Si Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson at congressional aspirant na si Gladys Vergara ay nagpapatuloy sa kanyang adbokasiya para sa sustainable at eco-friendly na mga solusyon, na nagsusulong ng solar at renewable energy sa iba’t ibang barangay sa buong lungsod. Bilang bahagi ng kanyang Glad to be Green initiative, binisita niya ang Gabriela Silang, Happy Homes, Lourdes Subdivision Extension, Brookside, at Salud Mitra, kung saan pinalakas niya ang kahalagahan ng solar-powered lighting para sa mas ligtas at mas napapanatiling komunidad. Ang pangako ni Vergara sa pag-iilaw sa mga kalye at barangay para sa kaligtasan ng publiko ay nananatiling nasa puso ng kanyang misyon. Sa kanyang pakikipag-ugnayan sa Happy Homes Barangay, nagbigay siya ng solar-powered streetlights, na nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa barangay na mailagay ang mga ito sa mga lugar kung saan sila ay higit na kailangan. Sa Lourdes Subdivision Extension, tinugunan din ni Gladys Vergara ang matagal nang isyu ng baha sa komunidad. Naalala niya kung paano pinangunahan ng kanyang ama, si dating Congressman Bernardo Vergara, ang declogging ng City Camp Lagoon, na makabuluhang nabawasan ang pagbaha. Gayunpaman, dahil sa kakulangan ng patuloy na pagpapanatili, ang lugar ay nananatiling nasa panganib. Tiniyak ni Vergara sa mga residente ang kanyang pangako na kumpletuhin ang hindi pa natapos na proyektong ito upang maprotektahan ang barangay mula sa mga darating na baha. Bukod pa rito, binigyang-diin ni Vergara ang pangangailangan para sa mas magandang imprastraktura ng komunidad, partikular sa mga barangay na walang permanenteng bulwagan. Ipinunto niya na ang Happy Homes Barangay Hall, na orihinal na itinayo bilang pansamantalang istraktura sa ilalim ng Magsaysay Avenue flyover sa pamamagitan ng inisyatiba ni dating Congressman Bernardo Vergara, ay hindi pa napapalitan. Nangako siya na tutulong sa pagkakaroon ng isang permanenteng at well-equipped barangay hall upang mapahusay ang mga lokal na serbisyo. Ang mga pagbisita ni Vergara ay sinalubong ng mainit na pasasalamat mula sa mga lokal na pinuno, kabilang sina Barangay Captain Orlando Basongit ng Gabriela Silang Barangay, Barangay Captain Arkinson Fianza ng Happy Homes Barangay, Barangay Captain Jeffrey Timmango ng Lourdes Subdivision Extension Barangay, Barangay Captain James Doligas ng Brookside Barangay, at Barangay Captain Nida Galace ng Salud Mitra Barangay, kasama ang lahat ng miyembro ng kani-kanilang barangay council. Higit pa sa kanyang adbokasiya, si Gladys Vergara, kasama ng mga kandidato sa konseho ng lungsod na sina Glenn Gaerlan at Eric Kelly, , ay bumisita din sa mga kaibigan sa Pinsao Pilot Project, kung saan siya ay malugod na tinanggap. Ipinaabot niya ang kanyang taos-pusong pasasalamat kay Sister Juanita sa kanyang mabuting pakikitungo at sa masarap na pagkain na kanyang inihanda. Sa kanyang pananaw para sa isang mas maliwanag, walang baha, at eco-friendly na Baguio, nananatiling matatag si Vergara sa kanyang misyon—isang barangay sa bawat pagkakataon.                  

  The newly constructed Irisan Multi-Purpose Hall has been inaugurated and turned over to the barangay led by barangay captain Arthur Carlos, on March 21. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the project turned out well despite the challenges faced during the construction phase. He promised to secure additional funding to finish the second basement of the building, funding of which was made possible through the help of former Senator Ralph Recto and the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Arch. Rad Bokipen of the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) said the multi-purpose building has two storey and two basements. The offices of the punong barangay, session hall and administrative staff are located at the second storey while the offices of the medical emergency, barangay disaster risk reduction and management and nutrition office occupy the ground floor. The first basement will house the offices of the lupon tagapamayapa, barangay tanod, anti-violence against women and children (VAWC), barangay anti-drug abuse council (BADAC) and family life resource center (FLRC). The second basement is planned for the barangay library, tourism office, function hall and chapel.              

BAGUIO CITY —The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) has accomplished another key development by unveiling its new ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) logo, which is valid from March 20, 2025, to March 19, 2028. This represents the corporation’s dedication to provide high-quality public services while conforming to international standards. The certificate was issued on October 30, 2024, after JHMC passed a comprehensive audit conducted by TUV SUD PSB Philippines Inc., a third-party certifying body. The audit covered a wide range of JHMC operations, which include business development and events management, regulatory services, forest and environment management, and land asset management. “This achievement is a reflection of the collective hard work, passion, and dedication of everyone at JHMC,” said Atty. Marlo Ignacio V. Quadra, President and CEO of JHMC. “It inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and to provide our stakeholders with the quality service they truly deserve.” To honor the unveiling of QMS certification, JHMC also conducted a game related to the QMS, in which they shared knowledge about the corporation’s journey to receiving the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) Certificate. This was to foster and celebrate JHMC’s continuous improvement and success. The certification pronouncement is more than simply an official recognition; it demonstrates JHMC’s ability to exceed the customers’ expectations and manage its resources effectively and efficiently. JHMC remains determined to build on this success and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of the people it serves.

Impact on decongestion, accessibility and costs   BAGUIO CITY — With the fate of the proposed Integrated Terminal Project now in the hands of the local legislative body, city council members recently held preliminary discussions with the executive department and representatives of the original proponent. Aside from the project’s technical and financial aspects, its impact on decongestion, accessibility, and passenger costs was also explored. The project is one of the major initiatives the city government plans to undertake under the  Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, with Megawide Construction Corporation as the original proponent. Previously endorsed by the City Development Council (CDC) after its successful negotiation, the proposal has been under review by the city council since February 6, 2025. The local legislative body has 120 days from that date to complete its review and decide whether to deny, completely approve, or approve it with amended parameters, terms, and conditions (PTCs). The proposed terminal will accommodate provincial buses from outside Baguio and will serve as a transfer hub for passengers connecting to various modes of transportation within the city. Covering over approximately five hectares along Palispis Highway, the planned facility is situated around 45 kilometers from the city center. It will feature dedicated loading and unloading bays for provincial and in-city transport, a staging area for buses, a passenger waiting area with commercial spaces, public parking for park-and-ride services, and designated green spaces. To address traffic impact, the terminal will have at least two access points, a dedicated right-turn slip lane, and signalized intersections for smoother traffic flow. Other planned amenities include a 24-hour security and safety system, facilities for persons with disabilities, and an information kiosk to assist passengers. The proposed project will follow the model of other existing transport terminals such as the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and the Taguig International Terminal Exchange (ITx). A Strategic Step Toward Decongesting the City The proposed integrated terminal is expected to decongest the Central Business District (CBD) by relocating south-bound provincial buses from Governor Pack Road to the outskirts of the city. This move will lessen congestion caused by loading, unloading, and terminal activities along the said road and its nearby areas. Earlier, Architect Donna Tabangin, Head of the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office (CPDSO), stated that the site is an ideal location for an intermodal bus terminal as it is situated along one of the city’s major transportation corridors. She added that constructing the terminal on the outskirts of the city is considered a long-term solution to the traffic problems experienced in the Central Business District (CBD). Several city council members, such as Councilors Arthur Allad-iw and Fred Bagbagen, expressed support for the project’s noble goal, noting that it is also expected to bring economic benefits to the city by attracting entrepreneurs, particularly those from Baguio and nearby municipalities like Tuba, through commercial spaces such as the Pasalubong Center. City Council Weighs Accessibility and Passenger Costs While intended to ease congestion in the CBD, the relocation of south-bound buses raised concerns in the city council. Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda questioned how passengers would travel to and from the terminal, stressing the need for clear transport arrangements. City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña said passenger transport between the terminal and the CBD is part of the Smart Urban Mobility Project (SMUP) which includes using Tuba transport lines. However, Tabanda noted that the SMUP is not yet in place, making transport options an immediate concern. Dela Peña acknowledged that, as of now, only existing taxis and public utility jeepneys from Tuba could ferry passengers to the CBD and vice versa. Councilor Elmer Datuin likewise expressed concern over the relocation of buses to the new terminal, noting that consultations with stakeholders, including passengers, would be crucial as some might object to the relocation due to accessibility issues, especially that the city currently lacks multiple transport options such as buses and trains. Councilor Fred Bagbagen urged the proponent to address the transportation gap between the terminal and the city proper by providing a free ride. He said some passengers might only have just enough fare for their trips and that the lack of transport alternatives would force passengers to take taxis, making the additional expense a significant issue. Dela Peña admitted that the issue of in-city transportation had not been fully considered yet but would be discussed further. He mentioned that the Tuba transport line is expected to accommodate the passengers, but this will come with additional expense for commuters. The councilors also expressed concern over the P30.00 terminal fee that outgoing passengers must pay upon arriving at the terminal in addition to the cost of their bus tickets. The fee is subject to a three-percent increase starting from the third year. Councilor Vladimir Cayabas acknowledged the importance of improving passenger experience but pointed out that the added costs would burden commuters. As the city council reviews the proposed integrated terminal project, the city will explore solutions to address these concerns raised to ensure minimal impact on the public during its implementation. Once approved by the city council, the proposed project will proceed to the comparative challenge phase where other proponents are allowed to challenge the original proponent’s proposal. -Jordan G. Habbiling

Nagtipon ang mga senior citizen ng Barangay Asin Road sa Asin Road Barangay Hall para sa isang makabuluhang Senior Citizen Assembly, kung saan tinalakay ang mga pangunahing isyu na nakakaapekto sa matatandang komunidad, noong Marso 14. Sa imbitasyon ni Kagawad Erlinda Dulnuan, ang Baguio Tourism Council Chairman at congressional candidate na si Gladys Vergara, kasama si Eric Kelly, ay sumali sa kapulungan upang ibahagi ang kanyang mga adbokasiya na naglalayong mapabuti ang kalidad ng buhay para sa mga senior citizen. Ang kaganapan ay pinangunahan nina Senior Citizens President Romeo Bimuyag at Secretary Alex Catchero, na nagbibigay ng plataporma para sa diyalogo at pakikipag-ugnayan sa sektor ng matatanda. Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang-diin ni Gladys Vergara ang kahalagahan ng Universal Health Care, Social Pension, at ang pagtatatag ng Senior Citizen Center sa bawat barangay—mga inisyatiba na naglalayong mapahusay ang access sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan, magbigay ng pinansiyal na suporta, at lumikha ng mga nakalaang puwang para sa senior welfare at social activities. “Inialay ninyo ang inyong buhay sa pagbuo ng matibay na mga pamilya at komunidad Ngayon, oras na natin upang matiyak na ang inyong mga ginintuang taon ay mapupuno ng dignidad, pangangalaga, at paggalang sa mga nakatatanda ay isang lipunan na umunlad,” sabi ni Vegara. Ang pagpupulong ay dinaluhan ng mabuti ng mga opisyal ng barangay at mga tinitingalang panauhin, kabilang sina Barangay Captain Peter Dumapi, Kagawad Ramon Kindipan, Kagawad Erlinda Dulnuan, Kagawad Jaime Candido, at Kalinga Partylist Representative Governor Roberto Pons Pascual, na pawang nagpahayag ng kanilang suporta sa mga patakarang nagpapasigla sa senior community. Ang pagtitipon na ito ay muling pinagtibay ang sama-samang pangako sa pagtiyak na matatanggap ng mga senior citizen ang pangangalaga, pagkilala, at suporta na nararapat sa kanila. Gaya ng binigyang-diin ni Vergara, ang pagpapalakas sa mga programa ng senior citizen ay hindi lamang isang usapin sa patakaran—ito ay isang moral na obligasyon na parangalan ang mga naging daan para sa mga susunod na henerasyon.

  The National Resilience Council recognized the city government of Baguio for its exemplary work in enhancing local resilience through transformative initiatives and innovative governance. Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong received the award during the acknowledgement ceremony held at the MOA Square in Pasay City, on March 17, 2025. The NRC under the leadership of chair Hans. T. Sy of SM Prime Holdings, co-chair for the private sector and Dept. of Defense Secretary and Co-Chair for the Government Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., congratulated the city and Magalong for the initiative. Magalong also served as one of the speakers showcasing the collaborative journey of the city from building its resiliency which is in turn aligned with the NRC’s – Prepare, Adapt and Transform Program. In 2023, the government partnered with NRC, SM Supermalls and ARISE Philippines for the Resilient Local Government Unit Program implementation and the Adopt-A-City initiative of NRC. Said programs served as opportunities for Baguio City to strengthen its resilience to climate and disaster risks through a multi-stakeholder approach. The NRC is a public-private organization that seeks to bridge government units and private sector partners for collaboration in relation to disaster resilience. Part of their current initiatives is the attainment of the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (the “Sendai Framework”). The recent NRC recognition award firms up Baguio City’s aim to become a resilient city by 2026 in line with the international “Making Cities Resilient (MCR) 2030” program focused in making the city not only resilient but also “safe, inclusive and sustainable” in face of the looming impact of global warming. MCR2030, a big flagship project of the United Nations, is said to be “a unique cross-stakeholder initiative for improving local resilience through advocacy, sharing knowledge and experiences, establishing mutually reinforcing city-to-city learning networks, injecting technical expertise, connecting multiple layers of government and building partnerships.” It provides support to make cities worldwide “safer, preventing risks, promoting innovation and investments and building resilience” through the delivery of a “three-stage roadmap to urban resilience, providing tools, access to knowledge and monitoring and reporting tools” A total of 1,603 cities worldwide have joined the program. In the Philippines, only Makati City has so far achieved resiliency status. By JM Samidan    

  Pinulong ni Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara, ang mga  Burnham Boat Concessionaires at Burnham Photographers sa Visitor Information Center, Rose Garden, upang pag-usapan ang kanilang mga alalahanin hinggil sa nalalapit na Burnham Park Development. Key Discussions: Burnham Park Development – Vergara attentively listened to the concerns of concessionaires and photographers regarding how the planned improvements might affect their businesses, particularly in terms of changes to the park layout, operations, and accessibility. She assured them that their roles in the park’s tourism sector would be carefully considered in the planning process. Impact of New Innovations – The rise of photo booths and instant photography services, especially during festivals and major events, has posed a challenge to traditional Burnham photographers. They expressed how this technological shift affects their income, as tourists now have more convenient and cost-effective alternatives for souvenir photos. Sustaining Traditional Services – Vergara underscored the importance of preserving cultural and traditional services that have long been a part of Baguio’s tourism identity. She encouraged concessionaires and photographers to adapt to changing trends while maintaining the distinct charm and personal touch that set them apart from modern services. Possible Interventions and Support – Vergara assured stakeholders that the BTC will explore possible programs to assist the affected sectors. These initiatives may include skills training, marketing strategies, and potential collaborations to ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape. “Ang mga taong nagbibigay ng mga tradisyunal na serbisyong ito ay matagal nang naging mahalaga sa Burnham Park,” sabi ni Vergara. “Habang sumusulong tayo sa modernisasyon, dapat din nating tiyakin na ang mga kabuhayang ito ay hindi maiiwan ngunit instea suportado sa mga paraan na nagpapahintulot sa kanila na umunlad sa isang nagbabagong kapaligiran ng turismo.” Ang pagpupulong ay nagsilbing daan para sa bukas na diyalogo, na muling pinagtitibay ang pangako ng BTC sa pagtiyak na ang mga tinig ng tradisyonal na service provider ng Burnham Park ay maririnig habang ang Baguio ay patuloy na ginagawang moderno ang mga handog nito sa turismo.                                          

  BAGUIO CITY — Sa pagdiriwang ng ika-5 taon ng Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) ay gumawa ng isang matapang na bagong hakbang sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng kauna-unahang Cinema Open Film Competition. Sa mahigit 230 kalahok mula sa buong Pilipinas, ang inaabangang kumpetisyon na ito ay naglalayong ipakita ang magkakaibang mga cinematic na boses ng bansa at ipagdiwang ang kapangyarihan ng pagkukuwento. Ngayong taon, pinalalawak pa ng MFF ang saklaw nito na may apat na natatanging kategorya sa kompetisyon: Narrative, Mobile, Documentary, at Experimental. Ang mga kategoryang ito ay nagbubukas ng mga pinto para sa lahat ng uri ng filmmaker na ipakita ang kanilang mga kuwento at pagkamalikhain sa isang pambansang plataporma, na nagdiriwang ng magkakaibang anyo ng cinematic expression. Tradisyunal man itong salaysay, mobile film na kinunan sa telepono, o ground braking experimental project, itinutulak ng MFF ang mga hangganan ng kung ano ang maituturing na pelikula. “Ang sine ay isang patuloy na lumalawak na puwersa, katulad ng mga alon ng tubig o ang mga alingawngaw sa mga bundok. Ito ay humuhubog ng mga pananaw at nagbibigay inspirasyon sa pagbabago. This year festival will be a celebration of story telling in all its forms, as well as an invitation for our audiences to embrace diverse voices and narratives,” pahayag ni Ferdinand Balanag, Montañosa Film Festival founder at festival director. Bilang bahagi ng komprehensibong handog ng MFF, itatampok din sa edisyong ito ang animation festival sa pakikipagtulungan ng Cordillera School of Digital Arts (CSDA), na nagpapakita ng pagkamalikhain at talento ng mga animator mula sa rehiyon. Ang MFF 2025 ay pinayaman pa ng Sinemusikain — isang buwang sinehan at musika at food fair. Ang kapana-panabik na kaganapang ito ay nag-aalok ng kumbinasyon ng mga libreng screening ng pelikula, mga live na konsiyerto, at isang makulay na pagdiriwang ng pagkain, na nag-aalok ng isang bagay para sa bawat mahilig sa malikhain at kultural na masiyahan. “Ang Montañosa Film Festival ay isang holistic na plataporma na hindi lamang nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga gumagawa ng pelikula na itanghal ang kanilang gawa ngunit nagbibigay din ng puwang para sa mga baguhang gumagawa ng pelikula upang galugarin at paunlarin ang kanilang crafts.” Mula nang ito ay umpisahan, ang MFF ay nagkaroon na ng mahalagang papel sa paggawa ng 58 locally produced na pelikula sa pamamagitan ng suporta ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Baguio, na ang ilan ay nakakuha ng pambansa at internasyonal na pagkilala. Ang mga pelikulang ito ay umabot sa mga pandaigdigang madla, nagtaguyod ng pagpapalitan ng kultura at pagpapakita ng magkakaibang mga talento ng gumagawa ng pelikulang pilipino. Si Jonathan Jurilla, ang MFF 2023 narrative film competiotion winner at MFF 2024 documentary film competition winner, ay isang bantog na film maker na ang trabaho ay nakakuha ng prestihiyosong Palanca Award. Ang kanyang pelikulang Love Child, ang pagsasalaysay na adaptasyon ng kanyang MFF documentary na My Boy Superman, ay isang finalist sa Cinemalaya at nakamit ang kahanga-hangang tagumpay sa Netflix, na nasa top 10 platform na pinakapinapanood na pelikula sa Pilipinas sa loob ng mahigit isang buwan. Ang isa pang namumukod-tanging gumagawa ng pelikula ay si Julius Lumiqued, na matagumpay na nakagawa ng The Wedding Dance, isang film adaptation ng kinikilalang maikling kuwento ni Amador Daguio. Ang kanyang trabaho ay nakakuha ng puwesto sa Cinemalaya noong nakaraang taon, na itinatampok ang mga panggigipit sa lipunan na nakapalibot sa kasal sa mga komunidad ng Cordillera sa pamamagitan ng isang nakakahimok na salaysay. Naging proud partner ang MFF ng mga educational institutions sa Baguio, kabilang ang University of Baguio, Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras, Pines City National High School, at Baguio City National High School. Sa pamamagitan ng mga partner na paaralang ito, aktibong nakipag-ugnayan ang MFF sa mga mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng pagho-host ng mga screening ng pelikula, mga pag-uusap sa pelikula, at mga workshop, na nagbibigay ng plataporma para sa mga naghahangad na gumawa ng pelikula upang matuto, mag-explore, at bumuo ng kanilang craft. Ang mga institusyong ito ay patuloy na gumaganap ng mahalagang papel sa misyon ng pagdiriwang, na nagpapatibay ng bagong henerasyon ng mga story teller at nagpapalakas sa malikhaing komunidad ng Baguio. Nangangako ang Festival ng isang kapana-panabik na lineup ng mga kaganapan simula sa pagbubukas ng seremonya sa Marso 26, 2025 sa SM City Baguio. Susundan ito ng cinema open premier at exclusive screening sa Marso 27-28 sa SM cinemas na nagpapakita ng pinakamahusay na mga gawa mula sa kompetisyon ngayong taon. Magdadagdag ng internasyonal na dimensyon, ang paglulunsad ng international film festival, sa pakikipagtulungan ng iba’t ibang embahada, ay magaganap sa Marso 27 na nagtatampok ng unang world premier screening ng Riki Rhino, premier screening ng Woman from Rote Island at ang maikling pelikulang Wayang: Shadow of the Night mula sa Indonesian Embassy. Ang Festival ay magtatapos sa seremonya ng paggawad sa Marso 30, 2025, na pararangalan ang mga pinakatanyag na pelikula at gumagawa ng pelikula ng taon. Ang MFF 2025 ay magtatapos sa Abril 6, 2025, sa taunang folk music festival sa Rose Garden , Baguio City, na ipagdiriwang ang intersection ng sinehan at ang mayamang musical heritage ng rehiyon. Ayon kay Balanag, ang ubod ng misyon ng MFF ay ang pagtataguyod ng filmtourism para sa rehiyon ng Cordillera., na ipinoposisyon ang lugar bilang pangunahing destinasyon ng turista habang binibigyang-diin ang kultural at malikhaing yaman ng rehiyon. Bilang miyembro ng UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), ang Baguio City ay proud na maging isang sentro para sa artistikong innovation na sumusuporta sa isang sustainable at responsableng ekonomiya ng turismo. Sa pamamagitan ng pagdiriwang na ito ng pagpapalitan ng sinehan at kultura, patuloy na pinatitibay ng Montañosa Film Festival ang papel ng Baguio bilang sentro ng kultura kung saan umuunlad ang pagkamalikhain at ang magkakaibang mga kuwento ay umaalingawngaw sa mga hangganan.