Ifugao Judoka fighter Estie Gay Liwanen won gold in the 30th Southeast Asian Games

Photo Courtesy || Ipugawak

Cordillera - Estie Gay Liwanen captured the most coveted gold medal in Kurash sport on the first day of the Southeast Asian Games 2019 held at the LausGroup Event Centre, Pampanga.

Liwanen from Pidongan, Kiangan, Ifugao had added gold to the Philippine medal tally at the SEA Games on December 1, 2019. 

Liwanen competed in the female 63kg category of the event and won against Vietnam and Thailand. 

READ ALSO: 

Jones Inso from La Trinidad, Benguet clinched silver in Wushu at 2019 SEA Games

Abegail Dulawan Abad of Baguio City bags gold in SEA Games arnis competition

Kurash is another variant of a folk wrestling styles practiced in Central Asia. It comes from the term for "wrestling" in some Turkik language. 

Kurash wrestlers use towels to hold their opponents, and their goal is to throw their opponents off the feet.

Winning the gold by Liwanen is the first gold ever clinched by a Cordilleran athlete in this year hosting of the biennial sport event by the Philippines. 

Congratulations!

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Kalinga, Bagobo, Maguindanao "Power" dance is a showcase of culture many Filipinos know little about

Photo Courtesy || Floy Quintos

Cordillera - The inclusion of indigenous dances during the opening ceremony of the 30th SEA GAMES "serves as a reminder of good old Pinoy energy, and a reminder of the enduring nobility of our marginalized brothers and sisters and their current struggle for survival", says Floi Quintos, the creative director behind the dance.

Quintos shared on his Facebook page the motivation and inspiration that drove him to do and direct the spectacular performance. 

"One answer is that we saw the SEA GAMES Opening Ceremony as a chance to showcase aspects of our culture that many modern Filipinos know little about or take for granted, buried under our own divisive neglect and lack of concern," Quintos wrote. 

The series of "Power" dances called "Ugat ng Ating Lakas/The Roots of our Strength featured indigenous dances from the Bagobo, the Kalinga, the Maguindanao and the pre-hispanic Bisayans. 

"To my mind, these choices pay homage to the most marginalized and neglected of our Indigenous peoples: the Lumad of highland Mindanao, the Maranao and their great ruined city of Marawi, the Kalinga who fought for their ancestral lands," Quintos said. 

Thousands  Filipino and foreign spectators inside the world's biggest indoor stadium have witnessed the amazing display of pure talent and skills from Filipino performers.

WATCH VIDEO: Cordillera ethnic dance on stage at the SEA Games opening ceremony

"In the joyful, intentionally mis-matched costumes of a hundred hiphop dancers of all genders and body types. There will be no special effects, no fabulous, hitherto unseen technological stage wizardry. Just good old Pinoy energy, talent and joy. The very things we return to. The very qualities that enable us to survive," Quintos added.

Meanwhile the Office of the President congratulates the organizers, performers, volunteers, and everyone behind the spectacular event. 

"Once again, the Filipino nation rose to the challenge and exhibited before the world the cultural genius of the Filipino and the best of Filipino talent giving world-class performances of our singers and dancers with impressive stage design and production, including lighting ceremony, as well as the mesmerizing fireworks display," it the Office of the Spokesperson FB page reads.

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Cordillera ethnic dance on stage at the SEA Games opening ceremony

Photo Courtesy || SEA Games

Cordillera - The Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2019 opening ceremony began with a series of spectacular performances from different ethnic groups in the country. 

Among them was the combat dance of the Bontoc, Ifugao and the Kalinga of Cordillera. 

The opening ceremony was one of the highlights of the SEA games and one of the things many Filipinos are excited to watch. 

Held at the Philippine Arena, the biggest indoor stadium in the world on November 30, the opening ceremony includes a line-up of performance from the country's top performers and singers like KZ Tandingan, Apl.de.ap, Aicelle Santos and Lani Misalucha.

READ ALSO: 

Igorot Muay Thai Champion going for gold in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games 2019 

Igorot wrestler to represent Philippines in the 30th Manila SEA Games

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attended the opening ceremony together with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah whom he had a bilateral meeting earlier today. 

RELATED: Kalinga, Bagobo, Maguindanao "Power" dance is a showcase of culture many Filipinos know little about

The Philippines hopes to achieve a "historic milestone" in hosting the 30th edition of the bienniel sporting event in Southeast Asia. 

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

Cordillera - A Christian minister from Ghana said he was pleased to discover how Baguio city is  such a beautiful place to live for a visitor.

In an interview with a local TV network, Bishop Maxwell Hagan was impressed by the way he was treated with respect by the people of Baguio since he lived here.

"As a foreigner I find myself lost looking for a place and anybody who approached, they speak you with respect, they make you feel you are part of this place and part of this community" Hagan said. 

Hagan recalled how we was warmly welcomed by the people of Baguio when he visited the city in 2010. He said he was treated not as a visitor but as part of the community. 

"This is a place where visitors no longer become visitors, you become part of the family," Hagan said.

He invited others to come and visit the city and enjoy the unique culture of the city and the Cordilleras. He is confident that it will be a life-changing experience to live here. 

READ ALSO: Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard

"I'm telling you, your life will never be the same. This is a home away from home," Hagan added. 

For Hagan, Baguio is a place where you can find hope, peace and progress.

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

Maxwell Hagan is a Christian preacher from Ghana and he is the Presiding Bishop of the Dominion House Christian Center Worldwide that publishes and distributes Christian-based publications. 

source || PTV

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Igorot Eng. Perry Kiwang Compala top 7 in November 2019 Chemical Engineers Board Exams

Photo Courtesy || Saint Louis University

Cordillera - A graduate from Saint Louis University was among the top 10 board passers in the recent Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in November. 

Perry Kiwang Compala of the said university landed on 7 topnotcher spot together with Jaron Nicolas Tung Uy of the University of the Philippines - Diliman. The two graduates got an 83.50 percent passing rate. 

Meanwhile, Martin Zechariah Magat Valencia of La Salle University - Manila topped this year's Chemical Engineer Licensure Exams garnering an 86.10 percent passing rate followed by Maru Feriel Olivan Del Carmen of the University of the Philippines - Diliman in the 2nd spot with an 85. 80 percent passing rate.

The PRC released the result on November 27 with about 1,259 examiners who took the exam but only around 899 were able to passed.

The PRC conducted the licensure exam in different testing centers in the country including Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

The commission had set December 11 and 12, 2019 for the registration of the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID). This can be done online through this link https://online.prc.gov.ph/.

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Police Cordillera works towards being the model for PNP Good Deeds Program

Photo Courtesy || Pnp Cordillera

Cordillera - Police from the Cordilleran Administrative region had become viral on social media in recent months for being the most disciplined Regional Police Office nationwide. 

Based on the report released by the National Police Commission (Napolcom), police officers from Cordillera were tagged as the most disciplined in the country. 

This was backed by the recent report from the Community Evaluation Survey that cops from Cordillera got near perfect scores for all indices: Satisfaction, Trust, Respect and Safety. 

Such good report is associated by the fact that cops who were raised in Cordillera followed the cultural belief of "Inayan", the fear to the perceived Supreme Being taught by their parents, grandparents and their elders in the community.

Cordilleran cops were also observed to be loyal and obedient to their elders.

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

For this reason, the PRO-COR Regional Police Director, PBGen. Israel Ehpraim Dickson said that the PNP Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine has announced the designation of Cordillera cops to be a model for the creation of the Good Deeds Program that can be followed by the entire police force in the country.

Under the program, a council will be created that is similar to the Cordillera Council of Elders, which acts as a body that will instill respect and discipline among the police force.

READ ALSO:  Ibaloi PNP-SAF presented exemplary award by President Duterte

PGen Dickson added that the PNP leadership is currently studying the effectiveness of the proposed program.

"Inaaral nila kung paano ginagawa ito sa Cordilera at gaano  kaeffective ang ginagawa natin dito na gagayahin na ng PNP leadership para maimplement sa lahat ng kapulisan dito sa Pilipinas," Dickson said via PTV Cordillera.

Cordillerans have a high respect to the Council of Elders as they are the ones who provide moral lessons and discipline. Their words and pieces of advice are meant to be followed.

The elders of Cordillera are keeping the culture of Inayan as the guiding principle for every Cordillerans to follow.

This culture along with other valued traditions still remain to be very important for every Cordillerans and they take these with them where ever they go.

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Farmer's daughter from Sablan, Benguet lands top 6 in 2019 Agriculture Licensure Exam

Photo Courtesy || Chelle Charlden Cosme Carlos

Cordillera - A farmer's daughter from Sablan, Benguet was among the top 10 board passers in the recently concluded 2019 Agriculture Licensure Examinations conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). 

21-year old Chelle Charlden Cosme Carlos, an alumnus of Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet landed in the top 6 with an 88.33 percent passing rate.

According to Chelle, she was a working student at BSU and despite her hectic schedule, she managed to find time to review for the board exam.

"Nagtratrabaho po ako noon sa BSU bilang isang researcher, so very hectic yung schedule. Kailangan ko po siyang isingit... half day na nagrereview tapos nagtratrabaho sa hapon," Chelle said via Abs Cbn Kapamilya.

Chelle comes from a family with a mother who is a housewife and a father who woks as a farm technician.

Photo Courtesy || Chelle Charlden Cosme Carlos

She shared that her parents are her inspiration for studying agriculture. 

Both her mom and her dad were very proud of her and praised her for being a good daughter and student. 

READ ALSO: SLU graduate among top 10 in November 2019 Chemical Engineers Board Exams

"Chelle was an active student and she was very good academically and also in extracurricular activities. And she was a good student," her mother said. 

"We are proud of her. Sana, she will continue na maging ganun and she will pursue para sa kanyang kinabukasan. Ano man ang mangyari, ang gusto namin ay, she has to remain humble," Chelle's father said.

The PRC conducted the licensure exam on November 5 to 7 in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

There are a total of 5,538 out of 13,492 (41.05%) who passed the exams.

READ ALSO: 3 Cordillera students among National finalists for the 58th 10 Outstanding Students of the Philippines

Chelle advised the young generation to study agriculture.

"Kumakain tayo araw araw... so kailangan natin ng sustainable food everyday, healthy food. So, kailangan natin ang mga farmers, agriculturist and scientist. So I encouraged the younger generations to go into agriculture kasi maraming matututunan," Chelle said. 

Another Cordilleran who landed in the top 9 is Imee Gallawon Mutal from Ifugao. 

Mutal is an alumnus of Ifugao State University. She got an average passing rate of 87.67 percent.

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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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