The City of Baguio, represented by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Francis Camarao of the Management Information and Technology Division, bagged gold in the Human CentriCity category of the Seoul Smart City Prize Ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea, on October 10, 2024. The city won for its ‘Baguio’s Inclusive and Accessible Health Governance’ (BIAG) system which provides accessible health records, telemedicine and equitable health protection. It aims to transform the healthcare in the city of Baguio. Mayor Magalong and Baguio’s delegates are in South Korea to attend the 1st Seoul Smart Life Week, which promotes the vision and values of a “people-centered smart city.”

Baguio City has once again showcased its tourism leadership, earning ten major accolades at the 2024 ATOP Tourism Pearl Awards, including the prestigious Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (LGU) and Best Tourism Video awards. This remarkable achievement highlights Baguio’s dedication to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community engagement. The ATOP National Convention and Pearl Awards, held in South Cotabato, celebrate exceptional tourism programs across the country. Baguio’s innovative initiatives were recognized for promoting responsible tourism, positioning the city as a leader in the industry. City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo, Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Jovi Ganongan, and staff from the Baguio Tourism Office and BTC proudly accepted the awards. Ms. Vergara expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This victory belongs to every Baguio resident. It reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage while embracing sustainable practices that benefit both locals and visitors.” BTC Co-Chair, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, shared his pride in the city’s achievements, acknowledging that these awards reflect collective success and strong leadership in steering Baguio’s tourism strategy towards sustainability and inclusivity. Baguio’s victories spanned a variety of categories, including: Best Tourism-Oriented LGU: Baguio City – Grand Champion Best Tourism Promotion – Video: Grand Winner Best Tourism Promotion Brochure: 2nd Runner Up Best Event Hosting (Local): An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023 – First Runner Up Best Tourism Week/Month Celebration: HRAB’s 16th Annual HRT Week in Baguio – First Runner Up Best Sports Tourism Event: Sang-atan Bike Festival 2023 – First Runner Up Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism: Baguio Country Club’s Sustainable Practices – Special Citation Best Cultural Festival: Gong Festival – First Runner Up Best Institutionalized Program for Culture and the Arts: Montañosa Film Festival 2023 – First Runner Up Best Community-Based Tourism Program: Baguio Pony Boys – Second Runner Up These accolades reaffirm Baguio’s ability to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability and cultural stewardship. From sustainable practices to vibrant cultural festivals and community-based initiatives, Baguio continues to lead in both innovation and heritage conservation. Vergara emphasized the collaborative effort behind these achievements, saying, “These awards reflect our collective vision for a sustainable, culturally vibrant city. It is a triumph for every Baguio resident, our creative community, and all who work tirelessly to make our city a model of responsible tourism.” The ATOP Pearl Awards celebrate tourism excellence across the Philippines, and Baguio’s multiple wins reaffirm its status as a premier destination. The city continues to attract visitors with its scenic beauty, cool climate, and leadership in promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and the local community.  

BAGUIO CITY– Itinalaga bilang bagong city director ng Baguio City Police Office, si Col. Ruel Tagel, kapalit ni Col. Francisco Bulwayan, Jr., sa isinagawang turn-over ceremony, noong Oktubre 8. Ang seremonya ay dinaluhan nina Mayor Benjamin Magalong at Brig.Gen. Si David Peredo, Jr., na sina-escort ng mga tauhan ng pulisya ng Baguio’s Finest. Si Tagel, na tubong Benguet at kabilang sa Philippine National Police Academy Class 2002, ay Battalion Commander ng Regional Mobile Force Battalion-15, bago napili bilang city ​​director, dahil sa kanyang kakayahan at sigla sa trabaho. Nagpasalamat si Magalong kay Bulwayan sa pagiging mahusay na pamumuno ng BCPO at hiniling din kay Tagel na ipagpatuloy at dagdagan ang mga programa at proyekto, lalo na sa kapayapaan at kaayusan sa lungsod. “Hindi ako ang pumili kay Tagel bilang city director, kundi ang regional headquarters, dahil bilang isang dating regional director, ayokong namimili ang mga pulitiko kung sino ang gusto nilang ilagay sa posisyon. Ayokong mahaluan ng pulitika sa ating police force. I am only asking the entire BCPO police force to support their new leader,” deklara ni Magalong. “Paiigtingin natin ang police visibility sa mga barangay, mga lugar na pinupuntahan ng ating mga turista at lalo na sa central business area, dahil malaking tulong ito sa ating kapayapaan at kaayusan. Ang problema sa trapiko ay nangangailangan din ng presensya ng pulisya at pagtaas ng ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga’, pahayag ni Tagel

Gladys Vergara, the eldest daughter and political successor of retired Congressman Bernie Vergara, formally declared her candidacy for Baguio City’s lone congressional seat in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections. Following weeks of reflection, prayer, and consultation with her community, Gladys decided to pursue the seat once held by her father, who served with distinction for 12 years starting in 1992. In a message to her supporters, Gladys invited them to join her on Monday, October 7, for a send-off mass at the Lady of Grace Community Church in Upper QM at 11:00 AM, followed by the filing of her certificate of candidacy at the Baguio Convention Center at 2:30 PM. She expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received and the role it played in her decision to run for office. “After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to run for Congress, offering my track record of service and leadership to the people of Baguio,” Gladys shared. She highlighted the strong encouragement from her community during her barangay visits as a significant factor in her decision to seek public office. Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, Gladys has served as the Chair of the Baguio Tourism Council since 2019, a role in which she has been instrumental in revitalizing the city’s tourism economy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing tourism as a primary economic driver for Baguio City. Gladys affirmed her readiness to represent the city in Congress, saying, “My father’s legacy of exceptional public service will continue to guide me as I work to represent the interests of our people.” Gladys Vergara began her public service as the Kabataang Barangay Chair of Upper Quirino-Magsaysay (QM) Barangay, and in 1985, she was elected as the Kabataang Barangay (KB) City Federation President, representing the youth in the Baguio City Council. She later became the regional leader for Ilocos and the Cordillera and Vice President of the National KB Federation. In 1987, she was elected as a regular city councilor, she eventually ascended to the position of Vice Mayor of Baguio City by virtue of succession. In addition to her public service, Gladys has earned respect in Baguio’s business community as a successful entrepreneur and an advocate for renewable energy projects and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, contributing to a more sustainable future. Gladys concluded her announcement by thanking her supporters and extending an invitation for snacks and fellowship at Swiss Baker following the filing of her candidacy. “I offer my gifts and experience in service to our community, praying that I may represent our people with competence, compassion, and integrity,” she said.  

By Gaby B. Keith Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered that the city government’s ongoing campaign against smoke-belching in the Summer Capital be intensified. Magalong issued, Sept. 20, memorandum no. 133, series of 2024, directing City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Rhenan Diwas to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts against smoke-belching vehicles in the city. “Regular inspections and random checkpoints should be conducted throughout the city to ensure compliance,” the memo directed. It also tasked Diwas to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources  through the Environment Management Bureau and other relevant agencies to facilitate necessary vehicle inspections and ensure adherence to existing environmental regulations. The Mayor’s memo cited recent reports regarding Baguio’s air quality which indicates that the Air Quality Index ranges from moderate to unhealthy due to factors such as vehicular emissions and seasonal changes that significantly impact public health.

By Franz Angielyn Olarte The Philippine Statistics Authority-Benguet proudly participated in the 35th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration, themed “Advancing Data and Statistics Through Digital Transformation: A Road to an Empowered Nation”. This celebration is mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 647, which declares October of every year as National Statistics Month, issued by former President Corazon C. Aquino. This year’s theme emphasizes the vital role of technology in enhancing the statistical system and improving data quality through the adoption of digital tools and platforms. To commemorate NSM, the Provincial Statistical Office of Benguet organized a motorcade on October 3, 2024. The event was led by the Baguio City Police Office and included participation from 14 Municipal Civil Registrars and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators from across Benguet Province. The motorcade commenced at the Baguio Convention Center grounds and concluded at the Benguet Provincial Capitol grounds. The success of the event was further bolstered by the support of partner agencies, including the La Trinidad Provincial Capitol and the City Government of Baguio. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in promoting statistics and data-driven decision-making for community advancement. The NSM celebration aims to raise awareness and appreciation of the importance of statistics in nation-building and development. Through this event, the Philippine Statistics Authority-Benguet reaffirms its commitment to leveraging technology for data empowerment and improved governance.          

By  Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Natikman ng mga residente at bisita ang labing-anim na lasa ng fried rice na handog ng walong kalahok na business establishments sa ‘Rice and Shine 3.0’ na itatampok sa ika-17 edisyon ng Hotel and Restaurant Tourism (HRT) Weekend na ginanap sa SM City Baguio, noong Oktubre 3. Ayon kay Anthony Leon, general manager ng Baguio Country Club (BCC) at presidente ng Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB), ang cnterpiece  ngayong taon ay magsisilbing pagpupugay sa mahigit 10 milyong magsasaka ng palay sa bansa na talagang ginagawa ang kanilang makakaya. upang matiyak ang pagkain sa hapag para sa mga Pilipino at mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga tao na makibahagi sa mga pinakamabenta sa mga kalahok na establisyimento, lalo na sa mga tuntunin ng fried rice. Ang mga kalahok na food establishments na may kani-kanilang fried rice na handog ay ang Baguio Country Club at Fairways and Greens Bed and Breakfast – Hainanese at adobo rice, Mario’s and Hill Station – Cajun jambalaya at paella rice, Hotel Supreme – beef pares at binagoongan rice. , Alabanza – pork recado at hamonado rice, The Camp John Hay Manor – toyo and lechon kawali rice, Orchard – paella and yeung chow rice at City Lights – kiniing at pinuneg rice. Sinabi ni BCC executive chief Art Nukaza, may kabuuang 1,600 kilos na rice ang niluto mula sa iba’t ibang klase ng fried rice na inilagay sa  mala-pizza pan na may diameter na 28 feet at may taas na isang metro kung saan ang bawat kalahok na establishment ay maglalagay ng kani-kanilang fried flavors rice sa isang espasyo na may sukat na 8.5 feet by 14 feet sa loob ng nasabing kawali. Idinagdag niya na bawat isa sa mga kalahok na food establishments ay mangangailangan ng tatlo hanggang tatlo at kalahating sako ng bigas upang maipakita ang kanilang mga itinalagang sinagag flavors. Ayon sa kanya, ang HRAB ay nagbigay ng mga pre-heating gadgets na inilagay sa ilalim ng kawali upang matiyak na magiging mainit ang sinangag habang inihahain sa publiko. Ayon sa mga organizers, ang iba’t ibang lasa ng fried rice na ihahain at iniharap ng mga kalahok na food establishments ay kayang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng humigit-kumulang 15,000 hanggang 16,000 katao. Noong nakaraang taon, ginamit ng HRAB bilang centerpiece ang Largest Wedding Cake na nasa ikaapat na edisyon nito kasabay ng pagsasagawa ng mass wedding para mapaganda ang nasabing aktibidad. Ang taunang pagtatanghal ng HRT Weekend ay isang pribadong sektor na inisyatiba na nakatuon sa pag-akit sa mga bisita na isaalang-alang ang paggastos ng kanilang bakasyon sa hindi mapag-aalinlanganang Summer Capital ng bansa. Photo by Zaldy Comanda