December 26, 2022 is Special (Non-Working) holiday nationwide

Cordillera - Philippine President Ferdinand  Marcos Jr. has declared December 26, 2022 (Monday) as a Special (Non-Working) holiday through out the country. 

In a Proclamation No. 115 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin it says, the additional non-working day will “give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones.”

“A longer weekend will encourage families to get together and strengthen their relationship towards a more productive environment, and will promote tourism,” the proclamation read.

The president has ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue the appropriate circular to implement the proclamation for the private sector.

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Igorot wrestler from Benguet wins silver medal in South East Asian Wrestling Championship

Cordillera - A wrestler from Benguet province brought pride to the country as he bagged silver medal during the recently held Southeast Asian (SEA) Wrestling Championship held in Cambodia on December 14-18 2022. 

24 years-old Jason Baucas, SEA Games gold medalist took home the silver medal in the 72kgs Greco Roman category.

Jason Baucas is part of the Philippine National Wrestling Team who represented the country in the SEA Wrestling Championship in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. 

The competition was participated by different countries in South East Asia including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, and the host country Cambodia. 

The team was able to secure 1 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals, courtesy to:

Alvin Lobreguito - Gold Medal (57kg, Freestyle Men's event)

Michael Cater - Silver Medal (55kg, Greco Roman)

Margarito Angana - Bronze (60kg, Greco Roman)

Jefferson Manatad - Bronze (87kg, Greco Roman)

Jia Pingot - Silver (50, Freestyle Women's)

Mariane Mariano - Silver (59kg, Freestyle Women's)

Maribel Angana - Bronze (53kg, Freestyle Women's)

Ronil Tubog - Silver (61kg, Freestyle Men's)

Jhonny Morte - Bronze (65kg, Freestyle Men's)

Jefferson Calingayan - Bronze (70kg, Freestyle Men's)

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Cordilleran pride Mr. Kurt Justin Santiago crowned Mr. Earth Philippines- Air 2022

Cordillera - Proud son of Mt. Province Mr. Kurt Justin Santiago was crowned Mr. Earth Philippines - Air 2022 during the grand coronation night held in Cainta, Rizal on 17, December 2022. 

Santiago, who hails from Sagada and Bontoc Mt. Province was chosen as Mister Earth Philippines - Air Ambassador. 

The Cordilleran pride also won Best in Leap, Mr. Congeniality, Best in Swim Wear, Online Choice Award, and Best in Arrival Award.

Meanwhile, the lucky winner for the Mr. Earth Philippines was Anson Kyle from Pampanga. 

Other winners of the said competition was Rjay Awiten of Cagayan De Oro - Mr. Earth Philippines Water; Kurt Jay Ababa of Matanao - Mr. Earth Philippines - Fire; Mothelo Jess Bantolo of Antique - Mr. Earth - Eco Tourism; and King Javes Padit or Pasig City - Mr Earth Philippines - Teen

MEP is the only and credible male pageant in the Philippines that showcases young and ambitious males around the country. It is an avenue of Socio Environmental Platforms and Nationalism, serving a creating a future leaders and ambassadors.

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WATCH: Martin knocks out foe in 2nd round, now the new IBF–Pan-Pacific super bantamweight champ

Photo Courtesy || Carl James Martin

Cordilleran - Cordilleran boxing prospect Carl Jammes "Wonder Boy" Martin has been named as the new International Boxing Federation o IBF-Pan-Pacific super bantamweight champion after defeating Komgrich Nantapech of Thailand on December 17, 2022 in La Trinidad, Benguet. 

The undefeated fighter from Ifugao province won via 2nd round technical knock out after unleashing powerful shot to the body of the Thai fighter. 

The Martin-Nantapech bout was considered the biggest boxing match in Cordillera since Rey Tham fought Japanese fighter Apollo Yoshio in November 1977.

Darwin Miller Dep-ay of Pinoy Boxing Prodigy Promotions has compared Martin to the legendary Benguet fighter Rey Tam of Cordillera who won the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight belt. 

Rey Tam was undefeated in his 20 fights, 11 wins came by way of TKOs while Martin has earned all his 16 wins via TKOs.

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Lady cop from Mt.Province is the first Igorota General of Cordillera

Photo Courtesy || Office of the Chief PNP

Cordillera - A proud Igorota from Sabangan, Mountain Province was among the Cordilleran cops promoted to Police Brigadier Generals at the Camp Crame on December 12, 2022. 

PB General Jezebel Dominguez Medina is the first Igorot woman to be promoted Police Brigadier General. 

PG Gen. Medina is the acting director of the Philippine National Police Health Service. She was a former dentist before joining the PNP Class of 1993 through lateral entry.

During her tenure as Chief of the Quezon City Police District Medical and Dental Unit, where she and her unit were awarded the Best District Support Unit in 2005, she pioneered the "Bagong Ngiti sa Dating Bungi" Program, a free denture initiative that helped hundreds of NCRPO officers. Now, under the name "Serbisyong May Ngiti para sa Kapulisan," the aforementioned initiative is being implemented in many regions in the country.

Her remarkable leadership abilities were consistently acknowledged in the numerous jobs she had. She was named Dental Officer of the Year in 2008 and Best Support Unit Chief twice, in 2008 and 2014, respectively. She was also named Best Regional Health Service Chief and Outstanding Regional Service Unit at the national level in 2017. For three years in a row, the Regional Health Service 3 was named the Best Regional Health Service 3.

PBGen. Medina was accompanied by her husband PBGen. Remus Medina and their children during the donning of ranks ceremony. 

Major Generals or with two-stars who were promoted were Edgar Allan Okubo who is the director of the PNP Special Action Force and Ritchie Posadas who is the Deputy Director of the APC Southern Luzon. 

The new Cordilleran Generals include PBGen. Mark Pespes, PBGen. Ramil Saculles, PBGen. Patrick Joseph Alan, and PBGen. Roderick Minong.

source || PNP PIO

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Lito Adiwang is back, to fight unbeaten Mansur Malachiev in January

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - After resting and recovering from injury, Team Lakay's hard-hitting fighter Lito Adiwang is finally back as he will return to action this January 2023. 

In an announcement by Team Lakay, Adiwang will be facing undefeated Mansur Malachiev on the undercard of ONE on Prime Video 6 on January 14, 2023 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Lito suffered an ACL injury last March and have been focusing on his recovery in the past months. Now, stronger and better, he will be back in the circle and remind the division who the Thunderkid is", the note said. 

For Adiwang, he is 100 percent ready for the fight after numerous unfavorable situations he was in.

“The desire to win this fight is one hundred percent. The monster in me has awakened again after all the pain and trials plus the losses of my teammates. I am coming to this fight with a bulletproof mindset,” Adiwang said.

“With back-to-back trials in my career and life, tasting defeats in the game, injury and losses in life, it's painful and demoralizing that I reached my breaking point. If I sank into these emotional and painful feelings it can be my downfall,” he added.

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WATCH: Jeremy Pacatiw submits Tial Thang via triangle choke, gets $50,000 bonus

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship via tiebreakertimes

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Jeremy "The Jaggernaut Pacatiw earned another win in ONE Championship as he submitted Myanmar's Tial Thang with a deep triangle choke in the 2nd round during the ONE:164 Bantamweight battle held in the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Igorot warrior of Benguet stood out for his impressive boxing moves and attempted to finish the fight early in the first round with an arm bar choke. 

In the 2nd round, Pacatiw unleashed powerful combination of punches to the head which the American-Burmese fighter responded with punches of his own. Both fighter enjoyed the exchange with the delight of the fans.

Half-way through the round, Thang attempted a take down but failed. Pacatiw took the chance and dragged Thang to ground to end the bout with an armed bar submission.

“Respect to brother Tial Thang. He was very tough and very talented and I know someday we’ll face him again in the cage. I took an arm bar, but it was slippery. I looked for an opening and he gave me the triangle choke. It was ‘good night, Irene’,” Pacatiw said in an interview.

Chatri Sityodtong, the CEO of ONE, gave him a substantial gift in the amount of $50,000 for his impressive performance. He is the 2nd one of Team Lakay to receive such bonus after Jhanlo Sangiao.

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Jhanlo Sangiao wins via 1st round submission, earns 50K USD bonus

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - Jhanlo Sangiao, son of legendary Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao earns his 2nd win in ONE Championship as he submits Anacleto Lauron via a rear-naked choke during their encounter at ONE 164 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

In a show of his grappling skills, Jhanlo took the fight to the mat and unleashed his vicious ground-and-pound against newcomer Anacleto Lauron. 

The Bantamweight prospect Jhanlo then choked Lauron by wrapping his arm around the latter's neck that forced him to tap at the 1:48 mark of round 1.

In his post-fight interview with the media, Jhanlo said he was confident to win the fight as he believed he was the stronger guy.

"I'm confident because I know I'm stronger than the guy. I'm stronger on the ground and in the stand-up," Jhanlo said.

Actually, I was supposed to strike with him, but I put him down and submitted him, I always practice my rear-naked choke in the gym," he added. 

Jhanlo was able to put the first win for Team Lakay after his two teammates Eduard Folayang and Jenelyn Olsim suffered a brutal knockout earlier.

He was also given the first USD50,000 bonus for Team Lakay athlete from ONE CEO Chatri Sidyothong for his incredible performance.

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Majestic To'wing Falls in Sablan now opens to public

Photo Courtesy || Sablan Tourism

Cordillera - Looking for a perfect spot for swimming, hiking, camping and viewing this holiday season? The To'wing Waterfalls located in Sablan, Benguet is waiving for you. 

The local tourism office of Sablan, Benguet has formally announced the reopening of the To'wing Falls after two-years closure. 

According to Mayor Alfredo Dacumos of Sablan, Benguet, tourists from across the world and locals alike may now travel to and enjoy the magnificent natural marvel situated in Barangay Lower Poblacion.

Dacumos hoped that reopening of the falls will help revive the local economy of the municipality.

Visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing water provided by the four waterfalls and three pools after walking the 488 man-made concrete steps.

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Cordilleran soldier, singer to compete in world singing contest in America

Photo Courtesy || Philippine Army

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran soldier from Kalinga is set to compete in the upcoming world singing competition - the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) which will be held in July 2023 in California, United States of America.

Corporal Sessy Lou Bucalen Salazar assigned at the 5th Division in Isabela is among the representative the Philippines in the said competition after passing two auditions, and now heeding to Manila for a bootcamp in preparation for the event. 

Corporal Salazar has been an active duty of the Philippine army for nine years and she is the vocalist of the 5ID Band of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela.

In 2021, Salazar represented his province in the local singing competition "Tawag ng Tanghalan"

WCOPA is an international competition often cited as the Official “Talent Olympics” for aspiring performers and entertainers, according to its website.  

Contestants are coming from different parts of the world including the USA, Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and South Africa.

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Son of Mt. Province represents Baguio in Mr. Earth Philippines

Photo Courtesy || Mister Earth Philippines & Alessandra Imperial

Cordillera - Proud Cordilleran, Kurt Justin Santiago will be representing the city of of Baguio in the upcoming national male pageant - Mr. Earth Philippines (MEP) 2022. 

Santiago, who traces his roots to Sagada and Bontoc, Mountain Province is among the final 12 who will be competition in the 10th Edition of National Search for Mister Earth Philippines which will be held on December 14-18 2022 in Iba, Zambales

MEP is the only and credible male pageant in the Philippines that showcases young and ambitious males around the country. It is an avenue of Socio Environmental Platforms and Nationalism, serving a creating a future leaders and ambassadors.

The 12 Finalists of the MEP 2022 who will be vying for the most coveted crown are:

1. Mothelo Jess Bantolo - Antique

2. Kurt Justin Santiago - Baguio City

3. Yajjie Perez - Batangas

4. Reyson Jan Carlos - Bulacan

5. Rex Awiten - Cagayan De Oro

6. Jake Tam - Camarines Sur

7. John Mark Tan - Davao

8. 

9. Kurt Ababa - Matanao

10 Anson Kyle Tanumtanum - Pampanga

11. King James Padit - Pasig City

12. John Mark Apilan - Quezon City

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Queen of Javelin from Baguio wins 4 Gold Medals in PH Masters International Athletics Championships

Photo Courtesy || Selavan Ponciot

Cordillera - Former Baguio Cop and SEA Games multi-gold medalist Major Linda Lavandia took home 4 Gold Medals in the 2022 PHILIPPINE MASTERS INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS for Women 70 Category on November 11-12, 2022.

According to NMSSAP president Jose Ang Jr., the tournament has attracted foreign entrants from Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. It is put on by the National Masters and Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines.

In 2019 Major Lavandia, one of the greatest javelin throwers in the history of Southeast Asian games won four golds in different throwing events namely javelin throw, discus throw, shotput and hammer throw South East Asia Athletic Championship held in Singapore from May 4 to May 5, 2019.

Lavandia told in a news interview that she keeps on training, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep to be able to stay fit and strong.

"Thorough training. Kailangan magtraining ng maigi. Dapat may dedication, determination and discipline... Kailangan on time ka matulog, yan ang sikreto ko doon," Lavandia said.

Lavandia's goal is to always be a world champion and wants to compete with best athlete from the USA.

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Cordilleran from Ifugao RAdm Toribio Adaci Jr. is the new Philippine Navy Chief

Photo Courtesy || Hans Bryan Lim PN / NPAO

Cordillera - Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., the Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, took the helm as the Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer In Command following the Change of Command Ceremony on November 24 at the PN headquarters here.

The AFP Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, presided over the ceremony as Rear Admiral Adaci succeeded PN Vice Commander, Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, who had served as the acting Navy Chief since September 9.

Lieutenant General Bacarro lauded the 40th FOIC for reaching this significant milestone in his military career and expressed confidence that Rear Admiral Adaci’s “stellar record and distinguished experience in naval operations, education and training, and personnel management and administration will prove effective and beneficial for the Philippine Navy and entire AFP as well”.

The AFP Chief likewise thanked Rear Admiral Valencia “for holding the Philippine Navy’s fort with competence, diligence, and foresight even for very brief period” which ensured the continuity of Navy’s operations.

The newly-designated Navy chief is the first to serve for a fixed term of three years as set by Republic Act No. 11709, a law prescribing fixed tour of duty for military officials who are holding key positions.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Adaci acknowledged his predecessors “who have ushered the way and enabled us to be where we are today” and vowed to continue the PN’s “trajectory as a modernizing naval defense force” with “consistency, connectivity, and, most importantly – efficiency.”

Among his priority thrusts include the enhancement and sustainment of personnel trainings, rationalization of the organization, modernization program, real estate and bases management, international defense and security engagements, self-reliant defense posture, and advancement of the Navy’s interests.

Rear Admiral Adaci, who hails from the Province of Ifugao, is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Makatao'' Class of 1989. Some of the key positions he held prior assumption of the top Navy post includes the Commander of the Naval Installation Command, and the Commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF), the Navy’s national maneuver force. He is also a lawyer, having finished his Law Degree in 2000 and passing the Bar Examinations in the same year.

source || Armed Forces of the Philippines

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Stephen Loman ranks 3rd in ONE Championship after beating Bibiano Fernandez

Photo Courtesy || SCMP

Cordillera - Ifugao pride Stephen Loman has proven that he is one of the best Filipino talent in ONE Championship after his convincing victory over former One Bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandez in November 19, 2022. 

The 27-year old warrior from Cordillera pummeled Fernandez with his deadly ground-and-pound strikes to outscore Fernandez and took a favorable win from the judges. 

Loman scored the biggest and most impressive victory in his recent fight lifting his ranking in the 3rd spot in the ONE Bantamweight division after Fabricio Andrade and John Lineker. 

Fans are excited to see Loman takes on John Lineker who defeated fellow Team Lakay Kevin Belingon. 

According to One, Loman is on the cusp of a ONE Bantamweight World Title shot, and should he win the crown one day, then he would join the ranks of Team Lakay greats such as Honorio Banario, Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Geje Eustaquio, and the current ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio, all of who have earned the coveted gold.

With his first two ONE Championship fights ending in his favor, Loman has demonstrated that he fits right in with the organization’s elite bantamweights.

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Cordillera pride Menchi Abahan champion in Altitude OCR World Championships Mount Everest

Photo Courtesy || POSF

Cordilleran - The Cordilleran elite-trail runner has conquered the world's highest mountain - the Mount Everest in the Himalayas. 

Miss Sandi Menchi Abahan was hailed as champion in the just concluded Altitude World Championships Mount Everest on November 8 - 22, 2022.

The Igorota Sea Games Gold Medalist has successfully conquered 10 obstacles, climbed the snowy and chillin' mountain of Mount Everest and was declared champion.  

Just a month ago, Abahan obtains the title Spartan Pro after winning 1st Place at the 30-39 years-old Category of the 50K Borneo Trail Classic in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, held from October 15 to 16, 2022.

It can be recalled that Abahan is one of the five Filipinos who was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records during World’s Highest OCR & Altitude OCR on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania on 19 September 2021. 

This year, Abahan and fellow Pinoy elite-runner Andrico Mahilum brought pride to the country as they were hailed champion in the said race event.

The Altitude Obstacle Course Races are events held in high altitude environments. Racers for the Mount Everest had to finish the mountain's extremely high altitude of 18,000+ feet or 5,500+ meters to be declared winner. 

Abahan grew up in Baguio city. Here mom is from Mountain Province and her father is from Ifugao. 

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Igorot from Sablan wins Great Man of the Universe PH Culture & Tourism

Photo Courtesy || Andy Cayna & Glomark Pahignalo

Cordillera - Benguet representative to the first Great Man of the Universe male pageant, Mr. Stephen Harold Lilley Jr. has been crowned the Great Man Culture & Tourism during the coronation night of the Great Man of the Universe 2022 held at Novotel Manila on November 13.

Lilley who hails from Sablan, Benguet also received the Best Model Award, Award, Hotness Overload Challenge Award, Best in Runway Challenge, Nanostix Award, and the Genix Award.

In the Top 10 Speech category, where each contestant spoke on how they can be a "Man and a Gentleman despite all the horrible things going around the globe," Lilley focused on promoting environmental protection and rainforest preservation.

In a thank you note posted in his social media account, he thanked all those who have supported him in his Great Man of the Universe journey.

“Thanks a lot to those people out there, kapamilya, kailyans, my fellow torogi/ igorot who gave their full support in my GMU journey; this is our Victory. I hope I made you proud guys,” he said.

“A great man is a man who stands by what he believes in, and a gentleman who has the heart to serve others," he added.

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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Cordilleran sisters from Abra win Gold, Bronze in Taekwondo

Photo Courtesy || Abrenean.com

Cordillera - Sisters from Abra, Ms. Jezy Grace P. Daoaten and Ms. Jhilianne P.Daoaten bagged Gold and Bronze medal during the just concluded 2022 National Age Group Poomsae and Kyurugi Taekwondo Championship on November 19-20, 2022.

Jezy Grace, a grade 4 student earned the Gold medal while her sister Jhiliane, a grade two student won the bronze medal.

The sisters received their medals and certificate signed by sir Robert Aventajado, the current president of Philippine Taekwondo Association.

The competition was participated by many taekwondo jins from all over the country who gathered to showcase their skills in the sport.

Poomsae is the Korean word for "Forms," which are carried out through meticulous timing of movement against a single or more imagined opponents. It comprises coordinated hand- and foot-based motions as well as blocking, striking, thrusting, and kicking maneuvers.

The event is supported by the Philippine Sport Commission, Philippine Olympics Committee, Milo and Smart Communication.

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Benguet's Adivay Festival 2022 Jobs Fair set on November 21-22, 2022

Photo Courtesy || PIO-Benguet

Cordillera - The province of Benguet is celebrating its 122nd Foundation Anniversary through Adivay with the theme "A Peoples' Festival of Culture, Nature, and the Future. 

The word "Adivay" is an Ibaloi term that means "coming together". The celebration is a gathering of Benguet's 13 towns in the provincial capital, with focus on the culture and products of the municipalities. 

This year's celebration started on November 7th and will end on the 30th. 

According to PIO-Benguet, some of the lined up activities that will highlight the unique culture and industry of the Province includes the Mr. and Ms. Benguet Pageant, the Inter-Municipality Battle of the Bands, the Agri and Trade Fair, the Benguet Awards, the Inter-Regional Market Encounter, and the Parade and Grand Cañao that will be held on the 23rd.

There is also a job fair scheduled on the 21st and 22nd at the Provincial Capitol covered court where local jobs from various agencies and companies are offered those looking for work.

Some of the jobs available includes language teachers, chef, engineers, plumbers, painters, technicians, welders, nurses, accountants, customer service representatives, architects, heavy equipment operators, pharmacists, security guards, cashiers, riders and others.

To check the complete lists of job available, please visit PIO-Benguet official Facebook page here

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SLU is among top universities in Asia by QS World University Rankings

Cordillera - Sixteen (16) higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines were included in the list of best Asian universities, according to QS World University Rankings.

Among the top Asian universities is the Saint Louis University in Baguio which took the 103 spot in the South-Eastern Asia region and placed 651-700 across  Asia.

SLU received a Three-Star of Excellence for their achievements in research publications, faculty and student data, program sustainability, employment statistics, internationalization, and environmental, social, and governance sustainability.

The University of the Philippines meanwhile remained the country's best institution as it topped all PH universities on the list. It ranked 87th.

Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and University of Santo Tomas (UST) all followed it, taking the 134th, 171st, and 175th spots, respectively.

The QS is regarded as the biggest global network for higher education. Each year, it publishes a list of the best universities in Asia.

A number of criteria are used to rank universities, including research, teaching, internationalization, academic development, online learning, innovation, arts and culture, facilities, graduate employability, social responsibility, inclusion, environmental effect, and specialist criteria.

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Cordilleran Scout Ranger graduates U.S. Army Ranger Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA

Photo Courtesy || SRAA

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran Scout Ranger from Kalinga is among the graduates of the United States of America Army Ranger Course held at Ford Benning, Georgia, USA.

1st Lieutenant Castillion Antalus (Inf) PA, who hails from Sumadel, Tinglayan was part of the five chosen Philippine Scout Ranger graduates who were sent to the US to train at the U.S. Army Ranger School.

The U.S. Army Ranger School is a 62-day small-unit tactics and leadership course, established way back 1950s. The course is designed to develop functional skills directly related to enemy engagements in close combat and direct-fire battles. The 8 weeks course is divided into 3 phases; Benning, Mountain, and Swamp Phase.

The training started on July 19, 2022 as part of Class 09-22. The first part that Antalis went through is the Ranger Assessment Phase (RAP). During RAP week, out of more or less 400 trainees, 40% was removed from the course, resulting in 115 remaining trainees. 

As Antalis recalls, the training would often result in food and sleep deprivation, and each phase often carries more challenges. He mentions that during patrol routines, they can only get 2 meals per day, and little to none in sleep.

During the Swamp Phase at Camp Rudder, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Antalis was recycled to the next class, Class 10-22 where he met fellow foreign students from Columbia and Italy. He eventually graduated as part of the Class on October 14, 2022.

source || SRAA

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