Baguio's Finest has new Chief from Tanudan, Kalinga

Photo Courtesy || PNP Cordillera FB Page

Cordillera - Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) welcomed its new Chief, Police Colonel Francisco Bulwayan Jr. during the Turn-over of Command Ceremony held at the BCPO Multi-Purpose Hall, Baguio City on October 5, 2022.

PCOL. Bulwayan Jr., a native of Tanudan, Kalinga replaced fellow Cordilleran Police Colonel Glenn D. Lonogan who was assigned as the new Chief of Cordillera Regional Personnel and Records Management Division (RPRMD).

Prior to his new post, PCOL. Bulwayan was the former Chief of PRPMD and the Director of Tabuk City Police Station.

He is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy "Tanglaw-Lahi" Class of 1999.

Meanwhile, as he assumed his office, PCOL Bulwayan Jr. urged the men and women of Baguio CPO to work together for the attainment of a progressive and safe city.

“To the men and women of Baguio CPO, let us work together in ensuring the City as the safest place to reside, visit, work and do business….and I hereby swear that this designation whether long or short, shall be dedicated to serve and protect the people of Baguio,” PCOL BULWAYAN Jr. said.

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Baguio - Cebu Direct Flights expected to begin by December

Cordillera - Tourists from Cebu can now visit the summer capital by air this December as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) are fast-tracking the rehabilitation of the Loakan Airport, according to the Baguio City Information Office. 

Capt. Stanley Ng, PAL presidents and CEO said during the stakeholder's meeting at the Baguio Country Club that they will be ready to fly their newest Bombardier Q400 turboprop and dual-class airplaine when safety audit of the Loakan Airport is done.

PAL is planning a four times a week flight, a 9:20 AM departure from Cebu and arrival by 11.20AM in Baguio city. A return flight is also expected by 1:20 PM on the same day, according to Bud Britanico, PAL vice president for sales.

Mayor Magalong expressed his gratitude to the Department of Transportation under Secretary Jaime Bautista for its commitment in improving the airport and helping the city government's economic recovery efforts.

Magalong is hopeful that the opening of the Loakan Airport will spur economic recovery of the city and would also encourage other airline companies like Cebu Pacific to cater air travel to the city.

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Dedicated teacher from Cordillera wins brand new Toyota Innova on World Teacher's Day

Photo Courtesy || CBS China Bank

Cordillera - A dedicated teacher from Abra province is going home with a brand new car after winning grand prize from the Department of Education (DepEd) and CBS China Bank during the celebration of the National and World Teacher's Day 2022 in Abra.

Teacher Simona Parañal, a first grade teacher for 13 years at the Supo Elementary School was the lucky winner of the brand new Toyota Innova which was given as a token of appreciation for her dedicated service as a teacher. 

This year's celebration of the World Teacher's Day was hosted by DepEd-Cordillera at the Abra Sports Complex in Bangued. 

Photo Courtesy || CBS China Bank

Thousand of teachers gathered during the occasion to have a chance to win a brand new car, motorcycle and laptops. 

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte led this year's celebration of Nat'l and World Teachers.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos was also in the event as Guest of Honor. She delivered a motivational and inspirational speech to all dedicated Filipino teachers nationwide.

“You have remained steadfast in mentoring the learners, you have built their foundation, and honed their skills. We are all grateful to you,” Araneta-Marcos said.

“To all the teachers out there, please know that we all recognize your hard work and all the sacrifices that you have made to make the art of learning possible,” she added.

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Cordilleran Bodybuilder wins Gold, Bronze Medal in International Body Building Competition

Photo Courtesy || Leejan Raphael G. Nacnac

Cordillera - A young Cordilleran from Baguio city emerged as champion in an  International Body Building Competition held at Tayabas, Quezon City last September 27, 2022.

Leejan Raphael G. Nacnac who was born and raised in Baguio took home two gold medals in the Men's Physique Juniors - Medium Category and one bronze medal in the Men's Physique Open - Medium Category during the fifth staging of the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) - Philippines. 

WBNF Philippines is an affiliate of the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation that promotes natural way of getting fit and healthy. It also advocates drug-free sports.

Leejan hopes that his success in the competition would help promote natural bodybuilding and healthy competition in the city.

“Natural bodybuilding refers to a bodybuilding practice that prohibits the use of performance enhancing drugs such as but are not limited to: anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, stimulants and diuretics; all of which have detrimental effects on human health and in some cases, life threatening consequences,” Leejan stated via Baguio - PIO.

READ ALSO: Igorota bookseller from Mt.Province is PH's top woman bodybuilder

Leejan took to social media to thanked those who supported him throughout his journey.

"My foundation, my main support system, my loves, my everything. I love you guys. Everything I have achieved, I owe them all to you," he wrote.

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Cordilleran from Abra, ex-chief justice Bersamin appointed executive secretary by President Marcos Jr.

Photo Courtesy || Office of the President

Cordillera - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "BBM" has appointed retired chief  justice Lucas Bersamin as the new Executive Secretary as announced by Malacañang on September 27, 2022, Tuesday.

The 72-year old Bersamin, a native of Bangued, Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) took his oath of office before President Marcos.

Bersamin was appointed as the new secretary replacing former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez who is now serving as Presidential Chief of Staff.

As an Executive Secretary, Bersamin will be referred to as the “Little President" who is mandated to “directly assist the President in the management of affairs of the government as well as to direct the operations of the Executive Office," according to the Official Gazette.

The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) is also deemed “unique,” in the sense that it has both line and staff functions.

Its staff function pertains to its duties to the President, while its line function pertains to its management of the Office of the President and its attached agencies, according to Philippine Information Agency.

The OES also performs other duties upon the discretion of the President or as stated by law.

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New State-of-the-Art Hospital to Rise in La Trinidad by 2023

Cordillera - A new hospital will soon rise in La Trinidad, Benguet next year that will cater the medical needs of patients especially those residing in Benguet and some parts of Cordillera. 

The new hospital named La Trinidad Medical Center (LTMC) is a five-storey building with 50-bed capacity and is equipped with modern and state-of-the-art technology.

Some of the medical services that LTMC will offer are diagnostic services and a dialysis center that caters Cordillerans who are suffering from kidney diseases.

La Trinidad Mayor  Romeo Salda said via local news that there's a growing number of kidney patients in the region and the dialysis center within LTMC will be helpful.

Mayor Salda and Councilor Bart Baldas graced the groundbreaking ceremony on September 8,2022 which was attended by investors, healthcare professionals, and incorporators of the said private hospital.

LTMC is expected to be operational by the end of 2023 or earlier, according to the investors.

The new hospital is located at Kilometer 4, La Trinidad, Benguet just 10 meters away from the national highway.

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Igorota bookseller from Mt.Province is PH's top woman bodybuilder

Photo Courtesy || Liza Pasiwen Docyogen & MCFIT

Cordilleran - A proud Cordilleran from Baguio city had won the Women's Bikini Class A Division and the overall Women's Bikini Champion during the concluded MCFIT Classic 2022 which was held in Pasig last August 20, 2022. 

Liza Pasiwen Docyogen, a homegrown Baguio fitness and bodybuilding enthusiast and assistant manager of Bookends bested more than 30 participants in the event and emerged as the winner in the Women's Bikini Class A Division and the overall Women's Bikini Champion.

READ ALSO: Reynold "Cocoi" Domalsin - Igorot bodybuilder wins titles in Germany

The Baguio city council has passed a resolution recognizing Ms. Docyogen's achievements that has brought pride and glory to the local fitness community/bodybuilding enthusiast and to the city of Baguio.

READ ALSO: Igorot actor Jeyrick Sigmaton won Best Actor in International Film Festival Manhattan 2021

MCFIT fitness and bodybuilding community is a national group of fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts advocating for fitness among Filipinos through their active involvement in various fitness activities being conducted nationwide.

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Cordillera region has lowest poverty incidence in the country

Cordillera - The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is among the regions with the lowest poverty incidence among families based on the 2021 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics.

In the preliminary results of the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) conducted last year, it was stated that a significant decrease in poverty incidence was recorded in the Cordillera including Region XI and ARMM/BARMM.

Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, it is estimated that the poverty incidence in the region had reached 6.9% in 2021 from 8.6% in 2018 and 17.1% in 2015.

The province of Benguet is among the provinces with the least poverty incidence among families in 2015, 2018, and 2021 data. Those included in the least poor cluster in 2021 are Apayao (4.7% from 16% in 2018), Ifugao (6% from 9.9% in 2018), Kalinga (5.6% from 9.2% in 2018), and seven other provinces.

The poverty incidence in the city of Baguio also decreased, reaching 1% from 1.5% in 2018.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold of Cordillera had increased to P28,304 from P24,907 in 2018. This means that a five-member family needs approximately P11,793 to cover their monthly needs.

Mountain Province has the highest annual per capita poverty threshold reaching P31,063 from P27,815 in 2018 followed by Abra which is P29,321 from P23,596 in 2018, and Ifugao which is P28,734 from P26 ,429 in 2018.

The poverty threshold is the minimum income needed for the basic food and non-food needs of a family. In 2021, the national poverty threshold or the basic food and non-food needs of a family of five members for a month is estimated to be P12,030.

Meanwhile, the average family income needed for the minimum basic food needs of a five-member family is P8,379 per month.

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Baguio Airsoft Club club emerges as champion in Team idol Shoot 2022

Photo Courtesy || Battleground PH

Cordillera - The Baguio Airsoft Club (BAC) has emerged as team champion in the recently concluded 1st Team Idol Shoot 2022 Level 2 sanctioned by the Philippine Shooters Officers Confederation held on September 4, 2022 at Legaspi Village, Makati City. 

The Philippine Shooters Officers Confederation sanctioned airsoft sports classifier is a national airsoft shooting event which aims to bring together the best of the country's shooter for camaraderie and skills competition.

In recognition of the marksmanship of the Baguio Airsoft Club members, the city council passed a resolution that congratulated and commended the members who brought pride and honor to their families and to the city of Baguio. 

Among the individual winners include Rhodel Ryan C. Rayrao of Bakakeng Old site who was the champion in the unlimited division and team coach of the Baguio airsoft Club; Michael Adrian Vizcarra of Amparo Heights, Camp 7 who was the champion in the stock high capacity junior division; Florante Licodine, Jr. of BGH Compound who was the champion in the stock high capacity tyro division; Jonard Dan Pisec of Lower Pinget who was the champion in the single stock classic; Martius Laranang of Rainbow Hills subdivision, Fairview who was the first runner up in the double action striker fired division; Anthony Pociano of  Lower Balsigan, Joshua Randall C. Villar of Burnham-Legarda and Christine S. Kiangan of Purok 15, Irisan who were part of the Baguio airsoft Club that emerged as the team champion.

source || Dexter A. See via Public Information - Baguio City

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Igorota from Sagada graduated Magna cum Laude in York University, Canada

Photo Courtesy || Giovanni Reyes via United Montanyosa

Cordillera - A proud Igorota who is currently residing in Canada has graduated Magna cum Laude at York University in Canada. 

Shayla "Gawani" Reyes is a 5th generation great grandchild of Cawis and Gunnayan from Poblacion, Sagada and Sukib, Besao. 

According to her uncle Giovanni Reyes, Shayla is the bearer of their grandmother's name Gawani.

"Bearer of our grandmother's name Gawani, she will chart mastery of Kankanaey indigenous art (i e weaving) with Western indigenous design", Giovanni shared.

"This contributes to inter-generational equity - biodiversity protection  thru elders-youth  knowledge transfer, in a cycle like life itself," he added.

Established in 1959, York University also known as YorkU or simply YU, is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

It is Canada's fourth-largest university, and it has approximately 55,700 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and over 325,000 alumni worldwide.

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23-year old Igorota graduated Master's Degree at University of Antwerp in Belgium

Photo Courtesy || Shany Peligman Bonggik

Cordillera - Kriza Mae Peligman Bonggik, proudly wears her traditional handwoven dress as she graduates with a master's degree at the age of 23 at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. 

 She's the youngest of her batch and the only Filipino. 

The University of Antwerp is known for their high standards in education, internationally competitive research and entrepreneurial approach.

Kriza Mae was once chosen to represent her University to get inside the NATO headquarters. She said in her post that "It was overwhelming. I was the only Filipino/Asian national so my perspective was not fully in line from the rest who were representatives from US and EU, truly and immensely, I learned a lot."

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TESDA opens new school in Cordillera that offers high-level tech-voc education and training

Photo Courtesy || Tesda

Cordillera - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has opened a new training institution, the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE), which aims to offer high-level technical vocational education and training (TVET).

TESDA Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Aniceto D. Bertiz III, together with Baguio Rep. Marquez O. Go, led the inauguration ceremony in Baguio City, Benguet last Sept. 9.

“Through this endeavor, the institution will play a pivotal role in primarily helping students and out-of-school youths and residents from low-income families, including persons with disabilities,” he said in his message.

“[It will make them] become more productive, self-reliant, and to be developed into globally competitive middle-to-high-level skilled labor force to hasten the social and economic development of the entire CAR,” he added.

Under the supervision of TESDA, the CSITE will be the integration of the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT), the Regional and Provincial Training Centers, and other public training institutions in the region.

It shall endeavor to bring about greater industry-academe collaboration and critical partnerships with local and international institutions to forge mutual skills benchmarking standards, program exchange, and internship training to equip graduates with competencies and preferred job access.

CSITE will offer wide array of training and livelihood courses in the areas of agriculture, industrial technology and hard trades, tourism and hospitality, health and well-wellness, business, computer and informational technology, among others.

“This favorable development has come at a very opportune time as we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution. CSITE will lead to more responsive course offerings and deliver higher level programs,” Bertiz pointed out.

“CSITE is the very first in the Philippines and can be a model to other regions. Truly this feat is remarkable for the region,” he added.

Also present during the event were National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development Executive Director David Bungallon and TESDA CAR Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Jovencio Ferrer Jr.

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2nd year college Igorota from Bauko top 1 in March 2022 Civil Service Examination

Photo Courtesy || Nenita P. Liis

Cordillera - A proud Igorota from Mountain Province tops the March 2022 Civil Service Examination - Pen and Paper Test Subprofessional, which is considered one of the most difficult board exam to pass. 

Ms. Nenita P. Liis who hails from Bagnen, Oriente, Bauko, Mt. Province got a rating of 86.05 percent, besting all examinees from across the country. 

Ms. Liis is a 2nd year accountancy student of Saint Louis University when she passed the March 2022 Civil Service Exam.

In an interview by PIA-Cordillera, 20 year-old Liis shared how she prepared for the examination which involves dedication to the review by avoiding unnecessary distractions and time management. She also mentioned having a positive mindset and proper conditioning.

In her facebook post, Ms. Liis thanked all of those who helped her in her journey towards this examination.

"Praise God from whom all blessing flow! Thank you Lord sa pinakahindi inaasahang blessing na natanggap ko sa buong buhay ko," Liis wrote.

"Una po sa lahat, nagpapasalamat po ako sa all-out na suporta ng aking pamilya mula sa gastos sa pagrereview, pagbibigay ng oras, at pagpapalakas sa loob ko. Mama Maureen, Daddy Arthur para po sa inyo tohhh. Thank you rin sa mga kapatid ko Korina's Olshoppe Ah Low Nhai, Sigrid Liis Dameg, Art Tek, Hummer Lee Ace, Dion Enosidam , Bis Wit , Iederf B. Dameg , Rebecca V Liis  sa hindi pag-aabala sakin. I love you," she added.

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Igorot coast guard CG LTJG Maguiwe awarded the Dangal ng Maharlika Awards

Cordillera - The Coast Guard Officer School Alumni Association Inc. (CGOSAAI) accorded the DANGAL NG MAHARLIKA AWARDS for exemplary performance in Maritime Security to CG LTJG Julius B Maguiwe.

CG LTJG Maguiwe of CGOC Class 21 “Bravo” who hails from Mankayan, Benguet with his roots from Bauko and Natonin, Mt. Province together with three others have been awarded the prestigious Dangal ng Maharlika Awards. CG CDR Jonathan S. Serote of CGOC Class 7 was awarded the Dangal ng Maharlika in Maritime Education and Training; CG LTSG Julius P Rebucas of CGOC Class 14 was awarded the Dangal ng Maharlika in Maritime Safety, and CG ENS Wilmer R Del Rosario of CGOC Class 25 was awarded the Dangal ng Maharlika in Civil Relation Service. 

They received the awards from the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, CG Admiral Artemio Manalo Abu in today’s PCG Officer School Alumni Homecoming at Bagac, Bataan.

Dangal ng Maharlika Awards is the highest recognition given to a PCG Officer School alumnus with outstanding achievements in their field of endeavor. 

Maharlika Maguiwe  is the current Commander of CGIG North Western Luzon. Prior to his current designation, he was the Commander of CGIG Palawan as well as the Acting Chief of the Intelligence Fusion Division of the Regional Coordinating Center of National Coast Watch System based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan which covers the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.

In 2010, CG LTJG Maguiwe was a finalist of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines-Cordillera Administrative Region. He was also the first Igorot to graduate the Officer Indoctrination School with excellence at United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, USA in 2019. He graduated his Maritime Domain Awareness Course at Volpe Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA in 2021.

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Igorot from Sablan ranks number 1 in Great Man of the Universe Online Challenge

Photo Courtesy || Glomark Pahignalo II

Cordillera - A proud son of Sablan, Benguet made it to the top spot in the Great Man of the Universe Online Challenge. 

Stephen Harold Lilley, Jr. is the top favorite of netizens in the online community who reacted and shared his Runway Challenge video online. 

Lilley, Jr. thanked those who supported him in the competition and hoped he would get continued support until the 4th Challenge which will earn him a ticket to be included in the top 50 candidates.

"..salasalamat unay ti nabara nga supporta YU,agyamanak LA unay ti oras nga inpa ay u nga nag react and share ti challenges ..., sapay kuma ta itultuloy yu apo nga supportaran ti team Cordillera ti pa umay nga 4th challenge me tapnu ti kasta kut mkapasok tau ti top 50, can't do this without you be my side guys IYAMAN," Lilley wrote in his Facebook account. 

Great Man of the Philippines is a national male pageant participated by different candidates from around the country. It aims to promote tourism, culture, education, sports, and arts. 

At least six Cordillerans who came from different regions in Cordillera had made it to the final list of aspirants for the male pageants which will be held in Manila this November 2022.

They are Lucas Empiso of Kapangan, Benguet, Delefher Comising of Itogon, Benguet, Miguel Jarrel Bas-ilen from La Trinidad, Benguet, Irvin Tan of Baguio City, John Rowel Recile representing Mt. Province, and Stephen Harol Lilley, Jr. from Sablan, Benguet. 

Team Cordillera is directed by sir Paul Paran. 

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Miss Earth's Long Gown Competition to be held in Kalinga Province

Photo Courtesy || Miss Earth & Becoming Filipino

Cordillera - The beautiful province of Kalinga will be welcoming delegates of the Miss Earth 2022 as the local government of Kalinga has approved the hosting of the Miss Earth's Long Gown Competition on November 18-19, 2022.

The Provincial Local Government of Kalinga has agreed to host Miss Earth's Long Gown Competition to showcase Kalinga culture and boost the weaving and tourism industry of Kalinga.

Miss Earth is among the Big 4 international pageants for women which include Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss International. 

As one of the major and most important beauty pageants in the world, Miss Earth will be a perfect avenue for Kalinga to be able to promote the province not only in the Philippines but in the world.

The province of Kalinga is one of the many places in the Philippines that still produces traditional Hand Woven Back-strap loom, such as traditional cloth for commercial and ritual activities, household decors, souvenirs, bags and accessories.

It is also the home of the legendary traditional tattoo artist Apo Whang-od of the Butbut tribe from Tingalayan, Kalinga.

The Miss Earth Pageant is an International Environmental Event channeling the beauty pageant entertainment industry as an effective tool to promote environmental awareness.

Apart from a strong emphasis on environmental protection programs, MISS EARTH also aims to showcase and promote various tourist destinations. Every year, more than 80 delegates from all over the world compete on beauty and knowledge of environmental issues.

The winner of Miss Earth will serve as the Ambassador to environmental protection campaigns worldwide.

Miss Earth continues to build its reputation as the most relevant and worthwhile beauty event in the world, setting a legacy of beauty and responsibility.

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Shoot and Share your Cordillera Experience and Win P200,000 - DOT- CAR

Photo Courtesy || DOT-CAR

Cordillera - The Department of Tourism - Cordillera (DOT-CAR) is inviting vloggers to join the first-ever Cordillera experience travel vlog competition  and have a chance to win up to P200,000.

Here are the Mechanics published by DOT-CAR in its official Facebook page:

MECHANICS:

•  OPEN to all Philippine residents, 18 and up. Vloggers outside the country are not allowed to join. A participant is only allowed one entry. All entries must be an original work. Images and sound must be royalty free. No professional assistance in producing the video is allowed.

•  MUST focus on the topic ‘Cordillera Experience’ and feature the sites, culture, etc., of at least one of the six provinces and city belonging to the CAR: ABRA, APAYAO, BENGUET, IFUGAO, KALINGA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE, and BAGUIO CITY. Featuring two or more provinces or city in CAR is allowed. Content must also be respectful of the region's different religions, cultures, and heritage.

•  THE content’s language must be appropriate for all ages. The use of foul or offensive speech will result in disqualification.

•  NO endorsement and advertisements for products.

•  ENTRIES must be in landscape orientation with a video resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080), and MP4 format. Option to submit a subtitle file in .srt or .sbv format.

•  SUBMIT entry to dotcarmarketing@gmail.com and use CORDILLERA EXPERIENCE TRAVEL VLOG COMPETITION as email title. The deadline of submission of entries is September 23, 2022, 11:59 PM.

•  PUBLISH your 3 to 5-minute vlog on either Facebook or Youtube and use the hashtag #ShootShareYourCordillera

•  KEEP a copy of your vlog entry. DOT-CAR reserves the right to reproduce, distribute, display, and/or exhibit a vlogger’s video entry for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes on any platform without further compensation or notification to the participant. 

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

•  Relevance to the theme - 40%

•  Originality – 15%

•  Creativity – 15%

•  Technical Quality – 15%

•  Audience Impact – 15%

PRIZES:

•  Winners will be announced on Sept 27, 2022. The contest will have five winners and shall receive the respective cash prizes:

               1st Place - P200,000

               2nd Place - P60,000

               3rd Place - P40,000

               4th Place - P30,000

               5th Place - P20,000

For more information, message DOT-CAR Facebook page at Department of Tourism- Cordillera Administrative Region Office

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Cordilleran car racer is champion in SEAOIL Radical Challenge PH

Photo Courtesy || Seaoil Radical Challenge PH & Inigo Navarrete-Anton

Update (Nov. 13, 2022): Iñigo Navarrete-Anton from Baguio city was declared the champion in the first SEAOIL Radical Challenge PH 2022. He is now considered as the fastest driver in the Philippines. Congratulations! sir Iñigo

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Cordillera - Youngest car race champion and a proud Baguio boy Iñigo Navarrete-Anton dominates the first round of the fastest race series in the region, the 2022 SEAOIL Radical Challenge which was held in Clark International Speedway last August 26-28, 2022.

The 18-year old Cordilleran racer finished all races ahead of the best car racers in the Philippines like Stefan Ramirez de Arellano, Mark Bumgarner and Jason Chuachay, Brian Poe, Gibson Yu, and JV Colayco.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran artist wins 2 Gold Medals, 1 Bronze in 25th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts in California

Iñigo was chosen by Motul Philippines Distributor as their driver to represent their team in the Radical PH Race Challenge organized by Radical Cars Philippines in partnership with SEAOIL. 

"Thank you for Radical Cars Philippines AND CONGRATULATIONS to our TEAM Motul Philippine Distributor - Infiniteserv Int'l , PartsPro Racing, Yokohama Philippines for the PERFECT Race Weekend. What a way to KICK OFF THE the #radicalcarsph series!," Iñigo wrote in his official FB account.

He will be joining the 2nd round of the race which will be held in Batangas Racing Circuit on September 23-25, 2022. 

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Legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang-od is recipient of the 1ST HIYAS AWARD for Indigenous Art

Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Tourism, Philippines

Cordillera - Philippines's oldest surviving traditional tattoo artist, Apo Whang-od from the Butbut tribe in Kalinga is one of the recipients of the 1st HIyas Award for Indigenous Art to be conferred by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) this September.

The Hiyas Award gives recognition to deserving individuals and/or organizations in Luzon who have exemplified commendable work and services in cultural and artistic endeavors, and have been in the forefront of the research, development, preservation, education and promotion of arts and culture in Luzon for at least fifteen (15) years or more. 

The general criteria indicate that an awardee must have made exceptional accomplishments in creative work, leadership, resource management, education, artist support, audience development, community service, solidarity and partnership.

Apo Whang-od, in a confirmation of acceptance letter extends her gratitude in behalf of the Kalinga people for being selected as one of the awardees.

The 101 year-old Apo Whang-od has been practicing the traditional tattooing method since she was 15. She was declared as a national artist in the Philippines.

In 2017, she was nominated for the National Living Treasures Award (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan) and conferred the Bantayog Award.

source || Kalinga Tourism, Philippines

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Loakan airport may open for commercial flights by December 2022

Photo Courtesy || PAL

Cordillera - Baguio city's Loakan airport may soon catering domestic flights starting in December this year pending the complete rehabilitation and upgrading of the airport.

Department of Transportation (DoTr) assured to the city government officials the rehabilitation and upgrading of the airport to meet the requirements needed to operate domestic flights.

According to DoTr and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), a P68 million budget will be allocated for the rehabilitation of the airport terminal and installing of Instrument Landing System (ILS) that guides the pilots maneuver the planes in and out of the airport even during bad weather conditions.

CAAP will also upgrading the runway by extending the length by at least 100 meters and putting up drainage system. 

They will also clearing out 35 natural obstructions that were determined to be inside the buffer zone.

The city government has reminded residents within the airport's buffer zone to voluntarily remove their structures or let the city government to demolish them. 

Some 110 structures within the declared 150-meter buffer zone of the Loakan airport were already issued the demolition notices by the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) as part of the local government’s efforts to free the airport from obstructions that will pave the way for its opening for commercial operation, according to Baguio - PIO.

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