BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Baguio, the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR), the Liga ng mga Barangay-Baguio City Chapter, and Layad di Kordilyera, Inc. have renewed the lease agreement for the operation of the Cordillera Craft and Productivity Center (CCPC)-OTOP Philippines Hub. The contract extends Layad di Kordilyera’s management of the facility for two years, from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. The agreement was signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, DTI-CAR Regional Director Atty. Raymond Panhon, Liga ng mga Barangay-Baguio City Chapter President Rocky Aliping, and Layad di Kordilyera, Inc. President Helena Butigan. Located at the DPS Compound along Upper Session Road, the CCPC-OTOP Philippines Hub serves as a venue for showcasing and selling products made by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Baguio City and the Cordillera. The facility also promotes locally made handicrafts, artworks, and other products while providing space for product development, business consultancy, exhibitions, and training activities. Under the renewed lease, Layad di Kordilyera will pay a monthly rental of P30,000 during the first year and P33,000 during the second year. The organization is also responsible for paying utilities, maintaining the facility, ensuring its security, and submitting monthly operational reports. The Tripartite Committee, composed of the City Government of Baguio, DTI-CAR, and the Liga ng mga Barangay-Baguio City Chapter, will continue to oversee the operation of the hub through regular inspections and performance evaluations to ensure compliance with the agreement and the facility’s mission of promoting Cordillera and Baguio products. The renewal aims to sustain the CCPC-OTOP Philippines Hub as a key marketing and retail center that supports local entrepreneurs, artisans, and MSMEs while strengthening the promotion of Cordillera craftsmanship and culture. – Aileen P. Refuerzo          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The ongoing dry run of the newly installed smart traffic signal lights in the central business district is aimed at collecting traffic data and fine-tuning the system before its full implementation. Management Information and Technology Division (MITD) Head Francis Camarao said the testing phase is necessary to gather accurate information on vehicle volume, traffic movement, and peak-hour patterns. The data will be used to properly calibrate the traffic signal timing and controllers. City Engineer Richard Lardizabal appealed for the public’s patience and understanding as the city completes the testing process. “We are aware of the impact of the experimentation on current traffic conditions, and we appeal to the public for understanding as we endeavor to make this technology work effectively,” Lardizabal said. He said the dry run will continue until the end of the month to collect sufficient and accurate traffic count data needed to properly program the system. After the initial testing period, another round of validation will be conducted before the city fully activates the sensor-based traffic signal and pedestrian controller system. The P10-million project covers the U-Shape Overpass, Y-Shape Overpass, and Lower Session Road near the Maharlika Livelihood Complex. It includes the installation of upgraded smart traffic signals that will eventually be integrated with the city’s Smart City Command Center for real-time traffic monitoring and management. The project also replaced aging and damaged traffic signal lights with new sensor-based units. Once fully operational, the system is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance pedestrian safety in one of Baguio City’s busiest areas. — Aileen P. Refuerzo

SM Supermalls, through its SM Job Fair, continues to partner with DICT to expand access to digital learning opportunities that help Filipinos become more competitive in an evolving workforce. BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – As industries continue to evolve in the digital age, having the right skills has become just as important as finding the right job. Reinforcing its commitment to empowering Filipino communities, SM Supermalls, through its SM Job Fair, partners with the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR) through its Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) to provide free digital upskilling opportunities for jobseekers and fresh graduates. A DICT resource speaker discusses digital literacy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies during the free training session, empowering participants with knowledge essential for today's digital economy. On July 18, 2026, aspiring professionals are invited to the FREE Information Session for Jobseekers and Fresh Graduates at SM City Baguio from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. The session aims to help participants become more competitive in today’s workforce by introducing practical digital competencies that are increasingly sought after by employers. Interactive discussions encourage participants to deepen their understanding of digital skills while learning directly from DICT experts during the training session. Participants will gain valuable insights on: Digital Literacy and Career Preparation for Fresh Graduates and Jobseekers Information Literacy and the eGovPH App Cybersecurity and Cyber Hygiene The session is open to jobseekers, fresh graduates, and individuals looking to strengthen their digital skills, with 100 slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. More than connecting Filipinos with employment opportunities, SM Job Fairs continue to evolve into a platform that promotes lifelong learning and career readiness. Through strategic partnerships with government agencies such as DICT-CAR, SM is expanding access to free learning opportunities that help prepare Filipinos for the demands of an increasingly digital economy. Through strategic partnerships with government agencies such as DICT-CAR, SM is expanding access to free learning opportunities that help prepare Filipinos for the demands of an increasingly digital economy. “Today’s workforce requires more than just job opportunities—it also requires continuous learning,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. “Through SM Job Fairs, we continue to create opportunities where Filipinos can not only connect with employers but also gain future-ready skills through meaningful partnerships with government agencies like DICT-CAR.” The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) of DICT-CAR, which continues to champion digital literacy and workforce readiness by bringing accessible learning opportunities closer to communities. For many participants, the training provided opportunities that would otherwise have been difficult to access. “As a contractual employee, opportunities for specialized training are often limited, so I’m grateful that SM Job Fair and DICT made this program free and accessible. In today’s digital world, learning digital forensics and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important, and this training gave me practical knowledge that I can immediately apply in my work.” said Kahlil Brensy Servidad, a Senior IT Support Specialist from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The relevance of the training also resonated with professionals from other fields.   “As an accountant, I’m trained to identify anomalies in financial records, and I realized cybersecurity follows the same principle—recognizing unusual patterns in digital systems. This training helped connect my professional background with ICT, and holding it in a mall made learning much more accessible.” said Jose Giovanni G. Quitiongco, a Certified Public Accountant from the City Government of Pasig. Students also found value in learning directly from industry practitioners. “There are practical skills that aren’t always taught in school, so I joined this session to gain real-world knowledge and prepare for my future career. Learning directly from industry professionals gave me valuable insights that complement what we learn in the classroom.” said Resma Valerie Dela Cruz, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student majoring in Multimedia Arts at Informatics College Manila. The overwhelming response underscores the growing demand for accessible learning opportunities that prepare Filipinos for an increasingly digital workforce. By bringing together employment opportunities and free digital upskilling under one initiative, SM Job Fair continues to evolve into a platform that empowers communities through both career access and lifelong learning. Interested participants may register by scanning the QR code posted on the official SM City Baguio Facebook page. Early registration is encouraged as slots are limited. As SM continues to bring together employment opportunities and skills development under one roof, it remains committed to creating accessible pathways that empower Filipinos to grow, succeed, and prepare for the future.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government has distributed financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao. City Administrator Vittorio Jerico Cawis personally handed over the financial assistance recently, on behalf of Baguio City to the mayors of the municipalities of Glan, Malapatan, T’boli, Jose Abad Santos, Lake Sebu and General Santos City. The assistance amounts to P600,000 each for General Santos City and Jose Abad Santos, while Glan, Malapatan, T’boli and Lake Sebu each received P300,000. Cawis noted the hapless condition of Glan and Malapatan which suffered severe devastation. “Until now, most of their residents are in the evacuation centers because of the damages wrought on their houses with damaged houses reaching more than 5,000. Some won’t be able to return because of the land fissures.  Even their LGUs are still operating in makeshift tents and container vans.  They badly need help,” he said. Cawis said separate donations of P300,000 each will be sent to Don Marcelino and Sarangani Island whose local governments likewise declared a state of calamity following the earthquake.\ Earlier, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Benjamin Magalong recommended allocating P3 million from the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Quick Response Fund to assist the quake-stricken LGUs. The city council approved the financial assistance as part of the city’s commitment to help affected communities recover from the devastation caused by the powerful earthquake. – Aileen P. Refuerzo

By Debbie E. Gasingan   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) encourages the public to prepare for the ‘worst-case situations’ as PAGASA reports that El Niño will intensify over the coming months and will persist until early next year. DOST-PAGASA reported on June 24, 2026, that there’s a 69 percent possibility that a strong El Niño is likely to emerge by the August-September-October season and over 62% that a very strong El Niño is favored during the October-November-December and November-December-January seasons. Office of Civil Defense Cordillera regional director and Cordillera RDRRMC chairperson Albert Mogol said that various sectors will be affected once the strong and very strong El Niño emerge. Preparedness measures should focus on water, food and energy security, as well as on health and public safety. “Affected po ‘yung ating energy kasi mas marami ang gumagamit ng kuryente kasi masyadong mainit. Of course, affected din dito ‘yung ating fuel supply, and thirdly is ‘yung water, food, and agriculture,” Mogol said during the Kapihan sa Baguio on June 29. He also noted a decrease in water levels of dams and rivers, particularly in areas that have not experienced any rainfall over the past months. “Ito po ‘yung dapat nating paghandaan. Even in other countries, nakaka-experience ng water shortage. Dapat pagtuunan natin ng pansin, ano ba ang dapat nating gawin,” he emphasized. Mogol mentioned exploring alternative solutions to help ensure a sustainable water supply. He cited Singapore as an example, noting that the country has established several water desalination plants, converting seawater into safe, potable fresh water. Relying on Reverse Osmosis, this uses high-pressure pumps to force water through semi-permeable membranes that block salts and impurities, producing millions of gallons of drinking water daily. “’Yun pong tubig-dagat ay kino-convert nila into potable water at kaya naman po nating gawin ‘yan kung gagawin natin. Ang tubig, hindi natin magiging problema kung ito ay ating pinaghahandaan… pag-aralan din siguro,” he said. The director said that an El Niño Response Plan is already in place in the region, with various agencies working in close coordination to mitigate the effects of the phenomenon. Based on the climate outlook released by the weather bureau, the whole of Cordillera might experience dry conditions by the end of November 2026. Dry condition is defined as two consecutive months of below-normal rainfall condition or 21-60% reduction from average rainfall. By the end of December 2026, the region is forecasted to experience a dry spell or three consecutive months of below normal rainfall condition or 21-60% reduction from average rainfall. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)      

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – “The current 41 cases of COVID-19 recorded from January to May in Baguio City are mild, manageable and nothing to worry about,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured in his social media post on July 11. “I want to assure our residents that this situation remains manageable — the virus that is spreading is COVID-19 itself, the reported cases are mild, and there is no cause for concern. Notably, most of these cases are focused on our healthcare workers and hospital staff, not the general public, and our City Health Services Office, together with our hospitals, are closely monitoring and responding to this within our health facilities,” Magalong said in his social media post, on July 11. According to Magalong, health authorities have been directed to remain vigilant and strengthen safety measures within hospitals, while assuring the public that health facilities remain safe and capable of serving the community. He also urged everyone to continue to take simple precautions — wearing a mask in crowded places, washing hands regularly, and staying home when sick — and to trust the City Government, which is aware of the situation. “We will continue to provide timely updates as needed. Let’s face this with calm and confidence, not fear.” City Health Officer Cecilia Flor Brillantes said that despite the gradual increase in cases, it is “under control” and residents should not worry, but rather be alert in taking care of their physical condition. According to Brillantes, the coronavirus is just one of several respiratory viruses that have spread in the city this year, so the public is advised to be cautious, follow health protocols, such as wearing a face mask in crowded places and immediately consult a hospital if they feel anything unusual. In the data, a total of 1,480 cases of Influenza-Like Illness were recorded in Baguio City, of which 312 were hospitalized – about 1 in 5 cases and no deaths were recorded, which is a reassuring sign that the current cases are being well managed. Laboratory monitoring data for 2026 reported a changing mix of pathogens throughout the year, with January being the busiest month for virology, with Influenza A (H3), two strains of Influenza B (Victoria and an unidentified strain), SARS-CoV-2, and both RSV-A and RSV-B all detected. In February, Influenza A (H3) and Influenza B (Victoria) declined, while Influenza B (Victoria) was seen alongside SARS-CoV-2 in March. April showed only Influenza B (Victoria), while May and June were dominated by pSARS-CoV-2 alone, but no cases of influenza or RSV were reported. Laboratory surveillance detected influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, during the first four months of the year. According to Brillantes, “We are seeing an increase in cases, and while the numbers remain manageable, the concentration of workers in our hospital requires immediate and ongoing attention. Our priority is to protect our healthcare workers, our patients, and the continuity of health services in our city.” Meanwhile, the city’s Hall of Justice has issued a memorandum encouraging judges, court personnel, litigants and other court users to wear face masks inside the office, due to the reported increase in COVID-19 cases and the confirmation that a local court employee has tested positive for the virus. In a joint memorandum by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) and the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), all those entering the Hall of Justice (Main) and the Hall of Justice (CA Annex) are encouraged to wear face masks in an effort to strengthen health protocols in the city’s judicial facilities.      

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – “I’m very satisfied with the ongoing rehabilitation of Burnham Lake, I can see that it will be even more beautiful when it is finally completed and with its modern design, it will definitely be more enjoyable for those who visit and boat here,” said Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) General Manager Mark Lapid during his re-inspection, on July 9. Lapid also apologized to Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the City of Baguio for the delay in the rehabilitation and hopes that before the end of August, they will be able to turn it over to the city. The P400 million TIEZA fund for the rehabilitation of Burnham Park, of which P100 million as Phase 1 is for the lake, began in October 2025, and was expected to be completed on May 26 but was delayed due to adjustments in the project plan. “I am very confident based on our engineers that this will be completed this August and we will follow with the rehabilitation of the Children Park, Skating Rink and Rose Garden. Mayor Magalong has given us the plans and is currently reviewing them for implementation and is expected to be completed next year,” Lapid said. Lapid said the agency remains committed to providing continued support with funding for the rehabilitation of parks, not only in the Summer Capital, but also in other areas, to ensure that the historical value of the park is preserved while improving its facilities for residents and tourists.          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong through an approved resolution declared July 12 of each year as West Philippine Sea (WPS) Awareness Day in the city in support of expanding public awareness of the country’s rights to the sea. The 2016 Arbitral Award is a landmark decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, invalidating China’s broad nine-dash line, affirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone, and declaring China’s island-building and harassment of ships illegal. By virtue of Resolution No. 546, series of 2026 approved by the City Councils and immediately signed by Magalong, Baguio City reaffirms its support for the WPS and recognizes the commemoration of the anniversary of the July 12, 2016 Arbitral Award. According to Magalong, as we commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, the Baguio City Government joins every Filipino in reminding them of the importance of our rights in the West Philippine Sea. “We stand firm that love for the country begins with having the right knowledge and concern. Even if we do not share the same views, we can unite in respecting our history, our rights, and the things that are important to the Philippines.” He added that this serves as a reminder that being a responsible citizen begins with being aware and concerned for the country. “When we value our country together, we will be able to more firmly pass on to the next generation a Philippines with dignity, unity, and hope.” He said that the commemoration will feature informational, educational, and civic activities such as forums, discussions in schools and communities, and the dissemination of materials on the issue. It will not be considered a special working or non-working holiday. Magalong also called for “this day in commemoration of the 2016 Arbitral Award, let the Filipino people participate in the Nationwide Resonance, wherever you are, honk your car horn 10 times in solidarity. At Sea: Ships, vessels, and local boats will sound their horns simultaneously in ports and harbors nationwide. And in Communities: Church bells will ring 10 times as a prayerful and solemn reminder of our shared determination.” By Zaldy Comanda