By Zaldy Comanda   BAGUIO CITY– Sinabi ni dating Marines Officer Ariel Querubin na dapat subukan ng dalawang matataas na opisyal ng bansa na ayusin ang kanilang alitan at mag-concentrate sa pagganap ng kanilang mga trabaho. “They should try to settle the difference. There are more important matters they can give their time and energy into,” he said in ilocano during a mini press conference in Baguio on Thursday, November 28. Hinikayat din niya ang mga personalidad sa likod ng pagbuo ng “Unity team” na nagdala ng tandem sa 2022 election na makialam para sa kapayapaan, kaayusan at pagkakasundo ng dalawang matataas na opisyal ng bansa. Sinabi ni Querubin na nagtiwala ang Pilipino sa dalawang opisyal ng kanilang mga boto sa paniniwala at tiwala na kaya nilang ipagpatuloy ang pagkakaisa sa gitna ng nagkakawatak-watak na pulitika. “Posible silang magkasundo, magkaisa,magtulungan sa gitna ng magulong sitwasyon dahil pareho silang naghahangad na maglingkod nang maayos at mapabuti ang bansa.” Naniniwala si Querubin, isang bemedalled na sundalo na ang kapayapaan, kaayusan at pagkakaisa ay magdadala ng pag-unlad na personal niyang nakita sa kanyang mga taon ng tungkulin sa katimugang Pilipinas. Si Querubin ay miyembro rin ng Free Masonry na namumuhay sa mga pagpapahalaga ng integridad, pagkakaibigan, paggalang at paglilingkod. Aniya, ang mabuting pamamahala ay isang gabay na prinsipyo na dati niyang pinaniniwalaan bilang isang sundalo at isang tao. Si Querubin ay naghain ng kanyang kandidatura para sa isang puwesto sa senado.          

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Pinangunahan ni First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, kasama sina DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, dating DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos at Mayor Benjamin Magalong, ang pagpapailaw sa higanteng Christmas Tree sa harapan ng The Mansion noong Miyerkules ng gabi, Nobyembre 27. Ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na nagkaroon ng seremonya sa pagpapailaw ng Christmas Tree sa loob ng The Mansion. Matatandaang pinangunahan din ng Unang Ginang ang pagbubukas ng The Mansion sa publiko noong Setyembre 7, 2024 upang makita ng mga bisita ang Presidential Museum sa loob nito. Nagsisilbing atraksyon ngayon ang 9-meter-tall na Christmas Tree, lalo pa’t pinayagan ng gobyerno ang mga turista na pumasok sa compound para kumuha ng magagandang larawan. Ayon kay Dina Tantioco ng Presidential Social Secretary’s Office at Al Valenciano ng Malacanang Geritage Museum, ang Christmas tree na may mga disenyo ng 36 na parol na gawa sa mga katutubong materyales ay kabilang sa 158 entries sa buong bansa sa parol making contest na ginawa katuwang ang Department of Education. . Ang mga parol ay ginawa ng mga high school students sa buong bansa gamit ang mga katutubong materyales na may temang “Heritage, Culture and Arts.” Ang mga magwawagi sa Malacanang parol-making contest ay iaanunsyo sa Linggo (Dec. 1). Sinabi ni Tantioco, “ito ang unang pagkakataon na magkakaroon tayo ng ganitong uri ng kaganapan dito bilang karagdagang atraksyon. Ang pag-iilaw ay bahagi ng tampok na turismo na ipinakilala kasunod ng pagbubukas ng gobyerno ng mga pintuan ng The Mansion House sa publiko noong Setyembre 2024.” Idinagdag ni Tantioco na nais ng Unang ginang na dagdag na feature ang Christmas tree na magpapalawig din ng pagbubukas ng mga gate hanggang 8:00 p.m. mula sa karaniwang 5:00 p.m. Sinabi ni Valenciano na mula nang buksan ang museo noong Setyembre, nakapagtala sila ng average na 4,500 buwanang bisita na pumapasok upang makita ang museo sa loob ng The Mansion kabilang na ang compound na dating pribado at eksklusibo. Idinagdag niya na sa mismong mga tarangkahan, nasa average na 2,500 araw-araw na bisita ang kumukuha ng kanilang mga larawan. Kasama rin sa pag-iilaw sina DOT Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, Baguio Tourism Council Chairman Gladys Vergara at ilang opisyal ng lungsod.

BAGUIO CITY – The City of Baguio, in partnership with the Baguio Tourism Council, is proud to announce its latest public awareness campaign, “Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!”, launched on November 28. The initiative aims to safeguard tourists and residents from scams and fraudulent activities, particularly those related to online booking and accommodations. The campaign was first introduced during the Capacity Building for Tourism Stakeholders seminar held on November 26, 2024, at Opal Hall, Hotel Supreme. This event gathered key stakeholders in the tourism sector to discuss the critical role of well-structured tourism plans and programs in fostering sustainable growth, enhancing visitor experiences, and supporting local enterprises. The official launch of “Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!” will take place during the grand opening of the Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park. This event coincides with the holiday season’s expected influx of visitors to Baguio, ensuring the campaign’s message reaches a broad audience.   The centerpiece of the campaign is an informative and engaging infomercial, a project of the Baguio Tourism Council G2 Sector, which is composed of owners and operators of small- to medium-sized accommodation establishments. This group plays a vital role in Baguio’s tourism industry and is committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of both residents and visitors. The infomercial aims to: Educate the Public: Shed light on common scamming techniques used by fraudsters, particularly those targeting tourists via social media and online platforms. Promote Scam Prevention: Provide actionable advice on verifying the authenticity of rental listings and identifying trusted sources of information. Encourage Safe Tourism Practices: Direct tourists and residents to reliable resources, including the Baguio Tourism Council’s verified database DOT-CAR and City Permits and Licensing Division listings, to avoid falling prey to scams. “Scams have the potential to undermine the trust and confidence of tourists visiting our city,” said BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara. “As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that visitors feel safe and secure while experiencing the beauty of Baguio. This campaign is an essential step in educating the public and strengthening our collective effort to combat fraud and protect everyone’s well-being.” “The launch of this campaign could not come at a better time, as we prepare to welcome a surge of holiday visitors,” said Au Alambra, representative of the BTC G2 Sector. “We are grateful to BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara for her unwavering support and leadership, which made this project a reality. Through this campaign, we aim to protect both locals and tourists, ensuring that everyone’s experience in Baguio is safe and enjoyable.” Scams and fraudulent activities have become a growing concern nationwide, and Baguio City is no exception. As a premier tourist destination, Baguio attracts thousands of visitors, making it essential to proactively address these threats. “The safety and trust of our residents and visitors are our top priorities,” added a representative from the Baguio Tourism Council. “Through this campaign, we hope to create a community that is vigilant and well-informed, ensuring that Baguio remains a safe haven for all.” The public is invited to join this festive and meaningful event, where they can learn more about the campaign while enjoying the vibrant holiday festivities that make Baguio a favorite Christmas destination.  

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) took a significant step in empowering the youth by hosting the KKDAT (Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terrorismo) Aurora Hill Chapter Oath-Taking Ceremony at the Doña Aurora Hill Elementary School Ground, organized by Police Station 6 on November 24. Col. Ruel D. Tagel, city director of the BCPO, delivered an inspiring message that highlighted the vital role of the youth in shaping the future of the nation. He emphasized that, with the right guidance, the youth’s informed decisions are crucial to nation-building as future leaders. “Your actions today are already shaping the world we will live in tomorrow. You have the power to lead by example, protect yourselves and others, and advocate for a safer, drug-free, and terrorism-free community,” he urged. This sentiment was echoed by Hon. John Rey Mananeng, President of the SK Federation Baguio City Chapter, who shared his personal experience on the importance of self-leadership as young leaders. He emphasized the need to stay true to one’s values and not be easily swayed by outside influences, particularly from extremist groups. “You must choose wisely the groups you associate with,” he said. “And I congratulate you today, for you are here, in a group where you are safe and supported.” This meaningful event not only celebrates the KKDAT Aurora Hill Chapter’s milestone but also strengthens the partnership between the community and the BCPO to ensure the safety and security of everyone. Together, we can build a safer, drug-free, and terrorism-free Baguio.            

Gladys Vergara, chair of the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), expressed her excitement about the city’s preparations for An Enchanting Baguio Christmas, an initiative designed to make the holiday season memorable for residents and visitors alike. In a special meeting held at the City Mayor’s Office conference room, the BTC Board and sector representatives reviewed the calendar of activities to ensure the city is ready to deliver a vibrant and meaningful Yuletide experience. The meeting also served as a platform to discuss key upcoming events that will further enhance Baguio’s reputation as a premier holiday destination. “Let us embrace the spirit of Christmas by sharing joy and positivity with those around us,” Vergara said. “This season is an opportunity to come together, celebrate with purpose, and foster a strong sense of unity.” Vergara highlighted that this year’s celebrations will not only focus on Burnham Park and the Botanical Garden, but will also engage barangays, encouraging them to hold their own Christmas activities and decorations. “It’s all systems go for this year’s Yuletide festivities,” she said, urging residents to participate and make lasting memories with their loved ones. The holiday season officially began with the opening of the Baguio Botanical Christmas Garden, themed Faith, Love, and Unity, showcasing a magical wonderland of flora. The garden becomes even more enchanting when illuminated at night, providing a serene and captivating experience for visitors. Vergara has been meeting with various community groups to spread her message of hope and goodwill for the season. In the meeting, City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo moved for the BTC Board to create an executive committee in preparation for Baguio City’s hosting of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Convention and Tourism Pearl Awards next October. The ATOP Convention, which attracts tourism professionals and stakeholders from across the country, was last held in Koronadal, South Cotabato, where Baguio City was honored as the Most Tourism-Oriented LGU. Hosting this prestigious event further solidifies Baguio’s status as a key player in Philippine tourism. As a congressional candidate in the upcoming elections, Vergara hopes to continue the legacy of public service established by her father, who served as congressman for 12 years and city mayor before retiring in 2013.    

BAGUIO CITY – Isang 46-anyos na inakusan ng syndicated illegal recruitment ang nadakip ng mga tauhan ng Baguio City Police Office sa kahabaan ng Abanao St., Barangay AZCKO, Baguio City, noong Nobyembre 20. Ayon kay Col.Ruel Tagel, city director, ang biktima ay inalok ng suspek ng trabaho sa Poland, na nag-udyok sa kanya na maglipat ng pera upang matiyak ang kanyang deployment sa ibang bansa. Sa kabila ng pagbabayad, walang trabahong natamo, dahilan upang magsampa ng reklamo ang biktima sa Isabela laban sa naarestong indibidwal at dalawang (2) iba pa. Isang warrant of arrest ang inilabas noon ng Regional Trial Court ng Roxas, Isabela. Batay sa warrant, sinimulan ng BCPO City Intelligence Unit ang koordinasyon sa BCPO Police Station 7, Regional Intelligence Division – Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (RID-PRO CAR), City Intelligence Team Baguio Regional Intelligence Unit-14 (CIT Baguio RIU-14) at Roxas Municipal Police Station (MPS). Nasa Roxas, Isabela ang akusado para harapin niya ang mga kasong isinampa laban sa kanya. Bilang karagdagan sa pag-aresto, hinimok nng BCPO ang publiko na maging mapagbantay kapag naghahanap ng mga oportunidad sa trabaho sa ibang bansa. Binigyang-diin niya ang kahalagahan ng pakikipagtransaksyon lamang sa mga ahensyang lisensyado ng Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) upang maiwasang mabiktima ng mga mapanlinlang na pakana. “Ang BCPO, katuwang ang iba pang law enforcement units, ay walang humpay na hahabulin ang mga bumibiktima sa mga pangarap ng ating kababayan. Hinikayat din niya ang mga mamamayan na mag-ulat ng mga katulad na insidente o anumang aktibidad na nagbabanta sa hustisya at kapayapaan sa loob ng komunidad,” pahayag ni Tagel.

Magalong wins Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award Mayor Benjie Magalong copped the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in the individual category regional “Search for Outstanding Government Workers in the Cordillera Administrative Region” led by the Civil Service Commission-CAR. Mayor Magalong copped the award for advocating ethical leadership, human rights, and sustainable development at the national level. This was held during the “Parangal Para sa mga Katangi-tanging Lingkod-Bayani ng Kordilyera” Awards program at Newtown Plaza Convention Center,Baguio City.   Photos by Eunice Tomacder  

By JM Samidan=Baguio PIO Baguio’s City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) was rated high functional performance at 100% for the calendar year 2023 audit conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This was relayed by DILG City Director Millicent Cariño to the CADAC members during the last quarter meeting of the council on Friday. Nov. 15, 2024. Cariño congratulated the city for a stellar performance; however, she said the national recognition for Highly Functional ADAC was given to Ormoc City. For the 128 Barangay ADACs, the city improved its standing from eight barangays with low performance in 2022 to four low functionalities in 2023. Barangays with low ADAC functionality are Upper Magsaysay, Rizal Monument Area, A. Bonifacio-Caguioa-Rimando (ABCR), and Kayang-Hilltop. It was noted that these barangays were not among the eight low performing villages in the 2022 assessment. ADACs are being assessed to ensure the continuous improvement of performance in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of anti-illegal drug activities using a 10-point key indicator rating system. The annual assessment of ADAC performance is in line with the priorities of the national government to continue the campaign against illegal drugs within the ambit of the law and with respect to human rights. The DILG field offices continuously enjoin all the barangays to revitalize and strengthen the capacities of their respective BADACs and ensure its functionality and effectiveness.      

Social Security System (SSS) Baguio was recognized as 2 nd Runner-up for Quality Workplace, large/mega branch category during the recent awarding ceremony in Quezon City. Branch Head Nancy Umoso (7 th from left) received the recognition from SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (11 th from left) and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (5 th from left). Also gracing the event were (from left) SSS Quality Management Department Manager Helen L. Navarro, SSS Executive Vice President (EVP) for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas, SSS EVP for Corporate Services Sector Elvira Alcantara-Resare, Commissioner Manuel L. Argel, Jr., Mayor Magalong, SSS Baguio Quality Workplace Coordinator and Accounts Management Team Head Jhona Legaspi, BH Umoso, SSS Baguio Assistant Branch Head Rosalie Ma. Rachel Castaneto, SSS Senior Vice President for Luzon Operations Group Antonio S. Argabioso, SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Cesar P. Saludo, PCEO Macasaet, Commissioner Eva B. Arcos, Commissioner Diana Pardo-Aguilar, Commissioner Robert Joseph M. De Claro, and SSS EVP for Investments Sector Ernesto D. Francisco, Jr. SSS Baguio secured second place for the SSS Quality Workplace Champion – Large branch category for their innovative practices, such as the Bookkeepers’ Day, wherein they provide employers and bookkeepers with comprehensive accounts management training needed in remitting the contributions of their employees.