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        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) Baguio Branch and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority–Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR) formally sealed their partnership for the social security coverage and protection of 60 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers under the KaSSSangga Collect Program. Under the agreement, TESDA-CAR shall facilitate the JO and COS workers’ SSS member registration and contribution remittance, making it easier for them to qualify and avail of SSS benefits. “Through this collaboration, JO and COS workers, who are often excluded from traditional employment benefits, can now enjoy social security protection such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral and death benefits. They, too, can enjoy various loan programs like Salary Loan, Calamity Loan, and Emergency Loan,” SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Normita Cruz said. Cruz also encouraged TESDA employees who previously worked in the private sector to continue their SSS contributions as voluntary members. “They may qualify for retirement benefits from both SSS and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), allowing them to receive two pensions upon retirement,” Cruz added.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Walls once defaced by vandalism in portions of Barangay New Lucban now bear a cleaner appearance following a clean-up and wall repainting activity conducted by the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), in partnership with Barangay New Lucban and the Unity Alliance Baguio Chapter on July 5. The activity is among the first outcomes of a recent dialogue among community groups, government agencies, and local stakeholders, where participating groups committed to support socio-civic initiatives, including the removal of unauthorized and gang-related markings from public properties, participation in environmental activities, and the promotion of peace and discipline within their respective communities. Working side by side, BCPO Police Station 7 personnel, members of the Unity Alliance Baguio Chapter, and Barangay New Lucban restored vandalized walls, giving portions of the barangay a cleaner and more orderly appearance. The initiative also supports BCPO’s continuing implementation of City Ordinance No. 041, Series of 2008, otherwise known as the Anti-Graffiti Code of Baguio City, by encouraging residents and local organizations to help protect public properties from vandalism. Col. Ruel Tagel, city director said, the activity demonstrates how sustained engagement and shared responsibility can bring about positive change and inspire greater participation in preserving the city’s public spaces. As community engagement continues, BCPO looks forward to more collaborative initiatives that inspire wider participation in protecting public spaces from vandalism and fostering communities that are not only safe and healthy, but also clean, orderly, and welcoming for everyone.        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government formalized a farm-to-table circular economy supply chain partnership with four local farmers’ organizations and Newtown Plaza Hotel to promote sustainable agriculture, strengthen local food security and advance the city’s circular economy program, on July 6. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed among the city government led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the Bilis Sto. Tomas Central Farmers’ Livelihood Association, Benin Farmers’ Association, Happy Hallow Farmers’ Association and Panbiagan Di Umili Organization represented by their respective presidents Solomon Lang-ay, Dominador Galian, William Damian and Brelyn Kibasen and the Newtown Plaza Hotel represented by Managing Head Kenneth So. The partnership is part of the city’s Pansa-nopen Tayo circular economy program under the European Union–Philippines Green Economy Partnership. It aims to establish a closed-loop food system by connecting local farmers directly with the hotel, which will source fresh vegetables, legumes, coffee and other agricultural products from the participating associations. Newtown Plaza Hotel will procure locally grown produce, integrate it into its food services, and properly segregate food waste generated from its operations. The City Government will collect and process the organic waste using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology and composting facilities before converting it into organic fertilizer for use by the farmers, completing the circular supply chain. – Aileen P.Refuerzo      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  — The City Government under Mayor Benjamin Magalong,  has formally received the brass plaque and adobe trophy commemorating the Summer Capital’s international recognition at the prestigious 6th Edition of the Tehran Golden Adobe Global Awards – Top Urban Projects & Experiences 2025, held in Tehran, Iran. The award, titled “Certificate of Achievement for Urban Resilience Through Digital Innovation Project,” was officially turned over to the city by officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – Consular Office Baguio at the City Mayor’s Office. Baguio was announced as one of the winners during the closing ceremony of the Tehran Urban Summit, which took place from November 27 to 29, 2025, and stemmed from the city’s successful application submitted by the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office (CPDSO), highlighting Baguio’s innovative Livability Index and Digital Twin Initiative. CPDSO head Donna Rillera Tabangin said the award honored 15 outstanding projects from around the world across five categories: architecture, livability, infrastructure, smart cities, and urban economy. Baguio City joined an elite roster of award-winning cities that included Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz, and Qazvin in Iran, as well as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Kazan in Russia. It recognizes cities that have implemented innovative projects and initiatives that promote urban resilience, sustainability, and smart governance. Baguio’s Livability Index and Digital Twin Initiative were cited as exemplary efforts in advancing data-driven urban planning and fostering a more resilient and intelligent community, Tabangin said. City officials thanked the DFA Consular Office Baguio for its support and for facilitating the successful turnover of the international award. “The recognition further reinforces Baguio City’s position as a leader in innovative urban development and digital transformation, both in the Philippines and on the global stage,” Tabangin stressed.-Gaby B. Keith          

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  — Mayor Benjamin Magalong addressed real estate professionals and industry stakeholders during the recent Luzon Multiple Listing Services (MLS) Summit 2026, held at Baguio Country Club, where discussions focused on sustainable development and investment opportunities across Luzon. Magalong said it was an honor to be invited to deliver a message before real estate professionals, brokers, developers, industry leaders and other distinguished guests attending the summit. The event featured discussions on key development initiatives, including agri-industrial, residential, solar and logistics industrial projects. Sessions were led by MLS Chairperson Azineth Alvaira, together with MLS Core Team members Catherine Garcia and Celia Juan and Roberto G. Sarmiento. The summit served as a venue to address the challenges and opportunities facing the real estate and development sectors, particularly in infrastructure, technological transformation, sustainability, and economic growth. The mayor stressed that collaboration among government, industry leaders, and the private sector is essential in pursuing development initiatives that will contribute to a more prosperous future for the youth and succeeding generations. The activity brought together stakeholders from the real estate industry to exchange ideas and explore strategies aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development.-Gaby B. Keith        

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) has been recognized for its outstanding efforts in environmental protection, sustainable practices, and expanding the John Hay green canopy beyond its area of jurisdiction. During the 9th Environmental Summit, themed “Binnadang ti Umili: Cordillera Shared Eco-Governance” and held at Newtown Plaza, Baguio City, on June 30. JHMC received three major awards: BADANG Award – Best Adherence to Discipline for Advancing National Green-Governance Excellence in Air Quality Monitoring and Management Award Environmental IEC Leadership Award. The awards were personally received by President and CEO Manjit Singh Reandi, Vice President and COO Jane Theresa Tabalingcos, and Environment Manager Editha Mejia, underscoring the corporation’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and continued leadership in environmental initiatives. Alongside this recognition, JHMC renewed its partnership under the Adopt-an-Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station Program through a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This renewal further strengthens JHMC’s role not only in monitoring air quality within Camp John Hay but also in sustaining a healthier environment for its visitors and stakeholders. JHMC management expressed gratitude for the honors, emphasizing that these achievements reflect the dedication of the organization and its partners in advancing green governance and sustainable development.        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong is deferring to the Department of Education (DepEd) on whether to impose a total ban on mobile phones in schools, citing the need for studies and expert guidance before adopting such a policy. Magalong made the statement on June 29, 2026, when asked to comment on Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo’s move to prohibit students from bringing mobile phones to school. He said policies involving children should be grounded in research and the expertise of DepEd, which he noted has a deeper understanding of children’s psychology, behavior, and emotional development. “It depends on the view of the mayor, but in our case, we need to work with DepEd as the expert on such matters,” he said, while acknowledging that studies have shown a direct relationship between excessive cellphone use and physical aggression among children, as well as the risk of addiction. Magalong also pointed out that mobile phones offer practical advantages for students, particularly in emergencies. He cited situations where a student could use a cellphone to report an incident or contact emergency services such as 911. “It’s bidirectional. There is a downside, there is an upside. There are advantages, there are disadvantages. So we need to defer to experts to weigh all of these,” he said. He added that DepEd already has an existing policy regulating mobile phone use in schools. Under current guidelines, students are prohibited from using cellphones during class without authorization, and violations may result in the temporary confiscation of the device. Magalong emphasized that all these factors must be carefully considered before any decision is made on the matter. – Aileen P. Refuerzo