Luzon Morning Sun

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𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐊 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄 𝐘𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐒, 𝐍𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒Tabuk City, the capital of Kalinga, has...
15/07/2025

𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐊 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄 𝐘𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐒, 𝐍𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒

Tabuk City, the capital of Kalinga, has now a super health center that will cater to Ykalingas and people from neighboring provinces.

Tabuk City officials together with Senate Committee on Health Chairperson Sen. Lawrence “Bong” Go led the opening of the medical facility on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Go during Monday’s opening rites admired the dedication of the Barangay Health Workers and health personnel that made the project succeed.

The establishment of Super Health Centers is part of Sen. Go's initiative and ongoing reforms to strengthen the healthcare system and bring quality medical services closer to citizens in remote communities.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tabuk City passed a resolution adopting Go as a son Tabuk City. The councilors through the resolution named the legislator “Charutag”(meaning solicitude or one who deeply cares and shows concern).

The resolution noted that the name “Charutag” reflects not only the cultural identity of Tabuk but also the personal values and dedicated public service of Sen. Go.

𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝟓.𝟖 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐋𝐓𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐋𝐔𝐙𝐎𝐍, 𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆.Northern Luzon provinces, especially Ilocos ...
15/07/2025

𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝟓.𝟖 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐋𝐓𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐋𝐔𝐙𝐎𝐍, 𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆.

Northern Luzon provinces, especially Ilocos Norte, was jolted with a 5.8 magnitude earthquake 10:38 Tuesday morning, July 15, 2025.

Traced from a depth of 27 kilometers 18.39 degrees North, 120.35 degress- 029 kilometers North and 78 degress West of Pasuquin town, a coastal town in northwestern Ilocos Norte, PhiVolcs said other areas across Northern Luzon provinces felt the jolt. It was measured at Intensity IV in Claveria, CAGAYAN; San Nicolas, Solsona, ILOCOS NORTE; Sinait, Vigan City, ILOCOS SUR.

Likewise, the Tuesday morning jolt was Intensity III - Gonzaga, CAGAYAN; Intensity II - Bangued, ABRA; Penablanca, CAGAYAN; and Narvacan, ILOCOS SUR and Intensity I - Candon, ILOCOS SUR; and Ilagan, ISABELA

The strong jolt sent school officials to suspend classes in various schools in these northern provinces as authorities have yet to completely assess the integrity of buildings and other structures.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐗 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐇’𝐒 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐃-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.Baguio City, touted as the country’s ...
14/07/2025

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐗 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐇’𝐒 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐃-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

Baguio City, touted as the country’s Vacation Capital, was hailed as among the safest cities in the country for travelers according to the website World Travel Index (WTI) for midyear 2025.

Baguio City scored a high of 73.99%, in placing seventh place.

Though Dumaguete City – 81.36 ranked first; second was Davao City – 80.73; third was Bulacan City – 76.42; fourth was Balanga – 76.15; fifth was Lucena City – 75.24; and, sixth was Naga City (CamSur) – 75.02.

Trailing behind Baguio on the eighth place was Puerto Princesa – 71.46 followed by Legazpi City (Albay) – 71.34 in ninth place and Makati City – 70.41 in tenth place.

Accordingly the WTI assesses cities based on: crime statistics (day/night safety); public service responsiveness; theft and drug-related incidents; and, traveler reviews including AI-driven safety mapping.

"This ranking provides both data-driven and experience-based insight, helping travelers choose cities that go beyond beauty — places where they can truly feel secure," the WTI stated in its website numbeo.com.

The survey ranked 1,132 cities globally.

Overall, WTI suggests that cities in the Gulf region and Southeast Asia are among the safest in the world, with Abu Dhabi leading the global rankings.

𝐏𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐒 𝟐 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒, 𝐒𝐄𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝟐.𝟓𝐌 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐉𝐔𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐌-𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆.Anti-illegal drug agents of the P...
14/07/2025

𝐏𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐒 𝟐 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒, 𝐒𝐄𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝟐.𝟓𝐌 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐉𝐔𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐌-𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆.

Anti-illegal drug agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency caught two drug traffickers and seized an estimated P2.5 million worth of dried ma*****na in bricks and tubes in a sting Friday afternoon, July 11, 2025, along the Burnham-Legarda area here.

A total of 21 kilograms of cannabis were brought to a parking lot in the area supposedly sold to a buyer, who turned out to be our undercover agent, said PDEA Cordillera director Derrick C. Carreon.

Carreon identified the suspects as 43-year-old from Bakun, Benguet, and a 53-year-old from Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

Both were brought for booking to face violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃𝐀, 𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐎-𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐀.Pampanga Gov. Lilia "Nanay...
14/07/2025

𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃𝐀, 𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐎-𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐀.

Pampanga Gov. Lilia "Nanay" Pineda and social welfare chief Rex Gatchalian launched in Floridadblanca, Pampanga on Friday an integrated agro-forestry program that aims to reduce poverty among Aetas through agricultural support, bamboo planting and by-products and protection of their ancestral domain.

“The comprehensive anti-poverty program also mitigates climate change because the bamboo forest in Barangay Nabuclod, has nursed 108, 872 clumps in 536 hectares since 2011,” Pineda said, citing data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, a partner in the program.

Pineda said the bamboo forest project started on her first term as Pampanga governor in 2010.

She said she ordered a stop to the selling of bamboo poles that fetch only ₱20 a piece and urged Aeta villagers to reserve these for drying to be made into bamboo chairs and desks that the provincial government will buy for some 12, 000 day care schoolers in Pampanga.

"Nabuclod is an asset because its bamboo forest has grown. We will be training the Aetas in making bamboo byproducts while we supply raw bamboo to furniture makers in Pampanga, Laguna and Cebu," Pineda explained during a meeting with Aeta elected officials and Floridablanca Mayor Michael Galang.

A training center that will double as factory and warehouse will be built in Nabuclod.

She also instructed Galang to secure the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) of Nabuclod Aetas amid reports of land encroachments and illegal sales.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, she added, will investigate the CADT status after a probe by the local legislative council.

During Friday's launch, Pineda and Gatchalian also visited the farm plots of Aetas in Barangay Camachiles who cultivate vegetables in eight hectares inside the Floridablanca National Agricultural School.

Social Welfare Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao were with the DSWD chief.

The officials also distributed planting tools, fruit and vegetable seedlings and fertilizers to the villagers.

A total of 1,393 Aeta families received food packs.

‘We have to combine immediate assistance with agricultural support and livelihood training so that poverty reduction is more effective,’ Pineda explained in Filipino.

Gatchalian supported the initiative by Pineda, saying he and DSWD officials will check the progress of the integrated agro-forestry program from time to time.

𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐃𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓 𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐒. Consumers of the Benguet Electric Cooperati...
12/07/2025

𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐃𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓 𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐒.

Consumers of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) continue to pay lower electricity bills due to the “Prompt Payment Discounts (PPD)” enjoyed by BENECO from its power suppliers which are passed on to the consumers.

From April to June 2025, BENECO received the equivalent rate reduction or PPD, after consistently settling its power purchases on or before the 25th of each month, said BENECO general manager Melchor Licoben.

The PPD translated into lower generation charges for consumers in Baguio City and Benguet province.

“The PPD is realized only upon actual payment,” said Ivory Paatan, BENECO rate analyst. “For instance, the discount from the March 2025 bill, paid on April 24, 2025, was reflected in the May billing cycle.”

Under Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Resolution No. 14, Series of 2022, 50% of the PPD and similar discounts obtained by distribution utilities must be returned to consumers.

Consumers who used an average of 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month from April to June received a ₱14.50 reduction in their bills. Those who consumed 100 kWh received a ₱28.99 discount, while 200 kWh users benefited from a ₱57.98 reduction.

Licoben acknowledged the role of consumers in enabling the cooperative to access the discount. “Our member-consumer-owners who pay on time directly contributed to these savings,” he said.

The discount from the June 2025 payment will be reflected in the August billing, Paatan added.

𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒.The decision, made on February 18, 2025, but receiv...
11/07/2025

𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒.

The decision, made on February 18, 2025, but received by the Mayor's office only this July, came after a complaint filed by former city councilor Mylen Yaranon on April 24, 2024 in connection with complaints by then City Councilor Mylen Yaranon of alleged misuse of public funds and breaking laws related to corruption, government auditing, and procurement.

These accusations were connected with a P50-million Multi-Purpose Building project in Irisan barangay.

Yaranon claimed the construction didn't follow the plan and that the city paid the contractor even though the project wasn't finished.

The project was a joint effort between the Baguio City Government and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Yaranon, who ran but lost in the May 2025 vice-mayoral race, also claimed serious misconduct and negligence.

The Ombudsman found no strong evidence to support the charges against Magalong, including those of misuse of funds or misconduct. It noted that some of the rules Yaranon mentioned were administrative and couldn't lead to criminal charges.

"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆,"

the Ombudsman further ruled completely favoring Magalong, who denied all claims in his response to the charges on June 21, 2024.

𝐋𝐀 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀Members of the media in the Provin...
11/07/2025

𝐋𝐀 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀

Members of the media in the Province of La Union are keen to forge efforts with the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) for a renewed sense of solidarity and harmony, aligned to the thrusts of Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega.

More than 20 media workers gathered on July 9, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union, for an alignment meeting initiated by the Provincial Information Office (PIO).

In the Governor's message relayed by Provincial Administrator Ramon Torres, Governor Mario enjoined the media to be one with the PGLU for its call on unity.

He also emphasized the important role of the media in delivering relevant, factual and constructive news to the provincemates.

"Our call for 'La Union: Agkaysa' is more than just another tagline. It is our bold commitment to upholding the sense of community and camaraderie in the entire province. After all, we are a province born of union," the Governor said.

"I also hope we can now eliminate this so-called fake news, and this is my aim for our media. Let's make it a point to promote constructive criticism—not to put down everybody, but to uplift somebody," he added.

Among the agenda discussed include the potential areas of collaboration between the Provincial Government and the media aimed at boosting the delivery of public information to the constituents.

Provincial Information Officer Mary Joy Castillo conveyed Gov. Mario's emphasis on 'open communication' and shall allow the media to foster more productive links with the PGLU in delivering timely, truthful and reliable information to the community.

"Expect more dialogues and more collaborative engagements with stakeholders in the crafting of key development initiatives of the PGLU, and the media will play crucial roles in them," said Castillo.

Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap formally takes his oath as member of the House of Representatives before House Speaker Martin ...
11/07/2025

Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap formally takes his oath as member of the House of Representatives before House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday.

𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐋𝐓 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟔 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.Multiple earthquakes jolted various locations in the highland...
07/07/2025

𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐋𝐓 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟔 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

Multiple earthquakes jolted various locations in the highland region on Sunday and early Monday, July 6 and 7, 2025.

The strongest, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake, hit Kalinga province at 6:58 PM on Sunday, July 6, whose epicenter was pinpointed by the state-run Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcS) at 0 km South 66° East of Tabuk City, the provincial capital of Kalinga.

Early on July 7, a magnitude 3.8 quake was felt by residents in Baguio City and Benguet province at 12:48 AM.

PhiVolcS monitored its epicenter at 14 kilometers South 14° East of Itogon, Benguet, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Again at 3:35 AM, also Monday, July 7, a magnitude 2.1 earthquake was felt in Abra province. Its epicenter was located 13 km North 18° West of Tineg, with a depth of 7 kilometers.

No reported significant damages caused by the jolts since Sunday been reported yet by authorities.

While the social welfare department recorded 73 families (168 individuals) affected by July 4 landslide in Barangay Virac in the mining district of Itogon, Benguet.

Itogon Mayor Bernard Waclin suspended classes at Acupan Elementary School, which was transformed into an evacuation center for the landslide-displaced families.

𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐀, 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐇𝐈 𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐋𝐔𝐈𝐒, 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀.Social welfare chief Rex Gatchalian saw fir...
06/07/2025

𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐀, 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐇𝐈 𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐋𝐔𝐈𝐒, 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀.

Social welfare chief Rex Gatchalian saw first hand Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) sites in Barangay San Isidro in San Luis, Pampanga Wednesday morning.

Residents converted a 7,000-sqm. land into a community garden and rehabilitated a nearby riverbank with the aid of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The initiative did not only boosted the villagers’ harvests and food security but also their disaster resilience. “Ito ‘yung proyekto natin — yung LAWA at BINHI, alinsunod ito sa utos ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., bilang lagi niyang sinasabi na kailangan may sapat na pagkain sa hapag ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Gatchalian said at the site.

Project LAWA and BINHI, launched in 2023, is an initiative by the DSWD designed to ensure that agricultural productivity continues during droughts or dry periods and even on days with extreme heavy rainfall.

Under the BINHI component of the program, the community garden in Brgy. San Isidro was cultivated by 150 partner-beneficiaries composed of local farmers, senior citizens, and solo parents under the program’s cash-for-training and work (CFT/W).

Each beneficiary received Php10,000 for 20-days of rendered labor and attendance in training sessions.

“May cash for work na sila, meron pa silang farm kung saan sila pwedeng kumuha ng kinakain nila. Itong mga community garden or rural farm, importante ito kasi sa ganitong paraan, sa mga darating na sakuna at kalamidad, meron at meron silang palaging makakain,” Gatchalian pointed out.

Some of the surplus harvests are also sold in Metro Manila and in local markets, resulting to the further boosting of the beneficiaries’ livelihood ventures.

The community garden is also now well-capacitated to serve as a supplier for feeding programs led by the DSWD’s Central Luzon Field Office.

Gatchalian, able have a hearty breakfast with the beneficiaries who cooked from their garden harvest, shared how locals used their hard-earned money from the project. “Yung natanggap naman ng iba na cash-for-work, yung sweldo nila for 20 days sa pagtaguyod nitong farm nagamit nila para maitaguyod naman ulit ng ibang hanapbuhay katulad ng pagtitinda ng frozen meat, pagre-resell ng school supplies.”

The beneficiaries also joined rehabilitation work of a nearby riverbank.

The stretch of the river in San Luis town often serves as a catch basin, leading to clogs caused by debris brought from other larger water bodies. Wit the rehabilitation and revitalization of the river, it is now being kept clean and presently home to an abundant harvest of kangkong.

Beyond the 20-days of paid work, the community garden and riverbank continue to thrive under the close care of beneficiaries, who now have full control over the resources that will sprout from the growing farm and irrigation sites, added Gatchalian.

The DSWD tapped the assistance of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which provided the seedlings for the community garden and the fingerlings for the river.

Project LAWA and BINHI has become instrumental in raising awareness on climate change and ways to mitigate its adverse impact among communities, particularly through its training focused on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and practical skills in gardening, and water harvesting.

Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, Pampanga 4th District Rep. Anna York Cristina Bondoc-Sagum, 4th District Board Member Kaye Naguit, and San Luis Mayor Dr. Jayson Sagum joined Gatchalian during the site visit, with DSWD Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMG), Director Maria Isabel Lanada of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB), and Regional Director Venus Rebuldela of DSWD Field Office 3-Central Luzon in tow.

𝐄-𝐕𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄 “𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐏” 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟔-𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐔𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐘.A six-month demonstration run of the “...
03/07/2025

𝐄-𝐕𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄 “𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐏” 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟔-𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐔𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐘.

A six-month demonstration run of the “John Hay Loop,” an electric-vehicle transport shuttle service in Camp John Hay, is set to launch soon, aiming to boost accessibility, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance visitor experience within the Special Economic Zone.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) on June 24, 2025 formalized their partnership with South Korea-based DeviceDesign Co. Ltd. and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative (CBSTC) with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the pilot run, which aims to assess the viability, performance, and community impact of the proposed intra-zone transport service.

Starting July 15, the trial run will involve an initial three units of electric vehicles that will operate around Camp John Hay with no fare required from passengers.

“Through this project, the BCDA seeks to show its commitment to help Baguio City and the community in addressing emerging urban problems, while also fulfilling our promise to take care of the environment and Baguio’s natural charm and beauty. This also exhibits BCDA’s innovation-driven outlook for its properties—our willingness to embrace climate-resilient mobility solutions to drive sustainable development, enhance efficiency, and create smarter, future-ready communities,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said.

The pilot shuttle service will loop around designated stations around Camp John Hay, with pre-determined routes and schedules to be finalized by the parties prior to the start of operations.

DeviceDesign and the CBSTC will evaluate commuter experience and assess logistical and operational constraints of the service through ridership monitoring, customer feedback collection, operational data gathering, and performance evaluation. They will then provide recommendations and design inputs for the long-term implementation of John Hay Loop.

CBSTC CEO Jude Wal explained that the cooperative will operate the latest e-vehicle technology that can navigate the rough terrain of Baguio City, making them also viable for other areas in the Cordillera region.

“We are very thankful that the BCDA thought of this loop. We believe that if we have an efficient and effective public transportation system, that [will stimulate] the economy of a place, and we share this vision with the BCDA,” he said.

DeviceDesign President and CEO Young Guk Cho added, “we believe that Camp John Hay can become a model for smart and green city development in the Philippines. This project is not just about technology, it’s about improving life and building a brighter future for the people of Baguio and beyond.”

The John Hay Loop project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal No. 13: Climate Action.

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Luzon Morning Sun

Luzon Morning Sun was born on August 10, 2014.

It was initially conceptualized as a regional newspaper that targeted audiences from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions 1, 2 and 3. Owing to its declared principle that Truth Credibility and Service matter, major advertisers included Local Government Units, HEDCOR, Camp John Hay DevCo, SM Baguio, SM Cabanatuan, SM Isabela, PNP ProCor, and several others.

Luzon Morning Sun newspaper now evolves into an online news site to encourage broader engagement with viewers and readers.

Luzon Morning Sun as an online news site is all set to be launched on December 18, 2018 carrying with it Truth, Credibility and Service.