BAGUIO CITY , Philippines – “Don’t be complacent, don’t let your guard down, and continue to follow mosquito control measures to prevent the possible return of the disease.” ​This is the urgent call of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) despite a significant decline in dengue cases in the city this year. ​According to CHSO Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and Dengue Program Coordinator Miller Balisongen of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division, the current dengue situation “may not be very alarming, but it should not be a passport to be careless about our environmental health.” ​ Dengue Cases Down by 57% ​ Based on local data, Medical Technologist Ruby Magsino of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) reported that dengue cases decreased by 57 percent compared to last year. The city’s epidemic curve currently remains below the alert and epidemic threshold. ​ *Current Data: From January 1 to May 30, 2026, the city recorded 196 dengue cases—a 50 percent drop from the 394 cases reported during the same period last year. ​*Demographics: Individuals aged 15 to 29 accounted for 43 percent of the reported cases, while 36.2 percent of the total cases required hospitalization. ​ *Affected Areas: Currently, 13 barangays have recorded cases. Barangay Irisan reported the highest number in May with three cases, while Dominican Hill-Mirador and Middle Quirino Hill have recurring cases. Meanwhile, the barangays of Aurora Hill, Bakakeng Central, BGH Compound, Cabinet Hill-Teachers Camp, City Camp Central, Dontogan, Kias, Legarda-Burnham-Kisad, and San Vicente each recorded one isolated case. ​Despite the low numbers, health officials warned that an increase in cases is expected in the coming weeks due to the rainy season, which creates breeding grounds for deadly mosquitoes.  ​City Government Steps Up Strategies ​ To tackle mosquito-borne diseases—which also include Zika virus and Chikungunya—the city government has rolled out strategic campaigns under the guidance of the National Aedes-Borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program. ​Mayor Benjamin Magalong previously issued Executive Order No. 57-2026, re-establishing the Baguio City Anti-Mosquito Borne Diseases Committee (BCABDC) pursuant to Ordinance No. 10-2025, also known as “The Consolidated Anti-Mosquito-Borne Diseases Ordinance of the City of Baguio.” ​The city is currently formulating an active agenda for the third quarter of 2026, featuring: ​ *Baguio City Dengue Summit 2026: To be held under the theme “Pan-iinabuyugan: Baguio City Dengue Summit: One Health, One Baguio, One Dengue-Resilient Community.” *​Search for the “Top Rated Barangay for Dengue Prevention and Control Program”: An initiative to encourage local leadership. Participating barangays will be evaluated based on policy compliance, community mobilization, Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) campaigns, governance, and program innovation. *​On-the-Ground Vectors Control: Ongoing larval surveillance in the top 20 affected barangays, product demonstrations for an Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) Trap Project, and the procurement of space spraying chemicals and thermal fogging machines. ​In line with National Dengue Awareness Month (Proclamation No. 1204, s. 1998) this June and ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15, the city has scheduled a Symposium cum Orientation for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) to streamline case reporting and verification mechanisms at the community level. ​Residents Urged to Strengthen Prevention at Home ​ The CHSO Environmental Health and Sanitation Division is strongly urging parents and guardians to take proactive steps to protect children by ensuring their homes remain free of mosquito breeding sites. ​Engr. Albert Pay-an, Head of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division, emphasized that the home serves as the most critical health checkpoint in a child’s daily life. ​“The most important health checkpoint in a child’s day is not school, but home,” Pay-an said, highlighting the vital role of families in preventing infection. ​ The CHSO advises households to: 1.​Regularly check surroundings for stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. 2. ​Apply mosquito repellents and dress children in long clothing. ​3. Consult a doctor immediately at the nearest health center if dengue symptoms appear. ​“Prevention of dengue starts at home. An uncovered container can harbor hundreds of mosquitoes. When families consistently take small actions, the entire community becomes safer,” Pay-an added. The CHSO emphasized that preventing mosquito breeding in a household goes a long way in protecting the entire neighborhood from dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. The CHSO is also stepping up dengue prevention efforts as the rainy season begins with the opening of the new school year. The CHSO, through its City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), continues to monitor dengue cases in all barangays.            

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reported a total of 5,582 indigents senior citizens were granted the City Government’s Social Pension in the second quarter conducted from May 25 to 29, 2026. The payout marked an important milestone as the program was directly implemented by the City Government through the Transfer of Funds Scheme, following a memorandum issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The scheme enables local government units to play a more active role in delivering social pension benefits to qualified senior citizens. The distribution of benefits was carried out through the joint efforts of the CSWDO, City Accounting Office, City Treasury Office, community-based social workers, barangay officials, senior citizens’ associations, and other partner stakeholders. Their collaboration ensured a smooth, safe, and efficient payout process. To further improve service delivery, community-based social workers conducted verification and assessment of beneficiaries who were unable to claim their benefits. The activity aimed to identify the reasons for non-claiming and identify measures that would strengthen the implementation of the Social Pension Program and ensure that qualified beneficiaries receive assistance. The payout activity also served as a platform to bring government services closer to senior citizens. Representatives from the DSWD, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Team assisted in validating beneficiary records, authenticating PhilSys IDs through the BBM Serbisyo platform, and facilitating PhilSys-related services. CSWDO Department Head Liza Bulayungan thanked partner agencies, offices, organizations, and volunteers for their support in the successful implementation of the program. She also reaffirmed the City Government’s commitment to promoting the welfare and dignity of senior citizens through responsive and community-centered social protection programs. The Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) is an additional assistance from the government amounting to One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) monthly stipend as stipulated in the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2020 or RA 9994 as amended by RA 11916. The eligibility criteria based on RA 11916 are as follows: 60 years of age and above, frail, sick or disabled no pension, and no regular source of income, compensation or financial assistance from relatives to support his/her basic needs. (RAM)  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Eighteen artists including a mother and her two kids, and a couple who converted their house into a museum launched an art exhibit Fridqy at the Le Yan Museum. Husband-wife tandem Leandro Yangot, Jr. and Cheryl Daytec -Yangot welcomed creatives at their residence in Bengao, Bakakeng Central for the Raya exhibit. The multi- medium presentation welcomed not just visual artists but also those in handicrafts and clothing, as well. Raya or rays like that of the sun which is one of the most prominent feature of the Philippine flag. “It is a fitting theme since it is Indepence Day and rays can reach anything, any part of the Philippines or the world,” said Yangot. Curated by Much Camolo and Ceres Canilao, the works of Camolo’s two children – Kristelle and Asriel – are also featured. Some of the features artists include Eden Cawang, Gladys Labsan, Lopez Aquino, among others. This time the Yangots opened their second residence in the sanebarangay as display area. Le Yan Museum was opened to the public two years ago. EML    

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — In support of families affected by the recent earthquake in General Santos City, SM City Baguio joins the Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) initiative of SM Supermalls to help provide assistance to impacted communities. Customers and mall visitors may extend their support through cash donations at the Operation Tulong Express donation booth located at the Lower Ground Level of SM City Baguio. Donations gathered through the initiative will go toward relief efforts in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross to help affected families and communities. Those who wish to directly send assistance may also course their donations through the Philippine Red Cross. The initiative reflects a shared effort among communities, partners, and volunteers to help provide timely support and assistance to those affected by the disaster.  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Baguio city government has supported the proposed Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Bill filed by Albay 1st District Rep. Krisel Lagman, calling it a significant step toward strengthening public health protection nationwide. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the bill is a timely and necessary step that will build on the efforts of local government units like Baguio City which has long been recognized for its leading smoke-free policies. He said, “I have always believed that we must do what is right. This principle has shaped our governance in Baguio, especially in our long-standing commitment to protect public health and promote a smoke-free environment. According to Magalong, Baguio’s smoke-free program was built through decades of consistent policy action, including the enactment of anti-smoking ordinances, stronger local laws, executive issuances, and ongoing enforcement campaigns. He said the city’s experience has shown that smoke-free and vaping-free policies are effective in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, protecting youth from nicotine addiction, and creating healthier public spaces. The proposed national measure aims to institutionalize smoke-free and vaping-free environments in public places and workplaces, harmonize policies nationwide, and strengthen local enforcement efforts. Magalong emphasized that while the local initiative, a unified national framework is needed to close the implementation gaps and ensure uniform protection for all Filipinos. The city, through the Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force, joined in the formal filing of the bill in the House of Representatives on June 1 with members of the Philippine Smoke-Free Movement. Magalong said the city is proud to have its anti-smoking ordinance recognized as a pioneering law that served as a model for other local governments and is now helping shape the proposed national law. “The right to clean air and public health must be protected not only locally but also nationwide,” the mayor said, adding that Baguio is ready to share best practices and lessons learned to support the implementation of the measure once it becomes law. The bill aims to provide stronger protection against cigarette smoke and vape aerosols in all public places, especially in areas frequented by children and youth.              

  Employee volunteers participated in clean-up and preparation activities within the school grounds to help provide a more welcoming and conducive learning environment for students and teachers. The initiative forms part of the mall’s continuing community efforts in support of education and school readiness. Beyond preparing classrooms and shared spaces, the activity also highlights the importance of collaboration between schools, private organizations, and the community in creating better learning environments for students. For SM City Baguio, Brigada Eskwela has become more than an annual volunteer activity, but also a continuing partnership with the school community through the years. Through initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, SM City Baguio continues to support meaningful community programs that contribute to education, volunteerism, and shared responsibility for the next generation.    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 41 establishments including a funeral home have been recommended for closure the Smoke-Free BaguioTask Force, due to repeated violations of the city’s Smoke-Free Ordinance, particularly City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017. Mayor Benjamin Magalong who heads the Smoke-Free BaguioTask Force said the establishments were identified as repeat offenders after repeatedly failing to comply with regulations aimed at protecting the public from exposure to tobacco smoke and other smoking-related products in prohibited areas. Magalong directed the city’s Permit and Licensing Division to take appropriate action against the establishments and implement the necessary closure procedures in accordance with the ordinance. Located in different parts of the city, the flagged establishments include 21 night restaurants and bars, nine sari-sari stores, five restaurant-cafes, three dry good stores, two entertainment centers and one memorial chapel. Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017 prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products in all public places, enclosed spaces, public utility vehicles, streets, accommodation establishments (including apartments and hotels), entertainment venues and areas within 100 meters of parks, schools and churches. Individuals and establishments that violate or tolerate violations are subject to penalties. Individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas face a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P3,000 for the third offense. Third-time offenders may also face up to three months imprisonment at the discretion of the court, along with community service and confiscation of tobacco or vaping products. Establishments that fail to enforce the ordinance or repeatedly allow violations within their premises may be fined up to P5,000 and risk the revocation of their business permits. He said the strict enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ordinance is part of the local government’s continuing efforts to promote public health and maintain a healthy environment for residents and visitors. CITY TO INTENSIFY ANTI-VAPING CAMPAIGN AS CLASSES OPEN Meanwhile, Magalong has directed members of the SFBTF to launch a more aggressive and sustained campaign against vaping in line with the opening of classes in the city. He said efforts to enforce City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017 or the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance which covers vaping prohibition, although already being implemented continuously in the city, have to be stepped up further to make a lasting impact. The mayor emphasized that consistent enforcement would discourage the illegal sale of vape products in the city. He said sellers would eventually realize that operating in Baguio is no longer profitable if authorities maintain a strong and sustained campaign. “We will aim to make vape selling a non-profitable business in the city and evebtually permanently stop the operation of these sellers,” the mayor said. The task force said recent studies had shown that although smoking incidents had declined in the city, vape use had increased especially among the teens. City Health Services Office (CHSO) tobacco control coordinator Dr. Donna Panes said that in view of this, the city also needs to strengthen smoking and vaping cessation services, particularly for adolescents. Public Order and Safety Division Head Daryll Longid reported that daily apprehensions and operations are already being conducted by his team and other task force members but assured the mayor that enforcement efforts would be further intensified. Longid noted that Baguio is believed to be the only local government unit in the country without a legally operating vape shop after all such establishments were ordered closed in 2023. He said many vape sellers relocated to neighboring areas, particularly La Trinidad, but continue to target Baguio consumers through online platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, and TikTok. He emphasized the need for national government agencies to help regulate online sales, proposing the creation of an online reporting mechanism where citizens can report social media accounts engaged in selling vape products. Such reports could then be acted upon by agencies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry in coordination with social media platforms. Baguio City is widely regarded as a frontrunner in the country’s smoke-free and vape-free campaign, having implemented strict ordinances and enforcement measures aimed at protecting public health. Just recently, the city was invited to join the filing of the proposed Smoke-free and Vape-free Bill by Rep. Krisel Lagman in the House of Representatives. “This landmark legislative measure is a timely and necessary step towards nationalizing and strengthening the very protections that local government units like Baguio City have long worked hard to establish and sustain to protect public health and promote a smoke-free environment,” the mayor in his statement of support to the bill, said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo                  

“Strengthening Ties, Cultivating Shared Heritage”   FRIENDSHIP DOVE — Officials led by Consul and Head of Post Li Xiaoyan, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag City; Mayor Magalong, Congressman Mauricio Domogan, flew the Friendship Dove and Balloon as symbolizing the strong diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Filipino-Chinese Friendship held at Newtown Plaza, Baguio City, on June 5. Photo by Zaldy Comanda   BAGUIO CITY— Consul and Head of Post Li Xiaoyan, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag City, led the commemoration of the 25th Philippine-China Friendship Day celebration organized by the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community, held at the Newtown Plaza, Baguio City, on June 5. The celebration was marked by the release of doves and balloons as a symbol of friendship between the two countries and the distribution of 150 grocery packs to selected indigent families of the City Social Welfare and Development Office from six barangays in the city ” The more than two decades of good relations between the Philippines and China, not only as friends, but as a family, with continuous cooperation towards the growth of the economies of the two countries, cannot be underestimated. I thank and congratulate the city of Baguio and the Filipino Chinese community here, for their good relations and cooperation towards the development of the economy of the city,” Xiaoyan said. According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, “Since then, not only have the Fil-Chi community been seen helping out on occasions, but in times of calamity, they have been the ones who have been at the forefront in distributing aid to our affected compatriots. In addition, they have also been our partners in developing tourism, so we are very grateful for their concern for our city.” Executive Committee Chairman Peter Ng said, “Most of us, especially me, were born in the Philippines and do business in Baguio City, so we love this place, and the relationship and friendship with the city will never end, instead, our support and assistance to our countrymen will continue. The official celebration of Philippine-China Friendship Day, also known as Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, is held annually on June 9. It commemorates the historic establishment of official diplomatic relations between the two nations on June 9, 1975 and the observance was officially established through Proclamation No.148 signed in 2002.By Zaldy Comanda                    

By: Sergia May T. Quines (SSS UC Intern)   Baguio City, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) Baguio conducted its regular seminar for employers and bookkeepers to provide updates on SSS programs and remind participants of their responsibilities under Republic Act No. 11199, otherwise known as Social Security Act of 2018. During the seminar, SSS representatives discussed the legal obligations of employers and employees, including contribution payments, requirement compliance, and proper documentation. Participants were provided with clarifications regarding concerns about SSS membership and compliance requirements. For more information about the seminar, interested business owners may visit the SSS Accounts Management Section, 3/F SSS Baguio Building, Harrison Road, Baguio City or call 442-8705 or 447-0360 or send an e-mail at baguio@sss.gov.ph