MOUNTAIN PROVINCE. Philippines – A total of 43 irrigation projects for the province this CY 2026 were presented in a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on July 8. The groundbreaking ceremony is led by NIA-CAR Regional Manager Ronilio Cervantes, Congressman Maximo Dalog, Jr. of the Lone District of Mountain Province, Montañosa Federation of Irrigators’ Associations President Ezra Gomez, and other officials. With a total budget allocation of ₱140 million, these 43 projects in the 10 municipalities of Mountain Province aims to serve a total area of 483 hectares, in which 165 hectares are considered new area. A total of 1,927 farmers and their families are estimated to use these irrigation projects when completed. Of these, 19 are new small irrigation projects (SIP), 5 are solar-powered pump irrigation projects, 9 projects are intended for restoration focusing on bringing abandoned or non-operational communal irrigation systems (CIS) back into service, 10 projects are for the repair of existing CIS (fix specific damages within existing CISs to ensure more efficient irrigation delivery. The 43 projects are distributed across the municipalities as follows: 10 projects in Bauko, 6 in Bontoc, 2 in Barlig, 4 in Besao, 4 in Sagada, 1 jointly covering Sagada and Besao, 5 in Paracelis, 2 in Sadanga, 3 in Natonin, 3 in Sabangan, and 3 in Tadian. Also leading the ceremonies are Hon. Alfonso Ligos, Jr., president of the Liga ng mga Barangay of Mountain Province, Provincial Governor represented by Provincial Administrator John Likigan, Engr. Abraham Akilit, former regional manager of NIA-CAR, NIA Mountain Province Satellite Office employees led by Provincial Head Winston Daoas, and presidents of various Irrigators’ Associations. Cong. Dalog said that project implementation is a shared responsibility, with irrigators associations playing an important role in project implementation as they can be stewards and monitors so projects are long-lasting. He also expressed hopes for a national irrigation project through the proposed Upper Butigue Irrigation Project to serve the wide valleys in Paracelis. Meanwhile, NIA-CAR Regional Manager Cervantes expressed that the groundbreaking aims to inform various stakeholders and the public of the projects, urging also all irrigators associations to become more active partners in monitoring and inspection. He also informed that after completion, communal and small irrigation projects are turned over to duly formed Irrigators’ Associations for operation and maintenance. Also, during the ceremony, a total of ₱283,618 operation and maintenance (O&M) subsidies were presented to MOFIA for distribution to various irrigators’ associations in Mountain Province. IAs are encouraged to continue with their O&M activities within their irrigation systems, submit reports and accomplishments to NIA to be able to continually claim their subsidies.

BENGUET, Philippines — SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) was recognized by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for Binga hydroelectric power plant’s outstanding operational performance and steadfast commitment to ensuring reliable and secure electricity supply. The award was presented during the ERC’s 25th Founding Anniversary celebration on June 26, 2026. The award, personally received by SNAP representative Andrea Toyoda, Assistant Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, recognizes Binga hydro’s technical expertise and dedication to maintaining high standards of plant performance. With the theme, “The Next Watt: 25 Years of Regulating for a Modern Energy Future,” the event was held at Exquadra Tower in Pasig City and brought together stakeholders from across the Philippine energy sector. It also provided an avenue for attending relevant industry movers to discuss their respective roles in advancing a resilient, future-ready power industry. SNAP Chief Operations Officer Mike Hosillos said, “Reliable operations are built through our team’s disciplined commitment to hold themselves to the highest standards every day. This award recognizes those daily efforts, as well as SNAP’s core values of excellence and teamwork. We thank the ERC for the recognition and its continued support. We will keep raising the bar to help ensure a secure and dependable power supply.” SNAP acknowledges the recognition as it continues to pursue more innovative ways to improve operational reliability, reinforcing its role in helping provide a stable and secure electricity supply to the communities and industries it serves

  BUGUIAS, Benguet, Philippines – A total of 18 projects are starting implementation this July after the conduct of the ceremonial groundbreaking of all CY 2026 projects in Benguet held earlier today in Brgy. Buyacaoan of this municipality. The ceremonial groundbreaking, which includes capsule-laying in Sitio Bayoyo, is led by NIA-CAR officials led by Regional Manager Ronilio Cervantes, NIA Benguet Provincial Head Chester Laplana Hon. Kenneth Tereng of the KM Party-List represented by Mr. Ryan Mang-usan, Governor Melchor Diclas represented by Mr. Mario Baucas, Buguias Mayor Julius Amos represented by Councilors Wilnar Tolida and Jose Bayas, Brgy. Chairperson Simon Guinid, Sr., various Irrigators’ Associations leaders of Buguias and other municipalities of the province. Of these 18 projects amounting to a total budget allocation of P135 million, eight are for the repair and restoration of existing communal irrigation projects to rehabilitate 100 hectares and restore 72 hectares. There are 10 small irrigation projects (new) which includes three solar-powered pump irrigation projects, intended to generate a total new area of 203 hectares. Regional Manager Cervantes reaffirmed NIA’s commitment to implementing projects with the highest standards of quality and within the prescribed timelines. He also called on irrigators’ associations and farmers to actively support the agency by monitoring project implementation in their respective areas, helping ensure the quality, integrity, and timely completion and use of irrigation projects. For CY 2026, 3 projects are located in Buguias, 2 in Kabayan, 2 in Mankayan, 1 in Atok, 1 in La Trinidad, 2 in Tuba, 2 in Bokod, 1 in Sablan, 1 in Tublay, 1 in Bakun, 1 in Itogon and 1 in Kibungan. Also, during the ceremony, a total of P2,604,147 operation and maintenance (O&M) subsidies in Benguet for various irrigators’ associations were presented to IA representatives. IAs are encouraged to continue with their O&M activities within their irrigation systems, submit reports and accomplishments to NIA to be able to continually claim their subsidies.

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR), continues to uphold excellence in police service, as reflected in the results of the 1st Quarter CY 2026 Unit Performance Evaluation Rating (UPER), which recognized the performance of its Police Provincial Offices (PPOs) and City Police Office (CPO). Based on the results of the standardized UPER assessment system, the Baguio CPO emerged as the top-performing unit, garnering an overall rating of 84.89% to secure the top rank among the PPOs and CPO of PRO CAR and earning an adjectival rating of “Very Satisfactory.” Completing the Top 3 were the Benguet PPO, which ranked second with a rating of 84.22%, and the Mountain Province PPO, which placed third with a rating of 83.59%. All three police office earned an overall adjectival rating of “Very Satisfactory,” reflecting their sustained commitment to efficient and effective police operations. The UPER is a standardized performance assessment tool of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that measures the operational efficiency, administrative compliance, and accomplishments of police units from the Regional Offices down to the Police Stations. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating organizational performance and ensuring the continuous delivery of quality police service. Brig.Gen. Ericson Dilag, regional director, commended the collective efforts of all units and emphasized that the UPER results reflect the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of every police officer in the region. PRO CAR remains steadfast in its pursuit of organizational excellence through continuous performance monitoring, innovation, and the implementation of programs that strengthen public trust and confidence in the PNP.

BENGUET, Philippines – A coffin placed on the side of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road in the Ambuklao Area is currently trending on social media as a warning to motorists. According to the barangay official of Barangay Ambuklao, they did not place it to intimidate, offend or disrespect people, but rather as a reminder to motorists to take care of their lives while driving on the zigzag Ambuklao Road. They also said that motorists should take the importance of road safety seriously, as many have been reported to have accidents along the zigzag Ambuklao Road due to reckless driving ““Paalala: Mr Driver, ang mamatay o mabuhay ng dahil sa iyo.INGATAN ang NAGIISANG BUHAY, MAGMANIHO NG MAHUSAY.” Ito ang nakalagay na pahayag sa ilalim ng kabaong. (Reminder: Mr. Driver, death or life is up to you. TAKE CARE OF YOUR ONLY LIFE, DRIVE WELL.” This is the message written under the coffin.) Barangay officials urge motorists to think carefully before speeding or driving carelessly on the region’s winding mountain highways, as the best trip is one that ends safely and drives as if someone is waiting for you at home. The 103-kilometer zigzag highway called Ambuklao Road (part of the Benguet–Nueva Vizcaya Road) an alternate route from Baguio City to Nueva Vizcaya, with an estimated travel time of more or less three hours was built in 2006 at a cost of ₱2.1 billion. Ambuklao Road is one of six historic major highways in and out of Baguio City, the last of which was the Baguio-Nangalisan,Tuba -La Union Road. These routes have evolved from being the main access road in the province to a major corridor in the region.  

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Representatives and local chief executives from the six provinces and the city of Baguio expressed support for regional autonomy during the 39th Cordillera Month Kick off ceremony held at the Benguet Sports Complex Gymnasium, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet on July 1, 2026. Hosted by the Provincial Local Government Unit, together with the Regional Development Council- CAR, through its Economic Development (EconDev) Committee as lead, this year’s month-long celebration carries the theme, “𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢: 𝘌𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘋𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘺.” As host Governor, Benguet Governor Dr. Melchor D. Diclas welcomed delegates from across the Cordillera and reaffirmed the province’s support for the region’s long-standing aspiration for autonomy. He emphasized that realizing regional self-governance required the continued unity, cooperation, and collective commitment of Cordillerans, while honoring the leaders, elders, and advocates whose efforts have sustained the autonomy movement through the years. Diclas also called on government officials, stakeholders, and communities to continue advancing the autonomy agenda through dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility, stressing that an autonomous Cordillera would enable the region to pursue more responsive governance and inclusive, sustainable development. Solidarity messages supporting the pursuit of regional autonomy were also delivered by RDC Chairperson and Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr., represented by RDC Co-Chairperson Arnel M. Cabanisas; Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan, with councilor Fred L. Bagbagen representing Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong of Baguio City; Hon. Armando I. Lauro representing Congressman Eric Go Yap; Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog and Vice Governor Jose O. Dominguez representing Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. of Mountain Province, Vice Governor Ana Marie A. Bersamin representing Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin of Abra, and Mr. Ryan Mangusan representing Cong. Kenneth Paolo Tereng of KM Partylist. Messages were also conveyed through video messages by Ifugao Governor Jerry U. Dalipog and Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba. Vice Governor Marie Rose T. Fongwan- Kepes also expressed her message of support emphasizing the unity the cordilleran leaders have which can strengthen the pursuit of regional autonomy. Sealing the messages in a symbolic show of unity, Cordillera leaders, along with line agencies, private sector representatives, Civil Society Organizations and delegates from the six provinces and the City of Baguio, participated in the beating of the unity gong. The month-long celebration will feature major activities including the Fashion Show and Governor’s Night on July 14, the parade, ritual, and main program on July 15, and the culmination program on July 31.            

By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado   CORDILLERA, Philippines — The Regional Development Council of the Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR) approved the creation of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) and the Regional Steering Committee-Technical Working Group (RSC-TWG) through Resolution No. 67, Series of 2026, to ensure coordinated and effective implementation of the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) in the region during its meeting on June 11 in Baguio City. Through Resolution No. 67, Series of 2026, the council formally constituted the two bodies that will provide policy guidance, inter-agency coordination, and technical support for the project at the regional level. Panahon ng Pagkilos is the newest modality of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, anchored on community-driven development (CDD) principles. Implemented in partnership with various national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, and development partners, the project aims to strengthen the capacities of vulnerable communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of disasters and climate change, while expanding access to climate-resilient, disaster-responsive, and inclusive investments. Under the resolution, the RSC will be chaired by the Regional Director of DSWD-CAR, with the Regional Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-CAR serving as co-chairperson. Assistant Regional Directors or equivalent senior officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Department of Finance (DOF), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Civil Society Organizations will serve as members. The Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will sit as ex-officio members. The RSC-TWG will be composed of designated technical representatives from DSWD, DILG, NAPC, NCIP, DENR, and DA, with DSWD Field Office-CAR serving as the lead agency and secretariat. The resolution specifies that members must hold at least Division Chief-level positions or equivalent to ensure timely technical deliberation and decision-making. The creation of both bodies was endorsed by the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) through Resolution No. 03, Series of 2026, and was taken up during the RSDC’s second quarter committee meeting on 19 May 2026 before being elevated to the RDC-CAR for approval. Following the completion of Municipal Orientations across covered areas, Barangay Assemblies are now ongoing in 135 target barangays across Abra, Apayao, Benguet, and Mountain Province, marking the active rollout of the Pagkilos in the Cordillera Administrative Region. #DSWD-CAR, KALAHI-CIDSS RPMO, Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III    

SN Aboitiz Power Benguet Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) received the BADANG Excellence Award for Solid Waste Management for its exemplary solid waste management practices during the 9th Cordillera Environmental Summit, on June 30, 2026 in Baguio City. Awarded by the Environmental Management Bureau–Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-CAR), the BADANG Excellence Awards recognize industries and institutions with outstanding environmental programs and best practices that contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection in the Cordillera Region. Categories include Hazardous Waste Management, Wastewater Treatment and Water Conservation, Air Quality Monitoring and Management, Solid Waste Management, and Environmental IEC Leadership. SNAP-Benguet’s recognition reflects its sustained environmental initiatives, including the operation of a Material Recovery Facility that recovers recyclable materials and supports the waste management needs of nearby communities, the implementation of color-coded waste segregation systems, the installation of log booms and a semi-automated trash rack cleaning machine to collect floating debris in dam reservoirs, and the conduct of regular clean-up drives. These efforts are anchored on the company’s ISO 14001-certified environmental management system. SNAP-Benguet has also been recognized as a regional champion and national finalist in the Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) Awards and received global recognition in 2024 for its occupational safety and health programs at the ASEAN-Occupational Safety and Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET) Awards in Singapore. The award underscores SNAP-Benguet’s continued commitment to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles through environmental stewardship, safe operations, that create lasting value for the communities where it operates.            

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) achieved third place in law enforcement nationwide in the Service of Warrants of Arrest (WOA) from 2012 to 2026. Based from the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) Baseline Data on Wanted Persons from January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2026, PRO CAR recorded a Service Efficiency Rate of 76.99% with 23,871 successfully served warrants of arrest; Arrest Efficiency Rate of 93.13% for Most Wanted Persons (MWP), successfully arresting 1,708 MWPs and Arrest Efficiency Rate of 73.68% for Other Wanted Persons (OWP) successfully arresting 26,360 OWPs across the region. The accomplishment reflects the dedication, professionalism, and coordinated efforts of PRO CAR’s provincial, city, municipal, and station-level police units in conducting intelligence-driven operations, strengthening inter-unit collaboration, and working closely with the judiciary and other law enforcement agencies to implement outstanding warrants. For the public, a high arrest efficiency rate means fewer wanted individuals remain at large to threaten neighbors, or avoid punishment. It reinforces the message that the law is not optional—and that law enforcers are actively closing the gap between impunity and accountability. Moving forward, PRO CAR remains committed to maintaining this high arrest efficiency through timely, lawful enforcement operations, sending a clear message that the region is a very difficult place for fugitives to hide.