BAGUIO CITY – Lumagda sina Mayor Benjamin Magalong, City Environment and Parks Management Office at Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) ng isang Memorandum of Agreement para sa proyektong ‘Adopt a Park’ ng media organizations para pormal na ma-develop ang isang picnic grove area sa Burnham Park,Baguio City,noong Disyembre 20. Ang nasabing picnic grove area na may 700 square meters ay matagal ng ginagamit bilang media camp, lalong-lalo na tuwing Lucky Summer Visitors projects ng BCBC in partnership with city government at mga stakeholders. “Nagpapasalamat ang city government sa BCBC sa inyong interes na mapagtibay ang isang bahagi ng Picnic Grove sa Burnham Park, para ito ay pagandahin. Sinimulan namin ang adopt a park program two years ago, dahil kulang ang pondo ng siyudad para sa maintenance ng mga parke, kaya maraming organisasyon ang tumutulong para mapanatili ang kagandahan ng ating mga parke. Umasa din ang BCBC na tutulong kami para sa kaayusan nito,” pahayag ni Magalong. Sinabi din ni Magalong, na noon pa ay alam na niyang ginagamit ng media group ang nasabing area para sa mga okasyon, kaya nararapat lamang umano na ipamahala ang development nito upang lalo pang gumanda at maging maayos ang serbisyo sa taunang LSV project. Labis din nagpasalamat ang BCBC sa pangunguna ni President Thom Picana, editor ng Amianan Balita Ngayon sa maagap na pagtalima ng city government sa interes ng grupo na pagandahin ang lugar na siyang pinagdadausan ng media gathering tuwing Holy Week Ang lugar ay tinawag na Camp Peppot Ilagan, bilang pagkilala sa yumaong editor ng local newspaper na Gold Ore at at nagsilbing Konsehal din ng siyudad ng Baguio. Ayon kay Picana, ang kakailanganin ang halagang P500,000 para sa pag-upgrade ng lugar, kung saan ipakikilala nito ang landscaping,ilaw at karagdagang mga upuan at mesa. “Panawagan ko sa mga susunod na opisyal ng BCBC ay gawing prayoridad ang proyektong ito, dahil nakasalalay ang ating pangako sa city government na pagandahin ang lugar na ito. Ito ay isang makasaysayang accomplishment nating lahat, dahil ito ang ating pangarap na mapasakamay natin ang lugar na ito,kaya pagyamanin natin,” pahayag ni Picana.

During their visit, the MVP group outlined their intentions to expand their presence in the region, particularly through investments in Camp John Hay and other strategic locations in Baguio and the Cordillera area. MVP expressed deep admiration for the iconic destination, reflecting on its lasting appeal and his personal connection to the place. “Camp John Hay embodies the unique charm and character of Baguio. I have very fond memories here,” MVP shared, highlighting the special role the area holds in his heart. As discussions about potential investments progressed, MVP assured the BCDA of his group’s unwavering commitment to preserving and enhancing the legacy of Camp John Hay. “In helping BCDA, we commit to the preservation and enhancement of Camp John Hay’s legacy properties, and the care of their dedicated workforce. You are in good hands,” he added. This potential partnership is seen as a pivotal step toward furthering the region’s development, with BCDA recognizing the invaluable contributions the MVP-led consortium could bring to both Camp John Hay and the city of Baguio. “We are truly thankful to the MVP Group for their keen interest in investing in Camp John Hay. The trust and confidence shown by a business group as esteemed as MVP is a tremendous endorsement of BCDA’s capabilities. With MVP’s presence today, this partnership accelerates our efforts to turn Camp John Hay into a leading investment and tourism destination, further solidifying BCDA’s position as a trusted partner for business success,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. Bingcang emphasized that this collaboration is expected to generate new opportunities for local communities, with a focus on sustainable development and long-term prosperity. By tapping into the resources and expertise of this esteemed partner, the BCDA is committed to cultivating a dynamic environment that drives economic progress and enhances the quality of life for residents. This collaboration aligns perfectly with BCDA’s mission to promote sustainable growth, create meaningful employment opportunities, and elevate Baguio’s status as a leading destination for both investment and tourism. Present during the meeting are BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes; BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang; John Hay Management and Corp. President and CEO Marlo Ignacio V. Quadra; Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan; Landco Pacific Corp. President and CEO Mr. Erickson Y. Manzano; and PLDT Chief Leadership Transition Officer Mr. Ricky Vargas. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) met with executives from the business conglomerate of Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) on December 19, 2024, to discuss potential investments aimed at fostering growth in Northern Luzon.        

By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong reminded the public of the existing ban on the use, sale and manufacture of firecrackers in the city. This is in the wake of complaints received on incidents of firecracker explosions reported in different barangays. Magalong said there is a need to strictly implement the ordinance to prevent injuries caused by legally and illegally bought pyrotechnics in the city. The city has for years maintained its long-running stance based on the original statute Ordinance No. 144, series of 1951 amended by Ordinance No. 53, series of 2009. Ordinance No. 53 series of 2009 states: “There shall be a total ban at all times in the city of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by the national law.” The ordinance prohibits the sale and explosion of firecrackers and fireworks within the city limits except on special occasions such as fiestas, celebration of important events for which a written permit is granted by the City Mayor. So far, the city has not issued any permit for any individual or group to sell firecracakers. The prohibited firecrackers include big triangle, rebentador (5 star), watusi, pla-pla, pillbox, mother rocket, og, firecrackers without labels, and others of similar nature.  It also includes all firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices banned by the national government. Any person, firm, entity or corporation violating the provisions of this Ordinance will be liable to a case of misdemeanor and punishments as follows: first offense — confiscation of the firecrackers and fireworks and a fine of P2,000;  second offense — fine of P3,000 to P5,000 at the discretion of the court; and third offense — revocation of business permit and imprisonment for not more than 30 days at the discretion of the court. To discourage people from using firecrackers, the city had in the past years organized a community fireworks display to prevent possible accidents aside from minimizing smoke emission caused by the firecrackers. This year, the city prepared again a New Year’s Countdown program at the Melvin Jones which is expected to include a fireworks display. MGA BAWAL NA PAPUTOK Ordinance No. 53 series of 2009 prohibits the sale or explosion of firecrackers within the city limits except on special occasions such as fiestas, celebration of important events, where a written permit is granted by the City Mayor. The prohibited firecrackers include big triangle, rebentador (5 star), watusi, pla-pla, pillbox, mother rocket, og, firecrackers without labels, and others of similar nature during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. “There shall be a total ban at all times in the city of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by the national law,” the measure stressed. On such occasions when selling is allowed by authority of the mayor, fire safety measures will be adopted such as the sellers will be required to observe the following: the seller shall secure certification from the Bureau of Fire Protection; install fire safety equipment and devices along with a “No Smoking” sign.  No testing of firecrackers must be done in the premises and that no overcrowding of products must be ensured.  Any firecracker devices that remain unfired after the display shall immediately be disposed of in a safe way.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) sealed their partnership with one of the longest-standing locators in Camp John Hay, Stern Real Estate and Development Corporation, the operator of Le Monet Hotel and Filling Station food court, on December 17. This forms part of BCDA’s promise of business continuity within Camp John Hay, an effort to accelerate  inclusive economic development and spur job opportunities for the Filipino people. Stern, known for its flagship Le Monet Hotel and the unique Filling Station food court, has been a cornerstone in the region’s eco-tourism and hospitality sectors. “We want to assure all our partners here inside the Camp John Hay that they have nothing to fear, their condition will improve even more when they partner with BCDA and that is what we are assuring with our first partner now – Le Monet Hotel,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. Engr. Bingcang noted that the Le Monet Hotel and Filling Station are not only a vital component of Camp John Hay’s economic landscape, but also a symbol of the kind of innovative development that BCDA hopes to see in the years ahead. “More than anything else, this signing is part of BCDA’s promise of business continuity in John Hay. We will make every effort for a smooth transition and a harmonious business environment moving forward,” BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes said. Under their partnership, the property, which covers over 2,000 square meters, will continue to serve as prime destinations for both leisure and dining in Baguio City. Stern has committed to upgrade and enhance its leased properties within Camp John Hay to meet the standards outlined in the John Hay Special Economic Zone Comprehensive Master Plan. The development will strictly adhere to the design standards and guidelines to ensure consistency with the eco-tourism and commercial vision for the area. The signing event was led by Engr. Bingcang and Stern Executive Vice President Eric Owen Singson, Jr., marking the beginning of a promising partnership for Camp John Hay’s future growth.