BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – Sixteen beautiful candidates will compete for Miss Baguio 2026, after being presented during the launching of the 117th Baguio Day Celebration held at the Baguio City Hall Multi-Purpose Hall, on April 3. With the theme “Everlasting Baguio: Cultivating Circularity,” the city government laid out the activities, of which Miss Baguio 2026 is one of the highlights. The Sashing Ceremony of the Miss Baguio 2026 candidates formally introduced the young women who will carry the name and spirit of Baguio and its barangays as they embark on their journey in this year’s search. The candidates include Xyla Reynrose Marh Magno, of Barangay Asin Road; Kyla Murielle Jose, of Barangay Balsigan; Zeira C. Tamayo, of Barangay East Bayan Park; Shanaya Turco, of Barangay Gibraltar; Emerie Lauigan Gumiran, of Barangay Irisan; Corinthe Sophie Mabatan, of Barangay Loakan Proper; Patris Raquel Balajadia, of Barangay Lower Lourdes Subdivision; Charlotte Megan Gosioco, of Barangay Military Cut-Off; Jessa Sumayog San, of Barangay New Lucban; Jennylyn Ramos Bedania, of Barangay North Sanitary Camp; Charlene Gonzales, Barangay Pacdal; Frances Vlynee D. Licayo, of Barangay Pinget; Mikka Soriano, of Barangay San Luis Village; Katrina Sandhu, of Barangay San Vicente; Santo Tomas Proper – Camille Cano, of Barangay Santo Tomas Proper and Daniella Mazen Moustafa, of Barangay South Sanitary Camp. The Gala Night will take place on August 21, while the Country Fashion Show will be on August 30, followed by the Pre-Pageant and the Miss Baguio 2026 Coronation Night on September 5 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. The City Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (CTCAO) is the designated general coordinator for this year’s Charter Day celebration of Baguio City, based on Executive Order No. 97, series of 2026, signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Some of the major activities in the celebration are the opening of the Arboretum and Charter Day Program Proper on September 1; the Search for Outstanding Citizens of Baguio; the Baguio Country Fair and Baguio Day: Melting Pot of Cultures from August 30 to September 1; Victory Day on September 3; and other additional activities scheduled throughout September. Magalong also encouraged national government agencies, the business sector, private organizations, and other stakeholders to extend their full cooperation and support to ensure the success of the 2026 Baguio Charter Day celebration.  

BAGUIO CITY,Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has suspended classes in all public and private schools tomorrow, Aug. 4, due to the continued rains caused by Typhoon Luis in Baguio City. Due to the heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, classes from pre-school to grade 12 were suspended this afternoon, Aug. 3. Due to the threat of continued heavy rain, Magalong issued his Executive Order No. 105-2026, to suspend classes tomorrow, including the number coding scheme, to allow vehicles to be used in emergencies. According to Magalong, the continued rain and strong winds threaten landslides, falling trees, slippery road conditions, reduced visibility and other weather-related hazards that endanger the safety of the public. In the weather forecast bulletin, 100-200 mm of rain is expected tomorrow in the provinces of Benguet and La Union. Magalong encouraged schools to implement the following alternative delivery methods to ensure continuity of learning from Modular Distance Learning, Online Distance Learning and Blended Learning. Magalong also called on the public to be careful and leave landslides prone areas and immediately call 9/11 in times of emergency. By Rose Frejane A.Cruz      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – A total of 334 establishments in the city have been issued sanitary orders by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) from January to July this year for violation of Presidential Decree No. 856, or the Sanitation Code of the Philippines. In his report to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Sanitation Division Head Albert Pay-an said this was the result of their regular inspections as part of the city’s thrust to ensure compliance with public health and sanitation standards. Of the total establishments cited, 166 were food establishments, 141 private water sources and 27 non-food establishments which were found to have violated sanitation regulations. For the month of July 2026 alone, 74 sanitary orders were issued consisting of 42 for food establishments, 25 for private water sources and 7 for non-food establishments. Pay-an said the most common violations among food establishments were the lack of health certificates and personal protective equipment among employees. He said 15 percent of the erring food establishments were cited due to the presence of contaminants in food.  These were ordered to immediately cease operations and conduct general cleaning and pest control and were allowed to reopen only upon the office’s reinspection and certification that it has complied with all the required corrective measures. Among the water sources which include commercial deep wells and water refilling stations, those issued sanitation orders failed the routine bacteriological water quality test.  These were ordered to stop operations, conduct the necessary maintenance, undergo retesting and submit passing laboratory results before resuming operations. For non-food establishments that include salons and barber shops, the usual ground was the lack of health certificate of workers, improper garbage disposal and failure to maintain cleanliness. Pay-an said the issuance of sanitary orders serves as a corrective measure requiring establishments and private water source operators to address identified deficiencies and comply with health and sanitation requirements within the prescribed period. He reminded business owners and operators to strictly observe sanitation standards and maintain compliance with existing health regulations to help protect public health and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. – Aileen P. Refuerzo    

By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado   BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-CAR) converged on 29 July 2026 to strengthen coordination between the two agencies in support of inclusive, resilient community development across the region. DSWD-CAR’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Regional Program Management Office led the discussions with DENR-CAR, represented by Regional Executive Director Paquito T. Moreno Jr., Environmental Management Bureau-CAR Regional Director Jean C. Borromeo, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-CAR. During the meeting, DSWD FO CAR indicated that the KALAHI-CIDSS Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) is still in its early implementation stage, as the exact project sites and beneficiary communities have yet to be identified, pending municipalities’ review of the Municipal Resilience Plans (MRP), which are prepared through community-level profiling and planning activities under the program. As a member of the program’s Regional Steering Committee (RSC), DENR-CAR agreed to designate representatives to a technical working group that will support coordination between the two agencies. DENR personnel will also take part in community-level activities early on, allowing DENR to guide communities on environmental considerations even before project sites are finalized. Both agencies likewise discussed a two-stage framework for Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) clearances, covering approval for the program’s implementation within protected areas, followed by clearance for specific subproject sites once these are confirmed in September this year. Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that environmental stewardship supports community empowerment and the delivery of vital infrastructure across the region. By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III      

By Stephanie Nicole Peligman BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — At least 100 residents of Abra and Ifugao provinces will receive free technical-vocational training and starter tool kits under a partnership formalized between the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) and Bayan Academy for Social Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Development, Inc., funded by BPI Foundation Inc., on July 23, 2026. The Memorandum of Agreement, signed in Baguio City, designates CSITE Ifugao and CSITE Abra campuses as beneficiary sites under Bayan Academy’s BPI Tech-Voc Training Program, which has supported marginalized communities through livelihood-linked skills training since 2018. The partnership is anchored on Republic Act No. 8525, or the Adopt-a-School Act of 1998, which encourages private sector support for public educational institutions. CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon signed on behalf of the institute, while Arthur C. Aguinaldo, Bayan Academy’s Program Director for Employment, signed for the organization. The agreement was witnessed by TESDA-Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR) Acting Regional Director Engr. Glenn N. Murphy, Bayan Academy Program Officer Cyra Kaye Tuazon, CSITE Abra Campus Administrator Emmanuel B. Ballesteros, and CSITE Ifugao Campus Administrator Eduardo O. Tamayao. Under the agreement, each province will train a minimum of 50 beneficiaries, divided between short-term Certificate of Competency or Micro-Credential courses and full National Certificate qualifications. The specific qualifications to be offered will be identified based on the priority needs of each province. CSITE will deliver the training, competency assessment, and provide the necessary equipment. It will also coordinate with local government units through Community Training and Employment Coordinators for recruitment and venue arrangements. Bayan Academy will screen qualified beneficiaries, fund training supplies and consumables, and provide starter tool kits to help graduates transition into livelihood or self-employment. ED Bungallon thanked Bayan Academy for choosing CSITE as a partner institution and emphasized that the institute recognizes the importance of the opportunity, especially for families in Abra and Ifugao who stand to benefit. She affirmed CSITE’s commitment to fully implement the program, from coordinating with local government units to ensuring that all training slots are filled by qualified beneficiaries, so that the agreement delivers real impact to communities. Aguinaldo expressed Bayan Academy’s gratitude to TESDA and CSITE for enabling the partnership and described it as the start of a sustained collaboration. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support the program by funding training requirements and providing starter tool kits that graduates can use for livelihood or self-employment. ARD Murphy urged both parties to look beyond the ceremonial signing and focus on outcomes. He challenged them to ensure that the partnership results in measurable benefits for the beneficiaries. The agreement takes effect immediately and remains valid for two years. The partnership aims to expand access to skills training in underserved communities and equip beneficiaries with practical competencies and resources that can support employment, self-employment, or community-based enterprise.          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – “AIDS is ever present in our community, and we should make an effort to prevent this,” City Health Services Office (CHSO) Medical Officer IV Clement A. Bilalat said and added that Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted disease cases can increase and decrease depending on the availability of protection and educational materials about the matter. In May this year, a candlelight parade about AIDS awareness was held in the Summer Capital where partner agencies and workers in entertainment establishments created lanterns and paraded down Session Road and in June, Pride Month, “Everyone, all the offices were inviting the CHSO to conduct an education in their office,” he disclosed. Educating the public is a very effective information tool for spreading awareness, Bilalat said, and pointed out that social media can be a powerful tool to reach a wider audience. The Reproductive Health & Wellness Center (RHWC) would also give lectures on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) just to remind people of available clinics and services in the city. Bilalat said that the common ages recorded for AIDS or other STDs range from 15 to 34 years old and the reason is that it is when people are usually sexually active and have access to modern ways of finding partners. Plotting from the previous years, he revealed that cases fluctuate between decreases of five and an increase of ten. Currently, cases in Baguio are increasing according to the CHSO. AIDS cases are mostly males, Bilalat said as he reported that 94% of the documented cases are men. Whenever a suspected client enters CHSO, they would be diagnosed and receive treatment if the tests come back positive for an infection. At the end of the consultation, the client would be educated on preventive practices. “Our unit is the source of resource speakers in case the community wants to conduct an education and awareness session in the communities, and they invite us. Then we go there and provide our lectures,” Bilalat said that screening activities are held when requested. Preventive products are also provided like condoms, Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and lubricants. “STD services are present and complete in our Health Centers; you must not wait for symptoms to show up,” he said. Prevention programs are there to inform and provide measures for people to be educated as awareness brings people up-to-date on preventive measures and a way of connecting to those who may be affected or know someone who’s going through similar issues. -Naj Levi Joven, PIO Baguio Intern/gabykeith    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — In a proactive move to protect residents from exploitation during emergencies, Councilor Van Oliver Dicang has introduced a landmark piece of legislation titled the “Responsible Consumption and Bayanihan Ordinance of Baguio City during Times of Crisis”. The proposed measure aims to ensure equitable access to essential goods like food, water, and medicine when the city is hit by natural disasters, health emergencies, or supply chain disruptions. The proposed ordinance has been approved on second reading by the Baguio City Council. It was subsequently subjected to a public consultation on July 14, 2026.   The ordinance is rooted in the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, emphasizing communal unity and collective responsibility over self-interest. According to the explanatory note, Baguio’s status as a regional urban hub makes it particularly vulnerable to sudden supply disruptions, which often lead to panic buying and unethical business practices. Under the proposed ordinance, several practices would be strictly prohibited during declared states of emergency. These include hoarding, or the accumulation of goods beyond reasonable household consumption; price manipulation, or the resale of essential items at excessive or unjustified prices; and artificial scarcity, or the deliberate manipulation of supply chains to limit public access to essential goods. The proposed ordinance establishes a system of graduated penalties to deter violations. A first offense would result in a warning and mandatory orientation; a second offense would carry a P3,000.00 fine and the temporary closure of the business for one month; and a third offense would be punishable by a P5,000.00 fine and the permanent revocation of the business permit. The measure also provides that any hoarded goods seized by authorities may be redistributed to affected residents, with priority given to marginalized sectors. The proposal was sparked by previous experiences, such as a recent fuel crisis where local crisis management was not immediately activated. Dicang explained that this ordinance creates an automatic triggering mechanism, meaning the rules take effect immediately upon the declaration of a state of calamity or public health emergency by either the national or local government. “We want to make sure that when a calamity hits… we don’t immediately see a spike in prices,” Dicang stated during the public consultation, highlighting the role of the Local Crisis Management Committee (LCMC) in monitoring the market. Beyond regulation, the ordinance encourages residents to practice “need-based purchasing” and to share or donate excess goods to their neighbors. To ensure transparency, the city plans to establish hotlines and digital platforms for reporting violations while guaranteeing whistleblower confidentiality. The measure is currently under review, with officials studying specific guidelines on what constitutes “reasonable” household consumption to ensure fair implementation for all residents. -Sean Kimrhed P. Lardizabal (UC BA Comm Student/SP Intern)        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Recognizing that career success today requires both employment opportunities and continuous learning, SM Supermalls, through its SM Job Fair, partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR), through the Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB), to conduct a FREE Information Session for Jobseekers and Fresh Graduates at SM City Baguio. Jobseekers and fresh graduates actively participate in the learning session at SM City Baguio, gaining valuable knowledge that strengthens their career readiness and digital confidence. The learning session brought together jobseekers, fresh graduates, and aspiring professionals eager to strengthen their digital competencies and become more competitive in today’s rapidly evolving workforce. Participants attended interactive discussions covering Digital Literacy and Career Preparation, Information Literacy and the eGovPH App, and Cybersecurity and Cyber Hygiene—practical topics that support career readiness, responsible digital citizenship, and greater confidence in navigating today’s technology-driven workplace. More than a traditional job fair, SM Job Fair continues to evolve into a platform that connects Filipinos not only to employment opportunities but also to lifelong learning. By integrating free upskilling initiatives into its advocacy, SM empowers jobseekers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. Jobseekers and fresh graduates actively participate in the learning session at SM City Baguio, gaining valuable knowledge that strengthens their career readiness and digital confidence. ” Through our partnership with DICT-CAR, particularly the Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB), you will gain practical knowledge on digital literacy, the eGovPH App, and cybersecurity—skills that are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s digital economy.” said Jason Pena, Asst. Mall Manager, SM City Baguio. The successful conduct of the session was made possible through the collaboration between SM Supermalls and the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR), headed by Engr. Joe Fernando Bucato, Chief of Technical Operations, through its Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB). Their continued dedication to promoting digital literacy and workforce readiness brings meaningful learning opportunities closer to communities across the Cordillera region. Participants engage in interactive discussions and learning activities designed to enhance digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness as part of SM Job Fair’s free upskilling initiative at SM City Baguio. Throughout the session, participants actively engaged with DICT-CAR resource speakers, explored practical digital tools, and gained valuable insights they can immediately apply in their careers and everyday digital lives. Many shared that the training broadened their understanding of emerging technologies and inspired them to continue learning as they prepare for future opportunities. For the fresh graduates who joined the session, the training became another step toward building brighter futures. Equipped with practical digital skills and greater awareness, they shared how the initiative has prepared them to confidently pursue new opportunities. Laarni Azarcon expressed her appreciation for the initiative, saying: “Thank you to DICT and SM City Baguio for this initiative because it helped us build and enhance our digital skills and literacy. It also taught us how to utilize technology safely and responsibly.” Olive Montes shared that the session was especially meaningful after experiencing an online scam. “Gusto ko pong maging aware sa cybersecurity at cyber hygiene, especially since may experience na po akong na-scam. I wanted to be more aware of that, and I know these lessons will also help me in my future job applications.” For Emil Diego, a BS Development Communication graduate from Benguet State University, the session introduced practical digital tools that can make government services more accessible. “Ang laking tulong ng ganitong activity para maging aware ako sa mga ganitong serbisyo. Meron palang eGovPH app na pwedeng makatulong sa amin at mas mapadali ang transactions with government offices.” The initiative reflects the shared commitment of SM Supermalls and DICT-CAR to make quality learning opportunities more accessible and to empower more Filipinos with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital economy. As SM Job Fair continues to expand its advocacy beyond employment, SM Supermalls looks forward to strengthening its partnership with DICT-CAR, including the Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB), to bring more free digital upskilling programs to communities and create even more opportunities for Filipinos to learn, grow, and succeed.