BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong wants the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the city to be meaningful and honest to ensure that it truly serves struggling residents. “We want its implementation to be different in Baguio, to truly benefit those who are in need and not to serve as a political vehicle or capital. The program must be carried out with integrity, transparency, and genuine concern for beneficiaries,” the mayor said at the Management Committee meeting recently. The program provides short-term emergency employment to displaced and disadvantaged workers and the city through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is preparing for its reimplementation this year. Magalong directed PESO Manager Michelle Agbuya to make sure that the program benefits are optimized and implemented in an honest and meaningful manner starting from the selection of the beneficiaries down to the discharge of their tasks. Beneficiaries must undergo careful validation to ensure that those who are truly in need such as displaced workers, underemployed individuals, and families facing economic hardship are prioritized. He underscored that the program should never be used for political gain or favoritism. The mayor called for strict coordination among the city government through the PESO, Liga ng mga Barangay, schools, and DOLE to prevent duplication of names, ghost beneficiaries or irregularities in payouts. He also ordered PESO to strengthen monitoring to ensure that the work required under TUPAD is actually rendered and beneficial to the community. A meaningful implementation would also mean assigning TUPAD workers to projects that create visible and lasting impact, such as environmental clean-ups, drainage declogging, urban gardening, and support for city beautification efforts. “It’s not just about giving temporary work. It’s about restoring dignity and giving our people a sense of purpose while improving our communities,” he said. Agbuya said the city had a total of 653 TUPAD beneficiaries from 77 barangays last year. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo)    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city’s Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) under the City Health Services Office (CHSO) reported having treated some one thousand animal bites in the city during the first two months of the year. Nurse Agnes Johanna Abad, ABTC manager, said that the significant number of individuals who sought treatment for their animal bites is a clear indication of the public’s awareness on the availability of treatment services right in the city’s health facility. In 2024, the ABTC recorded some 8,156 animal bites treatments they did in the center before dropping to only 7,099 bites last year. However, she claimed there had been no human rabies cases reported through the years except for the one animal rabies case in the city way back in 2021. The ABTC manager advised individuals who are bitten by their pets or stray dogs and cats to immediately seek the necessary treatment from the center for them to ascertain what type of bite did they sustain and the treatment that will be provided to avoid their situation from worsening. According to her, there are three categories of bites from animals – category one involves contact with an animal without breaking the skin and usually does not require vaccination; category two includes minor open wounds without heavy bleeding and requires a primary anti-rabies vaccine while category three is considered the most severe as it involves bites on sensitive areas such as the head, face, or neck, heavy bleeding or cases where the biting animal cannot be observed. She pointed out that the third category requires both anti-rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin administered on the wound after skin testing. Abad reported that most of the reported bite cases are owners of dogs or cats who are either bitten or scratched by their pets and that there are a few number of individuals who are bitten by stray animals primarily because stray animals are usually afraid of humans. She said that the city has three existing animal bite centers situated at the CHSO, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and the Saint Louis University Sacred Heart Hospital to cater to the treatment of the animal bites inflicted on individuals. (Baguio PIO)  

The Baguio City Council has sought updates on the implementation of the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program, a key initiative designed to assist marginalized electricity consumers. During the City Council’s regular session on March 9, 2026, representatives from the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) were invited to shed light on the program. BENECO General Manager Melchor Licoben, General Manager of BENECO, and Engr. Ramel Rifani briefed the City Council members on the updates and adjustments being made under the amended Lifeline Rate Law and amendment to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001, formally known as Republic Act No. 9136. The new ERC resolution, which amends certain provisions of Republic Act No. 11552 enacted in 2021, was approved in February 2024 and is set for full implementation starting with the March 2026 billing period. The resolution raises the consumption threshold for qualified lifeline consumers from 45 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 50 kWh per month. Under the new schedule, households consuming up to 50 kWh per month and registered under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will automatically receive a 100% discount on their electric bills. Non-4Ps consumers using 50 kWh or below may also avail of the subsidy, provided they secure a certification from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) confirming their status as indigent or marginalized households. Discount rates will follow a ladderized system based on consumption: 51-70 kWh: 35% discount 71-100 kWh: 20% discount As of the latest records, BENECO has 354 registered lifeline beneficiaries under the existing program. During the discussion, Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda inquired whether non-lifeline consumers are subsidizing the discounts for lifeliners. Licoben confirmed that a minimal charge equivalent to one centavo per kilowatt-hour is collected from non-lifeline consumers to sustain the fund. Any surplus or deficit in the collection will be adjusted through the fund’s administrator, ensuring the program’s stability. Licoben also noted that while lifeline consumers will benefit from the discounts, overall electricity bills are expected to slightly increase due to rising oil prices. He added that standard senior citizen discounts of 5% for consumption up to 100 kWh per month remain in effect. The Lifeline Rate Program, originally established under EPIRA, has been repeatedly extended, first for ten years in 2011, and again in 2021 for a new 50-year period ending in 2071. -Danella Corin David (SP PIO Intern/UB Polsci)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Starting Monday, March 16, 2026, city government offices will implement a 4-Day Work Week Schedule, pursuant to Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 114, to strictly adopt energy conservation protocols. By virtue of Executive Order No.31-2026 signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, some offices in the city hall will implement a four-day work week, from Monday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The following offices and personnel are exempted from the compressed work week and shall maintain their regular or specialized shifts, but shall implement established energy conservation protocols in their respective offices, including the Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and all quick-response teams including the management of the Smart City Command and Control Center. The City Health Services Office (CHSO), including district health centers and emergency management services (EMS); Public Order and Safety Division (POSD); Garbage collection and street sweeping under the General Services Office (GSO); Parks Management and sewage treatment plant operations under the City Environment and Parks Management Office and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for crisis intervention and emergency cases. Selected personnel from the City Engineering Office (CEO) for immediate road repairs or utility failures (Maintenance Division) and Traffic Enforcers (TTMD); Revenue Collection and Market Division of the City Treasury Office; Sports Division, including personnel in charge of the tennis court parking space under the City Administrator’s Office (Cadmo). This EO shall take effect and shall remain in force until otherwise revoked or withdrawn.  (By Rose Frejane A.Cruz)  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has threatened to cancel the business permits of businessmen who will take advantage of the price adjustments triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis and engage in profiteering, hoarding or any other illegal trade practice. “We will go after these opportunists, issue notices of violation and if they fail to properly explain their price range then we will cancel their business permits,” the mayor told the Local Price Coordinating Council meeting on March 9, 2025. Magalong convened the council to assess potential effects of the conflict on local markets and ensure that measures are in place to protect consumers amid uncertainties in the global market expected cause increases in the cost of essential goods. The council members reviewed the city’s current price monitoring mechanisms and discussed strategies that could guard against overpricing or unauthorized increases in commodities and other illegal practices. Among the strategies is strengthening coordination among concerned offices and stakeholders to closely monitor commodity prices and respond quickly to any unusual increases. A unified consumer reporting platform will be set up where people can report incidents for immediate action by concerned offices such as the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) for basic commodities and construction materials, Dept. of Agriculture (DA) for livestock and fruits and vegetables, Dept. of Health (DOH) for medicines, among others. Information dissemination will be intensified to guide the public on the authorized prices of commodities. Price lists from the DTI, DA and other offices will be regularly posted on the city’s official social media pages. As per the DTI Baguio-Benguet, the agency approves price increases for basic necessities, generally keeping adjustments below 10 percent. Regular monitoring activities by the DTI Baguio-Benguet, DA, City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), City Market Office and other concerned agencies will be enhanced. Mayor Magalong said engagements with business groups to ensure compliance with pricing and trade practices. The mayor is set to meet with gas dealers and retailers and business associations like the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and the like aiming to strike agreements to guard against business frauds and abuses and help in price stabilization. He appealed to the consumers to be vigilant and help the city government by reporting unscrupulous businessmen. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Majority of structures in Baguio City remain without building permits, according to the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO). CBAO records show that out of 83,335 total structures documented in the city, 61,645 or 74 percent do not have building permits. Only 21,690 structures, equivalent to 26 percent, were found to have secured the required permits. The data form part of the city’s ongoing inventory and validation of buildings across barangays. Of the 128 barangays, 105 or 82 percent have completed the census, while 23 barangays or 18 percent are still undergoing updating of details, plotting and verification. CBAO Asst. Department Head Engr. Stephen Capuyan identified three main reasons why some building owners fail to secure or complete their building permit applications. These include the cost of building plans and professional fees, land ownership issues, and encroachments. He noted that about 74 percent of lots in the city remain untitled, making it difficult for owners to process permits. In addition, many structures do not comply with setback or easement requirements—specifically the two-meter distance from roads and three-meter distance from creeks—resulting in further complications. Capuyan and Vittorio Jerico Cawis said the City Government is implementing measures to assist residents. Barangays are being encouraged to designate their own engineers and other professionals to help reduce the cost of preparing building plans. The City will also help fund land surveys and is coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to address titling concerns and speed up the processing of land titles. City officials reiterated the importance of securing building permits to ensure compliance with safety, zoning, and environmental regulations. The ongoing assessment aims to help the city government strengthen enforcement, promote responsible construction, and improve urban planning. Because of this, the city’s land titling program will continue, and structure owners are encouraged to apply for building permits whether their properties are titled or not. For titled lots, applications may be processed immediately upon submission of complete requirements. For untitled or unregistered lots, applicants may still submit the same requirements, but their applications will be archived until the land titling process is completed. Anti-Squatting Campaign Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged the public to continue reporting illegal constructions to help the City Government sustain its anti-squatting campaign. He said illegal construction activities may be reported through the following City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) Building Management Division and Investigation and Demolition Division tel. nos. 074-4422503 and 074-6198459. The Baguio City Police Office and the Public Order and Safety Division may also be tapped in reporting these activities. The CBAO led by City Building Official Arch. Johnny Degay and Asst. Head Engr. Stephen Capuyan said they have sustained the campaign through continuing building inspections and enforcement operations in the city. In 2025, the office was able to stop 318 illegal constructions and demolished 15 illegal structures.   For the said period, 600 complaints were received and 201 were resolved at the office level. In 2024, the CBAO issued stoppage orders on 452 constructions and dismantled 24 illegal structures.  The office then received 748 complaints and settled 208 cases between parties. In 2023, 576 constructions were stopped and 168 structures were removed. The office also logged 911 complaints and resolved 134 cases. Degay said most of the monitored constructions were located in the city’s outskirts, including areas classified as having high to very high susceptibility to landslides. Capuyan said complaints related to illegal structures have steadily declined over the past three years owing to the effectiveness of the more aggressive monitoring and reporting being undertaken by the agencies and the barangays in requiring compliance with the National Building Code. As per procedures, owners of illegal structures found in titled lots without ownership issues are being ordered to stop construction and secure building permits.  Those with conflicts are issued cease and desist orders with the advice to resolve the lot issues. Constructions on untitled or unregistered lots are issued notices of violation and subjected to investigations. Structures found in safeguarded lots were immediately endorsed for summary demolition. The mayor commended anew the continued vigilance of the CBAO, POSD and the BCPO personnel and the prompt action of city offices involved in the anti-squatting drive saying these efforts have significantly helped deter encroachment in watersheds and curb unpermitted construction activities. He however emphasized the need for the active involvement of the public and the barangays in monitoring and safeguarding their communities from land speculators which he said continues to threaten private and safeguarded lands in the city. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong advised residents to remain calm and vigilant amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran in the Middle East. While no direct threat to the Philippines has been reported, he echoed national government calls for sobriety and preparedness, particularly for families with relatives working abroad. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed concerned agencies to ensure the safety of Filipinos in affected areas. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with embassies to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Magalong who is known for his strong stance on public safety and crisis management, reminded residents to rely only on verified information from government sources and to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could cause unnecessary panic. He also encouraged unity and compassion, especially for Baguio families with loved ones stationed in the Middle East. “While the conflict remains geographically distant, its humanitarian and economic impacts can affect many Filipino households,” he said. “It is important that we stay and united amid this tension and let us not forget to pray for peace,” he added. He said city officials continue to monitor developments and stand ready to coordinate with national agencies should assistance be needed. (Aileen P. Refuerzo-Baguio PIO)          

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City Police Office reported that a total of 245,000 people watched the two highlights celebrations of the 30th Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City During the Kapihan sa Panagbenga on March 4, City Director Ruel Tagel said that during the grand street dancing parade, an estimated 45,000 people watched, while the grand float parade was attended by about 200,000 people. According to Tagel, a total of 12 drones were flown by the police during the parade and to monitor the crowd, along with estimates of the policemen who served as crowd control along the parade route along Session and Harrison Road. “For every police officer deployed as crowd control, they would count the people in front of them, so we added it up and that became the basis for the number of spectators.” Tagel also reported that a total of 2,000 police officers served as crowd control, which resulted in a peaceful, orderly performance since the opening and grand parade. He attributed this success to comprehensive safety, security, and incident planning, a series of coordination meetings, simulation exercises, and thorough walkthroughs conducted prior to the events. These efforts were carried out through the strategic deployment of personnel through the BCPO’s Three-Layered Containment Ring, IMPLAN KaLMang Paglak, OPLAN D.R.I.V.E. and the use of drone technology for smart surveillance and safety. Tagel added that the peaceful celebration was carried out with the support and cooperation of local government units, other law enforcement agencies, event organizers, emergency response teams, volunteers, and media partners to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and united coverage of the celebrations. (By Zaldy Comanda)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Seventy-one Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) completed baking-related technical training under a partnership between the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) Main Campus and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), aimed at strengthening rehabilitation and preparing participants for productive reintegration into society. The training sessions were conducted at the Baguio City Jail Female and Male Dormitories in Baguio City, providing participants with hands-on learning in bread and pastry production. From February 24 to 27, 2026, twenty-seven PDLs and two BJMP personnel from the Female Dormitory completed a four-day Bread and Pastry training facilitated by Ms. Angelica Bless E. Barroga. During the closing program, Acting Campus Administrator Melita D. Pinic emphasized the value of practical skills in helping PDLs rebuild their lives, highlighting that technical training can support self-reliance and renewed purpose after release. JSInsp. Erlinda Las-egan, Acting City Jail Warden, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that partnerships that provide skills training contribute to rehabilitation by strengthening competence, discipline, and confidence among PDLs. Meanwhile, from February 25 to March 2, 2026, forty-four PDLs and two personnel from the Male Dormitory completed Pastry Making training led by Ms. Diana T. Basinga. In his closing message, JCInsp. Dexter Ngipol said that baking skills can create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, encouraging participants to apply what they learned beyond their current circumstances. This activity is part of CSITE and BJMP’s ongoing collaboration to expand access to technical and vocational education for PDLs. Through skills development programs such as bread and pastry production, the institutions aim to support rehabilitation efforts and improve opportunities for successful reintegration into the community.