https://www.luzonmorningsun.com/

Luzon Morning Sun, Baguio City (2025)

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.

03/07/2025

𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐎 𝐘𝐀𝐏 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐕𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐒.

Winning Benguet lawmaker Eric Go Yap was finally formally proclaimed Wednesday afternoon by the Benguet Provincial Board of Canvassers.

The Commission on Elections earlier asked the members of the Provincial Board of Canvassers chaired by lawyer Vanessa Roncal of the Commission and Electio–Cordillera and Benguet Prosecutor Benedict Pataras as vice chair to proclaim Yap as the winning candidate for the lone district Benguet in the House of Representatives.

After garnering more than 144,000 votes during the May 12 national and local elections, Yap's proclamation was put on hold after a Franklin Tino, a resident of Benguet filed for the cancellation of the certificate of candidacy of Yap on the ground of material representation declaring that he is a natural born Filipino citizen.

Comelec's Second Division however, cited that petitioner has utterly failed to present a single piece of documentary, testimonial, or circumstantial evidence to support claims against Yap.

In its decision, it added the glaring omission, not only renders the petition fatally defective, but also betrays troubling lack of diligence and candor in invoking the process.

“On July 2, 2025, the certificate of finality and entry of judgment pertaining to the said resolution was received by the provincial board of canvassers of Benguet, thereby rendering the June 26, 2025 resolution immediately executory,” said a portion of the order of the Comelec read by Pros. Pataras.

With his proclamation, Yap said he can now officially function as the province’s representative and will immediately get back to work. “Continue to work para makakuha ulit ng mga pondo na madaala dito sa probinsya. But then, Masaya ako, tapos na ang mga isyu, tapos na ang mga kaso and I hope sana matigil na. Magtulungan na lang tayo para sa lalawigan ng Benguet.”

He urged, “tulungan n’yo ako, pagandahin ang probinsya ng Benguet dahil probinsya nating lahat ito. Magtutulong tulong tayong lahat.”

“Cyberlibel case vs socmed personality”

Meanwhile, Mandaluyong City state prosecutors have recommended the formal filing of cyberlibel charges against a social media personality who allegedly hurled several invectives against Rep. Yap via Facebook.

The Office of the City Prosecutor of Mandaluyong City in. a four-paged ruling recommended the filing of cyberlibel under section 4(c) paragraph 4 of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The case stemmed from a Facebook post alleging Yap has benefited from the overpriced infrastructure projects and accumulated wealth and secured prime properties in just a few years.

The respondent's Facebook post was accompanied by photos and hyperlink to news article which, according to her, served as the source of her commentary.

Yap however denied the allegations and that the statement contains malicious insinuation that he committed criminal acts in connection with his performance as Benguet lawmaker.

The Office of the City Prosecutor meanwhile said all the elements of cyberlibel were present, adding that the post contains implication that Yap may have benefitted from overpriced infrastructure projects, thereby suggesting criminal or illegal conduct.

According to Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Queruben Garcia, respondent’s Facebook post constitutes a malicious act of defamation, as it intentionally disseminates false and damaging statements intended to tarnish complainant’s reputation, subjecting complainant to significant emotional distress and public shaming, thereby infringing upon his legal rights to his good name and reputation.

Yap earlier said, while he respects freedom of speech, the spread of baseless and damaging allegations must be addressed through legal means and stressed the continuous online attacks have not only tarnished his reputation but also misled the public with false accusations.

The solon also sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify other social media pages that have been spreading similar malicious statements or allegedly engaging in cyberlibel in an effort to discredit him.

02/07/2025

𝐏𝟕𝟒.𝟕𝐊 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐔, 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐉𝐔𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐄𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐈𝐆-𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐂 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘.

Seventy four thousand seven hundred twenty pesos (P74,720.00) worth of shabu and ma*****na were seized during the implementation of a court-ordered raid at the house of an alleged big-time drug trafficker in Batac City, Ilocos Norte Tuesday dawn, July 1, 2025.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 1 director Joel B. Plaza said PDEA-Ilocos Norte agents with Batac City policemen, Illocos Norte police’s Drig Enforcement Unit, Ilocos Norte Police Intelligence Unit, Ilocos Region police Intelligence Division, took “Alias Espencer”, 28, to the Batac City police jail after discovering from his home at Barangay Rayuray, Batac City, 18 pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, weighing more or less five grams worth P34,000.00, 13 pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected ma*****na leaves with fruiting tops, one elongated and tubular formed ma*****na leaves and stalk wrapped with tape, worth P40,720.00, and several drug paraphernalia.

The drug trafficker will face drug charges including: Possession of Dangerous Drugs); Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Dugs Act of 2002).

02/07/2025

𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐂-𝐂𝐀𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐓𝐕𝐌 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐘𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐏. 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝟖𝟎𝐊 𝐇𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐀.

The National Anti-Poverty Commission's (NAPC) Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council (RBSCC) in the Cordillera is seeking a recall of the Authority to Verify Minerals (ATVM) granted to Yamang Mineral Corporation (YMC), essentially permitting mineral exploration into over 80,000 hectares over at least 3 towns in Abra.

The RBSCC, in a recent meeting, believed the ATVM's issuance was "contrary to law and related jurisprudence," emphasizing the lack of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from affected Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the towns of Sallapadan, Licuan-Baay, and Lacub.

Earlier last year, Sallapadan town mayor Fernando Alafriz Semanero, a registered Engineer, questioned the absence of consultations with IPs and ICCs before the permit was approved.

Also, Abra Rep. Menchie Bernos filed House Resolution 2073 in November 2024 that sought Congress intervention by way of an inquiry into YMC's activities, worrying about how the mineral explorations would affect Abra’s environment and IPs.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in thr Cordillera had also advised YMC to cease operations in November 2024, citing the company's failure to secure a Certification of Pre-Condition (CPC).

The RBSCC is also supporting the refiling of a House Resolution for an inquiry by the House Committees on Natural Resources and Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples into YMC's operations.

The council warned that tolerating the current situation would set a "dangerous precedent" for Indigenous communities nationwide.

02/07/2025

𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐀, 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍, 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑.

Abra provincial prosecutor Nestor Tolentino has indicted politician Roger Bayle Luna, father of Sangunniang Panlalawigan bet Jendricks Luna gunned down on June 3, 2025 infront of his house also in Bangued and husband of former Abra lawmaker Cecille Luna, for attempted murder.

In a joint order, Tolentino approved attempted murder charges against the elder Luna, who is currently under hospital arrest, after he allegedly fired at a neighbor who was just passing infront of his house in barangay Zone 3, Bangued, Abra’s capital town last June 27, 2025.

Luna who suspected his neighbor as one among those allegedly after his family, failed to inflict harm on his neighbor though firing his 45 caliber pistol several times.

Minutes after the shooting, police caught Luna but rushed him instead to the Seares Memorial Hospital in Bangued after complaining of hypertension.

Aside from attempted murder charges, Tolentino also indicted Luna of violation of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Fi****ms and Ammunition Regulation Act after investigators seized the pistol he fired against his neighbor.

Tolentino ruled, “his (Luna) presence can be dispensed in accordance with the Revised Manual for Prosecutors," the order stated, indicating that his hospitalization will not hinder the filing of charges. He stressed that “a review showed prima facie evidence to charge (him).”

Luna ran in the vice gubernatorial race in 2022 but lost to former Congresswoman, Governor and Vice Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Bernos.

Luna also ran for Governor in 2004 but lost to then Gov. Vicente Valera.

01/07/2025

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐎 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐕𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑.

Baguio City lawmaker Mauricio G. Domogan promises to amend the revised Baguio City Charter.

This fulfills a key campaign promise and follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s veto of a previous attempt, House Bill 7406, in mid-April 2025.

The President cited inconsistencies with existing laws and prejudice to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), particularly concerning Camp John Hay, as reasons for the veto.

The previous bill sought to remove Camp John Hay Management from Baguio's Special Land Use Committee and repeal a section that expanded BCDA's land area.

Another critical provision in the vetoed bill which was supported by Baguio City officials, sought to remove the requirement for Baguio City ordinances to be submitted to the Benguet Provincial Board for approval.

This requirement, present in Republic Act No. 11689 (the current Revised Charter), is seen by city officials as undermining Baguio's status as a highly urbanized city.

Domogan, who has previously addressed this legislative challenge, stated that his team has already completed documentation for the new bill. He aims to clarify issues that led to a similar veto by then-President Benigno Aquino III in 2013.

Domogan's upcoming bill, he said, will focus on defining Baguio City's actual land area, ensuring autonomy for Baguio City ordinances by removing the Benguet Provincial Board approval requirement, clarifying the disposition of alienable and disposable lands, addressing issues related to the Camp John Hay Reservation, seeking a resolution that satisfies both city interests and the President's concerns regarding the BCDA.

Domogan is optimistic that he could gather congressional support but acknowledges the need to convince the President of the amendments' necessity to prevent another veto.

01/07/2025

𝐏𝐏𝐌𝐂 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐏𝟓𝟎𝐌 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐙𝐎𝐍𝐄.

State-run Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC), a BCDA subsidiary, has earned P50 million in revenues from December 2024 to May 2025 during its interim operation and management of the San Fernando International Seaport in the Poro Point Freeport Zone, La Union.

The port’s growing viability as a key logistics node in Northern Luzon has also created around 3,200 jobs within the first half of 2025.

The earnings, the PPMC said, came from port leases, vessel and cargo fees, and government shares from port services, with rates aligned to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) benchmarks to ensure competitiveness and regulatory compliance.

BCDA welcomed the milestone as a step toward a more dynamic and connected regional economy. “This performance affirms the potential of San Fernando International Seaport as a vital logistics and investment hub,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said, adding, “as we continue to modernize our ports, we are opening more doors for trade, employment, and inclusive growth in the region.”

According to PPMC, it has carried out major repairs and upgrades across the port estate from December 2024 to May 2025. Completed improvements include: Refurbishment of port offices and basic facilities; Replacement and repositioning of rubber fenders and concrete curbs; Conversion of port lighting systems to LED; Upgrading of electrical lines at Piers 1 and 2; Establishment of a systematic waste disposal mechanism and janitorial maintenance; and Coordination with third-party experts for technical assessments and benchmarking with PPA and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

“The rehabilitation and expansion of the San Fernando International Seaport will help drive opportunities for the local community in Northern Luzon. It will create jobs for local residents, bring in new businesses, and gain traction in the tourism sector,” PPMC PCEO and OIC Chairperson Felix Racadio believed.

Developed through public consultation, a new tariff structure for cargo handling and port service fees was approved by the PPMC Board in April 2025. It is set to take effect on June 5, 2025, enabling more stable and sustainable revenue streams moving forward.

PPMC reaffirmed its policy on inclusive employment, requiring at least 85% of port service personnel to come from the City of San Fernando and the Province of La Union.

With its excellent interim performance, upgraded facilities, and local workforce engagement, BCDA and PPMC showed optimism that the San Fernando International Seaport is poised to play a leading role in Northern Luzon’s economic transformation.

01/07/2025

𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍 𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐎 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌, 𝐕𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇, 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄.

Re-elected Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III begins his second term Monday, June 30, 2025, promising to expand existing projects and introduce new initiatives focused on health, education, and agriculture.

In his inaugural address, Guico III underscored, “this morning marks a crucial stage in my public service. This is a day given by God to continue the reforms we've started in our province, from health, education, agriculture, and other fields of public service.”

Guico III pledged to strengthen health programs to serve more residents, announcing plans for additional hospitals and health facilities. These will complement the province's existing 14 hospitals and ongoing construction of new health buildings. The governor also revealed plans for a dedicated training hospital to enhance the skills of medical professionals.

He also committed to reinforcing the implementation of PhilHealth's Konsulta program and the province's Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations (GUICONSULTA), aiming to boost enrollment and access to these services.

Guico III announced that construction of a four-story building for the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) will commence this year, anticipating increased student capacity upon completion. He also disclosed plans to establish new academic units within PPC, including a School of Medicine and Health Services, a School of Engineering, and a School of Law.

The governor also highlighted the province's improved financial standing as evidence of efficient governance. He noted that Pangasinan's annual budget increased from P6.1 billion at the start of his first term to P7.1 billion by its conclusion, attributing this growth to effective tax collection.

"Ang maayos, matapat at magaling na pamamahala at sambahayan ay bunga ng administrasyong may takot sa Diyos, Galit sa korapsiyon, sa magnanakaw at sa fake news, at nakikinig sa boses ng nakararami," Guico III emphasized.

01/07/2025

𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐎 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐔𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄.

Getting a fresh mandate, Apayao governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. called on provincial officials, stakeholders, and government personnel to reaffirm their commitment to unity and hard work in advancing development in their province.

He urged newly elected leaders to honor the trust placed in them by contributing actively to the province’s progress. “Your election is a manifestation of the people’s trust in your potential capability to contribute in furthering our province’s development,” Bulut told all officials taking their oaths Monday. “Let us give justice to the trust and confidence that our constituents have bestowed.”

Bulut Jr. highlighted Apayao’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, crediting the success to the implementation of the provincial government’s Development Agenda since 2022. He cited the agenda not only supported the province’s rebound but also earned Apayao multiple awards and distinctions for excellence in governance.

Among the administration’s notable achievements, Bulut also highlighted is Apayao’s recognition as the country’s fourth UNESCO biosphere reserve—a milestone in the province’s environmental conservation efforts.

He thanked the provincial workforce for their role in executing various government programs and projects. “Without you, we could not have accomplished this much,” Bulut said, while urging continued dedication. He also appealed to national agencies to sustain their collaboration with local counterparts, emphasizing the importance of program convergence and complementation in the coming years.

Infrastructure development was a key focus of the Governor’s report, including the construction of new facilities for PhilHealth and the Department of Education, as well as school buildings and evacuation centers. With the support of Apayao Representative Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, the province also completed a new Philippine National Police building and a crime laboratory.

“These are now part of the everyday lives of the yApayaos—used for learning, for safety, and for public service,” he said.

Bulut called on municipal governments and national line agencies to align their programs with the provincial Development Agenda, emphasizing the need to maximize coordination to increase the impact of services on local communities.

He ended by urging residents of Apayao to stay engaged and united in the province’s development efforts. “Let us persevere together to ensure the continued progress of Apayao,”

30/06/2025

𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐁𝐘 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐘 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐘.

A newborn but already dead baby was found by garbage collectors tucked inside a jute sack of trash Wednesday morning, June 25, 2025, in barangay Rock Quarry here.

Garbage collectors from the General Services Office (GSO) reportedly noticed blood leaking from a jute sack at the garbage mound prompting them to open it.

A tiny, lifeless body, believed to be already “in full term” was found tucked inside the jute sack.

Baguio City Social Welfare Officer Liza Bulayungan said the dead bany weighed between 2.5 and 2.9 kilograms and still had its umbilical cord attached.

Police and forensic investigators are into deep hoping to find out the identity of the mother of the hapless dead newborn.

Authorities said this is the fourth case of an abandoned or discarded fetus in Baguio City this year.

Bulayungan is urging the public, especially mothers, to respect the sanctity of life. She emphasized that their office and other government agencies are available to provide support and assistance to pregnant women in need, stressing that there are always other options.

The CSWDO is appealing for compassion, responsibility, and unwavering respect for all human life.

30/06/2025

𝐁𝐂𝐃𝐀, 𝐃𝐁𝐌 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝟑𝟔𝟎-𝐌 𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓-𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐍𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘.

State- run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it is partnering with the Department of Budget and Management to build a new Php360-million dormitory for student-athletes at the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang announced during the NAS’s fifth founding anniversary rites on June 18, 2025, that the construction of the five-storey, 1,500-square-meter facility, which will house up to 400 student-athletes, will be complete in 2026.

The dormitory will feature 14 quad-sharing rooms for female students and 14 squad-sharing rooms for male students. It will also include an atrium, dining hall, recreational spaces, a kitchen and dishwashing area, administrative offices, and laundry and utility rooms—ensuring a well-rounded and supportive living environment for the student-athletes.

“The presence of NAS in New Clark City reflects BCDA’s belief that investing in our youth is essential to nation-building,” said Engr. Bingcang. “By equipping our young athletes with world-class resources and facilities, we are not only developing champions in sports—we are nurturing the future leaders of our country.”

DBM is supporting this initiative as it reaffirmed its commitment to NAS’s long-term vision. “Our student-athletes deserve nothing less than a world-class environment where they can train harder, dream bigger, and shine brighter,” DBM chief Amenah F. Pangandaman said, further adding, “thanks to BCDA, every part of this campus—from classrooms to courts—was built not only to inspire, but to demonstrate our commitment to helping young athletes realize their full potential.”

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and B**g Go—who recently visited the NAS campus—highlighted the role of education and infrastructure in supporting the country's athletic potential. “Gamitin natin itong oportunidad para hasain ang ating mga sarili at higit sa lahat, magdala ng karangalan para sa ating bansa. Kami ay naniniwala sa inyong talento at naniniwala kami na kayo ang magiging future leaders ng ating bansa,” said Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture. “(Let us make the most of this opportunity to hone our skills and, more importantly, bring pride to our country. We believe in your talent and in your potential as future leaders.)”

Sen. Go added, the success of NAS is a victory for the Filipino youth.” Go is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports and co-author of Republic Act No. 11470, also known as the National Academy of Sports Act. “I remain deeply committed to initiatives that empower our youth to pursue excellence in both academics and athletics.”

In addition to the new dormitory, construction is also ongoing for a new gymnasium and dedicated gymnastics court. Currently, NAS is home to 270 student-athletes enrolled in various academic and athletic disciplines.

With the addition of new facilities, New Clark City continues to emerge as a premier destination for world-class sports infrastructure—shaping not just athletes, but future champions of the nation.

30/06/2025

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝟏𝟐 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝟕𝐓𝐇 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐖𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐍𝐀𝐓, 𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅.

Baguio City Schools Division chief, Dr. Soraya T. Facullo bared that Grade 12 students in Baguio City ranked 7th nationwide in the 2022-2023 National Achievement Test (NAT).

She also disclosed that Grade 6 students showed even greater progress. "Their scores jumped by 12% from 2023 to 2024, going from 44.97% to 57.31%. This means more students can now do tasks on their own. They did especially well in English, scoring 67%," according to her.

Facullo said Grade 12 scores also went up by 3.25% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 50.09% showing that they are getting closer to meeting their grade-level goals. The education official believes these improvements are because of extra efforts in elementary schools, like providing learning materials, working with community partners, and using data to guide decisions.

However, she admitted that there is still work to do. she said students need to improve in critical thinking and using evidence in their arguments. While Baguio is the best in the Cordillera region for NAT results, senior high school students still need more support, especially in managing and using information.

To help with learning gaps, particularly in Reading, Math, and Science, Baguio schools are using the Aral program, a national initiative to help students catch up. Facullo is asking for the community's help, encouraging partners to become tutors in Math, Science, and Reading for K-10 students.

Luzon Morning Sun

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