LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap wants to double the bed capacity the Benguet General Hospital from 200 to 400 in a bill he filed with former ACT CIS Party List Rep. Edvic Yap. In House Bill 1503, the brothers-congressmen seek to increase the bed capacity of the hospital from 200 to 400 beds, while also placing the hospital “under the direct control and supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).” The bill also seeks for the upgrade of existing professional health care services and facilities and “be commensurate to the bed capacity increase”. This will also lead to the increase of workforce which includes doctors, nurses and support personnel. The number will be determined by the Health Secretary in consultation with the Head of Hospital in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management secretary and Civil Service Commission commissioner. With it under the direct supervision of the DOH, the DBM, said office and the Provincial Government “shall determine the cost of renationalized functions relative to the operations of the Benguet General Hospital from its current Internal Revenue Allocation and thereafter, and cause the allocation of the same to the DOH chargeable against the IRA of the Provincial Government of Benguet.” Funding of the hospital will then be included in DOH’s program and in the General Appropriations Act. The proposed bill is in response to the growing number of patients catered to by the hospital due to the province’s growing population and the influx of patients from other Cordillera provinces like Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Abra and Mountain Province and even the city of Baguio. In giving control to the DOH, the Yap brothers hope that it will “allow better focus on the provision and improvement of health services and facilities through sufficient funding.” The older of the brothers, ACT CIS Rep. Edvic, however, resigned from office early this year. Meanwhile, Yap will once again seek the establishment of the Kabayan District Hospital to avoid the three hour ride of patients from the highest point in Benguet in Kabayan to La Trinidad. During a meeting with the House Committee on Health early this week of the proposed Hose Bill 3398, Yap urged the committee to approve the measure due to its urgency. Yap said during the committee hearing: “We do not want just to build a hospital, we want to bring dignity and a fighting chance closer to every family. Because no life should be measured by distance. This hospital will stand as a testament to every kilometer walked, every life lost too soon, and a promise to never let it happen again.” Yap filed the bill during the last Congress but failed to have it passed. (By Pigeon Lobien)        

BENGUET, Philippines — Even with the advent of technology that helps improve production in the field of agriculture, the presence of agriculture extension workers in every barangay, municipality, province, and even cities has proven to be an important part in the process of effecting positive change, particularly in the lives of farmers in the communities and their families. Leonora Carpio, a Barangay Agriculture Extension Worker (BAEW) and a woman leader of Tinongdan in Itogon, Benguet, practices participatory methods, recognizes and respects gender, identifies indigenous needs and problem solutions, and serves as a link for their local farmers to have access to programs and projects offered by the government such as the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera including the private sector. As a woman leader, Leonora reiterates that her connection to her constituents is often an intimate relationship and one which demands much tact and resourcefulness. Being an agent for change, she intervenes to bring about change to help improve the lives of their farmers and their families. Her intimate relationship among her constituents has allowed her to encourage their farming community to adopt the use of technology. As an extensionist, Leonora tries her best to make her constituents become aware of latest innovations and persuade them on the usefulness or importance of new technologies. “Our continuous encouragement and assistance to our farmers in Barangay Tinongdan to consider the innovations and technologies introduced by the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera have assisted our farmers in improving their production of agricultural products even on a family consumption level. But what is important is that these agricultural products are produced safely,” Leonora said. Aside from being a BAEW of Tinongdan, this woman leader is also a practicing farmer engaged in integrated farming by producing rice, vegetables, and ducks in their family’s farm, which also produces heirloom rice. She is proud to share that a greater number of the registered farmers in their barangay are composed of women. “Of the 1,200 farmers registered in the barangay, majority of these farmers are women who are engaged in the production of rice, high-value crops, coffee, and corn that follow good agricultural practices. Even in our coordination meetings, most of the participants are women farmers who eagerly attend the said activity, to be aware and informed of the latest programs and projects of DA-CAR,” Leonora explained. She also does her best to be an intermediary between researchers and farmers, and diagnoses problems of their constituents by advising them on how to resolve these challenges and difficulties. “As we continue to follow good agricultural practices in our production of agricultural products, we remind our fellow farmers to prioritize the production of sufficient food for their families. Being one of the Barangay Agriculture Extension Workers of Tinongdan, we constantly notify our farmers on maintaining their production of agricultural products without using chemicals, and for them to be aware of interventions available from DA-CAR to improve their efficiency, productivity, overall livelihood, while reducing possible environmental impact,” Leonora added. Tinongdan’s main source of income is agriculture, with the agricultural system ranging from the intensive type of wet rice planting to slash-and-burn cultivation of both grain and root crops. Significantly, taro and sweet potato are among the most preferred root crops, with taro considered very important to the Iwak tribe of the barangay as both a staple food and for ritual purposes. Most residents of Tinongdan rely on agriculture for subsistence, including backyard gardening, mango production, and livestock raising. Other sources of income include gold panning, small and medium enterprises, and ecotourism. Despite producing agricultural products primarily for subsistence, Leonora reiterates to her fellow farmers the importance of not selling their produce to ensure the availability of food for their families and their barangay. At the same time, staying true to the values and work ethic instilled in them by their ancestors, and ensuring that their legacy in agriculture lives on. // JTLlanes                

By Iryll Sicnao   TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines — The provincial government has announced that P50 million is allocated to Kalinga under the government’s classroom building program, which seeks to fast-track the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of classrooms. Gov.  James Edduba endorsed nine schools to the Department of Education to be prioritized for the program based on several critical factors, including their location in remote and hard-to-reach communities, existing classroom shortages, structural deterioration of facilities, and the increasing number of learners. These priority schools are located in the towns of Balbalan, Rizal, Pinukpuk, and Tinglayan, particularly the Guinaang Dao-angan Primary School, Cadao Elementary School, Laytok Primary School, Balbalan Agricultural and Industrial School (Poswoy Extension), Balay Elementary School, Bayowong Elementary School, Calbayan Elementary School, Aguimitan Primary School, and Utah Community School. “These schools were identified as priority beneficiaries. Many of the schools serve upland and geographically isolated communities, where access to safe and adequate educational facilities remains a pressing concern,” the Kalinga provincial government said in a press release. The provincial government proposes that each school be provided with a one-storey, two-classroom school building to address their classroom shortages and improve learning conditions. President Ferdinand Marcos, in February, formalized a partnership between the DepEd and the provinces to address the country’s persistent shortage of learning spaces. Under the partnership, the DepEd will set technical standards, provide classroom designs, and provide funding, while the local government units will spearhead procurement and construction. Edduba assured the provincial government’s commitment to properly utilize the funding. “Once approved, the [provincial government] will monitor and supervise its implementation to ensure quality construction of each, assuring that the people’s taxes won’t go to waste and that the classrooms will truly serve their purpose, and that is to uplift the education for all Kalinga,” he stated. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)        

BENGUET, Philippines — The House of Representatives moved closer to granting the president emergency authority to lower fuel costs after approving a consolidated measure on second reading Wednesday, a move hailed by Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap as a vital step toward protecting consumers from global price shocks. House Bill 8418, titled “An Act authorizing the President to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products during national or global economic emergencies,” serves as a substitute for 16 separate bills and two joint resolutions, including House Joint Resolution no. 5 introduced by Yap. Among the key measures integrated into the final version was Yap’s House Bill 8351, which he filed to address the economic fallout from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global energy supply chains. The consolidated bill empowers President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to temporarily lift or lower fuel excise taxes when the price of Dubai crude oil reaches or exceeds $80 per barrel for one month or when a declared state of national emergency results in extraordinary increases in domestic pump prices. Yap expressed gratitude to the Committee on Ways and Means for incorporating his proposal into the unified measure that is now slated for final approval before the legislative break. “We are grateful to our colleagues for recognizing the urgency of this intervention and consolidating our earlier proposal into this landmark measure,” Yap said. “This is not just about numbers; it is about the farmers in Benguet who struggle with transport costs and the everyday Filipino who feels the weight of inflation at the pump. We look forward to passing this bill on third reading before we take a break to ensure the government has the tools ready to act the moment our people need relief,” added Yap. The measure includes specific safeguards to maintain fiscal responsibility while providing public relief. The authority to suspend or reduce taxes is limited to a period of six months per order and cannot exceed a total of one year. Furthermore, the president is required to report to both chambers of Congress within 15 days of any such order to explain the factual basis and the expected economic impact. House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III joined Yap in pushing for the bill’s swift passage. They noted that the legislation allows the executive branch to respond with speed and precision to international events, such as supply disruptions, without waiting for a new law to be enacted during the height of a crisis. Under the provisions of House Bill 8418, the authority to exercise these powers remains effective until December 31, 2028.

CORDILLERA, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform–Cordillera Administrative Region (DAR-CAR) has officially launched PelikulAgraryo 2026, inviting tertiary-level students across the Cordillera to showcase real agrarian reform stories through film. With the theme “Tinig ng Lupang Malaya: Kwento at Aral-Agraryo, Butil na Pamana sa Kabataan,” the competition challenges students to produce compelling 10–20 minute narrative films that highlight the experiences and impact of agrarian reform in farming communities. Participants may choose to feature the life and journey of an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB), including beneficiaries under Project Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT), or present the milestones and contributions of an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) in their communities. Each team may submit one entry per category for a chance to win regional prizes of up to ₱60,000 for Best Film, along with special awards totaling up to ₱90,000. Winning entries at the regional level will represent the Cordillera in the National PelikulAgraryo 2026 Film Festival, where the Best Film winner may receive up to ₱120,000 in cash prizes. Beyond the competition, the initiative aims to amplify the voices of farming communities by transforming their real-life stories into meaningful cinema that promotes awareness of agrarian reform. Confirmed participants will also take part in an exclusive film workshop designed to strengthen their creative and technical skills. The sessions will cover Introduction to the SPLIT Project, Basics of Directing, Basics of Screenwriting, Basics of Cinematography, and Basics of Editing, providing student filmmakers with the guidance needed to produce impactful films. Interested participants may register through the online form at: https://forms.gle/UqPNztRMKsg2wHHM7 The guidelines and mechanics of the competition can be accessed through:https://drive.google.com/…/1CqFSnmfXY…

  LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — The “Strawberry Capital of the Philippines” officially bloomed as the local government unit of La Trinidad launched this year’s Strawberry Festival with the theme, “Limitless La Trinidad: Heart, Harvest, Harmony”, on March 4. The celebration commenced with an Ecumenical Service at the municipal gym, then the Ribbon Cutting and Opening of the Strawberry Lane at the municipal park. This year’s lane features 35 stalls showcasing the town’s pride of diverse strawberry products, ranging from processed delectables to freshly picked produce, including cultivated varieties such as Sweet Charlie, Honey Oye, and King Berry. “Community first, tourism second,” Mayor Roderick Awingan shared during the opening. Underscoring the festival’s roots as a town fiesta, he added, “The municipality would not be where it is today without the community’s support, so we invite everyone to enjoy because this is for you.” With the Strawberry Lane declared open, officials, guests, and media proceeded to the Lednicky Hall for the Kapihan to take a more profound look into the industry. Benguet State University President, Dr. Kenneth Laruan, provided an overview of the current status of the world-famous Strawberry Farm located in barangay Betag. Municipal Agriculturist, Nida Organo, further discussed LGU programs that support and secure the industry, specifically noting the success of the recent Youth Farmers Challenge winners. To conclude the day with a bang, barangay representatives adorned the 11 pairs vying for the coveted titles of Mister and Miss La Trinidad 2026 with their official sashes. This year’s contestants are from Barangays Lubas, Poblacion, Bahong, Tawang, Wangal, Shilan, Alno, Alapang, Pico, Puguis, and Betag. (By RR Babsa-ay)

BENGUET, Philippines — Benguet Lone District Rep. Eric Go Yap filed a joint resolution seeking the immediate suspension of excise taxes on fuel, warning that skyrocketing transport costs are threatening the livelihoods of highland farmers and the country’s food security. In a House Joint Resolution introduced by Yap, the Benguet solon calls on the President to exercise temporary emergency powers to bypass the standard three-month waiting period and suspend excise taxes on motor fuels under Republic Act No. 10963, also known as the TRAIN Law. The move comes as the Philippines faces consecutive weekly fuel price hikes, with diesel and gasoline prices surging by as much as P1.90 per liter as of March 2, 2026. These spikes are largely attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. “This is no longer a question if the prices of petroleum products will rise, it is a matter of when and how we can we cope. We call for the immediate suspension on the imposition of excise taxes on gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products by granting temporary emergency powers to the President to do so, ” said Yap. The suspension of excise tax on fuels could benefit farmers of Benguet, who supply approximately 80% of the country’s highland vegetables as the fuel crisis has localized consequences that reach far beyond the pump. At the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, the primary artery for northern Luzon’s agricultural trade, the impact is already being felt in “bagsakan” areas. Historically, a sharp rise in fuel prices has forced truckers to implement additional delivery charges, often adding at least P0.50 per kilo to transport fees. Because farmers in remote Benguet municipalities typically shoulder the entire cost of transporting produce from farm to trading post, these increases directly slash their take-home pay as production and logistics costs soar. Without the tax suspension, many farmers may be pushed further into debt as farmers group in the province have previously noted that high fuel costs, combined with low demand and the influx of smuggled vegetables, create a “chain reaction” that hurts both producers and consumers. “It is imminent. The effect of high gasoline prices cannot be stressed enough, it will be an economic burden. Direktang pahirap sa tao. We cannot simply allow our transport sector, our commuters, our farmers, almost everyone who consumes petroleum products,” added Yap. The resolution notes that while excise taxes would be suspended, the State would maintain its right to impose customs duties on petroleum products not used for vehicle power or manufacturing. “We may have enough supply for now pero hindi natin alam hanggang kailan matatapos ang gulo sa Iran and Middle East. We should be proactive and not wait for our oil supply to be depleted,” Yap further said.    

Fifty child development workers (CDWs) in Baguio City have completed the advanced Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Services NC III training, reinforcing the foundation of early childhood education in local communities. The graduation ceremony was held at the Baguio City Hall Multipurpose Hall on February 25, 2026, in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), led by Ms. Liza D. Bulayungan. The training, conducted at the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE)—Main Campus, supports national efforts to professionalize the early childhood workforce under Republic Act No. 12199, also known as the ECCD System Act. The law mandates enhanced training, higher qualifications, and continuous professional development for child development workers and teachers, ensuring they are equipped to provide quality early education. CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon confirmed the graduates, joined by officials from the City Government of Baguio. Mr. Benjie Macadangdang delivered the keynote message on behalf of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, highlighting the strong partnership between national and local government institutions in building a qualified and competent early childhood workforce. TESDA-CAR Acting Regional Director Engr. Glenn N. Murphy emphasized the significance of the training: “More than a certification, it is a testimony that you are now equipped with the skills to guide the foundation of any person’s life, their early childhood. These are crucial stages where young ones learn how to speak, think, feel, and trust,” Murphy said. Baguio City Councilor and Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services, Women, and Urban Poor, Betty Lourdes “Lulu” F. Tabanda highlighted the indispensable role of child development workers: “You aren’t just teaching children; you are shaping the foundation of our future doctors, engineers, farmers, and leaders. The guidance and care you provide today will help them stand tall tomorrow,” Tabanda said. In her closing remarks, CSITE Main Campus Administrator Melita D. Pinic highlighted that the graduates’ achievements are an investment in themselves, their families, and Baguio’s children, and a step toward becoming advocates for child welfare. This recognition marked the second batch of ECCD NC III training completers under TESDA-CSITE, underscoring Baguio City’s commitment to developing a highly skilled and professional early childhood workforce. By equipping CDWs with advanced competencies, the city continues to ensure that its children receive quality early education, setting them on a path to lifelong learning and success.