BAGUIO CITY – The construction of the Baguio City Integrated Terminal (BCIT) is expected to begin in the second quarter of this year, after Megawide and city officials personally conducted a site inspection along Marcos Highway, Barangay Dontogan, Baguio City, on February 18. Megawide Construction Corporation Engineering is the winning company that will build the BCIT at a cost of P1.186 billion on a 5-hectare location along Marcos Highway, about five kilometers from the Central Business District of Baguio City. The contract between Megawide and the city government was signed on January 21, which is the city’s first flagship project under the Private Public Partnership (PPP) scheme, which began negotiations in 2020. During the media presentation of the project, Edgar Saavedra, chairman and chief executive officer of Megawide, said that although we almost went through the eye of a needle, it was a fair contract and a transparent process, before this project was implemented. Saavedra also assured that they will fulfill their obligation to make BCIT a “world-class intermodal terminal” like they made the quality Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and Clark International Airport also under PPP. “Thank you to the people of Baguio for welcoming us and we will assure the city government, especially the Mayor, that this project will be transparent and we will do what will help to alleviate traffic in the city.” He said that the city really needs this project, so that buses entering the city can operate systematically from a single location, to reduce traffic in the CBD. According to Megawide, BCIT will have quality facilities, with barracks for drivers and a motor pool so that buses will no longer have to be brought to the CBD for check-ups. Megawide also ensured that passengers who get off at BCIT will be provided with protection, as in addition to the public vehicles waiting, they have shuttle buses that will take them to the CBD. Currently, the city government is still arranging the relocation of about 28 households living in the area where BCIT will be built, including the current Materials Recovery Facility, so that the project can begin as soon as possible. “We have already relocated our MRF, not far from the area and its road is being repaired and the households already have a relocation site, so maybe in the second quarter of this year the project will start,” said Mayor Benjanim Magalong. Magalong also explained that all buses, including UV Express, mini-buses will be relocated once the new terminal is built and Victory Liner, which has its own terminal, is still obligated to park its buses at BCIT. In this regard, Arnel Gabaig, Victory-Baguio terminal manager, expressed their support for the planned BCIT. “We will assign more than 50 percent of our buses to this new facility. We will assign the Pangasinan, Olongapo trips to BCIT, so only a few routes will remain at our terminal here.” According to Gabaig, they are also looking for a vacant lot near BCIT to build their own motorpool, so that their buses will not have to go to their terminal for check-ups. The said BCIT will be built within three years, which will provide additional employment, business, revenue and rent of P1.5 monthly to Baguio City for 40 years. (By Zaldy Comanda)              

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) brings its nationwide caravan to the Summer Capital to launch BAGANI: Rising Leaders Development Program, and engages young Cordilleran leaders, highlighting the Academy’s commitment to increasing diverse representation in the governance landscape. The BAGANI team officially introduces the program to city officials and employees during the Flag Raising Ceremony at Baguio City Hall, following a courtesy call with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a staunch advocate for good governance. The discussion centers on how BAGANI’s program design aligns with Magalong’s advocacy of instilling transparency, innovation, and accountable leadership among the youth. “We are honored to have the support of a leader like Mayor Magalong,” says BANANI Project Manager French B. Bandong. “At the end, our goal is to instill institutional accountability and transparency, not only in the government process but in those who lead it – and through this program, we want young leaders to step up, lead and transform governance for good.” The team also secures the support of the Baguio Youth Development Council (BYDC) in promoting the inviting Cordilleran Youth to join the leadership program. BAGANI is a nationwide leadership program for Filipinos aged 18-30. It is designed for those currently serving in government–including the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)– as well as student leaders from the universities and vocational institutions who aspire to enter the civil service. The BAGANI Fellowship provides an intensive, one-month residency for 100 selected leaders, featuring workshops, crisis simulations and direct mentorship from seasoned public sector practitioners. Alternatively, the Open Learning Track serves as a flexible, self-pace digital curriculum, allowing participants to master leadership and governance fundamentals at their own convenience while earning official certificates issued by DAP. As a government-funded initiative, BAGANI is provided free of charge to all qualified participants. The deadline for the Fellowship track is March 22, 2026, while applications for Open Learning access remain available until July 2026. About the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP): The DAP is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) serving as a center for excellence in public sector productivity, leadership development, and strategic research. It is the Philippines’ National Productivity Organization to the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), driving productivity across key economic sectors. DAP brings BAGANI to Baguio; Mayor Magalong backs drive for youth in governance The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) brings its nationwide caravan to the Summer Capital to launch BAGANI: Rising Leaders Development Program, and engages young Cordilleran leaders, highlighting the Academy’s commitment to increasing diverse representation in the governance landscape. The BAGANI team officially introduces the program to city officials and employees during the Flag Raising Ceremony at Baguio City Hall, following a courtesy call with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a staunch advocate for good governance. The discussion centers on how BAGANI’s program design aligns with Magalong’s advocacy of instilling transparency, innovation, and accountable leadership among the youth. “We are honored to have the support of a leader like Mayor Magalong,” says BANANI Project Manager French B. Bandong. “At the end, our goal is to instill institutional accountability and transparency, not only in the government process but in those who lead it – and through this program, we want young leaders to step up, lead and transform governance for good.” The team also secures the support of the Baguio Youth Development Council (BYDC) in promoting the inviting Cordilleran Youth to join the leadership program. BAGANI is a nationwide leadership program for Filipinos aged 18-30. It is designed for those currently serving in government–including the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)– as well as student leaders from the universities and vocational institutions who aspire to enter the civil service. The BAGANI Fellowship provides an intensive, one-month residency for 100 selected leaders, featuring workshops, crisis simulations and direct mentorship from seasoned public sector practitioners. Alternatively, the Open Learning Track serves as a flexible, self-pace digital curriculum, allowing participants to master leadership and governance fundamentals at their own convenience while earning official certificates issued by DAP. As a government-funded initiative, BAGANI is provided free of charge to all qualified participants. The deadline for the Fellowship track is March 22, 2026, while applications for Open Learning access remain available until July 2026. About the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP): The DAP is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) serving as a center for excellence in public sector productivity, leadership development, and strategic research. It is the Philippines’ National Productivity Organization to the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), driving productivity across key economic sectors. For more information, please contact: French Bandong Project Manager rldp@dap.edu.ph

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Smoke-Free Task Force of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) in Baguio City conducted a Ceremonial Destruction and Disposal of confiscated cigarettes and vapes on February 13, 2026 at Malcolm Square, with the theme “Unwanted 2026: Love Your Lungs, Heart, and Brain”. The destroyed items were seized from schools, illegal sales, smuggled products, and prohibited use of tobacco and vape products. The event aims to raise awareness among residents and tourists about the city’s firm commitment to protecting the public health and promoting healthy lifestyle by discouraging the use of cigarette and vape products. Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Health Officer, made a call to the people of Baguio to be active and take part in helping to end smokingand vaping in the city. She also reiterated that it is the social responsibility of everyone to avoid smoking and vaping, especially in public places. In the opening remarks of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, he reminded the public that Baguio is a smoke-free city, and the only place where they are allowed to smoke is in their own residences, and if they smoke at public places in the city, they will face the consequences. The city officials also emphasized the need to strengthen and intensify the guidelines for the effective implementation of the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance. Councilor Joel Alangsab, the principal author of the ordinance, warned the younger generation, who are the primary target market of cigarettes and vape companies, to be mindful of the harmful health effects of these products. He added, “ Let us continue to make Baguio a smoke-free, vape-free, and tobacco-free City. The confiscated items, with an estimated total value of 5 million pesos, were collected from August 2024 up to the day of the ceremonial destruction. (By Jirah Garing)

By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The City Government in partnership with the Baguio Water District (BWD) held the groundbreaking ceremony to commence the Rainwater Harvesting Facility project at the Buyog Watershed, on February 9. Considered as a major project crucial to strengthening the city’s water security and climate resilience, the facility is expected to significantly augment the supply of potable water to barangays Pinget, Lower Quirino Hill and surrounding areas. Mayor Benjamin Magalong and BWD General Manager Salvador Royeca led the ceremony along with City Engineer Richard Lardizabal, officials and stakeholders of the beneficiary barangays. The mayor said the project is funded by the national government, facilitated through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) during the term of former Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. He recalled that the funding was granted after national officials expressed confidence in Baguio City’s good governance, transparency and accountability initiatives under the Open Government Partnership. Highlighting the urgency of the project, the mayor cited the severe drought experienced in 2024, when residents of Quirino Hill, Pinget and nearby areas faced acute water shortages. During that period, the cost of water reached as high as P135 per drum, with delivery waiting times extending to several weeks. “This project is not only about addressing today’s water shortage, but about planning for the next 10 to 20 years,” Mayor Magalong said emphasizing that the rainwater harvesting facility is among the city’s “catalytic projects” designed to ensure that future generations will not suffer from the same water challenges. Magalong also stressed the importance of timely completion and quality construction, urging barangay officials and the community to closely monitor the project and immediately report any delays or issues. Construction is expected to be completed in less than a year. For his part, Royeca explained that the project aims to augment existing water sources, improve system resilience and promote sustainable water resource management amid increasing demand, climate change, and rapid urbanization. The Buyog facility will collect rainwater, convey it to storage tanks and treat it to meet the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water. Royeca noted that the facility will primarily be used during the dry months to lower operational costs and improve water distribution efficiency. It will also help mitigate stormwater runoff and localized flooding during heavy rains and typhoons, giving the project a dual purpose. “This is only the initial phase, and we hope to construct additional facilities in the future,” Royeca said, adding that the project reflects BWD’s commitment to sustainable development, climate change adaptation, environmental protection, and long-term water security. Lardizabal described the groundbreaking as a meaningful milestone that symbolizes collaboration and shared vision among the city government, BWD, barangays and the community.          

  BAGUIO CITY – Local residents who are passionate about painting participated in the Colours in Bloom art contest of Panagbenga Festival held at the Melvin Jones Football ground, Burnham Park, Baguio City on February 14. In celebration of the 30th Panagbenga, the “Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio” is a traditional activity offered by the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc, (BFFFI) for residents to participate in showcasing their talents in the field of art painting. With the help of Davies Paints, participants in the painting contest were provided with free painting supplies such as paints and canvases which they used for the contest which had amateur, professional, and family categories. With the theme “Blooming Without End”, it aims to encourage the city’s artists to showcase the Cultural Heritage and beauty of the Cordillera through painting. The competition has three categories, from professional, amateur and family with exciting prizes waiting for them. All paintings will be paraded in the grand street dancing parade on February 28 and the selected winners will be awarded before the Panagbenga Festival celebration ends on March 8. The day-long event also featured the 11th Kite Flying contest, cultural performances, and the Kite-flying Contest, Binnadang Cultural Show by the University of Cordilleras, ILI Wellness, Live Acoustic Band performance, Dayaw ti Kultra and Sayaw Pilpinas by Saint Louis University.(By Zaldy Comanda)          

By Rose Frejane Cruz Comanda   BAGUIO CITY – About 100 indigent families from four neighboring barangays were blessed during the annual gift giving activity of the Baguio Filipino-Chinese group in connection with the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2026 in Baguio City, on February 13. Peter Ng, executive committee, together with other Chinoy leaders and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Liza Bulayungan led the distribution of 100 grocery packs and tikoy to beneficiary families of Barangays Lower Quirino Hill, Middle Qurino Hill, East Qurino Hill and West Quirino Hill, which was held at the covered court of Middle Quirino Hill. According to Ng, this occasion is to show gratitude for the relationship between Filipinos and Chinese, by sharing a small contribution from the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community Group to show the good relationship and support for development programs and projects in Baguio City, He said, “This program is a tradition that we have been doing, so it is now part of the annual Spring Festival celebration, which is now in its 28th year. We wish for good relations and we are ready to help for the development of our city,’ Ng said. On the side of the city government, Bulayungan also thanked the Chinese community for their tireless assistance to small communities and the city’s development programs. The Filipino-Chinese Community Group is composed of nine associations to further strengthen the relationship between Chinese and Filipinos and support any city program and help the community. The crowd drawing event of the Grand Colorful Parade is on February 18, while the Little Chinatown display is on February 15 and 22.    

By Laarni S. Ilagan   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — With four deaths from electrocution recorded in just the first three weeks of January 2026, the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has intensified its public safety awareness campaign, sounding the alarm over what it describes as a “disturbing and preventable” rise in electrical accidents across Baguio City and Benguet. Assistant General Manager Artemio Bacoco clarified that the recent incidents involved members of the public—not BENECO workers—and were largely caused by unsafe work practices near energized power lines. He said many of the cases stemmed from construction and installation activities conducted without proper safety precautions or coordination with the cooperative. Bacoco is rallying all BENECO personnel to take part in an intensified information and awareness drive, stressing that electricity becomes deadly when taken for granted. The most recent fatalities involved a father and son in Bokod who were electrocuted on January 7 while installing a water messenger pipe near power lines. Three days later, a house construction worker in Loakan was electrocuted after the GI sheet roofing material he was holding came into contact with a primary line, causing him to fall from a height of about 20 meters. Another construction worker was electrocuted on January 20 when the steel bar he was bending touched a primary line; he succumbed to his injuries the following day. Data from BENECO’s Health and Safety Office (HSO), under the Assistant General Manager’s Office and the Network Services Department (NSD), showed a 23.81 percent increase in electric shock and electrocution incidents in 2025, with 35 individuals affected compared to 24 in 2024. The trend has worsened early this year, with multiple incidents already recorded in January alone. BENECO Safety Officer Ellen Rufino also raised concerns over the increasing number of electrocution incidents involving workers installing solar streetlights. In Baguio City, just before the Christmas holidays, four construction workers from a large company were installing solar light poles along a road near the Justice Hall parking area when they accidentally came into contact with primary electrical wires. All four survived but sustained electric shocks and injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the latest report from Network Services Department–Construction and Maintenance Officer (CMO) Roy Olatic noted an alarming spike in electrocution cases involving solar streetlight installers. From December 2021 to December 2025, a total of 20 electrocution incidents were recorded, resulting in two deaths. Benguet logged the highest number of casualties at 13, followed by Baguio City with eight, with one fatality recorded in each area. Speaking during the regular employees’ assembly on Friday, January 23, Bacoco urged all BENECO personnel to act as “safety officers on the ground,” extending their vigilance beyond line workers to the general public. He emphasized that employees who witness unsafe activities near power lines in their barangays and communities should immediately call the attention of those involved and promptly report the incident to BENECO’s technical or safety offices. “If you see people working dangerously close to power lines, call their attention right away,” Bacoco said. “One warning, one simple reminder, can save a life.” BENECO data further showed that most electrocution victims are house construction workers, streetlight installers, and individuals trimming trees near power lines without proper coordination with the cooperative. While such activities may fall outside BENECO’s direct operational responsibility, Bacoco stressed that safety is a shared responsibility. “One life lost is one life too many. Life is precious,” he said, noting that electrocution incidents not only claim lives but also cause power interruptions that place linemen at greater risk during restoration work. In 2024, BENECO recorded three electrocution-related deaths in Benguet—in Bokod, Tublay, and Bakun—out of 24 documented incidents. Earlier, barely two weeks into January 2025, five electrocution incidents had already been logged, including one fatality in Mankayan and injuries to two construction workers in Tuba on the same day. As incidents continue into 2026, BENECO reiterated its call for heightened vigilance, particularly in construction areas. The cooperative urged the public to coordinate with BENECO before working near power lines and appealed to communities and workers alike to heed safety warnings. “Makibiyang tayo. Maysa lang nga abiso, mabalin nga mangisalakan iti biag,” Bacoco said. “Let us all be alert. Safety is everybody’s concern.”    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has directed all city departments and offices heads to strictly observe proper waste segregation and ensure the full utilization of the food composting machine at the City Hall’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). In a memorandum issued on February 3, the Mayor underscored the City Government of Baguio’s commitment to environmental stewardship and stressed the need for city offices to lead by example in responsible waste management practices. All offices are required to implement mandatory waste segregation at source through a standardized three-bin system. The bins must be clearly labeled for biodegradables such as food scraps and fruit peelings, recyclables including papers, plastic bottles, and metal cans, and residuals like soiled wrappers, used tissues, face masks, and sanitary napkins. The directive also provides clear guidelines on the handling of biodegradable waste. All organic materials, including food leftovers, coffee grounds, and fruit and vegetable peelings, must be collected separately. Each department is instructed to designate personnel responsible for the daily delivery of these wastes to the City Hall MRF on or before 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. All biodegradable waste delivered to the MRF will be processed using the MAEKO Food Composting Machine. The City General Services Office (GSO) has been tasked to manage, operate, and maintain the composting equipment to ensure its efficient use. Mayor Magalong called for strict and immediate compliance with the directive, emphasizing that effective waste segregation and composting are key measures in reducing waste, protecting the environment, and advancing Baguio City’s sustainability initiatives. – Aileen P. Refuerzo/      

By Rose Frejane Cruz   BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Filipino-Chinese community and the city government launched activities for the Spring Festival 2026 celebration under the Year of the Fire Horse at the city hall ground, Baguio City, on February 9. “This year’s celebration is more colorful and fun with the help of the good relationship between the city and the Filipino-Chinese community, to show good relations towards unity for the development of the city,” said Peter Ng, chairman of the Spring Festival 2026 celebration. The Spring Festival was first launched in Baguio City in 1998 and because the celebration was seen to have a great impact on the enjoyment of the masses, even on tourism, it was immediately established in 1999 by virtue of an ordinance, where the Chinese in the city had more unity to support the projects and programs of the city government, towards the growth of tourism and the economy. The exciting and joyful Grand Colorful Parade will be held on February 18 at 3:00 p.m., with classes suspended for the day to allow students to watch and in recognition of the great contributions of Filipino-Chinese to the city, followed by the Dinner Awards Night in the evening to be held at the Hotel Supreme Mall and Event Center. According to Ng, in the 28 years of the celebration, their activities have remained traditional community outreach activities, such as the Gift Giving to about 200 indigent families of Barangay Middle Quirino Hill, which was set by the Office of City Social Welfare and Development on February 13. “As we do to recognize the great contributions of journalists in publishing our programs, we have prepared a media fellowship night on February 10,” Ng said. The popular Spring Festival and Little Chinatown showcases at Session Road, with activities taking place on February 13 and February 22, with the Chinese New Year Fun Run to be launched in the morning. Mayor Benjamin Magalong also highly commended the Chinoy group for their unwavering support to the city, which has strengthened unity, brotherhood and cooperation in the development of Baguio for generations. “Today, as we launch the 2026 Spring Festival, where not only welcoming a lunar yeay,we are celebrating a tradition that has become a part of Baguio’s cultural identity. Your contributions have helped build Baguio into a vibrant,diverse and robust community that we are proud of today.”