Atty. John Paul A. Martin, representative from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), conducted a demonstration of the Automated Counting Machine to be used in the May 2025 Elections. The event took at the BCPO Kapanalig Hall, which was simultaneously conducted in various provinces and cities across the nation. on December 2, 2024, In his address, Col. Ruel Tagel, city director, emphasized the critical role of automation in ensuring greater efficiency, accuracy, and transparency during the elections. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the COMELEC, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the media to guarantee the safe and orderly conduct of the elections. Also present during the activity are Atty. Julius Torres, COMELEC- CAR Regional Election Director, Dr. Soraya T. Facunlo of DepEd Baguio and Dir. Millicent B. Cariño of DILG, who affirmed their commitment to working together for a successful 2025 election.  

“Wais sa Pinansya, Sigurado sa Kinabukasan” Baguio City, Philippines – The Securities and Exchange Commission – Baguio Extension Office (SEC BagEO) concluded its successful Investor Protection Roadshow 2024 on November 20, 2024, at Hotel Veniz, Session Road, Baguio City, with the theme “Wais sa Pinansya, Sigurado sa Kinabukasan.” The event gathered some 100 students from local universities and colleges, offering them vital insights into personal finance management, digital financial tools, and investment strategies. The roadshow was designed to help young Filipinos gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound financial decisions, with a focus on fostering sustainable investments for a more secure future. The event featured key speakers from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and GCash, who provided expert guidance on how to manage personal finances, navigate the digital financial ecosystem, and avoid common investment scams. GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet and digital payments platform, played a central role in the discussions, focusing on wealth management and presenting various products that can help beginners save and invest. GCash experts shared practical tips on how to use their platform’s features, including savings and investment products designed to meet the needs of first-time investors. This session gave participants a clear understanding of how accessible and manageable digital financial tools can be, especially for those starting their investment journey. Representatives from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also addressed the importance of financial literacy and sound money management, providing students with crucial information on how to protect their finances and make informed decisions in today’s increasingly digital financial landscape. The roadshow emphasized the theme of wise and sustainable investments, encouraging students to think long-term and take a disciplined approach to their financial planning. By introducing them to digital platforms and wealth management tools, the SEC aimed to empower attendees to become more proactive and confident investors, starting with manageable, low-risk investment options. “This year’s SEC Baguio IPW Roadshow with university and college students as participants is a great forum for continual learning on financial literacy and avoidance of financial frauds, with the awareness starting early for our soon-to-be members of the workforce. We trust that their learnings here will be shared to their families, friends and acquaintances in a whole-of-nation approach at investor protection and capital market promotion in keeping with our Commission’s mandates,” said Atty. Regina May Cajucom – De Guzman, Director of SEC BagEO. The SEC BagEO extends its gratitude to all the participants, speakers from BSP and GCash, and the local schools for making the 2024 Investor Protection Roadshow a success. The event is part of the SEC’s continuous efforts to enhance financial literacy and investor protection throughout the country.

In a heartwarming display of community care, Baguio Central School launched its monthly feeding program this November, aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of 255 indigent learners. The initiative, led by Baguio Central School Head Teacher Jackson Caya-os and Parents Teachers Association (PTA) President Marlon De Castro, received generous support from Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara and City Councilor aspirant Glenn Gaerlan, who sponsored the first feeding session. The learners were served arroz caldo and Nutribun—a nutrient-packed meal developed in the 1970s by USAID to combat malnutrition among schoolchildren. The program is designed to supplement the nutrition of students who may not have access to adequate meals, helping them stay focused and energized throughout their school day. “This program is more than just providing meals; it’s about giving these children a fighting chance at a brighter future,” said Vergara. “We are calling on other kind-hearted individuals and organizations to join us in making this initiative more frequent and impactful.” Gaerlan echoed Vergara’s sentiments, highlighting the role of community partnerships in ensuring the program’s success: “Together, we can help these learners thrive academically by first addressing their basic needs.” As part of her broader advocacy for community upliftment, Vergara shared that the Baguio Tourism Council is also spearheading An Enchanting Baguio Christmas charity initiative, which includes a day of gift-giving for the least fortunate families in Baguio City’s barangays. The program will distribute Christmas gift packs to bring cheer to these families on Christmas Day, complementing the spirit of the feeding program by extending joy and support to the wider community. The feeding program will run monthly until April 2025, with organizers hopeful that additional sponsors will step forward to expand its reach. By addressing hunger and fostering community engagement, the initiative aims to create a more supportive and conducive learning environment for Baguio Central School’s indigent students, paving the way for their academic and personal growth.