Igorota Beauty Queen from Sadanga is Miss Aura Philippines 2022 1st Runner-up

Photo Courtesy || Miss Lawingan

Cordillera - A proud Igorota from Sadanga, Mountain Province received numerous award including the Miss Aura Philippines 2020 1st Runner Up during the inaugural national search for the country’s representative to the Miss Aura International Pageant held at St. Francis Shangri La Place in Mandaluyong on June 25, 2022.

Miss Heavenly Lawingan was a big winner in the event as she bagged special awards like the Ms. Aura Beauty, Miss Aura Silka, Ms. Eurotel 2022, Ms. MX3 and Ms. Royal Prince.

In a thank you post in her social media account, Miss Lawingan thanked all those who supported and helped her in her journey to becoming a queen. 

READ ALSO: Benguet Beauty to represent UK, Philippines in Mrs Universe 2022 pageant

"Who would’ve thought in a span of 9 months I would achieve all this? I am just so grateful that all my hard work and dedication paid off. But I stand here a mindful queen knowing that this would not have been possible if not for so many supporting me and helping me become the queen that I have become," she said.

"To be a beauty queen is something I aspired to be in a short amount of time. And to have achieved that in a short amount of time is something I manifested but still in awe that I reached this dream. But it’s not yet over, Miss Aura Philippines 1st runner-up is just another beautiful beginning to a journey of this queen who longs to inspire and be a worthy inspiration throughout her life. Because a true queen lives and leads by example," Miss Lawingan added.

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Igorot from Mt. Province is TOP 3 in Officer Candidate Course 56-2022

Photo Courtesy || Brent & PH Army

Cordillera - The Philippine Army has announced a total of 229 new second lieutenants of the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) Class 56 "Ikarigatak" 2022 completed the one-year training for Army officers in a graduation ceremony on October 20, 2022 at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.

2LT Brent Alawas who hails from Bontoc, Mountain Province is top 3 of the graduating class. He is the son of Prime Bishop Brent Harry W. Alawas of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.

The OCC is a one-year course that hones individuals to become mentally, physically, and emotionally trained future leaders of the Philippine Army. 

These individuals were among the many aspirants who applied but only the cream of the crop were recruited to undergo the OCC. Upon completion of the course, the graduates will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, a fellow Cordilleran from Baguio City, 2nd Lieutenant Jerald Garcia graduated Top 1 in the class.

2LT Garcia received the Secretary of National Defense Saber for graduating at the top of his class; the Commander TRADOC Leadership Saber for leadership excellence, and the Chief of Staff TRADOC Physical Proficiency Award for being the strongest cadet in the Physical Fitness Test.

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Cordilleran from Baguio tops PH Army Officer Candidate Course 56-2022

Photo Courtesy || PH Military

Cordillera - A Cordilleran from Baguio city emerged as the "best among the best' of the "Ikarigatak" Officer Candidate Course Class (OCC) 56-2022.

2nd Lieutenant Jerald Garcia graduated Top 1 in the OCC on October 20, 2022 held at the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (PAOCS) in Capas, Tarlac.

2LT Garcia received the Secretary of National Defense Saber for graduating at the top of his class; the Commander TRADOC Leadership Saber for leadership excellence, and the Chief of Staff TRADOC Physical Proficiency Award for being the strongest cadet in the Physical Fitness Test.

Two hundred twenty nine (229) members of the Officer Candidate Course Class 56-2022 culminated the 1-year pre-entry course for Army officers during the graduation ceremony.

Senior USEC Jose C. Faustino, the Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense, graced the occasion as Speaker and Guest of Honor.

In his speech, Faustino admonished the new lieutenants to pursue excellence in the military service by continuously learning from others.

“You must be humble and patient. Always take the opportunity to learn from your troops,” he said.

Faustino noted that rookie officers need to get ready for the many obstacles they would encounter in their career.

“Be ready for the challenges ahead because you will never know yourself and the strength of your character until you have been tested by adversity.” he added.

The Officer Candidate Course is a one year pre-entry training for those who qualify for commissionship in the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The military course includes a module on Warfighting, Troop Leading Procedures, and Leadership Development.

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Ifugao Bulul statue sold for 630 Euros (P36 million) in Paris auction house

Photo Courtesy || Emil Maranon

Cordillera - An Ifugao Bulul statue was sold for 630,000 Euros or equivalent to P36,000,000 at a French auction house in Paris, France on October 21, 2022 Manila time.

The statue was earlier estimated to be auctioned between 200,000 Euros to 300,000 Euros (P11.4 million to P17.2million), however it was sold at 630,000 Euros at the end of the live action.

The bulul that measures 31 inches is from the collection of Beatrice and Patrick Caput. The statue was among the 34 statues from around the world that were up for the auction hosted by Christie's, the world-renowned art and luxury business founded in 1766.

How did this Ifugao sacred wooden figure got it's record-breaking price tag?

The provenance, or the history of its ownership or origin, is one of the criteria that determines an item's worth in auctions; this accounts for the bulul's high price.

The bulul was taken from William Gambuk Beyer's collection. William is the son of American anthropologist Otley Beyer who is frequently cited as the founding father of Philippine Anthropology. 

Alain Schoffel later purchased the bulul from Beyer in 1970. In 1989, the Caput couple bought the bulul from Schoffel.

Christie's described the statue:

"A masterpiece of Ifugao art, this sculpture dazzles by the universality of its form. Thanks to its purified aspect, we can see as many possible links with the great statuary of the past as with that of the present. Notably, thanks to its intrinsic geometry, it is possible to evoke a kinship with some of the oldest anthropomorphic representations, such as certain plastic creations of the Neolithic or Cycladic art. At the same time, by reducing and simplifying the anthropomorphic representation as much as possible, the artist has created an abstract interpretation of the human figure, giving it a powerful serenity. In the case of this formidable sculpture, it is its great plastic quality and in particular its formal ambiguity - its archaism and its modernity - that convey an indisputable timelessness."

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Igorot body builder wins silver medal in the Body Building Masters Division in Vietnam

Photo Courtesy || WFF Philippines

Cordillera - An Igorot Body Builder recently won top award in the recently held body building competition in Vietnam on October 15, 2022.

53-year old Orlando Smith Jr. who hails from Sayangan, Benguet won the silver medal in the Body Building Masters Division at the WFF Asia Pacific Championships.

Smith is currently working as a Fitness Coach and had been in the fitness industry since 2006. He started joining body building competition at the age of 37. 

In his many years of working in the fitness industry, he has accumulated numerous recognitions such as the following:

Silver Medalist

Mens Body Building Masters Division

2022 WFF Asia Pacific Championships

4x Bronze Medalist

Mens Body Building

IFBB Mr. Philippines

2010, 2011, 2015 and 2016

2x Gold Medalist

Mens Body Building - Masters Division

Musclemania Philippines

2011 and 2012

Bronze Medalist

Mens Body Building - Masters Division

Hong Kong Body Building Championships

2012

Bronze Medalist

Mens Body Building - Masters Division

Phil-Asia Body Building Championships

2012

Overall Champion

Lightweight Champion

Mr. San Fernandino 2012

Overall Champion

Lightweight Champion

Mr. La Trinidad 2012

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Kalinga Cop is Top 3 in Public Safety Basic Recruit Course RTC3 Class 2021-02

Photo Courtesy || RTC3, Magalang Pampanga

Cordillera - A proud iKalinga cop graduated top 3 in the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course RTC3 Class 2021-02 at the Regional Training Center in Magalang, Pampanga on October 19, 2022.

Patrolwoman Revelyn Gay A. Dawing who hails from Kalinga, a member of Alpha to Foxtrot "MANDALASIG" Class got a general average score of 88.57%.

PAT Dawing was awarded Certificate of Merit for graduating over-all number 3 of the two hundred eighty-nine (289) graduating students of the class.

PAT. Dawing is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BEED). She joined the police force and currently serving in the Intelligence Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"From A Teacher, a Learner to becoming a Police Officer, to the well rounded personalities of RTC3, my second Home- I will forever be grateful to the lessons, experience, guidance, support and time you had devoted on us to mold, develop and bring out the best version of us," PAT Dawing wrote in a statement via RTC3 FB page.

 "To the Class “MANDALASIG” the best class whom I fell in love with. I am humbled by the trust you had especially among us, Your Class Officers. I am proud of who we are today “MANDALASIG” as we had uniquely grown into equally multi-talented and skilled Individuals that in good faith would be an asset in the Organization we chose and sworn to serve and pledge our allegiance to," she added.

The Public Safety Basic Recruit Course RTC3 is a 24-week intensive and progressive training designed for newly-appointed police non-commissioned officers to provide them with the basic knowledge and skills in police science, administration, combat operation and tactics and for them to acquire the norms of conduct required in the performance of their jobs as guardians of peace and protectors of lives and properties.

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Benguet Arabica Coffee wins top award at Global Coffee Championship in Korea

Photo Courtesy || Michael Harris Conlin

Cordillera - Laguna's Liberica and Benguet's Arabica Coffee take another spot in the global coffee competition as they bagged silver and bronze medal     respectively  in the recently concluded Global Coffee Championship held in Kintex, Korea.

Represented by Michael Harris Conlin, 2019 Philippine Barista Champion, Benguet Arabica Coffee won bronze in the Brewer Competition. 

“It is an honor to represent the country and have the opportunity to highlight Philippine coffee in the world stage. I love coffee competitions. I enjoy the pressure and pushing my skills to the limit; this is one of the best ways to bring the best out of myself and grow as a coffee professional,” said Conlin in an Instagram post.

The Laguna Liberica and Benguet Arabica Coffee bested over 30 competitors per category.

Sta. Maria, Laguna’s Liberica won the Silver award in Signature Coffee Award: Latte while Balili, Benguet’s Arabica won the Bronze award in the Signature Coffee Award: Brewer. 

The coffee competition was judged by 12 world-class coffee experts in a blind round of judging, with the judges not knowing who the barista was.

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Baguio cop celebrates birthday by giving gifts, food to children.

Photo Courtesy || PNP Cordillera FB

Cordillera-  Can you remember how and where  you celebrated your last birthday?

Celebrating a birthday is a very special occasion and  anticipated by most children, adults and old folks alike. This is the day you receive lots of love, greetings and even gifts. A day when you feel like you are treated extra special because you  receive special favors or get away with some minor offences. 

While recalling those memories of the countless birthdays you've celebrated, it's satisfying to know that you have given time for yourself to be all about you, to receive all those love, care and affection. 

But have you ever considered celebrating your birthday the other way around?

Patrolwoman Ardayle Callueng, a police officer in Baguio Naguilan  Police Station (PS1) just did the opposite when she celebrated her birthday in a Daycare center in Brgy. Fairview Baguio City as posted in the PNP Cordillera FB Page.

Being grateful for another year full of blessings, she opted to give love, joy and happiness to the children. 

The gracious Patrolwoman Callueng gave the children some gifts like disinfectant alcohol, facemasks and goodie bags not to mention the sumptuous food she prepared for them. 

Instead of receiving gifts and special favors, Callueng shared her blessings and  joy to the children who received them with so much happiness.

You know you have already reached far in life when celebrating your birthday is no longer just about the yummy food and drinks with family and friends or the world revolving around you but the company and love that your family and friends give, the gratitude you have for all the blessings received in the past, the appreciation you have for the life you have lived and the hope and gratefulness you have for the next chapter of your life and whatever the future holds for you.

The next time you celebrate your special day,  what's your plan? You might also consider sharing your blessings and joy to those in need or to charity.

You can always share your thoughts with us and we will all celebrate with you.

Cheers to celebrating more birthdays in the future! 

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Igorota Engineer Top 1 in the Certified Industrial Engineer Exam

Photo Courtesy || Elevate CIE Review Center

Cordillera - A Saint Louis University (SLU) graduate and scholar got the highest score in the 12th Certified Industrial Engineering Examination held last April 10 and 13, 2022.

Ms. Kimberly T. Dionisio from Besao, Mt. Province ranked 1st among the 238 passers with a rating of 85.86%.

The exam results were released by the IE Certification Board (IECB) through the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE). 

Overall, a total number of 238 out of 298 examinees passed the examination representing the national passing rate of 79.87%. 

With their license, the new CIEs are now eligible to apply for the title of Associate ASEAN engineer under the Philippine Technological Council, the body that administers the ASEAN Engineer Registry in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Baguio City Council unanimously approved a resolution praising and congratulating Engr. Kimberly T. Dionisio of the St. Louis University (SLU) for being in the first place.

Local lawmakers declared in a resolution that Engr. Dionisio's accomplishments support the city's status as the northern region's educational hub by successfully transforming students into certified professionals.

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Igorota elite-trail runner named champion in the 50K Borneo Trail Classic 2022 in Malaysia

Photo Courtesy || Spartan Race PH

Cordillera - Philippines' elite-trail runner/marathoner and SEA Games gold medalist Ms. Menchi Abahan brought pride to the country after being named champion in the 50K Borneo Trail Classic 2022 held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia from October 15-16, 2022.

The Igorota multi-awarded athlete who hails from Mountain Province finished 1st place in the Borneo Trail Classic that is part of the Spartan Trail World Championship (STWC) series. 

The Borneo Trail Classic is one of 9 stops across the globe under the STWC 2022. There are 5 distances namely 7K, 10K, 21K, 50K (Trail Run Championship) and 100K (Trail Ultra Championship).

Racers participating in the 50K and 100K will gain the opportunity of competing in the Spartan Trail World Championship – Elite category to compete for prize monies at each race and championship points on a global leaderboard for a grand prize payout.

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DOH-CAR turns over 16 units of ambulance to different hospitals/RHUs in Cordillera

Photo Courtesy || DOH-CHD-CAR

Cordillera - The Department of Health - Center for Health Development - Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CHD-CAR) has turned over 16 units of Type 1 fully-equipped ambulance to the different Rural Health Units and hospitals in the region worth P33,682,320.

The new ambulances will augment the provision of competent and quality health services to the community.

Local chief executives and representative of different provinces and municipalities attended the turned-over ceremony on October 12, 2022. 

The names of RHUs and hospitals in the regions that received the brand new ambulance are the following:

Daguioman Rural Health Unit

Amma Jadsac District Hospital

Sta. Marcela District Hospital

Benguet General Hospital

Ifugao General Hospital

Potia District Hospital

Tinoc District Hospital

Gabriela Mija Kim Medical Center

Juan M. Duyan Memorial District Hospital

Kalinga Provincial Hospital

Barlig Rural Health Unit

Bontoc Rural Health Unit

Anastacia-Rafael Sagel Memorial Hospital

Besao District Hospital

Barlig District Hospital

Paracelis District Hospital

Aside from the ambulances, a basic orientation on Ambulance Operation was provided by the supplier One Top Medical System Resources to the nurses and drivers.

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Short Film by Igorota film producer Joyce Laoagan wins multiple awards

Photo Courtesy || thefilam.net

Cordillera - Short film written by Joyce Lao from the Ibaloi tribe has won numerous awards at the New York International Film Awards and at the Rango and Golden Beach Film Festival.

The short film Eva's Gabriel, written and produced by Joyce Laoagan and film-director Buali Sha was named Best Acting Ensemble at the New York International Film Festival. 

The film also won Best Male Director, Best Drama Short and Best Short Film at the Rango and Golden Film Festival. 

Lao wrote the film during the pandemic, a short story about Eva (played by Lao) who was put under house arrest by the government. While waiting for the day of her release, she developed a relationship with a fellow prisoner next door name Gabriel (played by Buali Shah). Their relationship grows until the day of their release. When Eva was out of her room to check for Buali, she was shocked to find out that no one is there.

Joyce’s legal name is Joyce Laoagan. She is Indigenous-Filipino American, an Igorota from the Ibaloi tribe born and raised in Baguio City and Benguet, Philippines. Early in her career in New York City, she would audition using her legal name and never got far despite her experience as a performer. She used the American-sounding Logan as her last name upon the suggestion of a music producer. She finally decided to adopt the stage name Lao which is easy to remember and is a shorter version of her legal name.- thefilam.net

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New Children's Park in Bontoc Plaza now open for kids to play

Photo Courtesy || Novy Del Rosario Afidchao

Cordillera - Children of Mt. Province can now enjoy playing at the newly improved kid's playground located at the Provincial Plaza in Bontoc. 

Donated by All Saints Credit Cooperative (ASCO), the new playground has brand new slides, seesaws and superhero characters that kid's can play around.

The Park was officially turned-over by ASCO to the Provincial Government of Mt. Province on October 11, 2022. 

Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. and Provincial Administrator Franklin C. Odsey together with members of the SP as well as as the members, officers and staff of the ASCO formally opened the playground to the public.

Rev. Lucrecia Turtem led the thanksgiving mass and blessing of all the new facilities.  This was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to signal the opening of the improved park to the children of the province. 

“We embark on your commitment to continue overseeing the maintenance of our very own Children's Park so that it will remain a child-friendly, safe & comfortable place for our future leaders, our children today,” Governor Lacwasan said. 

Lacwasan  urged the public to be responsible and help the Provincial Government in maintaining the park.

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Rocky Mt. Adventure Unlimited - Newest Attraction in La Trinidad, Benguet

Cordillera - Want to experience perching on the moon that sits on top of a rocky mountain? There's a new attraction in La Trinidad, Benguet that is perfect just for that and  for adventurers like yourself. 

The Rocky Mountain Adventure Unlimited is the newest spot that was built on top of the mountain overlooking the great scenery of  the salad bowl of La Trinidad town. 

This fascinating scenery can be found in Tayawan, Tawang, La Trinidad, just a short drive from Baguio City. The place is perfect for those looking for a nice moon photo with a backdrop of La Trinidad.

Photo Courtesy || Calla Lilly

As shown in a photo by Calla Lilly on Facebook, the place has several hanging lights on both sides of the pathways leading to the 'C-shape' moon installed on the edge of the hill.

Based from the photos, the perfect time to visit is during night time when the moon will be lit.

For P100 entrance fee, you can have your time strolling, relaxing and taking photos of the moon.

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Igorot cop hailed as hero after saving Senator De Lima from hostage-taker

Photo Courtesy || Buhay Lispu & Philippine Star

Cordillera - The Igorot cop who neutralized the notorious Abu Sayaff member who took hostage of former Senator De Lima was commended for his decisive action during a hostage-taking incident at the Custodial Center of Camp Crame in Quezon City on Sunday. 

Col. Mark Pespes, from Tadian Mt. Province was among the three cops who responded and neutralized Abu Sayaff members who attempted to escape the Custodial Center.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. lauded the action of Col. Pespes in a press conference late Sunday afternoon.

“Col. Pespes showed decisiveness. He assessed the situation, bought time, and then when the opportunity was presented, he shot the hostage taker and saved Sen. de Lima,” Abalos said.

Pespes said he tried to negotiated with the hostage-taker for 15 minutes before he realized the gravity of the situation.

“The former senator’s life was already in danger so we need to end the situation,” said Pespes who killed the hostage taker after he asked for a bottle of water.

Meanwhile, former Senator De Lima was grateful for the timely intervention of Col. Pespes.

“After being told by the hostage-taker that since his two other companions were already dead, he’s certain he would also be killed and he might just as well also kill me. I consider what happened to me as a near-death experience,” De Lima said in a statement later in the day. “If not for the timely intervention of the PNP security force, I don't think I would have come out alive since the hostage-taker was already determined to die and take me with him.” De Lima said in a statement.

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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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