Banaue PNP builds new home for underprivileged family

Photo Courtesy || Banaue PNP

Cordillera - The Banaue PNP remains steadfast to its mandate of serving and protecting the municipality and its people by continuing the giving of relief packs (ayuda) to those Banauen family who are in need and most affected by this pandemic brought by Corona Virus (COVID19). 

During the distribution of the said relief in the remote sitios of each barangays, the group encountered one respectable family of nine from Chig-chig,Bocos,Banaue,Ifugao who were then living together in their small house, estimated not more than 10sqm. 

The family is raising an infant and the small crowded space would be tough for the infant to live in. The family house was not sturdy and doesn't guarantee safety considering the poor structural built of the house. Water also often get inside the house when it rains especially during typhoon. 

According to the World Health Organization's Housing and Health Guidelines, household crowding is considered to be a threat to health and well-being as it can be a source of constant stress. Household crowding can be a significant hot spot of infectious-disease transmission, and that seems to be true in this current pandemic as we are all fighting to reduce the spread of the virus. 

With the aforementioned situation, PEMS Rolando Bongallon, Chief MCAD suggested to all personnel the building of a house for the family which was tagged as “Bahay ng Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko Project’’. PCPT RODOLFO T FATEG, OIC automatically approved the proposed project and encouraged each personnel to uplift the spirit of solidarity especially in helping the needy with humility, compassion, and without expecting anything in return.

Before the commencement of the "Bahay ng Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko" Project, personnel of the office assessed the situation of the family thru home visitation. The personnel likened the family to a ’’Kahong’’tree, simple but sturdy, staying strong despite the difficulties and storms coming and passing its way. The members of the family still find contentment and joy in simple living because their love for each other is a stronger structure protecting them all from the harshness of life. All of these were noted despite the head of the family experiencing impaired vision and loosing physical strength. Hence, they deserved to be the chosen beneficiary of the Banaue PNP’’ Pabahay Project’’. For the realization of the said Pabahay Project, Banaue PNP and members of the community worked and contributed together in the spirit of "bayanihan".

Aside from their mandatory contribution, personnel of Banaue PNP gave additional contributed for the purchase of construction materials for the said house. Some of them gave extra cash, wood, hallow blocks and GI sheets. Even retired members of the PNP from Banaue and some stakeholders donated in cash and in kind for the success of the said project. Members of the RMFB1501ST Maneuver Company also supported the project by donating 2 cubic of sand and gravel and rendered their time and effort to join the Banaue PNP personnel in the construction of the house with floor area of 10 x 20 square meters. The two-bedroom house that was built is mostly made of wood with cemented floor.

On September 24, 2020, Banaue MPS conducted house blessing and ceremonial turnover to the beneficiary of the Adopt a Family Project presided by PCPT RODOLFO T FATEG.Pastor Herman Dinumla officiated the house blessing. The said events were attended by PCOL DAVID D MARIANDO-PD together with his staff, members of the150 1st Maneuver Company at Mount Polis, Mr.Marcelo B.Lihgawon, PIA-Ifugao, Barangay officials, and residents and  donors. The head of the family voiced out his unending gratitude with tears of joy for the blessing of a simply yet sturdy house that they received. This was the response of the PNP to the benefited family: ’’Give GOD the glory(credits) for He just used us as an instrument to offer you the help you deserved and we are looking forward for your support to end this pandemic by staying safely at home. That will be a great help for us."

The Banaue PNP is thankful to all volunteers who in one way or another offered their time, effort, labor and resources until the house is finished. It is really heartwarming that the PNP, with the help of the community, was able to help create a happy place where the beneficiaries can live, laugh and learn; a home where they can be safe, loved, respected, and cared for.

Indeed, helping other people has a great impact especially when you see them smiling with gratitude. The unending joys felt from helping others is enough motivation for us, members of Banaue PNP, to face each day with optimism, strength, faith and courage. The members of the PNP may not always be able to give financial assistance because we also have our respective needs and family but what we can assure is to give quality service with a smile to lighten heart of our constituents. Thank you very much.

source || Banaue PNP

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Benguet to host first ever Miss Universe Philippines?

Cordillera - Miss Universe Philippines Organization Creative Director Jonas Gaffud met with Benguet Congressional District representative Congressman Eric Yap last week. 

In a post from the official Facebook page of Cong. Yap, it remarked: "Something BIG is coming to Benguet! Abangan."

Photo Courtesy || Benguet Congressional Distric - Cong Eric Yap

The post has no official announcement yet if Miss Universe Philippine pageant is going to be held in Benguet. 

But if so, this is something Benguet and Cordillera should be proud of. 

READ ALSO: Two Cordillerans among official candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2020

It would be the province's first hosting of the number one beauty pageant competition in the country. 

Miss Universe Philippines is a beauty pageant competition and organization in the Philippines that selects the country's representative to the Miss Universe pageant. 

READ ALSO:  Miss Noreen Victoria Mangawit ramps up training for Miss Universe Philippines 2020

The current holder of the Miss Universe Philippines is Gazni Ganados of Talisay, Cebu who was crowned on June 9, 2019 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

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Police Trainee from Kalinga tops PSBRC RTC3 Class 2020-02 MAG-ALAB Special Action Force.

Photo Courtesy || Regional Training Center 3, Magalang, Pampanga FB

Cordillera - A proud yKalinga Police trainee is number one in the list of the top 3 female trainees of PSBRC RTC Class 2020-10 MAG-ALAB Special Action Force.

Here is an inspiring message from PAT Wenzy Hope Q Accad.

I came from a simple family from the mountainous province of Kalinga. The province known by most people as Head Hunters. Wherever I go, there are always people who would say “Ah taga-Kalinga ka pala, mga Head Hunters.” However, this notion didn’t stop me in achieving my goals and to aim tall and high just like those tall mountains of Kalinga. 

I finished my BS Accountancy at the University of the Cordilleras in May 2013 and passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination in October of the same year. I practiced my profession at a private institution as an external auditor for almost 5 years. 

As I stayed longer in that institution I realized that I wanted to do more and do things that matters most specially for our country. I believed that I would be able to achieve that goal and satisfaction if I join the law enforcement. With that goal in mind I decided to apply at the most elite unit of the PNP, the Special Action Force. After 5 months of waiting and endured application, I was one of the 379 SAF recruits attrition quota 1st cycle 2020 who took oath on February 28, 2020.

I admit that at first it wasn’t easy for me as I wasn’t used to the regimented way of life and the level of discipline expected from a man in uniform is far greater than that of the civilian’s. There were also times when I thought of quitting, but then I thought of my goals and the people who are continuously supporting and motivating me, then I pick-up myself again and continue to go on.

As the days go by, training didn’t become easier, but it wasn’t also difficult. If you only learn to follow, you would survive the training and you wouldn’t mind the days that tomorrow is your graduation day. Just like our Officer-in-charge RTC 3 PLTCOL MARLON VENTURA RUFO, “ Wala tayong gagawing kakaiba, sumunod lang ng sumunod.”

To my family, Ma, Pa, Ate, Kuya, thank you for continuously supporting me, you have been my inspiration. Even though you are not present in my graduation day, I know that you are very proud of me.

To RTC 3 training staff led by our Officer-in-charge RTC 3 PLTCOL MARLON VENTURA RUFO, thank you for molding us to become better and disciplined policeman and for all the knowledge and guidance you have given to us. All of the memories of our training are carved in our hearts and will surely treasure forever.

To my fellow Top 3, I am exceptionally proud of us, as we are part of the PNP unit who are mostly dominated by men, but clearly we have proven once again that even though we are women, we can also excel and more.

To my classmate, thank you, as we have trained together, cried together, laughed together, pushed the ground together, and rolled like a barrel together, I hope that the discipline, teamwork and camaraderie we have built during our 6 months training would always be with us.

To our classmate, late PAT Callanao, to you we offer our success in this Graduation Day; wherever you are now, rest assured that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. You will always be a part of our class “MAG-ALAB”. You will always be remembered.

To our Almighty Father, thank you for giving us the strength and courage to face all the challenges of our training.

Success is not final; failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.

Class MAG-ALAB let us keep the fire going. May the Force be with us always. Ahoowa….

source || PAT Wenzy Hope Q Accad via Regional Training Center 3, Magalang, Pampanga

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Canadian and his Igorot friend take crazy motor adventure to see the best Philippine sunrise in Atok.

Photo Courtesy || Becoming Filipino

Cordillera - When Kyle Jennerman or popularly called "Kulas" decided to visit Cordillera a few years back, he started his journey in Benguet. 

Joined with his Igorot friend, they took of a motorcycle ride and went straight up to the top of Mt. Timbak in Atok to see the best Philippine sunrise. 

He wrote, "I woke up early and found myself standing in a beautiful sunflower patch looking out towards Mt. Pulag and massive valleys. This was an incredible place to catch a sunrise."

"Then I met my new local Filipino friend Jerol, who joined me on a hilarious  scooter adventure up the side of of Mt. Timbak. Turns out this mountain is actually the 9th highest in the Philippines! It only took a little bit of walking, but we found ourselves totally immersed in beautiful views and lots or terraces of vegetables!, he added. 

"Benguet has so many good vibes, and I am making so many Filipino friends!" Kulas said.

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Rebel returnee rescued by a Kalinga Army Officer at Airport

Photo Courtesy || Tabuk Life

Cordillera - Early afternoon of September 21, 2020 at the Puerto Princesa City International Airport, a female army officer, LtCol. Jessie Rose Bucalen-Austria who happens to be an yKalinga, had an unforgettable encounter with a mother who was with a 1 year 6-month old child and a 2-month old baby.

Truly, it was a desperate situation causing the mother to be in distress but she never lose hope that after more than six hours of waiting for someone to assist her with her kids, somebody lend a hand while ensuring their safety throughout the duration of their flight bound to Manila.

Here is the true travel story based from the transcript of Lt.Col Austria:

It was 2 PM when I entered the Puerto Princesa City International Airport to catch my flight but I went there early because of the new normal guideliness and health protocols. I was about to enter the line going to the check in counter when I noticed at my peripherial vision a young girl running towards the x-ray machine without any one going after her. What I did was to drop my luggage and went after the kid.

Suddenly, a very grateful mother carrying a 2 month old baby approached me with the young girl. She is the mother of the young girl and she humbly said teary-eyed, "Mam, maraming salamat po.Papunta po ba kayo Manila?" I answered: Yes po. Wala po ba kayong kasama? And she replied: " Ako lang po mam at ayaw kaming pacheck-inin kasi mag-isa lang ako. Kaninang 7:00AM pa po kami dito pero di kami pinapasok kasi di pa pwede. Sa check-in counter naman dapat daw may mag assist sa akin. I smiled at her then volunteered and asked her to come with me at the counter. 

I requested her to take care of the young girl and I will be in charge of the 2-month baby. She was crying when she handed me her baby with so much gratefulness. She never lose hope that somebody will offer her a hand in that very desperate situation. She tried to ask other passengers but they ignored her.

While waiting for our turn to check in, I gave her an assurance. “Wag po kayong mag-alala, Army po ako. I am LTC Austria safe po kayo sa akin".

At the check in counter, I gave the lady in-charge my documents and told her that I will be assisting the mother and her two children. Everything went smoothly at the next screening until we reached the waiting area of the boarding gate.

While waiting, she called her mother over the phone informing her that somebody assisted them. I can hear her saying my name. At that time, the baby was in her deep sleep in my arms, She is an angel...She is a sleeping beauty.. Then I asked the mother, what is your name and why are you not travelling with anyone? Napakahirap po ang naging sitwasyon n’yo kanina. Then I noticed her tears rolling down her cheeks. She answered me that her name is Naomi. Naabutan po kasi kami ng lockdown nung umuwi kami sa amin after ng maraming taon. Dito ko na rin ipinanganak si baby.

In a few moments, she opened up, " Alam nyo mam, dati po akong kasama sa kilusan ang tawag nila sa akin ay Ka Maya." I was really shocked, at the back of my mind “Hala!!! dati ko palang kalaban ito," then I glanced at the angelic face of the baby that I was holding…but my willingness to help them prevailed with no mental reservation.

She told me everything how hard her life while going against the government. They have to collect revolutionary taxes from businessmen. “Nagsunog na kmi ng mga buses at cell sites. Ako mismo nagrerecruit sa mga kabataan na sumapi sa kilusan.She was even wounded in one of the encounters. And that was her miserable seven years inside the New Peoples Army. Then I asked her " Bakit mo naisipang bumalik sa gobyerno?" She answered that "Wala naman kasing ibang gobyerno ang tutulong sa iyo kundi ang gobyerno natin". With that coming directly from one of them. To the young generations "Wag kayong magpalinlang, NPA Salot yan ng lipunan"

I took care of the baby in the entire duration of the flight because Ka Maya took care of her other daughter.. I usually sleep in most of my flights but not this time...Hindi naman umiyak si baby, siguro dahil feeling niya kutson ang tyan ko.

Then we arrived in Manila, I asked her if somebody will fetch them and she told me that her husband will be there. I accompanied them outside after she retrieved their check in baggages.

At the Bay 3 of Terminal 3 I have witnessed a family reunion. The father got to see his family and first meeting with his 2month old baby. It was a sweet goodbye. Akalain mo nga naman, ang dating magkalaban ay pinagtagpo sa isang sitwasyon na kelangan nilang magtulungan. She was cleared by the government in 2014.

In an interview with Lt.Col Austria, she said that she always believes in the kindness of humanity. We all have that within us. Let us be a blessing to everyone in our little way. Let us spread love not hate among us. Let us not withhold goodness to others if we have the power or the capability to give. It maybe effortless on our part but means a lot to others.

Source || Eisenhower Bucalen via Tabuk Life Facebook

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Baguio is in a good place because of the people - Baguio mayor Magalong

Photo Courtesy || Benjamin Magalong - Public servant

Cordillera - "Baguio is in a good place because of its people", that was the statement of Baguio city mayor Benjie Magalong after the plan of opening  the city to tourists on September 22.

He emphasized that the local government of Baguio was able to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 because of the citizens who work  together with the government. 

"We were only able to manage the virus because Baguio residents worked with the government and supported measures we had set in place," Magalong said on Facebook post. 

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

The city is set to slowly test the waters of the new normal by reopening its tourism industry. 

"Covid-19 will never go away, hence we need to co-exist with it, we need to learn how to live with it, how to function with it and how to do business with it on our midst," Magalong said. 

On Friday (Sept. 19), Magalong was joined by National Action Plan Against Covid-19, Deputy Chief Implementer Sec. Vince Dizon. Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque led the inspection of establishments along Session Road and the triage at the Baguio Convention Center before the city officially reopens to incoming tourists.

READ ALSO: Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard

Magalong said that the decision to reopen the tourism industry was set because the people need jobs to sustain their lives and to prevent people from getting depressed due to the current pandemic.

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Baguio high school student semifinalist of global science competition

Photo Courtesy || Breakthrough FB page

Cordillera - A 17-year old, Jeff Winxin Collado, from Saint Louis University Laboratory High School has made his science video entry to the semifinal of the worldwide science video competition. 

Collado's video entry is among the 30 semifinalist from across the globe that is competing in the sixth annual Breakthrough Junior Challenge Competition. 

He will be competing against video creator from bigger countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Korea, India, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Romania, the U.K and Venezuela. 

In his video, Collado talks about the Covid-19 pandemic and the process of Zoonosis - how virus transfer from animal to human. 

The video which gets the highest combined total number of Likes, Shares and positive reactions (Love, Haha, Wow) on the original post of the the video on the Breakthrough Facebook page will be named the Popular Vote Top Scorer. 

The top scorer will progress automatically to the final round of the competition, bypassing the the next round of judging and be placed in the final round of judging. 

Here's the main page: https://web.facebook.com/BreakthroughPrize/

To vote for Collado's video, go to:

https://web.facebook.com/watch/?v=614548419432219

If you want to see Collado make the finals, you have until Monday September 21st, 2.59 pm.

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How a brave Igorot from Kabayan introduces coffee in Cordillera

Photo Courtesy || One Cordillera

Cordillera - American history records show that coffee was introduced to Benguet by the Spaniards, who distributed seeds to the Benguet people and later, forcing all Igorots in the province to grow and expand the coffee plantations. The Igorots opposed this, and tried to kill and uproot the coffee plants.

However, in Kabayan, a young Igorot leader named Camising, who was famous for his bravery in protecting his people, saw possible value in the coffee plants.

After some study and observations, as well as trips to other parts of the Philippines where coffee grew, he led the cultivation of coffee in Kabayan. 

Once they started harvesting, Camising sold their crops himself, and he discovered that the value of coffee per cavan (around 30 kilos) increased year by year. By 1902, majority of Benguet coffee was grown in Kabayan. 

The fist customers of Benguet coffee were the mainland Spaniards, not even those in Manila. The Tabacalera Company bought Benguet coffee every year, shipping the whole crop to Spain and selling it at high prices. 

Camising's Kabayan coffee was part of this high-value export.

source || One Cordillera

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Igorot PH Army General is new commander of the Army Signal Regiment

Photo Courtesy || Philippine Army

Cordillera - An Igorot general from Cordillera has been named as the new commander of the Army Signal Regiment (ASR) of the Philippine Army during the turnover ceremony held in Fort Bonifacio on Monday. 

Brigadier General Milton Y. Beset was installed as the new commander of the ASR replacing Brigadier General Vener Odilon D. Mariano. 

The Bontoc, Mountain Province born and Baguio raised B/Gen Beset, was the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronic and Information System (CEIS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

A graduate of the Officer Candidate School in 1990, B/Gen spent his junior officeship with the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army before he trod his career with the military signal, communication, and cyber warfare, as a graduate of Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) at Saint Louis University, Baguio City. He is also a licensed Engineer.

B/Gen Beset further honed his skills as Military Officer and Cyberwarfare expert with his various schooling, both local and abroad, and his assignments to various positions in the Armed Forces, particularly on matters pertaining to signal communication and cyber warfare or C4ISTAR.

He finished his elementary at Pinsao Elementary School, Pinsao, Baguio City, and his high school at Easter School, Guisad Baguio City.

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DILG Cordillera is in need of 571 Contact Tracers with P18,784.00 monthly salary

Cordillera - The Department of Interior and Local Government - Cordillera (DILG-CAR) has announced that it is hiring interested individuals to work as contact tracer to be deployed in different parts of Cordillera.

The contract tracers shall augment or form part of the existing Contact Tracing Team of the government units who will provide the first point of contact cases of the Covid-19. 

They shall conduct case interviews, profiling, and perform and initial public health risk assessment Covid-19 cases and their identified close contacts.

Contact Tracer will serve until December 31, 2020, according to DILG-CAR.

Applicants are advised to submit their basic requirements to the preferred DILG Provincial/City Office through their respective email or drop box provided at the entrance of the DILG Regional, Provincial, City, or Municipal Offices. 

The Deadline of Submission is on 21 September 2020.

Download the Letter of Intent Template, Personal Data Sheet Form, and Terms of Reference here:

https://tinyurl.com/DILGCAR-CT-Applicants 

Abra: abra.dilg@gmail.com

Apayao: dilg_apayao@yahoo.com

Baguio City: dil9cityfieldoffice@gmail.com

Benguet: benguetdilgpo@gmail.com

Ifugao: ifugao.dilg2018@gmail.com

Kalinga: dilgkalinga2019@gmail.com

Mountain Province: dilgmountain@gmail.com

DILG-CAR: dilgcarcloud@gmail.com

Please refer to the following requirements from DILG Facebook Page

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