Cordilleran from Abra is Asia's Most Exemplary Woman Artist of the Year

Photo Courtesy || Asia's Golden Icons Awards

Cordillera - Cordilleran visual artist, Jinkee Molina-Sangoy was among this year's awardees for the Asia's Golden Icons Awards 2022.

Sangoy will be awarded as "Asia's Most Exemplary Woman Artist of the Year" on June 28, 2022 at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila Resort Hotel, Paranaque City.

She is the only Cordilleran to get award together with Filipino celebrities like Alex Gonzaga, Donita Nose, Robin Padilla, and etc.

Sangoy is an artist from the Tingguin tribe in Abra, whose artworks were featured internationally like the World Art Expo 2022 in Indiana, USA and the 2019 European Art Magazine.

Sangoy uses watercolor, acrylic and mixed as her preferred mediums and got her inspiration from the work of famous painter Van Gogh and Monet.

Asia's Golden Icons Awards recognizes individual achievers and business entities that have significant impact in the community or has shown excellence in their area of their expertise. 

The awards evidenced that they continuously succeeds in their chosen fields. 

The recognition will aid deserving individuals and companies to position themselves, their brands or to be known well within their sectors and to the industry.

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Igorot Nurse in Top 10 of the May 2022 Nurse Licensure Exam

Photo Courtesy || MPSPC & LGU Tadian

Cordillera - A proud Igorot nurse from Mt. Province is among the nursing graduates who garnered the highest ranking in the just concluded May 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination. 

Miss Majie Criss Dao-Wan Kadtar who hails from Tadian, Mt. Province and a graduate of the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC)  ranked Top 10 with a passing rate of 87.40 percent.

Meanwhile, Keziah Kyleen Galit Gonzales of Emilio Aguinaldo College (Manila) and Nora Jane Bacarisas Staveley of Our Lady of Fatima University (Valenzuela) garnered the highest place (TOP 1)with a rating of 90 percent.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that 6,616 of the 9,729 examines pass the May 2022 Nurse Licensure Examination. 

The examinations were conducted given by the Board of Nursing in different cities of the country like Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.

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Search for the the biggest tree and win P25,000 - DENR-Cordillera

Cordillera - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Cordillera is inviting residents in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to search for the biggest tree in the region and win prices. 

MECHANICS:

1. Open to all residents of Cordillera Administrative Region  (individual or group) except employees of DENR 

2. Choose any tree species, either coniferous (e.g. Benguet pine) or broadleaved species (e.g.Narra, Dao, White Lauan), that is naturally growing (not planted) within the Cordillera region

3. Take photos of the biggest tree that is healthy and not showing any symptoms or signs of decay/diseases:

- close up photo of the tree

- selfie or photo with the tree

- photo showing the measurement (circumference) of the tree in centimeter, taken at the tree's Diameter at Breast Height (See photo showing how to measure DBH)

4. During submission, include the following details:

- Name of the tree

- Circumference

- Height (Total Height)

- Location

- Importance

- Name of participant and contact number

(in case of group entry, please give the names of the participants and indicate the group representative with his/her contact number)

5.  Place your entry in A4 size bond paper

with 1 page PER photo and 1 page for the details (4 pages in total).

Submit your entry to your nearest CENRO, PENRO or Regional Office

or e-mail your entry at:

car@denr.gov.ph

on or before June 14, 2022 (5:00PM)

6. Two winners will be awarded P25,000 for each species:

1 winner for coniferous species and 1 winner for broadleaved species

Announcement of winners will be during the culminating activity of the DENR-CAR Environment Month

source || DENR Cordillera

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World's handsome men to visit Cordillera for the Man of the World 2022 pageant

Photo Courtesy || Missology Male Pageant

Cordillera - At least 40 candidates from around the world had started arriving in the Philippines for the Man of the World pageant. 

The Cordillera region will take center stage as the official host of preliminary events and World Finals. 

Candidates who came from different countries are scheduled to visit the province of Kalinga on June 13 and 14. 

On June 13, candidates will visit Apo Whang-od - the oldest and world famous mambabatok (traditional tattoo artist) of Kalinga.

By June 14, they will head over to Luna, Apayao for charity day, swimwear shoot, and swimsuit competition. 

There is also scheduled swimwear in bahag competition where in the candidates will wear the world renowned Cordilleran Bahag with 6 different textiles that represent the 6 culturally diverse provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mt. Province at Okada Manila on June 11.

The grand coronation night will happen on June 18 at the Baguio Convention Center. 

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Honest Igorot kid from Benguet returns lost smartphone to owner

Photo Courtesy || BCPO Tourist Police

Cordillera - A kid from Buguias, Benguet has been praised for his honesty after returning a lost phone to the owner. 

The honest kid, Khurt Oloan, found the smartphone Samsung A50 at Burnham park and immediately turned it over to the tourist police who was roving the area. 

The phone which was later turned over to Lizel Damasco, the owner of the said phone who visited Baguio from Bukidnon.

Netizens in the online community were quick to appreciate the simple act of honesty of Mr. Oloan.

"A character that is to be valued and practiced by new generations now. Salute to you balong. God bless you," Sheryll said.

"Wow, so proud for you balong, Kudos to you and to you family. A lot of blessings shall be showered upon you. God bless and stay safe," another netizens commented.

READ ALSO: 11-year-old honest kid from Ifugao returns Php102,000 cash he found

Many also commended the parents of the kid who raise him to be honest. 

"Jan natin makikita na may naituro sa kanya ang kanyang mga magulang, I'm proud of u kid, and also to ur parents who teach u to become an honest son/person. Sana hindi yan mawawala sayo hanggang sa pagtanda mo, keep safe and God Bless u," Dhan said.

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Igorot Cop PCpl Manzano is Grand Champion in Pulis Got Talent - Solo Category

Photo Courtesy || PNP Cordillera

Cordillera - Igorot Cop PCpl Jumar S. Manzano of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera declared as the Grand Champion in the Pulis Got Talent- Solo Category Grandfinals showdown on June 4, 2022 at the FilOil Flying V Arena, San Juan City.

Using his handmade bamboo flute, PCpl Manzano wowed the panel of judges with his rendition of the 'Colors of the Wind', 'The Last of the Mohicans' and 'El Condo Pasa'.

He chose these songs because it relates to humans and his beloved region, the Cordillera. It also connects to one of the core values of the PNP - Makakalikasan, according the PCADG Cordillera.

Pcpl Manzano’s passion for playing the bamboo flute has roots way back when he was a child. 

He used to observe the elderly in his town playing the unique instrument with their bare hands, in which he admires them so much that he decided to emulate them.

Manzano is assigned at the Regional Headquarters Support Unit (RHSU), PROCOR and a member of the PROCOR peacemakers band. He joined the Area Police Command Northern Luzon - Pulis Got Talent,  Solo Category on May 27, 2022 and triumphed in the competition, making him the representative in the national level.

source || PCADG COrdillera

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Igorota PH Coast Guard appointed scholar to United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA)

Cordillera - A proud Igorota Philippine Coast Guard has been chosen to study as International Cadet under the International Cadetship Program of the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) Class of 2026.

CG Cadet Arlyn Bangsoy, who hails from Sagada, Mountain Province is among the three scholars appointed by the PH Coast Guard to participate in the program.

CG Bangsoy is a graduate of XiJEN College of Mountain Province and is also a PCG-PMMA Cadet Schoolar. 

She will be joining other cadets CG Cadet Ryellla Allysa Flores and Cadet Alliane Matthew Dela Vega in a formal swearing-in ceremony at the USCGA, New London, Connecticut, U.S.A. on June 24 2022, according to Philippine Coast Guard.

The PCG Cadetship Program is a part of the Command’s vision of establishing a first-class Cadet Corps as a precursor to the establishment of the PCG Academy in the future.

Upon graduation from the USCGA, the three international cadets shall be commissioned in the PCG with the RANK OF ENSIGN and shall serve a MINIMUM OF EIGHT YEARS OF CONTINUOUS ACTIVE SERVICE.

source || Philippine Coast Guard

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Baguio LGU puts up team of experts to evaluate LCUTS (ex. monorail) project for the city

Cordillera - Baguio residents and tourists are looking forward for a new and modern mode of transportation in the city as Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed an executive order that creates a technical working group (TWG) that will look in to the possibility of putting up a low carbon urban transport system (LCUTS).

The group led by the city's engineering and transport management officers, related government agencies, academe, and the private sector is tasked to come up with a mode of transportation with better mobility and helps improve air quality of the city. 

The TWG will work with the United Nation and the Department of Transportation for the implementation of the LCUTS.

The LCUTS in the Philippines Project aims to help promote and create an enabling environment for the commercialization of low carbon urban transport systems, like electric and hybrid vehicles.

The project focus on low carbon transport solutions such as electric vehicles, development of bikeways, cable cars, and projects and policies promoting clean transport options.

Other examples of electric transportation is the monorail system which is powered by electric motors. 

In the past years, Metro Global Holdings Corp., a multinational holdings company has proposed to build P11.5 billion fully electric public transport system in Baguio city.

The project is composed of a 4-kilometer elevated monorail around the central business district area and a series of feeder lines to be composed of battery-powered buses in an aim to make Baguio City the first urban center to pilot the green ecosystem and electric-powered monorail system.

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Cordilleran Cop wins APC - Police Got Talent in La Union

Photo Courtesy || PRO-COR PIO

Cordillera - Cordilleran cop PCpl Jumar Manzano was adjudged as the champion in the recently concluded Area Police Command (APC) - Northern Luzon - Police Got Talent on May 27, 2022.

In his solo flute performance, PCpl Manzano captivated the panel of judges with his rendition of the 'Colors of the Wind' using his handmade musical instruments.

Manzano who was assigned at Police Regional Office - Cordillera (PRO-COR) bested other solo performers from PRO 1, PRO 2, and PRO 3 under the APC - Northern Luzon Command.

Winning the competition has earned him a ticket to the grand finals of Police Got Talent to be held at FilOil Arena in San Juan, Metro Manila on June 4, 2022.

As a show of support, PROCOR Command Group in the person of PBGEN RONALD OLIVER LEE, Regional Director; PBGEN JOHN C CHUA, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; PCOL BENJAMIN DL SEMBRANO, Deputy Regional Director for Operations; and PCOL ELMER E RAGAY, Chief Regional Staff have personally attended the activity to cheer the PROCOR contingent. 

source || PROCOR  PIO

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Top Cordilleran Generals meet to discuss plans, program of the AFP

Photo Courtesy || Philippine Army

Cordillera - A meeting of Cordilleran generals. The Chief Nurse, Armed Forces of the Philippines Brig. Gen. Venus Magwelang Bajarin paid a courtesy call to Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., at the Army’s main headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on the 25th of May 2022. 

Lt. Gen. Brawner and Brig. Gen. Bajarin discussed the progress of plans and programs of AFP chief nurse and the implementation of nursing service policies. 

Brig. Gen. Bajarin traces her roots to Pinukpuk and Pugong, Pasil in the province of Kalinga while Lt. Gen. Brawner who hails from Baguio traces his root from Kiangan in the province of Ifugao.

The Philippine Army launched its first air ambulance helmed by a critical care team during the celebration of the organization’s 125th founding anniversary two months ago in its bid to develop its air medical evacuation capability.

Lt. Gen. Brawner, in his previous speeches, has vowed to push for the procurement of more air ambulances to save lives of soldiers in the frontlines. 

“We are developing this capability because the life of each soldier counts. Even if we save only one life through this capability, it is already worth it,” Lt. Gen. Brawner said. 

source || Philippine Army via PIA

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Kindhearted netizens flock to help and buy farmer's unsold carrot

Photo Courtesy || Maryjane Tidang

Cordillera - Several netizens on social media who heard the news of a farmer who was unable to sell his carrots at BAPTC/Trading Post responded to the call and immediately went to help the farmer dispose his carrot.

The poor farmer had no choice but to sell his carrot at a bargain price of 10 pesos per kilo, just enough to have cash to buy fuel for his truck to go home. 

He said he doesn't want to bring home the carrot and just throw it away back in to the farm. 

Learning his very unfortunate situation, many netizens came to the rescue and bought all his carrot. 

Miss Maryjane Tidang, who posted the call for help thanked all those who came to help manong farmer and those who extend financial support thru Gcash.

Mamong farmer's unsold carrot is a common problem faced by many Cordilleran farmers, which according to former DA Secretary Manny Piñol, is not a problem of oversupply but the "very poor positioning of commodities produced in excess in one specific area".

READ ALSO: Mobile App to help Cordillera farmers monitor oversupply of vegetables in advance

Piñol suggested the reviving of the so called Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), a government corporation created by the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. that aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector of the country, and establish a food consolidation centre for warehousing, food processing, research and quality control, marketing services, and trading. 

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

With the help of the FTI, farmers will have another venue for disposing their produce aside from BATPC and Trading Post. 

Unsold produced like carrots could also be processed in to juice rather than thrown away.

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WATCH: Igorota beauty queen in GMA's EAT BULAGA - Bawal Judgmental

Photo Courtesy || Roxie Baeyens

Cordillera - Crowned Miss Earth - Water 2020 Roxanne Baeyens appears on the May 11 edition of GMA noontime show Eat Bulaga - Bawal Judgmental. 

Baeyens from Cordillera is among the young artists who are now officially member of "Sparkada" - a talent show launched by Sparkle GMA Artist Center. 

The young Igorota artist from Besao, Mt Province with her stage name Roxie Smith is being groomed as the next bankable leading lady.

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New attraction in Atok, Benguet - The Hidden Bonsai Paradise

Photo Courtesy || Arlo Ore Masa

Cordillera - The local government of Atok, Benguet is promoting its newest tourist attraction called the hidden bonsai garden. 

Located in Tulodan, Cattubo in the town of Atok, the attraction is a carpet of bonsai cypress trees formed into a stunning landscape. 

Accordingly, immersing yourself with these serene and peaceful scenery of bonsai trees can offer so many health benefits including lowering blood pressure, reduce phycological stress, weariness, and exhaustion. 

Have a glimpse of this beautiful garden in a video vlog by FDG Stages.

LGU Atok invites everyone to experience nature thru visiting this place which is only 15 minutes hike from the main highway. 

There is no entrance fee in entering the garden however, a voluntary donation are accepted for the development of the garden. 

LGU Atok advise visitors who wish to visit the hidden bonsai paradise to strictly follow the safety health protocols and garden rules.

Top tourist destinations in Atok, Benguet are the Sakura Flower Farm, the Northern Blossom Farm, Haight's Place, Second Highest Point, Half Tunnel, Spanish Trail, and Mt. Timbak.

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Workers in Cordillera to get additional P50 to P60 wage increase

Photo Courtesy || DOLE-CAR

Cordillera - The Department of Labor and Employment - Cordillera (DOLE-CAR) has agreed to give Cordillera workers additional minimum wage increase as set forth by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board Office - Cordillera.

Mr. Nathaniel Lacambra, the DOLE CAR Regional Director said an additional P50 to P60 minimum wage increase has been approved and will come in two tranches. 

Lacambra explained that a P30 increase will be added to workers earning P350 in Baguio, La Trinidad, Benguet, and Tabuk City to make it P380 per day, while P40 will be added to workers in areas earning P340 to make it P380.

He said that the rest of the increase (P20) will be given on January 1, 2023 to make the minimum wage P400.

The new rates will be submitted to the National Wages Productivity Commission for approval and will take effect five days after being publish in national newspaper. 

For employers who can not afford the increase, Lacambra advises them to apply for provision of exemption. 

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Cordilleran athletes took home 27 medals in Southeast Asian Games 2022

Photo Courtesy || Islay Bomogao

Cordillera - Athletes from the Cordillera Administrative region contributed 27 medals for the Philippines' medal haul during the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

A total of 27 medals (5 golds, 11 silvers, 11 bronze medals) were added by Cordilleran players to the country's medal haul. 

Team Philippines closed out the 31st SEA Games in the 4th place with 52 gold medals, 70 silver medals, and 104 bronze medals. 

Names of the Cordilleran players were released by the Baguio Public Information Facebook page. 

Kickboxing: 2G-3S-2B

Gold- Jean Claude Saclag (Men's 63.5kg Low Kick)

Gold- Gina Iniong-Araos (Women's 60 kg Low Kick)

Silver-Claudine Veloso (Women's 52kg Low Kick)

Silver- Zephania Ngaya (Women's 65kg Low Kick)

Silver- Renalyn Dacquel (Women's 48kg Full Contact)

Bronze- Honorio Banario (Men's 70kg Low Kick)

Bronze- Emmanuel Cantores (Men's 60kg Low Kick)

Wushu: 0G-1S-3B

Silver-Jones Llabres Inso (Taolu-Taijiquan)

Bronze-Jones Llabres Inso (Taolu)

Bronze- Divine Wally (Women's Sanda 48kg)

Bronze- Gideon Fred Padua (Men's Sanda 60kg)

Kurash: 0G-2S-1B

Silver- Helen Aclopen (Women's 48kg)

Silver- Charmea Quelino (Women's 52kg)

Bronze- Estie Gay Liwanen (Women's 57kg)

Dancesports: 1G-2S-0B

Gold (Single Latin Cha Cha Chal)

Silver in Jive and Silver in SCRPJ Category) - Steph Sabalo/Michael Angelo Marquez

Taekwondo: 0G-1S-0B

Silver: Team of Jeordan Dominguez and Justine Kobe Macario (and 3 others) in Mixed Freestyle Team Poomsae

Muaythai: 1G-0S-1B

Gold- Islay Erika Bomogao (with Richien Yosorez)- Wai Kru Mai Muay All Female

Bronze-Ariel Lee Lampacan (Men's Combat 54kg)

Vovinam: 0G-0S-2B

Bronze- Jenelyn Olsim (Women's 55kg)

Bronze-Zephania Ngaya (Women's 60kg)

Wrestling: 0G-1S-0B

Silver- Minalyn Foy-os (Women's 57kg Freestyle)

Boxing: 1G-0S-2B

Gold-Eumir Felix Marcial (Men's 75kg)

Silver- Irish Magno (Women's 51 kg)

Bronze- Nesthy Petecio (Women's 57-60kg)

Bronze- Josie Gabuco (Women's 45-48kg)

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19 Cordillerans graduated from PMA Bagsik-Diwa Class of 2022

Photo Courtesy || PMA

Cordillera - The Philippine Military Academy has announced the 214 strong cadets who successfully graduated from the prestigious academy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Nineteen cadets who hails from the Cordillera are part of the graduating class of PMA Bagsik-Diwa class of 2022. 

Of the nineteen cadets, 1CDT Kevin John O. Pastrana graduated Top 2 of the class. 

Also, a cadet from Sagada, 1Romulo Dawilan III named the 'goat' of the class for being the last cadet in the list of the graduates. The goat is respected for his effort and determination to finish the class despite the hurdles and challegences it faces. 

Meanwhile, President Durterte who graces the grad rites told the new soldiers to defend, protect, and secure the safety of the nation as uniformed members of the army.

“Today, the man in uniform must be many things at the same time. If he is to be relevant to the changing times. He must be both a warrior and a peacemaker, an arms bearer and a pencil pusher, skilled in the art of war, and adept as a sick life saver, and offensive machine, and a fairs defender, a tribune and a diplomat, a soldier and a civil servant,” Duterte said.

Below are the list of graduates from Cordillera 

Cadet 1CL Kevin John Pastrana (Baguio City)

Cadet 1CL Tristan Chomacog (Baguio City)

Cadet 1CL Jen Kym Danielle Danganan (Baguio City)

Cadet 1CL Dirk Kiryl Davalan (Baguio City)

Cadet 1CL Angelica Villalon (Baguio City)

Cadet 1CL Earl Jade Pakoy (Baguio City)

Cadet 1CL Bryson Zantua (Baguio City)

Cadet 1CL Grace Angela Pocyoy (La Trinidad, Benguet)

Cadet 1CL Christian Bisquera (La Trinidad, Benguet)

Cadet 1CL Josemhar Tamiray (Atok, Benguet)

Cadet 1CL Dawson Adaci (Lamut, Ifugao)

Cadet 1CL Chadbert Liwayan (Aguinaldo, Ifugao)

Cadet 1CL Maryknoll Rhea Cuis (Tanudan, Kalinga)

Cadet 1CL Mariel Bless Bagtang (Tabuk City, Kalinga)

Cadet 1CL Jaime Bernardo Jr. (Rizal, Kalinga)

Cadet 1CL Joshua Clemete Dacawe (Bontoc, Mountain Province)

Cadet 1CL Knigle Bastian (Bauko, Mountain Province)

Cadet 1CL Julius Kalley Fanusan (Bontoc, Mountain Province)

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LOOK: PH most advance attack helicopter landed in Cordillera

Photo Courtesy || Pinoy Aviators

Cordillera - Two of the the newly acquired and most advance attack helicopter of the Philippine Army, the TAI/Agusta Westland T129 ATAK helicopters had been deployed at the Loakan Airport in Baguio City for the PMA cadets to personally witness and do some walk around of the helicopters. 

Also deployed were the Sikorsky S-70i Blackhawk twin-engine medium lift combat utility helicopter and the Sikorsky S-76 Air Ambulance twin-engine helicopter.

The T129 is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform and further developed in Turkey, which is designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions in hot, high environments and adverse geographical conditions, both day and night.

The T129 ATAK is equipped with a 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon in a nose turret with 500 ammunitions capacity and up to 76 unguided 70mm rockets for close air support. The helicopter is also equipped with up to 8 UMTAS 160 mm long range anti-tank missiles, 16 CIRIT 70 mm missiles, 8 air launched Stinger short range air-to-air missiles.

The T129 ATAK helicopter also equipped with advanced electronic warfare and countermeasure systems which increase survival capability in the battlefield. The electronic warfare and countermeasure systems of the helicopter features Radar Warning Receiver System (RIAS), Radar Frequency Mixer System (RFKS) and Laser Receiver System (LIAS) in addition to Warning System (FIS), Countermeasure Firing System (KTAS), IR (Infrared), and Countermeasure System.

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Igorot MMA fighter is TOP 1 in Special Forces School of the AFP

Photo Courtesy || Dennis Bantag & Special Forces Regiment

Cordillera - The Philippine Army  has recognized Private Troy O. Bantiag for being the TOP 1 in the Special Forces School (SFS) Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) "MAKADASIG" Class 715-2021.

Private Bantiag, a native of Kalinga province topped the class after hurdling 13 weeks of rigorous training at SFS in Fort Ramon Magsaysay Military Reservation. 

Pvt Bantiag who was a former Mixed Martial Artist from Team Lakay shared that their class, "MAKADASIG" which stands “Mandirigmang may Kagitingan, Dangal at Sigasig", is composed of regular and special enlist training quota. 

"Sa class po namin, mayroong nurse, teacher, filmmaker, mayroon pa ngang member ng National Boxing Team at National Football team. Special enlist din po ako at sa Fort Bonifacio po ako mapupunta pero habambuhay ko pong aalalahanin ang experiences ko rito," said Bantiag.

He said that he is very proud to have join the training at Fort Bonifacio because the instructors are intelligent.

A total of 144 individuals turn into soldiers, yesterday, as the Special Forces School (SFS) concludes Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) "MAKADASIG" Class 715-2021 in a formal ceremony at the grounds of Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) [SFRA]. 

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Son of former OFW is Salutatorian in Philippine Military Academy Class 2022

Photo Courtesy || PMA

Cordillera - Cadet 1CL Kevin John O Pastrana was born and raised in the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. He came from two different ethnicities. 

His mother is a Kankanae-ey from Dagdag, Sagada, Mt Province while his father is an Ilonggo from Janipaan east, Mina, Iloilo. 

His mother is a housewife, while his father is a former OFW. He has two other siblings, an older brother who is now working and a younger sister who is currently a cadet in the Academy. 

He finished his elementary and high school years in Saint Louis School Incorporated Center, Baguio City. 

In senior high, he took the ABM strand. Later, he took the PMAEE and was accepted into the prestigious military Academy of the country. 

Upon entering the Academy, his humble beginnings and cultural background motivated him to excel in every endeavor he may find himself in. 

As the athletic company officer of Foxtrot Company, he ensured that his Company had a 100% passing rate in all physical-related activities and requirements. 

Even if the path he took was the one less traveled and was full of challenges, these did not hinder him from achieving his goal. 

Indeed, PMA has molded him to become the best version of the leader he meant to become. 

The values of Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty will surely be his primary foundation in serving the country as he paves his way to the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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Igorota artist received International recognition at Euro-Pinoy Visual Arts Exhibition

Photo Courtesy || European Union in the Philippines

Cordillera - Artworks of Igorota artist Miss Kizel Cotiw-an got the chance to be featured at Euro-Pinoy Arts Exhibition.

Her works "Little Girl Catching Tadpoles" and "The Water Spirit" can be viewed during the Euro-Pinoy Visual Arts Exhibition at the Yuchengco Museum from May 20 to 31, 2022. This exhibition is being held in the lead-up to the Oceans Conference and the EU Green Week.

Kizel is an Igorota artist from Buguias, Benguet and belongs to the Kankana-ey tribe. 

READ ALSO: Igorot artist from Mt. Province chosen as one of the 40 best portrait painters in the world

Her works are always colorful and whimsical, with a theme that focuses mainly on nature and her Igorot culture. 

It is inspired by her childhood, hunting wild insects, gathering mountain tea, catching tadpoles and eating sweet potatoes. 

READ ALSO: Talented Igorot artist from Benguet featured in an international magazine

She took up her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of the Philippines-Baguio (Cum laude) and graduated last 2012. 

Kizel also took up law and passed the bar exam in 2022.

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