PUDTOL, APAYAO,Philippines – Completed irrigation projects in Apayao will now be operated and maintained by the irrigators’ associations (IA) after the mass turnover and acceptance ceremony held in Barangay Emilia of this municipality, on  August 6. The ceremony was led by NIA-CAR Regional Manager Ronilio M. Cervantes, Pudtol officials led by Vice-Mayor Teresita Bulsao, NIA Apayao Irrigation Management Office Manager Samuel Bahiwag, CAR Federation of IA President Remy Albano who is also the president of the National Confederation Federation of IA, representatives of various LGUs and leaders and members of IAs. Turned over and/or inaugurated projects include 8 Communal/Small Irrigation Systems (CIS/SIS), 4 solar-powered pump irrigation projects and 6 projects under the West Apayao Abulug Irrigation System (WAAIS), the second largest national irrigation system (NIS) under NIA-CAR responsibility. These projects have a total service area of 981 hectares with about 450 farmers. The projects turned over to Association are: Bacut Small Water Impounding System (SWIS) in Marcela, Sta. Marcela, Apayao to Bacicol Farmers Irrigators Association Dangin CIS in Brgy. San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao to Namnama ti San Gregorio Irrigators Association Casiggaman CIS in Sta. Filomena, Calanasan, Apayao to Cassiganan FIA Bagombong CIS in Brgy. Cupis and Caglayan, Conner, Apayao to Cupiz-Caglayan Farmers Irrigators Association Badduat CIS in Brgy. Badduat, Kabugao, Apayao to Namnama ti Badduat Irrigators Association, Inc Marag CIS in Brgy. Marag, Luna, Apayao to Marag Farmers Irrigators Association Upper Farina CIS in Brgy. Parina, Calanasan, Apayao to Upper Farina SIP Irrigators Association Inc. Cadaclan CIS in Brgy, Cadaclan, Calanasan, Apayao to Cadaclan Irrigation Farmers Association Inc. Apayao Solar Pump IP-3 in Malubibit Norte, Malubibit Sur, Flora, Apayao and Tabglagan, Naguilian, Calanasan, Apayao Meanwhile, projects under WAAIS which were inaugurated were: WAAIS POW 001 in Brgy. Dagupan and Tumog, Luna, Apayao WAAIS POW 003 in Brgy. Swan and Emilia, Pudtol, Apayao WAAIS POW 005 in Brgy. Libertad, Calog Norte, Canayun, Sirit, Sto. Tomas, Abulug, Cagayan WAAIS POW 008 in Brgy. Swan, Pudtol, Apayao to SANAFIA WAAIS POW 010 in Brgy. Swan, Pudtol, Apayao WAAIS POW 017 in Brgy. Swan, Pudtol, Apayao WAAIS POW 011 in San Jose, San Sebastian, Luna and Alem, Pudtol, Apayao WAAIS POW 008 in Calog Sur, Simayung, Abulug, Curva and Sta. Cruz, Pamplona and Salvacion and San Jose, Luna, Apayao WAAIS POW 007 in Emilia and Alem, Pudtol, Apayao, Calog Sur, Abulug and Sta. Cruz, Pamplona, Cagayan Projects under NIS such as WAAIS are maintained and operated by NIA together with IAs. Officials urged the different IAs to strengthen their unity and maintain their irrigation systems so these will last long. Regional Manager also urged the IAs to operate, clean and maintain their irrigation systems properly so these will last long, alongside planting trees within watershed to sustain their water sources. Apayao IMO Manager Bahiwag thanked various stakeholders including LGUs and IAs for their contribution in the successful completion of the projects and in the implementation of various programs of NIA. Also, 13 other Irrigators Associations received their subsidy cheques amounting to ₱93, 596.56 or their operation and maintenance of their irrigation systems. The operation and maintenance subsidies received shall accrue to the fund of the association, which will be used for irrigation maintenance, and other expenses. Irrigators’ Associations which signed into Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) Contract with the NIA are provided with an operations subsidy of P500 per hectare per season (wet and dry) based on their validated list of irrigated and planted area. The IA can also receive maintenance subsidy of P2,800 per canal section per maintenance, e.g. canal clearing, (maximum of six times a year). One canal section is equivalent to 3.5 kilometers for earth canals and 7 kilometers for concrete lined canals.

By Debbie E. Gasingan   CORDILLERA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized the importance of the proper use of geohazard maps to help prevent loss of lives and minimize damage to properties during calamities. Speaking during the Luntiang Bukas: Patents, Permits and Partnerships at the DENR-CAR Training Center on August 4, 2026, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna directed the regional office to ensure that the geohazard maps provided to the local government units are being utilized. “We have been providing geohazard maps to all local government units throughout the country for many years already but it’s actual use is what is more important, what is more significant because that would provide them the basis for their land use plan, for the different zones within their areas of jurisdiction so that every time we have calamity, we can prevent more loss of lives and damage to properties if we use these geohazard maps properly,” Cuna said. The DENR-MGB geohazard maps are detailed scientific tools that identify communities susceptible to rain-induced landslides, floods, and storm surges that could serve as a guide for disaster preparedness, evacuation planning, and urban zoning. During the program, the DENR and Mines and Geosciences Bureau turned over a geohazard map to the Baguio-La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay (BLISTT) areas. Cuna said this is part of their mandate to protect not just the environment but also lives. “By distributing BLISTT geohazard maps, we are embedding science into our governance. We are arming our local government units with the data needed to mitigate disasters and manage our forests, mountains, and urban centers with precision,” the secretary said. Assistant Secretary Maria Monica Costales, administrator of the Metropolitan BLISTT Development Authority, also emphasized that the geohazard maps must not only remain on paper, but must guide preparedness and response. She also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguard the environment while advancing development in the BLISTT area. “The use of this geohazard map should not only be in paper or map but it should signify the safety of the communities of the BLISTT. Since DENR is our partner in so many of our services, then we also are committing ourselves to take care of the environment and eventually take care of people, safety, that would lead to the realization of the reason why we are here, that we are here to accelerate social and political development of the BLISTT area, as the BLISTT area is the economic nucleus of the Cordillera Administrative Region,” Costales said. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)  

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines  — Two people died, while one survived, after a landslide buried a restaurant caused by incessant rains from Typhoon Maymay in Barangay Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet, on the morning of August 6. According to rescuers, a 55-year-old male cook of JML Bulalohan was first pulled from the debris at around 10:00 a.m. and was immediately rushed to the Benguet General Hospital for treatment. A minute later, a 66-year-old male cook and a 31-year-old male cook were found buried under debris and were rushed to the hospital but both were declared dead at the scene of the incident. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highway-Cordillera reported that Kennon Road remained closed to all vehicles, as of 11:00 a.m. on August 6. Motorists were advised that alternate routes to Baguio City are Marcos Highway, Naguillian Road and Asin-Nangalisan-San Pascual-La Union Boundary Road in Tuba, Benguet.

By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado,   CORDILLERA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) conducted the Municipal Resilience Planning Workshop Training on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) for Barangay Resilience Team (BResT) and Municipal Resilience Team (MResT) members under the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) modality, from 2 to 31 July 2026, across 135 barangays in the Cordillera. The training was conducted in partnership with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). It covered the municipalities of Luba, Daguioman, and Malibcong in Abra; Conner, Kabugao, and Calanasan in Apayao; Bokod and Buguias in Benguet; and Sagada and Sadanga in Mountain Province. The BResT is a group of community volunteers who lead resilience-building activities at the barangay level, while the MResT serves as the coordinating body that guides and provides technical assistance to community resilience planning at the municipal level. The training equipped participants with an understanding of the risks their communities face and how to reduce them. It covered the basics of disaster risk, such as the hazards present in their area and how prepared or vulnerable their community is. It also explained how climate change is making these hazards worse, and how the choices communities make, like where they build their homes, affect how much damage a disaster can cause. Participants also learned simple ways to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, as part of building a more resilient and climate-ready community. The training also included basic first aid, equipping participants with practical skills they can use during emergencies. With the DRR-CCA training complete, covered barangays are now set to move into the Participatory Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (PRVA), where the BResT and MResT will work with residents to identify and map out the specific risks facing their communities, bringing them a step closer to shaping their Municipal Resilience Plan. By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 3,343 dengue cases were recorded in the Cordillera region, killing ten people in 2025. In the past months of 2026, the region recorded 2,315 cases with three deaths, reflecting an average 31 percent decrease in the six provinces and cities. However, Ifugao recorded an 8 percent increase in cases. Based on clinical classification, of the 2,315 reported patients, 1,362 had dengue without symptoms, of which 606 were admitted to medical facilities. Meanwhile, 945 patients had symptoms, of which 767 required hospitalization. Eight cases were classified as severe dengue, six of whom were admitted to medical institutions The latest epidemiology situation of dengue in the Cordillera, including trends in cases, deaths, and prevention strategies, was presented at the First Dengue Summit, on July 16. The summit also introduced the ASEAN campaign, “ASEAN United: Zero Dengue Death – A Future We Build Together by 2030.” Dengue data from 2009 onwards showed cyclical patterns, with relatively low numbers of cases in 2009, 2014, 2017, and 2020, followed by significant increases in 2022 and especially in 2024. Data on dengue cases by age group show that children aged 1 to 10 years recorded the highest number of infections, with 342 male and 304 female patients. This was followed by the 11 to 20 year old age group, with 303 male and 231 female cases. Infants under one year of age recorded the fewest cases, with 39 male and 21 female cases. Dr. John Alfred of the Department of Health–Cordillera also reported the presence of Chikungunya in the region, with five cases recorded from January 4 to July 4, 2026, representing a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Specimens collected and tested yielded negative results, and no deaths were recorded. For Chikungunya, 61 cases with no deaths were reported in 2024, while 25 cases with no deaths were recorded in 2025. An overall decrease was observed in six areas, except for Abra, which recorded a 367 percent increase, from three cases in 2024 to 14 cases in 2025. According to Cabilan, the World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of 14,434,584 dengue cases worldwide, of which 7,718,585 were laboratory confirmed. The cases include 52,738 severe infections and 11,201 deaths across the six WHO regions. The Americas Region accounts for more than 90 percent of the total number of cases worldwide, where dengue is transmitted at levels unmatched worldwide. Participants were also reminded of the enhanced dengue prevention campaign, now known as the 4S and 4T Kontra Dengue: Search and Destroy Mosquito Breeding Places, Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, Say Yes to Fogging, and Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, Takip (overturn, shake, dry, and cover). These strategies are aimed at sustaining efforts in reducing dengue cases and preventing dengue-related deaths.  

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines  – A total of 269 police officers of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera were granted new ranks during a nationwide simultaneous oath-taking, donning, and pinning of ranks held at Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, on July 29. BGen. Ericson Dilag, regional director, led the donning of ranks ceremony for the 269 police officers who were promoted from the rank of Police Corporal to Police Major. The group of those promoted consisted of 78 Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) and 191 Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs). Among the PCOs, 37 were promoted to Police Major, five to Police Captain, and 36 to Police Lieutenant, while among the PNCOs, one was promoted to Police Executive Master Sergeant, 28 to Police Chief Master Sergeant, two to Police Senior Master Sergeant, 26 to Police Master Sergeant, 61 to Police Staff Sergeant, and 73 to Police Corporal. All those promoted passed a rigorous screening process conducted by the PRO CAR Promotion Board, attesting to their solid professionalism and dedication to duty under the CY 2026 Regular Promotion Program. In his message, Dilag reminded the newly promoted officers that higher ranks bring greater responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership, mentorship, and leading by example in every aspect of their service.  

LA TRINIDAD,Benguet — Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call during his State of the Nation Address to ease electricity costs for Filipino consumers, Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap immediately acted within 24 hours and filed two legislative measures in the House of Representatives aimed at stripping taxes from monthly power bills. “The President’s call is more than a proposal to reduce electric bill, it is a challenge to reexamine whether our laws continue to reflect the principle that accountability should rest with those responsible for losses, not with consumers who faithfully pay their monthly bills. Congress now has an opportunity to translate that principle into meaningful reform that’s why I immediately filed these measures to get the ball rolling in Congress. Kailangan natin ng mga dagdag na batas na talagang makakatulong sa tao at mataas ang tsansa na papasa, hindi yung mga pang-optics lang,” said Yap. The bills, filed on July 28, directly align with the president’s directive to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) and prohibit unfair fees—such as system loss charges and their accompanying taxes—from being passed on to households. Under House Bill No. 10328, Yap proposes exempting the system loss charge billed by distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to residential end-users from the 12 percent Value-Added Tax (VAT) which seeks to amend Section 109 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, tasking the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to ensure that the VAT exemption is reflected on monthly bills while mandating executive agencies to promulgate implementing rules within 60 days. “System loss is a cost of operating the power system, not a burden that should automatically fall on ordinary consumers. Ang panawagan para tapusin ito is a call for fairness, accountability, and genuine consumer protection. Consumers should pay for the power they use—not for the power that was lost before it ever reached them,” Yap explained. Yap also introduced House Bill No. 10327, which seeks to repeal Batas Pambansa Blg. 36. Enacted in 1979, the four-decade-old law imposes an energy tax on electric power consumption, which is an outdated and an unnecessary burden on Filipino households struggling with rising living costs. The lawmaker emphasized that electricity consumers in the country currently face among the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia, weighed down by various pass-through charges including generation, transmission, distribution, and government taxes. Yap stressed that removing these tax burdens will allow families to devote more of their disposable income to basic necessities like food, education, and healthcare. The filing follows President Marcos’ SONA address, where the chief executive urged Congress to overhaul EPIRA and end system loss pass-through charges and argued during his speech that consumers should not be penalized or forced to pay for energy losses resulting from technical inefficiencies or grid distribution issues. “It will be challenging but with no less than the President saying it, I think it will hurdle Congress. Siguradong magiging interesting ang discussions dito,” Yap explained.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — The La Trinidad Cooperative Development Council (LTCDC) with its Chairperson Albert Paul Dimas has turned over to the municipal local government, led by Mayor Roderick Awingan, 77 pieces of solar lights through their project called “Kooperatibulb” on July 24. Awingan, who co-chairs the LTCDC, said the municipal LGU shall install the solar lights, worth P500,000.00 in coordination with the different barangay LGUs. The latter shall be responsible for the maintenance of the solar lights, which will last for 10 years. Cooperative Development Officer Orlando Pacya said the initiative is in response to the call of the mayor for binnadang for the town, involving all sectors of the community. “This is one of the best practices of our Coop Council, where the needs of the community are being addressed through the binnadang of our different cooperatives in partnership with the municipal LGU,” Pacya said. There are 172 registered cooperatives in La Trinidad that make up the Coop council. The solar lights will be installed along barangay roads, pathways, schools, among others according to the list earlier submitted by the barangay captains, as evaluated by the MLGU. The project complements the existing project of the MLGU on solar light installations called, “Project Tanglaw: Solar-Powered Safe Waiting Sheds Initiative”. (By Ofelia Empian)    

CORDILLERA, Philippines — The DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS conducted the First Barangay Assembly (BA) for the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) across 135 barangays in the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, and Mountain Province in the Cordillera region from 13 June to 20 July 2026. The municipalities of Luba, Daguioman, and Malibcong in Abra; Conner, Kabugao, and Calanasan in Apayao; Bokod and Buguias in Benguet; and Sagada and Sadanga in Mountain Province conducted assemblies in their respective barangays, mobilizing household heads, barangay officials, and community leaders and volunteers. As part of the Community Resilience Implementation Process (CRIP), the First BA laid the groundwork in bringing the project closer to the communities it aims to serve. It provided a platform where residents were introduced to the project, gained a deeper understanding of its goals, and learned how they can actively take part in shaping the future of their communities. During the assembly, community members also selected their Barangay Resilience Team (Brest), a group of community volunteers who will help lead the next activities in their respective barangays. With the barangay assemblies now complete, all covered areas under the PCRP modality are currently undergoing Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) activities, which help communities understand the hazards and risks in their area and how these can be addressed together. This will be followed by the Participatory Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (PRVA), where the BRest team will work with residents to identify and map out the specific risks facing their barangays. By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III