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.  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The local government needs around PhP350 million to fully rehabilitate the Maharlika Livelihood Center to achieve the city’s desire to make the facility one of the major economic enterprises where local micro-small and medium enterprises can to thrive. City Budget officer Leticia O. Clemente, who is also the chairperson of the Maharlika Livelihood Center Transition Committee, said that the city government already submitted a proposal to the Office of the President requesting financial assistance for the implementation of the simultaneous rehabilitation of the facility to avoid unnecessary inconveniences on the part of the existing tenants. She admitted that local fund sources are not sufficient to fund a sustained implementation of the desired rehabilitation of the facility and that it will surely take a longer period of time to do so if the city is to totally fund the rehabilitation. Initially, the city budget officer claimed that the city government will prioritize the implementation of minor improvements in the different parts of the facility aside from the implementation of the rehabilitation of the burned basement to allow better business climate in the different portions of the center. Clemente stated that aside from the implementation of the various works that had already been funded by limited local sources, the city is also working on the enforcing policies governing the lessees in the different portions of the center to enhance their business operations in the future. Earlier, the State-owned Human Settlements Development Corporation (HSDC), an attached agency of the agriculture department, formally turned over to the city government the management of the Maharlika Livelihood Center following the lapse of the 50-year contract that allowed the agency to administer, manage and operate the facility. The city government department head expressed hope that the Office of the President will grant the requested financial assistance earlier submitted so that a significant improvement could be introduced in the facility that will allow improved conduct of business in its various portions.    

By Pigeon Lobien   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Nearly 60 members of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters were officially insured by the M. Lhuillier Insurance. This after president Dionisio Dennis, Jr. and immediate president Thomas Picana paid the two policies offered by MLI last Wednesday at the Solibao Restaurant at Burnham. Picana, who heads the Media Golf Team, which raised the money to pay for the two year premium for BCBC members 65 years and younger and eight additional members 66 years and older but not older then 75 years old had been enrolled. “Finally, we were able to enroll our members and pay for their premiums as we initially promised,” said Picana, the Amianan Balita Ngayon publisher and editor. The golf was staged in January 25 this year at the Baguio Country Club golf course. The team was composed of former BCBC presidents led by then incumbent president Picana, co-chair Harley Palangchao, Roderick Osis, Jordan Tablac, Migs Velarde, Frank Cimatu, Joseph Cabanas, Dennis and this writer, was able to raise the funds for the insurance policies that will be for two years. The first of the group policies that is open that qualifies individuals ages between 18 and 65 years old has the following benefits: Accidental Death of P250,000.00, Total Permanent Disability of P250,000.00, Unprovoked Murder & Assault of P125,000.00, Motorcycling Coverage of P125,000.00, Accidental Medical Reimbursement (Due to accident) of Up to P25,000.00, Accidental Medical Reimbursement (Due to motorcycling) of Up to P12,500.00, Daily Hospital Confinement Benefit of P2,500/day (maximum of 20 days), Burial Assistance (Following accidental death) of P25,000.00, Burial Assistance (Due to natural death, except for pre-existing illnesses) of P12,500.00, Fire Cash Assistance of PhP2,500.00, Ambulance Benefit / Emergency Medical Transport of PhP2,500.00 and Repatriation of Mortal Remains of PhP5,000.00. Meanwhile, the second policy has the following benefits to the insure whose maximum age is 75 years old: Accidental Death of P250,000.00, Total Permanent Disability (due to accident) of P250,000.00, Unprovoked Murder & Assault of P250,000.00, Motorcycling Coverage of P250,000, Accidental Medical Reimbursement of up to PhP25,000.00, Daily Hospital Confinement Benefit (Due to Accident) of P500/day (max of 15 days), Burial Assistance (Following accidental death) of P5.000 and Fire Cash Assistance of PhP5,000. Picana said that the club will also pay for same policy next year or a total of two years for insured members 65 years old and younger, while the “super senior” that are older than 56 but not exceeding 75 years old will have policies for three years. The fund intended for the payment next year and the next will be deposited in a separate account at the Philippine Veterans Bank. Dennis and treasurer Rose Malekchan will open said bank account after the approval of a board resolution to that effect. Dennis said that the individual policies will be given to all the 58 BCBC members soon, “maybe when we have the EPIRA wokshop with the Benguet Electric Cooperative,” said the DZWT commentator. Dennis said the provision of insurance was one of the last remaining projects of his administration which will also amend the club’s constitution and by-laws with the planned Christmas Party on December 13 as general assembly. The referendum is eyed during the BCBC election early next year when the club also elects the new set of officers and directors.                  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Best Performing Barangays in different categories are awarded in the presence of the respective grassroot level unit officials, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Atty. Anthony Nuyda as keynote speaker, Baguio City Field Office (BCFO) Director Millicent Carino, Congressman Mauricio Domogan, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice-Mayor Faustino Olowan who share their messages during the program today, Nov. 21, at the Newtown events center,Baguio City. In the DILG Best Performing Barangays Kalinisan Program; Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa Barangay, Slaughterhouse (Santo Nino), Scout Barrio, Middle Rock Quarry, Atok Trail and Upper Market Subdivision topped the category while for the Barangay Kalinisan Day (BARKADA); Middle Rock Quarry, Andres Bonifacio, BAL-Marcoville, Brookspoint, Lower Lourdes Subdivision, Fort del Pilar, West Bayan Park, North Central Aurora Hill, Kabayanihan, Malcolm Square-Perfecto, Imelda Village, Scout Barrio and Magsaysay Private Road are all winners. Still with the DILG Kalinisan Program, the Barangay Road Clearing Operations (BARCO), barangays Camdas, Gabriela Silang, Scout Barrio, Quezon Hill Proper, Aurora Hill Proper, Andres Bonifacio, Manuel Roxas and Guisad Surong acquired the score for the win. In the category Social Protection and Sensitivity; the most outstanding barangays are: For Nutrition – Atok Trail, For Persons with Disability (PWD)-Friendly – Slaughter House Area (Santo Nino), For Sustainable Local Development – Country Club Village, For Reading Center – Upper Rock Quarry, For Child-friendly – Upper Rock Quarry, For Senior Citizen’s Organization – Gabriela Silang, For Women’s Organization – Atok Trail, For Gender and Development – Happy Hallow, In Environmental Management, the most outstanding in health, sanitation and environmental protection and management is Scout Barrio barangay. The most outstanding business-friendly and competitive barangay is South Sanitary Camp. The most outstanding in financial housekeeping is Hillside, while for disaster risk reduction and management, the most outstanding is Palma Urbano. For Safety Peace and Order, Abanao-Zandueta-Chugum-Kayang-Otek (AZCKO) has the most Outstanding Barangay Lupong Tagapamayapa; while runner-ups are Palma and Slaughter house area. Special Citations are given to Legarda-Burnham, Middle Rock Quarry, Upper Rock Quarry, East Bayan Park, Loakan Proper, Poliwes, Lourdes Subdivision Extension, Irisan, Quezon Hill Proper and Magsaysay Private road as they have outstanding ratings for their Lupon. The most outstanding barangay in Peace and Order and Drug Prevention is Middle Quirino Hill. For the Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB), this is an assessment and recognition system to distinguish local government units with outstanding performance. The passers for SGLGB are: Alfonso Tabora Andres Bonifacio Atok Trail Aurora Hill Proper AZCKO Bakakeng Central Camdas Camp 7 Camp Allen City Camp Central City Camp Proper Dominican Hill-Mirador East Bayan Park Engineers Hill Fort Del Pilar Hillside Holy Ghost Extension Honeymoon Imelda Village Kabayanihan Kias Legarda-Burnham-Kisad Loakan Liwanag Loakan Proper Lourdes Extension Subdivision Lourdes Lower Subdivision Lower Quirino Hill Lower Rock Quarry Magsaysay Private Road Middle Quirino Hill Middle Rock Quarry MRR Queen of Peace Palma-Urbano Poliwes San Antonio Village San Roque Village Santo Tomas Proper Scout Barrio South Drive Teodora Alonzo Trancoville Upper Market Subdivision Upper Quezon Hill Upper Quirino-Magsaysay Upper Rock Quarry West Quirino Hill The outstanding barangay districts are: District 5, for Financial Administration and Sustainability; in Disaster Preparedness; Safety, Peace and Order; Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness; District 12, for Social Protection and Sensitivity; and District 3, for Environmental Management. After assessment by the Government and City Performance and Assessment Team (GPATS/CPATs) the Sustainable Development through Meaningful Participation, Accountability, Responsive and Transparent (SMART) barangay governance awards for the Overall Best Performing Barangays are: Gibraltar Gabriela Silang Hillside Santa Escolastica Legarda-Burnham-Kisad City Camp Central City Camp Proper GEFA – Lower Quirino Magsaysay Palma Urban Upper Quirino Magsaysay Middle Rock Quarry Andres Bonifacio MRR Queen of Peace Guisad Surong Camdas Subdivision Middle Quirino Hill West Quirino Hill North Central Aurora Hill East Bayan Park San Antonio Village Happy Hallow Lucnab Outlook Drive South Drive Atok Trail Liwanag-Loakan Camp 8 Military Cut-off San Vicente Lourdes Subdivision Extension Lower Lourdes Subdivision Upper Quezon Hill Magsaysay Private road South Sanitary Camp Trancoville Holy Ghost Extension Holy Ghost Proper Honeymoon-Holy Ghost The seven top barangays for the Best Performing Barangays are: Imelda Marcos, AZCKO, Victoria Village, Upper Rock Quarry, Brookside, Slaughter House Area (Santo Nino) and Lower Rock Quarry who receives Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000) each. The Grand Champion or Most Outstanding barangay is Scout Barrio with a prize of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pesos (P150,000.00), followed by runner-up Country Club Village with a prize of a Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00). Another runner-up, Kabayanihan barangay receives Seventy-Five (P75,000.00) cash award. All the barangays underwent stringent evaluation and assessment from the GPATS and CPATS from July onwards, in coordination with the DILG Field Office. – jgfianza, with reports from the Special Services Division – City Mayors Office (SSD – CMO)    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjie Magalong attended the 12th Philippines I Transform! Leaders’ Convention, the young leaders from across the country gathered for a powerful multi-day engagement on transformational leadership and climate action. With the theme “A Decade of Action: From Ridge to Reef, Saving Our Planet,” Mayor Benjie emphasized the urgency of collective action in the face of climate change, environmental challenges, and widening social inequalities. He commended the youth for their passion, intelligence, and commitment, reminding them that they have long been leaders not just of tomorrow, but of today, already influencing communities through over 43 youth-led catalyst projects nationwide. In his message, he emphasized: Leadership grounded in integrity and purpose; Knowledge as both power and protection—especially against corruption and disinformation; The importance of voter registration, participation, and civic engagement; Creativity as a tool to inspire change and reshape narratives; The duty to demand accountability and speak truth to power and Living the change—leading by example in both small and big decisions He encouraged delegates to carry forward the fire of transformation as they return to their schools, communities, and organizations—reminding them that the future is shaped not by chance but by the courageous leadership they practice today. Mabuhay ang kabataang Pilipino. (By MRM/Photo EO)