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The Catalyst - BSU - CNS, College of Natural Sciences, Benguet State University, La Trinidad (2026)

Q: What is the address?

College Of Natural Sciences, Benguet State University

16/05/2026

𝗖𝗡𝗦 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀' 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

From Benguet State University’s culture of annually recognizing outstanding students, the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) conducted a Student Achievement and Recognition Program on May 13, 2026, at the BSU-Secondary Laboratory School gymnasium.

The college recognized a total of 170 student achievers from different departments.

Five students came from the Chemistry Department, 33 from Environmental Sciences, and 132 from the Biology Department.

During the program, keynote speaker Mr. Dwight A. Daodao honored the sacrifices of student awardees, noting that, “Achievement always requires great sacrifice.” He further added that devotion, dedication, and consistency are the factors in realizing one’s dreams.

Further, Biology student Dan Jezer Mangonon urged his fellow awardees, “Let us remind ourselves to continue as a shining beacon for our institution, carrying ourselves with humility and integrity in all that we do.”

During his response, he also commended all his fellow students for their perseverance amid life’s challenges and recognized the support of parents and faculty members in the students’ academic journey.

✒: Athena Manalog
📸: Peter Josh P. Ramos & Li-ann Sania

See full photo coverage of the awarding ceremony:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sXeIuB7tkQAr9sNgGsWB4Il4d1An9GV6

12/05/2026

𝗖𝗡𝗦 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲

The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) held its annual Student Research Congress at the CAS Little Theater on May 11, 2026, opening its doors to students, faculty, and staff for scientific exchange and academic recognition.

The event highlighted innovative studies presented by CNS students in the fields of science, technology, agriculture, and natural resource management, emphasizing the college's role in advancing research for local and global challenges.

BS Biology Students formally opened the program with Doxology and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by welcome remarks by the CNS Dean, Dr. Sherlyn C. Tipayno. Following this, Mr. Christian Mark S. Guyo, College Research Coordinator, outlined the Rationale and Mechanics of Research Presentations, while the Department Research Coordinators introduced the line of panelists.

Three concurrent breakout sessions showcased diverse research categories, namely, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (S&T AANR) with panelists Prof. Reymark C. Ereje, Dr. Nordalyn B. Pedroche, and Prof. Eugene Lorence R. Logatoc. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Food, Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies (S&T FIEET) with panelists Dr. Norbet Q. Angalan, Prof. Lesley Dale G. Umayat, and Dr. Darwin A. Basquial. Finally, SOCIAL Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (SOCIAL AANR) with their panelists Dr. Apler J. Bansiong, Dr. Lynn J. Talkasen, and Engr. Marvin T. Valentin.

𝘾𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝙒𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

Student Authors, Ezrael D. Balisong, Christian Joseph R. Soriano, and Janielle D. Tacio, championed the S&T FIEET category with the study entitled “Characterization, Optimization, and Biomedical Applications of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 Isolated from 𝘊𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘢 𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘤𝘢 Mucilage.”

Soriano said that it was an honor for their group to win and that one of the best parts was learning about other students' studies.

In highlighting their contribution to the society and scientific community, Soriano added that they have found that the capacity of an organism dubbed as a "laboratory contaminant" to be functional with beneficial applications. Adding to this, their group also tried to address the utilization of waste products from the coffee industry of Benguet by using the mucilage and pulp that are usually discarded during processing.

While he said that there is still some room for improvement in their study, he further noted that, "I think that's the beauty of science, you get to learn new things every day, and every day is a new opportunity to make things better, and understand things better.”

𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙈𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨, 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚

In the S&T AANR, Biology students Samantha Descalzo, Euan Judg Rebolledo, and Kevin Tima-ang emerged as first placers with their study entitled “Comparative Pharmacognosy of 𝘛𝘢𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢 from Selected Mountain Sites in the Cordillera Central Range, Northern Philippines.”

According to Tima-ang, although they struggled with time constraints and dealt with limited resources and facilities in conducting their study, the group found strength in motivating one another throughout the research process.

Providing insights on their research, Tima-ang explained that the increased phytochemical content of 𝘛. 𝘱𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢 from their study provides additional knowledge about the effectiveness of the plant, aiding treatment practices in the Cordillera.

𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧

BS Environmental Sciences student authors Zhandrae O. Olsim, Mylene Cara B. Sabelo, Jethro V. Sagsagap, Jemmiah B. Tamayo, and Harvel H. Tiago admitted that being awarded first place in the SOCIAL AANR was a humbling experience, with their study “Land Use and Land Cover Transformations (2010-2024) and Local Community Perceptions of Watershed Management in Busol Watershed, Baguio City.”

According to them, “Actually, we didn't expect to win, we just did our best in presenting our research paper. A huge thanks also to our supportive adviser (Ma’am Janice Balangen) because of her guidance.”

Reflecting on their success, the group said they had to face challenges along the way, especially with financial matters, considering that their research site was conducted outside of La Trinidad, coupled with time constraints whilst conducting their research along with their other academic loads.

“The first struggle of our thesis is financial, our thesis was located in Busol area so transportation money is a must together with money for food, not only for us but also for the stakeholders that we interviewed. Another challenge we encountered was time management, time constraints are the main struggles mainly because we were conducting our thesis with several academic undertakings.”

Despite this, their research provided the importance of the watershed to the ecology, aiding community residents.

“Critical watersheds are (an) important source of water resource and ecosystem services. Understanding the perspectives of the community on the changes of watershed and its management would help to be (an) integrated, cohesive and community based management strategy for watersheds in our locality.”

𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚

Addressing the scientific community, Tipayno said in her brief address that, “Actually as people in science, we are called to discover the truth that already exists, that answers all the phenomena that occurs in our world. ‘Yon ang ating responsibilidad. So when you’re in science it almost becomes an obligation to perform those.”

She further said that the research colloquium is a testament of contribution to the growing academic and scientific knowledge, adding that scientific works are not useful until they are shared and that the forum is a way by which student-researchers can share their work.

The event concluded with the closing program featuring the awarding of certificates to panelists and the participants of the respective categories by the college dean and department chairpersons.

Overall, the podium finishers garnering a score of 85 and above will be presenting their study at the University-wide Research Congress on June 4 to 5, 2026.

Listed are the awarded research titles and student authors:

𝗦&𝗧 𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗥

1st Place
“Comparative Pharmacognosy of 𝘛𝘢𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢 from Selected Mountain Sites in the Cordillera Central Range, Northern Philippines,” by Samantha Descalzo, Euan Judg Rebolledo, and Kevin Tima-ang

2nd Place
“Emerging Pathogenic Bacteria and Potential Health Risks Associated with Market-Sourced Nile Tilapia (𝘖𝘳𝘦𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴) from La Trinidad, Benguet,” by Justine Faye M. Asilo, Rodmari Elizabeth A. Fernandez, and Sheryn Iya B. Peningeo

3rd Place
“Ameliorative Effects of 𝘊𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘢 𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘤𝘢, 𝘊𝘺𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴, and 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 on Lead and Organophosphate Pesticide-Induced Neurotoxicity and Gut Microbial Dysbiosis,” by Regie Boy Alfonso, Stephanie B. Manas, and Owdee Shane Ordoño

𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗥

1st Place
“Land Use and Land Cover Transformations (2010-2024) and Local Community Perceptions of Watershed Management in Busol Watershed, Baguio City,” by Zhandrae O. Olism, Mylene Cara B. Sabelo, Jethro V. Sagsagap, Jeremiah B. Tamayo, and Harvel H. Tiago

2nd Place
“Evaluating the Effects of Land Use in Local Air Temperature, Relative Humidity and Community Adaptation in Tiger Grass-Dominated Uplands in Bagulin, La Union,” by Junie Mark H. Babkeg, Max M. Panganiban, Clifford D. Pasingan, Joy L. Simon, and Jeah B. Tima-ang

𝗦&𝗧 𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗧

1st Place
“Characterization, Optimization, and Biomedical Applications of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 Isolated from 𝘊𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘢 𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘤𝘢 Mucilage,” by Ezrael D. Balisong, Christian Joseph R. Soriano, and Janielle D. Tacio

2nd Place
“Synergistic Thermal-Chemical Activation of Runo Grass (𝘚𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘮 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘮 𝘓.)- Derived Carbon for CO2 Capture and Hygroscopic Control with Kinetic and Chemisorption-Physisorption Mechanism Analysis,” by Sandro G. Apalla, Angelo D. Almoza, Alex T. Sebastian

3rd Place
“Functional Evaluation of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Benguet Rice Wine ("𝘛𝘢𝘱𝘶𝘺") using MALDI-TOF MS, Antagonistic Assays and Growth Trend Dynamics,” by Cybell Joy Apadchew K. and Mary Grace F. Cacanindin

✒: Peter Josh P. Ramos, Sheintle Lei Lumines, and Justine Faye Asilo
📸: Peter Josh P. Ramos

08/05/2026

Anya ngay, peryodista iti umili?! 🖊️

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) warmly calls on every campus journalist in the North to join Pagtalinaedan: Northern Luzon Student Press Convention on May 30–31, 2026, via Zoom.

With the theme “Unite for Life and Sovereignty, Write for the People of the North!”, this gathering will tackle pressing regional issues—including development aggression and wars of aggression—while strengthening the role of student journalists in these critical times.

Now more than ever, as Northern Luzon faces urgent challenges, we need a united, skilled, and committed student press—ready to report with depth, responsibility, and purpose.

Register:
https://bit.ly/Pagtalinaedan2026
https://bit.ly/Pagtalinaedan2026
https://bit.ly/Pagtalinaedan2026

27/04/2026

𝟰𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀' 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗣 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀

Benguet State University hosted the ASPULAN: Discourse and Cross-sectional Exchange in celebration of the 42nd Cordillera Peoples’ Day on April 25, 2026, at the University Covered Court.

In partnership with the College of Social Sciences (CSS) and Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordillera (DKK), along with Cordillera Youth Center (C*C), BSU mounted Cordi Peoples’ Day for the first time, joining the region’s decentralized observance.

In his opening remarks, University Vice President for Administration and Finance Richard Kinnud highlighted the role of the university in the celebration, he said that, “Ang mga unibersidad ay dapat maging [una sa] malaya, matatag, at mapagpalayang diskurso.”

Kinnud further addressed circulating tarpaulins slamming the April 24 peoples’ celebration, and clarified that the university was not responsible for the posting and placements of the tarpaulins.

Adding to this, he said that it is not about the date, but about the essence of the celebration, “Ang mahalaga ay ang layunin at ang pag-alala, pagtalakay, at pagpapahalaga ng ating pagkakakilanlan bilang Cordillera.”

Meanwhile, Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) co-founder and keynote speaker Joanna Cariño looked back at the history of the Kaigorotan during the Chico Dam struggle. She highlighted how the mass movement advanced IP rights as well as the call for peoples’ autonomy.

Cariño noted how the popular resistance challenged customary ideas and inspired other IPs in the region, as well as other progressive forces both in the Philippines and abroad. “The common view of Indigenous communities as traditionally conservative and resistant to change was proven wrong, as the Kalinga and Bontoc united as broad an alliance as possible for the defense of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and against dictatorship,” said Cariño.

Originally called Macli-ing’s Memorial, Cariño said that the declaration of April 24 as Cordillera day was an act of self determination of the Kaigorotan against developmental aggression, adding that the celebration, “...provides education and information on current local, regional, and national issues; Cordillera day is also a fest event for cultural renewal and exchange; and a solidarity gathering to include advocates of Indigenous Peoples’ struggle.”

Further focusing on the theme, “Assert our right to land, life, and livelihood,” a panel discussion took place on the evolution of the economic struggle in the Cordillera, as well as identity, governance, and Indigenous rights.

The discussion was led by speakers from various sectors such as the academe, youth, labor, and urban poor.

Director of BSU Research Services Ruth Batani emphasized the role of the youth in raising awareness of community issues through education and cultural performances.

Additionally, Betty Listino from Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative delved into the relationship between IP farmers and their land.

Moreover, student leader Maragaux Sipin from the Progressive Igorots for Social Action (PIGSA), talked about youth in diaspora, referring to those living far from one’s homeland while maintaining cultural and social ties to it. Noting that, “When we [students] go back to our ilis, we also locate ourselves in the struggle,” said Sipin.

Sipin also stressed the importance of community engagement, calling her fellow youth to, “...bumalik sa ating mga komunidad at makita pa lalo kung ano yung mga karanasan nila,” adding that getting organized helps bring attention to the issues faced by the communities.

Further strengthening the event's cultural component, a series of performances were rendered by DKK, TABAK Baguio, and BSU CCA-Dramatics Arts Club.

✒: Justine Faye Asilo
📸: Andrew G. Catayao III & Pia Margareth I. Agas

27/04/2026

Bawat oras na inilaan sa paghahanda ay patunay ng inyong dedikasyon bilang mag-aaral sa buong taon. Manatiling nakatuon, manatiling matatag, at ibigay ang inyong makakaya!

Mula sa The Catalyst, ang Opisyal na Pahayagan ng College of Natural Sciences, good luck sa inyong final exams!

🖼️: Janina Bilowan

26/04/2026

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 | 𝗜𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗼𝗻, 𝗗𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘅 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗣𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝟰𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀’ 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶 𝗗𝗮𝘆

Mining-affected communities from Itogon, Benguet and Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, along with various sectoral groups, strengthened solidarity during the 42nd Peoples’ Cordillera Day on April 22, 2026, in Barangay Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet.

With the theme, “Assert our right to land, life, and livelihood,” the gathering highlights long-standing struggles faced by Indigenous communities related to developmental projects and mining operations.

One of the issues raised during the gathering was the proposed expansion of underground mining operations by Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. (ISRI) under the Sangilo Mines Expansion Project (APSA 103), earlier this year.

From around 35.26 hectares to over 300 hectares, the expansion would increase its annual production capacity to 1,900 tonnes per day, for a possible 34 years of operation. Along with the expansion are the concerns about a steeper Tailings Storage Facility and contamination of water resources.

With this, former president of the Dalicno Small-Scale Mining Association (DASSMA), Cesar Carbonel aired his concerns, “Sunga daytoy nga struggle mi, duwa nga tawen nga ag lablabas. Pirmi met ti sakit ti kwa naknakem mi ken kwa, apay ta kasdiyay ti ikaskasta ti ISRI kadakami? Pati dagitoy IP ti Itogon sumansanib da iti ISRI. Anya ngay pag sangiran mi, pati opisyal mi, eendorse da ti Special Mining Permit. Anya ngay ngarod ti pag sangiran mi.”

[“This struggle of ours has been taking place for two years now. It hurts us deeply, why is ISRI treating us like this? Even the IPs of Itogon are standing with ISRI. Where do we lean on? Even our officials are endorsing the Special Mining Permit. Where do we lean on for support?’]

Threats in ancestral domains also persist in Dupax del Norte, as community delegates expressed sentiments similar to those of the Itogon IPs in their struggle against Woggle Corporation, a UK-based Metals Exploration Inc.

In August 2025, Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) approved Woggle's exploration permit, allowing them to survey the area for possible mineral deposits, prompting the community to set up a barricade.

Following strong opposition from the community members, a temporary suspension on large-scale mining activities was imposed in the area in February 2026. However, delegates from Dupax are now calling for outright cancellation of the exploration permit. “Haan lang nga temporary suspension nu di ket cancelation iti Woggle Corporation Exploration Permit,’” said community member Joy in her solidarity speech.

[“Not just a temporary suspension, but a cancellation of Woggle Corporation Exploration Permit.”]

Joy further highlighted that, for an IP, their land is their identity, “Masapul nga ipakita tayo nga datayu nga umili haan nga basta basta nga ipadawat ti daga, nu di ket ipamana, wenno ipasa nga kadagiti sumarsaruno nga henerasyon. Haan nga ipadawat kadagidiyay foreigner, ta nu inala da ti nagyan, panawan dan.”

[“We need to show that, as community members, lands are not simply being given away, but are instead passed on or handed down to the next generation. They should not be given away to foreigners, because once they take the resources of the land, they’ll abandon it.”]

Reflecting on the collective struggles faced by the communities, Rima Mangili of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) said, “Sunga ada tayo ditoy tapno ag-bibiningay tayo, kasatno tayo ag titinulong, ta han nga malmalpas daytuy problema tayo.”

[That is why we are here, so that we can share and see how we can help each other, because our problem never really ends.]

Providing context on Peoples’ Cordillera Day, Sarah ‘Bestang’ Dekdeken of the CPA said that apart from remembering the death of Macliing Dulag–a tribal chieftain during the Chico Dam struggle–the annual observance is an opportunity for a cultural exchange and an avenue where all grievances of the people are raised, including destructive projects against the community.

An earlier observance was done on April 18 in Canada and 19 in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Kalinga and Abra celebrated on the 24th. A cluster celebration involving Mountain Province, Ifugao, and North Benguet took place on the 24th and 25th, while Baguio City held its celebration on the same dates. Moreover, an inter-municipal celebration in Apayao province was held on the 25th.

With the decentralized commemoration of the 42nd Peoples’ Cordi Day, the celebration unifies the people of the Cordillera, as well as those who support the region in addressing the issues it is confronting, according to Dekdeken.

Other activities of the event included an ecumenical mass and a keynote address from United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), a series of cultural presentations, solidarity speeches and a call to action, a community Pattong, a unity declaration with prayer, a ceremonial tribute to the martyrs and heroes, and a Bendian dance.

🖋️ & 📸: Justine Faye Asilo

24/04/2026

CEGP CORDILLERA'S SOLIDARITY STATEMENT FOR THE 42ND PEOPLES' CORDILLERA DAY

Forty-six years ago, soldiers came in the night and killed Macli-ing Dulag, a Kalinga pangat who had led his people to resist the Chico River Dam project that would have displaced over 100,000 Kalinga and Bontok peoples from their ancestral lands. The struggle against the Chico Dam project united the Cordillera region in years to come. From 1981-1984, the Macliing Memorial was commemorated in remembrance and assertion of the indigenous peoples of Cordillera of their right to land. But it was in 1985 in Sandanga, Mountain Province when the first celebration of the Peoples Cordillera Day was celebrated, led by the Cordillera Peoples Alliance. It is a date they claimed to symbolize their continuing assertion on their lands. 46 years later after Macli-ing Dulag’s martyrdom, the same struggle persists. With skyrocketing prices and destructive development projects the 42nd Peoples' Cordillera Day is a remembrance of the indigenous communities of the Cordillera's struggle for land, life and livelihood.

Diesel prices surged to as high as P124.75 per liter by late March 2026 in the region, driven by war aggression against West Asia by US-Israel. While LTFRB-CAR approved a fare adjustment, the national government suspended it before it could take effect, leaving drivers with an almost negative daily profit. In the absence of an official fare adjustment, commuters and operators arrived at a voluntary arrangement—a minimum jeepney fare of P20 and with taxi drivers requesting a voluntary P20 addition to the meter. Despite President Marcos receiving special powers to remove the VAT and Excise Tax on oil, he is yet to use this. This voluntary fare adjustment leaves both the drivers and commuters to “solve” the issue while the administration is yet to address the root of the problem.

Farmers also experience the blow of the oil crisis. In the highland farms of Benguet, it costs PHP 18 to PHP 20 to produce one kilogram of cabbage, but farmgate prices have collapsed to as low as PHP 3, hovering between PHP 5 and PHP 8 in recent weeks, despite the oil prices pushing towards PHP 130. A five-ton truckload that once fetched PHP 60,000 to PHP 70,000 now sells for PHP 15,000 to PHP 20,000, before transportation costs are counted. Students, vendors, daily wage earners, and indigenous communities in geographically isolated areas all absorb the same shock; those farthest from the services also experience the hardest hit.

Development aggression also still persists in the region in the form of large-scale and destructive mining. But with the communities’ assertion on their right to land, international large-scale mining companies are being kept at bay.

In Mankayan, Benguet, Crescent Mining and Development Corporation holds a copper-gold claim whose permit expired in 2021, yet continues operating after the NCIP issued a renewal certification that Kankanaey communities of Barangays Bulalacao and Guinaoang say was granted without proper Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. The barangays then staged a barricade at Sitio Manggangan to protect their farmlands.

In Itogon, Benguet, indigenous peoples demonstrated in January 2026 against the Sangilo Mines Expansion of Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc., a 25-year contract covering 581 hectares and 22 million tons of gold-bearing ore, after a civil case questioning the FPIC process was dismissed on procedural grounds.

Communities in Dupax del Norte in Nueva Vizcaya also face the same struggle against large-scale mining, where an exploration permit covering 3,100 hectares was granted to Woggle Corporation without adequate community consultation; when residents barricaded access roads, a court order dismantled them, prompting a Senate investigation.

Additionally, the Baguio Public Market also faced threat of displacement after a proposed P4.5-billion market redevelopment by SM Prime Holdings was submitted to the Baguio local government. But after wide public opposition, the company withdrew, though the question of what the market becomes, and for whom, remains unresolved.

The resistance that began with Macli-ing Dulag and the Chico River Dam did not end in 1980. It continues in every barricade, every unharvested field, every community that refuses to accept dispossession as the cost of development. The celebration of the Peoples Cordillera Day is a testament of the unwavering determination and courage of all the workers, farmers, drivers, market vendors, indigenous peoples whose life and livelihood are constantly threatened by destructive megaprojects, harassment and intimidation.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines Cordillera stands in solidarity with the people of Cordillera in their fight against the persistent intrusion of corporations in their own land. We join you in celebrating the more than four decades of triumph in asserting indigenous peoples rights to land, life and livelihood!

KAIGOROTAN, LUMABAN!
DAGA, BIAG, KINABAKNANG! SALAKNIBAN!

24/04/2026

PARTNER STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Aspulan: Discourse, Cross-Sectoral Exchange, and Cultural Program

In solidarity with the 42nd People’s Cordillera Day, we invite you to join us at Benguet State University for Aspulan. This gathering serves as a vital space for dialogue and cultural exchange, standing as a testament to our ongoing commitment to the assertion of land, life, and livelihood.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our partner student organizations for their solidarity and commitment to making this event possible. See you there!

20/04/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗖𝗣𝗖, 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝗨𝗽

The Catalyst, the official student publication of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS), earned Overall 1st Runner-Up at the 7th Benguet State University Intercollegiate Press Conference (ICPC), held at the University Library from April 13 to 16, 2026.

Hosted by The Mountain Collegian (MC), the official student publication of BSU, the ICPC carried the theme, "Resiliency Reframed: Fueling narratives of communities in crisis.”

The event brought together college publications across BSU to compete in writing and media competitions, as well as to highlight the role of campus journalists in shedding light on community narratives amid crises faced by the various sectors.

Among the 10 participating publications, The Catalyst dominated both group and individual categories with a total score of 90, landing the following awards:

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆

1st Place
Best in News Page
Best in Feature Page
Best in Development Communication Page
Best in Sports Page
Best in Literary Page

5th Place
Best in Editorial Page

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆

1st Place
News Writing (English) - Justine Faye Asilo
Photojournalism (Filipino) - Janina Bilowan
Copyediting and Headline Writing (Filipino) - Erryl Kate D. Mones
Literary Graphics Illustration (English) - Janielle D. Tacio
Literary Graphics Illustration (Filipino) - Christian Joseph R. Soriano
Editorial Cartooning (English) - Samantha Valerie A. Romasoc
Editorial Cartooning (Filipino) - Maxene Jazz B. Sagibal
Editorial Writing (English) - Angelyn Grace E. Segdan
Feature Writing (English) - Jesse P. Bestog

2nd Place
Infographics Making (English) - Janielle D. Tacio
Sports Writing (English) - Zyleen Com-ong
Sports Writing (Filipino) - Erryl Kate D. Mones
Editorial Writing (English) - Jesse P. Bestog

3rd Place
Opinion/Column Writing (Filipino) - Marieta P. Lami-ing
Feature Writing (Filipino) - Tyra Shane V. Tolibas
Comic Strip Drawing (English) - Justin Juls O. Busto
Poetry Writing (English) - Angelyn Grace E. Segdan

4th Place
News Writing (Filipino) - Marieta P. Lami-ing
Opinion /Column Writing (English) - Justine Faye Asilo

5th Place
Editorial Writing (English) - Pia Margareth I. Agas
Development Communication Writing (English) - Sheintle Lei A. Lumines
Poetry Writing (English) - Justin Juls O. Busto
Poetry Writing (Filipino) - Emmanuel Keith D. Flores

Layout by: Christian Joseph R. Soriano & Janielle D. Tacio

The Catalyst - BSU - CNS

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