Netizens united to protect Sagada from Ayala planning to build recreation sites

Photo Courtesy || Naks PH

Cordillera - Social media netizens have voiced out their opposition of a Manila-based corporation to develop a 20-hectare private property in Sagada into a massive tourism sites. 

In a Facebook post campaign #NoToAyalaInSagada by a Facebook page Naks PH which reached almost 1 million shares with 600 comments, many netizens have commented they are with the people of Sagada in opposing this big corporation setting foot in their town. 

This comes after Sagada Mayor James Pooten confirmed a report that Ayala group of companies is planning to develop a 20-hectare private property owned by a local family into a massive recreation site. 

In a comment, concerned netizens reminded iSagada of the possible bad effect of the plan with regards to the environment because big establishment will just destroy the natural beauty of Sagada.

One netizen wrote, "Keep Sagada from becoming another Baguio. Sagada now is described as having the atmosphere of Baguio back in the 1960s. Baguio was more attractive in the 1960s. Too much commercial tourism will kill Sagada's mystique".

Another one commented, "A big NO! I hope that Sagada, regardless of their booming tourism would greatly consider preserving whatever is left of the natural resources. Honestly, considering Sagada's condition right now, it's already becoming "suffocating". It's actually one of my favorite run to places and that the people of Sagada will resist whatever big companies has to offer." 

The campaign which is now trending online had strong message to iSagada not to allow any outsiders from taking their lands in exchange for a small return, but have a big detrimental effect to the environment.

"Enough of the cutting of trees and destroying our precious land in the Cordilleras by this capitalist who only care about profits. Sagada can survive without this big corporations. Sagada has thriving and sustainable tourism. Tourists and visitors come to Sagada because of the beautiful people and amazing places." the campaign post read. 

Many netizens stated that they are not in favor of any kind of big establishments to be built in the town because this will just destroy the natural beauty of their town. 

In order to protect Sagada from these rich businessmen and oligarchs, a petition has been made by residents. 

"We firmly oppose the entry of Ayala or anybody who would dispossess us of our ancestral heritage. This is our patrimony and must remain so for generations, this is a statement upholding Sagada customary laws that our land is not for sale, lease, and mortgage, patenting to outside private and corporate entities." the petition read.

Petitioners claimed that Sagada has been blessed with a spectacular landscape and source of life, pride for the people, and the envy of visitors who come form adventure, employment and relaxation, Sunstar reported.

"Rich businessmen and oligarchs, showbiz personalities, have expressed interest to buy, lease or control our land. We have a long historical tradition of fighting for our communal and ancestral lands. We have denied entry of Cellophil, Philcarbon, big mining corporate interests. Now once more dark clouds hover above community, posting danger not only to local businesses but to Sagada's overall social governance by giving way to outside moneyed interests while to eventually pushing local political leaders to margins," the petition added.

source || Naks PH, Sunstar.

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Filipino MMA star Danny Kingad motivated for World Title match in 2020

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - One of the best Filipino Mixed Martial Artist Danny Kingad is eyeing for a World Title shot this coming year 2020. To fulfill his dream, he has to beat every tough opponents on the way and win every single match. 

For Kingad, achieving that goal could not be as challenging as the first time he campaigned for the world title in the previous year. 

Joining the World Grand Prix and facing top-caliber athletes in the likes of Senzo Ikeda, Reece McLaren and Demetrious Johnson have been a great test of his ability to go for another challenge. 

In his interview with ONE Championship, Kingad admits joining the World Grand Prix have helped him learned to improve some of his weakness. 

"I learned a lot, I was against top-caliber athletes who were able to make me realize some of my weakness, which I continuously work on to improve. Every bout is different, with each of them having strengths in various disciplines of martial arts, so I had to work on my all-ground game in order to be prepared for anyone I had to face," Kingad said.

Asked about what he had to say about his performance in 2019, the Igorot fighter said he was satisfied with his performance especially when he faced DJ who is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time. 

"I am very much satisfied with my performance, and I'm really happy to have competed against such talented athletes. Like I said, not everyone can get a chance to compete against an in-his-prime DJ, but I was able to go toe-to-toe with him and push him for three rounds," Kingad shared. 

It was a dream-come-true for Kingad facing Johnson in the final of ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix. Before, he "was just playing against him as a character in a video game but then he actually faced him in a real fight inside the cage.

Right after their fight in October, Johnson admitted that Kingad was the toughest fighter he had ever faced in the World Grand Prix. 

"Danny Kingad was tough, I knew his grappling was strong, I had to try to finish him, Johnson said. 

For Kingad, year 2020 is another year for him to show how much he had grown. 

As ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sidyothong said, "Danny will be king of the division in the future. There's no doubt in my mind that he will be a world champion one day".

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Still Undefeated: Ifugao boxer Carl James Martin WINS again via TKO

Carl James "Wonder Boy" Martin is still undefeated
Photo courtesy || Alvin S. Go/Rappler

Cordillera - Ifugao's youngest and undefeated boxer Carl James "The Wonder Boy" Martin was victorious yet again as he floored his opponent via technical knockout on Saturday at the Manila Arena.

The 20-year old Martin was able to keep his undefeated record when he defeated challenger Philip Luis Cuerdo via TKO in the 3rd round for the Philippine Boxing Federation Bantamweight crown.

Martin as expected delivers exciting fight as he unloaded powerful punches to Cuerdo through out the contest.

It was in the 3rd round that Martin caught Cuerdo with a powerful left hook that sent him to the canvas. 

Cuerdo was able to recover, but the younger Martin's hunger to finish the fight took the shaky Cuerdo with series of punches to the body and head. 

The fight was halted when the Cuerdo's coach came to stop to prevent further damage.

Martin, from Lagawe, Ifugao has never been defeated in his 15 bouts, with 14 wins came via knockouts.

Martin is currently reigns as the World Boxing Organization Oriental Youth bantamweight champion which he won on April 2018 by beating Hashimu Zuberi of Tanzania.

In 2017, he took the Interim World Boxing Council and Asian Boxing Council Continental bantamweight crown by defeating Artid Bamrunguea of Thailand via TKO.

His recent fight prior to facing Cuerdo was in June 10, 2019 when he beat another Thai fighter Yuttichai Wannawong. 

Congratulations  Carl James Martin of Ifugao.

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Visiting museums or art galleries may help people live longer, according to a new study.

Cordillera - A new study from University College London (UCL) have found out that people who are engaged in arts-related activities every few months of more could help them live longer. 

The researchers discovered that those who engaged in arts more frequently at least every few months had a 31% lower risk of dying early than those who did not. The study also showed that going to the theater or museum once or twice a year was linked with a 14% lower risk of dying, according to article published in the BMJ Journal.

The reason, according to the study why their is a link between "arts engagement" and living long can be credited to socioeconomic differences between those who go to museums, art galleries, and theaters, and those who do not. Although wealth only accounted 9 percent as the reason, social and civic engagement, and mobility also played a role. 

Daisy Fancourt, author of the study told that these leisure and pleasure activities that people don't think as a health related activity do support good health and longetivity.

She said that engaging with the arts can help in lowering stress and build creativity that allows people to adapt to changing circumstances. 

"We also thought that a greater sense of purpose could play a role. If this study is added to the larger of evidence, we are getting an increasingly rich picture on how arts can benefit health and it's not about one single outcome. It can have wide ranging benefits and support healthier lives live longer." Fancourt added.

In an editorial published by the World Health Organization said that both receptive participation, like visiting a museum, and active participation, like singing in a choir, had health benefits.

Based from this study, the WHO said that everyone should have the chance to take part in cultural activities.

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WOW!: Kalinga's "Sissiwit" song hits nearly 2 Million views on YouTube

Photo Courtesy || Hilair Wacdangan

Cordillera - Believe it or not, Kalinga's "Sissiwit" became the most popular song among Cordillerans in 2019. In fact, it's the first Cordillera song that reaches nearly 2 million views on YouTube (1.8 million views as of this writing).

Uploaded 2 years ago by Simple Tone, Kalinga YouTube channel, "Sissiwit" has been the number one song in the Cordilleras.

If the Koreans have the "Gangnam Style", the Cordillerans have the "Sissiwit". Its popularity is phenomenal. It's the most requested song at concerts, wedding occasions and community gatherings, among others. It also an ongoing viral post on Facebook today.

Like any other viral video, "Sissiwit" has reached  many Cordilleran OFWs abroad and it become a song of inspiration to them. 

It also inspired many YouTubers and song composers to create their own cover song out of it including the most popular Ilocano singer and composer The Four-Decade Dou.

The "Sissiwit" is a Kalinga word that means bird. The song was originally composed and sung by Hilair Wacdagan of Tanudan, Kalinga. 

The cheerful and lively melody of the song make it well-liked and perfect accompaniment for any traditional Cordillera dances.

There's even a trending "Sissiwit Challenge" on Facebook inviting anyone to post their "Sissiwit dance".

The song would continue to be the most-played Cordilleran music this coming year 2020. "Sissiwit" is an inescapable cultural phenomenon which serves as an introduction to Cordilleran culture and talent among Filipinos and around the world.

Original songwriter Wacdagan could not believe his composition could reach this milestone.

"Agyamanak unay ti adu adu nga suporta yu kakabsat ken kakailyan iti Cordillera, nakatataba po ng puso, haan ko namnamaen nga aglatak toy kanta tayo nga isut mangted ti ragragsak tayu tunggal ada okasyon nga isut maysa ah kararagsakan nga maisalsala tayo," Wacdagan said in his Facebook post.

The popularity of the song could diminish in the next 2 - 3 years, like most songs, however, it leaves us the mark in our musical mind that for sure whenever we listen to it, we'll definitely get up to sing and dance.

Sissiwit Lyrics

Awad tun dinukmaak

Un kaay-ayumak

Intarok ta ammaak

Sissiwit un naatap

Nu kad nu oggoman yo

Tukkayan na ima yu

Isunga ammaan yu

Satu un sissiwit ko

Chorus:

Sissiwit ko, o sissiwit ko

Nu lumawa ak, buburrun ko

Sumulag nu oggoman yu

Ta sakon di nampaamo

Immoy ko binisita

Igaw di sukbut na

Nangitlog si duwa

Maam-ammaan siya

Nu pion yu maam-ammo

Mampakada kayo

Tapnu maoggomman yu

Sa un sissiwit ko

Chorus:

Sissiwit ko, o sissiwit ko

Nu lumawa ak, buburrun ko

Sumulag nu oggoman yu

Ta sakon di nampaamo

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Congratulations Mt. Province for being recognized as one of the 2019 National ADAC Performance Award

Photo Courtesy || Mt. Province PIO

Cordillera - The local government of Mountain Province has been recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as one of the 2019 National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awardee in the recently concluded ADAC Performance Audit. 

For its exemplary efforts and strong support of the government's national anti-drug program, Mt. Province had been conferred this year the 2019 ADAC Ideal Performance Award. 

According to the Mt. Province PIO, the province was the only provincial ADAC in Cordillera region that achieved the 2019 ADAC national awards alongside with the municipality of Barlig and Bauko, Mt. Province and the municipality of Tineg, Abra. 

READ ALSO:  US travel magazine lists Apo Whang-od among 10 Filipinos transforming the nation through sustainable tourism

The National ADAC Performance Award recognizes Local Governments exemplary efforts in complementing the national government's efforts in eradicating the country from illegal drugs.

"The national government's recognition to our exemplary efforts in the performance of our duties shows the province's very strong support to the current administration's efforts in curbing and ending the proliferation of illegal drugs. Let us continue all the good which we have started," Mt. Province Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. said. 

READ ALSO: Benguet awarded Most Competitive Province in Cordillera in 2019

Based of the 2019 ADAC Performance Audit results, Mt. Province garnered Ideal score of 100 points.

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President Duterte awards, gives cash incentives to 2019 Southeast Asian Games Filipino medalists

Photo Courtesy || PTV News

Cordillera - Filipino medalists had an abundance of gifts this Christmas season as all of them received awards and cash incentives from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. 

Pres. Duterte personally leads the ceremonial turnover of checks to all the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Filipino medalists today (18 December 2019) at the Malacañan Palace Hall.

Accompanied by House Speaker and appointed chair of the Philippine Southeast Asia Games Alan Peter Cayetano, Duterte confered the "Order of Lapu-Lapu" with Rank of Kamagi medal to the national team. 

Around 600 medalists of the SEAG who are "deserving of merit and recognition" met with Pres. Duterte to receive their cash reward.

A cash incentives amounting to P300,000 (for Gold medalist), P150,000 (for Silver medalist) and P60,000 (for Bronze medalist) were also given to all the winners as stipulated in Republic Act 10699. 

On top of that, another additional cash incentives coming from the President himself will be received  by the winners; P250,000 each for gold medalist, P150,000 each for silver and P100,000 for bronze medalists.

After the turnover ceremony the president said in his speech  that he was very proud of the achievement of the Filipino athletes. 

"I am deeply honored to be in the presence of our athlete who have emerged victorious in the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games held in our country. Your triumph showcases the athleticism and sporting prowess of our people to our neighbor in Southeast Asia," Duterte said. 

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Igorot captain gets ‘2nd highest military award’ by Pres. Duterte

Cordillera - A Cordilleran Captain was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the 84th Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 17, 2019.

Captain Rico Tagure led the successful rescue of a British man and his Filipina wife who were abducted by ASG  last month. 

Photo Courtesy || PCOO

"Distinguished Conduct Star is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action in the face of armed enemies while serving as Company Commander of 4th Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces "Sabertooth" Battalion, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Philippine Army during the successful conduct of Combat Search and Rescue Operation of the kidnap victims British national Alan Hyron and his Filipina wife Wilma Hyron from 23 to 25 November 2019 in the municipalities of Parang and Indanan, Sulu", his citation read.

RELATED: Kalinga soldier receives second highest combat medal from Pres. Duterte

Troops of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army headed by Cpt. Rico Tagure caught up with the ASG while conducting search and rescue operation.

The troops engaged in a 10-minute gun battle with the enemy leading to the freeing of the abducted couple.

The Distinguished Conduct Star is the second highest military award in the Philippine Army, preceded in precedence only by the Medal of Valor. 

The medal is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the AFP, distinguishes themselves by an extraordinary act of heroism; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed enemy. 

READ ALSO: Lt. Col. Herbert D. Dilag - The Cordilleran warrior who received the highest award in the AFP for bravery.

The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades. The award is made by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. - wikipedia.

This year's 84th Anniversary of the AFP focuses on the theme, "Protecting the People, Securing the State'. Among the highlights of the event include the inspection of the newly acquired assets and the awarding of honors to several distinguished military personnel

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Baguio city unveils calendar of activities for Panagbenga 2020

Cordillera - The city government of Baguio unveils the month-long activities for the annual celebration of the Panagbenga Flower Festival on Monday morning (16 December 2019).

With the theme "Blooming Through the Years," the 25th Panagbenga Festival or Baguio Flower Festival 2020 was formally launched by Mayor Benjie Magalong, together with Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc during the flag raising ceremony at the Baguio City Hall grounds. 

The more than one-month-long Panagbenga festival is crammed with so may activities that residents, local and international tourists can participate to fully enjoy one of Cordilleras famous annual festival.

Starting on February 1, the grand opening will feature the usual opening parade and street dancing starting from Panagbenga Park to DILG to Session Rd., Magsaysay, Harrison, and to Athletic Bowl.

There will be a cultural dance competition from different cultural groups in the region that was scheduled on the 22nd February at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. 

The Panagbenga Grand Street Parade is on the 29th so make sure you come early to stand on the best spot to watch the performance. 

The Grand Float Parade is happening on March 1, 2020 following the route from DILG to Magsaysay Road to Harrison to Melvin Jones Grand Stand. 

Mayor Benjie Magalong delivered an inspiring message during the launching of Panagbenga Festival on Monday. 

"Ang Panagbenga ay natatanging selebrasyon ng makulay na buhay dito sa Baguio at sa Cordillera na ating ibinabahagi ng taas-noo sa buong mundo," Mayor Magalong said. 

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Benguet awarded Most Competitive Province in Cordillera in 2019

Cordillera - The province of Benguet emerged as the most competitive province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), based on the four pillars of index that gauged performance in Economic dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure and Resiliency. 

According to the 2019 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) released by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) website, Benguet ranked 10 most competitive province in the country with a score of 39.3493.

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

The annual undertaking of the NCC aims to look at the competitiveness ranking among local government units with the participation of various government agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

READ ALSO: Cordillera doctors working overseas to put up affordable hospital for Cordillerans

The awarding ceremony was held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Baguio Centre. 

Congratulations Benguet Province.

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