LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — The family has offered a total of P200,000 as a reward for anyone who can see or provide information on their family member, Patrolman Aaron Blas, who has been missing for 45 days in Itogon town, Benguet. Blas, 25, a native of San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao, was among the new police officers who underwent the land navigation activity of the PNP Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) in Barangay Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet, when he went missing on July 14. According to the Benguet Provincial Police Office, after their training that day, he failed to return for headcount, so several police trainees immediately returned to their place of origin and the routes they had taken but they found no trace of him. Based on CCTV footage from Philex Mines, Blas was seen returning to the Zigzag Dam 2 area on the terrain at around 5:30 p.m. that same day, but his departure from the said area was not seen on CCTV. Since then, until now, through the formed Task Force Blas of the Benguet PPO, the search has continued along the river and many areas in Itogon town. According to the police, they cannot yet provide details on whether the victim is alive or dead and if he went AWOL, until his whereabouts are found. The Benguet PPO further assured that search operations are still ongoing, with the help of the local government unit Itogon, Philex Mines Inc., other concerned agencies, and volunteers.    

By Christian Allister G. Tubadeza   The Indigo Subdivision was built with a multipurpose hall and an elevated water tank and each two-storey houses were also equipped with electricity and water utilities TAYUM, Abra (PIA) — Abra families whose houses were damaged by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit Abra in July 2022 will soon have their own new houses. A total of 126 free housing units located in a 17,000-square meter property of the local government unit Tayum in Barangay Basbasa were turned-over to the  municipal government on August 19, 2025. The project was realized  through the partnership of the SM Development Corporation (SMDC), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Foundation, and the Tayum LGU. Aside from earthquake-affected families, those living in identified danger zones will be accommodated as beneficiaries of the housing project. Each two-storey house with a kitchen and a comfort room is equipped with electricity and water utilities. The beneficiaries will not be charged with any rental fees, but they will shoulder the monthly electric and water bills. Nenita Velasquez Brabat, a beneficiary from Gaddani, Tayum, shared in an interview that their house was totally damaged during the earthquake. She expressed gratitude as she can soon enjoy a structurally sound and safe house. “Bungalow diay balay mi. Idi nagingined, totally damaged isu nga agyamanak met ah ta maysaak a napili nga maikkan ti balay ditoy Indigo Subdivision. Makaginawa kami tattan a pamilia,” Brabat said in an interview. (Our bungalow house was totally damaged during the earthquake, so I am thankful because I was chosen a beneficiary here at Indigo Subdivision. This is a huge relief for my family.) The blessing and turnover of the Indigo Housing Subdivision was led by SMDC VP for Business Planning and Development Sheila Ching, DHSUD Assistant Secretary Angelito Aguila, DHSUD-Cordillera Director Marvin Feraren, ANCOP Foundation President Bro. Rudy Gaspillo, Vice-Governor Anne Bersamin, Tayum Mayor Placido Eduarte Jr., and other stakeholders. (CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)    

BANGUED,Abra, Philippines — More than 400 agri-machineries were handed to the farmers and farmers associations from the different towns of Abra, on August 20, 2025. Equipment such as rice mills, grass cutters, water pumps, hand tractors, and knapsack sprayers were distributed by the Provincial Government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist at Abra Sports Complex in Bangued. Leading the distribution of the equipment, Vice Governor Anne Bersamin shared that this is an initiative of the Provincial Government thru the leadership of Governor Takit Bersamin to boost the production capabilities of farmers through various agri-inputs. ( PIA Abra)

SADANGA,Mountain Province, Philippines — The Provincial Government’s completed gymnasium project at Betwagan National High School, along with other completed infrastructure projects in Betwagan and Anabel, was inaugurated on August 15, 2025. The ribbon-cutting ceremony of the gym was led by Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., together with Board Members (BM) Ezra Samson A. Gomez and Roy Gammonac, Sadanga Mayor Robert B. Wanawan, Punong Barangays Benedict Sid-ay of Betwagan and Joseph Agayso of Anabel, Public Schools District Supervisor Jacinto Yassan, Betwagan National High School Principal II Jun Jun L. Mek-eng, Executive Assistants Winston V. Calde and Rolando Bragado, and the heads and other personnel from the Provincial Government, Municipal Government of Sadanga, and Barangay Government of Betwagan and Anabel while the blessing was officiated by Fr. Ferdie Fulatao. According to Provincial Engineer Edward B. Likigan, the Department of Public Works and Highways started the gymnasium construction in 2016 and was subsequently ceased due to some problems. Due to the determination of the community and the government to complete the stalled project, the Provincial Government continued the gym’s construction last August 2024 through a six-million loan from the LandBank of the Philippines until it was completed on May 26, 2025. Governor Lacwasan recognized the invaluable contributions of the community members of Betwagan, including the land donor, in the realization of the gymnasium. Together with BMs Gomez and Gammonac, he reminded all the beneficiaries of the project of their responsibility to maintain the gymnasium in good condition to ensure its long-term use – not only for school activities, but also for social and community events. On behalf of the Betwagan community, Mayor Wanawan, together with Punong Barangays Sid-ay and Agayso, and Principal Mek-eng, relayed their gratitude to the Provincial Government. They said that the realisation of the gymnasium will make a significant change in the development of students in sports and give the community a better venue to hold their social events. Meanwhile, the other completed infrastructure projects, which amounts to over P34 million in total and were also inaugurated on the same day were: In Betwagan: Construction of Betwagan River Control – P1,000,000 Improvement of Panasar Fotong Pathway – P200,000 Improvement of Betwagan Pathway Multi-Purpose Shed – P400,000 Construction of Betwagan Water System – P200,000 Installation of Footpath Railings in Betwagan – P200,000 Improvement of Betwagan Drainage and Pathway – P300,000 Construction of Betwagan Water System – P200,000 Improvement of Betwagan Flood Control and Pathway – P600,000 Reconstruction/Improvement and Rehabilitation of Betwagan Hanging Bridge (Phase I) – P2,273,343.97 Completion/Continuation of Betwagan Footbridge – P300,000 Improvement/Continuation of Betwagan Hanging Bridge – P600,000 Construction of Conngas Water System – P400,000 Construction of Kinchayan Tribal Center – P300,000 Construction of Betwagan Water System – P400,000 Construction of Betwagan Barangay Hall – P300,000 Improvement of Charwichaw Footpath – P250,000 Improvement of Betwagan Health Center – P1,000,000 Improvement of Kinchayan Tribal Center – P200,000 Improvement of Fan-ayan Water System – P300,000 Construction of Betwagan Access Road – P20,000,000 In Anabel: Construction of Pusong Waiting Shed – P200,000 Improvement of Anabel Water System – P250,000 Improvement of Pusong, Anabel Pathway – P300,000 Construction of Anabel Heirloom Rice Center – P4,000,000 Construction of Anabel Water System – P400,000 Improvement of Anabel Barangay Hall – P200,000 Improvement of Kallang-Feshkaran Footpath with Railings – P400,000 Improvement of Pusong, Anabel Pathway – P400,000 Construction of Waiting Shed – P600,000

BENGUET, Philippines — Three schools located in remote sitios of Benguet now have access to electricity and the internet through the support of AuroraPH, a joint initiative of the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. AuroraPH aims to harness the power of renewable energy, internet connectivity, and digital tools to transform education in last-mile schools in the Philippines. Located in off-grid areas, the Bakian Guinawan Elementary School, Marcelo Marquez National High School, and Pimingan Elementary School were equipped with solar panels, Wi-Fi, and supplemental digital tools like televisions to help address gaps in an inclusive and equitable quality education. “Before, we had to use lamps to study, and it was hard,” shared Kyla Mae Taaca, a 16-year-old student from Pimingan Elementary School in Barangay Ansagan, Tuba. Now, we can research, join online activities, and actually see what we’re writing. “We used to travel to Baguio just to charge our laptops, limiting usage in the classroom,” recounted Pimingan Principal Aileen Adonis. “Now, we can finally teach using digital tools. We observed that students are now more engaged.” Lanie Quinas, a regional testing coordinator, also observed that digital literacy is improving, and some students have already been adapting. “We used to bring them to town for digital exams. Now we can prepare them here in the schools themselves.” The AuroraPH initiative aims to energize 300 schools in the Philippines. To date, the project has successfully helped three schools situated in Benguet. “This milestone shows what’s possible when communities and partners come together,” said Jowell Ann Cruz, Aboitiz Foundation’s Impact Lead for Education. “May these classrooms shine bright and the future of its students be limitless.” “We’re lighting classrooms and igniting the dreams of its students,” added Noreen Vicencio, Aboitiz Renewables’ First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations. “AuroraPH is helping reshape education, one school at a time. Behind every connection is a student daring to dream, a teacher refusing to quit, and a community ready to rise.” Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) operates nine run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet, providing essential clean energy while supporting its host communities.        

BENGUET, Philippines — In partnership with Bag-iw Sketchers, various artists from the Province gathered for a sketchwalk at the Benguet Provincial Museum, Capitol, on Thursday, August 14. As part of the week-long activities in commemoration of the 80th Liberation of Benguet, the activity aimed to show appreciation for the freedom and peace upon which our present stands. The artists drew inspiration from the exhibit “Echoes of Valor” and the museum’s collections to share stories. Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas welcomed and thanked the Bag-iw Sketchers and the different artists for joining the commemoration, highlighting the vital role of art in preserving our history.

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) earned the prestigious title of Best Police Regional Office nationwide for Calendar Year 2024, a recognition bestowed during the 124th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP National Headquarters, Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, on August 12. PRO CAR Regional Director, PBGen Ericson Dilag, personally received the award from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who served as the event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker. The honor reflects PRO CAR’s exceptional performance, professionalism, and unwavering service to the Cordillera people and the nation. While the awarding was held in Quezon City, PRO CAR personnel proudly joined the celebration virtually from the Masigasig Grandstand at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet. The celebration, anchored on the theme “Pulisya, Bantayog ng Bayang Matatag,” underscored the Philippine National Police’s unwavering commitment to public safety and service. PNP Chief, PGen Nicolas D Torre III, reaffirmed this dedication by highlighting key initiatives such as the 5-Minute Police Response Policy and the integration of advanced technologies, including drones, body-worn cameras, mobile command centers, and GPS-enabled patrol units, to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen community protection, and uphold the rule of law. The Top 3 among this year’s national contenders for the unit awards were the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) for Best PPO, the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station (MPS) for Best MPS, and the 2nd Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) for Best PMFC. Also from the PROCAR who made it Top 5 were PCol Francisco Bulwayan,Jr for the Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration, PCol Ruel Tagel for the Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) for Operations, PLtCol Geraldine Aydoc for Best Junior PCO for Administration, PMSg Jaynus Puno for Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) for Administration, and NUP Defiena Sagayo for the Best Non-Uniformed Personnel for Non-Supervisory Level, further underscoring the Cordillera region’s consistent excellence and competitiveness in police service at the national level.            

LA TRINIDAD,Benguet — Sa isang proactive na hakbang para i-streamline ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno, ang Department of Transportation – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOTr-CAR) ay namahagi ng motorcycle license plates sa mga tauhan ng Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative (PRO CAR) bilang bahagi ng OPLAN WARAS PLAKA.   Ang ceremonial distribution ay pinangunahan ni DOTr-CAR Regional Director Retired PBGen Glen Dumlao at PRO CAR Regional Director PBGen Ericson Dilag, na ginanap sa Masigasig Grandstand, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, noong Agosto 4.   Sa programa ay 90 plaka ang ibinigay sa mga tauhan ng PNP at kanilang mga kaanak. Ang inisyatiba na ito ay umaayon sa panawagan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa kanyang kamakailang State of the Nation Address (SONA) na humihimok sa mga ahensya na ilapit ang mga serbisyo sa publiko.   Sa kanyang mensahe, pinatibay ni Dumlao ang pangako ng DOTr-CAR sa pagpapalawak ng pamamahagi ng plato sa pamamagitan ng paghahatid ng serbisyo sa mga kampo at istasyon ng pulisya, na tinitiyak ang mas mabilis, mas mahusay na serbisyo publiko.   “Sa inyong lahat, tulungan po ninyo kami. Hindi namin ito magagawa nang mag-isa. Nagsisilbi kayong mga katuwang namin sa OPLAN WARAS PLAKA at bilang mahahalagang link sa komunidad,” he added.   Ang diskarteng ito na hinimok ng komunidad, na sinusuportahan ng Department of Transportation – CAR, ay nag-aalis ng pangangailangan para sa mga indibidwal na mag-claim ng mga plates sa mga opisina ng DOTr, na makabuluhang nagpapahusay sa kaginhawahan at accessibility.   Binibigyang-diin nito ang dedikasyon ng DOTr-CAR sa pagpapabuti ng paghahatid ng serbisyo sa pamamagitan ng pagpupulong sa mga mamamayan kung nasaan sila, pagpapasimple ng mga proseso, pagbabawas ng abala, at pagtaguyod sa misyon ng ahensya ng kahusayan, pagiging naa-access, at pakikiramay. Zaldy Comanda