Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s 2024 Awards We are honored to have received these esteemed awards last year: Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence for Good Local Governance: Recognizing exceptional local government and effective leadership. This honor encourages us to continue supporting innovation and quality in our community. Kaya Natin Champion for Local Governance: Recognized for encouraging transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. It inspires us to preserve the principles of good governance and serve as a model to others. Man At His Best-Maverick of the Year: Celebrating creativity, courage, and leadership in pioneering change. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and adopting daring ideas. Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award (Regional Level): Recognizing extraordinary commitment and service to the Filipino community. It reminds us of our responsibility to serve with passion and loyalty, always putting the community first. These achievements demonstrate our shared commitment to good government and public service. Thank you for your continuing support!  

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has successfully secured its first-ever long-term residential lease agreement with Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) Director Victorico “Ricky” Vargas, signaling a bold step forward in the redevelopment and revitalization of this iconic destination. Following the Supreme Court victory allowing BCDA to recover the Camp John Hay property, the MPIC director signed a fresh 25-year residential lease contract with the state-run agency for two Forest Cabin units, which he previously leased with CJH Development Corporation (CJH DevCo). This affirmation and vote of confidence underscores BCDA’s stellar track record and vision to unlock the full potential of John Hay as a premier investment and tourism destination. Located within the expansive 247-hectare Camp John Hay, the Forest Cabin complex covers a 1.47-hectare area and features 56 well-appointed dwelling units, each averaging 270 square meters. This partnership not only highlights the growing investor confidence in the Camp John Hay area but also marks a milestone in the project’s development, blending residential living with the natural beauty and eco-tourism opportunities Baguio is renowned for. “BCDA remains fully committed to ensuring that your conditions will improve even more in the years ahead. Our goal is not only to grow together but to provide a stable and thriving environment for all our partners,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. Engr. Bingcang emphasized BCDA’s dedication to ensuring a cooperative and harmonious business atmosphere in the years to come. He also shared that more contracts of this nature are expected to be signed soon. Moreover,  Bingcang urged individuals who had signed lease contracts with CJH DevCo to engage with BCDA to facilitate a smooth transition.   On 12 December 2024, the Supreme Court upheld an arbitral ruling that ordered CJH DevCo to vacate the property it previously leased from BCDA, reinforcing the importance of upholding legal agreements. Also present during the signing ceremony were BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes and Head of Landco Lifestyle Ventures Mr. Patrick Gregorio.    

By JM Samidan The city government of Baguio sees a steady and vibrant economy in the coming years based on the increasing number of businesses with permits and licenses to operate. Records from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) under the City mayor’s Office shows business permits issued increase from 25,250 in 2023 to 27,992 in 2024 or an additional 2,216 new trades registered last year. This accounts to more than P550.3 million business taxes and fees collected in 2024 higher than the P330.7 million collection in 2023. A total of 24,953 regular permits were issued last year giving the city a revenue of more than P523.5 million plus P26.9 million collected from the 3,039 special and temporary permits issued. Majority of the regular permits issued belong to the micro scale enterprises with a total of 22,062. There are 2,224 small scale enterprises registered; 570 medium scale enterprises; and 97 large scale enterprises. Most of the business operating in the city are engaged in Wholesale, Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles totaling 11,553; followed by Accommodation and Food Service Activities with 5,990; Real Estate Activities with 3,099; and Other Service Activities with 1,067. There are 569 businesses engaged in Manufacturing; 478 engaged in Financial and Insurance Activities; 401 engaged in Professional, Scientific and technical Activities; 383 engaged in Administrative and Support Service Activities; and 307 engaged in Human Health and Social Work Services. The BPLO also recorded 270 businesses engaged in Construction; 232 engaged in Education; 225 engaged in Information and Communication; 197 engaged in Transport and Storage; and 95 engaged in Arts, Entertainment and Recreation. There also 43 businesses engaged in Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste management and Remediation Activities; 36 engaged in Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply; seven engaged in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing; and one office registered under Mining and Quarrying. The city government of Baguio has been consistently awarded the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards in the past several years accorded annually by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).    

In a house resolution filed on January 7, Baguio City congressman Mark Go strongly urged the Social Security Commission to defer the implementation of the scheduled hike in Social Security System (SSS) contributions to ease the burden on Filipinos amid rising costs due to inflation. Citing “wide clamor from all sectors,” House Resolution (HR) 2157 enjoined the commission to suspend its slated increase in the contribution rate to 15 per cent, which comes amid the Philippine Statistics Authority’s latest figure that inflation rose to 2.9 per cent in December from 2.5 per cent in November. Rep. Go said that as the SSS’ policy body, the Social Security Commission should strongly consider the deferral of the hike in contributions “to provide our low-income earners a breathing space from the continued rising cost of commodities and services.” Go also pointed out that the SSS’ revenue grew in 2023 by 15.6 per cent, from P353.82 billion to P306.16 billion in the previous year, adding that “the SSS can afford and manage to suspend the increase in contributions.” He added that SSS earned a net income of P83.13 billion in 2023, exceeding its target of P51.06 billion for that year, according to a February report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer last year. That same year, a Commission on Audit (COA) report revealed an inefficiency in the collection of premium contributions from delinquent employers, with only P4.581 billion collected – or 4.89 per cent of expected collections in 2023 worth P93.747 billion. “This is equivalent to P89.17 B of uncollected premium contributions from 420,627 employers,” he said. Go added that the SSS’ inefficiency in collecting premium contributions based on the COA report “should first be addressed before the government insurance agency proceeds to implement the schedule of contribution rate hike.” The Baguio solon also authored HR 253, which was adopted by the House of Representatives on September 25, successfully urging the Department of Health to issue Administrative Order 0017-2024 removing purchase slip booklet as a mandatory requirement for senior citizens to avail the 20% discount in the purchase of medicines. The administrative order was implemented on December 23.

Baguio City concluded its festive season with the resounding success of the Closing Ceremony of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas (AEBC) 2024, held on January 5, 2025, at Burnham Park’s Rose Garden. The event featured the much-anticipated Grand Finals of The Great Voices of Baguio, a spectacular solo singing competition that served as the perfect finale to more than a month of holiday celebrations. of the Best decorated Chalets were Yolk, Korean Egg Sandwiches (Small Category), Recess Resto Café (Big Category, Dap-ayan ti John Hay (Medium Category). The Great Voices of Baguio Grand Finals showcased the city’s most talented vocalists, who delivered breathtaking performances to a delighted audience. The winners of the competition were Champion – Russel T. Solis, 1st Runner-Up- Viana Tejada, and 2nd Runner-Up – Princess Ybañez, Consolation Prizes – Mary Rose Ybañez Gilbert B. Jabano Jr. Adding to the festivities, the event also saw the announcement and awarding of the best-designed chalets and selling booths. The winners of the Best decorated Chalets were Yolk, Korean Egg Sandwiches (Small Category), Recess Resto Café (Big Category, Dap-ayan ti John Hay (Medium Category). In her closing speech, Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara reflected on the season’s successes, saying: “Naimbag nga bigat, kada kayo amin, kakailian ken gagayyem (Good morning to each and every one)! As we close the chapter of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas, we look back with gratitude on the vibrant and joyful experiences we’ve shared over the past weeks. This celebration has been a beautiful showcase of creativity, unity, and the undeniable charm of our beloved city. To our Great Voices contestants, you have given us the perfect finale to this enchanting season. Your passion, dedication, and artistry have filled this day with so much energy and inspiration.” BTC Chairperson Vergara also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of AEBC 2024. She emphasized the importance of community in bringing the holiday spirit to life and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the BTC team, led by Pam Cariño, as well as the collaboration of the City Government of Baguio under the visionary leadership of Mayor Benjamin Magalong. The AEBC 2024 season featured a variety of events, including the Ceremonial Lighting of the Baguio Christmas Tree, the opening of the Botanical Christmas Garden, the European-Themed Enchanting Christmas Market at Burnham Park’s Rose Garden, The Nutcracker by Ballet Baguio and the Philippine Military Academy, the University of Baguio Christmas Cantata, the Bituin ng Pasko: Inter-Barangay Holiday Décor Competition, the New Year’s Countdown, Sports and Wellness Day, and Pet Day, among many others. Each event reflected the shared creativity and dedication of the city’s residents, organizations, and partners. Vergara concluded her remarks with an inspiring message: “As the lights dim and we say goodbye to this season of enchantment, let us carry forward the values it has taught us—generosity, togetherness, and the power of celebrating our shared culture and talents. This is not an ending but a promise of more vibrant celebrations and opportunities to come. To our participants and everyone who joined us for AEBC 2024, you are all winners for making this season unforgettable. Agyamanak kadakayo amin (I am thankful to everyone), and I am always glad to be of service. Let us look forward to an even brighter and more enchanting year ahead for Baguio City!” The success of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024 was made possible through the support of key sponsors and partners, including Mega Pines Realty and Development Inc., TG Home Builders, The Parkway Residences, San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR, and various local government departments and organizations. Lead partners such as Jomarcann General Construction, ECO Hotels, Casa Vallejo, NLEX Corporation, Philippine Military Academy, Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, and the Diocese of Baguio played an instrumental role in ensuring the season’s triumph. As the curtains close on AEBC 2024, Baguio City looks ahead with optimism and excitement, ready to continue its tradition of fostering unity, joy, and cultural pride through creative and collaborative celebrations. The promise of an even brighter and more enchanting year lies ahead for the Summer Capital of the Philippines.  

BAGUIO CITY — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomes the Baguio Regional Trial Court’s order blocking CJH Development Corporation’s (CJH DevCo) fresh attempt to prevent the full return of the 247-hectare property in Camp John Hay following the final Supreme Court decision  ensuring the immediate recovery of the said property without exceptions. In an order dated January 3, 2025, Branch 6 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court junked CJH DevCo’s motion to delay the recovery of the subject property. This means all land and  improvements in the property, whether directly held by CJH DevCo, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates or occupied/held by other individuals or parties claiming rights under them,  must be turned over to the BCDA. The Regional Trial Court’s order also directs its sheriffs to immediately and FULLY IMPLEMENT its reinstated writ of  execution and notice to vacate, so the property can be returned to the BCDA. BCDA assures the public that businesses will continue to operate in Camp John Hay. It is also calling on all stakeholders to step forward, reach out to them, and work together for a smooth and orderly transition. All those affected by the Supreme Court decision are urged to reach out via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or phone via (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295.  

A suspected victim of stray bullet and a boy who lost a hand due to a prohibited type of pyrotechnic device were among the nine fireworks-related injuries recorded in the city during the holiday merrymaking. As of press time Friday, January 3, the Baguio City Police Office was verifying the alleged stray bullet incident where the victim was reportedly a 32-year-old male from San Luis Village who sustained an abrasion on the right side and back of his body. He was treated at the hospital and subsequently discharged. Another unfortunate case was a 14-year-old male from Military Cutoff who got his right hand mangled due to the prohibited device known as crying cow or pla pla resulting the amputation of his right arm. The City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) said the incident was the first case of fireworks-caused amputation in the city since 2009 when documentation of fireworks-related injuries was strengthened. The other cases logged by the CESU from 12 midnight of Dec. 24, 2024 to 5:59 a.m. Jan. 3, 2025 were: A 14-year-old male from Gabriela Silang who sustained an eye injury due to “boga”; a nine-year-old male from Asin Road with a right thumb blast injury due to Five Star; a 10-year-old male from Alfonso Tabora with blast injuries in the abdomen, thigh and firearm due to boga; and a seven -year old male from Bakakeng Central who sustained eye injury again due to boga; A 13-year-old male, Pinget (boga), eye injury, active, treated and sent home; a 27-year-old female from Asin Road (kwitis), eye injury, treated and sent home; and a 16-year-old male, Gibraltar (boga), second degree burn, posterior calf area, treated and sent home. The CESU said the number of cases, although still not final as surveillance runs until Jan. 4, appeared to be lower than last year’s record of 12 cases. “Boga,” or an improvised noisemaker made out of polyvinyl pipe which is among the devices banned under the law figured prominently in the surveillance having caused most of the injuries with victims mostly minors. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said it is unfortunate that such incidents had to happen when the city implemented the ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of banned devices. The BCPO launched a crackdown on prohibited devices in several operations in different barangay that yielded loads of banned devices and perpetrators who were mostly minors. – Aileen P. Refuerzo-Baguio PIO

BAGUIO CITY– “Things are going pretty well” when it comes to the Summer Capital’s economy, said Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in a recent media forum. Magalong said, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the city’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2021 was a little more than nine percent then grew to 11.3 percent in 2022 then settled at nine percent in 2023 after a technical correction due to a very high baseline. “We are looking forward to a higher GDP growth for the city this year, 2024, considering the fact that we have more MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises). We were able to issue more business permits.” He added that this year 2024, the amount of business permit fees collected increased by around P220 million and that there are about 600 more entrepreneurs in the city as compared to last year. “If you look at our figures last year, the city’s collection in terms of revenue is only at around P330 million. Now we are hitting about P540 million in terms of revenue derived from the business permits. So ibig sabihin, gumaganda ang ating economiya,” Magalong stressed. He said that the number of tourist arrivals have also increased especially in November and December, even on weekdays, with many accommodation establishments reporting to be fully booked during these months. He added that the city’s unemployment rate continues to be “very low” according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. (By Gabby Keith-Baguio PIO)