The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), FujiClean Co., Ltd. (FujiClean), and the City Government of Baguio, led by Mayor Benjie Magalong, through the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), entered a Proof of Concept (POC) arrangement and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to address the growing demand for developing sewer infrastructure. JICA will supervise the overall activities, and the city government of Baguio will cooperate with FujiClean to ensure the successful implementation of the Survey throughout the implementation period. The objective of the discussion is to identify challenges to complying with the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the use of the FujiClean System. The system consists of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) tank, supplemental chemicals, and air blowers based on biofilm to effectively remove organics and nitrogen from the wastewater from toilets. The POC will be implemented under SDG’s Business Verification Survey framework as part of JICA’s public-private partnership programs to demonstrate Japanese-developed technologies that respond effectively to specific development challenges. FujiClean will implement a demonstration of the decentralized wastewater treatment system in the Survey at the City Engineering Office (CEO) of Baguio; currently, wastewater produced by the CEO is primarily treated by septic tanks. The Survey will demonstrate that FujiClean products, technology, know-how, and business model have the performance to achieve the DENR Administrative Orders on the standards for Class “A” water body classification and will create a solution to effectively develop sewer infrastructure by combining Centralized treatment plant system and FujiClean Decentralized Treatment system. As part of the POC, FujiClean will Install the decentralized wastewater treatment system with the application of an Environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, Clear Marcos Highway Watershed Forest Reserve Protected Area, Demonstrate the treatment performance to comply with the DENR standards, Conduct a seminar to raise awareness of FujiClean products; evaluate the impact of FujiClean products in terms of environment and economy; conduct training to local offices for proper operation of FujiClean products, conduct treated water quality tests, chemical supply and replacement parts for air blowers, and warranty for accessories and FRP tank. As a partner in the POC, LGU Baguio will provide support as needed by appointing city personnel, securing areas for installation and demonstration, securing a location to store chemicals, offering topographical data to the Survey, ensuring the FujiClean products, technique, and knowledge will not be used for military purposes. JICA Guidelines for Environmental and Societal Considerations shall be applied to ensure appropriate considerations for the environmental and social impacts in the Survey. After the product is installed and commissioning is completed, FujiClean will carry out a 1-year verification of its product performance to ensure that it operates appropriately within the Survey period. After the verification, LGU Baguio will conduct proper and effective product operation and maintenance. The product will be handed over and transferred to LGU Baguio after the end of the POC. The demonstration of the decentralized wastewater treatment system shows commitment from the LGU Baguio to improving the waterbody quality and raising awareness of sanitation improvement Photo by: Ezer Owindo

Baguio welcomed home its shining star today—Miss World Philippines 2024, Krishnah Marie Gravidez. The homecoming parade along Session Road was a heartfelt celebration, filled with cheers and applause from the community that watched her rise to the crown. Krishnah’s journey to becoming Miss World Philippines has been an inspiring one. With each step she took on that stage, she carried the pride of Baguio with her. Her grace, intelligence, and dedication were evident, and she brought home not just a title, but a sense of pride for every Baguio resident. Today, as she made her way down Session Road, it wasn’t just about celebrating her win—it was about celebrating the values she represents. Krishnah embodies the spirit of Baguio: strong, resilient, and full of heart. She’s shown us all what it means to persevere and to pursue your dreams with everything you’ve got. To Krishnah, we say thank you. Thank you for representing Baguio with such excellence. Thank you for bringing the Miss World Philippines crown home. The city is proud to call you our own. Welcome back, Krishnah Marie Gravidez—you’ve made us all incredibly proud. ( From the Baguio Tourism Council) 📷 Ariel Biala

      Other winners: Miss Baguio Turismo 2024: Carla Stephanie Tilap of Irisan Miss Baguio Kalikasan 2024: Antonette Tilap of Irisan Miss Baguio Kultura 2024: Ma. Dawn Rozeal Castillo of Brookside Miss Baguio Malikhain 2024: Jasmine Urmaza of BGH Compound First Runner-up: Nikesha Isaguire of Camp 7 Second Runner-up: Rica Caronongan of Apugan-Loakan Miss Baguio will represent the city in this year’s Miss Universe Philippines. Congratulations to all the queens! -MTE 📸Neil Clark Ongchangco

By Aileen P. Refuerzo – Baguio PIO As promised, the city government continues to work its way to achieve resiliency status by 2026 and be prepared to handle the effects of the climate crisis. Mayor Benjamin Magalong last year rallied city executives to make resiliency the focus within the next three years to make the city not only resilient but also “safe, inclusive and sustainable” in face of the looming environmental, economic and social impacts of global warming. City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Charles Bryan Carame said initiatives are now being done to implement programs, activities and projects that will help the city achieve its target. He said the city has already prepared its systems for the goal of achieving resilience, has identified, understood and utilized the risk scenarios and made significant accomplishments in pursuing resilient urban development and design, safeguarding natural resources, strengthening institutional and societal capacities for resilience and ensuring effective disaster response. It is presently working on strengthening its financial capacity for resilience by strictly monitoring fund utilization; pursuing urban development and increasing infrastructure resilience by promoting and implementing the Green Building Code as well as various nature-based solutions which include the sustainable management of the city’s open spaces such as parks, the Blue Walks program which develops urban canals and restores natural streams and the Green Walks program which upgrades roads into green streets. The city’s resiliency journey is guided by the international “Making Cities Resilient (MCR) 2030” program, a big flagship project of the United Nations which provides support to make cities worldwide “safer, preventing risks, promoting innovation and investments and building resilience” through the delivery of a “three-stage roadmap to urban resilience, providing tools, access to knowledge and monitoring and reporting tools.” A total of 1,748 cities in 86 countries worldwide have joined the program. In the Philippines, only Makati City has so far achieved resiliency status. The city through the CDRRMO applied for MCR2026 compliance in 2021 by making a commitment to strive “to become inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by 2026 and commit to reducing disaster and climate risk and continue to improve sustainability by taking actions to enhance resilience.” The city has passed two of the three-stage roadmap namely awareness and planning and is now making progress in the third or the implementation stage.

BAGUIO CITY — TheBaguio Maharlika Dynamic Lions Club celebrated its 5th Induction Ceremony and 4th Anniversary at Oring-ao Hall, Teachers Camp, with an event that highlighted both the installation of new officers and a powerful message of service from Gladys Vergara, Chair of the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), on August 23. After an extensive tourof Baguio’s remote communities, Vergara continued to champion the cause of tourism and civic service during her address to the Lions Clubs. As a key advocate for Baguio’s tourism sector, she emphasized the importance of serving with joy and purpose. “Let us continue making a meaningful impact by serving our community with gladness in our hearts,” Vergara urged. “I take great pridein our shared mission to serve, knowing that our efforts touch the lives of so many in profound ways.” She highlighted the opportunities for collaboration, stating, “Together, we can achieve greater things and gladly share our successes with those who have less.” Vergara also underscored the broader role of the BTC, noting that the council’s work extends beyond promoting tourism. “We stand in support of the various sectors working tirelessly to sustain and invigorate Baguio’s tourism industry,” she said. “Much like the Lions Clubs and other civic-minded organizations, our focus is on people.” The event also featured the installation of the club’s new officers by District Governor Sarah Pacquing, with Andrew Cortes taking on the role of President, succeeding Immediate Past President Rechilda Wymer. Vergara commended theLions for their longstanding dedication to service, stating, “The Lions Clubs have consistently been a beacon of hope, making a significant difference in the lives of many. What sets you apart is not just your numbers, but the enduring passion with which you serve others.” Adding to the significance of the occasion was the presence of Past District Governor Bernardo M. Vergara, a founder of the Lions Clubs in Baguio, who was invited as a guest speaker. His presence and words of wisdom underscored the deep-rooted legacy of service that continues to guide and inspire the club’s mission. Vergara also expressed pride in her personal connection to the Lions Club legacy, acknowledging her parents, Engr. Bernardo Vergara and Arch. Gloria Vergara, who served as past District 301-C Governors and were instrumental in founding the Lions Clubs in Baguio. “Their commitment to service has deeply influenced me and fuels my dedication to our shared mission,” she said. “ Let us remember to lead by example care for others, and inspire positive change that uplifts our community,” Vergara concluded, leaving the audience inspired and ready to continue their service to the community.              

Mayor Benjie Magalong graced the young public servants in a 3-Day training on Foresight and Anticipatory Leadership in Local Governance and Development for the Sangguniang Kabataan of Ormoc at Azalea Hotels and Residences. The theme “Nurturing Youth Leaders; Unleashing Their Full Potential towards Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals Localization in Ormoc City.” aligns with the training’s goals, which focus on enhancing the SK’s capabilities in community management. The goal for the youth leaders is to develop a sustainable development roadmap, enabling them to contribute effectively to nation-building and foster a sense of hope and optimism. Mayor Magalong served as a guest speaker and presented Empowering Young Changemakers: Harnessing Youth Potential to Drive Local SDG Implementation. Photos by: Ezer Owindo

BAGUIO CITY – Patuloy na pasisiglahin ng Baguio Tourism Council ang turismo sa lungsod mula sa isang madiskarteng hakbang sa tulong kanilang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga pangunahing stakeholder. Ayon kay Gladys Vergara, chairman ng BTC, ang kapana-panabik na mga plano para sa lalo pang unlad ay nagbibigay sa pangako ng Konseho sa pagpapahusay ng industriya ng turismo ng lungsod. Sa isang dialogue kasama ang Federation of Women’s Clubs, pinuri ni Vergara ang pamumuno ng grupo sa kanilang pagpayag na suportahan ang mga inisyatibo ng BTC “Kami ay nasasabik na makita ang higit pang mga organisasyon na nagsasama-sama upang suportahan ang paglago ng turismo sa Baguio,” sabi ni Vergara. “Ang iyong desisyon na makipagsosyo sa amin ay makabuluhang pinalalakas ang potensyal para sa aming mga pagsisikap sa turismo upang magtagumpay ito.” “Isa sa pinakamagagandang resulta ng mga partnership na tulad nito ay ang pagbubukas ng mga bagong hangganan para sa pakikipagtulungan,” wika pa ni Vergara. Ang Baguio Federation of Women’s Clubs, na itinatag noong 1922 bilang unang organisasyon ng kababaihan sa lungsod, ay may matagal nang pamana ng pagsusulong ng empowerment ng kababaihan. Habang papalapit ang federation sa pagdiriwang ng sentenaryo nito sa 2026, nananatiling matatag ang pangako nitong suportahan ang mga inisyatibo sa buong lungsod. Ipinahayag ni Vergara ang kanyang pasasalamat sa pagkakataong makisali sa pederasyon at kinilala ang malaking pag-unlad na nagawa ng mga club ng kababaihan sa mga nakaraang taon. “Kami ay nagpakumbaba at nagpapasalamat na tanggapin ang iyong suporta sa pagpapasigla ng turismo sa lungsod,” idinagdag niya, na binanggit na ang pakikilahok ng stakeholder ay mahalaga sa tagumpay ng naturang mga hakbangin. Kasama sa dayalogo ang presensya ng mga opisyal ng federation: Conchita Borja, Presidente; Remedios Laigo, 1st Vice President; Estella Florencio, 2nd Vice President; Lilia Sarurnino, 3rd Vice President; Merly Pascua, Kalihim; Zenaida Carandang, Ingat-yaman; Delia Nicolas, Auditor; at Nelly Estigoy, Versna Viernez, at Luz Gutierrez, Business Managers. Ipinahayag din ni Vergara na nagboluntaryo ang mga babaeng lider na makipag-ugnayan sa Misa de Gallo (inaasahang masa) sa pagdiriwang ng “An Enchanting Baguio Christmas”. Bukod pa rito, ang BTC ay magbibigay ng logistical support para sa mga programang pangkabuhayan ng federation sa panahon ng Kapaskuhan, kabilang ang mga insentibo na nagbibigay ng kita sa antas ng barangay. By Zaldy Comanda

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Pinaghahandaan ngayon ng Baguio Tourism Council na gawing isang pambihirang selebrasyon ng An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024, na may mga kaakit-akit na kaganapan na idinisenyo upang muling pasayahin ang mga residente at bisita sa panahon ng kapaskuhan sa siyudad ng Baguio. Sa naganap na pagpupulong ng mga AEBC committee sa pangunguna ni Gladys Vergara ay napagkasunduan ang mga makabagong programa at disenyo ng mga kapana-panabik na plano para sa mga pagdiriwang ngayong taon. “Sa taong ito, itinataas natin ang panahon ng Yuletide sa bagong taas ng kagalakan at kagalakan,” sabi ni Vergara. Aniya, “Ang Pasko ay palaging isang panahon na sabik na inaasahan ng lahat, at ang aming layunin ay upang matiyak na ang aming komunidad at mga bisita ay parehong makaranas ng isang pakiramdam ng masayang pag-asa at pasasalamat.” Ang opisyal na kickoff para sa An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024 ay nakatakda sa Nobyembre 28, kasama ang grand opening ng Baguio Christmas Market sa Rose Garden. Kasunod nito ang pag-iilaw ng Enchanting Baguio Christmas Tree sa ibabaw ng Session Road, kasabay ng taunang Saint Louis University Lantern Parade, na nagtatakda ng tono para sa kapaskuhan. Isang serye ng mga highlight na kaganapan ang magbubukas sa mga susunod na linggo, kabilang ang muling pagsasaayos ng Nutcracker Ballet—isang taunang pagtutulungan ng Ballet Baguio at Philippine Military Academy, ang University of Baguio Christmas Cantata, University of the Cordilleras Center for Performing Arts Concert, Baguio Araw ng Cosplay, Araw ng Mga Alagang Hayop, Pagbibigay ng Regalo sa Pasko, isang Choral Competition, ang Paligsahan sa Pagpapaganda ng Pasko ng Barangay, at ang 2025 New Year Countdown sa Melvin Jones Football Field. Ang mga ito at maraming iba pang magkakatulad na mga kaganapan ay idinisenyo upang mapahusay ang diwa ng kapistahan sa buong Baguio City. Ang pulong ay dinaluhan ng mga pangunahing miyembro ng AEBC 2024 Committee, kabilang ang Baguio Tourism Supervising Officer Alec Mapalo, Chief of Staff ng Mayor’s Office Samantha Hamada, City Environment and Parks Management Office Chief Atty. Rhenan Diwas, Events Specialist Chai Ramos, Creative Director Ferdie Balanag, AEBC Secretariat Head Pam Cariño, BTC Board Member Au Alambra, AEBC 2024 Committee Members Dorai Ngolob at Christina Dalisay, at Tourism Officers Lala Bareng at Eric Dispo.   Ang kanilang sama-samang pagsisikap ay nakatulong sa pagbibigay-buhay sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko ngayong taon. “Ilabas natin ang pinakamahusay at pinakamagaling sa darating na panahon ng Pasko, Sama-sama tayo at magagaa natin ang tunay na kaakit-akit na Yuletide para sa lahat,” pahayag pa ni Vergara.  

Mayor Benjie Magalong was present at the “LGU in Action: Local Innovations for Sustainable Communities” forum at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center, Quezon City. Mayor Magalong presented about the Health Open Spaces, wherein Baguio City promoted creating, using, and maintaining healthy open spaces in communities and other health environment initiatives. This event is in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), UP Resilience Institute, Greenpeace Philippines, Galing Pook Foundation, and Ateneo Institute of Sustainability – AIS. The Mayoral forum brought together CEOs, council members from the country, representatives from national government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, academia, and the private sector.