By Ian Addatu   TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines — The City Government of Tabuk formally presented its official candidate for the Miss Kalinga 2026 pageant on January 5, 2026, at the Tabuk People’s Gym. Miss Tabuk 2025 Rachel Angela Valencia Baday will represent the City of Tabuk in this year’s province-wide female pageant. The presentation was led by Mayor Darwin Estrañero, together with members of the City Council, and was witnessed by employees of the City Local Government Unit (CLGU). Event coordinator Cris Domingo from the City Mayor’s Office explained that as the reigning Miss Tabuk 2025, Baday is the city’s official representative to the Miss Kalinga pageant. He also noted that this year’s competition will be limited to one representative per municipality, including the City of Tabuk, with no additional candidates from sponsoring personalities or agencies. Ms. Baday is a fourth-year college student taking up Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She has consistently demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership as a Dean’s Lister, awardee, student journalist, broadcaster, and former leader in various extracurricular activities. Her journey in pageantry has been nothing short of inspiring. Prior to winning the Miss Tabuk 2025 crown, she earned titles and distinctions including Miss Kalinga State University, Miss Bulanao, and 4th Runner-Up in Miss CARASUC 2025.    

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines – Three minors were injured when fireworks stalls caught fire simultaneously, 15-minutes before the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Bulanao Public Market, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on December 31. According to PCapt. Ruff Manganip, of the Kalinga Provincial Police Office, the injured were a five-year-old girl, a ten-year-old girl, and a fourteen-year-old boy, all from Mindanao. He said there were 20 fireworks stalls selling in the area, all of which were licensed, when a stray firecracker from the other side of the road hit one stall, causing the other stalls to catch fire one after the other and the fire quickly spread. Personnel from the Philippine National Police–Bulanao and the Bureau of Fire Protection immediately responded to extinguish the fire, deeming the incident an accident.

KALINGA, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Kalinga broke ground on the P29.9-million Kalinga Commercial Complex on Dec. 22, 2025, aimed at strengthening local enterprise and boosting provincial revenues. Governor James S. Edduba said the project is funded through a nearly P30-million Land Bank of the Philippines Start-Up Loan as part of the province’s economic development initiatives Edduba added that the government-owned facility will give local entrepreneurs a proper venue to grow their businesses while generating income for public services. Once completed, the three-story complex will feature commercial stalls, office spaces, pasalubong centers, and function halls for trainings and events. (PIA Kalinga)  

At the Mountain Tourism Summit 2025, DOT–CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan marked a historic milestone for the country, sharing that “this is the first Mountain Tourism Summit in the Philippines. ” Set in the heart of the Cordilleras, her message highlighted the region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems as treasures to be responsibly shared with the world. She underscored that mountain tourism holds immense potential to drive community livelihoods, create jobs, and support local enterprises, while placing sustainability and community empowerment at the core of tourism development. Calling for collaboration and partnership, Director Ganongan encouraged stakeholders to work together to build a future where mountain tourism uplifts communities and preserves the Cordilleras for generations to come. Meanwhile, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, represented by Director Judy Gabato, underscored the importance of mountain tourism under the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, stating that it “guides the country’s tourism development toward sustainability, connectivity, and inclusivity,” while recognizing mountain regions as vital contributors to national tourism growth. The Mountain Tourism Summit 2025 reflects this vision through discussions on global and local perspectives on mountain tourism, forest conservation and ecotourism, activity-based tourism and its challenges, sustainable initiatives, cultural tourism and sensitivity, destination marketing and branding, and TIEZA’s infrastructure guidelines, incentives, and opportunities. Grounded in collaboration among LGUs, communities, tourism stakeholders, and development partners, the Summit highlights the immense potential of the Cordilleras in advancing regenerative tourism that benefits both communities and visitors.            

DANGLAS, Abra, Philippines – The Department of Social Services and Welfare Development-Cordillera immediately provided assistance to the victims of the fire that occurred on December 23 in the town of Danglas. Abra. According to the report, five families, which included 14 individuals, were left homeless, of which one was consumed by the fire, while the other was partially damaged. The said families are now temporarily residing at the Municipal Social Welfare Development (MSWD) office. In response, the DSWD FO CAR through SWAD Abra has already provided Food and Non-Food Items and financial assistance to the affected families. Families with completely damaged houses received 10 Family Food Packs, one Hygiene Kit, one Sleeping Kit, one Family Kit, one Kitchen Kit, one Family Tent, and 10,000 pesos in financial assistance, while families with partially damaged houses were given five Family Food Packs, one Kitchen Kit, one Hygiene Kit, and 5,000 pesos in financial assistance, ensuring immediate assistance and support for families as they recover. (SJ Team)  

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: The Department of Tourism- Cordillera Administrative Region reinforced the importance of conserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable practices so that future generations can continue to experience and learn from the rich biodiversity found in mountain destinations like Camp John Hay. Guided by Mr. Adrian Constantino, participants spent the final day exploring the Yellow Trail, where around 20 bird species were observed thriving within the forest: Brahminy Kite Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker Green-backed Whistler Blue-headed Fantail Brown Shrike Philippine Jungle Crow Citrine Canary-Flycatcher Elegant Tit Tawny Grassbird Philippine Bulbul Arctic Warbler Mountain Tailorbird Philippine Bush Warbler Chestnut-faced Babbler Warbling White-eye Sulphur-billed Nuthatch Crested Myna Turquoise Flycatcher Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Eurasian Tree Sparrow This activity was conducted as part of the post-activity of the Mountain Tourism Summit 2025, allowing participants to connect more deeply with nature after days of learning and discussion on mountain tourism and sustainability. The experience offered more than just bird identification. It provided a moment to slow down and truly appreciate the role birds play in the environment and in maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems. Seeing these bird species in their natural habitat served as a reminder that a healthy environment supports diverse life and that forests like Camp John Hay are essential sanctuaries for wildlife. The activity also highlighted how responsible tourism can help protect and sustain biodiversity while creating meaningful experiences for visitors. As the birdwatching activity came to a close, it left participants with a stronger sense of awareness and responsibility toward nature.    

OUSTANDING AWARD Sacrifice, commitment, sound management made the difference. Lower Gomok Multipurpose Cooperative (LGMPC) (Itogon) receives commendation on the 13th Villar Foundation Awards. Joe B. Caw-as ,General Manager together with other cooperative officials – Eugenio Tuguinay (Chairman) , Doming Odlos(Vice-Chairman), Emilyn B. Bugnosen (HR), Ayra C. Wagsayen (Board Secretary), -Mariel M. Docayag (Audit Committee), David N. Dulnuan (Treasurer),Atty. Charmaigne D. Ngaosi,and Franklyn B. Coteng receive the award in behalf of the Cooperative. The prestigious event held onDecember 12,2025 at The Tent -Vista Global South, Las Pinas City. LGMPC’s active and sustained projects like poverty alleviation/reduction to several communities paved the way for the award. GM Caw-as expresses gratitude to the members of the cooperative and officialdom and the community for their full support and cooperation. Text Primo Agatep/ Contributed Photo.

PINUKPUK, Kalinga, Philippines  – Joint police and Philippine Army personnel uncovered various types of isg powered firearms and equipment at an abandoned Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) camp in the mountainous area of ​​Sitio Sagideng, Barangay Taga, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, on December 11. The recovered weapons included one MK2 Fragmentation Hand Grenade, one 40mm High Explosive (HE) cartridge, two Rifle Grenades (HE), and thirty pieces of rusted 5.56mm ammunition. Equipment also found at the site were two buckets of rice, various medicines and medical supplies, two cellphone chargers, one red and one black electrical cord, one rope, and two USB drives. According to PLt. Jhonny Boy Binwang, of the 1503rd Maneuver Company, RMFB 15 of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera, said the discovery of the NPA encampment was based on valuable information provided by a recently surrendered CTG member. The meticulous operation was conducted with the assistance of Pinukpuk MPS personnel, Philippine Army personnel led by 1Lt Bienvinenido Guerrero and other law enforcers and quickly located the abandoned rebel camp. Zaldy Comanda