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.

CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte – A successful joint police operation led by the Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) Southern Leyte, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 8, together with Police Regional Office 8 and various PNP units, resulted in the arrest of two key figures within the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Eastern Visayas in Barangay Upper Quirino, Magsaysay, Baguio City on July 8, 2024. “The arrest of these two top CTG officers responsible for propagating violence and destabilizing peace in the region is a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to combat local insurgency,” stated Brig.Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, PRO-8 Regional Director. According to Pawid, the accused are known as aliases “Islaw”,47, who served as secretary, and “Ninya”,42, who served as Educational/Finance Officer under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Both were temporarily residing in Baguio City. Additionally, alias “Islaw” is one of the leaders involved in notorious harassment activities and destruction of government properties conducted by the CTG in Northern and Eastern Samar provinces. The accused were arrested based on warrants for violation of Section 4(A) of RA 11479, otherwise known as the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” issued by the court on August 8, 2022, with no bail recommended, and for Arson issued on January 16, 2024, with P72,000 recommended bail. Another separate arrest warrant was issued against “Islaw” for violation of Sec 4(D) of RA 11479, dated April 12, 2024, with no bail recommended. Meanwhile, the accused were taken to CIU, Baguio City Police Office for documentation and proper disposition prior to the return of warrants to the court of origin. Pawid commended the seamless coordination and collaboration of the involved PNP units, which led to the operation’s success. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the community and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in reporting any suspicious activities that may endanger public safety. “PRO 8 assures the public that with the arrest of these two high-ranking CTG members, we will continue to strengthen our efforts against insurgency and the apprehension of wanted individuals. We also appeal to those who have been misled to lay down their arms and join us in supporting the government,” he added.