BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The local government under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has begun distributing a sack of rice to 13,655 beneficiary families in the first phase of the Rice Distribution Project in Baguio City. Under the program, which aims to ease the burden of rising food and living expenses of poor residents and vulnerable sectors, qualified families will receive rice subsidies from the government. The project is funded through a P56-million allocation from the national government under the 2026 Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance (LGSF-FA), pursuant to DBM-DILG Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2026. This is part of the Assistance to Indigent Individuals or Families–Food Assistance/Rice Distribution program. CSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan said that identified families can receive up to one cavan or 50 kilos of rice, although the amount may vary depending on the number of family members. The distribution is scheduled to be conducted weekly in May, July, September, and October, and some batches are expected to be released earlier. The rice will be distributed in each district, either through clusters or through designated time slots at the Loakan National Food Authority (NFA) Warehouse, to ensure a smooth process. Bulayungan said the distribution will be conducted in close coordination with barangays and public utility jeepney (PUJ) associations to maintain an organized system and avoid traffic congestion. According to Bulayungan, the registration and assessment of beneficiaries began on April 13, 2026, in various barangays and designated areas throughout the city, following the guidelines set by the CSWDO. Beneficiaries include poor families, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and qualified minimum wage earners who are genuine residents of the city. In this regard, Mayor Benjamin Magalong once again thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for including Baguio City in the program. He also thanked the CSWDO for ensuring fair selection and accountability of beneficiaries, in fulfillment of his promise to the President that the distribution would be free from political influence, favoritism, and other irregularities.      

  PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia (wearing Philippine Navy Uniform) with the Top Ten cadets of the Philippine Military Academy “Talang Dangal” Class of 2026 during the media presentation held at Fort del Pilar, Baguio City, on May 6. Photo by Zaldy Comanda   FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines  – A Batangueña topped the 207 members of the Philippine Military Academy “Talang Dangal” (Tagapagtanggol ng Lahing Dakila at Marangal) Class of 2026, during the media presentation held at the PMA’s Kapihan on May 6. This year’s topnotcher is Cadet 1CL Christine Kye Demisina Librada, 23, of Lipa City, Batangas, who will receive the Presidential Saber Award from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who is expected to attend the graduation rites on May 16. Librada, the daughter of a former soldier, will also be honored with the Philippine Army Saber. Information Techno;ogy Plaque, JUSMAG Award, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award and other awards. The Vice Presidential Saber Award will be received by No.2 Cadet 1CL Mark John Vincent Utlang Catacutan, 24, of Napolian, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, called Magna Cum Laude, who also has the Philippine Air Force Saber Award, General Antonio Luna Award, Spanish Armed Forces Award, Alejandro Melchor Award, Management Plaque, Natural Sciences Plaque, Humanities Plaque, Pelagio Cruz Plaque, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. Others in the Top Ten are No. 3 Cadet 1CL Thomas Edgar Isla Sepulchre, 23, of Angeles City, Pampanga, who will receive the Secretary of National Defense Saber award; No. 4 Cadet 1CL Ian Harold Durana Hubilla, 23, of Sorsogon City, (Sorsogon, who will receive the Chief of Staff Saber award; No.5 Cadet 1CL Maeg Adriene Pajarillo Bermudez, 24, of Moncada, Tarlac, with the Social Sciences Plaque award; No. 6. Cadet 1CL Cherry Mae Panag Geco , 24, of Jamindan, Capiz. No.7 Cadet 1CL Elixa Anya Lumbang Hernandez, 22, of Padre Garcia, who will receive the Philippine Navy Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award; No.8 Cadet 1CL Catherine Beloa De Chavez, 22, of San Pascual, who will be awarded the Chief Justice Saber, Artemio Ricarte Plaque; No.9 Cadet 1CL Cedric Guingguing Polizon, 24, of Surigao del Sur (Cum Laude) and No.10 Cadet 1CL Mark Clement Dequinto Centina, 24, of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. According to PMA Superintendent Caesar Bernardo Valencia, of the total 207 cadets from the “Talang Dangal” Class 2026, there are 142 males and 65 females, of which 79 are in the Philippine Army, 62 in the Philippine Airforce and 69 in the Philippine Navy. (By Zaldy Comanda)    

  An American English Language Fellow trains college instructors on teaching complex subjects in English. BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic ties and the Freedom 250 commemoration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, launched a specialized professional development program to help college instructors teach technical subjects more effectively in English. This initiative highlights American excellence in teaching innovation, bringing world-class instructional standards to Philippine classrooms. The two-day workshop, held in Baguio City on April 28 and 29 and facilitated by Saint Louis University, trained 50 college instructors specializing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and social sciences. Led by American English Language Fellows, the workshop used experiential learning methods—including mini laboratories and solving complex math problems in English—to help participants experience firsthand the challenges students face when learning technical subjects in English. “By empowering Filipino faculty with tools to strengthen their English instruction, we are also helping them shape the next generation of subject matter experts who can effectively communicate complex ideas in English.  This collaboration bridges a future where the United States and the Philippines can work more easily toward shared goals, making both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna. “This training has benefited the whole region through these professors and instructors to learn more ways of using English as a power and a tool in facilitating content courses.  From here, we will always share and pay it forward,” said Dr. Stephanie Busbus, Director of Global Relations at Saint Louis University. Participants also relied on the American English Toolkit—a collection of resources provided by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with American educators and professionals.  The Toolkit includes interactive games, songs, recorded virtual workshops, and other teaching tools that highlight American values, culture, history, and the arts, offering instructors valuable materials to incorporate into their classrooms. The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in Manila advances U.S. interests in the Philippines and the region by promoting English language teaching and learning programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the Philippines.  Through teacher training, curriculum development, and educational resources, RELO empowers educators and institutions to enhance English language instruction, creating opportunities for Filipinos to engage with American culture, values, and innovation.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) announced that a total of 13,655 families have qualified for the Rice Distribution Project in Baguio City. Under the program, which aims to ease the burden of rising food and living expenses on poor residents and vulnerable sectors, qualified families will receive rice subsidies from the government. The project is funded through a P56-million allocation from the national government under the 2026 Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance (LGSF-FA), pursuant to DBM-DILG Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2026. It is part of the Assistance to Indigent Individuals or Families–Food Assistance/Rice Distribution program. CSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan said the identified families can receive up to one cavan or 50 kilos of rice, although the amount may vary depending on the number of family members. The distribution is scheduled to be conducted weekly in May, July, September, and October, and some batches are expected to be released earlier. The rice will be distributed district-wise, either through clusters or through designated time slots at the Loakan National Food Authority (NFA) Warehouse, to ensure a smooth process. Bulayungan said the distribution will be conducted in close coordination with barangays and public utility jeepney (PUJ) associations to maintain an organized system and avoid congestion. According to Bulayungan, the registration and assessment of beneficiaries began on April 13, 2026, in various barangays and designated areas throughout the city, following the guidelines set by the CSWDO. Beneficiaries include poor families, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and qualified minimum wage earners who are bona fide residents of the city. In this regard, Mayor Benjamin Magalong once again thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for including Baguio City in the program. He also thanked the CSWDO for ensuring fair selection and accountability of beneficiaries, in fulfillment of his promise to the President that the distribution would be free from political influence, favoritism, and other irregularities. (By Rose Frejane A. Cruz)  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A technical-vocational graduate of the TESDA-Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) placed Top 4 nationwide in the Registered Master Electricians Licensure Examination, based on results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on April 28, 2026. Mr. John Henry Solera Cubarol earned a national ranking of Top 4 with an average rating of 86 percent, placing him among the highest-performing examinees in the country. According to the PRC, 493 out of 882 examinees successfully passed the Registered Master Electricians Licensure Examination, which was conducted in various testing centers nationwide. Results were released within three working days after the final day of examinations. Cubarol is a graduate of the CSITE Baguio Main Campus under Batch 4 of the Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology program. His achievement adds to the growing list of technical-vocational graduates who have successfully advanced into the ranks of licensed professionals. CSITE recorded a 100 percent passing rate among its examinees, with all four candidates successfully passing the licensure examination. The passers include Mr. Felix Kerdaten Cawayan, Mr. Brendan Marc Francisco Cocoy, and Mr. Melvin Guadna Padtoc, all graduates of Batch 3 of the same program. The result underscores the alignment of CSITE’s competency-based curriculum with prevailing Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) standards and industry competency requirements, affirming the institution’s sustained commitment to producing licensure-ready and industry-ready graduates.    

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The vibrant celebration of Korean culture continues its journey across the Philippines as the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) brings the much-anticipated Korea Festival 2026 to Baguio City on May 9–10, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at SM City Baguio. First launched in 2022, Korea Festival has grown into one of KCC’s flagship events, showcasing diverse facets of Korean culture through immersive, interactive, and educational experiences. Traveling to different regions each year, the festival expands its reach while engaging new audiences across the country. This year’s destination, Baguio City—widely known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines—provides a fitting backdrop for the celebration. Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts (2017) and the first Philippine city inducted into the Hall of Fame of the ASEAN Tourism Standards after three consecutive wins of the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, Baguio stands as a vibrant hub of creativity, tradition, and cultural exchange. Set against the cool mountain air of the City of Pines, Korea Festival 2026 promises to bring K-culture dreamscapes to life through a dynamic mix of experiences. Immersive Booths & Cultural Experiences Festival-goers can explore a wide range of interactive booths and themed zones throughout the grounds, featuring traditional and modern K-culture. Guests can also discover Korea’s top travel destinations, explore the world of Korean creative industries, and learn about content protection in engaging and accessible ways. Hands-on activities include digital painting, Hangeul pop art, and the well-loved Hanbok-wearing experience, where visitors can dress in traditional Korean attire. Additional arts and crafts stations highlight both traditional and contemporary Korean creativity, offering fun and meaningful experiences for all ages. In celebration of the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN in 2026, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will bring a dedicated ASEAN Corner, inviting visitors to explore the richness and diversity of Southeast Asian cultures through interactive elements such as storybooks, traditional crafts like puppets and masks, and games from ASEAN countries. Live Performances & On-Stage Highlights As the sun sets, the festival stage comes alive with dynamic cultural performances that bring together Korean and Filipino talent. Audiences can enjoy energetic K-pop cover dance showcases alongside traditional performances that celebrate heritage and artistry. Special highlights include performances by the Korea Taekwondo Association, the Suwon Gugak Association, and a traditional performance team from Baguio, whose vibrant showcases will keep the energy high throughout the evening and offer a memorable cultural experience for all attendees. Organized in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office (KTO), the Korea Copyright Protection Agency Manila Representative Office (KCOPA), the Korea Creative Content Agency Philippine Business Center Philippines Office (KOCCA), the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation Vietnam Office (aT), and SM City Baguio, the festival is free of charge and open to the public, inviting families, friends, and cultural enthusiasts to take part in this unique celebration.  

CRDRRMC advise LGU’s in the region to revisit, update their El Niño Local Action Plan   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government has begun preparing for El Niño as the country braces for a prolonged dry spell which weather experts say has the potential to develop into a severe one dubbed as “Super El Niño.” As early as April 7, Mayor Benjamin Magalong had directed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) under Engr. Charles Bryan Carame to begin preparations for the drought. Magalong issued the directive during the Management Committee meeting noting forecasts that the country may experience up to six months of drought conditions, with below-normal rainfall expected to start in June and potentially persist until December. He said there is a need for early planning and coordination to mitigate the impact of water shortages, especially on communities, industries and essential services. He also urged departments to implement water conservation measures and ensure that contingency plans are in place. Carame said they are now working closely with other city departments and national agencies to monitor developments and carry out preparedness measures to safeguard residents against the effects of the anticipated El Niño. (Aileen P. Refuerzo) Meanwhile, the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is advising local government units in the region to revisit and update their El Niño Local Action Plan. This, as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially raised its El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Alert and Warning System to “El Niño Alert” on April 22. It cited the high likelihood of its development in the coming month and possible persistence into early 2027, which may bring drier-than-usual conditions, including dry spells and droughts in some parts of the country. During the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting, Engr. Larry Esperanza of the Baguio Synoptic Station shared that conditions in the tropical Pacific remain neutral though with a 62 percent chance, El Niño is likely to emerge as early as June 2026 and may persist with an 83 percent chance through at least the end of 2026. Esperanza also reported that though the country is under the dry season, there is still a possibility of rains due to localized thunderstorms. PAGASA also forecasted around one or two tropical cyclones to develop or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility for the month of May. The RDRRMC members looked into El Niño-related situational reports and preparedness measures from the different provincial and city local government units in the region through their local DRRM Councils and some preparedness/readiness updates from the council’s disaster response pillar chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. OCD-CAR Regional Director and RDRRMC Chairperson Albert Mogol, in his guidance, shared by OCD-CAR Operations Officer Stephanie Trinidad, advised LGUs to prepare for the possible impact of El Niño and to revisit and update their local action plans as earlier as possible. The OCD provided information on the National El Niño Action Plan Framework and guidance for the updating of the regional and local action plans. It reminded the importance of preparedness measures focusing on water, food, and energy security, as well as on health and public safety. (Aileen P. Refuerzo and JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio City Council approved and adopted the local Economic Continuity and Resilience Plan sought by Mayor Benjamin Magalong to ensure uninterrupted access to essential goods and services, stabilize the local market against price shocks, and protect vulnerable sectors and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), during the regular session on April 20. This move is a response to ongoing global crises, particularly the fuel price hike resulting from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Magalong told the City Council that an economic downturn is being experienced amid national and global crises, warning that the situation may be worse than the COVID-19 pandemic. To strengthen the city’s resilience against a possible recession, Magalong said the plan will serve as a roadmap for economic activities over the next few years. “Before, our Gross Domestic Product at the national level was at the average of 6.0%. However, last year, the economy started experiencing a down trend. In the fourth quarter of 2025, our GDP already fell to 3.0%, with an average of 4.0% for 2025. For this year, it is expected that in the first quarter, our GDP will be below 2.0% due to weak consumer and government spending, with the downward trend expected to continue through the second and third quarters,” Magalong said. Magalong’s statement was consistent with the presentation of the City Budget Office on the city’s projected revenue for fiscal years 2026 to 2028. The city’s total income for FY 2026 is estimated at P3.5 billion, an increase from P2.6 billion in 2025, with local tax revenue and National Tax Allotment (NTA) having the biggest increase. However, total income is projected to decline to P3.3 billion in FY 2027 before slightly increasing to P3.4 billion in FY 2028. City Budget Officer Atty.Leticia Clemente said, this financial projection means the city will not be able to keep up with its growing needs while also cushioning the economic impact of the ongoing fuel and energy crisis. To remedy this, she said the executive offices are looking into the possibility of incorporating the resiliency and continuity plan into their respective budgets reviewing their projects/programs/activities (PPAs). Through collaboration among stakeholders in the tourism industry, the transport sector, MSMEs, civil society organizations, barangays, regional line agencies, and the city government’s department heads, this plan was created to ensure Baguio City’s economic stability and resilience amid emerging global challenges and disruptions. According to Arch. Donna Tabangin, head of the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office (CPDSO), Baguio City’s economy is highly service-driven, with services accounting for 71.7%. She said the continuity and resilience plan was formulated taking into account key economic drivers such as retail and trade, finance and business services, real estate, tourism and hospitality, and education and professional services. The plan aims to address the most probable and high-impact disruptions such as inflation and fuel price shocks, supply chain disruptions, power and water interruptions, tourism decline, financial crises, disasters, and pandemics. Under the plan, four priority levels are identified. Priority Level 1 receives first funding, first attention, and first protection. This level covers energy and water continuity programs such as solar and backup systems for critical facilities, load prioritization, barangay-level solar energy systems, rainwater conservation and recycling systems, emergency rationing protocols, and bulk water and alternative supply sources. Mobility/logistics (transport and fuel) and food supply stability are also under Priority Level 1. Programs under these areas include fuel prioritization, public transport subsidy, logistics system (delivery hubs), food price monitoring, rice distribution, local and regional food sourcing, and food assistance. Priority Level 2 covers MSMEs and employment, tourism, and digital infrastructure with programs such as MSME financing plus subsidies and incentives, emergency employment program or cash-for-work, skills training, digital payments, ISP redundancy, smart monitoring systems, domestic tourism campaigns, discounts for tourism enterprises and recovery activities, even-driven economy plus circular practices, and enhancement of the Baguio website VISITA. Financial stability and financing are classified under Priority Level 3 aimed at ensuring the local government remains financially capable of fulfilling its mandate. Programs under this level include revenue protection, cash flow forecasting, austerity measures, budget flexibility, expansion of local economic enterprises, public-private partnerships for projects, and the development of new income sources. Priority Level 4 focuses on building long-term resilience, with particular emphasis on the circular economy, waste-to-resource initiatives, renewable energy expansion, and urban agriculture and localization. The plan sets the following investment framework: Priority Level 1, P948.2 million; Priority Level 2, P58.1 million; Priority Level 3, P96.8 million; and Priority Level 4, P8.5 million, with a total average annual budget of P1.11 billion. Tabangin concluded that, if the plan is successfully implemented, the city will achieve stable employment and income, continuous business operations, stable prices and supply, strong LGU revenue base, sustained economic growth, and social and economic stability. (Jordan G. Habbiling)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – Instead of the usual advice to do good or prove yourself, Mayor Benjamin Magalong asked student grantees to be watchdogs against corruption or any wrongdoing in their assigned areas. Magalong led the swearing-in of about 151 grantees of the 2026 Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) on April 13. “If you see or know of any illegal activity or transaction, do not hesitate to report it to me. My office is open to receive you,” he told the students during a simple induction program. According to Magalong, during the one-month tenure of the students in the city government, they can gain first-hand experience in the work systems of various departments. Based on this experience, they will be able to tell whether or not City Hall is worthy of its status as a model of quality service and good governance, he said. “Through you, we will know if we are worthy of our ISO 9001:2015 certificate and reputation for good governance. Above all, we also count on you to tell us whether or not there is corruption in our offices,” Magalong told the students. The city achieved its recertification to ISO 9001:2015 after passing a recent external audit conducted by third-party auditor SGS Philippines Inc. The auditing firm confirmed that the city’s processes and services continue to meet the standards of the Quality Management System (QMS) and maintain its dedication to quality service, which led to the awarding of the ISO certificate on April 13, 2026. The SPES grantees are the first of two batches of student workers to be employed in the city this year through the Public Employment Service Office of the City Mayor’s Office. The next batch of 149 students will begin their positions next month.