Christmas is a season of peace, hope, and happiness   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines —Search for  Lucky Christmas Baby, a long-standing tradition that celebrates new life. The National Correspondents Club of Baguio (NCCB) will once again hold its annual search for the Lucky Christmas Baby on December 25, continuing a project that has brought joy to families for decades. For parents, a child’s first Christmas is always a miracle — a moment filled with love, gratitude, and memories that last a lifetime. This spirit is at the heart of the NCCB’s yuletide initiative, which honors the baby born closest to a designated time during the Christmas period. The search will be conducted by a committee composed of social workers under the supervision of the Baguio City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), in close coordination with officers and members of the NCCB. As in previous years, the activity will take place at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). The monitoring period begins at 12:00 midnight on December 24 and runs through Christmas Day. The baby boy or girl born nearest to the target time will be officially declared the Lucky Christmas Baby. A simple gift-giving ceremony will follow, featuring assorted presents from the CSWDO and the National Correspondents Club of Baguio, co-sponsors of the project, together with John Hay Management  Corp . (JHMC), Amianan Balita Ngayon (ABN) and PrimeGreen Sports. Cash gifts will also be provided by partner organizations, including the Suyoc Taneg Indigenous Livelihood Association (STILA) of Mankayan, the Nay-en Taluan Small Scale Miners’ Association (NTSSM)–Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners Association Inc. (BFSSMI), and the Lower Gomok Multipurpose Cooperative (LGMC) of Itogon. The annual Christmas initiative is held in cooperation with members of the Baguio media community, underscoring the collective effort behind the project. This program traces its roots to the 1970s, when it was first introduced as a special Christmas feature known as Silahis ng Pasko. It was the brainchild of the late Nars Padilla, founding president of the NCCB. Padilla was a respected sportsman and program manager who also served as a city councilor, tourism officer, national executive of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and the first camp director of Gintong Alay. The National Correspondents Club of Baguio is an organization of national journalists based in the city. It was formally established in February 1986 and has since remained committed to both journalism and community-oriented initiatives that reflect the true spirit of Christmas. NCCB Release              

CAMP JOHN HAY, Baguio City, Philippines — A Php500-million investment is set to flow into Camp John Hay, following the signing of a 25-year lease agreement between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Stern Real Estate and Development Corporation, the developer of Le Monet Hotel. The expansion is expected to create around 100 new jobs and strengthen the tourism and hospitality industry in Baguio City. The lease covers an additional 1,500-square-meter commercial lot adjacent to the existing Le Monet Hotel along Ordonio Drive within the John Hay Special Economic Zone. The agreement enables the expansion of Le Monet Hotel’s hospitality facilities as part of the continued redevelopment of Camp John Hay. Stern will add at least 70 new hotel rooms, nearly doubling Le Monet Hotel’s current capacity and positioning the property toward a 4- to 5-star classification, while supporting increased visitor activity in the estate. BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said the expansion reflects sustained private sector confidence in Camp John Hay. “We are happy that Stern is pursuing more partnerships with BCDA, particularly in Camp John Hay. BCDA and JHMC are excited to share the master plan with potential investors and developers on the type of partnerships we will have inside Camp John Hay,” Engr. Bingcang said. “This project is very much aligned with what we want to do, introducing more activities and experiences for both local and foreign guests.” Stern Executive Vice President Eric Owen G. Singson Jr. said the expansion underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Camp John Hay and the whole of Baguio. “This expansion is not merely about rooms or walls. It is about reviving the senses and strengthening tourism, creating livelihood, and delivering Filipino hospitality to both the global traveler and Filipino family,” Singson said. Stern, which is known for its flagship Le Monet Hotel and the unique Filling Station food court, is one of BCDA’s longest-standing locators in Camp John Hay. The private developer has committed to upgrade and enhance its leased properties within Camp John Hay to meet the standards outlined in the John Hay Special Economic Zone Comprehensive Master Plan. The development will strictly adhere to the design standards and guidelines to ensure consistency with the eco-tourism and commercial vision for the area.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Police are now thoroughly investigating the fall into a ravine of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, after she was found dead at around 8:00 p.m. on the edge of the Bued River, about 30 meters deep in the ravine, near Camp 4, Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet, on December 18. The victim’s remains were recovered at around 12:00 midnight by search operations conducted by personnel of the Tuba Municipal Police Station, Baguio City Police Office, with the assistance of the Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection and were immediately rushed to the hospital. Cabral was declared dead at around 12:03 pm on December 19 by Dr. Gian Frances Salinas. The incident took place near the rock nettings inspected by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., on August 24, 2025. The Benguet Provincial Forensic Unit is currently conducting scene-of-the-crime processing and the police are also conducting a thorough investigation to determine if the victim actually committed suicide. According to Cardo Hernandez, Cabral’s driver, they were heading to Baguio City around noon and were instructed to stop at the side of Kennod Road. Cabral sat down on a concrete barrier on the side of the road and was told, “Ma’am, don’t get too close or you’ll lose your balance and fall.” He said she returned to the vehicle and was told by the police not to linger in the area, so they traveled to Baguio City and had lunch at a restaurant and checked into a hotel on Legarda Road. According to Hernandez, at around 2:30 p.m., Cabral drove back to Kennon Road, where they first met. The victim sat down on the concrete barrier again and was ordered to leave him for a moment, so he left him and went to a gas station. About an hour later, he returned to the area, but she was no longer in his seat, so he got out of the car and searched and looked around the ravine, but he didn’t see anyone. He left and not far away, he saw a man hanging around and asked if he had seen a woman, but he didn’t, so he turned the car around again and returned to the area. He looked around the ravine again, but he didn’t see anyone, so he decided to return to the hotel at around 5:00 p.m. to ask if his boss was there, but he still wasn’t there. He allegedly returned again to Kennon Road to look for her and wondered if she was just walking or hanging around, but he couldn’t find her, so he just reported to the police for help, because it was dark in the area. Hernandez burst into tears as he saw the victim’s body bag being lifted, because he didn’t think Cabral would do it. In connection with this, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a statement regarding Cabral’s death. “ We extend our deepest condolences to the family of former Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral during this very difficult time. Undersecretary Cabral served the Department for more than 40 years, and her loss will be mourned throughout the organization. We recognize the profound loss the family is facing and offer our sincerest prayers. The Department urges everyone to respect the family’s need for privacy as they mourn and come to terms with the sudden loss. We thank you for your compassion and understanding.” It can be recalled that Cabral resigned from the DPWH last September after she was implicated in alleged anomalous budget insertions that led to anomalous flood control contracts.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Baguio City Field Office (DILG-BCFO) under Dir. Millicent B. Carino emerged as Champion in two major categories during the 2025 Saleng and Tsinelas ni Jesse Innovations Awards of DILG-CAR, Dec. 2, at Hotel Elizabeth, here. The DILG-BCFO was chosen as Best Provincial/Highly Urbanized City (HUC) Team under the 2025 Saleng Awards and Most Innovative Provincial/Highly Urbanized City Team under the 2025 Tsinelas ni Jesse Innovations Awards. Carino said these recognitions honor the team’s unwavering dedication, collective hard work, and innovative practices that continuously strengthen local governance across the region. The Best Provincial/HUC Team Award acknowledges exceptional teams whose initiatives and collaboration contribute significantly to effective and responsive local governance, while the Tsinelas ni Jesse Innovations Awards celebrate the enduring legacy of the late Sec. Jesse M. Robredo, whose iconic “tsinelas leadership” embodies humility, sincerity, and genuine service to the community. “The DILG-BCFO’s win reflects its commitment to these values through forward-thinking and impactful innovations,” she stressed. Carino, and former DILG-BCFO personnel Allan F. Ocal, and Joe Pablo M. Gernale were also recognized during the occasion for their exemplary efforts and dedication in ensuring the successful implementation of various DILG projects, programs, and activities. These include the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards; Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children; Local Council for the Protection of Children; Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay; and the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit. – Gaby B. Keith with DILG reports        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) Main Campus Baguio celebrated 110 TESDA scholars who completed their three-year diploma programs during the 2025 Commencement Exercises held at the CSITE Multipurpose Hall, Military Cut-Off, Baguio City, on December 12, 2025. A separate Mass Baccalaureate and Closing Ceremony on December 11 recognized 197 completers from various short-term certificate and NC II programs including Barista, Driving, Food and Beverage Services, Masonry, Machining, SMAW, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance, underscoring CSITE’s growing role in producing job-ready skilled workers for the region. The diploma graduates completed four industry-aligned programs: Diploma in Culinary Arts (25), Diploma in Hospitality Supervision (12), Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology (34), and Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (38). All scholars were beneficiaries of TESDA scholarship programs that supported their full three-year academic and practical training. With the theme “Pathways to Progress: Strengthening Engineering and Hospitality Excellence through TVET,” the ceremonies highlighted the value of technical-vocational education in preparing graduates for high-demand sectors of the Philippine economy. Keynote Speaker Mark Jefferson C. Ng encouraged graduates to uphold innovation, professionalism, and adaptability as they enter dynamic hospitality and technical industries. He also reminded them that their TESDA training gives them a strong foundation that can open doors locally and globally and urged them to continue sharpening their skills as they pursue their careers. Campus Administrator Melita D. Pinic congratulated the graduates and commended their resilience throughout their training. She also acknowledged the hard work of CSITE instructors and reminded the completers to carry the discipline and professionalism they learned as they move into the workforce. Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon delivered an empowering message, emphasizing CSITE’s strengthened mandate to shape globally competitive TVET graduates. She highlighted the institute’s expanding diploma offerings, deepening industry partnerships, and CSITE’s leading role in elevating Cordillera’s workforce development. Director Bungallon also urged the graduates to embrace continuous learning and to build careers that reflect excellence, integrity, and service. Representing Acting Regional Director Glenn Murphy, APD Arlene Cadalig extended a warm congratulatory message, recognizing the dedication of the graduates and the support of their families and trainers. She encouraged them to uphold the values instilled during their training and to carry the TESDA brand of quality and competence as they begin their careers. Academic Achievers Gwen Mariz C. Balegan (Tourism Sector) and John Ellis O. Panarngon (Engineering Technology Sector) were also honored for their excellence and perseverance. Meanwhile, CSITE Ifugao held its graduation on December 3, recognizing 61 graduates from various TVET programs including Trainers Methodology I, Masonry NC II, EIM NC II, Driving NC II, SMAW NC I, and Motorcycle or Small Engine Servicing NC II, with the theme “TVET graduates: equipped with 21st century skills through quality TVET programs.” Across its campuses, CSITE continues to advance regional workforce development through industry-driven programs and expanded access to quality technical education.          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Health Services Office (CHSO) confirmed that many individuals are now availing of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests from the health facilities to be aware of their HIV Status and avail of the free medicines being provided by the health treatment for the reduction of their respective viral load. City Health Officer Dr. Celiaflor Brillantes said during the World AIDS Day commemoration at the Baguio Convention Center that around 70 percent of those who availed of the existing HIV tests are now aware of their HIV status and are now taking their medicines provided by the health department for free to help in the local government’s HIV treatment. Further, she noted that one-third of the 70 percent who are considered HIV reactive or positive and have been taking their medicines have already recorded low viral loads through the years. She claimed that once individuals with HIV have low viral loads, it means that they can no longer transmit the said dreaded illness, provided that they regularly take their prescribed medicines for them to maintain the HIV being non-transmittable. However, she still advised those with HIV, even those with low viral load, to still practice safe sex through abstinence, being faithful to their partners, and the use of condoms, among others, to minimize the opportunity to spread the virus. The medical officer of the city government, through the CHSO, remains aggressive in the implementation of various programs, projects, and activities that will contribute to reducing the number of individuals turning out to be HIV positive in the conduct of available tests. She rallied individuals to know their HIV status by availing of the existing tests in the different health facilities, and for them to be prescribed the appropriate medicines that will lower their viral load and make the virus untransmissible to prevent them from contaminating other people.      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — In a proactive move to bolster inter-agency coordination and public safety preparedness, personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) conducted a comprehensive Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Operations Seminar for personnel of the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Group 1 (TOG1). The training was held on December 8, 2025, at Loakan Airport, Baguio City. The seminar, held under the supervision of PLtCol Joey Jonathan Bagayao, Force Commander of RMFB15, was designed to equip military personnel with essential skills for managing potential civil unrest with professionalism and restraint. “The primary goal of this training is the preservation of life, property, and public order,” stated Bagayao. “In any civil disturbance scenario, a measured, lawful, and strategic response is paramount. This seminar ensures our personnel are not only prepared to restore order but are firmly grounded in the protocols that protect the rights of all individuals involved.” The activity emphasized that proper CDM training is vital for reducing risks, limiting damage to property, and, most importantly, preventing loss of life during periods of civil unrest. By educating personnel on these standardized procedures, the training enhances the capability of both the PNP and the PAF to protect communities while upholding the highest standards of public service.        

The partnership introduces DC EV charging hubs to support sustainable tourism in Baguio and expand ACMobility’s nationwide charging network   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — ACMobility, Ayala’s mobility arm and the leading provider of EV charging solutions and infrastructure in the Philippines, has partnered with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) to accelerate the development of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) in Camp John Hay, a key area under BCDA’s stewardship in Baguio City. Driving Sustainable Tourism Within Camp John Hay Spread out in three different key locations within Camp John Hay — Garden Wing, Public Parking Area, and Golf Club, these hubs are equipped with modern charging facilities that cater to different EV needs. With eight new charge points available, including Baguio City’s only DC Fast Charger to date, travelers heading up to Baguio for the holiday break can recharge conveniently and travel with confidence. This new addition is also on top of the existing EVCS at Camp John Hay Technohub, with more AC and DC chargers to be operational in the next couple of months. The Garden Wing hub will feature a 60kW DC Fast Charger capable of powering vehicles in as fast as 30 minutes alongside two 22kW AC chargers. Meanwhile, the Public Parking Area will have two 22kW chargers and the Golf Club hub will include two 7kW chargers. All chargers are likewise supported by the Evro app, allowing users to locate stations, check availability,  charge, and pay with ease. “This partnership marks a key milestone in Camp John Hay’s pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism,” said Joshua M. Bingcang, President and CEO of BCDA. “By introducing reliable and accessible EV infrastructure at a location as strategic as Camp John Hay, we are creating not only greener and more convenient travel experience for residents and tourists, but also supporting ACMobility’s mission to provide accessible and reliable EV Charging across the country.” Expanding the EV Network Nationwide Looking ahead, ACMobility is also on track to deploy more charging points nationwide as we go into 2026 as part of their continuous efforts towards creating the Philippine EV Spine, a seamless network connecting cities and provinces to support the country’s transition to electrified mobility.   “This year, we are accelerating the rollout of our nationwide EV network to reach more cities and key locations across the Philippines,” said Carla Buencamino, Head of Mobility Infrastructure at ACMobility. “By expanding our network and partnering with organizations like BCDA, we aim to provide reliable and accessible charging experiences that make it easier for Filipinos to adopt cleaner mobility solutions.” For those interested in establishing an ACMobility charging station or exploring partnership opportunities, visit https://acmobility.ph/.