In a house resolution filed on January 7, Baguio City congressman Mark Go strongly urged the Social Security Commission to defer the implementation of the scheduled hike in Social Security System (SSS) contributions to ease the burden on Filipinos amid rising costs due to inflation. Citing “wide clamor from all sectors,” House Resolution (HR) 2157 enjoined the commission to suspend its slated increase in the contribution rate to 15 per cent, which comes amid the Philippine Statistics Authority’s latest figure that inflation rose to 2.9 per cent in December from 2.5 per cent in November. Rep. Go said that as the SSS’ policy body, the Social Security Commission should strongly consider the deferral of the hike in contributions “to provide our low-income earners a breathing space from the continued rising cost of commodities and services.” Go also pointed out that the SSS’ revenue grew in 2023 by 15.6 per cent, from P353.82 billion to P306.16 billion in the previous year, adding that “the SSS can afford and manage to suspend the increase in contributions.” He added that SSS earned a net income of P83.13 billion in 2023, exceeding its target of P51.06 billion for that year, according to a February report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer last year. That same year, a Commission on Audit (COA) report revealed an inefficiency in the collection of premium contributions from delinquent employers, with only P4.581 billion collected – or 4.89 per cent of expected collections in 2023 worth P93.747 billion. “This is equivalent to P89.17 B of uncollected premium contributions from 420,627 employers,” he said. Go added that the SSS’ inefficiency in collecting premium contributions based on the COA report “should first be addressed before the government insurance agency proceeds to implement the schedule of contribution rate hike.” The Baguio solon also authored HR 253, which was adopted by the House of Representatives on September 25, successfully urging the Department of Health to issue Administrative Order 0017-2024 removing purchase slip booklet as a mandatory requirement for senior citizens to avail the 20% discount in the purchase of medicines. The administrative order was implemented on December 23.

Baguio City concluded its festive season with the resounding success of the Closing Ceremony of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas (AEBC) 2024, held on January 5, 2025, at Burnham Park’s Rose Garden. The event featured the much-anticipated Grand Finals of The Great Voices of Baguio, a spectacular solo singing competition that served as the perfect finale to more than a month of holiday celebrations. of the Best decorated Chalets were Yolk, Korean Egg Sandwiches (Small Category), Recess Resto Café (Big Category, Dap-ayan ti John Hay (Medium Category). The Great Voices of Baguio Grand Finals showcased the city’s most talented vocalists, who delivered breathtaking performances to a delighted audience. The winners of the competition were Champion – Russel T. Solis, 1st Runner-Up- Viana Tejada, and 2nd Runner-Up – Princess Ybañez, Consolation Prizes – Mary Rose Ybañez Gilbert B. Jabano Jr. Adding to the festivities, the event also saw the announcement and awarding of the best-designed chalets and selling booths. The winners of the Best decorated Chalets were Yolk, Korean Egg Sandwiches (Small Category), Recess Resto Café (Big Category, Dap-ayan ti John Hay (Medium Category). In her closing speech, Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara reflected on the season’s successes, saying: “Naimbag nga bigat, kada kayo amin, kakailian ken gagayyem (Good morning to each and every one)! As we close the chapter of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas, we look back with gratitude on the vibrant and joyful experiences we’ve shared over the past weeks. This celebration has been a beautiful showcase of creativity, unity, and the undeniable charm of our beloved city. To our Great Voices contestants, you have given us the perfect finale to this enchanting season. Your passion, dedication, and artistry have filled this day with so much energy and inspiration.” BTC Chairperson Vergara also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of AEBC 2024. She emphasized the importance of community in bringing the holiday spirit to life and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the BTC team, led by Pam Cariño, as well as the collaboration of the City Government of Baguio under the visionary leadership of Mayor Benjamin Magalong. The AEBC 2024 season featured a variety of events, including the Ceremonial Lighting of the Baguio Christmas Tree, the opening of the Botanical Christmas Garden, the European-Themed Enchanting Christmas Market at Burnham Park’s Rose Garden, The Nutcracker by Ballet Baguio and the Philippine Military Academy, the University of Baguio Christmas Cantata, the Bituin ng Pasko: Inter-Barangay Holiday Décor Competition, the New Year’s Countdown, Sports and Wellness Day, and Pet Day, among many others. Each event reflected the shared creativity and dedication of the city’s residents, organizations, and partners. Vergara concluded her remarks with an inspiring message: “As the lights dim and we say goodbye to this season of enchantment, let us carry forward the values it has taught us—generosity, togetherness, and the power of celebrating our shared culture and talents. This is not an ending but a promise of more vibrant celebrations and opportunities to come. To our participants and everyone who joined us for AEBC 2024, you are all winners for making this season unforgettable. Agyamanak kadakayo amin (I am thankful to everyone), and I am always glad to be of service. Let us look forward to an even brighter and more enchanting year ahead for Baguio City!” The success of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024 was made possible through the support of key sponsors and partners, including Mega Pines Realty and Development Inc., TG Home Builders, The Parkway Residences, San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR, and various local government departments and organizations. Lead partners such as Jomarcann General Construction, ECO Hotels, Casa Vallejo, NLEX Corporation, Philippine Military Academy, Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, and the Diocese of Baguio played an instrumental role in ensuring the season’s triumph. As the curtains close on AEBC 2024, Baguio City looks ahead with optimism and excitement, ready to continue its tradition of fostering unity, joy, and cultural pride through creative and collaborative celebrations. The promise of an even brighter and more enchanting year lies ahead for the Summer Capital of the Philippines.  

BAGUIO CITY — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomes the Baguio Regional Trial Court’s order blocking CJH Development Corporation’s (CJH DevCo) fresh attempt to prevent the full return of the 247-hectare property in Camp John Hay following the final Supreme Court decision  ensuring the immediate recovery of the said property without exceptions. In an order dated January 3, 2025, Branch 6 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court junked CJH DevCo’s motion to delay the recovery of the subject property. This means all land and  improvements in the property, whether directly held by CJH DevCo, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates or occupied/held by other individuals or parties claiming rights under them,  must be turned over to the BCDA. The Regional Trial Court’s order also directs its sheriffs to immediately and FULLY IMPLEMENT its reinstated writ of  execution and notice to vacate, so the property can be returned to the BCDA. BCDA assures the public that businesses will continue to operate in Camp John Hay. It is also calling on all stakeholders to step forward, reach out to them, and work together for a smooth and orderly transition. All those affected by the Supreme Court decision are urged to reach out via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or phone via (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295.