BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city has been accepted into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), joining cities worldwide committed to advancing lifelong learning as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development. Mayor Benjamin Magalong received formal notification of the city’s successful application from the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) on December 4, 2025, accompanied by an official Certificate of Membership. UNESCO announced the new member cities in a press release issued the same day. 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻   Mayor Magalong hailed the development as a milestone for the Summer Capital, calling it “a testament to Baguio’s strong culture of learning and community empowerment.” “This recognition from UNESCO places Baguio on the world map not only as a creative city but now also as a learning city,” he said. “It validates the work of our educators, communities, and institutions in nurturing a culture where learning is accessible, inclusive, and lifelong. We welcome this opportunity to collaborate with global partners and further strengthen programs that uplift our people through education.” He added that the city will make full use of the platform to broaden its learning initiatives and advance sustainable development goals. 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 GNLC membership provides Baguio access to international platforms for policy dialogue, peer learning, and collaborative initiatives with learning-focused cities across the globe. Member cities work together to strengthen education systems, develop capacity-building programs, enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and exchange knowledge on effective practices. UNESCO supports member cities in developing innovative approaches to lifelong learning strategies and encourages the sharing of successful models. Baguio has been invited to participate in UNESCO’s #ImALifelongLearner campaign, which promotes continuous learning among city residents. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼’𝘀 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 Long recognized as the educational center of Northern Luzon, Baguio’s acceptance into the GNLC affirms its enduring commitment to learning and knowledge-sharing. The Learning City designation strengthens initiatives already underway through the Creative Baguio City Council (CBCC), which advances creative education, cultural development, and community learning in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a UNESCO Creative City, Baguio now holds dual recognition within UNESCO’s global networks, demonstrating how integrated approaches to culture, creativity, education, and community development can drive urban resilience and inclusion. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 The City Government, CBCC, and education stakeholders will develop local communication initiatives and align programs with UNESCO’s lifelong learning framework. UNESCO has provided official logos, communication templates, and campaign guidelines to support implementation. This achievement positions Baguio as a leader in demonstrating how Philippine cities can leverage international networks to advance sustainable and equitable development. The city’s application to the prestigious body was prepared by a team composed of Creative Baguio City Council (CBCC) co-chairperson Marie Venus Tan, City Tourism Operations Officer Aloysius Mapalo, City Planning Development and Sustainability Coordinator Donna Tabangin, artists Liezl Dunuan and Gabe Mercado, and representatives from the city’s different schools. – CBCC      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The City Health Services Office (CHSO) under Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes presented the ‘Golden Sandok’ award to 54 restaurants and other food establishments in the Summer Capital for consistently meeting high standards in their hygiene and sanitation practices as mandated by Presidential Decree 856 or the Sanitation Code of the Philippines. The establishments also went beyond minimum sanitation requirements to ensure a clean and healthy environment thereby minimizing the risk of disease transmission and contamination in their places of operation. The CHSO Environmental Sanitation Division identified the top three food establishments in key areas and Health Districts in the city while sanitation inspectors selected establishments in their assigned areas that have been consistently compliant. Those chosen then underwent a final validation inspection by a team led by Sanitation Division chief Albert Pay-an before including them in the list of Golden Sandok Awardees. Key areas verified  include cleanliness of the kitchen, dining area, and comfort rooms, proper food storage, water potability, and more The team also ensured that all establishment workers have undergone a food handlers training and issued a certificate by the CHSO. The award encourages local restaurants and other food establishments to strive harder in practicing hygiene and sanitation and challenge others to continue complying with the sanitation code and even go beyond standards. The Golden Sandok Awardees are: (𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Sumel Restaurant,  Calajo,  Sizzling Plate; (𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮)  Inatep, Valley Bread, Holy-Grounds Café; (𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Big Brother Biryani,  Minda’s Eatery,  Health 100;  (𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Starway Hotel and Restaurant,  Feli Ramen, Mitch Kitchenettte; (𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Gablet’s, Broccoli Canteen, Raffs Kitchen; (𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Noli’s, Rewind, and Anchorwheel Restaurant. (𝗣𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Aqua Garden Café, Mikko’s Kitchenette, Zion’s Corner Eatery; (𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Le Chef, Manor, Crazy Peri-peri, Emil Rose; (C𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Chias, Ganza, Cafe Will; (𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) J&C Eatery, Mamita’s Bulaluhan, Grumpy Joe; (𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Manduto Restaurant,  Arkeo Restaurant, and Kithay’s Food House. (𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Yasuragi Japanses Restaurant, Pinch Café, Shrimp Café; (𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Korean Palace, Newtown Plaza Hotel, Bonuan Seafood; (𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Mamabeth’s Cafe, Cai Tea Milk Tea Shop, Uncle Bhoy Eatery, Lei Cha Restaurant; (𝗔𝘁𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) M&N View Deck Cafe, Kitcup Cafe; (𝗔𝘁𝗮𝗯 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Luca’s Grill House, Gemmaica’s Eatery, Cozy Na; (𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Gracetin Restaurant, Hatch Coffee, Gli Amici’s Food House; (𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁) Lemon and Olives,  Amare Cucina, and Yangbews Cafe.- (Karl Jon Pagada and Gaby Keith)    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines –“Christmas is near, pero ang laban para sa transparency at good governance ay hindi dapat natatapos.” Thus, declared Mayor Benjamin Magalong in a recent social media post. “Habang papalapit ang Pasko at ang huling araw ng Ber month ngayong taon, huwag nating hayaang matabunan ng selebrasyon ang ating panawagan para sa malinis na pamahalaan,” he stated. The Mayor added: “Ang hiling natin ngayong Pasko: Wakasan ang korapsyon; Panagutin ang mga tiwali; at Itaguyod ang tapat at makataong paglilingkod.” He also urged the Marcos administration to move faster in holding politicians allegedly involved in corruption accountable. Lawmakers linked to irregularities should face consequences for benefiting from anomalous schemes, Magalong said. Recently, Magalong urges public servants to “choose integrity over corruption”. “In the realm of governance and public service, true leadership is measured not by power, but by moral courage.” He said that amid challenges, criticism, and the persistent presence of wrongdoing, “leaders are called to uphold what is just, honest, and compassionate.” “Choosing integrity over corruption, service over self-interest, and truth over deceit is how we overcome the forces that undermine good governance,” he stressed. Magalong said that when public servants respond to negativity with principled action and ethical leadership, “they not only elevate themselves but also the entire community they serve.” He is a staunch advocate for good governance where public institutions manage public affairs, public resources, and human rights in a transparent, accountable, and efficient manner, free from abuse and corruption.- (Gaby B. Keith)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines —- Hotel Supreme lit its 20-foot Christmas tree at its event center as it also switched on positivity with hope,on December 3 Hotel Supreme founder Peter Ng said: “We look forward to being able to go past that darkness, to go on just as how life goes on. That is faith. That is hope.” With his wife Evelyn, his family including son and general manager Jefferson and the five grand children who offered prayer to start the lighting ceremony, Ng urged attendees to be hopeful. He went on: “This year is a little different amidst the uncertainties we are currently face as one country, yet we’re hopeful.” He added: “What better way to manifest that certainty is to switch on our positivity with hope. That positivity that we will all be enlightened.” A cheerful Ng said that “the future is bright. That we will shine.” He said that colors of red and green symbolizes the blood of Jesus, while green is eternal life, respectively as he added: “Together it symbolizes faith and hope.” The Ngs then distributed noche buena packs to indigent residents from chosen barangays. Since opening the door of hotel in 1989, the Ngs survived an earthquake and other disasters, but they withstood it and able to expand the hotel from a 36-room facility to nearly 190 and now some 300 rooms. The hotel also hosts restaurants and function rooms and halls. Despite the uncertainties of the Covid-19 years, the Ngs were able to continue construction of the latest annex which now houses the event center, function halls and a mammoth convention hall, while also housing a grocery and other facilities. The patriarch has always been a fount of hope as his perseverance saw him work odd jobs for minimal wages, become a taxi driver and operator, manage a hotel and eventually owning his very hotel. Pigeon Lobien  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Many of Summer Capital’s urban farmers are keen to adopt hydroponics for growing their crops, a farming method that does not use soil but mineral nutrient solutions in a water-based system. City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) chief agriculturist Marcelina Tabelin, in a media forum, said her office is currently receiving numerous requests from local schools and barangays for technical assistance through trainings and hands-on demonstrations on hydroponics. Recently, the CVAO-Urban Agriculture Division conducted a one-day lecture and hands-on training at Guisad Central barangay at the request of a group of senior citizens, which included a capacity-building activity and provision of free starter kits for household-level utilization. Tabelin said an advantage of hydroponic farming, as a soil-less technology, is that it can be done in a limited space, especially in a highly urbanized setting like in Baguio. Crops can be grown on rooftops, balconies, and other similar areas without the need for greenhouses, she added. It was only last year that requests for hydroponics training increased, bolstered by the establishment of a technology training facility at Irisan and the establishment of Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) projects in several barangays, which encourage the establishment and operation of community gardens, Tabelin said. To be sustainable, she advises those engaged in hydroponic farming to grow crops not only for their own consumption but also as an economic enterprise if possible. Some barangays and schools donate the fresh vegetables and fruits grown through hydroponics to those in need in their respective communities and are even used in supplemental feeding programs, Tabelin said. She revealed that hundreds of residents have already availed of the free hydroponic training. Those interested can visit their office at the Slaughterhouse Compound with the landline number (074) 443-5332 and email address: cityvet_baguio@yahoo.com. –(Gaby B. Keith-Baguio PIO)    

  Rep. Mauricio G. Domogan fully supports the intention of the local government to file the appropriate case against BCDA   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced the filing of a corresponding case against the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), in connection with its disregard for the city’s rights under the 19 conditions outlined in Resolution 362-1994. “We are now preparing a case against BCDA because we have exhausted all administrative remedies and sent four demand letters without receiving any clear indication that they are willing to engage with us,” Magalong said. Magalong earlier informed the City Council that the City Legal Office is already drafting a formal legal complaint, to address the city’s long-standing grievance to fulfill the agreement under the said resolution. The 19 conditions under Resolution 362-1994 enacted by the Baguio City Council in 1994 lay down the city’s non-negotiable terms before any development can proceed within the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ). These conditions were formulated to safeguard Baguio’s interests such as environmental protection, respect for the rights of local communities, and ensuring the city’s fair share of the revenues generated from operations within the JHSEZ. For many years, the most outstanding concerns have centered on Conditions 9, 10, and 14. Conditions 9 and 10 refer to the city’s mandatory share of the gross income and rental income generated within the John Hay Special Economic Zone. These are the revenues that the city has repeatedly urged the BCDA to remit. The amount owed to the city has now accumulated to P225 million. Under Condition 9, Baguio City is entitled to 4% of the total revenue generated within the John Hay Special Economic Zone of which 3% is for the city and 1% is for a joint community development fund. This amounts to P56.8 million in unpaid portions. Under Condition 10, BCDA must remit 25% of its rental income or 30% of its net income from operations in the zone, whichever is higher. Although BCDA has paid P238.6 million to date, the amount owed is P407.2 million, leaving a remaining P168.6 million. Taken together, these unpaid obligations constitute the P225 million that the city government insists is owed. According to City Treasurer Alex Cabarrubias, BCDA has not paid since 2023 when the city government first issued a demand letter calling for the payment of the debt. Meanwhile, Conditionality 14 refers to the long-delayed separation of 13 barangays from the Camp John Hay Reservation. This process continues to cause overlapping regulations, duplicate permit requirements, unclear jurisdiction, and stalled barangay projects for hundreds of residents. These issues have been repeatedly raised in the Baguio City Council for years but there has been no firm commitment from BCDA as top BCDA and JHMC officials continue to skip important discussions despite repeated requests from the Baguio City Council for their attendance. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and several councilors are also urging the executive department to file a case, citing that the BCDA and JHMC are not showing clear signs of commitment to fully complying with the 19 conditionalities. Furthermore, since the upgrade of the Camp John Hay Master Development Plan is expected to be completed in two to three months, the Baguio City Council has insisted on reviewing the plan to ensure full compliance with the 19 conditionalities. Baguio City Representative Mauricio G. Domogan fully supports the intention of the local government to file the appropriate case against the State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to ensure that the city will be able to benefit from the 247-hectare John hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ). However, Domogan suggested that the local government should anchor the case that will be filed on Condition No. 16 that mandates the BCDA to effect the transfer of ownership of the land and its build up and improved structures within the zone from the State corporation to the local government upon the expiration of the lease agreement between the BCDA and its designated developer pursuant to the policy and procedures provided by law. He claimed that the Supreme Court (SC) already ruled on the termination of the lease agreement between BCDA and the Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) that is why it is imperative for the city to invoke the said condition in the filing of the case against BCDA. According to him, BCDA was able to partially comply with the prescribed conditions during the lease period but it has yet to comply with Condition No. 14 that mandates the segregation of the 14 barangays within the Camp John Hay reservation and Condition No. 16 now that the lease agreement is considered to have expired pursuant to the previous SC ruling. Domogan assured that he will closely work with the city’s legal team to iron out an air tight case that will be filed against the BCDA to compel the same to already turnover the zone to the city.          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The city will be joining the global commemoration of World AIDS Day with a simple but meaningful program to be held at the Baguio Convention Center (BCC) at around 1 pm, on Monday, December 1, 2025 The event will start with a program inside the convention facility which will be followed by a candle lighting ceremony and the launching of the Baguio city NAMNaMa Center at the former triage area located at the side of the BCC. Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and Councilor Elmer Datuin, Chairperson of the City Council Committee on Health, Sanitation and Ecology, will be sharing their messages of support to the city’s aggressive interventions to combat the unabated increase of human immune virus – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) – while City Health Officer Dr. Celiaflor Brillantes will provide the overview of the city government’s programs and initiatives to combat the proliferation of cases in the city. Dr. Amelita M. Pangilinan, regional director of the Cordillera office of the Department of Health (DOH-CAR), will also be providing the overview of the agency’s program on Nurturing Awareness, Mobilizing Networks and Advocating to Mitigate the Actual Impact of AIDS (NAMNaMa) which employs localized ad culturally sensitive strategies to combat HIV and sextually transmitted illnesses, including health promotion in schools and communities, online campaigns, free HIV testing and empowering local health leaders. Earlier, the local government, through the City Health Services office (CHSO) social hygiene clinic, identified the former triage area at the compound of the BCC as a sundown testing center where interested individuals can undergo the desired HIV screening that runs from 7 am to 11 pm. Members of the Baguio AIDS Watch Council called on city officials and residents who will be joining the commemoration to wear red which symbolizes the verdant desire of the local government and health officials to combat HIV-AIDS in the city and provide opportunities for HIV-affected people to be provided with the necessary interventions for their treatment. (BaguioPIO)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — This Summer Capital embraced the holiday spirit during its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the historic Baguio Mansion House on November 27. This cherished tradition gathers the community in a celebration of hope, unity and the giving spirit of Christmas. First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos led the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting, joined by former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, Congressman Mauricio Domogan, and Mayor Benjie Magalong. Adding energy to the chilly evening, Grades 2 and 3 students from Rizal Elementary School and Gibraltar Elementary School circled the Christmas Tree while receiving Christmas gifts, mostly toys. This year’s program featured exceptional performances from the University of Baguio Voices Chorale and the Philippine Military Academy Marching Band – two distinguished Baguio institutions whose artistry reflects the national and cultural pride of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Their participation underscores the city’s dedication to nurturing creativity, nationalism and youth excellence. Those interested in visiting the Baguio Mansion House’s Presidential Museum may book an in-depth tour on the personal lives, pivotal moments and historical contributions of each Philippine President Built in 1908 as the summer residence of the American Governors-General, the Mansion House later became the official summer residence of Philippine Presidents beginning in the Commonwealth era. After restoration and renovation efforts, the Mansion House was inaugurated as a Presidential Museum on September 8, 2024, enriching Baguio City with a cultural space that highlights the history of the Philippine presidency. Today, the Baguio Mansion House operates as a public museum, welcoming visitors Tuesdays to Sundays. This past year, it also opened a Visitor’s Information Center to enhance the guest experience. Walk-in visitors may join complimentary guided tours, providing an engaging introduction to the Mansion and its role in the country’s political history.        

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), through Resolution No. 17, Series of 2025, has formally approved entering into a partnership with the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) for the joint organization of a Christmas Market at Camp John Hay. The BTC Board of Trustees endorsed the proposal and authorized BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with JHMC, solidifying the collaboration. As the City Government of Baguio’s private sector partner in the planning, promotion, and implementation of tourism-related programs and activities, the BTC remains committed to initiatives that strengthen Baguio’s identity as a premier creative and holiday destination. This includes supporting platforms that uplift local entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural performers while enriching the city’s festive offerings. The partnership follows an official invitation from JHMC for BTC to co-organize a Christmas Market within Camp John Hay as part of the estate’s holiday programming. This joint endeavor aims to enhance visitor experience, expand opportunities for micro, small, and creative enterprises, and reinforce public–private collaboration during the Yuletide season. Recognizing the value of participating in this initiative, which aligns with its efforts to promote inclusive tourism and elevate Baguio’s holiday attractions, the BTC Board of Trustees approved the proposal and authorized the Chairperson to formalize the partnership through the MOA. The agreement was signed by JHMC President and CEO Manjit T. Singh Reandi and BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara, with BTC Board of Trustee Ferdinand John Balanag and JHMC Vice President and COO Jane Theresa Tabalingcos serving as witnesses. In the spirit of the season, this collaboration brings renewed holiday cheer to the City of Pines. The John Hay Christmas Market is set to open on December 8, following the launch of BTC’s An Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market at the Burnham Park Rose Garden on December 5. Together, these twin celebrations promise a vibrant holiday experience filled with creative crafts, local flavors, and the enduring warmth of Baguio’s community.