BAGUIO CITY – “It’s been a long time since I saw each every one of you. Hindi pa ako naging ganito ka-busy sa buong buhay ko. Nais kong humingi ng paumanhin sa bawat isa sa inyo, kung hindi ko magampanan ang aking mga gawain bilang inyong Alkalde ng lungsod. Pagpasensyahan nyo na ho!.” Ito ang mapakumbabang sinabi ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong sa kanyang talumpati sa pagdalo niya sa ginanap na BREEZE ( Brand of Excellent,Extraordinary,and Zealous Employees) Awards 2025, na ginanap sa Camp John Hay, Baguio City, noong Setyembre 26, matapos ang kanyang pagbibitiw bilang Special Adviser ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Ang BrEEZE Awards ay isang espesyal na okasyon na nakatuon sa pagbibigay parangal sa mga pinahahalagahang empleyado ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Baguio, mga retirado, at mga pamilya ng mga yumaong kasamahan na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay sa serbisyo publiko. Ang kaganapang ito ay isang mahalagang okasyon, dahil binibigyang-pugay natin ang mga haligi ng ating gawain. Ang aming mga retirado ng ibinigay sa mga nakaraang taon ng kanilang buhay at serbisyo, Ang mga pamilya ng aming mga yumaong kasamahan. Kaninong Legacy ang patuloy na nagbibigay inspirasyon. Ang aming mga loyalty awardees ay magpapatunay na ang tunay na dedikasyon ay nasusukat ng mga taon Ng matatag na pangako. Ayon kay Magalong, “ang serbisyo publiko ay hindi kailanman madali, Ito ay isang sakripisyo na puno ng maraming katuparan at ito mismo ang aking pinagdadaanan. ngayon. Maniwala ka sa akin ito ay isang bagay na lubhang kakaiba. Ang aking sakripisyo, pagkadismaya at madalas ay iniisip ko ang kaligtasan ng aking pamilya.” “ Kung hindi ko nagampanan ang aking mga gawain bilang inyong alkalde ng lungsod, Ito ay hindi isang madaling gawain, maniwala ka sa akin, Ito ay napakahirap at ito ay lubhang mapanganib din. Labanan ang lahat ng napakalakas na mga tao sa ating bansa ngayon,” pahayag pa ni Magalong. Tinawag din Magalong na ang korapsyon sa infrastructure ay isang cottage industry sector, na isang highly organized,highly syndicated, matapos ang kanyang pagsama sap ag-iikot sa mga flood control projects sa iba’t ibang lugar na kung saan ay umaabot sa P900 bilyong piso ang nasayang mula sa kaban ng bayan. Magalong extended his heartfelt congratulations to all awardess: “Kayo ang embodiment of what it means to serve with excellence, extraordinary dedication, and zealous spirit. Mabuhay kayo, thank you for being the heart and soul of our city government.” Sa kanyang official statement, epektibo noong Setyembre 26, 2025, nagpasya akong magbitiw sa Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Ito ay hindi isang madaling pagpili, ngunit isa sa tingin ko ay kinakailangan. Once and for all, I would like to make it clear na walang conflict of interest sa role ko. Ang aking trabaho bilang Alkalde ng Baguio at ang aking paglilingkod sa ICI ay palaging ginagabayan ng isang prinsipyo: ang pinakamataas na pamantayan ng integridad sa serbisyo publiko. Gayunpaman, ang mga kamakailang pag-unlad ay nagdulot ng pagdududa sa kalayaan ng Komisyon. Ang kalayaan ay ang pundasyon ng pananagutan, at kung wala ito, ang ating kredibilidad ay nakompromiso. Tumanggi akong pahintulutan ang mga pagdududang ito na pahinain ang ICI at ang mandato nito. Kaya naman pinili kong tumabi, hindi para talikuran ang laban, kundi para protektahan ang mismong integridad ng laban. Ang aking pangako sa katotohanan at katarungan ay nananatiling matatag. Sa loob man o labas ng ICI, ipagpapatuloy ko itong krusada laban sa katiwalian na may kaparehong kapasyahan na aking dinala sa bawat laban na aking hinarap: mula Mamasapano, hanggang sa pagsisiyasat ng Ninja Cops, hanggang sa pagtindig laban sa tradisyonal na pulitika, at ngayon sa paggigiit ng pananagutan mula sa mga nandarambong sa pondo ng publiko. Hindi natin dapat pahintulutan ang mga tiwaling pinuno at burukrata sa pulitika na nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga anak, at higit sa lahat, ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Ang bawat pisong ninakaw sa mga tao ay hindi lamang pagnanakaw. Ito ay isang paaralang hindi natapos, isang ospital na walang gamot, isang tulay na gumuho, at ang pag-asa ng isang bansa ay ipinagkanulo. Ang pinakamalaking kawalan ng katarungan ay ang katiwalian ay nagnanakaw sa mga tao ng kanilang kaligtasan at kanilang kinabukasan. Hindi natin maaaring payagan ang katiwalian na tukuyin ang ating kinabukasan. Dapat tayong manindigan para sa transparency, accountability, at good governance para sa ating bansa, at para sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino.                  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Baguio City and San Antonio, Texas, mark a milestone in their partnership as sister cities with unveiling a replica of the historic Alamo Mission at the Baguio Botanical Garden on September 25, 2025. The Alamo, originally founded in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero by Spanish missionaries, evolved from a religious mission to a military fortress. It is best known for the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan and Tejano defenders heroically defended the mission against the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. Today, the Alamo stands as a historic shrine and museum in San Antonio, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and self-determination. This cultural landmark represents friendships, heritage, and the collective ambition of the two cities. The sisterhood between the two cities was established on June 23, 2023. The partnership was signed by the then San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Since then, the sisterhood blossomed into a significant cultural and educational exchange. One of the first partnership projects was the San Antonio Garden in Baguio Botanical Garden, inspired by the iconic San Antonio River Walk and followed by the large replica of a cowboy boot installation, a recognizable Texan symbol, setting San Antonio’s identity within local heritage sites in Baguio. The most recent addition is an installation of the Alamo Mission, a historically significant landmark representing resilience, courage, and the battle for independence in Texas history. The Alamo, formerly a Spanish mission before becoming a site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, is a lasting symbol of self-determination. Representatives from Communities Aligning Baguio and San Antonio, Texas (CABSAT) were present, together with city officials and local artists who crafted the installation. CABSAT is a nonprofit organization that manages educational tours, medical missions, and cultural exchanges, strengthening community ties across the two cities. Baguio Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and CABSAT Treasurer Tess Cahigas delivered messages emphasizing their continuous commitment to collaboration, shared identity, and cultural respect. The replica is more than just a monument; it reminds future generations of the importance of unity, history, and international friendship. The sister city relationship between Baguio and San Antonio demonstrates how shared values and history can bridge distances and encourage continuing collaboration. This collaboration builds cultural bridges and provides opportunities for mutual growth and understanding. As Baguio City proudly hosts these Texan historical markers, the bond with San Antonio remains strong, promising a future of joint projects and increased relationships between both thriving cities.( Ramia Yezza De Mesa – SLU intern)  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) arrested a total of 22 persons and seized suspected illegal drugs as a result of the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) from September 14 to 20, 2025. During the said operations, six Top Most Wanted Persons were apprehended. These include four individuals listed as the 2nd, 7th, 8th, and 9th Regional Top Most Wanted Persons, who were separately charged with Rape and Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment. Additionally, two City-Level Top Most Wanted Persons were arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The arrested wanted persons are classified as High Value Individuals. On the other hand, 14 other wanted persons were apprehended for violation of various penal laws. Meanwhile, two suspects were arrested during the conduct of a separate anti-illegal drug operations that also led to the seizure of suspected shabu. The BCPO remains firm in advancing the priority agenda of the Acting Chief, PNP, PLtGen.Jose Melencio Nartatez,Jr., particularly in enhancing police operational management and sustaining the campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and terrorism. BCPO City Director PCol. Ruel Tagel emphasized that these efforts are not only aimed at holding offenders accountable but also at protecting the community’s way of life. He further assured that the command will continue to adapt and strengthen its operations to keep Baguio City safe.

By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY, Phlippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has set up a mechanism to strengthen project oversight and address delays and other problems hampering the implementation and completion of locally funded infrastructure projects in the city. In Executive Order No. 90-2025 dated July 28, 2025, the mayor created the Lifecycle Infrastructure Committee (LIC), a body tasked with ensuring transparency, accountability and resilience in the city’s infrastructure projects. The new committee is part of the city’s commitment to the Build Better More Program and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028, both of which emphasize anti-corruption safeguards and improved monitoring systems for government projects, according to the mayor. “The LIC will serve as the city’s oversight body for infrastructure, from planning to post-evaluation, ensuring that projects are not only completed but are also sustainable and responsive to community needs,” Magalong said. The LIC will be chaired by City Administrator Vittorio Jerico Cawis with City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Engr. Charles Bryan Carame as Vice Chair and City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente, City Engineer Richard Lardizabal, City Building Official Johnny Degay, City Environment and Parks Management Officer Rhenan Diwas, City Planning and Development Coordinator Donna Tabangin and City Accountant Freda Jimenez as members. The LIC will take on the following key tasks: Oversee governance throughout the project life cycle — from conception and feasibility to construction and rehabilitation. Screen and prioritize infrastructure projects funded by the city’s 20 percent Local Development Fund (LDF), using criteria such as social impact, climate resilience, economic return, and gender responsiveness. Issue readiness certifications to ensure projects have completed feasibility studies, engineering designs, and necessary clearances before procurement. Monitor construction progress and resolve issues such as project delays, safety concerns, and utility conflicts. Conduct annual reviews of operations and maintenance, recommending budget adjustments or corrective measures to prolong facility life. Carry out post-project evaluations, including socioeconomic and climate-risk audits, to strengthen future planning. Facilitate stakeholder engagement by consulting with barangays, civil society organizations, utilities, and national agencies. Propose policy measures to institutionalize life-cycle infrastructure management and asset inventory. Magalong emphasized that the LIC will streamline project implementation and safeguard public resources. “Through this committee, we aim to strengthen transparency and accountability in infrastructure development, while ensuring that projects truly address the needs of our citizens,” he said. “The creation of the LIC reflects Baguio’s continuing efforts to pursue sustainable urban growth, improve public service delivery, and enhance the quality of life for residents through well-planned and well-managed infrastructure investments,” he added.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The onslaught of Super Typhoon Nando in Baguio City affected a total of 87 families composed of 416 individuals as of 10:00 pm of September 23, 2025 Of the total affected families, 50 families composed of 239 individuals sought shelter in their barangay halls neighbors or with their relatives and city evacuation centers while 37 families composed of 177 individuals did not evacuate. No casualty but two houses were partially damaged. There were 20 soil erosion/landslide/rockfall incidences cleared by the city response teams and five eroded riprap monitored. There were nine lifelines affected consisting of water, electricity, and telecoms that are now being restored. A total of 17 fallen/leaning trees were attended including five flooding incidents. Total cost of damages is yet to be determined as the Response Cluster of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) continues to work on the ground.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio City Jail – Male Dorm reported that the facility houses some two hundred thirty eight persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with a congestion rate of around 54.9 percent as of September 5, 2025 which is much lower compared to the same period last year. The Baguio City Jail – Male Dorm said that the reduction of the congestion rate is an encouraging indicator of the effectiveness of the facility’s rehabilitation programs and the collective efforts of the Bureau of Jail management and Penology (BJMP) to create pathways for the re-integration of PDLs into mainstream society. Further, violations of the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 remain the most prevalent crime committed as it accounts for 119 PDLs or 50.2 percent of the total jail population in terms of case distribution. The Baguio City Jail – Male Dorm was also able to maintain its status as a drug-free jail facility through the continuous support of the BJMP’s partner agencies such as the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the National bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of the Interior and Local government (DILG). Moreover, the facility was able to record zero incidents of escape, riot, noise barrage, or violence from the second quarter of 2025 to date. Jail officials expressed their gratitude to the local government for its unwavering support, particularly through the annual funding of the unit’s programs, projects and activities for the upliftment of the welfare of the PDLs detained in the facility. Among the notable contributions of the city are the donation of a brand new Toyota Hi-Ace commuter van on July 31, 2025 and the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the new Baguio City Jail in San Luis held recently made possible through a usufruct agreement that will ultimately reduce the facility’s congestion rate to zero percent once completed. During the celebration of the 34th BJMP-CAR anniversary recently, the Baguio City Jaile – Male Dormitory was awarded Best City Jail of the Year, while the incumbent City Jail Warden, Jail Chief Inspector John Waylan M. Lapon was recognized as the Best City Jail Warden of the Year. The Baguio City Jail – Male Dormitory claimed that the recognition would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the local government which itself was recognized and awarded a plaque of merit during the said anniversary celebration. (Baguio PIO)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas has proposed an ordinance institutionalizing a support and assistance program for nano-enterprises. This measure aims to provide technical training, financial grants, and registration support to help the city’s smallest businesses sustain operations, expand, and contribute to inclusive local economic growth. The proposed ordinance recognizes the nano-enterprises’ vital yet often overlooked role in the local economy. According to Cayabas, unlike micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), nano-enterprises are extremely limited in resources, typically operating with only up to P30,000.00 in capitalization and often run by self-employed individuals such as food cart vendors, sari-sari store owners, street food sellers, repairers, and other small livelihood operators. Because many of these enterprises belong to the informal economy, Cayabas stated they lack access to loans, subsidies, and government support programs. By providing a formal system of assistance, the proposed ordinance aims to empower these entrepreneurs, protect them from exploitative lending, and help them gradually transition into the formal economy. Under the proposed measure, support will come in the form of technical assistance, training, capability development, and financial grants. Technical aid may include help with business registration, legal advice, and other interventions tailored to the specific needs of each enterprise. Capacity building programs will cover training on financial management, marketing and branding strategies, entrepreneurial leadership, and re-skilling to adapt to market changes. In addition, qualified nano-entrepreneurs will be eligible for a one-time financial grant of up to P30,000.00 intended strictly for business sustainability or expansion, subject to evaluation of feasibility through a business sustainability or market expansion plan. The ordinance also proposes the establishment of a Nano Enterprises Registration System/Portal to formally enlist all nano-enterprises in the city. This portal, to be maintained by the Permits and Licensing Division, will serve as a centralized compendium and gateway for access to government programs, subsidies, and grants. Through systematic mapping, the city government will be able to design targeted interventions and track the progress of nano-entrepreneurs, ensuring that assistance is responsive to their evolving needs. To oversee its implementation, a Screening, Monitoring, and Assessment Team (SMAT) will be created, headed by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO). The SMAT will evaluate applicants, release grants, monitor beneficiaries, and recommend policy improvements. It will also coordinate with government agencies, business groups, and people’s organizations to strengthen partnerships and linkages that can benefit nano-enterprises. For its implementation, the ordinance earmarks an annual budget of P6.5 million from the city’s general fund. Aside from grants, these funds will cover consultations, summits, research, and other initiatives aligned with the program’s objectives. The proposed ordinance has been approved by the city council on first reading and referred to the Committee on Market, Trade, Commerce, and Agriculture for review. (Jordan G. Habbiling)      

 BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Representatives of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance–Kalinga (CPA–Kalinga) filed a petition at the NCIP Regional Office, on September 15, demanding the immediate cancellation of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) applications for DPJ Engineers’ Upper Tabuk Hydropower Project (UTHP) and JBD Water Power Inc.’s (JWPI) Saltan Dams. A dialogue with NCIP Regional Director Roland Calde followed, where he revealed that the Saltan Dam projects FPIC processes have already been terminated and that the UTHP is up for similar termination. “This is a victory for the Kalinga tribes threatened by these development-aggression projects. We welcome the NCIP’s decision and hope that other opposed projects will meet the same fate. We will remain vigilant and expect more decisive action in the coming days,” said Juan Dammay, Chairperson of CPA–Kalinga. “The failure of the FPIC process to proceed is the result of sustained protests by affected communities over the years. The NCIP’s termination is long overdue, and those projects still up for termination should be cancelled immediately,” added CPA spokesperson Ned Tuguinay. JWPI’s terminated projects include the 49-MW Saltan D and 45-MW Saltan E along the Saltan River, a tributary of the Chico River. However, other renewable-energy and large-scale mining projects continue to threaten Kalinga, often accompanied by intense militarization. Among these is the 200-MW Abra-Kalinga Wind Farm, also by JWPI, which poses an urgent threat to the municipalities of Balbalan and Pasil in Kalinga, as well as Malibcong, Licuan-Baay, and Daguioman in Abra. Geothermal projects of the Aragorn Power and Energy Corporation would affect the municipalities of Lubuagan, Pasil, and Tinglayan. Placed alongside large-scale mining applications, these projects leave the province of Kalinga facing severe threats. CPA continues to call for the cancellation of these projects and for the genuine recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights. “Development should be self-determined. None of these projects are intended to address the lack of basic social services in the Cordillera, contrary to the promises of their proponents. They are all designed for profit. We have seen how much money is lost to corruption. These funds should have been spent on essential services. So-called development projects should never be used as a condition for the provision of those services,” Tuguinay concluded.