Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard

Cordillera - Baguio City has been bestowed the "ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard" (ACTCS) after inspection and evaluation of the city in seven key areas of assessment.

Dubbed as the summer capital of the Philippines and one of UNESCO's creative cities, Baguio was recognized after initiating a campaign of urban improvement and beautification, environment conservation program, maintaining public safety and waste disposal, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation. 

READ ALSO:  Baguio City: Ranked 4th Most Improved City in the Philippines in 2019

Baguio City passed all the seven criteria set forth by in the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard. These are: 

1. Environmental management

2. Cleanliness

3. Waste Management

4. Awareness-Building about Environment Protection and Cleanliness

5. Green Space

6. Health Safety, Urban Safety, and Security

7. Tourism Infrastructure and Facilities

The ASEAN Clean Tourist City award is a recognition given to member-nations to encourage them to improve the quality of tourism in their cities, increase marketing competitiveness, create jobs for local residents and push economic growth.

READ ALSO: Baguio city impresses foreigner: It's the best place to live because people respect you

The winning cities shall receive the certificate of appreciation and a plaque with ASEAN Clean Tourist City Label. 

The award is valid for three years.

City Mayor Benjamin Magalong shared the news on his social media on November 27 and congratulate the city for the new recognition.

"Congratulation Baguio City for being one of the three winners to receive the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for 2020-2022", the post said.

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Igorot captain leads successful rescue of couple kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf

Photo Courtesy || Ricofake Tagure FB

Cordillera - Philippine troops led by an Igorot captain rescued a British man and his Filipino wife who were abducted last month in the  southern beach resort  by the Abu Sayaf. 

Troops of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army headed by Igorot Cpt. Rico Tagure successfully freed the couple Allan Hyrons and his wife from the hand of the kidnappers, according to PTV.

Netizens praised the bravery of the troops after an intense 10-minute gun battle with members of the armed group.

According to Lt Gen Cirilito Sobejana, regional military commander, the troops were caught up with the Abu Sayyaf captors in the mountainous hinterlands of Parang town in Sulu province and the gun battle erupted.

"There was a running gun battle," Sobejena said. "They left the two behind because they could not drag them anymore. They scampered in different directions but our troops are in pursuit."

The freed hostages were not hurt in the exchange of fire and no ransom had been paid to the group, according to the military. 

A photo released by the military shows the couple smiling inside a military camp with the group of generals and army officers.

The British embassy thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a job well done in rescuing Allan Hyrons and his wife. 

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795 Cordillera cops promoted to higher ranks

Photo Courtesy || Pnp Cordillera

Cordillera - A total of 795 uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned in various units of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) were promoted to new higher ranks. 

Brig. Gen Israel Ephraim Dickson, PROCOR regional director, who led the mass donning of rank, reminded the newly promoted cops in the region to abide by the rules and regulations of the police organization.

"Pangalagaan natin ang ating serbisyo. We are lucky to have been included and passed the screening by the promotions board as there were others who were not promoted for various reasons," Dickson said in a speech. 

He also said that the PNP organization took the role as Santa Claus granting policemen their wishes to be promoted. 

"I believe that today we are seeing the PNP in the role of Santa Claus bestowing an early Christmas gift to a select few. There is perhaps no greater gift than to be pinned with the emblem of the next higher ranks as the closing of the year for any PNP personnel," Dickson added. 

He reminded the newly promoted officers to be dedicated to serve the people whom they swears to serve and protect. 

He added that their promotion to higher ranks equates to a greater responsibility. 

WATCH: Why Cordilleran Cops are the most disciplined in the Country

The newly-promoted police officers are from the PROCOR, Regional headquarters, Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Benguet Provincial Office (BPPO), the different province in the region and the national police service units, according to PNA website.

The highest rank promoted was to a Lieutenant Colonel. The most number of those promoted were with the rank Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) and eight with Corporal rank.

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Igorot MMA fighter Stephen Loman retains belt, still BRAVE CF Bantamweight Champion

Photo Courtesy || Jeremy Pacatiw

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Igorot Mixed Martial Artist Stephen  Loman successfully defended his bantamweight title  against challenger Louie "Leonidas" Sanoudakis of Canada during the main event of Brave Combat Federation 30 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana, India on November 23, 2019. 

The 23-year-old Loman who is training out of Team Lakay gym in La Trinidad put on a dominant display of striking power and amazing defense against Sanoudakis. 

The judges declared Loman the winner via unanimous decision after the last round and improved his professional MMA record of 14 wins and 2 losses.

Loman, holds the record as the youngest MMA champion in Europe and in the Middle East. 

He is still undefeated in the history of BRAVE CF and also got the record as the longest reigning Bantamweight World Champion of the Bahrain-based Mixed Martial promotion. 

He has now maintain a four successful title defense bouts since joining BRAVE CF.

Loman is a proud Cordilleran who traces hits roots from Bauko and Barlig of Mt. Province and Banaue, Ifugao. 

He is part of Team Lakay that trains many of the Igorots MMA champions like Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Joshua Pacio, Geje Eustaquio and Honorio Banario.

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Igorot cop assumes post as Chief of Police of Boracay Island

Photo Courtesy || Jonathan Lt. Col. Jonathan Pa-ac Pablito

Cordillera - An Igorot cop is the new police chief of the famous Boracay Island in the municipality of Malay in Aklan. 

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Pa-ac Pablito is responsible in securing the country's main tourist destination and leading his police team to secure tourist and residents of the Island according to panaynews.com.

Lt. Col. Pablito will assumed the post of the outgoing chief of police Major Jess Baylon. 

Prior to taking his new post, Lt. Col. Pablito was the station commander of Station 1, then became the chief of Strategy Review Branch of the Regional Police Strategy Management Unit in Iloilo. 

His task was to ensure the implementation of Philippine National Police (PNP) Patrol Plan 20130.

"It is my honor to have served Iloilo City. Madamo guid nga salamat sa tanan. God Bless and Godspeed," Lt. Col. Pablito said in a post.

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Julius Maguiwe - First Igorot officer graduated from US Coast Guard Academy

Abra Police officers act of kindness help struggling woman harvest 'palay' in her field

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Baguio City eyes P400-M zoo at the Botanical Garden

Pixabay

Cordillera - Animal lovers will no longer travel far outside  Baguio or Cordillera just to see their favorite animals as the city government is studying the plan of putting up a zoo in the city.

Avilon Wildlife Conservation foundation had recently submitted a proposal to put up a 7.5 hectare zoo inside a 3.8 hectare portion of the Botanical Garden according to the Baguio Public Information website. 

In order to cover the proposed 7.5 hectare, Avilon said it will build an elevated walkways around the zoo for the viewing public to be able to see all the animals. 

Avilon Zoo is currently the largest zoological institution in the Philippines and responsible for building the 19 acre zoo facility in Rodriguez, Rizal. 

The Avilon Zoo in Rizal houses more than 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife representing more than 600 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes and invertebrates. 

The foundation wanted to establish similar zoological sanctuary in the North. 

It said that the city government is going to earn income through the lease, amusement and other taxes when the zoo will be operational. 

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, however, requested the proponents to consider putting up the zoo in the wider city property in the Sto. Thomas area so that it will fit the zoo area requirement of 7.5 hectare.

According to the Baguio Public Information website, the city government is waiting for the foundation's decision regarding Mayor Magalong's request to submit another proposal for the zoo to be built in Sto. Tomas instead of the Botanical Garden. 

Julius Maguiwe - First Igorot officer to graduate from US Coast Guard Academy

Photo Courtesy || Julius Maguiwe

Cordillera - An Igorot officer made the Philippines proud when he graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut in the United States.

Julius Maguiwe from Mankayan, Benguet was sponsored by the Philippine Coast Guard and was appointed as an international officer to the USCGA. 

In his Facebook post Maguiwe thanked the academy and the PCG for the opportunity bestowed to him. 

"My sincere gratitude to United States of America for a fulfilled American dream experience. Thank you PCG for the trust and confidence for giving me the opportunity to represent the Philippines," Maguiwe said.

"I'm humbled to be the first Igorot to complete a Course in this Academy, Leadership Development Center. Thank you to all my seniors and leaders out there who inspired me so that I can also inspire others in my own little way," he added. 

Maguiwe also noted his achievements at the Officer Indoctrination School 2019 where he received the highest grade in Survival at Sea, highest grade in marksmanship and earned the US Pistol Sharpshooter. 

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

He also got the highest grade in Physical Fitness Test (FPT).

Photo Courtesy || Julius Maguiwe

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Abra Police officers act of kindness help struggling woman harvest 'palay' in her field

Igorot cop to assume post as Chief of Police of Boracay Island

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The United State Coast Guard Academy is the service academy of the United States Coast Guard located in New London, Connecticut.

It was founded in 1876 and it is the second smallest of the five federal service academies and provides education to Future Coast Guard officers. 

The PCG has announced that they are looking for qualified civilian applicants nationwide to study for the International Cadet Program of the USCGA Class of 2024.

Successful candidates will be provided with free tuition, monthly pay and allowances, free board and lodging, transportation expenses and government benefits, according to PCG. 

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Baguio City council passes resolution declaring Judge Nelson V. Lago persona non grata

Photo Courtesy || Public Information Office - Baguio City

Cordillera - The Baguio City council passed a resolution on Tueday (November 18) declaring Cabanatuan Municipal Judge Nelson V. Lago as persona non grata in the city of Baguio. 

Baguio's Public Information Office said in a post today that "Upon the request of Mayor Benjie Magalong, the city Council passed Resolution Number 429 (series of 2019) declaring judge Nelson V. Lago as persona non grata in Baguio City."

READ ALSO:  Supreme Court asks Judge Nelson Lago to answer why he summoned Baguio enforcers who were just doing their jobs

The Resolution came after Judge Lago issued a subpoena to Baguio traffic enforcers who handed him a ticket for illegal parking and confiscating his vehicle's plate number.

Mayor Magalong questioned why the Judge need to issue a subpoena to the traffic enforcers for merely doing their job while he can just file a case to re-question the city ordinance. 

READ ALSO: Baguio City to house the Philippines' first STATE OF THE ART Integrated Command Center

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Meet Rambo - Batad's friendliest and intelligent four-legged tour guide

Photo Courtesy || Department of Tourism

Cordillera - Are you planning to take a vacation or a trip to the most beautiful place in Cordillera, the majestic rice terraces of Batad in Ifugao? There is a chance you'll meet Rambo, the four-legged intelligent dog standing by waiting for you and ready to tour you around.

At Batad rice terraces, Rambo is known for helping tourists by becoming a tour guide. Rambo knows well about the top spots in Batad and he can guide tourists go to these places. 

The trusty canine will walk you through centuries-old terraces, passing by traditional huts where you can catch stories of folklore from friendly locals, according to the Department of Tourism. 

In fact, Rambo became the town's unofficial cultural ambassador for helping in the preservation of Ifugao old traditions. 

Ramon Vinaled, the master of Rambo and the owner and manager of Ramon Homestay said that Rambo learned to guide tourist since he was still young.

"When Rambo was still young, he goes with me anywhere I go, he learned from there. Then later, without me, he goes with the other tour guide until he knows what to do, he just follow," Ramon Vinaled said.

Rambo is very friendly like the locals too. When he sees guest walking around, he goes and accompany them towards their destination. Along the way, Rambo waits patiently for the guests to rest and always stayed with them.

The 10-year-old Rambo can be found at the drop off point in Batad.

You can ask Rambo to guide you for free, but don't forget to give him the best treats he deserves.

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LOOK: Philippines' biggest Ube unearthed in Tuba, Benguet

Photo Credit || Abs Cbn News FB

Cordillera - A farmer from Tuba, Benguet has been dubbed the "Ube Man" after growing a gigantic 'Ube' from his garden.

Homer Menzi was able to uproot a 6 ft. tall white 'Ube' in his garden weighing 28 kilograms.

According to Menzi, this was the first time he was able to grow this size of 'Ube'.

"We planted this before but we just harvested it recently because we went to Agoo and we just saw this today so it's a bit bigger than usual," Menzi said.

Menzi's neighbors were amazed so they posted it in the social media.

"There used to be something similar,  but it only weighed 13 kilos. We were happy because of the size of the 'Ube', we were just amused to post it, " Jayson Pacio, Menzi's cousin said.

According to the agricultural technologist of Tuba, Menzi's white ube is unusual.

"The longer the ube stays under the ground, the more it shrinks, it will decrease in size or there's what we call 'palayon' or it will rot to the ground. So we will subject this for further study," Michel Saingan said.

It is believed that having a giant 'Ube' depends on the good quality of soil.

"It is better if the soil is soft, not hard, so that it can easily grow, just like this the soil is fertile," Menzi said.

Nevertheless, Menzi sold the white ube to Good Shepherd, one of the most famous Pasalubong shop in Baguio.

Good Shepherd was also surprised with Menzi's ube

"Besides being our organized farmers, the seedlings that they plant are also of good quality, so the  harvest is also of good quality, I was just surprised to see an 'Ube' that big," Michael Amagod, the purchasing officer of Good Sheperd said.

The 'Ube' plantation in Tuba is about 12 hectares, second of the largest plantation in province of Benguet.

source || ABS CBN NEWS

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