ITOGON, Benguet, Philippines — “We can no longer preserve the environment in small-scale mining communities in Itogon.” This was the message of Marie Claire S. Luminang, Information Officer II of the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-DENR-CAR), during the Miners’ Forum held on June 10, 2026, at the Itogon Municipal Gymnasium in Poblacion. Speaking on the topic “Beyond Preservation: Protecting and Sustaining Environments in Small-Scale Mining Communities,” Luminang delivered her address as part of the municipality’s Environment Month celebration. Luminang explained that the concept of environmental preservation is no longer applicable in Itogon’s small-scale mining communities because preservation refers to protecting natural environments that remain largely untouched by human activity. “But we can protect and adapt,” she emphasized. She noted that while mining continues to provide livelihoods for many families, gold resources are finite and will eventually be depleted. She stressed the need for behavioral change—not only among miners but among all sectors of the community. Luminang also challenged participants to examine whether some existing environmental initiatives are truly addressing the root causes of environmental degradation or merely serving as temporary, band-aid solutions. “Are we really doing something about it?” she asked. According to Luminang, environmental problems do not always require complicated solutions. The first step toward meaningful action is acknowledging the problem and taking responsibility for everyday practices that contribute to environmental protection. These include proper waste segregation at source and, where feasible, transitioning to mercury-free gold processing methods. She explained that environmental protection involves reducing and preventing environmental damage such as pollution and soil erosion, safeguarding communities from hazards, promoting responsible use of natural resources, minimizing environmental impacts, and undertaking rehabilitation and restoration efforts. Environmental adaptation, meanwhile, focuses on modifying existing practices to respond to the realities of mining environments. Examples include progressive rehabilitation of mined-out areas while operations are ongoing, establishing buffer zones near rivers and residential areas, and restricting mining activities on steep slopes and in protected areas. She also highlighted measures to protect water resources, including the construction of sediment traps or settling ponds, preventing the discharge of untreated waste into rivers, and promoting water reuse. Recognizing that small-scale mining remains a primary source of income for many residents, Luminang said it is disheartening to see miners receive all the blame whenever disasters strike mining communities. “The goal is not to eliminate livelihoods,” she said, “but to align them with environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.” She further urged communities to begin preparing for a future beyond mining. “What happens after we have mined it all out?” she asked. Luminang emphasized the importance of developing alternative skills and livelihood opportunities to ensure that future generations will continue to have sustainable sources of income even after mining resources have been exhausted.          

​BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The country’s No. 8 national most wanted person, accused of raping his minor niece in Mountain Province, was arrested on June 8 at his hideout in the Sierra Madre mountains in General Nakar, Quezon. ​According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspect, identified only as “Alias Leo,” is a native of Mountain Province. His arrest carries a ₱150,000 bounty under the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) reward program for fugitives. ​ The operation was jointly conducted by the CIDG and the General Nakar Municipal Police Station, executing warrants issued on September 8, 2022, by the Regional Trial Court in Bontoc, Mountain Province. ​ The suspect faces three counts of qualified statutory rape with no bail recommended, and two counts of acts of lasciviousness under Republic Act No. 7610 (the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), which carries a recommended bail of ₱200,000. ​Investigations revealed that the abuse began in 2015 in Sitio Lumyeng, Lacmaan, Besao, Mountain Province, when the victim was a Grade 6 student. ​ Silenced by the suspect’s threats, the victim hid the abuse for seven years. She finally disclosed the ordeal to her father in 2022, leading to an immediate police complaint. ​ To evade law enforcement, the suspect fled Mountain Province and constantly relocated, moving from Tanay, Rizal, deep into the Sierra Madre mountains before CIDG operatives tracked him down. ​ CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert A.A. Morico II commended the operating units, stating that the arrest reflects the agency’s unwavering commitment to pursuing fugitives and protecting women and children from abuse.      

  The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) successfully conducted a Barrier-Free Tourism Training for representatives of various accommodation establishments across the region to strengthen their understanding of accessible tourism and encourage the adoption of inclusive and persons with disabilities-friendly practices, onJune 4–5, 2026.   The training forms part of DOT-CAR’s Barrier-Free Tourism Initiative, which promotes awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and advocates for inclusion, non-discrimination, and equal access to travel experiences for all. Through this initiative, DOT-CAR continues to champion an accessible and inclusive tourism industry where every traveler is welcomed and valued.   Accessible tourism is not merely about ramps and infrastructure; it is about ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty, culture, and opportunities that tourist offers. An accessible tourism destination is a destination that welcomes everyone.   Through accessible tourism, persons with disabilities are empowered to enjoy tourism activities, destinations, and experiences on an equal footing with others. Together, let us build a tourism industry that breaks barriers, embraces diversity, and ensures that no one is left behind.  

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines – More than P462 million worth of illegal drugs were seized, along with the arrest of 38 drug personalities, in an intensified month-long operation in the Cordillera region from May 1 to 31. According to the Regional Operations Division of PROCOR, out of a total of 99 operations launched, which included 65 marijuana eradications, 14 buy-bust operations, eight search warrant executions, seven service warrants of arrest, and five police responses. These efforts led to the confiscation of 1,849,470 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants; 615,461 marijuana seedlings; 197,881.1 grams of dried marijuana leaves and tops; 27,365 grams of dried marijuana stems; and 335.64 grams of shabu, with a total Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P462,344,324.00. Additionally, in the said operations, 38 drug personalities were arrested, of which 13 were identified as High Value Individuals (HVIs) and 25 were identified as Street Level Individuals (SLIs). The most significant operation was conducted by the Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO), which confiscated illegal drugs worth P405,197,480.00 and arrested five HVIs and three SLIs. This was followed by the Mountain Province PPO, which confiscated illegal drugs worth P31,407,600.00 and arrested one HVI and one SLI. Meanwhile, the Benguet PPO confiscated illegal drugs with an estimated street value of PhP25,286,780.00 and arrested three HVIs and four SLIs. In addition, the Baguio City Police Office confiscated illegal drugs worth P282,892.00 and arrested four HVIs and nine SLIs; the Apayao PPO confiscated illegal drugs worth P123,944.00 and arrested three SLIs, while the Abra PPO confiscated suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PhP45,628.00 and arrested five SLIs.      

Two bills that support Filipino children with autism and their families are moving forward to its approval, an optimistic Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap said. Yap in a release said that House Bills 6001 and 6486 may reach approval by the plenary that are aimed to address the long standing struggles faced by individuals with autism and their family that care for them. Yap that with the two bills, the establishment of a comprehensive national autism care system will be established. HB 6001 is aimed to establish a comprehensive national autism care plan, that Yap says “would institutionalize measures for early detection, inclusive education, intervention programs, and full social integration for persons with autism.” On the other hand, HB 6486 “proposes the establishment of a Center for Autism that would provide free or affordable diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services.” The House’s committee on health approval advocates say “as a breakthrough moment for countless families who have long endured emotional, financial, and social challenges while navigating the realities of autism care in the country.” For families, having an autistic child means “sleepless nights, uncertainty over their child’s future, and the painful struggle for acceptance, understanding, and accessible support systems.” Yap said  that the proposed bills are aimed “to ease those burdens by creating a more responsive and inclusive framework for autism care nationwide.” He said that the bills’ supporters view autism not a barrier to success or human potential, adding that “with proper support and opportunities, persons with autism can thrive in schools, workplaces, and communities.” They say that the committee approval is a legislative victory and “viewed as a powerful statement that inclusion should no longer be treated as a privilege reserved for a few, but as a fundamental right guaranteed to every Filipino child.” As the bills near plenary deliberations, Yap added that “families and autism advocates are hoping Congress will sustain the momentum and finally turn years of calls for stronger autism support into law.” PML            

By Rod G. Asurin   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (PIA) — Domestic violence cases in the Cordillera region dropped from 165 in 2022 to 145 in 2025, according to the Police Regional Office–CAR (PRO-CAR). Data from its Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System for the provinces and Baguio City in 2022 and 2025 show Abra had  23 cases in 2022 and 13 in 2025; Apayao, 6 and 1; Benguet, 36 and 39; Ifugao, 13 and 12; Kalinga, 16 and 20; Mountain Province, 5 and 4, and  Baguio City, 66 and 56. The data also showed physical violence dropped from 130 cases in 2022 to 112 in 2025. Psychological violence remained unchanged at 32 cases for both years, while sexual violence declined from three cases to one. Regional Women and Children Protection Desk chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Nancy May S. Rafael attributed the overall decline to strengthened coordination among police units, local government units, barangays, and partner stakeholders in addressing violence against women and children. However, she noted that the steady number of psychological violence cases highlights an ongoing challenge, as emotional and mental abuse is often hidden and underreported. “These forms of abuse are difficult to detect compared to physical violence, which is why reporting remains a challenge,” she said. To further address domestic violence, PRO-CAR continues to implement OPLAN Tagapagpatupad, a community-based initiative launched in December 2024, which focuses on improving victim support systems and strengthening prevention efforts at the local level. Under the initiative, police units conduct house-to-house visits, information drives, lectures, media campaigns, distribution of information materials, and community engagements. Hotlines and social media channels are also maintained to ensure faster response to complaints. Rafael emphasized that domestic violence is not only a family concern but a public safety and human rights issue that requires sustained cooperation among stakeholders. “We shall continue working towards safer homes and violence-free communities for women and children,” she said. Meanwhile, the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey key indicators showed that 14.5 percent of women aged 15–49, or about 15 in every 100 women in CAR, experienced domestic violence. The figure was lower than the 19.8 percent recorded in 2022, indicating a downward trend in the reported prevalence of domestic violence in the region. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR)

By Christian Allister G. Tubadeza   SAN JUAN, Abra, Philippines  (PIA) — A local fisherfolk organization here was able to put up an Agri-Fishery and General Merchandise Stall using income earned from farming and marketing their tilapia harvests. In 2003, the group initially received tilapia fingerlings and feeds from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program in 2003 as capital. Through hard work and cooperation, the Ganagan Fisherfolk Association (GFA) generated around P300,000 in assets, including their small agri-supply business located in Barangay Poblacion. GFA President Marnel Masaoay shared that their marketing strategy for their tilapia harvest helped them to profit. “Tinnulong laeng ti inubra mi. Gaputa amin a miembro ken naikkan ti fingerlings ti BFAR, nu adda agapit, tulongan mi nga agilako ket sikami tu supplier toy San Juan ti presko a tilapia ken agilaklako kami nu adda ti kadiwa ditoy San Juan ta nalaklaka ti presyo na ti tilapia mi,” he explained. (We help each other. Each of the members was given fingerlings, and if someone harvests the tilapia, we market them together. We supply residents of San Juan with fresh tilapia. Also, we market with Kadiwa, where people come to buy at a more affordable price.) Masaoay also shared that the members agreed to start a small business using their earnings. He said they used their own money to pay the initial rent of their commercial space as support for their association’s capital. “Idi adda naurnong mi nga puonanen, nagnunumoanan mi nga agbirok kamin ti pwesto tapnu marugyanen toy negosyo mi ket tatta nag-share kami ti bukodmi a kuarta para daytoy bayad ti puesto tapnu pangrurugian,” he shared. [After we earned an amount for the capital, we agreed to look for a commercial space so we can start a business, and we also shared the rent cost initially using our own money to support our association.] Masaoay recognized the benefits of BFAR’s SAAD program, which helped them financially support their families. “Kaaduan kaniami a miembro ken low-income earners diay dadduma met ket 4Ps members. Dakkel ti tulong na daytoy ta adda la maited mi nga allowance dagiti ubbing mi nga agbasbasa. Isu nga pagyamanan mi ti BFAR ta sikami ti napagasatan a napili ditoy San Juan,” he shared. [Most of us are low-income earners, and some of us are members of 4Ps. This helped us a lot because it supported the allowances of our children who are studying, so we thank BFAR for choosing us.] Meanwhile, GFA member Mar June Isao affirmed that joining an income-generating association provides financial support for his family. “Matultulongan mi met ti pamilia mi ta saan lang met nga sikami nga miembro ti ag-benefit. Isu nga mayat met ti sumali kami ti kastoy nga association ta napia la adda pagbiaganmi,” Isao said. (Not only are the members benefiting from this endeavor. We are also supporting our family financially. So, it is good to join an association for an extra income.) Aside from fishery supplies and inputs, the GFA also received various capacity-building trainings from BFAR that will enable them to become a self-sustaining enterprise by 2028. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)

By PIA-CAR   LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines (PIA) — Farmers, local leaders and agricultural stakeholders across the region celebrated the 10th founding anniversary of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad on May 15, 2026. Guided by the theme “Better, Together,” the gathering spurred discussions on the development of the BAPTC as a major hub for the trade of highland vegetables, and on the Cordillera agricultural industry. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro, representing Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., noted how BAPTC has become one of the prime agricultural trading centers in the region. He shared that BAPTC was originally conceptualized to serve only the province of Benguet but has significantly expanded over the last ten years, and is now serving  farming communities in Mountain Province and Ifugao. He emphasized how progress is achieved with continuing unity and partnership among all stakeholders, particularly the farmers, porters, packers, and government units. Situated in a four-hectare lot at the Strawberry Fields in Barangay Betag owned by the Benguet State University, BAPTC maintains cold and dry storage components as well as packaging and processing facilities. The bulk of the vegetables traded in BAPTC are sold in Metro Manila markets. Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas acknowledged the annual cycle of challenges hitting the agricultural sector, particularly unstable pricing for major crops like cabbage. Despite these hurdles, he praised the hard work and resilience of the local community. “We always experience this. Adda met dytoy nga mang mangyari but the resilience of the people, the people of our region, mabibyag tayo latta ta nagaget tayo nga ag trabaho” Diclas said. The official also urged stakeholders to formulate sustainable solutions to this persisting unstable pricing. “Magkaisa ulit tayo, pag-isipan natin ulit kung anong gagawin natin para hindi dumating ‘yung panahon na matagal ‘yung bagsak no’ng repolyo o kaya mga vegetable natin,” he said. Mankayan Mayor Cesar Pasiwen shared a market vision for Cordillera. He strongly advocated for halting vegetable importations from other countries, aiming instead for the region to become a major global exporter, particularly to the Middle East. “Nakita naman natin na ‘yung Middle East na pinanggagalingan ng oil natin ay desert, awan met pag mulaan da iti nateng. Ang dream sana natin, ‘yung repolyo natin, ‘yung umbok natin makarating sa Middle East,” the mayor said. Pasiwen also challenged the community to collaborate, “Agtintinulong tayo iti pagsyaatan ti vegetable industry tayo.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the BAPTC on April 17, 2026, to personally see the situation in the trading center amid the drop in prices of vegetables and the slowed-down transport of vegetable produce to the market due to the effects of the conflict in the Middle East. The Office of the President also bought around 20 tons of vegetables from the farmers. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR w/ UC intern Lyka Shane Corpuz)

BAGUIO CITY — Kinumpirma ng Philippine Air Force ang pagkamatay ng dalawang piloto habang ginagamot sa ospital bandang alas-4:00 ng hapon, matapos bumagsak ang fixed-wing training aircraft na kanilang pinalipad sa isang masukal na kagubatan sa Mount Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion, bayan ng Tuba, noong Mayo 20. Ayon sa PAF, bumagsak ang PAF SF260 trainer aircraft sa Mt. Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet bandang alas-10:20 ng umaga habang nasa isang mahabang navigation training flight ng Military Pilot Training (MPT). Natagpuang walang malay ang dalawang piloto ng mga rescuer at agad na isinugod sa ospital. Ang nasabing aircraft, na sakay ang dalawang biktima, ay isa sa labing-isang aircraft na umalis mula sa Basilio Fernando Air Base sa Lipa City, Batangas. Ang huling lokasyon nito na minomonitor ay naiulat na nasa layong dalawang nautical miles hilagang-kanluran ng Loakan Airport sa Baguio City bago nawalan ng kontak. Sa isang post sa social media, ipinahayag ng PAF ang taos-pusong pakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng mga biktima at tiniyak sa kanila ang buong suporta sa mahirap na panahong ito.