TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Tatlo katao ang patay sa armadong engkwentro sa Purok 7, San Julian,Tabuk City, noong umaga ng Abril 24. Ayon sa Tabuk City Police Office, nangyari ang pamamaril sa pagitan ng 6:30 a.m at 7:00 a.m malapit sa tirahan ni Barangay Kagawad Cleve Dumaguing, alyas Banatao, ng Biga tribe. Lumalabas sa inisyal na imbestigasyon na ang mga biktima na sina  Santos Calsiyao, Tokar Calsiyao, at Leo Palat Calsiya, ay may naka-away sa hindi pa nakikilalang kilalang salarin mula may 50 metrong layo sa bahay ng opisyal ng barangay. Ang mga biktima, na umano’y armado ng dalawang M16 rifles at isang shotgun, ay nagtangkang tumakas pahilaga ngunit binawian ng buhay sa kanilang mga pinsala. Natagpuan silang wala nang buhay sa kalsada kasunod ng pakikipagpalitan ng putok sa hindi pa nakikilalang mga suspek. Kinilala ang mga biktima na mga miyembro ng pamilya Calsiyao mula sa Basao Dilag. Kinuha na ng Police Forensic Unit (PFU) ang pinangyarihan ng krimen para sa pagproseso, habang ang pagtugis ng mga imbestigador ay humahantong sa pagtukoy at paghuli sa mga suspek. Hindi pa matukoy ng mga awtoridad ang motibo sa likod ng pamamaril, bagama’t ang mga inisyal na ulat ay nagmumungkahi ng posibleng pagtatalo ng tribo, mga karaniwang pag-trigger ng karahasan sa lalawigan. Hinimok ng Kalinga PPO ang mga saksi o sinumang may impormasyon na makipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad malapit sa lugar.    

The Department of Tourism-Cordillera will celebrate 6th Mangan Taku Cordillera Food Fair showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Provinces in the region. The province of Benguet will feature exhibitors including Kai Café X Tayao Farms, Watwat Country Garahe, and Health 101 Restoreant/ Um-a Farm, while the other provinces will also showcase their own distinctive flavors and local cuisines that represent the diversity of Cordilleran cuisine. Governor Melchor Daguines Diclas is encouraging everyone to take part in this celebration of food, culture, and community on April 24-28 at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park, Baguio City.

Aiming to promote accessible healthcare services and strengthen community partnerships, the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) and the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA), Inc., along with various stakeholders, successfully conducted a Medical Outreach Program at the PRO CAR Regional Headquarters, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on April 22, 2025. The event was graced by Dr. Aleth Therese Laura Dacanay, RPh, President of the PPhA, Inc., who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. As a highlight of the program proper, Dr. Dacanay, along with PBGen. Rogelio Raymundo,Jr.,Deputy Regional Director for Administration, led the ceremonial turnover of 15 wheelchairs from the PPhA to selected beneficiaries. Meanwhile, during the medical outreach, a total of 555 individuals, composed of PNP personnel and other civilian beneficiaries, received various medical services, including vital signs assessment, medical consultation, hair analysis, skin analysis, health check, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x-ray, dental check-up, and circumcision. In addition, beneficiaries also received medicines and vitamins, as well as various freebie items from other partner companies and organizations. In her message, Dr. Dacnay emphasized the importance for pharmacists and all stakeholders to remain committed to sustainable healthcare practices and urged the implementation of strategies that prioritize the well-being of communities, both in the present and for future generations. “Let us continue to build bridges, foster collaborations, and work toward a common goal: a healthier, stronger Pilipinas for all!” Dr. Dacanay added. Themed “Binnadang: Pharmacists in Action for Unified and Sustainable Healthcare,” the program was initiated by the PPhA and made possible through the support of its partners, including Watsons Personal Care Stores Philippines, Inc., SM Foundation, Pocari Sweat Philippines, Otsuka Philippines, Inc., and PhilHealth-CAR.

BAGUIO CITY – As a testament to its commitment to elevating the quality of its services delivered to the public, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) has been conferred the Philippine Quality Award (PQA)  – Level 1 Recognition for Commitment to Quality Management by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque formally presented the PQA trophy to DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose and Assistant Regional Director Ruperto B. Maribbay, Jr. during the “DTI Townhall sa Kordilyera” held in this city on April 4, 2025. Established through Executive Order No. 448 and institutionalized through Republic Act No. 9013, the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) is the highest level of national recognition for exemplary organizational performance. The PQA is conferred to public and private organizations that “excel in quality management and overall organizational performance.” It is a national system for assessing quality and productivity performance and is considered to be equivalent to the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) in the United States. DILG-CAR RD San Jose attributed this achievement to the Department’s commitment to transparency, organizational efficiency, and its unwavering commitment to continuously improve its delivery of quality public service. “This recognition is a product of the combined efforts of all DILG-CAR personnel from the Regional, City, Provincial and Field Offices that have faithfully committed themselves to deliver the best-possible quality of services to our constituents,” RD San Jose said. She added that among the foundations the DILG-CAR prides itself on is the culture of innovation that has supported and nurtured the development of various internally-developed systems that have since became drivers of improved productivity of its internal and external clients, particularly of local government units (LGUs). This includes the Flexible Learning and Enhanced Knowledge Service (FLEKS) developed by DILG-Baguio City that earned the region its first national recognition from the Local Government Academy. This system pushes for streamlined real-time reporting across compliances at all levels of local government and has since been benchmarked by different DILG Offices and LGUs from all over the country. Moreover, the DILG-CAR chief said that the provision of technical assistance and frontline services have been proven to comply with the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and its quality is reflected by the satisfactory results of the Client Satisfaction Surveys (CSS). As part of the PQA Regionalization Program, the DILG-CAR was assessed in seven (7) categories, namely: Leadership; Strategy Development; Customer Expectations and Engagement; Organizational Performance; Workforce Capability and Capacity; Work Process; and Results. To date, the DILG-CAR is eyeing the PQA Regional Level 2 Recognition and is bent on analyzing the results of the Level 1 assessment to address the identified performance gaps and harness opportunities for improvement. “Our efforts does not end with receiving the award, rather it presents itself as a challenge to build on what we have so far accomplished. We need to prove that we are committed to excellence and we need to implement the corresponding strategies to further improve organizational efficiency and productivity,” RD San Jose said. This feat places DILG-CAR as the Department’s second Regional Office in the country to earn the prestigious award following DILG Region XII in 2024. (FFP/DILG-CAR)  

  Seven years ago, Tuba Central School (TCS) in Benguet had to make do with overcrowded classrooms, each accommodating up to 53 students on a typical school day. The learner population of the then 84-year-old public primary school, located in the quaint-meets-modern municipality of Tuba in the province of Benguet, was almost 600. Without a dedicated computer lab, learners relied on mobile phones for research, while teachers often used their personal laptops to teach technology-related subjects. Some even lent their devices to ensure their students could gain hands-on experience. The learning environment at Tuba Central School (TCS) took a significant leap forward when SM Foundation, in partnership with SM Prime and the Philippine Stock Exchange Foundation, turned over a two-story, four-classroom building on August 9, 2019. Building on this commitment to quality education, SM Foundation returned in 2024 to carry out its school building maintenance program—ensuring that the facility remains safe, well-maintained, and conducive to learning for years to come. “The SM Foundation School Building helps us augment the lack of a building in our school. With the facility, we can accommodate more enrollees amidst the increasing number of learners,” TCS Principal Jennifer Cados started, sharing the impact of SM Foundation’s project. Improved environment, leveled-up abilities Maria Margareth Mae Dacpano, a Grade 6 learner who was already studying at TCS before the turnover, noticed the positive impact of the new classrooms on the learning environment. “We have more classrooms now, so my schoolmates no longer crowd in a single classroom. We can focus better on studying and avoid conflicts because of overcrowded classrooms and discomfort,” Dacpano said. “And with a dedicated computer room, we can now research faster if we want to get information. We are also learning to use computers, and we no longer have much difficulty accessing them if we need to know something,” Dacpano said, noting that before, they used to research using only their mobile phones. Having the school building has also paid off in other aspects at TCS, particularly in learning outcomes, according to the school principal. “With more space for the children, the learning environment became more conducive, allowing them to focus better. This has definitely contributed to their academic progress,” she said.  Data from TCS reflects this improvement, with a significant number of students achieving proficiency. In some grade levels, as much as one-third to half of the total enrollment consists of proficient to advanced learners. In the first quarter of the 2023-2024 school year, one Grade 1 section had 14 proficient to advanced learners out of 24 enrollees, while a Grade 5 section had 15 out of 32. The principal also noted a positive trend in student retention, with absenteeism and dropouts becoming less frequent and only a few students discontinuing their studies as of writing. To further support TCS’ growth and sustain a conducive learning environment, the SM Foundation implemented its School Building Maintenance Program. As part of this initiative, the foundation conducted a thorough inspection and completed necessary repairs. It revitalized the building with fresh interior and exterior paint, ensuring the facilities remain safe and well-maintained for students and teachers alike. Providing holistic learning The emergency-ready and PWD-friendly school building has been housing two sections of Grade 1 learners on the ground floor. The second floor now serves as the information and communications technology (ICT) room equipped with 20 WiFi-connected computer units, built in partnership with Mastercard Philippines. This floor includes a dedicated sports room for Arnis training, supporting the province’s reputation as a stronghold for the sport in the Philippines. Since we made use of two classrooms on the ground floor for Grade 1, congestion among learners was lessened. The teacher-to-learner ratio now averages to 1:20,” Cados said. TCS has only one shift for all grade levels, with Grade 1 having four sections and Grades 2-6 having three sections each. Riola Wasit, one of the teachers who handles the school’s computer subject, said the additional building meant a lot to everyone. “Teachers don’t have to spend time making lesson materials because everything they need is already available. It’s easier for us to teach about computer literacy because we have computers where they can access applications on their own,” Wasit said. “Iyaman! It means thank you in our dialect,” Cados said on behalf of the entire TCS. She shared that SM Foundation and its partners’ continued support inspires them to provide quality education and uplift the Tuba, Benguet community. Grateful for the additional school building, the school’s stakeholders extend their appreciation to the foundation. Aside from TCS, seven other schools underwent the maintenance program in 2024: Balanga Elementary School, Bataan; Kalalake Elementary School, Olongapo City; Pedro Candido Memorial National High School, Hernani, Eastern Samar; Looc Elementary School (Batangas), Zamboanga Central School-SPED Center, Zamboanga City, Mantagbac Elementary School, Daet City, Camarines Sur; and Villa Kananga Integrated School, Butuan City. SM Foundation’s commitment to education goes beyond building classrooms—it nurtures learning environments that empower students and uplift communities. By ensuring schools like TCS remain safe and well-maintained, the foundation continues to pave the way for a brighter future, one school at a time.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Masayang ibinalita ni Congressman Eric Yap sa kanyang lalawigan ng Benguet, na masisimulan na ang unang yugto ng konstruksyon ng Pilando Bridge, matapos makuha na ang inisyal na pondo nitong P300 milyon. “ Gaya ng pinangako natin last year, para simulan na ang long term solution para sa sinking portion sa Pilando Section ng Halsema Highway, ay mauumpisahan na,” pahayag ni Cong.Yap. “We also requested for a revision of the design, para mas mura at mabilis gawin, it will not longer be a cable-stayed bridge pero we will make sure na matibay. Aapela kami para sa iyong pasensya, ito ay magtatagal ngunit sisiguraduhin kong sapat na pondo ang makukuha para matapos ito.” Sa kanyang mensahe “Mga kailyan, I am committed to provide long term solutions to our perennial problems. Kaya hindi po tayo mapapagod umikot at alamin ang mga problema para mahanap agad ng solusyon. Hindi pa po tayo tapos, more to come, para sa Benguet.” Ang proyekto ng Pilando Bridge, isang 359-meter, four-lane cable-stayed bridge, ay dadaan sa isang hindi matatag na bahagi ng highway, na nagsisiguro ng mas ligtas at mas maaasahang paglalakbay para sa mga motorista. Ayon kay Engr. Arnold Dacwag ng DPWH-CAR, mula sa isang geotechnical assessment ay natukoy ang isang malalim na pagguho ng lupa sa lugar, na nagdulot ng makabuluhang paggalaw ng lupa na naglalagay ng labis na diin sa kasalukuyang daanan. Aniya, ang kawalang-tatag na ito ay humantong sa pagkiling at pagpapapangit, na nagdaragdag ng mga panganib para sa mga manlalakbay. Upang mabawasan ang panganib na ito, ang Pilando Bridge ay itatayo gamit ang high-tensile steel cables, na nagbibigay ng pinahusay na integridad ng istruktura at katatagan sa mapaghamong terrain ng rehiyon. Ang proyekto ay nakakuha ng paunang alokasyon na P300 milyon para sa 2025, na may tinatayang kabuuang badyet na P1.7 bilyon. Itinatampok ng pamumuhunang ito ang teknikal na kumplikado at kahalagahan ng inisyatiba sa pagpapatibay ng network ng transportasyon ng rehiyon. Higit pa sa pagpapahusay ng kaligtasan sa kalsada, ang proyekto ng Pilando Bridge ay inaasahang magpapalakas ng lokal na aktibidad sa ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng pagpapabuti ng accessibility para sa mga negosyo, magsasaka, at turismo sa hilagang bahagi ng Benguet, Mountain Province at ilang munisipalidad ng Ifugao. Ang mapagkakatiwalaang imprastraktura ay mahalaga para sa pagpapanatili ng kabuhayan at pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya, lalo na sa mga malalayong komunidad na umaasa sa matatag na mga network ng transportasyon. Sa pamamagitan ng estratehikong disenyo at pamumuhunan nito, ang proyekto ay hindi lamang tumutugon sa mga kagyat na alalahanin sa kaligtasan ngunit naglalatag din ng pundasyon para sa pangmatagalan.      

By Jimmy Ceralde SADANGA, Mountain Province — Limang katao ang namatay, samantalang siyam ang sugatan nang mahulog ang kanilang sinasakyang tourist van sa may 50 metrong lalim ng bangin sa Barangay Ampawilen, Sadanga, Mountain Province, noong gabi ng Abril 4. Sa report ng Sadanga Municipal Police Station, isang puting Nissan van na may plate number na NDA 9883 ang nawalan ng kontrol sa madulas na kalsada at nahulog sa bangin at dumeretso sa ilog dakong alas 10:00 ng gabi, na agad silang nagsagawa ng responde, kasama ang Bureau of Fire Protection. Mabilis namang naiahon ang mga biktima, subalit lima ang idineklarang dead on spot basa sa pagsisiyasat ni Dr. Irene Limmayog, na nakilalang sina Vance Quinto Hernandez Jr., 45, driver, tubong Bulacan; Gerardo Navarro,36,tubong Zamboanga; Veronica Hipolito,36, ng South Cotabato at isang hindi kilalang babae, nakasuot ng kulay abong t-shirt, itim na leggings, samantalang idineklara namang dead on arrival sa ospital si Niño Belando Ang mga sugatan na ngayon ay nasa Bontoc General Hospital, Bontoc, Mountain Province ay sina Mary Joy Reyes,45; Archie Reyes,25; Cherish Quimpan Femal, 20; Manuel Lap,26; Elvis Acupan,25; Ham Sua, Babae, 23; Arlette Sarmiento,23; Christine Cuidamat,20 at Dan Dacoycoy,24. Mahigpit na nagpapaalala ang mga awtoridad na maging maingat ang mga drayber sa pagmamaneho sa bulubunduking lugar ng Cordillera, lalo na’t kapag madulas ang kalsada dulot ng hindi-inaasahan pag-uulan.

    KIBUNGAN, Benguet – Personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)—Cordillera Baguio/Benguet Provincial Office and Kibungan Municipal Police Station, uprooted and burned more than 90,000 fully grown marijuana plants in a two-day eradication operation in separate mountain ranges of Kibungan, Benguet, on April 1-2. It was learned that the group climbed the hills of Sitio Loccok, Barangay Badeo and uncovered 9,000 square meters of marijuana plantations worth a total of P18,000,000.00 Authorities burned all marijuana plants in the area, including 50,000 plants from the first lot worth P10,000,000.00 and approximately 40,000 plants worth P8,000,000.00 from the second lot. According to PDEA, although they did not arrest any cultivators, they will continue to conduct marijuana eradication in plantations in various parts of the Cordillera.By Zaldy Comanda      

An individual based in abroad was sued by Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap for continuously maligning the lawmaker on social media. Yap, in his complaint – affidavit, said he is filing a Cyber Libel complaint against the individual for maligning and defaming the solon in her several social media post, particularly Facebook. “It is no longer an exercise of freedom of expression, that person has been making defamatory remarks and malicious statements. Enough is enough. Hindi naman po natin pinapansin pero I came across it at nagulat talaga ako. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, wow sobra naman ito,” said the solon. Since he assumed as a caretaker in 2020 and eventually becoming a full time representative of Benguet in 2022, Yap has been on the receiving end of several accusations including derogatory remarks in several social media platforms but has ignored all the allegations and invectives hurled against him. Yap, in his complaint, stressed that the continuous online attacks have not only tarnished his reputation but also misled the public with false accusations. “Mahaba ang pasensya ko sa ganyan, tanggap ko na ang style nila is negative campaigning. Pero there should still be a line that we do not cross, yung nakakasira na ng pagkatao at kung ano – ano na lang ang binabato. Masakit na for my family, my friends. Masyadong marumi na. Is this the type of politics na gusto natin mangyari sa Benguet?” added Yap. Yap emphasized that while he respects freedom of speech, the spread of baseless and damaging allegations must be addressed through legal means. The solon also sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify other social media pages that have been spreading similar malicious statements. The NBI is currently investigating and tracing the administrators behind certain Facebook pages that have allegedly engaging in Cyber Libel in an effort to discredit Yap. “This will not be the last, our lawyers are now consolidating a list at nagpatulong na tayo sa NBI Cyber Crime office to identify yung mga nasa likod ng anonymous Facebook pages and troll accounts to hold them accountable sa actions and statements nila. And may lead na daw sila kung sino mga ito, definitely they are paid so kasama sa titignan yan, yung mga nag-fifinance because this is an organized attack on me,” Yap said.