BAGUIO CITY — From the rugged heights of the Cordillera Mountains to the gleaming skylines of Dubai and the bright lights of national stages, the Igorots (people of the mountains) are proving once again that their heritage is a wellspring of talent, discipline, and success. This week, the People of the Mountains have dominated the news, showcasing a unique blend of grace, tactical prowess, and entrepreneurial vision.

Most Cordillerans, particularly the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), whatever their tribes they belong to, prefer to be called collectively as Igorots.

The pageant world has a new star in Blessing Pecsoy Dula, who was recently crowned Miss Teen Tourism Philippines. Representing Sagada, Mountain Province, Dula did not just win the title; she swept the special awards, including the Audience Choice Award, Best in Social Media, and the Miss Alta Skin Aesthetics Award. Her victory is more than a personal milestone; it is a testament to the growing visibility of young Cordilleran talents who lead with both beauty and a deep-seated commitment to tourism and youth advocacy.

On the international front, the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) team is currently representing the country at the prestigious UAE SWAT Challenge 2026 in Dubai. Notably, the elite team is composed entirely of Igorot officers from Mountain Province and Kalinga. Led by PCpt. Allen Dao-ines of Sagada, the team embodies the traditional Cordilleran values of tapang (bravery), lakas (strength), and disiplina (discipline). Alongside him are dedicated members like PMSgt. Rickson Saggut, PCpl. Bruceley Balao-as, Pat. John Brendan Gammong, Pat. Kevin Quezon, and Coach PSMS Jonathan Accad from Kalinga, as well as PCpl. Jerome Gacayen, PCpl. Alexis Bismonte, PCpl. Sylvester Banguigui, and Pat. Randall B. Tupac from Mountain Province. Whether navigating the dense forests of home or the high-stakes obstacle courses of the Middle East, these officers are proving they can compete with the best tactical units in the world.

Adding to the headlines is Engr. Pio Velasco, the visionary behind the famous Igorot Stone Kingdom in Baguio City. Velasco recently made waves by acquiring a high-profile vehicle for P29 million.

The acquisition of the Rolls-Royce formerly owned by the Discaya couple is a good attraction to the 6,000-square-meter mountainside park he built during the pandemic. Velasco said that it may be displayed at the kingdom to remind people, especially Filipinos, how corruption sucks and that crime does not pay.

The Stone Kingdom is a man-made marvel that pays tribute to his mother and showcases the ancient stone-laying skills of the Igorots—the same artistry used to build the world-renowned rice terraces—blending old-world heritage with modern tourism.

This is not the first time the Igorots and the rest of the Cordillerans have brought pride to the Philippines. For generations, Cordillerans have excelled as world-class athletes, scholars, soldiers, and artists. The recent achievements are simply the latest chapters in a long history of a people who remain deeply rooted in their culture while soaring to new heights on the global stage.