By Aileen Refuerzo   Philippine Long Distance Telephone company’s inaction on the city government’s dangling wire correction campaign should be blamed for the loss of connection of more than 1,000 customers recently in Baguio City. Mayor Benjamin Magalong castigated the company over its half-hearted response to the ongoing program that was meant to fix low-lying, sagging and tangled wires posing danger to the public. The mayor said the company should be faulted for the loss of connection of hundreds of its customers after a dangling wire operation along Cariño and Legarda Sts. recently. He said the company had been adequately notified that its presence was needed for the operation as the teams from the Public Order Safety Division and other actively involved telecommunication companies were working on a schedule to finish the work. However, no team from the company showed up prompting the other teams to continue the operation without them. Without guidance from the company, the team accidentally cut a fiber optic cable of PLDT mistaking it for a regular copper one causing the loss of connection. “It was accidental. Had PLDT cooperated, it could have been averted. We were informed that I and the POSD were being blamed by the customers for the disturbance because PLDT men were telling them that I issued the order. That is misplaced. Please know the true story. Don’t fault people who are just doing their job to ensure the safety of the public,” the mayor said. The mayor said PLDT has the most tangled and problematic lines but ironically it is the least in effort when it comes to the campaign which was supposedly a joint effort among the city, the Benguet Electric Cooperative and the telcos composed of the PLDT, Globe Telecomm, Eastern, Mountainview companies. He said Globe, Eastern, Mountainview have been consistently working with the city in fixing the problem, showing up on time and working with the same dedication as the POSD enforcers. This is in contrast to the PLDT team which has been “remarkably absent and underperforming.” “This problem happened because of your own inaction and lack of physical disconnection policy. We launched these operations to help you. We had several meetings and all got were empty promises,” the mayor said.   Irked by the minimal progress of the campaign, the mayor in September issued an ultimatum to public utility companies to overhaul their cabling systems noting the increase in reported incidents involving sagging cables. When the operations remained slow moving, he tasked the POSD and the barangays to help in the operations of checking and correcting wire systems that do not comply with the established height standards of 16 feet above ground for sidewalks and 18 feet above ground for public roads. Based on the POSD’s report, it is the PLDT that has the most unsightly, disorderly and problematic cabling system that violate the standards yet it had been the least cooperative. And now it has the gall to pass the blame on us. Please take heart,” the mayor lamented. He however said this will not affect the aggressive implementation of the program which needs urgency. “No letup. We will do our best to complete this whether or not you cooperate. We are talking of public safety and nothing is more important than the lives at stake if we do not act to correct the problem now,” the mayor said.

BAGUIO CITY – Lumagda sina Mayor Benjamin Magalong, City Environment and Parks Management Office at Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) ng isang Memorandum of Agreement para sa proyektong ‘Adopt a Park’ ng media organizations para pormal na ma-develop ang isang picnic grove area sa Burnham Park,Baguio City,noong Disyembre 20. Ang nasabing picnic grove area na may 700 square meters ay matagal ng ginagamit bilang media camp, lalong-lalo na tuwing Lucky Summer Visitors projects ng BCBC in partnership with city government at mga stakeholders. “Nagpapasalamat ang city government sa BCBC sa inyong interes na mapagtibay ang isang bahagi ng Picnic Grove sa Burnham Park, para ito ay pagandahin. Sinimulan namin ang adopt a park program two years ago, dahil kulang ang pondo ng siyudad para sa maintenance ng mga parke, kaya maraming organisasyon ang tumutulong para mapanatili ang kagandahan ng ating mga parke. Umasa din ang BCBC na tutulong kami para sa kaayusan nito,” pahayag ni Magalong. Sinabi din ni Magalong, na noon pa ay alam na niyang ginagamit ng media group ang nasabing area para sa mga okasyon, kaya nararapat lamang umano na ipamahala ang development nito upang lalo pang gumanda at maging maayos ang serbisyo sa taunang LSV project. Labis din nagpasalamat ang BCBC sa pangunguna ni President Thom Picana, editor ng Amianan Balita Ngayon sa maagap na pagtalima ng city government sa interes ng grupo na pagandahin ang lugar na siyang pinagdadausan ng media gathering tuwing Holy Week Ang lugar ay tinawag na Camp Peppot Ilagan, bilang pagkilala sa yumaong editor ng local newspaper na Gold Ore at at nagsilbing Konsehal din ng siyudad ng Baguio. Ayon kay Picana, ang kakailanganin ang halagang P500,000 para sa pag-upgrade ng lugar, kung saan ipakikilala nito ang landscaping,ilaw at karagdagang mga upuan at mesa. “Panawagan ko sa mga susunod na opisyal ng BCBC ay gawing prayoridad ang proyektong ito, dahil nakasalalay ang ating pangako sa city government na pagandahin ang lugar na ito. Ito ay isang makasaysayang accomplishment nating lahat, dahil ito ang ating pangarap na mapasakamay natin ang lugar na ito,kaya pagyamanin natin,” pahayag ni Picana.

During their visit, the MVP group outlined their intentions to expand their presence in the region, particularly through investments in Camp John Hay and other strategic locations in Baguio and the Cordillera area. MVP expressed deep admiration for the iconic destination, reflecting on its lasting appeal and his personal connection to the place. “Camp John Hay embodies the unique charm and character of Baguio. I have very fond memories here,” MVP shared, highlighting the special role the area holds in his heart. As discussions about potential investments progressed, MVP assured the BCDA of his group’s unwavering commitment to preserving and enhancing the legacy of Camp John Hay. “In helping BCDA, we commit to the preservation and enhancement of Camp John Hay’s legacy properties, and the care of their dedicated workforce. You are in good hands,” he added. This potential partnership is seen as a pivotal step toward furthering the region’s development, with BCDA recognizing the invaluable contributions the MVP-led consortium could bring to both Camp John Hay and the city of Baguio. “We are truly thankful to the MVP Group for their keen interest in investing in Camp John Hay. The trust and confidence shown by a business group as esteemed as MVP is a tremendous endorsement of BCDA’s capabilities. With MVP’s presence today, this partnership accelerates our efforts to turn Camp John Hay into a leading investment and tourism destination, further solidifying BCDA’s position as a trusted partner for business success,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. Bingcang emphasized that this collaboration is expected to generate new opportunities for local communities, with a focus on sustainable development and long-term prosperity. By tapping into the resources and expertise of this esteemed partner, the BCDA is committed to cultivating a dynamic environment that drives economic progress and enhances the quality of life for residents. This collaboration aligns perfectly with BCDA’s mission to promote sustainable growth, create meaningful employment opportunities, and elevate Baguio’s status as a leading destination for both investment and tourism. Present during the meeting are BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes; BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang; John Hay Management and Corp. President and CEO Marlo Ignacio V. Quadra; Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan; Landco Pacific Corp. President and CEO Mr. Erickson Y. Manzano; and PLDT Chief Leadership Transition Officer Mr. Ricky Vargas. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) met with executives from the business conglomerate of Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) on December 19, 2024, to discuss potential investments aimed at fostering growth in Northern Luzon.        

By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong reminded the public of the existing ban on the use, sale and manufacture of firecrackers in the city. This is in the wake of complaints received on incidents of firecracker explosions reported in different barangays. Magalong said there is a need to strictly implement the ordinance to prevent injuries caused by legally and illegally bought pyrotechnics in the city. The city has for years maintained its long-running stance based on the original statute Ordinance No. 144, series of 1951 amended by Ordinance No. 53, series of 2009. Ordinance No. 53 series of 2009 states: “There shall be a total ban at all times in the city of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by the national law.” The ordinance prohibits the sale and explosion of firecrackers and fireworks within the city limits except on special occasions such as fiestas, celebration of important events for which a written permit is granted by the City Mayor. So far, the city has not issued any permit for any individual or group to sell firecracakers. The prohibited firecrackers include big triangle, rebentador (5 star), watusi, pla-pla, pillbox, mother rocket, og, firecrackers without labels, and others of similar nature.  It also includes all firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices banned by the national government. Any person, firm, entity or corporation violating the provisions of this Ordinance will be liable to a case of misdemeanor and punishments as follows: first offense — confiscation of the firecrackers and fireworks and a fine of P2,000;  second offense — fine of P3,000 to P5,000 at the discretion of the court; and third offense — revocation of business permit and imprisonment for not more than 30 days at the discretion of the court. To discourage people from using firecrackers, the city had in the past years organized a community fireworks display to prevent possible accidents aside from minimizing smoke emission caused by the firecrackers. This year, the city prepared again a New Year’s Countdown program at the Melvin Jones which is expected to include a fireworks display. MGA BAWAL NA PAPUTOK Ordinance No. 53 series of 2009 prohibits the sale or explosion of firecrackers within the city limits except on special occasions such as fiestas, celebration of important events, where a written permit is granted by the City Mayor. The prohibited firecrackers include big triangle, rebentador (5 star), watusi, pla-pla, pillbox, mother rocket, og, firecrackers without labels, and others of similar nature during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. “There shall be a total ban at all times in the city of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by the national law,” the measure stressed. On such occasions when selling is allowed by authority of the mayor, fire safety measures will be adopted such as the sellers will be required to observe the following: the seller shall secure certification from the Bureau of Fire Protection; install fire safety equipment and devices along with a “No Smoking” sign.  No testing of firecrackers must be done in the premises and that no overcrowding of products must be ensured.  Any firecracker devices that remain unfired after the display shall immediately be disposed of in a safe way.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) sealed their partnership with one of the longest-standing locators in Camp John Hay, Stern Real Estate and Development Corporation, the operator of Le Monet Hotel and Filling Station food court, on December 17. This forms part of BCDA’s promise of business continuity within Camp John Hay, an effort to accelerate  inclusive economic development and spur job opportunities for the Filipino people. Stern, known for its flagship Le Monet Hotel and the unique Filling Station food court, has been a cornerstone in the region’s eco-tourism and hospitality sectors. “We want to assure all our partners here inside the Camp John Hay that they have nothing to fear, their condition will improve even more when they partner with BCDA and that is what we are assuring with our first partner now – Le Monet Hotel,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. Engr. Bingcang noted that the Le Monet Hotel and Filling Station are not only a vital component of Camp John Hay’s economic landscape, but also a symbol of the kind of innovative development that BCDA hopes to see in the years ahead. “More than anything else, this signing is part of BCDA’s promise of business continuity in John Hay. We will make every effort for a smooth transition and a harmonious business environment moving forward,” BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes said. Under their partnership, the property, which covers over 2,000 square meters, will continue to serve as prime destinations for both leisure and dining in Baguio City. Stern has committed to upgrade and enhance its leased properties within Camp John Hay to meet the standards outlined in the John Hay Special Economic Zone Comprehensive Master Plan. The development will strictly adhere to the design standards and guidelines to ensure consistency with the eco-tourism and commercial vision for the area. The signing event was led by Engr. Bingcang and Stern Executive Vice President Eric Owen Singson, Jr., marking the beginning of a promising partnership for Camp John Hay’s future growth.        

  International Artist Myse Salonga personally visited, to pay a courtesy call to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, after being crowned as Noble Queen of Culture and Arts during the 6th Edition Crowning and Awarding Ceremony of the Noble Queen of the Universe Advocacy International Pageant held at the Cities Events Place, Sgt Esquerra St., Quezon City, Manila on December 8. According to Salonga, who has a house in Barangay Dontogan, the visit to the good Mayor was in gratitude for his support in her first art exhibition at The Manor Camp John Hay, Baguio City, where the painting was almost sold out, with the beneficiary being the Baguio Autism Society. Salonga was accompanied in the courtesy call by another well-known and talented international artist, Carmela Geisert, and here they met and was photographed with RJ Bryan Wangag, who also helps the artists.    

By JM Samidan – Baguio PIO The city government warns the public against giving in to solicitations from individuals pretending as garbage collectors of Baguio. City General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan issued the advisory after receiving a report from a concerned citizen sent to the Public Information Office about certain individuals in motorcycles soliciting for garbage collectors’ supposed Christmas Party. However, Buyucan said a lot of dishonest individuals are using the term “basurero” to solicit from the public. “We have instructed our garbage collectors to never ask for Christmas gifts or solicit in cash that is why we are sure that these individuals are fake basureros,” Buyucan said. “A lot of individuals are falsely representing themselves as garbage collectors to solicit, please don’t give any and report them to the police instead. Hindi po tama na magamit ang ating basurero sa (solicitation) kanilang gawain,” he added. Aside from solicitation for Christmas parties, some individuals are also soliciting for “abuloy” to the family of a supposed dead garbage collector or sick one. All of these were said to be untrue by the GSO and barangay officials whose signatures were also faked in some of the solicitation letters. Meantime, the city appeals to the public to treat garbage collectors with dignity by properly segregating waste, packing discards securely and to obey the prescribed schedule of bringing out garbage. The GSO only has around 60 waste collectors in its plantilla who are only augmented by some 140 volunteer pickers attending to daily total waste production at 400 tons. The amount of waste almost doubles during the peak tourism months.

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)