The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiaries John Hay Management Corporation and Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water) to pursue smart water management system in Camp John Hay in Baguio City and Poro Point in La Union. Under the agreements, K-Water will contribute its extensive expertise and proven track record in water resources development, management, and cutting-edge smart water technology. K-Water will leverage its advanced expertise in water supply management, particularly its Smart Water Network Management (SWNM) system, to deliver a solution tailored to the specific needs of the local environment. The project will commence with the deployment of experts to assess existing infrastructure and develop a strategic implementation plan. “K-water is the ideal partner to address the critical water management challenges we face in the revitalization of Camp John Hay, the continued development of Poro Point, and the dynamic growth of New Clark City,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. Bingcang expressed confidence that this strategic collaboration with K-Water directly addresses the pressing challenges the Philippines faces due to climate change. “By partnering with K-water, we are embarking on a transformative journey that will drastically reduce water loss and establish AI-powered water purification plants that will ensure a stable and high-quality water supply for the communities we serve,” he added. Furthermore, these agreements will also allow BCDA to focus on key areas such as diagnosing and improving water supply stability; investigating new water resources; reducing leakage; and sharing knowledge in the water sector. Last year, BCDA also partnered with K-Water on water resource development in New Clark City, where they conducted feasibility studies for comprehensive water management plans, ensuring a stable supply through AI-driven water purification systems. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).  

In celebration of National Heritage Month this May, the City of Baguio proudly re-launches “Dugad Mi” an inspiring multimedia exhibit crafted by the city’s youth, capturing the soul and identity of their communities. “Dugad Mi,” meaning “Our Place” in Ibaloy, serves as a profound expression of the young generation’s connection to their heritage and aspirations for the future. National Heritage Month, declared under Presidential Decree No. 439, emphasizes the importance of fostering consciousness, respect, and love for Filipino cultural history. In 2025, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) set the theme “Preserving Legacies, Building Futures: Empowering Communities through Heritage,” underscoring the role of heritage in empowering future generations. Answering this call, Baguio City’s Cultural Mapping Project initiated by the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office documented 327 natural and cultural heritage resources, including significant personalities in the city’s history. Building on this foundation, the “Dugad Mi” project empowered Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders from 25 barangays through modular training sessions that explored the meaning of “place,” local histories, and the critical role of heritage conservation. Through creative visual arts exercises, participants reconnected with their communities, translating memories, stories, and identities into powerful exhibits. Their works reveal how history, values, and traditions shape meaningful places transforming empty spaces into vibrant, living communities. Originally launched during last year’s Ibagiw Festival, “Dugad Mi” is a collaborative effort of the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office and the Baguio City Creative Council. It represents a strategic planning initiative that blends heritage conservation with creative placemaking, offering a framework that supports Baguio’s identity as a UNESCO Creative City. Rosella Camte-Bahni, from the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office, emphasized the lasting impact of the project: “Our young people, having traced their roots through this project, now see their communities with new eyes filled with pride, meaning, and responsibility. They can now truly and proudly say, ‘This is my place. This is Dugad Mi.’” The City of Baguio invites everyone to visit the exhibit and join in celebrating National Heritage Month. Discover the powerful stories of our young artists and reflect on the legacies that shape our shared future.    

    BAGUIO CITY – Muling pinalasap ng Department of Tourism-Cordillera sa kanilang 6th Mangan Taku Food Fair ang mga katutubong pagkain at inumin, kabilang ang mga One Town, One Product (OTOP) mula sa iba’t ibang lalawigan at lungsod ng Cordillera na matutunghayan sa Rose Garden, Baguio City, mula Abril 24 hanggang 28. Kasalukuyang nalakalatag sa bawat booth ng lalawigan ng Abra, Kalinga, Benguet, Mt.Province, Apayao, Ifugao at mga kalahok na iba’t ibang food establishment ng Baguio City, ang kani-kanilang pangunahing produkto, para ipakita sa publiko ang yaman ng kultura ng rehiyon. Ayon kay DOT Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, ang aktibidad ay alinsunod sa Family Food Month na ipinagdiriwang tuwing Abril at ang food fair ay muling magpapakita ng iba’t ibang Cordillera cuisines kung saan magkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang publiko na makibahagi sa mga espesyal na delicacy sa mismong puso ng lungsod bilang bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap na gawing popular at bigyang-daan ang mga bisita at residente ng lungsod na matikman ang iba’t ibang katutubong Cordillera foods. Sinabi niya na sa taong ito, maglalagay ang departamento ng turismo ng mga sticker ng Mangan Taku sa mga hotel at restaurant na naghahain ng Cordilleran cuisine sa kanilang mga menu upang agad na malaman ng mga bisita na available ang lokal na pagkain sa mga naturang establisyimento. Ang taunang Mangan Taku Food Fair ay inendorso ng hindi bababa sa Regional Development Council sa Cordillera at iba’t ibang lokal na pamahalaan upang matiyak ang pinakamalawak na partisipasyon ng mga concerned stakeholders alinsunod sa agresibong promosyon ng Cordilleran cuisine sa mga dayuhan at lokal na turista. Ayon kay Ganongan, hindi na kailangan ng mga turista at maging ang Cordilleran na pumunta sa iba’t ibang probinsya upang matikman ang mga katutubong delicacy dahil madali itong makukuha sa isang lugar, kaya naman, maaaring gumala ang mga tao at matikman ang iba’t ibang specialty ng Cordilleran. Ang Mangan Taku Food Fair ay itinatag din ng City Ordinance No. 81 noong 2019 at alinsunod sa Proclamation No. 469 na inilabas noong 2018 na nagdedeklara sa buwan ng Abril bilang Filipino Food Month na may layuning itaguyod ang pagpapahalaga, preserbasyon, at pagtataguyod ng mga tradisyon at culinary treasures sa Pilipinas, at ang yaman ng industriya ng Pilipinas. kinabukasan. mga pamayanang agrikultural. Sinabi pa ni Ganongan na ang taunang pagdaraos ng Mangan Taku ay lilikha ng interes mula sa maraming dayuhan at lokal na turista na sabik na tikman ang mga katutubong pagkain at tikman ang iba’t ibang inumin ng Cordillera. By Zaldy Comanda    

  BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Cathedral- Our Lady of the Atonement has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis and will hold a Requiem Mass in his honor on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. presided over by His Excellency, Most Rev. Rafael T. Cruz D.D., Bishop of Baguio. Catholics in Baguio City are also deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on April 21. According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pope Francis was a true model of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. Through his life of service, he reminded the world of the power of kindness, the strength of mercy, and the hope found in unity. His words and actions touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. “On behalf of the Catholic faithful of Baguio City, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who has peacefully returned to our Creator. We mourn with the rest of the world the loss of a beloved and gentle shepherd,” Magalong said. Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara meanwhile, shared her condolences on the passing of the Holy Pope. “With deep sorrow, we join the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A shepherd of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith, Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving the Church and promoting the dignity of all people—especially the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten. His message of mercy, love, and unity transcended borders, bringing light and hope to millions around the world. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired and in the transformative reforms he courageously championed. We extend our deepest condolences to the Vatican and to Catholics everywhere. May his soul rest in God’s eternal peace. Devout Catholic Agnes Montoya, He was the leader of all peoples here after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the entire world mourns his passing. We pray that this will be the beginning of peace and unity regardless of belief and religion.

By Jordan G. Habbiling   The Baguio City Council has approved on third and final reading an ordinance that aims to provide financial relief to building owners in Baguio City who were retroactively penalized under Presidential Decree No. 1096, or the National Building Code of the Philippines, for constructing buildings before the decree took effect. The measure seeks to waive 80% of the P10,000.00 administrative fine. The proposed ordinance principally authored by Councilor Jose Molintas states that the 10,000.00 administrative fine under PD 1096 places an unreasonable financial burden on affected building owners. Through the ordinance, once enacted, the city government will formally waive 80% of the administrative fine. The remaining 20% goes to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and will still be paid by the building owner. To apply for the waiver, building owners must submit the following documents to the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO): accomplished application form, proof of ownership, proof of non-tax delinquency, and copy of DWPH assessment notice. The CBAO is tasked with creating the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to guide the enforcement of the ordinance. The IRR will outline how applications are processed, who qualifies, and how compliance is monitored. The ordinance will take effect 15 days after the IRR is approved. A copy of the ordinance will be sent to Congress, urging lawmakers to consider amendments to PD 1096. The ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.