The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) urged local government units (LGUs) to recognize and integrate the Informal Waste Sector (IWS) into their Solid Waste Management (SWM) plans to strengthen waste management systems and promote inclusive environmental governance. DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose underscored the significant role of informal waste workers—such as waste pickers, recyclers, and junk shop operators—in solid waste recovery and management despite challenging working conditions. “The informal waste sector has long been contributing to waste reduction and recycling efforts in our communities, yet they remain largely unrecognized in formal waste management systems. By integrating them into LGU-led solid waste management programs, we not only improve efficiency in waste recovery but also provide economic opportunities for them,” RD San Jose said. Despite their vital contribution to waste diversion and environmental sustainability, the IWS faces economic and social marginalization. To address these, the DILG encouraged LGUs to develop policies that provide the IWS and its workers formal recognition, access to capacity-building programs, and economic inclusion. Through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-012, LGUs are advised to strengthen their SWM initiatives by profiling the IWS, integrating them into local waste management programs, and establishing support mechanisms such as social protection, health benefits, and skills development. LGUs are also encouraged to institutionalize policies that promote the organization of cooperatives, provision of technical assistance, and creation of opportunities for employment, formalization, and potential distribution of economic incentives. Additionally, San Jose stressed the need for the LGUs to update their 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable approach. “We encourage our LGUs to institutionalize programs that will recognize and support the informal waste sector. This will not only improve waste diversion rates but also promote social equity in our waste management systems,” San Jose added. The DILG encourages LGUs to partner with other national government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology and the academe to develop innovations in local waste management. (DILG-CAR/Fernando Pre)                

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A group of archeologists, paleontologists and other experts from Ateneo de Manila University, along with international institutions and the National Museum of the Philippines, braved the heat and long hike to conduct an initial visit to investigate potential archaeological sites in an identified area in Barangay Nambaran, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on March 6. During the site inspection, petrified woods were found and a fossilized animal tooth was shown to the party. After thoroughly inspecting the fossil, the experts concluded that it was a fragment of an elephant’s lower left molar. With petrified wood bits strewn around the area, as well as a fossilized elephant tooth, the researchers informed the personnel of the PLGU, CLGU, and the Barangay official that they would return for a more thorough examination of the area to further evaluate the site’s potential. The researchers urged Barangay officials to protect any fossilized bones discovered and preserve the location for future research. Mayor Darwin Estrañero welcomed the team and voiced support for their efforts. He expressed excitement about the prospect of discovering rich archaeological artifacts and promised to continue supporting their research activities, which aim to unearth the city’s historical significance as well as the possibility of ancient civilizations and animal species. The researchers were accompanied by Kalinga PLGU Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i, City Information Officer Aurora Amilig and CPIO staff, as well as Mr. Tony Ngaya-an, a Barangay Nambaran Council member and a resident of Nambaran who discovered the petrified wood and the fossilized tooth.    

Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. personally turned over a complete computer set with accessories to the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office in support of their efforts to ensure efficient operations. The donation was personally received by Force Commander PLtCol. Daniel Fakat.  

By Joyce Arian Soria – APIO   The Provincial Government of Apayao, through the leadership of Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. as the Co-chairperson of the PMRB Apayao, held a Provincial Mining Regulatory Board Meeting at the Lafaayette Luxury Suite, Baguio City, on February 26. The said meeting resulted in the approval and awarding of four Small Scale Mining Contracts of declared Minahang Bayan of Conner, Apayao. Regional Executive Director, Engr. Paquito T. Moreno of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CAR, as well as Regional Director and Chairperson of PMRB Apayao, Fay W. Apil from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Regional Director Jean Borromeo of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) deliberated and weighed the merits of the approved contracts. It is said that the items in the contracts are expected to enhance mining operations while ensuring adherence to environmental standards. With a total of six contracts in place, Apayao province now has the most approved small-scale mining contracts in the Cordillera. This new development proves its dedication to promoting responsible mining and engaging local communities through sustainable economic development. Regional Executive Director, Engr. Paquito T.Moreno highlighted the importance of the responsibilities accompanying these new contracts, emphasizing the necessity for contractors to adhere to the terms and conditions specified. “The contract are great responsibility coming from the contractors to abide and comply with their terms and condition of their contracts at the same time for concern government agencies to monitor the compliance of the Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) and to see to it that the product of this Minahang Bayan outreach will end up being sold at legitimate or accredited buying station for most of it is the Central Bank of the Philippines,” he added. Additionally, Regional Director and Chairperson of PMRB Apayao, Fay W. Apil expressed her gratitude to the Provincial Local Government of Apayao for its continued support to Small Scale Mining. The Minahang Bayan program, which seeks to grant small-scale miners legal access to mining rights, is intended to make mining safer and more organized, ultimately enhancing the livelihood prospects of residents in Conner and the surrounding communities. While Apayao seeks to become the leader in sustainable mining in the region, effective execution of these contracts will become a model for other provinces aimed to reconcile natural resource extraction and environmental conservation that it establishes its singular role as one of the Philippines’ Biosphere Reserves.

By Jesse Maguiya   TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Mayor Darwin Estrañero convened another meeting with officers and members of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council (MBCC), Bodong holders of the Kalinga sub-tribe Biga, and several Bodong holders from different tribes. The discussion focused on a circulating piece of fake news claiming that the Biga sub-tribe intended to return the sipat given to them by the Basao sub-tribe. During the meeting, Bodong holders and elders from the Biga sub-tribe assured Mayor Estrañero and Engineer Andres Ngao-I of the MBCC that they had taken swift action upon learning of the misinformation. They immediately convened their own meeting and unanimously decided that Mr. Ignacio Baglinit would serve as their primary representative. Having accepted this responsibility, he will now hold the sipat and serve as the Bodong holder for the Biga sub-tribe. In his message, Ignacio Baglinit, the Bodong holder of Biga, confirmed that they had already agreed to pursue a singlit with the Basao sub-tribe. (Singlit refers to a formal grievance or complaint raised by one tribe or party against another within the framework of the bodong (peace pact) system. It is a means of addressing concerns or perceived violations of the peace pact, such as an offense, wrongdoing, or breach of agreement.) He informed the mayor that they are fully prepared to face the Bodong holders and elders of the Basao sub-tribe through singlit. “Kayat mi koma nga ipanawagan iti kakailyan nga awan kina-agpaysu na dayta fake news a mapan mi isubli wenu ibabawi didiay sipat mi kadagiti kailyan a taga Basao ta dayta a banag ket saan a basta-basta karkaru ta uray dakami ket kayat min a malpas koma iti kasapaan a panawen daytoy problema ta awan met nasayaat nga ipaay na iti ili tayu a Tabuk City ken intiro a Probinsya ti Kalinga,” Mr. Baglinit explained. Engineer Andres Ngao-I, speaking on behalf of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council, stated that they had also received the misinformation and immediately called the attention of both tribes to prevent unnecessary actions that could escalate tensions. He reminded the Bodong holders from the Biga tribe not to spread unverified information. Mayor Estrañero supported this, emphasizing the importance of caution, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. He warned that relaying information inaccurately often leads to distortions and misunderstandings. “Masapul koma ag-verify tayu a nasayaat nu ada mangngeg tayu nga istorya tapnu maliklikan ti makunkuna a dagdag-bawas kasi kangrunaan a mapaspasamak ket manayun wenu makurangan ti maipasa nga impormasyon,” the mayor said. With this development, the mayor expressed his satisfaction, informing the Biga elders and pangats that their confirmation to proceed with singlit was the only remaining step. The Basao tribe had already expressed their willingness to engage in singlit earlier, and this confirmation now paves the way for the resolution process. As a follow-up, Engineer Andres Ngao-I, Chairman of the MBCC, held a separate meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with several Bodong holders and elders from the Basao sub-tribe. He informed them about what transpired during Monday’s meeting with the Biga Bodong holders. In response, the Basao elders stated that they would immediately schedule a tribe-wide meeting to discuss a possible date for the singlit.    

  Motorists going up to Baguio City now easily negotiate the newly asphalted portion of a bypass road in Barangay Twin Peaks, Tuba, Benguet. Earlier , District Engineer Isagani Cayme, head of Benguet 1st Engineering District,DPWH-CAR leads the inspection in said area to facilitate the repair to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety together with his staff. Present are Engr. Henry Apostol ,chief of the Maintenance Section and Engineering Assistant Sean Payad. Repair works follow engineer Khadaffy Tanggol, regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Cordillera Administrative Region ( DPWH -CAR) advisory to motorists due to repairs.Photo by Primo Agatep/

By Rio Bassong   The Kalinga’s newly crowned queen took home several prizes including P60k from the PLGU, P10k worth of McDonalds gift certificate, and P10K from Miss Gandang Lanie Salon Aesthetic Center, during the Search for Miss Kalinga 2025 coronation night held at the Kalinga Sports Center, on February 10. Fatima Rose Peralta, a 19-year-old stunner from Barangay Tanglag, Lubuagan, is a second year criminology student at the Kalinga State University. Peralta also won special awards, including Best in Creative Attire and Best in Evening Gown. She is the first-ever representative from Lubuagan to win the title. Tabuk City’s Ezra Kiser Lagasi bagged the Miss Kalinga Tourism title while Claire Bagitan from Rizal was crowned Miss Kalinga Environment. Ehdrian Nicole of Lubuagan, sponsored by the Pallayoc Club, was named first first runner-up, and Mary Ann Solog of Tinglayan finished second runner-up. With the theme “Elevating Timeless Beauty and Elegance,” the event was part of Kalinga’s 30th Founding Anniversary and 6th Bodong Festival.      

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) announced that 51 local government units (LGUs) across the region have been conferred the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG) for Calendar Year 2024, underscoring their unwavering dedication to safeguarding and advancing the rights and welfare of children in their communities. The SCFLG is awarded to LGUs that have demonstrated excellence in designing and implementing child-centered programs, policies, and services under the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA). The audit assesses LGUs through key pillars of child welfare and security, such as Survival, Development, Protection, Participation, and Governance. To earn the seal, an LGU must attain an overall passing rate of at least 80% in the evaluation. The 51 cities and municipalities recognized for their commitment to child-friendly governance are: From the Province of Abra, the municipalities of Boliney, Danglas, Dolores, Lacub, Lagayan, Lagangilang, La Paz, Licuan-Baay, Luba, Peñarrubia, Pidigan, Pilar, San Juan, Sallapadan, Tineg, Tubo, and Villaviciosa have earned the seal. In the Province of Apayao, the LGUs of Calanasan, Conner, Flora, Luna, Pudtol, and Sta. Marcela are among those honored. In the Province of Benguet, Atok, Buguias, Itogon, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, and Tublay were recognized. From the Province of Ifugao, Alfonso Lista, Asipulo, Banaue, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, and Tinoc bagged the seal. The Province of Kalinga’s awardees include Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Rizal, Tabuk City, Tanudan, and Tinglayan. From Mountain Province, the municipalities of Bauko, Barlig, Bontoc, and Tadian were conferred the seal. The City of Baguio rounds out the list of national passers in the Cordilleras. Strengthening Local Initiatives for Children DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose lauded the outstanding performance of the recognized LGUs, emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment to child-friendly governance. “These LGUs have proven that part of good governance is about ensuring that no child is left behind. Their efforts in nurturing safe, healthy, and supportive environments for children are indeed commendable, and we encourage all LGUs to continue developing programs that uphold children’s rights and well-being,” RD San Jose said. She added that LGUs must remain committed to safeguarding children’s well-being through accessible healthcare, quality education, child protection measures, and active youth participation. As the Cordillera region continues to champion child-friendly policies, RD San Jose said the DILG-CAR reaffirms its commitment to guiding and supporting LGUs in enhancing their programs for children considering that for FY 2025, the CFGLA will pilot the implementation of the audit at the provincial government level, highlighting the need for broader capacity development interventions to uphold child-friendly LGUs. (DILG-CAR/FFP)

By Jesse Maguiya   Tabuk City, Kalinga — Mayor Darwin Estrañero recently convened a meeting with members of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council (MBCC) and esteemed elders, or pangats residing in the city. The meeting aimed to review the present condition of customary law as detailed in the Itabuk Pagta and debate any required adjustments to ensure its continued relevance and efficacy in the modern era. One of the key issues discussed was the absence of a clear and systematic process for initiating mediation, especially for accused individuals. It was noted that in disputes between sub-tribes, relatives often bypass formal mediation channels and directly seek intervention from government officials, such as barangay chairpersons or police officers. These officials, in turn, facilitate informal resolutions outside the Itabuk Pagta framework, effectively sidelining the MBCC’s role as the designated mediator. This lack of coordination undermines the integrity of customary law and highlights the need for a more structured approach to dispute resolution.   Another major concern raised was the role of the MBCC in cases involving heinous crimes. Both the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recommended that the MBCC refrain from intervening in drug-related offenses, murder, and rape cases, especially when minors are involved. Such cases should be referred directly to the courts to ensure due process. In cases involving minors, the DSWD or the Child and Women’s Desk of the Philippine National Police should be the first point of referral. It was also observed that in some instances, the victim’s family negotiate indemnity with the accused. Once compensation is received, they often believe the case is resolved, leading to the misconception that the suspect should be released. This practice overlooks the distinction between civil and criminal liability, underscoring the need for adherence to legal procedures in serious offenses. Mayor Estrañero emphasized the importance of determining fault in vehicular accidents, especially when the injured party is the violator of traffic rules. He cited cases where vehicle owners unfairly bear the medical expenses of individuals responsible for accidents, such as those driving under the influence of alcohol. The mayor stressed that a driver whose vehicle was hit by an intoxicated motorist should not be obligated to cover the hospital bills or expenses of the responsible party. According to Engr. Andres Ngao-I, MBCC Chairman, the Itabuk Pagta already specifies fault determination as a primary consideration before any financial settlements are made in vehicular accidents. However, it was noted that, in practice, individuals not at fault often voluntarily contribute to the expenses incurred by the guilty party, sometimes out of concern for their safety, fearing potential retaliation or conflict. The discussions underscored the importance of refining the Itabuk Pagta to align with legal frameworks, while also preserving the cultural significance of customary law and respecting community’s cultural diversity which includes non-binodngan. By implementing clearer mediation processes, reinforcing legal accountability for serious crimes, and ensuring fairness in accident cases, the MBCC and city officials aim to enhance justice and order in the community, while honoring the diverse cultural practices and values that define local society. After the meeting, Mayor Estrañero called on the Bodong Task Force to convene and develop an outline for revisions to the Itabuk Pagta. The proposed changes, including possible amendments, repeals, revisions, or new legislative reforms, will be based on the feedback from the meeting. In response, the MBCC is set to draft a letter inviting all Bodong Holders to a scheduled Bodong Congress, which will coincide with the Matagoan Festival. During this Congress, proposed amendments and revisions to the Itabuk Pagta will be presented. Once the revised Itabuk Pagta is finalized, the Bodong Task Force will implement an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign across all barangays in Tabuk City to ensure community-wide understanding and support for the new provisions.