President Duterte approves cash assistance to Cordilleran cultural groups

Photo Courtesy || PCOO & Mr. Barzaga

Cordillera - Philippine president Duterte did not disappointment the request of  Cordillera cultural performing group members who are asking him for financial assistance. 

In a letter addressed to the President dated April 6, 2021, the group named "Ayoweng Di Gangsa" - composed of different cultural performing groups from Cordillera and out-of-school youths and children asked Duterte for assistance for them to be able to buy attires and cultural instruments like "bahag", "tapis", and "gangsa".

The group asked President Duterte an estimated P680,000 worth of cultural instruments and attire to be provided for the different tribes in Cordillera. 

According to the group, having their own instruments and attires would stop them from borrowing and renting which leaves them in dismay.

The president in response, quickly approved the request of the group.

In a video message on social media by Senator Bong Go, Duterte said, "namulat ang mga mata ko sa sinabi ni Bong na may kailangan kayo para sa kapakanan ng mga tribal diyan sa Cordillera."

"Ok ako, Approved ako diyan," Duterte added. 

The group's adviser Mr. Barzaga thanked Pres. Duterte for the quick approval to the group's request.

"Thank you so much Mr. President Duterte sa pag grant ng request ng kabataan Ayoweng di Gangsa Cultural Artist Federation Cordillera Region at wala pang 24 hours my tugon na po kayo sa request nila," Barzaga said.

"Sure po na matutuwa ang mga bata pag gising nila," he added. 

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Cordilleran is Double Winner in the Global Leaders & Educators Award 2021

Photo Courtesy || Adamson Labi

Cordillera - DR. ADAMSON N. LABI - Special Assistant to the President Benguet State University Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines

On being an INNOVATOR, Dr. Labi always gives his all to contribute in the body of knowledge. 

He is the brainchild of the Learning Appreciation By Innovation (LABI Model): Banking on the ATMs of Speech Writing. 

Sample videos can be accessed through his YouTube channel. These innovations were among his outputs that led to his completion of the degree, Doctor of Philosophy in Language Education at Saint Louis University with a grade equivalent to Magna cum laude.

For almost 10 years, he also manages the Speech Management And Rhetoric Training Systems - Facilitating Innovative Tools & Solutions (SMART FITS), a professional training development center and the 1st and only School of Emceeing and Hosting in Cordillera. 

One of its flagship programs is the Train the Trainer Program (TTP). 

To date, over 400 individuals graduated from the program, many of whom are education supervisors, principals, teachers, police officers, businessmen, other professionals, housewives, students, and others. SMART FITS also offers training scholarships to deserving students all over the region. 

These include music, public speaking, emceeing, hosting, creative writing, dance, and leadership.

Dr. Labi's philosophy is, "Make a Life, Not Just a Living," which he adopted from Winston Churchill (former Prime Minister of Great Britain) and Dr. Ron Jenson (America's Life Coach). In Filipino, he translated it as, "Ang buhay ay hindi lamang paghahanapbuhay kundi paghahanap ng kahulugan ng buhay." 

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TESDA offers Free agriculture-related courses online

Photo Courtesy || TESDA

Cordillera - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has open two new agriculture related courses that interested individuals can take via its TESDA Online Program website for free.

The two courses that can be availed online are Aquaponics Food Production and Organic Agriculture Production NC II.

Organic Agriculture Production NC II

Learners of this course will gain the competences that they need to produce organic products like organic chickens, vegetables, fertilizer and concoctions. 

Aquaponic Food Production

Participants of this course will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes that they must have in order to install and maintain aquaponic units. 

Interested individuals can learn these two courses at their own pace and space using the TESDA Online Program. 

All they have to do  is open the website, register an account and choose the course that they want to enroll 

For the full guidelines follow the instructions below:

Open the Login page.

1. On the TESDA Online Program website click on the Login hyperlink.

Login

2. After clicking the “Login” hyperlink, you will be taken to the login page. On the “Is this your first time here?” column, click on the “New Account” hyperlink.

New Account

3. Fill out the form, fields marked with asterisk (*) are mandatory. You cannot proceed with the registration unless you provide the information. After filling out the form, click on the “Create my new account” button.

Form

4. After creating your account, a message will be sent to your email address. The email contains a link to activate your account, simply click on the link and your account will be activated.

HOW TO ENROLL IN A COURSE

1. Before you can enroll in a course, make sure that you had created an account in our TOP website.

2. Login to the TOP website using your registered username and password.

3. Once logged in, you will be taken to the TOP front page. The list of available courses is displayed on this page. Click on the link of the course that you want to enroll in.

4. Next, click on the link of the module you wish to take.

5. On the left side of the navigation pane, under the administration panel, click on the “Enrol me in this course” link.

6. A message box will appear asking if you really want to enroll in the module. Click on the “Yes” button to proceed.

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Kalinga migrant honored in Australia for his heroic act in saving his community from bushfire

Photo Courtesy || SBS

Cordillera - A Kalinga migrant in Australia has been honored for his bravery in saving his community hospital from massive bushfire.

According to SBS, when the fire front came within 300 meters of the hospital in Corryong on New Years Eve, 43-year old Sherwin Malenab jumped into action with a hospital staff member to hold back the flames until the CFA firefighters came.

His friends from the community were advising him not to go because it's too dangerous, but Malenab decided to help.

"I need to do something, because if no one does anything what will happen to this hospital and this community," Malenab said.

Joining Brian Smith, an experienced CFA firefighter and groundkeeper at the hospital, they drove along the firefront from 4 AM to 7 AM, extinguishing the blaze so that it won't go towards the hospital.

The CEO of Corryong Health Dominic Sandilands has praised the heroic actions of Mr. Malenab and Smith.

"Sherwin put his hand up right when Brian was looking around for a helper, ant it was really wonderful," he said.

"He is a tremendous asset and now he's taking a real load role in the Filipino community," the CEO added.

The mayor of the town Mr. Wortmann has also recognized Sherwin's action. 

He said, "There were many heroes on that night, but to help save such a key piece of infrastructure in the town I can't thank Sherwin enough," Wortmann said.

Malenab, who traces his roots to Tabuk City, Kalinga has been one of Australia's story of bravery during the deadly summer bushfire. 

"I love to deal with the community. I want to help people everywhere." Malebnab said.

source || SBS.COM

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Igorot is Top 1 in Philippine Navyseal Course

Cordillera - A proud iKalinga from Sumadel, Tinglayan is Class Top 1 of the Philippine  NAVSOCOM Seal Qualification Training Course 09.

Ensign G.C. was awarded a Medal of Merit for being the class "Honorman" having garnered the highest grade point of 90.75 in all academics and non-academic courses of instruction.

He belongs to the Top 15 of the Philippine Military Academy "Alab Tala" Class of 2018, according to Kalinga Province FB page.

Congratulation. You may become an inspiration to us Cordillerans.

READ ALSO: Capt. Dwight Steven Dulnoan: First Cordilleran to command the most elite group of the Philippine Navy - NAVSOG

The Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) formerly known as Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) is a separate command of the Philippine Navy trained in special operations, sabotage, psychological and unconventional warfare and is heavily influenced by the United States Navy SEALs.

The NAVSOCOM training program is physically and mentally demanding and is regarded as one of the toughest military selection programs around the world.

READ ALSO: Ifugao Scout Ranger is top 1 in Philippine Scout Rangers Class 211-2020.

The headquarter of NAVSOCOM is located at Sangley Point, Cavite City. 

It has eleven units located across the Philippines, from Naval Operating Base San Vicente at Santa Ana, Cagayan in the north to Naval Station Zamboanga in the south.

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Kalinga engineer awarded "Outstanding Young Professional Leader and Inspiring Advocate for the Poor"

Photo Courtesy || Asia Pacific Luminare Award

Cordillera - A Civil Engineer from Tabuk City, Kalinga is named the "Outstanding Young Professional Leader, Civil Engineer of Kalinga and Inspiring Advocate for the Poor" during the recent 4th Asia Pacific Luminare Award.

26-year old Engr. Mandel Battikin Gup-ay had accomplished numerous campaigns to help the poor during the first lockdown of Kalinga. 

Using social media, Engr. Gup-ay initiated a "Call for Donation" drive to collect cash donations to support the frontliners, PWDs and senior citizens. 

He also initiated another donation drive for the establishment of a Covid-19 Emergency Quarantine Facility in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

As Officer of Knights of Rizal Kalinga Chapter, they also initiated charities for the Kalinga People who are in need. They helped a six-year-old boy, Arnold Hora Navares  who had been suffering from a skin condition for almost a year and needs to undergo a biopsy but due to financial constraints, the need to go through medical treatment.

Engr. Gup-ay is a graduate of Saint Louis University Baguio City and currently taking a Masters of Engineering Major in Civil Engineering at the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao City, a currently employed as Engineer II at Planning and Design Section DPWH Upper Kalinga District Engineering Office. 

He is an active member of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) Kalinga-Apayao Chapter, a Pursuivant Officer of Knights of Rizal Tabuk City Chapter and an administrator of Lakbay Kalinga Facebook Page which promotes the beauty of Kalinga Province, giving Charities and promotes Bayanihan Acts. 

When he was a college he joined different organizations in and out of the school, which helped to develop his leadership skills and self-confidence. He is also proactive at different trainings, seminars, workshops and other activities represent his school, the Saint Louis University at the different national and regional student’s technical conferences of Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) and he joined national competitions the Bridge Building and Rube Goldberg design competitions. He is also an active young professional leader, civil engineer of Kalinga Province and inspiring advocate for the poor.

source || Asia Pacific Luminare Award

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Igorota Scientist is a Program Manager in University of Michigan, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program

Photo Courtesy || Meg Daupan

Cordillera - A Cordilleran scientist from Mountain province works as a Program Manager for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan (DDCSP).

Meg Daupan, a native from Sagada Mountain Province  graduated with a bachelor’s in Biology and a master’s in Microbiology from the University of the Philippines Baguio and Diliman, respectively. 

As part of her graduate studies, she was awarded a spring fellowship at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology 🇰🇷 that specializes in microbial fuel cells research.

READ ALSO: Abra student proves Narra bark extracts could potentially treat cancer

After completing her studies, Meg worked as a science educator at the Mind Museum in Taguig. Through this experience, she greatly developed many professional skills, especially science communication and curriculum design. Then, the devastating impacts of typhoon Haiyan in December 2013 motivated her to change her career path and learn more about environmental crises. 

She made a big leap and moved to the United States 🇺🇸 in 2014 to begin her new career. She became the first Filipino to earn a master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability.

READ ALSO:  Igorot Inventor Douglas Paticawen recognized at First ASEAN Skills Olympics competition

In addition to Meg’s work and identity as a scientist, over time she has learned to better appreciate and value her indigenous roots, being half Igorot. She has continually engaged with experts in environmental justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion 💪

In her current position, Meg leads all aspects of the DDCSP-UM from recruiting students across the United States, to building partnerships with environmental researchers and conservation professionals, and serving as a mentor to the scholars.

source || pinoyscientist

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Olsim's power guillotine made it to ONE's top MMA Submission Victories Of 2021’s 1st Quarter

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - World largest martial arts organization ONE Championship has released the top 5 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Submission Victories for the first quarter of 2021. 

The stunning victory of Igorota fighter Jenelyn made it to the top 3 after submitting Maira Mazar during the ONE: Fists of Fury III on March 19, 2021 in Singapore. 

WATCH: Igorota fighter Jenelyn Olsim wins via Guillotine Choke in Singapore

Included in the list of top 5 MMA submissions were the battle between Shinya Aoki and James Nakashima in top 1 followed by Gadzhimurad Abdulaev vs Zebastian Kadestam in top 2. 

The bout between Victoria Lee vs Sunisa Srisen and Ryuto Sawada vs Robin Catalan were in top 4 and top 5 respectively.

Here's ONE Championship take on Jenelyn Olsim's top 3 MMA Submission Victory:

Jenelyn Olsim capped a fine debut with a third-round victory over #5-ranked women’s strawweight Maira Mazar  ONE: FISTS OF FURY III on 19 March.

Olsim’s striking was her biggest weapon for much of the match, but her route to victory came with a slick power guillotine submission.

Mazar initiated the clinch before a flurry of straight punches, but as she latched onto Olsim’s leg to look for a takedown, she neglected to protect her neck. The Filipina slipped her right arm underneath the Brazilian’s chin and fed her head into the left bicep.

Knowing she was in danger, the Evolve representative dragged things to the ground in an attempt to defend. Still, Olsim stayed glued to her attack and rolled Mazar over – with the added pressure quickly drawing out the Brazilian’s white flag.

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Kind-hearted cop in Benguet praised after helping 2 blind people cross the street

Photo Courtesy || Tin Dao-anis

Cordillera - Netizens in the online community has nothing but praises and admiration to a kind-hearted police officer who helped two blind individuals cross the street in La Trinidad, Benguet. 

In a photo shared on Facebook by Tin Dao-anis, the kind cop Rocky Lazo Pedroche patiently lead the two blind persons to safely cross the street along Kilometer 4 in La Trinidad. 

He do this to make sure the two can walk the street safely and unharmed by the vehicles passing from both sides of the road.

According to Pedroche, they were conducting patrol and assisting the traffic when he saw the two blind persons.

READ ALSO: Baguio Police Officer buys food to a homeless man in need

Out of his concern and his duty to serve and protect, Pedroche immediately came and guided the two to cross the busy street.

"Noong mga panahon po nayon, nagcoconduct kami ng aming patrol at the same time nag-aasist kami ng traffic. Nung nakita ko po yung dalawang may kapansanan ay nilapitan ko po, nagpakilala po ako at sinabi kung gagabayan ko po sila kung saan sila pupunta," Pedroche said in an interview.

Such action displayed by Pedroche has garnered comments of praises and admiration from social media.

READ ALSO: PNP Chief Gamboa admired Cordilleran Police for their excellence in service

Asked about Pedroche's reaction after a photo of him gone viral in the internet, he said, "Ikalat po natin ang pagtulong sa kapwa, kahit po maliit na bagay po ito, sana po ay ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtulong sa kapwa".

Watch his interview below by sir Tin Dao-anis:

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SLU and UB, among top performing schools in the March 2021 MedTech Licensure Exams

Photo Courtesy || PRC

Cordillera - The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 1,921 out of 3,251 passed the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Medical Technology in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pangasinan, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this March 2021. 

Three students from Cordillera made it to the top 10. 

Ryan Anthony C. Lauron of the University of Baguio (UB) and Julius Ryan R. Salmos of the Saint Louis University (SLU) both landed in the 4th spot with a rating of 87.60%.

Meanwhile Aldous Rein B. Nonog, a graduate of Saint Louis University (SLU) made it to the 9th spot with a rating of 86.90%

The PRC also released the top performing schools in the March 2021 Medical Technology Licensure Exam. 

Saint Louis University ranked as the top performing school with a passing rate of 98.01% while the University of Baguio landed of the 4th spot with a passing rate of 90.37%.

The PRC also announced that beginning April 20 to May 14, 2021, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be done on-line.  

Board passers are encourage to go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. 

Those who will register are required to bring the following: downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, notice of admission (for identification only), 2 pieces passport sized pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of documentary stamps and 1 piece short brown envelope. 

Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

source || PRC

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Cordilleran educator Mr. Joemar Soriano is SEAMO's Top 3 Academic Performer

Photo Courtesy || DepEd Car

Cordillera -Congratulations Mr. Joemar Soriano, a recipient of Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) scholarship, for landing as Top 3 Best Academic Performer! 

He is the lone representative from CAR to represent the country in the recently concluded  SEAMEO Regional Centre for Quality Improvement of Teachers and Education Personnel (QITEP) for a course on Integrating ICT in Mathematics or SEAQiM. The Philippine delegation are joined by other participants from Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. 

During the course, Mr. Soriano has been very proactive sharp-witted and enthusiastic that he has been sharing and leading the learning sessions in the 2-week duration that made him garner the recognition. 

He was also recognized in his passion that he was the one to deliver a speech during the closing ceremonies, to quote:

"Through the patience and dedicated service of the training facilitators and training committee, we all acquired relevant knowledge and skills in integrating ICT in Mathematics, but it doesn’t stop there. We have to move forward and put our learnings into actions. Be inspired by Aristotle who once said,”For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” And it is good to know that we can face our learners with more confidence through this training course."

Mr. Soriano extends his gratitude to DepED CAR Regional Director Estela L. Cariño and NEAP CAR for endorsing Learning and Development activities covering ASEAN nation such as this. He looks forward to the knowledge transfer activities to help other Cordillera teachers, and in the long run our Cordillera learners.

source || DepEd Cordillera

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Abra student proves Narra bark extracts could potentially treat cancer

Photo Courtesy || Province of Abra

Cordillera - A medical student and her teammates from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Vigan have proven that Narra bark extract have  properties that could potentially treat cancer. 

Medical student Kathlyn V. Sagmayao, 25, from Ableg, Daguinan, Abra presented in their research some evidences proving that Narra bark extract contains substance that can reduce the growth of blood vessels thus, stopping tumors to grow.

However, Sagmayao suggested further scientific studies to identify and isolate the bioactive compound of Narra that is responsible for the antiangiogenic activity. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Lawyer - First ever Filipino License Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales

Moreover, the well-known phytochemical substances found in Narra (Pterocapus indicus tree) have been attributed to its antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and cancer cell killing abilities.

These phytochemicals namely Pterocarpin, Pterostilbene and Isoliquiritigen posses properties in treating prostate cancer.

Sagmayao's research ranked third during the National Medical Student Research Competition of the Association of Medical Colleges Student Network (APMC-SN) held in March 19 - 21, 2021.

READ ALSO: Abra kids win National Music Competition for Young Artist in Pasay City

She joined the competition representing the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan with the support of her class adviser Dr. Alma Bolante-Segismundo, who is also an Abreño. 

Sagmayao is a graduating student of Doctor of Medicine at UNP. 

source || Province of Abra

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Igorota from Ifugao awarded "Most Inspiring and Empowered Young Leader of the Millennium"

Photo Courtesy || Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards

Cordillera - A young Igorota who hails from the province of Ifugao has been awarded the "Most Inspiring and Empowered Young Leader of the Millennium" in the Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards held last week. 

Michah Dayag Salvador received the award as a recognition for her involvements in humanitarian projects and volunteering works for the youth in the community.

In 2019, Ms. Salvador was recipient of the“Most Outstanding Delegate” in the Asia Youth International Model United Nations.

Read the citation from Asia Pacific Luminaire praising Ms. Salvador:

Hailing from the highlands of IFUGAO PROVINCE is rising star- Michah Dayag Salvador, a young lady product of Ifugao State University (IFSU) who makes an impact through her involvements in humanitarian projects and volunteering. She is an exemplary role model breaking barriers and traditional silos with a visible track record of significant contributions. Dedicated youth advocate in wholesome passion for community service, welfare, and development. 

At her young age, she had notable achievements both locally- as an active student in journalism, leadership and socio-civic works; and internationally- a recipient of the “Most Outstanding Delegate” in the Asia Youth International Model United Nations 2019 at Putrajaya, Malaysia. She continuously brings pride to her tribe exemplifying the core values- strength, innovation, ingenuity, knowledge and foresight that are imperative to carving out success.

Her willingness to share ideas and selflessly give time to help others is an inspiration to all and are absolutely contagious. Salvador’s exceptional leadership in contributions to philanthropy, fund-raising, outreach, excellent volunteerism and donor development is highly commendable.

READ ALSO: Igorota from Ifugao receives prestigious award for her kindness and generosity 

 

 

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Hero dog Miztah saves lives of two boys from fire in Tuba, Benguet

Miztah - Hero dog in Benguet

Cordillera - This is a true to life story that proves dogs are truly a man's best friend. The saying is indeed true to a father in Tuba, Benguet, after his dog, saved the lives of his two boys when their house was burned. 

According to the news, the young brothers Wilbur (14-year old) and Kurt (12-year old) were alone sleeping in their 3-bedroom unit inside the Philex mine camp in sitio Padcal when the fire broke out.

When Wilbur rose from the bed as he heard Miztah, the family’s pet dog, making considerable noise by barking and scratching the door of their room, he saw their house filled with a heavy smoke. It was around 11 p.m. when he woke up his younger brother, then ran outside through the backdoor, and found out that their house was on fire. They immediately roused their neighbors from sleep to help them put out the fire, which was triggered by faulty electric wires.

Philex Mining officials said safety personnel have since been conducting an investigation into the incident.

Left alone in the eight-bedroom bungalow while the rest of the occupants were either at work or on vacation, the two boys fended for themselves with the help of their neighbors, who used pails and buckets of water, as they waited for a fire truck, which managed to completely extinguish the fire by 1:10 a.m., Sunday.

“I was so nervous when I was called from my work station underground,” said the boys’ father, Lander, 36, a first-class production miner at Padcal’s Mine Crushing and Ore Handling Department (MCHOD). In an interview, he added, “I was told there was a fire at our place, and I thought of my two boys who were sleeping when I left our house. My heart beat very fast as I was worrying about them.”

He thanked the heavens when he saw that his two children were safe, never mind all their appliances and personal belongings that went up in smoke with the gutted building.

“If our dog Miztah did not bark and wake us up, I just don’t know what had happened to me and my younger brother,” Wilbur said.

Also sharing his gratefulness, Kurt said, “I am very thankful to God as He used Miztah to save us from the fire. Now we can continue with our life despite what has happened to our home.”

Home to Kurt is an eight-bedroom building in Sitio Padcal’s Purok Upper Camp, a three-bedroom unit which he shares with his family, including Wilbur, their parents, and two other siblings. Their mother, Annabelle, was with their two siblings in Tabuk, Kalinga Province, having a vacation.

The family that stays in the other three-bedroom unit and the two project employees occupying the two other single rooms were also on vacation.

“Nothing was saved from our house, including the belongings of our housemates,” Lander said. “But the lives of my children are the most important. Thanks to God and to our hero dog, Miztah.” 

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8-year old Ifugao girl operates backhoe like a pro

Photo Courtesy || Aubrey Ayan, Little Big Shots Philippines

Cordillera - If you think only professional backhoe operators with many years of training and experience can operate heavy equipment, you are wrong, until you watch this little girl maneuvering a backhoe like a pro. 

8-year old Aubrey Ayan from Hungduan, Ifugao is a fan of backhoe. 

Instead of playing with dolls like any other kids would do, Aubrey would prefer playing boy's toys that includes real heavy equipment.

READ ALSO: 12th Grader Igorot Boy Wins Top Award for 'Portable Electricity Generator' Invention

Inspired in full by his father, who was a construction worker, Aubrey really likes playing with heavy equipment. 

Her father said, after school Aubrey rides her bike and heads straight to the construction site where he work and asks him to play with the backhoe.

READ ALSO: Two boys in Sagada invented an improvised glass and bottle crusher received award

Aubrey's dream is to become an engineer in the future. 

Littles Big Shots Philippines featured Aubrey's expertise in operating a backhoe. 

Watch her below:

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New study shows some Cordillerans are the only Filipino with no interbreeding with Negritos

Photo Courtesy || Ronald De Leon

Cordillera - A new study by team of researchers from the Uppsala University of Sweden and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has revealed the complex origins, inter-relatedness, and genetic diversity of the Filipino people. 

After analyzing 2.3 million molecular DNA markers from more than 1,000 individuals, representing 115 Philippine cultural communities, it was revealed that the Philippines was inhabited by at least five major waves of human migrations, starting with Northern and Southern Negritos as the first Filipinos, then followed by Manobo, Sama, and Cordilleran-related populations.

The study showed that some  Cordillerans residing in the Northern part of the Philippines remained to be the only Filipino ethnic group that did not show any evidence of historical interbreeding with Negritos. 

They are the only ones in the world who remained to be the unadmixed descendant of Basal East Asians. 

Dr. Adrian Albano, a Kalanguya Cordilleran from Ifugao State University and a co-author of the study said, "This affirms that Cordillerans were isolated for quite some time, which is evident on the retention of distinct indigenous cultural practices and presence of immense linguistic diversity in the region."

READ ALSO: Early humans lived in Kalinga some 700,000 years ago.

Additional minor genetic signals were also detected in some Filipino ethnic groups, including Papuan, South Asian, and European genetic ancestry.

The Papuan-related ancestry is found among the coastal ethnic groups of southeastern Philippines. This likely reflects a westward migration or gene flow of Papuan-related ancestry from Papua New Guinea or the Bismarck’s archipelago into eastern Indonesia and subsequently into southeastern Philippines.

The South Asian or Indian-related genetic signal was detected among the Sama Dilaut and other coastal Sama ethnic groups of southwestern Philippines. 

source || PNA (PR)

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Igorota from Ifugao receives prestigious award for her kindness and generosity

Photo Courtesy || Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards

Cordillera - An Igorota businesswoman and philanthropist was awarded the "Woman of Influence: Outstanding Business Leader and Philanthropist of the Millennium" from the Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards last week. 

Irish Saint D. Salvio receives the award for her pure heart, strong faith, and noble purpose to help, give more and do more to uplift the lives of the people in the communities around her towards betterment and sustainable progress.

Read her story below:

In 2012, her personal scholarship program flourished when her duty as a hardworking business leader of a construction firm took her to a deprived community in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya where she witnessed many children who couldn’t afford the demands of education. Thereby, she was challenged and motivated to establish her personal scholarship program as she was also a scholar during her college years as well as inspired by her late grandmother and mom who were both educators.  She has been determined to reach out and help more specifically the unfortunate children and students thru financial grants and provision of educational aids like smart phones, pocket WIFI's, laptops, and school supplies. As well, she adopted at least three secondary schools in their municipality wherein she pledged to continually sponsor the miscellaneous fees of the identified indigent grantees.  At present, she has more than   a thousand of scholars/grantees who are not only from her own municipality but also outside her province such as in Kalinga, Nueva Vizcaya, Baguio City, and Manila.

Amid the pandemic in 2020, she wholeheartedly provided almost three (3) million pesos out of her own pocket to aid various development projects and programs of local government and non-government offices in her own municipality. Besides, she helped many local farmers thru buying almost tons of their agricultural produce and donated it to the needy households during the past month-long lockdowns and crisis. Likewise, she has been actively organizing and sponsoring out-reach activities such as feeding program, free haircutting, gift-giving, and distribution of school supplies particularly for the marginalized sectors in far-flung communities. Additionally, she openhandedly provides medical assistance to indigent patients.

Last November 2020, Ms. Salvio, together with her bighearted family, donated relief packs and assistance worth one (1) million pesos for the victims of typhoon Ulysses in Cagayan. Further, as the Federated PTA President in Ifugao, she deposited P106, 000 from her own pocket to fund the proposed small projects of different district PTAs. 

Moreover, with the use of her personal resources, she has generously accomplished lots of road-opening and improvements especially of farm to market roads projects as proposed by concerned local leaders and individuals particularly in remote barangays across Lamut in order to pave ways for agricultural, tourism, and social development in said municipality. 

Indeed, more of her selfless services and deeds are worth recognizing but one thing is for sure; the municipality of Lamut, Ifugao or the Asia Pacific rather is greatly blessed to have MS. IRISH SAINT D. SALVIO who deserves most the prestigious award as “WOMAN OF INFLUENCE: OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER AND PHILANTHROPIST OF THE MILLENNIUM” - By Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards

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"The Igorot Stone Kingdom" features the ingenuity of the Igorots of Cordillera

Great Wall of Cordillera - Photo Courtesy || Jefferd Culbengan Monang

Cordillera - Here is another exciting place in Cordillera you should visit next after the pandemic - "The Igorot Stone Kingdom". It might have another name for it, but it would be fitting to call it that way. 

What is great about this newest tourist attraction in the North is that it's purely made of stones. 

It also shows the ingenuity, skills and knowledge of the Igorots in stone laying which their ancestors passed to them. 

READ ALSO: Welcome to Little Kyoto, Japan in Baguio City

The wall structure displays the art of stone laying, by stacking the stones on one another, not using any other element except concrete and metal for reinforcement purposes. But these are rarely being used here. 

Here are some photos shared by Sir Jefferd Monang.

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WATCH: Igorota Jenelyn Olsim chokes Brazilian fighter in 3rd Round

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Igorota fighter from Team Lakay in Baguio City submits Maira Mazar of Brazil via Submission (Guillotine choke) at "ONE: Fists of Fury 3" in Singapore on Friday evening.

The 24-year old who recently signed with ONE Championship scored an early upset-of-the-year candidate after submitting No. 5-ranked strawweight Maira Mazar in the 3rd round. 

Olsim has been known for her powerful striking skill and this has been seen during the bout when she took Mazar to the ground with a straight punch right on the face early on the 1st round.

Shen then scored another knockdown in 2:19 in followed by a second round knockdown via a front kick. 

The Igorota power puncher has now improved her record with 4 wins and 2 looses.

With her newest big win in ONE, Olsim is interested to put her name on the rankings to fight the likes of Ayakara Miura, Michelle Nicolini and Tiffany Teo

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LOOK: Former Irisan dumpsite converted to a beautiful ecopark

Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO

Cordillera - Here is another exciting spot for every turistas coming to Baguio City for relaxation - a beautiful ecopark right on the former Irisan dump site. 

The former dumpsite converted to an ecological park with a budget of P17 million is set to be completed in 6 months. 

Once completed, people will enjoy walking around the park which is decorated with different kind of flowers and plants. 

Eugene Buyucan of the General Services Office said the ecopark will have cemented pathways, pave roads, parking spaces and huts made out of bamboos.

Browse some of the photos from the Baguio Public Information Office - FB

Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO

Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO

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