BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong is now pushing for a ban on all vapes, after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera confirmed that a vape device containing marijuana was confiscated from a school in Baguio City. According to Magalong, the PDEA presented him with two vapes containing marijuana and a lighter that were voluntarily given by a school and were subjected to laboratory examination and tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Because of this, Magalong reaffirmed his position against the use and sale of all vape devices in the city, due to this serious health problem, especially in the youth sector. “We have clearly and explicitly stated that we strongly recommend a complete ban on vape due to serious health issues. That is why we, in the concern of Baguio, advocate for a complete ban,” Magalong said. Currently, the Smoke-Free Task Force personnel are continuing to enforce the City Ordinance No. 34, series of 2017, which prohibits the sale of vape devices, but the accessibility of online purchases and through illegal operations pose obstacles to the complete implementation of the ordinance. “ The sale of vape devices online is also widespread and one of the real challenges there is that they are mixed with various types of drugs. We are now coordinating with each school to restrict students from using vape.” PDEA is now a partner of the city in their intervention operations and increasing preventive awareness campaigns as part of their commitment to a healthier and safer Smoke-Free Baguio City. Young vape user shares why he support a vape ban Drawing from his own experience as a vaper at age 14, a 17-year-old senior high school student in the city is speaking out against vaping. The student recently shared his experience and insights on the vice with the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force as the city government drummed up support to the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill by Rep. Krisel Lagman filed before the House of Representatives last June 1, 2026. He admitted turning to vape due to peer pressure and family problems, a choice he now regrets. He now believes vaping should be banned in the country because of its harmful effects on health, finances and young people’s mental well-being. He said vaping affects a person’s physical health, relating that before he started vaping, he could climb stairs and do physical activities with ease.  After years of use, however, he noticed that he became easily tired and short of breath. He also pointed to the social pressure surrounding vaping among young people. According to him, some teenagers feel excluded or labeled as “different” if they do not vape, pushing others to start using the products just to fit in and be “cool.” “It creates social barriers. Pag hindi ka gumagamit yan, out ka na. Kasi since ngayon nga, mga kabataan ngayon is you want to be in, gusto nating ina-accept tayo ng mga tao. Pero pag hindi ka gumagamit ng vape, ay, out ka. Weirdo ka,” he said. “So isa siya sa dahilan kung bakit dapat maban ang vapes. Our youth years are supposed to be fun, supposed to be creating memories with your friends, and hindi dapat tayo na-cancel or na-out dahil hindi ka gumagamit lang ng vape na ginagamit niya.” The student said vaping has become increasingly common among minors. He recalled seeing children as young as Grade 4 already using vapes, while some members of his own family started as early as Grade 7. He said it is sad to see children who should be spending their time playing outdoors instead turning to vaping. Another reason he supports a ban is the financial burden of the habit. He estimated that he spent around P18,000 on vape products over three years, money he believes could have been saved or used for more important needs. The student also shared how vaping affected his mental health. He said he first turned to vaping during a difficult period in his life when his family was experiencing problems. At first, the nicotine provided temporary relief and made him feel accepted by his peers. “I was in cloud nine, masaya ang lahat na bagay sa bawat path ko. Ang sasaya ng buwan, ang gaan ng pakiramdam. But it was all temporary,” he said. Over time, he developed dependence on nicotine and became anxious and irritable whenever he could not use his vape. “Slowly, over time, nasasakal ako ng vape. Napag hindi ko siya ginamit, or I was not taking that nicotine hit is, nababaliw ako, like, where’s my vape? Does anyone have a vape na pwede kong mag-hit? I was really going crazy na hindi ko siya nagagamit. Yung pag hindi mo talaga siya nagamit is nababaliw ka, hindi ka makaisip ng matino, maggalit ka pa, which will affect the people also around you.” After deciding to quit, he struggled through the first month but eventually noticed significant improvements in his overall well-being. “Ang hirap niya, hindi ko kinakaya. Pero after a month, naging magaan ang buhay, not temporarily, but it was long-term already. Comparing to me using vape na magaan ang feeling mo, in just 10 minutes ngayon, buong araw ka na magaan ang feeling mo kasi wala na yung paggamit mo ng vape. Ma-appreciate mo na ang buhay, the world is healing, ganoon yung pakiamdam mo.” He said the fact that he no longer worries about hiding the habit from his family or constantly thinking about his next nicotine hit also freed him from anxiety He urged fellow young people to learn from his experience, avoid vaping and for the current users, begin their journey toward quitting. He added that protecting the health and future of Filipino youth should be a priority and believes stronger measures against vaping can help achieve that goal. “Vaping destroys your lungs and your body. It creates social barriers. Hindi ito dapat ginagamit ng kabataan. Mahal ang pagbili at paggamit ng vape and the most important thing

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Rainwater Harvesting Facility construction project at the Buyog Watershed located at Lower Quirino Hill and Pinget barangays will undergo a rebidding process after the termination of its previous contractor, according to the City Engineering Office. The contract for the project covering the initial phase with a budget allocation of P50 million under the national government’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) was terminated on April 15, 2026. City Engineer Richard Lardizabal said the project is currently undergoing Technical Working Group (TWG) pre-evaluation.  Pre-bid conference for the remaining works was held on June 11, 2026 while the opening of bids was scheduled on June 25, 2026. Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier said the project encountered several challenges due to difficult terrain and unstable soil conditions that were found to be more complex than initially expected. At present, about 30 percent of the project has been completed. Despite the setbacks, the mayor said the quality of work remains satisfactory due to close monitoring by the CEO and the Baguio Water District. The mayor said that once completed, the facility will serve as a rainwater catchment basin capable of storing up to 7,000 cubic meters of water. The project is expected to help address water supply concerns in the Pinget and Quirino Hill areas, particularly during the dry season. Baguio Water District General Manager Salvador Royeca said the project aims to augment existing water sources, improve system resilience and promote sustainable water resource management amid increasing demand, climate change and rapid urbanization. He said the Buyog facility will collect rainwater, convey it to storage tanks and treat it to meet the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water. Royeca noted that the facility will primarily be used during the dry months to lower operational costs and improve water distribution efficiency. It will also help mitigate stormwater runoff and localized flooding during heavy rains and typhoons, giving the project a dual purpose. – Aileen P. Refuerzo      

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) reported the arrest of 248 wanted persons from intensified manhunt operations from January to May this year in Baguio City. Mayor Benjamin Magalong, as head of the City Peace and Order Council, said the number of arrests this time is higher, compared to the 239 wanted persons arrested during the same period last year. However, BCPO City Director Police Col. Ruel Tagel said the police force has arrested 60 of the top most wanted persons in the current period, which is lower than the 62 most wanted persons arrested during the same period last year. He claimed that 188 more wanted persons were arrested by the BCPO from January to May this year compared to 177 more wanted persons arrested by the combined police personnel and intelligence agents during the same period last year. According to the BCPO, of the most wanted persons arrested, 11 were identified as Regional Most Wanted Persons, 26 were city or provincial top most wanted persons, 23 were classified as municipal or station top most wanted persons while 188 were other wanted persons. Last year, there were 8 arrested as regional most wanted persons, 30 were classified as city or provincial most wanted persons, 24 were considered municipal or station top most wanted persons and 177 were other wanted persons. According to Tagel, they will continue to intensify the implementation of the issued arrest warrants on the identified wanted persons to ensure a continuous campaign against criminality to maintain law and order in the city.        

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered strict monitoring of the safety of students in every school against illegal drugs, after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed the sale of marijuana-laced vape products inside several educational institutions in Baguio City. During a meeting of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CPOC-CADAC) chaired by Magalong, PDEA officials reported that two vape devices and a lighter voluntarily surrender by a school were subjected to laboratory testing. Results from the PDEA-Cordillera laboratory showed that both vape devices tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, confirming concerns about the presence of drug-laced vape products in school environments. The discovery is said to have prompted authorities to strengthen coordinated enforcement efforts involving PDEA, local police units, school administrators, barangay officials, and other stakeholders to prevent the spread of illegal drugs among students and protect educational institutions from drug-related activities. According to PDEA, vape cartridges containing marijuana derivatives were being sold for P2,500 each inside the school. Investigators also observed the illegal sale of dried marijuana and kush, underscoring the need for continued anti-drug operations targeting both physical and online distribution channels. Students who cooperated with authorities provided leads that enabled investigators to trace suspected suppliers and delivery methods. According to PDEA, some individuals reportedly used courier services and online platforms to obtain vape cartridges and dried marijuana before distributing them at designated drop-off points and meeting locations. Authorities are now conducting further investigations to identify suppliers and dismantle networks responsible for bringing illegal substances into schools. In response, PDEA immediately launched a series of interventions, including prevention education campaigns and community engagement activities within the affected schools.    

PDEA confirmed the sale of vape with marijuana in schools in Baguio   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong reported the revocation of 20 barangays as ‘drug-free’ due to the presence of active drug personalities in their respective jurisdictions in Baguio City. According to Magalong, who is head of the City Peace and Order Council and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CPOC-CADAC) said, the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing Program itself revoked the 20 barangays’ drug-cleared status, as it was found that the presence of illegal drugs continued to exist. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Baguio reported that about 58 drug-cleared city barangays previously applied for the maintenance of their status but only 20 barangays were able to maintain their drug-cleared status, 20 barangays gained drug-cleared status while 18 applications were postponed for about 60 days for further verification by the PDEA and the police. According to PDEA, the barangays that were monitored and validated with active drug personalities that caused their drug-cleared status to be revoked were Asin road, Baguio Gold Compound, City Camp Proper, Country Club Village, Dominican Hill-Mirador, Irisan, Kabayanihan, Kayang Extension, Loakan Proper, Lopez Jaena, Lower Lourdes Subdivision, Magsaysay Private road, Middle Quezon Hill, Military Cut-off, Pacdal, San Antonio Village, San Roque Subdivision, Slaughterhouse Compound, Sto. Nino Village and Upper Market Subdivision. PDEA also confirmed the sale of vape with marijuana in schools in Baguio, which is now being closely monitored to catch its sellers, after two vape devices and a lighter voluntarily donated by a school were subjected to laboratory testing. Results from the PDEA-Cordillera laboratory confirmed that both vape devices tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, confirming concerns about the presence of drug-laced vape products in school environments. The discovery prompted authorities to strengthen coordinated enforcement efforts involving PDEA, local police units, school administrators, barangay officials, and other stakeholders to prevent the spread of illegal drugs among students and protect educational institutions from drug-related activities.                  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured the public that the city government’s zero-tolerance policy on sanitation deficiencies remains even as he reminded food establishments to maintain strict hygiene standards following the rat incident at one of the city’s restaurants. According to Magalong, in a series of inspections conducted on establishments, several eateries in Suello Village were found to have sanitation deficiencies. Magalong reminded all food establishments to comply with the regulations the city has instructed them to follow during the clean-up drives that the city continues to conduct through the CHSO and the Public Order and Safety Division. “Remember that we remind you to maintain cleanliness in the kitchens, comfort rooms, and dining areas. Our restrooms must be clean, dry, and have soap, tissue, or paper towels.” He said establishments that have previously been issued notices of violation are expected to follow the corrective actions outlined in their operations. Failure to address deficiencies within the stipulated time frame may result in penalties, closure, and possible denial of renewal of business permits. He also announced renewed efforts to address the growing rat population in the city’s markets, calling on vendors, communities, and the private sector to cooperate with the government’s sanitation programs. “The government cannot do everything. We all need to help. The city remains steadfast in enforcing sanitation regulations.” Magalong first apologized to customers affected by the incident and assured the public that the city government is taking steps to address sanitation issues in food establishments. According to City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, upon learning of the incident on June 14, the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division immediately inspected the establishment and issued a Sanitary Order for the restaurant to automatically cease operations and comply with sanitation and infrastructure requirements.   She said the restaurant, which remained closed as of June 16, must first complete the necessary corrective measures before it can reopen. Sanitation Division Engr. Albert Pay-an said the establishment is currently undergoing cleaning and sanitization operations including the installation of protective nets. Food handlers and other personnel of the establishment were also subjected to another food safety orientation on June 15. An executive order formalizing the closure was issued by Magalong and posted at the establishment on June 15.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Baguio, the Department of Education–Schools Division Office (DepEd-SDO) Baguio City, Inquirer Interactive, Inc. and Inquirer Foundation Corp. have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the INQskwela Program for the School Year 2026–2027 at Baguio City Hall on June 17. The partnership aims to improve reading comprehension, critical thinking, news literacy, and awareness of current events among junior and senior high school students in Baguio City. The initiative was established in response to concerns over the country’s performance in international literacy assessments, particularly the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which highlighted challenges in reading comprehension among Filipino learners. Under the agreement, 25 participating public schools in Baguio City will receive daily access to Inquirer Plus, the digital edition of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Each school will be provided with 19 digital subscriptions to support classroom instruction and learning activities. The digital newspaper will serve as a supplemental educational resource for subjects such as Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies), English, and Journalism. Through regular exposure to news articles and current events, students are expected to develop stronger analytical and comprehension skills while becoming more informed citizens. Inquirer Interactive Inc. and the Inquirer Foundation Corp. will provide technical support, monitor subscription access, conduct project evaluations, and organize educational activities including an inter-school Quiz Bee and debate competition. The organization will also facilitate orientation sessions for participating students and teachers and feature stories highlighting the program’s impact. Meanwhile, DepEd- Baguio will identify and coordinate the twenty-five participating schools, ensure the integration of newspaper-based learning activities into classroom instruction, and collect periodic feedback reports to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. The program’s success will be measured through several key performance indicators, including improvements in students’ current-events literacy, critical-thinking abilities, learner feedback, and performance in the Quiz Bee and Debate Tournament. The City Government of Baguio, through its Local School Board will fund the subscription package amounting to P285,000.00 for a ten-month implementation period. In addition to the digital access, participating schools will receive opportunities for educational tours at the Inquirer offices, publication of selected school announcements, and exposure to educational content through the newspaper’s “Playgrounds for the Mind” section. The agreement underscores the shared commitment of the City Government of Baguio, DepEd, and the Inquirer Group to promote quality education. The INQskwela Program is expected to commence following the completion of procurement requirements and will run throughout the academic year, culminating in evaluation activities designed to measure its impact on participating students and schools. The initiative is formalized through a MOA signing by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, DepEd–SDO Baguio Superintendent Dr. Soraya T. Faculo, and Inquirer Associate Director Connie R. Kalagayan and National Sales Manager Roy Raul C. Mendiola. – Ariel Biala

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — SM City Baguio recently conducted “Beyond Barriers,” a sensitivity training program that brought together mall frontliners and tenant partners for meaningful conversations and shared experiences aimed at fostering greater awareness, empathy, and understanding. The initiative provided participants with valuable insights into creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers—particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through open discussions and interactive learning sessions, attendees gained a deeper appreciation of their vital role in delivering respectful, accessible service. As part of SM’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and customer care, programs like Beyond Barriers equip frontliners and tenant partners with the practical knowledge and perspectives needed to better serve the local community. By actively promoting awareness and empathy, SM City Baguio continues to ensure its spaces are environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcome—further strengthening its commitment to delivering meaningful experiences for every visitor.