By Aileen P. Refuerzo BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has backed the move of the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) to halt the sale of vape products in the country. “We fully support DTI’s decision to ban online sales of vapes as part of our commitment to protecting our children from the harmful and addictive effects of vapes and other tobacco products,” the mayor said. He said this is “a crucial step in preventing these products from falling into the hands of minors and complements the city’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the health, well-being, and future of the youth.” “In fact, the suspension should remain until online selling platforms and distributors are able to implement robust age verification measures to ensure that sales are restricted to adults only,” the mayor said. The mayor thanked the DTI for the move which the department said is anchored on protecting the youth and prioritizing public health. DTI Secretary Fred Pascual on July 20, 2024 signed Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 24-03, series of 2024 suspending the online sale of vapor products, vapor product devices, and vapor product systems on marketplaces, effective immediately.  This was anchored on Republic Act (RA) No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act which mandates measures to prevent minors from accessing vapor products, particularly through online channels. Pascual said: “The protection of our youth is non-negotiable. The proliferation of vapor products on online marketplaces has made these harmful substances easily accessible to minors, posing a significant threat to their health and well-being. This suspension is a necessary step to curb this alarming trend.” In the city, Magalong said that while cigarette smoking incidence showed a declining trend, vaping has emerged as bigger problem especially since the vice has been attracting the younger population. “We have enforcement and we have programs to promote anti-vaping. Bakit tumataas parin? That is the challenge we are facing today. That is what we have to address and let us think outside the box while changing our strategies. Look at the numbers of people using vape. Almost 80 percent are young people and many of them are students,” the mayor shared during a vape conference last July 19, 2024. The DTI warned that “while it prefers to avoid imposing new regulations, severe consequences will result from non-compliance.” The city government through the Smoke-Free Task Force had been conducting operations to implement City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017 or the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance which also regulates the use and sale of electronic nicotine delivery products (ENDS) including vape products. Stores caught selling unauthorized vape products that are violative of the laws like those that sell products that do not contain graphic health warnings and that come in many flavors which are contrary to the law were fined based on the city ordinance.          

BAGUIO CITY — After recently launching its on-demand delivery services in Baguio City, Lalamove has been in talks with the local government to aid over 80 farmers during times of typhoon and produce oversupply. With the support of City Mayor Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong, the leading on-demand delivery platform aims to ensure farmers’ earnings are secured in times of crisis and to reduce produce waste. As a critical hub for the distribution of vegetables from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Baguio City’s farmers are vulnerable to oversupply issues especially during typhoon season and “Ber” months. Lalamove’s aid comes during crucial times when farmers’ produce are left unsold, spoiled, and thrown away, resulting in the farmers’ loss of earnings. According to Djon Nacario, Lalamove Philippines Managing Director, the platform is working hand-in-hand with the Baguio local government to support the farmers’ needs during such incidents. “The agricultural sector is vital to the Philippines. Amid the typhoon season, we have discussed with Mayor Magalong that should the farmers need assistance, Lalamove is ready to rescue-buy their produce, which will be donated to repository markets and communities in need,” explained Nacario. Magalong expressed his support, saying, “Lalamove’s support to the Baguio City farmers cultivates hope and growth for our community, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural sector in the region.” Lalamove is determined to extend this initiative to more farmers and markets across Metro Manila in collaboration with LGUs and other parties interested to serve as repository markets for the rescued produce. “Lalamove is not just about moving goods; it’s about moving lives forward,” said Nacario, adding, “As a testament to our commitment to continuously empower communities, this is just the beginning of the support we aim to provide to Baguio City and to the agricultural sector.”

  As Typhoon Carina continues to bring heavy rain and strong wind, the Baguio City Police Office (CPO) actively conducts road-clearing operations and monitoring along Kennon Road and City Camp Lagoon in Baguio City on July 24, 2024. At Kennon Road, the Napino cops, together with other volunteers, worked hand in hand to remove fallen rocks from the road, ensuring the safety of the passing motorists. Meanwhile, at the City Camp Lagoon, the police officers are implementing preemptive measures and are continuously monitoring the water level, closely overseeing the situation to address any emerging hazards. Along with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the City Engineering Office, they are also conducting clearing operations of fallen branches and leaves at the lagoon. The Baguio CPO remains in constant coordination with other agencies to ensure the safety of all residents during the onslaught of the typhoon.

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjie Magalong was awarded the International Mayor of Peace Award 2024 by the International Association for World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), during the Global Peace Awards 2024, held at Hotel Supreme, on July 20, 2024, Mayor Magalong, represented by his son Kobe Magalong, tackled divine governance in his message. “The intersection of faith and politics is a dynamic and multi-faceted route. While it presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for profound and meaningful collaboration by fostering dialogue, championing inclusivity, and drawing on the ethical teachings of diverse faith traditions. It can navigate this intersection with wisdom and grace.” United Nations Eminent Peace Ambassador H.E. Maxwell Hagans handed certificates and plaques to government officials and institutions, religious groups, civil society organizations, youth leaders, the business sector, and individuals were among the awardees. The IAWPA is an international civil society organization operating as a non-profit entity with a global mandate to promote peace. It appoints credible individuals whose lifestyles exemplify peace promotion as Eminent Peace Ambassadors across the United Nations’ member states. Photo by Ezer Owindo      

By Aileen Refuerzo BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong today, July 22 issued an advisory for the public to prepare as the city expects abnormally heavy rainfall due to enhanced monsoon rains particularly on July 24 and 25. As garbage continues to be a major concern due to flooding issues,  the mayor reminded punong barangays to ensure that no garbage will be left uncollected starting 3 p.m. today. He also reminded the public to refrain from indiscriminately throwing their garbage to prevent them from ending up into the drainage inlets and causing flooding at the City Camp lagoon. “I hope we had learned our lessons from our recent experience at the City Camp lagoon where sudden heavy downpour caused flooding at the basin after inlet screens were clogged due to wastes carried by rainwater,” the mayor said. “Improperly discarded waste can exacerbate flooding and environmental hazards. This should serve as a compelling lesson on the importance of proper trash disposal for all of us,” he stressed. He said people shoud be conscious of their waste disposal habit. “Dispose of trash responsibly by using designated bins and avoiding littering in streets, gutters and waterways.  Additionally, ensuring that waste is properly bagged and securely tied helps prevent debris from entering the drainage systems,” he said. General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan reminded barangays on the waste management protocol during typhoons or rainy days. He said that in anticipation of the typhoons or heavy rains, punong barangays should advise their constituents not to bring out their garbage and instead keep them properly wrapped and stored within their premises to avoid being scattered or carried by floodwaters into the streets and waterways. Buyucan said the garbage will be picked up as soon as the weather condition improves and immediate coordination will be made with the barangay officials before the pick-up schedule. He said garbage collection during bad weather is suspended for the protection of garbage collectors and waste pickers. He said this usually results in backlogs in the collection but they immediately work them out as soon as they can.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and collaboration, SM City Baguio recently participated in the annual Brigada Eskwela at Bakakeng Elementary School. The event on July 19 saw enthusiastic participation from SM City Baguio employees and agencies, who eagerly rolled up their sleeves to help prepare the school. Armed with cleaning supplies and paintbrushes, the volunteers carried out a series of tasks that included cleaning school corridors and classrooms, repainting walls, and sprucing up the school grounds. By engaging their employees in community service, SM City Baguio strives to nurture a spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility among their team members. Brigada Eskwela serves as a platform for collaboration between SM City Baguio and educational institutions, allowing them to work hand in hand to create a positive impact on the lives of students. Through these projects, SM aims to contribute to the holistic development of the community and empower the future generation.

Huge congratulations to Krishnah Marie Gravidez for bagging the Miss World Philippines 2024 title. Miss Baguio City 2022 Krishnah Marie Gravidez also bagged the Miss Photogenic, Best Evening Gown and Best in Swimsuit special award during the coronation night at the Mall of Asia Arena. The entire Baguio is with you as you represent not just our city but also our country in your next journey! Congratulations and good luck as you conquer the world! From: Mayor Benjie Magalong and family.

BAGUIO CITY — The City Government of Baguio, led by Mayor Benjie Magalong, in partnership with Saint Louis University, through its School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) held the Innovation Olympics with the theme “Future is Now: Fostering Student-led Innovation for Baguio Mobility,” at Fr. Gevers Hall, SLU Main Campus on July 17. Magalong presented the Baguio Smart Mobility Project, citing its innovative use of AI technology to manage road systems and law enforcement. He added that it could benefit the city with enhanced road safety, reduced traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, cost savings, improved urban planning, and reduced commuter stress. Additionally, Arch. Donna Tabangin, Head of Baguio City Planning and Development and Sustainability Office, and Dr. Chong Chee Chung, Vice President of ITS Architecting at ST Engineering, presented innovative projects that address Baguio’s traffic congestion, public parking, and sustainable traffic management systems. The Innovation Olympics allowed students to collaborate and generate solutions to transportation issues. Competition winners were awarded grants to further their research. The event concluded with closing remarks from SEA dean Engr. Jeffrey Des Binwag and MPTC President and CEO Rogelio L. Singson.

BAGUIO CITY –Tourism frontiers shall be opened up at the grassroots level in a bid to disperse development into the barangays. This shall happen within a year’s time so as to spur growth and development in clusters of barangays comprising the city countryside. Gladys Vergara, 3-year chair of the Baguio Tourism Council, declared this avowal to push tourism’s socio-economic growth towards the barangays, especially those situated at the city’s outskirts. Vergara is the eldest daughter of 12-year Rep. Bernie Vergara who is himself Mr. Tourism Action Man when he headed the Philippine Tourism Authority from 1977 to 1988. As BTC chair, Gladys has been in the forefront of Baguio’s tourism growth. She cites the public-private partnership that has marked a flourishing tourism business in recent years.