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)    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  –The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) sustained targeted operations resulting in the arrest of 132 drug personalities, confiscation of P2.2 million worth of illegal drugs, and recovery of 113 lose firearms, from January to June 2025. City Mayor’s Office Chief-of-Staff Samantha Jean Hamada, in her State of Local Governance Report presentation at the Executive-Legislative meeting, aimed at briefing the city’s newly-elected officials. Hamada said that crime volume in the Summer Capital slightly decreased by two percent from 752 crimes in 2023 to 736 crimes recorded in 2024. Baguio City has been recognized as one of the safest cities in the Philippines for travelers, according to the world travel index mid-year 2025 report, Hamada added. At the Baguio City Jail, she said that education, skills training, and health services have been sustained and that the Baguio City Male Dormitory was awarded the Best City Jail of the Year in 2024 and City Jail for the Quarter during the 2nd Quarter of 2025. The Baguio City Fire Station was also awarded as the Best City Fire Station – Regional Level for the third consecutive year and honored by the Global Institute for Peace, Diplomacy and Human Rights as Firefighters of the Year, Hamada said. (Gaby B. Keith)

      BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The long-awaited monthly food vouchers of indigent college students will be fulfilled after the City Council approved the Free Youth Meals for College Students Ordinance of 2023. The free youth meals program under the ordinance aims to make education more accessible by reducing food insecurity and supporting the retention rate of college students, especially those from low-income households, while also promoting health and nutrition. Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) administered by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the city’s free meals program will provide up to P2,500 in monthly food vouchers to qualified low-income college students in institutions of higher learning in the city. The program applies to college or university students in the city, including student assistants, if they meet specific qualifications which include: being a Baguio resident from a low-income family, passing the screening conducted by CSWDO, maintaining passing grades, and not being a recipient of other government assistance. The distribution will be handled through a secure system in collaboration with participating schools to verify eligibility and prevent misuse. Qualified students are given P2,500 worth of food vouchers per month. These vouchers are redeemable at accredited partner food establishments within the city. An initial fund of P2.64 million under the CSWDO budget has been allocated for the first year of implementation. According to CSWDO, the initial target number of beneficiaries is 100 and applicants may submit the following requirements to the CSWDO office units at Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Cordilleras (UC), and University of Baguio (UB) or to the social worker assigned to each barangay. The relevant documents to be submitted are the application form, Certification of indigency from CSWDO, through its unit offices. For incoming freshmen: Form 138 (High School Report Card); for other college levels: copy of grades from the previous semester; Barangay certificate of residency stating that the applicant’s family is a bonafide resident of Baguio City for at least one year; Voter’s ID or COMELEC voter’s certificate (if not available, parent’s voter’s ID or voter’s certificate). The ordinance, authored by former Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President Levy Lloyd Orcales, was adopted by the city council in 2023. Its IRR was drafted by current SKF President John Rhey Mananeng, with input from the CSWDO. (Jordan G. Habbiling-SPIO)

Free EV CAMP JOHN HAY,Baguio City, Philippines —  -‘ Thousands of visitors, residents, and workers in Camp John Hay can now enjoy free, eco-friendly rides through the new John Hay Loop, a six-month electric-vehicle (EV) shuttle service pilot launched by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), its subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), and private partners Device Design Co. Ltd., LexSwitch, and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative,on August 15. The initiative aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transport in one of Baguio’s most popular destinations, benefiting nearly 4,000 people who live and work in the estate, as well as the city’s growing number of eco-conscious tourists. Three EV units, each accommodating 22 seated and nine standing passengers, are now serving eight designated stations across Camp John Hay, including: ●      Main Gate Station – John Hay Trade and Cultural Center ●      Filling Station A – near Le Monet Hotel ●      Scout Hill Station A – near Camp John Hay Grounds ●      Mile Hi Station A – from Forest Lodge ●      Gate 4 Station – to South Drive and Outlook Drive ●      Sheridan Station – near John Hay Golf ●      Mile Hi Station B – going to Forest Lodge ●      Filling Station B – going to Main Gate Powered by a 70 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery with fast charging capability, each unit can fully recharge in under 90 minutes and also comes equipped with a 7kWh onboard slow charger as a backup. “The John Hay Loop moves us closer to a cleaner, faster, and more connected Baguio,” said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. “Through this partnership with the private sector and international community, we are building a sustainable transport model that will benefit residents, workers, and tourists for years to come.” In June 2025, BCDA and JHMC signed a memorandum of understanding with DeviceDesign, LexSwitch, and the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative to roll out an integrated mobility system in Camp John Hay. LexBuild Group and LexSWITCH EcoMobility Inc. are supplying the EV units and charging stations, while DeviceDesign provides station markers and monitoring technology. DeviceDesign and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative will assess commuter experience, ridership levels, and operational performance, then provide recommendations for the long-term implementation of the John Hay Loop. This initiative reflects BCDA’s commitment to making destinations more accessible while safeguarding the environment. By integrating clean transport solutions into Camp John Hay, BCDA said it aims to promote a greener future for Baguio and set a national benchmark for sustainable mobility in tourism estates. The John Hay Loop is in line with BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action.

By Rose Frejane A.Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc., distributed 1,000 bags of 5 kilos rice to three local government units, as aid to those affected by the past three typhoons and the southwest monsoon. Members of the FCCCII-Baguio Chapter, led by Peter Ng, first delivered 400 bags of rice (5 kilo each) to the Baguio City government, on August 13, which was happily received by City Administrator Vittorio Jericho Cawis, at the Baguio City Hall. According to Cawis, the donation is intended to help the nearly 400 indigents who were victims of the past typhoons and the southwest monsoon in the city. “ On behalf of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, thank you very much for the tireless support of the Baguio Filipino-Chinese community, who previously donated 200 grocery packs on July 26. The town of Tuba also received a warm welcome, which was given 200 bags of 5 kilos of rice, which was received by Atty.George Fukai, municipal administrator and municipal legal officer. “This is a great help to those affected by landslides in many parts of Tuba, caused by the recent typhoons, especially to the residents of Kennon Road. We salute the Filipino-Chinese Community for its continued assistance to our town,” Fukai said. The next day, the group also personally delivered 200 bags of rice to the Benguet provincial government and was personally received by the personnel of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. Mayor Roderick Awingan was also very grateful for receiving 200 bags of rice (5 kilos each), which were also personally delivered to the town of La Trinidad, Benguet. “We will not refuse this, this is a huge help to our constituents who were also victims of the recent calamity. Thank you very much to your foundation and our town is counted among the ones to be given a blessing,” Awingan said. According to Ng, “Every time there is a calamity, our organization traditionally delivers aid to show our support and concern for those who were victims of the calamity.”              

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — In a bid to safeguard access to clean water during calamities and crises, the Baguio Water District (BWD) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-FOCAR) have sealed an agreement to guarantee the timely and reliable delivery of safe drinking water to disaster-affected communities and families. BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca and DSWD-FOCAR Regional Director Maria Catbagan-Aplaten signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on August 11, 2025, at the BWD Office located at 003 Utility Road, Barangay Marcoville, Baguio City. Under the agreement, BWD will prioritize the sale of potable water to DSWD during calamities, disasters, and other emergencies at the lowest prevailing rate. The supply will be free from metering and installation fees, environmental and/or sewer charges, late payment penalties, and other operational costs – ensuring equitable and timely distribution to affected residents. This initiative supports DSWD’s mandate under Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, to coordinate and monitor the provision of relief goods. It also aligns with National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum Circular No. 02, s. 2020, which authorizes the inclusion of potable water in relief assistance alongside family food packs. “Access to safe and clean drinking water is not just a basic necessity—it is a lifeline, especially during times of crisis.” GM Royeca stressed. “Through this partnership, the Baguio Water District reaffirms its commitment to go beyond regular operations to serve our communities. This MOA ensures that when calamities strike, water will be the last thing our people will have to worry about.” While Baguio City will be the primary beneficiary, the agreement allows the extension of support to nearby local government units once the city’s water supply has stabilized. All water provided under the MOA will be strictly for relief purposes. “We are prepared to respond swiftly to DSWD’s requests to make sure that affected families – here in Baguio and, when possible, in neighboring areas, receive the clean water they need to survive and recover.” GM Royeca added. The partnership will be in effect for five years, providing disaster-affected communities the assurance of reliable access to one of life’s most vital resources during emergencies.      

By Laarni Ilagan BAGUIO CITY,Philippines -For many students, losing money meant for tuition can be a nightmare. For one Saint Louis University (SLU) student, it could have been—but thanks to an honest Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) employee, a crisis was averted. Melson Cadate, a veteran meter reader who has been with BENECO for 19 years, was on his usual route in the Eagle Crest area of Bakakeng, Baguio City, early morning of August 12 when he spotted a light brown wallet by the roadside. Initially, Cadate walked past it, assuming the owner would soon return. “I thought maybe someone would come back for it. I didn’t want to touch it right away,” he recalled. But when he finished his meter reading rounds in the area a couple of hours later and passed by the same spot, the wallet was still there—untouched and unclaimed. Cadate picked it up and brought it home during lunch. Out of respect and caution, he asked his wife, Cheryl, to check its contents. They discovered the wallet belonged to a young woman, containing a significant amount of cash, along with IDs, credit and ATM cards. “It felt wrong to go through it myself, so I asked my wife to help,” Cadate said. Using the student’s identification cards, the couple searched for her on Facebook and sent a message to her account, informing her they had found her wallet and how she could retrieve it. The owner, a graduating Tourism student from SLU’s Bakakeng campus who requested anonymity, was overwhelmed with relief. She had just returned to Baguio from Isabela province and suspected the wallet fell out after getting off a cab. “I didn’t even realize I lost it until lunchtime. I turned my apartment upside down looking for it,” she shared. “Then I saw a message from someone at BENECO. I didn’t believe it at first. Naiiyak na ako—I didn’t want my parents to know I lost the money meant for my enrollment and apartment.” When they met at the BENECO main office along South Drive, the student personally thanked Cadate, who returned the wallet and all its contents intact. “Pinabuklat ken pinakontak ko ken ni baket tapnu insigida maisubli, ta estudyante piman,” said Cadate in Ilocano. “We realized she came all the way from Isabela idi napukaw na, kaasi met diay ubing.” Cadate, 45, is also a father of four. His eldest is a first-year student at SLU’s main campus, giving him an even deeper understanding of the student’s situation. He is one of BENECO’s 37 regular meter readers, quietly doing his rounds with integrity and a sense of service. His actions have since inspired co-workers and community members alike. This is his second time to return valuables he found while doing his job as a meter reader. Last Summer, he also returned a Samsung cellular phone, according to Grace Bautista, one of the security guards of BENECO whom he entrusted the phone for the owner to claim at a later date. “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching,” Melchor Licoben always remind BENECO employees. “And Mr. Cadate did just that.” (LSI)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Magalong and the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) formalized partnerships yesterday, under the Adopt-a-Park Program, with organizations committing to maintain, beautify, and preserve the city’s green spaces. These dedicated partners will take care of their adopted sites: *Baguio Everlasting Lions Club – Lions Club International, District 301-C & Baguio City Jail – Female Dormitory (BCJ-FD) – Smoke Free Park at City Hall and street island along Camp 7 *Baguio City Jail – Female Dormitory (BCJ-FD) – designated area within Botanical Garden (tree planting, tree caring, and protection) *BSBT College Inc. – circle/street along Burnham Lake Drive *Baguio Magnolia Lions Club – park at the corner lot of General Luna Road *Baguio Sunflower Lions Club – circle/street along Marcos Highway/Bakakeng Road *Buddy One Land Inc. – center island at Brent Road, Imelda Village *University of the Cordilleras – street island/center island/overpass at Governor Pack Road and Harrison Road *Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Baguio City Inc. – Eco Park, Irisan *Beauty Beyond Borders – street island/park along Benjamin Salvosa Drive, Rizal Park, Monument Barangay Through these partnerships, our volunteer stewards will help ensure Baguio’s parks and public spaces remain clean, green, and vibrant for all.— MB/ ET

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong joined DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. in leading the unveiling of the plaque for the Artificial Groundwater Recharge Facility (AGRF) at the Athletic Bowl, Burnham Park, Baguio City. In his welcome message, Mayor Magalong emphasized the importance of innovative, science-based solutions in addressing water scarcity, flooding, and the impacts of extreme weather—key challenges faced by Baguio and neighboring areas. The AGRF uses sustainable technology to store clean rainwater in underground aquifers during the rainy season, enhancing groundwater supply, reducing flood risks, and ensuring a steady water source for domestic and agricultural needs year-round. Baguio City is proud to be one of the pilot sites for this climate-resilient project, alongside the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet—funded by DOST and implemented by ERDB–WWRRDEC under the DOST NICER Program, with monitoring from DOST–PCIEERD. / MRM/ ET