehicles hit by enemy rocket, and put them all back in fine combat operations to help operating troops in the Main Battle Area. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran AFP Chief Nurse Venus Bajarin promoted to the rank of Brigadier General

The Armored Personnel Carriers played crucial roles in breaking the defensive and positions of the Maute group and thus their ultimate defeat. 

Captain Buclat took up Bachelor of Science in Criminology in the University of Baguio and graduated in 2002. 

She joined the military and was called to Active Duty in the Philippine Army in 2004. 

She chose to join the Armor Cavalry where she studied the Armor Basic Cavalry Officer Course in 2006 and the Armor Officer Course in 2014.

Most of her military years were spent in the Light Armor Division and the Mechanized Infantry Division whether as a Tactical Officer of the The Armor School, in Civil Military activities or in combat operations.

READ ALSO: Congratulations: Cordilleran from Ifugao among top 10 of PNPA Class 2019

source || Republic Defender

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Congratulations: Cordilleran from Ifugao among top 10 of PNPA Class 2019

Photo Courtesy || PNPA

Cordillera - The Philippine National Academy (PNPA) has released the official top 10 of SANSIKLAB Class 2019 who excelled in their four years of perseverance and determination to become member of the country's police force. 

Police Cadet Ferdinand Mark Haguiling Lagchana from Ifugao ranked top four of the graduating class. 

Cadet Lagchana grew up from the town of Mayoyao, Ifugao. He is 22 years old and  the youngest among his six siblings. 

His mother is a nurse and his father was a security guard. But according to Lagchana, his father passed away when he was 12 years old. 

Despite growing up without a father, Lagchana studied hard until he had a chance to enter the academy and now among the top 10 of the PNPA SANSIKLAB Class of 2019. 

Lagchana enrolled Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering but shifted to BS Criminology at Saint Mary's University, Bayombong Nueva Viscaya before joining the PNPA.

"Pumasok po ako dito sa Academy para po makatulong sa pamilya. Gusto ko pong makatapos ng pag aaral ng hindi ko po sila binabahala. Gusto ko pong maging pulis at gusto ko pong maging bahagi sa pagsugpo ng kriminalidad sa ating bansa." ("I entered the Academy to help my family. I want to finish my study without giving too much pressure on them. I want to be a cop and I want to be part in the crack-down of criminality in the country.") Lagchana said during a press-conference. 

"I came from a family wherein three of my brothers are graduates of the PMMA. From there, I've witnessed the hardship of my brothers working in other countries for months leaving their families behind. This made me change course and had chosen to enter in the police service through PNPA," he added.

Fulfilling his dream in becoming a police, Lagchana is set to graduate on March 22 in Silang, Cavite together with other top 9 in the class. 

He will be awarded the top graduate of SANSIKLAB Class which stands "Sandigan ng Mamayan na may Sigasig na Itaguyud ang Kapayapaan at Ipaglaban ang Bayan. 

Below is the list of cadets who will receive the plaque of merits:

1. Cdt Jervis Allen Musni Ramos

2. Cdtte Merriefin Longcob Carisusa

3. Cdtte Mary Grace Mag-usara Pabilario

4. Cdt Ferdinand Mark Haguiling Lagchana

5. Cdt Christian Cuario Albus

6. Cdtte Janila Andrea Malejan Garan

7. Cdtte Ciara Ley Lustre Capule

8. Cdtte Marry Ann Balbuena De Los Santos

9. Cdtte Anna May Padroncillo Mangabo

10. Cdt Salvador Formanes Pidlaoan 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Captain Jovita G. Buclat feted OWLENSP award by President Duterte

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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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