ITOGON, Benuet, Philippines  – The Municipal Government of Itogon and SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAPBI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a P4-million donation to support the construction of the Itogon Super Health Center on Monday, October 12 at the Municipal Hall. The donation supplements the initial P20-million funding secured in 2025 by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, in coordination with Benguet Representative Eric G. Yap, from the Department of Health (DOH) for the construction of a large-scale, two-storey health facility. Under the agreement, the one-time P4-million donation will be charged against the corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment for the Binga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, covering Phases 1 to 3. The amount will be used to fund the construction of the facility’s masonry walls and roofing. The MOA was signed by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, Municipal Vice Mayor Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio, and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) Engr. Imelda F. Nuguid representing LGU Itogon, and Mr. Michael Bon Hosillos, First Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of SNAPBI. With a planned floor area of approximately 450 square meters, the health center is currently being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH-CAR). According to Municipal Engineer Engr. Michelle A. Busacay, the LGU is awaiting the turnover of the project from DPWH-CAR before proceeding with the utilization of the donation for the intended construction works. Meanwhile, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Oliver P. Guadaña said that once the infrastructure is completed, the facility will need to be equipped with the necessary medical equipment and supplies to make its services operational. He added that the LGU intends to seek additional assistance from the DOH for the facility’s equipping requirements. The Itogon Super Health Center is envisioned to provide essential healthcare services, including laboratory examinations, minor surgical procedures, birthing services, dental care, pharmacy services, and X-ray examinations, bringing a wider range of medical services closer to the community. Mayor Waclin and Vice Mayor Godio expressed their gratitude to SNAPBI for its support, noting that the additional funding will help advance the development of the health facility and contribute to improving access to essential healthcare services for Itogon residents. The partnership reflects the continuing collaboration between the municipal government and the private sector in strengthening local healthcare infrastructure and bringing more accessible health services to the community. (Capsula & Padcayan, GIP)

Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), together with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI) and the local government of La Trinidad, Benguet, held a community mission for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the municipality, where 291 individuals received medical services and 60 beneficiaries availed themselves of dental care, expanding access to essential healthcare in the community. Free consultations, dental procedures such as prophylaxis and tooth extraction, X-ray services, blood sugar testing, vital signs monitoring, prescribed medicines, and health education on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle practices were offered to participants. Volunteer doctors and healthcare workers attended to residents, while the local government and Municipal Health Office (MHO) helped coordinate the activity and provide technical support. AFI supported the initiative as part of the partnership to bring healthcare services closer to the community. For 77-year-old Davina Dimgas of Lower Wangal, Benguet, managing diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and heart failure is made more difficult by limited access to healthcare. Living in the farthest part of the barangay, she relies on scheduled jeepney trips for medical consultations and prescribed medicines. “At my age, managing several illnesses is not easy, especially when traveling for check-ups and medicines. We depend on scheduled jeepney trips, so free medical services are a big help because it saves us the time and expense of traveling far to get the care we need.  I am truly grateful for this assistance,” she said. For Aboitiz Renewables, working with local partners helps make community initiatives responsive to needs identified on the ground, including access to basic healthcare. “Bringing medical and dental services closer to communities helps residents get the care they need,” said Noreen Vicencio, Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations at Aboitiz Renewables. “Together with Aboitiz Foundation and the local government of La Trinidad, we support community health needs by working with local partners to bring essential care closer to families.” Aboitiz Renewables operates nine run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet. Alongside its renewable energy operations, the company works with Aboitiz Foundation and local government units on community initiatives that respond to local needs. Through these partnerships, the company supports efforts to bring basic healthcare services closer to underserved communities, helping residents access medical and dental care where these services may not always be readily available.

SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) gathered its host communities for its annual Host Communities’ Forum (HCF) on September 29, 2026 at Big Belly, Itogon, Benguet, centered on the theme “Transforming Commitments into Meaningful Change.” The event welcomed around 50 local government unit representatives from our host communities in the province of Benguet, led by Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes. Delivering the keynote address, SNAP’s General Manager and Group Chief Executive Daniel Icasiano shared that a commitment proves its worth when it makes a real difference in people’s lives and keeps doing so over time. “Transformation is not what we announce. It is what is still different five years after we leave the room,” he said. He pointed to two SNAP-Benguet programs that carry its commitments into long-term benefits for communities: the BRIGHTS (Bridging Gaps in Higher Education through Tertiary Scholarships) program, which supports students in completing their education and building skills that lead to employment, and SNAP’s watershed management programs, which cover watershed conservation and forest fire protection activities. Local leaders echoed the call for continued partnership. In a speech of gratitude, Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes of Benguet thanked SNAP for standing with the communities and fulfilling its role as a responsible corporate citizen, and called on the company and local stakeholders to keep working together. “Developments must be people-centric and community-driven,” she said. The forum reaffirmed SNAP-Benguet’s partnership with its host communities and local stakeholders, and its shared efforts to create lasting change where it operates.  

By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III CORDILLERA, Philippines — The Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP), a climate adaptation initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, underwent a project review with the World Bank during the second Implementation Support Mission (ISM) held from 29 September to 2 October 2026 in the Cordillera Administrative Region. The mission included document review of Municipal Resilience Plans (MRPs) and Participatory Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (PRVA) results, followed by field validation of identified target sites in Benguet. The activities assessed how community-identified risks were reflected in municipal resilience planning and how the proposed resilience investments respond to the priority risks identified through the participatory process. The field validation focused on selected target sites in the municipalities of Bokod and Buguias, Benguet, where the mission team met with local officials, community volunteers, and other stakeholders to validate the identified risks and proposed interventions. On 30 September, the team visited Barangays Bila and Ambuclao in Bokod to validate proposed resilience investments identified through the Municipal Resilience Plan. In Bila, the team visited the proposed Construction of Slope Protection, while in Ambuclao, the proposed Concreting of Foot Trails with Railings was presented for validation. Meanwhile, in Buguias, the team proceeded to Barangays Lengaoan and Amgaleyguey on 1 October. In Lengaoan, the team validated the proposed Improvement of Access Road and visited the sinking area in Sitio Pilando, an identified risk area in the community. In Amgaleyguey, the team validated the proposed Improvement of Slope Protection and Storm Drainage Canal. During the field validation, World Bank Senior Water Specialist Georges Comair, PhD, emphasized that the mission was not simply an observation activity but an opportunity to work with communities in identifying challenges and finding practical, community-owned solutions. “Pagkilos, which means action, is a landmark initiative led by the DSWD with strong support from the World Bank. It builds on the proven community-driven development approach of KALAHI-CIDSS and the goal is clear: to strengthen the capacity of vulnerable communities like yours to plan for resilience, identify climate and disaster risks and invest in solutions that protect lives, livelihoods, and our future,” he said. He also acknowledged the contribution of community volunteers, noting that their time, energy, and commitment are central to the implementation of the project. The mission also provided an opportunity for DSWD to clarify implementation concerns and identify areas where technical assistance and policy guidance may be needed. Assistant Secretary for Promotive Programs Edmon B. Monteverde called for open communication among the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO), Area Coordinating Teams (ACTs), and National Program Management Office (NPMO) as implementation progresses. “This is an opportunity for us to clarify the matters and concerns that we have encountered in the course of implementing the PCRP, especially as we navigate the different processes involved in its implementation. I hope these can be addressed through the assistance of the RPMO, ACTs, and NPMO, particularly in providing technical assistance and developing the necessary policy guidelines. Let us maintain open communication as we move forward with the implementation of PCRP,” he said. The World Bank delegation was led by Comair and Social Development Specialist Josephine Jade. They were joined by the DSWD Central Office, the KALAHI-CIDSS NPMO, the DSWD FO CAR RPMO, ACTs, and a representative from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev), a member of the Regional Steering Committee. The mission concluded with an Exit Conference on 2 October 2026 in Baguio City, where the World Bank team presented observations and recommendations from the technical review and field validation. DSWD Field Office CAR OIC Regional Director Enrique H. Gascon Jr. emphasized that the mission also reflected the Cordilleran values of Dap-ay, a space for dialogue and collective decision-making, and Binnadang, the spirit of helping one another toward a common purpose. “PCRP is about building resilience with communities, not simply for communities, and doing so through genuine partnership among government, development partners, local governments, and the people we serve,” RD Gascon said. The mission’s findings and agreements will guide the succeeding implementation of PCRP as DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS and its partners continue to strengthen community resilience across the Cordillera.  

By Christian Allister G. Tubadeza   BANGUED, Abra, Philippines — Twenty-five Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Abra Provincial Jail will soon be equipped with practical livelihood skills through a two-day community-based training on bread and pastry production conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Abra. The training provides the participating PDLs with basic knowledge and hands-on skills in bread and pastry production, which they may use to pursue livelihood and employment opportunities upon their eventual return to the community. TESDA Abra Provincial Director Belmar Angoling said the PDLs are among the special beneficiaries of TESDA’s training programs, emphasizing the role of skills development in preparing them for their eventual return to mainstream society. “We are so happy that you are included among the special beneficiaries of TESDA Training Programs since our intention here is to prepare you when you return to mainstream society. One of the important opportunities that TESDA provides for you is through community-based training,” he said. The initiative forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to make skills development accessible to PDLs, recognizing the importance of providing them with opportunities to acquire competencies that can support their rehabilitation and reintegration. Representing Governor Eustaquio Takit Bersamin, Provincial Information Officer Atty. King Blas Pagtailan underscored that the training goes beyond teaching participants how to bake, emphasizing the potential of newly acquired skills to become a source of livelihood and personal independence. “Ang pagkakaroon ng bagong kasanayan ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pag-aaral sa paggawa ng tinapay. It is about gaining a skill that will eventually become a source of your livelihood, independence and dignity,” he said. The partnership between TESDA and the provincial government highlights the importance of collaboration among government agencies in providing interventions that address not only the immediate needs of PDLs but also their preparation for life beyond incarceration. Through skills development programs such as community-based training, the government seeks to help PDLs build practical competencies, regain confidence, and prepare for a more productive life as they eventually return to their families and communities. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)

By Iryll O. Sicnao   TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines — The economy of Kalinga grew by 4.9 percent in 2025—the third fastest in the Cordillera region after Baguio City and Ifugao, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year was estimated at P31.40 billion compared to P29.92 billion in 2024. Among the industries, the fastest growth was posted by agriculture, forestry, and fishing with 18.1%, reflecting a sharp rebound from 2024 when the sector contracted by 6.8%. This was followed by education and human health and social work activities which expanded by 11.0% and 10.7%, respectively Other industries also grew, including professional and business services (6.4%), real estate and ownership of dwellings (5.9%), transportation and storage (5.2%), public administration and defense; compulsory social security (4.9%), other services (4.9%), wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (4.5 percent), mining and quarrying (2.7 percent), accommodation and food service activities (2.6%), manufacturing (2.2%), financial and insurance activities (2%), and information and communication (1.1%). The only industries that declined were construction which contracted by 11.3%, and electricity, steam, water, and waste management which slowed down by 0.4%. In 2025, the per capita GDP of Kalinga was estimated at P127,711, which represents a 3.5% increase compared to the per capita GDP posted in 2024. The PSA-Kalinga presented the province’s 2025 economic performance during the Provincial Product Accounts Dissemination Forum on September 29, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

PIDIGAN, Abra, Philippines  – communities now have access to a safer pathway and are safeguarded against possible landslides through the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR), Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program under the Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay–Community-Driven Development (KKB-CDD). The completed 4.1M sub-projects were formally inaugurated and turned over on August 25-28, 2026. These projects addressed the communities’ identified needs, particularly the poor condition of roads in Barangays Naguirayan, Garreta, and Monggoc, and slope protection in Barangay Sulbec to help prevent landslides and protect public infrastructure.​ Through the KALAHI-CIDSS community-driven development approach, residents actively participated in identifying their priority needs, preparing project proposals, managing implementation, and overseeing the completion of their chosen sub-projects. ​“Seeing our dream access road completed gives us an overwhelming sense of pride because we built it together,” said Florgale T. Paculan, a KALAHI-CIDSS volunteer from Barangay Garreta.

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Police Regional Office-Cordillera jointly burned a total of P20,240,675.00 worth of marijuana leaves during a ceremonial burning at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, on October 8. The ceremonial burning included 62.279 kilograms of dried marijuana stems and leaves with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P7,784,875.00 along with 59 pieces of marijuana plants with a SDP of P12,455,800.00 that were destroyed by burning. The destroyed illegal drugs were confiscated in various anti-illegal drug operations and were properly examined in court through representative samples and required official documents. The ceremonial destruction emphasizes the commitment to ensure the proper disposal of confiscated dangerous drugs and prevent their possible diversion, theft, or recycling. The activity was conducted in accordance with Section 21, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002, which provides for the proper custody, disposition, and destruction of confiscated dangerous drugs. The activity was led by PDEA Regional Director Edgar Jubay, accompanied by PBGen. Julio Lizardo, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; PCol Damian Olsim, Chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division; PCol Byron Tegui-in, Chief of the Regional Information and Communications Technology Management Division; and representatives from the Regional Forensic Unit–CAR, representatives from the Department of Justice, Environmental Management Bureau–CAR, and the Public Attorney’s Office.  

By Debbie E. Gasingan   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Modern transport service entities in the Cordillera are now processing their application to avail of the monthly financial subsidy under the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP). Atty. Mariane Reina Dumpayan of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Cordillera (LTFRB-CAR) said that under the program, each qualified modern public utility vehicle (PUV) will receive a monthly subsidy of P20,000.00 to settle monthly amortization to ensure continued operation. “Ito, makatutulong ito sa mga nagmamay-ari at driver ng modernized jeepneys upang ang amortized loans nila ay matulungan sila doon,” Dumpayan said in an interview with PTV Cordillera. The assistance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to continue measures to cushion commuters, drivers, and transport operators from the impact of high fuel prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Funded from an allocation managed by LTFRB, the financial assistance will be for three months or until the  funds have been fully utilized. Aside from this program, the LTFRB has been in constant coordination with different government offices to provide possible support to PUV drivers and operators affected by high oil prices. Dumpayan mentioned that they have partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program, the Department of Energy for the fuel discount, and the Department of Labor and Employment for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers. Meanwhile, Dumpayan  clarified that the implementation of the special fare rate for PUVs in the Cordillera is only voluntary. “Hindi siya dapat pinupuwersa sa mga komyuter kasi meron pa naman ‘yung fare matrix na ibinaba ng LTFRB Central Office,” Dumpayan emphasized. She said they had consultations with the concerned sectors for the implementation of fare adjustment in the region. The proposals for the fare adjustment will be submitted to the LTFRB Central Office for consideration. “Ipapasa sa LTFRB office para mas maging permanente ang solusyon para matulungan ang ating mga drivers at operators,” she said. The temporary fare increase took effect last Sept. 18, where the minimum fare in traditional jeepneys for the first four kilometers is  P14  for regular passengers and P11.25 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, with an additional P2.000 for every succeeding kilometer. Some drivers are allegedly collecting a P15 minimum fare. As to modern jeepneys, the minimum fare is ₱17 for the first four kilometers and an additional ₱2.40 to ₱2.80 per succeeding kilometer. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)