LUBUAGAN, Kalinga,Philippines – A high-profile fugitive listed as a national most wanted person was killed in the early hours of January 21 during an armed encounter with law enforcement authorities. The suspect, identified as 64-year-old Corey Dickpus, was a resident of Barangay Poblacion and the subject of a ₱1-million reward offered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The operation was initiated by police authorities in Sitio Tocpao, Barangay Poblacion, following tactical information provided by members of the local community regarding the suspect’s whereabouts. As officers moved to serve a warrant of arrest for multiple counts of murder and frustrated murder, an armed confrontation ensued. During the exchange of gunfire, one police officer sustained injuries and was immediately transported to a medical facility for treatment. Dickpus also sustained injuries during the encounter and was rushed to the Kalinga provincial Hospital. He was officially declared dead by the attending physician at approximately 2:43 a.m. In addition to the charges listed in the warrant, Dickpus was allegedly the prime suspect in the killing of a salt dealer from Pangasinan. Authorities have confirmed that a full investigation is currently ongoing to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. A prominent figure in local history, Dickpus was a former local official who previously served as the Vice Mayor of Lubuagan and the Barangay Captain of Poblacion. He remained active in local politics until recently, having run as an independent candidate for Vice Mayor in the May 2025 elections, where he placed third. His criminal history dates back to the early 2000s when he was identified as the most wanted individual in the Cordillera region, facing various charges including gunrunning and multiple murder. Despite his long-standing legal issues, police records indicate he was often viewed as a “Robin Hood” figure by some community members, a perception that allegedly assisted him in evading arrest for several decades.

BENGUET, Philippines — Six previously unenergized schools in Benguet now have access to electricity, the internet, and digital learning tools through AuroraPH, a flagship program by Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (AFI) in partnership with Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. The AuroraPH program aims to narrow energy gaps through solar power systems in last-mile schools, enabling meaningful digital learning and displacing kerosene lamps which were once used to light the way With installed solar power systems, learners and teachers gained access to the internet and multimedia learning tools, empowering schools with stronger Information and Communications Technology (ICT) capacity. Six previously unenergized schools in the province were prioritized, namely, Ampucao Elementary School in Ampucao, Itogon; Bakian Guinawan Elementary School in Sitio Bakian Guinawan, Ekip, Bokod; Awing Elementary School in Sitio Awing, Lusod, Kabayan; Labney Primary School in Sitio Labney, Ansagan, Tuba; Piminggan Elementary School in Ansagan, Tuba; and Marcelo Marquez National High School, also in Ansagan, Tuba. Both students and teachers can now easily conduct research and use ICT tools. Due to the project, stronger engagement among learners has also been observed. “We recognize the challenges communities face in education, and we are dedicated to ensuring every learner has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed,” Jowell Ann Cruz, AFI Impact Lead for Education, said as he emphasized the broader goal of the program. “With reliable power and internet connectivity, classrooms become spaces of endless possibilities—where students can explore, connect, and dream without limits.” “AuroraPH helps improve learning conditions in far-flung areas one school at a time,” added Noreen Vicencio, First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations at Aboitiz Renewables. “Behind every connection, a student learns, a teacher innovates, and a community grows. Seeing students engage confidently with digital tools and teachers explore new ways of teaching demonstrates the power of connectivity and collaboration.” Aboitiz Renewables operates nine run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet through its hydropower arm Hedcor. With six schools now energized, AuroraPH is helping lay the groundwork for expanding sustainable power, connectivity, and digital learning opportunities to last-mile schools across the Philippines—empowering students and teachers to thrive, innovate, and lead in a connected world.

  The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) proudly announces a remarkable milestone as its exceptional tourism destinations and facilities earn five (5) prestigious accolades at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2026. These honors recognize excellence, sustainability, and global competitiveness—affirming CAR’s strong commitment to upholding world-class tourism standards. Awardees from the Cordillera Administrative Region include: 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒍, 𝑩𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 – 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏, 𝑩𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 – 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝑳𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒕 𝑯𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒍 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝑮𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝑬𝒄𝒐-𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 – 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝑻𝒂𝒃𝒖𝒌 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 These prestigious ASEAN recognitions not only highlight the region’s outstanding tourism offerings but also reaffirm CAR’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and collaborative growth. They stand as a testament to the collective efforts of stakeholders in positioning the Cordillera Administrative Region as a premier destination on the ASEAN and global tourism stage. The awarding ceremony will take place during the ASEAN Tourism Forum, hosted by the Philippines in Cebu City on January 30, 2026.

BENGUET, Philippines – Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas extended his congratulations to the newly promoted 1,935 teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) during the Mass Oathtaking at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet on January 5. He expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to the education sector, highlighting Benguet’s recognition as the top province in functional literacy nationwide, while reaffirming the Provincial Government’s continuous support to DepEd programs. The ceremony honored promotions under the Expanded Career Progression System (ECPS), DepEd’s merit-based program that recognizes the skills, dedication, and service of teaching and non-teaching personnel. Serving as the Guest Speaker, Undersecretary Wilfredo E. Cabral, Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organization Development of DepEd, underscored that the promotions reflect resiliency, trust in the process, competence, dedication, and a genuine heart for service. Meanwhile, Regional Director and Concurrent Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent Estela P. Leon-Cariño facilitated the oathtaking ceremony and expressed gratitude for the collective efforts behind the career progression of DepEd Benguet personnel. (Info. Courtesy: DepEd Benguet)    

By Ian Addatu   TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines — The City Government of Tabuk formally presented its official candidate for the Miss Kalinga 2026 pageant on January 5, 2026, at the Tabuk People’s Gym. Miss Tabuk 2025 Rachel Angela Valencia Baday will represent the City of Tabuk in this year’s province-wide female pageant. The presentation was led by Mayor Darwin Estrañero, together with members of the City Council, and was witnessed by employees of the City Local Government Unit (CLGU). Event coordinator Cris Domingo from the City Mayor’s Office explained that as the reigning Miss Tabuk 2025, Baday is the city’s official representative to the Miss Kalinga pageant. He also noted that this year’s competition will be limited to one representative per municipality, including the City of Tabuk, with no additional candidates from sponsoring personalities or agencies. Ms. Baday is a fourth-year college student taking up Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She has consistently demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership as a Dean’s Lister, awardee, student journalist, broadcaster, and former leader in various extracurricular activities. Her journey in pageantry has been nothing short of inspiring. Prior to winning the Miss Tabuk 2025 crown, she earned titles and distinctions including Miss Kalinga State University, Miss Bulanao, and 4th Runner-Up in Miss CARASUC 2025.    

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines – Three minors were injured when fireworks stalls caught fire simultaneously, 15-minutes before the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Bulanao Public Market, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on December 31. According to PCapt. Ruff Manganip, of the Kalinga Provincial Police Office, the injured were a five-year-old girl, a ten-year-old girl, and a fourteen-year-old boy, all from Mindanao. He said there were 20 fireworks stalls selling in the area, all of which were licensed, when a stray firecracker from the other side of the road hit one stall, causing the other stalls to catch fire one after the other and the fire quickly spread. Personnel from the Philippine National Police–Bulanao and the Bureau of Fire Protection immediately responded to extinguish the fire, deeming the incident an accident.

KALINGA, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Kalinga broke ground on the P29.9-million Kalinga Commercial Complex on Dec. 22, 2025, aimed at strengthening local enterprise and boosting provincial revenues. Governor James S. Edduba said the project is funded through a nearly P30-million Land Bank of the Philippines Start-Up Loan as part of the province’s economic development initiatives Edduba added that the government-owned facility will give local entrepreneurs a proper venue to grow their businesses while generating income for public services. Once completed, the three-story complex will feature commercial stalls, office spaces, pasalubong centers, and function halls for trainings and events. (PIA Kalinga)  

At the Mountain Tourism Summit 2025, DOT–CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan marked a historic milestone for the country, sharing that “this is the first Mountain Tourism Summit in the Philippines. ” Set in the heart of the Cordilleras, her message highlighted the region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems as treasures to be responsibly shared with the world. She underscored that mountain tourism holds immense potential to drive community livelihoods, create jobs, and support local enterprises, while placing sustainability and community empowerment at the core of tourism development. Calling for collaboration and partnership, Director Ganongan encouraged stakeholders to work together to build a future where mountain tourism uplifts communities and preserves the Cordilleras for generations to come. Meanwhile, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, represented by Director Judy Gabato, underscored the importance of mountain tourism under the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, stating that it “guides the country’s tourism development toward sustainability, connectivity, and inclusivity,” while recognizing mountain regions as vital contributors to national tourism growth. The Mountain Tourism Summit 2025 reflects this vision through discussions on global and local perspectives on mountain tourism, forest conservation and ecotourism, activity-based tourism and its challenges, sustainable initiatives, cultural tourism and sensitivity, destination marketing and branding, and TIEZA’s infrastructure guidelines, incentives, and opportunities. Grounded in collaboration among LGUs, communities, tourism stakeholders, and development partners, the Summit highlights the immense potential of the Cordilleras in advancing regenerative tourism that benefits both communities and visitors.