Various stakeholders in Kalinga have started taking action to address concerns regarding the full operation of the Kalinga Pasalubong Center (KPC) in Talaca. Plans are underway to electrify the building to make it fully operational. The Chamber of Tabuk City–Kalinga Producers, Inc. (CTCKAPI) reported on the center’s current operations and proposed an action plan for improvements, including better facilities and enhanced marketing of local products. A site validation was conducted to finalize development plans. Kalinga Tourism encourages all travelers passing through Talaca to stop by the center to enjoy the view, drink local coffee, and support Kalinga-made products.

By: Laarni S. Ilagan   The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) marked a crucial victory on June 3 as the Philippine Senate approved on second reading House Bill No. 10483, which seeks to renew BENECO’s franchise for another 25 years. Cheers and quiet celebrations filled the BENECO South Drive office as the Board of Directors, led by Chairperson Atty. George Dumawing, Jr., and office-based employees monitored the Senate proceedings via livestream. The passage of the bill on second reading—considered one of the most critical stages in the legislative process—boosted hopes for the measure’s final approval in the coming weeks. “If you hurdle the second reading, the third reading will be easier,” said Dumawing, underscoring the significance of this legislative milestone. House Bill 10483 grants BENECO the authority to continue operating and maintaining its electric distribution systems in Baguio City and the 13 municipalities of Benguet: Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay. The franchise renewal has been a top priority for BENECO General Manager Melchor Licoben since 2020, well ahead of the expiration of its current 50-year franchise in March 2028. Licoben, accompanied by BENECO department managers, personally attended the Senate session, while board members monitored it remotely. The measure is the result of consolidated efforts in the lower house, where separate bills filed by Baguio representative Mark Go and Benguet representative Eric Go-Yap were merged into HB 10483. The power bloc representatives in Congress, PhilRECA Partylist Presley De Jesus and APEC Partylist Sergio Dagooc, also helped lobby for votes in the House of Representatives. HB 10483 passed the House in August 2024 with unanimous support—202 votes in favor and none against. “Without our franchise, BENECO cannot continue to serve Baguio City and Benguet province no matter how hard we work to improve our services,” Licoben has often reminded employees in their monthly assemblies. Despite the positive development, Dumawing urged cautious optimism, reminding employees to keep celebrations muted until the bill clears the third reading and secures the President’s signature. Senator Rafael Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, endorsed the bill’s approval with minor, mostly clerical amendments. Dumawing expressed confidence that the bill would not face significant opposition. “We hope the BENECO franchise gets the Senate’s final nod before the end of the current Congress. It’s part of a batch of bills—including those related to education—that the Senate may soon transmit to the President,” he added. Dane Ducayag, president of EC-MCO United Inc.—a SEC-registered organization of BENECO’s member-consumer-owners (MCOs)—hailed the Senate’s move as a major win for community-driven energy. “This is a significant victory for member-consumer-owners. It reaffirms the role of electric cooperatives in empowering rural communities and fostering inclusive economic growth,” Ducayag said. Longtime BENECO supporter Beng Garcia, national convenor of Ilaw Philippines, echoed the sentiment: “We MCOs are happy the BENECO franchise has passed the second reading. We’ve remained watchful throughout this long process and continue to fully support our BENECO.” With just one more Senate reading and the President’s approval remaining, the cooperative and its stakeholders are now cautiously optimistic that BENECO’s legacy of reliable, consumer-oriented energy service will continue for decades to come.

By Pigeon Lobien The convenors of the peace rally last week submitted a copy of their manifesto signed by 36,025 Benguet voters to proclaim Rep. Eric Yap as winner of the May 12 elections with the Commission on Elections – Cordillera Wednesday, June 4, prior they submit the same with the national office tomorrow. “It is a call to proclaim Cong. Yap as congressman to assure our province mates that we have a duly elected congressman,” said lead convenor Gary Abela carrying the 9-inch duplicate of the manifesto signed by resident voters from the 13 municipalities before submitting same with the Comelec -Cordilkera Wednesday afternoon. The signatures were gathered in a week-long campaign that started with a full pack rally at the La Trinidad parking lot behind the municipal hall last May 28. “It was made by then, done by them asking the Comelec to proclaim Yap,” said lawyer Francis Ray Camtugan, representing the convenors. Camtugan said that the manifesto is to help fast track the resolution of the seven cases of disqualification against Yap who defeated Vice Gov Ericson Felipe by more than 80,000 vites. “We will submit it (original) tomorrow with the national Comelec,” he added. Camtugan said that it will be the “comments be part of the records to resolve (the seven) cases. It is their sentiment (they want) to be part of the records,” Camtugan added. Some seven cases of disqualification had been filed against Yap including issues on citizenship and vote buying, among others. Camtugan pleaded with those behind the cases to accept the result of the election where Yap garnered 144,093 votes against the 62,371 of Felipe.  

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Reaffirming its dedication to health promotion and the welfare of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and their families, the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO CAR) actively participated in the simultaneous conduct of the Love and Blessings (LAB) Virus Program and Medical Mission held on June 4, 2025. This initiative was spearheaded by the PNP Officers’ Ladies Club (OLC) in partnership with the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division and the Regional Medical and Dental Unit from the different Police Provincial Offices of the PNP. At Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Banquet, PBGen.Rogelio Raymundo,Jr., Deputy Regional Director for Administration, together with Mrs. Grace A. Peredo, Adviser of the PRO CAR OLC, led the ceremonial turnover of grocery packs and financial assistance to 19 selected beneficiaries. This act highlights the PNP’s unwavering commitment to supporting the welfare of its personnel and their dependents. In addition, a medical outreach activity benefited 165 individuals, including PRO CAR personnel and civilian residents. Services rendered included medical and dental consultations, circumcision, free medicines and vitamins, and giveaways from partner organizations held at the Camp Bado Dangwa Hospital. To further promote camaraderie and mental resilience, a group dynamics session focused on Mental Calisthenics was also held at the PRO CAR multi-purpose center. Fifty personnel took part in interactive exercises aimed at enhancing teamwork and emotional well-being. The PNP OLC, through its LAB Virus Program and Medical Mission, continues to extend joy, compassion, and vital support to those in need. This meaningful initiative reflects the Foundation’s steadfast commitment to public service, community care, and the overall promotion of health and wellness.      

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet Representative Eric Go Yap is mulling to file charges against those involved in the multi – disqualification charges filed before the Commission on Election against him. To date, seven disqualification cases have been filed against Yap, the latest which was forwarded as of this writing, from petitioners Cresencio Akia, Danny S. Montes, Patricio A. Ananayo, Demetrio A. Martin, Ceasar D. Sotelo, Luis B. Santiago, Bronson B. Sacpa, Valentin C. Leo, Ramos S. Guivac, Eleazar B. Narciso, Marcial E. Flores, Leonero C. Joseph, and Janielyn A. Takingan. “Another disqualification case was filed against me today, to date, it’s the seventh already. Again, the petition questions my citizenship but with no proof to back up their claims,” Yap said. Despite garnering a lopsided 144,093 votes, Yap’s proclamation was put on hold earlier following an order from Comelec due to a disqualification case filed before the May 12 election. “As mentioned previously, the petitioners will face serious charges. Our lawyers are drafting the charges already against every single one of them. Masyadong malaking damage na yung ginagawa nila and nararapat lang siguro na may pananagutan din sila sa ginagawa nila because this is no longer ethical and professional, ito po ay mockery na, pambababoy na sa proseso. It’s important to note na itong mga kaso po ay filed after the election, after malaman na kung sino ang pinili ng mga tao,” added Yap. Yesterday, May 27, Yap also received the sixth disqualification case filed be petitioners Rufino Soriano III and Agustina Igualdo Peter, both residents of Buguias, Benguet, also questioning the citizenship of the re-elected solon. ” We know who’s behind all these but we will deal with that later. Kailangan lang muna sagutin ang mga ito otherwise, we risk not having a sitting Benguet Representative come July 1st. We will hurdle these and the petitioners will have their day in the court after,” Yap said. (PR)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) was conferred the Gold Gender and Development (GAD) Seal for FY 2023 alongside four other Regional Offices during the Department’s GAD Seal Recognition Rites held at Sequoia Hotel in this city, on May 7, 2025. This recognition is the highest level under the DILG’s GAD Seal Certification Program. It is conferred to DILG Regional Offices that have consistently upheld the principles of Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women by integrating gender and development in their systems, policies, operations, and service delivery. The GAD Seal Certification Program, initiated by DILG Region XII and adopted through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-070, aims to institutionalize gender mainstreaming within the Department. The revised guidelines established uniform assessment indicators and introduced a three-tiered recognition system—Gold, Silver, and Bronze—corresponding to scores of 91–100 points, 81–90 points, and 70–80 points, respectively. The DILG-CAR earned the Gold Seal by institutionalizing a functional GAD Focal Point System (GFDS) and the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), establishing a GAD Database and GAD corner, conducting GAD-related trainings, providing GAD-related technical assistance to the local government units and other stakeholders, utilizing the 5% GAD budget, establishing necessary facilities and implementing various GAD-related initiatives. DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose said that this seal exemplifies the Regional Office’s unwavering commitment to realizing GAD Plans and Budgets and translating these into tangible accomplishments. “This recognition shows that our commitment to gender and development is not just in documents or plans, but rather these are seen and felt as a hallmark of our organizational culture,” she said. This is the second GAD Seal for the DILG-CAR since 2022, and RD San Jose vowed to continue championing gender-responsive governance and inclusive public service in all DILG Field Operating Units and local government units across the region. “We will continue to lead by example in promoting local governments that are inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the needs of our communities,” RD San Jose said

  LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Landslide victory was achieved by the relectionist candidates of Benguet province. In the initial results of the polls, Congressman Eric Yap, with 144,093 votes, is miles ahead of his opponent Tagel Felipe, with 62,371 votes. Yap’s groups that follow him are the re-election of Governor Melchor Diclas, with 116,212 votes, while in the Vice Governorship, No.1 Board Member Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes won, with 116,169 votes. In District 1 of Benguet, Sander Fianza, Johannes Amuasen, Chairmaine Molintas, Thomas Wales, Myrna Nazarro, Jani Galutan, Jhonar Rebutazo and Lison Latawan, Jr. are leading. In District 2 are Ruben Tinda-an, Romeo Salda, Manny Fermin, Armando Lauro, Neptali Camsol, Frenzel Ayong, Jim Botiwey and Joel Tingbaoen. Winners of 13 Municipality In the capital town of La Trinidad, Roderick Awingan won Mayor, Vice Mayor Guiller Galwan, while in Sangguniang Bayan members were Nestor Fongwan, Jr.; Ted Walang, Belmer Elis, Jayson Dangwa, Bartolome Baldas, Jr., Horacio Ramos, Jr., Boyet Tereng and Tyrone Diaz. In Sablan, the Mayor was Alfredo Dacumos, Jr., Vce Mayor Arthur Balo, while the Councilors were Leo Lawana, Andoy Ome, Romeo Amboy, Cornelio Almagen, Johnny Cutay, Ireneo Baldo, Harold Busoy and Arthur de Leon. In Mankayan, retired General Cesar Pasiwen won as Mayor; Vice Mayor Aldrin Camiling, while the Councilors are Jeston Balong-angey, Ambino Padawi, Dick Tip-ac, Alexander Dapiawen, Reynal Manuit, Camilo Munoz, Pacito Donato and Lloyd Luspian. In Buguias, Mayor Julius Amos, Vice Mayor Ronald Kimakim and Councilors Manuel Yans, Melchor Guesey, Jerahmee Lasegan, Jose Bayas, Jr., Glenn Bigo, Federico Aquino, Vicente Kitongan and Wilnard Tolida won. Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan retained her seat in the town of Tuba, while Vice Mayor Maria Carantes. Councilors are Eugene Gabino, Gary Behis, William Abance, Reachelle Takinan, Nestor Baban, Rebecca Apil, Jerome Palaoag and Arnulfo Milo. In Itogon, Mayor Bernard Waclin, Vice Mayor Dax Godio, while the Councilors are Cesar Artiga, Norberto Pacio, Clint Galutan, Albert Carantes, Lucky Busacau, Albino Diego, Alejando Palangdan and Noel Bilibli. Kabayan winners, Mayor Rex Alwin Aquisan, Vice Mayor Sario Minas and Councilors Mircoles Lamses, Rudy Alos, Pelino Bugnay, Sandy Wa-is, Eugene Daoal, Marlon Nginsayan, Malou Cosalan and Ghislyn Lucio. In Bokod, Mayor Erik Donn Ignacio, Vice Mayor Doroteo Beray and Luis Acong, Marian Calawen, Miguel Jr. won. Cosalan, Pedro Anton, Gerardo Beray, Sonny Olas, Edward Albin and Alex Piok. Larry Tello won the Mayorship of Kibungan, while Vice Mayor Laurence Toking and Sangguniang Bayan members Roger Tugade, Labio Nabe, Brenson Siadto, Paulin Gumpic, Marcial Lingaling, Narciso Cayad-an, Ronico Agayo and Jovel Bentres. In Kapangan, Mayor Harris Dizon, Vice Mayor Santos Bastian, Sangguniang Bayan Members Bruno Canuto, Rechel Marcelo, Maribelle Diclas, Grant Balagsa, Johnson Andiso, Anthony Andong, Hector Mariano and Danny Eke. In Tublay, Mayor Juan Esnara, Vice Mayor Cruso Daguioa, Jr., Councilors Marvin Mayos, Lailyn Polig, Daniel Kaimpa-oy, Tikboy, Mendoza, Dinglee Berto, Nemescio Benito, Shane Awacan and Shangtaw Pangayan. Mayor Franklin Smith remained in Atok, while Vice Mayor Edward Beliano and Councilors Marilou Alos-Zarate, Raymundo Sarac, Edward Haight, Sammy Fianza, Charlie Lingbanan, Kelly Tomas, Simon Backian and Paul Mayos. And in Bakun, the winners are Mayor Bill Y. Raymundo, Vice Mayor Fausto T. Labinio and SB Members Jesus D. Lozano, June Raymundo C. Suni-en, Florencia L. Balakiao, Marciano P. Kigisan Jr., Mark C. Bayawa, Dixie L. La Madrid, Tokias Jayson L. Tokias and Edgar P. Ognaden.(By Zaldy Comanda)

By Janieca Edejer — UB Intern   BAGUIO CITY — A total of 1,290 cases of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been recorded in Cordillera since 1984 until now. Darwin Babon, Development Management Officer III of the Center for Health Development – ​​Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CHD-CAR), made this known during the Kapihan Health Media Conference held in conjunction with the 42nd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, held at the Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region office, on May 8. The department aims to discuss the current status of HIV cases in the region and steps being taken to improve the HIV care cascade in the provinces of Cordillera. According to Babon, from the total cases in the region, Baguio City has the most cases with 731 (56.6%), followed by Benguet (189) and Abra (182). By 2025, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the region is estimated to reach 2,400, however, 1,164 of them have not yet been identified or diagnosed. Of the confirmed cases, 1,236 have been diagnosed (52%), but only 888 are actively enrolled in treatment (72% of those diagnosed), and 552 of them are virally suppressed (62%). The data shows that a large percentage of new HIV cases are among youth and young adults. According to the data, 48.29% of cases are from the age group of 25-34, while 28.92% are from the age group of 15-24. Correspondingly, three out of every ten cases are youth aged 15-24, while one out of two cases are in the age group of 25-34. The median age of HIV cases in the region is 28 years old. In the past two months of 2025, eight cases were recorded from the age group 15-24, proof that the youth sector continues to be at risk from the spread of the disease.   It also emerged that men still account for the majority of HIV cases in the region, with 1,198 cases (92.85%) compared to 92 cases (7.15%) among women and most of these cases are from biological males who have sex with men and transgender women. He also emphasized the stigma and discrimination that PLHIV continue to experience. According to Babon, it is important to promote comprehensive education, gender sensitivity, and confidentiality to encourage more people to get tested and receive treatment. DOH-CAR called on the public to join in the activities that will be conducted this month as part of the AIDS Candlelight Memorial, in recognition of those who lost their lives and in continuing the fight against HIV.