The Baguio Water District (BWD) was recognized as one of the world’s climate smart utilities at the recently concluded 3rd International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition 2024, held from August 11-15, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. This year, the IWA Recognition Program expanded its scope and opportunities for recognition, aiming to increase awareness of the mitigation, adaptation, and leadership potential among water utilities worldwide. A total of ninety-two applications were received by IWA from around the world. Following a rigorous review process by three different experts and independent jury members, only twenty-eight applications were selected for recognition as Climate Smart. Sixteen utilities in the early stages of their climate-smart journey were recognized in the Entrant Category, while twelve utilities demonstrating substantial progress were honored in the “Achiever” category, which includes the Baguio Water District. Represented by Administrative Division Chief, Atty. Chanell Dolor D. De Guzman-Bitao, BWD received its Certificate of Recognition on August 15, 2024, at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. Other water utilities recognized in the “Achiever” category included Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Philippines), Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (USA), Ruhrverband (Germany) Igua Saneamento (Brazil), Aguas Andinas (Chile), Obras Sanitarias S.E. MGP (Argentina), Aguas e Energia de Porto (Brazil), National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Sri Lanka), Scottish Water (Scotland), Aquapolo (Brazil), and Water Authority of Fiji (Fiji). In response to the escalating challenges of climate change, BWD has prioritized its journey towards climate resilience as BWD invests in state-of-the-art water treatment technologies, energy efficiency measures, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship through tree-planting initiatives and water conservation awareness campaigns. Through these efforts, the Summer Capital’s lone public water utility continues to advocate for transformative change in the water utilities sector collaborating and forging partnerships with various stakeholders, including local government, and community organizations.        

BAGUIO CITY — As typhoons and different types of crises continue to disproportionately impact the Filipino poor, politicians take every opportunity to project their concern as elections loom. Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) chief Gladys Vergara said that the distribution of financial aid and government-funded packages to the needy should not be used by politicians as a venue to pursue their vested interests. Vergara appealed to government agencies, especially those handling financial aid distribution, not to allow crooked politicians to use their services for political gain. She also stressed the importance of transparency in public service and good governance for the best interests of the people. The Baguio tourism chief also expressed concerns about reports of city officials allegedly hijacking the distribution of financial aid or assistance and projecting such actions as their own projects or programs. She said these practices are part of traditional politics or a form of patronage politics.    

By Gaby B. Keith   BAGUIO CITY — “We must complement our environmental efforts with strong measures to address climate change and disasters effectively.” Thus, stressed Mayor Benjamin Magalong in his State of the City Address 2024 during the 115th Baguio Charter Day Anniversary program, September 1, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. He disclosed that the city was recognized with the Gawad KALASAG Award for 2023, achieving the prestigious ‘Beyond Compliant’ status which reflects the Summer Capital’s “significant progress in disaster risk reduction and management.” In addition to the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), the Mayor said the city recently implemented a Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) in Dontogan barangay developed by the University of the Cordilleras in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council. “LEWS uses sensors to track soil movement, soil moisture, rainfall, and temperature, providing essential data to mitigate landslide risks.,” he explained. The Mayor said the city applied for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s (UNDRR) ‘Making Cities Resilient 2030’ Program in 2021, “however, we are ambitiously aiming to achieve full resilience by 2026.” He revealed that the city is supported by a three-year capacity building program funded by a grant from the National Resilience Council (NRC) and Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE), and is implementing key initiatives such as the Green Building Code, Blue Walks to restore natural streams, and Green Walks to turn roads into green streets. “We also conducted a Social Vulnerability Assessment to address vulnerabilities in economics, population, housing, and disaster preparedness,” the Mayor said. He added that the city’s Comprehensive Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) leverages advanced technologies like digital twin mapping within its barangays.      

BAGUIO CITY — The City Government of Baguio, represented by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and City Environment and Parks Management Officer (CEPMO) Renan Diwas, facilitated the MOA signing ceremony for the Adopt-a-Park program. The three Private groups that participated in the program are the Calajo Food House, represented by Lendl Patrick Won and Francis Anthony Villalba. S.I. Baguio (Soroptimist International of Baguio), represented by Elizabeth Balagtey Perez and Aurora Verceles Alambra, and The Rotary Club of Creative Baguio, represented by Audrey Olay Sungduan. The groups signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in the Adopt-a-Park Program of the city to improve the condition of the parks. The Calajo Food House adopted the Circle/Street Island located along the stretch of Lower Session Road, while S.I. Baguio adopted the T.M. Kalaw St. corner of Luneta Hill Drive and North Drive to maintain the cleanliness, landscaping, and beautification of the Park. Meanwhile, The Rotary Club adopted Upper Wright Park to ensure the proper installation and maintenance of the solar lights. Photos by: Eunice Tomacder    

  Sa loob ng tatlong magkakasunod na Sabado ng Agosto at Setyembre, binibigyan ng pansin ang mga PDL (Persons Deprived of Liberty) upang matugunan ang kanilang mga hamon sa aspeto ng kanilang psycho-social, emosyonal, at espiritwal na kalagayan. Noong Agosto 31, 2024, matagumpay na natapos ang unang bahagi ng programa kung saan 105 PDLs ang nakatanggap ng suporta mula sa 25 tagapayo ng UpLife Movement Inc. at Jesus Reigns Ministries-Baguio Benguet, sa pangunguna ng kanilang Presidente ng samahan, Rev. Rowena “Wawie” Orajay. Ang programang ito ay kaalinsunod din sa pagtugon sa suportang pangpiitan na nakabatay sa Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) kasama ang BJMP Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory sa pamumuno ni Warden JSupt. April Rose Wandag-Ayangwa. Ang UpLife at JRM’s C.A.R.E. Coaching and Counseling Program ay may layuning mapatatag ang buhay ng ating mga PDLs sa mga sumusunod na aspeto gaya ng Compassion (Pagdamay):Pagtuturo ng empatiya at pag-unawa sa kapwa PDL; Awareness (Kamulatan):Pagpapalawak ng kamalayan sa sarili at ang epekto ng mga personal na kilos; Resilience (Katatagan): Paghubog ng kakayahang harapin ang stress at mga pagsubok; Empowerment (Pagpapalakas ng Loob):Pagtuturo sa mga PDL na kontrolin ang kanilang buhay at magtagumpay sa pagbabago a Coaching (Pagsasanay):Paghahanda sa mga PDL na maging peer counselors upang magkaroon ng masiglang komunidad sa loob ng pasilidad. Sa mga susunod pang Sabado (Sept. 6 at 23, 2024), ang naturang kaakibat na grupo ay magpapatuloy sa pag-abot sa ating mga nangangailangang kapwa sa loob ng piitan upang sila’y tulungang maka-hakbang tungo sa liwanag ng buhay at may pag-asang bukas sa kanilang landas at sa paghahahanda sa matatag na buhay sa pagbalik sa komunidad. Photos by Mileyvonne Tiamzon

  BAGUIO CITY – Building on the positive momentum from recent engagements, the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) has ramped up its outreach to barangays in and around the central business district, with a focus on maximizing the economic benefits of tourism. Spearheading these efforts, BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara has been actively engaging with officials from 11 key barangays, emphasizing the need for equitable and inclusive growth. During her dialogues with barangay leaders from Upper Magsaysay, New Lucban, Lower General Luna, AZCKO, Harrison Carantes, ABCR, Malcolm Square, Upper Market, Camp Allen, Kabayanihan, and Rizal Monument, Vergara highlighted the importance of ensuring that these areas fully capitalize on the economic opportunities generated by the influx of tourists. “Your barangays are at the heart of where tourism thrives, yet the full economic potential seems unevenly tapped,” Vergara observed. She underscored the necessity of extending development beyond the city’s central business zones, stating, “Dispersing growth to areas on the periphery is essential. We must leverage tourism’s influence to drive comprehensive and inclusive development across Baguio.” Vergara also stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of growth reach all sectors of society. “Our people, particularly those in lower economic brackets, should experience the advantages of development. Equitable growth accelerates when it is shared, and those most in need should be prioritized,” she added. The ongoing dialogues are part of Vergara’s broader strategy to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth throughout Baguio City, ensuring that all barangays, especially those near the central business district, benefit from the city’s thriving tourism industry.        

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023. In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use. This initiative supplements the mall’s water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city’s water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation. “There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “And SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources.” The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards. “This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. “By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city’s water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City.” The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city’s water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city. SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions. SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.              

BAGUIO CITY — The city government awarded the five outstanding citizens during the 115th Baguio Charter Anniversary celebration held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, Baguio City,on September 1. Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Congressman Mark Go, guest of honor US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson and city officials led the simple and meaningful celebration, at the same time giving awards to outstanding citizens selected by the Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB), led by Joel Arthur Tibaldo. The awardees are Dr. Jimmy Billod, as the sole full-time Gynecologic Oncologist of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. Billod has always been energetic and enthusiastic in the care of women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. Through his diligence, the BGHMC Z-package for cervical cancer was approved in 2017 and recently re-accredited by the National Insurance Company providing free and adequate diagnosis and treatment for women with the disease. Arnel Cabanisas, a distinguished 20-year military career, nine years of which he spent excelling in diverse roles at the Philippine Military Academy. He retired  in 2012 where he then took an active role at the ZigZag Base Communications and Rescue Group and DELTANS volunteer group where he became National President and later as Chapter President. He was also President of the Rotary Club of Baguio from 2021 to 2022. Maricar Docyogen, believes in the power of art and literacy by establishing Bookends, a renowned hub for literature, fostering a vibrant literary community. She is also the founder and leads the Pasa-kalye Group of Artists that provides emerging artists with opportunities and platforms to flourish thereby enriching Baguio’s art scene. She is a community leader actively supporting various community programs, collaborating with government agencies and organizations, demonstrating her commitment to Baguio’s overall progress. Engr. Fernando Laranang, founder of FCL Laranang Companies, one of the city’s most dependable and trusted construction companies, having built more than 80 industrial, commercial, institutional and religious buildings that have contributed immensely in improving the Summer Capital’s business climate, promoting a more vibrant tourism industry, a conducive educational center of the North and creating more investment opportunities for residents and non-residents of Baguio, retirees and overseas workers. He has spearheaded the ‘Green Engineering Movement’ , conscious of the importance of Earth’s preservation and conservation of the environment. Dr. Mary Arsenia Ngao-si Mondiguing, a true-blue Cordilleran with humble beginnings, Dr. Mondiguing is the Section Chief for Cataract and Refractive Services of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vice-Chair of the Research Ethics Committee of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center. An active academician for 20 years, she is currently chairs Saint Louis University School of Medicine’s Department Ophthalmology; a faculty of the Pines City Colleges’ College of Medicine and section head of Ophthalmology of the Pines City Doctors Hospital. As a renowned eye specialist, Dr. Ars’ main advocacy is on the prevention of blindness as she supported the Vision 2020 program or the “Right to Sight”, a global initiative launched by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.            

BAGUIO CITY –The City Schools Division Office here received on Tuesday San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) donation for distribution to the different schools. Atty. Micaela Rosales, special projects manager of SMC turned over of 140 chairs, five teachers’ tables, and 242 gallons of paint at the Department of Education Division Office in Baguio City as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility. Rosales said the items came from the closed nursing school in Pampanga that the company recently acquired and are distributing the contents for use in public schools. Atty. Micaela Rosales, during the turn-over said ““we though what we brought is just for one school and it will not be enough for the 67 schools so we are giving our consent for the schools division to get whatever can still be used by our learners in the school we acquired.” SMC this year acquired a school property in  Bulacan which used to be a nursing school but stopped operation at the height of the pandemic and was sold to the company. Rosales said that the chairs they brought and donated came from the school but there are still a lot that can still be used like sound systems, television sets, tables, and others. “Please visit the place, look for items that are still useful for the children so that they are not wasted and just destroyed being there,” Rosales announced during a message as part of the turn-over. She also said that they will add some more cash for the paints they turned over which they learned is not sufficient for the 67 schools. “Since it was a nursing school, there are equipment, apparatus that are still useful, kasi nursing yan, baka may microscope na pwede pa (because that is a nursing [school], they might have microscopes that can still be used), board, which can still be used in schools and other useful materials na pwede natin ma-kuha (that we can get),” said Dr. Soraya Faculo, acting Schools Division Superintendent of Baguio on the sidelines of the turn-over. “Ang mga upuan na ibinigay nila magagandang klase at malalapad, comfortable na upuan ng mga bata saka may lagayan ng gamit sa ilalalim kaya magiging comfortable ang mga batang gagamit (the chairs they gave are of good quality and they are big, comfortable for children to sit-on plus an area under the chair where the learners can place their belongings),” Faculo added. She said that they have also earlier partnered with SMC for the “Tamang Asal sa Kalsada” values formation program training of teachers in Baguio. Mayor Benjamin Magalong that in 2022, SMC also donated 200 chairs to the Baguio school’s division. San Miguel Corporation also recently turned over a school building in Calatagan, Batangas which was completed as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the company.