Japan offers thousands of jobs to Filipinos once borders reopens

Jobs awaits OFWs in Japan once border reopens

Cordillera - Filipino workers are known world-wide for their job ethics. They are diligent at work, friendly, posses solid qualifications, and they are adaptable to  various cultures and easily learn the language of their country of work.

The Labor Attache in Japan Mrs. Elizabeth Marie Estrada said on a virtual meeting that Japan will be needing 350,000 foreign workers under the specified skilled workers (SSWs) within a five-year period. 

"Based on the deployment tract on specified skilled workers which was opened by the Japanese government in 2019, they said that within the five-year period they will allow the entry of 350,000 workers", Estrada said via PNA.

She said that once Japan started opening its borders, Japan will be hiring more Filipino skilled workers to be deployed in the host country. 

Japan is targeting around 350,000 foreign workers this time since only 10,000 workers were able to enter Japan before the start of the pandemic. 

Estrada is optimistic a lot of Filipinos will be hired because they are ready to enter and work in Japan.

"Let's anticipate once Japan opens its borders and allow the entry of foreign works, we are ready, our workers are ready to enter Japan," she added.

As of July 2021, the POLO logged around 277,409 Filipino workers in Japan.

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Pinoy Inventor Shows Off "Flying Car" for the very first time in Cordillera

Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO

Cordillera - The car of the future, "the flying car" invented by a Filipino inventor soars high in the sky of Baguio City as Mr. Kyxz Mendiola conducts a flight demo at the Melvin Jone grounds on September 1, 2021. 

Witnessed by some Baguio residents and some city officials, the Star 8 Green Tech's electric-manned aerial vehicle or EMAV took off its first flight around Burnham park. 

Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO

In a Facebook post shared by Baguio City Public Information Office, the one-seat version of the electric-manned aerial vehicle is ready for mass production, while the two-and-four-seats (multi passenger EMAV) models are already under development. 

The multi passenger EMAV is recommended for tourism purposes.

Take a look at some of the photos of the Star 8 EMAV taken by Baguio PIO.

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Igorot Ultra runner/cyclist conquers world's biggest Duathlon in England

Photo Courtesy || Dukaw Cadiogan

Cordillera - A proud Igorot runner and cyclist from Mt. Province conquered the world's biggest run-bike-run event held in Richmond Park on 5th September 2021. 

Mr. Dukaw Cadiogan who hails from Besao and Sagada finished the three sets of athletic activity, but across two discipline - running and cycling. 

Cadiogan successfully accomplished the first set of the event which consists of 10 km running - 44 km cycling - 5 km running.  

Cadiogan is set to participate in the Humanity Direct Tring 50 kms Ultra that will be held in Hertfordshire, England on September 25.

He will be running as well the London Marathon on October 3 and the Chicago Marathon on October 10 as part of his dream of completing the 6 world marathon majors. 

He will also be running the Venice Marathon set on 24th of October this year.

Cadiogan is among the Igorot athletes participating in this world running event to help raise fund in the building of Saint Caroline Church in Padangaan, Besao, Mt. Province. 

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WATCH: Igorot boxer from Ifugao knocks out Colombian foe in the 4th round

Photo Courtesy || Brico Santig

Cordillera - Promising young Igorot boxer from Cordillera made a successful comeback after defeating Colombian fighter in the 4th round last night in Dubai.

Featherweight KJ "The Ipugo" Natuplag who hails from Ifugao province delivered a powerful right hook to the chin of Argel "ElBabillo" Berrio that sent him kneeling on the canvass. The referee stop the contest after Berrio was not able to continue the fight. 

WATCH ALSO:  Team Lakay's Lito Adiwang defeats Japanese Senzo Ikeda via first round TKO

The 24-year old Natuplag improved his record to 9 wins with only 3 losses. 

Natuplag recently lost to Hasibullah Ahmadi of Afghanistan by a unanimous decision on 5th June at the Hilton Al Habtoor City in Dubai.

The Ifugao fighter arrived early in Dubai together with his manager Brico Santig of the Highland Promotion.

READ ALSO: Boxing experts and fans believed this 20-year old Ifugao boxer is the next Manny Pacquaio

This win of  Natuplag could be a chance for him to to climbed up the ladder and have a chance to fight in world title match in the future. 

Congratulations Mr. Natuplag for the win. The whole Cordillera is very proud of you.

WATCH ALSO:  Igorot boxer Alvin Tam knocks out Mexican foe in 4th round in Canada

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Japan to build P82-million solar-powered cold storage in Buguias, Benguet

Photo Courtesy || DA

Cordillera - A solar-powered cold storage facility in Buguias, Benguet will help Filipino farmers improve their production.

The Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) proposed the solar-powered facility that will include the purchase of refrigerated cooling trucks, to improve post-harvest handling, storage, and delivery of farmers’ produce.

READ ALSO: Work in Japan and get paid PH150,000 monthly

The proposed PHP82-million project will be funded by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under its Safe Vegetable Production with Marketing Technology Improvement project in the Philippines.

The proposal is under review by the National Economic and Development Authority, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday.

It will go through the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs before being approved by the Office of the President.

"[This is] aimed to capacitate farmers to improve production through the Safe Vegetable from Rich Soil (SAVERS) technology, which enriches the soil by using organic matter such as mokusaku (wood vinegar)," the DA said on Tuesday, referring to the details of its discussion with JAEC the day before.

READ ALSO: Work in Japan and get paid PH150,000 monthly

Once approved, a memorandum of agreement will be drafted and signed by the DA and JAEC.

In a statement, JAEC senior local coordinator Toshiharo Sato said he wishes to have the project implemented at the soonest possible time, as “many Filipino farmers are waiting for [the] project”.

DA Secretary William Dar is hoping for its approval before the end of the Duterte administration.

READ ALSO: The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program 2022 now open for application

He called for the creation of a steering committee to facilitate the approval process.

The DA chief also instructed JAEC representatives to review its procurement process and to prepare the project design for immediate implementation once approved.

source || PNA

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Igorot Army from Benguet recognized as Best Junior Staff in Mindanao

Photo Courtesy || Felinger Catao

Cordillera - A proud Igorot army officer has been recognized as the Best Junior Officer of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army during the celebration of its Founding Anniversary on 7th September 2021.

1st Lieutenant Felinger B. Catao who traces his roots to Bokod, Benguet served as a Triad Officer of the 39th Infantry Battalion in Makilala, North Cotabato.

According to LtCol. Ezra Balagtey, commanding officer of the 39th IB of the Philippine Army, 1st Lt. Catao was instrumental in conceptualizing and executing peace and development initiatives that resulted in the improvement of peace and security in his battalion.

Catao is a graduate of Benguet State University - Bokod Campus with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Technology.

He applied as a Reserved Officer Training Corps and called to active duty in the Philippine Army Regular Force in 2014. 

He then took the Officer Preparatory Course of the PA's Officer Candidate School in Camp O' Donnel in Tarlac City and later became a Platoon Leader in Mindanao.

His culture-based and sensitive approached to insurgency during his stint as the Company Commander of Charlie Company of 39th IB in 2017 has been instrument in reversing the peaking insurgency trend in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

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World-class Sport Complex, Olympic-size swimming pool soon to rise in Benguet

Wangal Sport Complex construction is in full swing

Cordillera - A 163 -million world-class sport facility will soon rise in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet as the improvement of the Wangal Sport Complex has started in full blast this month.

In a video released by the Benguet Congressional District Office - Cong. Eric Yap, the said complex is composed of a multipurpose gym with state-of-the-art basketball court and a multipurpose oval and facilities.

Once finished, the said sport complex can host and conduct prestigious national and international events such as the Palarong Pambansa and maybe the PBA. 

Congressman Yap said he wants Benguet to become a first-class province so his office is working hard to ask funds from concerned government agencies for putting up big-ticket projects including the upgrade of the Wangal Sport Complex.

One of the goal of the complex is to be able to host the Philippine Basketball Association in the future.

"Ang goal natin ay maghost ng PBA na maglalaro dito sa Benguet para mapromote natin ang probinsya," Yap said.

“We want Benguet to become a first-class province through the implementation of already funded big-ticket projects. We do not want our province to be left out that is why we are working hard to make the appropriate representations with concerned government agencies to fund identified priority development projects in the different parts of the province to speed up the realization of rural development,” Yap added.

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LOOK: Baguio Session Road Got a New Look

Cordillera - Tourists and locals can now enjoy a new vibes and scenery at the famous Session Road in Baguio City. 

Thanks to the management of the city government unit, Session Road is now close to the nature with its new look and new road designs. 

Photos from Metro Pines shows a green lane for bikers and bookshelves and benches for book readers. 

Bookshelf and benches at Session Road. Photo Courtesy || Metro Pines

Green Lane for Bikers at Session Road. Photo Courtesy || Metro Pines

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Zeus, A True Unsung Hero Dog, instrumental in locating victims of landslide in Itogon

Photo Courtesy || PCADG Cordillera

Cordillera - A brief overview on the PNP's latest hero named Zeus. Zeus is an abused dog, battered and severely malnourished wherein Mr. Ruben Pasag Ventura (the pioneer handler of Zeus) adopted and rehabilitated him.

While Zeus was on his training on K9 SAR,  he couldn't pass the initial screening of service dogs because of his lack of drive and stubbornness but his trainers never gave up on him until he graduated in his class. In fact he graduated as the goat (last place).

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

But look at him now! Zeus became the instrument in the location of the two landslide victims in Itogon, Benguet on August 19, 2021 wherein he shows indications by guiding the troops from South Western Benguet Provincial EOD and Canine Unit,  2nd Benguet PMFC and Itogon MPS, PROCOR and other volunteers for the nonstop excavation.

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

A true unsung hero who will risk his life just for pats and treats.

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Honest lady in Ifugao returns P171,000 to rigthful owner

Photo Courtesy || KMPS

Cordillera - An honest lady from Ifugao province returns lost cash amounting to Php171,000 pesos to the rightful owner. 

Miss Joan H. Habawil, a restaurant helper found the cash when she was working in his uncle's restaurant at Awa, Julongan in Tinoc, Ifugao. 

Instead of secretly keeping the money for herself, the principled lady told her uncle about the incident and decided to turn over the huge fortune to the Kiangan Municipal Police Station. 

By the help of the officers, the cash was returned to the rightful owner Mr. Dagway B. Kitungan, a resident of Impugong, Tinoc. 

Ms. Habawil honesty has been praised online after her good deeds of displaying honest act of returning the money. 

In our situation today that we are suffering from the bad effect of the pandemic, the good deeds of Ms. Habawil can inspire and motivate us to be honest despite the struggles in life.

The KMPS commended Habawil's honesty in its Facebook Page:

God bless and More Blessings to Mr.Albano Tuguinay and Ms.Joan Habawil of Julongan Kiangan Ifugao who turned-over a cash amounting to Php 171,000.00 to Mr.Junior Baguilat Kitungan (owner) of Tinoc,Ifugao at Kiangan MPS Poblacion,Kiangan,Ifugao.

Said cash was found at about 11:50 AM of August 28,2021, at SJS restaurant at Awa,Julongan,Ifugao.Kuddos to the good kindhearted persons who found the money. May your tribe increase Mam/Sir.!

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Cordilleran from Ifugao is the country's second best Librarian

Photo Courtesy || Jlink John

Cordillera - National Library of the Philippines, Public Library Division, (NLP-PLD) has awarded second prize to Baguio City Public Library officer-in-charge Easter Wahayna-Pablo  in this year’s prestigious “Search for Gawad Parangal sa Natatanging Propesyonal na Tagapangasiwa sa Pampublikong Aklatan”. 

A graduate of bachelor of science in education major in library science from SLU, Pablo also has a Masters degree in library and information technology, cum laude, from the same institution and a Masters in Public Administration from Benguet State University.

She garnered 4th place in the 1999 board examination for professional librarians and is a registered librarian and licensed professional teacher.

Pablo has been with the city government for more than 20 years and is the Baguio City Public Library OIC since September last year.

Pre-Covid-19 pandemic programs and services she initiated include school-based reading programs, barangay visitations for the establishment of a reading center, in-house library orientations, research for the library’s modernization, and more.

Those she spearheaded during the pandemic are PLVIRA (Public Library Virtual Reference Assistance); online library and information services month activities, online contests and trivia, book drive for reading centers in far flung areas in collaboration with Project 360, book lover’s club and provide support to the city’s pandemic efforts.

source || Jlink John via Messenger

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WATCH: Igorota fighter Olsim defeats "Killer Bee" Nguyen via Unanimous Decision

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - It's a huge victory tonight by Team Lakay fighter Jenelyn Olsim as she defeated Vietnamese fighter via Unanimous Decision during ONE: Battleground III on Friday, August 27 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. 

The Igorota fighter capitalized on her improved ground game and striking skill to outpoint Nguyen and made the judges put the victory in her favor.

With the win, the 24-year old warrior from Bokod, Benguet has earned a spot in the historic all-female ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix.

Olsim improved his record with 5 wins and 2 loses.

Olsim has stepped two victories in a row in ONE Championship following her stunning win against Maira Mazzar last May 2021.

Congratulations Jenilyn Olsim and Team Lakay. More wins to come.

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WATCH: Joshua Pacio destroys dirty fighter with spectacular spinning backfist TKO

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - A dirty fighter suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of an Igorot MMA fighter. 

When Team Lakay fighter Joshua "The Passion" Pacio squared off against Roy Deliguez at "ONE: Legends of the World" back in 2017, Joshua went through a rough brawl with Roy who did an illegal digging on Joshua's mouth and eye. The referee gave Doliguez a warning for such dirty action.

Defeat came to Doliguez in the 2nd round after Pacio delivered a perfect spinning backfist knockout. Doliguez laid flat on the canvas and the referee stopped the fight. 

Watch the spectacular knockout by Joshua Pacio below. 

This coming September 24, 2021, Joshua Pacio is scheduled to face Japanese Fighter Saruta for the 3rd time.

WATCH ALSO: Igorot Joshua Pacio knocks out Saruta with a knee kick to the head

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Cordilleran is PH's flag bearer in Tokyo 2020 Paralympic, competes in wheelracing event

Photo Courtesy || Jerrol Pete Mangliwan

Cordillera - Cordilleran Wheelchair racer from Kalinga was the country's flag bearer in the opening rites of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic on 24th, August 2021.

Jerrol Pete Mangliwan, proudly represented the Philippines as he lead the six (6) other Filipino athletes in four different sports events. 

Photo Courtesy || Jerrol Pete Mangliwan

Mangliwan, a native of Tabuk City, Kalinga is one of the country's Paralympic athletes who will be competing in wheelchair racing.

Since 2019, he proved that his disability is not a hindrance in achieving his dream to be a professional athlete.

One of his achievements is finishing the 400-meter T52 wheelchair race at the 2021 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland where he was able to surpassed the Paralympic standard time of 1 minute and 3.27 minutes. He clocked in at 1 minute and 2.17 seconds.

Mangliwan is targeting to advance to the finals of the 100-meter, 400-meter, and 1,500 meter events in the Tokyo Paralympic. 

He wanted to dedicated his participation of this year's Paralympics to all his fellow persons with disabilities in the country.

Photo Courtesy || Jerrol Pete Mangliwan

"Huwag tayong mahiya. Ine-encourage na maging matapang at lumabas sa comfort zone natin para i-try ang mga bagay-bagay na pwedi nating explore, hindi lang sa sports kung hindi sa kabuuan," Mangliwan said via CNN news.

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Seven Lousians made it to Top 10 in the 2021 Mechanical Engineering Exam

Cordillera - The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has released the result of the August 2021 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination which was held in Baguio, Cotabato, Lucena, Pangasinan, Tacloban and Zamboanga. 

PRC announced that 247 out of 621 passed the said examination.

Seven (7) students from the Saint Louis University (SLU) were in Top 10 in the August 2021 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examinations.

Below are the successful Louisian examinees who  were at the Top 10:

Top 1 - Nathaniel Beaver A. Mendoza

Top 2 - Christian Justin M. Sese

Top 3 - Jayshey W. Baguidudol

Top 4 - Marvin Louis S. Ferrer

Top 6 - Emmanuel F. Villasin

Top 8 - Jezreel John P. Sannadan

Top 10 - Mario A. Ibay

Congratulations to the Administration, Faculty, and Staff of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the School of Engineering and Architecture of SLU.

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Igorota is Top 8 in Mining Engineer Licensure Examination

Photo Courtesy || Emily Joyce Ekwey dela Cruz

Cordillera - A proud Igorota from Benguet/Mt. Province and Kalinga is among the top 10 passers in the recently concluded Mining Engineer Licensure Examination held on August 9 to 11, 2021.

Engineer Emily Joyce Ekwey dela Cruz, a graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman landed on the 8th spot with a rating of 87.05 percent. 

Emily's father, Mr. Charlito Angadol dela Cruz is a government employee from Tabuk city, Kalinga while her mother, Mrs. Muriel Ekwey dela Cruz is an Overseas Filipino Worker based in Sweden and a native of Benguet and Mountain province.

According to the Profession Regulations Commission, there were 206 passers out of the 274 examinees in the Mining Engineer Licensure Examination which was held in the cities of Baguio, Cebu, Cotabato, and Legazpi.

Here are the top 10 passers in the August 2021 Mining Engineer Licensure Examination:

1. Andy Llanita Macasaet of Caraga State University-Butuan City (88.25%)

2. Hobbie Alonzo Capuyan of Cebu Institute of Technology-University (88.10%)

3. Rovin Jay Binlayo Sallena of Bicol University-Legazpi (87.85%)

4. Artsheil Aldrene Teleron Gilig of Cebu Institute of Technology-University (87.75%)

5. Loren Joy Estrera Gonzales of University of Southeastern Philippines-Davao City (87.65%)

6. Christine Andrea Manjac Reconalla of University of Southeastern Philippines-Davao City (87.30%) and Manuel Guma Sarong, Jr. of Caraga State University-Butuan City (87.30%)

7. Rennel Raven Verzosa Dytuco of Saint Louis University (87.15%) and Genevieve Birondo Langga of Cebu Institute of Technology-University (87.15%)

8. Emily Joyce Ekwey Dela Cruz of University of the Philippines-Diliman (87.05%)

9. Kent Forcadilla Pantolla of Caraga State University-Butuan City (87.00%)

10. Harvy Jason Sutana Contreras of Caraga State University-Butuan City (86.90%)

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Cordilleran cops are 'the forces we can rely on' - PNP Chief Eleazar

Cordillera - "The Cordillera region is one of the major sources of PNP personnel in the country and no body can dispute that when it comes to bravery and dedication to service, PNP personnel from the Cordillera are the forces that we can rely on."

Photo Courtesy || PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar

These are the words from Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar when delivered a speech during his visit to the Police Regional Office - Cordillera in Camp Dangwa.

Eleazar also thanked the Cordilleran cops for the good deeds that they have shown, manifesting the true spirit of police service. 

READ ALSO: Kind Cops in Ifugao adopt a 90-year old woman who is living alone and can't provide food for herself

"Personal akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo dahil karamihan sa mga feature stories natin ay galing dito. Ipagpatuloy natin ang tunay na diwa ng police service at samahan ninyo akong itaguyod ang integridad ng ating organisasyon," Eleazar added.

During his visit, the PNP Chief also led the giving of awards and recognition to deserving PNP personnel and other stakeholders.

Moreover, he also visited some Police stations in the region to check the implementation of the "Intensified Cleanliness Policy" (ICP) aimed at correcting minor and small problems in the service.

READ ALSO: 

 PNP Chief Eleazar lauded Cordilleran cops for being the "most disciplined and brave cops" in the country

He was pleased to learn that police stations in the region are adhering to the program.

With the theme “Hangad na Kalinisan sa Kapaligiran at Kommunidad; Ibayong Gampanan para sa Pangkapulisang Integridad”, the PSA Celebration was attended by PNP officials and personnel, visitors from the different agencies of the government, media and other stakeholders.

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PNP Chief Eleazar lauded Cordilleran cops for being the "most disciplined and brave cops" in the country

Photo Courtesy || PNP Cordillera

Cordillera - Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Guillermo Eleazar has lauded the Cordilleran cops for being the "most disciplined and brave cops" in the country. 

In his visit to the Police Regional Office - Cordillera in Camp Dangwa this week, Eleazar said in a speech that no body can dispute that Cordillera is the home of the most disciplined cops in the Philippines.

"The Cordillera region is one of the major sources of PNP personnel in the country and no body can dispute that when it comes to bravery and dedication to service, PNP personnel from the Cordillera are the forces that we can rely on," Eleazar said.

He also thanked the Cordilleran cops for the good deeds that they have shown. 

"Personal aking nagpapasalamat sa inyo dahil karamihan sa mga feature stories natin ay galing dito. Ipagpatuloy natin ang tunay na diwa ng police service at samahan ninyo akong itaguyod ang integridad ng ating organisasyon," Eleazar added.

PNP Chief Eleazar is in the Cordillera region to participate in the 120th Police Service Anniversary held at Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet. 

With the theme “Hangad na Kalinisan sa Kapaligiran at Kommunidad; Ibayong Gampanan para sa Pangkapulisang Integridad”, the PSA Celebration was attended by PNP officials and personnel, visitors from the different agencies of the government, media and other stakeholders.

He also visited some Police stations in the region to check the implementation of the "Intensified Cleanliness Policy" (ICP) aimed at correcting minor and small problems in the service.

He was pleased to learn that police stations in the region are adhering to the program.

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Baguio student named world's best high school debater

Photo Courtesy || Radyo Bandera

Cordillera - A student from Baguio city was named the world best high school debater after winning gold in the recently concluded World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) on 14th, August 2021.

Robert "Toby" Leung, a Grade 12 student from Philippine Science High School - Baguio Campus took home the gold medal after besting other student debaters around the world including the best debaters from Singapore and Canada.

Leung bagged the Overall Best Speaker title when he obtained an average score of 73.17 points across eight preliminary rounds.

The World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) is an annual English-language debating tournament for high school students from around the world.

It is considered to be the 'Olympics of high school debate' by the debate societies where it uses a special format known as 'World School Style Debating'.

This is the very first time a Filipino student has won and has been awarded the Best Speaker of the tournament since its first opening in 1988.

Meanwhile, The Philippine Science High School System congratulates Robert Nelson Leung of the Philippine Science High School - Cordillera Administrative Region Campus (PSHS-CARC) for having awarded the Overall Best Speaker title at The World Schools Debate Championships (WSDC).

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Foreigner touched by humility, hospitality of the Kalinga people

Photo Courtesy || Becoming Filipino

Cordillera - "I was really starting to get overwhelmed.  Giving, Caring, Open, Friendly, Trusting, Positive... Manong Teddy is exactly what we should all strive to be. It really touched my heart interacting with him in this small mountain village of Kalinga."

These are the words of appreciation by Kyle Jennerman to a kindhearted Kalinga man who offered coffee and invited him to his house in Lubuagan, Kalinga.

When Jennerman, popularly known as Kulas visited Kalinga for the very first time a few years back, he met Manong Teddy, a 57-year old farmer who happens to be the most hospitable and open person in the village.

READ ALSO: Igorots are the most civilized people - Kulas

In his Facebook post, Kulas narrated how he was inspired to the act of kindness and genuine hospitality shown by Manong Teddy.

Watch the video below of how Kulas meet Manung Teddy in Lubuagan, Kalinga.

Read Kulas' post below:

"Meet Manong Teddy.  I didn't know him, he didn't know me, but we crossed paths and shared moments together I will never forget. 

Here I was in Barangay Upper Uma, Lubuagan Kalinga.  Out of curiosity, I trekked down to this little village nestled under mountains and surrounded by rice terraces... it was just so beautiful.  Alone and unaware of my surroundings, I still felt comfortable.  Heading towards this village I just felt like I was in the right place, and surrounded by good. 

Walking up through rice fields and getting closer to houses, I saw a man sitting on the ground...

"Brother! How are you!"

This 57 year old man who introduced himself as Teddy smiled and spoke beaming with happiness.  He didn't speak much english, and my Tagalog wasn't perfect in the least... but we worked it out.  A simple conversation was had.  As I stood up and walked away I heard Teddy once again:

"Coffee?  At my place?"

I decided to turn back and accept it.  And so I found myself in Manong Teddy's house.  It was a simple house with very few appliances, but filled with love... you could just feel it.  And when he handed me fresh coffee, and apologized:

"Sorry, I have no bread."

That was when it all started to hit me.  

I quickly interrupted him... "Manong... no, no... let me get the bread!"  There was no bread in the village sari-sari store.  But i managed to get some crackers.    

Back in Manong Teddy's house I noticed a picture on the wall.  Turns out his son was away in Sulu.  He joined the military and was away from home, serving the Philippines.  The minutes ticked away... we sat down, talked about life, educated each other about our languages, and I even used my Philippines map tattoo to explain where I was from in Mindanao.  I was a complete stranger... but Manong never hesitated to open up his life, and his home to me.  He even apologized for "not having enough to offer me".  

Excuse my language here. Really I don't swear and I apologize for this, but I want you to feel my emotion here...  I don't F***ing deserve that!  How dare he apologize for giving.  GIVING.  That is all he had been doing the past 45 minutes! But you see, that is the Philippines... a place where giving is a part of life.  Where people pride themselves on JUST GIVING.  

How that needs to spread... Just give.  How I believe it will.  One day at a time if we strive to emulate it. 

As the afternoon ticked away, I realized I wanted to see the rice terraces before it got too late.  I thanked Manong Teddy and left his house... but even then he looked out for me.  Manong sent a group of kids from the village to guide me.  And as I explored and started to head up the far side of the terraces towards my motorbike... Manong was already waiting near the top.  He must have been watching out for me, and making sure I wasn't having any difficulties.  

We met again near the base of the trail up to my motor I noticed he was standing over some watercress:

"Kulas, would you like to take some watercress?"

Grabe!  He wasn't just watching out for me... Manong Teddy now even wanted to give me his vegetables!  I politely declined, and we proceeded to walk up the last bit of trail.  

"Kulas, you are always welcome here.  Your friends can sleep in my house anytime."

I was really starting to get overwhelmed.  Giving, Caring, Open, Friendly, Trusting, Positive... Manong Teddy is exactly what we should all strive to be. It really touched my heart interacting with him in this small mountain village of Kalinga.

I was so touched by all his acts of kindness and giving... I wish I had something I could offer him.

And right before I left I asked:

"Manong, have you ever seen Canadians here?  Ever met one?"

He responded:

"You are the first.  First one I have ever heard of in our place."

I didn't have much on me... but I did have my favourite Canadian jersey. I took it off and offered it to him.  Manongs first reaction:

"No! No!  It is cold..."

Yes it was getting towards night time, and it was cold.  Manong didn't want to accept my gift, because he recognized it would make me feel uncomfortable!  

NO.  NOT A CHANCE I WASN'T LETTING HIM ACCEPT THIS GIFT.  

He took it in the end with a big smile.  

And what I took with me for the rest of my life is a heart full of lessons from this Filipino Manong... on how WE AS HUMANS SHOULD BE.

The Philippines is full of people like Manong Teddy, and I am so blessed to be here learning from them... 

One day at a time.

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