TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines —Fifty-one Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from various barangays in Tabuk City took their oath and underwent an orientation on agrarian reform laws, policies, and support services on July 16, 2026, as part of the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) continuing efforts to prepare beneficiaries for land ownership and the eventual issuance of their individual land titles. The activity, organized by the Land Tenure Improvement Division (LTID) of DAR-Kalinga at Red Star Hotel and Event Place in Bulanao, aimed to equip beneficiaries with the legal knowledge, responsibilities, and government interventions available under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Engr. Joseph Calderon described the orientation and oath-taking as an important milestone in the beneficiaries’ agrarian reform journey. He urged the participants to preserve and productively cultivate the lands awarded to them instead of selling them, emphasizing that the properties should serve as a lasting source of livelihood for their families and future generations. The orientation covered key agrarian reform programs and policies, including the Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) under Republic Act No. 11953, land acquisition and distribution processes, relocation and subdivision surveys, Land Transfer Clearance procedures, and documentary requirements for agricultural land transactions. Participants were also introduced to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development and Sustainability Program (ARBDSP), which provides support services such as organizational strengthening, farm productivity interventions, climate-resilient agriculture initiatives, and enterprise development. Resource persons encouraged beneficiaries to organize and actively participate in Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) to improve their access to government assistance and development programs. An open forum allowed the beneficiaries to raise concerns regarding land surveys, legal land transfers, DAR clearances, and available support services, with resource speakers providing clarifications on the Department’s policies and procedures. In the afternoon, Presiding Judge Hon. Tshaine B. Taguinod-Maggay of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) of Tabuk City administered the oath to the 51 beneficiaries. She reminded them that while agrarian reform grants them the opportunity to own land, it also carries the responsibility of protecting, cultivating, and managing it in accordance with the law.

The Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO) is projecting another increase in consumers’ electricity bills this July of about P0.60 per kilowatt-hour, attributing the adjustment to higher electricity prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. BENECO said electricity rates are expected to return to normal by September. This was announced by BENECO General Manager Melchor Licoben during the Baguio City Council’s legislative inquiry on July 13, 2026 regarding last month’s increase in electricity bills. The City Council’s legislative inquiry was prompted by the noticeable increase in electricity rates charged to BENECO consumers which rose by P1.9409/kWh, or about 20%, from P9.7041/kWh in May to P11.6500/kWh in June. The electric bill comprises four components: generation cost, transmission cost, distribution cost, and other support charges. According to Licoben, the increase in June electricity bills was primarily due to higher generation costs. He said BENECO sources about 50% of its electricity from Thermal Luzon, Inc. (TLI), whose generation rate increased by 10%, while another 33% is purchased through the WESM where electricity prices rose by 57%. He further explained that the increase in generation costs in almost all distribution utilities was triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He said the resulting increase in electricity rates was temporarily cushioned by the Energy Regulatory Commission’s P6.00 cap on coal prices. However, the cap remained in effect for only one month, after which electricity prices in the WESM reverted to market-based pricing. However, Licoben announced that the new contract between BENECO and Mansiloc Power Co. Ltd. (MPCL) would be formalized on July 26, 2026, ending the cooperative’s exposure to the WESM. He said the agreement would benefit both BENECO and its consumers as the impact of higher WESM prices would be minimized through the lock-in rates agreed upon by both parties. The general manager likewise clarified that BENECO’s billing cycle has a one-month lag, meaning the increase in electricity bills in June reflected the higher electricity rates in May. Amid volatile electricity prices in the WESM which continue to affect consumers’ electricity bills, BENECO has several projects in the pipeline following the successful construction and operation of the 3.24-megawatt Man-asok Hydroelectric Power Plant in Buguias. “Although the Man-asok Power Plant currently meets only 3 percent of our electricity demand, it proves that BENECO can generate its own power supply,” he said. BENECO is pursuing the following initiatives: A 10-megawatt minihydro power plant in Adaway, Kabayan with a Notice to Proceed issued by A 10-megawatt mini-hydroelectric power plant in Adaway, Kabayan, for which the Department of Energy has issued a Notice to Proceed; A nine-megawatt solar energy project in Tabaan Sur; The exploration of other potential sites in Bakun, Kapangan, and Tuba; and Partnerships with developers in Benguet to provide additional power generation capacity beyond BENECO’s existing contracted supply. Licoben said these projects are expected to help stabilize electricity rates for consumers in Baguio and Benguet. –Jordan G. Habbiling  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – With the theme “Chikiting Ligtas.Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bata ay Ligtas mula Tigdas” the Department of Health is now targeting 150,816 children in the entire Cordillera region to be vaccinated under the Measles Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activity (MR SIA) by the month of August. According to Jeffrey Tamondong, Health Education and Promotion Officer of the Department of Health (DOH), MR SIA will cover all children aged 6 to 59 months, regardless of their previous vaccination status, as long as there is a minimum interval of four weeks since their last vaccination. Tamondong said there is no cure for measles and rubella, but vaccination helps prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. He noted that an unvaccinated child infected with measles can transmit the disease to up to six other individuals. He also assured that MR vaccines have been proven safe and effective, and that health workers are ready to immediately monitor and manage possible adverse effects after vaccination. In Baguio City, a total of 25,335 children aged 6 to 59 months are scheduled to be vaccinated with MR SIA in barangays throughout the health district starting August 3, according to Sonia Wakat-Insas, nurse coordinator of the City Health Services Office. Wakat-Insas said that fixed vaccination sites, including health centers, health stations, private clinics, hospital outpatient departments (OPDs), and other health facilities, will be open daily throughout the campaign. Preparatory activities include the placement of spot maps identifying all fixed vaccination sites to provide advance information to health workers, parents, and other clients. The campaign will be conducted in collaboration with the health districts of Asin, Atab, Atok Trail, Aurora Hill, Campo Filipino, City Camp, Engineers Hill, Irisan, Loakan, Lucban, Mines View, Pacdal, Pinsao, Quezon Hill, Quirino Hill, and Scout Barrio. Children aged 6 to 11 months will receive a blue vitamin A capsule containing 100,000 international units (IU), while those aged 12 to 59 months will receive a red capsule containing 200,000 IU. Additionally, infants vaccinated between the ages of 6 and 11 months will follow the regular MMR vaccination schedule at least four weeks later.

Company cites completed consent process   MANKAYAN, Benguet, Philippines — Crescent Mining and Development Corporation (CMDC) today reaffirmed that its current activities in Mankayan are limited to exploration drilling under duly issued government permits, and renewed its invitation to community leaders to resolve outstanding concerns through dialogue. Exploration, not mining The work now underway is exploration drilling under CMDC’s Exploration Work Program approved by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau on August 28, 2025. The program’s sole purpose is to gather geological data for a pre-feasibility study — to determine whether future development of the deposit is feasible. No ore is being extracted, no land is being excavated beyond narrow patches land for drill pads, and no mineral processing is taking place. Drilling is confined to specific, limited sites within the tenement; it does not involve the entire 533.4-hectare area. Should studies eventually show that development is feasible, mining could not simply proceed. Further negotiations with the community, endorsements from local government units, an Environmental Compliance Certificate, and additional government approvals would all be required. The Environmental Impact Assessment study which is required to be conducted in this period was also postponed. CMDC also confirmed that open-pit mining is not being considered at any stage. The deposit’s depth and geometry make it unsuitable for open-pit methods; studies to date indicate. A completed, NCIP-supervised consent process CMDC’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA No. 057-96-CAR), originally granted in 1996, was renewed by the DENR in March 2022 for a second 25-year term, on the condition that a Certification Precondition be obtained from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). That condition has been fulfilled. The Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process — initiated in October 2021 and facilitated by the NCIP over nearly four years — included community assemblies in all twelve barangays of the Mankayan ancestral domain, conducted twice per barangay, followed by a decision-making stage completed in August 2024 under rules agreed at the outset: one vote per barangay, simple majority. A majority of barangays voted in favor. A Memorandum of Agreement between CMDC and the Mankayan Ancestral Domain was signed on December 18, 2024, and the NCIP Commission En Banc — after separately hearing the barangays that voted no — approved the issuance of a Certification Precondition under CEB Resolution No. 2025-10-09-051. The CP was signed by the NCIP Chairperson on September 29, 2025. CMDC acknowledges that a petition questioning the CP is pending before the NCIP, filed in April 2026, and respects that process. The company is confident in the integrity of the FPIC undertaken. A record of restraint and engagement  When the Municipal Mayor issued a Cease and Desist Order in October 2025, CMDC voluntarily complied and suspended activities while the issues raised were addressed. Following written advice from MGB-CAR (November 2025) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (December 2025) that the order fell outside LGU jurisdiction over a validly permitted exploration period, the Mayor repealed the CDO through Executive Order No. 21, Series of 2026, on April 4, 2026. CMDC has continued to seek dialogue, including a meeting with municipal and barangay officials in the months following the issuance of the CDO from Mayor Cesar Pasiwen until June 16, 2026 where they announced that they will resume the drilling activities. During the June 16 dialogue some participants even urged the company to go ahead with the plan. Environmental safeguards during drilling Even at the exploration stage, CMDC implements site-specific environmental controls: lined drill pads and mud pits that contain drilling fluids and cuttings; collection and storage of topsoil for restoration; hole sealing in accordance with MGB guidelines; regular water, air, and noise quality testing; and full rehabilitation of drill sites — previous sites have been returned to landowners and are again productive farmland. The company also planted 6,000 to 7,000 benguet pine trees, coffee, and bamboo seedlings annually across Guinaoang, Bulalacao, and neighboring barangays. Drill sites are documented, and CMDC welcomes community observers to verify that activities remain within the approved exploration scope. Respect for community concerns CMDC recognizes that some residents of Barangays Bulalacao and Guinaoang hold genuine concerns about the project’s potential impact on farmlands, water, and livelihoods. The company takes these concerns seriously. As a commitment to allay the fears of the community, CMDC, through its President, Engr. Ronnie Siapno executed an affidavit of undertaking that was attached to the Certification Precondition and the Memorandum of Agreement with the Indigenous People of Mankayan. (Press Release) About CMDC: Crescent Mining and Development Corporation holds MPSA No. 057-96-CAR covering 533.4 hectares in Mankayan, Benguet, renewed for a second 25-year term to 2046. CMDC is affiliated with Blackstone Minerals Ltd (ASX:BSX).

By Christian Alllister G. Tubadeza   From traditional farming to precision agriculture   PEÑARRUBIA, Abra, Philippines  — For decades, mango farmer and entrepreneur Arnel Valera relied on conventional methods to manage his sprawling mango plantation in Abra. With over 3,000 mango trees spread across 20 hectares of land, spraying fertilizers and crop protection products was a labor-intensive task that required significant time, manpower, and resources. The challenge takes flight Through the Department of Science and Technology Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST-CEST) Program, Valera recently received an XAG P150 Pro agricultural drone worth P1.780 million, providing a modern solution to improve productivity, precision and efficiency in his mango farm. The intervention also includes free drone operation training, assistance in securing the necessary license to operate, and drone registration, ensuring that the technology can be used safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. As the owner of AVV Food Products, a local enterprise known for its dried mango products, the quality of his processed products depends heavily on the condition of the mangoes harvested from his farm. However, managing thousands of trees using traditional spraying methods often meant higher labor costs and longer working hours. For Valera, the drone’s precision application capability also allows inputs such as insecticides and fertilizers to be used more efficiently, reducing wastage while ensuring that each tree receives the necessary treatment. “Mas mapadaras ti panag spray mi ken makatipid ti labor, makasave ti time ken mapabassit ti input ti insecticide kada fertilizer ta mas accurate pannakai-apply na daytoy drone. Dakkel nga value daytoy isu nga dakkel ti tulong ti DOST ta awan ti interest daytoy mabayadan babaen ti CEST,” he said. (It expedites the process of spraying and saves me labor costs and time. It will also lessen my input of insecticide and fertilizers since the drone is accurate in applying such. This is a great value so I thank the DOST because I will not be paying for any interest through CEST.) Using advance transmission system, the drone can automatically map out its flight path to the locations where the spraying of insecticide and fertilizers is needed. By automating a task that traditionally requires several workers and many hours in the field, the drone offers a practical solution to modern agricultural challenges. DOST-Abra Science Research Specialist Rose Crizzle Cabangbang explained that the assistance provided to AVV Food Products reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting local enterprises through science and technology interventions. “Enterprises here in Abra, most especially ‘yong mga enterprises who engage in food processing, sila ang puwedeng mabigyan ng equipment or machineries through CEST. Basta kumpleto sila sa permits and business registration, we will assist them,” she said. Cabangbang emphasized that the CEST Program is designed to help qualified micro, small, and medium enterprises improve their operations by providing access to appropriate technologies and equipment. Through these interventions, DOST aims to strengthen local industries, enhance productivity, and create more economic opportunities within communities. Through the support of the DOST CEST Program, a local mango grower and food processor is embracing precision agriculture, proving that modern technology can help rural enterprises flourish while cultivating a more productive and sustainable future for Abra’s agricultural sector. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE. Philippines – A total of 43 irrigation projects for the province this CY 2026 were presented in a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on July 8. The groundbreaking ceremony is led by NIA-CAR Regional Manager Ronilio Cervantes, Congressman Maximo Dalog, Jr. of the Lone District of Mountain Province, Montañosa Federation of Irrigators’ Associations President Ezra Gomez, and other officials. With a total budget allocation of ₱140 million, these 43 projects in the 10 municipalities of Mountain Province aims to serve a total area of 483 hectares, in which 165 hectares are considered new area. A total of 1,927 farmers and their families are estimated to use these irrigation projects when completed. Of these, 19 are new small irrigation projects (SIP), 5 are solar-powered pump irrigation projects, 9 projects are intended for restoration focusing on bringing abandoned or non-operational communal irrigation systems (CIS) back into service, 10 projects are for the repair of existing CIS (fix specific damages within existing CISs to ensure more efficient irrigation delivery. The 43 projects are distributed across the municipalities as follows: 10 projects in Bauko, 6 in Bontoc, 2 in Barlig, 4 in Besao, 4 in Sagada, 1 jointly covering Sagada and Besao, 5 in Paracelis, 2 in Sadanga, 3 in Natonin, 3 in Sabangan, and 3 in Tadian. Also leading the ceremonies are Hon. Alfonso Ligos, Jr., president of the Liga ng mga Barangay of Mountain Province, Provincial Governor represented by Provincial Administrator John Likigan, Engr. Abraham Akilit, former regional manager of NIA-CAR, NIA Mountain Province Satellite Office employees led by Provincial Head Winston Daoas, and presidents of various Irrigators’ Associations. Cong. Dalog said that project implementation is a shared responsibility, with irrigators associations playing an important role in project implementation as they can be stewards and monitors so projects are long-lasting. He also expressed hopes for a national irrigation project through the proposed Upper Butigue Irrigation Project to serve the wide valleys in Paracelis. Meanwhile, NIA-CAR Regional Manager Cervantes expressed that the groundbreaking aims to inform various stakeholders and the public of the projects, urging also all irrigators associations to become more active partners in monitoring and inspection. He also informed that after completion, communal and small irrigation projects are turned over to duly formed Irrigators’ Associations for operation and maintenance. Also, during the ceremony, a total of ₱283,618 operation and maintenance (O&M) subsidies were presented to MOFIA for distribution to various irrigators’ associations in Mountain Province. IAs are encouraged to continue with their O&M activities within their irrigation systems, submit reports and accomplishments to NIA to be able to continually claim their subsidies.

BENGUET, Philippines — SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) was recognized by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for Binga hydroelectric power plant’s outstanding operational performance and steadfast commitment to ensuring reliable and secure electricity supply. The award was presented during the ERC’s 25th Founding Anniversary celebration on June 26, 2026. The award, personally received by SNAP representative Andrea Toyoda, Assistant Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, recognizes Binga hydro’s technical expertise and dedication to maintaining high standards of plant performance. With the theme, “The Next Watt: 25 Years of Regulating for a Modern Energy Future,” the event was held at Exquadra Tower in Pasig City and brought together stakeholders from across the Philippine energy sector. It also provided an avenue for attending relevant industry movers to discuss their respective roles in advancing a resilient, future-ready power industry. SNAP Chief Operations Officer Mike Hosillos said, “Reliable operations are built through our team’s disciplined commitment to hold themselves to the highest standards every day. This award recognizes those daily efforts, as well as SNAP’s core values of excellence and teamwork. We thank the ERC for the recognition and its continued support. We will keep raising the bar to help ensure a secure and dependable power supply.” SNAP acknowledges the recognition as it continues to pursue more innovative ways to improve operational reliability, reinforcing its role in helping provide a stable and secure electricity supply to the communities and industries it serves

  BUGUIAS, Benguet, Philippines – A total of 18 projects are starting implementation this July after the conduct of the ceremonial groundbreaking of all CY 2026 projects in Benguet held earlier today in Brgy. Buyacaoan of this municipality. The ceremonial groundbreaking, which includes capsule-laying in Sitio Bayoyo, is led by NIA-CAR officials led by Regional Manager Ronilio Cervantes, NIA Benguet Provincial Head Chester Laplana Hon. Kenneth Tereng of the KM Party-List represented by Mr. Ryan Mang-usan, Governor Melchor Diclas represented by Mr. Mario Baucas, Buguias Mayor Julius Amos represented by Councilors Wilnar Tolida and Jose Bayas, Brgy. Chairperson Simon Guinid, Sr., various Irrigators’ Associations leaders of Buguias and other municipalities of the province. Of these 18 projects amounting to a total budget allocation of P135 million, eight are for the repair and restoration of existing communal irrigation projects to rehabilitate 100 hectares and restore 72 hectares. There are 10 small irrigation projects (new) which includes three solar-powered pump irrigation projects, intended to generate a total new area of 203 hectares. Regional Manager Cervantes reaffirmed NIA’s commitment to implementing projects with the highest standards of quality and within the prescribed timelines. He also called on irrigators’ associations and farmers to actively support the agency by monitoring project implementation in their respective areas, helping ensure the quality, integrity, and timely completion and use of irrigation projects. For CY 2026, 3 projects are located in Buguias, 2 in Kabayan, 2 in Mankayan, 1 in Atok, 1 in La Trinidad, 2 in Tuba, 2 in Bokod, 1 in Sablan, 1 in Tublay, 1 in Bakun, 1 in Itogon and 1 in Kibungan. Also, during the ceremony, a total of P2,604,147 operation and maintenance (O&M) subsidies in Benguet for various irrigators’ associations were presented to IA representatives. IAs are encouraged to continue with their O&M activities within their irrigation systems, submit reports and accomplishments to NIA to be able to continually claim their subsidies.

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR), continues to uphold excellence in police service, as reflected in the results of the 1st Quarter CY 2026 Unit Performance Evaluation Rating (UPER), which recognized the performance of its Police Provincial Offices (PPOs) and City Police Office (CPO). Based on the results of the standardized UPER assessment system, the Baguio CPO emerged as the top-performing unit, garnering an overall rating of 84.89% to secure the top rank among the PPOs and CPO of PRO CAR and earning an adjectival rating of “Very Satisfactory.” Completing the Top 3 were the Benguet PPO, which ranked second with a rating of 84.22%, and the Mountain Province PPO, which placed third with a rating of 83.59%. All three police office earned an overall adjectival rating of “Very Satisfactory,” reflecting their sustained commitment to efficient and effective police operations. The UPER is a standardized performance assessment tool of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that measures the operational efficiency, administrative compliance, and accomplishments of police units from the Regional Offices down to the Police Stations. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating organizational performance and ensuring the continuous delivery of quality police service. Brig.Gen. Ericson Dilag, regional director, commended the collective efforts of all units and emphasized that the UPER results reflect the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of every police officer in the region. PRO CAR remains steadfast in its pursuit of organizational excellence through continuous performance monitoring, innovation, and the implementation of programs that strengthen public trust and confidence in the PNP.