Christmas @ CRK. A nine-foot Christmas Lantern welcomes passengers to catch their flights at the Clark International Airport (CRK) terminal. The lantern is one of two Christmas displays, the other being a Belenismo or the Nativity Scenein front of the CRK terminal. (Photos courtesy of CIAC-Corporate Communications Office)
Christmas Lantern Lighting Ceremony. Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Acting President and CEO Alexander Cauguiran (center) with Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) Executive Director Erlinda Pamintuan (left) and Evangeline Tejada, vice-president of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Business Development and Business Enhancement Group press the button lighting the Christmas Lantern in front of the Clark International Airport (CRK) on Wednesday, December 14. The nine-foot lantern is one of two Christmas displays, the other being a Belenismo or the Nativity Scene, that were inaugurated to greet passengers catching their flights at the CRK terminal. (Photo courtesy of CIAC-Corporate Communications Office)
A plaque of recognition is presented to Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) chief Alexander Cauguiran (left) for being this year’s 22nd Best Asian Airport during the International Civil Aviation Day 2017 held at the CAAP grounds, Pasay City by (R-L) Director General Jim Sydiongco of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Deputy Dir. Gen. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Flight Standards Inspectorate Service Capt. Donaldo Mendoza and Dep. Dir. Gen. for Administration Ricardo Banayat. The Clark International Airport (CRK) was awarded due to its exemplary performance in providing exceptional airport experience to travelers and for its outstanding accomplishments in the field of aviation industry. Joining Cauguiran (2nd R- 4th L) are CAAP-Davao City Area Manager Agnes Udang, CAAP-Iloilo Airport Area Manager Efren Nagrama and Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority General Manager Atty. Steve Dicdican. (Photos by Jojo Due, CIAC- CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)
Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Acting President and CEO Alexander Cauguiran (center) with Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo (2nd from left) and Capt. Darren Acorda, Chief Pilot for Training and Standards of Philippines AirAsia (2nd from right) are joined by flight attendants to formally launch Philippines AirAsia’s daily flight service between the Clark International Airport (CRK) and Caticlan on Friday, December 15. (Photo courtesy of CIAC-Corporate Communications Office)
Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Acting President and CEO Alexander Cauguiran (right) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) Vice President for Corporate Communications Jose Perez de Tagle (left) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially launching on December 15 PAL’s daily service between the Clark International Airport (CRK) and Tagbilaran. (Photo courtesy of CIAC-Corporate Communications Office)
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda (3rd from left) leads the cake-cutting ceremony during the launch of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight service between the Clark International Airport (CRK) and Bacolod on Friday, December 15. Cheering on are: (L-R) PAL Clark OIC-Station Manager Marlon Calasin; PAL Vice President for Corporate Communications Jose Perez de Tagle; Pampanga Boards Members Olga Frances “Fritzie” David-Dizon of the Second District and Cherry Manalo of the First District; Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Acting President and CEO Alexander Cauguiran; and, PAL Branch Manager Raphael Loui Romualdo. Governor Pineda and members of the Provincial Board flew to Bacolod City aboard the inaugural flight to sign a sister province agreement with officials of the province of Negros Occidental. PAL flies four times weekly to Bacolod from CRK. (Photo courtesy of CIAC-Corporate Communications Office)
RAINCOATS FOR LT COPS – Chief Inspector Benson Macliing, chef of the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station, receives the donation of raincoats for traffic enforcers from officials of Gram Transportation Company during simple turnover rites in front of the municipal hall. Grab photo
See story: Grab donates raincoats to traffic enforcers
BRIEFING AT PHILEX. Foreign delgates who visited the Philex Mining Corporation at Padcal are being briefed by Philex officials inside the Guest House. In phto are Ritova, Tuiloma, Sukani, Nadore and Koli. (September 24, 2017) Photo by Philex Mining Corporation.
LET ME SEE IT. Apayao Provincial Agriculturist Prudencio Bosing (2nd from left) and Provincial Corn Program Coordinator Bernardo Bareng (1st from right) assist in the inspection and testing of one of the four wheel drive tractors provided by the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) and turned over to farmers-beneficiaries of the Province of Apayao on September 21 at the DA -Research Outreach Station at Luna, Apayao. (September 24, 2017) By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
MOFYA. Winners of this year’s Search for Model Overseas Filipino workers Families of the Year Awards (MOFYA) join officials of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the Cordillera during the awarding rites held at the Pines view Hotel, Leonard Wood road, Baguio City Friday. (September 17, 2017) Rosalia T. See
LOOK AT ME. The CSC-CAR personnel perform during the opening program of Apayao’s own version of celebrating the 117th Civil Service Anniversary in a jam-packed BG Verzola Sports Center at Luna, Apayao on September 4. Civil Service Commissioner Atty. Robert Martinez who was the guest speaker in this event applauded Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. for uniting the employees of the National Line Agencies and the Local Government Units in the province every year for sports competitions, laro ng lahi and other contested activities such as chorale, cheer dance and now zumba competition. (September 17, 2017) GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
JAPANESE YAM – Tublay mayor Armando Lauro (Right) inspects a Japanese yam harvested in Daclan farm. (September 10, 2017) Photo from Mayor Lauro Facebook post.
‘BACK-TO-SCHOOL’ BAGS: Students of the Torre Elementary School, in Tuba town’s Sitio Torre, Brgy. Camp 3, jump with joy on Thursday, September 7, as they receive their backpacks from Philex Mining Corporation through its “Back-to-School Program” in the outlying communities of the company’s Padcal operations in this province. (September 10, 2017) Photo courtesy of Philex Mining Corporation
HAULER- La Trinidad Municipal Mayor Romeo K Salda (Right), with local officials and department heads, witness the blessing of their three new garbage trucks. (September 10, 2017) Joel Cervantes.
DEFENDING ONE’S SELF. PO2 Jasper Guting of the Barlig -MPS lectures Basic Self Defense during the series of BPAT training conducted by the said station. This was initiated by PSI Barnard Bone F. Navarra coherent to the national anti-crime campaign. (September 10, 2017) Contributed photo.
SOAR HIGH, LEPANTO HIGH! – Lepanto National High School (LNHS) students actively participate in their everyday flag raising ceremony. For years, LNHS has been making a name in regional and even national competitions in various fields. (August 27, 2017) Contributed photo.
TEAMWORK – Gov. Crescencio C. Pacalso, together with Vice governor Florence Tingbaoen, provincial boardmembers and departments heads, brief the media and other stakeholders on the status of Benguet after more than a year in office. (August 20, 2017) Rosalia T. See
More than 100 elected officials of the province of Benguet gathered to discuss autonomy and federalism and get the consensus of the Benguet leaders to support the clamour of the Cordillera region to be an autonomous region and the transformation into a federal government being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte at the Benguet Multipurpose gymnasium in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet last week. Here, Cong. Ronald Cosalan encourages the Benguet leaders to be active and help their constituents understand autonomy and federalism. (August 26, 2017) RMC PIA-CAR
TO SERVE – Buguias, Benguet OIC Chief of Police Cesar Sab-it inspecting his area of responsibility. (August 20, 2017) Photo by JOEL CERVANTES
READY TO SERVE. Apayao Governor and PDRRM Chair Elias C. Bulut, Jr. (left) chats with Dr. Amy Liza Maruquin, OIC Chief of Hospital of Flora as Provincial Administrator and PDRRMC Co-Chair Vincent Talattag inspects the brand new ambulance of Flora District Hospital. Four (4) PDRRM funded brand new ambulances are now ready to be distributed to the District Hospitals of Flora, Sta. Marcela, Kabugao and Pudtol after the ceremonial blessing on August 2. Another four (4) ambulances are to be delivered soon for the remaining District Hospitals of Apayao. (August 20, 2017) BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
MEDICAL CHECKUP – A Philex doctor examines a patient during one of the company’s medical mission in sitio Sta. Fe, Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet. (August 20, 2017) PMC photo
Clark airport welcomes 10-Millionth Passenger. Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Alexander Cauguiran and Philippine Airlines (PAL) officers Raphael Loui Romualdo, PAL Branch Manager, and PAL Clark OIC-Station Manager Marlon Calasin welcome Cherry Castro, 32, of San Simon, Pampanga, as the 10-millionth passenger of the Clark International Airport (CRK) on Monday, August 14, since passengers started arriving at the airport via commercial flights in January 2001. Castro arrived aboard Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR 2370 from Caticlan. She received a gift certificate for 20,000 Mabuhay Miles from PAL and gifts from CIAC that include a plaque of recognition for this milestone. (Photo by CIAC-Corporate Communications Office)
Clark airport welcomes 10-Millionth Passenger. Friends of Cherry Castro, 32, of San Simon, Pampanga cheer as she is welcomed by Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Alexander Cauguiran as the 10-millionth passenger of the Clark International Airport (CRK) on Monday, August 14, since passengers started arriving at the airport via commercial flights in January 2001. Castro arrived aboard Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR 2370 from Caticlan. She received a gift certificate for 20,000 Mabuhay Miles from PAL and gifts from CIAC that include a plaque of recognition for this milestone. (Photo by CIAC-Corporate Communications Office)
Jetstar Asia comes to Clark. Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Alexander Cauguiran (right) receives a Jetstar Asia Airbus A320 model airplane from Jetstar Asia Head of Commercial Francis Loi signaling the entry of Asia’s Best Low Cost Carrier for 2017 at the Clark International Airport (IATA:CRK) following a press conference at the CRK Pre-Departure Area yesterday. The budget carrier that first took to the skies in December 2004 and currently operating more than 600 weekly return flights to 25 destinations across 13 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific Region hopes to broaden its low-fare options for the more than 24 million potential passengers in the Clark airport’s catchment area in Northern Metro Manila and Central and Northern Luzon who are currently underserved. Jetstar will start its operations between Clark and Singapore every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on November 28. (August 17, 2017) (Photo courtesy of CIAC-Corporate Communications Office)
MP CARETAKER. Together with the members of the Capitol Employees Cultural Group of the provincial government, the legislative caretaker of the lone district of Mountain Province, Kalinga Representative Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, danced during the Monday program welcoming him in Bontoc, Mountain Province on August 7, 2017 at the provincial plaza. (August 13, 2017) Ferdie Cariño Castañeda
FREE LAWYERS. Apayao Provincial Treasurer Atty. Julaida Caddawan-Pancho (left) attends to the queries of a barangay kagawad while other clients listen to a lecture during the free “Legal Assistance for the Welfare of Yapayaos with Education and Resolution Services” (LAWYERS) program of the Provincial Government of Apayao at the Municipality of Conner last August 3. The program, an initiative of the PGA thru its Provincial Legal Office headed by Atty. Edmar Pascua, brings together lawyers/judges of Apayao (in government or in private practice) and travels to the seven (7) municipalities of Apayao to provide lectures, free legal advises and free notarial services. (August 13, 2017) BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
REGULAR LECTURE – Philex Mining Corporation president ancd chief executive officer Eulalio B. Austin, Jr. gives members of the management lecture to Padcal mine’s top managers, at the mine camp’s Smith Hall, August 4, 2017. (August 13, 2017)
HABAGAT’S WRATH. Rock slide along the Bontoc-Baguio road at Barangay Alab Proper, Bontoc, Mountain Province partially covers an elf truck. A van, tricycle and a motorcycle were pulled out from the area earlier before the rock slide happened. Two residential houses were luckily spared while a tomb was covered by the big boulders, July 30, 2017. (August 6, 2017) Ferdie Cariño Castañeda
CULTURAL SUMMIT IN BENGUET – Prior to their performance, employees from the Provincial Government of Mountain Province enjoy the moment for a group picture. Also in the photo are Provincial Administrator, Atty. Amador P. Batay-an and Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Tomas A. Kiwang, Jr. who accompanied the group. (August 6, 2017) Photo by Alpine L. Killa
ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN – P01 Peter Lao-ang of Kalinga Police Public Safety Company lectures students of Tabuk city National High School Bantay Extension on illegal drugs. (August 6, 2017) Jesse Magguiya
CWPC OATH TAKING – Officers and members of the Board of Directors of the Cordillera Weavers Producers Cooperative take their oath of office before Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Administrator Dr. Eulogio T. Castillo during their simple but meaningful oath taking rites held at the Golden Pine Hotel Ballroom recently. (August 6, 2017) CWPC photo
CLEARING OPERATION – As of 10:30 am of July 26, 2017, three heavy equipment of the Mountain Province First Engineering District were involved in the total clearing operation of a landslide near Corocoro bridge at Ampawilen section, Sadanga, Mountain Province along the Bontoc-Kalinga road. The landslide happened late afternoon of July 25 due to more than an hour of intense heavy rains. The pay loader operator worked overtime in the evening of July 25 risking life and limbs to allow stranded motorists passed by the landslides at Makotiti and Ampawilen sections. (July 30, 2016) FERDIE CARIÑO CASTAÑEDA
REHAB – 33 from the 80 La Trinidad Drug personalities under the operation Tokhang graduate from the influence of drugs after finishing their six months rehabilitation program of LGU and PNP. The rest will continue their rehabilitation. (July 30, 2017) Photo by JOEL CERVANTES
‘CONSCIENTIOUS MINING’ – Philex Mining Corp. CEO & President Eulalio Austin, Jr. (right) and the company’s SVP and resident manager of Padcal mine, Manuel Agcaoili, lead the entrance procession of the introductory rites during a Thanksgiving Mass, held at the APP Sports Center, in Sitio Padcal, Brgy. Camp 3, Wednesday. Behind them is Eduardo Aratas, manager at Padcal mine’s Legal Division. “I’ve always believed that things happen for a reason,” Austin said, referring to some of the challenges that Philex Mining has faced. (July 30, 2017) PMC photo
COMMENDATION. Representative Eleanor Bulut-Begtang (center) lauds the recent accomplishment of Apayao PNP headed by PSSUPT. Dominador Halog, Jr. (6th from left) for the immediate arrest of John Lesther Ugale, allegedly responsible for the death of Nelissa Joy Dela Cruz, 19 and a student of Apayao State College. Cong. Leah gave “Letter of Commendation” and rewarded PSI Benedict Cortez, PO3 Jaylord Caddawan , PO2 Rommel De Jesus and PO1 Wayne Angelo Rumbaoa with cash incentives. BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN & LUNA MPS
SIPAT AT THE PALACE- Presidential Communication Operations Office assistant secretary Ana Marie Banaag (center) of the Balangao tribe of Natonin and Gad’dang tribe of Paracelis and Abra Vice Governor Ronald Balao-as (2nd from left) of the Balatoc, Masadi-it and Belwang tribe of Boliney agree to a Sipat which is a prelude to a Bodong during the sidelights of the meeting of cordillera leaders with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang. (July 23, 2017) Photo by RMC
SPILLOVER – Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu (5th from left), and Philex Mining Corp. CEO and President Eulalio Austin, Jr. join other government and company officials for a photo-op at the open spillway of Padcal mine, in Itogon town’s Sitio Balog, Brgy. Ampucao, on Wednesday, July 19. During his visit at Padcal mine, the gold-and-copper operations of Philex Mining, in Benguet, Cimatu tells company officials to “continue what you are doing to protect the environment. (July 23, 2017) PMC photo
KEEP IT UP. Engr. Alex C. Luis, Chief EMED of Environmental Management Bureau DENR-CAR comments and makes some recommendation concerning the targets of all Provincial Environmental Management Units in the Cordillera during the Regional Mid-Year Assessment Workshop and Management Conference held at Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex, Payanan, Luna, Apayao on July 19-21, 2017. (July 23, 2017) BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addresses the leaders from the Cordillera Administrative Region during a meeting at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace on July 18, 2017. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Cordillera autonomy bill certified urgent
Rescuers carry the body of Sagada Tour Guide Roderick Malecdan. (July 18, 2017) Photo courtesy of MPDRRMO Facebook page.
Sagada tour guide dies in drowning incident
PANGASINAN PROCURES MORE RESCUE VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT. (from left to right) Governor Amado I. Espino, III and Rev. Fr Hernan Caronongan lead the blessing of the barracks for crewmen of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which is located at the back of Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center grandstand south wing; the provincial government of Pangasinan presents newly procured rescue vehicles and equipment which include Falcon 650 patrol/rescue boat, 25HP aluminum boats, and 6×6 rescue trucks right after the regular flag-raising ceremony of the Capitol held on July 10; Governor Espino, along with Fr. Caronongan and several board members and department heads, leads the blessing of the newly-acquired motorcycle and bicycle units. (July 18, 2017) Photos by RPGIII/MVS/MGNO/KMR
SALADELICIOUS — Vegetable stakeholders from the League of Associations of the La Trinidad Trading Post in Benguet province showcase their produce in the biggest vegetable salad at the town’s trading post in celebration of their first anniversary in Benguet last July 12, 2017. 1.2 tons of vegetables were used for the vegie salad (July 16, 2017) Photo by Joel Cervantes
UNITED CORDILLERA. Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. leads the acceptance and beating of the Unity Gong which was turned over by the officials of Kalinga headed by Hon. James S. Edduba, Acting Governor on July 11 at the ECBJR Evacuation Center, Luna, Apayao during the Unity Gong Turn-over Ceremony as part of celebrating the 30th Founding Anniversary of Cordillera Administrative Region. (July 16, 2017) BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
Gov. Bulut yearns for effective celebration of Cordillera Anniversary
CPLA UNIFICATION – Cordillera Bodong Administration (CPLA) president Engr. Andres Ngao-i administers the oath of office of newly-installed unified Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) chairman and Bra Vice Governor Ronald Balao-as while CBA-CPLA legal counsel Eric Sallidao holds on to the official’s oath of office. Looking on are CPLA vice chairman Juanita Chulsi, Chieef of Staff Aand Bagumbayan Punong Barangay Andrew Cos-agon, Apayao provincial commander and Vice governor Remy Albano among other regional and provincial officers of the unified organization. (July 16, 2017) Edwin Muyao
ADVISER. Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza (shaking hands, left) encourages Mailed Molina and all CPLA factions to get their acts together to strengthen the quest for regional autonomy in the Cordillera during a dialogue at the Mt. Data Hotel last April 24, 2017. The group headed the call and sealed their unification. (July 9, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
ASIA CEO FORUM. Governor Amado I. Espino, III (5th from right) answers queries during the Asia CEO Forum held in Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on July 5. Joining governor Espino as panelists during the forum proper were (from left to right): city mayors Joseres Resuello (San Carlos), Arthur Celeste (Alaminos), Amadeo Gregorio Perez IV (Urdaneta) and Belen Fernandez (Dagupan), Deputy Director-General for Operations Harriet Abordo of Philippine Economic Zone Authority, President and Chief Executive Officer Rey Untal of IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, municipal mayors Kim Amador (Manaoag), Simplicio Rosario (Binmaley), Michael Cruz (Umingan) and Eric Versoza (Dasol), and former Pangasinan Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard Baraan. /Photo by RPGIII/MGNO
INSPIRING. Kevin C. Bango delivers his speech during the Baguio CPA oath-taking ceremonies last July 1, 2017. Bango, of Lagawe, Ifugao, placed fifth in the May, 2017 CPA licensure examinations. Photo by ARMANDO M. BOLISLIS.
Ifugao native is the May CPA Board 5th placer
STRONG GRIP. Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. shakes hand with Land Transportation Office-CAR Regional Director Atty. Joel Jose Eduardo Natividad during the turnover of two (2) motorcycles to intensify further LTO-Apayao’s operation. Gov. Bulut ordered the donation of service motorcycles after LTO-Apayao received a Seal of Excellence Award due to its efficient service in the province. (July 9. 2017) BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
LEGALLY PLANTED: Eduardo Aratas (right) and Lionel Wanawan (4th from left), managers of Legal Div. and Legal Dept., respectively, at Philex Mining Corp.’s Padcal mine, join their staff members in a wacky pose on Tuesday, July 4, after planting 300 seedlings of kupang trees at the company’s decommissioned and rehabilitated Tailings Storage Facility No. 1 (TSF1), in Itogon’s Sitio Sal-angan, Brgy. Ampucao, with the famous Mt. Ulap as backdrop. Julius Bayogan, manager at Padcal mine’s Environmental Quality Monitoring and Enhancement Dept. (EQMED), says over 6,000 seedlings of kupang, calliandra, ipil-ipil, Benguet pine, antso-an dilau, and narra have been planted by Padcal mine’s different departments as well as the company’s contractors, friends, and supporters since May 31. (July 9, 2017) PMC photo.
FOUND ALIVE! Sung Kyu Choi, A Korean national found after eight nights and seven days of continuous search and rescue operations. He was found by Joselito Tukyap of Barangay Latang, Barlig, Mountain Province at about 11:45 am of June 20, 2017 sheltered in a rice granary amidst the mossy and thickly forested area at Latang, Barlig. Photo (taken past 11 AM of June 21) shows personnel of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office carry Choi lying on a spine board across the impassable Balabag Bridge of Talubin, Bontoc. Behind them are cops of the Barlig Municipal Police Station who transported the Korean from the Barlig District Hospital to Balabag on board their police vehicle together with some Barlig responders and from Barlig District Hospital. Photo also shows PDRRM Officer Edward Chumawar leading the way. Ferdie Cariño Castañeda
Missing Korean found alive
CLOSE OPEN – Baguio-Bontoc road is passable if the weather permits. Department of Public Works and Highways and the provincial government of Mt. Province are closely monitoring the area to employ remedies to make the detour road open. (June 4, 2017) PDRRMO Mt. Province Photo.
APAYAO’S PRIDE. Friends came to congratulate Racquel Luban (far right) as she clinched 10th place in the March 2017 Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET) in the Secondary Level. Luban, a licensed pharmacist and an IP (Indigenous People) is a consistent achiever since elementary. By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
See full story: Isneg places 10th in exam for teachers
PILARS OF ASEAN COMMUNITY – Regional line agency officials led by DSWD-CAR regional director Janet Armas and DTI-CAR assistant regional director Grace Baluyan discuss the three pillars of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community during a recent press briefing at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office Wednesday. (June 4, 2017) ROSALIA T. SEE
TUBA, Benguet – UNDERGROUND LOADER: Employees at the Mill Division of Philex Mining Corporation’s gold-and-copper operations, in this town’s Sitio Padcal, Brgy. Camp 3, pose for a souvenir photo with the newly delivered Scooptram, the first of five units that the company has ordered from the Swedish industrial company Atlas Copco, to help improve its production. At P30 million each, the ST14 Scooptram is used as a hauler, loader, and dumper in underground mining operations. Another unit is expected to arrive toward the end of June while two other units are expected to be delivered by July and, the last unit, in August. Padcal had ordered the new Scooptrams as it would retire five of its seven old units. (June 4, 2017)
LET’S GET GOING. Labor forces for the renovation and expansion of Sta. Marcela’s Municipal Gymnasium at Sta. Marcela, Apayao work in full-blast just to be in time for the celebration of its “50 th Founding Anniversary and 13th Balangkoy Festival” on June 13-17. The expansion project which is supported by the Provincial Government of Apayao aims to accommodate bigger crowd for any activities in the locality and to provide better playing venue for sports competitions. (June 4, 2017) By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
COMMITMENT TO END VIOLENCE – Members of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-CAR) sign the joint statement of commitment on the call to end violence and the realization of lasting peace through the bilateral ceasefire that will be entered into by the government and the communist rebels. (May 21, 2017) Rosalia T. See
DOST METROLOGY LAB. In the Benguet leg of the DOST – CAR Science For The People caravan, Engr. Rodel Inga – an gives an orientation on DOST Cordillera Regional Metrology Laboratory Services, which includes the calibration of weighing scales in public markets. The DOST regional Metrology laboratory is located at the Benguet Provincial S&T Center, along Km. 6 La Trinidad, Benguet. (May 21, 2017) Lito Dar/PIA CAR
MPSPC COURSE ACCREDITATION – The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc. accrediting team and Mountain Province Polytechnic College (MPSPC) taskforce take time to pose after the opening program of the AACCUP Accreditation Visit held at College Auditorium recently. (April 30, 2017) MPSPC photo
DEAL WINNERS AND TMIF OFFICERS: L-R: Gerry R. Rillorta, Auditor, TMIF; Jorge D. Mina, Guest of Honor and Speaker from Pacific City, Washington State, USA; Franklin P. Macugay, President, TMIF; Marinel Benas representing Dr. Maria Teresa Benas, 3 rd Prize; Crispin D. Dannug, Jr., 4th Prize; Hermilinda L. Bulong, 5th Prize; Henry R. Tangalin, Business Manager, TMIF; Dr. Marilyn S. Luzano, Myra Y. Madayag, Edna L. Macugay, Member, Awards Committee; Rogie C. Baysa, PRO, TMIF; Rodel F. Ramos, Sekretary, TMIF; Luz Sampaga, Board of Director, TMIF; ken Engr. Aurelio U. Battad, Treasurer, TMIF. (April 30, 2017)
BRIEFING – Lower Kalinga District Engineer Ireneo S. Gallato conducts the routinary briefing to project engineers and section chiefs of the Department of Public works and Highways – Lower Kalinga district Engineering Office during a recent meeting purposely to ensure the smooth implementation of funded infrastructure projects. (April 30, 2017) DPWH-KDEO photo
LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE – Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. together with Focal Person for Provincial Poultry Development Program June C. Pinayakan and Provincial Veterinarian Rodelio B. Bagawi recently turn over 100 heads of bounty chicks to an organization in District II as their source of livelihood. (April 23, 2016) Contributed photo.
PASSION. Flowers still inspire this Lamut, La Trinidad, Benguet farmer despite the low price of the product in the market. (April 16, 2017) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
TURNIP. From the farms, this root vegetable found its way to the city market to mark the start of the summer season. (April 9, 2016) JOSEPH B. MANZANO
RDC-CAR Chairman and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan welcomed the participants who came from all over the region. Dir. Milagros A. Rimando expounded on the rationale and objectives of the conference. (April 9, 2016)
WEIGHING THE BIGGEST. Adding more excitement to the guests and visitors of the 1st Pangasinan Umaani expo held at the Provincial Agriculture Center in Tebag, Sta. Barbara from March 28 to April 1, 2017, the ‘sangka’ or pinaka contests held during the Agew na Umaanid Tanaman on March 30 showcased the biggest and longest fruits and vegetables and most palatable pinakbet. (April 6, 2017) Photos by Gibson Perez /MGNO
UMAANI FOLK MEDIA COMPETITION. Giving the high value crops and corn farmers a chance to showcase their singing, dancing and acting skills, the 1st Pangasinan Umaani Expo during its Agew na Umaanid Tanaman held on March 30, 2017, gathered together best group entries from various towns and cities in Pangasinan, competing for the Umaani folk media competition dubbed zarzuela parad mandaralos which was held at the Provincial Agriculture Nursery in Sta. Barbara. (April 6, 2017) Photo by Gibson Perez / MGNO
GIRL ON FIRE: Jenalyn Rodas (right) sashaying on stage during the muse competition. Rodas, an employee of Philex Mining Corp., won the Miss National Fire Olympics 2017, rising above seven other candidates in the muse competition-industrial category during its third annual celebration of fire prevention in Quezon City last March 23-24, 2017. (April 2, 2017) Photo courtesy of BFP National Headquarters
See story: Philex engineer bags Ms. Fire Olympics nat’l title
IP CONCERNS – Aurora Dolipas, Philex Community Relations Department Manager, responds to IPs’ concerns during the dialogue facilitated by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Cordillera Administrative Region. (April 2, 2017) EDUARDO M. ARATAS
PEOPLE’S BUILDING – Mayor Mauricio Domogan former Congressman Nicasio Aliping Jr., Councilors Lilia Fariñas and Elmer Datuin cut the ceremonial ribbon assisted by Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Baguio-Benguet Chapter president George Fukai III for the inauguration of the newly constructed IBP People’s Building last March 28. (April 2, 2017) RJ CAYABYAB
FIRE PREVENTION MONTH CULMINATION – Regional, provincial and city fire officers led by Senior Superintendent Maria Sofia Mendoza, Bureau of Fire Protection-Cordillera Administrative Region, Regional Director, discuss their plans and programs for the upcoming months after the successful conduct of the fire prevention month activities. (April 2, 2017) ROSALIA T. SEE
Barangay Bineng featured a giant strawberry made from red roses float during the mini-float parade of the La Trinidad 36th Strawberry Festival last March 19, 2017. (March 27, 2017) PAULYNE ANTONIO, UP Baguio Intern, PIA-CAR.
La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, together with the local chefs and bakers, leads the ceremonial slicing of the giant strawberry shortcake, highlighting the 36th Strawberry Festival of La Trinidad, Benguet last March 19, 2017. The giant strawberry shortcake is a replica of the cake which landed as biggest strawberry shortcake at the Guinness Book of World Records in 2004. (March 27, 2017) REDJIE MELVIC CAWIS, PIA-CAR.
Students perform a unity dance during the La Trinidad 36th Strawberry Festival street dancing parade March 19, 2017. (March 27, 2017) PAULYNE ANTONIO, UP Baguio Intern, PIA-CAR.
BERRY ATTRACTION. Tourists can’t resist taking have a souvenir of this giant replica of strawberry at La Trinidad, Benguet. The municipality celebrates strawberry festival yearly in the month of March. (March 19, 2017) JOSEPH MANZANO.
President Rodrigo Duterte greets Vice President Leni Robredo during the graduation rites at the PMA Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City last March 19, 2017. (March 24, 2017) REDJIE MELVIC CAWIS, PIA-CAR.
Newly commissioned Second Lieutenants and Ensigns who are members of the Philippine Military Academy Sanggalang ay Lakas at Buhay na Alay Para sa Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan (SALAKNIB), Class of 2017 throw their shaku during their graduation rites at the Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City last March 19, 2017. (March 24, 2017) REDJIE MELVIC CAWIS, PIA-CAR.
A PDEA-R1 member approached his baby-sitting chore with a touch of indigenous art, by cradling the baby girl comfortably in a basin and held securely by him. The baby girl’s delight grew, thumping the basin’s edges, somehow feeling that being cradled in a basin was a blissful experience, compared to confinement in a crib like a prisoner. This PDEA-R1 member’s devotion to child-caring was a regard towards the fairer sex and children, raising a role to a higher responsibility in creating a cultural context that allows for creative abilities to shine at home or in the workplace. (March 20, 2017) BONY BENGWAYAN
For full story: See Ah Kong’s column, In the Company of Int’l Women’s Month .
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the ceremonial switch-on of the People’s Television (PTV) Cordillera Hub in at the PIA-CAR Compound in Lualhati, Baguio City on March 11, 2017. Also present in the event were Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, PTV Chief Executive and General Manager Dino Apolonio, Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, and Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. President Rodrigo Duterte announces he will give the government-funded TV station a free hand in improving its programs and since PTV4 is funded by the taxes from the people, it should also provide services that are worthy of the people’s taxes. President Duterte said he is ready to give government media facilities freedom as he vowed he will never use the state-run Peoples Television Network (PTV) for his personal agenda. (March 17, 2017) REDJIE MELVIC CAWIS, PIA-CAR.
WE MAKE CHANGE WORK FOR WOMEN . Members of the Bontoc Women’s Brigade in their song number during the Women’s Day celebration in Bontoc Mountain Province held March 8, 2017. Ferdie Cariño Castañeda
ORGANIC FARMING. Charwell Olo-an is pictured Tuesday, March 14, tending to his plot of sugar beets, one of the vegetable varieties found in the 300-square-meter organic farm he works on with his father, in Sitio Macalbeng Brgy. Camp 3 of this town, and in cooperation with the Philex Group Foundation, Inc. (PGFI). The 27-year-old farmer, who holds an agro-forestry degree from the Benguet State University, in La Trinidad, says his organic farm has yielded so much more for harvest since he and his father, Domingo, 55, converted this from a synthetic garden. Eduardo M. Aratas
People from the mining communities of Benguet Corporation who are one with other mining communities in the entire country who rallied again in front of the Senate compound in Manila against Gina Lopez’ appointment as DENR Secretary.
LET’S CELEBRATE . Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. shows his skills in dancing taddo (a native dance of Apayao and part of a ritual for staged by Iapayaos) after the ribbon-cutting /inauguration of the newly-constructed four-storey Research and Development Building of the Apayao State College (ASC) in Luna, Apayao which coincides with the 19th Charter Day of the ASC. Also included in this occasion was the launching of the ASC Center for Historical and Cultural Studies. (March 12, 2017) By: GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN.
Barangay folks both young and old present cultural traditions during the 11th Begnas di Bauko in Bauko, Mountain Province last March 9-11, 2017. (March 14, 2017) REDJIE MELVIC CAWIS, PIA-CAR
Kibungan Mayor Cesar Molitas show to Tourism Undersecretary Alma Rita Jimenez the heirloom rice grains being grown in the municipality during the latter’s visit to the Benguet Tourism and Cultural Village in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet last February, 2017. (March 5, 2017) REDJIE MELVIC CAWIS, PIA-CAR.
Tourism Undersecretary Alma Rita Jimenez is joined by Benguet officials and entrepreneurs led by Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso and Tublay Mayor Armando Lauro as they show products of the municipality of Tublay during a visit at the Benguet Tourism and Cultural Village in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet last week. (March 5, 2017) REDJIE MELVIC CAWIS, PIA-CAR.
Young Ibaloi children got in their traditional cultural attires and joined the parade of the 8th Ibaloy Day festivities in Baguio City last February 23, 2017 (February 27, 2017) REDJIE MELVIC CAWIS, PIA-CAR
MONEY FLOWER . Cut flower growers of Benguet gears up for the 2017 Panagbenga. (January 22, 2017) Photo by JOSEPH B. MANZANO.