The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR) earned two national awards at the 2025 Idols ng TESDA and Kabalikat Awards, held on November 24, 2025, at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City. Isabelito B. Carpio from Abra was named National Winner in the Wage-Employed Category of the 2025 Idols ng TESDA, which recognizes graduates of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs who have achieved skills excellence and professional success while contributing to economic growth in their communities. His success story exemplifies how TVET graduates can thrive professionally and inspire others to pursue technical and vocational careers. Meanwhile, the Office of Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. received the Kabalikat Award in the Legislative Category, which honors partners who have made significant contributions to the implementation and promotion of TVET programs. The office demonstrated sustained advocacy, mobilized resources, and fostered partnerships that enhanced skills development and employment opportunities for Cordilleran learners. Its continuous support and active participation in TESDA programs earned it national recognition as a model of effective public-private collaboration in TVET. These national recognitions reflect the dedication, expertise, and commitment of Cordilleran professionals and institutional partners across the region to continue supporting and advancing technical vocational education and training in the Philippines. The 2025 Idols ng TESDA and Kabalikat Awards honor individuals and organizations whose achievements contribute to workforce development and the economic growth of their communities through TVET programs.  

LUNA, Apayao, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government–Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR), through its Regional and Provincial Project Development and Management Unit (R/PPDMU), in coordination with the Luna Municipal Engineering Office, conducted a joint inspection of the FY 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF) project entitled Purchase and Installation of Solar-Powered Streetlights in Barangay Poblacion on November 20, 2025, in Luna, Apayao. The activity evaluated the project’s compliance with established technical standards and its overall operational readiness. Key observations and technical recommendations were presented to the implementing unit during the exit conference, underscoring the shared commitment of DILG-CAR and the Local Government Unit to ensuring high-quality, efficient, and community-responsive local infrastructure.    

Here’s the message of Congressman Eric Go Yap to the people of Benguet in celebration of 2025 Adivay Festival Our beloved Governor, Governor Melchor Diclas, our Vice Governor, Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes, our Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, hindi ko na po kayo iisa-isahin. To our Mayors, Vice Mayors, Councilors and Barangay officials. Also, to our key officials from different agencies, department heads and employees of our province, to our former leaders and officials, isang masayang Adivay po sa ating lahat! I would have wanted to be here. After all, this is the birthday of the province, the first one kung saan officially in effect na ang batas na kinikilala na ang Novermber 23 bilang isang non-working holiday in recognition of our true birth. But an equally important matter that requires my presence took my opportunity to be with you today. Regardless, I am with you in spirit at sigurado po ako na masaya pa rin at makulay ang pagdiriwang natin ngayong araw. Every November 23 is a mark of a new beginning, every November 23 we also celebrate and manifest another exciting and progressive year for our province. Every November 23 is a time to recommit to the promise of a better future, an invitation to everybody to begin again. And every Adivay is a reminder of one truth; that we will rise higher when we rise together because we are built on shared dreams and shared sacrifices – from our ancestors to every family and individual who calls Benguet home today. Kaya po excited tayo for a new beginning para sa ating lahat. This is just my sixth Adivay but it feels like I’ve been celebrating it more than that. Marami nang nagbago from my first one, when you look outside, you can already tell the difference from few years ago and I am excited to see where this road can take us in the next couple of years. My remaining years as your Congressman will be devoted to development. Just last week, pasado na sa Committee ang pagkakaroon ng BSU campus sa Kapangan, pasado din last week ang karagdagang Municipal Trial Court sa La Trinidad at marami pang ibang panukala na bibigyan natin ng importansya dahil naniniwala tayong makakatulong sa ating probinsya. Nagawa na nating batas ang pagkakaroon ng College of Medicine sa Benguet State Univerity and next year, we are working on improved facilities for BSU gaya ng pondo para sa College of Medicine and College of Nursing buildings, and also, a tartanized oval sa BSU gaya nang nakikita natin sa labas. Moreover, we are confident that we will have funding in 2026 for approximately 313 new classrooms across 34 public schools in the entire province. At marami pang iba that I will not elaborate for now para sa iba’t ibang aspeto gaya ng health, livelihood, tourism at iba pa. I am committed to double my effort. Despite everything that is going on right now, I owe it to all of you to continue working. Last week, when I went around different barangays, I was reminded of one simple truth: na marami pa rin nahihirapan at kailangan tulungan. Kaya nga gaya ng sinasabi ko, the challenges that I am facing right now pales in comparison sa dinaranas ng marami pa nating kababayan, yung mga gumigising ng maaga dahil malayo pa ang lalakarin, yung mga hindi sigurado kung kaya makapagpagamot kapag nagkasakit sila, yung mga walang pampa-aral ng anak, every family working hard and striving to have a better life or just to keep afloat. And will be here and I am not going anywhere until my last day. I may not be perfect, no one is and it will not define me, but it guides me to sharpen my judgement and strengthen my resolve to serve better. I always measure myself against myself, that I need to be better than yesterday. And I cannot do it alone. Marami pang kailangan gawin so there has to be a collective effort from everyone. So I call on everybody, our officials hanggang sa barangay level na alam na alam kong todo effort din sa trabaho – to always go the extra mile, take that extra step, double our efforts and not put in just the bare minimum. Sa ating mga kailyan, don’t stop trying to be better and always extend a little kindness because it goes a long way. If we are embarking a new beginning, a change in mindset is essential – a mindset that no one can do it all alone. Again, we will rise higher when we rise together. We survived storms, earthquakes and the harshest trials but we always choose to stand up again, hindi lang dahil wala tayong choice kundi tumayo ulit but also because resilience is our greatest heritage. It was instilled in us. But resilience alone will not bring us there. Opo, mahirap at marami pang kailangan gawin pero punong puno ako ng pagasa. In every sunrise over our mountains is a lesson that no matter how cold the night was, hope always rises. And when I look at our officials, itong mga nasa harapan, I know that Benguet is in good hands for many many years to come. Our Governor and Vice Governor are among the best in the country at their jobs, marami po akong kilalang Gobernador at Bise, and I am proud to say na mapalad tayo for having these two officials at the helm. Ganun din ang ating mga Board Members, sobra ang bilib ko sa inyo and one day, one of you will be among the three highest officials of our province, and I have so much faith in you that you will do good, kilala ko kayo, you’ll be fine. But time will come na maaaring hindi kayo nasa iisang linya ng partido, perhaps baka maging magkakalaro pa kayo sa pwesto, but always remember that politics should not be a way of life dahil isang araw lang ang election, do not let politics ruin what matters

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines – The reward for anyone who can provide information against the suspect who killed Irene Campilis Gayamos, a well-known weaver in Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on November 12 has been increased to P700,000. During the Kalinga Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting held on November 17, Gov. James Edduba approved the total of P700,000, P500,000 for the reward and P200,000 for the mobilization of the formed Task Force Irene, based on the request of Provincial Director PCol.Gilbert Fati-ig. On November 20, the Lubuagan Municipal Peace and Order Council, headed by Mayor Joel B. Tagaotao, allocated an additional P200,000, to help and expedite justice for the victim’s death. It can be recalled that on November 12, at around 2:39 p.m., Irene, 30, a member of the Mabilong Weaver Community of Lubuagan, was found dead inside her house, believed to have been stabbed with a bolo knife by an unidentified suspect. The police have yet to determine the cause or motive for the brutal killing. Irene is the wife of police officer Alloy Gayamos. Fati-ig called on the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could hinder the investigation and cause unnecessary fear or confusion, especially on social media, as authorities continue their efforts to provide justice for the victim’s death.          

KABUGAO, Apayao, Philippines – Two people died, while one is missing after a massive landslide hit an area in Sitio Purag, Barangay Badduat, Kabugao, Apayao this morning, November 20. Mayor Bensmar Ligwang and Vice Mayor Frederick Amid personally led the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Operations together with the MDRRMC in responding after receiving reports of the landslide incident. According to Ligwang, the two bodies were recovered at around 11:37 a.m., identified as Ezra Paul Olsim, 24, of Baguio City and Alyas Nestor,”27, of Itogon, Benguet, while search operations are ongoing for another victim identified as Alyas Marlo. It was learned that the landslide incident was the result of continuous heavy rains brought by the Northeast Monsoon intensified by the shear line, which softens the slopes and increases the risk of landslides in the mountainous areas. Barangay Badduat, where the landslide occurred, is geographically classified as one of the mountainous areas in Apayao that is considered a landslide-prone area, according to the Apayao-Pacific Disaster Center. Ligwang called on residents of upland areas threatened by landslides to temporarily evacuate the area, as rains continue to be felt in the province          

KALINGA PROVINCE, Philippines  — In response to ongoing peace and security situations in the province, the 4th Quarter Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) cum Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) cum Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) convened yesterday to present agency reports covering October to November 15, 2025. Across crime prevention, counter-insurgency, fire safety, and anti-drug operations, agencies recorded significant improvements, while also identifying key concerns requiring sustained attention. 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 The Kalinga Police Provincial Office (KPPO) reported major gains in crime reduction compared to the same period in October and November 15, 2024 and this year. Murder cases dropped by 75% Robbery cases decreased by 33% Four municipalities—Balbalan, Lubuagan, Tanudan, and Tinglayan—recorded zero index crimes during the period. Law enforcement achievements included: 24 wanted persons arrested 26 loose firearms recovered 1,099 traffic violators apprehended between October and November 15 The KPPO underscored the importance of maintaining strong police visibility, traffic enforcement, and active community reporting to curb personal crimes. 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 The Philippine Army through the 103rd Infantry Battalion reported continued progress in countering communist insurgency, monitoring active NPA members across the province. A major accomplishment was the arrest of a high-value New People’s Army leader during a joint AFP–PNP law enforcement operation in Baguio City. From November 1 to 16, military units conducted: 235 patrol operations 125 checkpoints Following the onslaught of Typhoon “Uwan,” the Army also led humanitarian efforts, including airlifting relief goods, conducting search and retrieval operations, and assisting affected communities. 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨; 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Kalinga reported a 100% decrease in structural fire incidents, dropping from five cases in 2024 to none this year. Fire damage also decreased from ₱475,600 to ₱0. Improvements were also observed in vehicular incidents: Single-vehicle accidents decreased from 27 to 17 Multiple-vehicle accidents declined from 19 to 11 The BFP identified the primary causes of accidents as: Driving under the influence of alcohol Overspeeding Road obstructions The agency urged motorists and barangays to reinforce safety measures, enhance public road lighting, and strengthen community awareness campaigns. 𝐏𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented significant operational accomplishments along with emerging drug trafficking trends. Operational Accomplishments (July–October 2025) 6 PDEA-only operations, resulting in 3 arrests 2 joint operations, resulting in 4 arrests Shabu seized: 100 grams worth ₱600,000 Marijuana seized: 17.9 kilograms + 912 grams Barangay Drug-Clearing Progress Of 153 barangays in Kalinga: 39 are Drug-Free 110 are Drug-Cleared 4 remain Drug-Affected The agency recommended strengthening community-based rehabilitation programs, implementing drug-free workplace policies, and supporting barangays in retaining their drug-cleared status. 𝐑𝐂𝐒𝐏 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 RCSP Barangays Expanded Provincewide The Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) continues to expand to more conflict-vulnerable and geographically isolated barangays. For 2026, a total of 20 barangays have been identified as RCSP Target Beneficiary Barangays, paving the way for more responsive, people-centered, and sustainable local development interventions. Balbalan: Balbalan Proper, Buaya Pasil: Ableg, Balenciagao Sur, Balenciagao Norte, Cagaluan, Dalupa, and Dangtalan Pinukpuk: Aciga, Katabbogan, and Mapaco Tabuk City: Lanna, Masablang, and Tuga Tanudan: Anggacan, Anggacan Sur, Lay-asa, Lower Mangali, Mangali Centro, and Población. The council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening peace and order initiatives through active community engagement, enhanced enforcement, and sustained inter-agency coordination.    

Benguet Representative Eric Go Yap extends his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the residents in Buguias and Kabayan who perished following landslides caused by Typhoon ‘Uwan’s heavy rainfall. The Congressman’s office is also currently coordinating relief and assistance efforts for the affected communities.    

BAGUIO CITY – Super Typhoon Uwan hit the Cordillera region, causing serious damage to lives and properties, which is now the focus of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera. According to the DSWD-Cordillera report on November 13, 43,812 families or 149,041 individuals from 826 hard-hit barangays were affected by the typhoon, which is now the focus of the agency’s attention. It was also recorded that 234 households were totally damaged and ,353 were partially damaged, and currently 234 families or 718 individuals are staying in various evacuation centers. An initial P10,989,065.55 worth of humanitarian assistance from DSWD, LGU’s, NGOs and other partners has been distributed to families affected by the typhoon. A total of 54,354 family food packs; 19,985 non-food items and 8, 440 ready to eat food have also been distributed in various provinces to be distributed to remote barangays that were severely affected by the typhoon. On November 12, Regional Director Maria Catbagan-Aplaten personally led the distribution of Family Food Packs and Non-Food Items by the DSWD Field Office CAR to affected families in Lagawe, Ifugao. The goal is to immediately alleviate the hardship of those affected and ensure that they have enough food and basic necessities as they gradually recover from the damage caused by the calamity. In collaboration with personnel from the Bureau of Fire and Protection, relief supplies were successfully delivered to families and individuals who were displaced by the storm. Currently, 1,783 families or 5,776 individuals have been affected throughout the province of Ifugao. (Zaldy Comanda)