BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Baguio city government has supported the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill filed by Albay 1st District Rep. Krisel Lagman, calling it a significant step toward strengthening public health protection nationwide. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the bill is a timely and necessary step that will build on the efforts of local government units like Baguio City which has long been recognized for its leading smoke-free policies. He said, “I have always believed that we must do what is right. This principle has shaped our governance in Baguio, especially in our long-standing commitment to protect public health and promote a smoke-free environment. According to Magalong, Baguio’s smoke-free program was built through decades of consistent policy action, including the enactment of anti-smoking ordinances, stronger local laws, executive issuances, and ongoing enforcement campaigns. He said the city’s experience has shown that smoke-free and vaping-free policies are effective in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, protecting youth from nicotine addiction, and creating healthier public spaces. The proposed national measure aims to institutionalize smoke-free and vaping-free environments in public places and workplaces, harmonize policies nationwide, and strengthen local enforcement efforts. Magalong emphasized that while the local initiative, a unified national framework is needed to close the implementation gaps and ensure uniform protection for all Filipinos. The city, through the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force, joined in the formal filing of the bill in the House of Representatives on June 1 with members of the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement. Magalong said the city is proud to have its anti-smoking ordinance recognized as a pioneering law that served as a model for other local governments and is now helping shape the proposed national law. “The right to clean air and public health must be protected not only locally but also nationwide,” the mayor said, adding that Baguio is ready to share best practices and lessons learned to support the implementation of the measure once it becomes law. The bill aims to provide stronger protection against cigarette smoke and vape aerosols in all public places, especially in areas frequented by children and youth.              

  Employee volunteers participated in clean-up and preparation activities within the school grounds to help provide a more welcoming and conducive learning environment for students and teachers. The initiative forms part of the mall’s continuing community efforts in support of education and school readiness. Beyond preparing classrooms and shared spaces, the activity also highlights the importance of collaboration between schools, private organizations, and the community in creating better learning environments for students. For SM City Baguio, Brigada Eskwela has become more than an annual volunteer activity, but also a continuing partnership with the school community through the years. Through initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, SM City Baguio continues to support meaningful community programs that contribute to education, volunteerism, and shared responsibility for the next generation.    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 41 establishments including a funeral home have been recommended for closure the Smoke-Free BaguioTask Force, due to repeated violations of the city’s Smoke-Free Ordinance, particularly City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017. Mayor Benjamin Magalong who heads the Smoke-Free BaguioTask Force said the establishments were identified as repeat offenders after repeatedly failing to comply with regulations aimed at protecting the public from exposure to tobacco smoke and other smoking-related products in prohibited areas. Magalong directed the city’s Permit and Licensing Division to take appropriate action against the establishments and implement the necessary closure procedures in accordance with the ordinance. Located in different parts of the city, the flagged establishments include 21 night restaurants and bars, nine sari-sari stores, five restaurant-cafes, three dry good stores, two entertainment centers and one memorial chapel. Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017 prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products in all public places, enclosed spaces, public utility vehicles, streets, accommodation establishments (including apartments and hotels), entertainment venues and areas within 100 meters of parks, schools and churches. Individuals and establishments that violate or tolerate violations are subject to penalties. Individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas face a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P3,000 for the third offense. Third-time offenders may also face up to three months imprisonment at the discretion of the court, along with community service and confiscation of tobacco or vaping products. Establishments that fail to enforce the ordinance or repeatedly allow violations within their premises may be fined up to P5,000 and risk the revocation of their business permits. He said the strict enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ordinance is part of the local government’s continuing efforts to promote public health and maintain a healthy environment for residents and visitors. CITY TO INTENSIFY ANTI-VAPING CAMPAIGN AS CLASSES OPEN Meanwhile, Magalong has directed members of the SFBTF to launch a more aggressive and sustained campaign against vaping in line with the opening of classes in the city. He said efforts to enforce City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017 or the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance which covers vaping prohibition, although already being implemented continuously in the city, have to be stepped up further to make a lasting impact. The mayor emphasized that consistent enforcement would discourage the illegal sale of vape products in the city. He said sellers would eventually realize that operating in Baguio is no longer profitable if authorities maintain a strong and sustained campaign. “We will aim to make vape selling a non-profitable business in the city and evebtually permanently stop the operation of these sellers,” the mayor said. The task force said recent studies had shown that although smoking incidents had declined in the city, vape use had increased especially among the teens. City Health Services Office (CHSO) tobacco control coordinator Dr. Donna Panes said that in view of this, the city also needs to strengthen smoking and vaping cessation services, particularly for adolescents. Public Order and Safety Division Head Daryll Longid reported that daily apprehensions and operations are already being conducted by his team and other task force members but assured the mayor that enforcement efforts would be further intensified. Longid noted that Baguio is believed to be the only local government unit in the country without a legally operating vape shop after all such establishments were ordered closed in 2023. He said many vape sellers relocated to neighboring areas, particularly La Trinidad, but continue to target Baguio consumers through online platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, and TikTok. He emphasized the need for national government agencies to help regulate online sales, proposing the creation of an online reporting mechanism where citizens can report social media accounts engaged in selling vape products. Such reports could then be acted upon by agencies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry in coordination with social media platforms. Baguio City is widely regarded as a frontrunner in the country’s smoke-free and vape-free campaign, having implemented strict ordinances and enforcement measures aimed at protecting public health. Just recently, the city was invited to join the filing of the proposed Smoke-free and Vape-free Bill by Rep. Krisel Lagman in the House of Representatives. “This landmark legislative measure is a timely and necessary step towards nationalizing and strengthening the very protections that local government units like Baguio City have long worked hard to establish and sustain to protect public health and promote a smoke-free environment,” the mayor in his statement of support to the bill, said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo                  

“Strengthening Ties, Cultivating Shared Heritage”   FRIENDSHIP DOVE — Officials led by Consul and Head of Post Li Xiaoyan, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag City; Mayor Magalong, Congressman Mauricio Domogan, flew the Friendship Dove and Balloon as symbolizing the strong diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Filipino-Chinese Friendship held at Newtown Plaza, Baguio City, on June 5. Photo by Zaldy Comanda   BAGUIO CITY— Consul and Head of Post Li Xiaoyan, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag City, led the commemoration of the 25th Philippine-China Friendship Day celebration organized by the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community, held at the Newtown Plaza, Baguio City, on June 5. The celebration was marked by the release of doves and balloons as a symbol of friendship between the two countries and the distribution of 150 grocery packs to selected indigent families of the City Social Welfare and Development Office from six barangays in the city ” The more than two decades of good relations between the Philippines and China, not only as friends, but as a family, with continuous cooperation towards the growth of the economies of the two countries, cannot be underestimated. I thank and congratulate the city of Baguio and the Filipino Chinese community here, for their good relations and cooperation towards the development of the economy of the city,” Xiaoyan said. According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, “Since then, not only have the Fil-Chi community been seen helping out on occasions, but in times of calamity, they have been the ones who have been at the forefront in distributing aid to our affected compatriots. In addition, they have also been our partners in developing tourism, so we are very grateful for their concern for our city.” Executive Committee Chairman Peter Ng said, “Most of us, especially me, were born in the Philippines and do business in Baguio City, so we love this place, and the relationship and friendship with the city will never end, instead, our support and assistance to our countrymen will continue. The official celebration of Philippine-China Friendship Day, also known as Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, is held annually on June 9. It commemorates the historic establishment of official diplomatic relations between the two nations on June 9, 1975 and the observance was officially established through Proclamation No.148 signed in 2002.By Zaldy Comanda                    

By: Sergia May T. Quines (SSS UC Intern)   Baguio City, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) Baguio conducted its regular seminar for employers and bookkeepers to provide updates on SSS programs and remind participants of their responsibilities under Republic Act No. 11199, otherwise known as Social Security Act of 2018. During the seminar, SSS representatives discussed the legal obligations of employers and employees, including contribution payments, requirement compliance, and proper documentation. Participants were provided with clarifications regarding concerns about SSS membership and compliance requirements. For more information about the seminar, interested business owners may visit the SSS Accounts Management Section, 3/F SSS Baguio Building, Harrison Road, Baguio City or call 442-8705 or 447-0360 or send an e-mail at baguio@sss.gov.ph

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines –The city government has reiterated its stance frowning upon dog meat trade and all forms of animal cruelty. In a strongly worded statement, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city “condemns these practices which have no place in a humane and law-abiding society.” Magalong renewed its strong support for Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended which “aims to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines by regulating animal facilities, penalizing animal cruelty and neglect, and promoting responsible pet ownership. He said “the consumption, transport, slaughter and trade of dogs for meat are clear violations” of said law “and undermine the values of compassion, respect and responsible stewardship that we must uphold as a community.” The mayor stressed that the city government remains committed to the strict enforcement of the law within the city emphasizing that animal welfare protection is not only a legal responsibility but also a reflection of compassion and respect for life. He also expressed solidarity with the Animal Kingdom Foundation⁠ for its continued efforts to eliminate the dog meat trade in the country and promote humane treatment of animals. The organization was recognized for its work in raising awareness, conducting rescue operations, and pursuing legal action against violators. He also called for stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies, barangays, animal welfare groups and the public to help eliminate incidents of animal cruelty. He said sustained education, vigilant enforcement and collective action are necessary in building safer and more compassionate communities for both people and animals. – Aileen P. Refuerzo          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Baguio Benguet Provincial Office have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen local enterprise development, promote sustainable investments, and generate employment opportunities within Camp John Hay. JHMC President and CEO Manjit T. Singh Reandi and DTI Provincial Director Felicitas O. Bandonill signed the agreement highlights joint initiatives to advance MSME development through capacity-building, product promotion, and expanded market access. JHMC will provide venues in Camp John Hay for DTI-assisted MSMEs to showcase and sell their products, while both agencies will co-implement pine needle and pine cone craft trainings to revive eco-friendly industries under the “Breathe Baguio” Advocacy. “This partnership opens new opportunities for MSMEs to thrive and innovate, recognizing that MSMEs do not merely support the economy — they are the economy itself,” said Director Bandonill. “By supporting sustainable enterprises, we strengthen our commitment to responsible economic growth while further advancing community development,” added President Singh Reandi. The MOU will be in effect for a period of one (1) year, ensuring sustained collaboration and measurable outcomes within its duration. The signing was witnessed by Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist Richard Avelino T. Limpin; JHMC Chairperson of the Board, Atty. Kristoffer Lee Dance; and JHMC Vice President and COO, Jane Theresa Tabalingcos.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong encouraged government workers to embrace the start of each week as a fresh opportunity to work harder, serve with integrity and contribute positively to the community. In a social media post, he stressed the importance of perseverance and dedication despite the challenges people may face in their daily lives. The Mayor advised civil servants not to allow difficulties to become obstacles but instead to use them as motivation to improve their work and service for the benefit of the community and the nation. Magalong also urged them to begin the week with a positive mindset, discipline and determination to create meaningful change. “Our collective effort and unity are essential in achieving continued progress and building a better future for everyone,” he emphasized. The Mayor’s statement reflects his continuing call for responsible leadership, community cooperation and public service grounded in compassion and accountability.-Gaby B. Keith      

  BAGUIO CITY – Two barangays that are both awardees met to strengthen best practices and share experiences in the field of Katarungang Pambarangay, on May 26. The officials of Barangay AZKCO led by Punong Barangay Jefferson Cheng, who was named the Regional Champion of the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Award (LTIA) in the Cordillera region, felt a warm and joyful welcome during the benchmarking conducted in Barangay Plainview, led by Punong Barangay Nerissa Garcia, who is known as the National Champion in the LTIA in Mandaluyong City. With the theme “Sharing Knowledge Towards Strengthened Barangay Justice”, the two barangays exchanged their best practices and shared experiences with the aim of further increasing knowledge on how to improve services to the people under the Barangay Justice. “On this occasion, we will probably learn a lot from you, this learning trip is very important for both our barangays and we will be able to share our best practices and we are very grateful that you chose us to come,” said PB Garcia. According to Cheng, “we are very grateful that you granted our request to visit you as a national awardee, it is an honor for us to meet you personally and share our best practices and innovations for our barangay justice.” The LTIA is an annual program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that recognizes outstanding barangay justice committees for their excellent mediation of community disputes and peace building. Its goal is to strengthen Barangay Justice and reduce court cases by resolving disputes at the grassroots level. The DILG is evaluating the efficiency of 42,011 barangays in the country for their operational efficiency, effectiveness of settlement, and resourcefulness in resolving disputes between people and the incentives for the winning Boards will receive both trophies/citations and substantial financial or non-financial support from municipal to national awarding bodies.