The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA-CSITE) has reaffirmed its growing reputation as a regional leader in technical-vocational training through the successful completion of the Skills Training on Advanced Computer CNC Programming for Lathe Operations for Bhutan TVET Trainers. Held from October 13 to 24, 2025, the program was part of a two-week international training initiative organized in partnership with the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), the National TVET Trainers Academy (NTTA), and Cyber Tech Inc. The training was designed to build the capacity of Bhutanese technical-vocational trainers in computer numerical control (CNC) machining, an essential skill for modern manufacturing and industry innovation. At the CSITE Main Campus in Baguio City, participants underwent intensive workshops, practical CNC simulations, and lectures on programming and automation. These sessions enabled them to gain advanced competencies and teaching techniques aligned with international standards, empowering them to train the next generation of skilled workers in Bhutan. CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon lauded the Bhutanese trainers’ dedication and highlighted the significance of international collaboration in strengthening workforce development. “CSITE takes pride in being a training ground not only for Filipinos but also for our international counterparts,” she said. “This partnership with CPSC and Bhutan exemplifies how technical education transcends borders to build a more skilled, sustainable, and connected world.” The Bhutanese participants described their experience as transformative, citing the hands-on exposure and mentorship from CSITE’s experts as key highlights of the program. One of the trainees, Ms. Sova Dootraj, Assistant Instructor I, extended her heartfelt gratitude to CSITE for its warm hospitality and strong leadership. She also commended Executive Director Bungallon for her inspiring guidance and Mr. Noriel Ramos, Lead Trainer, for his patience and expertise. “Because of his knowledge and support, we now have the confidence to teach back home in Bhutan,” she shared. Dootraj also expressed appreciation to the entire CSITE community, saying, “We felt truly at home in the Philippines and will always treasure the friendships, lessons, and memories we’ve gained. Maraming salamat po, and Kadrinche la!” The event culminated with the awarding of certificates and cultural exchanges, symbolizing both academic achievement and mutual respect between the Philippines and Bhutan. By hosting this specialized training, CSITE continues to advance its mission of promoting inclusive, globally competitive technical education. Its collaboration with international institutions reflects the Philippines’ growing role as a hub for skills excellence and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.  

CORDILLERA REGION, Philippines — The relentless three-day search and retrieval operation following the tragic vehicular accident along the Chico River in Bontoc has come to a close, with all five victims successfully recovered. The successful retrieval operations were made possible through the combined efforts of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office (MPPPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bontoc and Samoki Emergency Response Teams, Municipal and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, Bontoc Municipal Health Office, Barangay Tocucan DRRM Committee and community, Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), the Philippine Red Cross-Mountain Province Chapter, and other volunteer responders. According to reports, the accident occurred on October 27, 2025, when a vehicle carrying five construction workers from a private company plunged into the Chico River at Sitio Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, while en route to a project site in Kuro-Kuro, Sadanga. Upon receiving the report, the MPPPO immediately mobilized personnel, coordinating closely with rescue teams and local responders to begin the search and retrieval operations under difficult terrain and strong river currents. By the evening of the first day, responders recovered the bodies of two victims, identified as Rogelio Romeo Dela Cruz, Jr., 22, and JC Aquino Galicia, 20, both from San Nicolas, Pangasinan. Their remains were brought to the Bontoc General Hospital morgue and promptly claimed by their families. The joint team continued the operation, and two more victims were recovered on October 28: Zoren Jay Luaso Alat, 25, of Siay, Zamboanga del Norte, whose body was transported by the PDRRMO to La Trinidad, Benguet, and Carlo Ancheta, a minor from Tayug, Pangasinan, whose remains were found beneath the Chico River by a local responder from Barangay Tocucan. The search culminated on October 29, 2025, with the recovery of the fifth victim, Edmond Romeo, 22, of Pangasinan, who was found approximately two meters from the submerged vehicle. With his retrieval, the multi-agency mission was officially concluded. A cleansing ritual known as “Palanga, Khaeb si Uminuman” was held at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol, symbolizing respect and closure for the families and the community. The Mountain Province PDRRMO later facilitated the transport of Romeo’s body to Pangasinan, accompanied by his family and representatives from Balintaugan Construction. The families of the victims expressed deep gratitude to all responders, acknowledging the extraordinary cooperation and compassion shown throughout the operation. The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region extended its profound sympathies to the bereaved families and commended the unified efforts of every participating agency and volunteer. Their relentless coordination, courage, and dedication exemplify the spirit of public service and solidarity that defines the province’s emergency response community.

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The fifth or last victim of the overturned vehicle along Chico River, Bontoc–Tabuk–Enrile Road, specifically in Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mountain Province, has been found on the third day of the search. The body of Edmund Magaway Romeo, 22, a native of San Nicolas, Pangasinan, was found at around 4:38 p.m. on October 29. Once again, the Tocucan community covered the victim’s body with a blanket—giving warmth, comfort, and solace to his body and soul. This simple yet profound gesture reflects the deep compassion, solidarity, and respect that the people of the Cordillera have for others—especially in times of tragedy and loss. Romeo is among the two missing, after the tragic accident, on the morning of October 27. During intensive search operations, at around 11:00 a.m. on October 28, one of the missing, Carlo Ancheta, a native of Evangelista, Tayug, Pangasinan, was found two meters away from their submerged vehicle in the Chico River. The three who were first seen after the incident were Rogelio Romeo Dela Cruz, Jr., 22, of San Rafael West, San Nicolas, Pangasinan; JC Aquino Galicia, 20, of San Rafael East, San Nicolas, Pangasinan and Zoren Jay Luaso Alat, 25, a young man, from Siay, Zamboanga del Norte. It can be recalled that at around 4:11 a.m. on October 27, the victims were aboard a Mitsubishi Canter, heading to a construction site in Sadanga, Mt. Province when a Ford Fiera and a mini dump truck collided along Bontoc–Tabuk Enrile Road in Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mt. Province. The victims’ vehicle plunged into a ravine and fell approximately 150–170 meters into the Chico River. Before the search and retrieval operation, a Vigil Mass was held at ground zero this morning led by Rev. Fr. Marcial Lloyd Castañeda. The solemn gathering aimed to offer prayers for the eternal peace of the souls of the deceased, comfort for their bereaved families, and divine guidance for the ongoing search and recovery operation. Food donations also poured in from concerned citizens for the responders who are continuing their operations without ceasing.   PHOTO CAPTION   Rescuers lift the Mitsubishi Canter carrying five construction workers that fell into the Chico River on the morning of October 27. Photo Bontoc MDRRMO      

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Rescuers found a missing victim dead under the Chico River, two meters away from their submerged vehicle in Sitio Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mountain Province, at around 11:00 a.m. on October 28. The victim was identified as Carlo Ancheta, 17, a native of Evangelista, Tayug, Pangasinan, while the search is still ongoing for another victim, Edmud Romero, 22, a native of San Nicolas, Pangasinan. The three who were first seen after the incident were Rogelio Romeo Dela Cruz, Jr., 22, of San Rafael West, San Nicolas, Pangasinan; JC Aquino Galicia, 20, of San Rafael East, San Nicolas, Pangasinan and Zoren Jay Luaso Alat, 25, a young man, from Siay, Zamboanga del Norte. It can be recalled that at around 4:11 a.m. on October 27, the victims were riding in a Mitsubishi Canter, heading to a construction site in Sadanga, Mt. Province when it collided with a Ford Fiera and a mini dump truck along Bontoc–Tabuk Enrile Road in Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mt. Province. The victims’ vehicle went straight into a ravine and fell approximately 150–170 meters into the Chico River. Before Ancheta’s recovery, Tocucan elders conducted a ritual to offer prayers to Lumawig (Kafunyan), seeking guidance from God for the immediate recovery of the remaining missing victims and for the safety of all responders involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations. This ritual emphasizes the deep spiritual connection of the Bontoc community, incorporating indigenous cultural practices into emergency response efforts as a symbol of faith, unity, and hope in times of tragedy.  

By Zaldy Comanda   BONTOC, Mt. Province — Three people died on the spot, while two others are missing, after their elf truck fell into the Chico River, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mt. Province, early morning on October 27. According to the Bontoc Operations Center, the elf truck carrying five workers from Balintaugan Construction was heading to a project site in Kuro-Kuro, Sadanga, Mt.Province where the construction site project was located. However, the vehicle they were riding bumped into two vehicles that were parked along the road, resulting in a Vehicular Traffic Accident. The Elf truck fell into a ravine and plunged into the deep waters of the Chico River in Sitio Gawa, Barangay Tocucan, Bontoc, Mt. Province. During the search and rescue, three people were first found in the area, who were declared dead on the spot by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Diga Gomez. The victims identified as Rogelio dela Cruz,of Pangasinan; Jessie Galicia of Pangasinan and Zoren Jay Tala driver,of Zamboanga. The missing companion are Carlo Ancheta and Edmund Romeo, both from Pangasinan. Personnel of Bureau of Fire Protecton-Bontoc and other agencies are now conducting search,rescue and retrival operation to ensure the prompt and safe recovery of the remaining victims. As of 1:00 P. M. (Oct. 27, 2025), Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) Teams composed of trained personnel from the Provincial DRRM Office of Mountain Province, Municipal DRRM Offices of Bontoc and Sadanga, the Bureau of Fire Protection- Mountain Province, Phillippine National Police, Barangay Officias of Tocucan, Bontoc, and CAFGO have not yet found the two remaining victims at the immediate crash site of the vehicle that fell into the Chico River at Gawa, Tocucan, Bontoc earlier this morning. According to the SRR Teams, they will continue the search downstream just as soon as they develop a more suitable strategy. The present situation is that the access route leading from the road down to the crash site takes at least 30 minutes to reach. This challenge, combined with the strong river current, is being factored into the formulation of their operational plan. Coordination was also made with the Provincial DRRM Office of Kalinga and Municipal DRRM Office of Tinglayan, Kalinga for assistance just in case the bodies were already carried away by the strong current after falling into the river.    

By Stephanie Nicole Peligman   Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, Ms. Juvelyn Camacho, a dedicated trainer from the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education ( CSITE), has once again proven that excellence in technical-vocational education knows no gender. Representing the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), she was named one of the 13 national finalists in the 2025 TESDA sanay Awards, held on October 20, 2025, at Ylagan Hall, Marikina City, Metro Manila, where she was recognized as one of five trainers who earned the Best in Data Gathering,Analysis, and Synthesis award. For the past seven years, Camacho has been shaping future technicians and engineers under TESDA–Cordillera, handling qualifications such as Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS NC II), Mechatronics NC II, and Driving NC III. She also teaches specialized subjects in the Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology program, including Microprocessors, where she continues to inspire learners through her technical expertise and innovative teaching methods. Her broad experience and steadfast commitment to quality training have earned her the respect of her colleagues and recognition as a role model for aspiring female trainers in the technical-vocational education and training (TVET) sector. “To stand on the same stage as some of the country’s finest trainers is already an honor. But to represent women in technical trades, that’s what makes it truly meaningful,” Camacho shared. The TESDA Tagsanay Award, one of TESDA’s most prestigious institutional recognitions, honors outstanding trainers who exemplify innovation, excellence, and dedication in developing a world-class Filipino workforce. This year’s competition brought together 13 regional champions, each excelling in their respective regions. The national evaluation, held from October 7 to 16, 2025, tested participants in several areas: knowledge assessment, data gathering and analysis, TVET innovation and gamification, green skills and creativity, and enhancement of training packages, truly a comprehensive showcase of technical and pedagogical excellence. Camacho’s Best in Data Gathering award underscores her analytical rigor, precision, and ability to translate complex information into meaningful insights, an essential skill in advancing data-driven approaches for TVET delivery and industry responsiveness.      

Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap lauded the Bureau of Customs (BOC) after confiscating several tons of mis-declared imported carrots from China worth P13.2 million, on October 22, Yap condemned the misdeclaration as a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm farmers and hopes the government remains steadfast in filing legal actions against those involved and will be pursued through the proper channels. This seizure is part of the BOC’s intensified efforts against agricultural smuggling, which negatively impacts local farmers and the economy. Since his re-election last May, Yap said he has been collaborating with other government agencies, particularly the BOC in curving the smuggling of vegetable in the country. “We will continue to pursue efforts on anti-smuggling of vegetables for the protection of our province-mates in Benguet,” said Yap. According to a report, the BOC intercepted three 40-foot containers filled with fresh carrots from China, instead of assorted household items based. The report added the illicit cargo arrived in the Philippines early this month and was initially issued an alert order following a tip received by the Port of Manila’s Alert Monitoring Unit. Customs examiners conducted a full physical examination of the cargo, confirming the misdeclaration. Inside the containers, officials discovered several kilograms of carrots hidden behind a fraudulent declaration of bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes. The Cordillera Administrative Region, produces 85 percent of the country’s highland vegetables, with Benguet contributing 65 to 75 percent of the total. With the hopes of improving the lives of Benguet farmers, Yap has recently filed two bills ion the Congress that will strengthen their resiliency while urging the Department of Agriculture to impose and regulate farmgate prices of highly perishable vegetables which include, but are not limited to, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chayote, and lettuce. Most of these vegetables are produced in Benguet. In Yap’s House Bill 1511, The DA is given the power to impose and regulate farm gate prices for highly perishable vegetables that will continuously undergo seasonal review and appropriate changes, considering the time, effort and resources, market conditions and other economic indicators so as to ensure profitability and productivity among the local vegetable farmers. This measure will also mandate the farmers cultivating the said highly perishable vegetable crops to register their vegetable crops as part of the monitoring of the Standard Farm Gate Price and to prevent the crop’s overproduction due to unregistered and unscrupulous supply of the highly perishable vegetables that are not included in the implementation of this measure. Another bill set to give safeguard to farmers is HB 4969 or the Free Index – Based Agricultural Insurance bill which aims to protect farmers from climate disasters. If the bill is passed, it will replace outdated, slow systems with quick, data-based support and ensure government help goes where it’s most needed, where climate risk and poverty are highest. The bill also gives farmers the peace of mind they need to keep producing food for all of us, even in a time of changing weather. This bill is a step toward a more secure, resilient, and farmer-friendly food system.

LUNA, Apayao — The Rural Health Unit was alarmed after 13 cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) were detected in the municipality of Luna, Apayao as of October 2025. The information was disclosed by an RHU staff member during the regular flag-raising ceremony of the LGU on October 21, who added that the municipality currently has the highest number of cases in Apayao. However, she did not disclose the age range of those affected. Municipal Health Officer Dr. Jonah Grace Verzola clarified that “the rise in reported HIV cases in Luna does not necessarily mean there are more infections, but rather reflects our strengthened testing, awareness, and reporting efforts. “This shows that more people are now open to getting tested and becoming more responsible for their health.” Dr. Verzola also reaffirmed that RHU-Luna remains committed to promoting HIV awareness, prevention, and compassionate care, emphasizing that early detection saves lives and helps end stigma. Municipal Mayor Januario S. Garde underscored that prevention requires the collective effort of health professionals, the LGU, families, and the public. “This report gives us a glimpse of an alarming health threat and a growing concern in our community. Tulong-tulong tayo sa pagresolba—this requires unified efforts,” he said. (Luna PIO)

TUBA, Benguet – A pair of drug dealers were arrested in a buy-bust operation with one kilo of shabu worth P6.8 million at the Badiwan viaduct, Barangay Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet, on October 18. According to the Benguet Drug Enforcement Agency (lead agency) and Tuba Municipal Police Station, they have been monitoring the suspects, a 43-year-old male resident of Baguio City and his 42-year-old female companion from Cavite, for over a month in connection with their delivery of shabu in Pangasinan and Baguio City. They transacted with the suspect through their police asset who agreed on one kilo of shabu to be delivered. The suspect allegedly chose to meet at the Badiwan viaduct. Confiscated from the two was one kilo of suspected shabu in a vacuum sealed plastic sachet with a Chinese mark labeled as tea blocks with a street value of P6.8 million. Also recovered were more than P700,000 in boodle money and their new electric SUV. It was learned that the suspects were caught with illegal drugs in 2005, which will now be thoroughly investigated to see if they are connected to a large-scale drug syndicate, due to its large-scale sale of shabu in Northern Luzon. The suspects will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.