japwelldone

[japwelldone]

Newspaper Layout. View the entire paper here

[japwelldone]

Family Hypertension

Published by Philippine Daily Inquirer on December 28, 2017

Two things irk me most during the holidays: waiting for my first-semester grades and attending the family reunions. One thing we are most excited about in reunions is the abundant food. As a college dormer, I don’t get to eat home-cooked food much, and the reunion is a rare time for me to be able to eat my favorite crispy pata. The fascination with this dish is a family thing, and is probably why most of us are hypertensive.

But apart from the unhealthy food, something else that drives a shy teenager like me to go “high blood” is when my relatives’ eyes turn to me and suddenly I become the center of attention in the gathering.

Just when I think I would have a respite from all the school exams, another set of difficult questions is directed at me, and asked by people that are as much a “terror” as my college professors — my uncles and aunts. As much as I want to hide from them, I can’t afford to do so because the pamasko (Christmas gift) I badly want is in their hands.

The family reunion is where I hear questions I am unprepared to answer. Such as: “When will you graduate?” As much as I want to claim that I will do so next year, an inner voice reminds me that the future is uncertain, and it is safest for me to include a “hopefully” disclaimer in my answer. But I should feel thankful that at least I don’t get to be asked questions like “Are you in a relationship?” or “When will you get married?” Yet.

The TV set in the living room is usually turned on during the family reunion because some background noise is needed to ease the awkwardness in the atmosphere. But the TV also serves as a good conversation starter among the family. With a news program airing while everyone is enjoying the meal, there will be someone sharing his or her unsolicited opinion on an event, followed by the question “And you? What is your say on this?” directed at me in a semicondescending manner.

Yes, the reunion is the annual debate cup of the family, where the winner gets to enjoy bragging rights and the loser has to endure being an inside joke for the next gathering.

It is also during the family reunion that I get to explain why I shared anti-(insert politician’s name here) posts on Facebook. My likely response: First of all, you don’t tell me what to do on my social media accounts.

While I may not be obliged to explain what I post, I guess it is a good opportunity to engage my uncles and aunts in a discussion where I can assert my principles. It is perhaps the perfect time to embrace my perceived identity as the kid with too many causes—ang batang masyadong maraming ipinaglalaban.  It’s tempting to tell my relatives that their stance against human rights is just unacceptable even if they are way older than me, but how will it end? It’s either I emerge victorious in bringing them to the enlightened side, or I go home a sore loser after getting reprimanded by my parents.

“You’re too young, you don’t know that much” is the worst thing one can hear in a heated argument. Cringe-worthy as it was, my face turned red and I got fuming mad when I first heard it. I came to realize that having progressive ideas in a highly conservative family is no joke. But the challenge lies in trying to share your ideas, even if it may cost your allowance, or your pamasko.

It’s difficult to be patient in trying situations like this, and one lesson that took me quite a while to learn is that compassion matters over condescension. Disagreement may arise in a family reunion, but it is the perfect platform to educate one another. And for me, the best gift I can give the people I love this Christmas is to enlighten them on my causes.

Argument, disagreement and conflict may take place due to our differences in principle and opinion on certain issues, but still there are things that bind us—our love for one another and, of course, the family hypertension.

[japwelldone]

Event Posters

[japwelldone]

Advocacy posters

[japwelldone]

Poster designs

[japwelldone]

Why visit such a battle-scarred place?

Longing for a relationship that is pangmatagalan? Then maybe you and your jowa/future jowa should do something beyond your usual movie/study dates and try visiting pang-matagalan places that have already stood the test of time.

 Visiting historical places may make you feel like you have gone back to the significant events in our history that you have once heard, or perhaps slept through during your history classes in school. Imagine time-travelling to all the historical places that allow visitors to look at the past with the eyes of our former martyrs, soldiers, revolutionaries, and heroes - probably the kind of date you would love to try, be it with your friends, your partner, or maybe with your family. 

Well, for starters, you need not fly all the way to Europe just to experience such kind of date, because the Philippines on its own has historical places to offer that not only are budget-friendly, but are twitter- and instagram- worthy as well. Where to? Consider our Intramuros. 

Tucked in the metropolis is a 64-hectare walled district called Intramuros which literally means “inside the wall”. Intramuros has been witness to what the Philippines has gone through over centuries--from how the various historical events that took place during the Spanish occupation up to the daily carmageddon this place is experiencing today. 

While many may have considered their history classes “boring,” a tour of a historical place like Intramuros would surely be a fun ride to try. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Intramuros soon:

1. Fort Santiago Well, given that the entire Intramuros is filled with the colorful history of the Philippines, why not drop by the place where our very own hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned prior to his execution?

Fort Santiago was built by the Spaniards in 1571, and served as their headquarters during the British occupation. When the Americans conquered the City in 1778, they renovated Fort Santiago and converted it to the Command Center of the U.S. Army Philippine Division. With such kind of historical background, it is actually noticeable that the place looks like those skirmish maps in your favorite army shooting games like Counter Strike.

Trip Tip: When you visit Fort Santiago, try to spot some cool artifacts such as a bone with a bullet wound enshrined in a glace urn. Do not forget as well to try retracing the footsteps of Jose Rizal!

2. Kalesa Rides

Ever thought of riding those elegant carriages you see in films?  Well, you can ride the Pinoy version of those in Intramuros. Similar with the Kalesas you can find in Vigan, these horse-drawn carriages can take you to places in Intramuros for a considerable amount of cash.

Kalesas were a common mode of transportation back in the Spanish occupation period, now they are the go-to ride of tourists for sightseeing around the walled city of Intramuros. Not to mention that their Kutseros are insightful too, as they share lots of facts about the place while showing you around.

Fun fact: Sometime in 2016, the ride-hailing app Grab offered an exclusive GrabKalesa promo.

3. Museum hopping

Within the cobble-stoned streets of Intramuros are several museums that preserve and promote Filipino heritage. These museums surely won’t fail in giving you a glimpse of the past as they showcase various exhibits about Philippine history. Among which you have to try are Bonsai Library and Museum, Light and Sound Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, Casa Manila, and the Rizal Shrine Museum.

Although visiting all these museums would cost you some amount for their entrance fees, the experience will surely be worth it, as stories of our past will not only be narrated through various artifacts, but rather through the entire museum visit experience.

Trip Tip: After visiting these museums, you can try some local craft beers around. Don’t forget to buy pasalubong from the memorabilia stores as well!

4. Visita Iglesia

Being a seat of religious and political power during the Spanish colonization,  Intramuros is home to several grand churches that you would not want to miss out.

If you are up to Church hopping or which we refer to as Visita Iglesia, try visiting the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Catholic Church. Not only do they exude art, but also historical relevance. The Manila Cathedral managed to be merited by three Papal endorsements, while the San Agustin Church is said to be the oldest Philippine Church standing up to date. Fun Fact: This 2019, nine Intramuros chapels will be opened for the Holy Week to accommodate the 1 million expected tourists and visitors who will observe their Visita Iglesia.

5. Lit Interiors!

Intramuros is too IG-worthy not to try. Having stood the test of time, Intramuros homes mementos not only of historical significance, but also of aesthetic value. The buildings’ baroque design, ceilings, Castilian-like flooring, lights, and even their wood furniture sets would certainly leave anyone in awe.

Aside from the interiors of the buildings, there are also spots around the walled city that one has to see to complete their Intramuros trip, such as the ruins located at the bastion of Baluarte de San Diego.

Trip Tip: Be careful though, you may be too busy with your phones and cameras that you might fail to appreciate these things with your own eyes! Remember, digital photos may be deleted anytime, but images that are stuck in your mind may be kept forever.

There are countless reasons why you should try visiting Intramuros, and there are numerous ways, as well, to enjoy such a historic place. However, while such place should be enjoyed, always remember to be respectful in every place that you visit !

[japwelldone]

Crunch time for the young,wise, woke kids

With only three days remaining before the 2019 Midterm Elections, the Filipino Youth need only not to vote smart on May 13, but also need to double-time in convincing fellow youngsters to participate and make wise decisions in this year’s polls. As a generation known for our cramming skills, the time to double our efforts is now.

Just recently, several results of Mock Elections held in various universities around the Philippines have caught the attention of many online, and the results speak of how much effort should we still do as young voters to ensure that the Filipino youth will maximize their capability as catalysts of change this May 13.

The Filipino Millennials and Gen Z, tagged as temperamental brats, entitled people, and toxic woke kids, are now left again with a great challenge we have to collectively face—the challenge of choosing the right people for our country.  The stakes are high in the upcoming midterm elections as there is a great need for a truly independent senate that would not succumb into being a mere echo chamber of the administration. There is a necessity to have  public servants who would actually vow to defend the rights of the People. We are in desperate need of people who would protect the sovereignty and democracy of our country from the forces that try to steal it from us. We are in dire need of principled senators who would genuinely serve and champion the interests of the Filipino people.

The stakes are just too high. Too high that we cannot afford to lose votes of our fellow youth with our unnecessary antagonism, condescending tones, and sometimes, toxicity. Let us face it, the woke kids of today have the tendency to sound too condescending as we try to send our messages across. Now is not the time for that antagonism, because if there's one thing we can agree on, that would be the fact that antagonism will not win our candidates . Rather, we have to give our utmost dedication in engaging our fellow youth, convincing them why we need to vote smart, and making them realize that the voice of Filipino youth is needed more than ever.

But as young people, for sure we have lots of questions running in our heads.  

“Why us? Why are you putting too much pressure on the youth?”

Well, not that they put too much pressure on us, but we have to acknowledge that in every election, there is always strength in numbers. The participation of young voters is said to determine the outcomes of the upcoming 2019 elections since according to data of the Commission on Elections, 53. 2 % of the registered voters is comprised by both the Gen Z and Millennials.  To put it in figures, the Gen Z and Millennials are expected to deliver around 61.8 Million votes, including the young people born in mid 90s-2000s which comprise 18 million of the registered voters, enough to make some of the favorable candidates win.

“I’m not informed so I shouldn’t vote.”

There are lots of available information about the candidates online that can help you in making a list of people you would vote for. You can check their candidates’ respective facebook pages for some of their accomplishments, platforms, and other campaign materials. Some independent and non-partisan organizations have also posted series of materials that show the track records of the candidates, including their stances in various issues.

Here’s some that you might want to check out: Candidates Info by Youth For Human Rights and Democracy (Y4HRD) Stances on Issues by Ronald Gem Celestial (@ronaldgem on twitter)

“Why would I bother voting? It’s just one vote, it won’t make a difference anyway.”

Cliché as it may sound, but one vote matters. If not for yourself, vote for the farmers and fisherfolks whose concerns are not being addressed. Offer your vote for the women and LGBTQ+ who face issues of discrimination and oppression every single day in this patriarchal society. Cast your vote for the kids whose lives are in danger once the minimum age of criminal liability is lowered. Vote for the workers, who are not only victims of contractualization, but are also left with no choice but to work under poor conditions. Go out and vote for the people. Go out and vote for the nation. Because the election has always been more than about ourselves. It has always been more than us.

Few days left before the election, and the young Filipino voters are once again burdened by great expectations. As the “Pag-asa ng Bayan” or Hope of the motherland, we, the Filipino youth, need to fulfill the meaningful responsibility of voting. In doing so, not only do we need to arm ourselves with the right information, but also with the right perspective. In the remaining days before the elections, we will choose optimism over cynicism. We will choose to get off our chairs, and face the challenge of being the Pag-asa ng Bayan.

Stay pressed, our fellow young, wise, woke kids.

[japwelldone]

Family Hypertension

Published by Philippine Daily Inquirer on December 28, 2017

Two things irk me most during the holidays: waiting for my first-semester grades and attending the family reunions. One thing we are most excited about in reunions is the abundant food. As a college dormer, I don’t get to eat home-cooked food much, and the reunion is a rare time for me to be able to eat my favorite crispy pata. The fascination with this dish is a family thing, and is probably why most of us are hypertensive.

But apart from the unhealthy food, something else that drives a shy teenager like me to go “high blood” is when my relatives’ eyes turn to me and suddenly I become the center of attention in the gathering.

Just when I think I would have a respite from all the school exams, another set of difficult questions is directed at me, and asked by people that are as much a “terror” as my college professors — my uncles and aunts. As much as I want to hide from them, I can’t afford to do so because the pamasko (Christmas gift) I badly want is in their hands.

The family reunion is where I hear questions I am unprepared to answer. Such as: “When will you graduate?” As much as I want to claim that I will do so next year, an inner voice reminds me that the future is uncertain, and it is safest for me to include a “hopefully” disclaimer in my answer. But I should feel thankful that at least I don’t get to be asked questions like “Are you in a relationship?” or “When will you get married?” Yet.

The TV set in the living room is usually turned on during the family reunion because some background noise is needed to ease the awkwardness in the atmosphere. But the TV also serves as a good conversation starter among the family. With a news program airing while everyone is enjoying the meal, there will be someone sharing his or her unsolicited opinion on an event, followed by the question “And you? What is your say on this?” directed at me in a semicondescending manner.

Yes, the reunion is the annual debate cup of the family, where the winner gets to enjoy bragging rights and the loser has to endure being an inside joke for the next gathering.

It is also during the family reunion that I get to explain why I shared anti-(insert politician’s name here) posts on Facebook. My likely response: First of all, you don’t tell me what to do on my social media accounts.

While I may not be obliged to explain what I post, I guess it is a good opportunity to engage my uncles and aunts in a discussion where I can assert my principles. It is perhaps the perfect time to embrace my perceived identity as the kid with too many causes—ang batang masyadong maraming ipinaglalaban.  It’s tempting to tell my relatives that their stance against human rights is just unacceptable even if they are way older than me, but how will it end? It’s either I emerge victorious in bringing them to the enlightened side, or I go home a sore loser after getting reprimanded by my parents.

“You’re too young, you don’t know that much” is the worst thing one can hear in a heated argument. Cringe-worthy as it was, my face turned red and I got fuming mad when I first heard it. I came to realize that having progressive ideas in a highly conservative family is no joke. But the challenge lies in trying to share your ideas, even if it may cost your allowance, or your pamasko.

It’s difficult to be patient in trying situations like this, and one lesson that took me quite a while to learn is that compassion matters over condescension. Disagreement may arise in a family reunion, but it is the perfect platform to educate one another. And for me, the best gift I can give the people I love this Christmas is to enlighten them on my causes.

Argument, disagreement and conflict may take place due to our differences in principle and opinion on certain issues, but still there are things that bind us—our love for one another and, of course, the family hypertension.

[japwelldone]

Brighter hope for the Cordillera Watersheds

Published by Baguio Herald Express on July 18, 2018

BAGUIO CITY – It is believed that Indigenous Peoples have a spiritual connection to watersheds because ritual places are often in the headwaters. Some community stories narrate that sometime ago, children died of diarrhea because of flooding after logging, and communities attributed it to angering the spirits because trees were cut.

With the cordillerans’ close relationship with our nature and watersheds, it is not surprising that there unique indigenous practices in agriculture that are being employed by IPs in the Cordilleras. One example of it is Ifugao’s muyong or pinugo. From the muyong, the family or clan gets fuel, housing lumber, and nowadays, income The Ifugaos also claim the muyong is the best preventive measure against soil erosion. The muyong looks like a wild forest to the eye, but it is actually a well-managed resource.

According to one research, the size of a muyong ranges from a few hundred square meters to around five hectares. The size as well as its quality varies, depending on the size of the rice terrace or pond field of its owners. It is most often an area that used to be a farm, where the Ifugaos allow trees and other plant species to regenerate themselves. Afterwards, the area is cleared of weeds and other undesirable plant species that hamper the growth of the more important plant and tree varieties.

However, not anyone is allowed to enter a muyong.  The customary laws of the Ifugao open the cultivation of the muyong to clan members only owned, and only members of the said clan can access the resources from the muyong. Oftentimes, non-members of the clan are allowed to cut only branches of trees. But during times of need, like the death of a member of the village, access to lumber that is to be used to make the coffin of the deceased is granted.

While there are plenty of indigenous practices in the field of agriculture, the continuation of these practices is being challenged by the threat of deforestation. Forest Degradation in many parts of the world continues at a high pace, as a result of agricultural conversion, mining, and sometimes infrastructure development. These activities lead to pollution, water shortages, gradual loss of biodiversity, and environmental conflicts which pose threat to the capability of our forest landscapes to provide environmental goods and services that cater to basic human needs such as food security.

The 1.81 million-hectare Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) acts as the watershed cradle of the entire northern Luzon. Serving as a home for numerous Indigenous Peoples, there is a need to respond to the environmental problems the region faces because the protection of the forests and watersheds are integral to the welfare and the culture of the communities residing in it.

Aside from contributing resources such as timber and minor forest products to the wood-based industries, more importantly, the watersheds play important role to our Indigenous communities, making them more susceptible and exposed to the dangers that can be brought by the degradation of environmental resources.

Affected in the problem of our watershed are the agricultural practices, thus the practice of various communities of indigenous practices in sustainable farming. According to the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera (CDPC), there has already been initiatives that have been launched to support indigenous practices of our farmers in their agriculture, such as distribution of indigenous seeds, introduction of technologies that are appropriate for their situation, and their initiative for System for Rice Intensification (SRI) that educates farmers on how they would manage their seeds, soil, pests, and water. However, they emphasized that the entire agricultural livelihood needs the protection of the entire watershed of the Cordilleras.

As a manifestation of indigenous creativity in agriculture, a group of farmers termed a technology which they use in plowing their lands as “kuliglette” or a mini kuliglig which they use in their farming practice, a version of micro tiller which is more appropriate in terrace farming.

On the other hand, the local government offices have also not lacked in proposing various initiatives, campaigns and programs that they deem as a response to the entire environmental situation of the region.

In 2017 State of the Region report of Mayor Mauricio Domogan, he highlighted that  there are 174,056 hectares of reforested areas in the region., showing proof that the reforestation activities led by the government has resulted to an increase in the forest cover in CAR.

Despite these current moves, Rhoda Dalang of CDPC, said that there is a great need to consider the Indigenous Peoples in every step of the way that are being taken by the government and various groups in their attempt to solve the problems in our watershed. This is because that some of the introduced greening projects such as the introduction of foreign seedlings, and even introduction of modern renewable energy systems, are not exactly appropriate to the situation of the Indigenous peoples in a specific area. Not only does these cause problems in the water sources for their farms, but sometimes causes displacement of indigenous peoples from their “Ilis” as well.

Dalang said that the Natural resource management of indigenous communities are based from the “Ili” or the Ancestral domains, as termed by the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA).  The communities within the Ili share the responsibility and burden to take care of the water system, because water sources play detrimental roles in their agricultural practices.

“It is in the Ili where we fight for our right to self-determination in protection, access, and control of our natural resources which is tied to our survival. Anything that will affect that, will also affect our survival, but all the more, it will affect the management, conservation, and protection of our natural resources.” she said.

On the other hand, the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) stated that the vanishing forest cover in the Cordillera should also be seen historically. According to a statement they released before, this environmental problem did not happen overnight because in Benguet alone, corporate mining has denuded forests in Itogon; Baguio, Tuba and Tublay.

Last April 2018, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Director Ralph Pablo noted that their action points for forest and watershed management and protection include the continuation of the enhanced national greening program, forest management program and the integrated natural resources and environmental management program.

Also, heeding the concerns of Indigenous groups, the DENR started an initiative that would hopefully resolve the issues of Indigenous Peoples with the currently developed greening projects—the Sustainable Traditional Indigenous Forest Management System and Practices (STIFMSP).

The STIFMSP aims to record the indigenous practices of every group, and will be eventually recognized so that the IPs will eventually be managing their own forests in their own indigenous methods. The process, however, includes the Municipalities’ recognition of these practices first, along with land area’s Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT).

According to Dancio P. Martinez, Chief, PAFCS, Forester III, this will be better because this will give authority to the Indigenous groups to take care and administer of the environment. However he emphasized that there is still a possibility that these areas would be abused, thus the need for DENR’s supervision of the areas.

The said program will document the indigenous practices of groups, and will draft appropriate measures and punishments to those will do things that are beyond the documented practices, however, the forester doubt that these indigenous peoples will break their own rules and destroy the watersheds they manage.

Although this has started to be developed in 2008, there are only four recognized places with STIFMSP practices today, namely Tadian, Sagada, Besao,and Asipulo, and they’re still convincing other municipalities to start documenting their indigenous practices. However, Martinez explained that this number is due to the tedious process before the indigenous practices of a place is recognized.

“Ang kailangan nating tutukan ay ang ating mga stakeholders, ang mga IPs. Let’s give them livelihood, mai-employ natin sila into agriculture para ma-encourage sila. Kasi sa huli tayo at kasama sila rin ang maka-kawawa pag di natin naalagan ang watersheds natin” he said.

Advocating for the restoration of our environmental resources is one; keeping in mind the welfare of our Indigenous peoples is another. If there are people who are being greatly affected by the degradation of our environment, it would be the local indigenous communities. How can the rich agriculture traditions of the Cordillera such as the muyong develop and prosper when there’s no more space for trees to be planted? How can our farmers continue to develop technologies like the ‘kuliglette’ if here will be no more land to till for their crops?

Hopefully the STIFMSP not only serves as a compromise, but rather serves as a measure that will connect the plight of the Indigenous Peoples to the goal of restoring the watershed of the Cordillera. Its implementation and genuine acknowledgement of Indigenous practices and methods in agriculture will bring the Indigenous people into a situation where in they will not be deemed as people who abuse environmental resources, but rather people who help in nurturing the richness of the Cordillera region.

“May pag-asa.”

This was how Forester Martinez described what is in store for the Cordillera watershed. With the government’s conduct of projects that would help the Cordillera restore its watersheds, while at the same time recognizing the essential role of the Indigenous Peoples in our region and keeping their welfare in mind, for sure there is hope in the Cordillera and its environmental resources.

By JAPHETH G. TOBIAS

[japwelldone]

Cordillera Militant groups had own SONA

Published by Baguio Herald Express on July 27, 2018

BAGUIO CITY – As President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23, 2018, militant groups in Cordillera prepared for a series of activities meant to highlight the ‘real’ state of the People under the Duterte administration.

For the past weeks in the month of July, militant groups launched “Black Friday” protests as a show of dissent to the latest policies and happenings under Duterte’s presidency. Among their calls were the junking of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, and to uphold and protect Human Rights.

Several students brought their placards and took their seats in the Malcolm Square during the “Protestambay” they organized last July 13 in response to the ongoing Metro Manila campaign called Rid the Streets of Drunkards and Youths or OPLAN RODY, after this campaign got the support of Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

Last July 16, 2018, members of different denominations from Northern Luzon gathered at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Baguio Educational Center for the Bible in Context Workshop wherein organization Youth Act Now Against Tyranny (YANAT) Baguio-Benguet discussed updates on the national situation.

On the other hand, spearheaded by Kabataan Partylist- Cordillera and Cordilleran Youth Center, Inc, a public forum called State of the Youth Address (SOYA) which was held on July 21 at the Igorot Park, Baguio City.

“This year’s SOYA is a public forum and exhibit that will tackle the current condition of the youth and students in Metro Baguio and the Cordillera. Highlighting the most controversial and burning issues among ranks like the free education, K-12 program, and human rights” the organizations wrote online.

Congresswoman Sarah Jane Elago, representative of Kabataan Partylist in the 17th Congress, will be in the said event to deliver the State of the Youth Address, and to invite participants for a bigger forum and mobilization for the SONA ti Umili or the People’s SONA.

The SONA ti Umili is a part of the nationwide SONA protest actions that was held on July 23, and attended by different groups in the region to highlight their calls versus the current administration.

[japwelldone]

Team Lakay eyes 3 int’l awards

Published by Baguio Herald Express on July 11, 2018 Fighters from Team Lakay eyes three international awards after making it to the list of nominees for the 2018 Asia Mixed Martial Arts Awards which will take place on September 14 at the PMQ Ballroom in Hongkong.

Nominated in this year’s awards and currently leading the poll for the category “Best Walkout of the Year” is the remarkable walkout entrance of Kevin Belingon wherein he was joined by Ikiangan performers in their indigenous attires in gracing their way towards the cage before dominating his opponent Andrew Leone last April 20.

The Kevin Belingon’s “Ifugao Tribe” walkout earned the admiration of many as this has highlighted how the native Ifugao fighter is proud of his roots.

Also nominated for the 2018 MMA Awards is Baguio pride’s Team Lakay, and is currently leading over its co-nominees Tiger Muay Thai & MMA of Thailand and Evolve MMA of Singapore in the “Gym of the Year” category.

Meanwhile, Mark “The Machine” Sangiao, the head coach of Team Lakay, is nominated for the “Head Coach of the Year” award and currently leading the poll with a great margin, while Thailand’s George Hickman places second.

In an interview with Herald Express, Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao stated that they are very happy to be nominated in various categories at the Asia MMA Awards and it is their hope that Philippines will get all the top-most rankings home.

“I believe that our outstanding track record carried us to these nominations we have now. These credits are   the upshots of our years of sacrifices, uphill battles and our enduring passion for MMA…. and still, we are. Our cruise continuous.” he added.

The shortlists of nominees were consulted with industry specialists and journalists whose judgments were based from the fighters’ notable performances on events and bouts that happened between May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2018.

[japwelldone]

Cordillera farmers reap awards

Published by Baguio Herald Express on July 12, 2018 Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Office Cordillera (DA-RFO-CAR) recognized Cordilleran farmers for their contributions in the development of agriculture and fishery industries of the region last June 29 at the Crown Legacy, Baguio City.

Eight well-performing agricultural performers were awarded in the 2018 Regional Gawad Saka Search, while seven organic agriculture achievers were recognized for being able to make it to the national level of the National Organic Agriculture Achievers’ Award (NOAAA).

Farmers from Mountain Province get 3 awards as The Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Mountain Province gets the award for the Outstanding PAFC in the region, while St. Williams Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) of Paracelis claims the Outstanding Small Farmer and Fisher folks Organization, and the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) of Bauko received the region’s outstanding MAFC award.

Bantay Rural Improvement Club of Tabuk City clinched the Outstanding Rural Improvement Club award while Honorio Clemencia was hailed as the Outstanding Rice Farmer Adopting Integrated Rice-Based Farming System.

Awardees from La Trinidad were Romeo Kimbungan who received the Oustanding Agri Entreprenuer award, and Rogel Marsan who got the Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer for the province of Benguet, while the award for Outstanding Fisherfolk was received by the Apayao lone awardee, Renier Bilan Sr.

On the other hand, the DA-RFO-CAR also recognized the seven national finalists for the National Organic Agriculture Achievers’ Award.

Shiela Maie Butic (Outstanding Agriculture Extension Worker) is the only one from Ifugao to make it to the National level selection.

The other six national finalists came from Benguet, namely the MLGU Tublay (Outstanding Municipality), Teresita Guevarra of La Trinidad (Outstanding Provincial Focal Person) Berto Bayeng from Itogon (Oustanding Municipal Focal Person), Tublay Organic Practitioners Association Inc.(Outstanding Farmer’s Group), Jose Sacley Family from Atok (Outstanding Organic Farming Family), and Romeo Kimbungan from Tuba (Outstanding Small Farmer).

The Gawad Saka honors the achievements and contributions of individuals, organizations and local government units in the agricultural sector since it started in 1970 in partnership with the National Food and Agricultural Council (NFAC) and the Philippine Jaycees.

[japwelldone]

Volunteers tapped for Cordi Regional Dev’t Plan

BAGUIO CITY – Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) along with the National Economic Development Authority-CAR (NEDA-CAR) challenged volunteers from the region to take part in the fulfilment of the Cordillera Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 and the AmBisyon Natin 2040 vision during the Forum on Volunteers organized in Baguio, July 5.

The Cordillera Regional Development Plan (CRDP) 2017-2022 is a comprehensive medium-term plan that is anchored on the long-term vision of the AmBisyon Natin 2040 Philippine Development Plan, which envisions a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay” for all Filipinos by the year 2040.

Six Regional Development Goals are named in the CRDP– Social and Human development, Sustained economic growth, Environmental Quality and sustainable use of resources, Cultural integrity and Cultural Identity, Regional integration, and Regional autonomy.

The CRDP, which has the three pillars of “Malasakit, Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad,” has strategies that will serve as the action plan of Local Government Units and wire agencies to attain the AmBisyon 2040.

Ms. Antonette Anaban, Senior Economic Development Specialist of the Policy Formulation and Planning Division of NEDA-CAR, mentioned some of the strategies that has to be implemented in the region to attain the visions of the said comprehensive plan.

Some of the strategies mentioned are: Full implementation of local anti-criminality action plans, Fast-track completion of Cordillera Roads Improvement Project (CRIP), Improvement of LGU competitiveness, Push for increase in the region’s share in the National Budget, Advocate full recognition of Indigenous Justice Systems, and Making health services accessible.

Considering the comprehensive experiences of volunteers in CAR, PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera said the forum will serve as an appropriate venue for the different sectors to discuss substantial volunteering strategies to sustain the government and private sector efforts in regional development.

Around 60 people from the region participated in the discussion and workshops that took place in the said forum.

“By 2040, the Philippines shall be a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor. Our peoples will enjoy long and healthy lives, are smart and innovative, and will live in a high-trust society” This was the stated vision of the Filipinos for the country according to NEDA’s long-term comprehensive plan.

AmBisyon Natin 2040 is a 25-year vision having the goals to lay down the foundation for “inclusive growth, a high-trust and resilient society, and a globally-competitive knowledge economy.”

According to the data provided by NEDA, by 2040, majority of Filipinos aspire for a simple and comfortable life (79%), followed by a smaller segment of the population who want an affluent life (16.9%) while a very small portion aspires for the life of the rich (3.9%).

All future Philippine development plans to be implemented until 2040 will be anchored on AmBisyon Natin 2040 plan to ensure that government strategies, programs and projects will be sustainable and consistent across political administrations.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order on 11 October 2016 adopting the 25-year long-term vision for the country.

Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2018 Meanwhile, Kenneth C. Siruelo from the PNVSCA invited the participants to send in nominations for the 2018 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV).

The SOV aims to highlight the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in helping people and communities, and recognize the role of volunteerism in development and nation-building.

Filipino Volunteers are acknowledged by the law as enshrined in the RA 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007 which is an act institutionalizing a strategy for Rural Development, Strenghtening Volunteerism, and for other purposes. 

[japwelldone]

Daughter-Dad combo: Shooting two birds at the same time

Published by Baguio Herald Express on July 17, 2018 The archery range is just another extension of the Villamor’s Residence as Charmaine Villamor and her father Andy takes their daughter-father relationship into a serious archer-coach relationship during their intense trainings.

Without a doubt, this Cordilleran archer already started shooting her way to fame in the world of sports having earned gold medals in the 40, 50, 60 meters and the single FITA during the Palarong Pambansa 2017, and finishing fourth with her teammates in the World Youth Championships.

However, behind every gold hit by the arrows of the Cordilleran Archery Champion, the younger Villamor has the all-out support of her dad, who also happens to be her coach. After being able to bag numerous medals from various archery games, be it local or international competitions, Charmaine would always look up to her father for coaching her and supporting her in every step she takes in her journey in the field of archery.

Before being one of the top young archers in the Philippines, Charmaine’s interest in the said sporting activity just started when she saw her brother play his bow and arrow, sparking the little sister’s fascination and interest in the game of Archery. At that very moment, Andy did not hesitate to encourage Charmaine to pick her bow and arrows up and pursue this interest of hers in the game.

Even before Charmaine’s interest in archery began, Andy already showed how supportive of a father he is when he also took the time to learn the game the same time when his elder son started playing the said sport.

“Actually parang nabigla lang ako when we had our tour at the athletic bowl. Nagjo-jog kami sa oval, at may nakita siyang naga-archery, sabi niya ‘Dad yan ang gusto kong sports’ and since nag decide siya ng ganoon. As a father, kailangan ko ring matutunan ang archery para ma-support ko yung kaniyang desire na maging archer” Andy recalled.

Andy admitted that he takes it seriously with Charmaine when it comes to their training. According to him, their father-daughter relationship happens inside their home, and during breaks, but when it comes to tournaments and trainings, it is more of a serious athlete-coach training.

For Charmaine, her dad’s image to her is “tatay na coach”. A “tatay” because in tournaments, the kind of support Andy shows to her is the kind of support that only a father can give; and at the same time a “coach” because he instills discipline to her and reminds her how important it is not to lose focus in the game.

According to Charmaine, there are plenty of things she have learned from her father inside the archery arena that she do not get to see inside their home, such as how her dad handles pressure. In times of competitions, it is natural for a coach to be nervous for his trainee every time the athlete enters the playing field. With this, of course there is more reason for Andy to be more nervous because not only is he the coach, but also the parent of the athlete.

The two of them admit that having or being a parent coach is as good as how challenging it could be. As they said, there are instances that there will be conflicts between the two sides and there are times that one does not take seriously the other, but later on, they will still both agree that they have to respect each other not only as a father and daughter, but also as a coach and a trainee. However, they still emphasized that playing the same sports together help them nurture their filial relationship.

The dad-daughter combo is like hitting two birds at the same time, wherein strengthening family bond and winning archery competitions are being achieved with a single stone, which is the engagement in sporting activities.

Just like how an arrow is being directed by the archer, the parent of a child should always support and direct their child in whatever sporting activity he or she chooses. As said by Andy, It is not only that you would buy the children the necessary equipment they need, but more than that is the parents’ actual attention and interest in the sport their children are playing.

While other athletes only see their parents’ presence in their respective games as an additional contributor of pressure in the arena, Charmaine sees her father-coach as an inspiration in every arrow she shoots. With the strong coach-athlete relationship of the Villamors, built on the foundation of a father-daughter bond, it is no doubt that these two Cordillerans will someday dominate the world archery rankings with their arrows and unwavering support to each other.

[japwelldone]

Looking back: Cordillera before and its blooming economy today

Published by Baguio Herald Express on July 22, 2018 While the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is known for its topography, culture and tradition, what is less familiar to everyone is how the entire region performs strongly when it comes to economy.

For 2017, the Philippine Gross Domestic Product for 2017 marked a 6.7%  growth across the country while all 17 regions in the country posted positive growth, CAR economy growth is noticeably the fastest. On May 2018, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Director Villafe Allibuyog, in a media forum, emphasized that the CAR is the fastest growing economy among all regions with its current 12.1% economic growth. It is also the first double digit growth for CAR since the 10.8 % growth of the region recorded in 2000.

Leading the growth is the industry sector, having contributed 52.1% with a little over 80 billion pesos, wherein 66.28 billion pesos came from manufacturing. Followed by the Service sector at 39.6 % with 60.7 billion pesos, while the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) contributed only 12.69 billion pesos or 8.3 % of the said growth.

Looking back 10 years ago, industry sectors domination in the economy of the region is already not a new thing for CAR. Data from 2008 shoes that the regional economy is largely industry fed wherein the industry sector contributed 18.78 billion pesos or 61 percent to the total gross regional domestic product of CAR. The GRDP contribution of the services sector and the agriculture, fishery and forestry sector stood at 24 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

In 2007, the vegetable industry of Benguet has the best potential to contribute to the local economic growth of the province. The major production areas are Buguias, Mankayan, Kibungan; Atok; and Kabayan., leading Benguet’s consistent increase in its vegetable production from 561,765.52 metric tons to 701,175.58.

For Apayao, in 2007, the potential for agriculture industry is steadily growing with the emergence of agri-support facilities in the province. The establishment of the Apayao Corn Post Harvest Processing Center in the Municipality of Sta. Marcela and the Food Processing Center in Sta. Filomena, Calanasan provides provided a big boost to the agricultural industry in the province. Likewise, the massive expansion of irrigation coverage to areas with high potential for agri-production has been in a solid ground providing a steady contribution to the overall provincial economic performance

On the other hand, Abra in 2005 considered agriculture, fishery, forestry sector as high potential sectors for the growth of their provincial economy. Unknown to many, Abra has the competitive edge in the production of permanent crops where the province produced the highest of production compared to other CAR provinces. Permanent crops like mango, banana, cacao and coffee if processed provide additional value thus, generating more employment and income in the province. Interestingly, the province is one of the major producers of tobacco in the northern Luzon and such products if processed will add value rather than exporting it as raw materials.

Ifugao, meanwhile, saw its economy in the late 2000s as an economy propelled by the agriculture activities. The municipal products of Ifugao are indeed agricultural in nature, reflective of the main economic activity in the area. The agriculture sector is exposed to the demands of a big market here and abroad. The LGUs identified the municipal “One-Town-One-Products” (OTOP) with Tilapia as the Provincial Ifugao OTOP product. These OTOP projects, if grouped together, will make up the basic food groups. There are the go food products of Banaue, Hingyon and Alfonso Lista such as tinawon rice, grains, particularly corn and rice, and rootcrops. There are also the grow food of Lamut, Hungduan and Hingyon such as tilapia and loach (dojo) and vegetables, the glow food of Tinoc. Interestingly, Aguinaldo and Mayoyao had enrolled banana as their OTOP while Asipulo and Lagawe, the capital town have enrolled coffee.

However, for Kalinga’s report submitted in 2005, the coverage of their crop protection program is said to be limited to rice and for interested and capable farmers. Given this situation, the province crop sector in Kalinga is generally moderately vulnerable to hazards and climate change impacts.

Looking back at the reports provided by some of Cordillera’s province, it only gets to show that agriculture plays a very essential role in the cordillera region and its peoples, and while its commendable to see the economic growth of the Cordillera giving much highlight to the contribution of the industry and service sectors, it also leads people to reflect on how the agricultural sector of the region still need to be revived and developed. In the uplands, agriculture has always been practiced by the communities residing in it, however their practice of agriculture is always exposed to several threats due to several proposed creation of infrastructures rooted to the aspiration for development.

Blessed with rich and vast natural resources, Cordillera’s land, waters and mineral deposits continue to sustain the life of its people. These resources likewise contribute and continue to do so in no small measure to the growth of the national economy. At times, though, these resources have been exploited in disregard of the rights of its people and the environment, thus why economy and the lives of the people should bloom at the same time without leaving one behind.

The goal of every economic growth is to trickle down its developments in terms of figures or numbers to actual improvement and the betterment of the lives of the people. While there are numerous improvements in the economy of the region, while there are recent developments in the service and industry sectors of the region, the region’s development should not leave behind the primary economic activity of many of its people—the Agriculture. Thus, the economic growth that the Cordillerans need is a growth that will always acknowledge the welfare of its people.

For the past 10 years, the region has not only made baby steps towards regional development, but rather made huge leaps towards the continuous bloom of the region’s economy. With the continuous support of each cordilleran to its region’s cultures, traditions, and development programs, it is highly doubtful that the region’s continuous economic growth will not be sustained.