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.      

  Buong ipinagmamalaki ni Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara, ang kanyang kauna-unahang binuksan na Ginhawa Venture (GV) Livelihood Hub, sa pakikipagtulungan ng TESDA at Department of Agriculture, na matatagpuan sa Barangay Irisan, Baguio City, noong Enero 22,2025. Ayon kay Vergara, ang inisyatiba na ito ay naglalayong bigyan ang mga residente ng mahahalagang kasanayan habang nagbibigay ng patuloy na suporta upang matiyak ang paglago at pagpapanatili ng kanilang mga pakikipagsapalaran sa kabuhayan. Binigyang-diin ni Vergara, sa paglulunsad, ito ay isang transformative power tungo sa entrepreneurship. “Ang inisyatiba ng Ginhawa Venture ay higit pa sa isang programang pangkabuhayan—ito ay isang hakbang tungo sa pagbibigay kapangyarihan sa mga indibidwal na kontrolin ang kanilang mga pang-ekonomiyang hinaharap. Alam ko mismo kung paano nababago ng entrepreneurship ang buhay, dahil sa mga naunang taon, sinimulan ko ang aking paglalakbay sa pagbebenta ng mga processed meat products habang sinusuportahan ang aking pamilya bilang single mother. Ngayon, hinihikayat ko ang lahat ng kalahok na tanggapin ang pagkakataong ito, gamitin ang mga kasanayang ito upang magsimula ng maliliit na negosyo, at pagaanin ang mga pinansiyal na pasanin para sa kanilang mga pamilya. Ang programang ito ay naglalayong itaguyod ang pag-asa sa sarili sa mga kababaihan at pamilya sa mga barangay, na lumayo sa pag-asa sa isang beses na ayuda o dole-out,” makabuluhang paliwanag ni Gladys. Ginagabayan ng slogan na “Kaginhawaan para sa Kinabukasan, Tulay sa Pag-unlad,” ang GV Livelihood Hub ay nagsisilbing sentro ng pag-asa at pagkakataon para sa mga residente ng Barangay Irisan at isang prototype para sa iba pang mga barangay. Binibigyang-diin ng slogan ang pangako ng inisyatiba sa pagbibigay sa mga kalahok ng mga kasanayan at mapagkukunan na kailangan nila upang makakuha ng isang mas magandang kinabukasan para sa kanilang sarili at kanilang mga pamilya. Ang GV Livelihood Hub ay nag-aalok ng hands-on na pagsasanay na isinagawa ng TESDA-certified experts sa isang supportive at nakakaengganyong learning environment. Kasama sa mga paunang programa sa pagsasanay ang Pagproseso ng Pagkain at Karne, Mga Serbisyo sa Pagpapaganda at Kalinisan, at Paggawa ng Sabon sa Paghuhugas ng Pinggan. Ang mga kursong ito ay maingat na idinisenyo upang bigyan ang mga kalahok ng praktikal na kaalaman at mga tool na kailangan upang ilunsad ang kanilang sariling maliliit na negosyo o madagdagan ang kanilang kita ng sambahayan. Ang bawat kalahok ay tumatanggap ng isang starter kit na naglalaman ng mahahalagang kasangkapan at materyales, na nagbibigay-daan sa kanila na agad na mailapat ang kanilang mga bagong nahanap na kasanayan. Higit pa sa mga sesyon ng pagsasanay na ito, ang GV Livelihood Hub ay nananatiling nakatuon sa pagtulong sa mga kalahok sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalok ng karagdagang suporta sa marketing at packaging ng kanilang mga produkto. Ang pinahabang patnubay na ito ay naglalayong pahusayin ang presentasyon ng produkto, pahusayin ang pagiging mabibili, at makatulong na matiyak ang pangmatagalang tagumpay at pagpapanatili ng kanilang mga negosyo. Bukod pa rito, nakikita ng BTC ang hub na ito bilang isang modelo para sa pagbibigay-kapangyarihan sa komunidad, na nagbibigay ng paraan para sa mga lokal na residente na umunlad sa ekonomiya at makabuluhang mag-ambag sa pag-unlad ng lungsod. Isang inaugural training session, kamakailan na ginanap sa Baguio Central School, na nakatuon sa paggawa ng dishwashing liquid. Ang mga magulang at guro mula sa Baguio Central School (BCS) ay aktibong lumahok sa sesyon, na nagtapos sa paglilipat ng dishwashing liquid business starter kits sa mga kalahok, na minarkahan ang simula ng kanilang paglalakbay sa negosyo. Lahat ng kalahok ay tumatanggap ng TESDA at BTC certificate of completion kapag natapos ang pagsasanay. Ang mga sertipikasyong ito ay nagsisilbing patotoo sa kanilang mga bagong nakuhang kasanayan at nagbubukas ng mga pinto sa mga pagkakataon sa hinaharap. Ang inisyatiba ng Ginhawa Venture ay sumasalamin sa pangmatagalang pangako ng BTC sa pagpapaunlad ng komunidad at sa pagbibigay kapangyarihan sa mga residente ng Baguio City. Itinampok ni Chairperson Vergara ang pagiging kasama ng proyekto, na nagsasaad na ito ay idinisenyo upang makinabang ang mga indibidwal mula sa lahat ng antas ng pamumuhay. Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaunlad ng mga praktikal na kasanayan at pagbibigay ng tuluy-tuloy na patnubay, tinitiyak ng programa na ang mga kalahok ay hindi lamang umunlad ngunit may makabuluhang kontribusyon din sa kanilang mga komunidad. Ang proyektong ito ay isa lamang sa mga adhikain ng Glad to Serve, na handang maglingkod, magpaunlad ng antas ng pamumuhay ng bawat-tao, bawat-pamilya tungo sa pag-angat ng kabuhayan. Para sa mga interesadong indibidwal at barangay-based na organisasyon, ang karagdagang impormasyon ay makukuha sa Baguio Tourism Council Office na matatagpuan sa Visitor Information Center, Rose Garden, Burnham Park. Maaari ding ipadala ang mga katanungan sa pamamagitan ng BTC Facebook Page: Baguio Tourism Council.              

BAGUIO CITY – Ipinaliwanag ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong na ang pasyenteng namatay sa Monkey pox o Mpox ay hindi nanirahan sa lungsod, sapul nang ito’y magkasakit, kaya hindi maituturing na ito’y Baguio case. Sinabi ni Magalong sa media interview na dumating sa lungsod ang isang 32-anyon na lalaki, na bagama’t taga-Baguio, ay infected na sa variant ng Mpox virus mula sa pinanggalingan nitong lugar, na kung saan ay matagal siyang nanirahan doon. “Yong namatay ay hindi niya nakuha dito ang sakit,kundi sa pinanggalingan niyang lugar, nagkataon na umuwi lamang siya dito, hanggang madetect ang kanyang sakit, na-confined,pero namatay din.” Aniya, wala rin itong kinalaman sa naitalang unang kaso ng Mpox na residente sa lungsod na isang 28-anyos na lalaki na nakarekober na sa sakit. “Having some difficult time getting more information from the source, kasi yong source meron pa siyang mga multiple contact, pero ayaw niyang i-reveal,kaya dahan-dahan nating kino-convince na i-reveal niya para ma-trace natin yong contact nya at maagapan na magamot,” pahayag ni Magalong. Panawagan ni Magalong sa publiko na panatilihin muli ang health sanitation practice gaya ng nangyari noong Covid-19, na panatilihin maging malinis sa katawan at magsuot ng face mask sa mga crowded areas. By Zaldy Comanda

BAGUIO CITY – Nilinaw ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong na walang dahilan para mag-panic o’ mag-syu ng lockdown kaugnay sa kauna-unahang monkeypox o mpox na naitala sa siyudad ng Baguio. Ayon ay Magalong, nagsasagawa na din sila ng contact tracing, para alamin ang naging close contact ng pasyente. “Encountering difficulties because the close contact refuse to divulge more information.” Aniya, nagpalabas siya ng alert status para mabigyan ng babala ang publiko na sundin ang mga pag-iingat sa kalusugan dahil ito ay isang isang viral disease na kadalasang nailalarawan ng mga pantal o paltos at gawin ang mga nakagawiang health protocols tulad ng paggamit ng face masks at pagsunod sa physical distancing, hand and personal hygiene at proper ventilation. Iniulat ni Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, chief ng City Health Services Office, na isang 28-anyos na lalaki ay nagkaroon ng impeksyon na hindi gaanong malubhang uri ng Clad II Mpox virus at hindi Clade I na itinuturing na nakamamatay. Nailabas na sa isolation at ngayon ay nagpapagaling na lamang ang pasyente. Ipinaliwanag naman ng Department of Health (DOH), na ang Mpox virus ay maaaring magkaroon ng “human-to-human transmission through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions” tulad ng “talking or breathing, kissing, touching, hugging or sexual intercourse and also through respiratory mga sekreto.” Maaari din itong makuha nang hindi direkta sa pamamagitan ng kontaminadong bedding, damit o linen o iba pang mga bagay. Kasama sa mga sintomas ang pantal sa balat o mucosal lesions na sinamahan ng lagnat, namamagang lymph node at namamagang lalamunan, pananakit ng kalamnan at pananakit ng likod, sakit ng ulo at mababang enerhiya. Dapat sundin ang mga health protocol upang maiwasan ang impeksyon tulad ng pagtatakip ng bibig kapag umuubo o bumabahing, pag-iwas sa balat sa balat at pananatili sa mga matataong lugar, madalas na paghuhugas ng kamay, pagpapanatili ng magandang daloy ng hangin, at iba pa. Sinabi pa, gawin upang maka iwas sa Mpox o Monkeypox Virus ay kailangan ipairal ang INGAT ( 𝗜 – wasan ang matagal na skin-to-skin contact at pakikipagsiksikan sa matataong lugar. 𝗡 – gayong uso ang kaparehong sintomas ng trangkaso, magsuot ng face mask, long sleeves, at pantalon kung pupunta sa matatao at kulob na lugar. 𝗚 – awin ang tama at madalas na paghuhugas ng kamay at pag-sanitize sa mga bagay na madalas hawakan. 𝗔 – lamin ang mga mahahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa Mpox at bantayan ang sarili sa mga sintomas. 𝗧 – umawag o pumunta sa na health center kung mayroong isa o higit pang sintomas. By Zaldy Comanda

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjie Magalong presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCPP) and the City Government of Baguio, on January 11. This collaboration seeks to improve lung health and solve challenges by encouraging education and advocacy alongside the Healthy Lungs for Life program. In this agreement, PCPP and the Baguio City authorities will work together on initiatives to enhance air quality and reduce respiratory illnesses while boosting the well-being of Baguio residents. This partnership also emphasizes the dedication to environmental wellness by recognizing the vital link between climate efforts and public health. The recent signing of the Memorandum of Agreement is a significant step forward in tackling major health challenges by bringing together healthcare professionals and local authorities in collaborative efforts to promote the community’s well-being for a healthier and more enduring future for Baguio City.