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NV selected as pilot area for DILG’s “Kwarto ni Neneng” program

Region 2

By Rachel Magday   In response to the rising cases of rape particularly involving children, Nueva Vizcaya has been chosen as the pilot area for the “Kwarto ni Neneng” program by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The municipalities selected for this initiative are Quezon and Dupax del Sur. This announcement was made by PSWD Officer Flordeina C. Granada during a joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), on February 20. The “Kwarto ni Neneng” project aims to provide separate rooms for beneficiaries’ households to ensure the separation of males and females. Authorities have found that victims of violence, including acts of lasciviousness and rape, often live in homes with only one room, or “shared rooms,” which can increase the risk of such crimes, especially when male family members are under the influence of alcohol. Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-033, beneficiaries of the project will receive assistance to build safe and secure living spaces. This initiative is expected to help reduce cases of violence against women and children in the province. In addition to the “Kwarto ni Neneng” program, the provincial government is also implementing various initiatives to support victims of rape. These include providing free legal services and educational assistance to help them continue their studies until they graduate. These programs aim to empower survivors and ensure they have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Gov. Atty. Jose Gambito emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “We must prioritize the safety and dignity of our women and children. By creating separate living spaces and providing necessary support, we are not just offering shelter; we are fostering an environment where they can thrive free from fear and violence. This is a crucial step towards building a safer and more compassionate community.

BFFFI ready for grand celebration of Panagbenga 2025

Baguio City

BAGUIO CITY – With the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries”, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) announced that Baguio City is all set for the grand celebration of the 29th Panagbenga Festival, the grand street dancing parade and grand floral float parade on February 22-23. Evangeline Payno, chief of staff of Panagbenga, said that five elementary drum and lyre will return for their street dance competition and seven participants in the open category festival dance competition. The five elementary drum and lyre are Mabini Elementary School, Manuel Roxas Elementary School, Tuba Central Elementary School, Rosario Elyu DLC and El Tribu D.Lucban. In the festival dance competition are Bitulok Tribe, of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija; Saint Louis University, Pinsao National High School Cultural Essemble, Amputi Layag Street Dancers, of San Carlos City, Pangasinan; Tribu Hiraya Manawari-Linubian Festival, of Poblacion East, Rosario, La Union; Tawid A Balitok, of Bacnotan, La Union and Bibyun Lubuagan, of Lubuagan, Kalinga. Also participating in the parade as guest performers are the famous Citizen Brigade Band of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Bureau of Fire Department Street Dance Performers. The parade will start at 8:00 a.m. led by the Philippine Military Academy Colorful Band, PMA cadets, city government officials, foreign sister cities delegation, Baguio Tourism Council and Liga ng mga Punong Barangay. Also participating are the Saint Louis Marching Band, BFFFI and Little Panagbenga 2025. Payno also reported the increase in participants in the floral float parade this year with 42, compared to 33 in 2024. In the small float category, there are 11; in the medium category, 10; and in the large category, 14, all competing. Also participating in the parade are the City Government float; Department of Tourism float; Hall of Fame Baguio Country Club, SM Prime Holding, Inc. and other floats, all non-competing entries. City Director Ruel Tagel, of the Baguio City Police Office, announced their public safety and security plan to ensure the security of parade spectators. According to Tagel, a total of 1,200 police officers will be deployed along the parade route, along with force multipliers who will serve as crowd control and maintain order in the parade flow. “We have also deployed police in civilian clothes to monitor miscreants who may prey on the parade. There are also spotters assigned and police assigned at the city boundaries and there are police assistance desks and medical teams. The BCPO is ready to maintain security during the two major events of Panagbenga,” Tagel said. Maj. James Dogao, of the Traffic Management Unit, said that all traffic personnel and enforcers will also be deployed from around the parade route, to the outskirt areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. Dogao said, like during the opening parade, they have implemented rerouting schemes using circumferential roads to avoid passing through the central district area, while the parade is underway. “We once again call on residents and tourists who are watching the parade to not use vehicles to go to the area, but instead to find parking areas away from the CBD,” Dogao said. By Zaldy Comanda

Vergara champions Community Health initiatives and Universal Health Care advocacy

Baguio City

The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), led by Chairman Gladys Vergara, successfully conducted the BTC Goodhearted Volunteers (GV) Medical Mission the at the Loakan-Apugan Barangay Covered Court, on February 18. Hosted by Barangay Captain Salvador Lumitap, the mission provided free medical services to over 100 residents from Loakan-Apugan and neighboring communities, underscoring BTC’s dedication to accessible healthcare and community welfare. The medical mission, spearheaded by Dr. Dwight Black, Dr. Paul Quitiquit (SLU), and Dr. Celia Brillantes (Baguio City Health Officer), offered a wide range of essential medical services, including: • Eye Check-ups & Free Eyeglasses • Diabetes Screening • General Medical Check-ups/Consultations • Breast Examinations • Free Medicines BTC Chairman Gladys Vergara played a pivotal role in organizing the medical mission, donating medicines and eyeglasses, and providing essential support. She expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts that made the mission a success, emphasizing the importance of community-driven healthcare initiatives. Several organizations and individuals also contributed to the mission’s success, including the Baguio Everlasting Lions Club, Pines Association of Nursing Attendants and Caregivers, Inc., Diabetes Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter, Atok Health Center, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center, Sweettech Industries, Inc., Unilab, Inc., Swiss Baker, Fernando S. Tiong, and BTC Board Members Glenn Gaerlan, Elaine Sembrano, and Aurora Alambra. Local champion Eric Kelly also lent his support to the initiative. In line with her advocacy for health and welfare, Vergara, in a recent Senior Citizen General Assembly in Barangay Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City, shared her vision for a comprehensive Universal Health Care system. She emphasized that free medical check-ups, hospitalization coverage, and essential health services should be accessible to all Filipinos, particularly senior citizens, women, and children. “ No one should avoid health check-ups due to financial constraints,” Vergara stressed, highlighting the importance of regular health monitoring for a healthier society.Vergara further advocated for expanding Social Pension benefits to include all senior citizens, asserting that “ every elderly Filipino who has contributed so much to society throughout their lives deserves financial support to sustain their daily needs in retirement.” She committed to championing policies that uphold the well-being and dignity of senior citizens and pledged her ongoing support for programs that prioritize public health.            

Bong Go pushes for stronger pro-poor programs amid mixed economic sentiments in SWS survey

Inside Politics, NCR

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening pro-poor programs that address the country’s economic challenges, including job creation, social welfare, wage increases, and agricultural support. As part of his legislative priorities, Go continues to advocate for policies that uplift underprivileged sectors, ensuring that essential services such as healthcare, food security, and livelihood opportunities remain accessible to all. His renewed push for pro-poor policies comes in light of recent economic data that reflects the mixed sentiments of Filipinos regarding their quality of life. A survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), commissioned by Stratbase Group, revealed that while 32% of respondents said their quality of life had improved in the past year, this was a decline from the 36% recorded in December 2024. Meanwhile, those who felt their situation had worsened increased to 25% from 23%, while 43% reported no change. “Alam natin na marami pa ring Pilipino ang nahihirapan sa araw-araw. Kaya’t patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang mga programang direktang makakatulong sa kanila—mula sa pagkain sa hapag hanggang sa pagkakaroon ng disenteng hanapbuhay,” Mr. Malasakit emphasized. “Huwag nating pahirapan ang naghihirap na. Ilapit natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno na kailangan nila upang makaahon sa hirap. Sikapin nating walang maiwan sa ating pag-unlad,” he added. Go has long been a advocate of programs that provide direct support to marginalized communities. One of his key proposals is the institutionalization of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP), a bill he has filed in the Senate. If enacted into law, REAP seeks to provide temporary employment to economically disadvantaged, displaced, or seasonal workers in rural areas, ensuring that those in need have opportunities to earn a living while contributing to local infrastructure and community projects. Additionally, Go has been pushing for wage increases and the enactment of Salary Standardization Law 6 (SSL 6) to provide better compensation for government workers. Recognizing the growing number of freelancers in the digital economy, he is also advocating for his filed Freelance Workers Protection Bill, which aims to safeguard their rights and ensure fair compensation. His proposed Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act that he filed further expands his pro-labor agenda by ensuring that delivery riders and drivers are protected from unfair business practices, recognizing their critical role in modern commerce. “Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang umaasa sa kanilang arawang kita. Dapat siguraduhin natin na patas ang kanilang sahod at protektado ang kanilang mga karapatan sa trabaho. Patuloy lang ako sa pagseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go said. Go also continues to push for expanded government investment in farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities, ensuring that small farmers and fisherfolk receive the necessary support to thrive. “Kapag malakas ang sektor ng agrikultura, masisigurado nating walang Pilipinong magugutom, at may mas maraming trabaho para sa ating kababayan,” he added. As Go seeks a fresh mandate in the 2025 senatorial elections, he remains focused on expanding social services, ensuring wage and employment security, and strengthening government support for vulnerable sectors. His track record includes significant contributions to healthcare access, livelihood programs, and housing assistance—all of which directly impact the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. “Ang malasakit sa tao ang dapat palaging inuuna. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagsusulong ng mga programang magbibigay ng ginhawa sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan,” Go assured. He also called on national agencies, local government units, and private sector stakeholders to work together in implementing long-term solutions for economic stability. With many Filipinos still struggling with the rising cost of living, Go vowed to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Baguio court denies another injunction vs. CJH recovery

Business

A Baguio court has junked another injunction application filed by several CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) sub-lessees for failing to prove that they are indeed “non-parties” to the arbitration that should be excluded from the government’s efforts to fully recover the 247-hectare Property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. Branch 3 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied the application for temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction filed by CJHDevCo sub-lessees to block the  implementation of the arbitral award mandating the return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, together with all the improvements and permanent structures, to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), without exceptions. This comes after the denial by Baguio RTC Branch 79 of an earlier application filed by a separate group of foreign nationals in Camp John Hay for the same relief. According to the court order issued on 06 February 2025,  petitioners were found to have acquired their rights from CJHDevCo, being its sublessees. Hence, even if they were not made parties to the arbitration, they are bound by the Arbitral Award considering that they derive their rights from CJHDevCo, who is a party to the arbitration. The court said the petitioners therefore failed to prove that they have a clear legal right to be excluded from the implementation of the reinstated Writ of Execution and Notice to Vacate. “The BCDA lauds the Baguio RTC and other law enforcement entities for continuously upholding the rule of law and protecting the government’s rights over Camp John Hay. This development proves what we have been saying all along—that the blame on the government, which is simply following the final ruling of the Supreme Court, is misdirected. We hope this gives way to productive dialogue with the claimants so we can discuss possible solutions regarding their claims,” said BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes. On 03 April 2024, the Supreme Court invalidated a 2015 Court of Appeals ruling that nullified the Writ of Execution issued by Branch 6 of Baguio RTC and the Notice to Vacate issued by the court’s Ex-Officio Sheriff insofar as persons claiming rights over improvements in Camp John Hay are concerned. In its 22 October 2024 Resolution, the Supreme Court denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by CJHDevCo and intervenors who attempted to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court decision. All those who are affected by the ruling are encouraged to reach out to the BCDA to discuss reasonable concerns within the bounds of the law. They may contact the BCDA Help Desk via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or phone via (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295.            

Biga and Basao Sub-Tribes push for ‘Singlit’ to resolve dispute

CAR

By Jesse Maguiya   TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Mayor Darwin Estrañero convened another meeting with officers and members of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council (MBCC), Bodong holders of the Kalinga sub-tribe Biga, and several Bodong holders from different tribes. The discussion focused on a circulating piece of fake news claiming that the Biga sub-tribe intended to return the sipat given to them by the Basao sub-tribe. During the meeting, Bodong holders and elders from the Biga sub-tribe assured Mayor Estrañero and Engineer Andres Ngao-I of the MBCC that they had taken swift action upon learning of the misinformation. They immediately convened their own meeting and unanimously decided that Mr. Ignacio Baglinit would serve as their primary representative. Having accepted this responsibility, he will now hold the sipat and serve as the Bodong holder for the Biga sub-tribe. In his message, Ignacio Baglinit, the Bodong holder of Biga, confirmed that they had already agreed to pursue a singlit with the Basao sub-tribe. (Singlit refers to a formal grievance or complaint raised by one tribe or party against another within the framework of the bodong (peace pact) system. It is a means of addressing concerns or perceived violations of the peace pact, such as an offense, wrongdoing, or breach of agreement.) He informed the mayor that they are fully prepared to face the Bodong holders and elders of the Basao sub-tribe through singlit. “Kayat mi koma nga ipanawagan iti kakailyan nga awan kina-agpaysu na dayta fake news a mapan mi isubli wenu ibabawi didiay sipat mi kadagiti kailyan a taga Basao ta dayta a banag ket saan a basta-basta karkaru ta uray dakami ket kayat min a malpas koma iti kasapaan a panawen daytoy problema ta awan met nasayaat nga ipaay na iti ili tayu a Tabuk City ken intiro a Probinsya ti Kalinga,” Mr. Baglinit explained. Engineer Andres Ngao-I, speaking on behalf of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council, stated that they had also received the misinformation and immediately called the attention of both tribes to prevent unnecessary actions that could escalate tensions. He reminded the Bodong holders from the Biga tribe not to spread unverified information. Mayor Estrañero supported this, emphasizing the importance of caution, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. He warned that relaying information inaccurately often leads to distortions and misunderstandings. “Masapul koma ag-verify tayu a nasayaat nu ada mangngeg tayu nga istorya tapnu maliklikan ti makunkuna a dagdag-bawas kasi kangrunaan a mapaspasamak ket manayun wenu makurangan ti maipasa nga impormasyon,” the mayor said. With this development, the mayor expressed his satisfaction, informing the Biga elders and pangats that their confirmation to proceed with singlit was the only remaining step. The Basao tribe had already expressed their willingness to engage in singlit earlier, and this confirmation now paves the way for the resolution process. As a follow-up, Engineer Andres Ngao-I, Chairman of the MBCC, held a separate meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with several Bodong holders and elders from the Basao sub-tribe. He informed them about what transpired during Monday’s meeting with the Biga Bodong holders. In response, the Basao elders stated that they would immediately schedule a tribe-wide meeting to discuss a possible date for the singlit.    

BCC celebrates 120th Super Centennial Anniversary

Baguio City

The Baguio Country Club (BCC) commemorated its 120th founding anniversary with a grand celebration that brought together club members, distinguished guests, and community leaders to honor its rich legacy, on February 18, 2025. The event’s highlight was a symbolic dove-releasing ceremony, where 120 white doves were released to represent peace, unity, and prosperity. Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairman Gladys Vergara participated in the ceremony alongside BCC Chairman Federico Agcaoili and BCC General Manager Anthony De Leon. Club members, guests, and employees also took part in the meaningful tradition. Vergara, who attended the celebration with Glenn Gaerlan and Eric Kelly, congratulated the Baguio Country Club on its remarkable milestone. “ For 120 years, Baguio Country Club has been a pillar of hospitality, tradition, and community in Baguio City. Its legacy of warm service and timeless experiences has enriched countless lives. On behalf of the Baguio Tourism Council, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and look forward to many more years of excellence and tradition,” Vergara said. The festivities concluded with a 120th Anniversary Cocktail Party and a Grand Raffle, capping off an unforgettable celebration. The Baguio Country Club continues to be a cornerstone of timeless traditions and a vital part of Baguio’s rich heritage as it embarks on another century of excellence and community-building.        

Gov.Tan, nag-donate ng kagamitan para sa Cyber Response Team

Region 4

Kasabay ang paggagawad kay Governor Doktotra Helen Tan bilang Lieutenant Colonel ng AFP Reserved Force, ginanap rin ang activation ng Quezon Provincial Cyber Response Team (QPCRT) and Signing of Deed of Donation, na ginanap sa Camp BGen Guillermo P Nakar, Lucena City, noong Pebrero 18. Sa kasalukuyang panahon ang cyberscam ay lumalaganap na krimen, gumagamit ito ng teknolohiya upang makakuha ng pera o impormasyon mula sa mga tao. Madalas na ginagamit ng mga scammer ang email, social media, at mga pekeng websites upang magmukhang lehitimo at magpanggap bilang isang kumpanya o tao na may magandang layunin. Sa patuloy na pagdami ng mga online na scammer, naalarma ang mga kapulisan sa dumaraming kirmen sa Lalawigan ng Quezon, dahil dito minabuti ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa pangunguna ni Governor Tan na pagkalooban ang mga kapulisan ng mga laptop, printer at computer na makakatulong para sa mas mabilis na pagtuklas ang mga kriminal online. Kasabay nito pormal na ring binasbasan ang bagong rehabilitasyon ng Detective Office sa pangunguna ni Command Chaplain, SOLCOM Rev Fr (MAR) Joseph Jim M Camargo, hangad ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na magkaroon ng kamalayan ang mga Quezonian sa cyberscam upang hindi malinlang ng ibang tao. Samantala, tuloy-tuloy ang pakikipagbalikatan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa pagtupad ng tungkulin sa pangkapayapaan at seguridad ng buong Lalawigan ng Quezon.    

Don’t be fooled by deepfake videos – RSA

NCR

STATEMENT OF RAMON S. ANG I have been receiving messages about a fake sponsored post using an old interview of mine with Mr. Anthony Taberna. Scammers have used deepfake technology to alter our conversation, making it appear that I am endorsing an investment opportunity. Let me be absolutely clear— this is a scam. I have never endorsed, and will never endorse, any investment opportunity online. It’s frustrating how easily these fake videos spread, deceiving people and taking their hard-earned money. But how is this still happening? Why are these fake ads being allowed to circulate? I hope to see real action to stop deepfake scams before more people fall victim. In the meantime, let’s look out for one another. Do not engage, do not invest, and report these scams when you see them. Stay vigilant, protect yourselves, and share this post to warn others.        

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