All The WOW News in Cordillera

Showing posts with label Baguio City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baguio City. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Baguio ranks first among richest cities outside Metro Manila

Photo Courtesy || Jimzpics Photog

Cordillera - Baguio City was hailed as the wealthiest city outside Metro Manila according to the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It means Baguio residents has higher income earning compared to the average national income of Filipinos.

As per the data release by PSA, the city's average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person reached P420.016 surpassing the average of P178,751.

GDP measures the growth of the economy per person in a particular area. It is use to determine how wealthy or poor an area is.

Following in the list of top 10 wealthiest cities are Cagayan de Oro in the 2nd spot, Lapu-Lapu City, Iloilo, Bataan, Cebu City, Laguan, Mandaue, and Batanes. 

Baguio City, nestled in the mountainous region of the Philippines, stands out as the wealthiest city in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Known for its cool climate, stunning mountain landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Baguio City attracts both local and international tourists.

One of the key factors contributing to Baguio's wealth is its thriving tourism industry. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and the Botanical Garden, which draw in visitors year-round. 

Additionally, Baguio's reputation as a culinary destination, with its diverse array of restaurants and street food stalls, adds to its economic prosperity.

Another important source of wealth for Baguio City is its education sector. The city is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including the University of the Philippines Baguio and Saint Louis University, attracting students from across the country and beyond.

Furthermore, Baguio's economy benefits from its status as a center for commerce and trade in the region. 

The city's bustling markets and shopping centers, such as Session Road and the Baguio City Market, are popular destinations for both locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Baguio City's wealth can be attributed to its vibrant tourism industry, thriving education sector, and robust commercial activities. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is likely to remain a key economic powerhouse in the Cordillera region.

Share:

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Mayor Magalong ranked 2nd in top performing mayors in the country - RPMD

Cordillera - Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong secures 2nd spot is the list of the country's top performing mayors. 

This is revealed in the recently concluded "Boses ng Bayan" survey conducted by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) on Saturday, Sep. 16, 2023.

In the extensive statistical survey, Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio secured a commendable rating of 90.91 percent, placing him in the second tier of this assessment. 

Joining Mayor Magalong in the second tier are Mayor Art Robes of San Jose del Monte, with a rating of 91.67 percent, and Mayor Nikko Mercado of Maasin, who achieved a score of 90.88 percent.


Meanwhile, Mayor Belmonte claimed the top spot with a rating of 95.73 percent, followed closely by Mayor Eric Singson of Candon City, who garnered a score of 94.86 percent. 

As stated by Dr. Paul Martinez, the Executive Director of RPMD, the evaluation of city mayors is based on seven core criteria, which include service delivery, financial expertise, economic advancement, leadership in governance, environmental preservation, social programs, and community engagement. 

In a similar vein, the assessment of District Representatives focuses on three key factors: district representation, legislative effectiveness, and constituent service. 

Share:

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

LOOK: Baguio City Unveils Newest Attraction - The Reflection Pool and Fountain Show at Wright Park

Photo Courtesy || Migz On-onod

Cordillera - If you're seeking respite from the summer heat and relentless humidity in the lowlands , a quick weekend getaway to the picturesque City of Pines has always been a cherished escape. 

Baguio City has long been a favorite destination, known for its refreshing climate and breathtaking scenery. 

However, just when you thought you'd explored every nook and cranny of this enchanting city, a new attraction has emerged to captivate your senses.

Over the weekend, Baguio City unveiled its latest gem, "The Reflection Pool and Fountain," a free tourist spot that's destined to become the envy of your Instagram feed. 

Nestled in Upper Wright Park, this newest addition was inaugurated on September 8th, marking a significant milestone in the rejuvenation of one of Baguio's iconic tourism sites.

Known locally as "Shanun Tan Bëlbël," which translates to "Water and Pine Tree" in the Ibaloi language, The Reflection Pool embodies the serene dance between two fundamental elements of our environment. 

It serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance that must be preserved and cherished in our ecosystem.

Residents and tourists alike can indulge in the mesmerizing fountain show every Friday to Sunday, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

As the water dances to the rhythm of colorful lights and the backdrop of Baguio's pine trees, it's an experience that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

So, if you're planning your next escape, don't forget to add Baguio City's newest jewel, The Reflection Pool and Fountain, to your must-visit list. 

This enchanting attraction is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its natural beauty while offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

Share:

Monday, February 20, 2023

Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong conferred the Cavalier Pandemic Heroes Award by the Philippine Military Academy

Photo Courtesy || Benjie Magalong - Public Servant

Cordillera - Mayor Benjie Magalong of Baguio city has been conferred the Cavalier Pandemic Heroes Award during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming held on February 18, 2023.

The two-term mayor of Baguio was awarded for his exemplary performance in his capacity as 'Covid-19 Contract Tracing Czar of the Philippine Government that has contributed immensely in the fight to end the pandemic. 

Magalong is a retired police general was appointed by former President Duterte as the country's Contact Tracing Czar during the onslaught of covid in 2020 to lead the government's efforts in combating the spread of COVID-19.

His vast experience in crisis management, as well as his background in law enforcement and investigation, make him a suitable leader for this task. 

During his tenure as czar, he introduced a new method of contact tracing that focuses on thorough investigations, quick response, and encourage community participation.

Under his leadership, the country's contact tracing capacity significantly improved. He also introduced  a more efficient system for identifying, isolating, and treating COVID-19 patients, as well as for monitoring their close contacts.

Magalong's contributions in the fight against COVID-19 have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and various international health organizations. His innovative approach to contact tracing serves as an inspiration for other countries battling the pandemic, and has helped to reduce the spread of the virus in the Philippines.

Share:

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Loakan airport may open for commercial flights by December 2022

Photo Courtesy || PAL

Cordillera - Baguio city's Loakan airport may soon catering domestic flights starting in December this year pending the complete rehabilitation and upgrading of the airport.

Department of Transportation (DoTr) assured to the city government officials the rehabilitation and upgrading of the airport to meet the requirements needed to operate domestic flights.

According to DoTr and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), a P68 million budget will be allocated for the rehabilitation of the airport terminal and installing of Instrument Landing System (ILS) that guides the pilots maneuver the planes in and out of the airport even during bad weather conditions.

CAAP will also upgrading the runway by extending the length by at least 100 meters and putting up drainage system. 

They will also clearing out 35 natural obstructions that were determined to be inside the buffer zone.

The city government has reminded residents within the airport's buffer zone to voluntarily remove their structures or let the city government to demolish them. 

Some 110 structures within the declared 150-meter buffer zone of the Loakan airport were already issued the demolition notices by the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) as part of the local government’s efforts to free the airport from obstructions that will pave the way for its opening for commercial operation, according to Baguio - PIO.

Share:

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Baguio accepting proposals for cable car transport in the city

Cordillera - The city government of Baguio city has announced it's now accepting proposals for its three big projects which includes, electric plant, bulk water and cable car transport.

In a post from its official Facebook page, it said " The city government is accepting proposals for three more big projects: Asin Hydro Electric Plant, Cable Car System as Public Transport, Bulk Water".

Proposals can be submitted starting from August 22, 2022 to September 22, 2022.

The cable car transport project is among the city's priority project for public transport and facility system. 

Among the planned mass transport and facility system includes an intermodal transport terminal that allows interface between the different transport modes in the city. 

Also a multi-level parking designed in such a way that it can accommodate more cars to be parked under one roof. This could make the city streets free from illegally parked cars. 

Aside from the cable car, the city also listed a plan of building an elevated monorail around the central business district area and a series of feeder lines to be composed of battery-powered buses in an aim to make Baguio City the first urban center to pilot the green ecosystem and electric-powered monorail system.

According to Leticia O. Clemente, the City Budget Officer, the project will be funded through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or thru local revenue collection, foreign and local grants, capital income from sale or use of assets, and borrowing or bond flotation.

source || Public Information - Baguio City and BusinessWorld 


Share:

Sunday, July 17, 2022

WATCH: Baguio, La Trinidad scenes in new TV5's movieserye "Suntok sa Buwan"

Photo Courtesy || project8projects

Cordillera - The summer capital of the Philippines Baguio city once again be featured in TV screen as a new movie series is set to be premiered today (July 18, 2022) by TV5 network. 

Multi-awarded actor Aga Muhlach together with Gawad Urian Best Actor Elijah Canlas, Maris Racal, among others are the stars of the network's first movieserye entitled "Suntok sa Buwan".

Muhlach said, he was happy that the movie was shot in Baguio because the city is close to his heart. 

In the serye, Muhlach is plays Jimmy Boy, a retired boxer who now works as a taxi driver in Baguio and is the father of young boxer named Dos. 

While acting as his son's coach, Jimmy gets involved with a criminal group, and is later arrested and jailed. There, he reveals to his son that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

Suntok Sa Buwan will be the first movie series to air on Philippine television once it airs on TV5. 

Produced by award-winning tandem Antoinette Jadaone and Dan Villegas, the serye is directed by Geo Lomuntad and co-produced by Project 8 Projects and Cignal Entertainment. 

The movie serye’ will be aired starting this July 18 on TV5 at 7:15 PM.

Share:

Saturday, July 16, 2022

Baguio offers FREE BUS RIDES to tourists starting July 15, 2022

Photo Courtesy || PIO-Baguio

Cordillera - The city government of Baguio has started offering free rides to tourists with the revival of the Hop On, Hop Off (HoHo) bus that allow tourists to visit major spots in the city.

The Public Information Office of Baguio announced that the HoHo bus will be offering unlimited free rides to tourists with approved VISITA Quick Response Travel Permits (QTP) during Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The HoHo bus will depart from Baguio Convention Center (BCC) to Botanical Garden as the first stop; the Mansion House as the second stop; the Mines View Park will be the third stop and then back to Wright Park as fourth stop via Gibraltar Road to decongest traffic and finally exits via South Drive to the drop off point at Governor Pack Road where tourists may walk around the central business district as well as visit Burnham Park.  

There will be a waiting time 15 to 20 minutes for each stop but if the tourists want to stay longer, they can catch the next HoHo bus in 30 minutes.

Each passenger will get a bus pass which shall be surrendered when claiming back their vehicle parked at the Baguio Convention Center. A P25 fee will be imposed for every lost bus pass.

There are only two HoHo busses to operate with 30 minutes interval time per trip. The first trip leaves BBC at 8:30 in the morning while the last trip is scheduled at 6:20 in the afternoon departing from Wright Park to Gov. Pack Road drop off point.

The city government wished the revival of the HoHo bus would decongest the terrible traffic situation in the city. 

Share:

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Baguio LGU puts up team of experts to evaluate LCUTS (ex. monorail) project for the city


Cordillera - Baguio residents and tourists are looking forward for a new and modern mode of transportation in the city as Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed an executive order that creates a technical working group (TWG) that will look in to the possibility of putting up a low carbon urban transport system (LCUTS).

The group led by the city's engineering and transport management officers, related government agencies, academe, and the private sector is tasked to come up with a mode of transportation with better mobility and helps improve air quality of the city. 

The TWG will work with the United Nation and the Department of Transportation for the implementation of the LCUTS.

The LCUTS in the Philippines Project aims to help promote and create an enabling environment for the commercialization of low carbon urban transport systems, like electric and hybrid vehicles.

The project focus on low carbon transport solutions such as electric vehicles, development of bikeways, cable cars, and projects and policies promoting clean transport options.

Other examples of electric transportation is the monorail system which is powered by electric motors. 

In the past years, Metro Global Holdings Corp., a multinational holdings company has proposed to build P11.5 billion fully electric public transport system in Baguio city.

The project is composed of a 4-kilometer elevated monorail around the central business district area and a series of feeder lines to be composed of battery-powered buses in an aim to make Baguio City the first urban center to pilot the green ecosystem and electric-powered monorail system.

Share:

Monday, May 2, 2022

Baguio city is home of the most modernized barangay hall in the country.

Photo Courtesy || PIO-Baguio

Cordillera - The newly constructed barangay multi-purpose hall that looks like a mall in barangay Bakakeng Central will serve as the model to be followed in constructing new barangay hall in the city of Baguio.

The City Buildings and Architecture has said that two similar projects are expected to rise this year, - the Quirino Hill and Irisan  barangay hall. 

The Quirino Hill barangay hall is expected to be completed this May while the construction of Irisan barangay hall already started and expected to be finished by the end of this year, according to City Buildings and Architecture Officer Arch. Johnny Degay.

Although the two barangays have smaller area, they will have similar features with that of Bakakeng Central. 

The facilities of the new barangay hall are basketball court, day care center, evacuation center, office for senior citizens and others.

Photo Courtesy || PIO-Baguio

The Bakakeng Central barangay hall has gotten positive feedback from residents because of its impressive designs that one would think it as a mall.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong envisioned that all barangay halls in the city will be modernized in the future.

Share:

Friday, March 18, 2022

LOOK: Baguio's Children Park Soon to Open

Photo Courtesy || Baguio City PIO
Cordillera - The city government of Baguio City has announced the opening of the children's park in the near future with new playing facilities that are safer for kids to play. 

The park was closed two years ago for rehabilitation and putting up of modern playgrounds with recreational facilities like playscapes with slides, playhouses, ladders, jungles that aims to develop children's physical coordination, strength and flexibility. 

READ ALSO: Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourists City for the 2nd time

The old play structures in the park were mostly old and decorated with multiple coatings which was discovered to contain unsafe substances by the EcoWaste Coalition.




Share:

Saturday, February 19, 2022

LOOK: Baguio's Botanical Garden undergoes major facelift renovation

Photo Courtesy || Life is a Blog

Cordillera - The popular tourist attraction in the city of Baguio - the Botanical Garden has undergone major rehabilitation.

The new refurbished Botanical Garden features well-designed walkways, a greenhouse of varied plant species, a mini-auditorium for leisurely rest and recreational time and other transformative changes. 

In a post on Benjie Magalong - Public Servant FB page, the Mayor commended the great work that has been done to improve the famous attraction in the city. 

READ ALSO: 

Former Irisan dumpsite converted to a beautiful ecopark

Welcome to Little Kyoto, Japan in Baguio City

"I speak proudly of what has been innovatively done here... which symbolizes how creative we can be to make this park a better promenade area befitting its name," Magalong said.

The Mayor commended the city’s environment and parks management office led by Atty Rhenan Diwas for its innovative work that has produced a visual wonder worth visiting and spending reflective moments with Baguio’s natural environment. “This is the people’s gift to our environment,” he said,“a fitting legacy to generations next, a worthy attraction for visiting promenades.”

Share:

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourists City for the 2nd time

Photho Courtesy || Mccoyoguaman

Cordillera - The city of Baguio has been bestowed the "ASEAN Clean Tourism City Standard Award under the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Category for espousing the ASEAN Tourism Standard.

This is the second successive season that the LGU Baguio is receiving the award, which is being given every other year. 

Baguio City bagged the award in 2020-2022 season, and the again this season covering 2022-2024 according to the Public Information Office-Baguio.

Baguio City passed all the seven criteria set forth by in the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard. These are: 

1. Environmental management

2. Cleanliness

3. Waste Management

4. Awareness-Building about Environment Protection and Cleanliness

5. Green Space

6. Health Safety, Urban Safety, and Security

7. Tourism Infrastructure and Facilities

The ASEAN Clean Tourist City award is a recognition given to member-nations to encourage them to improve the quality of tourism in their cities, increase marketing competitiveness, create jobs for local residents and push economic growth.

Share:

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Biggest Vintage bomb found at construction site in Baguio City

Photo Courtesy || BFP-Baguio
Cordillera - A vintage bomb, apparently the biggest one has been found at a construction site in Barangay Balsigan, Baguio City. 

Lead by the Baguio bomb squad and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, BCPO and BFP-Baguio, the bomb was carefully removed from the construction site. 

Workers in the construction site discovered the bomb and immediately reported it to the BCPO and BFP.

READ ALSO: King Cobra - World's largest venomous snake caught in Baguio city

Experts from the EOD said the bomb weighs around 500 Kg, 132 cm. and has a diameter of 172 cm.

It can be recalled that in March 2020, a similar vintage bomb was found in Greenvally, Baguio City.

Share:

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Baguio temperature drops to 12 °C; La Trinidad 13 °C; Atok, Benguet 9 °C

Photo Courtesy || Biyahero si Bes

Cordillera - Baguio and Benguet residents and visitors woke up to a chilly morning today December 3, 2021 as the temperature drops. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) records 12 degrees Celsius in the summer capital, 13 degrees Celsius in the town of La Trinidad and 9 degrees Celsius in Atok, Benguet at 5AM today.

PAGASA said that the drop in temperature is brought by the northeast monsoon or "hanging amihan" from the northern hemisphere.

READ ALSO: Baguio city impresses foreigner: It's the best place to live because people respect you

It is expected that the temperature may further drop in the coming days. 

The coldest temperature over recorded in the city of pines was 6.3 degrees Celsius on January 18, 1961.

To protect someone from the bad effect of the cold weather, residents and tourists in Baguio are advised to dress warmly and wear warm and waterproof footwear.

READ ALSO: Baguio City awarded ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard

They should dress in layers, wear clothes with wind resistant outer layer, wear a hat and mittens. If necessary they should also wear facemask and scarf or neck tube.

When is is very cold or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Protect the body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers, and toes because these are the parts that easily lose heat fast.

Share:

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Baguio City bagged International Award from the World Health Organization


Cordillera - The summer capital of the Philippines bagged an international award from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its smoke-free programs. 

In its official Facebook page, the city government said it received the award for garnering the Healthy Cities Award under the category "Sharing Clean Air: Committed to multisectoral implementation of smoke-free laws."

WHO-Western Pacific Regional Office recognized the outstanding work of certain cities in promoting and protecting health of urban populations through the WHO Healthy Cities Recognition. 

All awards is related to the innovations that cities have adopted and amplified in the community to protect its citizens against the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including innovations aimed at reaching vulnerable groups. 



The awards were presented at the Virtual Ninth Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities on November 5, 2021and is officially awarded by WHO WPR.  

Smoke-Free Baguio will continue to uphold its advocacy until the last cigarette is put off in the city of pines.

source || Public Information Office - City of Baguio

Share:

Monday, September 13, 2021

Pinoy Inventor Shows Off "Flying Car" for the very first time in Cordillera

Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO

Cordillera - The car of the future, "the flying car" invented by a Filipino inventor soars high in the sky of Baguio City as Mr. Kyxz Mendiola conducts a flight demo at the Melvin Jone grounds on September 1, 2021. 

Witnessed by some Baguio residents and some city officials, the Star 8 Green Tech's electric-manned aerial vehicle or EMAV took off its first flight around Burnham park. 

Photo Courtesy || Baguio PIO

In a Facebook post shared by Baguio City Public Information Office, the one-seat version of the electric-manned aerial vehicle is ready for mass production, while the two-and-four-seats (multi passenger EMAV) models are already under development. 

The multi passenger EMAV is recommended for tourism purposes.

Take a look at some of the photos of the Star 8 EMAV taken by Baguio PIO.

Share:

Thursday, September 2, 2021

LOOK: Baguio Session Road Got a New Look


Cordillera - Tourists and locals can now enjoy a new vibes and scenery at the famous Session Road in Baguio City. 

Thanks to the management of the city government unit, Session Road is now close to the nature with its new look and new road designs. 

Photos from Metro Pines shows a green lane for bikers and bookshelves and benches for book readers. 

Bookshelf and benches at Session Road. Photo Courtesy || Metro Pines

Green Lane for Bikers at Session Road. Photo Courtesy || Metro Pines

Share:

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Baguio launches the first advance Smart City command center in the Philippines

Photo Courtesy || Baguio City PIO

Cordillera - Baguio city launches its Smart City Command Center and expected to be operational this year, the first in the Philippines. 

The Smart City is equipped with advance technological tools and software provided by CISCO System Inc. that can gather data, manage assets, resources and services; and operated by the combined force from the CDRRMO, PNP, Fire Department, Health and EMS Departments.

"I envision Baguio as a SMART City where various types of electronics methods are used to manage the Summer Capital's assets, resources and to provide even more efficient and effective services to the public," said Mayor Magalong.

The Smart City hub will be able to closely monitor and respond to any incidents that happening inside the city, improve peace and order, and provide security to all residents. 

Streets of Baguio will be equipped with CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) program that enable authorities to analyze traffic, detect unusual public behavior and potentially halt crime being committed. 

It also features facial recognition system that can identify fugitives in a crowd. 

The hub will provide better response to citizen's complaints and feedback with it Smart City App that was integrated in the platform. 

Magalong expressed the city's gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for providing the fund worth P200 million for the realization of the Smart City project.

video source : sir Art Tibaldo

Share:

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Baguio City is 2020's 'Most Business-Friendly' LGU in the Philippines


Cordillera - The City Government of Baguio has won the 2020 Most Business-Friendly FGU Awards for City Level 1B Category, according to the Baguio Public Information Office.

The award is given to the city in recognition in its effort in successfully restoring and increasing the business operations in the locality thru sustained and innovative actions despite extreme challenges brought about by the pandemic.

The Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) cited the initiative of LGU Baguio through the leadership of Mayor Magalong in addressing the impacts of the current pandemic to the business community. 

The Baguio LGU initiated several programs during the gradual opening of tourism establishment in the city which includes the use of digital technology through Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VISITA) online registration platform and the Ridge and Reef Tourism Corridor.

The city government also provided financial assistance to small businesses and subsidy to public utility jeepney drivers and operators during the quarantine period.

The LGU Baguio also crafted policies and ordinances that benefited MSMEs particularly  tax relief, rental holiday, waiver for rents and 30-day grace period for rent payments.

The ensure workers in the business sector not to be exposed from the virus, the city council issued directives and policies on compliance to health protocols like the mandatory use of face masks and face shields. 

The PCCI's annual expo is considered the largest business gathering in the country serving as a venue for policy makers, business leaders, diplomats, academe and MSMEs sharing ideas for sustainable and resilient business environment.

Share:

Featured Post

Igorot actor Jeyrick Sigmaton won Best Actor in International Film Festival Manhattan 2021

Photo Courtesy || Jeyrick Sigmaton Cordillera - Igorot actor Jeyrick "Carrotman" Sigmaton won the Best Actor for the Int...