Young farmer from Buguias earns PHP54,000.00 a month planting cucumbers in greenhouse

Cordillera - Integrating technology, innovation and of course hard work can produce incredible results to the earnings of farmers.

A young farmer from Benguet is earning around Php54,000.00 a month planting cucumbers in a greenhouse. 

Sergio Capsuyan, 29, a farmer from Abatan, Buguias is reaping the benefits of the knowledge he had learned in Japan. 

He was one among the youth members of the Buguias-Japan Agricultural Trainees Association (BJATA). He is also one of the Board of Directors in the said association. 

The association was organized for the members and trainees who acquired the Japanese agricultural and technological skills to apply them in their local farms in Abatan. 

Capsuyan said that he can earn an income of Php54,000.00 in one month or one cycle of weekly harvest by planting at least 8 beds of cucumber. He attributed his bountiful harvest from using a greenhouse  given to him by the Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) High-Value Commercial Crops Development Program. 

He said that it is very productive to grow crops in a greenhouse because he can control and maximize his irrigation including his production inputs. 

Capsuyan also shares how he mitigate insect pests in his crops by applying a method called fertigation. This is by fermenting a sack of chicken dung and 4 liters of Mukosako in a drum of water. This will become a liquid fertilizer that helps in the growth of plants and acts as a repellant to insect pests.

Mukosako is a wood vinegar condensed from a chimney attached to a fire chamber where wood and other combustible materials are burned. 

Fertigation is indeed a very good natural combo of fertilizing the soil and controlling pests not to mention the splendid production volume and quality wise. The raw materials used are organic, inexpensive and harmless to both humans and the environment.

Capsuyan also grows vegetables in the open field but he said that in terms of quality and productivity, greenhouse farming is the best.

Capsuyan was very appreciative to the help extended to him by the BJATA, the DA-CAR and other DA agencies that promote new technologies, new vegetable crops, crop programming and market development to young farmers like himself. 

Very soon, Mr. Capsuyan will receive a certificate as a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) practitioner from the DA. 

source || Robert Domoguen Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/robert.domoguen/posts/2829156093762948

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Two of the best Cordilleran World Bantamweight Champions come from Ifugao

Cordillera - The era of Philippine Mixed Martial Arts has begun and has been taking the center stage of the sports media nowadays. Thanks to all the Filipino fighters who put their time, effort and dedication to the sport. 

The Cordilleran martial artists are now making waves in major sport organizations like ONE Championship and Brave Combat Federation. 

ONE Championship promotion has Kevin Belingon who currently holds the World Bantamweight title while Brave Combat Federation has Stephen Loman who is also holding the same title.

Photo Courtesy || Brave Combat Federation

Both fighters are Cordillerans who happened to be from the same tribe, the Ifugao. They are both training under the stable of Benguet-based gym Team Lakay with multi-awarded coach Mark Sangiao.

Stephen "The Sniper" Loman is a passionate and dedicated fighter who will do all his best to win in every bout. He is an ultimate well-rounded fighter with powerful kicks and incredible hands. He has a lot of variety of weapons that he uses in his arsenal.

Loman is the first and only Brave Combat Federation Bantamweight Champion in the history of the promotion. He is currently on his sixth fight winning streak after defending his title against Frans Mlambo and Felipe Efrain back in 2018. 

This coming March 15, 2019, he will be defending his title against Elias Boudegzdame in the main event of Brave 22: Storm of Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

This is the first time Stephen will be fighting in front of his countrymen right in his own homeland. 

Meanwhile, his town mate Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon is one of the most exciting Filipino MMA fighter of ONE Championship because of his explosiveness and speed when he fights inside the cage. He is known for his powerful punches that when landed solid to his opponent, would be the end. 

Photo Courtesy || Kevin Belingon FB

Currently, Belingon holds the ONE Championship World Bantamweight title after grabbing it from the Brazilian fighter Bibiano Fernandes after their match in November last year. 

Belingon is set to face Fernandes for the 3rd time in the co-main event of ONE: A New Era on March 31 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan. 

The 31-year old Belingon showcased a lot of improvements during his last fight and is now in his seventh winning streak. 

The ONE: A New Era will also see the most anticipated fight in the main-event as ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang will defend his belt in a rematch with the Japanese martial arts icon Shinya Aoki.

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76-year old Lola from Sagada speaks fluent English despite having no formal education

Cordillera - Lola Erlinda Doyog from Pidlisan, Sagada shows off her mastery of the English language when she talks about her village to tourists.

Lola Doyog also known as Lola 'Englisera' spoke fluent English   when she talked with tourists who interviewed her about her community and their indigenous practices.

The interviewer was amazed to Lola Doyog's fluency in speaking the English language.

"Nosebleed kami habang ini-interview si Lola 'Englisera' Erlinda Doyog, 76 years old, ng Pidlisan tribe sa Sagada, Mountain Province." the interviewer wrote in a Facebook Post.

It was said that, Lola Doyog did not attend any formal education, either elementary or high school. She probably learned  to speak English from the American missionaries who went to their town to spread Christianity during her time. Most elders in Mountain Province can speak English well but cannot speak the Philippines' national language, Filipino.

Asked about what message she has for tourists  visiting their place, Lola Doyog said, they are very much welcome.

"We are very happy for the tourist coming here or any visitors because we can learn some of their dialect... We appreciate those tourist who are coming to the falls..." Lola Doyog said.

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

Watch Lola Doyog Interview below by FYT

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Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) now operates 14 dialysis machines for kidney patients

Photo Courtesy || PNA

Cordillera - Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) has conducted the blessing of a newly constructed rooms and 14 dialysis machines on March 11, 2019. 

Of the fourteen units of these dialysis machines, the 10 units were acquired from the Department of Health (DOH) upon the request of BoGH Chief Doctor Rafael Tannao Kanongkong and Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan. 

With the addition of dialysis machine, BoGH can now accomodate 30 - 40 patients who are undergoing kidney dialysis sessions.

The establishment of dialysis center at the BoGH has spared kidney patients in the province of the physical rigors and the financially draining travels to Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in Abatan, Bauko or to Baguio city for their needed dialysis session. 

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

Meanwhile, hundreds of Indigenous Peoples (IP) in town has received free medical, dental and wellness services by a group composed of women in line with the celebration of National Women's Month. 

The outreach was held in the municipality of Paracelis which lasted until evening, with some of the patients coming from far-flung villages to avail of free health services and supplies. 

Free services includes medical check-up, dental services, blood sugar screening, and wellness. Medicines were also  given free. 

The group called Happy Hearts is composed of high school batch mates from St. Louis Girls High School in Baguio City. 

The group has been doing this kind of medical outreach to far-flung villages for almost 10 years now according to Happy Hearts resident dentist Rowena Aquino Pascual via PNA. 

She said that those activities were done in partnership with other Baguio-based groups and organizations, and even individuals who give their services for free. The event was also supported by The Generics Pharmacy of JG Summit Holdings.

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

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Cordillera doctors working overseas to put up affordable hospital for Cordillerans

Pixabay

Cordillera - Cordillerans who are seeking for affordable and quality health services may soon find their way in a hospital being built and ran by professional Cordillera doctors. 

La Trinidad Mayor Salda revealed recently that a group of doctors who traced their roots from the different parts of the Cordillera are looking for a suitable land to build an affordable and state-of-the-art hospital for the Cordilleran people. 

He said that Cordillerans are very lucky because  these doctors who are working abroad decided to build the hospital in Cordillera to provide affordable medical services to residents and visitors.

"The people of La Trinidad will be the luckiest Cordillerans because it is in the locality that the doctors want the hospital to be established the soonest considering the increasing need of the residents and visitors for affordable and quality health care services from state-of-the-art health care facilities," Mayor Salda said.

READ ALSO: First Kimchi Factory in the Philippines to be built in Benguet

These  doctors want to render services to their fellow Cordillerans so they want the hospital to be built somewhere in La Trinidad. They also want the hospital facilities to provide affordable and quality health care services to the people. 

According to Salda, the Cordillera doctors want the hospital to be built and become operational the soonest possible time so that people can have alternative options when seeking medical care aside from going to Baguio and Benguet hospitals. 

This proposed hospital will offer cheaper health services to the public compared to the prevailing rates being imposed by the existing hospitals in town. This will benefit Cordillerans who can not afford to pay higher rates.

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

source || heraldexpress

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WATCH FULL VIDEO: Treasures of Bontoc featured on GMA's Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Photo Courtesy || KMJS 

Cordillera - The province of Bontoc, Mt. Province has been featured on the latest episode of GMA's Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) which was aired on Sunday March 10, 2019. 

The team of KMJS did a great job of getting and producing the best and stunning aerial shots of some of the undiscovered places in Bontoc that have high potentials to be turned into tourist destinations. 

One of the places that the team took drone shots is the majestic Maligcong Rice Terraces. The team have to climb Mt. Kopapey as this is the best spot to get a better view of the terraces. 

The video shots also included the unknown to tourists hot spring in Barangay Mainit. Residents in the Barangay are benefiting from the hot spring as they use it for natural sauna aside from cooking eggs. 

Tourism officials of Bontoc are welcoming tourists to visit these places but they encourage them to be responsible tourists by managing their solid waste and following all the reminders and regulations provided by the local government. Those who are planning to visit should register their names in the Barangay. 

You can watch the whole episode below. 

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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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