Kalinga the land of the Brave

Mountaineering is not summiting in the Philippines

2010-01-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

I Should have thought the same thing when I was a child

We are playing along the Tanudan river together with my friends when suddenly two American linguist appears from nowhere. It was our first time to see such white and tall guy with their big back packs and bright colored clothing a far contrast to us. We only had a shirt partly covering our body. Our penis swings in motion as we tried to jump along the river.We become a tail to this American linguist hoping they will give us some goods, money etc. We are amazed with their gadgets such as stoves, flashlights and two way radios.

Remembering from the past, mountaineering is not summiting. It has a broad sense of understanding. When I was a child, the mountains are my playgrounds. I was thought traditionally to care for the mountains, my playgrounds. Today that I am being exposed on the outside world, I have conflicting ideas on the implementation of their theoretical ideas with regards to the environment, we can’t impose our own modern solution or it will fail, what we need is to harness their traditional method. Anyway I will not waste my time discussing on environmental issues, I’d rather concentrate on mountaineering.

Hi-tech gadgets or fancy expensive clothes doesn’t define you as a true mountaineer. I’ve been to the mountains with only a bolo during my childhood and I am very happy with that. My fantastic goal of equipping myself with all available gadgets in the market makes me more sad. Today I realized how wrong I was, I am still longing for the enjoyment I had before, interacting with what nature has to offer as long as we are not depleting it.

Being hardcore among hardcores is not a pride or a prestige after all, Mountaineers are not define by their physical strength, we are defined by our emotional strength and the spirit that guides us in the mountains. I also believed before that my physical strength and the difficulty of the mountains that I will climb will define who am I, again “How wrong I was”

One thing important, in November 2008, I met Mr Jhong Navaro and Ms. Kely Austria, they claimed to be mountaineers but my rush judgement of treating them a mountaineer according to my observation is “How can these two guys claimed to be a mountaineers while in fact I questioned their physical capability to climb mountains” They laid their plans accordingly, an outreach mission in Lubo Tanudan Kalinga . During the day of the outreach, our truck broke down along the way. We have another truck behind us but I ordered everybody to walk, to test their physical strength. YES I was so rude during those time triggered by my ego that a mountaineer possess such extra ordinary physical strength, again!! How wrong I was!!!! This group TRAILS TO EMPOWER KIDS was motivated by their will to help unprivileged children on villages, they will sacrifice whatever they have just to reach their precious destination, and they will walk along rugged terrain just to share the true spirit of mountaineering. Today I strongly believed that “MOUNTAINEERING IS GIVING JOY AND HOPES TO THE TRIBES WHO CARES FOR THE MOUNTAIN THAT WE ALWAYS WANTED TO CLIMB, WITHOUT THEM WE HAVE NO JOY ON THE SUMMIT ITSELF”..yes I was once before a child in the tribe looking at the window with these mountaineers passing by going to my playground..I was awakened by TREK, the main objective is not the summit, but the people behind the summit.Physical strength is secondary to the heart. I have been in rigorous training when I was a cadet in PMA, but emo is more powerful.

Also with SAGKA-EARIST who opens the door for mountaineering exploration for KMS, without them I have no connection with the outside world..My status today doesn’t seem to reflect or makes people believed that I lived in a TRIBE..I am seven days old when I started my mountaineering journey,,see my previous blog http://kalingatambayan.multiply.com/journal/item/29/The_Sudden_Departure_Revisiting_it_through_Mountaineering_PART_1

"The Sudden Departure" Revisiting it through Mountaineering PART 1

2009-12-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

Reminiscing from my past i came across an old magazine written by my mother during the summer institute of linguistics 1985. I know very well my story but the mountains i have been climbing from the past two years is the actual journey of my past life. I am 8 days old when they carried me in a sudden escape through the rugged mountains of Mt. Gimma, Mt. Kokok, Mt Alli, Mt. Tangob and Basecamp Mt. Patukan,I have some related articles entitled "FIVE BABY SUMMIT IN TRIBAL WAR TIMES".and, "A THREE DAY ESCAPE FROM DEATH" here is the original version of the story written in Lubo language with illustration and an english summary http://www.sil.org/asia/philippines/lit/kgh_Kattute_Awid_ya_da_udume_ur-ullit.pdf
.. Here is my mother account on my story.

The Sudden Departure
It was 8 in the morning on August 26,1982 at our house at Bulanao Tabuk Kalinga-Apayao when suddenly a group of young men from our tribe arrived while we are having our breakfast. They are in full battle gear informing us that they killed a certain man from ***** as revenged to our relatives who have been fatally wounded in Batong-buhay gold mines by a certain member of the ******* tribe.
During that morning we celebrated a Kalinga traditional ceremony called “Kontad” The Birth of the Child-
The birth of the child means the foundation of a real family life. It is the primary aspiration of Kalinga marriage and without it the marriage bond shall eventually undergo a very sad dissolution. As soon as the monthly flow of young married woman ceases, which means the beginning of conception, the house of the couple is closed to friends, relatives, and neighbors. The couple are forbidden to go to tabooed places such as marches, caves, known haunted forests, lagoons and springs believed to be the abodes of the "Paniyao" or evil spirits opposed to the birth of children. The diet of a pregnant woman is carefully prescribed. Morbid cravings are promptly attended to. Eating dark colored fruits which may cause unpleasant discoloration on the skin of the expected infant, must be avoided. All kinds of meats coming from animals butchered for funeral wakes are also tabooed for pregnant woman.
The birth of the child is announced with joyful ceremonies. Early in the next morning after the birth of the baby the grandfather or any elder in the clan goes to the main entrance of the village, any conspicous spot, shouting that the baby is born. The after birth is carefully collected, wraped in clean cloth and secretly buried. The younger mother goes to the spring early the next morning to clean herself. All along the way she scatters ashes to drive evil spirits who might smell her and lick her. On her way back home she does the same thing to repel these evil ones from following her home to do harm to her baby. Upon her return she is given soft rive and plenty of chicken broth to hasten her lactation. On the first or second day following the birth of an infant, the mandadawak is called upon to start the preliminary offerings to kabunyan and other lesser dieties overseeing the welfare and destiny of man. The kind and size of the animal offered is determined by the status of the deity concerned. The offering are repeated at intervals during the first six months. Ordinarily ten pigs and ten chickens of varying sizes are offered. The sacrificial animals are offered to appease the deities in order that they may protect the newborn child. During the entire period of sacrificial offerings called the "Kontad" or "Gabbok". When the time's finally decided to bring the baby to the river or nearby creek for the first time, A ceremony "Dupdupit" "Dupit" (means river bank) is performed.
The men who participated in the killing ate the food that we had butchered for the ceremony of the kontad which is not supposed to be because; it is a taboo among the Kalingas. After breakfast, my father heard some of the men saying "Moormot pay de utting nu te kinanni Kontad na ." “Your son in the future may lead some bloody headhunting expedition, because we ate his kontad.” Upon hearing these words, my father ordered us to pack all our belongings for evacuation to our native village in Lubo Tanudan Kalinga which is located approximately 28km from our house in Bulanao Tabuk Kalinga Philippines and it is only accessible 6km by jeep and a three day journey by foot in the rugged mountain of Tanudan Kalinga.
I have second thoughts of leaving the house because am too weak to walk, I just gave birth to our fourth child, our first born son. Despite all the pleadings I was forced to pack all our baggage because of fear that the other tribe will kill us.Due to the fact that during that time, the traditional rule applies “An eye for an Eye, A tooth for a Tooth.”
Suddenly the rented jeep arrived from Dagupan Kalinga to fetch us. I am trembling with fear because I heard some men saying that we should be vigilant and alert because we are imminent for any ambush on our way. Am too confused and exhausted thinking of my whole family and my newly born son. My husband too, fears the threat and he suggested to our companions to get some military escort from the barracks. The Constabulary commander then gave us two military escorts.
After about 10min from our journey the jeep broke down due to heavy mud caused by the constant rain. We are forced to abandon the jeep on the road. I don’t know what to do, we have a lot of baggage and no one would carry them. My brother in law and my husband’s cousin have to improvise ways to carry some if not all of our belongings. They cut some bamboos and tie our baggages on both ends. My husband too have a lot of baggage to carry. My 5 year old eldest daughter Gladys and 4 year old Heidi have to walk on their own. My 1 year old daughter is carried by my cousin “Illin”. With the muddy and rugged terrain, my in laws have to carry my daughters until the terrain becomes accessible for a child at their age. My son keeps on crying all the way, thanks for my relative Susan who carries him because I am too weak to walk.
On flat terrains my daughters always ask their uncles if we are already near the village, they always answer “Behind those mountains, we are near” but in reality it takes a three day journey by foot. “Amod pagay angiknaanni te lubok” “We feel torn down because the terrain is too muddy to bear.”
At noon we arrive, at Cogawe Tabuk Kalinga. We stayed at our relatives from Lubuagan Kalinga name Damgay. She cooked for us because we forgot our pack lunch at Bulanao . When the food is ready “Isuni pagay da angtan kanda aran we mangan” we are like ghost or aliens who didn’t eat for a long time”.
I thought we will continue our journey after lunch, but due to heavy rains we are forced to stay in their house. In the evening, it’s been a sleepless night due to fear of being ambush. My in laws, my husband, my relatives and my tribes mate are always awake during the night, in order to ensure our safety. But me too trembles with fear when I saw their guns, I am afraid that accidents may occur.
During that night, I am praying to God all the time, my son is suffering from fever. I am thinking to go back to Bulanao in order for doctors to diagnose my son, while my relative Dammay is very busy doing the traditional method of healing “Bagasibas” .(Bagasibas is a traditional healing composed of indigenous herbal medicine with some orations.)
Early morning we ate our breakfast and started our trekking. I know god answers my prayer because Nathaniel my baby is alright. Each of us carries his /her own baggage while the men who are already overloaded carries their gun. I am always suffering from fear because I can see my daughters being carried by the men with their guns. I am always praying to god to protect them from accidents. We are like guerillas on the trail, when we see some people approaching us on our way, we have to hide in ravines thinking they were the enemies until proper identification or any signal for us to show up, because we are very afraid.
The only consolation for my daughters, Gladys, Heidi, and Genevieve are the guavas along the trail, it boost their moral to keep going. When we reached Barangay Se-et, Tanudan Kalinga. Gladys keeps on talking that she is very proud that she can walk as easy as that, not knowing that we are approaching the worst of all the terrains. My daughter keeps on saying “yeah I can walk even it’s too far”.I am happy to hear that from my daughter but my teary eye is always pouring because my daughters are innocent of the challenges that we will be approaching..
Along the way, we met some strangers who are very curious about us especially my newly born son, they don’t know that we are escaping from a tribal conflict. At around 6pm we finally reached Barangay Se-et in Tanudan and we have to spend the night at the house of one of our relatives “Wannag”. Then suddenly some people from our tribe arrive to escort us.
Early morning I have to be carried out with a blanket attached to each end of a bamboo pole because I am already too weak to walk, and the rain is pouring heavily. My husband cousin’s Susan, carried my son. We arrived at a river and I am very afraid because the water level is almost above the waistline and the current is too strong. I am very worried for the two men carrying me because I am afraid we will be wash away by the strong current. I am also thinking for my son and my daughters.It is only when I am being informed that all of us cross the river safely that I have to take a deep breath.
We continued our journey assaulting steep and rugged terrains with dozens of leeches along the way that sucks blood from us. Every minute I am always praying to god. I feel dizzy because the blanket attached to the bamboo kept on swinging. When we reach flat terrains, that’s the time I can feel better. The guys carrying me are running, they keep on insisting that we have to move fast to avoid the other river from raising. When we reached “Alli” (A certain place along the road above Tatakkan) as if that all odds are against us. A sudden rain occurred Just like a hurricane that poured so much volume of rain and the wind is so strong, it is very cold and I am suffering from hypothermia. I can’t do anything but to pray. We have umbrellas but they are ineffective being blown by the strong wind. My husband have to provide plastic bags for cover. I just can’t imagine the ordeals, my son and my daughters are experiencing.
When we arrived at the river, they brought me down from the “Bulig”(Blanket attached to a bamboo pole). I have to breastfeed my baby because he is crying all the time, and my three daughters are crying begging for food because they are all hungry. When I saw my son, he is turning pale; his skin is turning into white. I am confused of what is happening. I breastfed him while an old woman is chanting some traditional practices to drive bad spirits from the baby.Others are very busy crossing the river carrying our baggages.
I was shocked when I saw the river, it is very muddy and the current is very strong. I have already accepted defeat that this may already an end given by god.
Everyone refuses to carry my son to the other side of the river, they only carry my daughters. I heard them saying “Amod makalipsanan ta kappos” (It’s too much we are afraid we will both be wash away by the rapids carrying a baby.)..When I saw Gladys, heidi and Genevieve at the other side of the river, I am half happy still thinking of my son, my only son at that time.
Then suddenly as if God heard my prayers, some people from our tribe came to the rescue with a rope and an interior of a tire. They tied me first on the interior then tied a rope in both ends of the river they pulled me up. Everybody wants my husband to carry my son, but when I saw my husband he is trembling with fear..The only person left at the other side of the Tanudan river is my husband and my son.I just close my eyes when they begun to cross the river, the rapids are eating them, my son was covered with blanket. Suddenly I heard some cheers saying “Ingadan tako pagungupong te utting te dinormang na dinakor” ( We will call the child PAGUNGUPUNG because he was carried across big waves and rapids )When I took the baby out of his
blanket I discovered that he had been
Carried across the river with his feet
Higher that his head. The old women said
That the baby should be called 'Pagungupung'
Because he was carried across the river when
I it was very high. They were all very
Thankful to have arrived home safely.

My love with "LOWE ALPINE"

2009-10-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Am sad dahil wala palang license distributor ng Lowe alpine dito sa pinas, even Malaysia kung saan my Kota Kinabalu....

I am being in love with this bag before, eto yung una nilang niregalo before i started my mountaineering journey.. until now i am using my old and veteran lowe alpine bag which was given to me as a gift from the US...still my favorite despite some branded bags from TNF or etc.. i love the suspension and comfortably of my old retiring bag Lowe...

I have seen a lot of Lowe alpine in Baguio wagwagan but they are all imitations..not only lowe but even other brands such as TNF and columbia..mga gawang china hehehe..

wala lang..wala lang din kasi magawa at maisulat hehehe

Over emotion acting with Cory?

2009-08-06T08:07:00.001-07:00

Since the past week when the Late President CORRY AQUINO have been the frontpage and airwaves sensation OVER newspapers,television,radio and the net, I am now beginning to question the real intentions and stupidity of those who are over reacting trying hard to be emotionally affected while in fact they have their own agendas, here are some topics i want to digest;

WHAT IF CORY DIED AFTER 2010 ELECTION?
1. A lot of looser politicians will surely not attend the funeral or might even speak and criticized the former president, but since she (Cory) died before election, we see a lot of appreciation from former allies and critics of Aquino before..
2. They can no longer use the crowds for public appearance...or it might even be, their are no crowds after all..
3. The only people who will attend the wake are the sincere ones and true friends, allies, and the masses who sincerely supported both ninoy and cory.

Many of are fellow Filipinos are pushing some sort of things as follows;

CORY to become a national hero?

yes, regardless of status in life ,every single person who did something good for the country is a hero..but for my own opinion, CORY is very brave enough to fight against a wall (MARCOS)..and yes am not against it, By Ninoy through Cory we have restored democracy...

CORY to be paired with Ninoy in a Philippine Peso Bill?

Yes no big deal with that.Just a matter of remembering Cory who once stood 7 coup detat, and in recognition of his contribution to the country..

CORY to be honored as the best Philippine President being claimed by some politicians?

Big No...No need to elaborate..Am not against Cory but for comparison..am not really convince..every president has its own pros and cons but it doesn't make me convince that CORY is the best of them all...I go for Ramon Magsaysay,Diosdado Macapagal, Ramos or Arroyo instead..or even Marcos as one of the best..since we filipinos are always looking for the con side i bet many will react why i mentioned Marcos..

CORY to become a saint?
This is the stupidity of the filipino people..

Who are the real enemy of the state?

2009-07-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

we are blinded with the propagandas of the enemies.. yes!! they are the enemies who seats in congress trying to use any legal means to battle democracy..Their main objective is to let democratic people fights against democratic people.believers of democracy fight against believers of democracy...And yet many people believes in this people because of their promises of an everlasting green green grass of home life..their leaders ride with issues that battles the government.Their leaders claims to represent the oppressed but they did nothing for the people.. they always support the underground and makes the people idiot inorder for them to execute their plans...they are the masters of deception..they go for the majority flying like an angel..but to hell with them!!!!!!Palparan is right shooting the deceptive flying angels.....and yet this angels would claim to the human rights commission that they are victims of AFP execution even if they die from natural cause such as tuberculosis..

Scholars no more?

2009-06-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

This thousands of students will loose their dreams of pursuing and finishing their college education when the supreme court decided to reversed the cityhood of Tabuk Kalinga. Shown in this video are the LGU scholars of Tabuk Kalinga Province funded through the city budget but might be terminated when Tabuk will go back to it's Municipal budget..In the otherhand hundreds also have been laid off of their work in the Municipal hall due to the cityhood problem.

Mayor Bautista of Baguio city is the only Mayor that opposes the granting of cityhood to Tabuk in the Cordilleras. He signed and joined the league of cities who filed and opposed the cityhood of 15 municipalities including Tabuk to the Supreme Court..If you are a registered voter in Baguio, bear in mind what kind of a cordilleran bautista is.. 2010 might be the judgement day not from the supreme court but by the voters

Granting the cityhood of Tabuk to build a city

2008-11-20T00:21:00.001-08:00

“The city, as one finds it in history, is the point of maximum concentration for the power and culture of a community. It is the place where the diffused rays of many separate beams of life fall into focus, with gains in both social effectiveness and significance. The city is the form and symbol of an integrated social relationship: it is the seat of the temple, the market, the hall of justice, the academy of learning. Here in the city the goods of civilization are multiplied and manifolded; here is where human experience is transformed into viable signs, symbols, patterns of conduct, systems of order. Here is where the issues of civilization are focused: here too, ritual passes on occasion into the active drama of a fully differentiated and self-conscious society.” from the Introduction to The Culture of Cities, 1938.

Today people think of a city with overcrowded structures and towers, where business is everywhere and every human need is provided. But what really our needs? Building a city is like building a house for our family. We start to look for a location, We say what we want and let Architects do the floor plan and house design, we finance for the construction, and let engineers and carpenters do the construction. Now we want to build a green city and one of the perfect location is Tabuk .Look at Tabuk today, we have 60m wide streets, wide land area to be transformed, very small numbers of squatters to be relocated and the perfect place to build a city.

Tabuk should be granted cityhood inorder for its dream to achieve a perfect city in harmony with the people and nature. Urban Planning and zoning had already been started in Tabuk, where Commercial areas, Agricultural Lands, Schools and churches, roads and drainages, recreational etc. are concentrated into one ideal site. If we call it a floor plan in architecture, it is Urban Master Plan in a city to be built. Imagine building a house and sketch the floor plans afterwards. Imagine designing a perfect Urban Master Plan in a city that is overcrowded and over populated, where many structures exist. This is the symbol of stupidity of some of the league of cities in the Philippines, and yet they claimed that they are cities, where squatters are everywhere, a city that is a flood zone because they didn’t even plan for a drainage system, a city of crime and violence, a city of prostitutes, a city whose sidewalks are the bed of its citizen during the night, a city of garbage. They are the cities of demolition and creation, where they construct projects and demolished it afterwards. These are the modern scammers because they destroy and build. Some of these cities have even been granted fertilizers while in fact they don’t have any agricultural lands; they are giving mercy to the street people and attract some other more from provinces. In short and simple language “a city of immorality and the symbol of poverty”. These are the problems of some big cities in the Philippines and the only solution is to create more cities, to provide the people with more opportunities and not to overcrowd them and let them die in hunger. These are the problems Tabuk City is looking forward to avoid.

Tabuk had already started to build a city and yet this League of Cities are the torns and obstacles for the people of Tabuk to achieve a peaceful and successful life. We have already our Urban master plan, we have engineers, architects, contractors and workers, but we don’t have the budget to continue the implementation if we lost our cityhood. It is not too late for the Supreme Court to reverse its decision, we don’t want Tabuk grow bigger and bigger without such planning and financing. We don’t want Tabuk be granted cityhood when illegal settlers and businessman flocks the Municipality of Tabuk and establish their businesses wherever they want The income of Municipalities should not be a basis, but of course it was the law. However it is not a guarantee to the people that high income cities have the most prosperous and successful citizens. Where there are prostitutes, criminals, street children, squatters, the poorest of the poor, and the elite of the elites, that is the impression of other cities in the Philippines.

With a 6-5 votes from justices The Supreme Court (SC) declared unconstitutional the 16 Cityhood Laws that were enacted by Congress to convert 16 towns into cities. This is an indication that our laws are not clear. They are made to be opinionated and each justices has its own interpretation of the law.

"Since the law is clear, plain and unambiguous that any municipality desiring to convert into a city must meet the increased income requirement, there is no reason to go beyond the letter of the law in applying Section 450 of the Local Government Code, as amended by R.A. 9009," the SC pointed out.

When the law is clear it should have been a unanimous decision. They should stop using the Phrase “When the Law is clear” because there are no clear laws after all. Each individual has its own opinion and interpretation of the law.

Lets give Tabuk a chance, in the future we will be very proud, head up and shout “WE BUILD THIS CITY!!”

Cop is accidental hero in bizarre QC robbery, shootout

2008-08-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

By Jeannette Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:56:00 08/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) An off-duty policeman became an accidental hero Saturday afternoon in a bizarre turn of events in Quezon City in which he fought off an apparent robbery attempt on him, killing the alleged robber in a shootout that proved equally fatal to himself, and unknowingly saving an Indian trader being robbed nearby by another man who was then lynched by a mob.

The “accidental hero” PO1 Benhur Busu-ay, detailed with the Aviation Security Group at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, died while undergoing treatment at the Far Eastern University Hospital after shooting dead suspect Rustan Lorano, of Zapote, Las Piñas City.

The other suspected robber, Ramiro Reyes, 36, of Tanay, Rizal was allegedly mobbed by Busu-ay’s neighbors and stabbed to death.

But PO2 Joseph Diño of the Quezon City Police District Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU) said the people who attacked and killed Reyes were not being helpful because they took the man’s .45 caliber pistol. They also took Lorano’s gun.

Diño said that the chain of events started at around 1:30 p.m. on Republican Avenue in Barangay Fairview. PO1 Busu-ay, aboard a motorcycle, had just arrived at his home inside the Burawin Street compound when Lorano approached him.

Unknown to Busu-ay, Lorano’s cohort was at that time robbing Indian trader Sotanam Singh some 50 meters away.

Diño pointed out that Lorano had approached the aviation cop upon noticing a bulky object Busu-ay’s waist and apparently mistaken him for a messenger he and his companion could rob.

Immediately after Busu-ay identified himself as a policeman, Lorano reportedly drew his .45 caliber pistol and shot the cop. He ran away as Busu-ay drew his .9 mm caliber service pistol and fired back.

The sound of gunfire from Lorano and Busu-ay reportedly caused Reyes, who had just allegedly robbed Singh of P2,000, to scamper inside the Sikap Area parallel to Burawin Street to hide.

Despite having taken five bullets in the body, Busu-ay managed to catch up with Lorano and shot the suspect several times in the body, killing him instantly at the entrance to Sikap Area, said Diño.

Neighbors immediately took the badly wounded officer to the FEU hospital for treatment while other bystanders robbed the fallen robber, taking his .45 caliber pistol.

Busu-ay died several minutes after he was wheeled into the FEU hospital. His wounds were mostly in the chest.

Meanwhile, Reyes was cornered in an alley inside Sikap Area by knife-wielding residents who stabbed him to death. The mob also took his .45 caliber pistol but left untouched the P2,000 that had been allegedly stolen from Singh.

Diño said that both men carried identification cards indicating that they are police civilian volunteers and carried laminated business cards from Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon.

Diño pointed out that Reyes had a mission order stating he was a military civilian agent issued by the Army 2nd Infantry Division in Tanay, Rizal. The alleged mission order, he said, was signed by a Lt. Lhogan Cliff Acuril.

Diño said they still had to confirm the validity of the identification cards with the organizations marked on them.

He said investigators will also have to determine the identities of the people who attacked Reyes and took the alleged robbers’ guns.

Scene of the Crime Office personnel recovered several spent .9-mm and .45- caliber spent shells as well as Busu-ay’s service pistol from the scene.

Kalinga Cops Killed

2008-08-16T21:53:00.001-07:00

Cop, 2 rob suspects slain in shootout
By Reinir Padua
Sunday, August 17, 2008

A policeman was killed when he shot it out with two robbery suspects who also died after the gun battle yesterday afternoon in Fairview, Quezon City.

Police Officer 1 Voltaire Benhur Busway, 26, who was assigned with the Aviation Security Group, died of gunshot wounds in the chest.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) chief Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula identified the two slain suspects as Rustan Lorono of Las Piñas and Ramiro Reyes of Tanay, Rizal, who were identified through identification cards found on them.

Though the slain policeman shot it out with the suspects, Superintendent Franklin Moises Mabanag, chief of the QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, said the body of one of the suspects was riddled with stab wounds.

Superintendent Raymundo Equibal, commander of the QCPD-Station 5, said the incident happened near Busway’s house on Republic Avenue in Barangay Greater Fairview.

Busway was getting off his motorcycle at around 1:15 p.m. when he noticed the two suspects frisking Indian national Satnam Singh, a money lender, Equibal told The STAR in an interview.

QCPD-Station 5 desk officer PO1 Jun Cabatan said the two suspects, who were wearing shirts with police markings, posed as policemen to rob Singh of his money.

When Busway saw what was happening, he tried to accost the suspects. One of them shot at Busway, who fired back.

As Busway fell, the two suspects were still able to run 60 to 70 meters away from the crime scene before they eventually fell and died, Equibal said.

Equibal explained this was because the police used his .9mm service firearm to shoot the suspects and this type of bullet takes about two to three minutes to have an effect on the one who was shot.

However, Mabanag suspects some residents “ganged up” on one of the suspects, as shown by the stab wounds in his body. Mabanag said it was still not clear whether the suspect was also shot by Busway.

There were reports that a third suspect, now the subject of a police manhunt, was on a motorcycle and took his slain companion’s .45 caliber pistols and an undetermined amount of cash divested from Singh before escaping towards Commonwealth Avenue.

But Mabanag said it could be that the ones who reportedly ganged up on one of the slain suspects were the ones who took away the firearms.

Neighbors and witnesses brought Busway to the FEU Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment. Cabatan said Singh was unhurt.

There is really nothing we can do – DOTC regional director

2008-08-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

By Estanislao Albano Jr.

Tabuk City, Kalinga – There is really nothing his office can do with the proliferation of colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Tabuk which have been the subject of numerous complaints, according to Transportation and Communication Regional Director Federico Mandapat.

In a letter to Mayor Camilo Lammawin, Jr., Mandapat said that they want very much to conduct law enforcement operations in the city, they are prevented by lack of manpower at the Land Transportation Office in Tabuk City and likewise in the regional office.

He said that the situation would be different had not former LTO Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Berroya not revoked on August 13, 2007 the deputizing of policemen in the city to do the job.

Saying that this deputized policemen were a great help in the maintenance of order on the road, Mandapat had reiterated an earlier suggestion made by LTO regional operations chief Robert Pocais to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tabuk City for that body to pass a resolution requesting Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza to issue anew deputation orders to local policemen.

Berroya had revoked the deputation orders because of reports that such were being used for mulcting activities.

Two PUV groups here have earlier petitioned the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to transfer the processing of papers of PUVs in the province from the Cordillera Administrative Region in Baguio City to the LTFRB-Cagayan in Tuguegarao City.

One of the reasons they cited is the little attention the province is receiving when it comes to the enforcement of traffic laws “contributing to the proliferation of colorum vehicles in the area.”

Kalinga Federation of Jeepney Operators (KFJO) and the Kalinga Transportation and Development Cooperative (KASTRANSDESCO) said that with the nearness of Tuguegarao City to Tabuk City, traffic enforcement would improve.

Cecilio Mangadap, board chairman of the KALTRANSDESCO, had accused the DOTC-CAR of not acting on the June 3, 2008 order of Secretary Mendoza to apprehend colurom PUVs in Kalinga.

3 Kalinga entrepreneurs win micro-business awards

2008-08-12T08:21:00.001-07:00

by L. Lopez

Tabuk City, Kalinga (9 August) -- Three entrepreneurs classified under micro-business won regional and national awards, earning prestige to the province in the field of trade and industry.

Noryn Bagano of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here said Regina Madio of Praj's Gift Shop and Ma. Socorro Saclag of Ayatu's Ethnic Products got the Pundo sa Sipag, Puhunan sa Tiyaga Award, together with 16 other selected awardees nationwide.

Thelma Ng of Bayle's Supermart, joined the prestigious line of Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs in the Cordillera Region for this year's Go Negosyo Caravan staged yearly by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) chaired by business icon Jose Ma. A. Concepcion, who is the presidential consultant for entrepreneurship.

Madio and Saclag also received P100,000 cash awards each which will be used as additional working capital to make their business grow and will inspire others to start their own small business.

In the search and evaluation of entries conducted early this year, Madio and Saclag, who were nominated by DTI-Kalinga, participated in the product exhibit at Market! Market! Shopping Complex in Taguig City, which was visited by Senator Manny Villar.

Praj's Gift Shop and Ayatu's Ethnic Products use to figure in trade fairs organized by the DTI here and outside the province.

The Sipag-Tiyaga award is launched by the Nationalista Party in celebration of its 100th Year Anniversary as it contributes to nation building.

Meanwhile, Go Negosyo Awardee Ng displayed an extra-efficient business management skill, as seen in the chain of their business expansion amidst the economic difficulty hitting the country today.

"Managing a business is not at all bed of roses", says Ng who recalls what she terms as "bumps and humps" that they encounter in their daily transactions.

Ng admits that the business regulatory laws advocated by DTI have greatly helped them install a healthy relationship with customers. This was recognized in a regional scale having been conveyed a Certified Establishment-Silver Award (CE Award) in 2007.

But beyond her business management prowess, Ng acknowledges the Lord's hand over their family business, whom she believes is the source of all what they manage today.

Go Negosyo is a campaign advocated by government to build small business communities where the norm and way of life is improving the lives of small Filipinos through entrepreneurship.

Last year, Nancy Busacay of the Bago, Igorot, Tagalog, Ilocano, Cagayano, Kalinga (BITICK) Women's Organization and Natividad Sugguiyao of Chico River Quest, Inc. earned the same award for the province.

Kalinga student lands 2nd top slot in nursing board

2008-08-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

by L. Lopez

Tabuk City, Kalinga (9 August) -- Alrin Flores Falgui, 20, who hails from this province and landed top 2 in the Nursing Board Examination given by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) last June, claims it was always his dream of topping the board examination.

"That dream became my goal and made me study very hard," Aldren, a graduate of Far Eastern University (FEU) Nicanor Foundation recalled.

"To keep me reminded of that goal, I wrote it on a piece of paper and have it pasted on a conspicuous place on the wall of my room, so I could read it every time. Everyday, that piece of paper reminded me to study, study and study," Alrin quipped.

But Alrin admits becoming a topnotcher is no easy thing. The secret he says is setting your goal and focusing on it everyday. It requires time management. With barely two months of review, devotion and focus on what you're doing matters, Alrin claimed.

On top of his academic preparation, Alrin recounted his deep prayers and trust on the Lord.

Alrin advises those preparing to take board examinations to take time and relax saying it is also important to do recreational activities to sustain one's energy and momentum.

A consistent student achiever, Alrin was DBP scholar for his four years in college. He graduated high school at the Tabuk National High School, where he earned various prestigious awards.

He is the eldest child of Engr. Danilo C. Falgui of the Kalinga-Apayao State College (KASC) and Udette Flores Falgui, CPA, Cashier, DBP-Tabuk.

Alrin obtained a rate of 85.80%, the 2nd highest among 64,000 plus examinees. He will join other successful examinees in the oath taking ceremony August 19-20 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. (PIA Kalinga)

NPAs step up terror acts in Kalinga – Army

2008-08-12T08:18:00.002-07:00

Tabuk City, Kalinga (9 August) -- Communist terrorists operating in the province have stepped up their illegal activities with the burning of the Globe cellsite at barangay Pakawit in Pinukpuk last July 27, an attempt to destroy another Globe cell site at Dangoy, Lubuagan and the foiled attack on the Mallango detachment in Tinglayan.

This was the report of Lt. Col. Tony Lastimado, Commanding Officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion before members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council last August 6 at Laoagan resort here.

He said the current actions of the New Peoples Army (NPA) manifest their intention to instill fear among the populace, particularly those villages unsupportive of the communists' cause. "The NPAs are bent to counter our presence in far-flung barangays. They want to disrupt our outreach missions and delay government projects in those areas," he said.

The NPA strongholds in barangays Poswoy in Balbalan and Baay in Pinukpuk are taken by the soldiers and they are trying to regain them by sowing fear by their atrocities, Lastimado reported.

He said under the leadership of Col. Remegio De Vera, 501st Brigade Commanding Officer, government forces were able to repulse the enemies on all sides and decimated their strength in the Kalinga-Apayao-Cagayan area of responsibility (AOR) of the brigade.

Aside from combat operations the Army also initiated community services assisting 16 elementary schools during the "brigada eskwela" by doing ground clearing and minor repair on classrooms and other school facilities.

The 21st IB also conducted nine medical missions from May to August and served 2,578 clients on dental, circumcision, medical, and free haircut services.

Under the Kalayaan Sa Barangay program, the battalion in coordination with the 513th Engineering Construction Battalion and the 51st Engineering Brigade, a water system and a school building were completed while three PGMA school buildings and two farm to market road in Sumadel and Pasil are on-going.

Pasil Mayor James Edduba thanked the Philippine Army on their efforts to open the road to the Poblacion of Pasil. (PIA-Kalinga)

Lubuagan, Kalinga to hold 1st Lumin-awa festival on August 18-20

2008-08-12T08:18:00.001-07:00

by Lito Dar

Baguio City (9 August) -- In celebration of the centennial founding anniversary of the first civil government of Lubuagan town in Kalinga, the local government unit in cooperation with the Department of Tourism will be holding its first "Lumin-awa" festival on August 18-20.

Lubuagan Mayor James Alunday in a press conference last week explained that the "Lumin-awa", is synonymous to "guminhawa", or to be relieved or relaxed in mind, spirit and health.

The three-day festivity aims to boost the town's economy and development, as he stressed that education, health and tourism are their priority.

The three-day Lumin-awa festival features grand parades, indigenous games/songs/sounds, Agro Industrial Exhibits/fair, stage programme, field presentations and medical/dental mission. The mayor is inviting everybody, local and foreign tourists alike, to witness or discover their rich cultural heritage.

According to Lubuagan municipal tourism officer Luisa Inga, one of the tourist attractions in their town is the "Tiwood" fertility spring. She cited the 30 families within the vicinity of the spring who were blessed with twin children. She also mentioned some testimonies regarding couples with no children who have had their own babies after going to the spring.

Meantime, Engr Paul Masilayan, consultant for special event, revealed that another attraction in Lubuagan is the mysterious Calamayan waterfalls. Mayor Alunday attested that nobody had successfully taken a picture of the said waterfalls except for an American tourist, who bought a pig first and butcher it in the area, before taking a picture.

DOT-CAR Director Pura Molintas assured their support, to what she described as a "grandeur occasion", in terms of promotional support and media coverage. Through the festival, we are promoting the "eco-tourism" of Lubuagan, which she called "home of artisans and great artists". (PIA)

12 projects approved for KALAHI-CIDDS 2nd cycle in Pinukpuk

2008-08-04T05:11:00.000-07:00

BY:(ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Pinukpuk, Kalinga (2 August) -- Twelve barangays in this town found new hope to improve the socio-economic conditions of their locality after members of the Barangay Representative Team (BRT) approved their proposal for funding under the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program.

Approved proposal according to ranking are two units flood control project of brgy. Ammacian; the four-unit deep well water system proposed by Camalog Barangay; Pinococ Day Care Center; Barangay Health Station of Bayao; Solar Power Electrification of Asibanglan; Village Water System of Aciga; three units multi-purpose pavement (MPP) of Taga; construction of irrigation canal in Wagud, Solar Power Electrification of Limos; two units MPP of Mapaco; Solar Power Electrification of Baay and the construction of a 12 meter concrete footbridge in Allaguia.

During the presentation of proposals, Barangay Ammacian got the highest votes for their two units flood control proposal to redirect the flow of water back to the main stream after it deviated too close to the communities and farm lands during Typhoon Mina resulting to the drowning and death of some people and destruction of properties.

Said project costs around P1.48 million requiring P1.06M fund from KALAHI-CIDDS, P328,150.00 from the Local Government of Pinukpuk, P49,000.00 from the barangay and the rest as share of the community following the counterpart scheme of all KALAHI-CIDDS projects in the country.

The four units of deep-well in barangay Camalog, on the other hand, will be distributed in four puroks not reached by stream water. These will likewise provide water for travelers traversing the area which is just along the provincial road. This proposal costs around P.69M with a counterpart of P438,933.00 from the KALAHI-CIDDS.

Considering the distance of the barangay from health facilities in the municipality and the remoteness of its Puroks, Barangay Bayao opted for a P.95M barangay health station (BHS) to provide first aid treatment, consultation and child and maternal care in the area. It was reported that several people in the area died because they were not provided with immediate medical attention. KALAHI-CIDDS is required P674,783.00 to fund said project.

Meanwhile, having seen the urgency to provide lighting among households the proposals of Barangays Baay, Asibanglan and Limos for solar power electrification were all approved. Said projects cost a total amount of about P2.93M requiring a fund allocation of P2.12M from the KALAHI-CIDDS. These would be providing each household a portable solar powered lamp.

Barangay Aciga, on the other hand, got the nod of the evaluation team after presenting the people's plight of not having clean drinking water in the community which has resulted to unsanitary environment and illness among the populace. Said village water system would require KALAHI-CIDDS P595,928.00 to fund the P825,928.00 project.

Likewise approved were the proposal for a two units multi-purpose pavement (MPP) amounting to P415,000.00 in Barangay Mapaco and three units MPP in Barangay Taga costing P654,000.00. KALAHI-CIDDS will be providing the amount of P292,161.00 and P450,450.00 respectively.

Pinococ, one of the remotest barangays proposed for a day care center since children in the area have no means of availing pre-school services.KALAHI-CIDDS is set to allot P592,932.00 for the P805,932.00 project.

Barangay Wagud needs an irrigation canal to be able to cultivate and utilize a vast area of idle lands for farming and rice production in the barangay. The project requires a funding of P890,000.00 with a total of P567,925.00 KALAHI-CIDSS share.

Barangay Allaguia is aspiring for a more stable and durable footbridge to replace the bamboo makeshift bridge across a river entering their barangay to ensure safety of those passing by especially during the rainy seasons.Said concrete foot bridge would be needing the amount of P265,000.00 with P195,484.00 from the KALAHI-CIDDS.

From the total amount of P9,844,658.00 for said projects, KALAHI-CIDDS will be allocating P6,996,448.41 with the remaining amount of P2,848,209.59 as counterpart of the MLGU of Pinukpuk and the recipient barangays.

KALAHI-CIDDS is one of the comprehensive social services of the Arroyo Administration in fighting poverty funded by the World Bank with counterparts from the government and concerned LGU's and implemented through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Kalinga benefits from PGMA food-for-school program

2008-08-04T05:07:00.001-07:00

By:ggd/PIA Kalinga

Tabuk, Kalinga (2 August) -- The eight municipalities of the Kalinga are among the several poor towns in the country that benefited from the on-going food for school feeding program under the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program of the Arroyo Administration.

In an interview with Provincial Social Worker Gretchen Curameng, around 5,427 day care children were identified as target beneficiaries for this year's program implementation.

These she said include the 357 children from Rizal, 320 from Lubuagan, 360 from Tinglayan, 510 from Tanudan, 396 from Pasil, 530 from Balbalan, 1,704 from Tabuk City and 1,250 from Pinukpuk.

According to Curameng, the school for food program aims to provide day care children the needed nutrition to ensure that sufficient and nutritious food are available for them to cope with the physical and mental challenges of going to school. Each beneficiary are provided with one kilo rice per day for 43 days.

Curameng said it is a welcome development that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her recent State of the Nation Address included Kalinga as one of the provinces targeted for the administration's massive school feeding program.

As recalled, the President mentioned that with the revenues generated from the Value Added Tax (VAT), her administration will be launching a massive school feeding program at P10.00 per child every school day in indigent communities and calamity stricken areas including Kalinga, Apayao and Abra in the Cordillera Region. Through these efforts, poor provinces will be alleviated from the list of provinces with high rate of malnutrition the country.

In a related development, Division Feeding Coordinator Julia Bateg of the Department of Education (DepEd), Kalinga said that recipient districts of the second batch of Food-for-School program in the province just received their rice allocations in coordination with the National Food Authority (NFA).

From the 93 targeted schools from the Districts of Balbalan, Tanudan, Northern Pinukpuk, Southern Pinukpuk and Lubuagan, at least 2,742 pupils benefited during the implementation of the second batch.

Recipients of the first batch covered the Districts of Pasil, Rizal and Tinglayan benefiting at least 1,872 pupils in said areas. Each pupil received one kilo rice each for 19 days and noodles feeding for 35 days.

Said program was made possible through Deped in partnership with the NFA, National Nutrition Council and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). (ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Fertilizer subsidy worth only P180.00 in Tabuk

2008-08-04T05:04:00.001-07:00

By Estanislao Albano, Jr.

Tabuk City, Kalinga – With the participating farm input dealers here taking the discounted fertilizer under the government fertilizer subsidy program on credit, the actual worth of the P250.00 fertilizer subsidy coupon being given to farmers is only P180.00.

According to Betty Cawilan of the Casigayan Farm Supply in Dagupan Centro, this city, one of the four farm input outlets in the province accredited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the fertilizer subsidy program, she is selling a bag of urea to farmers with coupons at P2,020.00 while to those who have none, only at P1,950.

Cawilan explained that the discrepancy of P70.00 covers the difference in the price of the fertilizer which they have to take on a 30-day credit from the distributors as against the unsubsidized fertilizer which they take in cash in order for them not to lose while implementing the subsidy program.

According to Cawilan, it is necessary for them to take the subsidized fertilizer on credit because the arrangement with the DA is for the payment of the surrendered coupons with complete and properly accomplished documentation at the end of each week.

“Not many farmers understand our situation. They cannot understand that even with the difference of P70.00, their subsidized fertilizer is still cheaper by P180.00 than the unsubsidized fertilizer,” Cawilan said.

Cawilan is asking why the DA does not just give the subsidy to them in cash “so there will be no need for processing and waiting for the payment.”

Told of the reduced value of the government fertilizer subsidy coupon, Provincial Agriculturist Gerardo Jose said that he will have the reports verified.

Jose informed ZZW that some 32,756 coupons worth P8.2M has been released by the DA to Kalinga and that the provincial government is also mulling to add four more P250.00 discount coupons per hectare to the two coupons already being given by the national government.**

Social workers demand benefits

2008-07-26T04:35:00.001-07:00

by Larry Lopez / PIA

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Social workers employed with the provincial and municipal governments in the province are lobbying for additional benefits mandated under RA 94331 or the Magna Carta for Public Social Workers in the country.

The group of public social workers is asking for a P50/day subsistence allowance plus hazard pay, which is computed at 20 percent of their monthly rate.

Judith Puday of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, who is representing the group, said they have initially presented their position in the provincial executives’ July monthly meeting.

“This move came about following the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta in November last year,” Puday said.

But the group understands that local government units are already at the mid-year of their budgetary period, that is why members have considered presenting their cause before the local finance committees for proper fund allocation.

“Since the approval of the IRR last year, other local government units have already released additional mandated benefits to public social workers,” Puday said.
The Magna Carta for Public Social Workers mandates the state to promote and improve the social and economic well-being of public social workers to make them more responsive to the needs of their clients.

TESDA-Kalinga ready for nat’l best masonry event

2008-07-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

by Gigi Dumallig / PIA

TABUK CITY , Kalinga – In preparation for the nationwide Best Masonry competition, 43 skilled masons in the province recently joined the launching of the program at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Kalinga training center that started last July 11.

According to TESDA information officer Belmar Angngolin, the agency utilized the unfinished 9x12 square meters building of TESDA office as a venue for the provincial competition to test the capabilities of skilled masons.

“Just after seven days of actual work, they have surprisingly accomplished more than what was expected as seen in the construction’s physical improvement,” he said.

He said that Donald Oplay emerged as the winner during the competition and will be representing the province during the regional feat this October.

Among the categories include hollow blocks laying, plastering, and installation of rails and balusters. The activity was sponsored by Holcim Company Philippines, which donated the 200 bags of cement used during the competition.

“The company also provided for the trainers for the 10-day training for the masons including their gears, tools and allowances,” he said
Holcim is one of the world’s leading producers of cement and aggregates that is working in more than 70 countries and employs almost 90,000 people.

Meanwhile, TESDA-Kalinga provided the other construction materials and other training support.
Through the comprehensive antipo-verty alleviation program of the Arroyo administration, more and more skilled Filipinos are provided opportunities for better paying jobs both locally and abroad with the provision of free government skills training assistance and scholarships through TESDA.

ikalinga ranked 2nd in the latest Nursing Board

2008-07-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

Alrin Flores Falgui from TNHS and who took his nursing in FEU placed 2nd with an average of 85.8%. in the latest Nursing Board Exam held on June 1 & 2, 2008..The result was released on July 23, 2008.

Korean firm eyes Tabuk as corn source for feeds

2008-07-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

By Gigi Dumalig
PROSPECTIVE KOREAN INVESTMENT. Some executives of the KC Feed, a Korean company engaged in the production of animal feeds, along with some Korean government personnel visited Tabuk City July 17, 2008. They met with Mayor Camilo Lammawin, Jr. and agricultural personnel of Tabuk City and officials of the Department of Trade and Industry in the province regarding the possibility of investing in corn production in the city.** Photo by Estanislao Albano, Jr.

TABUK CITY, Kalinga - KC Feed Co. Ltd.., a Korean company producing feeds for poultry and swine, and several other products has placed Tabuk City in its list of sources of raw corn products for its feed processing business.

In a recent consultation meeting with the city government headed by mayor Camilo Lammawin Jr., the Korean company representatives said that they are ready to initially buy 20,000 metric tons of corn annually from the city.

In a response, city agriculturist Gilbert Cawis said that Tabuk can handle the demand citing that the city is currently utilizing a total of 3,000 hectares of farm lands for yellow corn production generating an average of 6 ,000 metric tons per hectare every cropping season.

Considering that farmers are harvesting twice a year, the 2,000 hectares could already produce around 26,000 metric tons and that production could still increase if additional 2,825 hectares of potential land will also be developed for the same purpose, Cawis said.

After the consultation, the Korean team conducted a field visit and made an on-the-spot soil test in one of the farms in Cudal, Tabuk.

They also visited some traders and trucking businesses in the locality to see the possibility of doing business with them especially in the exporting of corn products from the province.

If indeed the KD Feed Company will pour their investment in the province, corn farmers will be assured of a better market and will be encouraged to enhance their production and technical skills to meet international market demands, thus increasing their opportunities to earn more.

This development is an offshoot of the Arroyo administration’s economic efforts to make the country investment friendly making it a favored investment prospect by international business groups.**

Kalinga officials exalts Cordi leaders

2008-07-24T18:02:00.001-07:00

BY: ggd PIA Kalinga
Tabuk City, Kalinga (21 July) -- Local officials led this year's commemoration of the 21st Cordillera Day in the province by paying tribute to the struggles of political leaders to realize the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Governor Floydelia R. Diasen said that "we are blessed that we have reached this day to celebrate the Cordillera Day", which she said "could not be achieved without the leaders who toiled and worked hard" to gain our identity as Cordillerans.

Providing a glimpse of Cordillera history, Vice Governor Jocel Baac, exalted the past leaders and their efforts. "Let us give focus to the historic significant of this occasion to the people and leaders who sacrificed and work to achieve the creation of CAR," he said.

"There are many reasons why our leaders struggle for its creation, since it was only the vehicle for us to prosper and develop," he said adding that "our leaders believed that we are being left behind," by the past Presidents in terms of national development.

"The only remedy seen by our leaders is to have an autonomous government of our own for us to utilize our own natural resources and culture, for the Cordillerans to unite towards development," he said.

The creation CAR through Executive Order 220 on July 15, 1987 he said was the vehicle to towards achieving autonomy in the Cordillera.

"CAR is only a turning point, a planning stage and as a start for us to draft the charter for the autonomy," the Vice Governor said he expressed hope that with proper information dissemination Cordillerans will someday get to understand and appreciate the efforts to have an autonomous region. (ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Kalinga traders top Cordi sales in Luzon Island Fair

2008-07-24T18:01:00.001-07:00

by L. Lopez

Tabuk City, Kalinga (21 July) -- Kalinga exhibitors to the Luzon Island Trade Fair at the SM Mega Mall brought home a total sales of P836,176, the highest this year, among the participating provinces of the Cordillera region.

Benita Mangadap of the Department of Trade and Industry provincial office, who led the exhibitors to the July 9-13 inter-regional fair, said this year's sales by the province is really a big haul.

Next with the highest sales was Abra with P349,295, followed by the province of Apayao with P256,345; Mt. Province - P77,475; Benguet - P50,900 and Ifugao -P27,370. The top performer last year was the province of Abra, Mangadap said.

This is the third time that the DTI organized the annual Luzon Island Fair, where exhibitors from the various regions participate with their indigenous products.

Among the top performers of the province's exhibitors include Ayatu's Ethnic Craft with P347,750; Praj's Gift Shop and Gen. Merchandise - P173,291; Nor-Ref Processed Food Products - P102,832; Ness'a Kalinga Weaving -P65,728; Our Tribe Food Products -P54,120; Tribal Heritage -P48,800; Mikah's Weaving -P28,295 and Kalinga Food Treat - P15,360.

The fair showcasing a wide array of locally-produced items is part of the country's program to promote the One Town One Product (OTOP) project aiming to assist small entrepreneurs in the country.

Aside from creating market outlets to small traders, DTI also provides other technical assistance on product development where trainings on packaging and designs are provided.

These types of trainings are necessary to sustain the demand for the products and make them stay competitive out there in the market, Mangdap said. (PIA Kalinga)

Kalinga launches "Kape de Motit"

2008-07-13T02:33:00.000-07:00

(ggd/PIA-Kalinga)
Tabuk, Kalinga (11 July) -- Coffee enthusiasts could now have a taste of the exotic and expensive civet coffee with the launching of the "Kape de Motit", a locally processed civet coffee by the Nor Ref Food Products of Tabuk City.

According to Miss Maria Cecilia T. Baral, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Kalinga, what made this coffee unique is that it come from the droppings of civet or locally known as "motit."

The motit is a cat- like wild animal that feeds on delicately selected red coffee berries. But since the beans are not digested they are excreted. These are then collected and processed just like any ordinary coffee bean.

"But unlike the ordinary coffee, civet coffee produces a distinct taste and aroma believed to be due to the enzyme and breakdown of the bean's proteins in the civet's intestine aside from the high quality of beans being picked by the civet when feeding," Baral said explaining why the product is considerably expensive.

In the world market, one the most popularly known civet coffee product is the Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee) of Indonesia which has a selling price of up to $1,300 per kilo and sold mainly in the US and Japan It is also considered as the most expensive coffee in the world according to Forbes Magazine.

Launched during the 7th Matagoan Trade Fair sponsored by City Government of Tabuk in partnership with the DTI, the Kape di Motit is available through Nor Ref Food Products, also the maker of the first processed coffee in the province – the Kalinga Brew.

Kape di motit is the fourth processed coffee launched in the province being supported by the One Town One Product (OTOP) program of the government.

Previously promoted coffee products include the Kalinga Brew, Kalinga Blend and the Mananig Wild Coffee. (ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Kalinga gov to deliver first State-of-the-Province report on Cordillera Day

2008-07-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

by: ggd/PIA Kalinga
Tabuk City, Kalinga (12 July) -- Governor Floydelia R. Diasen is set to deliver her State of the Province Address (SOPA) this Monday as one of the highlights in the province's commemoration of the 21st Cordillera Day Celebration at the Capitol Grounds.

According to the Governor's Executive Assistant Mr. Simeon Bentican, the lady governor is expected to report on her P.E.A.C.E. development agenda accomplishments, update on the implementation of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Programs in the province and how the province is coping with the present economic recession.

Among the highlights Bentican said include an update on the local government efforts in resolving the Malapiat land dispute and the assistance being provided the victims of said man-made disaster.

Under the education program will be her report on educational and livelihood assistance given to poor but academically deserving students.

Implemented support services and interventions will highlight her Agricultural Productivity report to include how the province is progressing in its hybrid rice and corn production that is considerably contributing to the country's target production supporting the national government's food security program.

She is also expected to give light on the province's environmental preservation plans to include the management of the province's vast watershed and forest areas and sustainable revenue generation development plans that include eco-tourism development.

Her report on health according to Bentian include efforts to resolve issues on the delivery of better health services and the concerns of health service providers. She will likewise provide an overview of the province accomplishments on special health programs that has eventually gave honour to the province.

Meanwhile, with the theme "Moving Forward! Cordillera on the High Road to Development," the celebration of Cordi Day in the province features a tree planting activity after a short program which commences with a motorcade and graced by local officials.

In respect to the celebration, July 14 is declared as a special non-working holiday in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) through Proclamation Order No. 1551 in lieu of the July, 15 Cordillera Day. (ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Tabuk City sends 86 skilled welders to Hanjin shipyard in Subic

2008-07-13T02:29:00.000-07:00

by L. Lopez

Tabuk City, Kalinga (12 July) -- The city is sending 86 skilled welders to work at the Hanjin shipyard in Subic after the company conducted orientation and recruitment here.

This is part of the labor employment program of the city government tied up with local and outside employers.

Hanjin, a Korean- owned and managed corporation engaged in ship building industry came here through its representatives upon the invitation of the city government.

But Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Provincial Officer Avelina Manganip issued a clarification of Hanjin's wage scale, noting that its hiring of young laborers is supposed to be covered under the DOLE's Worker's Appreciation Program (WAP).

According to Executive Order 139 which provides guidelines for the WAP, hired young laborers should receive a wage of not less than 75% of the prevailing minimum wage in the first three onths of their work, Manganip explained. Companies usually provide a probationary period of at least three months to newly hired workers.

After the 3-month period, they should be hired as regular workers, meaning they should receive the regular wage rate and other benefits, provided by law.

Manganip expressed this view to assure worker's care and welfare, especially those who are getting their first employments.

At the labor department, it is our mandate to protect workers and provide what the law says on the welfare and safety of workers, Manganip said.

She also re iterated the security and safe conditions of those recruited by the corporation to avoid problems that may arise from work later on. (PIA Kalinga)

Grenade blast fails to derail Tabuk City celebration

2008-07-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

By Estanislao Albano, Jr.

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The grenade blast in the carnival area inside the city government compound here a day before the observance of the first founding anniversary of the city and its 7th Matagoan Festival failed to derail or even just dampen the celebration which run from June 23 to 26.

Chief of Police Alfredo Dangani declared that had the motive of the perpetrator been to sabotage the celebration, then he has failed because the celebration proceeded smoothly and the activities especially the parade on the second day were well attended.

The parade dragged for three hours because the head intersected with the hind part at the intersection of the provincial road and Quezon Street where it was arranged for the one group to stop to allow the other group to proceed alternately. This is the first time that this happened in a parade in the city center.

Police and ushers had to shove people at the entrance of the Tabuk People’s Gymnasium to make a way for Tourism Regional Director Purificacion Molintas who was the guest speaker on the third day.

In her speech, Molintas made no direct reference to the grenade incident but merely said that one of the basic expectations of tourists from a place they visit is assurance of their security and safety.

She urged the city to protect its tourists not only because satisfied tourists came back again and again but because the Department of Tourism, with the aid of the law enforcement arms of the government, is monitoring crimes against tourists and by tourists.

In an interview after the program, Molintas who attended the celebration starting on the night of the first day to the afternoon of the third day said that news of the grenade explosion never gave her second thoughts about her scheduled trip to the city.

She said that bombings and kidnappings happen everywhere adding that she always makes it a point to attend ‘first time celebrations regardless of obstacles.’

Molintas also intimated that she liked what she saw during the celebration although there were minor adjustments which need to be made apart from the need to develop the city’s ‘must sees’ and ‘must buys.’

Molintas said that the city should be able to offer something that is truly from the city or is symbolic of what the city is such as a brand of Kalinga coffee or goodies and arts and crafts.

Regarding the Longest Hybrid Rice Linudag Show which was staged for the first time this year and was supposed to be one of the main attractions of the celebration, Molintas said that the city can improve on it in the future ‘especially if they gun for the Guinness Record.’

The linudag – rice wrapped in lao leaves and cooked in bamboo cuts over slow fire – were prepared and cooked at the agriculturist office inside the city compound starting in the afternoon of June 22 and then suspended on a wire laid out along the provincial road from barangay Magsaysay to barangay Appas for an approximate length of 2.5 kilometers night of June 23.

At around 9 AM of June 24, the linudag was gathered and distributed to the public in the city compound.

The target was to link Bulanao and Dagupan Centro which are seven kilometers apart with linudags but according to City Agriculturist Gilbert Cawis who headed the committee in-charge of the event, there were a lot of things they failed to consider when they set the target such as the length of time it takes to prepare and cook a linudag which is one and half hours and likewise the availability of enough people to produce enough linudags for the distance.

‘This is a learning experience. We will do better next year. We could assign all 42 barangays of the city to cook linudags so that we could produce enough for seven kilometers on time,’ Cawis said.

The linudag received mixed reviews from those who were able to taste it. There were some who praised it and wished they got more but there were also those who said that the linudag they got were either too hard for human consumption or were spoiled.

A mediaman from Baguio City was also noted the absence of community participation in the activity saying that the linudag were not opened and tasted on the road nor was the public invited to view the preparation activities such as being done in similar activities in other places.

Other major events of the festival especially the search for Mutya ng Tabuk and Mr. Matagoan on the first night and the street dancing on the third day were resounding successes.**

With peace, Tabuk can be region’s next mighty city

2008-07-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

by Harley Palangchao

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The mayor of this city appealed to his constituents to be instruments of peace, saying that Tabuk can maintain its monikers as the “hybrid rice” and “rice bowl” capital of the Cordillera region if the people are united.

This, as Tabuk City mayor Camilo Lammawin Jr. appealed to his constituents to take part in the efforts to address the reported rice shortage in the country.

Lammawin made the appeal in his speech during the first year anniversary of Tabuk’s cityhood and 7th staging of the Matagoan (Life) Festival.

But maintaining its prestigious monikers needs unity among the sub-tribes in this city, Lammawin said, as he urged his constituents to be part of the uphill bid to attain lasting peace in this city and in the province in general.

“It is better to sweat in peace than to bleed in conflict,” were the words of Lammawin, as he emphatically said that a peaceful community will hasten socio-economic development.

The mayor apparently wanted to impart to his constituents that peace and order and development go hand in hand, as he joined his constituents in celebrating what he described as a “new chapter” in the long history of Tabuk.

Noting that Tabuk City is gaining solid ground in hastening socio-economic activities, the mayor again challenged his constituents to be part of the peacekeeping efforts.

“Achieving (lasting peace) and order is a possibility but we should make it a reality,” Lammawin said.

He then said that united Tabukeños means having a united front that charts the destiny of the young city.

Lammawin’s challenge came two days after a grenade blast on June 22 almost dampened the opening day of the Tabuk City foundation day celebration and the Matagoan Festival.

Notwithstanding the terror attempt, Tabuk marked a historical event when it displayed Linudag or bamboo-cooked hybrid rice along the stretch of the national highway between Bulanao and Dagupan last June 24. It was a show of pride and glory as the “hybrid rice capital” in the Cordilleras.
While lack of funds blocked the plan to invite a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records to Tabuk, this young city is the first in the country to display cooked hybrid rice spanning to almost 3.5 kilometers.

Kalinga to build mini hydro under the Clean Development Mechanism

2008-06-27T05:45:00.001-07:00

(ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Tabuk City, Kalinga (20 June) -- Members of Provincial Board of Kalinga have given authority to Governor Floydelia Diasen to enter into an agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippine (DBP) to place the Kalinga mini-hydro power plant project under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

Through a resolution, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) cited that this supports the country's endeavor in protecting the environment being a signatory of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.

Said international agreements are designed to encourage investments by industrialized nations in developing countries to implement the utilization of new and renewable forms of energy, carbon sequestration and those involving sustainable an environmentally sound technologies.

The SP said that the agreement will be doubly beneficial as it promotes economic development through investments and emphasizes the need to protect the environment as a key consideration to sustain development.

In a previous resolution dated April 29, 2008, the SP authorized the provincial government to enter into loan agreement with the DBP in the amount of P36,900,000.00 for the construction of a mini-hydro that will supply electricity to government owned facilities and a number of households within the capital town.

Said development project is seen as a way of conserving and cutting the cost of the increasing high price of power rates and will minimize the rotating brownouts that disrupt government and business operations in the province due to the preventive maintenance being undertaken by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR).

This also supports the call of the Arroyo Administration to construct more power plants and come up with renewable forms of energy generators to avert the looming power shortage in the near future. (ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Napolcom inspects anew police offices in Kalinga

2008-06-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

PIA Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is conducting its annual inspection on the city and municipal police offices to know if they are operating according to their mandate.

Fernando Cosidon, Kalinga Napolcom provincial officer, said the yearly checking of police stations is in accordance with the mandate of their office as overseer of the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement branches under its watch.

Partly to be checked, Cosidon said, is the health status of police officers, whether they are all the time capable of discharging their duties; and their facilities and logistics available for quick response upon call of duty.
“The on-the-spot inspection will verify if law enforcing systems within a police station are working and responsive to their needs as law enforcers and to the needs of the citizens they serve,” Cosidon said.

Included during the inspection conducted this month are firearms inventory and their serviceability, the building, and equipment. Thus far, only Tabuk City, Pinukpuk, Tinglayan, and Balbalan have built their own buildings jointly funded by the local government unit and the national government.

Other municipalities, he said, are in the process of requesting financial assistance from PNP national headquarters and other sources. “The lot where to build a police office is also an important consideration before the approval of any request for a building,” Cosidon added.
He said his office acts on findings that need immediate action and refer to higher authorities those that cannot be addressed at his level.

“Recommendations will also be made for the LGUs and other local partners asking them fund assistance to improve police stations or intercede in the solutions of problems,” he said.

Meanwhile, a monthly report of the provincial PNP office submitted to Napolcom shows that police personnel adhere to civil service rules and regulations. Absent police officers have filed their approved leave of absence, the report reveals.
One senior police officer was reported incapable and applied for permanent disability to claim benefits. An administrative charge was filed against a senior inspector and endorsed by Napolcom-Kalinga to PRO-CAR while his criminal case is being handled by the prosecutor’s office.

Tabuk City braces for Guinness Book record

2008-06-16T21:34:00.001-07:00

by L. Lopez

Tabuk City, Kalinga (13 June) -- This newly created city of the Cordillera Region is eyeing for a title in the Guinness Book of World records by its Longest Hybrid Rice Linudag to be shown on its first foundation day anniversary, June 24.

The Longest Hybrid Rice Linudag will be set on the 7-kilometer thoroughfare entrance of the city stretching from Barangay Bulanao to the poblacion.

Linudag is the Kalinga indigenous way of cooking rice in bamboo tubes.

Organizers of the show wanted to ask the formal handing down of the title to Tabuk City as the Hybrid Rice Capital of the Philippines, having been informally alluded to in past several occasions.

Since the introduction of hybrid rice technology by the Department of Agriculture (DA) sometime in the early ninety's, then to a group of rice farmers here, hybrid rice production in the province spread like contagious disease among farmers.

Today, hybrid rice farming is a major industry in the city and has reached commercial level, with Tabuk City once winning a national award as Top Hybrid Rice Seeds Producer of the country.

That was the time when Tabuk became a top supplier of hybrid rice seeds to other provinces like Ilocos Norte, Nueva Ecija, Isabela and Pangasinan.

Earlier study conducted by the PhilRice confirmed that the city is conducive to production of hybrid rice and other certified rice varieties because of its naturally blended climatic and soil conditions.

Because of the booming hybrid rice industry, DA has identified the province one of its areas for hybrid rice commercialization program.

Because of this, DA is pouring down package of support to the program like provision of pre and post-harvest facilities, additional hybrid and certified rice seeds subsidies and more farm interventions.

Among the latest support facilities delivered to the province by DA includes 23 units flatbed dryers, multi-purpose drying pavements (MPDPs), seed laboratory and Bio-N laboratory.

Government through the DA is now introducing a farming technology to help farmers cut the cost of their inputs, under the Modified Rapid Composting Program (MRCP), making use of farm "waste materials" in the production of organic compost fertilizer. (PIA-Kalinga)

Tabuk City sets 1st founding anniversary activities

2008-06-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

(ggd/PIA-Kalinga)
Tabuk City (14 June) -- Getting ready to celebrate the Tabuk City's 1st Founding Anniversary celebration, the City Government laid down a four-day affair from June 23 to June 26, 2008.

With the theme "Abante Tabuk, the City of Life", the event will highlight the promotion of the city's potentials in tourism and agriculture.

As a start, jobs seekers will have the opportunity to look for employment both here and abroad with the conduct of jobs fair and skills demo from day one to day four where spectators will have a glimpse of actual demonstration of various skills in Barista, Bartending, Massage and Beauty Care, Information Technology, Rice Wine Making, Electronics Application, Cookery and Flower Arrangement several others.

This will be followed by a dog show competition to be participated by entries from the City and nearby provinces. And in the evening will be highlighted with the Search for the Mutya ng Tabuk and Mr. Matagoan 2008.

The second day will feature the Agro-Industrial Day to start early at 6 AM with the Longest Hybrid Rice Linudag Show where participants will be cooking rice in bamboo along the seven kilometer stretch from Barangay Bulanao to Dagupan.

At 7 AM a civic parade will follow before the program at 10AM which Secretary Arthur C. Yap of the Department of Agriculture (DA) will be gracing as the Guest Speaker. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will likewise be formally opening the Agro-Industrial Trade Fair with a Ribbon Cutting to be spearheaded by the Secretary.

The afternoon of the second day will feature a concert and the Matagoan Games composed of coffee drinking contest, unoy rice pounding, palay relay, catching pig, horse racing, carabao race, Most Macho Carabao and several indigenous games.

The Cultural Day on June 25 will start with the Matagoan Run, Cultural Street Dancing, Cultural Competition, Gabi ng Parangal, Variety Show and Concert. The day will be graced by Director Purificacion Molintas of the Department of Tourism-CAR and National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) Commissioner Domingo Bakilan.

The third day will give focus on promoting the tourism industry of the city with the conduct of a White Water Rafting Adventure to be participated by high school students in the city, Trekking from the foot of Talama to the Globe Tower and City Tour visiting the Talama View Deck, Helen's Farm, Ryan's Farm and the Tabuk Agro-Food Center. (ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Kalinga gov recalls heroes' sacrifices on Independence Day

2008-06-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

(ggd/PIA-Kalinga)
Tabuk City, Kalinga (14 June) -- Governor Floydelia R. Diasen said that we need to relive the traits of the country's heroes and patriots who sacrificed and fought for independence that shaped the nation today.

"The strength of character, strong sense of patriotism and nationalism is now a rare commodity, and so let us live up to the ideals, visions and aspiration of our uncompromising and selfless heroes and patriots who have fought and died for our liberation or independence towards self determination," the governor expressed.

"Let those vision and ideals reverberate among us especially among the young and serve as a guiding path in doing our share in shaping our nation to be great again," she said in her speech keynoting the 110th Independence Day celebration in the province.

She said that this year's theme "Republic Service tungo sa Ganap na Kalayaan at Kaunaran is "timely since we are again confronted with another formidable battle - the battle against poverty."

"Year in and year out, still some of our constituents remain under the bondage of poverty," she said pointing out that "we need to respond immediately and focus our concerted efforts in improving our food security programs."

She stressed that "It is true that we won our political independence but sad to say that we are still fighting for economic progress, so we need to form a powerful human chain for our economic advancement."

She added, "we should not always put the blame to the president, to our local leaders or officials for every problem and crisis that we are facing but instead do our part and share to help solve the problem and unite towards the progress of every family, community, municipality, province and the country."

"We should not be always asking what the country or government can do for us, instead ask ourselves what we could do for our country," the governor underscored concluding her message. (ggd/PIA-Kalinga)

Kalinga officials endorse conversion of public school

2008-06-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

PIA Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The sangguniang panlalawigan deliberated on the legislation by Congress of two vital projects that would pave the way for the nationalization of the Magtoma-Pangol National High School, Bawac Annex and the conversion of the Catabbogan-Buluan-Daga provincial road into a national road.

The Bawac Annex High School caters to students from the sitios along the Donglayan River in Tanudan which is growing in population because of the influx of people seeking high agricultural productivity with its improved infrastructure facilities.

Board member Antonio Bakilan said the parents-teachers-community association asked the intercession of the SP to endorse the independence of the annex school into the Western Pangol National High School to serve the educational needs of students in far-flung villages who could not attend schooling at the mother school and in central districts.

“Establishing mobile schools and hiring mobile teachers is costly and the teaching-learning process could not be fully implemented because of disorganized classes,” Bakilan said, adding that a centralized and independent high school can formally gather students in organized classrooms with a proper curriculum.

Board member Fernando Abay said the provincial government cannot maintain all the provincial roads existing in the municipalities due to meager resources. He said the province depends much on its Internal Revenue Allotment.
“Since the road is a vital link of the barangays of Pinukpuk to those in Conner, Apayao, its conversion is urgent to have a regular source of a maintenance fund to keep the agriculture competitiveness of the area,” Abay said in his defense of the bill.

Remembering Another Kalinga Top Notcher

2008-06-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

MANILA, March 30, 2006 - "Hard work and maturity" were the secrets of this mestizo from bekel, Benguet and Lubo Tanudan Kalinga for making it to the top of the graduating 2006 "Bagsay Lahi" Class of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

Today, Cadet Benjamin Balais along with 177 cadets will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety at the PNPA, which is under the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC).

President Arroyo is the guest honor and speaker at the graduation rites to be held at Camp Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite. Security measures are expected to be strict to ensure peaceful and orderly commencement exercises.

Balais will receive the Presidential Kampilan Award from the President.

"My secret is hard work and maturity and my submissiveness to the duly constituted authorities here in the PNPA," the 25-year-old Balais told The STAR. He completed the four-year course in the camp.

Balais is among 162 graduates to join the PNP, while nine others will join the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and five to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

"I believe the PNP is in dire need of personnel to help polish its image. I promise to perform well as a police officer to be able to help the PNP regain the trust and confidence of the public," Balais said.

Balais pointed out that a "police officer should insulate (himself) from getting involved in politics" amid accusations that the PNP as well as the military had become politicized.

Just like other graduates, Balais said four years in the academy helped "instill the values of honor, discipline and excellence."

The PNPA cadet is the eldest of five children of Dimas Balais and Nora Dinamling. His 21-year-old brother, Dimas Jun, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Mandala Class of 2006.

The PNPA is one of the seven schools and 15 regional training centers under the PPSC. It is headed by Senior Superintendent Balligi Agnanayon Tira.

From the number one spot, Balais is followed by Lemuel Josef Clarete of Upi, Maguindanao who will receive the Vice Presidential Kampilan Award. Third among the Top 10 PNPA graduates is Stephen George Antonio of Tadian, Mountain Province.

The 25-year-old Antonio, assistant editor of PNPA’s Kalasag magazine, will receive the Secretary of Interior and Local Government Kampilan Award.

The four female cadets in the Top 10 awardees are Neva Renchie De Chavez of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Arlene Abuan of Calamba City, Laguna; Anabel Davocol of Balire, Tunga, Leyte; and Grade Jamila of Digos, Davao del Sur.

The Bagsay-Lahi Class of 2006 consists of 177 cadets who will graduate with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Public Safety. Twenty are female who will be given a rank of inspector in the PNP, Bureau of Jail and Bureau of Fire.

Kalinga woman tops New York university class

2008-06-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - A woman from Kalinga province graduated at the top of her class at the State University of New York Plattsburg Campus last week.

Phillyne Rhaiza Sugguiyao Shiu topped her hotel, restaurant and tourism management class, graduating magna cum laude with the highest general percentile average (GPA) of 3.7-3.89 during the College Spring Commencement Exercises.

Shiu was also conferred the Faculty Excellence Award by the department of hotel, restaurant and tourism management (HRTM) faculty and the Honor Society Graduating Seniors Award of the Eta Sigma Delta.

Shiu's mother is Natividad Sugguiyao, who is the Kalinga provincial director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. Rhaiza and her siblings, however, have migrated to the US.

Even in the Philippines, Shiu was always at the top of her class. She was enrolled at the University of the Philippines in Diliman Quezon City and went to the US on a scholarship grant from the SUNY Plattsburg College of Business and Economics. She also became an exchange student to the University of Hilo in Hawaii. - GMANews.TV

A video made especially for francesca

2008-06-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

Another Stupid Filipina Racist

2008-06-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

here is your comment when some people being offended by your blog requested to omit the word igorot from your blog "Hinding hindi..!Opo, ganun na po ang takbo ng mundo.

No harm intent.

No excuses,no apologies, no deletion in my blog post, Im expressing my thoughts as an author, and I dont mean to be nasty to the Igorots.I even wrote: Maybe...

We all experienced to be critizised, it has been part of our culture.

Igorot na to!
bisaya ka!
taga bundok ka!
timang ka!
napa ka okray mo!
jologs ka!
taga tondong to!
stupid ka,
saudi ka lang pala galing eh...
katulong ka lang hoy
etc etc."

ok no problem, if people are not responsible enough with their blogs so am i, this is great, you want it so... i am trying to be irresponsible also...

here's what this filipina guy married to a French living in moroco the place of rich people as she stated in her blog..

I have an internet shop in Philippines. And it has been running for five years.
It experienced raids, black out for a week, or no internet connection for three weeks...conned by persons who try to stop/spoil the business... Storm... Attacking drug addicts...
A lot to mention.

But I stay within the law, paying my liscences and obey the city ordinances on operating an internet shop.
So far so good.

As my daughter is the one managing it since I left for France 2004, Michel and I decided to give her the rights to run the business of 24computers. Tough job. She has to deal all.
Including the problems she faced in applying a BIR(Bureau of Internal Revenue) Registration.

She went to Antipolo cityhall to inquire about it.

Requirements are:
Mayors Permit and Dept of Trade and Industry.
Bon.
But the thing is, they discovered that I didnt register at BIR my shop for five years since it existed!
Voila, penalty ang Lola.
Malaki.
Ayoko. I dont want to pay.
Di daw pwede.
So I hired an accountant.
The one who will not do me up.
I inquire the net. Wow, there are lots.But, I dont trust them.
I could have hired Mr Lazarus. He seems honest and inspired confidence.
But he is in Cebu!
I contacted Atty Pulido.
She endorsed me her accountant.
Eh voila, accountant send me an email about her service fees and what she will be doing.She will audit my shop monthly.
She told Loraine to email her all business documents.
After two days, she emailed me:
She noticed that we had the DTI permit expiring on September 2008.

She proposed this:
"As you didnt register your business after 30days of DTI Liscence last year 2003, you will be paying a lot based on the income of the shop."
Patay.
But,you dont have any records of sales since 2003,to show how much you earned for five years, so I advice Lorraine to apply the DTI under her name. All liscences will be under her name. You as the previous owner will sign a document called Deed of Assignment to prove that it is now Lorraine's business.
We must start the business properly.

Okey ako don... She seems good in what she's doing.

She sent me her service fees. I negotiate a bit her price,via emails and she said, ok.

Deed of Assignment was signed by me, witnessed by Michel and Maghie.We sent it via scan email.

Loraine applied first the DTI in her name.
Then Lorraine negotiate at Antipolo Business Liscence,that it is the same business, but now under her name, so they just change names of all our Business Liscence. No charges.

When DTI papers are ready, the accountant went to BIR at Antipolo cityhall to do the work.

But, BIR Registration office said to her, I as the shop owner, must pay them a penalty for not registering the business five years ago.
6000pesos(100€)
I stumped my feet like a high horse, but Lolo said, its better than 100,000 pesos or more ow!
Okey, I told the accountant, green light to that.

We faced another problem.

Lorraine's tax account number is in Quirino Province near Isabela Region.
Ngek!
We were all surprised, she never been there, how come she got one applied in Quirino?
It was discovered that she applied her tax account number online and it went to Quirino Province.
Thats how, high tech Computer of BIR is?!!

The Marikina BIR, handling Antipolo business registrations, said, they need the original copy of the Tax Account application form with her number,to be transfered and to be put in their data base, then Lorraine can register as a tax payer in Antipolo.
Lorraine can then apply a BIR Registration for her business.

The accountant called the Quirino BIR office. The chief there said, he will send one copy to Marikina. (Oh Promise Me.) A week past, nothing arrived.

Accountant called again, Chief BIR said: "there was a storm here, all LBC and fax are out of order. We are waiting for another week."
What?

Another week past, still no records sent.

Accountant informed me via emails, she followed it up constantly to the Chief Bir, he said he sent it already. I was annoyed. Just a piece of paper, it took nearly a month?????!!!!!! I took the BIR's celphone number and call him via long distance.

I was imagining how far from civilisation is Quirino Province?
Is it on the top of the mountain?
Is it a remote area going down from a mountain,where you get a carabao ride to go to the city?
Is he an igorot, thats why he doesnt understand the importance of paper works and time?!!!

If he still do not want to send the paper by fax or LBC(speed mail),after a week, I am willing to send Lorraine there, advising her, she must bring a rope and rubberboots,and a (compass, Michel added) in case she has to climb trees and cross rivers, haha.
And if it is that bad the road, SWAT Team na lang kaya papuntahin ko don???!

(Out of desperation girls, my brain runs wild!)

Im blah blah to Michel: "The Bir Head of Quirino must be sacked,for delaying money for the Government!!!!"
(There, I am really that desperate!)

I talked to the Quirino BIR head, and he was very polite, so my anger subsided.

He said, "A week storm strucked the area, all phones are cut, some services do not function."
Ah.
I was thinking, he must had to attend to his family and his carabaos and goats and hens. You see, sometimes, we have to understand that at least, HE stayed in that area, to look after BIR tax office, when he could have been in Manila in a cozy Makati Building in Rockwell...
I changed gear of my anger and congratulated him of his dedication to his work.
Bah, they are heros in their own way pala?!

I offered him to pay his troubles in sending us the paper in Isabela 37kms away from Quirino Province. He doesnt want to.
I insisted that I am discussing with him in a business manner, and it is not because of other reasons. I just dont want the papers to be delayed.
He said, he will do it today.

I adviced him to text message the details of his bank account in Quirino, so that the accountant will reimburse him his expenses. He said:
Wag na Mam, ok na po. Wala po charges.

I started to guess, baka nga Igorot eto? I dont have any goat or hen to pay him, if he doesnt want money haha.I said, I will inform the accountant to send you the money,please send her your bank details. He said, thank you mam, but really, its not a big thing.

The next day, the accountant inform me she recieved a call from Marikina BIR that the LBC arrived. And a text from a Mr in Quirino about his bank details. He said, the cost doesnt exceed 500pesos.I told Lorraine to transfer cash via internet from her bank to Quirino bank for Sir, BIR Chief.

With that, I relaxed.Okey na.

Then last Monday, BIR informed us, from 6000pesos, we must pay 7000pesos penalty due to a month delay.

Aray!

Reminding those in France, May 31 is the last day to file our taxes to the Govt.
Yes, we must "support" them, they need money too...
Especially France...

So thats a looong story of Lorraine's Tax account Number. One day, I will go to that area, Quirirno Province. Maybe Michel can experience riding on a carabao.

What do you think?

you can visit her blog here
sorry francesca stupid din kasi ako e

Kalinga Boy on Pinoy Idol Top 12

2008-05-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sherwin Marquez - How Do You Heal A Broken Heart
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I was surprised to know that Sherwin Marquez of Pinoy Idol is Sherwin Bayangan in real name whose father roots was traced in Lubo Tanudan Kalinga Province.He is a mestizo of Lubo Kalinga. He introduces himself as from tuguegarao city for any reason i duno..maybe because he lives their or for any other reasons beyond our control.. so i remember mark cielo of starstruck who claims to be an igorot because he really is partially...here is the profile of sherwin marquez in pinoy idol Sherwin Bayangan, who goes under the name of Sherwin Marquez, is 26 from Dagupan. He currently lives with his parents in Tuguegarao. He auditioned in Dagupan.

Pinoy Idol is the second franchise of Idol series in the Philippines (the word Pinoy is the colloquial form of the word Filipino). GMA Network promoted Pinoy Idol as "the first Idol competition in the Philippines" and does not recognize Associated Broadcasting Company's Philippine Idol and its winner Mau Marcelo.[3] It is hosted by Raymond Gutierrez, with Ogie Alcasid (singer, songwriter, and record producer), Jolina Magdangal (singer and actress), and Wyngard Tracy (retired talent manager) as judges.[4][5] Danny Tan is the show's musical director.

The winner will receive P1 million, a house and lot, brand new car, a recording contract with Sony BMG Music Philippines, and a television contract with GMA Network.[6] The show premiered on April 5, 2008.

I can't just think of any reason kung bakit indi nya binanggit ang kalinga blood nya..maybe he thinks it is a downfall, but i can't judge him until he would personally reason out..

Jun Lozada's Endless Love with Jamby Madrigal

2008-05-18T03:42:00.000-07:00

Lubuagan launches culture, arts center

2008-05-08T04:49:00.000-07:00

Lubuagan launches culture, arts center
PIA Kalinga

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga – The Kalinga Center for Culture and the Arts was launched May 3 at Awichon mountain resort this town.

Gov. Floydelia Diasen was guest of honor together with Dr. Jesus Peralta of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.

The center that showcased the dynamic culture and arts of the Kalingas was conceptualized and built by National Living Treasure awardee Alonzo Saclag, a native of this municipality. “It was a long cherished dream to build a heritage house for the Kalinga culture and arts,” Saclag said.

He said it was a common desire to nurture the Kalinga cultural heritage but it was only now that the concept was realized. Saclag, a sexagenarian artist who promoted the Kalinga culture and arts around the country and abroad, devoted his twilight years building the center nestled in a mountain some 10 kilometers from the Poblacion of Lubuagan.

During the ceremony, a musical instrument competition was joined by the different barangays of Lubuagan. The “Challichog” and “banga” dances that won fame in a national contest were also presented to the delight of guests.
The Tukon Cultural Dance group presented the Challichog and Pattunggok while the Matuun Dance Group performed the Banga dance. The neighboring barangay of Dangtalan, Pasil also rendered their version of salidummay.

for more immages on Awichon Lubuagan click here

Mt. Binaratan Summer Climb

2008-04-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

April 15-22, 2008 Dacalan Tanudan Kalinga Province
Kalinga Mountaineering Society

Nightmare with magellan GPS device

2008-04-09T02:55:00.000-07:00

I have this problem with my magellan GPS, all around the internet i have searched for such answer to the problem but all of the researched i have made has one answer from all over the world user of magellan gps, then you will received such e mail from their very humble technical support!!! "Sorry, we might be afraid that their is no solution for the problem you are experiencing with your own unit, but we are glad to tell you that you can swap your magellan GPS device with a new model with a cheaper price." my gulay!!!!!!! i shouldn't have gambled with garmin GPS.. in my remaining life i will never ever recomend magellan GPS, go to garmins products....our balbalan recon went into failure due to this magellan's GPS device...

The Last Ming Dynasty Gong in Kalinga

2008-04-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

I am just wondering about the origins of gongs in Kalinga so i started to ask the elders during an "Am-ammong" a term use to describe a tribal community where they gather at night to tell stories in a fir place.

According to the elders they believed that their are 6 original (First to arrive in Kalinga as barter) gongs from kalinga which they name as Pusok, Bakaw, Tumiknag, Udo-or and the 2 is un named or maybe forgotten by this new generation of elders. The six gong is believed to arrived in kalinga during the Ming dynasty, if i am not mistaken , either 15th century or 16th (i think Ming dynasty lasted til 1662) century so with porcelains, and beads that is being bartered to the kalinga people.

Where are this gongs? Pusok is already broken, it was accidentally drop (Current owner: Mr Bayangan).. Bakaw is still existing (Owner: Mayor Rhustom Dagadag), Tumiknag is still existing (Owner: Dalanao Ayangdo (+) Macario Dalanao (+) but under the possesion of Judge Dalanao}, Udu-or can no where be found but they believed that it is in Sumadel Tinglayan Kalinga.. i Have tried to trace the two remaining gong but to no avail, i still believed they are being sold in the 1980's for the tuition of students and i hope they still exist within the philippines..

By the way if you are wondering about the prices of this gong. During the 1970's it cost 15 Carabaos each..

(The Pictures above are not the gongs i am referring, i have the gong tumiknag beside me but i forgot na pinahiram ko pala digicam ko kaya i can't take a picture of it.) I am not sure kung yung gong na hinahawakan ng son ko sa picture is tumiknag..i just can't identify it , cguro camera effects during the shot pero i am pretty sure the old gongs usually resembles a color with green and shiny gold type

Mt. Binaratan Summer Climb 2008

2008-03-10T01:48:00.000-07:00

Itinerary
Mt. Binaratan
Tanudan Kalinga Province

APRIL 05-13, 2008

Major Climb
1886 Meters Above Sea Level
Difficulty: Unclassified
Elevation Gain: "Climb will start at the dacalan river 520ft. ASL"
Hike will start atleast 10 hours fro jeepney jump off to the dacalan river (wet season), atleast 4 hours to dacalan river from jeepney jump off (Dry Season)

Day 0
1800-2100 ETD for Tabuk City via Autobus or Victory Liner (P565) 12 hours journey by bus

Day 1
0900 breakfast/Rest
1200 lunch
1300 Secure guides / Register/Prepare
1800 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0600 wake up call
0700 Board a 6x6 truck to Jump Off Site (Se-et Tanudan Municipality) 200php each fare
0830 Enjoy the ruggedness of the road
1200 Lunch at Jump off Site
1300 Assault to Mt. Tangob
1630 Descent From Mt kokok to Base Camp
1800 ETA Pugo Barangay Lubo Tanudan Kalinga
1830 Set up camp; dinner

Day 3
0530 Await the sunrise; prepare for breakfast and departure
0700 Start Trekking to Barangay Dacalan (Mt. Binaratan Base Camp)
1130 Lunch at Barangay Dacalan
1200 REST
1900 REST and prepare for tomorrow’s assault

Day 4
0530 Await the sunrise; prepare for breakfast
0700 Assault to the Summit of Mt. Binaratan
1130 Early lunch along trail
1830 ETA summit of Mt. Binaratan
1900 Set-up camp/Dinner
2000 Socials/Rest

2 Options

Day 5
0530 Await the sunrise; prepare for breakfast
0700 start descent from Mt. Binaratan
1230 Lunch Barangay Dacalan
1330 Wait for tomorrow to avoid night trekking OR
1330 Trekking to Matabor Falls
1700 ETA Matabor Falss
1800 Dinner
1900 River Night Trekking (Rock Jumping)
2400 ETA Barangay Lubo Tanudan
0100 REST

Day 6
0600 wake up call
0700 Prepare to Move /Assault to Mt. Kokok
1200 Lunch along the trail
1600 ETA jump-off site
1700 Take a 6x6 truck ride Back to Tabuk City
2100 ETA Tabuk City
2130 Dinner/ Socials

Day 7
0800 Breakfast
0900 Souvenir shopping
1200 Lunch
1600 Return to Manila/ Baguio via autobus/ Victory Liner/ Gl Trans/ Dangwa Tranco

REGISTRATION FEE: 600 inclusive of Pamasahe Going to Tanudan
CONTACT: NATS DALANAO 09216023500

Overview
Mt. Binaratan is dubbed as the silent Mountain, it is the entry point of General Aguinaldo during his escape. Mt. Binaratan is the boundary between Mountain Province and Kalinga Province.The environment is comprised of dense, mossy jungles, where animals such as wild boars and deer roam, and where limatik (blood leeches) are a constant menace.

Mt. Binaratan according to legend, is the hunting ground of kabunyan "The Kalinga God", Once upon a time when Kabunyan is hunting at Mt. Binaratan, the birds are too noisy that he can't even hear the barking of his dogs and he lose sight of them.He then ordered the birds to keep quite. Today Mt. Binaratan is popularly known as the silent mountain among the locals,

Making some fun during Ullalim 2008

2008-03-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

here are some edited videos during the Ullalim festival

Arnel Banasan

2008-01-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

Here is the translation for the song

Children who are energetic and explorers
Ladies and Gentleman
Hear me for what will I share
The advice of the elders

You are a human being with intelligence
You should not scold your parents
Because the life you are enjoying right now
Is a credit to your parents and the lord god

Hahahaha hahahaha aaaaaa (tribal Chanting)

If you want to go to school
It's Either Baguio City or Manila
Try your very best
To earn a Diploma/Degree

If you want to marry
Think five times
Ask the elders about life after marriage
Because it is very hard to start a new family

(tribal Chanting) hahahahaaaaa aaaaaa aaaaa

If there are parties or occasion
Get along with the people
Hear the elders with their advice
That is how an ekalinga behave

When they offer wine
A wine that is very tasty
Drink it and enjoy
That is how an ekalinga behave
But don't drink too much
Because it will be bad for you
It will change the way you walk
You will walk in a zigzag pattern like angtan (Ghost)

(tribal Chanting) hahahaha hahaha ahahahaa

Children's!!! Ladies and gentlemen
Hear what I am saying
The advice of the elders

Let's go all learn the pagta (By Laws) of the Bodong
Because it is our law
A law that binds us
A law that dictates how we behave.....

Tribal Chanting...................... (less)

Stranded mountaineers rescued in Quezon

2008-01-28T02:44:00.000-08:00

(UPDATE) Stranded mountaineers rescued in Quezon

Sixteen mountaineers stranded in Mt. Cristobal in Dolores, Quezon have been rescued by the Air Force's 505th Search and Rescue Group, ABS-CBN News reported Sunday.

The mountaineers, some of whom came from the Pencil Advertising Group, were stranded near the summit of Mt. Cristobal since Saturday, correspondent Ron Gagalac reported.

Two of the mountaineers identified as Sonny Angeles and Eric Sanchez sustained major injuries and were the first ones airlifted to the military's Southern Luzon Command headquarters in Lucena City.

Angeles had a broken knee while Sanchez suffered a shoulder fracture.

The remaining 14 mountaineers were airlifted in the second chopper to an Air Force camp in Candelaria in Candelaria town. They were being treated by Red Cross medical technicians as of this posting and are scheduled to leave for Manila afterwards.

The Pencil mountaineers were identified as Michael Nisperos, Lan Vilmonte, Oliver John Gomez, Jesus Valmonte, Tady Diaz and Reg Romanilios.

Aside from Angeles and Sanchez, the other injured mountaineers were named as Sam Kabiling, Jeremy Reyes, Teri Binambang, Jean Aparis, Alex Madrona, Coy Roxas, Jaime Magpayo and Arnold Garchitorena.

Officials said the rescue mission was made difficult by the zero visibility and strong winds near the mountain's summit.

The mountaineers said they took the wrong path in ascending the mountain. They said that the path was the one usually used by trekkers in descending from the peak.

Red Cross officials added that the wrong path used was the reason why the mountaineers were stranded.

The Vanishing Culture

2008-01-23T06:32:00.000-08:00

This page requires a higher version browser
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Here's a video from GMA network featuring the Vanishing tattos of the Kalingas

Are these e kalinga?

2008-01-20T19:08:00.000-08:00

nope, they are koreanas performing during the CMI grand openning. if these koreanas loves to wear kalinga costumes It should be a reminder to those e kalingas who tends to forget their culture.

Photo courtesy of: Anlin Dixie (KOalaKittie)
Visit her multiply site here

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2008-01-19T02:57:00.000-08:00

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Lets make our pigs a tourist attraction Instead

2008-01-09T04:22:00.000-08:00

How about this? instead of shooting astray animals in Kalinga which is not effective, may we then caution our motorists of the condition of the roads in Purok 5 Bulanao, Purok 6, Nambaran Tabuk, Agbannawag Tabuk.. In Kalinga sometimes it is very expensive to hit a pig on the road..

YES my friend..... This will happen

2007-12-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

Yes my friend...this will happen...

By LTC Francis Eugenio L Lardizabal, CO, 21ST IB, 5ID, PA

Fresh flower plants around the oval surround the White Carabao marker. There was a heavy volume of vehicle, but traffic was smooth. The traffic light that was installed hanging at the center of the oval was very precise, that even in the absence of police officers; everybody was much disciplined to obey the traffic rules.

In front of the Saint Williams Parish is an information booth for tourists. Foreigners and local tourists trying to find ways to inquire where they could get accommodations before they could go to their own destinations packed it. It is the season for the much-awaited White Water Rafting at the Chico River. For other tourists, it is the time for the sight seeing tour to the splendid numerous waterfalls of Lubuagan. But there seems to be a shortage of hotels, both in Dagupan and Bulanao of Tabuk City. But even though, the usual practice of offering some private homes as motel has always served the visitors. Anyway, turning homes into inns became a lucrative business for everybody in town.

Meantime, the grounds of Rizal, Kalinga was also jump-packed by people coming from as far as Visayas and Mindanao to attend to the Annual Pinikpikan Festival. Yah... even foreigners were invited to attend and participate to the celebration! The Provincial and Municipal Government are hosting the affair, where prices were at stake. Contests like Duck-Relay, Duck Cooking, Duck-Beauty Pageant, Biggest Duck, Smallest-Duck, and many more involving ducks were on the line. The municipality became the Duck Capital of the North.

The province was so alive that wherever you go, festivities seem to be a normal affair. Over in Tinglayan, foreigners and local tourists are busy buying their own costumes to participate in a Play. The Legend of the Sleeping Beauty, a Play that was inspired for its cultural richness became a success after it was shown at the Cultural Center of the Philippines some years back. The Play is a three day affair. Tourists in costumes act as members either of warring tribes, or maybe with any cast whom they prefer. This is a tourist package where one experience living in the traditional Kalinga houses, hike near the splendid waterfalls of the municipality, and visit more spots that could not be found anywhere in the world.

The former mining area of the Batong Buhay Gold Mines Inc (BBGMI) has become a main attraction of the province. Waiting list in the reservation line reaches at least two weeks before one could get an experience in the place. Families line-up, and could stay two days in make-shift bunkers near the tunnels. The bunkers were turned into some sort of inns with basic amenities. It is the experience of getting inside the tunnels, collecting and milling their own piles that give the visitors a taste of adventure. One family was so lucky to get ten grams of gold, and this was made into a ring as a souvenir at the nearby goldsmith inside the mine compound.

The first-born ladies of Lobo in Tanudan have returned! They were forced to get back to their homes, and stay there permanently with their families to take care for a very promising future. Students, couples and other people from the metropolis now swarm their locality. Their rice terraces has become the alternative of the Banaue Rice Terraces. The clean waters of the Tanudan River gave splendid moments to the visitors to dip their bodies, and stay away from the pollutions of the city. Tanudan also became a favorite place for honeymooners and environmentalists. The ecosystem was preserved in the municipality, despite the 45 minutes ride towards Tabuk City.

And who could prevent people from going to Balbalan, and have a look at the awe-inspiring parks with roaming deers and other wild animals. The place was practically turned into a National Wildlife and Reservation area. The municipality became the Worlds Second Tourist destination, overtaking Palawan. Despite the tour package price ranging from $2000 to $3000 dollar per person, reservations are pouring in for the whole year. The Eco-Walk alone, stretching kilometers of forest land, reaching Abra and Apayao Provinces is one of its kind in the world. It is one package where visitors can enjoy nature at its best. Some former rebels were turned into tour guides, while others as zoo keeper.

The Ilocanos of Kalinga has something to be proud of. They were hired as cooks in restaurants, demanding good pays to serve original goat delicacies all over the province. Pinukpuk and Nambucayan of Tabuk City became the Center for goat raising of the province. Restaurants serving said delicacies became a normal attraction in every municipality of the province. It is only in Kalinga where one could eat goat delicacy to his heart’s content, and at the cheapest price. Moreover, businessmen from other provinces and cities come in close contact with our local raisers in order to be prioritized with their orders. The situations seems to have changed now-a-days…they, the people from other places now seems to come without reservations.

The Province has recently received the prestigious Most Developed Province award. It has surpassed by an average 55 percent in tax collection for the last five years. Employment before was a big concern. The tourism industry alone has a shortage of at least 3000 tour guides for the last 5 years. Hotels sprout like mushrooms in every municipality, and the province alone could not satisfy the demand. Almost every sector faces the challenge of looking for capable employees. As a result, workers have to imported and trained from nearby provinces just to satisfy the requirement.

The Weaving Industry contributed a lot to the coffers of the provincial treasury. Tourists and locals buy the product, and this became a backyard industry especially to the retired citizens. The approved resolution made years back, adopting the Kalinga dress as the official daily uniform for all government workers down to the barangay level worked. This has actually helped in the promotion of tourism in the province.

Though the province has reached its boom, the ecosystem was preserved for this is the main resource not available anywhere else in the country. The exception however is the electricity provided by the waters of Chico River. The lands submerged in Pasil proves to be a good sacrifice, as the town and its people are the direct benefactors of the hydro-electric plant that was completed five years ago. The fishing industry is owned by the people themselves through their cooperatives, and resorts at the nearby dam has brought tourism at its best.

The problem of Peace and Order in the province is a thing of the past. The Kalinga Police Provincial Office (KPPO) was placed at the Hall of Fame for being adjudged as the best peacekeeper of all time. For five consecutive years, there was a 98 percent crime rate solution. Practically, criminality is unheard-off in the province. Most cases heard in courts are on family settlements like battered husbands, or maybe boundary disputes. Thanks to the experience of the province on the Malapiat incident wayback in 2007, all major land disputes were solved.

The NPA’s were never again heard after the successful dialogue made some years back. The people talked in that dialogue, where they gave an ultimatum to the insurgents. The people did not understand any ideology, and their only concern are their children’s future. The people, as if begging to the insurgents during the dialogue were very successful. Majority from the Kalinga Group went down, and this became the beginning of everything.

Yes, its really nice to stay or visit the province. As each visitor leave the portals of Kalinga, maybe along any of its five gates (Tinglayan-Sadanga, Balbalan-Abra, Pinukpuk-Tuao, Rizal-Solana, and Tabuk-Isabela), one could really notice how this area, once notorious for its culture of violence, became to what it is now. The people have learned the hard way, and it is the sacrifice of accepting change and realities that helped each individual shape the province.

As I leave the portals of Kalinga…driving my vehicle and already an old timer and a tourist, I stopped and looked… and there it was…the immortalized scriptures at the goodbye sign…”NEVER AGAIN WILL THERE BE VIOLENCE!”.

Riiiiiiiiing!, Riiiiiiiing!, Riiiiiiing! Wow, it’s five in the morning. Have to go to work. The alarm is a real savior for a man like me. But my dream…it’s a very a very wonderful dream. So my friend…I bet you, this will happen.

A climb to the Forehead of Sleeping Beauty

2007-11-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

I was in Baguio when my visitors arrive here in Tabuk on Oct. 28, 2007, from October 29 to 30 we had our pre climb training and seminar at Saint William's Academy, and we rappel at pasunglao bridge in preparation for the climb. On October 31, we boarded a 6x6 truck bound for Tanudan , It was a rugged 8 hours journey to our jump off site. Riding in a 6x6 truck is like riding in a roller coaster. It was a muddy road, sometimes we have to walk.Although the condition of the road is too bad, it gives pleasure and enjoyment to the mountaineers. The road is very dangerous for first timers, it's a one way lane beneath high ravines. at 1200H, we had our lunch at barangay Se-et Tanudan, supposed to be it is our jump off site and the start of our climb. By foot it would take six hours to reach Mt. Tatakkan (Jump Off site)traversing 3 mountains (Mt. Gimma, Mt. Kokok and Mt. Alli) atleast each mountain has an elevation of 1800meters above sea level. then a three hour hike to the village Barangay Lubo, base of Mt. Patukan or the Sleeping Beauty Mountain.
At 1600H, October 31, 2007 we finally arrived at Barangay Lubo. This area would be the start of our journey to the forehead of the Sleeping Beauty.Mountaineers from Manila are very surprised with the hospitality of the people, we stayed at the House of Mrs. Conchita Baggas a kagawad at the barangay. As usual with the Kalingas, it is a pleasure to have guest in our house, and butchering of the pig is a way of celebrating and welcoming the guest.We had a meeting with the villagers with regards to environmental awareness.

0700H Nov. 1, 2007 (The real Journey Begin)
(They Thought it was one mountain, how wrong they were. At the back of my mind is to traverse atleast 4 mountain before the final assault to Mt. Patukan (yan lang ang pwedeng daanan e.)
26 Participants join the Climb, 14 are from Manila and 12 are from Tabuk City Kalinga
at around 1100H we reached the summit of Mt. Dulliyao (First Mountain). We have to cook for our lunch their because it is the only place where water is available.At 0100H it is our assault to the top of Mt. Borngong (2nd Mountain), then Mt. Wagod our gateway to the jungle. Moral now is becoming low, leeches (alimatek or "matok") is everywhere, their are no existing trail so we had to clear our own way. Much worst, it rains. As a lead man, i am the one answering questions from the mountaineers "Nats Malapit na ba tayo?" and my usual answer that i inherited from the folks is "Malapit Lang, dyan lang" then they usually answer me back with "Hayop naman yung malapit, e indi na namin mabilang kung ilang bundok, akala namin iisang assault lang sa tuktok" "nats ilang oras pa?" sagot ko: Siguro mga 1 hour na lang..then after 3 hours sasalita na naman sila "Grabe naman yang time mo, sabi mo 1 hour e 1 min 3 hours na"
then finally at 1800h, after a tiresome hike, soaked and wet we are now in the summit of Mt. Patukan. We are welcome by fogs, wala kaming makita na view.

0600H (Wake up Call)
We are welcome by the beautiful scenic view of Bangad Tinglayan in the morning (syempre picture taking.Pero mga 15min lang nakalipas covered na naman ng fogs), we eat our breakfast then pack up for the much worst traverse route trail.
As a lead man, my original plan is to rapel a 90 degree waterfalls but my guide who is a hunter misunderstood me.Instead he guided us to a 60 degrees waterfall approximately 120 meters. At 1100H we cook our lunch in a small cave. Then a 2 hour hike down to the waterfalls top.2 of the mountaineers have cheated death during our descending, thanks to the rope.At 1400H we have to go down again a ravine at least 60degrees 180meters. Salamat at hindi umulan kundi patay na yung iba.. That ravine is very slippery even when it is dry, the chance of survival when falling is at least 10%.

1800H to 2400H (River Trekking at night Gappu River)
at last we reached the river by 1800H, a 6 hour river trekking without the chance of cooking food and coffee. we are all soaked and wet. everybody is low morale, everybody's feeling weak..We are blinded by total darkness navigating thru the lumination of some flashlights and headlamps whose battery are still working.Jump,slide,soaked and crawl.Some of the mountaineers requested me to set up an emergency camp but i refused due to my fear that when it rains, their's the possibility of flash flood.and now comes midnight and the promising sight of the hanging bridge...morale boost high... by 0030H we reached the village, then an all morning celebration!!!shot shot shot

0800H nov. 3, 2007 we proceeded to a small village near the tanudan river.. same all day we had funs with the natives teaching them how to rapel in a hanging bridge at Pugo Tanudan...same enjoy enjoy ..butchering of pigs...eating from one house to another...invitations from left to right....

0700H Nov. 4, 2007 (Good Bye Tanudan, welcome tragedies and storm)
1000H we reached Tatakkan then we aboard a 6x6 truck again! same roller coaster experience until Mt. Siblu where one of the crew of the truck was being hit by the rear wheel...The truck was trap,in the middle of a storm....

The mountaineers training have paid off during their return to Tabuk. One of the crew of the 6x6 truck have been hit by the rear wheel causing the truck to be traped in the middle of a storm, up in the mountain, exposed in open cold wind, from 10:30 AM until 6:45 PM. Along with the trap passengers are 3 infant babies bound to Tabuk for a check up. With no hesitation, members of the Sagka and Kalinga Mountaineering society responded to the victims with their first aid kits, medicines and bondages. “Habang binibigyan ng first aid yung victim, yung ibang mountaineers inilabas na lahat ng mga portable stove para magpa-init ng tubig para sa gatas ng mga bata, tsaka para magluto ng kape dahil sa sobrang lamig. Nilabas na rin naming lahat ng thermal blanket kasi nanginginig na lahat nung mga pasahero sa truck, pati mga ground sheets. Dahil Sa sobrang lakas ng hangin at ulan. Hindi kami nanghihinayang na naputol yung climbing rope namin sa panghatak sa sasakyan kasi nga nakatulong naman kami. 3 tons lang capacity ng climbing rope e yung sasakyan halos 15 tons kasi.Kahit sobrang mahal ng climbing rope hindi kami nanghihinayang. Ang nasa isip lang naming nun mga panahon yun ay madala yung biktima sa ospital baka matetano kaya pinalakad na naming ibang members hanggang barangay seet Tanudan. Para magtawag ng sasakyan.” (Quoted from: Noel Montano a movie director and the head of SAGKA)

atlast by 2100H andito na kami sa Tabuk!!! but we are welcome by brown out...all night party till morning!!!!!

0900H Nov. 5, 2007 (Looking for souvenir shops in Tabuk)
shopping shopping
1200H Lunch Lunch Lunch (we are invited at Crispin Gayagay's house as usual butchering of pigs!!)
1630H good Bye Kalinga!!!!

****Kalinga May not offer the highest mountains to climb, but it offers what it takes to enjoy your Journey and adventure****

Mt. Patukan is 1906 meters above sea level

DURING OUR PRE CLIMB

AFTER THE CLIMB (SOCIAL LIFE WITH THE NATIVES)

Kalinga Villagers ok geothermal exploration

2007-10-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

VILLAGERS from six sub-tribes of Kalinga have given their consent to the proposed exploration project on geothermal energy in Pasil.

Natividad Sugguiyao, provincial officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Kalinga, said a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and a free prior and informed consent (FPIC) signed by the council of elders from each community affected reflect the decision of all members of the tribes after undergoing the process of grassroots consultation and consensus building.

“The application for a geothermal service contract of Aragorn Power and Energy Corporation-Guidance Management Corporation (Apec-GMC) filed with the Department of Energy (DOE) covers a total of 14,724.16 hectares of ancestral domain. It affects 1,074 households of 6,500 indigenous peoples in Kalinga,” Sugguiyao said.

Sun.Star Baguio

Featuring "Kesu"

2007-08-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Finally, the Probe Team Documentaries goes to Kalinga to meet with folk artist Alonzo Saclag. Saclag known to his students as “Kesu” is a Kalinga master of dance and performing arts. Growing up in Lubuagan, Kalinga, the third capital of revolutionary government of the Philippines, instilled in him a sense of nationalist pride about his ethnic Kalinga heritage. In 1974, he single-handedly formed the Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe. The group has so far won 5 national folk dancing awards since its formation. Ultimately he dreams of building an ethnic village -- a living museum and a thriving testament to the uniqueness of Kalinga culture. JM Cobarrubias puts on the traditional Kalinga garb and learns the dances of the Kalinga.

AMUNG 2007 – A SHOW OF COHESIVE AMONG OVERSEAS KALINGAS

2007-08-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

Once again, some 250 Kalinga folks in the United States, Canada and other countries including a few from the Philippines gathered last July 20 – 22, 2007, at Arlington, Virginia, for the International Festival of Kalinga Arts and Culture, dubbed “Amung” – the Kalinga term for a village celebration.

It was the 4th “Amung” and grand reunion sponsored by the Kalingas – North America Network (KaNA), a non-profit, public service corporation, founded in 2000 primarily to promote, preserve and perpetuate the traditional arts and culture of the Kalinga and other indigenous groups of the Cordillera region of northern Philippines. The event is held every two years.

The first day activities included the display and sale of Kalinga native crafts and an evening informal reception party for the early arrivals with native and modern dancing.

The second day was highlighted by the much attended workshops for youth groups and adult attendees on the Kalinga traditional dances and musical instrumentations along with a seminar on the peace and order situation of the Kalinga province in the Philippines. Resource speakers during the seminar were Kalinga ex-Governor Dominador Belac, former Kalinga provincial board member Iluminada Duyan and Dr. Manuel Belandres.

According to Marshall A. Wandag, KaNA’s current president and board chairman, an ad hoc committee will soon be formed with representatives from the various organizations in the United States and Canada with Kalinga memberships. The committee will strive to come up with strategies on how overseas Kalingas could help in the peace and order problems of Kalinga province.

The evening of the second day was capped with a dinner-dance highlighted with special presentations of Kalinga native dances and musical instrumentations by the youth and adult members who attended the cultural workshops, as well as performing troupes of the United Kalinga Apayao Association, the BIBAK club of Washington, D.C., and the sponsoring organization. Plaques of recognition were handed to the special guests from the Philippines and drawing of raffle winners. Modern dancing followed all through the night.

On the third and final day, an ecumenical mass was officiated by Bishop Prudencio Andaya of the Kalinga Roman Catholic vicariate. A picnic lunch was held and followed by an open forum with Gov. Belac and Bishop Andaya.

The “Amung” was coordinated by Connie Baluyan-Alfrido as chairperson. Other planning committee members included – Edwin and Mia (Apolinar) Abeya, Steve and Ester (Manangbao) Hogye, Phil and Patz (Acuat) Cabase, Elpidio and Gloria (Amiling) De Guzman, Henry and Nellie (Abeya) Pit-og, Tom and Joanne (Masadao) Skeel, Tommy and Junie (Belandres) Todas, Gary and Bridgette (Bondad) Sallidao, Julie Sawil-Morgan, Liza Agsib-Johnson, Anat Acuat-Alegre, Ted Acuat, Andrew Dompao, Michael Wandag, Janice Sugguiyao Shiu, Joe Alfrido and Adele Sugguiyao-Wandag.

The KALINGAS-NORTH AMERICA NETWORK, Inc. (KaNA), organized 2000, is a duly incorporated non-profit and public service corporation for cultural, educational and charitable purposes, primarily for the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of the traditional arts and culture of the Kalinga (and other Cordillera) indigenous groups of the Philippines. It has been granted tax-exemption under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Donations to KaNA are tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor. Thank you for your support.

Marshall A. Wandag
President & Chairman of the Board
(323) 665-9771
email: kananetwork@sbcglobal.net

Death of a friend

2007-07-12T05:36:00.000-07:00

I considered Maj. Gacadan as one of a friend and barkada..I remember the days when we all drink together, go to the bars and eat together with some of our friends..The last time i met him is during the Kalinga foundation Day where we had our drinking spree at home, he is 15 years older than me but we have something in common, he is a product of PNPA...yesterday is just a very sad news..just because of the very sad news i have cut and paste some articles about his death..
by Grace @ 8:01 pm. Filed under News

By Ernie N. Olson Jr.

BAGUIO CITY -– A ranking police official and an alleged drug pusher were killed while a government agent was seriously injured after an anti-drug operation ended up in a shootout in Bangued, Abra before noon Wednesday.

Cordillera Police Regional Director Raul Gonzales identified the fatalities as Chief Inspector Dante Gacadan, chief of the Abra Provincial Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG) and Aga Ato, 21, a native of Mamantao, Lanao del Sur, who was reported to be a known drug personality operating in Abra and the Ilocos Region.

The wounded policeman, on the other hand, was named as Police Officer 2 Renato Guerrero of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) field office there.

According to Gonzales, Gacadan and Guerrero were conducting surveillance on Ato’s illegal drug operations, when the latter was seen armed with a handgun in front of the Benesa compound at around 11:15 a.m. last July 11.

“The suspect, who was on board a motorcycle, sensed the approaching personnel and fired at them. A hot pursuit operation then ensued, which resulted to a shootout, where Gacadan and Guerrero were both hit,” Gonzales reported.(Sun.Star Baguio)

A RANKING police official and an alleged drug pusher were killed while a government agent was seriously injured after an anti-drug operation ended up in a shootout in Bangued, Abra before noon Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent Raul Gonzales, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Cordillera, identified the fatalities as Chief Inspector Dante Gacadan, chief of the Abra Provincial Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG); and Aga Ato, 21, a native of Mamantao, Lanao del Sur, who was reported to be a known drug personality operating in Abra and the Ilocos Region.

View here the list of local winners

The wounded policeman, on the other hand, was named as Police Officer 2 Renato Guerrero of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) field office there.

According to Gonzales, Gacadan and Guerrero were conducting surveillance on Ato's illegal drug operations, when the latter was seen armed with a handgun in front of the Benesa compound at around 11:15 a.m. last July 11.

After Gacadan called for backup, personnel of the 1601st Provincial Police Mobole Group led by their group commander, Senior Inspector Larry Baunsi, immediately proceeded to the area.

"The suspect, who was on board a motorcycle, sensed the approaching personnel and fired at them. A hot pursuit operation then ensued, which resulted to a shootout, where Gacadan and Guerrero were both hit," Gonzales reported.

Although both of them were immediately rushed to the Abra Provincial Hospital, Gacadan was pronounced dead upon arrival there, while Guerrero underwent medical treatment and was subsequently confined there. The suspect was also hit and died on the spot.

Recovered by a responding scene-of-the-crime operations team in the area was one Mark IV cal. 45 pistol bearing serial number 180852.

A follow-up operation conducted by a composite team from the PRO-Cordillera Intelligence & Investigation Division, the PNP Intelligence Group 14, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Abra Provincial Police Office led them to the boardinghouse of the suspect, which is owned by Jerry Colet of Danglas, Abra.

They recovered one small weighing scale and several amounts of suspected shabu placed in a heat-sealed sachet there.

Gacadan’s body was transferred to the Baquiran Funeral Homes, while the cadaver of the suspect was brought to Pineda Funeral Homes.

Gonzales said the case is still undergoing follow-up investigation as of presstime Wednesday.

Kalinga Visitors are protected by the Bodong

2007-07-06T06:18:00.001-07:00

Killing someone's visitor is just like killing a family member of the host..In the old tradition of the pagta "You have to avenge the killing of your visitor"but the new revised pagta still considers killing a visitor a taboo but avenging it is not permitted..

Section 5 Article 7 of the pagta
Section 5. Wakwak - Any binodngan who kills a visitor whether a binodngan or not at his house or outside the house within the bugis within twelve (12) hours is liable. The offender, in addition to the penalty of the crime committed, shall pay a fine (multa) of one (1) carabao to be given to the host of the victim.

To a Kalinga, killing a visitor who ate and drunk the food and water of his host is tabooed (paniyaw/kaniyaw). It is believed that the offender will not live a long and happy life.

It is the highest form betrayal for you have fed him, only to bring out the food from his stomach. Wakwak literally means “killing a person whereby the food eaten by him is spilled”.

CASES:
Traders went to Lubuagan to sell goods. They were fed but they were killed. That is wakwak.

Another example of wakwak is the root cause of the tribal war between Lubo and Tulgao. Some men from Tulgao passed through Lubo. They were fed there, after which they proceeded to Mangali. While there, they were killed for unknown reasons. The people of Lubo resented the killing and avenged their death. Thereafter, they went to report the incident to Tulgao for the tumo.

Instead of giving the customary thanksgiving, the people of Tulgao killed them - that sparked the tribal fight in 1939.

That was the way in the past. You have to avenge the killing of your visitors. But Christian as we are, we have to obtain justice in a way consonant to the present view that killing as a way dispensing justice is prohibited. The offender now is liable to pay a fine of one (1) carabao whether the case is filed in court he is still obliged to pay the damages under the bodong.The bodong recognized our justice system.and the bodong is outside the decision of the court.

Binodngan= any member of a tribe within a bodong
Bugis= Territory of the bodong

Bloody Demolition in Kalinga

2007-06-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Rizal Mayor Marcelo de la Cruz implements Municipal Ordinance #2005-005 that prohibits land squatting in Rizal town.Sending Demolition crew with police escorts at Barangay San Pascual Rizal Kalinga which resulted to the death of 9 people and wounding of 10 police officers. the gunmen were ordered to surrender but refused and kept firing at the government forces, resulting in sporadic gunbattles that lasted throughout the day.
The squatters dug foxholes and refused to vacate the area, armed with automatic rifles they begun firing at the demolition team in which the police are forced to return fire.

The policemen immediately called on reinforcements from the Kalinga Provincial Police Office and Regional Mobile Group and the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion.

Tabuk is now a city

2007-06-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

Tabuk on became a city on Sunday after a successful plebiscite.

With the plebiscite, Tabuk became the only component city in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Baguio City, the other city in the region, has been a chartered city since 1909.

According to figures released by the Commission on Elections in Cordillera, 17,060 approved the proposal while 2,333 objected against the move to declare Tabuk a city.

Tabuk has 44,128 registered voters. Velasco claimed only 44 percent went out to participate in the historic plebiscite.

Comelec regional director Armand Velasco said that the canvassing ended Sunday

GMANews.tv

Suspect in Vice Gov. Killing surrendered to the NBI

2007-06-23T19:22:00.001-07:00

The suspect who allegedly shot a gubernatorial candidate in Kalinga in April surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).the suspect Joel Agagon Melod, 24, a resident of Magnao, Tabuk, Kalinga, surrendered to the NBI Cagayan Valley Regional Office (CAVRO) headed by regional director Constantino P. Joson.
The suspect confesses that it was a vengeance for the death of Judge Milnar Lammawin clearing the Name of Wacnang as one of the possible suspect master minding the death of Diasen.

Climbers bring School Supplies to the Poor

2007-06-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

(LUBO, TANUDAN KALINGA PROVINCE)
67 Manila Based Mountain Climbers headed by Jhoana Pimentel, a Manila-based marketing assistant for a US law firm distributed school supplies to the students of Lubo Elementary School.the volunteer ambassadors of the “Big Brother, Big Sister” outreach program bring education to the country’s backwoods.
The climbers completed their 18 hour footmarch with the guidance of Mrs. Marlyn Tombali the adviser of The Kalinga Mountaineering Club..

http://kalingatambayan.com

BADJAO ROOTS EP ALBUM coming soon!

2007-06-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

(Indonesian Cuties with Kalinga Artist Alex Tumapang(L) and Charles Wandag (R) During the international Folk Song Festival- China

Charles Wandag popularly known as "Badjao" Bob marley of the ekalingas will be releasing his latest album which includes "KALINGA DREADLOCK RASTAMAN".
since the album is on limited production, you may contact the artist to reserve some copies. 2 of the song included can be played at kalingatambayan.com "Rastaman and Tampuhan"

for more info/comments/email:
bmwjahblues@yahoo.com/
badjao_roots@yahoo.com

you may also want to visit Badjao's on multiply here

DIASEN FINALLY PROCLAIMED

2007-05-27T09:01:00.001-07:00

BAGUIO CITY—Kalinga gubernatorial bet Floydelia Diasen was finally proclaimed by the provincial board of canvassers Tuesday morning.

Although the petition of her rival, incumbent Rep. Laurence Wacnang, is still being heard by the provincial board of canvassers, Commission on Elections provincial director Ricardo Lampac said the votes from Tinglayan town will no longer affect the results of the elections in the gubernatorial race.

Lampac said that the canvassed votes from Tinglayan would only total to more than 9,000.

But the proclamation for the congressional and vice gubernatorial race was suspended as of press time.

Official results of the provincial board of canvassers showed that Diasen obtained 52,000 votes compared to Wacnang’s 34,000 votes.

Earlier, Diasen’s camp filed a petition to the provincial board of canvassers to immediately proclaim her as winner but Wacnang’s lawyers opposed it.

The same petition also claimed that Wacnang, who is running second in the gubernatorial race, was using dilatory tactics to prevent the proclamation of Diasen by posing impertinent, irrelevant, irrational and arbitrary motions or arguments before the provincial board of canvassers.

Manila Standard

Proclamation of the New Kalinga Governor Hangs

2007-05-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

TRUE to what Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional director Velasco predicted that more violence might occur after the elections, especially among candidates who could not accept defeat, the political situation in Kalinga at the moment is getting more intense.

“The situation is tense,” was how Kalinga Election Officer Rufino Lampac described the province’s condition, in a text message to Sun.Star Sunday night. “Tulgao (incumbent Gov. Laurence Wacnang) wants to delay as much as possible,” he added.

As a result, Lampac said canvassing at Tinglayan, a known bailiwick of Wacnang, is currently on hold. Canvassing in the municipalities of Tabuk, Rizal, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Lubuagan and Balbalan were already completed.

Results of the canvassing in these municipalities showed the widow of slain Vice Governor Romel Diasen - Floydelia - leading by a wide margin against incumbent Wacnang and another candidate, lawyer Warren Luyaben.

Source:Sunstar Network

Mayor seeks revamp of ‘bodong’ council; policies

2007-05-05T00:16:00.000-07:00

TABUK, Kalinga: Apparently disgusted with the claim that tribal conflict is behind the recent killing of vice-governor and gubernatorial bet Rommel Diasen, the town mayor here has proposed that the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council be revamped and some of its policies be revised and enforced.

Mayor Camilo Lammawin Jr. said he is disgusted by the nonenforcement of some “bodong” policies, which has been allegedly taken for granted by some “mestizos” who took over the council.

“In the previous years, ‘bodong’ has been very effective because the people enforcing it are natives like us. Now, we have been invaded by mestizos or strangers,” he said.

Lammawin said he was also incensed by the failure of the “bodong” council officials to work for the filing of criminal charges against the killers after the civil liabilities of offenders were absolved by giving “papod”—a form of appeasement, such as money or carabao.

Manila Times
PHOTO BY ART TIBALDO

Kalinga local candidates forge peace covenant

2007-05-04T05:28:00.000-07:00

TABUK, Kalinga — Local candidates in five municipalities this province forged recently peace covenants to work for and observe clean election process among other agreed provisions.

For the candidates of the towns of Lubuagan, Tanudan, Pinukpuk, Balbalan, and Tinglayan, they agreed to observe honest, orderly, credible, and peaceful election and to abide by the following: post campaign materials only on designated common poster areas; will not resort to vote buying; will not engage in violence, intimidation, and ballot snatching; will not employ the services of private armies; and will not pay campaign fees to the communist terrorists.

They will also respect each other and their opponents and not to apply black propaganda to gain advantage over their rivals.

The peace covenants were signed by mayoral candidates, vice mayoral bets and councilor-candidates.

The peace forum which resulted to the signing of the peace covenant was sponsored by Comelec and the Police.

In Tanudan, 29 out of the 41 candidates signed the agreement. In Pinukpuk, the covenant signing was witnessed by Fr. Lodovikus Mamu Koten, Catholic Parish Priest there.

It can be recalled that Provincial Election Supervisor Thomas Kalinga placed the towns of Tinglayan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk and Tanudan, all of Upper Kalinga, as areas of immediate concern for the May 14 election after evaluating the peace and order situation in the said areas with the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Source:(PIA-Kalinga)

Just for laugh lang po

2007-04-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

I want to explain myself ..unahan ko na yung mag iintriga... Nagustuhan ko lang po yung ginawa ng kababayan natin na taga cordillera sa you tube "Follow the leader"..Kilala nyo naman me i am a visual artist before and i find beauty with my own angle..I am not making fun of our culture but i am just trying to entertain people just like art...Nag-paalam po ako sa mga cast or yung mga tao na naipakita sa video and they all agree na just for laugh..I made a 30 min version pero baka magalit yung kababayan natin kung sakali makita nila mukha nila dancing with the tune of a disco..kaya cut off ko lang ng 3min..I don't mean to intimidate nor degrade,just like marc logan just for laugh lang po..eto yung video..the other video "follow the leader",i just adopted the concept from one of the video posted on you tube by our fellow cordilleran..

I shall Return

2007-04-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

My first expedition to Mt. Binaratan is so very hard so i shall return to improve the trail and to establish a camp site for future climber..I am planning of bringing a "pala" i will dig that water source to make a basin para indi na mag-antay mga future hiker ng ilang oras para lang malagyan ang 250ml botle container for atleast 15 min..I promise gusto pa namin establish yung ibang mountains with the help of the Kalinga Mountaineering Club,such as sleeping Beuty Mountain etc..So for those who are interested for the climb join na! April 28 to May 1..di lang naman Mt. Binaratan pupuntahan natin pati Matabor falls etc....konting exercise lang mahirap ang daanan or should i say wala pa ring daan dun...

My Adventure to Tanudan

2007-04-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

Tanudan has a lot of Tourist spot which is still unexplored, I spent my holy week climbing the rugged mountains of tanudan specially Mt. Binaratan and Matabor falls.I have only one day to prepare for the climb so i went unprepared.
From Tabuk we travel through the rugged road of Tanudan until we reached the end of the road which is the start of our adventure.From tattakkan Tanudan we decided to spent the night at Barangay Dacalan after a long hike and river crossing.We spent the night planning for our climb at Mt. Binaratan..We are being warned by the people that the place is infiltrated by the NPA (Mt. Binaratan is the boundary of Tanudan Kalinga and Mountain Province).So we even armed ourselves with automatic rifles just incase ,we will die engaging them.We hired people to guide us through our climb and to make a way for us because the place have never been explored for a long time.We are told that we are the 2nd team to attempt before this Group from UP although they didn't make it to the summit so we will try to attempt to be the first outsiders group to reach the summit..We are even surprised to know that 95% of the people of Dacalan didn't even went to what was called "The Silent Mountain" Mt. Binaratan..
I have a lot of hiking experience when i was still a cadet from PMA. We even climbed Sto. Thomas from PMA to Kennon to Mt. Sto Thomas..Our footmarch from Baguio to Poro Point La union, Our FTX at Ternate Cavite But i still consider Mt. Binaratan to be one of the challenging adventure. It is very hard to climb a mountain when there is no existing way,Just Like Mt. Binaratan..Maybe someday when the site will be promoted it will soon develop into a tourist spot and to be declared as protected area..
One of our cameras have been soaked in the middle of the river when one of our companion slip when we are crossing the river.The trail is so bad,The path is full of blood sucking leech (matek), Black ants, and it is very slippery.The land is always wet but you can't find a stream with in Mt. Binaratan(Silent Mountain)..We decided to established our camp atleast halfway to the summit because it is the only place where we can find water although we are still frustrated due to the facts that we can only get a drop of water at a time (Imagine filling a galoon with only a few drops of water)..Our main goal is to document and film the place but since the place is so foggy and the sun doesn't cooperate we decided to spent the night at our camp site hoping that tomorrow we could see the sun and the fogs will disappear inorder to take the perfect shots we want..The night is even disappointing although exciting because of the extreme cold much worst it is raining, majority of us doesn't have any tents,only hamoks..Our plan for the night to go hunting for deers and wild pigs didn't even pursue because of the rain, so our breakfast is "Pa-it" rattan and can goods, our cofee is from the leaf of this tree they call it "Itsa tree"..
We are even disappointed to wake up early in the morning only to see the same weather although we decided to pursue to the summit despite bad weather condition..We can't even have the perfect shots we want..All the scenery is covered with fogs, sweating in cold place hiking the rugged trail (I can't even tell if it is a trail) and atlast we reached the summit proud to be the first group regardless of the locals who go their but they are only few to name.We take some pictures and video despite the weather,we stayed their for atleast one hour.We leave the place going directly to Dacalan where we spent our first night.The people are hospitable, we eat for atleast five times for our dinner (House to House invitation) wild pigs,eels,small fishes etc...The night is memorable, I love to drink Gin while i hate it in Tabuk, we consumed 10 bottles of gin (Round) our pulutan is "Ugadiw" small fish..We wake up early the next day without feeling any hang-over..Our next target is Mt. Matabor where we can find the highEst water falls in Kalinga or the Cordillera i think or whatsoever because it was not even measured at all..The way to the waterfalls is the river itself so we decided to left our backpacks because even the river is so deep in some places..From Matabor we go directly to Lubo Tanudan to spent the night..same experience house to house invitation..They even butchered a pig for us, gave us some tokens like softbrooms,cofees etc..wake up early din after a long night of drinking (I think 3am ako nakatulog)...The only problem left for us is to climb again Mt. Tatakkan where we can find our service vehicle but not like binaratan it is a establish trail..someday when Mt. Binaratan will develop the climb would not be as hard as we did.It is an easy climb only when the place is develop..
Legends told that Mt. Binaratan "Silent Mountain" is the hunting ground of Kabunian,In one case ,he can't hear the barkings of his dogs so he ordered the birds to stay silent..long story to tell just read the books na lang hehe..

CARAA 2007 Results

2007-03-08T03:51:00.001-08:00

2007 CARAA MEET RESULTS
EVENTS CHAMPION

ELEMENTARY GIRLS

Athletics Baguio
Badminton Ifugao
Chess Baguio
Gymnastics Benguet
Lawn Tennis Baguio
Softball Mt. Province
Table Tennis Baguio
Taekwondo Baguio
Volleyball Baguio
Swimming Baguio

ELEMENTARY BOYS

Athletics Baguio
Badminton Baguio
Baseball Kalinga
Basketball Ifugao
Chess Baguio
Football Benguet
Gymnastics Baguio
Lawn Tennis Mt. Province
Sipa Ifugao
Table Tennis Baguio
Taekwondo Baguio
Volleyball Baguio
Swimming Baguio

SECONDARY BOYS

Archery Baguio
Arnis Baguio
Athletics Baguio
Badminton Benguet
Basketball Baguio
Boxing Baguio
Chess Baguio
Football Benguet
Gymnastics Baguio
Lawn Tennis Baguio
Sepak Takraw Baguio
Table Tennis Baguio
Taekwondo Baguio
Volleyball Benguet
Swimming Baguio

SECONDARY GIRLS

Archery Baguio
Athletics Baguio
Badminton Baguio
Basketball Baguio
Chess Baguio
Gymnastics Baguio
Lawn Tennis Benguet
Softball Baguio
Table Tennis Baguio
Taekwondo Baguio
Volleyball Kalinga
Swimming Baguio

SUMMARY OF POINTS

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

PROVINCE BOYS GIRLS TOTAL
Abra 76.5 26 102.5
Apayao 40 54 94
Baguio 272.5 236 508.5
Benguet 161 128 289
Ifugao 139 74 213
Kalinga 134 124 258
Mt. Province 99 105 204

SECONDARY LEVEL
Abra 21 20 41
Apayao 28 30 58
Baguio 350 350 700
Benguet 243 153 396
Ifugao 117 112 229
Kalinga 173 140 313
Mt. Province 182 80 262

SUMMARY OF POINTS
OVERALL STANDING
PROVINCE BOYS GIRLS TOTAL
Abra 97.5 46 143.5
Apayao 68 84 152
Baguio 622.5 586 1208.5
Benguet 404 281 685
Ifugao 256 186 442
Kalinga 307 264 571
Mt. Province 281 185 466

We are expected to be the champion in the Incoming CARAA!

2007-03-02T06:26:00.000-08:00

Yeah! i am pretty sure we will win the game in basketball, not only the players are good in playing even the audiences..Off course we are all sure about it, our players are very good in stealing and they raised our banners as criticisms flow all the way from tsismis to media to the internet.. stealing is the key for winning the game in basketball, and of course team effort! but i am not talking about basketball at all.
Is their anything bad for the ear to hear such whispers that Mt. Province Swimming delegation have been robbed off at their own quarters? while they are sleeping..We don't care of the value being taken off but we should care enough for our own reputation as the host province for the CARAA meet.. WTF, they are our visitors, and an act by small groups in the conclusion of others becomes the reputation of the whole province..No more blaming for our officials! we lack to provide our visitors the security they needed and much worst they are 50m near the Police station block 5..(by the way i am not referring to our basketball players and audiences i just use the game to describe the matter at best hehe..)
We didn't learned from the past! During the provincial meet, one of the gun of the security personnels have been stolen..so sad how much more to ordinary people and visitors like the delegations of MP..
Repetition of the same thing or process but you are expecting a different output or outcome is insanity...!!!

Looking for the real Blogger?

2007-02-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

I have been reading so many Blogs and i found out this guys the real blogger, in many aspects he always updated his blog daily, we can learn a lot from his blog on many aspects...That is Bill Bilig " From the boondoocks"..you can visit his blogs at http://igorotblogger.blogspot.com/ ...You can trust this man, any updated news on the cordilleras i will always depends on him, even comments he is always open... Maybe i can contribute to bill biligs success by providing him some informations about kalingas...kasi nga tayong mga taga kalinga everything is being paid as labor kahit walang ginawa man lang, di na tayo natuto sa mga SOP! =Suhol operating procedure para ma signed man lang ang isang project.... I will comment on the statistics of Kalinga being one of the most improved Province or etc....That is on the record lamang, Sang alaws "in the reports of development nung 2003 released by wacnang "Is their any existing roads from Tabuk to Tanudan To MT. Province? wen adda piman, napanda picture ti kalsa diay Asin Benguet tapos nalpas piman report..automatic da met gayam pero the reality is there is no road connecting Tanudan to Mountain Province...The only existing road is tinglayan to Mt province...

Educating The young ones on our Cultures

2007-02-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

The picture on the left is my son, in traditional bahag playing the Gong i made from a can.. I just want him to grow as ekalinga.
I am just against our artist in the movie industry depicting our cultures and tradition in their own concept and interpretation..Even the Kalinga dance they even choreographed it with modern dance..
Maybe we should try to make an effort in trying to let the world understand what's really our culture is. I read a lot of impressions from the outside world that the Kalingas are Living in the mountains, ignorants, uncivilized people etc etc.. Yes that is the impression being made by the movie industry, and to those who pretends to speak for the Kalingas.
Today we are so modern that we couldn't even teach our children the proper way of using our traditional dresses and cultures.

Message from the Governor

2007-02-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

Message of the Governor

On February 14, 1995, our people resoundingly ratified Republic Act 7878, which re-shaped the 29-year old Province of Kalinga-Apayao into two distinct, separate and independent provinces. On that day, too, we shed off our vintage political identity as “Sub province of Kalinga”.

A glimpse into the history of the province will unfold interesting chapters that could lend an eloquent importance to our political metamorphosis into a regular province.

It is noted that towards the end of the 300-year Spanish colonial rule, nothing is chronicled on the pages of Philippine history of a political entity called “Kalinga”. All that is offered by historians is that this land now called “Kalinga” was a forbidding expanse of impenetrable mountain villages and inhospitable plains inhabited by hardy remnants of malaria scourge.

Now, Kalinga beckons you to a thrilling, action-packed adventure. A destination boasting a distinct experience with nature and culture which ranges from white water river rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain climbing, biking and village immersion.

At the outset of my administration, I have identified Nature and Culture as indispensable ingredients in achieving genuine development along with infrastructure and agricultural programs. It has become part of our strategy to attain the vision of “Consultative Governance”.

In fulfilling this vision, I urge the sectors; the service providers from the private sector, NGOs, POs and the Academe to continue strengthening their support and cooperation in preserving our natural resources and cultural heritage.

Matatago Tako Losan!

The Kalinga

2006-12-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

The Kalinga

John B. Donqui-is

Kalinga as a political domain was non-existent during the 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. Spanish writers towards the 18th century merely noted that there were inhabitants of the mountain region at the central dorsal expanse of what the Spaniards called the Gran Cordillera (mountains) of Luzon. The name "Kalinga" apparently is not indigenous to the present Kalinga constituency since the word is traced to "Gaddang" dialect.

The name referred to the mountaineers on the eastern side of Gran Cordillera who, during those years of Spanish occupation of the Cagayan Valley, pestered lowlanders with their head-hunting raids. Kalinga as name stuck with those mountain dwellers occupying now the territory of Kalinga Province.

Kalinga was first organized as a political realm under the American political rule when Mountain Province was created by the Philippine Commission Act 1876 on August 18, 1912. It was one of the five sub-provinces then of Mountain Province when it was divided into several, sub-provincial units along ethnic lines.

By an act of Congress, Kalinga was lumped with Apayao as one separate province by RA 5695 which divided Mountain Province into four subprovinces on June 18, 1966. Kalinga became a separate province by virtue of RA 7878 which divided the Kalinga-Apayao provinces into two in 1992.

The province is constituted by eight municipalities namely, Balbalan, Pasil Lubugan, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tabuk, Tanudan and Tinglayan. Tabuk is the capital town.

Geography

The Province of Kalinga is located centrally in the Cordillera region, bounded on the north by Apayao province, South by Mountain Province, east by Cagayan and Isabela and west by the Province of Abra.

The topography of the province is mountainous, rugged with its highest mountain peak rising 6,000 ft above sea level-- Mt. Sapocoy which towers over the province of Abra and Kalinga. Its lowland plains called the Laya Valley is a fertile alluvial land covered by the municipality of Tabuk, Pinukpuk and Rizal. Mountain peaks ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Average temperature ranging from 17 to 22 degrees Celcius and Type III weather patterns. Dry season extends from November to April. The rest of the year is wet and the heaviest rainfall were recorded in the months of July and October.

Soil type of the province is loam.

Demography

Growth Rate

Kalinga's growth rate from 1980 to 1990 is among the lowest in the Cordillera Administrative Region with 1.83% as the average growth rate. At present, Kalinga has a population of 137, 074. Among the eight municipalities, Tanudan has the highest average annual growth with 3.95 followed by the capital town of Tabuk with 2.95 percent. Pasil has the lowest growth rate of 0.98 percent.

Age Group

The 1990 provincial population is distributed by age group as: 0-14 years old which comprises 43 percent (58,221); 15-64 years old with 54 percent (74,240); and 65 years old and above accounting for only 3 percent. The 1990 figure further shows that the procvince has dependency ratio of 83.43 percent or there were 83 persons in the dependent ages for every 100 persons in the working or productive ages.

In terms of growth rate, population ages 65 or over posted the fastest with 2.86 percent annually from the 1980 population level, persons age 15-64 years old exhibited an annual growth rate with 1.96 and those ages 0-14 years old increased at the rate of 1.59 percent.

Population Density

As of 1990, Kalinga has one of the lowest population density in the Cordillera Administrative Region with 44 per square kilometer, a total area (sq. km) of 3119.4 and a population of 137,074. Kalinga shares 17 percent of the CAR area; 12 percent of the region's population. Tabuk, the capital town posted the highest population density of 89 per square kilometer while the municipality of Balbalan is sparsely populated with a density of 18 per square kilometer.

Indigenous Groups and their Characteristic and/or Rituals that makes them Unique

There are 31 Subtribes of the Kalinga Ethnolinguistic Group distributed over the eight municipalities of the province. They are the following:

Subtribe	Geographical Location Municipality/Barangay)
1. Alingag (Salegseg)	Balbalan
2. Ableg	Pasil
3. Banao	Balbalan (Pantikian, Talalang, Balbalasang)
4. Bangad	Tinglayan
5. Biga	Tabuk
6. Ballayangon	Pinukpuk
7. Balatoc	Pasil
8. Balinciagao	Pasil
9. Basaso	Tinglayan
10. Botbot	Tinglayan
11. Buwaya	Balbalan
12. Calaccad (Gaddang)	Tabuk
13. Dacalam	Tanudan
14. Dananao	Tinglayan
15. Dao-angan	Balbalan
16. Gammonnang	Rizal
17. Guinaang	Pasil
18. Gobang	Balbalan
19. Gilayon	Pinukpuk/Tabuk
20. Kagalwan	Pasil
21. Limos	Pinukpuk
22. Lubuagan	Lubuagan
23. Lubo	Tanudan
24. Mabaca	Balbalan
25. Mabongtot	Lubuagan
26. Mangali	Tanudan
27. Nanong	Tabuk
28. Tanglag	Lubuagan
29. Taloctoc	Tanudan
30. Tinglayan	Tinglayan
31. Sumadel	Tinglayan

Each of these subtribes can be identified, principally from their dialect which has dissimilarities in diction, pronounciation and most especially in the phonetic letters and the fricative and voiceless expression of their speech.

Example of this is the letter "l". The Southern Kalinga pronounces the "l" as "r" while the northern Kalinga group has the "l" voiceless. In Balbalan, the Alingag (Salogsog) pronounces the "l" as "y" while in Buwaya, the "l" is voiced as if it is "r" or "l".

In rituals, Kalingas in general have commonalities in certain ceremonial rites but as denominated in culture into northern and southern Kalinga some rituals are practices as common among these two ethnolinguistic groups.

The beauty in the multilingual, ethnolinguistic groups of Kalinga is that while they speak in different tongues, they understand each other.

reference:

about the author:

John B. Donqui-is is a native of Balbalan, Kalinga who has settled inter-tribal conflicts. He wrote and coordinated the documentation of the Pagta, Law of the Kalinga Bodong, which was adapted last Sept. 13, 1998.

Kalinga Forge Peace the Bodong Way

2006-12-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S WATCH

Kalingas Forge Peace the Bodong Way

How are the rules of bodong (traditional peace pact) and state laws used to settle conflicts between two tribes? This question elicited a thousand and one responses from Kalinga tribes who, in an assembly here last week, moved for the holding of a bodong congress soon.

By Lyn V. Ramo and Marlon Gomarcho
Northern Dispatch
Posted by Bulatlat

BAGUIO CITY - How are the rules of bodong (traditional peace pact) and state laws used to settle conflicts between two tribes? This question elicited a thousand and one responses from Kalinga tribes who, in an assembly here last week, moved for the holding of a bodong congress soon.

Kalinga officials who were at the conference agreed that the talks be held, said lawyer Elorde Lingayo, chair of the Kalinga Bodong Convenors’ Group (KBCG). KBCG has been spearheading attempts at conflict resolution between Kalinga tribes.

Lingayo bats for popularizing the general Pagta (tribal agreement) held on Oct. 1, 1999 at the Benguet State University (BSU) campus. The agreement has been adopted by some Kalinga city-based binodngan and members of the bodong-practicing villages in Kalinga, northern province of the Cordillera mountain ranges in northern Philippines.

The general pagta, according to Lingayo, covers Baguio and the province of Benguet. Foremost, he said, the general pagta prohibits bales (revenge) to settle conflicts. The bales culture has spilled much blood among tribal groups for centuries.

In the 1999 pagta, if a tribal villager commits a mistake, i.e., has killed or hurt a member of another tribe, a criminal case must be filed against the offender. The bodong holder from the offender’s tribe should testify in court. If the offender flees, the bodong holder brings him back to Baguio or Benguet.

Criminal case

Elders from both tribes may settle the conflict the bodong way, clarifies Lingayo, but the criminal case will take its course. The offended party is prohibited from executing an affidavit of desistance.

Kalinga lawyers are not supposed to assist in the legal proceedings, as agreed upon in the general pagta.

“This is where the modification lies,” says Lingayo. He explained that in the original pagta, if someone commits a crime within the binodngan areas, the offending person does not suffer alone. The tribe usually produces whatever the offended tribe demands.

“If 10 carabaos are asked to settle the offense, only one carabao may come from the perpetrator of the crime,” he says. “It is the responsibility of the whole tribe to solicit (the settlement payment).”

In the old ways, Lingayo said, the “criminal will never reform because he will have no criminal record in courts.” After the tribal settlement, criminals may hold government positions and may even enter the Philippine Military Academy or be a police officer, he said.

There have been other attempts at settling tribal conflicts. For instance last January, the Lubuagan and Guinaang tribes forged a bodong in Baguio covering this city and Benguet.

Mario Gawon, peace pact holder for the Lubuagan tribe, explains that the Lubuagan-Guinaang conflict is not as grave as those in other binodngan areas where revenge is still allowed.

“Saan a kaskarina nga innibusan ti tribo. Ngem kasapulan latta ti ag-precaution” (It’s not at all easy to simply kill members of the other tribe. Still, we have to take caution), Gawon clarifies.

The Guinaang triba was represented by Benny Lingbawan.

Gawon said, a criminal case had to be filed in the courts while the tribes settled the case.

Legal problems

The Lubuagan peace pact holder admits however that there are legal intricacies in merging bodong rules with state laws.

“We have to live in the present,” Gawon says. “Saan a kasla idi a bassit pay ti tattao ken awan pay ti cell phones” (Unlike before when people were few and there were no cellular phones).

It is not always easy to forge a bodong, Gawon admits, as it requires a lot of preparations and involves many people who have a say in the holding of a celebration of the bodong.

There are, for instance, the allasiw (tokens). If a member of the tribe disagrees with the terms of the bodong, the allasiw is returned which is a signal of the collapse of the agreement. Tribes, however, try to convince all members on the rules or terms of the bodong.

A bodong is based on consensus. “Masapol ket amin ag-wen” (Everyone has to approve), Gawon clarifies. Consensus makes the peace pact solid, he adds. If one member of a tribe offends a member of the other tribe with whom his tribe has an agreement, the bodong could not just collapse. Tribal elders and leaders find ways to talk it out and save the bodong.

In case the bodong collapses, however, an emissary from a neutral party, usually a member of a third tribe, or a mestizo from the warring tribes, is sent to the other tribe to inform them that the bodong has collapsed.

Gawon emphasized that tribal communities and binodngan areas are generally peaceful. It has been like this since I was young, he says, correcting fears that going to Kalinga or any tribal area involves risks.

“One has to really understand how the bodong works to appreciate it. Only then can one compare state laws as combined with the bodong way to settle differences among tribal peoples,” Gawon says. Nordis / Bulatlat

Is the Bodong still relevant for today among the e kalingas?

2006-12-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Bodong is still relevant for today.people misunderstood what really bodong means..It was already planted in the mind of the young generation that bodong is simply "an eye to an eye, a tooth for a tooth." while in fact this principle is against the bodong by laws which is the "pagta". Pagta is the laws of the bodong, and it was never stated in it that revenge is acceptable.
The failure of the bodong lies on the poor discipline of the people who made such truce or peace pact. We didn't respect or follow such rules according to the pagta, many of us prefer to put the law on our own hand rather than following the pagta or the existing modern laws. To break the Pagta nowadays is just as easy as ABC and 123..It was also never stated in the pagta that the whole tribe is involved when A of tribe x kills B of tribe Y..The involvement of the whole tribe is a bad practice passed on from generation to generation and yet we call this culture? Culture was derived from the root name KULTURA (am not sure if it is a Greek word, or hebrew but not tagalog) and KULTURA means civilization.To abolished this bad practices is to simply educate our own self. Then we simply realised the true essence of the bodong, not the bad impression attached with it..and I pitty those who don't know what bodong really means cause their is no cure for ignorance.
i will try to post the "pagta" or the by laws of the bodong which is ammended during the Bodong Congress at the website.hope to find the book..

Kalinga Cultures and Traditions

2006-12-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

The Kalingas.

The name "Kalingga" is believed to have been derived from the Ibanag word "kalinga" and the Gaddang word "kalinga", both meaning headhunters. The Spaniards picked up the term because of their headhunting tradition, and the Americans followed suit. The Kalingas have numerous songs, such as the salidummay, the dong-dong-ay, the oggayam, the ading, the wasani, the paliwat, the owawi, and the dandanag. But its enduring and distinct rite is the "Bodong" that has become an institution for peace up to this day. Kalinga is classified according to bodong-holding groups or ili, or sub-tribes, namely the Tinglayans, the Lubuagans, the Tanudans, the Pasils, the Balbalans, the Pinukpuks, and the Tabuks. (Source: Igorot, the Cordillera Schools Group.)

Inhabitants of the Cordillera

The Tingguians. The Tingguians are the indigenous inhabitantsof Abra. They occupy the eastern part of Abra, in the rugged Gran Cordillera Central mountain range. Although they may be referred to as Igorots in the sense of being from the Cordillera Mountains, the Tingguians refer to themselves as "Itnegs".

The Ikalahans (also called Kalangoya) inhabit the eastern side of the Cordillera in the Siera Madre mountains of Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, and Quirino. They are included in the term Igorot (Mountain People), but they call themselves Ikalahan.

The Bagos. The Bagos are immigrants from Western Bontoc to the boundary part of Ilocos and Benguet. They have called themselves Bagos, meaning "bagong Kristiano" or new Christians. They have a language that is a cross between Iloko and Aplai.

The Gaddangs inhabit the Cordillera portion of Cagayan, and are therefore a people from the Cordillera mountains and may have also been included in the collective name "Igorot" for inhabitants of the Gran Cordillera Mountain Ranges of Northern Philippines.

The Indigenous Culture Of The Kalinga/Ifugao Ceremonies and Rituals

I chose the indigenous religion of the Philippines because it fascinates me that certain rituals are still performed to this day. The books that I am getting my information from dates back twenty to thirty years, and they do not give indication that these tribes are changing to the modernization of the times. The dominant religion of the Philippines is Catholicism. These tribes live in the rural hills of the Philippines and this is probably why they have not been touched by the missionaries or technology. Whatever the reason I am glad because what I found out is something totally different from my western culture.

The indigenous groups I will be focusing on are called the Kalinga, Gaddang, and the Ifugao. These tribes are fairly close to one another so their rituals and ceremonies tend to overlap in certain areas. I will mention some rituals that pertain only to that certain culture, and others that all the tribes participate in for example head hunting; although the tribes might differ in performing rituals for this common activity.

The Kalinga, Gaddang, and the Ifugao's are very superstitious people and strongly believe in spirits. Spirits are the main reason behind disease, crop failure, death, and all misfortunes according to these tribes. All their ceremonies involving the supernatural requires the service of a medium.

The Ifugao mediums are always men, but amongst the Gaddang and Kalinga, women are preferred to conduct the ceremonies. Mediums are commonly needed at births, child naming ceremonies, marriage ceremonies, funerals, and generally to help individuals or families cure illnesses and prevent misfortune. Typically mediums are summoned to their profession through dreams or during illness. Recently the Gaddang mediums have not been following these summoning and instead have established new mediums through apprenticeships.

A medium will sacrifice a chicken for most rites. If there is a serious rite to be performed, examples would be a serious illness or funeral rite then the medium will sacrifice a pig or pigs pending. An example of the latter is the Purification rites of the Gaddang tribe involving a pig.

A purification rite is the cleansing a family member who broke a taboo. In this ceremony two female mediums are called to the families house. The family has cooked a lot of rice and provided a pig for the ceremony. The mediums distribute beads to the family members; beads are common in ritual paraphernalia and they serve as the communication bond between the supernatural world. The female mediums then begin to chant and pray to begin the ceremony. Female mediums never kill the pig, this is done by the male of the household or a male medium.

Instead one of the female mediums pours water over the pig and then jabs a stick in its ear. The other women medium will then interpret what the spirits are saying through the squealing pig. The ceremony is over by serving small portions of rice and the cooked pig to the family and mediums. Then to ensure that the spirits will be happy with the rite and family, the mediums take the left over food and sprinkle it around the house.

The marriage ceremony is very important to a tribe. It is an initiation rite signifying that the couple is not seen as adolescents anymore and they are accepted into the culture with full responsibilities. The Ifugao marriage ceremony involves many rites to find out if the spirits will allow the couple to marry.

When a Ifugao boy purposes to a girl he will send a messenger to her family. If her family accepts his proposal, then he will send them an engagement gift called a mommon usually a chicken, duck, or pig. To advance in the marriage procedure further, the timing has to be just right for the mediums of the Ifugao. The omens have to be good because this is how the couple will find out if they are meant for one another.

The boy again supplies the mediums with three chickens, for sacrifice. The mediums sacrifice them and read their bile-sac's and if they are bad then they go back to the agamang and can try to marry later if they want. If they bile-sacs are good then a couple lives in a house as spouses. This is called malahin meaning going separate referring to the individuals leaving the agamang. There are still two other marriage ceremonies that they have to go through, one has to due with the omens of the rice rites of the succeeding year. If this is bad then the two must separate and find new mates.

The Kalinga have a special rite called the kontad this is a rite that protects a child from evil spirits. The Kalinga believe that there is a time in a child's life when they are very vulnerable to spirits. The child is unable to protect itself at this time so parents and close relatives must observe the taboos closely. This is taken very seriously for if the taboos get broken, then harm could come to the child. The family will bribe the spirits with sacrificial offerings to insure the child's welfare.

The last ritual that I would like to mention is head hunting or head taking. It seems that it was performed by most of the tribes in the Philippines. It is debatable if it is considered a ritual or an act of violence. Although traditionally for the Gaddang head hunting began as a means for insuring a bountiful rice harvest in times of a famine. The reasons behind head taking might have started out as a ceremonious ritual, but the concept has changed from religious ritual to warfare. The reasons for taking heads was usually the result of feuds, avenging a relative, territory, and more commonly to attain status.

Even though it is questionable that the actual act of head taking was a religious ritual, there were many rituals performed before, during , and after the hunt. The one I found the most interesting is the taboos the Ifugao women had to observe while their husbands were on a hunt. In Barton's book he interviews a Ifugao woman whose husband went on head expeditions and this is what she said about the taboos she regarded while he husband was away.

"Women must not eat any kind of shell fish or crabs, nor any kind of climbing things such as beans or climbing yams. We might not weave, because that would tie the men's legs. We might not spin, for that would make the men dizzy...We might not carry a baby because that would make the men heavy-footed: we gave the babies to children to carry. We had to keep walking about all the time so that the men would be active: I was afraid even to sit down. It is permitted to lie down and sleep at night, but I couldn't sleep much"(Barton, 168).

It seems that all the effort of head hunting was not exactly left up to the men. From this narrative we can see that women also participated in their own way. In fact whole villages would participate because if a trip was successful, then there would be a huge celebration.

The celebration of a successful head hunt in the Kalinga tribe is quite elaborate. If the hunt is successful the village will hear the celebrating screams of the warriors a mile away from the village. The women of the village responds to the hunting party with a high pitch scream. This way the news was spread throughout out the village. The head and other booty was placed in a sakolang, which was a bamboo stalk six to eight feet in length stripped on the sides to form a basket. It was then lined with hibiscus flowers and placed near the sacred shrine.

Food was prepared by the warrior's relatives and then mediums would begin to perform the sagang ceremony. This consisted of chants bestowing a long life to the warriors, removal of the head from the sakolang and more chanting in the sacred shrine. After this was done the medium would put back the head, and it would remain there until the festivities were over. The ceremony lasted for two days.

Sometimes when energy was running high in the celebration the skullcap of the severed head would be removed and some of the brains would be mixed with wine. The warriors then would drink this mixture to make them courageous and successful warriors. Later the head would be boiled and broken into pieces that became trophies to the warriors. The best trophy to receive is the jaw bone because in the Kalinga tribe it is used as a musical instrument.

These expeditions were popular in the past; most of the tribes don't practice this head hunting anymore. In fact, both the Ifugao and the Kalinga people could not recall the chants that are used in the celebration of a head taking ceremony. It has been a long time a ceremony like that has taken place. The last occurring head raids was on Japanese in World War II. The Gaddang are participants of the peace act system (pudon), and trading partnerships (kolak) to guard against head hunting raids. It seems most of the other tribes obey by these pacts too, for the practice of head hunting is almost extinct.

I started this project for a class assignment, not knowing anything about the Philippines. I was surprised, once I started the project, how interested I became about this culture. From starting out with nothing, I feel a little wiser in an area of the Philippines and I hope that the information I have gathered will help to enlighten someone else in this field. (fromhttp://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~mjw/phillipines/cultcere.htm)

Does the opposition helps in building our country?

2006-11-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

I don't think the opposition have seen anything good from the present Arroyo administration, all they see is bad administration! While in fact they too have done nothing for the country. Of course they have done something; To destabilized the Government, trying hard to impeach the president and organizing rallies on the street, making propagandas and blind accusations. They (the opposition) always say that they are representing the voices of the sambayanan. how sure are they that the majority voice is the one that they are saying? Why is it that they didn't win in the filing of the impeachement? As simple as ABC and 123 they didn't have the majority..Then when you ask them why? they simply say that "controlado ni arroyo ang congress!. Then they start organizing paid rallies, free fare for those from the province, free meal and snacks and of course free allowance.hehe
I can't say anything about the present administration but progressive! ang karamihan kasi sa mga mis guided citizens pag mahirap sila kasalanan ni arroyo, mga squaters na pinalayas kasalanan ni madam..squatter nga..etc etc..puro kasalanan ni madam..kung tamad sila at indi naging maganda ang buhay kasalanan ulit ni madam..Why not try to reflect within our own self and ask what simple contributions we have done for the country. One bad rotten apple can destroy the whole country...so we should stop blaming our own chaos to anybody rather than ourselves..

Does Macli-ing Dulag Deserves to be a hero?

2006-11-12T22:41:00.000-08:00

for me I don't think Macli-ing dulag deserves to be called a kalinga hero, in the first place kalinga will not become the rice granary of the cordillera if the dam didn't exist..Note that the dam does not only function as turbine generator but it also includes irrigation projects.
may i ask you? do we have rice farms in tabuk and other municipalities with out the chico river dam? even if the dam is not fully finish it is still useful in irrigating our rice farms.They are selfish when they fought against it, they didn't even scale the benefits and disadvantages. They didn't think of the future of Kalinga..
In the next 20 yrs to come Kalinga will be needing a lot of electricity and our sources from other region in the country can no longer support our own supply..It is the Dam that will saves us although its already too late.residential areas near the chico river has dramatically increased..
So why do we call him a hero? if he did the worst decisions and fight during their time..after all we are the ones who is suffering now from brown outs, black outs etc..cause our supply of electricity comes from other regions,the move by some UPean declaring him as a hero is merely propaganda..to promote their own invested interest to call their movement victory..so don't be fool enough to call him a hero.. see link to the forum http://natsm16.proboards89.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1162625614
http://kalingatambayan.cjb.net