LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad, to ensure the government’s ongoing efforts to address the impact of the crisis on the agricultural sector and outlined some of the measures to help farmers, on April 17, 2026. PBBM, together with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., led the distribution of farm equipment and inputs to crisis to about 45 cooperatives and associations in Benguet, following interventions under the High Value Crops Program of the Department of Agriculture, PBBM visited the Spot Trading Building 2 (Wholesale Area), where post-harvest activities are conducted, and interacted with farmers and key stakeholders in the vegetable industry in the Cordillera mountains. The visit underscores the government’s commitment to strengthen the agricultural value chain by improving market efficiency, price stability and supply distribution. “We are now at the trading center and market, because we were surprised by reports that most vegetable products here from mountainous areas are no longer imported due to the high gasoline prices we are experiencing. So we are looking into it and looking for a way out. First of all, we reduced the price of diesel by ten pesos and the local government charges were waved, then we also removed the toll fee for trucks traveling. The ten wheeler was supposed to pay P3,000 and the four wheeler was P1,000, now they will not pay until this oil price increase is over,” PBBM said in a media interview. He said that drivers who need assistance were also included in the TUPAD program (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers)  of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). “This is our help, first of all to ensure our food supply, secondly, to ensure that our farmers, our producers, wholesalers do not feel too bad, to ensure that our food supply continues so that we do not have problems with food prices and supply.” He added that because of the initiatives, there is now a better system that is already in place and the initiatives are ongoing. “That is why we are here to talk to the vendors about what else they think we can do.” PBBM added that they are continuing to monitor to ensure that everyone feels the government’s help now in the current crisis caused by the war in the Middle East. Vegetable Trader Mona Dongkasi expressed her gratitude for the personal visit of President Marcos, Jr. and hopes that the situation in the trading area in Benguet will be resolved. “Now our President has seen our situation here where vegetable prices are falling and our buyers are decreasing due to the increase in crude oil prices. We ask our dear President to help him find a solution to this current crisis,” Dongkasi said. (By Zaldy Comanda with reports from PIA-Cordillera)      

BENGUET, Philippines — The Benguet Little League delegation, composed of 32 athletes and coaches, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Melchor Daguines Diclas. The team, made up of players from both public and private schools in La Trinidad, Kapangan, Mankayan, and Itogon, will compete in the 2026 Little League Philippines Series – National Finals in Ilocos Norte from April 17 to 24, 2026. The squad was formed through a series of tryouts, selecting athletes to complete two teams composed of 16 players each for the male and female divisions. Governor Diclas extended his best wishes and good luck to the delegation, while providing financial assistance from the Provincial Local Government Unit and personally extending additional support as a gesture of encouragement for their participation in the national competition.      

BENGUET, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Benguet, led by Governor Melchor Daguines Diclas, recognized the top placers of the Benguet Coffee-Cacao Quality Competition held in March 2026, during the flag raising ceremony on Monday, April 13, at the Provincial Capitol. Rodelio B. Carame of La Trinidad emerged as champion in the Coffee Category, while Marcial M. Compala of Sablan secured first place in the Cacao category. The competition, conducted in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-Baguio Benguet), evaluated participants through a rigorous process that included coffee and cacao bean grading, coffee roasting, and cupping and tasting sessions to determine quality and excellence. In the Coffee Category, Veronica D. Catalino of Kapangan placed second, followed by Merced J. Manis of Tublay in third place. Meanwhile, in the Cacao division, Diony C. Bitayan of Kapangan took second place, while Tresia J. Sabino of Tublay finished third. Governor Diclas congratulated all winners, expressing optimism for increased funding for the competition in the coming years to further strengthen Benguet’s coffee and cacao industries. Also present during the awarding ceremony were members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including Board Members Thomas K. Wales Jr., Neptali B. Camsol, Romeo K. Salda, Lady Charmaine S. Molintas-Likigan, Ruben L. Tinda-an, Reachelle C. Takinan-Balagsa, Armando I. Lauro, Alexander T. Fianza, Johannes A. Amuasen, and Benjamin G. Palbusa, Oliver K. Paus, along with Provincial Agriculturist Delinia D. Juan and representatives from DTI- Baguio Benguet.      

The Department of Health – CAR, through its Equity Programs in Health, warmly invites Rural Health Units and Municipal Health Offices from 3rd to 5th class municipalities across the region to submit proposals for Project AGSHAN, an initiative that strengthens local health systems while directly supporting communities that need it most. Selected municipalities will receive financial assistance amounting to P750,000.00, distributed over a three-year implementation period, to support community-based health initiatives in Underserved and Unserved Communities (UUCs). The program aims to enhance service delivery, strengthen health promotion, and build sustainable, culturally responsive primary care systems. Project proposals must address actual community health needs and align with national and regional priorities. Each proposal should highlight nutrition and at least three additional priority areas such as immunization, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), maternal health, communicable diseases (e.g., STI/HIV, tuberculosis), mental health, road safety, and non-communicable diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, cancer). Official UUC list, eligibility, and guidelines are in the comment section: Submit proposals via email: ipgidacordillera@caro.doh.gov.ph Deadline of submission: April 10, 2026 Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in stronger primary care, empower communities, and bring health services closer to even the most remote barangays.   Through committed local leadership and community-driven solutions, Project AGSHAN continues to improve health outcomes where they matter most.

IFUGAO, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over P208,000 worth of farm machinery and equipment to a farmers’ organization in Barangay Aduyongan here, aiming to improve productivity and strengthen community-based agriculture. The assistance was granted on March 26 to the Aduyongan Agrarian Reform Farmers Organization (ARFO), an agrarian reform beneficiaries’ group supported by the DAR Provincial Office of Ifugao, led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Elpidio C. Santos. Funded under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP) – Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster-Affected Areas (SLSDAA), the package includes two rotavators, two power sprayers, two water pumps, three brush cutters, and one pelletizer machine. Distributed equipment is expected to ease manual labor, speed up farm operations, and increase crop yields among members. “Dagituy nga naited ket arapaap tayo nga maaddaan iti gamit tapno iti kasta ket adda usaren tayo nga agtalon. Ket tatta nga addan, ikkan tayo kuma iti importansya dagituy nga equipment. Sapayla kuma ta babaen agituy nga naited nga FMEs ket ag-increase iti produksyon ti ani tayo nga farmers. Tulungan tayo daytuy nga organization tayo tapno ag thrive ken madi nga ag-fail,” said Barangay Captain Jose Balajo. thanked DAR for the support, saying the equipment had long been a goal of the organization. Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Leonor C. Bascos reminded the group that government assistance comes with responsibility, stressing the need to properly manage and maintain the equipment. She warned that failure to use the equipment effectively could lead to its reassignment to other beneficiaries. An orientation on the proper use of the machinery was conducted following the turnover to promote sustainability and accountability among members. A memorandum and trust agreement was also signed to formalize the responsibilities of both DAR and the farmers’ group in the use and safekeeping of the equipment. The turnover was witnessed by members of the community, including PARCCOM representatives.  

CORDILLERA, Philippines — The regionwide implementation of intensified anti-illegal drug operations by the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) resulted in the seizure of more than P31.9 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of nine drug personalities during a weeklong operation conducted from March 23 to 29, 2026. According to reports from the Regional Operations Division of PRO CAR, a total of 34 anti-illegal drug operations were carried out across the region. These included 27 marijuana eradication operations, three buy-bust operations, and four implementations of search warrants. As a result of these operations, 123,405 fully grown marijuana plants were destroyed, along with 57,735 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, while 55.68 grams of shabu were confiscated, with an overall Standard Drug Price of PhP31,987,824.00. In addition, the operations led to the arrest of nine drug personalities, all listed as Street Level Individuals (SLIs). They are now facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The most significant accomplishments were recorded in Benguet, where the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) successfully destroyed marijuana plants amounting to PhP25,109,200.00, and in Kalinga, where the Kalinga PPO destroyed PhP6,500,000.00 worth of marijuana. Further, in Baguio City, the Baguio City Police Office confiscated suspected shabu worth of PhP326,120.00 and apprehended seven SLIs, and in Abra, the Abra PPO seized PhP30,328.00 worth of suspected shabu and arrested one SLI. Meanwhile, in Apayao, the Apayao PPO arrested one SLI and confiscated suspected shabu amounting to PhP2,176.00.    

BENGUET, Philippines – A tragic tragedy befell six prominent photographers, killing two, while injuring four, after their vehicle was swept away by strong currents while crossing a river this afternoon, March 27, in Sitio Tabu, Barangay Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet. The deceased was identified as Veteran Photographer Rodolfo ‘Ompong’ Tan, 68, a businessman, who was declared dead on arrival at the Itogon District Hospital, at around 3:35 p.m., due to traumatic injuries, according to initial medical findings. The first person reported missing in the accident was Neil Clark Ongchanco, photographer of the Baguio City Public Information Officer, but his body was found at around 7:00 p.m., believed to have drowned after being swept away by water. Currently being treated at the hospital are Ren Munoz, 45; Eliza Consul,59; Conrado Rotor, 66, retired school principal and photo correspondent of the Manila Standard; and Randy Benigno, 49, all residents of Baguio City. Initial investigation by the Itogon Municipal Police Station showed that the victims were aboard a black Toyota Fortuner with license plate ZHE 432, coming from Tabu Elementary School, Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet, where they were conducting graduation pictorials as part of a outreach sponsorship activity. The victims left the school to return to Baguio City, at around 1:00 p.m. while crossing the river, their vehicle was pushed by a strong current, causing it to turn and face the current. The front part of the vehicle was lifted by the current and then fell before being carried about 100 meters from its original position, where it partially submerged and came to rest. It was also reported that people who saw the incident responded quickly and were able to get the victims out of the vehicle and rushed them to the hospital. According to initial information, the vehicle attempted to cross the river when it was caught by strong currents following a sudden rise in water levels .      

BENGUET, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) of Benguet distributed land titles and farm support equipment to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and organizations (ARBOs) on March 23, 2026, in Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet. A total of 44 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) were awarded to 71 ARBs, covering more than 57.4287 hectares of agricultural land. In addition, 13 e-titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project were distributed to nine ARBs from Banengbeng and Bayabas in Sablan, further strengthening land tenure security in the province. Alongside land distribution, five ARBOs received various farm machinery and equipment (FMEs) amounting to approximately Php 600,000.00 to support and enhance agricultural productivity. The assistance was provided under the Climate-Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) Project through its Sustainable Livelihood Support (SLS) and Major Crop-Based Block Farm Productivity Enhancement (MCBF) components. Among the equipment distributed were a coffee roaster, HDPE hoses, and a motorized coffee pulper, awarded to the Indigenous Peoples Farmers Association of Agpay (Agpay Agro-growers Farmers Association), Kapangdanan Bacaoag Agrarian Beneficiaries and Farmers Association, and Central Poblacion Atok Multipurpose Cooperative (CPAMPC). The Pappa Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (PFAC) and Topdac Multipurpose Cooperative (TMPC) also received additional farm support equipment, including HDPE hoses, a hand tractor, a power generator, a water tank, an electric motor, a grass cutter, garden hoses, and knapsack sprayers. Beneficiaries were reminded to safeguard their land titles and ensure compliance with necessary requirements such as updating tax declarations and paying real property taxes to maintain ownership records. The activity forms part of the ongoing initiatives of DARPO Benguet to strengthen agrarian reform implementation through land distribution and support services, held in line with the observance of the 2026 National Women’s Month.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap wants to double the bed capacity the Benguet General Hospital from 200 to 400 in a bill he filed with former ACT CIS Party List Rep. Edvic Yap. In House Bill 1503, the brothers-congressmen seek to increase the bed capacity of the hospital from 200 to 400 beds, while also placing the hospital “under the direct control and supervision of the Department of Health (DOH).” The bill also seeks for the upgrade of existing professional health care services and facilities and “be commensurate to the bed capacity increase”. This will also lead to the increase of workforce which includes doctors, nurses and support personnel. The number will be determined by the Health Secretary in consultation with the Head of Hospital in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management secretary and Civil Service Commission commissioner. With it under the direct supervision of the DOH, the DBM, said office and the Provincial Government “shall determine the cost of renationalized functions relative to the operations of the Benguet General Hospital from its current Internal Revenue Allocation and thereafter, and cause the allocation of the same to the DOH chargeable against the IRA of the Provincial Government of Benguet.” Funding of the hospital will then be included in DOH’s program and in the General Appropriations Act. The proposed bill is in response to the growing number of patients catered to by the hospital due to the province’s growing population and the influx of patients from other Cordillera provinces like Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Abra and Mountain Province and even the city of Baguio. In giving control to the DOH, the Yap brothers hope that it will “allow better focus on the provision and improvement of health services and facilities through sufficient funding.” The older of the brothers, ACT CIS Rep. Edvic, however, resigned from office early this year. Meanwhile, Yap will once again seek the establishment of the Kabayan District Hospital to avoid the three hour ride of patients from the highest point in Benguet in Kabayan to La Trinidad. During a meeting with the House Committee on Health early this week of the proposed Hose Bill 3398, Yap urged the committee to approve the measure due to its urgency. Yap said during the committee hearing: “We do not want just to build a hospital, we want to bring dignity and a fighting chance closer to every family. Because no life should be measured by distance. This hospital will stand as a testament to every kilometer walked, every life lost too soon, and a promise to never let it happen again.” Yap filed the bill during the last Congress but failed to have it passed. (By Pigeon Lobien)