BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city government is targeting a total of 1,537 taxi drivers to receive P3,000 financial assistance under the Assistance to individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). According to City Social Welfare Officer Liza Bulayungan, as of Wednesday, April 15, an initial 591 registered taxi drivers were given financial assistance and will continue until Friday, when the total target is expected to be given. According to Bulayungan, the distribution started on April 14 where 300 taxi drivers who have completed their documentary requirements will be given the said assistance on a daily basis until those in the list shall have received the cash aid from the city. The city targets to distribute the said financial assistance to some 1,537 taxi drivers as per the initial list but the number of registrants is expected to increase with the ongoing enlistment of qualified taxi drivers. The city government called on taxi operators to enlist their respective drivers with the City Engineering Office – Traffic and Transportation Management Division (CEO-TTMD) in preparation for the distribution of the financial assistance after the transport sector was heavily impacted by the staggering fuel prices that persisted in the country due to the ongoing Middle East war. (Rose Frejane A, Cruz)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — With a noticeable drop in tourist arrivals, the city government is encouraging visitors to take advantage of the lighter traffic and more relaxed atmosphere in the country’s summer capital. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the current situation offers a rare opportunity for tourists to enjoy Baguio City without the usual congestion, especially during peak travel periods like the summer. “Now is the right time for you to come up to the city of Baguio dahil expect na talagang maluwag ang trapiko natin,” the mayor said in a series of interviews, noting that the decline in visitor numbers has eased traffic conditions across the city. Known for its cool climate, scenic views, and vibrant culture, Baguio typically experiences heavy influxes of tourists that often result in long travel times and crowded attractions. However, the current dip in arrivals has led to smoother traffic flow and shorter queues in popular destinations. The mayor expressed hope that more visitors can come up to rediscover the charm of Baguio in a more serene and comfortable setting. Local businesses, particularly those in the tourism and service sectors, are also expected to benefit if more visitors take advantage of the less crowded conditions. The mayor assured the public that the city remains ready to welcome guests, with efforts in place to maintain safety, cleanliness and a pleasant experience for all. “As Baguio faces economic challenges brought by reduced tourist arrivals, we remain optimistic that travelers can help support local enterprises while having a more enjoyable and stress-free visit,” he said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government has successfully fulfilled its commitment to become a global model for disaster preparedness and climate resilience after it was officially designated as a “Resiliency Hub” by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction on March 26, 2026. The recognition marks a major milestone for the city, which had earlier set a target of achieving resiliency status by 2026 under the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) program. Notably, the city achieved the goal ahead of schedule, completing the requirements four years before the initiative’s 2030 target. Mayor Benjamin Magalong accepted the distinction, placing Baguio among an elite group of disaster-ready cities. It is only the second local government unit in the Philippines to receive the designation, following Makati City, and now ranks fourth in Asia and seventh in the Asia-Pacific region. The city’s journey toward resilience began in 2021 when it responded to a UNDRR invitation for peer-to-peer learning in South Korea. Since then, local officials have worked to align policies and programs with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive and data-driven approach guided the city through the process, starting with a ten-point disaster resilience scorecard that assessed existing systems and programs. This was followed by a more rigorous evaluation that monitored implementation progress and challenges. City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Charles Bryan Carame emphasized that the achievement was the result of sustained collaboration across all sectors. “This milestone did not happen overnight. It was a collective effort of all departments, offices, and partners who committed to making resilience part of everyday governance,” Carame said. He added that the recognition affirms Baguio’s transformation from a participant in global resilience programs into a leader tasked to mentor other cities. As a designated Resiliency Hub, the city will now share its expertise through key initiatives, including inclusive multi-hazard early warning systems, benchmarking of its Smart City Command Center, community-based data gathering and risk assessment training, and hosting regional and inter-city resilience forums. These efforts build on years of groundwork that focused on strengthening urban planning, disaster response systems, and environmental sustainability. The city implemented programs such as green infrastructure development, nature-based solutions, and enhanced monitoring of risk scenarios to address the growing threats of climate change. Mayor Magalong underscored that resilience in Baguio goes beyond infrastructure and technology. “Baguio’s resilience is built on inclusiveness and shared innovation. By combining data, compassion, and collaboration, we help cities thrive safely in a changing world,” he said. With the new designation, city officials said the focus now shifts to sustaining gains and extending support to other local government units. Authorities stressed that resilience will continue to be a shared responsibility among government agencies, communities, and citizens as Baguio strengthens its role as a leader in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. (Aileen P. Refuerzo)    

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz     BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed the approved Resolution No.257-2026 of the City Councils on April 7, declaring the city under State of Calamity due to the ongoing oil crisis that has severely affected various sectors of the city. Magalong stated that the tourism industry has been hit hard, with a 40% to 50% drop in tourist arrivals. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) also confirmed a nearly 30% drop in hotel bookings, resulting in losses for local businesses and livelihoods. He said the transportation sector has also been greatly affected by the continued increase in the price of petroleum products, with diesel at some stations reaching ₱165.70 per liter, which many drainers were forced to stop at the end of the day, making it difficult for passengers to return home at night. According to Magalong, with this declaration, the city government can now use the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) as funding for programs and projects aimed at alleviating the burden of the crisis, such as expanding transport subsidies and ensuring the continuous flow of basic goods. According to Magalong, he and 49 authorized representatives of transport cooperatives signed a Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) for the implementation of the Emergency Transport Support Program (ETSP), to provide sufficient public utility jeepneys (PUJs) for passengers and reduce long queues at jeepney terminals in the central business district area every night. Under the program, the city will bear the cost of empty return trips or “backloads” that drivers usually carry under the boundary system. This is aimed at ensuring that jeepneys return to the central business district to pick up more passengers from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. or beyond if necessary. He said about 295 jeepney units have been contracted covering 32 routes in the city to pay for their service during the specified hours to ensure that passengers can return home safely from their respective terminals. ETSP is a service-based support mechanism whereby the city will supply transportation services equivalent to a standardized backload passenger assumption for verified return trips and is the city’s response to the current transportation emergency that is considered an immediate intervention to ensure continued transportation services and is mandated to ensure the overall well-being of residents.  

By PIA-CAR   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (PIA) — As concerns over rising HIV cases continue, the SIGLAT-Baguio Youth Innovation Hub is intensifying its efforts to engage young people in conversations on sexual health, rights, and inclusive communities. Through the Respond Project: Community Action for Rights Empowerment and Education Initiative, SIGLAT, in partnership with the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Baguio-Benguet Chapter, recently gathered students and youth participants for a day of interactive learning focused on issues that directly affect their sector. SIGLAT is an initiative of the City Government of Baguio through the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office.   “We try to reach universities, schools, and organizations so they can participate… At the same time, we also act as a promoter and funder for activities like this. We believe in the advocacy and the cause of these workshops,” SIGLAT Project Technical Staff Engr. Pedro Fernando F. Maranan said. Maranan said that the most effective way to combat the rising HIV cases is through awareness. “We want the workshops we deliver to come from the right people, from experts and professionals. That way, the knowledge that we share is accurate and meaningful… This is what we provide in the workshops, and why we continue to reach out to the youth,” he said. Student Kyls Ethan Dabien said the sessions help mobilize people to act to resolve issues and concerns in society. “Even though hindi ko naman na-experience yung mga problema na na-mention first-hand, nakikita ko talaga yung effects nito sa society. These seminars prepare and guide not just the youth but other people to start action to resolve or help fix the problems we have in society,” Dabien said. The workshops also helped the students understand the complexities of LGBTQ+ identities. “‘Yung knowledge ko on LGBTQ+ po is that it only goes through pansexual and asexual pero ngayon ko lang na-encounter yung minsexual at finsexual. I learned that attraction doesn’t only go with sex or gender, but also how others present themselves,” participant Eloissa Mae Aguimbag said. “Hindi lang naman diretso na lecture, it also has interaction with the audience, which allows us not only to learn but also to interact in a fun and entertaining way,” participant Khryzzle Bilag also said. With plans to extend its reach through university partnerships and youth-centered programs, SIGLAT continues to empower Baguio’s young people to become informed, proactive, and inclusive members of society. (JDP/DEG-PIA-CAR w/ BSU intern Xyzza Luzano)      

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong clarified that taking pictures at Lion Head on Kennon Road is not completely prohibited, but rather vehicles that stop right in front to take pictures that cause traffic on the road are prohibited. According to Magalong, there is a designated parking area not far from Lion Head, so tourists are not prohibited from taking pictures at the area. He said, “It depends on the traffic flow, if there are really many vehicles going up and down, it is really forbidden to stop their vehicles in the middle of the road or on the side just to take pictures, because it is an obstruction to the flow of traffic.” Due to the criticism on social media regarding the tarpaulin placed in front of Lion Head, it has been removed, instead motorists are allowed to take pictures, but must park in the designated parking area. The assignment of police officers to the area to guide motorists is in line with DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s directive on March 31 to strictly implement zero-obstruction policies, especially along Kennon Road, where many motorists stop for picture taking, causing heavy traffic in the area. According to Magalong, the policy is in line with Secretary Remulla’s general guidance, and it is up to the discretion of the traffic controller in the area, who if it is really loose and parks in the parking area, can go to the landmark itself and take pictures. “We just need discipline from our motorists so that they don’t have to deal with traffic on the road, so I appeal to our tourists who will be passing through Kennon Road to avoid stopping right in front of the landmark so as not to obstruct the flow of traffic and to those who want to take pictures of the Lion Head use the parking area so as not to obstruct the traffic around it.” Kennon Road is the closest road with 33km to and from Baguio City, which is a great relief given the ever-increasing price of gasoline.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Tourists traveling along Kennon Road to and from Baguio City will no longer be able to see the famous Lion Head, as a tarpaulin has been placed in front of it, today, April 7. The action is in response to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s call on local officials on March 31 to strictly implement zero-obstruction policies, especially along Kennon Road, where many motorists stop here for picture taking, causing heavy traffic in the area. This measure was taken because despite the police ban during the Holy Week, tourist motorists could not stop at the area and take pictures, which allegedly caused traffic along Kennon Road. According to the police, the installation of the tarpaulin is to prevent visitors from taking pictures, which is causing heavy traffic on the road, especially now during the Summer Vacation when more tourists are expected. According to a vendor in the area, they have suffered a huge loss in their livelihoods, relying solely on tourists stopping by the area now that Lion Head has been covered, as no one will buy their goods. She said, “Last year, when Kennon Road was closed for a long time and impassable due to a landslide, we were unable to make a living and now, in the summer we were expecting and there were few visitors due to the fuel crisis, this is what happened, how can we do this?” the vendor, who did not want to be named, said. The 40-foot Lion’s Head monument on Kennon Road is a sight that attracts thousands of visitors to Baguio City. It was built by the Baguio Lions Club in 1960 and formally inaugurated to the public in 1972. Since then, this place has become one of the city’s tourist destinations and tourists have become a souvenir to take pictures of at this place. (SJ)        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Congressman Mauricio Domogan announced that the Bases Conversion and Development Authority will support the more than three-decade-old issue of segregation of 13 barangays falling within the Camp John Reservation under the 19 Conditionalities contained in Resolution No. 362 of the city government in 1994. Under House Bill No. 6437 filed by Domogan on November 27, 2025, the segregation of 13 barangays: Hillside, Camp 7, Country Club, Greenwater Village, Happy Hollow, Loakan Apugan, Loakan-Liwanag, Loakan Proper, Upper Dagsian, Lower Dagsian, Lucnab, Sta. Scholastica and Scout Barrio, from the Camp John Hay Reservation covered by Republic Act No. 7227. The said bill, as amended, converting them to alienable and disposable public land and declaring the same open for the disposition to bonafide qualified occupants and or applicants under Republic Act No. 730 or RA No.10023. According to Domogan, “During our previous hearing on March 19, before we recessed in Congress, the BCDA agreed that they would support my bill to exclude the 13 barangays from John Hay Reservation, so that’s a big deal.” He said, BCDA President Joshua Bingcang was also said to have committed to focus on and discuss with BCDA officials and city government officials, including Domogan, to iron out those issues contained in the 19 conditionalities. “There are many issues that need to be resolved, first of all in the preparation of the John Hay Master Development Plan is related to the bill excluding 13 barangays because it must be reflected in the development plan. Bingcang is grateful for the bill we have passed, because it will also somewhat determine the preparation of the master development plan,” Domogan said. Although the entire text is extensive, the 19 conditions cover five main pillars: Environment, Economy, Governance, Social Justice and Infrastructure. The main ones being proposed are Condition 9 (Revenue Sharing), where Baguio City is entitled to a specific share of the gross income: 3% for National Government, 3% for Baguio City and 1% for community development. Condition 14 (Land & Housing), the segregation of 13 barangays currently within the reservation so they can be titled to actual occupants; (Environment), strict protection of the Pine forest, a ban on cutting trees without city permits and maintaining at least 25% open space. Social Rules (2), a strict ban on gambling and casinos within CJH reservation and Condition No.66 (Reversion), all developed properties and improvements must revert to the city government upon the expiration of the lease. Although BCDA has regained control of the camp from the private developer CHJDevco, the Baguio City government led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong has expressed frustration with the long-standing discussions on the issues, especially the million-peso rental of CJH in the city. According to Domogan, given the development he sees in these issues, it is only right to have good discussions to resolve them immediately. “We hope that the next discussions between BCDA will have good results, not only on segregation, but also on all the conditions contained in the 19 conditionalities.” (By Zaldy Comanda)