Bills to permanently terminate Toll Fees along Kennon and Halsema submitted

Cordillera - Two bills proposing the permanent termination of toll fees along Halsema Highway and Kennon Road was submitted by Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap and Mt. Province Congressman Max Dalog. 

House Bill No. 1047 and 1048 authored by the two congressmen aim to stop the collection of toll fees from road users in Camp 1, Camp 6 along Kennon Road and Acop, Tublay, Benguet along the Halsema Highway.

Terminating the toll fees would benefit the farmers, truckers, local travelers, tourists because they could save money from additional expenses. 

It help lessen the burden being imposed by the national government on the collection of tool fees to farmers and road users. 

The proposed bills were submitted for study a recommendation to the appropriate committee, and once approved by the House of Representative it will be forwarded to the senate and then to the Office of the President for his signature to become a law.

If the president signed it, it will be published in the national gazette or in a newspaper and will take effect as a law 15 days after.

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LOOK: The stunning Nabenngan Bridge of Sadanga, Mountain Province

Cordillera - A stunning footbridge located in Sadanga is gaining social media attention nowadays. It's called the Nabenngan Bridge or what the Philippine National Police named it 'The Peace Bridge". 

It's a 320-meter long suspension bridge that was constructed in 2021 and inaugurated in April 2022. 

The bridge was made possible through the accumulated funds from the donations of several government agencies and stakeholders including the amount raised by the men and women of Police Regional Office Cordillera.

The town of Sadanga is home to the most stunning rice terraces in the province - the Betwagan Rice Terraces. 

Apart from the rice terraces, the town has several amazing places to visit like caves, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and lately the Nabenngan Bridge.

The hanging footbridge suspended by pure steel cables and steel flooring is overlooking a lush green forest and it's a perfect spot for taking Instagram-worthy photos.

If you happen to be on the bridge in a foggy morning, you might have the chance of experiencing walking in heaven as the bridge is literary surrounded by clouds.

So, the next time you visit Sadanga, include the Nabenngan Bridge in your itinerary.

Getting to Sadanga is pretty much not a challenge but an adventure. If you're     coming from Manila, just take the bus to Baguio and from Baguio, take a bus or van bound to Bontoc. And from Bontoc, you can take a jeepney ride to the town of Sadanga. 

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LOOK: China donates rice worth P10-M to Abra Province

Photo Courtesy || DZAR 1026

Cordillera - A Php10 million worth of rice has been donated by China to the victims of the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck northern part of Luzon.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila, in partnership with the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (PCCI), delivered the relief goods to the Department of Social Welfare and Development's National Resources Operation Center in Pasay City.

In an interview, Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong said the aid will be shipped immediately to the most affected area, particularly Abra province.

"We are the first to express sympathy and offer help. President Xi Jinping expressed his sympathies and condolences to President (Ferdinand) Marcos Jr.," he said.

"My Ambassador, two hours after the earthquake already offered that China is ready to help so two days later we collected some relief goods worth PHP10 million," he added.

Citing the victims' "dire need for food, water, tents," Zhou said more Chinese companies are expected to give donations.

Zhou said the PHP3.6 million relief goods earlier announced by the Chinese Enterprises Philippines Association had been distributed.

"Chinese companies here in the Philippines are also taking action so the first batch of PHP3.6 million relief bags has already been distributed," he said.

source || PNA

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Cordilleran Para Athlete from Tabuk wins Gold in Asean Para Games Solo 2022

Photo Courtesy || Jerrold Mangliwan

Cordillera - The Philippine Team secures its 4th gold medal in the ongoing 11th Asean Para Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Cordilleran Paralympian Jerrold Mangliwan, a native of Tabuk City, Kalinga bagged gold in the men's 100-M T52 event after clocking in 19.18 seconds.

The 40-year old Mangliwan is a Cordilleran wheelchair racer who competed for the Philippines in the 2014 Asian Para Games, the 2016 Summer Paralympics, and the Tokyo Paralympics. 

He competes in the T52 classification in the the wheelchair racing.

Mangliwan has paraplegia which he acquired from polio, a disease he was diagnosed of when he was two years old. 

He took up the sport of wheelchair racing in 2009 upon the encouragement of a friend.

He represented the country in the Tokyo Paralympics with an eighth-place finish in the men’s 100m T52.

At the 2015 ASEAN Para Games, he won gold medals at the 100m and 200m T52 race, and a silver in the 400m T52 race.

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Cordilleran from Benguet named new PNP Chief by President Bong Bong Marcos

Photo Courtesy || PNP

Cordillera - Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Lieutenant General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief.

Lt. Gen. Azurin who hails from La Trinidad, Benguet was among the top contenders to head the PNP.

A graduate of Philippine Military Academy (‘Makatao’ Class of 1989), Azurin is currently the commander of the Northern Luzon Police Area composed of the regions of Ilocos (Region 1), Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Central Luzon (Region 3) and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Azurin was also the former commander of the Southern Luzon Police Area which include the regions of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) - Region 4-A; Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) – Region 4-B and Bicol (Region 5). 

Azurin is a well-rounded police officer, having served the PNP in various capacities, both in police operations and administrative work. 

He held star-rank positions in Camp Crame as director of the Directorate for Comptrollership (DC) as well as the Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Management (DICTM).

As a newly-promoted police general, Azurin served director of the Maritime Group and later as

as the regional director of Police Regional Office 1 in Ilocos.

As middle-grade police officer, Azurin served as the provincial director of Benguet Province. He also served as the Chief Task Force Limbas of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and was also the Deputy Operations Officer of Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF). 

 As a junior officer, Azurin was assigned to various field units and offices that include the following: 1st Special Action Company in Parang, Maguindanao; 231st Philippine Constabulary (PC) Company in Quezon Province; Police Aviation Security Command — currently the Aviation Security Group (AVSEG); Criminal Investigation Service Command — currently the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG); Office of Internal Security (OIS); Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Health Service; Police Community Relations Group — currently the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG); as well as the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM). 

Azurin was born on April 24, 1967 in Paniqui, Tarlac and was raised in La Trinidad, Benguet.

He is married to Mary Grace Lino and has three children: Martin, Ninna, and Aaron.

Meanwhile, President Marcos also assigned Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

source || Office of the Press Secretary

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Ifugao boxer Martin beats Tanzanian fighter to remain WBA Asia super bantamweight

Photo Courtesy || Carl Jammes Martin

Cordillera - The unbeaten Cordilleran fighter Carl Jammes Martin successfully defended his WBA Asia Superbantamweight title after defeating Tanzanian fighter Charles Tondo via lopsided unanimous decision on Saturday at the SM San Lazaro in Manila.

At the opening bell, both fighters had to test each other's power by throwing hard punches against each other.

Tondo trying to overpower Martin with combinations to the head and body, while Martin is getting his chances of big knockout.

In the following round, Martin landed several clean shots with his signature left straight however, got a taste of Tondo's power when he was stunned by a hard right hook in the fourth round.

In the later round, Martin unloaded barrage of power shots to the body that slowed down Tondo. 

The three judges scored the bout 118-110, 119-109 and 119-109 in favor of the Cordilleran undefeated fighter.

Martin improved his straight win record of 20 with 16 knockouts while Tondo dropped to 12-6-2 with 5 knockouts.

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PAF pilots land Blackhawk on narrow road to deliver relief goods to the people of Abra

Photo Courtesy || 205thTHW

Cordillera - Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing strategically landed PH's most advance helicopter, the Blackhawk in a narrow road to be able to drop off relief supplies to residents living in a remote village in Abra after the onset of the devastating Luzon earthquake. 

The Black Hawk helicopters are the new assets of the PAF that were delivered last year from the Polish aerospace manufacturer.

During these critical times, the Black hawks are very effective in delivering relief supplies and rescue personnel in geographically remote areas of the country.

Since the onset of the Abra earthquake, the pilots and crew of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing of the Philippine Air Force have not ceased delivering relief for the people. 

On July 31, 2022, the aircrew of the Hueys and Black Hawks continue to conduct Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations (HADR). 

Ferrying hundreds of relief boxes by flying back and forth, a profound sense of satisfaction and fulfillment is felt in the hearts of every pilot and crew who flew in the affected province, knowing that help is delivered.

source || 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing

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Mr. Kalinga, Ms. Abra crowned Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassador 2022

Photo Courtesy || PIA-Cordillera

Cordillera - Mr. Kalinga Shawn Michael Barila and Ms. Abra Angela Mae Respicio were crowned as the first Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassador 2022.

Photo Courtesy || Image-N-Nation

Both Mr. Barila and Ms. Respicio also won special awards including Best in Creative Cordillera Attire, and Best in Talent.

Barila won Best Autonomy Advocacy Pitch while Ms. Respicio won Best in Cordillera-Inspired Formal Attire.

First Runner Up winners are Mr. Ifugao John Tultog and Ms. Mt. Province Mericar Togana.

Photo Courtesy || Image-N-Nation

Mr. Benguet Novy Jones Aban and Ms. Kalinga Earene Joy Dawagan won the 2nd Runner Up.

Launched by the Department of Social Welfare and Development - Cordillera  (DSWD-CAR), the Mr. and Ms. Cordillera Autonomy aims to search young Cordillerans who posses the attributes of a good ambassador to campaign the bid for Cordilleran Autonomy. 

This is the first time DSWD-CAR had organize the search which is in line with this year's 35th Cordillera Month Celebration.

The theme for this year's celebration is "One Autonomous Cordillera: Ensuring Social Development and Inclusive Growth in the New Normal."

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Cordilleran architect gives tips how to check house after earthquake

Photo Courtesy || Oliver Austria & BFP

Cordillera - Cordillera-based architect and youtuber Mr. Oliver Austria offers life-saving tips on how to check your houses after an earthquake. 

To guide homeowners inspect the credibility of their houses after being shaken by a high magnitude earthquake, Austria pointed out the importance of scanning the beams and posts for structural cracks. 

There are two types of structural cracks that may be seen on concrete structure after an earthquake, flexural cracks and shear cracks.

Flexural cracks are vertical or horizontal cracks while shear cracks are diagonal cracks.

Austria pointed out the virtual checking of diagonal cracks because these are the most dangerous one. 

He also discouraged continuing any works related to pouring concrete on slabs or posts because of aftershocks that could follow after a major earthquake. 

On Wednesday July 27, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Cordillera at 8.43 am local time which caused damage to several structures and triggering landslides.

The province of Abra has sustained the major damages and people had to leave their houses to avoid being hurt cause by aftershocks.

The local and national government quickly mobilized its emergency teams to aid those affected by the earthquake.

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Cordilleran cop wins Gold and Silver medals in World Police and Fire Games 2022

Photo Courtesy || PNP Cordillera

Cordillera - Police Staff Sergeant Miguelito Carranza bagged gold and silver medals in the cross country event of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2022 in Rotterdam, Netherlands on 28 July 2022.

With the motto of “In Sport, We Unite”, different first responders and emergency workers across the world compete in the more than 60 sporting events of the WPFG 2022. 

PSSg Carranza is the only representative from the Cordillera, from the 200-strong Philippine National Police Team that was sent to join in the different sporting events. 

He is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Cordillera.

PSSg Carranza already competed and won 2 medals in the cross country event while he is set to compete again in the half marathon event on July 31. 

More than 10,000 competitors from 70 different countries participate in the WPFG2022. 

They competed in 63 sports, including CrossFit, athletics, water polo, kite surfing and the ultimate firefighter. 

The World Police & Fire Games 2022 will use sport as a means of establishing encounters between first responders. 

The aim is to stimulate sportsmanship and to generate respect for all those emergency workers who are ready for us day and night.

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PMA announces requirements, qualifications for PMA Entrance Exam 2022

Photo Courtesy || PMA Facebook

FORT GENERAL GREGORIO H DEL PILAR, Baguio City –The country's premiere military institution is opening its doors to qualified individuals with the potential qualities to become part of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines. The PMAEE is conducted yearly to recruit the best and the brightest among the Filipino youths who opted to accept the PMA challenge: "To be a Steward of Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty." PMA cadets shall later serve as military officers and leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Qualification for cadet candidates must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, at least a Senior High School graduate (or currently Grade 12), single, have never been married nor pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support a child or children. Interested cadet applicants must be physically and mentally fit, with a minimum height of five feet, no criminal background, and of good moral character, at least 17 years old and not more than 22 years old on June 1, 2023. Applicants may submit their application through regular mail or courier services. They may also take advantage of the online application through the academy's website at www.pma.ph. The deadline for mail and online application is on August 1, 2022.

The PMA Entrance Examination aims to measure applicants' mental ability in Math Calculation (Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Basic Statistics), English Reading and Writing (Grammar, Composition, and Reading Comprehension), and Special Aptitude Test.

Walk-in applicants on the day of the examination, with complete documents, may take the examination as the last priority candidate. Walk-in applicants should bring the following: Duly accomplished application form, two pcs 2x2 ID Picture (White Background), Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate and Form 137/138 (for High School level) or Transcript of Records (for College level), Mongol Pencil #2, Valid ID, and Vaccination Card and Negative Antigen Test within 24 hours. 

Following are the benefits and privileges waiting for successful cadet candidates to compose the PMA Class of 2027, such as noble privilege in serving the country and its people, free college education with a well-rounded curriculum, monthly pay and allowances of P48,000 per month, progressive career as an Officer in the Army, Air Force, or Navy, specialized professional training for military, and exceptional training and billeting facilities.

PMA entrance examination will be conducted in forty-seven different testing centers all over the country. PMA will administer the test on the following dates as follows: Mindanao testing centers on 27 and 28 August 2022, followed by Visayas Testing Centers on 10 and 11 September 2022, and lastly, Luzon Testing Centers on 24 and 25 September 2022.

For more information visit Philippine Military Academy Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/philippinemilitaryacademypublicaffairs 

source || Philippine Military Academy Facebook

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"Kindness and Generosity", Good Taste Restaurant shares meals for free

Photo Courtesy || Laarni Ilagan

Cordillera - A famous restaurant in Baguio City has gone viral on social media after giving free food to bystanders and passersby just after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Luzon on Wednesday morning. 

Good Taste Restaurant has shown act of kindness to random people by distributing packs of food for free to the public.

A photo shared by Laarni Ilagan on Facebook showed the Good Taste's staff handing food to people who are outside the restaurant.

"Kindness and Generosity. Amidst the panic and fear of aftershocks leaving some people stranded in the city, Good Taste Restaurant is currently giving free food to the public," Ilagan captioned the photo.

Ilagan said there was no announcement by the restaurant, they just give food to passersby since they are near the road.

Meanwhile, netizens commended the restaurant's display of kindness and generosity. 

"More blessings to your resto. The generosity of being kind hearted shows in times such this. Kudos Goodtaste!", one netizen wrote.

Another netizen wrote, "Good taste thank you so much for your warmth thoughts and generosity. Much more blessing to come you. God Bless," 

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Baguio boy to represent Philippines in International street dance competition

Photo Courtesy || Josh Albelda

Cordillera - Baguio street dancer Mickey Paolo Yatar is set to compete in the international street dancing competition after winning the Red Bull Dance Your Style street dance event on July 23, 2022. 

Mickey won the competition after beating Taz in the final round. He will be representing the Philippines in the national stage, competing against over 60 dancers from 30 countries that will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa in December 2022.

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a street dance competition with a unique battle format featuring the latest hits and timeless classics that challenge a dancer's freestyle and improvisation skills.

Red Bull Dance Your Style will need to ‘wow’ the crowd and ultimately win their vote. Testing freestyle and musicality skills through unpredictable mainstream tracks ranging from recent global hits to classic beats, Red Bull Dance Your Style will have the crowd deciding who will rule the dance floor.

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Igorot Stone Kingdom is 'intact and unaffected' after 7.3 magnitude earthquake

Photo Courtesy || Igorot Stone Kingdom

Cordillera - The owner of the famous Igorot Stone Kingdom in Baguio has given update on the situation of the structure after the region has been hit by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake.

"No damage, not a single crack on the structure and on the groundworks, not even a single stone fell. A proof of the reliability of the Igorot way of Stone laying," Pio Velasco wrote on a post.

He attributed to the Igorot engineering that is being in communication with the natural properties and contours of the ground.

"It is literally down to earth, thereby it is a system closer to nature.  To those who did not believe and who pre judged us of having constructed an unsafe facility, we are so sorry to disappoint you. The Igorot Stone Kingdom passed the test," Velasco added. 

In anticipation of aftershocks, the facility had to be temporarily closed.

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LOOK: Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, coach Julius Naranjo tie the knot in Baguio

Photo Courtesy || Nice Print Photography

Cordillera - Filipina Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and her long time coach Julius Naranjo tied the knot in the city of pines on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

The newly wed couple's photos has been shared online by Nice Print Photography    and Exige Weddings.

Photo Courtesy || Nice Print Photography

Hidilyn wore a wedding gown designed by Francis Libiran.

“Today marks the first anniversary of our winning the Gold medal in the @olympics for the Philippines. And today also will be a memorable day for @imjulius and me, we will get married today,” Hidilyn posted on her Instagram.

"One year has passed since the historic Gold medal, here’s a recap of this historic moment. With what @hidilyndiaz and I accomplished last year, now it’s on to forever," Julius posted.

READ ALSO: Unique wedding in Benguet goes viral for using vegetable as decor

Earlier on Monday, Hidilyn and Julius paid a courtesy call to Baguio mayor Benjamin Magalong at the Baguio City Hall.

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Enchanted Kaparkan Falls in Abra Now Open For Tourist

Photo Courtesy || Abra Tourism

Cordillera- The tourism office of Tineg, Abra has announced the opening of the Kaparkan Falls in the municipality of Tineg. 

In an advisory "The Public is hereby informed that the Kaparkan Falls in the municipality of Tineg is officially open for tourism this rainy season of CY2022. Effective July 15, 2022.

Kaparkan Falls also known as Mulawin Falls is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. 

Since its discovery in 2015, Kaparkan Falls located at Sitio Kaparkan, Barangay Caganayan, Tineg, Abra is considered as one of Abra's prime tourist destination.

Its unique spring terraces of waterfalls can be best experience during rainy season.

Reaching this amazing fall is a challenge but it's worth. It takes you couple of hours to travel by bus or car from manila then you have to take the “giant truck” from the town center going to the place and the ride is like a roller coaster by land. 

From the the parking area you have to take a hike down to the main fall about 20-30 minutes depending on your pace.

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Good Taste Restaurant introduces its first-ever robot server 'Bellabot'

Photo Courtesy || Good Taste Restaurant

Cordillera - A famous restaurant in Cordillera, the Good Taste Restaurant introduces its first-ever robot server in one of its branches in Baguio city.

The robot server called 'Bellabot' can bring customers order in their assigned table at ease and without delay. 

To be served by Bellabot, just order your favorite food and proceed to your assigned table, seat back and relax, wait for it to come and it deliver your order right beside your table. 

All you have to do is pick your food, and Bellabot will bid you farewell and attend to other orders. 

The robot is only available at Good Restaurant - Otek branch. 

Many diners were amused to see a robot serving their food for the very first time. 

Robot food server had become one of the trending idea of customer service being looked-out by restaurant owners in the country. 

This year, Dunkin Donuts had also introduced their very first robot server "Number 1". 

Bellabot and Number 1 are made by Pudo Robotics, an international high-tech enterprise dedicated to design, R&D, production, and sales of commercial service robots.

The latest delivery robot designed by Pudu, BellaBot inherits the outstanding characteristics of the previous generation, while being endowed with superior human-Robot interaction capabilities. Featuring an innovative bionic design language, cute modeling,multi-modal interaction and many other new functions, BellaBot provides users with an unprecedented food delivery robot experience.

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LOOK: Bontoc General Hospital receives brand new CT Scan machines from DOH

Photo Courtesy || MP-PIO

Cordillera - The brand new CT scan of Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) will start operating as soon as its License to Operate will be issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to the update published by the Provincial Government of Mt. Province.

The CT scan was delivered to BoGH on May 2022 as part of the various assistance from the DOH like the previously delivered mobile x-ray machine and incubator.  

Provincial Health Officer II Annie Claire B. Pekas said there's an ongoing in-house training for the two radiologic technologists, three nurses, three radiologists and three electricians who will be manning the said machine.

Dr. Pekas said that the BoGH is conducting dry run for actual patients as part of the test procedures. 

"10 of our patients have already undergone the procedure and it was during this test period that we saw some things which we still need to address. With the strong support of our Provincial Government officials,  we hope to address our lack of human resources for a well-manned CT Scan unit. We will in time, God-willing," Dr. Pekas said.

"We also beg for everyone's understanding as there will be certain adjustments and hitches along the way with this new and additional health service that we are offering. Anyhow, we will try our best to address issues or concerns as we journey towards an  enhanced healthcare facility," she added.

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Beautiful new attractions in Benguet now open for tourists to visit

Photo Courtesy || Tayao Garden

Cordillera - The Provincial Tourism Office of Benguet has released an initial list of newly opened attraction sites in the province that includes eleven sites from four different municipalities. 

Popular destinations in Atok such as the Tayao Gardens, Wagangan Rock Formation; Kenvin's Garden, and Kiyomie's Garden in La Trinidad welcome tourists outside and inside the province.

Tourists can also visit sites in Tuba such as
the Ethans Swimming Pool, Hidden Paradise Swimming Pool, Kiwas Resort, and the Green Narra Campsite. 

In Tublay, two new sites, the Alokip-Pinan Eco Trail and Glamping Site were also opened.

Opening of tourist sites in areas in Benguet will help promote wellness and boost the economy in the province.

Tourism activities are allowed however visitors are required to practice minimum health standards. 

source || PIO - Benguet

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Dr. Andrie Domogo - First Igorot PhD graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP)

Photo Courtesy || Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Baguio

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran from Sagada, Dr. Andrie Domogo made history as the first PhD graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) - Baguio. 

Dr. Domogo, the current Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod dons the UP Sablay and proudly wore the famous bahag used by indigenous tribe of Cordillera during the Pagtatapos 2022.

READ ALSO:  Cordilleran graduate receives bouquet of 1,000 peso bill worth P75,000 during graduation

Dr, Domogo currently work as an assistant professor in the same University after serving as a Gurong Pahinungod for two years when he finished his undergraduate studies. 

READ ALSO:  5 sons of Sagada, Mt. Province graduated from PMMA Masidlayag Class 2022

He is the second child of the late Fr. Joseph Domogo and Dr. Penelope Aquino-Domogo.

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