The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) lauds the Supreme Court’s ruling to “deny with finality” all motions for reconsideration filed by CJH Development Corporation (CJH DevCo) and its third-party respondents, upholding its decision to allow the BCDA to recover the 247-hectare property in the John Hay Special Economic Zone. In a resolution dated October 22, 2024, the Supreme Court En Banc ruled “to DENY WITH FINALITY the said motions for reconsideration as no substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the questioned decision…No further pleadings or motions will be entertained.” The Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court has issued on October 22, 2024 an Entry of Judgment certifying that the Decision dated April 3, 2024, has been filed and recorded with the Judicial Records Office. The Decision granted BCDA’s Petition for Review on Certioriari and REVERSED AND SET ASIDE the July 30, 2015 Decision of the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court further ruled that “(t)he March 27, 2015 Order of Branch 6, Regional Trial Court of Baguio City in Civil Case No. 7561-R, confirming the Final Award dated February 11, 2015, in PDRCI Case No. 60-2012 is REINSTATED. The April 14, 2015 Writ of Execution and the Ex-Officio Sheriff’s Notice to Vacate are likewise REINSTATED.” The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision affirms the 2015 arbitral award as well as reinstates the writ of execution and notice ordering CJH DevCo and all persons claiming rights under them to vacate the subject leased premises within Camp John Hay. The Decision in favor of BCDA has “become final and executory” and has been “recorded in the Book of Entries of Judgments.” BCDA assures the public that businesses will continue to operate in Camp John Hay. BCDA is closely coordinating with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. For questions or more details on the matter, please email us at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph.

Baguio City officials recently urged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Baguio City to strictly enforce the observance of the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9006 or the Fair Elections Act by all political candidates in the city. Under Resolution No. 664, series of 2024, local legislators stated that in the previous elections, there were numerous instances where some candidates were accused of early campaigning and violations during the campaign period itself, thus, there is a need to avoid these recurring instances of violations and ensure a safe and peaceful May 12, 2025 midterm elections through the full cooperation of the candidates abiding with the provisions and mandates of RA 9006 or the Fair Elections Law. During the Senior Citizens Official For A Day (SCOFAD) session held on October 14, 2024, the SCOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SCOFAD Councilor Atanacio T. Padawil that urged the Comelec Baguio to strictly enforce the observance the Fair Elections Act by all political candidates in the city. Earlier, aspirants filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) for their desired elected positions in the city for the upcoming May 12, 2024 midterm elections during the week-long period from October 1-8, 2024. Further, the Comelec already started the necessary preparations for the upcoming political exercise with the finalization of the list of candidates in preparation for the scheduled printing of the official ballots within the year to ensure their availability by the time of the scheduled elections. Last December 2, the Comelec launched the nationwide roadshow on the use of the new automated counting machines (SCMS) to ensure that voters are fully aware of what to do during the conduct of the political exercise to ensure that their votes for their chosen candidates will be counted. Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the Comelec Baguio field office for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. (Baguio-PIO)            

By Aileen Refuerzo-Baguio PIO   A diorama depicting the historic signing of the document of surrender of the Imperial Japanese forces ending World War II is on display at the Bataan World War II Museum in Talisay, Balanga City. As recounted in the caption, Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita signed the formal instrument of surrender at Camp John Hay in Baguio City on Sept. 3, 1945. He was with Vice Admiral Denshicho Okochi. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was represented by Lt. Gen. Wilhelm Styer while USFIP Commander Lt. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright and British Forces Singapore Commander Lt. Gen. Arthur Percival served as special witnesses. Apart from war relics and written historical accounts mounted on walls, the museum also showcases images and dioramas of the horrors of the war particularly the tragic Bataan Death March where an estimated 75,000 Filipino and American troops on the Bataan peninsula were forced to join the 65-mile march to prison camps. They were subjected to brutal treatment as prisoners of war. An estimated 17,000 POWs died during and after the march. Another diorama shows doll figures portraying the torture soldiers had to endure. In one scene, a soldier was seen attempting to hide under the skirt of a woman to evade the bayonet-clutching pursuers. The museum also shows a short video containing snippets of the war. Bataan was where Major General Edward P. King Jr. surrendered the American and Filipino forces to the Japanese. A surrender site monument was built in the vicinity of the museum showing the life-sized statue of Major General Edward King when he signed the document of surrender to Japan on April 9, 1942. There is also an old toilet adjacent the museum which was turned into a torture chamber at that time. The room was said to be preserved. The museum keeper regales visitors with present day stories of supposed encounters with ghosts of beheaded soldiers, priests and other war figures which the province was rich of being at the center of World War II atrocities at that time. Over at the Bataan Tourism Center along Roman super highway, another museum features larger dioramas showing life-size figures in death march scenes will also captivate history lovers. A visit to these museums is an enriching and enlightening experience making us realize how great the sacrifices and bravery it took for our forefathers to regain freedom — the freedom that we are enjoying now.

SoiLabs, a Singapore-based company specializing in sustainable agricultural solutions, has launched its innovative biostimulant Soi-X, made from soya waste (okara). The technology transforms what would otherwise be a byproduct of tofu and taho production into a nutrient-rich solution for plant nutrition. SoiLabs, a partner of Japan’s Sanyo Chemical, collaborates in the Philippines with Mr. Renato Reyes, President of Miracle Soybean Food—the country’s largest tofu and taho producer. The partnership repurposes substantial amounts of soya waste generated during production into Soi-X through SoiLabs’ advanced technology. To explore potential synergies, SoiLabs Business Development Director Jason Lim and Mr. Renato Reyes met with Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairman Gladys Vergara to discuss integrating Soi-X into the BTC’s Greensoil Venture Project which aims to provide barangays with alternative biodegradable waste management solutions through innovative home composting technologies. As an initial step toward collaboration, SoiLabs has committed to demonstrating its biostimulant at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park. This activity, set to take place following the An Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market, will be part of the BTC’s post-event park rehabilitation initiative. The meeting also included Councilor aspirant Glenn Gaerlan, Mother’s Garden owner Therese Jocson, soil scientist and SRT La Trinidad Cooperative President Freddie Langpaoen, and SRT business partner Eusebio Fernandez. Discussions highlighted the potential of Soi-X to rejuvenate city parks and support the cut flower and vegetable farming industries in Baguio and Benguet. In addition to plant nutrition, SoiLabs’ Soi-X also holds promise as an intermediate product for animal feed, contributing to sustainable agribusiness solutions. With its commitment to repurposing waste and promoting environmental sustainability, SoiLabs is poised to play a key role in enhancing agricultural practices and urban green spaces in the Philippines.  

BAGUIO CITY — Partners and advocates were recognized at the City Health Services Office (CHSO) for their efforts and dedication in upholding and co-implementing the office’s mandates to eradicate the HIV-AIDS epidemic by 2030. Partners were recognized for their compliance with the screening, counseling, and treatment services of HIV-AIDS in the city. There are 211 confirmed cases in the city according to the CHSO-Reproductive Health and Wellness Center as of November 2024. Ghay Hope Alangsab, HIV-AIDS Program Co-Manager of the CHSO, reported that the majority of cases ranges from 20 to 29 years of age. Alangsab stressed the concern that those contracting the illness are getting younger, thus the need to strengthen the campaign among the youth further. In 2023, the CHSO team conducted its first school-based HIV testing, with the aim of de-stigmatizing the illness as this will further identify and treat patients at an early stage. Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Health Officer, urged the public to exercise their rights. “Rights-based po ang ating health care sa kanila (HIV-AIDS patients). We do not discriminate against anyone and that is why we actively advocate for everyone to be tested”. Dr. Brillantes furthered that everyone has the right to health care and may avail of free HIV-AIDS testing and treatment at HSO. The Baguio City AIDS Watch Council, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Anxiety and Depression Support Group, and Baguio Association of Night Spots (BANS) were recognized for their dedication. The BANS, represented by Acting President Mary Jane Itliong, recognized the CHSO-Reproductive Health and Wellness Center and the Department of Health–Cordillera, for leading, advocating, and serving as champions for eradicating HIV-AIDS in the city.    

Atty. John Paul A. Martin, representative from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), conducted a demonstration of the Automated Counting Machine to be used in the May 2025 Elections. The event took at the BCPO Kapanalig Hall, which was simultaneously conducted in various provinces and cities across the nation. on December 2, 2024, In his address, Col. Ruel Tagel, city director, emphasized the critical role of automation in ensuring greater efficiency, accuracy, and transparency during the elections. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the COMELEC, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the media to guarantee the safe and orderly conduct of the elections. Also present during the activity are Atty. Julius Torres, COMELEC- CAR Regional Election Director, Dr. Soraya T. Facunlo of DepEd Baguio and Dir. Millicent B. Cariño of DILG, who affirmed their commitment to working together for a successful 2025 election.  

“Wais sa Pinansya, Sigurado sa Kinabukasan” Baguio City, Philippines – The Securities and Exchange Commission – Baguio Extension Office (SEC BagEO) concluded its successful Investor Protection Roadshow 2024 on November 20, 2024, at Hotel Veniz, Session Road, Baguio City, with the theme “Wais sa Pinansya, Sigurado sa Kinabukasan.” The event gathered some 100 students from local universities and colleges, offering them vital insights into personal finance management, digital financial tools, and investment strategies. The roadshow was designed to help young Filipinos gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound financial decisions, with a focus on fostering sustainable investments for a more secure future. The event featured key speakers from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and GCash, who provided expert guidance on how to manage personal finances, navigate the digital financial ecosystem, and avoid common investment scams. GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet and digital payments platform, played a central role in the discussions, focusing on wealth management and presenting various products that can help beginners save and invest. GCash experts shared practical tips on how to use their platform’s features, including savings and investment products designed to meet the needs of first-time investors. This session gave participants a clear understanding of how accessible and manageable digital financial tools can be, especially for those starting their investment journey. Representatives from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also addressed the importance of financial literacy and sound money management, providing students with crucial information on how to protect their finances and make informed decisions in today’s increasingly digital financial landscape. The roadshow emphasized the theme of wise and sustainable investments, encouraging students to think long-term and take a disciplined approach to their financial planning. By introducing them to digital platforms and wealth management tools, the SEC aimed to empower attendees to become more proactive and confident investors, starting with manageable, low-risk investment options. “This year’s SEC Baguio IPW Roadshow with university and college students as participants is a great forum for continual learning on financial literacy and avoidance of financial frauds, with the awareness starting early for our soon-to-be members of the workforce. We trust that their learnings here will be shared to their families, friends and acquaintances in a whole-of-nation approach at investor protection and capital market promotion in keeping with our Commission’s mandates,” said Atty. Regina May Cajucom – De Guzman, Director of SEC BagEO. The SEC BagEO extends its gratitude to all the participants, speakers from BSP and GCash, and the local schools for making the 2024 Investor Protection Roadshow a success. The event is part of the SEC’s continuous efforts to enhance financial literacy and investor protection throughout the country.

In a heartwarming display of community care, Baguio Central School launched its monthly feeding program this November, aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of 255 indigent learners. The initiative, led by Baguio Central School Head Teacher Jackson Caya-os and Parents Teachers Association (PTA) President Marlon De Castro, received generous support from Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara and City Councilor aspirant Glenn Gaerlan, who sponsored the first feeding session. The learners were served arroz caldo and Nutribun—a nutrient-packed meal developed in the 1970s by USAID to combat malnutrition among schoolchildren. The program is designed to supplement the nutrition of students who may not have access to adequate meals, helping them stay focused and energized throughout their school day. “This program is more than just providing meals; it’s about giving these children a fighting chance at a brighter future,” said Vergara. “We are calling on other kind-hearted individuals and organizations to join us in making this initiative more frequent and impactful.” Gaerlan echoed Vergara’s sentiments, highlighting the role of community partnerships in ensuring the program’s success: “Together, we can help these learners thrive academically by first addressing their basic needs.” As part of her broader advocacy for community upliftment, Vergara shared that the Baguio Tourism Council is also spearheading An Enchanting Baguio Christmas charity initiative, which includes a day of gift-giving for the least fortunate families in Baguio City’s barangays. The program will distribute Christmas gift packs to bring cheer to these families on Christmas Day, complementing the spirit of the feeding program by extending joy and support to the wider community. The feeding program will run monthly until April 2025, with organizers hopeful that additional sponsors will step forward to expand its reach. By addressing hunger and fostering community engagement, the initiative aims to create a more supportive and conducive learning environment for Baguio Central School’s indigent students, paving the way for their academic and personal growth.  

  Baguio City’s highly anticipated holiday event, An Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market (AEBC), kicked off in grand style at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park, with a spectacular celebration that captivated residents and visitors alike. This year’s Christmas market promises to make the 2024 Yuletide season a magical experience for all. This year, the BTC has transformed the Rose Garden into a European inspired Christmas village, offering a delightful selection of handcrafted souvenirs, unique gifts, and delicious food that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls featuring holiday treats, local crafts, and festive goods, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the joy of the season. Known for its cool mountain air, festive decorations, and close-knit community, Baguio has long been a favorite destination for holiday revelers. Gladys Vergara, chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), invited everyone to embrace the Christmas spirit and take in the festive atmosphere at both the Rose Garden and the Botanical Christmas Garden. “This is a time for reconnecting, for rekindling bonds with loved ones, and for embracing the joy of the season,” Vergara said. “Let’s make this a time for forgiveness, for setting aside differences, and for celebrating the magic of Christmas together.” Mayor Benjamin Magalong congratulated everyone involved in making the event possible, saying, “Congratulations to the Baguio Tourism Council, the City Tourism Office, CEPMO, and all the LGU departments, along with the private sector, for their combined efforts in organizing An Enchanting Baguio Christmas. I invite everyone to stroll through the Christmas Market at the Rose Garden, where you’ll find a dazzling selection of festive products, set against a beautiful European Christmas market theme. It’s a celebration for the whole community to enjoy.” Since its debut in 2019, An Enchanting Baguio Christmas has grown into one of the city’s signature holiday events. With its magical displays and heartwarming activities, the event continues to attract visitors from all over the country, eager to experience the warmth, charm, and enchantment that Baguio offers during the holiday season. With An Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market now open, residents and visitors are invited to enjoy the festive ambiance and take part in the joyful activities throughout the holiday season, which will officially conclude on January 6, 2025. Come and experience the magic of Baguio this Christmas — a season of joy, hope, and community!