By Pamela Mariz Geminiano Hedcor, the renewable energy asset manager of AboitizPower, and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. have invested over ₱1.4 million to improve healthcare in its host communities. Through medical and dental missions, as well as essential medicines and supplies, these efforts aim to enhance access to care in Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Sur—areas where travel costs and distance often make medical services hard to reach. Under the Community Health Empowerment Program (CHEP), Hedcor and its partners allocated ₱650,000.00 to deliver dental and medical services, including comprehensive check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral hygiene education. This support reached multiple host communities, benefiting 125 patients in Barangay Bineng and 165 patients from the La Trinidad Indigenous Peoples Organization (LTIPO), as well as 172 patients in Barangays Otucan Sur and Otucan Norte in Bauko, Mountain Province. These healthcare efforts were made possible through collaboration with Saint Louis University (SLU) – School of Medicine’s Medical Outreach Missions Fellowship Initiative (MOMFI), Cordillera College – School of Nursing, University of Baguio (UB) – College of Dentistry, SABATABATU Health Og-ogbo Association, and barangay health workers. In addition, Hedcor and Aboitiz Foundation invested ₱800,000 in medicines and hygiene kits, benefiting thousands of residents. Maintenance medicines for conditions like diabetes and hypertension, as well as essential vitamins and dental supplies, were made available. These resources reached 395 elementary students in Barangay Alno, La Trinidad, Benguet, and households in Barangays Alapang, Sabangan, Bakun, and Alilem. Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao emphasized the importance of these initiatives: “In the Cordillera region, limited access to healthcare is a critical issue. By bringing vital medical services and supplies closer to our host communities, we help address this gap, ultimately improving well-being and fostering resilience.” A Lifeline of Health Local leaders affirmed the value of these interventions. Otucan Sur Barangay Captain Alfonso Ligos noted that farmers can now access medical services without bearing heavy travel costs. “The sense of relief knowing that Hedcor is bringing these vital medical services closer to us is truly a lifeline. In these challenging times, it’s a blessing to have our health needs addressed without the burden of travel and expenses. We can now direct the money we would have spent on medical treatment toward other needs,” Ligos shared. Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Dixon Wakat of La Trinidad shared that Bineng is one of the most remote barangays, far from any hospital or health center. “Not everyone can afford treatment, especially with the limited supply of medicine. The medical mission has been a huge relief, particularly for those who cannot afford transportation or medication,” he shared. La Trinidad Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Richard Wacnisen highlighted that these initiatives serve as a lifeline for community members facing chronic diseases and financial hardships. “With Hedcor’s efforts, IP communities gain equitable healthcare access. It’s not just about meeting obligations—it’s about nurturing partnerships that promote change, sustainability, and growth,” he said. By working together with community leaders, local health workers, and educational institutions, Hedcor and Aboitiz Foundation continue to bridge gaps in healthcare access. Their commitment ensures that communities benefit not only from renewable energy generation but also from improved health services, ultimately contributing to long-term development and well-being.        

The Provincial Government of Benguet headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas has been awarded the “Beyond Compliant” distinction at the 24th Gawad KALASAG: Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance. The award which was presented at the Ion Hotel in Baguio City recognizes the various efforts of the province in disaster preparedness, risk management, and humanitarian support. The “Beyond Compliant” recognition, conferred by the Office of Civil Defense – Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR), is awarded to local government units (LGUs) that score between 2.5 and 3 in rigorous evaluations, showing their innovations in disaster response that go beyond basic compliance with DRRM standards. Governor Diclas extended his congratulations to the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), praising their continued collaborative efforts that ensure the safety and resilience of the communities in Benguet. “This recognition is a result of our shared efforts in the province. It shows how we work together–municipalities, agencies, and organizations–in order to safeguard lives and build resilience for the people of Benguet,” he said. The award was received by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Abner Lawangen, who acknowledged the contributions of local government units (LGUs), including the municipal DRRMCs of Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kibungan, La Trinidad, and Mankayan, which also received the Seal of Excellence (Beyond Compliant) during the ceremony. In addition, seven other municipalities in Benguet were recognized as Fully Compliant LGUs, earning plaques of recognition for their excellent DRRM practices. These municipalities—Tublay, Tuba, Sablan, Kapangan, Kabayan, Bakun, and Atok—were lauded for their commitment to disaster preparedness and response. Another Plaque of Recognition was awarded to the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) headed by Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep, Chief of Hospital III, for Exemplary DRRM Programs in the Local Government Hospital category. Mankayan National High School was also named the Gawad KALASAG Regional Winner for the Cordillera Region recognizing the school’s outstanding contribution to disaster preparedness and management. The Gawad KALASAG awards, established by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), serve as the country’s premier recognition for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management, as well as humanitarian assistance.        

BAUKO, Mountain Province — A series of successful anti-drug operations conducted by law enforcement agencies in Bauko, Mountain Province, resulted in the arrest of two drug personalities and the confiscation of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and firearms on December 9. In the first operation conducted by the joint personnel of Bauko Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Mt. Province, 1st Mt Province Provincial Mobile Force Company (MPPMFC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)1502 and Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT)-Mt Province, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)14, a 36-year-old high-value drug personality was arrested by virtue of a Search Warrant in Guinzadan Sur, Bauko. Authorities were able to confiscate more or less 24.2 grams of shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) of P164, 000.00; drug paraphernalia, including improvised glass tooters containing MOL 1 ml transparent liquid substance with an SDP of P6, 282.8; and black Mitsubishi Montero with plate # ADL33. In a separate operation in Otucan Sur, Bauko by the joint operatives from Bauko MPS, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNPDEG), Special Operating Unit (SOU) CAR (lead unit) together with PDEA Mountain Province PO, PDEU Mountain Province, and 1st MPPMFC, arrested a 43-year-old male by virtue of a search warrant that resulted in the confiscation of suspected illegal drugs weighing MOL 7.94grams with standard drug price of P53,992.00; drug paraphernalia; one long converted Cal 22 with magazine and three live ammunitions; and one small firearm Cal. 38 with one magazine and five live ammunitions. Confiscated drug evidence was photographed, inventoried and marked at the scene of the operation in the presence of the arrested suspect and other mandatory insulating witnesses under Sec. 21 of RA 9165. The arrested individuals were turned over to the concerned police station for documentation and custody, while the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to Regional Forensic Unit CAR, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet for laboratory examination. Both operations were conducted pursuant to search warrants issued by the Presiding Judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court Besao-Sagada. Col. Ferdinand Oydoc,provincial director, lauded the operating troops for their exemplary performance in upholding the law and safeguarding our community. Their dedication to duty is truly commendable.        

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet — An exclusive and well-functioning hospital dedicated to serving police officers and their dependents was officially opened with the blessing of the newly renovated Camp Bado Dangwa Hospital held at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, on December 6. The program was graced by Miss Connie Angeles, Executive Director of Health and Medical Programs of SM Foundation Incorporated, and was attended by Brig.Gen. David Peredo,Jr., regional director; Col. Julio Lizardo, chief Regional Staff; Col. Alma Paredes,chief of the Regional Medical Dental Unit Cordillera Administrative Region, the Regional Staff, and other PRO-CAR personnel. The event’s highlight was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Angeles and Peredo and the unveiling of commemorative markers and the building’s blessing officiated by the Regional Pastoral Officer Maj.(Rev. Fr.) Alexander Pardo. This newly renovated facility will offer free medical and dental services to PNP personnel, their dependents, and authorized civilians. It is the fifth PNP facility renovated by the SM Foundation, greatly enhancing the healthcare support system for both the police officers and the local community. Angeles expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the unwavering dedication of the PRO-CAR personnel, recognizing them as the pillars of peace and order in the Cordillera region. The successful renovation of the hospital stands as a testament to the continued partnership between PRO-CAR and its stakeholders, particularly the SM Foundation, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the Philippine National Police’s programs and the well-being of its officers and their families.                  

The men and women of Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) officially welcomed the holiday season with the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree and lanterns at the PRO-CAR Regional Headquarters in Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on December 2, 2024. The event was led by Regional Director Brig.Gen.David Peredo,Jr. and attended by members of the Command Group, the Regional Staff, the Special Staff, the Chiefs of the Regional Support Units, and other PRO-CAR personnel. The highlight of the evening was the simultaneous lighting of the Christmas tree, lanterns, and other decorations around the camp—a cherished annual tradition symbolizing the start of the Christmas season. The brightly lit tree and colorful lanterns symbolized the spirit of peace and goodwill, values that resonate deeply with PRO-CAR’s commitment to serving and protecting the community. Peredo emphasized the importance of unity and dedication during the holiday season, highlighting how this occasion fosters camaraderie and strengthens the shared mission of ensuring peace and safety. He reminded PRO-CAR personnel that, despite the challenges they face in their work or personal lives, they should always hold on to their guiding light—serving as a source of inspiration and strength to overcome any struggles. “The Christmas lights we’ve just turned on are more than just decorations. They represent our hope for the future, our unwavering dedication to our mission, and the spirit of PRO-CAR. Let us carry forward the essence of this season—kindness, solidarity, and hope—into our work and our daily lives,” Peredo  added.

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet — As a result of their continuous anti-illegal drug operations, the Benguet Provincial Police Office seized illegal drugs worth P11,108,040.00 and arrested a Street Level Individual (SLI) on November 28. Col. Joseph Bayongasan, provincial director said, some 22,900 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants (FGMJP) and 50,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops with a total Standard Drug Price of P10,580,000.00 were discovered across four marijuana plantation sites in Barangay Badeo, Kibungan. He said, the operation was successful with the joint efforts of operatives from the 2nd Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company, Kibungan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO-CAR, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera Administrative Region (PDEA-CAR). In Bakun, four marijuana plantation sites planted with 2,630 pieces of FGMJP with an SDP of P526,000.00 were discovered in Barangay Kayapa by the joint operatives of Bakun MPS, PDEU, and PIU of Benguet PPO, and the Land Transport Interdiction Unit of PDEA-CAR. Bayongasan said, these marijuana plants were all documented and destroyed onsite, while few samples were taken for submission to the Provincial Forensic Unit-CAR for qualitative testing.   In La Trinidad, a 29-year-old male listed as an SLI was arrested after operatives seized 0.3 grams of suspected shabu with an SDP of P2,040.000 during the buy-bust operation conducted by La Trinidad MPS, PDEU and PIU of Benguet PPO, RID of PRO-CAR, Regional Intelligence Unit-14, and PDEA-CAR in Barangay Betag. The arrested suspect and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the custody of La Trinidad MPS for documentation and proper disposition. The suspect will be facing charges for violation of R.A. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The Commission on Election Second Division recently granted a petition declaring Congressional candidate Adam Yap as a nuisance candidate citing his apparent lack of genuine intent to actively engage in the election process as candidate. Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap, who filed the petition, said his namesake maliciously filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) and merely put the election process in mockery or disrepute and to cause confusion among voters. “I had to file a petition to declare Mr. Adam Yap as a nuisance candidate because I received reports of what transpired that prompted him to file his candidacy and I thank the COMELEC for seeing the merits of my petition,” said the solon. In granting the petition, Comelec said nuisance candidates are persons who file their certificates of candidacy to put the election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates or by other circumstances and that the candidate has no bonafide intention to run for the office. Comelec also noted that Adam Yap has the same surname with the incumbent district representative of Benguet, and there is an inherent risk that voters may mistakenly associate him with Cong. Eric Go Yap which could lead to distorted voting behavior. “Hindi po ako galit at wala po tayo sama ng loob kay Mr. Adam Yap, in fact, some of the members of his family reached out to me and apologized. Wala pong dapat ihingi ng tawad dahil biktima lang rin po si Adam Yap ng ilang tao na may mga political agenda,” said the lawmaker Yap. The poll body meanwhile said the likelihood of voter misapprehension is not only theoretical but is supported by empirical evidence in previous elections where confusion over candidates with the same surnames has led to votes being misplaced or casted erroneously. Comelec added such instances not only compromise the integrity of the elections but also diminish the public’s trust and confidence in the electoral system. “I received reports from trusted sources na si Adam Yap daw was approached by two people. They convinced him to file for Congressman with the intention to confuse the voters, syempre nga naman we share the same last name tapos mauuna pa sya sa akin sa balota alphabetically. We must remember, shading na po ang ballots so walang ma-credit sa akin pag siya ang naiboto because of confusion,” added Cong. Yap. “I denounce these actions, strategies, whatever they want to call it. Let us respect the electoral process and let the will of the people prevail. Huwag naman po sana mag-resort sa propaganda at panloloko ng tao. Filing ng candidacy pa lang yan ganyan na, what more sa mga susunod pa?” said Yap. The ruling also said the circumstances shows Adam Yap’s certificate of candidacy for member of the House of Representative in the May 12, 2025 National and Local Election is denied or cancelled.          

  Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera Regional Director Derrick Arnold Carreon spearheaded the ceremonial destruction of non-drug evidence held at the PDEA-Baguio/ Benguet Provincial Office, CEPMO Bldg., Barangay Burnham-Legarda-Kisad, Baguio City on November 28. The pieces of non-drug evidence were seized from various anti-drug operations of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera and other Law Enforcement agencies. The pieces of evidence stemmed from twenty (20) cases filed before Baguio City’s Regional Trial Court Branch 3. The items were set for disposal after they were presented in court. Following the legal standards and the proper disposal method, all the pieces of non-drug evidence were cut, hammered, and pounded until rendered unusable. The public destruction displays the community’s unyielding resolve against our lingering  drug problem. During the event, representatives from the Baguio City Regional Trial Court Branch 3, Civil Society, Elected Public Official, and from the Media were present and witnessed the destruction. Carreon in his message emphasized the objective of the activity is to change the public’s perception of Law Enforcement regarding the alleged mishandling and recycling of seized evidence. He further expressed his gratitude to the Prosecutors Office and the Baguio City’s Regional Trial Court Branch 3  for their expeditious prosecution and disposition of drug cases that prompted the immediate destruction of the pieces of evidence.