BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured the public that the city government’s zero-tolerance policy on sanitation deficiencies remains even as he reminded food establishments to maintain strict hygiene standards following the rat incident at one of the city’s restaurants. According to Magalong, in a series of inspections conducted on establishments, several eateries in Suello Village were found to have sanitation deficiencies. Magalong reminded all food establishments to comply with the regulations the city has instructed them to follow during the clean-up drives that the city continues to conduct through the CHSO and the Public Order and Safety Division. “Remember that we remind you to maintain cleanliness in the kitchens, comfort rooms, and dining areas. Our restrooms must be clean, dry, and have soap, tissue, or paper towels.” He said establishments that have previously been issued notices of violation are expected to follow the corrective actions outlined in their operations. Failure to address deficiencies within the stipulated time frame may result in penalties, closure, and possible denial of renewal of business permits. He also announced renewed efforts to address the growing rat population in the city’s markets, calling on vendors, communities, and the private sector to cooperate with the government’s sanitation programs. “The government cannot do everything. We all need to help. The city remains steadfast in enforcing sanitation regulations.” Magalong first apologized to customers affected by the incident and assured the public that the city government is taking steps to address sanitation issues in food establishments. According to City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, upon learning of the incident on June 14, the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division immediately inspected the establishment and issued a Sanitary Order for the restaurant to automatically cease operations and comply with sanitation and infrastructure requirements.   She said the restaurant, which remained closed as of June 16, must first complete the necessary corrective measures before it can reopen. Sanitation Division Engr. Albert Pay-an said the establishment is currently undergoing cleaning and sanitization operations including the installation of protective nets. Food handlers and other personnel of the establishment were also subjected to another food safety orientation on June 15. An executive order formalizing the closure was issued by Magalong and posted at the establishment on June 15.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Baguio, the Department of Education–Schools Division Office (DepEd-SDO) Baguio City, Inquirer Interactive, Inc. and Inquirer Foundation Corp. have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the INQskwela Program for the School Year 2026–2027 at Baguio City Hall on June 17. The partnership aims to improve reading comprehension, critical thinking, news literacy, and awareness of current events among junior and senior high school students in Baguio City. The initiative was established in response to concerns over the country’s performance in international literacy assessments, particularly the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which highlighted challenges in reading comprehension among Filipino learners. Under the agreement, 25 participating public schools in Baguio City will receive daily access to Inquirer Plus, the digital edition of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Each school will be provided with 19 digital subscriptions to support classroom instruction and learning activities. The digital newspaper will serve as a supplemental educational resource for subjects such as Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies), English, and Journalism. Through regular exposure to news articles and current events, students are expected to develop stronger analytical and comprehension skills while becoming more informed citizens. Inquirer Interactive Inc. and the Inquirer Foundation Corp. will provide technical support, monitor subscription access, conduct project evaluations, and organize educational activities including an inter-school Quiz Bee and debate competition. The organization will also facilitate orientation sessions for participating students and teachers and feature stories highlighting the program’s impact. Meanwhile, DepEd- Baguio will identify and coordinate the twenty-five participating schools, ensure the integration of newspaper-based learning activities into classroom instruction, and collect periodic feedback reports to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. The program’s success will be measured through several key performance indicators, including improvements in students’ current-events literacy, critical-thinking abilities, learner feedback, and performance in the Quiz Bee and Debate Tournament. The City Government of Baguio, through its Local School Board will fund the subscription package amounting to P285,000.00 for a ten-month implementation period. In addition to the digital access, participating schools will receive opportunities for educational tours at the Inquirer offices, publication of selected school announcements, and exposure to educational content through the newspaper’s “Playgrounds for the Mind” section. The agreement underscores the shared commitment of the City Government of Baguio, DepEd, and the Inquirer Group to promote quality education. The INQskwela Program is expected to commence following the completion of procurement requirements and will run throughout the academic year, culminating in evaluation activities designed to measure its impact on participating students and schools. The initiative is formalized through a MOA signing by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, DepEd–SDO Baguio Superintendent Dr. Soraya T. Faculo, and Inquirer Associate Director Connie R. Kalagayan and National Sales Manager Roy Raul C. Mendiola. – Ariel Biala

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — SM City Baguio recently conducted “Beyond Barriers,” a sensitivity training program that brought together mall frontliners and tenant partners for meaningful conversations and shared experiences aimed at fostering greater awareness, empathy, and understanding. The initiative provided participants with valuable insights into creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers—particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through open discussions and interactive learning sessions, attendees gained a deeper appreciation of their vital role in delivering respectful, accessible service. As part of SM’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and customer care, programs like Beyond Barriers equip frontliners and tenant partners with the practical knowledge and perspectives needed to better serve the local community. By actively promoting awareness and empathy, SM City Baguio continues to ensure its spaces are environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcome—further strengthening its commitment to delivering meaningful experiences for every visitor.              

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, has temporarily suspended the operation of 24 units of a bus company following a road crash in Baguio City that left its employee dead and six passengers injured, on June 16. LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the suspension is for 30 days while the investigation is ongoing to determine if there were lapses committed under the rules and regulations of the issued Certificate of Public Convenience. “We commit to an impartial and no-nonsense investigation not only because it is our mandate but because it is the life and limb of commuters that are stake when it comes to public transportation,” said Chairman Vigor. The passenger bus involved a unit owned by the North Genesis Bus Line, Inc. in the road crash that happened on Tuesday, June 16 on Kilometer 6, Marcos Highway in Baguio City. The bus conductor died after he was trapped inside the bus and based on the report, the bus was heading to Baguio City when it hit a truck that was parked alongside the road early morning on Tuesday. At least six other people were injured and were taken to the hospital. In the show cause order issued to the bus company, it mandated the drug testing of all bus drivers and road worthiness inspection of the 24 suspended bus units. It also asked the bus company to explain in notarized writing why it should nor be sanctioned for hiring a reckless driver. Chairman Vigor said all the license plates of the suspended units were asked to be surrendered to ensure compliance of the suspension order. But he stressed the need to expedite the payment of insurance to the family of the deceased victim and all those who were injured. He tasked the regional LTFRB officials to regularly monitor compliance of insurance payment. Chairman Vigor then advised PUV operators and drivers to do their share in road safety, saying the trust and confidence given by their passengers should be paid back by safe travel.          

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines – “Don’t be complacent, don’t let your guard down, and continue to follow mosquito control measures to prevent the possible return of the disease.” ​This is the urgent call of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) despite a significant decline in dengue cases in the city this year. ​According to CHSO Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and Dengue Program Coordinator Miller Balisongen of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division, the current dengue situation “may not be very alarming, but it should not be a passport to be careless about our environmental health.” ​ Dengue Cases Down by 57% ​ Based on local data, Medical Technologist Ruby Magsino of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) reported that dengue cases decreased by 57 percent compared to last year. The city’s epidemic curve currently remains below the alert and epidemic threshold. ​ *Current Data: From January 1 to May 30, 2026, the city recorded 196 dengue cases—a 50 percent drop from the 394 cases reported during the same period last year. ​*Demographics: Individuals aged 15 to 29 accounted for 43 percent of the reported cases, while 36.2 percent of the total cases required hospitalization. ​ *Affected Areas: Currently, 13 barangays have recorded cases. Barangay Irisan reported the highest number in May with three cases, while Dominican Hill-Mirador and Middle Quirino Hill have recurring cases. Meanwhile, the barangays of Aurora Hill, Bakakeng Central, BGH Compound, Cabinet Hill-Teachers Camp, City Camp Central, Dontogan, Kias, Legarda-Burnham-Kisad, and San Vicente each recorded one isolated case. ​Despite the low numbers, health officials warned that an increase in cases is expected in the coming weeks due to the rainy season, which creates breeding grounds for deadly mosquitoes.  ​City Government Steps Up Strategies ​ To tackle mosquito-borne diseases—which also include Zika virus and Chikungunya—the city government has rolled out strategic campaigns under the guidance of the National Aedes-Borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program. ​Mayor Benjamin Magalong previously issued Executive Order No. 57-2026, re-establishing the Baguio City Anti-Mosquito Borne Diseases Committee (BCABDC) pursuant to Ordinance No. 10-2025, also known as “The Consolidated Anti-Mosquito-Borne Diseases Ordinance of the City of Baguio.” ​The city is currently formulating an active agenda for the third quarter of 2026, featuring: ​ *Baguio City Dengue Summit 2026: To be held under the theme “Pan-iinabuyugan: Baguio City Dengue Summit: One Health, One Baguio, One Dengue-Resilient Community.” *​Search for the “Top Rated Barangay for Dengue Prevention and Control Program”: An initiative to encourage local leadership. Participating barangays will be evaluated based on policy compliance, community mobilization, Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) campaigns, governance, and program innovation. *​On-the-Ground Vectors Control: Ongoing larval surveillance in the top 20 affected barangays, product demonstrations for an Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) Trap Project, and the procurement of space spraying chemicals and thermal fogging machines. ​In line with National Dengue Awareness Month (Proclamation No. 1204, s. 1998) this June and ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15, the city has scheduled a Symposium cum Orientation for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) to streamline case reporting and verification mechanisms at the community level. ​Residents Urged to Strengthen Prevention at Home ​ The CHSO Environmental Health and Sanitation Division is strongly urging parents and guardians to take proactive steps to protect children by ensuring their homes remain free of mosquito breeding sites. ​Engr. Albert Pay-an, Head of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division, emphasized that the home serves as the most critical health checkpoint in a child’s daily life. ​“The most important health checkpoint in a child’s day is not school, but home,” Pay-an said, highlighting the vital role of families in preventing infection. ​ The CHSO advises households to: 1.​Regularly check surroundings for stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. 2. ​Apply mosquito repellents and dress children in long clothing. ​3. Consult a doctor immediately at the nearest health center if dengue symptoms appear. ​“Prevention of dengue starts at home. An uncovered container can harbor hundreds of mosquitoes. When families consistently take small actions, the entire community becomes safer,” Pay-an added. The CHSO emphasized that preventing mosquito breeding in a household goes a long way in protecting the entire neighborhood from dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. The CHSO is also stepping up dengue prevention efforts as the rainy season begins with the opening of the new school year. The CHSO, through its City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), continues to monitor dengue cases in all barangays.            

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reported a total of 5,582 indigents senior citizens were granted the City Government’s Social Pension in the second quarter conducted from May 25 to 29, 2026. The payout marked an important milestone as the program was directly implemented by the City Government through the Transfer of Funds Scheme, following a memorandum issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The scheme enables local government units to play a more active role in delivering social pension benefits to qualified senior citizens. The distribution of benefits was carried out through the joint efforts of the CSWDO, City Accounting Office, City Treasury Office, community-based social workers, barangay officials, senior citizens’ associations, and other partner stakeholders. Their collaboration ensured a smooth, safe, and efficient payout process. To further improve service delivery, community-based social workers conducted verification and assessment of beneficiaries who were unable to claim their benefits. The activity aimed to identify the reasons for non-claiming and identify measures that would strengthen the implementation of the Social Pension Program and ensure that qualified beneficiaries receive assistance. The payout activity also served as a platform to bring government services closer to senior citizens. Representatives from the DSWD, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Team assisted in validating beneficiary records, authenticating PhilSys IDs through the BBM Serbisyo platform, and facilitating PhilSys-related services. CSWDO Department Head Liza Bulayungan thanked partner agencies, offices, organizations, and volunteers for their support in the successful implementation of the program. She also reaffirmed the City Government’s commitment to promoting the welfare and dignity of senior citizens through responsive and community-centered social protection programs. The Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) is an additional assistance from the government amounting to One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) monthly stipend as stipulated in the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2020 or RA 9994 as amended by RA 11916. The eligibility criteria based on RA 11916 are as follows: 60 years of age and above, frail, sick or disabled no pension, and no regular source of income, compensation or financial assistance from relatives to support his/her basic needs. (RAM)  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Eighteen artists including a mother and her two kids, and a couple who converted their house into a museum launched an art exhibit Fridqy at the Le Yan Museum. Husband-wife tandem Leandro Yangot, Jr. and Cheryl Daytec -Yangot welcomed creatives at their residence in Bengao, Bakakeng Central for the Raya exhibit. The multi- medium presentation welcomed not just visual artists but also those in handicrafts and clothing, as well. Raya or rays like that of the sun which is one of the most prominent feature of the Philippine flag. “It is a fitting theme since it is Indepence Day and rays can reach anything, any part of the Philippines or the world,” said Yangot. Curated by Much Camolo and Ceres Canilao, the works of Camolo’s two children – Kristelle and Asriel – are also featured. Some of the features artists include Eden Cawang, Gladys Labsan, Lopez Aquino, among others. This time the Yangots opened their second residence in the sanebarangay as display area. Le Yan Museum was opened to the public two years ago. EML    

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — In support of families affected by the recent earthquake in General Santos City, SM City Baguio joins the Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) initiative of SM Supermalls to help provide assistance to impacted communities. Customers and mall visitors may extend their support through cash donations at the Operation Tulong Express donation booth located at the Lower Ground Level of SM City Baguio. Donations gathered through the initiative will go toward relief efforts in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross to help affected families and communities. Those who wish to directly send assistance may also course their donations through the Philippine Red Cross. The initiative reflects a shared effort among communities, partners, and volunteers to help provide timely support and assistance to those affected by the disaster.  

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.