CORDILLERA REGION, Philippines — “Malakas at klarong boses ang sandata sa pagsasagawa ng Family Development Sessions (FDS) upang maibahagi ng maayos ang mga mahahalagang kaalaman at impormasyon  sa mga benepisyaryo.” Ito ang wika ni Merietta S. Ognayon, City Link (CL) ng City Operations Office – Baguio City sa ilalim ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ng Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office – Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) tungkol sa natanggap nilang mga bagong hanay ng mga FDS kits kamakailan lang. “Malaking tulong ang paggamit ng lapel microphone upang ito ay makamit. Kung noon, namamaos kaming mga tagapagtalakay pagkatapos ng FDS, hindi na ngayon sapagkat modulated na kapag kami ay nagtatalakay,” dagdag ni Ms. Ognayon. Para kay Delma C. Barino, ML ng Lagayan, Abra, lubos na nakatulong ang FDS kits, kabilang ang lapel, para mapag-igihan nila ang pangunana ng FDS. “Malakas na ang boses at abot na sa likod ng silid at maging sa open area venue, nakukuha ang atensyon ng mga benepisyaryo at tinitiyak nito na makikinig talaga sila,” sabi ni Ms. Barino. Kasama sila sa kabuuang 177 na City/Municipal Links (C/MLs) na nakatanggap na ng kani-kanilang FDS kits sa rehiyon upang magamit sa kanilang buwanang FDS – isa sa pinakamahalagang bahagi ng programa. Bitbit ang mga kagamitan at kaalaman para magsagawa ng FDS kasama ang mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps malaking papel ang ginampanan ng mga C/MLs ng 4Ps sa buong CAR para sa pag-unlad ng mga pamilya sa ilalim ng programa. Ang FDS ay plataporma upang maturuan ang mga pamilya ukol sa wastong pagpapalaki ng anak, kalusugan, kabuhayan, at responsableng pag-aaral. Ang mga FDS Care Kits ay magsisilbing standard tools ng mga field workers. Naglalaman ito ng mahahalagang kagamitan tulad ng correction tape, ballpen, payong, colored paper, masking tape, markers, bond paper, manila paper, at lapel. Sa tulong ng kit na ito, mas magiging organisado at epektibo ang mga talakayan, at mas mapapalakas ang kakayahan ng mga C/MLs na magbigay ng maagap at mapagkalinga na serbisyo sa mga benepisyaryo. Dala ng FDS Care Kits ang tatak ng pag-unlad—kaalaman, gabay, at suporta. Kaagapay ang mga C/MLs, ang programang 4Ps ay patuloy na kumikilos upang gawing realidad ang pagbabagong ito. (DSWD-CAR Release)

KALINGA, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Kalinga awards 390 land titles benefitting 490 farmers from Tabuk City, Pasil, and Tinglayan, in a ceremony today, Feb. 17, 2026 at the Kalinga Sports Center. The agency also conferred Certificates of Condonation and Release of Mortgage to 1,043 farmers from Tabuk City, Pasil, and Pinukpuk, relieving them of over P38 million in debt. Additionally, the DAR-Kalinga awarded one unit four wheel drive tractor worth P1,422,500 each to the Cabaruan Multi-purpose Cooperative and the Dugpa Agriculture Cooperative, and one unit of mini four-wheel tractor to the Malagnat Pinukpuk Irrigators Association. DAR-Cordillera Regional Director Jimmy Santiago led the awarding together with DAR-Kalinga chief Adela Damaso, Gov. James S. Edduba, and other local officials, government partners, and stakeholders. (PIA-Kalinga)

SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP), a joint venture between Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. and Scatec ASA, has reached financial close on February 3, 2026 and is preparing to begin development of two new battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Benguet totaling 80 megawatts (MW). The projects include a 40-MW BESS at the Binga Hydroelectric Power Plant (Phase 2) and a 40-MW BESS at the Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant. Both systems will be co-located with SNAP’s existing hydro facilities and are designed to provide ancillary services to the Luzon grid through the reserves market. The new capacity builds on SNAP’s growing energy storage portfolio, including the 24-MW BESS at the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has been delivering ancillary services since 2024. SNAP also has additional BESS capacity under development—40 MW at Binga and 16 MW at Magat—scheduled to begin commercial operations later this year. Once completed, SNAP’s total BESS capacity in operation and under construction will reach 160 MW. Battery energy storage plays a critical role in supporting grid stability, providing fast-response services that help manage real-time frequency fluctuations, and enabling the integration of variable renewable energy sources. As the Philippines continues to scale up renewable energy under its energy transition goals, the need for flexible and reliable ancillary services is expected to grow. Through continued investments in hydro, battery energy storage, and other renewable technologies, Aboitiz Renewables and SNAP are advancing a more resilient and flexible portfolio that supports long-term energy security and sustainability. Aboitiz Renewables is the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation.

                TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines — A new Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Office to be constructed at the site of the old Provincial Jail in Purok 6, Bulanao officially broke ground on Feb. 13 and expected to be completed on May 2027. With a contract cost of P29,384,470.28 pesos, the building was designed as a four-story building with basement to be used as a multi-purpose hall and provisions for parking and elevator. The DPWH-Lower Kalinga Engineering Office said that an additional 20 million is needed to be sourced out to complete the building and other facilities. DTI Assistant Secretary Grace F. Baluyan underscored the significance for the DTI-Kalinga to have its own office as savings from office rentals and venue for trainings, seminars, and meeting can be redirected to programs that support micro, small, and medium enterprises; strengthen consumer protection; and drive industry development. “This building will stand as a symbol of collaboration, foresight, and commitment to service. It is a testament to what can be achieved when leaders and communities work together for the common good. ASec. Baluyan also acknowledged the assistance of former Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang and current Kalinga Rep. Dr. Caroline Agyao in securing funding for the project. She also recognized the Provincial Government through Gov. James S. Edduba for donating the lot. Tabuk City Mayor Darwin C. Estrañero, represented by Aurora Amilig, said that the new building will serve as a hub for industry growth in the province and a place for enhanced collaboration with LGUs, partner agencies and private sector in fostering holistic economic growth. “The city government is dedicated to continuing and deepening its partnership with DTI, supporting all your programs, and collaborating on initiatives that empower local entrepreneurs, protect consumers, and foster fair competitive markets,” she said. Governor James S. Edduba hailed the project as vital in the long-term development of Kalinga through the provision of accessible services to the public. He underscored its contribution to stimulate local economy, job creation, strengthened value chains, and encourages inclusive growth across the province. Kalinga Lone District Representative Caroline Agyao, represented by former Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang shared optimism that the building will serve as a one-stop shop for driving growth, innovation and competitiveness by centralizing services and provide easier access to mentorship, training, product development, and business registration. Also present during the groundbreaking ceremony were Punong Barangay Cosme Gunnawa, Atty. DTI-CAR Regional Director Atty. Raymond Panhon, DTI-Kalinga Provincial Director Renie Ramos, District Engineer Ruby Uyam (DPWH-LKDEO), Engr. Rafael Fernando ( DPWH-LKDEO), Engr. Alexander Colangan ((DPWH-LKDEO), and other DPWH, DTI, Provincial and city officials. (Tabuk City Information Office)

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Stakeholders of the Cordillera Agriculture and Fisheries Resources Research and Extension Development Network (AFRREDN) advance research, extension, and development initiatives in the region during the 1st Quarterly Committee Meeting, held on February 4–5, 2025, at the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI), BSU Compound, KM 5, La Trinidad, Benguet. The activity was spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-RFO CAR) with the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute CAR (DA-ATI CAR). The two-day meeting brought together the AFRREDN committees—Research for Development Committee (RDC), Extension and Technology Transfer Committee (ETC), Institutional Development Support Committee (ISC), and Knowledge Management Committee (KMC)—to present 2025 accomplishments, discuss the National Extension Agenda and Programs, and plan the network’s priority activities for FY 2026-2029. Participants included representatives from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), namely Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST), Apayao State College (ASC), Kalinga State University (KSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), Benguet State University (BSU), and Mountain Province State University (MPSU); Local Government Units (LGUs) of Baguio City and Tabuk City, and the Provincial Local Government Units of Mountain Province, Abra, and Benguet; line agencies including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST CAR), Department of Tourism (DOT CAR), Bureau of Plant Industry Baguio National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center (BPI NCRDPSC), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP CAR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR CAR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR CAR), and the Philippine Rice Research Institute–Isabela (PhilRice Isabela); Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC) private institutions namely Mount Carmel Agri-Tourism and Learning Center, Inc. The Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (CorCAARRD) also participated. During the opening program, Dr. Charlie C. Sagudan, Vice Chair of CAR AFRREDN and Center Director of ATI-RTC CAR, emphasized the importance of advancing the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the Cordillera. “This initiative by the Cordillera AFRREDN management aims to critically examine how we can effectively operationalize programs in the region. We need to benchmark with other regions to ensure that we continue moving forward, using these agenda as a foundation to promote agriculture and fisheries development in the Cordillera,” Sagudan said. The AFRREDN serves as a bridge linking network members to research funding institutions such as the DA–Bureau of Agricultural Research. Its committees act as the primary mechanism for building partnerships among Research for Development and Extension (R4DE) stakeholders, including national government agencies, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), local government units (LGUs), private institutions, and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). Mr. Nicasio S. Baucas, citing the AFRREDN designation and position, underscored the role of research and extension in advancing the agriculture sector, noting that under the DA’s 10-point agenda, Research for Development and Extension is central to maximizing the sector’s potential. He emphasized that these efforts are aligned with the national aspiration of “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.” He also echoed the vision of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., who highlighted the need to modernize Philippine agriculture to ensure equitable benefits across the value chain—where farmers and fisherfolk receive fair value for their produce, consumers enjoy affordable prices, and industry players achieve sustainable profitability. Meanwhile, the DA-BAR joined the meeting virtually to provide updates and guidance on its programs, research proposal processes, funding mechanisms, and the national R4DE agenda, from national to local levels. The activity served as a vital platform for collaboration, strengthened extension efforts, and ensured that research-based interventions from national and regional R4DE institutions effectively reached local communities through the network. // Vincent G. Savella, Research Division

  TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines – With the themed “Naindaklan a Kultura, Isu’t Bileg ti Kalinga” (Great Culture, the Strength of Kalinga), the Kalinga province celebrates its 7th Bodong Festival and its 31st Provincial Founding Anniversary, with a month-long celebration highlights the “Bodong,” a traditional peace pact system that remains the moral and judicial foundation of Kalinga society. Governor James Edduba has issued Executive Order No.2026-09, ordering the suspension of classes in all levels across the province on February 12-13,2026 and the suspension of government offices on February 13, in view of the celebration of the 31st Founding Anniversary and 7th Bodong Festival. A new highlight for this year’s celebration is the inaugural “Lumin-Awa Float Parade” on February 13, featuring mobile displays with lights, music, and live performances. The festival, which officially kicked off February 2 with cultural performances embodies the province’s commitment to peace and unity. The Bodong is the traditional peace pact system of the Kalinga people—an indigenous mechanism that ended tribal conflicts and established enduring agreements on justice, territory, and social relations. Guided by elders and customary law (pagta), bodong is sealed through rituals, chants, and collective oaths, symbolizing mutual respect and shared responsibility among communities.Today, bodong remains a living institution and the moral foundation of Kalinga society. Key upcoming events include “Diddiga Cultural Showcase,” a premier display of authentic Kalinga chants and dances on February 12 and the Miss Kalinga Coronation Night. On February 14, The Grand Civic Float Parade and the 31st Founding Anniversary Program at the Kalinga Sports Complex., while a “Bike Festival” traversing a scenic route from the Provincial Capitol to Talama on February 15. A “United for Health” mission at the Kalinga Sports Center, providing medical, dental, and legal services on February 16, while the inauguration of the Poswoy Bridge Project in Balbalan and the distribution of land titles (CLOA) will be on February 17. A “Festival Camp-out” is also featured, February 19 to 20 and a province-wide blood donation drive on February 20. Cordillera Tourism Press Corps Release  Photos Courtesy of Department of Tourism Cordillera

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform–Ifugao (DAR-Ifugao) turned over a ₱1.3-million four-wheel-drive (4WD) tractor to Calupaan Agrarian Reform Farmers Organization (ARFO) Inc. in Barangay Calupaan, Alfonso Lista, on February 3. “Hindi lahat ng asosasyon ay nabibigyan ng ganitong kagamitan. Nawa’y maging malaking tulong ito sa inyo at magamit nang patas upang patuloy na umunlad ang inyong organisasyon,” Alfonso Lista Mayor Edralin B. Alipio said. He also urged its members to ensure its proper use. DAR-Ifugao Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Peter D. Bantasan emphasized the importance of self-reliance, stressing that while DAR provides technical and institutional support, the cooperative must take the lead in ensuring its growth and sustainability. Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Eugene M. Culimay of the Municipal Agriculture Office encouraged the organization to secure official accreditation. “Mahalaga ang accreditation upang mas madali kayong matulungan ng LGU sa pamamagitan ng mga programa at proyekto sa agrikultura,” Culimay said. The turnover was formalized through the signing of a Trust and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among DAR-Ifugao, Calupaan ARFO Inc., and the local government of Alfonso Lista. The agreement outlines responsibilities, accountability measures, and conditions for the proper use and maintenance of the equipment. Calupaan ARFO Inc. President Danio Turibio also presented the cooperative’s policies on the use, operation, and maintenance of the 4WD tractor, stressing that only authorized members would be allowed to operate the equipment. The turnover was formalized through the signing of a Trust and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among DAR-Ifugao, Calupaan ARFO Inc., and the local government of Alfonso Lista. “Nililinaw ng kasunduang ito ang mga responsibilidad at pananagutan upang matiyak ang maayos na paggamit at pangangalaga sa tractor,” a DAR-Ifugao representative said. The 4WD tractor is expected to support land preparation activities of the cooperative. Calupaan ARFO Inc. currently has at least 70 active members engaged in farming.  

ITOGON, Benguet, Philippines — Itinuturing ng pamahalaang bayan ng Itogon, Benguet ang turismo bilang isa sa mga pangunahing economic driver ng munisipyo, bukod sa pagmimina, ayon kay Mayor Bernard S. Waclin. Ayon kay Waclin, patuloy na dinarayo ng mga lokal at banyagang turista ang mga trekking destinations sa iba’t ibang barangay, mga pribadong resorts, theme park, at agricultural communities, kaya’t lumalakas ang papel ng turismo sa pagpapanatili ng kabuhayan at aktibidad ng ekonomiya sa bayan. “Masaya kaming makita na mas dumarami na ang bumibisita sa iba’t ibang tourist spots sa Itogon. Inaasahan namin ang mas malaking bilang ng turista sa mga susunod na taon, lalo na sa pag-usbong ng iba pang private tourist destinations,” ayon kay Mayor Waclin. Binigyang-diin ng alkalde na mahalaga ang turismo sa pagtutulungan ng pangangalaga sa kalikasan at kaunlaran. Kaya naman, tinutulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan ang promosyon ng kasalukuyan at bagong tuklas na destinasyon upang isaalang-alang ng mga turista sa kanilang pagbisita sa Cordillera. Ipinunto ni Waclin na mahalaga para sa munisipyo na magkaroon ng diversified sources of income upang madagdagan ang pondo na maibabalik sa mga residente sa pamamagitan ng mas maayos na serbisyo at implementasyon ng mga development projects sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bayan. Hinihikayat din ng alkalde ang mga pribadong may-ari ng lupa na posibleng gawing tourist destinations na mamuhunan sa kanilang mga ari-arian upang mas maraming bisita ang makaakit at makatulong sa kabuuang kaunlaran ng Itogon. Kabilang sa mga paboritong destinasyon sa bayan ang Mount Ulap sa Barangay Ampucao, Mount Ugo sa Barangay Tinongdan, Binga Dam Viewdeck, mga pribadong resorts sa Barangay Población, rice terraces sa Barangay Dalupirip, at ang pinakabagong pasyalan, ang Mount Camisong Theme Park sa Barangay Loacan. Ayon kay Waclin, ang pamumuhunan ng pribadong sektor ay magdudulot ng mas maraming trabaho para sa mga residente, magpapalakas sa aktibidad ng ekonomiya, at makakatulong sa Itogon na maging isa sa mga paboritong destinasyon sa Benguet at buong Cordillera. Umaasa si Waclin na sa paglago ng turismo bilang pangunahing industriya, mas maraming oportunidad sa trabaho at kabuhayan ang mabubuksan, lalo na’t patuloy ang mga hamon sa sektor ng pagmimina sa bayan. | Benjo Guzman / Bombo Radyo Baguio [Layout by BSU BA Communication OJT interns: Charmaine Capsula, Nicolle Joy Delmas, Rhyza Joie Tomas]  

By Stephanie Nicole Peligman   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority–Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA-CSITE) formalized key industry partnerships through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance enterprise-based training, workforce upskilling, and industry-aligned technical-vocational education and training (TVET) programs in the Cordillera region. The agreements were signed during TESDA CSITE’s 7th Founding Anniversary celebration at the institute’s Main Campus Multi-Purpose Hall in Military Cut-Off, Baguio City, on January 24. The MOUs involve TESDA-CSITE and prominent industry partners, including John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), MOOG Controls Corporation, and Baguio City Country Club (BCCC). TESDA Secretary and Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez signed the MOUs on behalf of TESDA-CSITE. Partner representatives included JHMC President and Chief Executive Officer Manjit T. Singh Reandi, MOOG Controls Corporation Manager for Human Resources Norbyne P. Litaoen, and BCCC Corporate Communications and Customer Service Manager Andrew D. Pinero. Under the agreements, the parties committed to collaborating on Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) programs, micro-credentials and short-term courses, workplace immersion, supervised industry learning, on-the-job training, and apprenticeship programs. The MOUs also cover joint development and enhancement of competency standards, curricula, and assessment tools. During his keynote address, Secretary Benitez highlighted the significance of these industry partnerships: “Enterprise-based training is and has the highest employability rates of around 86 to almost 95 percent, depending on the industry. With the micro-credential programs launched last year, we are now poised to become more flexible, agile, and rapid in our response to the job-skills mismatch.” The partnerships provide opportunities for the shared use of facilities, equipment, and learning resources, ensuring that training programs remain responsive and aligned with industry practices. Collaboration with JHMC and BCCC focuses on tourism and service-oriented industries, supporting workforce development in Camp John Hay and other hospitality operations in Baguio City. Meanwhile, the MOOG Controls Corporation partnership targets manufacturing and engineering, expanding technical training and industry-aligned skills development. CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon emphasized that the MOUs reflect the institute’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the industry–academe collaboration and improving employability outcomes for TVET learners. Also present to witness the signing were TESDA Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Vidal D. Villanueva III; Deputy Director General for TVET Partnerships and Linkages Felizardo R. Colambo; Deputy Director General for TVET Partnerships and Linkages Nelly Nita N. Dillera; Acting Regional Director of TESDA CAR Engr. Glenn Murphy, Baguio City Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan, and other TESDA officials, industry partners, local officials of Baguio City, and stakeholders. The MOUs take effect upon signing and are valid for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.