By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong happily received 200 different types of books from Kindergarten to Grade 6, donated by the Rotary Club of Makati Ayala Triangle, on February 6. The books were personally delivered to the Mayor’s Office by 2024 Noble Queen Of Culture and Arts Mylene Myse Salonga, along with International Artist Carmela Geisert, who are also members of RCMAT, with the theme “Baguio’s Building a Better Future Book Donations for a Better Tomorrow”. According to Salonga, the last time he spoke with Magalong, he asked for a book as a project that he would donate to schools in the city, which is why she immediately approached Rotary Club International District 3830 Governor Precy Yulo and RCMAT President Tess Guzman. She said the donated books were made with the help of Carmela Geisert of  Althaus and  Niktea ,  Myseterpiece Art by Myse Salonga and Noble Queen Limited International (NQULI). Magalong immediately turned over the books to be distributed to various schools in need to Juliet Piok, Senior Education Program Specialist; Jackson Caya-os, principal of Baguio Central School and Helen Acop, principal of Lucban Elementary School. “These books are a great help to our school and I am grateful to RCMAT, and to our two international artists who delivered them. I hope the community outreach continues,” said Magalong. Salonga explained that RCMAT is a well-known organization that helps the community, providing food donations to school children and to various sectors.          

  Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara joined Mayor Benjamin Magalong at the launch of Pansa-Nopen: Let’s Gather, Save, and Renew – Baguio City’s Circular Economy on January 31, 2025, at the University of the Cordilleras. The event highlights Baguio’s commitment to sustainability and the transition toward a circular economy that benefits both the community and future generations. In his speech, Mayor Magalong emphasized the significance of adopting a circular economy model that transforms waste into valuable resources. He noted that by implementing waste-to-resource solutions, Baguio can significantly reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, while fostering innovation, collaboration, and the creation of green jobs in the city. The event featured interactive exhibits showcasing eco-friendly solutions and resource efficiency strategies. Funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Circular Economy Program aims to promote sustainable practices, reduce environmental impact, and stimulate economic growth. Local government units (LGUs) and various stakeholders engaged in discussions on accelerating behavioral change and community adoption of circular economy practices. As an environmental advocate through her Glad to be Green initiative, Gladys Vergara has long championed renewable energy solutions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Her commitment extends to the BTC Greensoil Venture, a partnership with the Department of Agriculture, which provides training on biodegradable waste management at the household and barangay levels. These sessions teach residents composting techniques using a special reagent that speeds up decomposition, producing high-grade compost fertilizer that can be sold for additional household income. Participants receive free starter kits, including composting bins, reagents, and tools, ensuring they can immediately apply their learnings. “The shift toward a circular economy is essential for Baguio’s sustainable future. Through innovative programs like Greensoil Venture and the city’s commitment to waste reduction, we can turn challenges into opportunities—minimizing waste while creating economic value for our communities,” Vergara stated. With the Circular Economy Program advancing waste reduction, resource efficiency, and economic resilience, and Gladys Vergara’s strong advocacy for a greener Baguio, the city continues to move forward in balancing tourism, development, and sustainability.

“Metro BLISTT is not just a concept—it is a commitment.” Mayor Benjamin Magalong set the tone for Metro BLISTT forum at the Baguio Country Club with a powerful call for inclusive, sustainable, and corruption-free development. Addressing business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders, Mayor Magalong emphasized the need for smart urban planning, inter-LGU collaboration, and ethical governance to ensure progress is shared equitably across Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay. Key discussions highlighted challenges such as urban congestion, infrastructure gaps, and environmental sustainability—turning these into innovation and responsible growth opportunities, with insights from Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Dr. Felina Espique, Ms. Maria Costales, and other esteemed speakers. Organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Baguio-Benguet Chapter and the People Management Association of the Philippines, the event highlighted collaboration for a progressive and sustainable Metro BLISTT. Photos by Eunice Tomacder & Mikaela Bello

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Isinusulong ngayon ni Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara ang Universal Health Care (UHC) na siguradong abot-kaya at accessible na serbisyong medikal para sa lahat, partikular sa mga matatanda. Kamakailan ay nakipag-pulong si Vergara sa mga senior citizen ng Barangay San Roque na pinangunahan ni San Roque Senior Citizens Association President Jerry Uy, para ihatid ang kanyang pangako sa pangkalahatang pangangalagang pangkalusugan, mga patakarang itinutulak ng komunidad, at mga repormang pambatasan na naglalayong mapabuti ang buhay ng mga residente ng Baguio. “Ang ating mga senior citizen ay karapat-dapat sa sistema ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan na ngayon ay nangangalaga sa kanila. Ako ay nangangako na isulong ang mga patakarang ito sa Kongreso sa pagpapalakas ng ating programang pangkalusugan, pagtiyak na ang mga residente ng baguio, lalo na ang ating mga matatanda, ay may access sa mga de-kalidad na serbisyong medikal nang walang pinansiyal na pasanin,” pahayag ni Vergara, na kandidato sa pagka-Congressman ng lungsod. Sinalamin ni Vergara ang kanyang malawak na karanasan sa serbisyo publiko, na nagsilbi bilang Chief of Staff sa kanyang ama, dating Alkalde at Congressman Bernardo M. Vergara, sa loob ng 24 na taon. Kasama rin sa kanyang paglalakbay sa pamumuno ang mga tungkulin bilang City Councilor noong 1987, Vice Mayor ng Baguio City, at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President. Ipinahayag niya ang labis na pagmamalaki sa mga kontribusyon ng kanyang ama sa Baguio, na binigyang-diin na ang kanyang pamumuno ay nagbigay-inspirasyon sa kanya upang patuloy na magtrabaho para sa pag-unlad ng lungsod. Binalangkas din ni Vergara ang kanyang layunin na suriin at palakasin ang Expanded Citizens Act, na tinitiyak na ang mga residente ng Baguio, partikular na ang mga senior citizen, ay makikinabang sa mga patakarang nagtataguyod ng kapakanang panlipunan, pangangalaga sa kalusugan, at aktibong pakikipag-ugnayan sa sibiko. “Nais kong tiyakin na ang ating mga senior citizen ay makakatanggap ng mga sumusuportang benepisyo na nararapat sa kanila mula sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan hanggang sa panlipunang pag-unlad na nagbibigay-kapangyarihan sa kanila na manatiling aktibong miyembro ng ating komunidad.” Tinapos ni Vergara ang pulong sa pamamagitan ng muling pagpapatibay sa kanyang pangako na dalhin ang mga alalahanin ng Baguio sa pambansang antas at pagtiyak na ang mga patakaran ay direktang makikinabang sa mga residente ng lungsod. Aniya, “Sa tiwala at suporta ng mga taga-Baguio, determinado akong magdala ng mga tunay na solusyon sa mga solusyon sa Kongreso na nagpapasigla sa ating mga senior citizen, nagpapalakas sa ating sistema ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan, at nagtataguyod ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa lahat.”  

  BAGUIO CITY – With the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries”, nineteen contingents showcased their talent in streetdancing and drum and lyre to kick off the month-long celebration of the 29th edition of the Panagbenga Festival or Baguio Flower Festival in Baguio City,on February 1. The celebration began with interfaith opening prayers by various religious groups and Cordilleran prayer (Uggayam) by Baguio FlowerFestival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) chairman for life and former Mayor Mauricio Domogan, held at the Panagbenga Park. Five participants for elementary streetdancing and drum-and-lyre will compete in their skills, including Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, Manuel Roxas Elementary School, Lucban Elementary School, Tuba Elementary School and the outside contingent Rosario Integrated Elementary School, Rosario, La Union. Pugo Central Elementary School, from Pugo town, La Union serves as the guest performer in the celebration. In addition, 13 cultural dance groups from the Cordillera will also participate in the grand opening parade to showcase their cultural streetdancing performance, which is much-anticipated by tourists. According to Evangeline Payno, Chief of Staff of the Panagbenga Executive Committee, 30 percent of the participating contingent’s scores will be taken from their performances in the grand opening parade and drum-and-lyre competition while the remaining 70 percent will come from their performances in the grand street dancing parade on February 22, while the grand float parade will be held the following day. The cultural dance groups will hone their performance in preparation for the competition on February 15, which will be held at the Melvin Jones Football ground. By Zaldy Comanda          

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Pinangunahan mismo ni His Excellency Bishop Rafael T. Cruz, ng Our Lady of Atonement (Baguio Cathedral) ang inagurasyonsa isang makasaysayang mural sa harapang- bakod mismo ng Bishop House, Barangay Kabayanihan, Baguio City, noong Enero 31. Ang ika-44 mural project ng Sin-Agi Artists ay naglalarawan ng hindi bababa sa tatlong hanay ng mga pigura, na ang una ay ang Baguio Cathedral na may pari at malaking pulutong ng mga tao, isang grupo ng mga lalaki na may dalang bahay at mga kabataan na nagtuturo sa mga matatanda ng paggamit ng modernong mga gadget. Ayon kay City Counselor Leandro Yangot, Jr., kabilang din sa Sin-Agi Artists at tinaguring “Mr.Murals”, na ang tatlong set ng mga imahe ay naglalarawan sa pagdating ng mga paring Katoliko mula sa Belgium na nag-ebanghelyo sa mga taga-Baguio at Cordillera noong unang bahagi ng 1900s. Ang pangalawa aniya ay ang barangay na nakuha ang pangalan nito mula sa halaga ng Filipino ng bayanihan o ang pagkilos ng pagtulong sa kapwa. Ang pangatlo ay ang papel ng mga kabataan ng nasabing barangay sa paglabas ng halos 30 metrong mural. Ayon kay Yangot, nakita niya angmalaking pader sa harapan ng Bishop House na sakto para lagyan ng murals, kaya’t agad siyang nakipag-ugnayan sa Barangay Kabayanihan sa pamumuno ni Punong Baragay Eladio Ortenero at hinikayat ang mga kabataang artists para pintahan ito. Ang Sin-Agi Artists ay itinatag ng Yangot noong Disyembre 2022 at noong Enero 2023 ay sinimulan ang proyektong mural ng Legarda Road sa harap ng Europa Condominiums at ang grupo ay nagtungo sa iba’t ibang barangay kung saan nagsimulang umangat ang mga mural upang gawing “tunay na malikhaing lungsod” ang Baguio. “ Isa lang masasabi ko sa mural, “Excelllent”, dahil napakaganda at may kasayasayan ang murals na lumalarawan sa Kristyanismo. Nagpapasalamat sa ating mga talentadong kabataang arists at higit sa lahat sa mga barangay officials na nag-proyekto ng sidewalk canopy sa paligid ng compound, na malaking tulong sa tao na hindi mabasa sa panahon ng tag-ulan,” pahayag ni Bishop Cruz.    

The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) and the Ambassadors of the EU Member States in the Philippines paid an official visit to Baguio City for the first time jointly to get acquainted with the City and to explore opportunities for further collaboration.     During their visit, on January 27-29, the Ambassadors met with local government officials led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, civil society representatives, academe and the press.   They also visited EU funded-projects on green economy, justice coordination and children’s rights, as well as Baguio City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Command Center, the Quezon Elementary Library HOB (Hooked on Books), and the Mansion House.     EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said that: “We are pleased to visit Baguio City jointly for the first time. We like to thank the Baguio City government as well as the officials and representatives from government agencies, NGOs, civil society organisations and the press, for the very warm welcome. We also like to acknowledge the strong commitment of the city government and partner institutions, and civil society organizations to good governance and to green inclusive growth”.    The envoys visiting the city include Ambassadors Massimo Santoro, European Union; Dr. Titanilla Tóth, Hungary; Michel Parys, Belgium; Raduta Dana Matache, Romania; Ioannis Pediotis, Greece; Dr. Johann Brieger, Austria; Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, Denmark; Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke, Germany; Marie Fontanel, France; Ričardas Šlepavičius, Lithuania; Karel Hejč, Czechia; Davide Giglio, Italy;  Emma Hickey, Ireland; Saija Nurminen, Finland; Nicholas Panayiotou, Cyprus; Ambassador-designate Anna Ferry, Sweden; Chargés d’affaires ad interim Ms Anna Krzak-Danel, Poland; and Mr. Dragan Barbutovski, Slovenia.     The partnership between the European Union and the Philippines has evolved and intensified during the last 60 years, from development cooperation and humanitarian aid, to a wide range of areas nowadays, including for example green economy, space, security, and of course, education.    The EU-Philippines’ bilateral relationship is growing even stronger under an all-encompassing Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation that the EU and the Philippines concluded in 2018.    This Agreement provides an enhanced legal framework, enabling both the EU and the Philippines to strengthen the bilateral relation on political, social, economic, and security matters, based on common interests but also shared principles and values, such as our common commitment to multilateralism and adherence to the international rule of law. This commitment has become all the more important in the context of the current geopolitical challenges.   During the press conference at The Forest Lodge on January 29, EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro explained why Baguio chose to visit.” First, it is important for us as Ambassadors to go out of Metro Manila and to experience and get first-hand information about the situation in other parts of the country. And we knew about Baguio being a city that emphasizes good governance, digitalization and environmental sustainability, as well as a seat for academic excellence and for a vibrant and creative civil society. I think our visit has confirmed those assumptions, which make the reputation of the city.”   “Also on behalf of my colleagues, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Magalong and other city hall officials and to civil society interlocutors for their warm hospitality, frank sharing of experiences, and incredibly well run logistical assistance that have made this visit possible. It is not easy to receive such a big group as ours, the Ambassadors and Chargés d’affaires ad interim of 17 EU Member countries, out of a total of 27 EU Member States, including some Ambassadors who are based out of the Philippines and who flew to the country primarily for this occasion.”   He said, “We had a very productive discussion with Mayor Magalong and his team, where we learned more about the city’s policies. This was complemented by a visit to the Command Center of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. We also visited the Green LGUs project, which, as you may know, is being supported by the European Union. We were happy to see that Baguio City’s priorities very much reflect the priorities of the EU in those two critical areas.”   Notably on green economy, the European Union is implementing a Green Economy program in the Philippines in support of the Philippines’ transition towards a green economy and green growth, including circular economy, reducing waste, renewable energy and research.   EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro said they allocated PhP3.6 billion to this program. “However, together with several of our Member States and financial institutions, we expect to mobilize another PhP28 billion under what we call a “Team Europe” approach. This is part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.”   Under the Green Economy program, the project that they visited on Monday aims at enhancing circular economy practices by the Local Government Units in collaboration with the private sector and the civil society.   Baguio has been selected as one of the first ten cities for the implementation of this project, which will be extended to up to 60 Local Government Units in the coming months.   We have also had the opportunity to visit another two projects of the European Union in Baguio and the Cordilleras: one which aims to support national efforts to eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor, including online sexual abuse or exploitation of children and violations of acceptable working conditions; and another project that is part of our support to the Philippines Justice sector, notably to the inter sectoral coordination through Justice Zones, one of which has been established in Baguio.    

By Jordan G. Habbiling-SP-PIO   With the first case of Mpox reported in Baguio City, a seven-year-old proposed ordinance, once enacted, could help keep the numbers to a minimum. Amid rapid urbanization and the constant influx of tourists that could exacerbate the spread of emerging and re-emerging diseases, a proposed Sanitation Code has been reintroduced to tackle challenges on public health. The proposed ordinance creating the Sanitation Code of Baguio City is sponsored by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda. It was approved by the Baguio City Council on second reading on January 13, 2025 and is set to be published soon in a local newspaper. In an interview, Tabanda said certain provisions of the original proposal, particularly those addressing regulations for massage spas, fitness centers or gyms, accommodation establishments, public restrooms, and other spaces frequented by the public, will be “tweaked” to make them more responsive in addressing emerging and reemerging diseases such as Mpox. In addition to addressing the city’s ongoing health challenges, Tabanda said the proposed Sanitation Code aims to unify and localize all relevant health and sanitation laws to serve as a practical reference and guide for the city government in enforcing these regulations. Serving as the current chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Health, Sanitation, Ecology, and Environmental Protection, Tabanda explained that the first draft will definitely undergo several changes to accommodate comments and suggestions both by the citizens and her fellow city council members. The proposed Code is set to undergo a series of public consultations to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to give comments and recommendations for the enhancement of the proposal. The initial draft was crafted by Engr. Charles Carame, the former head of the Environmental Sanitation Division of the City Health Services Office (CHSO). In an interview, Carame said the proposal started in 2018, but its legislative progress was stalled due to various factors including pending actions by previous sponsors and COVID-19 restrictions. The Environment Code of Baguio City, a landmark ordinance enacted by the Baguio City Council in 2016, served as a foundation for the proposed Sanitation Code. While the Environment Code addresses a broader range of issues on environment, the proposed Sanitation Code seeks to specifically target health and sanitation-related policies. Aside from the Environment Code, the city government relies primarily on Presidential Decree No. 856 or the Code on Sanitation, for the implementation of sanitation-related regulations. However, this national law is deemed outdated, with some provisions no longer applicable to the city. Therefore, there is a pressing need for Baguio, a highly urbanized city, to adopt its own Sanitation Code that is tailored to address its unique needs and circumstances. Furthermore, there are existing local ordinances that align with the provisions of the proposed Sanitation Code. By consolidating these local and national laws into a single Code, the city government will be more efficient and consistent in implementing sanitation policies. The devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent emergence of Mpox have underscored the urgent need for the swift enactment of the proposed Code. Once enacted, it will serve as a preventive tool against emerging and reemerging diseases in the city. Codified regulations on health and sanitation are outlined across 28 articles and 104 sections under the proposed ordinance. These include requirements for water supply systems, food and non-food establishments, markets, laundries, schools, industrial and public facilities, and various service-oriented businesses such as nightclubs, beauty parlors, and massage clinics.   There are also certain regulations in the proposed Code that address specific public areas such as public transport, camps, and swimming pools. These regulations set standards for hygiene, waste management, and safety. Additional provisions focus on environmental health including sewage management, waste disposal, vermin control, and the handling of health care and animal-related waste. With the first case of Mpox in the city, the urgency of enacting the proposed Sanitation Code has become a priority. By enforcing unified health and sanitation standards in various settings, these regulations under the proposed Sanitation Code could intensify the city government’s efforts in preventing the spread of emerging and reemerging diseases and enhance the community’s resilience against future outbreaks.

BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Services Office reported the second case of Monkeypox or ‘mpox’ in Baguio City. It can be recalled that on January 17, the first case of mpox was detected from a 28-year-old man who underwent isolation and after a few days, he recovered and is now recovering. According to the CSHO, the second laboratory-confirmed case of Mpox was reported to the DOH on January 18 from a 22-year-old man, a resident of Baguio, who has no travel history outside the Philippines but had close contact two weeks before the onset of symptoms. They said the patient sought consultation at a private hospital, where specimens were taken from skin lesions and sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). PCR test results showed that the specimens tested positive for Monkeypox viral DNA, indicating that his infection was also caused by the less severe Clade II strain, the same as the first Mpox case in the city. The CHSO said the patient was discharged from the hospital on January 21 and went straight to home isolation. The patient has two identified close contacts who are asymptomatic but have been advised to home quarantine until February 6, while the other is advised to quarantine until February 24. Mayor Benjamin Magalong and City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes told the public that there is no reason to panic, however, they strongly reminded the public to practice routine health protocols such as frequent hand washing, wearing face masks, and physical distancing especially in crowded places. “There is no need to panic. We just need to wash our hands frequently, wear long sleeves or jackets, avoid exposure to people because Mpox can be acquired through the skin or through contaminated objects like bedding, towels, etc.” Dr. Brillantes stated. Since both cases were found to have a history of close intimate contact, the CHSO also emphasized that Mpox can be transmitted through close contact activities such as prolonged exposure, kissing, hugging, and close contact with an infected person. Flu-like symptoms appeared, with body aches, chills, and fatigue. A peculiar rash on the palms, face, arms, thorax, and back followed. With the upcoming large gatherings and celebrations in the city, such as Panagbenga, the CHSO reiterated that there is no cause for alarm because the virus is not transmitted like the COVID-19 virus, but still calls for the observation of precautionary measures to prevent spread and transmission. According to the Department of Health, a total of 52 cases of Mpox were recorded in various parts of the country in December 2024.