By Peter Villa, Jr.   LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – The second edition of the Warzone Cordillera is expected on December 5, Pinoy Boxing Prodigy top man Darwin Miller Dep-ay announced this week. “We are looking at a December 5 schedule,” said Dep-ay and will be slated a new at the Cordillera Career Development College Admirals gym in Buyagan here. Dep-ay, a former CCDC mentor, will have a fully stacked schedule anew as he integrates amateur and professional fights where fighters will mostly come from the region – Baguio, Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao and Abra – against pugilists from the Ilocos Region, Metro Manila and even the Visayas and Mindanao areas. Dep-ay said that the August 1 spectacle was just the beginning as he eyes a more aggressive campaign to promote both amateur and pro boxing and under one roof from this point forward. It was also his first promotion since the December 2023 regional title fight of number one super bantamweight challenger Carl Jammes Martin before his United States debut. The August 1 promotion saw Osaka native Muguchi Nakagawa dominate Lemuel de Barbo en route to a third-round technical knockout victory. The older and more experienced former regional champion Nakagawa also used his five-inch height advantage to the hilt for the win. Despite de Barbo finding his rhythm at the second canto, the Japanese proved classier as he deflected the rally staged by the Filipino. A flurry of punches at the opening of the third saw de Barbo clinging on Nakagawa before they both stumbled. When they got back on their feet, de Barbo seemed dazed and confused as the Japanese resumed his attacks looking for the kill before the before called for a stop and ended the fight at the 2:10 mark. Nakagawa improved to 33-11-4 (win-loss-draw), his fifth in six fights that include a draw against countryman Yamasaki Kaito last February at home. Nakagawa, who won over the hearts of local boxing fans, won four straight matches that started in December of 2024 after back-to-back defeats to fellow Japanese, the first of which was for the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super bantamweight crown. The Japanese fighter, who fed street children in Manila before flying home, said that he might improve to number 15 in the World Boxing Association super lightweight division and may face the exciting Filipino Riel Casimero in his fight. Casimero fights in Japan only.

BAGUIO CITY — Major golf course operators in the city expressed general support for the intent of a proposed local measure seeking to institutionalize social protection for golf caddies, but urged city lawmakers during a committee hearing on July 28, to modify provisions regarding fund collection, management, and legal exposure. Authored by City Councilor Edison R. Bilog, the proposed “Baguio City Golf Caddies Welfare Ordinance of 2026” seeks to strengthen the rights and working conditions of local caddies by providing enhanced access to social security programs and establishing a dedicated Golf Caddies Welfare Fund (GCW Fund). Under the draft ordinance, golf course management would be mandated to collect a P100.00 contribution per game from players at the point of sale, list the charge on official club receipts, and remit the money to a joint custodian panel composed of club and caddie representatives. During the committee hearing, Andrew Pinero, speaking on behalf of the Baguio Country Club (BCC), urged the City Council to revise the collection mechanism to align with existing operational realities. Pinero pointed out that players at BCC pay caddies directly rather than through the club’s billing counter, recommending that caddie organizations be allowed to collect the welfare contribution themselves and issue their own receipts to prevent accounting and tax complications with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). He added that BCC is willing to display visible notices detailing the transparent fee structure, such as P600.00 for the caddie fee plus P100.00 for the welfare fund, so players do not deduct the mandatory contribution from the caddies’ voluntary tips. Camp John Hay Golf Club aligned with BCC’s position, highlighting the administrative burden of handling millions of small cash transactions and warning against potential legal risks under labor laws. A representative from Camp John Hay expressed concern that collecting fees directly from players and holding them in trust could be legally interpreted as establishing an employer-employee relationship between the course operators and the caddies. However, perspectives among service workers differed slightly, as a representative speaking for Camp John Hay caddies inquired whether the club could instead handle point-of-sale collections and disburse the accumulated pool to their cooperative on a weekly or monthly basis. In addition to collection mechanics, stakeholders addressed the legal structure of caddie organizations outlined in Article II of the draft measure. Peredo suggested adopting flexible language throughout the ordinance to read “association or cooperative,” giving caddie groups at Baguio Country Club, Camp John Hay, and Pinewoods Golf Club the freedom to choose whether to register under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). The proposed ordinance also outlines workplace standards, prohibiting arbitrary suspensions and mandating access to sanitary facilities, drinking water, and weather protection, with fines of up to P5,000.00 for non-compliant operators. Representatives from BCC and Camp John Hay requested permission to submit formal position papers detailing their proposed amendments, which Bilog’s committee will evaluate before finalizing the measure for its second reading.- Gerald Matulay (UC BA Comm Student/SP Intern)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The city government through the City Administrator’s Office has reiterated that no registration fees will be collected from athletes in the tryouts for the 2026 Batang Pinoy Games. City Administrator Vittorio Jerico Cawis said there had been a proposal to revive registration fees for the pre-qualifying activities but this was rejected during a meeting between the City Sports Office and several coaches last week. “Registration fees had been collected in previous years by some sporting events to help cover technical and operational expenses during the tryouts. However, the practice was discontinued last year following the directive of Mayor Benjamin Magalong,” Cawis said. “We already stopped collecting registration fees last year as directed by the Mayor, and I do not intend to bring it back,” he added. He said he had instructed the City Sports Office to facilitate the funding for this year’s tryouts instead. “This is so that the tryouts will be fully supported without passing costs on to athletes and their families,” Cawis said. He also assured that the selection process will be made accessible to encourage greater participation among young athletes seeking to represent Baguio in the national youth sporting event. – Aileen P. Refuerzo .

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Baguio commends Elcanor Mang-Usan Jr. for his exceptional performance at the 23rd Annual Sacramento Invitational Taekwondo Championship in California, USA, where he won three gold medals in Kombat Taekwondo, Kyorugi, and Poomsae events. Resolution No. 525, Series of 2026 recognizes his outstanding skill, discipline, dedication, and competitive excellence, which enabled him to represent the Philippines with distinction on the international stage. The commendation is presented by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, members of the City Council, and other city officials during the Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremony on July 27, 2026, at Baguio City Hall.      

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Three of Nueva Vizcaya’s brightest academic achievers and three young taekwondo champions who brought home medals from an international competition in South Korea were honored by the provincial government for bringing pride and distinction to the province. The recognition took place during the provincial government’s weekly flag-raising program, paying tribute to outstanding Novo Vizcayanos who excelled in higher education and on the international sports stage. Leading the academic honorees were two graduates who earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude from Saint Louis University in Baguio City. Ramon Emmiel Palcon Jasmin of Bonfal Proper, Bayombong, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. A Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholar, Jasmin now works at Thinking Machines DataScience Inc. in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. He studied at Aldersgate College, Inc. from preparatory school through junior high school before completing senior high school at Saint Mary’s University. He is the son of retired Police Captain Vic Ramon D. Jasmin and Engineer Josephine P. Jasmin. Also receiving top honors was Kyle Arvin Cepe Pataueg of Barangay Masoc, Bayombong, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. A consistent dean’s lister from 2022 to 2026, Pataueg ranked among the top graduates of his program and earned certification as a paralegal. He finished elementary school at Saint Mary’s University Elementary Department and completed his junior and senior high school education at Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School.He is the son of Karrenel C. Pataueg and Reonel Joseph H. Pataueg. The provincial government likewise recognized Alldre Stephanie Rivera Magaway of Roxas, Solano, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Saint Louis University. Magaway is a recipient of the DOST NationalYouth Excellence Award, an International Mathematics Olympiad bronze medalist, and a qualifier in several national academic competitions. She completed her elementary education at Bayombong Central Schooland graduated valedictorian from Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School. She is the daughter of Gloria Ritual and Samson Magaway. The provincial government also honored three Novo Vizcayano athletes who captured gold and silver medals during the 2026 Muju 19th World Taekwondo Culture Expoheld from July 16 to 21 at Taekwondowonin Muju-gun, Jeonbuk State, South Korea. The awardees were Yancy Jay D. Dinamling, 13, of Barangay Didipio, Kasibu, who won silver medals in Individual Poomsae and Kyorugi; Kazy Louise D. Tobiagon, 16, alsoof Barangay Didipio, who captured a gold medal in Kyorugi and a silver medal inIndividual Poomsae; and Alice D. Fernandez, 28, of Bayombong, who won gold medals in both Individual Poomsae and Kyorugi. “The achievements of these young Novo Vizcayanos bring honor not only to themselves and their families but to the entire provinceof Nueva Vizcaya. They have raised our flag high and shown that with hard work, discipline and determination, our youth can excel anywhere—here at home or on the world stage,” Gambito said. The governor urged other young Novo Vizcayanos to emulate the awardees’ commitment to excellence and assured continued provincial government support for programs that nurture students and athletes

The City Government of Baguio recognizes the Saint Louis University (SLU) Cubs Basketball Team for winning the National Basketball League Championship and earning the honor of representing the Philippines in the World Youth Championship 2026, to be held in Singapore from August 6–9, 2026. Players in the under-14 division: Krizacola Mangonon Ordonio Marcuz Ryowan Fidelis Toledo Ervin John Miranda Egdanie Cyrelden De Luna Torres Romelanz Tumabao Ortega Rafaelle Amare Lapira Torrecampo Jose Paul Matteo Estillore Alvarez Rain Izaiah Lapira Cuison Jheron C. Cristobal Michael Luke Cadelina Langit U Zeddric L. Genetiano Maverick Keane Gaspar Matbagan Franco Miguel Batanes Mariano Kit Yuan Henry Salvador Ramos Johann Kyler Cheong Beswilan Head Coach: Marlon Pawid Asst Coach: Joejit Alvarez Asst Coach: Rollie Amonelo Players in the under-16 division: Markenzie Myke Octaviano Llaguna Christoff Jan Ember Sawit Ramo Kian Myles Francisco Apilado Duke Ezekiel Rodriguez Rivera Keyshaun Danielle Salvacion Castañeda Manuel Lorenzo Luis Aglasi Dalemaz Edrick D. Dalmacio Zian Rae Malubay Labrador Liam Nate Alumno Buenaventura Joseph Olarte Obata Jr. Hermes Clayton Gaspar Matbagan Victor Juwan Vargas Jimenez James Kyle Alamo Pearson Dylan Mathew Bumanglag Bacungan Head Coach: Mark Benedict Llaguna Asst Coach: Angelo Labrador Asst Coach: Christopher Castaneda The commendation is presented by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, members of the City Council, and other city officials during the Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremony on July 27, 2026, at Baguio City Hall.    

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan — Bilang bahagi ng opening program ng Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament, nagsagawa ng Tree Planting Activity ang Lokal na Pamahalaang Lungsod sa City Tree Park sa Barangay San Vicente sa pangunguna ng City Youth and Sports Development Office, katuwang ang Sangguniang Kabataan Federation. Nakiisa sa pagtatanim ng mga narra seedlings at kawayan si City Mayor Arth Bryan C. Celeste, na kinatawan ni SK Federation President Loverly V. Bernabe-Paredes, kasama sina CGDH-1 Cloyd Peter P. Lalas, mga opisyal ng Sangguniang Kabataan at katipunan ng kabataan mula sa iba’t ibang barangay. Ang kanilang pakikilahok ay sumisimbolo sa pagkakaisa sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan at pagsusulong ng isang mas luntian at mas matatag na komunidad. Sa pamamagitan ng gawaing ito, muling pinagtitibay ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ang layunin nitong paunlarin hindi lamang ang larangan ng palakasan kundi maging ang pangangalaga sa kapaligiran bilang mahalagang pamana para sa susunod na henerasyon.    

Pormal nang nilagdaan ang kontrata para sa 76th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament, bilang pagsisimula ng paghahanda para sa isa sa pinakamalaki at pinakamatagal na amateur golf tournament sa buong mundo. Gaganapin ang golf tournament mula Nobyembre 24 hanggang Disyembre 12, 2026 sa Baguio Country Club at John Hay Golf Club. Dumalo sa contract signing ceremony sina Anthony R. De Leon, Co-Chairman ng Fil-Am Invitational; Eduardo P. Arguelles, Co-Chairman ng Fil-Am Invitational; JJ B. Atencio III, Chairman at CEO ng Januarius Holdings, Inc.; Manjit Singh Reandi, President at CEO ng John Hay Management Corporation; Buddy Resurreccion, General Manager ng John Hay Golf; Paolo Cagalingan ng Januarius Holdings, Inc.; at Jose Roman Ozaeta, Board Director ng Baguio Country Club. By Jordan Tablac

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines —  A new age has practically dawned with the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament after marking its 75th year. This after hosts John Hay Golf and Baguio Country Club renewed their partnership to stage another year of the biggest and oldest amateur golf tournament this side of the globe, on July 10, where they will also introduce a new format. BCC General Manager and John Hay Golf operator Golfplus Management, Inc. president Eduardo Arguelles said that the new format will be four to play, three to count to make it “more competitive and (gives players) more room to enjoy.” The format of play was five to play four to count until the 74th year. Last year it was four to play, four to count. The two executives said that this will make the play faster and the plays to be completed before darkness falls. This will make it easier also for the organizers, especially that the format adopted last year saw delays in completion of games. Arguelles, meanwhile, said that players, especially will not be pressured if they score low. The Fil-Am is slated to kick off on November 24 until December 2 for the seniors division and the Flight F of the regular division. Regular division flights are scheduled on December 3 until December 12. Meanwhile, Bases Conversion Development Authority vice president Mark Torres that the planned bid for the CJH course management will not affect the staging of the annual tournament. The Fil-Am executive committee will be signing the contract with Januarius will be on July 24 at the CJH Clubhouse. PML