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SOGIE and ADO SITUATIONER. From left to right, Councilor Mylen Yaranon, Happy Ruz and Atty. Hendrix Bongalon discussed the progress of the SOGIESC Equality bill and the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (ADO) in Baguio City during the “Pride 102: I have a Queery” on June 3 at Balanghai ni Ikeng, Ililikha Artist Village.

The Northern Luzon Pride (NLP), in a statement, said that the approval of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) bill of the technical working group of the House of Representatives (HP) is “a step closer towards more tolerance, inclusivity and acceptance”, June 4.

The House Committee on Women and gender equality consolidated House Bills No. 222, 460, 3418, 3702, 4277, 5551, 6003 & 7036. These similar bills seek to prohibit discrimination based on one’s SOGIE.

In a panel discussion on SOGIE and Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (ADO) Situationer conducted by the NLP, advocates stressed the importance of passing a national legislation to end the discrimination among the Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community.

“Kailangan nating ilaban ang SOGIE bill by acknowledging discrimination na it happens and it’s violent,” Atty. Hendrix Bongalon of the University of the Philippines College of Law stressed.

In addition, Baguio Safe and Sound Cities Program Project Coordinator Happy Ruz said that legislators further stall the bill because they ignore the harsh reality the community encounters.

“Ang problemang kailangan din natin tingnan dito ay ang ating mga legislators are in denial sa existence natin, in denial sila sa ating experiences ng discrimination at harassment. Gusto natin ma-legistate siya [SOGIE Equality Bill] at maparusahan ang dapat maparusahan,” Ruz said.

Meanwhile, Councilor Mylen Yaranon of the Baguio City Council mentioned the importance of national legislations which helps localize the laws in the form of ordinances.

“ We need a national law para we just have to localize that law na sana. That’s the importance of national laws. Kaya kung may SOGIE-SC national bill, then automatic na lahat ng LGU,” she said.

As of this writing, there are only 40 ADOs in the Philippines.

City of Baguio enacted an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in 2018. However, it is not yet enforced due to the absence of implementing rules and regulation.

— Jerson Kent Danao

MONDAY CROSSINGS. It is a busy Monday afternoon for the students in front of Saint Louis University, each going to their own destination.

Students from different universities in Baguio City, along with the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) Cordillera, expressed their concerns over the Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) of Cordillera schools for the academic year 2023-2024, June 2.

Student councils from Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Cordilleras (UC), and University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) slammed the upcoming 7 to 10% TOFI that would apply to some schools.

The purpose of TOFI is usually allotted for the faculty and staff wages and benefits and improving facilities and equipment.

The University of Baguio (UB) and the UC have the highest TOFI with a 10 percent increase, while 7 percent for SLU.

Among the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Orders (CMOs) that cause the annual TOFI, NUSP mentioned the privileges of “autonomous schools”, including implementing TOFI without securing a permit from CHED.

"CHED should be the agency protecting students' access to education. It is described in the Philippine Constitution and CHED's mision-vision statement: provide accessible education for all. And yet, it paves the way in schools’ money-making agenda. Students are made to pay large investments to learn, and eventually work, like robots," said Franz Calanio, NUSP Baguio-Benguet chairperson.

The group added that the schools’ ‘deregulated’ or ‘autonomous and deregulated’ status comes along with the benefit of unconsulted tuition hike. This status is conferred to higher education institutions who comply with the CMOs and with accreditations and international certifications.

According to NUSP Cordillera, after releasing a position paper, SLU’s protest successfully cut their TOFI from the supposed 9% increase to 7%.

The SLU Supreme Student Council’s (SLU SSC) campaign against TOFI stresses the 1987 Philippine Constitution which establishes access of all citizens to quality education at all levels as a right and that the State shall provide appropriate steps for such right to be fulfilled. The rate of increase has contributed to the inaccessible education in SLU to enrolled students and potential freshman students.

— Liane Bachini

The Kordilyera Media-Citizen Council (KMCC) in a statement, slammed SMNI network hosts Jeffrey Celis and Lorraine Badoy, along with Yna Mortel and Franco Baranda, over red-tagging Baguio-based journalists, June 1.

In Laban Kasama ang Bayan, a program under Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), posted in YouTube on May 25, they labeled Harley Palangchao, Frank Cimatu, and Luchi Maranan as members of the of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The hosts labeled the said journalists among the “urban operatives and networks” of the CPP-NPA. Cimatu and Polangchao were also accused of planning to raise funds for the communist rebels when they attended a conference in Thailand.

The accusation was based on a picture posted in Facebook during a dinner hosted by a non-government organization in Thailand.

According to the KMCC, Cimatu and Polangchao represented their media outfits, Baguio Chronicle and Baguio Midland Courier, respectively, in a disinformation hackathon. The conference was also attended by Southeast Asian journalists and media practitioners.

The KMCC clarified that Cimatu and Polangchao were not in “the same conference as the other parties appearing in the photograph presented in the said show.”

Other individuals who were identified and red-tagged were Minnie Degawan, Beverly Longid and Joan Carling of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance and Katribu.

Meanwhile, the KMCC urged legislators to “penalize this cowardly act” and demanded the SMNI to stop “its malicious attacks against journalists and human rights defenders.”

— Jerson Kent Danao

E-cigarettes in schools has now become a major concern for parents, the Parents Against Vape (PAV) said at the City Hall Hour of the Baguio City Public Information Office, May 31.

Ronald Perez, president of the Regional Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), explained that e-cigarettes or vapes have managed to enter school premises due to their “USB-like” design.

“We could not identify it, per se, as a vape equipment unless and until we are exposed and we are actually knowledgeable about the vape products po na ito,” Perez said.

The PAV will be holding an information drive and orientation for parents and teachers about what they should know about vapes. The awareness campaign will be held at the Baguio City Multipurpose Hall on June 22.

Meanwhile, the Smoke-Free Task Force of Baguio City already held a seminar for the 250 members of the Girl Scout Philippines (GSP) about vapes on May 25 to 26.

According to the task force, both traditional cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine and other chemicals that can cause cancer, and vapes are not a “safe” alternative. They also warned the attendees not to be tempted by its different flavors, shapes and sizes.

“They are targeting you [the youth] through their marketing strategies, do not be attracted by their schemes,” Longid said.

— Joellene Landingin

Baguio City received a P40 million grant for the National Dengue Awareness Month, Engr. Charles Carame, chief of the City Health Service Office (CHSO) confirmed.

Carame announced in the May 31 City Hall Hour of the Baguio City Public Information Office that the office of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa provided the grant to the Department of Health (DOH). The DOH has already transferred the funding to the city government.

“Mayroon pong P40-million na dinownload from the office of the Senator Bato. It went to the DOH national office, and then dinownload sa ating DOH regional office, and then binaba na po dito sa city,” Carame said.

The said funding will be used for all-year programs and to purchase larvicides, an insecticide used to control mosquitoes. Carame also mentioned their plan to hire more personnel for the upcoming programs to be implemented this Dengue Awareness month.

Dr. Donnabel Panes of the CHSO shared the data that they have been analyzing for 11 years which shows the growth and patterns of dengue cases in the different barangays of Baguio.

As of May, 81 out of 128 barangays in Baguio have recorded 297 dengue cases altogether for the first 21 weeks of 2023, with 1 recorded death.

— Joellene Landingin

After more than two months since the Baguio City Public Market was combusted, faulty electrical wiring nor any flammable substance were ruled out as causes of the fire, Marisol Odiver, City Fire Super Superintendent revealed, May 22.

Odiver disclosed their findings before the Baguio City Council’s regular session.

Based on the arson laboratory results of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the collected ashes and electrical debris did not show any traces of short circuits and flammable substances.

Odiver added that the definite cause of the fire will be revealed soon as the investigation is still ongoing. It had also been turned over to the National Headquarter of Investigation and Intelligence Division of the BFP.

The BFP has requested CCTV footage and statements from witnesses as supplemental documentary evidence.

Meanwhile, the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) said that the public market fire on March 12 affected 1,600 stalls in the Blocks 3 and 4 and Caldero section of the market. The estimated cost incurred from the market fire is P84 million.

— Jerson Kent Danao

Local artists showcase their art along the Session Road every Sunday where locals and tourists visit to have fun.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Baguio-Benguet called the guidelines released by the City Tourism Office "censorship" where expressing political expression is banned starting May 7, 2023 at the Session Road Pedestrianization.

Included in the said guidelines is the prohibition of graphic expression of political view, as stated, “Expression of political views and portrayals that negatively question or express opinions about social and political issues are not allowed. Graphic or literal suggestions and expressions of subversive acts or movements will not be tolerated.”

In addition, rules also specified that “images promoting corporate brands or institutions, and political affiliations are not allowed, unless such are associated with thematic showcases as permitted.”

NUJP Baguio-Benguet reminded the city officials of the Constitution that “ensures the right to hold opinions and ideas and share them without the State interfering.”

“The policy, restricting political views, infringes on these rights, considered the heart of all freedoms. It is censorship, plain and simple,” NUJP Baguio-Benguet said in a statement released on May 11.

“We call on the City Government of Baguio and the City Tourism Office to abide by the Philippine Constitution and allow freedom of expression to guide their regulation. We demand that Creative Baguio become a haven for art, culture, and heritage tempered by the balance a democratic nation offers,” the group added.

The new guidelines seek to regulate busking, chalk art, and arts and crafts when the Session Road Pedestrianization was suspended after the Panagbenga Festival.

The City Tourism Office which manages the closure of the Session Road every Sunday, proposed the guidelines which were adopted by the city executives during the management committee meeting on April 25, 2023.

According to the City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo, the Session Road Pedestrianization every Sunday aims to achieve three advantages of pedestrianization that can also be seen in the initiatives of different cities around the world supporting the global objectives of sustainable development – environmental, economic, and social.

“Pedestrianization aims to substantially reduce air and noise pollution in the area. Even for at least once a week, when there is no vehicular traffic, gas emissions and vehicle noise on Session Road will be nil or at minimum, providing breathing space not only for humans but also for the flora and fauna in the vicinity,” Mapalo explained.

— Liane Bachini

Due to a history of drainage system issues, Baguio City personnel and police officials unclogged water canals to avoid flooding in the city in preparation for Typhoon Betty, May 27.

As Typhoon Betty entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on May 27, precautionary measures to prevent possible adverse effects of the typhoon were conducted throughout the city as part of a Simultaneous Clean-Up Drive Activity.

The Simultaneous Clean-Up Drive Activity is said to be Baguio City Police Office’s long-term plan carried out every Tuesdays and Thursdays to protect the city from flooding caused by severe amounts of rainfall.

It was reported that as a result of the intensive dredging, declogging, and clean-up drives in different creeks and waterways, bags of mixed waste such as plastics, styrofoam, diapers, etc. were gathered.

Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong also encourages the city’s community to take part in the clean-up drive by starting at their homes and communities.

The city has struggled with flooding brought about by problems with its drainage system. Last 2021, during the height of Severe Tropical Storm "Maring," the city experienced gutter-deep flooding in some areas, including major streets, caused by clogged water inlets.

According to the latest update released by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of 5 a.m. on May 29, Typhoon Betty slightly accelerates northwestward over the waters east of Cagayan.

— Geronne Abad

The Department of Social Welfare and Development - Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) equips the region for the possible impact of Super Typhoon Betty, which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this morning of May 27.

DSWD-CAR said that the field office of the regional operations center stocked 40,680 family food packs, 28,000 non-food items, 12.9 million pesos standby funds, and 6,277 ready-to-eat food items.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast, intense rainfalls by Betty may cause landslides in Northern Luzon, as well as anticipated severe winds.

Atok Municipal Mayor Angelito Galao Sr. already put their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) on red alert since May 24 as Super Typhoon Betty is expected to bring heavy rain and intensify southwest monsoons in Northern Luzon.

Mayor Galao issued Executive Order No. 05-2023 as directed by the Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) on local government units to prepare for possible evacuation due to the super typhoon.

The order advises all residents to prepare emergency kits and hotline numbers, and voluntarily evacuate. Business owners are advised to prioritize the safety of their patrons while tourists are advised to reschedule their visits.

Neighboring provinces like Kalinga and Mountain Province also arranged preparations like pre-disaster risk assessment meetings, evacuation equipment and family packs.

Super Typhoon Betty has the international name of Mawar. PAGASA identifies Mawar as a super typhoon as it carries 195 kilometers per hour (kph) maximum sustained winds near its center and gustiness up to 240 kph.

— Ariza Anjeli Diola

Families, friends and progressive groups gathered at the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) to amplify the call to surface UPB alumni Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo De Jesus, May 23.

In a solidarity gathering 26 days after the enforced disappearance of activists Gene Roz “Bazoo” De Jesus and Dexter Capuyan, student leaders and various organizations lobbied a demand from the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) administration to support the call to surface its alumni, May 23.

Since their abduction on April 28, no statement from UPB or the UP System has been released yet.

“Para lang magregister sa UPB, malaking impact po kasi kung UPB ang maglalabas ng statement,” said Patricia Daloria from the UPB Council of Leaders, an organization De Jesus headed in 2013.

Incumbent University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Sofia Trinidad also mentioned how UP Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano already expressed his support to the search yet De Jesus and Capuyan’s home campus has been staying mum about the situation.

In his speech, Willie Alangui, Department of Mathematics Professor and Capuyan’s batchmate, reiterated the importance of a word from the university admin: Malaking bagay ‘yong marinig sila at kung paano sila pumosisyon.

“Noong 2008, nanindigan ang UP Baguio… at ‘yon ang hinahanap natin ngayon,” Alangui added as he mentioned the 2008 disappearance of former Outcrop editor-in-chief James Balao.

As of yet, no certain leads have resulted from the almost month-long search for the two. The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) reported that of all the police and military units their search teams checked, only three confirmed their non-involvement.

Meanwhile, De Jesus and Capuyan’s families took to the Supreme Court letters appealing for support in search of the two activists on May 22.

Other UP organizations such as the All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU) and the Youth Act Now Against Tyranny-Metro Baguio are also set to file signed petitions to be sent to government offices.

For any information on the whereabouts of Capuyan and De Jesus, call the CHRA hotline at 0918-919-9007.

— Rachel Ivy Reyes

Athletes from the Cordillera bagged five gold medals in kickboxing, obstacle course racing, and arnis, as well as a number of silver and bronze medals in the 2023 South East Asian (SEA) Games held in Cambodia from May 5 to 17.

Claudine Veloso and Jean Claude Saclag won a gold medal in the Women’s 52 kilograms (kg) Division and Men’s 63.5kg Lowkick, respectively. Both athletes are from Team Lakay, a Cordillera Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Team, known for producing international winners in competitive martial arts.

Saclag, in his public post, said that he felt pressured by the expectations set to him to win the gold but he used his determination and faith in God to overcome his struggle. On the other hand, Veloso said in her gratitude post, “Your attitude will determine your altitude.”

Two-time SEA Games gold medalist Crisamuel Delfin showcased the traditional Cordilleran warrior attire in his performance. The proud Igorot hailing from La Trinidad, Benguet donned the bahag in his gold medal match for Arnis. Delfin took to Facebook his gratitude towards his win: “huwag kalimutan paano ka nag-umpisa, saan ka galing, mga tumulong ng walang wala ka pa.”

Meanwhile, Jason Balabal of Tinoc, Ifugao won his first gold medal in 12 years in the Men's 82 kg Greco-Roman Wrestling. His win was an unexpected one, said Balabal as he mentioned serving the Navy in the past 12 years.

After her gold medal win for obstacle course racing, Sandi Menchi Alaban of Baguio City shared what she would like to do after the SEA games in an interview with Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation.

"I can't wait to be back home, breathe in pine breeze while with family, and step on the trails again and climb a summit," she said.

Renalyn Dacquel of the Women’s 48kg full contact and Jeremy Pacatiw of the men’s 67kg Lowkick, both clinched silver medals. Jomar Balangui, Kurt Kubrica, Von Buminaang and Danny Kingad also bagged four bronze medals in this event.

— Ariza Anjeli Diola

The Baguio City Council approved on first reading an ordinance that will require non-Baguio residents to mandatorily register on the Baguio Visitors Information and Travel Assistance (VISITA), May 15. VISITA is the online registration system for Baguio tourists and travelers.

A Visita pass must be secured upon registration to enter the city and access primary tourism enterprises such as lodging services, tourist sites, and tourist transport services. For secondary enterprises such as shopping malls, restaurants, bars, gas stations, and hospitals, a pass is encouraged but not mandated.

In an announcement by the Baguio Public Information Office (PIO), even attendees to conferences, organized social and government activities, and educational and sports meets are required to register.

The ordinance also tasks the city police and barangay officials to "randomly check" vehicles for passes. Meanwhile, barangay officials are also prompted to keep track of all tourism-oriented and tourism-related establishments.

Under the proposal, the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), the operator of the platform, will oversee all registrations. The city council ensures that BTC will secure all compiled data by complying with Republic Act (RA) 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Councilors Elmer Datuin, Vladimir Cayabas, and Lilia Farinas authored the said ordinance.

Hours after the announcement, mixed reactions were drawn–with most comments asking for the purpose of the ordinance.

— Rachel Ivy Reyes

In an announcement by the Baguio Public Information Office (PIO), even attendees to conferences, organized social and government activities, and educational and sports meets are required to register.

Councilors Elmer Datuin, Vladimir Cayabas, and Lilia Farinas authored the said ordinance.

Hours after the announcement, mixed reactions were drawn–with most comments asking for the purpose of the ordinance.

— Rachel Ivy Reyes

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is expected to release an executive order requiring the mandatory use of face masks in the city, especially in indoor settings, May 15.

“Kailangan mag-observe ulit tayo ng minimum health standard especially ‘yung wearing of masks kaya dito ipapatupad na ulit natin (mandatory use of face masks). We also advised dito sa City Hall and other government offices, especially sa indoors,” said Magalong.

In an interview posted by the Baguio City Public Information Office (PIO), Magalong also advised church leaders and visitors to observe social distancing—particularly avoiding handshakes and other close physical interactions.

“This is one way of mitigating and at the same time, hopefully, we will be able to reduce the number of (COVID) cases. Our forecast is that there will be an increasing trend for the next three to four weeks pa bago natin ma-realize talaga ‘yung pag-pa-plateau niya,” Magalong added.

With the increasing number of COVID cases in the city, Magalong encourages everyone to keep wearing their masks especially when going indoors, and to continue to practice the minimum public health protocols—wearing face masks, hand washing, disinfecting, and physical distancing.

“Everyone—visitors, residents talagang they can roam around, they can move around freely. ‘Yun lang, kailangan lang talaga natin ‘yung face masks and of course ‘yung ating other minimum public health standards,” said Magalong when asked about the restrictions for tourists.

As of this writing, Baguio City’s cases are averaging 13 to 15 cases daily while hospital utilization rate is at 15%—which is still lower, according to the mayor. The city’s reproduction rate logs at +1, which signals continuous transmission.

Meanwhile, vaccination operations are still ongoing. Locals and tourists can visit District Health Centers from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. every Mondays to Fridays.

“Tuloy-tuloy ‘yung vaccination natin. We’re now averaging about 60 vaccination a day,” Magalong added.

— Kyla Claire Abawag

Thirteen days after the reported disappearance of UPB alumni and activists Dexter Capuyan and Gene Roz Jamil “Bazoo” De Jesus, human rights groups confirmed May 10 that the two were abducted by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Capuyan and De Jesus were last seen in Taytay Rizal on the evening of April 28 when identified men from the CIDG forced them into two vehicles.

In a press conference, rights group Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas’ national convenor Beverly Longid condemned the attacks on the rights of indigenous peoples and human rights defenders.

“The recent disappearance of Dexter and Bazoo is just another display of the regime’s cruel and oppressive tactics against those who speak out against the incompetent and oppressive nature of the state,” Longid said.

On May 3, the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) confirmed them missing. Capuyan belongs to the Bontoc-Ibaloi-Kankanaey tribe while De Jesus works for the Philippine Task Force on Indigenous People’s Rights.

In the press con, CHRA Spokesperson Casselle Ton also revealed that military camps deny the families and search team access to the premises.

“Even if we just inquire at the camps, we are being barred at the gates. We can’t enter,” Ton stated.

This is a developing story.

For any information on the #Taytay2, you may reach the search team here: 0918-919-9007.

— Rachel Ivy Reyes

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Human rights groups decried the continuous red-tagging of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the public consultation conducted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Baguio.

Councilor Jose Molintas said the consultation was organized in order to propose recommendations to the city council to stop red-tagging. However, the forum escalated into heated exchange when the AFP presented a video from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), April 19.

In the said video, slain student leaders from the Kabataan Partylist (KPL), Gabriela Youth, Anakbayan, the League of Filipino Students (LFS) and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) were featured, linking them as part of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA).

Jeanette Cawiding, a human rights defender, expressed dismay over the material shown by the AFP. "You are in this forum of dialogue, you keep red-tagging us. The red-tagging is continuing even in this forum," Cawiding said.

In addition, Molintas refuted the suggested idea that the mentioned organizations are part of the CPP-NPA. According to him, the mentioned groups maintain their legitimacy unless declared illegal by a body with jurisdiction.

"Advertising them, especially names and faces of people, in a propaganda material, is actually a violation of civil and political rights,” Molintas said.

Moreover, Cawiding said that persecuting activists will not resolve insurgency.

Meanwhile, a day after the opening of the Cordillera day celebration, flyers were distributed along Sunshine Park with contents seemingly red-tagging the commemoration.

— Geronne Abad