BAGUIO CITY – The Saint Louis University Center for Culture and the Arts and El Tribu D.Lucban, of Lucban Elementary School emerged as champions in the street dancing and showdown competition of the 29th Panagbenga Festival with the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries” in Baguio City, on February 22. First runner up is Bibyun Lubuagan, of Lubuagan, Kalinga, who is known to have been the champion in the previous Bodong Festival in Kalinga and second place was Tawid A Balitok,of Bacnotan, La Union, all participants in the festival dance open category, who will receive P200,000; P100,000 and P70,000, respectively. The amazing performance of the SLU-CCA performers, artistry and refined storytelling, brought to life the colorful oral tapestry and co mmunity of the Cordillera in a beautiful and unforgettable way, called “Bagbagtu”. “Bagbagtu”as a reflection of lifethrough the element of water, is a fitting and “strong reminder that water is life, and life flows where water thrives.” Also honored as Best Music and Choreography was SLU-CCA and Best in Costume and Props was Tawid aBalitok ti Bacnotan, La Union. Coming in second from Lucban Elementary School were Mabini Elementary School, who was named 1st runner-up, and Tuba Elementary School, who was named 2nd runner-up, each receiving cash prizes of P15,000; P100,000 and P70,000, respectively. In the cultural group, the BIMAAK Cultural Dance Group of Baguio City National School also emerged as champions, with their per formance of “Ullalim Kalinga”, out of 22 other participants in the Rhythm of the Highland, A showcase of Culture and Dance of the Panagbenga Festival last February 15. Saeng Ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble won as 1st runner-up and Iyaman Cultural Performance Group as 2nd runner-up. They will receive cash prizes of P100,000, P70,000, and P50,000, respectively.By Zaldy Comanda  

BAGUIO CITY – With the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries”, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) announced that Baguio City is all set for the grand celebration of the 29th Panagbenga Festival, the grand street dancing parade and grand floral float parade on February 22-23. Evangeline Payno, chief of staff of Panagbenga, said that five elementary drum and lyre will return for their street dance competition and seven participants in the open category festival dance competition. The five elementary drum and lyre are Mabini Elementary School, Manuel Roxas Elementary School, Tuba Central Elementary School, Rosario Elyu DLC and El Tribu D.Lucban. In the festival dance competition are Bitulok Tribe, of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija; Saint Louis University, Pinsao National High School Cultural Essemble, Amputi Layag Street Dancers, of San Carlos City, Pangasinan; Tribu Hiraya Manawari-Linubian Festival, of Poblacion East, Rosario, La Union; Tawid A Balitok, of Bacnotan, La Union and Bibyun Lubuagan, of Lubuagan, Kalinga. Also participating in the parade as guest performers are the famous Citizen Brigade Band of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Bureau of Fire Department Street Dance Performers. The parade will start at 8:00 a.m. led by the Philippine Military Academy Colorful Band, PMA cadets, city government officials, foreign sister cities delegation, Baguio Tourism Council and Liga ng mga Punong Barangay. Also participating are the Saint Louis Marching Band, BFFFI and Little Panagbenga 2025. Payno also reported the increase in participants in the floral float parade this year with 42, compared to 33 in 2024. In the small float category, there are 11; in the medium category, 10; and in the large category, 14, all competing. Also participating in the parade are the City Government float; Department of Tourism float; Hall of Fame Baguio Country Club, SM Prime Holding, Inc. and other floats, all non-competing entries. City Director Ruel Tagel, of the Baguio City Police Office, announced their public safety and security plan to ensure the security of parade spectators. According to Tagel, a total of 1,200 police officers will be deployed along the parade route, along with force multipliers who will serve as crowd control and maintain order in the parade flow. “We have also deployed police in civilian clothes to monitor miscreants who may prey on the parade. There are also spotters assigned and police assigned at the city boundaries and there are police assistance desks and medical teams. The BCPO is ready to maintain security during the two major events of Panagbenga,” Tagel said. Maj. James Dogao, of the Traffic Management Unit, said that all traffic personnel and enforcers will also be deployed from around the parade route, to the outskirt areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. Dogao said, like during the opening parade, they have implemented rerouting schemes using circumferential roads to avoid passing through the central district area, while the parade is underway. “We once again call on residents and tourists who are watching the parade to not use vehicles to go to the area, but instead to find parking areas away from the CBD,” Dogao said. By Zaldy Comanda

The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), led by Chairman Gladys Vergara, successfully conducted the BTC Goodhearted Volunteers (GV) Medical Mission the at the Loakan-Apugan Barangay Covered Court, on February 18. Hosted by Barangay Captain Salvador Lumitap, the mission provided free medical services to over 100 residents from Loakan-Apugan and neighboring communities, underscoring BTC’s dedication to accessible healthcare and community welfare. The medical mission, spearheaded by Dr. Dwight Black, Dr. Paul Quitiquit (SLU), and Dr. Celia Brillantes (Baguio City Health Officer), offered a wide range of essential medical services, including: • Eye Check-ups & Free Eyeglasses • Diabetes Screening • General Medical Check-ups/Consultations • Breast Examinations • Free Medicines BTC Chairman Gladys Vergara played a pivotal role in organizing the medical mission, donating medicines and eyeglasses, and providing essential support. She expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts that made the mission a success, emphasizing the importance of community-driven healthcare initiatives. Several organizations and individuals also contributed to the mission’s success, including the Baguio Everlasting Lions Club, Pines Association of Nursing Attendants and Caregivers, Inc., Diabetes Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter, Atok Health Center, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center, Sweettech Industries, Inc., Unilab, Inc., Swiss Baker, Fernando S. Tiong, and BTC Board Members Glenn Gaerlan, Elaine Sembrano, and Aurora Alambra. Local champion Eric Kelly also lent his support to the initiative. In line with her advocacy for health and welfare, Vergara, in a recent Senior Citizen General Assembly in Barangay Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City, shared her vision for a comprehensive Universal Health Care system. She emphasized that free medical check-ups, hospitalization coverage, and essential health services should be accessible to all Filipinos, particularly senior citizens, women, and children. “ No one should avoid health check-ups due to financial constraints,” Vergara stressed, highlighting the importance of regular health monitoring for a healthier society.Vergara further advocated for expanding Social Pension benefits to include all senior citizens, asserting that “ every elderly Filipino who has contributed so much to society throughout their lives deserves financial support to sustain their daily needs in retirement.” She committed to championing policies that uphold the well-being and dignity of senior citizens and pledged her ongoing support for programs that prioritize public health.            

The Baguio Country Club (BCC) commemorated its 120th founding anniversary with a grand celebration that brought together club members, distinguished guests, and community leaders to honor its rich legacy, on February 18, 2025. The event’s highlight was a symbolic dove-releasing ceremony, where 120 white doves were released to represent peace, unity, and prosperity. Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairman Gladys Vergara participated in the ceremony alongside BCC Chairman Federico Agcaoili and BCC General Manager Anthony De Leon. Club members, guests, and employees also took part in the meaningful tradition. Vergara, who attended the celebration with Glenn Gaerlan and Eric Kelly, congratulated the Baguio Country Club on its remarkable milestone. “ For 120 years, Baguio Country Club has been a pillar of hospitality, tradition, and community in Baguio City. Its legacy of warm service and timeless experiences has enriched countless lives. On behalf of the Baguio Tourism Council, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and look forward to many more years of excellence and tradition,” Vergara said. The festivities concluded with a 120th Anniversary Cocktail Party and a Grand Raffle, capping off an unforgettable celebration. The Baguio Country Club continues to be a cornerstone of timeless traditions and a vital part of Baguio’s rich heritage as it embarks on another century of excellence and community-building.        

  Ang Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), na binubuo ng iba’t ibang sektor ng business community ng Baguio City—kabilang ang mga restaurant, hotel, inns, tour and travel agency, transport, arts, culture, media, sports and wellness, at education—ay nagdaos ng unang board meeting noong Pebrero 13, 2025 sa Function Hall, Shakey’s Baguio Restaurant, Kisad Road, Kisad Road, Baguio City. Sa pangunguna ni Gladys A. Vergara at dinaluhan ng mga honorary board members at sectoral heads, ang pulong ay sumaklaw sa mga pivotal updates, reports, at resolutions na humuhubog sa turismo ng Baguio sa darating na taon. Binuksan ni Vergara ang pagpupulong gamit ang Ulat ng kanyang Tagapangulo, na nag-highlight sa maraming tagumpay ng BTC noong 2024. Mula sa muling pagpapasigla sa turismo pagkatapos ng pandemya hanggang sa matagumpay na paglulunsad ng mga kaganapan, ang ulat ay nakatanggap ng nagkakaisang pag-apruba. Sinabi ni Secretary Engr. Aloysius Mapalo ang paglaki ng membership ng BTC, mahahalagang pagpupulong, resolusyon, at aktibidad, na nakakuha din ng pag-apruba ng board. Ipinagmamalaki ng Treasurer na si Mark Jefferson Ng na ang BTC ay nagkaroon ng pinakamahusay na season nito sa ngayon sa mga tuntunin ng pananalapi para sa 2025. Ang tagumpay na ito ay isang patunay ng lumalagong suporta sa publiko at pribadong suporta. VISITA at ATOP 2025 Project Update Sinabi ni Engr. Mapalo ang update sa VIS.I.T.A. (Visitor Information and Tourist Assistance) na proyekto, na may mahalagang papel sa World Ikat Textiles Symposium (WITS). Mga pagsisikap na pagsamahin ang VIS.I.T.A. sa opisyal na proseso ng pagpaparehistro ng ATOP 2025 ay isinasagawa, na may karagdagang pondo mula sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Ang Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines National Convention at Tourism National Pearl Awards ay iho-host ng Baguio City sa darating na Oktubre 2025. Ang mga delegado mula sa lahat ng rehiyon ay inaasahang magsasama-sama sa Baguio City para sa ATOP 2025. Itatampok ng kaganapang ito ang papel ng Baguio bilang isang nangungunang sentro ng turismo at ipapakita ang natatanging kultura at mga atraksyon nito sa pambansang madla. Sectoral Highlights • G.2 Sector (Accomodations, Ms. Aurora Alambra): Expressed gratitude for support on scam accommodation infomercials and their involvement in An Enchanted Baguio Christmas 2024. • G.3 Sector (Restaurants, Mr. Rocky Cating): Reported on active participation in the zero-waste economy initiative. • G.5 Sector (Hotels, Mr. Mark Jefferson Ng): Discussed ongoing work with an advertising agency for a political roadshow. • G.6 Sector (Mr. Lacambra): Proposed a city-central gallery for artists with an e-commerce platform linked to VIS.I.T.A. to boost local vendor sales. • G.7 Sector (Heritage, Culture, Arts and Media, Mr. Ferdinand Balanag): Announced the Montañosa Film Festival’s plans to go international by 2026, celebrating its 1st Runner Up award for Best Institutionalized Program for Arts and Culture and the #BreatheBaguio Tourism Video, Grand Winner award for Best Tourism Promotions Video at the 2024 ATP National Pearl Awards. • G.8 Sector (Tour Operators, Ms. Jennefer Baltazar): Introduced the “Breathe Baguio Package” and advocated for ordinances to regulate unauthorized tour guides. • G.9 Sector (Transportation, Mr. William Bumay-et): Proposed inviting civic groups to learn about BTC’s role, which was approved. Resolution and Initiatives The board approved several vital resolutions, including: • A request for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to prioritize hiring Baguio or Cordillera residents. • Plans for an annual Driver’s Federation training event with LTFRB and the Baguio Police Traffic Division. • A resolution addressing the proliferation of fake PWD IDs, requesting city council intervention. New Projects and Upcoming Events The board endorsed several initiatives: • Support for the Push/Pull Bike Event on March, securing venue approval from the City Mayor’s Office. • Fund support allocations for the Montañosa Film Festival and for the Happy Paws Pet Park Opening Program. The board also acknowledged upcoming major events: • The accreditation of An Enchanted Baguio Christmas by the European Union. • The ongoing 50 Shades of Bloom photography exhibit. • A Medical Mission on February 18, 2025. Public Safety and MPOX Preparedness Hinimok ng BTC ang lahat ng sektor na manatiling mapagbantay tungkol sa MPOX at manatiling may kaalaman sa mga hakbang sa pag-iingat. Ang pagpupulong ay nagmarka ng isa pang produktibong sesyon sa patuloy na pagsisikap ng BTC na itaas ang industriya ng turismo ng Baguio at mapahusay ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa komunidad. Ang mga partikular na follow-up na aksyon ay binalangkas, kabilang ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na awtoridad sa mga hakbang sa kaligtasan ng publiko, karagdagang pagsasama ng VIS.I.T.A. sa mga pangunahing kaganapan, at patuloy na suporta para sa mga paparating na hakbangin.      

By: Laarni S. Ilagan   The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) Board of Directors (BOD) began 2025 by adopting a paperless system, aligning with global environmental efforts. The BOD held its first digital meeting on January 16, 2025. “The board’s digital shift is a significant effort by BENECO to uphold our Zero Waste-No Single Use Plastic company policy,” said General Manager Melchor Licoben. Licoben spearheaded the cooperative’s Zero Waste initiative in 2023, partnering with Zero Waste Baguio, Inc., a local environmental NGO. “Centralized emails have eliminated the need for four to five reams of bond paper previously used for preparing and reproducing the BOD’s meeting agenda and minutes for each meeting,” said Jeffered Monang, secretary to the board. Previously, Monang reproduced an average of 23 copies of the agenda and minutes, including attachments. This shift not only significantly reduces BENECO’s carbon footprint, but also saves the cooperative thousands of pesos spent on paper, ink, toner, photocopying, delivery, and gasoline, according to Licoben. “The carbon footprint of one A4 sheet of office paper ranges from 0.0043 to 0.0047 kg CO2e, and paper production accounts for 1.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions,” according to Google. A box of bond paper containing five reams costs an average of P1,050, while a photocopy machine toner costs around P5,000. BOD Chairperson Atty. George Dumawing, Jr., initiated discussions about transitioning to digital meetings and agenda preparation in October of the previous year. “During my time with Task Force BENECO (interim board), I noticed that meeting agendas and minutes were piling up and taking up space in my office,” Dumawing recalled. The board recognized the immediate benefits and convenience of digital technology, including instant online delivery of the agenda, easier review of discussion points, and readily accessible files on a finger’s click . “We can now access our files anytime, anywhere, without carrying heavy stacks of paper. It’s more convenient and faster,” said District 2 Director Joseph Zambrano. BENECO continue to embrace greener ways to streamline operations, cut cost, improve customer service while protecting the environment.          

By Zaldy Comanda  BAGUIO CITY – Muling namahagi ang Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), sa pangunguna ni Chairman Gladys Vergara ng Gasolina Voucher (Perks Card) sa mga drayber bilang pangako sa pagsuporta sa sektor ng transportasyon sa siyudad ng Baguio. Sa pinakahuling pamamahagi ni Vergara, kasama si City Councilor aspirant Glenn Gaerlan, ay namigay sila ng Gasolina Vouchers sa mga public utility jeepney (PUJ) at public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers sa Purok 20, San Carlos Heights, Barangay Irisan. Ang Gasolina Voucher (Perks Card) ay programa ng BTC na inilunsad noong Nobyembre 2024, bilang isang inisyatiba na mapagaan ang pinansiyal na pasanin ng mga transport operator habang pinapalakas ang pakikipagsosyo sa mga lokal na negosyo at mga istasyon ng gasolina. Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, ang mga kuwalipikadong driver ay tumatanggap ng hanggang P3.00 diskwento kada litro ng diesel o gasolina mula sa mga kalahok na istasyon ng gasolina. Bilang karagdagan sa mga diskwento sa gasolina, ang mga cardholder ay maaari ding makakuha ng mga diskwento sa mga serbisyo sa pagpapalit ng langis, lubricant, at iba pang mahahalagang bagay sa pagpapanatili ng sasakyan. Partikular na nilalayon ng voucher na tulungan ang mga PUJ at PUV drivers, kabilang ang mga operator ng school at tourist vehicles, sa pagbabawas ng gastusin sa gasolina sa pamamagitan ng mga kasosyong establisyimento ng BTC. Binigyang-diin ni Vergara ang kahalagahan ng inisyatiba sa pagpapanatili ng lokal na sektor ng transportasyon, na gumaganap ng mahalagang papel sa turismo at ekonomiya ng Baguio. “ Ang pagsuporta namin sa mga driver at operator ay isang pangunahing priyoridad na mga hakbangin tulad ng BTC Gasolina Voucher, nilalayon naming maibsan ang ilan sa kanilang mga gastos sa pagpapatakbo habang pinapalakas ang aming mga kasosyo sa mga lokal na negosyo at gasoline station,” pahayag ni Vergara. Ang pinuno ng BTC Tourism G9 Transportation Sector na si Wilson Bumay-et Jr., na siya ring Baguio Jeepney Federation President, ay naging instrumento sa pagpapatupad ng programa. Mula nang ilunsad ito, nakinabang na ang programa sa mahigit 450 driver at operator, na nagpapakita ng positibong epekto nito sa komunidad. Patuloy na pinalalawak ng BTC ang abot nito sa pamamagitan ng pagbisita sa iba’t ibang barangay upang matiyak na mas maraming trabahador ang makaka-access at masisiyahan sa mga benepisyo ng programa. Ang BTC Gasolina Voucher ay isa lamang sa maraming estratehikong programa na ipinakilala ng BTC upang mapahusay ang karanasan sa turismo ng lungsod habang sinusuportahan ang kabuhayan ng mga nasa sektor ng transportasyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa BTC Gasolina Voucher at mga paparating na pamamahagi, hinihikayat ang mga interesadong driver at operator na makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang lokal na asosasyon sa transportasyon o bisitahin ang BTC Office sa Visitors Information Center, Rose Garden, Burnham Park.

The fresh attempt of several sub-lessees of CJH Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) to block Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) full recovery of Camp John Hay has been denied again by a Baguio court. Branch 79 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) on 05 February 2025 denied the application of several foreign nationals, asking for a TRO to stop Branch 6 of Baguio RTC and the court’s ex-officio sheriff from implementing an arbitral final award mandating the return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, together with all improvements, to the BCDA. “This development sends a strong message to all stakeholders to respect the rule of law. We thank the dedicated officers at the Baguio Regional Trial Court and our law enforcement partners who continue to tirelessly and vigorously enforce our laws. We encourage all stakeholders to communicate with BCDA to be properly apprised of their rights and remedies under the law, so as not to be misled by statements repeatedly issued by some parties,” said BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes. Atty. Paredes urged the affected stakeholders to lay their rightful claim on the accountable party/ies they signed their contracts with. The fresh attempt to stop the return of Camp John Hay to the BCDA comes after the ex-officio sheriff proceeded to continue the execution of the final award, which started on 06 January 2025. On 03 April 2024, the Supreme Court invalidated a 2015 Court of Appeals ruling that nullified the Writ of Execution issued by Branch 6 of Baguio RTC and the Notice to Vacate issued by the court’s ex-officio sheriff insofar as third persons claiming rights over improvements in Camp John Hay are concerned. In its  final decision in October 2024, the Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals ruling and upheld the arbitral final award, saying all improvements must be returned to the BCDA without exception.