Category: The Cordillera Connection

Hon. Rodrigo Roa Duterte
President
Republic of the Philippines

Dear Sir:

The lives of small scale miners of Itogon matters.

Being the founder of this civic organisation that aims to work towards the relief of poverty, advancement of education, protection of health, and preservation of culture, arts and heritage, I am writing this letter in behalf of small scale miners of Itogon, the rest of the Cordilleras, and other mining communities of my beloved country.

First and foremost, I came from a family and lived the lives of scale miners. It’s past midnight here in London and was about to sleep when I browsed my facebook and came across a shared link regarding the closure order of mine sites specifically in my hometown Itogon, as per release from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The thoughts of my family, relatives, neighbours, and people in the community immediately came into my mind. I then prayed for God to give me wisdom that as I wake up in the morning, I would be able to make an appeal. However, the thought kept running in my mind and won’t make me sleep. I got up of bed to make this letter (it’s 2:00AM here, London Time).

Upon reading the above closure order, I would like raise the following backgrounder:

1. I understand the premise of preventing another tragedy. However, I strongly believe that the tragedy in Itogon was not brought about by small scale mining. It was brought by a natural phenomenon, a natural disaster, same as the tragedy that just happened in Indonesia. A tsunami that has now claimed almost a thousand lives.
2. I’m not in a position to lecture but I am trying my very best to lay down factual points to help understand the silent plea, cry and clamor of the small scale mining community. Yes, the massive landslide happened in a mine site. However, similar size of landslides occurred in non-mining areas in other municipalities and nearby provinces like Bakun and the Mt Province.
3. In support to the recent interview clip of  Itogon Mayor Palangdan, small scale mining is not to blame as the site is actually a remnant of the underground tunnel of the Benguet Corporation. As this already existed for years, and was not properly shutdown by the mining firm, it has caused an obvious lost in the integrity of the geographical structures of the site. Adding to this, The enormous strength of the typhoon and the huge volume of rain, acted as the main cause of the disaster. Small scale miners have nothing to do with the disaster. As a matter of fact, two members of a family (included in the list of casualties of the typhoon), our neighbour in a nearby sitio, have died due to a landslide that crashed their abode, and the incident had nothing to do with small scale mining.
4. Going back, small scale miners are hands up to this and are innocent to the tragedy. It was brought about my a natural disaster and no one is to blame.

The immediate order to stop and close the mine sites and even the painful warning of arresting miners, who are yet to recover from the onslaught of the typhoon, is now another tragic tragedy to the community. The small scale mining, that has existed for a century and has built the foundation of the community, is not only the livelihood of the people. It is their life, it is embedded in their culture and way of life. The immediate stoppage of this livelihood is a tragic disaster what will demolish the foundation of the community.

I for one, already living a good life outside the country, should not worry and have no concern with the order. However, since my birth up to my early adult life was built in the small mining community, the effects of the closure order is already hurting me.

However, I too, believe that this is an opportunity for change. With the belief that your administration has the strong will for change and to progress, I would like to share my thoughts in making the best approach to help the small scale mining community with the current closure order, most especially in my hometown Itogon, a part of the nation, as follows:

1. Immediate recall of the stoppage order. I appeal that the small mining community be given enough time frame when this order need to be in place. Few months may not even be enough. They need time to adjust as again, this is their life, culture and way of life. Cutting it suddenly means cutting the lifeline and breaking the foundation of the community. There is truth in the threat that miners will resort to other livelihood including illegal ones. As another backgrounder, most of the miners have been miners from youth, and have not gone thru good education.
2. Offer a solid, concrete and reliable alternatives. The tragedy is just a repeat of the killer earthquake in 1990. After the earthquake, there was a natural phenomenon where gold extraction had “vanished” and the mining community had nothing to do but make another way to make a living. The Government, as far as I remember provided livelihood support, including hollow block production/ construction training, livestock training, weaving, among others. However, none of the programs were able to help, instead, just gave false hope to the community. The community do not deserve this yet again. They will need a better alternative.
3. Help construct or provide the basic needs of a decent community. Much of Itogon’s mining community have no good source of water. If water and energy are readily available, alternatives will be at hand. Itogon, same as other municipalities of Benguet, endowed with the best farming climate hence serves as the country’s main source of holticulture and agricultural products, citing our veggies and flowers, is a promising booster for this purpose. However, small scale miners, having to switch to this needs enough time and resources.
4. Provision of training for responsible mining. While given the time frame, training and educating small scale miners with the importance not only of the health and safety issues of mining, but also with the need of looking after the care of the environment is important. It is undeniable that the use of cyanides and other toxic chemicals are already rampant in the industry. This is also a driving factor for me to support the policy. However, it must be given in a proactive approach.
5. Do not arrest miners and do not blast existing mines. Again, mining is their culture, pride, and way of life. Doing such thing is not only a violation but also an insult to their inherent rights. If given other opportunities and offered better alternatives, small scale miners will naturally shift and follow orders. By then, mining and the physical mines will become part of their history, a good physical relics of the mining community to picture their sense of pride and dignity.

Looking forward that the above be considered and added to the advise and recommendations of your guiding staff.

Thank you and God bless your honourable office.

Respectfully yours,

Marben T. Orfiano MSc ,MBA
Founder, The Cordillera Connection

By Rose John Ticag Amoy

TCC-HK is symphatizing with all the families affected by the wrath of typhoon Ompong, Mangkhut as they named it internationally. As we watched the news through the social media and via YouTube, we are saddened to see the fierceness of the typhoon. We also experienced here the huge impact of the typhoon but so far, the damage it brought to the territory is nothing compared to what it left back home. It is heart wrenching . I can’t help but to be emotional. I have the urge to help but helpless as I’m away from home. As the team leader of team HK, I was hesitant to open up because I don’t want my team mates to think otherwise. However, as the time ticks, my inbox was bombarded with messages asking me how they can help and even asked me immediately to make a solicitation letter. Through this messages, I was boosted to post in our wall. Although the post did not get so much positive reaction, I am very grateful that last Sunday, September 23, when most of us were gathered for the practice of the candidates for the upcoming Weave Exposition on November. Each one generously shared their allowances from the voluntary donations, we, the officers had started. I say it’s their allowance because we are still in the middle of the month. They all shared without hesitation.

Then one of our teammates Mark Cabradilla Sepulchre, the president of a group that supports team HK, the BATCAVE Facebook Club, informing me that they are already doing their pledges. Mark messaged me that they were able to raised a total of $6000 equivalent to 41,000 pesos. From this, I advised him to send it to TCC-Philippines separately under their group name, so they can be acknowledged. I strongly stand by the word of God that says, “Give honour to whom it is due.” The amount was brought personally by two of their co members, Cristine and OJ.

By Gregorio “Popsie” C. Taag

 Way back in 2012, I was invited to help TCC organize its first ever concert. We collaborated with Michelle Apalla and Greg Daganos and the other volunteers. It was a resounding success because we were able to raise more than P75,000.00 for Ariel Bastian and his dialysis treatment. That was the impetus.

Then, when we were conducting the concerts in 2013, some friends sounded off that if it is possible, we extend our assistance to other socio-civic areas like giving help to victims of disasters. So, Operation Hope was conceptualized and in our initial endeavor, TCC was able to raise two vans load of used clothes and grocery items for the many homeless families suffering here within Baguio-Benguet. We gave these items to DSWD-La Trinidad and they were tasked to distribute these according to the needs of each evacuation center.

Then came the tragedies at Bohol and Samar and Leyte and Taneg in Mankayan which were struck, one after the other, by earthquake and typhoons. TCC-UK sent in money for these tragedy-stricken areas. Then this was shelved for some time owing to the absence of tragedies in the areas. Until today.

 

Operation Hope, as conceptualized, served as TCC’s arm in helping reach out to beneficiaries who have been struck by calamities. Hope, being a value, became the cry of the charity group. While bringing material assistance to families in need, TCC also brought HOPE to these people especially the children. Being able to look forward with optimism is what TCC aims for. Despite the multiple injuries to the human body, the human spirit rises up and triumphs over all odds.

This Typhoon Ompong has raised the Pinoy characteristic of being charitable to a higher degree. Many well-meaning groups have been organized to help raise funds and collect goods for the victims. Many also offered their services for free – medical missions, debriefing missions and the like – apart from the food and clothes. Indeed, volunteering now has an added fervor to its definition.

As we are collecting goods and clothes, many fellow Cordillerans are sending in their financial help through their country chapters; or if individually, they send to our account or through other means. We are just overwhelmed by the response of it all. People discard differences in the name of charity. Walls are now taken out to help those in need. It has been the first time that people answered enormously the call of TCC for Operation Hope, a combination of rekindled kind hearts of home based and overseas brethren. The series of donations made Operation Hope operational and finally mobilised.

Our Loacan, Itogon trip yesterday was a huge helluva of an experience. I am gushing with delight now because I have had another chance to extend TCCs assistance. Our volunteers, Dr, Ruth Taguiling, came with her car where I and four scholars and a CAS Faculty Member rode. She exclaimed after we reached the main road coming from the destination; “Wow, Sir G! I am now a certified Level 2 driver!” She was very happy being able to negotiate the narrow, slippery, very steep inclinations road. According to Maam Lou Gabiola who brought her Le Chef staff, the road was super difficult to negotiate. In fact, the jeep (of TCC-HK volunteer Juvie Egsan), which was (over)loaded with clothes, grocery items worth almost P50,000.00 and volunteers, careened towards the cliff while negotiating the steep, blind curves 1 kilometer away from the destination. The volunteers had to transfer to the van of Maam Lou and put the jeep aside because it was experiencing defect in its brakes. They had to fix these while we proceeded to the town. When we were coming home, it was also Maam Lou’s other van to experience difficulty in traversing the narrow road. Anyhow, we got through and made it home safe and sound.

TCC was able to repack from the grocery items bought, 273 bags. These contained basic items needed by the resident very much. These are: sardines, sugar, salt, soy sauce, candles, bath soap, laundry soap, dishwashing soap, noodles, toothpaste, and 5 big containers of lamay biscuits donated by the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences. Maam Lou’s team distributed food packs, blankets, kiddie packs for the children. All in all, it was a busy day but a happy day.

Dr Taguiling, Ms Lou and the team of volunteers were so thankful for the opportunity to get involved with OPERATION HOPE. The sign of relief in the faces of people in Loacan, Itogon upon seeing the team of volunteers are already a scent of accomplishment for the grieving souls of the locals are lifted up and comforted, knowing that there are people who are concerned and sharing the moments of ordeal with them.

HOPE, which is under the umbrella activity entitled, PROJECT TAKKAY; can now become an acronym meaning Having Optimism amidst Perdition of the Environment. For the TCC volunteer there is never a road too steep, narrow, and slippery; nor a day which is rainy; nor a wrong timing. For him, it is NOW or NEVER.

TCC’s finally gets its very first donation through its website online donation facility. The facility has been available but has not been used by supporters. We encourage TCC supporters to use this facility when you have access for online donations. Since TCC is a registered charity, there is only a very minimal transaction charged per donations by Paypal.

This is useful when urgent donations are to be extended when their are emergencies or disasters where TCC can play a big role.

Thank you to the donor. 

Donations to our website can be done on our DONATE Page

Our current fundraising campaign for the Typhoon Ompong/ Mangkhut victims is also active.

 

OPERATION HOPE NETS A JEEP LOAD OF CLOTHES AND GROCERY ITEMS – Once more manifesting true brotherhood, our Cordi people came to chip in little things from their households and became big things for the victims of Ompong. Heeding the call of Popsie to assist our people who fell to the wrath of the super typhoon, almost 20 generous TCCians came to deliver their assistance at the BSU- CAS ANNEX Building. Since there were no classes due to the suspension, several TCC and Mater Dei (a scholarship programme sponsored by Fatima Taag-Cervantes and hubby, Emil Cervantes and supervised by Popsie) scholars came and received the items.

According to the scholars, they feel happy to be able to serve, even through this simple way. They felt that doing such is a tribute to humanity. TCC serves also as a mentor, coach, and teacher to these young scholars will later on be by themselves.

As such, they will emulate what we do best. Volunteering has come a long way, indeed. Operation Hope is one activity under the arm of PROJECT TAKKAY, which takes care of activities needing the accumulation of relief goods and food in cases of disasters. We had one in 2013 where we raised 2 vans of these kinds and turned over to the DSWD.

Get in touch with us if you want to help.

Contact Person: Gregorio C Taag, TCC- Philippines President

Contact Number: 09086146030

We also have our online donation facility:

https://atomic-temporary-54843926.wpcomstaging.com/donate/donation-option/

TCC’s latest Concert for Life 26 held on July 22, 2018 at La Trinidad Municipal gym has raised Php1,101,513.00 and probably more as few beneficiaries have not given their report yet. The amount has been raised by more than 80 patients who applied to be beneficiaries of the said concert. Each beneficiary keeps whatever amount they raise as a result of their efforts to sell concert tickets. TCC does not get any percentage or charge any expenses so beneficiaries can use all the monies from their sales. The latest concerts are being funded by TCC-Hong Kong from their fundraising activities. It is also supported by dedicated sponsors like Ms Lou Gabiola, Manager at Le Chef, The Manor, Club John Hay.

TCC thanks its volunteers and performers who never get tired in supporting the concert. TCC Band, MFC, 16th Avenue, Raiya Ruth Cuyan, 5th Teen, Gayle Torrado, and Inna Taag are among the dedicated performers of the concert for life series. TCC- Cagayan Valley has also joined the concert featuring their gospel songs. The performers are given high recognition as they have been performing for free.

To date, TCC has raised almost Php7.7 Million from 2012 and had help more than 300 beneficiaries who are stricken with chronic diseases like kidney diseases and cancer. Some of them have sadly past away. TCC continues to accept beneficiaries who are willing to be a beneficiary of the concert with the expectation that they must do their best to sell tickets for their own use.

TCC also reminds beneficiaries, bands and other performers to be careful when joining such charitable activities that are organised by bogus organisers. Just recently, a run-for-a-cause that was organised by certain individuals who claimed to benefit dialysis patients of Baguio General Hospital and was even supported by some public and private figures and entities have been a focus of scrutiny by netizens. The activity was able to raise more than Pph600,000.00 but nothing was given to the beneficiaries. Apparently, all the funds have been used up for the expenses for the event which include talent fees of performers, t-shirts, and other declared expenses.

There are also other bogus concert-for-a-cause and other activities that are claiming sick patients as their beneficiaries, mostly held in resto bars. According to reports from beneficiaries who were victimised, the organisers take a huge percentage from the proceeds of the concert.

TCC strongly condemns these bogus activities and bogus organisers who are using sick patients for their personal gains. It is an utter lack of moral obligations and actually a criminal act. We strongly suggest affected beneficiaries to report organisers to DSWD or even to the police.

TCC suggests beneficiaries and performers to seek DSWD permits of events and organisers who are recruiting them to participate in such activity.

TCC also condemn concert-for-a-cause that are held in resto bars. This is due to the fact that resto bars are alcoholic and smoke-filled environment and is clearly not promoting good health. Organisers using resto bars usually don’t have permits, have no liability and transparency as they are not monitored and not obliged to create reports to DSWD.

The Cordillera Connection Concert for Life series 26 have culminated with a whooping success last night July 23, 2018. For the whole week of the performance date, the organizers, volunteers and the performers were worried because of the continues heavy rains caused by the persistent typhoons passing by the region, but as always, the event will not be postponed regardless of the weather condition. The campaign for the said concert for a cause was still strong despite such difficulty. They prayed hard that by Sunday, the storm would have passed and give respite to people from the heavy downpours and floods. Thank God, the rain let up a bit. Nevertheless, TCC didn’t expect to have a high attendance and understands that people will be reluctant to come for fear of their safety and comfort. Anyway, what is more important is the number of sold tickets ahead of time which means bigger help to the beneficiaries. But there was no cause for worry at all! The gym started fill up and got a full house, they were really pleasantly surprised.

The program started at 6:10PM as hosted by Ms. Jasmin Aeryll Lapnawan – the resident toastmaster of the group and Ms. Maricor Balucanag who is a first time volunteer for TCC and came all the way from Thailand. The growing number of people coming in the venue actually fired up the spirits of the performers whom were invited to entertain the audience. Mr. Lael Senio sang few of their original compositions together with the TCC Band while iGrab Talents and Teachers also rendered some numbers. The Father and Daughter Duo sir Gary and Pearl Padsing were so cute to watch when they gave their number and Sir Vic Suriaga, the Man of All Season was also there to perform some classic tagalog songs with sir Greg Taag.

The crowd was moved by Ms. Inna’s performance (sir Greg’s daughter) when she sang one of her father’s compositions while the performance of the band 16th Avenue was also much loved by the audience. However, one of the highlights of the night was when Ms. Gayle Torado stepped on the stage accompanied by the TCC Band and sang Try, Secret and her amazing duet Just a Fool with Kenneth; she has recently won as the Champion for The Voice La Trinidad competition and the audiences were really wowed by her number.

The princess of the group, Ms. Raiya Ruth Cuyan who has been a long time performer for these concert series was a pure delight when she sang an original composition of her and her sister Shaura – Let’s not Fall in Love and a cover song I love You, You’ll know it. The crowd couldn’t just get enough of her cuteness.

This was then followed by Jaymo Javier’s ever energetic and engaging performance, singing meaningful songs like One Day and Redemption song among the few. What is more, the TCC Cagayan travelled far amidst the typhoon just so they can join us in our campaign and shocked us with their praise and worship songs. It is safe to say that they brought the church to this event with their performance which was very much fitting since it was Sunday and that through their songs, they could reach out to people and extend their blessings to others.

Hagpatan Band – a Bay-yo community youth organization from Tiptop Baguio City made the event livelier when they lead the community dance with the Gangsas at the latter part of the program where some of the audiences participated to show their love for our culture. The crowd was not even contented with just one round that they requested for a second one.

As for the finale, the TCC Band together with Ms. Jasmin Aeryll, having a limited time, rendered few love songs, and it was when the band’s vocalist and Lead guitar player, Kenneth Inocencio really captured the hearts of many young and old ladies with their cover of In case you didn’t Know, Forevermore and Perfect while the band’s drummer Jayson Raras surprised the remaining people in the gym with his cool voice when he sang Two Less Lonely People. Definitely, it couldn’t have ended the program better than that.

This event has also been graced by the presence of the several core members of TCC Hong Kong : Ms. Rose Marie Ticag Amoy (President) and the group’s “Pambansang Momsy”, Ms. Josie Taag – wife of sir Greg Taag and others including their family members. According to the accounts of sir Greg during the concert, there are 118 individual and two group beneficiaries for this concert series and we pray that through this programs, we will be able to continuously help them in their struggles.

 

The TCC Group couldn’t have been more thankful and satisfied. Undoubtedly, with all the joined efforts of the members of TCC World, sponsors, donors, volunteers, scholars, beneficiaries together with their families and friends, ticket buyers, Bands and performers and only by God’s Grace, this event would have not been a success, if not possible.

Article by: Ms. Jasmin Aeryll Lapnawan

In his own words, know more about our featured artist, who lately had a blockbuster duet performance at I Can See Your Voice PH, as interviewed online by Ms Margaret Paleng Locano

Name: Louie Caesar Salcedo
Birth Place: Lepanto, Mankayan, Benguet,
Parents: Jorge Salcedo & Amparo Salcedo

When did you start singing?

I started singing at a young age. I started performing when I was 7 in school activities. Turned profesionally at 18 when I joined a reggae band, Badjao and Jahblues and after sometime with Powerpuffcorn. Written and arrange most of Powerpuffcorn songs like “Tara Na” and “Hey hey”. Tried my luck in Manila and fortunately I was a member of the legendary reggae group “Tropical Depression” and after the passing of Papadom, the frontman, I also joined Reggae Mistress and Lady I. Went solo in 2016 and released an EP album called “Blues Almighty”. On my last part now of working a full length album , hope to be released the soonest.

Who are your inspirations/ music influences?

My mom is the first music teacher, influenced also by 90s music and went deeper to Bob Marley, SRV, Eric Clapton and the likes.

Why did you choose blues out of all genres?

Blues is raw and pure. That made me fell in love with it. It’s simple, the three chord song will tell everything..

As an artist What can you contribute to our society?

I want to inspire and to make them smile with my music.

Message to aspiring musicians:

Continue to hoan your talent, your craft..Being an artist is a tough job, hardships will come but dont quit! That’s a God’s gift, use it wisely..

Gigs & invitations:

I’m all over Metro Baguio hahaha please check my facebook account for some gigs.

Caesar also features his current album, Blues Almighty, and here is a link for the sample. Support Caesar, another cordilleran artist who is making the Cordillerans known thru his talent.

By Gregorio C. Taag

Gleaning from recent events that hugged the TCC limelight, aside from the incoming Concert for Life 26 on July 22, two unexpected members from Thailand and Japan were stricken by acute illnesses.

First to catch me by surprise was the news in the early morning two days ago that Jacky Palaly, TCC-Thailand’s President had stroke and was operated on. But after that, she fell into a coma. Margaret Locano, our in-house performer since 2013 yet, was the one who broke the news. It came as a surprise to me because she was up and about recently, attending to the sudden illness, too, of Vretchen Daguines, collecting funds from other TCC Chapters and collating them, together with the other officers. Leah Angog was the one giving me updates on Vretchen’s condition as they were the ones visiting her in the hospital until she was brought home to the Philippines.

Ironically, the same thing happened to Jacky or Jay Pee. I was wondering, “why in Thailand, most of their illness were related to the illnesses of the brain and the nervous system. We posted this sad news on FB and it gained ground. We were requesting for healing prayers for Jacky and many were responding. I was informed by Leah that she was now responding to stimuli. We hope and pray that this will continue until her sisters, Joan and Le Bay will arrive in Thailand to see her condition.

Last night, I slept early because I was feeling the effects of my colds. I was in bed till 2:00AM when Fleurie Lawangen, a.k.a Vhar Kaye Laws in our TCC circle informed me that her cousin, Arjay Lawangen, who went to Japan last 24th December 2017, was now hospitalized in Japan all by himself. I posted again another appeal asking those in Japan (we don’t have yet a chapter there – maybe this will be the wake-up call) or those nearby to please go and visit and accompany him. Also, they will look at his needs.

First to arrive there was Teddy Tampican who brought smiles to Arjay’s lips. Of course, who would not be happy to see a fellow Cordilleran visiting you in a foreign land during your direst moment. The appeal gained ground and was shared and reposted – calling the attention of other TCC members world wide. Gladys Labi, also know as Miss Lipz sent messages to her friends and relatives and just this afternoon, I received news and pictures that Gloria Katano’s friends and perhaps churchmates, The Free Believers, went to visit and prayed over Arjay. WHAT A POIGNANT SCENE! This welled my eyes with tears, not of sorrow but of joy – all because we can see how people respond to others who are in need.

Indeed, TCC now is redefining the word CHARITY and VOLUNTEERISM. We have added a new paradigm to the already shifting of terms. There is a new face we are adding an that is the value of CARING. We have LOVED through our Concerts for Life series and Project Takkay activities. But we are now showing to the world that we CARE a lot, even to the point of forgetting ourselves and SERVE our fellowmen who are in dire need.

IYAMAN kakabsat. GOD does not sleep. HE will reward all your kind ways!