By PIA-CAR   LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines (PIA) — Farmers, local leaders and agricultural stakeholders across the region celebrated the 10th founding anniversary of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad on May 15, 2026. Guided by the theme “Better, Together,” the gathering spurred discussions on the development of the BAPTC as a major hub for the trade of highland vegetables, and on the Cordillera agricultural industry. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro, representing Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., noted how BAPTC has become one of the prime agricultural trading centers in the region. He shared that BAPTC was originally conceptualized to serve only the province of Benguet but has significantly expanded over the last ten years, and is now serving  farming communities in Mountain Province and Ifugao. He emphasized how progress is achieved with continuing unity and partnership among all stakeholders, particularly the farmers, porters, packers, and government units. Situated in a four-hectare lot at the Strawberry Fields in Barangay Betag owned by the Benguet State University, BAPTC maintains cold and dry storage components as well as packaging and processing facilities. The bulk of the vegetables traded in BAPTC are sold in Metro Manila markets. Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas acknowledged the annual cycle of challenges hitting the agricultural sector, particularly unstable pricing for major crops like cabbage. Despite these hurdles, he praised the hard work and resilience of the local community. “We always experience this. Adda met dytoy nga mang mangyari but the resilience of the people, the people of our region, mabibyag tayo latta ta nagaget tayo nga ag trabaho” Diclas said. The official also urged stakeholders to formulate sustainable solutions to this persisting unstable pricing. “Magkaisa ulit tayo, pag-isipan natin ulit kung anong gagawin natin para hindi dumating ‘yung panahon na matagal ‘yung bagsak no’ng repolyo o kaya mga vegetable natin,” he said. Mankayan Mayor Cesar Pasiwen shared a market vision for Cordillera. He strongly advocated for halting vegetable importations from other countries, aiming instead for the region to become a major global exporter, particularly to the Middle East. “Nakita naman natin na ‘yung Middle East na pinanggagalingan ng oil natin ay desert, awan met pag mulaan da iti nateng. Ang dream sana natin, ‘yung repolyo natin, ‘yung umbok natin makarating sa Middle East,” the mayor said. Pasiwen also challenged the community to collaborate, “Agtintinulong tayo iti pagsyaatan ti vegetable industry tayo.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the BAPTC on April 17, 2026, to personally see the situation in the trading center amid the drop in prices of vegetables and the slowed-down transport of vegetable produce to the market due to the effects of the conflict in the Middle East. The Office of the President also bought around 20 tons of vegetables from the farmers. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR w/ UC intern Lyka Shane Corpuz)

BAGUIO CITY — Kinumpirma ng Philippine Air Force ang pagkamatay ng dalawang piloto habang ginagamot sa ospital bandang alas-4:00 ng hapon, matapos bumagsak ang fixed-wing training aircraft na kanilang pinalipad sa isang masukal na kagubatan sa Mount Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion, bayan ng Tuba, noong Mayo 20. Ayon sa PAF, bumagsak ang PAF SF260 trainer aircraft sa Mt. Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet bandang alas-10:20 ng umaga habang nasa isang mahabang navigation training flight ng Military Pilot Training (MPT). Natagpuang walang malay ang dalawang piloto ng mga rescuer at agad na isinugod sa ospital. Ang nasabing aircraft, na sakay ang dalawang biktima, ay isa sa labing-isang aircraft na umalis mula sa Basilio Fernando Air Base sa Lipa City, Batangas. Ang huling lokasyon nito na minomonitor ay naiulat na nasa layong dalawang nautical miles hilagang-kanluran ng Loakan Airport sa Baguio City bago nawalan ng kontak. Sa isang post sa social media, ipinahayag ng PAF ang taos-pusong pakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng mga biktima at tiniyak sa kanila ang buong suporta sa mahirap na panahong ito.

TUBA, Benguet  — Dalawang tauhan ng Philippine Air Force ang nasugatan matapos bumagsak ang sinasakyang fixed-wing training aircraft sa isang masukal na lugar sa Mount Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion, bayan ng Tuba, noong Mayo 20. Ayon kay Lt. Col. Roy Calulot, spokeprson ng Police Regional Office-Cordillera, nakilala ang isa sa mga biktima na si 1Lt Ruth Angelique R. Pasos, ng Philippine Air Force, habang ang kasama nitong naka-unipormeng lalaki ay hindi pa nakikilala na miyembro din ng PAF. Ayon kay Calulot, ang pagbagsak ng eroplano sa hindi pa malamang dahilan ay may tail No.10-39, na napag-alamang isang eroplanong pang-training ng PAF SF260 na tumatakbo sa ilalim ng call sign na “COUGAR DELTA 1” Naganap umano ang insidente na nakita ng mga naninirahan sa ang pagbagsak nito dakong alas 10:20 ng umaga at naiulat sa pulisya dakong alas 11:40 ng tanghali. Agad na nag-responde ang mga tauhan ng Tuba Municipal Police Station, Baguio City Police Office Station 10, Bureau of Fire Protection-Tuba, at Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office , matapos itawag sa kanila ang Barangay Chairman ng Poblacion sa nakitang agbagsak ng eroplano. Pagdating sa lugar, ang isang kulay abo, puti, at orange na eroplano ng gobyerno na may logo ng Philippine Air Force sa bahaging masukal na bahagi ng Mt. Cabuyao. Sinabi ng mga awtoridad na ang eroplano ay naunang lumipad mula sa Basilio Fernando Air Base sa Lipa City, Batangas. Ang huling lokasyon nito na minomonitor ay iniulat na mga dalawang nautical miles hilagang-kanluran ng Loakan Airport sa Baguio City bago nawalan ng komunikasyon.            

By Maria Aprila Cruz   CORDILLERA, Philippines (PIA) — For 38 years, the Department of Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (DepEd‑CAR) has served not just as an institution delivering quality education; it has become a home where generations of employees remain connected, guided by shared history, values, and vision. This was the core message of former Regional Director Dr. Ellen B. Donato, who served as Guest of Honor during the agency’s 38th Founding Anniversary celebration on April 30, 2026, with the theme, “DepEd‑CAR @ 38: Bridging the Future.” Speaking before officials, employees, retirees, and guests, Dr. Donato expressed deep gratitude for the tradition of inviting former employees back home every year, a practice she said keeps the spirit of the department alive across time and generations. “Calling us home every anniversary signifies a continuing relationship. This tradition makes DepEd‑CAR truly a home. A home for you to keep, for us retirees to keep coming back to, and for future employees to feel welcomed into,” she emphasized. She noted the changing face of the workforce, observing that around 50 percent of current employees are millennials, a stark contrast to the early years when the regional office was initially composed of senior personnel drawn from Regions 1 and 2 due to the lack of an approved staffing pattern. Yet despite differences in age, skills, and familiarity with modern technology like Artificial Intelligence, everyone remains united in purpose. “Whether we are adept at advanced technology or accustomed to traditional ways of working, we are all together in spirit as we pursue the department’s programs for the children of the region,” she said. From humble beginnings to enduring legacy Dr. Donato took the audience down memory lane, recalling the challenges and triumphs that shaped DepEd‑CAR. She paid tribute to the pioneering leaders, particularly the first Regional Director, Mr. Pedro Indunan, who is now 101 years old and still in good health, and the late Director Stephen N. Capuyan, who worked tirelessly to secure the regional office’s permanent site in Wangal, La Tinidad, from the Provincial Government of Benguet. She recounted how the office once operated at the Teachers’ Camp, facing uncertainty when its lease was not renewed and receiving little support from the central office at the time. Through determination and strong partnerships, the region was able to establish its own home—a testament to the resilience that defines the Cordilleran spirit, further proven when the region recovered strongly after the devastating 1990 earthquake. “We owe it to our pioneers. They did not just build an office; they built a future for all of us. Their foresight and hard work gave us the home we enjoy today,” Dr. Donato said. She also honored the 14 regional directors (five of them have already passed on)  who led the region through the years. She commended them for their contributions in improving services, systems, and facilities. Rooted in culture and values As the region welcomes its 15th Regional Director, Dr. Nicholas Capulong, Dr. Donato urged everyone to accord him full support and cooperation, citing the warm reception traditionally given to leaders assigned to the region. She emphasized that the true strength of DepEd‑CAR lies in its people and the cultural values that bind them, specifically “Inayan”, an unwritten moral code that guides conduct, promotes honesty, respect, humility, and community harmony, and serves as a reminder against wrongdoing. She also highlighted the value of “Binnadang” or mutual cooperation as essential in achieving collective goals. Donato noted that these indigenous values align with both spiritual teachings and the Civil Service Code of Ethics. “DepEd‑CAR is expected to be at the forefront in preserving, nurturing, and creating a ripple effect of our unique Cordilleran identity as generations unfold,” she stressed. Respect, health, and belongingness Addressing the rank‑and‑file employees, Dr. Donato gave heartfelt advice to perform their duties with excellence, but never at the expense of their health and well‑being. She urged everyone to take annual medical check‑ups seriously and care for one another in the workplace. She also shared the concept of the “Law of the Two Feet,” explaining that employees have the freedom to transfer or move elsewhere if they feel they are no longer valued or effective. However, she noted that the strong sense of belongingness in DepEd‑CAR often makes people choose to stay and contribute for as long as they are needed. “Everyone is important in the organization regardless of position, age, or origin. Remember: bosses come and go, but you remain as the workforce. Respect each other, cooperate with whoever leads us, and keep the spirit of unity alive,” she said. In closing, Dr. Donato remembered with fondness and prayer the former officials and employees who have passed on, describing them as the “missing link” that remains cherished in the hearts of the DepEd‑CAR family.  She called the retirees the “alumni” of the department, forever grateful that they are always welcomed back home. “Once a part of DepEd‑CAR, you always belong. Thank you for beckoning us home. This is home, and we are home,” she concluded. (JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR)

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – A native of Benguet was appointed as the new provincial director of the Benguet Provincial Office, in a simple Assumption of Command Ceremony at the Benguet PPO Conference Hall, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, on May 13. PCol. Dionisio D. Bonoy, native of Itogon, Benguet, joyfully received the command flag from PROCAR Regional Director Ericson Dilag, in welcoming the new leadership of the province, witnessed by Governor Melchor Diclas, command groups and chiefs of police of the 13 municipalities of the province. Upon assuming office, Bonoy expressed his commitment to give his full leadership effort to the men and women of Benguet PPO. In his message, Bonoy said he recognized the challenges of leadership and assured the public that he will continue to strengthen collaboration with the Local Government Unit, to ensure fair administration and police-centered services. Dilag also congratulated the new director and expressed confidence that he will fulfill his role of leading the Benguet PPO towards continuous development, improved public services, and effective law enforcement.                  

PROVINCE OF KALINGA, Philippines – The provinces of Kalinga and Apayao were formally declared as a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS) consecutively, marking a significant step in the province’s pursuit of lasting peace and sustainable development. Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba, along with senior officials of the Cordillera region, police and military, led a ceremony held at the Kalinga Sports Center, Capitol Hills, Bulanao, Tabuk City, on May 12. As part of the declaration, the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and order in the province was officially transferred from the Philippine Army (PA) to the Philippine National Police (PNP) through a ceremonial handover led by LtC. Jimrhic Obias, Commanding Officer of the 103rd Infantry Battalion, and PCol.Gilbert Fati-ig, Provincial Director of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office. MGen.Gullver Senires, Division Commander of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, also presented plaques of recognition for the award of the SSIPS seal to the various municipalities, the City of Tabuk, the Province of Kalinga, DILG Kalinga, and Kalinga PPO. According to Edduba, the pledge followed by the signing ceremony symbolizes the continued unity and cooperation of stakeholders in promoting peace and development in Kalinga. In neighboring Apayao province, Gov. Elias Bulut, Jr., said the declaration of peace shifts Apayao’s focus to jobs and long-term development. He described Apayao’s declaration under the SSIPS as a turning point for a province that has previously suffered from armed encounters, bomb threats, checkpoints, and insurgency-related violence. “Gone are the days of hearing about encounters, cannon fire, shelling, bombs, wounded, dead, military checkpoints. The declaration has a responsibility that now extends beyond peacekeeping, that the province must begin preparing for a unique phase of development in the years to come.” He also urged barangay and municipal leaders and residents that the province must now position itself for investments, changes, and opportunities that will sustain the next generation. This important activity emphasized that true and lasting peace can only be achieved through unity, cooperation, and collective action among government agencies, security forces, local leaders, and communities towards a peaceful and progressive “Bagong Pilipinas.”

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 6,670 jeepney drivers in the Cordillera region will receive P5,000 each under the Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development- Cordillera Administrative Region. In the first round of CRA payout on May 4 at the Baguio Convention Center, out of a total target of 3,868 jeepney drivers in Baguio City, 2,987 beneficiaries received P5,000 each. In total, Baguio City jeepneys drivers have a pool of P19,340,000. According to the DSWD FO CAR, beneficiaries who were included in the official list but did not get their CRA during the payout will have a special payout on May 9, 2026, at the DSWD Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) Office, 1st Floor, SN Oriental Building, #19 Leonard Wood Road. On May 5, the CRA payout was conducted at the municipal hall of La Trinidad targeting 2,372 jeepney drivers from 13 towns in Benguet, with a total fund of P11,860,000. The successful implementation of the payout was made possible through the support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baguio, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police (PNP), Baguio City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and other partner agencies. The payout demonstrated effective inter-agency coordination where the flow of beneficiaries was smooth through an organized system, from verification to the actual receipt of assistance. The presence and active participation of each agency was essential to ensure order, security, and speedy service throughout the payout day. Those who were not included in the list of beneficiaries are advised to contact the LTFRB for the corresponding verification and other processes. For other PUV drivers in other provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region, just wait for your payout schedule this week. Meanwhile, in a social media post by Jaime Galano, Jr., a jeepney driver from Baguio City, he expressed his gratitude for the government’s assistance in response to his daily needs as a driver who continues to face the challenge of high diesel prices.              

By Carlito Dar   BAGUIO CITY,Philippines  (PIA) — Over 7,000 local and overseas job vacancies are up for the taking at Baguio City’s Labor Day jobs fair in celebration of the 124th workers’ day observance on May 1, 2026, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center and SM City Baguio. Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Autonomous Region (DOLE-CAR) Regional Director Imelda Romanillos and officials of the City Public Employment Service Office, SM City Baguio, and other partners shared information about the jobs fair in a recent kapihan forum. DOLE-CAR, in partnership with the city PESO, will spearhead the job fair at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, where around 50 employers will be offering 4,415 local job vacancies and 2,424 overseas employment opportunities. In partnership with SM City Baguio, a jobs fair will be held at the Atrium, where 11 mall locators will offer almost 500 employment positions. Government agencies will set up a one-stop shop in both job fair venues to provide information, program consultation/counselling, and agency – related services. The Department of Migrant Workers will be there to monitor overseas employment and to process OFW documents, particularly the Overseas Employment Certificate. The Department of Trade and Industry will be ready to assist entrepreneurs or startups with business-related information or advice. For those who need technical – vocational education and training or skills upscaling, there is the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, while the Professional Regulation Commission will attend to the licensure examination needs of graduate students and to provide services to PRC – registered professionals. For social protection needs, the Home Development Mutual Fund or PAGIBIG, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Social Security System are ready to assist. Also joining the Labor Day Jobs Fair One – Stop – Shop are the Civil Service Commission, Philippine Statistics Authority, Employees Compensation Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Center and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, among others. Job seekers are advised to bring their best selves (come in proper attire), have multiple resumes (biodata), and be ready to be interviewed onsite. The 124th Philippine Labor Day celebration carries the theme, “Disenteng Trabaho Para sa Lahat: Iisang Hangarin, Bagong Pilipinas, sama-samang Mararating”. (CCD/PIA CAR)

By Rod G. Asurin   APAYAO, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to step up efforts to modernize rice farming, training farmers in Apayao on drone technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase yields. Farmers in Barangay Emiliana, Santa Marcela took part in a hands-on demonstration showcasing drone-assisted direct seeding, field mapping, and automated application of fertilizers and pesticides on March 26, 2026. Participants in this activity include 64 farmer-cooperators in said barangay with around 120 hectares of rice fields. The farmers are beneficiaries of the DA’s Drones4Rice project, an initiative under the National Rice Program that promotes precision agriculture through the use of drones. According to DA-Cordillera Assistant Regional Rice Focal Person Bruce Daculan, local farmers were initially hesitant to adopt the technology during the first techno-demonstration, but said interest grew as farmers saw positive results from earlier demonstrations. He noted that drones help reduce production costs, lessens labor requirements, speeds up farm operations, and helps optimize input use compared to traditional methods. Meanwhile, National Rice Program consultant Dr. Andrew Villacorta encouraged the participants to promote the technology within their communities and consider value-adding strategies to increase income instead of relying solely on palay sales. During the activity, farmers also received guidance on proper fertilizer use based on soil analysis and local conditions to ensure efficient input use and better yields. Bessie Pascua, a first-time participant, said the activity helped them better understand how modern tools can improve their farming practices. “Malaking tulong po ito sa amin. Mas napadali ang trabaho at mas nakita namin ang benepisyo ng makabagong teknolohiya sa pagsasaka,” she said. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to modernize agriculture and strengthen food security under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s development agenda. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR  with reports from DA Rafis Cordillera)