BAGUIO CITY – Mahigpit ang babala ngayon ng city government sa mga motorista, lalo na sa mga turista, dahil mahigpit na ipinapatupad ngayon sa Summer Capital ang City Ordinance No.18, Series of 2019 o ang Speed Limit Ordinance at Ordinance No. 7-2010 o King of the Road Ordinance, na sa nakalipas na 15 taon mula ng ipasa ito ay hihigpitan na ang implementasyon nito. Sa ilalim ng City Ordinance No.18, ang mga motorista ay may maximum na bilis lamang na 20 kph sa loob ng Central Business District at 30 kph sa lahat ng inner roads. Sa pamamagitan ng makabagong ‘speed gun’ na hawak ng mga traffic enforcer ay mabilis na madedetect ang bilis ng isang sasakyan at magbibigay-daan na masubaybayan ang mga bilis ng sasakyan nang mas tumpak at mapahusay ang pagiging epektibo ng mga pagpapatakbo ng pagpapatupad ng trapiko sa iba’t ibang mga klasipikasyon ng kalsada sa lungsod. Sinimulan ang operasyon nito noong Hunyo 14-15, na kung saan ay 22 motorista ang nahuli, matapos maitala ang kanilang bilis sa pagmamaneho mula 40 kph hanggang 58 kph base sa mga speed measuring gadgets ng BCPO Ang pagpapaigting sa pagpapatupad ng ordinansa at pagbili ng speed gun ay bilang aksyon sa pagtataas ng aksidente, na karamihang naitala ay dulot ng “human error” na may kinalaman sa overspeeding. Ayon kay City Director Col.Ruel Tagel, ang operasyong ito ay bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap na mapanatili ang Baguio bilang isang ligtas, pedestrian-friendly, at walkable na lungsod. “Bukod sa speed gun ay mga mga breath analyzer na din tayo para mabilis nating masuri ang isang drayber kung nakainom ito ng alak sa kanyang pagmamaneho, kaya sana ay maging iresponsable sana ang ating mga drayber na sundin ang ordinansa,para nadin sa kalidtasan ng bawat – isa,” pahayag pa ni Tagel. Sa ilalim ng Ordinance No.18, Series of 2019, ang sinumang lumabag ay sasailalim sa mga sumusunod tulad ng limitasyon sa bilis ng trapiko. Mga parusa: First Offense fine P500.00, concurrent penalty Four (4) hours on road safety. Second offense – P2,000.00, four hours (4) seminar on road safety and tree (3) hours community service, and Third Offense – P2,500.00, Concurrent Penalty – Impoundment of motor vehicle and imprisonment of less than thirty (30) days, at the discretion of the Court. Kaugnay nito, binabalangkas ngayon ng Traffic and Transportation Management Division ng City Engineering Office, Traffic Enforcement Unit ng BCPO at ng City Legal Office ang panukalang amendment para isumite sa konseho ng lungsod. Matatandan, na humiling si Mayor Benjamin Magalong sa Konseho na irepaso o amendyahan ang nasabing odinansa para ayusin ang speed restrictions upang matiyak na angkop ang mga ito sa isang partikular na lugar. “We tried running at 30 kph along South Drive and it is not advisable. It should be around 40 kph. Same is true with Loakan Road, Kennon Road and Marcos Highway. We need to look at other roads where 20-30 kph limit is not appropriate .We have to be discerning regarding our speed limits. We need to amend our ordinance kasi may speed limits na hindi advisable,” paliwanag ni Magalong. Samantala, hindi lamang overspeeding ang binbantayan ngayon ng kapulisan, kundi ang mahigpit na pagpapatud din ng King of the Road Ordinance. Ang ordinansa ng King of the Road ay nag-uutos sa mga motorista na gumawa ng limang segundong full stop bago ang mga pedestrian lane. Ipinagbabawal din nito ang pagharang sa anumang bahagi ng pedestrian lane. Sa implementasyon, may kabuuang 490 motorista ang nahuli dahil sa paglabag sa ordinansa mula Mayo 29 hanggang Hunyo 9. Ayon kay Tagel, ang pagpapatupad ng ordinansa ay bilang bahagi ng Operational Plan Discipline, Respect, Infrastructure, Vigilance and Education (Oplan DRIVE) ng BCPO. Aniya, ang Oplan DRIVE na ngayon ay ipinapatupad sa 14 Police Station ay naglalayong tugunan ang dumaraming vehicular traffic incidents (VTIs) sa lungsod. Ang mga lumalabag ay nahaharap sa kaukulang parusa at kinakailangang pagdalo sa mga mandatoryong seminar sa trapiko. Sinabi ni Tagel na nilalayon nilang panatilihin ang Oplan DRIVE bilang bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap nitong palakasin ang pagpapatupad ng batas trapiko at isulong ang kaligtasan ng publiko sa lungsod. By Zaldy Comanda                  

By Roline Cabantoc- BA English Language Studies, University of the Cordilleras   Fifteen employees from the nine branches under the SSS Luzon North 1 Division and attached offices competed to claim as the Best Customer Service, Best Support Service and Best Supervisor, during its annual Search for Best Employees last June 16, 2025 held at SSS Baguio office. This year, TJ Christian Ruiz, Social Security Officer III and Jenny Jane Baybaya, Senior Member Service Representative, both from SSS Baguio emerged as Best Supervisor and Best Customer Service respectively. Lovely Lamorena, Senior Executive Assistant from the Office of the Vice President was declared the Best Support Service Employee. All three winners will advance to Luzon Operations Group Level Search. Concurrent Acting Vice President Nancy M. Umoso commended the Baguio Branch awardees, emphasizing that their success reflects the high standards upheld by the SSS. “This achievement is not only a source of pride for the Baguio Branch but also the entire division. It proves that through innovation, integrity, and dedication, we can elevate public service to greater heights,” she stated. The selection was based on three main criteria: Outstanding Performance and Impact, Exemplary Ethical Behavior, and Personality. The first criterion recognized innovative contributions that improved service delivery, including sustainable practices aligned with the SSS’s goals in governance, social responsibility, and environmental care. The second evaluated each nominee’s adherence to the Code of Conduct under Republic Act No. 6713, as well as the core values of the SSS. The final criterion assessed communication skills, professionalism, flexibility, and interpersonal effectiveness. The Search for Best Employee is part of the annual celebration of SSS Anniversary celebrated during September. For this year, SSS will celebrate its 68th year of founding.    

Camp John Hay, Baguio City—The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and the Philippine Trail Running Association (PhilTRA) have formalized their commitment to advancing trail running in Camp John Hay (CJH) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today, June 18, 2025, at the Bell House, Camp John Hay. President of PhilTRA, Atty. James Roldan was enthusiastic about the partnership and emphasized how it may improve CJH’s standing as the hub for trail running events. “This partnership will position CJH as the trail running capital not only of Baguio but of the entire country. We hope that, in the future, trail running will become an Olympic event, and initiatives like these will help propel the sport to greater heights,” he stated. Meanwhile, JHMC President and Chief Executive Officer Manjit T. Singh Reandi underscored the harmony between sports and environmental conservation, aligning with JHMC’s mission to preserve the camp’s ecological and historical assets. “Through this collaboration, we aim to support elite athletes while inspiring the next generation to engage in environmental advocacy through sports,” Singh Reandi remarked. The partnership will enhance trail safety, accessibility, and sustainability, with initiatives such as “Batang PHILTRA” consistent with JHMC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. The MOU signing was witnessed by Christine Ferrer, PhilTRA Vice President, and Jane Theresa G. Tabalingcos, JHMC Vice President and COO.

The intensified implementation of the King of the Road Ordinance by the BCPO from May 29 to June 10, 2025 has resulted in 439 apprehensions, underscoring the police unit’s firm stance on traffic discipline and pedestrian safety. The King of the Road Ordinance reiterates that pedestrians have the right of way, and all motorists are required to yield at designated pedestrian lanes and crossings. The reflected apprehensions reaffirm the strict commitment of BCPO in bringing discipline back to the streets especially on the pedestrians. The City Director, PCol. Ruel D.Tagel said, “This significant increase in apprehensions is a testament to our adherence to OPLAN D.R.I.V.E. (Discipline, Respect, Infrastructure, Vigilance, and Education), a cornerstone initiative aimed at fostering a culture of respect and patience among road users that can create a safer driving environment for everyone.”

By Primo Agatep   BAGUIO CITY-  Over the years ,the city’s worsening traffic problem has impacted productivity ,and traffic-related air pollution   increased health costs. To address the problem in a  holistic way, Buddy Resurreccion, a local boy is offering his selfless concept called – Baguio City Business District Traffic Flow and Area-Use Plan. Sufficient and convenient are the hallmarked of the plan, said Resurreccion, pointing out ‘understandably, we need to strike a balance among those who will be affected. Three solutions are presented –(1) divert the traffic , (2) minimize options  at the intersections, and (3) minimize the volume. Among the Steps are : (1)- Only jeepneys with inside Baguio routes should be allowed CBD.The proponent cited ‘we can no longer accommodate all jeepneys serving all routes including Benguet Province routes in such a small space.’ Step (2)- Baguio-La Trinidad  vice versa  should become a  Bus routes – jeepneys for Benguet routes should load /unload  passengers at the Pico Terminal; Step (3)- Assign jeepney terminal locations/routes in the CBD. And (4)-Implement  Kisad- Harrison Loop and Taxi stands. ‘I am presenting this plan for the love of Baguio, and I don’t  represent any company,’ said Resurreccion, who tirelessly been working the concept for almost 10 years now in collaboration with Architect  Arsenio ‘Omar’ Eslava of  United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). ‘I am offering the plan, if Baguio people will  like it,’ Resurreccion quipped, who is an alumni of Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Resurreccion presented the said concept with a group of local journalists, with local boy and ace golfer Danny Zarate, a World Cupper and former member of Philippine team who hosted the activity held  at Villa Silvina Hotel and Restaurant here. Members of the media actively participated in the discussion. The Vision Midway in the presentation and amid heavy rains, the proponent also opened ‘futuristic’ concepts surrounding CBD the  city’s premiere park -Burnham, by putting up an elevated walk-through, in harmony with the earlier city plan—Walk Baguio. At Melvin Jones ,a grand designed for bleachers at both ends to accommodate hundreds of people to watch an activity like the annual Flower Festival  Panagbenga. A  multi-level building for parking area, and be utilized for  business purposes like  the popular Baguio Night Market at given types of  weather. Moreover, under area-use concept, putting  up of Satellite Markets outside the CBD has to be expanded. There’s beauty in fixing the traffic. It pours investments.            

  By Rose Frejane Cruz   BAGUIO CITY — One hundred solo parents received gift packs during the celebration of the 24th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day held at the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Park, Botanical Garden, Baguio City, on June 14. The celebration was attended by Consul and Head of Post Ren Faquiang, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag City, together with Baguio Filipino-Chinese Organizations led by Peter Ng and city officials. The selected solo parents are from the City Social Welfare and Development Office led by Liza Bulayungan. “This friendship will not end despite the issues between the two countries, because we who live here in the Philippines, were born and do business here have Filipino blood to love our place and help our countrymen,” Ng said. According to Consul Faquiang, “I am very pleased with the relationship between Chinese and Filipinos in Baguio City, because I always see the respect for each other. The upcoming celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Philippines-China friendship proves that the length of the relationship is also the length of unity, cooperation towards the economy of the two countries.” The simple celebration was conducted by releasing doves and balloons as a symbol of friendship between the two countries and the highlight was the distribution of 100 grocery packs to single-parent beneficiaries. In a message by Mayor Benjamin Magalong delivered by his Executive Assistant Doy Tabilog, he highly praised the Fil-Chi community in the city for their contributions from community outreach programs, such as the construction of additional school buildings in schools and the delivery of aid during disasters. “In addition, they are also our partners in tourism, such as the Chinoy mural they created that serves as an attraction for our visitors and this Fil-Chinese Friendship Park, which they themselves are developing and beautifying, which is one of the places visited by tourists. Our relationship with each other does not end here, but will continue for the development of our city. Thank you very much,” Magalong added in his message.        

BAGUIO CITY — Hiniling ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong ang pagrepaso at pag-amyenda sa speed limit ordinance ng lungsod upang maisaayos ang mga paghihigpit sa bilis at gamitin kung ano ang nararapat sa isang partikular na lugar. “We have to be discerning regarding our speed limits. We need to amend our ordinance kasi may speed limits na hindi advisable,” paliwanag ni Magalong sa mga kinatawan ng  city’s traffic and transportation team. Sinabi ni Magalong na tinanggihan ng aktwal na karanasan ang pagiging angkop ng mga speed limit na ibinigay sa ilalim ng Ordinance No. 18, series of 2019 o ang Speed ​​Limit Ordinance ng Baguio City. “We tried running at 30 kph along South Drive and it is not advisable. It should be around 40 kph. Same is true with Loakan Road, Kennon Road and Marcos Highway. We need to look at other roads where 20-30 kph limit is not appropriate,” dagdag pa ni Magalong. Ang Traffic and Transportation Management Division ng City Engineering Office, Traffic Enforcement Unit ng Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) at ang City Legal Office ay gagawa ng draft ng panukalang amendment para isumite sa city council. Ang mahigpit na pagpataw ng speed limit ordinance ay isa sa mga ginawang hakbang para mapigilan ang pagdami ng vehicular traffic incidents sa lungsod. Ang karamihang aksidente sa kalsada ay pangunahing naiugnay sa human error. Gaya ng nakasaad sa Ordinansa Blg.18-2019, ang maximum na bilis na 20 kph ay mahigpit na ipinapataw sa loob ng Central Business District at iba pang mga pangunahing kalsada. Ang maximum na bilis na 30 kph ay nalalapat sa lahat ng panloob na kalsada. Upang matiyak ang bisa ng ordinansang ito, nagplano ang lungsod na bumili ng mga speed monitoring device, kabilang ang mga speed gun at radar sensor, upang mapahusay ang regulasyon at pagtuklas ng mga bilis ng sasakyan sa buong lungsod. Ayon kay BCPO City Director PCol Ruel Tagel na nakabili na ng breath analyzer at ginagamit na ngayon sa field testing. Bibili ng mga karagdagang breath analyzer sa mga darating na araw. Ang pagbili ng mga speed gun ay isinasagawa din na may mga pagsasaalang-alang para sa kalidad at pagiging epektibo sa gastos. Naglagay din ang CEO ng mga signage sa mga kalsada kabilang ang Bokawkan, Magsaysay, Loakan at Legarda para palakasin ang pagpapatupad ng ordinansa sa pakikipagtulungan ng Deparment of Public Works and Highways. Bilang karagdagan, ang mga signage na “Slow Down” ay inilagay malapit sa mga paaralan bilang suporta sa parehong ordinansa.        

The 2nd Largest Flag in the World measuring 100 meters by 200 meters, weighing 3.8 tons and was made for almost six months by the Halelujah Prophetic Global Foundation was unfurling by more or less 500 people at Athletic Bowl, during the celebration of 110th Independence Day in Baguio City on June 12, 2008.The largest Philippine flag is next to Israel.