By Rose Frejane A. Cruz   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – A fire engulfed the basement of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex with a floor area of ​​1,500 square meters, which lasted for eight hours before the fire was completely declared out, which started at around 9:00 a.m. on September 6 until 5:04 a.m. on September 7. According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who immediately went to the area to monitor the situation, he thanked all responders including fire stations from BLISTT and private entities and individuals who provided assistance in fire operations. “Our firefighters had difficulty extinguishing the fire immediately, because the black smoke coming out of the main entrance was too thick, which means the fire is still ongoing, so they also guarded the two exit areas on both sides of the building to protect our city market from being affected,” Magalong said. He said, “We have more than enough equipment and capabilities of our fire department, other BFPs from neighboring towns and private companies also came with equipment, to support our firemen.” The MLC is the first mall in Baguio City managed by the Human Settlements Development Corporation (HSDC) under the Department of Agriculture (DA), and its basement area was formerly a food court, which also burned down. The food court was not returned, instead it was rented out to nearby stalls mostly selling clothes and gadgets, and E-Bingo is also here. According to Magalong, the firemen had great difficulty entering the basement due to the thick and dark smoke, so the firefighters used a smoke suction machine to help the firefighters. As a result, it will be recalled that on July 16, 2025, the parking area on the third floor of Maharlika also caught fire, with the fire starting in a stall at around 1 am and being declared out at around 4:20 am. The MLC officially turned over its management to the city government, following the expiration of its 50-year lease on April 28, 2025. A one-month extension was granted to facilitate a smooth transition. The ceremonial turnover took place on May 28, 2025, at the establishment’s lobby, with the transfer becoming effective on May 31, 2025.          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong led a ceremony commemorating the 80th Victory Day at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Camp John Hay, on September 3, Together, they honored the shared sacrifices of Filipino and Allied forces during World War II and celebrated the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States. Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. served as the guest of honor. Victory Day marks the end of World War II in the Philippines.  In the 80 years since standing shoulder-to-shoulder in battle, the Philippines and the United States have grown ever closer as friends, partners, and allies. “The liberation of the Philippines during World War II was a triumph of the extraordinary bravery of Allied forces and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people.  From resistance movements that defied occupation to countless sacrifices made, their legacy is the freedom we cherish today,” Ambassador Carlson said in her remarks.   “This shared struggle forged a special relationship between our two nations, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and prosperity of future generations of Filipinos and Americans.” “That surrender marked not only the end of World War II in the Philippines but also the triumph of courage, strength in spirit, and hope over tyranny and despair.  For us in Baguio, this is more than just an event written in textbooks—it is part of our city’s living memory, a legacy carved into our very identity,” Mayor Magalong said. “As we remember that day and its significance to the world, we also honor the extraordinary sacrifices of the men and women—Filipino, American, and other allies—who fought courageously to restore peace and freedom.” “Today must not merely be an ordinary memorial day.  It must be a day of deep reflection,” Secretary Teodoro said.  “If we do not learn from the lessons of the past, and think as much as we want that the world is a static place, if we do not have resolve, purpose, and unity in action in all facets of public and private life, even with individual behavior and discipline, then we have no business honoring those who have shed their blood.” More than 300 guests attended the ceremony, including Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu.  Veterans, members of the diplomatic corps, the media, and partners from the public and private sectors were also present. Ambassador Carlson joined Secretary Teodoro, Mayor Magalong, NHCP Chairperson Jose, and PVAO Undersecretary Mapagu in presenting coins to living World War II veterans Angelo Viloria Andrada, Ernesto Carreon Luis, Florence Rimando Marasigan, and Sixta Quiñones Favila to honor their courage and invaluable contributions to freedom and democracy. Luis led the solemn ringing of the ceremonial bell at 12:10 p.m., marking the exact minute of General Yamashita’s surrender.  Churches across Baguio City also rang their bells in unison. During the event, Ambassador Carlson announced the launch of a virtual tour of the historic U.S. Ambassador’s Residence.  Developed by the U.S. Department of State, the virtual tour is free and accessible online through the OBO VR app in the Apple Store or through the following link: https://hullfilm360.com/projects/state/baguio/web/360tour/index.html. “This initiative preserves our shared heritage and invites future generations to reflect on our past and help build a hopeful tomorrow,” Ambassador Carlson said. Following the ceremony, Ambassador Carlson hosted a reception celebrating U.S.-Philippine friendship and the 249th anniversary of U.S. independence.  “We begin a new chapter as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations in 2026,” Ambassador Carlson said.  “The friendship, partnership, and alliance between the United States and the Philippines is a crucial part of that story because of the values we share such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”      

  In partnership with the United States Embassy, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and other City Officials solemnly commemorated the 80th Victory Day on September 3, 2025, a Special Working Day honoring World War II veterans’ heroism, bravery, and sacrifices. This annual commemoration highlights the historic events of September 3, 1945, when Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita formally signed the Instrument of Surrender before ranking officials of the Allied Forces at Camp John Hay, Baguio City, an event that officially ended hostilities in the Philippines during World War II. Now in its 80th year, Victory Day not only serves as a tribute to the courage and patriotism of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom but also as a reminder of the importance of unity and resilience in safeguarding peace. / ET/ NO&DB

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong outlined strategies to address challenges and seize opportunities, highlighting resilience, sustainability, and digital innovation as key priorities for the city’s future. In his State of the City Address (SOCA) delivered during the 116th Baguio City Charter Day Anniversary program on Sept. 1, 2025, the mayor reported that Baguio, in partnership with UNDP Philippines, completed its first Voluntary Local Review (VLR) in June 2025, focusing on nine priority Sustainable Development Goals. The review showed encouraging progress in sustainable cities, climate action, education, and economic growth. To strengthen governance, the city is also implementing the Performance Governance System (PGS), which emphasizes accountability and discipline. Workshops with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia were held last week to align local programs with long-term goals, with Baguio preparing for a Revalida assessment in December. The mayor said part of sustaining this roadmap is finding the right partners as the government can not do everything alone. “This is why we have embraced public-private partnerships as a way to bring in resources, expertise, and innovation while keeping the interests of our people at the center,” he said. “The Intermodal Transport Terminal has been approved by the City Council and is now open for competitive challenge. The Market Redevelopment Project wasrecently approved by the City Development Council and has been endorsed to the City Council, while consultations continue for theSmart Urban Mobility Project. The Asin Hydro Project and TopinaoSocialized Housing Project will soon enter the negotiation stage. The Creative Center proposal is under negotiations.” On infrastructure, the city vowed to intensify efforts to resolve the long-standing issue of “spaghetti wires” by working with telecommunications companies and enforcement personnel. Baguio is also pushing for food security through its Smart Farming initiative, which has introduced solar-powered hydroponics in Pinsao Proper and Dontogan, established demo farms across barangays, and set up greenhouses for strawberry production. The city is now seeking national government funding to expand the program and move toward self-sufficiency. A major priority, the mayor said, is resilience. Under the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) program, Baguio aims to achieve full resilience status by 2026—four years ahead of the global target. Plans include improving communication systems for faster disaster warnings and emergency coordination. As part of its Open Government Partnership, the city also plans to adopt blockchain technology for government documents, including financial records, bidding processes, and infrastructure reports. A Memorandum of Agreement with a local company is set to be signed next week to formalize the rollout, which aims to ensure transparency and prevent tampering. “Growth brings both challenges and opportunities. The question now is how we move forward together to build a resilient, sustainable, and future-ready Baguio,” the mayor said. In his SOCA, the mayor also highlighted the city’s major achievements on sustainability earning it global recognition. He said that over the past year, Baguio advanced its vision for 2043 as a livable, inclusive, and creative city, anchored on the seven-point agenda. Environmental stewardship remained a key priority, with an additional two hectares of canopy cover and the installation of a new air quality monitoring station at Burnham Park. The city also ranked 5th cleanest in Southeast Asia in the 2024 Mid-Year Pollution Index. Baguio formally launched its Circular Economy Project, “Pansa-Nopen Tayo,” on January 31, 2025, supported by the European Union and UNDP Philippines for effective and efficient waste management towards sustainability. On resiliency, the city also earned a Beyond Compliant rating in the 2024 Gawad Kalasag Awards and a Future-Readiness Score of 61.1 percent from the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. On the global stage, Baguio was among only six cities worldwide honored with the 2025 Bloomberg Award for Global Tobacco Control, and previously won the Gold Seoul Smart City Award for its inclusive health governance system. The mayor also reported strides in social services and infrastructure. On health services, the city was given ₱53 million in funding under the Konsulta Primary Care Provider Network, improving 13 facilities and increasing manpower and equipment. Crime dropped by 2%, while both the City Jail and Fire Station were recognized as the best in their categories regionally. Education also saw significant strides: Baguio ranked 1st in CAR and 2nd nationally in functional literacy, supported by programs such as the Barangay Pagbasa Program. The SIGLAT Youth Innovation Hub engaged more than 4,000 young participants and 400 partners. On infrastructure, the city completed multiple projects, including barangay halls, sports facilities, and the Halfway Home for rebel returnees. Major on-going works include the Athlete’s Quarters, Irisan Eco Park Phase II, and several barangay halls. The turnover of the Maharlika Livelihood Center in May 2025 is projected to generate ₱40 million in additional annual revenue. Baguio continues to post strong economic performance, recording a 9% growth rate in 2023—the fastest in the Cordillera. Employment stood at 97.5% in 2024, inflation eased to 2.9% by mid-2025, and poverty incidence dropped to just 0.5% of families. From June 2024 to May 2025, the city’s collections reached ₱2.734 billion, ₱249 million higher than the previous year. Baguio also ranked 12th among highly urbanized cities in the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, while securing multiple national and international awards in governance, tourism, and sustainability. Magalong underscored that progress depends on active citizenship and collective responsibility, warning against corruption that has plagued other localities. “Baguio is one of the few places in the country that has remained steadfast against corruption,” the mayor said. “This is a treasure we must safeguard at all costs.” He also stressed the importance of youth participation and community solidarity: “Good governance is not the burden of one—it is the shared duty of all. The progress we celebrate today is the collective strength of a community that refused to settle for less.” As the city looks ahead to its vision for 2043, the celebration of 116 years of Baguio stood as both a reminder of its rich legacy and a call to build a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking city for future generations. – PIO Baguio

By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The City Environment and Parks Management Office shed light on the current status of the city’s air quality. CEPMO Head Rhenan Diwas said it is true that rapid urbanization had taken its toll on the city’s urban capacity including its air quality over the years but the city government did not take it sitting down. He said since 2019, the city had embarked on environmental programs meant to systematically address air pollution and other environmental hazards with the end in view of slowing down if not totally arresting urban decay. And because of this, the city’s air quality had not gone worse and this fact is supported by data, Diwas said. “Real-time air quality readings from the Environmental Management Bureau Cordillera (EMB-CAR’)s new continuous monitoring station in Burnham Park and our own monitoring machines (and even from global AQI trackers) show that most of the time, Baguio’s air is in the Good to Moderate range—not “Poor,” Diwas said. He said there were occasional times when the quality dipped “especially during festivals, long weekends, or when weather keeps the smoke from dispersing considering the city’s high altitude, but these poor readings were short-lived. “In fact, recent EMB-CAR data and city’s data even shows particulate matter (PM) levels in some key areas have dropped by more than half compared to previous years,” he said. Aside from these data, he said improvements in the city’s cleanliness including air quality had gained recognition. “In 2024, Baguio ranked fifth as the cleanest city in Southeast Asia which considered air quality, water quality, noise, cleanliness, green space, and other as criteria. On top of that, Baguio became a Hall of Famer in the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award (2020–2024)—the first city in the Philippines to earn that distinction,” Diwas said. “How did we get here?,” Diwas spelled out the programs, projects and activities being undertaken by the city; “Since 2019, aside from other projects and programs, the city has been following a clear roadmap to protect and expand our urban forests, supported by consistent tree planting and putting up quality nurseries. This project was even recognized nationally, with Baguio becoming a finalist in the 2024 DILG Subaybayani Awards – a distinction to well-managed and monitored LGU infrastructure projects; “Moreover, the Adopt-a-Park Program grew because of trust in leadership with more than 40 companies, NGOs, and foundations are now helping maintain our parks and green spaces; “Stricter zoning policies are finally paying off. Yes, some business sectors resisted at first, but now we see buildings with proper parking, sidewalks being respected and fewer tree cuttings. “Even foundations from outside the city (all the way from Metro Manila) have trusted our leadership enough to invest millions in improving open spaces—like Upper Wright Park’s reflection pool, Post Office Park, and Sunshine Park—without a single peso of public funds…and more green projects are coming!” “These are not just projects on paper, not some ghost projects funded from government coffers. They are tangible proof that when leadership has direction, transparency, and the courage to make unpopular decisions at first, results follow,” Diwas stressed. “Of course, we still have much to do. But one thing is clear: Baguio’s leadership is not doing nothing. We are moving forward…and upward!,” he added.  

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has maintained that his advocacy against corruption will continue, especially in government infrastructure projects involving several politicians and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH). Magalong’s exposure of government corruption intensified when President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) mentioned corruption in flood control projects in various parts of the country. Last year, Magalong first exposed the overpriced DPWH projects in the Cordillera region in the cat eyes or reflector lights projects on roads, yellow barriers and rock netting. He said the actual price of a cat eye is only P1,350 per piece, but the DPWH’s detailed price analysis shows it is P11,720, so it appears that it is overpriced by P10,370 each. The yellow barriers found on highway curves have a budget of P121,330 per meter of road, but the actual price is said to be P20,000, so it appears that the kickback per meter is more than P100,000. Magalong also said that the price of rock netting is P6,000 per square meter, but what was listed by the DPWH was P25,000 in 2023. He said that if we add up the rock netting purchased for the Cordillera region from 2017 to 2023, it reaches P46.61 billion and an estimated P28 billion went to kickback. “I used to ask for data information or documents from DPWH, but they played with me and tricked me. Sometimes I also requested the Regional Development Council to complete DPWH to provide me with documents for contracts, but DPWH told me that they would provide me with a link, but we have been clicking on the link for a week and we can’t find anything there. So I talked to NEDA, that’s where we saw the seriousness,” Magalong said in an interview. Magalong previously said that he is ready to appear anywhere, especially in Congress to uphold his disclosure against corruption. (Zaldy Comand

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – As the first Philippine city to join the UN-Habitat Quality of Life Initiative, Baguio continues to work together with other cities around the world to create more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and equitable urban communities. City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) Head Ar. Donna Rillera Tabangin said the City of Pines is now part of an exclusive network of 100 cities across five continents. “From the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio is now a global leader in urban sustainability,” she said. Tabangin said that from bustling metropolises and mega cities to coastal communities worldwide, the Quality of Life Initiative is scaling up to 100 cities by the end of 2025. “These cities are taking bold steps to integrate quality of life data into urban policy and planning to make cities more inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and equitable. We welcome new cities which are well represented across 5 continents – their leadership and innovation will shape the future of urban living,” she said. The Quality of Life Initiative provides a powerful framework to measure and improve urban well-being across nine key domains: basic services and mobility, culture and recreation, economy, education, environment, governance, health and well-being, housing, and social cohesion. “By leveraging cutting-edge data sources like satellite imagery, mobile data, and social media surveys, the city will gain valuable insights to inform sustainable urban policies that truly respond to what our citizens value most,” Tabangin stressed. She disclosed that the draft Quality of Life Survey Tool is currently being pre-tested by the city government under Mayor Benjamin Magalong spearheaded by the CPDSO and the final version will be published for the public to take part in the initiative. She said Baguio is proud to be leading the way for Philippine cities in this important global initiative to advance the UN’s Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development which is a global plan to achieve “peace and prosperity for people and the planet” by 2030, encompassing 17 Sustainable Development Goals. (Gaby B. Keith-Baguio PIO)      

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio City Council has approved an ordinance extending the free entrance privilege at the Baguio Botanical Garden for residents of Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay (BLISTT) from August 1, 2025 until January 31, 2026. The ordinance was signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on August 18, 2025. To avail of the free access, BLISTT residents must present a valid proof of residency such as government-issued ID, barangay clearance, or any city-recognized document showing their address. The first free access privilege was granted earlier this year through two separate ordinances which allowed BLISTT residents to enter the Botanical Garden without charge during and after the Panagbenga Festival as a gesture of gratitude for their support and participation. City Environment and Parks Management Officer Rhenan Diwas recommended the extension after noting that the initial free access program not only strengthened grassroots connection but also boosted visitor turnout, with residents bringing along relatives and friends from outside BLISTT. His report showed that revenues even increased compared to the previous year which proves that the policy supported both tourism and local engagement. Councilor Jose Molintas, principal author of the measures, said this initiative is meant to express gratitude to the BLISTT communities for their support to the city and to promote environmental awareness and inclusivity through accessible green spaces. The ordinance tasks the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) to implement the free access program and ensure proper identification of BLISTT residents and monitor the park’s operations during the extended period. (Jordan G. Habbiling SPIO)