By Jordan G. Habbiling   Kabataan Pag-asa,este,Pina-asa ng Bayan! BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Council has opposed the suspension of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) special elections, arguing that it undermines youth representation and governance in barangays. During its regular session, the city council passed a resolution expressing strong opposition to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 11054 which suspended the SK special elections. COMELEC Resolution No. 11054 reversed an earlier issuance, COMELEC Resolution No. 1109, which established the guidelines for conducting the SK special elections. These guidelines aimed to address barangays’ concerns about the lack of quorum. The suspension was set “until further notice,” leaving vacancies unresolved and preventing many barangays from benefiting from youth representation and leadership. According to the city council resolution, out of 128 barangays in the city, only 51 have a complete SK quorum. The remaining 77 barangays are impacted by the suspension of the elections, further delaying the restoration of full youth participation in youth development. Of the 77 impacted barangays, 17 have no SK representatives, leaving these areas without any youth leadership. Meanwhile, 60 barangays lack the necessary quorum, preventing them from using their allocated funds for youth-targeted programs and activities. The city council resolution aligns with the SK Federation of Baguio’s assertion that the suspension of the special elections directly contradicts the purpose of COMELEC Resolution No. 11009, which aimed to address the very issues that remain unresolved due to the suspension. In his privilege speech during the October 7 city council session, SK Federation President John Rhey Mananeng made an urgent appeal to the COMELEC, DILG, and National Youth Commission to act promptly to address this issue. Titled “Kabataan Pag-asa, este, Pina-asa ng Bayan,” Mananeng’s speech conveyed his frustration regarding the youth who, rather than feeling empowered and supported, feel misled and disappointed by the system. He called out the COMELEC and DILG over their lack of action despite repeated resolutions and lobbying efforts. He said these delays have created a sense of helplessness among youth leaders who feel sidelined in their efforts to engage in their communities. Mananeng quoted his fellow Apugan-Loakan SK Chairperson, who stated, “The youth are Filipinos too. We do not deserve this act of disservice from our own government.” “This is not merely a suspension of election but a denial of your people’s right to be heard and influence their communities,” Mananeng stated. He also expressed concerns about inadequate funding for the special elections which poses a significant barrier to their implementation. He added that this further exacerbates the challenges faced by the SK councils, as many have sufficient funds in their accounts but cannot utilize them due to the lack of quorum. Mananeng ended his speech, saying, “Nawa’y hindi na natin muling paasahin ang mga pag-asa ng bayan, na walang iba kundi ang ating mga kabataan.” –  

By Mileyvonne Tiamzon Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang Hwa graced the celebration of Baguio-Korea Friendship week today, October 13, 2024 at Session Road. Mayor Benjamin Magalong warmly welcomed His Excellency Lee to the city. He also highlighted in his speech the strong bond that has been built between the people of Baguio and Korea. “Today’s event is a vibrant reminder of how partnerships between nations can enhance the social, economic, and cultural fabric of a city,” the mayor added. The Baguio-Korea Fair includes activities like the K-pop runway, cover contest, best booth, and K-pop random dance. The Session Road is alive with various booths that showcase the vibrant blend of Korean and Filipino creativity which symbolizes the unity between our cultures.   Photo by : Neil Clark Ongchangco/Mileyvonne Tiamzon  

The City of Baguio, represented by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Francis Camarao of the Management Information and Technology Division, bagged gold in the Human CentriCity category of the Seoul Smart City Prize Ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea, on October 10, 2024. The city won for its ‘Baguio’s Inclusive and Accessible Health Governance’ (BIAG) system which provides accessible health records, telemedicine and equitable health protection. It aims to transform the healthcare in the city of Baguio. Mayor Magalong and Baguio’s delegates are in South Korea to attend the 1st Seoul Smart Life Week, which promotes the vision and values of a “people-centered smart city.”

Baguio City has once again showcased its tourism leadership, earning ten major accolades at the 2024 ATOP Tourism Pearl Awards, including the prestigious Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (LGU) and Best Tourism Video awards. This remarkable achievement highlights Baguio’s dedication to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community engagement. The ATOP National Convention and Pearl Awards, held in South Cotabato, celebrate exceptional tourism programs across the country. Baguio’s innovative initiatives were recognized for promoting responsible tourism, positioning the city as a leader in the industry. City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo, Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Jovi Ganongan, and staff from the Baguio Tourism Office and BTC proudly accepted the awards. Ms. Vergara expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This victory belongs to every Baguio resident. It reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage while embracing sustainable practices that benefit both locals and visitors.” BTC Co-Chair, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, shared his pride in the city’s achievements, acknowledging that these awards reflect collective success and strong leadership in steering Baguio’s tourism strategy towards sustainability and inclusivity. Baguio’s victories spanned a variety of categories, including: Best Tourism-Oriented LGU: Baguio City – Grand Champion Best Tourism Promotion – Video: Grand Winner Best Tourism Promotion Brochure: 2nd Runner Up Best Event Hosting (Local): An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023 – First Runner Up Best Tourism Week/Month Celebration: HRAB’s 16th Annual HRT Week in Baguio – First Runner Up Best Sports Tourism Event: Sang-atan Bike Festival 2023 – First Runner Up Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism: Baguio Country Club’s Sustainable Practices – Special Citation Best Cultural Festival: Gong Festival – First Runner Up Best Institutionalized Program for Culture and the Arts: Montañosa Film Festival 2023 – First Runner Up Best Community-Based Tourism Program: Baguio Pony Boys – Second Runner Up These accolades reaffirm Baguio’s ability to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability and cultural stewardship. From sustainable practices to vibrant cultural festivals and community-based initiatives, Baguio continues to lead in both innovation and heritage conservation. Vergara emphasized the collaborative effort behind these achievements, saying, “These awards reflect our collective vision for a sustainable, culturally vibrant city. It is a triumph for every Baguio resident, our creative community, and all who work tirelessly to make our city a model of responsible tourism.” The ATOP Pearl Awards celebrate tourism excellence across the Philippines, and Baguio’s multiple wins reaffirm its status as a premier destination. The city continues to attract visitors with its scenic beauty, cool climate, and leadership in promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and the local community.  

BAGUIO CITY– Itinalaga bilang bagong city director ng Baguio City Police Office, si Col. Ruel Tagel, kapalit ni Col. Francisco Bulwayan, Jr., sa isinagawang turn-over ceremony, noong Oktubre 8. Ang seremonya ay dinaluhan nina Mayor Benjamin Magalong at Brig.Gen. Si David Peredo, Jr., na sina-escort ng mga tauhan ng pulisya ng Baguio’s Finest. Si Tagel, na tubong Benguet at kabilang sa Philippine National Police Academy Class 2002, ay Battalion Commander ng Regional Mobile Force Battalion-15, bago napili bilang city ​​director, dahil sa kanyang kakayahan at sigla sa trabaho. Nagpasalamat si Magalong kay Bulwayan sa pagiging mahusay na pamumuno ng BCPO at hiniling din kay Tagel na ipagpatuloy at dagdagan ang mga programa at proyekto, lalo na sa kapayapaan at kaayusan sa lungsod. “Hindi ako ang pumili kay Tagel bilang city director, kundi ang regional headquarters, dahil bilang isang dating regional director, ayokong namimili ang mga pulitiko kung sino ang gusto nilang ilagay sa posisyon. Ayokong mahaluan ng pulitika sa ating police force. I am only asking the entire BCPO police force to support their new leader,” deklara ni Magalong. “Paiigtingin natin ang police visibility sa mga barangay, mga lugar na pinupuntahan ng ating mga turista at lalo na sa central business area, dahil malaking tulong ito sa ating kapayapaan at kaayusan. Ang problema sa trapiko ay nangangailangan din ng presensya ng pulisya at pagtaas ng ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga’, pahayag ni Tagel

Gladys Vergara, the eldest daughter and political successor of retired Congressman Bernie Vergara, formally declared her candidacy for Baguio City’s lone congressional seat in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections. Following weeks of reflection, prayer, and consultation with her community, Gladys decided to pursue the seat once held by her father, who served with distinction for 12 years starting in 1992. In a message to her supporters, Gladys invited them to join her on Monday, October 7, for a send-off mass at the Lady of Grace Community Church in Upper QM at 11:00 AM, followed by the filing of her certificate of candidacy at the Baguio Convention Center at 2:30 PM. She expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received and the role it played in her decision to run for office. “After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to run for Congress, offering my track record of service and leadership to the people of Baguio,” Gladys shared. She highlighted the strong encouragement from her community during her barangay visits as a significant factor in her decision to seek public office. Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, Gladys has served as the Chair of the Baguio Tourism Council since 2019, a role in which she has been instrumental in revitalizing the city’s tourism economy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing tourism as a primary economic driver for Baguio City. Gladys affirmed her readiness to represent the city in Congress, saying, “My father’s legacy of exceptional public service will continue to guide me as I work to represent the interests of our people.” Gladys Vergara began her public service as the Kabataang Barangay Chair of Upper Quirino-Magsaysay (QM) Barangay, and in 1985, she was elected as the Kabataang Barangay (KB) City Federation President, representing the youth in the Baguio City Council. She later became the regional leader for Ilocos and the Cordillera and Vice President of the National KB Federation. In 1987, she was elected as a regular city councilor, she eventually ascended to the position of Vice Mayor of Baguio City by virtue of succession. In addition to her public service, Gladys has earned respect in Baguio’s business community as a successful entrepreneur and an advocate for renewable energy projects and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, contributing to a more sustainable future. Gladys concluded her announcement by thanking her supporters and extending an invitation for snacks and fellowship at Swiss Baker following the filing of her candidacy. “I offer my gifts and experience in service to our community, praying that I may represent our people with competence, compassion, and integrity,” she said.  

By Gaby B. Keith Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered that the city government’s ongoing campaign against smoke-belching in the Summer Capital be intensified. Magalong issued, Sept. 20, memorandum no. 133, series of 2024, directing City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Rhenan Diwas to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts against smoke-belching vehicles in the city. “Regular inspections and random checkpoints should be conducted throughout the city to ensure compliance,” the memo directed. It also tasked Diwas to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources  through the Environment Management Bureau and other relevant agencies to facilitate necessary vehicle inspections and ensure adherence to existing environmental regulations. The Mayor’s memo cited recent reports regarding Baguio’s air quality which indicates that the Air Quality Index ranges from moderate to unhealthy due to factors such as vehicular emissions and seasonal changes that significantly impact public health.