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SBMA, Subic Grain Terminal test safety response operations in simulation exercises

Region 3

Subic Bay Freeport—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Incorporated (SBFGTSI) conducted a simulation exercise (SimEx) at the latter’s premises inside this premier Freeport on April 4, 2025. According to SBMA Seaport Department SimEx Director Diego P. Aviles, the activity dubbed “Responding to Active Shooter and Barricaded Scenario” was conducted to test procedures and contingency plans for security and safety response operations of both the SBMA and SBFGTSI. “This exercise offers a unique opportunity for all participants to carry out response operations. Our objective is to test the security communication protocol in response to an active shooter and barricaded incident,” Aviles said. He added that the SimEx also aims to assess coordination between security personnel and Emergency Response Units of SBFGTSI and the Law Enforcement Department (LED), and to evaluate the effectiveness and readiness of handling such emergencies following the Port Facility Security Plan. Part of the exercise was conducted to test the response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport Department, and the LED, specifically the Special Weapons and Tactics team, Traffic Branch, and K-9 Unit, as well as the Public Health and Safety Department in terms of emergency response. Aviles, along with SBFGTSI Terminal Manager Engr. Carlito Faustino and SBFGTSI port facility safety officer Gilbert Espiel, reiterated that this exercise offers a unique opportunity for all participants to carry out response operations and to test procedures and contingency plans on security, safety, and any emergency response operations. “This exercise would not have been made possible without the collaboration between the SBFGTSI and SBMA,” Aviles said.          

TCS reaps benefits of SM school building turned over in 2019

CAR

  Seven years ago, Tuba Central School (TCS) in Benguet had to make do with overcrowded classrooms, each accommodating up to 53 students on a typical school day. The learner population of the then 84-year-old public primary school, located in the quaint-meets-modern municipality of Tuba in the province of Benguet, was almost 600. Without a dedicated computer lab, learners relied on mobile phones for research, while teachers often used their personal laptops to teach technology-related subjects. Some even lent their devices to ensure their students could gain hands-on experience. The learning environment at Tuba Central School (TCS) took a significant leap forward when SM Foundation, in partnership with SM Prime and the Philippine Stock Exchange Foundation, turned over a two-story, four-classroom building on August 9, 2019. Building on this commitment to quality education, SM Foundation returned in 2024 to carry out its school building maintenance program—ensuring that the facility remains safe, well-maintained, and conducive to learning for years to come. “The SM Foundation School Building helps us augment the lack of a building in our school. With the facility, we can accommodate more enrollees amidst the increasing number of learners,” TCS Principal Jennifer Cados started, sharing the impact of SM Foundation’s project. Improved environment, leveled-up abilities Maria Margareth Mae Dacpano, a Grade 6 learner who was already studying at TCS before the turnover, noticed the positive impact of the new classrooms on the learning environment. “We have more classrooms now, so my schoolmates no longer crowd in a single classroom. We can focus better on studying and avoid conflicts because of overcrowded classrooms and discomfort,” Dacpano said. “And with a dedicated computer room, we can now research faster if we want to get information. We are also learning to use computers, and we no longer have much difficulty accessing them if we need to know something,” Dacpano said, noting that before, they used to research using only their mobile phones. Having the school building has also paid off in other aspects at TCS, particularly in learning outcomes, according to the school principal. “With more space for the children, the learning environment became more conducive, allowing them to focus better. This has definitely contributed to their academic progress,” she said.  Data from TCS reflects this improvement, with a significant number of students achieving proficiency. In some grade levels, as much as one-third to half of the total enrollment consists of proficient to advanced learners. In the first quarter of the 2023-2024 school year, one Grade 1 section had 14 proficient to advanced learners out of 24 enrollees, while a Grade 5 section had 15 out of 32. The principal also noted a positive trend in student retention, with absenteeism and dropouts becoming less frequent and only a few students discontinuing their studies as of writing. To further support TCS’ growth and sustain a conducive learning environment, the SM Foundation implemented its School Building Maintenance Program. As part of this initiative, the foundation conducted a thorough inspection and completed necessary repairs. It revitalized the building with fresh interior and exterior paint, ensuring the facilities remain safe and well-maintained for students and teachers alike. Providing holistic learning The emergency-ready and PWD-friendly school building has been housing two sections of Grade 1 learners on the ground floor. The second floor now serves as the information and communications technology (ICT) room equipped with 20 WiFi-connected computer units, built in partnership with Mastercard Philippines. This floor includes a dedicated sports room for Arnis training, supporting the province’s reputation as a stronghold for the sport in the Philippines. Since we made use of two classrooms on the ground floor for Grade 1, congestion among learners was lessened. The teacher-to-learner ratio now averages to 1:20,” Cados said. TCS has only one shift for all grade levels, with Grade 1 having four sections and Grades 2-6 having three sections each. Riola Wasit, one of the teachers who handles the school’s computer subject, said the additional building meant a lot to everyone. “Teachers don’t have to spend time making lesson materials because everything they need is already available. It’s easier for us to teach about computer literacy because we have computers where they can access applications on their own,” Wasit said. “Iyaman! It means thank you in our dialect,” Cados said on behalf of the entire TCS. She shared that SM Foundation and its partners’ continued support inspires them to provide quality education and uplift the Tuba, Benguet community. Grateful for the additional school building, the school’s stakeholders extend their appreciation to the foundation. Aside from TCS, seven other schools underwent the maintenance program in 2024: Balanga Elementary School, Bataan; Kalalake Elementary School, Olongapo City; Pedro Candido Memorial National High School, Hernani, Eastern Samar; Looc Elementary School (Batangas), Zamboanga Central School-SPED Center, Zamboanga City, Mantagbac Elementary School, Daet City, Camarines Sur; and Villa Kananga Integrated School, Butuan City. SM Foundation’s commitment to education goes beyond building classrooms—it nurtures learning environments that empower students and uplift communities. By ensuring schools like TCS remain safe and well-maintained, the foundation continues to pave the way for a brighter future, one school at a time.

Nueva Vizcaya gears up for the 16th grand Ammungan Festival

Region 2

By Rachel Magday Nueva Vizcaya is set to burst into celebration with the 16th Grand Ammungan Festival, marking the 186th founding anniversary of the province. This eagerly awaited cultural event unites the province’s fifteen municipalities in a vibrant display of unity and cultural richness. With the theme “NARANG-AY A NUEVA VIZCAYA: GAPUANAN ITI UMILI NGA AGKAYKAYSA,” the festival highlights the province’s unwavering solidarity in the face of challenges and its collective achievements in reaching new heights of success. In the midst of election season, preparations for this year’s festival are in full swing, led by Marichelle O. Costales, the Director General of the Grand Ammungan Festival and head of the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office. Under her leadership, the provincial government is dedicated to delivering an unforgettable celebration that showcases Nueva Vizcaya’s cultural vibrancy and economic growth. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “The election period should not diminish the grandeur of our celebration. The Grand Ammungan Festival is not just an event; it is our founding anniversary, a time to honor our heritage and unite as one community in pride and purpose.” The 2025 festival logo features the Camia flower, the provincial flower of Nueva Vizcaya, symbolizing the province’s natural beauty and agricultural abundance. This design represents Nueva Vizcaya’s identity as a watershed haven and a beacon of cultural diversity and tourism. The fifteen ascending triangles in the logo signify Nueva Vizcaya’s economic growth and cultural development. The Grand Ammungan Festival is a significant event for both locals and visitors, celebrating the rich culture and heritage of Nueva Vizcaya.

Converge, CPU empower the next generation with Innovative Technology

NCR

Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the Philippines’ leading fiber broadband and technology solutions provider, has further strengthened its presence in Iloilo by collaborating with Central Philippine University (CPU) to elevate the educational experience through world-class connectivity and technological innovation. Founded in 1905, Central Philippine University (CPU) is one of the premier academic institutions in the Visayas region, renowned for its distinguished programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and education. The university seamlessly combines academic excellence with Christian principles, fostering the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of its students. With a steadfast commitment to strengthening faith and advancing scholarship, research, and community service, CPU continues to cultivate future leaders equipped to make a meaningful impact in their fields and in society. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Iloilo expansion of Converge, as it provides Central Philippine University students and faculty with world-class digital infrastructure. By providing high-speed fiber broadband, Converge is empowering the CPU community in an increasingly digital landscape, supporting both academic and personal development. “At Converge, we are committed to empowering educational institutions like Central Philippine University with the digital tools they need to thrive. As a key province in our digital development strategy, Iloilo plays a crucial role in our mission to provide reliable, high-speed fiber connectivity and innovative technology solutions. By equipping universities with the necessary digital infrastructure, we ensure they remain leaders in shaping the future of education in a rapidly advancing landscape,” said Converge Assistant Vice President & Head of Enterprise VisMin, Maria Asuncion Canen. By harnessing Converge’s leadership in fiber broadband and world-class technology, CPU is strategically positioned to incorporate cutting-edge innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), thereby advancing both the academic experience and future opportunities. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, President of Central Philippine University, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to work with Converge, a company that shares our vision for innovation and our commitment to the future of education. This initiative will support our ongoing efforts to provide our students with an education that integrates the best of technology and Christian values, empowering them to become leaders and innovators.” The alliance strengthens CPU’s ongoing pursuit of academic excellence and innovation, ensuring the university can effectively meet the evolving needs of its students and faculty. With the robust digital infrastructure of Converge, CPU enhances its operational efficiency and creates a more dynamic learning environment. Together, Converge and CPU are shaping the future of education, equipping students and faculty with the digital tools to succeed in a technology-driven world.

𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀: “𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲” 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗠 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼 

Lifestyle

  Roland Cruz Leads as Curator for “Life in Colors” Art Exhibit BAGUIO CITY – Celebrate the vibrant fusion of art and heritage at Life in Colors: Celebrating Culture, a must-see exhibit by the Tam-awan Village Artists, now open at Level 2, SM City Baguio until April 12. This extraordinary collection showcases the beauty of traditions, emotions, and shared experiences through dynamic and expressive artworks. The exhibit showcases 36 captivating artworks created by 20 talented local artists, led by Roland Cruz. Each piece beautifully captures the spirit of Cordilleran life, blending bold colors and intricate details to tell stories deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. Through these stunning visuals, visitors can explore the rich culture of the Cordilleras, bridging the past with the present and gaining a deeper appreciation for local artistry. As a strong advocate for thearts, SM City Baguio remains committed to providing platforms for local artists to share their creativity with a wider audience. By hosting exhibits like Life in Colors, the mall fosters cultural appreciation and artistic expression, ensuring that heritage and talent continue to thrive within the community.        

Hedcor’s Water Access Projects Transform Communities Nationwide

Environment

Bringing Water, Bringing Life Beyond infrastructure, these water access projects are transforming lives, ensuring that families, farmers, and entire communities have the resources they need to thrive. Hedcor Vice President for Corporate Services Noreen Vicencio emphasized that clean water access is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. “By ensuring stable water access, we are helping our host communities become more resilient to climate challenges, improving health outcomes, and securing livelihoods. These initiatives create lasting solutions that empower people and support a sustainable future,”Vicencio said. For many Filipino communities, access to clean water remains a daily struggle. In remote villages, families wake before dawn to fetch water from distant sources, farmers rely on unpredictable weather to irrigate their crops, and schools and health centers face sanitation challenges due to limited water supply. Without reliable access to water, daily life, public health, and economic stability remain at risk. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable water solutions, Hedcor, the run-of-river hydro power operator of AboitizPower, has partnered with local governments and communities to improve water infrastructure in several communities across the country. Through rainwater harvesting systems, water impounding structures, and upgraded pipelines, Hedcor is ensuring thousands of families have reliable access to water,  a resource critical for health, agriculture, and climate resilience. Easing the Burden of Water Collection For decades, households in Benguet’s remote areas struggled with limited water access. In Barangay Dalipey, Bakun, Benguet, residents once relied on a single water pump located far downhill, requiring them to carry heavy containers over rough terrain. The burden was especially difficult for the elderly and young children. Residents of Sablan, Benguet faced a similar challenge. For decades, families hiked nearly an hour uphill to collect water from a spring, making this not just a chore but a daily hardship. Today, their reality has changed. Through Hedcor’s Php 1.8 million worth of projects, these communities now have newly installed water pipelines and dedicated storage tanks, providing clean water to over 1,200 households. The projects are part of the community development initiatives of Hedcor in areas where its ROR plants are located. Dalipey Barangay Captain Domingo Marcelo considers these projects a transformative one for their community, “Before, we had to travel far just to collect water. Now, with a better system in place, families can spend more time on productive activities instead of struggling to meet a basic need,” Marcelo shared. In Sablan, Kamog Waterworks Association President Jun Tad-o shared that access to clean water has eased the daily hardships of many families. “Our children now have access to clean, safe water without the exhausting trips. It’s a great relief for the entire community, especially for the elderly,” Tad-o said. Securing Farmers’ Livelihoods Beyond households, water access can also determine the success or failure of an entire farming season.  PV Sinag, AboitizPower’s solar power farm in Pangasinan managed by Hedcor, assisted in constructing a water impounding system to ensure continuous irrigation for farmlands, allowing farmers to withstand dry seasons and unpredictable weather patterns. The water  impounding system benefits over 200 farmers in addressing long-standing challenges that once put food production and livelihoods at risk. Labrador-Laguit Upland Farmers Association President Salvador Belingan emphasized the significance of the project,”Without this water system, all our hard work as farmers would be wasted. Now, we have the security to continue farming even during the hottest months.” Bringing Relief to Drought-Stricken Families Impasugong Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Joy Obsioma (left) receives water tanks from Hedcor, represented by External Relations Manager David Tacder (right). This effort is meant to help the local residents of the Municipality of Impasugong during the dry season. When El Niño’s drought hit Bukidnon in May 2024, thousands of families struggled with severe water shortages. To address this, Hedcor installed 13 rainwater harvesting tanks in affected barangays, providing both immediate relief and a sustainable water source to 9,000 households. “For us, these tanks don’t just store water—they bring hope,” said Barangay Impasugong resident Michael Mendoza. “Before, we had no choice but to endure long days without enough water. Now, we have a stable supply for cooking, cleaning, and sustaining small farms.” The water tanks also support local schools and healthcare facilities, ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation even during prolonged dry spells. Empowering Schools and Health Centers The handwashing station at Mag Amihan Elementary School ensures reliable access to water, helping improve hygiene, reduce the risk of disease, and support the health and well-being of students. In 2024, Sacasun, anAboitizPower’s solar power farm in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, installed handwashing stations in schools and health centers, ensuring that students and patients no longer haveto worry about water shortages affecting their daily routines. Reliable water access has transformed these schools and health centers, reducing the risk of disease and improving overall well-being. “This initiative not only protects our children’s health but also instills lifelong hygiene habits,” said Mag-amihan Elementary School Principal Maegen Limpio. “With a steady water supply, students can focus on their education instead of worrying about where their next drink of water will come from.” Building Resilient Communities From rural villages to drought-affected towns, Hedcor’s water projects are making a difference, proving that clean water is not just a necessity, but a foundation of healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.     .                      

Gov. Guico target na maipatayo ang 20 gov’t hospital sa Pangasinan

Region 1

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Target ni Gov. Ramon V. Guico III na makapagpatayo ng 20 government hospitals sa lalawigan, ito ang kanyang nabanggit sa kanyang ikatlong State of the Province Address (SOPA) sa pagdiriwang ng province’s 455th Foundation Day, noong Abril 5. “Ang pangarap ko ay hindi huminto sa 14 na government hospitals. Kung bibigyan mo ako ng tatlong termino bilang gobernador, at least 20 hospitals ang dapat mag-operate sa probinsya sa ilalim ng provincial government ng Pangasinan.” Sinabi ni Gob. Guico na kasama dito ang mga pagtatatag ng training hospital, APEX hospital at specialty hospitals. Ang Apex hospital ay isang espesyal na ospital na kinontrata ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation bilang isang stand-alone na pasilidad na nag-aalok ng mga serbisyo para sa malawak na hanay ng mga sakit, sakit, pinsala, o deformidad. Sa pinakamababa, ang isang apex na ospital ay dapat nilagyan ng ambulatory surgical clinic, anatomic at clinical laboratory. Magkakaroon din ito ng blood station, dialysis facility, general intensive care unit, nuclear medicine facility, physical medicine at rehabilitation facility, psychiatry facility, radiologic facility, at surgical facility pati na rin ang maternity facility. “Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, nakipag-ugnayan kami sa pagpapabuti ng mga serbisyong medikal at ospital na hindi pa nakamit sa ganoong sukat na sinimulan at nagawa namin sa loob ng wala pang tatlong taon, kabilang ang marami sa mga kasalukuyang ginagawa pa rin,” sabi niya. Nauna nang sinimulan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang paglalagay ng 55-bed super community hospital sa Umingan. Sa ngayon, natapos na ang Phase 1 ng P200 milyong proyekto. Inaasahang matatapos ang ospital sa Umingan sa pagtatapos ng taon. Magkakaroon ito ng dalawang elevator para maserbisyuhan ang mga senior citizen at mga taong may kapansanan. Ang pasilidad ay isang 15-bed community hospital na makapagseserbisyo lamang ng mga 50 pasyente. Kamakailan, idinaos ng lalawigan katuwang ang munisipalidad ng Alcala ang groundbreaking ceremony para sa pagtatayo ng 15th government hospital. Ang apat na palapag na ospital na magkakaroon ng P250 milyon na badyet para sa Phase 1, ay tutugon hindi lamang sa mga residente ng Alcala kundi maging sa mga mamamayan ng mga kalapit na bayan. Talagang naibigay ng bayan ang 3,000 metro kuwadrado na lote kung saan itatayo ang ospital sa Barangay Poblacion. Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang legacy project — GUICONSULTA, higit sa isang milyong Pangasnenses ay maaari na ngayong tamasahin ang mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth’s Konsulta Program ng national government. “Gusto namin ng libreng komprehensibong pangangalaga sa outpatient, mga medikal na konsultasyon, pagsusuri sa panganib sa kalusugan, mga piling pagsusuri sa laboratoryo at mga gamot para sa lahat ng kwalipikado at nakarehistrong Pangasinense sa pamamagitan ng Konsulta,” aniya. Sa wala pang tatlong taon, ginawa ni Gov. Guico, ang pangangalagang pangkalusugan bilang isa sa kanyang mga pangunahing programa. Nakita rin niya ang pagtatayo ng iba pang pasilidad ng kalusugan tulad ng mga sentro ng hemodialysis; pagbili ng iba’t ibang makabagong kagamitan; ang karagdagang pagkuha ng mga health practitioner at ang pagbibigay ng mga espesyal na pagsasanay para sa mga doktor at nars.

Datuin pushing indigent social pension program in Baguio City

Baguio City, Inside Politics

BAGUIO CITY – Re-electionist City Councilor Atty.Elmer Datuin promised to promote to the Council his program to benefit more than 3,000 indigent senior citizens through his proposed ordinance Granting Local Social Pension to Indigent Senior Citizens in Baguio City. “It is in its second reading, after publication it will go to the third and final reading of the Indigent senior citizen social Pension program of the city of Baguio, which will address the waiting lists for social pensions queued up at the City Social Welfare and Development Office,” Datuin said. According to Datuin, in Baguio City, there are 6,348 social pensioners receiving P1,000 per month through the CSWDO and more than 3,000 are on the waiting list. There are a total of 55,000 senior citizens in Baguio City, based on data from the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC), “Now, those on the waiting list can no longer move up, my plan is to address the waiting list, because they are old, they may die before they can taste it, so this is our priority,” “These waiting lists are pathetic, how long will they have to wait, they deserve to be blessed, although the government’s quota is limited, we are working on ways for the city government to help these waiting lists,’ Datuin explained. According to Datuin, in this ordinance, instead of the DSWD being the payer, the city government will be the one to provide pensions to the waiting lists. “It passed on the first reading, but on the third reading, the local finance committee computed and it emerged that almost P40 million is needed to be distributed to the waiting lists.” “Local finance said it could be reduced, so now the recalculation is ongoing and in our consultation with the City Social Welfare Office, instead of 3,000, the first 1,000 will be addressed, which will at least increase the number of people receiving social pension.” Datuin explained that if this ordinance is approved, the city government will provide pensions from the first 1,000 senior citizens who are selected from the CSWDO waiting list. (PR)

“Like Father, Like Daughter”: BMV suportado ang kandidatura ni Gladys sa Kongreso

Baguio City, Inside Politics

  LUNGSOD NG BAGUIO —Buong ipinagmamalaking inindorso ni Bernardo Vergara ang kanyang anak na si Gladys Vergara para maging Congresswoman ng siyudad ng Baguio, sa harap ng kanilang mga supporters sa ginanap na kick-off rally ng Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), noong Linggo, Abril 6. Bilang dating Congressman at Mayor, ay tumayo sa harap ng isang pulutong ng mga tagasuporta, hindi bilang isang politiko-kundi bilang isang mapagmataas na ama. Sa kanyang tinig ngunit kitang-kita ang kanyang emosyon, pormal na inendorso ang kandidatura ng kanyang anak, na kandidato bilang kinatawan ng nag-iisang distrito ng Baguio City sa House of Representatives. “Handa na siya,” deklara niya. “Kasama ko siya sa bawat hakbang—sa loob ng 24 taon sa serbisyo publiko. Alam niya ang bigat ng trabahong ito. Hindi lang siya pumapasok sa pulitika—namumuhay niya ito, natututo, at naghahanda para sa sandaling ito sa buong buhay niya.” Ang talumpati ni Bernie ay hindi lamang isang political endorsement, kundi taos-pusong panawagan iyon ng isang ama sa mga taong minsan niyang pinaglingkuran, na hinihiling sa kanila na ipagkatiwala sa kanyang anak ang parehong tiwala at pagtitiwala na ibinigay nila sa kanya.   “Ipagpapatuloy ni Gladys ang nasimulan namin, at magdadala siya ng sariwang enerhiya, mga bagong ideya, at ang parehong puso na gumabay sa akin. Tulad ng ama, tulad ng anak na babae-siya ay higit sa kakayahan.” Si Gladys Vergara, na matagal nang tumabi sa kanyang ama bilang parehong tahimik na manggagawa at vocal advocate, ay humakbang nang may grasya at kalinawan. Sa kanyang talumpati, ibinahagi niya hindi lamang ang kanyang plataporma kundi ang kanyang personal na pangako sa Baguio—ang kanyang tahanan, ang kanyang komunidad, at ang kanyang tungkulin. Isang Platform na Nag-ugat sa Aksyon at Habag Nag-outline si Gladys ng isang matapang ngunit grounded na pananaw para sa lungsod, na naka-angkla sa mga programang nagpapakita ng parehong pagbabago at pakikiramay. Kabilang sa kanyang mga pangunahing priyoridad ay: Sustainable Tourism Programs na nagpapanatili sa kultura at natural na kagandahan ng Baguio habang kumikita ng mga lokal na residente. Isang Comprehensive Land Audit upang matiyak ang transparency at wastong paggamit ng lupa, na nagpoprotekta sa parehong mga pampublikong espasyo at lupang ninuno. Itulak ang Renewable Energy upang ilipat ang lungsod tungo sa mas malinis, mas berdeng mga solusyon sa enerhiya para sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Livelihood Hubs sa Bawat Barangay upang magbigay ng accessible na pagsasanay sa kasanayan, suporta sa maliliit na negosyo, at mga oportunidad sa trabaho para sa lahat. Segregation and Clear Jurisdiction of the 13 Barangays Surrounding Camp John Hay, finally addressing long-standing issues in the area. Mga Subsidy at Suporta para sa mga Tsuper ng Jeepney para tumulong na gawing moderno ang transportasyon habang pinoprotektahan ang kabuhayan ng mga masisipag na tsuper. Binigyang-diin ni Gladys na ang kanyang kampanya ay hindi tungkol sa paggawa ng mga pangako, kundi pagpapatuloy ng isang legacy ng serbisyong nakabatay sa dedikasyon, karanasan, at pagmamahal para sa Baguio. “Natutuwa akong Paglingkuran ka, Baguio City” Ang kanyang campaign slogan ay nagsasabi ng lahat—“Natutuwa akong pagsilbihan ka, Baguio City.” Higit sa isang paglalaro sa kanyang pangalan, ito ay isang taos-pusong mensahe mula sa isang taong lumaki sa ilalim ng serbisyo publiko, ngayon ay umaangat sa kanyang sariling karapatan.   “Hindi na ako bago dito,” sabi ni Gladys sa karamihan. “For 24 years, I’ve stood behind my father, watching, learning, and working. Alam ko ang pangangailangan ng ating lungsod, at dala-dala ko ang mga kwento ng ating mga tao. This is not just a campaign—it’s a continuation of a life devoted to Baguio.” Ang mga tao ay tumugon sa mainit na pagtanggap, ang ilan ay kitang-kitang naantig sa emosyonal na sandali ng mag-ama. Ang nagsimula bilang isang political rally ay naging isang malakas na paalala kung paano naipapasa ang mga pamana, hindi sa pamamagitan ng mga salita lamang, ngunit sa pamamagitan ng mga taon ng paglilingkod, sakripisyo, at ibinahaging pananaw. Sa basbas ng kanyang ama at pagtitiwala ng mga tao, umaasa si Gladys Vergara na sumulong—hindi lamang bilang anak ng isang dating alkalde at kongresista—kundi bilang isang pinuno sa kanyang sariling karapatan, handang isulat ang susunod na kabanata sa kuwento ng Baguio.

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