𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) successfully conducted its Board Elections following the selection of the newly elected nine private sector representatives, together with government officials marking another milestone in the council’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and collaborative tourism governance. The newly elected sectoral representatives and government officials convened to elect the council’s key officers-Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, and Auditor. The election proceedings were presided over by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who also serves as Co-Chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council, ensuring that the process was orderly, transparent, and in full accordance with established protocols. Nominations were opened for each position, and in a show of unity and confidence among the members, only one nominee for every post emerged, all receiving unanimous support. Voting was conducted through secret ballot following the election guidelines, with votes officially tallied by the COMELEC committee, further strengthening the integrity and credibility of the elections. Following the results, Ms. Gladys Vergara of the G3 Restaurants and Bars Sector was reelected as Chairperson, reaffirming the trust placed in her leadership. Ms. Evangeline Payno of the G1 Hotels and Resorts Sector was elected as Vice Chairperson, while Mr. Jefferson Ng of the G5 Specialized Tourism Product Providers was reelected as Treasurer. Ms. Jeneffer Palacsa-Baltazar of the G8 Travel and Tours Sector was elected as the council’s Auditor. Also present during the elections were key government partners, including DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, Supervising Tourism Officer Engr. Aloysius Mapalo, and BCPO City Director Ruel Tagel, whose presence highlighted the strong partnership between national agencies, local government, and the tourism industry. TPU Chief PCPT Edith Aspilan was likewise in attendance to support the proceedings. Representing the newly elected private sector groups were the nine sectoral representatives: Evangeline Payno (G1 Hotels and Resorts), Mita Dimalanta (G2 Alternative Accommodation Establishments), Gladys Vergara (G3 Restaurants and Bars), Glenn Gaerlan (G4 Academe, Schools, and Tourism Education), Jefferson Ng (G5 Specialized Tourism Product Providers), Jasper Golangco (G6 Tourism-Oriented Business Enterprises and Organizations), Ferdinand Balanag (G7 Heritage, Culture, Arts, and Media), Jeneffer Palacsa-Baltazar (G8 Travel and Tours), and Wilson Bumay-et (G9 Allied Tourism Services). Also in attendance was KBP Baguio-Benguet President Erickson Ferrer, who served as part of the COMELEC committee, further reinforcing the transparency and credibility of the election process. An induction ceremony immediately followed, formally welcoming and congratulating the newly elected Board of Trustees of the Baguio Tourism Council. As the Baguio Tourism Council moves forward under its renewed leadership, it reaffirms its shared vision of sustainable, responsible, and inclusive tourism development. With strengthened unity between the private sector and government, the BTC looks ahead with renewed purpose, working collectively to protect Baguio’s heritage and empower its tourism stakeholders. (PR)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio City Health Services Office (CHSO), under the leadership of Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, urges all residents and visitors to prioritize health and safety during the holiday season. As festivities approach, the office launches its “Yuletide Season Health Nudges” campaign to promote safe practices and protect the community. Dr. Brillantes reminds 8 health nudges to residents and tourists alike before enjoying the holidays. “𝐘𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐍𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐒”: 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗬𝗔𝗛𝗘: 𝗡𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲’𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱. Plan your trips ahead and ensure that whoever is driving refrains from drinking alcohol. Drivers should be well-rested before getting behind the wheel to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Regularly inspect your vehicle, particularly the brakes, tires, and lights, before traveling to guarantee roadworthiness and reduce the risk of vehicular mishaps during the busy holiday season. 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗞 𝗨𝗣 𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀, 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗸, 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆. If you are feeling unwell, especially if you have a cough or cold, wear a mask to prevent the spread of illness. This is particularly important when interacting with vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Practicing good respiratory hygiene helps protect not only your loved ones but also the wider community. 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗: 𝗧𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀, 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗵𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰. 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼𝗮𝗽 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱. 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟯 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀. Maintain strict hygiene when preparing, cooking, and storing food. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, cook meals to proper temperatures, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. These habits help prevent foodborne illnesses like gastroenteritis, which can quickly spread during gatherings where food is shared. For drinking water, if bottled water is not available, make sure to boil water for at least 3 minutes for drinking water. For leftover food, it is generally recommended to reheat food only once for optimal safety, as each reheating cycle increases bacterial risk by passing through the danger zone (40-140°F). 𝗘𝗡𝗝𝗢𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗦: 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗮. 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. The holidays are often marked by indulgent feasts, but balance is key. Alongside traditional favorites like lechon or watwat, make sure to serve and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. A balanced diet supports your immune system and overall health. Having a meal with only meat and rice, especially on a daily basis, will increase your risk for non-communicable diseases that cause heart failure, stroke, and diabetes, among others. 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦: 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. Continue taking all prescribed maintenance medications, even amidst the excitement of the season. Set reminders if needed, and bring medicines with you if you will be traveling or attending events. Consistency in medication helps manage chronic conditions and prevents emergencies. 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗬: 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. On the evening of December 21, 2025, an 11-year-old male from Lower Dagsian was rushed to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center after an illegal firecracker, identified as a “5-Star,” exploded while in his possession. While the patient was successfully treated with anti-tetanus serums and has since been discharged, health officials warn that the incident could have been far more tragic. Instead of using firecrackers, which can cause injuries and fires, opt for safer ways to make noise and celebrate, such as banging gongs, pans, or other safe objects. This tradition not only protects individuals from harm but also promotes a safer community celebration. 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗞𝗝𝗔𝗗: 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲, 𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘁, 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. One of the CHSO’s advocacies is to promote active mobility such as walking, jogging, biking, and Zumba sessions daily. Sedentary lifestyle (or the lack of exercise) is a contributory factor to major illnesses in the city, such as heart diseases, cancer, among others. Promoting Zumba sessions during holiday activities and celebrations will help prevent such deadly illnesses. 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗠: 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀, 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀. Visitors are likewise advised to bring warm clothing, as the cool Baguio breeze might affect their immunity to certain illnesses. Should tourists plan to visit the city, make sure they have no alarming symptoms that might affect their health during their travel. Make sure they are well rested, not ill, and bring their medications with them before travelling. Tourists are also reminded to go through the policies of the city, such as the adherence to the Anti-Smoking and Anti-Vaping ordinance, prohibiting smoking and vaping in all public places.

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz   BAGUIO CITY – The first child of working parents became this year’s Lucky Christmas Baby, after the long-awaited return of the National Correspondents Club of Baguio (NCCB) groups’ program, on December 25. This year’s lucky Christmas Baby is Baby boy Kyro, born at 3:04 a.m. on December 25, through normal delivery at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) to parents Charlize Nicolie Dizon Mariano and Gibriel Malupeng Estoque, both 21 years-old of Aurora Hill, Baguio City. The baby boy is the first child of Charlize Nicolie , from Mangaldan ,Pangasinan and Gibriel , both working as cashiers in a food establishment in the city. ” Kyro is God’s blessing to us. Thank you Lord, ‘ the mother Charlize Nicolie told media men , just seven hours after giving birth. ‘Maraming..maraming salamat po sa mga taong tumulong—sa doctor ,mga nursing staff ng BGHMC,” added Charlize while cradling her son, and who looked exhausted -lack of sleep yet filled with love and joy. The parents also expressed gratitude to the organizer of the project. The lucky one and parent received Christmas gifts ,the package included cash and assorted goodies. This annual lucky Christmas Baby is a special Yuletide project-  a tradition of the NCCB, aimed at sharing joy to the less privileged. 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. NCCB officers led by Primo Agatep, Thomas Picana ,Zaldy Comanda presented gifts in behalf of the press club while social worker Mariete Mae Yapyap ,represented Liza Bulayungan ,head of the City Social and Welfare Development Office (CSWDO). The project is in cooperation with City Social and Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) and BGHMC ,and supported by Suyoc Taneg Indigenous Livelihood Association (STILA) of Mankayan, Lower Gomok Multipurpose Cooperative (LGMC) Of Itogon, Nay-en Tuluan Small Scale Miners Association-BFSSMI; John Hay Management Corp., SM-Baguio, Amianan Balita Ngayon (ABN), and Marie Krystal Uy.        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong called on Filipinos to reflect deeply on the kind of nation they want to build, urging a change in mindset—particularly in choosing the country’s leaders—amid growing public frustration and social challenges. In his Christmas message, Magalong extended his wishes of a “Merry Merry Christmas and an Advanced Happy New Year” to the public, before sharing what he described as his single, most important message for the season: the need for personal and collective change. Magalong stressed that Filipinos must become more discerning when electing leaders, noting that repeated choices of corrupt and traditional politicians have contributed to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness among citizens. He observed that public anger often runs high during times of crisis but fades over time, leading voters to re-elect the same leaders. “We feel so hopeless, we feel so helpless. Galit tayo lahat, mataas ang emotion natin,” Magalong said, adding that these sentiments are often forgotten after a few years, only to be repeated in the next election cycle. He appealed to voters to break this pattern for the sake of the country’s future. Magalong also raised concerns about the growing impact of social media on mental health, especially among young people. He cited the rise in stress, pressure, mental health issues, and suicide cases, which he linked in part to excessive exposure to online platforms. As a personal appeal for the holiday season, the mayor encouraged the public to step back from social media and focus instead on having “a clear mind, a happy heart, and a caring heart.” He urged Filipinos to set aside their political and social issues temporarily and embrace the true spirit of Christmas by showing love, compassion, and generosity—particularly to indigent individuals and those most in need. “This is the right time for us to share and show love and care,” Magalong said, emphasizing that Christmas should be a season of unity, reflection, and genuine concern for others. – Aileen P. Refuerzo    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio City Health Services Office reminds the public not to neglect heart health and mental wellness during the yuletide season. Dr. Donnabel T. Panes of the CHSO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit said holiday celebrations may lead to neglect of taking prescribed maintenance medicines particularly those with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases – which are the leading cause of death in the city. “Madalas sa handaan may alak at kapag naka-inom na, nakakalimutan na ang gamot,” the doctor said. She encouraged healthy food options during the yuletide celebrations as well to ensure that blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar and creatinine levels are within the normal or safe numbers. From January to December 15, 2025 a total of 828 deaths due to cardiovascular diseases were recorded by the CHSO and 179 deaths due to cerebrovascular diseases for the same period. Deaths increase during peak weather changes particularly during the months of April and November to December. Panes likewise emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful and kind conversions during family or social gatherings during the yuletide season for mental health and wellness. “We should refrain from commenting on someone’s weight, marital or financial status among others because these might add to pressure resulting in holiday blues,” Panes said. Holiday blues is defined as the temporary feelings of sadness, stress, loneliness, or anxiety that many people experience during the festive season stemming from pressures like financial strain, family conflict, grief over lost loved ones, and unmet expectations, among others. CHSO data showed emerging concerns on increased deaths linked to suicide and nicotine-related diseases. As of Dec. 15, 2025 a total of 35 deaths by suicide were recorded by the CHSO. “This is the season of giving and merrymaking but it may not be the same for those with medical or mental pressures, so let us all be kind and celebrate the healthy way,” Panes said. – JM Samidan    

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.