The Social Security System (SSS) has once again strengthened its commitment to extending social protection to government workers with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Agricultural Training Institute – Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR) under the SSS KaSSSangga Collect Program (KCP). Through the SSS-ATI partnership, 53 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers of ATI-CAR are now assured of SSS coverage as self-employed members, providing them reliable safety nets in times of sickness, maternity, disability, old age, and other contingencies. “Through this initiative, SSS ensures that even temporary and contractual workers are given the opportunity to secure their future and protect their families with the benefits of social security,” said SSS Acting Vice President of Luzon North 1 Division Nancy Umoso. The KCP is a program of the SSS designed to establish partnerships with government agencies, local government units, and private institutions to facilitate easier coverage, collection, and remittance of contributions for JO and COS workers who are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). SSS La Trinidad, being the SSS branch covering ATI-CAR, expressed its appreciation to the agency for being a proactive partner in the advocacy of social protection. “This collaboration marks a step forward in turning the theme “Sigurado ang Bukas” into a reality for more Filipinos. The SSS remains steadfast in its mission to extend universal and inclusive social security coverage, especially for workers in vulnerable sectors,” SSS La Trinidad Branch Head Dominador Malatag concluded. As of September 2025, SSS has 21 KCP partners in provinces of Benguet, Abra and Mt. Province with 1,740 registered JO and COS workers as self-employed members.               

Based on the RAPID DAMAGE ASSESSMENT & NEEDS ANALYSIS (RDANA) of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) for Super Typhoon #UwanPH as of 9:00AM, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 No casualty.  

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong declared the suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private, on November 10, which is expected to bring heavy rains and winds as typhoon ‘Uwan’ passes through Baguio City on Sunday. Vehicle number coding has also been suspended to allow residents to use their vehicles in times of emergency, Magalong called on residents to take extra precautions against the possible impact of typhoon Uwan (Tropical Cyclone ‘Fung-Wong’) that is expected to hit or pass through Baguio City. Magalong said concerned agencies are currently conducting a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDR) in preparation for the expected strong impact of the upcoming typhoon, which is expected to hit the city on Sunday, possibly bringing heavy rains and strong winds. Magalong also reminded all barangays to implement precautions in preparation for the upcoming typhoon. As part of the preventive measures, garbage collection will be temporarily suspended two days before the expected landfall of the typhoon to prevent garbage from spreading and clogging drainage systems. Residents are advised not to throw their garbage during this period and to ensure that garbage is properly secured to help reduce flooding and maintain cleanliness in their communities. Emergency response equipment has been reviewed and prepared in all barangays. Each barangay has an “orange box” containing essential emergency supplies, while communication equipment will be distributed two days before the typhoon to ensure smooth coordination of response operations. The city’s response teams and personnel led by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) are fully prepared and well-equipped to deal with any emergency that may arise. Magalong assured the public that the City remains prepared for severe storms, based on its long experience in managing severe weather events. He advised the public to take all necessary measures to protect lives and properties and that people living in areas identified as highly or very vulnerable to landslide and flood hazards are urged to follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local officials.

BAGUIO CITY — Key officials and representatives from the City Government of Baguio, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA-CSITE), the Department of Education (DepEd), and various national government agencies convened for the second public consultation on the proposed development of the open field adjacent to CSITE, a property owned by the City Government of Baguio. Mayor Benjamin Magalong attended the consultation, which focused on ensuring that the site’s development promotes safety, accessibility, functionality, and community growth. Among the major agreements and action points discussed were the following: Safety and Accessibility: The City Government will prioritize the establishment of safe vehicle and pedestrian access points to protect students and children in the vicinity. Sports and Recreation Area: The proposed multi-purpose sports field will follow standard futsal dimensions and utilize artificial turf, allowing the space to accommodate both school-based and community sports activities. Innovation and Learning Space: Plans include integrating an innovation hub to advance the city’s youth and education development initiatives. Environmental Considerations: The development will incorporate proper drainage and wastewater management systems, along with organized parking and traffic flow, to ensure environmental sustainability and safety. Technical Collaboration: Councilor Atty. Paolo Salvosa recommended that DepEd and TESDA-CSITE architects collaborate in the design process to ensure that both agencies’ requirements and preferences are properly represented. DepEd attended the meeting to provide technical inputs; however, no formal agreement or official commitment for collaboration has been made at this stage. Land Survey Commitment: TESDA-CSITE committed to requesting a land survey from the City Engineer’s Office to determine the total land area and available space for the proposed sports and innovation facilities. The consultation underscored the shared commitment of TESDA-CSITE, DepEd, and the City Government of Baguio to pursue inclusive and sustainable development projects that promote education, sports, and community engagement. This ongoing collaboration reflects a unified vision to transform the open field into a safe, functional, and community-centered space that enhances learning, recreation, and youth development opportunities for the people of Baguio.

“Strength is not the absence of struggle, and healing is not weakness but courage in motion.” Thus declared Mayor Benjamin Magalong in a social media post in honor of October as Mental Health Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “As we advocate for good governance, let us also remember that leadership is not only about accountability in service: it’s also about compassion for others and care for oneself,” he said. “To everyone facing silent battles, whether it’s the weight of expectations, the fight against illness, or the daily pressure to stay strong, know this: you are not alone. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of bravery,” the Mayor added. He is urging everyone to begin the week with empathy and resilience, check our mental health and those around us, support awareness, early detection, and compassion for breast cancer warriors, and lead with kindness because every heart we uplift strengthens our community. “True courage is not just in fighting corruption or injustice—it’s also in choosing to care, to heal, and to keep going,” the Mayor stressed.-Gaby B. Keith

  BAGUIO CITY — In support of education and community learning, SM Cares, together with SM City Baguio, turned over collected books from the Book Nook Donation Drive to the Baguio City Public Library. The turnover was led by SM City Baguio Mall Manager Philip Baysac, joined by mall administration volunteers, and was received by Ms. Easter Wahayna-Pablo, City Librarian of Baguio City Public Library. The activity highlights the mall’s continued commitment to promoting literacy and making learning resources accessible to the community. Anchored on the theme “Under the Same Sky: Share the Magic of Stories,” this initiative encourages mallgoers to share new or pre-loved books, which are then distributed to local libraries and partner institutions to inspire a love for reading. By partnering with the Baguio City Public Library, SM Cares and SM City Baguio reaffirm their shared commitment to nurture literacy, inclusivity, and community engagement. This initiative also highlights SM’s dedication to empowering individuals through education and lifelong learning. The Book Nook Donation Drive Turnover is part of SM Cares’ Education and Literacy Program, reflecting the company’s mission to help build stronger, smarter, and more connected communities.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The management of Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges (ABML) has clarified that Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero does not own any property within the development, contrary to claims circulating online and in private circles. In a text message, ABML said that while the residential village does not publicly release its list of homeowners for privacy and security reasons, it was able to verify that no home is listed under the name of Sen. Escudero or any company associated with him. “ABML, like any other residential village in the country, does not divulge a list of its residents or homeowners. However, we are able to confirm that there is no home listed as owned by Sen. Chiz Escudero or any company associated with him,” according to management. ABML added that Escudero and his family have occasionally visited the property, as seen in social media posts by various individuals, but such visits should not be mistaken for ownership. “We are aware that he and his family are occasional visitors to the property, as can be gleaned from numerous social media posts by various parties. Mrs. Escudero, being a long-time member of Alphaland Balesin Island Club, is allowed the privilege to use the facilities of ABML,” the ABML official said. Located in Itogon, Benguet, Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges is one of the country’s premier mountain residential developments, known for its luxury lodges, high-altitude views, and exclusivity. It is a sister property of the Alphaland Balesin Island Club in Quezon province, both developed under the Alphaland Corporation brand. Escudero’s 2024 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) does not include any declaration of ownership or business interest related to Alphaland or real estate in Baguio or Benguet.

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (DSWD-SLPA), conducted a rattan weaving workshop to empower local communities through heritage-based livelihood training. Held at the JHMC Office, the workshop served as a platform for capacity-building among marginalized sectors, equipping participants with practical skills in crafting rattan products such as cups and flower vases. The initiative underscores JHMC’s institutional commitment to sustainable tourism and community empowerment, particularly through the integration of indigenous craftsmanship into modern livelihood opportunities. The training was facilitated by Ili-Likha artists Jason Domling and Allen Balisong, whose expertise in traditional weaving techniques provided participants with both technical proficiency and cultural insight. The session was lauded for its blend of heritage and innovation, fostering creativity and resilience among attendees. Participants included representatives from various community organizations like Atok Trail Women’s SLPA, Salat SLPA, Happy Hollow Agriculture SLPA, Indigenous Community Livelihood Association, Loakan-Apugan Sustainable Livelihood Association, Irisan Women’s Association, and individual members from multiple barangays, including the PWD Association of Baguio. Their active engagement reflected a shared aspiration for economic self-sufficiency and cultural pride. Observers from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Benguet, Sarah Jane O. Ubfan, and Shirley G. Carino were present throughout the activity, actively assessing its potential for broader livelihood integration and market viability. Their involvement not only reinforced the multi-sectoral collaboration behind the initiative but also signaled institutional interest in scaling heritage-based economic opportunities. JHMC President and CEO Manjit Singh Reandi expressed full support for the initiative, stating, “We are committed to making locally crafted products more accessible to the public and to helping our communities transform traditional skills into viable market opportunities. This is not just about livelihood, it’s about pride, sustainability, and inclusive growth.” He further emphasized that Camp John Hay, with its steady foot traffic from tourists and locals alike, offers a strategic venue to showcase and market these community-made products, creating a tangible link between heritage craftsmanship and economic opportunity.  

CAMP JOHN HAY, Baguio City — The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and Rogue Food and Beverages Inc., operating under the brand Rebel Bakehouse, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 28, 2025, for the lease of the Bell House Library located within the Camp John Hay Historical Core. The agreement grants Rebel Bakehouse a 12-month lease to operate a café within the heritage site, with the aim of enhancing the visitor experience through curated food and beverage offerings, some of which will be exclusively available at the Camp John Hay branch. JHMC President and Chief Executive Officer Manjit Singh Reandi and Rebel Bakehouse President Yvette Danica M. Santos led the ceremonial signing, which was witnessed by Donna Jane G. Aldana, Corporate Secretary of Rebel Bakehouse, and Rachelle Anne N. Montoya, JHMC Business Development Manager, as well as members of the JHMC staff. Under the terms of the agreement, Rebel Bakehouse shall ensure full compliance with all existing and future national environmental, health, and sanitation laws, as well as the specific regulations implemented by JHMC and other relevant authorities within Camp John Hay. The lessee is also mandated to dispose of all garbage, waste, and pollutants in accordance with applicable rules and standards, as environmental stewardship is one of JHMC’s core mandates. “This collaboration with Rebel Bakehouse reflects our enduring commitment to responsible stewardship and adaptive revitalization of heritage spaces,” said Singh Reandi. “By welcoming enterprises that align with our values, we continue to preserve the legacy of Camp John Hay, and we also cultivate community-driven economic growth.” Santos expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “This is truly a dream come true. I have vivid memories of playing at the Scout Hill grounds as a child, and to now be part of this historic site through Rebel Bakehouse is deeply meaningful. We are honored to uphold the environmental and cultural standards set by JHMC, and we look forward to serving the community in a space that inspires both reflection and connection.” While enjoying freshly brewed coffee and artisanal breads, visitors and patrons may also explore the historical features housed within the Bell House Library. A remnant of American colonial architecture and a symbol of Baguio’s storied past, the Bell House Library is expected to open its doors to café guests in the coming weeks. The initiative is anticipated to attract both residents and tourists, further enriching the cultural and recreational experiences within Camp John Hay. The partnership is part of JHMC’s broader initiative to rekindle heritage spaces through sustainable and community-aligned enterprises.