All posts by yhongesnara

Disaster Resiliency, Events

La Trinidad ACDVs are Among Cordillera’s Best Volunteer Groups in 2018

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Today, the La Trinidad Accredited Community Disaster Volunteers (ACDV) was Appreciated by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and National Selection Committee of the Search for Outstanding Volunteers in the Philippines. The appreciation is in recognition of their commendable service, dedication, and Commitment to Volunteering for Development. In fact, they were Nominated to the National Level Search as the best Not-for-profit organization in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The Awarding Ceremony

The Certificate was handed over by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and was received by ACDV representative Glenn Awal, today at the Mansion House, Baguio City.

ACDV Backgrounder

The ACDV are rendering volunteer services in the Municipality of La Trinidad and is a partner of the La Trinidad Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Their focus is on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Training and Response (during Emergencies and Disasters). They are guided by their motto “we don’t teach, we share” and are composed of individuals with exemplary skills and knowledge in different fields. (Check their Official Facebook Account Here for more details.)

Congratulations and More Power. May you Continue to be the best volunteers in the Cordillera Region, and the entire Philippines soon.

Events

Cordilleran Igorots in Awe of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

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The whole of the Igorot Community is Proud and Happy to Congratulate the Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. I saw it in many Facebook Posts earlier. She does deserve it!

photo by abs-cbn.com

Aside from her beauty, her Patriotism and Intelligence Quantity spoke a lot in the Pageant. Her answers to the questions were on point. And I derived #marijuanause + #tondomanila = Miss Universe 2018.

The Final Question

“What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?”

Amazingly, she held on to her game plan of serving the poor and pointed out her experience working in Tondo, Manila: “I work a lot in slums of Tondo, Manila. And the life there is very… it’s poor and it’s very sad. And I always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look in the beauty of the faces of the Children and to be Grateful. And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this I think if I can teach people to be grateful, we can have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster and children will have smile on their faces.”

Why Igorots Love her

Her Ifugao “Inabel” (weaved) inspired Filipiniana Skirt triggered most of it. She was the only Icon who wore such for an International Event who is not actually from the Cordillera. Isn’t that amazing for us Cordilleran? And maybe she was inspired by Visiting the Batad, Ifugao and Sagada.

photo by @Catriona_gray Instagram

Then her National Costume below depicts a lot of Igorot Culture. The tattoos of Buscalan, Kalinga and her hair dress beads are very familiar. One that the Igorots use.

In addition, some news and articles have said that Catriona’s Boyfriend Clint Bondad is a half Igorot. Thus, She loves Igorots too. 🙂

Thank you Miss Catriona Gray! We are proud to be a Filipino once more! You inspired the whole nation! and the Cordilleras! Mabuhay ka!

Places

Badekbek: A Sulfuric Hot Spot for You

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Badekbek Hot Spring

The earth is boiling inside. It is evidenced by the boiling surface as shown in the photo. The Locals call it “Badekbek”. It means Bubbling due to Boiling.

When I was younger, this Badekbek was not alone. I mean, there was not one boiling surface then. There was at least three. One which was ten meters away from the other. And One which was located at the other side of the Mountain.

But the two holes merged and became this huge one. It is still not as steady. Lately, it was observed to be creating a wider opening.

It is Hot at Boiling Point. There were victims who accidentally slipped their foot on the opening and got amputated. And animals like cows drown and vanish. It can even cook eggs in an instant.

Badekbek sidelines with Visitors

 Wonder

It is a wonder! You cannot see such just anywhere. That wide earth opening with boiling mud in it is found only in Badekbek. And it cures skin disease too. When the mud cools down, you can use it as an ointment for your skin. It is a natural Sulfur.

But Expect it to have that smell too. Accordingly, some visitors describe it as if it is a rotten egg.

Location

Badekbek is located at the Mountains of the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines. The Barangay is Called Daklan, which is a part of Bokod Municipality,  Benguet Province.

Most tourists gets to pass by it after a trip to Mount Pulag because it is near Ambangeg – (the gateway to Mt Pulag). No fees are collected when you want to see this wonder. You may also want to pass by the  Ambuklao Dam after.

It is also a good spot for photo shoots. I was able to profile candidates of a Local Pageant here with the Badekbek as a background.

Events

KCP wins Talaw: Dancing with Lights made fun

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The first-ever dance competition in La Trinidad on a Christmas Season has been concluded just now with First Prize winner taking home 25,000 pesos Cash.

Thanks to the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of the La Trinidad Local Government Unit, the event was a success.

King’s College of the Philippines High School claimed the 1st place. The Pico Church of the Nazarene took the 2nd place with 20,000 cash while Eastern La Trinidad National HS and Benguet National HS Alno annex were awarded 3rd and 4th place respectively.

The dance competition showcased the talents of High School Students in Dancing while equipped with lights or props with lights in line with the Christmas Season.

There are so many things that this event brought. When you missed it today, watch out for it next Christmas Season.

✌

Talaw Dance Contest mechanics
Disaster Resiliency

Kalasag is at La Trinidad after 20 years

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On December 04, 2018, the Gawad Kalasag is finally delivered to its new home La Trinidad, 20 years after it was initiated in 1998.

Kalasag is a local term for the warrior’s shield as a protection from some attackers. Today, it is a prestigious award, It signifies the idea: ‘KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan’.


Gawad Kalasag is given to recognize those who are committed to implementing significant Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Projects and Activities including the provision of Humanitarian Response and assistance to affected communities.


La Trinidad’s first attempt of gaining such recognition was on the 16th Gawad Kalasag in 2014. It was a first time to be validated by the National Validating Team and it was not easy as documents are quite unfamiliar that time. We were roasted and awarded the Third Placer.

Realizing the lesson of the past Gawad Kalasag, we thought we need to do a lot better for the next years. And while doing so, Our 17th Gawad Kalasag in 2015 did not make it in the Nationals.


In 2016, we redeemed the lost after implementing programs in-line with the Gawad Kalasag Checklist. The La Trinidad MDRRMC was once again visited by the National Validation Team. It was never easy, they placed us Second to the Municipality of Hinatuan during the 18th Gawad Kalasag Awarding.

While improving even more, we saw the loopholes and fixed them. So that in the 19th Gawad Kalasag, we expected to be the First Placer. However, the result was the otherwise. We are still Second. We know, there’s a lot more to do.

And today, it is ours. The 20th Gawad Kalasag is now in the Books, awarded to the people of the Municipality of La Trinidad. And it would have not been possible without everyone’s participation and help. Thank you very much.


Let this serve as an inspiration for us to do more for our goal of making La Trinidad a Disaster Resilient Municipality.


Award tayo amin daytuy akas maysa nga ili. Salamat kenyayu amin.

Events

Mister and Miss Bokod Pageant 2018 candidates

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On December 07, 2018, Mr and Miss Bokod Pageant will once more showcase their beautiful and handsome candidates to represent Bokod in 2019.

Here are the candidates:

(photoshoot conducted at Daklan Sulfur Hot Spring)

1. Mister and Miss Bobok-Bisal 2018

Mr. Bobok-Bisal is Karl Lennin D. Pablo, 20 years old.
Miss Bobok-Bisal is Jasmin B. Omaking, 18 years old.

2. Mister and Miss Ekip 2018

Mister Ekip is Dimerson L. Bangsao, 17 years old
Miss Ekip is Kimberly C. Dang-ay, 20 years old

3. Mister and Miss Bila 2018

Mister Bila is Mark G. Suidta, 20 years old
Miss Bila is Jabel S. Kinisan, 19 years old.

4. Mister and Miss Ambuklao 2018

Mister Ambuklao 2018 is Dondie D. Galasgas, 20 years old
Miss Ambuklao is Leah Angelica S. Jularabal, 18 years old

5. Mister and Miss Karao 2018

Mister Karao is Jade B. Sangao, 20 years old.
Miss Karao is Keisha Mae B. Nateng, 21 years old

6. Mister and Miss Pito 2018

Mr Pito is  Juniel Cangsan, 20 years old
Miss Pito is Lovimee Marie S. Dio-al, 17 years old

7. Mister and Miss Poblacion 2018

Mister Poblacion is Reinhard Dencio, 17 years old
Miss Poblacion is Lea Jade B. Galasgas, 21 years old.

8. Mister and Miss Tikey 2018

Mister Tikey is Joshua Harold E. Aroco, 20 years old
Miss Tikey is Cara Luis, 20 years old

9. Mister and Miss Daklan 2018

Mister Daklan is Jomar T. Sison, 17 years old
Miss Daklan is Cherry Amour G. Cuilan, 18 years old

10. Mister and Miss Nawal 2018

Mister Nawal is Dominick Aclinen, 22 years old
Miss Nawal is  Lenie S. Montes, 21 years old.

Photos were shot using a borrowed Canon 700D and Kit lens. Please forgive the errors.

Anyway, Winners on this pageant will definitely go  a long way, especially that the recent Miss Benguet Crown is Under Bokod’s Throne.

And hey, the Town Fiesta’s Theme is about Resiliency. Always keep in mind that you can do something about it.

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Meeting of the Originals for the First Time

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The originals have finally met. This time, at the home of their greatest ancestor named Bangka, where his Remains is laid, at Tikey, Bokod.

Yes. The first BANGKA CLAN reunion was successfully conducted today. And here are some of its highlights.

The affair started with the traditional tayao representation for Bangka and Tongkok, followed by their children Kowena, then Solen.

After their tayaw, the first offering was delivered.

The next batch who danced the tayaw, for representation, was Sehna and her children. Albas, Salona, Salero, Saljamey, Dabonay, Maning and Cosna-ey.

Same was done using the second offering after their Tayaw.

When all was set, presentation of clan members commenced. Everyone was presented.

My heart was joyful as they were introduced. Aside from Uncles and Kaanakans, mostly here are all my third degree cousins. I hope they were happy as I am.

Much to my delight, the cassava is overflowing and tasty here, in different styles, especially with original home brewed Benguet Coffee on a Bamboo cup!

At the end of the day, after stories, is socials time. Games for children and Senior Citizens were the favorites, such as trip to jerusalem, stop dance, baloon popping, needle hole threading, tissue paper transfers, etc.

The Live band took over for some great music for social dancing, afterwhich, dinner was served.

The actual event is much more enjoyable to attend. We look forward to celebrating it again next time with you. Experience the hardwork of the e-Tikeys in the physical preparations and the food. Salamat aakhi. (etikey a, not entikey) ✌

Thank you also to all our cash and in-kind donors, including those who rendered their services free of charge for the success of this meeting of the originals. I will publish your names soon after the list is finalized and released.

Diteng e isubalit apo bangka sun ckatajon emin!

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Bangka is not in the water

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Bangka is not a Boat. While others think it is, imagangan knows otherwise. It is a name.

We will be having the First Bangka Clan Reunion on December01, 2018 at Tikey Proper, Bokod, Benguet. I am a member of this Clan as the Grandson of Salona and Demja-en. I got some list on which I will be updating after the reunion which I would want to share.

Our great grandfather named Bangka is the son of Kayman and Oreyao. His First wife was Seh-na who is the daughter of Magsial and Kayapan. His second wife is Tongkok who is the sister of Colas and Gorinto.

Bangka and Seh-na’s children are as follows (arrangement to be updated):

  • ALBAS – The first wife of Albas is Soyep fromTikey. When Soyep was deceased, he married Chomingao who is from Kabayan. Albas’children are Miting, Dolan, Manaca, Saropa, Barton, Samuela, & Felimon.
  • SALONA – Salona married the son of Bobodo named Demja-en Matias, their children are Sadpina, Bucasan, Sopja, Palina, Kayman, Monmon, Dangbay, Bareng, and Ew-ew.
  • SALERO –  Salero is married to Nening who is among the Lintan Family of Palo, Tublay. Their children are Deb-ang, Jacob, Teresita or Tekbeb, Soda, Benita, Bensay and Tel-ay.
  • DABONAY – The wife of Dabonay is Maro who is also from Tikey. Their children are Julian, Acusan, Penja, and Tadjango.
  • SALJAMEY – Saljamey married Digmayo who is claimed to be also from Tikey. Their children are Jagaw, Mesdag, Pettong, & Dominga.
  • COSNA-EY – Cosna-ey married Mirante, another ansector raised in Tikey. Their children are Jose who is also known as Otot, Kebatuy, Ba Git, Sagay, Onsing, Dambeb and Clarita.
  • MANING – Esong who is from the Emilio Family is the wife of Maning. Their Children are Dicanay, Mason, Morgan, Anjuban, Sikney, Damok who is also known as Kopig.
  • KOWENA – Kowena married Joaquin who is from the Caparas Family of Bunagan, Daklan. Their Children are Maria and Lilia.
  • SOLEN –  Solen was not able to marry.

Find the following initial list for your ready reference. Don’t forget to Comment corrections and queries here for future corrections.

Initial List of the Clan. (for corrections and updating)

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The Incident Command System (ICS)

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I am among the team of instructors discussing modules of Basic Incident Command System Training to the ARESCOM of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) today and I thought I should share some to you too.

Incident Command System, or ICS, is a standard on-scene management concept that can be used by everyone in any event or incident, especially by response groups in case of Disasters. It works well by organizing functions of each member of teams who wants to help respond to a certain situation.

The basic process starts with having an Incident Commander by authority of the Responsible Official in the area. In cases of quick rescue response, the First person doing the rescue operation is automatically the IC until the arrival of the authorized Commander.

The Incident Commander will now select his staff composition consisting of 3 to 7 individuals. These individuals will help him Implement his Objectives, guided by what the Responsible Official likes to happen. When more manpower is needed, each of these selected staff of the Incident Commander can also employ maximum of 7 staffs as their personnel for the job assigned to them until the mission is completed.

There’s a lot more that happens after this. Its what participants learn in this kind of course. In fact, there are four courses to finish before you will be an Incident Management Team (IMT) Member. 1-Basic ICS, 2-Integrated Planning, 3-All Positions & 4-All Hazards IMT. All are implemented by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) of the Region. 😉

Disaster Resiliency

THE CLIMATE CHANGE Action plan and our ways of life

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On November 23, 2018, I was tasked to Speak for the Mayor at SMX Aura to share best practices on Integration of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), along with Mayor Sally Ante Lee of Sorsogon City and Mayor Mary Jean Feliciano of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, during the 2nd National Convention on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction.

I learned right there and then that we all have the same problems in Implementing Programs Projects and Activities (PPAs) for our Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation-the funds. While we have the Climate Change Action Plan, there is no specific source of funds for it, causing unimplemented projects in other Municipalities.

Photo by Climate Change Commission PH facebook page

So I went to share How La Trinidad do it: incorporating PPAs of the CCAM to the Development Plans. And the rest is History.

But then, it’s not about what your Government can do about it. Its what you can do as an individual to help Adapt and Mitigate effects of Climate Change. Conserve Electricity, Water, Fuel, and Gas. Segregate waste and Compost Biodegradables. Minimize Gas emissions by not using motor vehicles. And similar gestures promoting natural ways of living.