LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Mayor Roderick Awingan has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to exclude the ongoing road construction project from Km. 5 to Km. 6 of this valley’s national road from the department’s order suspending all reblocking works nationwide. Sec. Vincent Dizon of the DPWH issued the stoppage order on October 7, 2025 in view of the agency’s ongoing investigations on road projects. Isagani Cayme, Benguet 1st District Engineer, wrote to the mayor’s office that the reblocking works in the municipality will be suspended effective Oct. 13, 2025. Believing that stopping the project would do more harm than good, Awingan immediately wrote the DPWH on Oct. 14, 2025 not to include the municipality in the suspension order. The project has now come to a halt in view of the DPWH order, causing further traffic jams daily. Awingan said that the project has already commenced and it is now at its critical stage, adding that the project requires immediate completion to prevent further inconvenience to motorists and the riding public. “Besides, Sec. Dizon’s order said that those works that have already been commenced should pursue completion at the earliest possible time,” he said. Awingan appealed to the DPWH to reconsider the suspension order and allow the project to proceed, particularly on the excavated areas and broken portions to avoid deterioration, restore normal traffic flow, and ensure public safety. The road forms part of the Baguio – Bontoc road network. The project started in August and was calendared to be finished by May next year, although DPWH engineers and the contractor assured the local government that they would exert effort to complete the project earlier. The DPWH has yet to reply as of today. (By DOC)    

CAMP DANGWA,Benguet, Philippines — In line with employing Enhanced Managing Police Operations under the PNP Focused Agenda of the Acting Chief, PNP, the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) officially launched its PRO CAR “SQUADRONE” Unit Project during a ceremony held at the Masigasig Grandstand, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on October 13, 2025. “SQUADRONE” stands for Smart Quadrotor Unit for Advanced Deployment, Detection, Reconnaissance, Observation, and Networked Enforcement. The initiative aims to institutionalize the utilization of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones across the Cordillera region to further strengthen law enforcement, crime prevention, crime solution, public safety, and disaster response operations. As part of the program, the 50 members of the PRO CAR “SQUADRONE,” composed of police officers from various units of PRO CAR led by PCapt Jayson Jinggoy Rupinta of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, demonstrated their skills in a drone drill, showcasing their operational readiness and proficiency. The ceremony was graced by Regional Director PBGen Ericson Dilag, lauded the efforts of the members of the PRO CAR “SQUADRONE” Unit and highlighted the advantages of using drones, emphasizing that technology plays a crucial role in strengthening police visibility and operational efficiency across the Cordillera. “The use of drones in law enforcement is more than just an innovation, it is a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving world. The challenges we face in maintaining peace and order, responding to emergencies and ensuring public safety demand that we equip ourselves with the best tools available,” the Regional Director said. “Drones provide an unprecedented ability to view situations from a new perspective, one that can make the difference between a successful intervention and a missed opportunity. Whether in surveillance, search and rescue, disaster response, or crowd control, drones can deliver critical real-time data that allows us to make informed decisions swiftly,” he added. He further expressed optimism that the activation of the PRO CAR “SQUADRONE” Unit will serve as a force multiplier in the region’s campaign for peace and order, highlighting that the integration of drone technology marks another step forward in PRO CAR’s commitment to smarter, faster, and more efficient policing.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — A warrant of arrest was issued by the Municipal Trial Court in La Trinidad, Benguet against two individuals accused of Falsification by Private Individual and Use of Falsified Documents under the Revised Penal Code (RPC). The charges stem from the alleged online circulation of a falsified document purported to be the birth certificate of Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap, questioning his eligibility to run for a seat in Congress during the 2022 and 2025 elections. But the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) had previously dismissed a petition filed by one Franklin Tino seeking to disqualify Yap. In a decision dated June 26, 2025, the poll body dismissed the petition for lack of substantial evidence, noting that the petitioner “merely filed the Petition without presenting any proof of his contentions.” Prior to Yap’s proclamation, his alleged birth certificate was brought out in diferent social media cites, particularly on Facebook, casting doubt on his citizenship. While the MTC warrant itself does not detail the nature of the falsified document, the context indicates it relates to an allegedly falsified birth certificate of the congressman that was circulated online. The court set the bail at P36,000 each for the temporary release of the accused. The criminal action is the latest development in the long-running controversy surrounding the Congressman’s identity and qualifications    

CAMP DANGWA, Benget, Philippines — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) successfully confiscated over P15 million worth of illegal drugs and apprehended four drug personalities following separate marijuana eradication and buy-bust operations conducted from September 29 to October 5, 2025. These operations led to the seizure of 75,250 fully grown marijuana plants and 4.79 grams of suspected shabu, with a combined total Standard Drug Price of P15,082,572.00. In addition, four drug personalities, listed as Street Level Individuals (SLIs), were arrested during the operations. The suspects are now facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO) led the operations, confiscating illegal drugs worth P15,067,000.00 and arresting two SLIs, while the Benguet PPO seized suspected shabu valued at P15,572.00 and apprehended two other SLIs. PRO CAR Regional Director, PBGen. Ericson Dilag, attributes the success of these operations to the dedication of its personnel and the vital collaboration with local government units, community stakeholders, and partner agencies. PRO CAR remains committed to sustaining this momentum, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people in the Cordillera. (RPIO PRO CAR)

Hingyon, Ifugao, Philippines – In a move to enhance agricultural productivity, 41 farmer-beneficiaries were awarded farm machinery and equipment valued at P1.9 million under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) in a turnover ceremony held on September 29 at the Municipal Gymnasium. The event was led by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) – Hingyon, headed by PESO Officer Mr. Herman Bumilac. Each farmer received equipment tailored to their specific needs, based on the proposals they had submitted. This initiative is part of a broader livelihood project aimed at revitalizing the local agricultural sector. It was made possible through the leadership and persistent efforts of Municipal Mayor, Hon. Florencio Nalula. The project is part of a P6.57 million proposal submitted by Mayor Nalula to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in 2024, designed to uplift the local community by providing targeted support to agriculture and livelihood programs. In April 2025, during the Gotad Ad Hingyon, the check amounting to P6,575,000.00 was formally handed over by DOLE Ifugao Chief, Dr. Isabelita Codamon. Of the total amount, P5,565,100.00 was allocated to the TUPAD program, which has already benefitted 380 beneficiaries. The remaining P1,009,900.00 was earmarked for the Vegetable Farming Livelihood Project, the initiative aimed at supporting farmers with sustainable agricultural tools and equipment to help them grow and expand their farming operations. This activity saw the participation of local officials and DOLE Ifugao personnel, underscoring the collaboration between the national and local government in driving community development.

Eleven trainers who completed the multiplier training on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) at the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) are now set to begin their immersive work, ready to be assessed for their skills as they will be deployed across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to train Child Development Workers/Teachers. CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon confirmed the successful completion of the multiplier training, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s commitment to foundational learning. “These trainers will serve as catalysts in uplifting the standards of early childhood care and development across our provinces. By equipping the Child Development Workers/Teachers with the right skills and knowledge, we are shaping not just classrooms, but the future of our children,” ED Bungallon stated. This initiative comes as CSITE prepares to launch the region’s first ECCD Services National Certificate (NC) III training, a collaborative effort with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Baguio City. Supported by TESDA scholarships, a project spearheaded by Senator Win Gatchalian, the program will initially provide 50 slots for day care workers. The training aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s 2025 State of the Nation Address, which emphasized the professionalization of early childhood services and included a P1 billion allocation for the construction of over 300 Barangay Child Development Centers nationwide. CSITE Main Campus Administrator Melita D. Pinic highlighted the program’s broader impact. “This is about empowering our day care workers to be true partners in shaping the growth and development of our young learners,” she said. The ECCD NC III training in Baguio City is just the start. CSITE has committed to replicating the program at its campuses in Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province to ensure every child in the Cordillera community benefits from the expertise of trained and certified professionals. With this new wave of trainers, CSITE is taking a bold step toward nurturing the country’s youngest learners through a stronger, more professional workforce.

BENGUET, Philippines — The Benguet Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) continues clearing operations across the province after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Nando, working to restore access to isolated communities. © PDDRMO Communities in Benguet and Mountain Province are in recovery following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Nando (international name Ragasa), which triggered landslides, flooding, and road blockages in storm-hit areas. In response, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., in partnership with Aboitiz Foundation Inc., mobilized immediate assistance by distributing 6,100 liters of fuel to local government units, supporting ongoing clearing operations, emergency transport, the delivery of relief goods, and the restoration of essential services in the affected communities. The support reached Benguet municipalities Bakun, Sablan, Tuba, Itogon, and La Trinidad, as well as Sabangan and Bauko in Mountain Province. “Our priority is to keep everyone safe, especially those in identified high-risk areas,” said Sablan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Darryl Padsico. “Our priority is to keep everyone safe, especially those in identified high-risk areas,” said Sablan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Darryl Padsico. “The fuel distribution is a lifeline that empowers us to sustain operations and reach communities that need us the most.” “This fuel distribution will go a long way in helping our local disaster risk reduction and management offices sustain their operations,” added Aboitiz Renewables First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations Noreen Vicencio. “Clearing debris, moving relief goods, and ensuring access to affected communities require constant resources. We are standing beside our LGUs so they can respond effectively.” With Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi), Aboitiz Renewables looks to continue its assistance in aid of its host communities in Benguet and Mountain Province.

ITOGON, Benguet, Philippines — Computer Science students from the University of Baguio have developed JeepLink, a digital system designed to modernize Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) transportation management in the municipality. The students presented their thesis project during the public hearing of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Transportation on September 18, 2025. The team, composed of Denise Kay Bayawa, Aira Carillo, Jan Vincent Llave, and Shane Robiego, showcased JeepLink as both a mobile and web-based application. The system allows commuters to share their live location, track jeepneys in real time, request additional trips, report complaints, and even facilitate online payments. JeepLink also integrates the role of PUJ Association Managers, who can manage driver schedules, monitor jeepney operations in real time, and escalate unresolved commuter concerns to the municipality. This ensures a coordinated and transparent system that benefits drivers, commuters, and the local government alike. Under the proposed structure, the Local Government Unit (LGU) will serve as the system administrator, overseeing implementation and accountability. The students also conducted surveys among commuters and drivers in Itogon, receiving positive feedback on the project’s potential benefits. Councilor Ernani Pis-oy commended the students for their innovation and assured that the Sangguniang Bayan will carefully consider the project. Meanwhile, Local Public Transport focal person James Kidange noted that further studies and licensing from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will be necessary before full implementation. Mayor Bernard S. Waclin commended the students for selecting Itogon as the pilot site for their thesis project, emphasizing that the town’s dependence on jeepneys as a main mode of transport makes it a fitting beneficiary of innovative solutions like JeepLink. If adopted, JeepLink could bring greater efficiency, transparency, and convenience to the daily commuting experience in Itogon. (Itogon PIO)        

I was disheartened to hear my name mentioned in today’s Senate hearing on alleged irregularities in flood control projects. To be implicated in such matters is painful, not only for myself, but also for the people I have pledged to serve with integrity. I categorically deny any involvement in the acts being alleged. I have never accepted, nor authorized, the delivery of money in connection with flood control projects. These claims are untrue. As a public servant, I am accountable to the people. That is why I welcome the chance to face the witness who implicated me, but in the proper forum and under proceedings where my constitutional rights are respected. I owe it to my constituents, my family, and the Filipino people to clear my name in the right way. My work has always been guided by service, not self-interest. I remain steadfast in that mission, and I am confident that, in the end, truth and justice will prevail and the real culprits and heartless criminals who perpetrated this outrage against the nation unmasked and exposed.