LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region has intensified its security efforts to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of the electoral process, as the official campaign period for local candidates—from governor and district representative to mayor and councilors—begins on Friday, March 28.Police Brig.Gen.David Peredo,Jr., regional director, has directed all unit commanders to heighten security, particularly in areas identified as election hotspots. Additionally, personnel have been deployed to strategic areas, and security operations have been strengthened, including the establishment of checkpoints, increased monitoring of major roads and public spaces, intensified patrolling, increased police visibility, and the establishment of police assistance desks. Peredo stated that all deployed personnel have undergone comprehensive orientation on standard operating procedures and have been reminded to remain vigilant and prepared to provide immediate assistance as needed. Apart from these preparations, he also been conducting on-site visits and inspections of the different Police Provincial Offices and the City Police Office to personally oversee the security measures being implemented by Provincial and City Directors. He has also engaged with personnel on the ground, reinforcing the importance of remaining apolitical and dedicated to their duty of protecting the public. “Our priority is to uphold public safety and preserve the integrity of the elections. We are committed to ensuring a peaceful and fair democratic process through continuous, proactive security measures, and we will do everything necessary to safeguard the rights of every citizen throughout the electoral process,” he stated. Furthermore, PROCAR is coordinating closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), other law enforcement agencies, local government units, and key stakeholders to ensure a unified and effective security strategy. Peredo also encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through official police hotlines and social media channels. He stressed that public participation is crucial in maintaining peace and security, urging everyone to be proactive partners in ensuring a safe and orderly election.      

By Rose Frejane Cruz   BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism-Cordillera reported that a total of  1,983,511 million tourists flocked in Cordillera, mostly in the Summer Capital in 2024, compared to 1,685,133 million tourists in 2023. Tourists arriving in Baguio City last year accounted for more than 1.56 million or 78 percent of the more than 1.98 million arrivals recorded in the region last year. Based on the data, tourist arrivals in Mountain Province came second with 151,183 while arrivals in Kalinga came third with 132,771. Benguet had 67,428 tourist arrivals followed by Ifugao – 48,0811 arrivals, Apayao – 21,611 arrivals and Abra – 2,225 arrivals. According to DOT Regional Director Jovita Ganongan said that tourist arrivals in the region last year recorded a 17.71 percent increase compared to the more than 1,683 tourist arrivals last year. According to him, all provinces recorded a significant increase in both foreign and domestic tourist arrivals which contributed to an infusion of about P10.7 billion into the regional economy. Under the updated data on visitor spending by the tourism department, each foreign visitor spends about P7,000 daily at their destination while a domestic tourist spends about P4,000 daily. She pointed out that the region is targeting the international market to help significantly increase foreign tourist arrivals in various tourist destinations to further enhance the local economy. Last year, foreign tourists arrived in the region, accounting for just over two percent of the total tourist arrivals reported while domestic tourist arrivals reached over 97 percent.          

By Ian Jefrey Addatu   Tabuk City is preparing for a major celebration of its 75th founding anniversary, which will coincide with the Matagoan Festival in June. Several local government offices and partner agencies are collaborating to ensure the week-long event is fully prepared and organized. Arlene Odiem, the head of the Office of the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs, presided over the meeting and stated that this year’s festivities should be grander, with some activities carried over from past years and others improved. Odiem has invited all concerned offices to submit their proposed activities, as well as their budgetary requirements, so that they can be reviewed and finalized at future meetings. The festival’s logo and the jingle will be based on last year’s winning design and composition. The foundation day will be held on June 16, followed by Agri-Vet Coop PESO Day on June 17, and Barangay and Cultural Day on June 18.    

By Zaldy Comanda   BAGUIO CITY- The Department of Health-Cordillera reported an increase of 91,164 obesity cases recorded in 2024, the main reason being frequent meat consumption. Based on the data, the number of obese people aged 20 to 59 reached 70,613, while 20,551 were obese people aged 60 and above. One of the reasons for the high number of obesity in the Cordillera is the excessive consumption of meat during occasion , according to the Department of Health – Cordillera (DOH-CAR). Joyce Rillorta, Nurse V of the DOH-CAR, emphasized that frequent and prolonged consumption of meat, especially the so-called watwat o’ meat mixed with salt, which is prepared during occasions in the Cordillera, can cause obesity. “It is traditional for every occasion in the Cordillera to have cañao, which usually involves preparing pork, not just one day or sometimes three days, then the only food they eat is pork with salt, which is almost always done.” He said that because of this food system, many people become overweight or obese. The number of overweight and obese people in the region continues to increase, so the DOH-CAR is promoting a more balanced diet and a more active lifestyle. The department admitted that cañao is part of the culture, but they urged residents to reduce excessive meat consumption to maintain health. “We are not saying to eliminate culture. What is important is to have moderation or reduce the amount of meat eaten and add more vegetables and other healthy foods,” according to Rillorta. Meanwhile, according to Professor Mario Tanggawan, a cultural researcher from the University of the Cordilleras, cañao is a ritual with deep meaning in the culture of the Cordillerans. “It is not just a simple meal, but part of our identity. But it is also important that we combine culture and health,” he said. To address the rising cases of obesity, the DOH-CAR is conducting information drives in barangays to teach proper nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet. They also plan to collaborate with local governments to promote “healthy cañao,” where families will be encouraged to prepare more vegetables, fruits, and other alternative foods instead of meat. “Culture is important, but health is also important,” Rillorta stressed as he encouraged the public to have a more balanced diet during feasts.      

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) urged local government units (LGUs) to recognize and integrate the Informal Waste Sector (IWS) into their Solid Waste Management (SWM) plans to strengthen waste management systems and promote inclusive environmental governance. DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose underscored the significant role of informal waste workers—such as waste pickers, recyclers, and junk shop operators—in solid waste recovery and management despite challenging working conditions. “The informal waste sector has long been contributing to waste reduction and recycling efforts in our communities, yet they remain largely unrecognized in formal waste management systems. By integrating them into LGU-led solid waste management programs, we not only improve efficiency in waste recovery but also provide economic opportunities for them,” RD San Jose said. Despite their vital contribution to waste diversion and environmental sustainability, the IWS faces economic and social marginalization. To address these, the DILG encouraged LGUs to develop policies that provide the IWS and its workers formal recognition, access to capacity-building programs, and economic inclusion. Through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-012, LGUs are advised to strengthen their SWM initiatives by profiling the IWS, integrating them into local waste management programs, and establishing support mechanisms such as social protection, health benefits, and skills development. LGUs are also encouraged to institutionalize policies that promote the organization of cooperatives, provision of technical assistance, and creation of opportunities for employment, formalization, and potential distribution of economic incentives. Additionally, San Jose stressed the need for the LGUs to update their 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable approach. “We encourage our LGUs to institutionalize programs that will recognize and support the informal waste sector. This will not only improve waste diversion rates but also promote social equity in our waste management systems,” San Jose added. The DILG encourages LGUs to partner with other national government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology and the academe to develop innovations in local waste management. (DILG-CAR/Fernando Pre)                

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A group of archeologists, paleontologists and other experts from Ateneo de Manila University, along with international institutions and the National Museum of the Philippines, braved the heat and long hike to conduct an initial visit to investigate potential archaeological sites in an identified area in Barangay Nambaran, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on March 6. During the site inspection, petrified woods were found and a fossilized animal tooth was shown to the party. After thoroughly inspecting the fossil, the experts concluded that it was a fragment of an elephant’s lower left molar. With petrified wood bits strewn around the area, as well as a fossilized elephant tooth, the researchers informed the personnel of the PLGU, CLGU, and the Barangay official that they would return for a more thorough examination of the area to further evaluate the site’s potential. The researchers urged Barangay officials to protect any fossilized bones discovered and preserve the location for future research. Mayor Darwin Estrañero welcomed the team and voiced support for their efforts. He expressed excitement about the prospect of discovering rich archaeological artifacts and promised to continue supporting their research activities, which aim to unearth the city’s historical significance as well as the possibility of ancient civilizations and animal species. The researchers were accompanied by Kalinga PLGU Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i, City Information Officer Aurora Amilig and CPIO staff, as well as Mr. Tony Ngaya-an, a Barangay Nambaran Council member and a resident of Nambaran who discovered the petrified wood and the fossilized tooth.    

Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. personally turned over a complete computer set with accessories to the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office in support of their efforts to ensure efficient operations. The donation was personally received by Force Commander PLtCol. Daniel Fakat.  

By Joyce Arian Soria – APIO   The Provincial Government of Apayao, through the leadership of Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. as the Co-chairperson of the PMRB Apayao, held a Provincial Mining Regulatory Board Meeting at the Lafaayette Luxury Suite, Baguio City, on February 26. The said meeting resulted in the approval and awarding of four Small Scale Mining Contracts of declared Minahang Bayan of Conner, Apayao. Regional Executive Director, Engr. Paquito T. Moreno of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CAR, as well as Regional Director and Chairperson of PMRB Apayao, Fay W. Apil from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Regional Director Jean Borromeo of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) deliberated and weighed the merits of the approved contracts. It is said that the items in the contracts are expected to enhance mining operations while ensuring adherence to environmental standards. With a total of six contracts in place, Apayao province now has the most approved small-scale mining contracts in the Cordillera. This new development proves its dedication to promoting responsible mining and engaging local communities through sustainable economic development. Regional Executive Director, Engr. Paquito T.Moreno highlighted the importance of the responsibilities accompanying these new contracts, emphasizing the necessity for contractors to adhere to the terms and conditions specified. “The contract are great responsibility coming from the contractors to abide and comply with their terms and condition of their contracts at the same time for concern government agencies to monitor the compliance of the Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) and to see to it that the product of this Minahang Bayan outreach will end up being sold at legitimate or accredited buying station for most of it is the Central Bank of the Philippines,” he added. Additionally, Regional Director and Chairperson of PMRB Apayao, Fay W. Apil expressed her gratitude to the Provincial Local Government of Apayao for its continued support to Small Scale Mining. The Minahang Bayan program, which seeks to grant small-scale miners legal access to mining rights, is intended to make mining safer and more organized, ultimately enhancing the livelihood prospects of residents in Conner and the surrounding communities. While Apayao seeks to become the leader in sustainable mining in the region, effective execution of these contracts will become a model for other provinces aimed to reconcile natural resource extraction and environmental conservation that it establishes its singular role as one of the Philippines’ Biosphere Reserves.

By Jesse Maguiya   TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Mayor Darwin Estrañero convened another meeting with officers and members of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council (MBCC), Bodong holders of the Kalinga sub-tribe Biga, and several Bodong holders from different tribes. The discussion focused on a circulating piece of fake news claiming that the Biga sub-tribe intended to return the sipat given to them by the Basao sub-tribe. During the meeting, Bodong holders and elders from the Biga sub-tribe assured Mayor Estrañero and Engineer Andres Ngao-I of the MBCC that they had taken swift action upon learning of the misinformation. They immediately convened their own meeting and unanimously decided that Mr. Ignacio Baglinit would serve as their primary representative. Having accepted this responsibility, he will now hold the sipat and serve as the Bodong holder for the Biga sub-tribe. In his message, Ignacio Baglinit, the Bodong holder of Biga, confirmed that they had already agreed to pursue a singlit with the Basao sub-tribe. (Singlit refers to a formal grievance or complaint raised by one tribe or party against another within the framework of the bodong (peace pact) system. It is a means of addressing concerns or perceived violations of the peace pact, such as an offense, wrongdoing, or breach of agreement.) He informed the mayor that they are fully prepared to face the Bodong holders and elders of the Basao sub-tribe through singlit. “Kayat mi koma nga ipanawagan iti kakailyan nga awan kina-agpaysu na dayta fake news a mapan mi isubli wenu ibabawi didiay sipat mi kadagiti kailyan a taga Basao ta dayta a banag ket saan a basta-basta karkaru ta uray dakami ket kayat min a malpas koma iti kasapaan a panawen daytoy problema ta awan met nasayaat nga ipaay na iti ili tayu a Tabuk City ken intiro a Probinsya ti Kalinga,” Mr. Baglinit explained. Engineer Andres Ngao-I, speaking on behalf of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council, stated that they had also received the misinformation and immediately called the attention of both tribes to prevent unnecessary actions that could escalate tensions. He reminded the Bodong holders from the Biga tribe not to spread unverified information. Mayor Estrañero supported this, emphasizing the importance of caution, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. He warned that relaying information inaccurately often leads to distortions and misunderstandings. “Masapul koma ag-verify tayu a nasayaat nu ada mangngeg tayu nga istorya tapnu maliklikan ti makunkuna a dagdag-bawas kasi kangrunaan a mapaspasamak ket manayun wenu makurangan ti maipasa nga impormasyon,” the mayor said. With this development, the mayor expressed his satisfaction, informing the Biga elders and pangats that their confirmation to proceed with singlit was the only remaining step. The Basao tribe had already expressed their willingness to engage in singlit earlier, and this confirmation now paves the way for the resolution process. As a follow-up, Engineer Andres Ngao-I, Chairman of the MBCC, held a separate meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with several Bodong holders and elders from the Basao sub-tribe. He informed them about what transpired during Monday’s meeting with the Biga Bodong holders. In response, the Basao elders stated that they would immediately schedule a tribe-wide meeting to discuss a possible date for the singlit.