Baguio News Flash

Baguio News Flash Information, news, writer’s opinion, entertainment and events concerning the City of Baguio, Benguet and beyond.
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BOAT CONCESSIONAIRES at the newly face-lifted Burnham Park Lake got a final warning from the Baguio City Administrator V...
03/09/2026

BOAT CONCESSIONAIRES at the newly face-lifted Burnham Park Lake got a final warning from the Baguio City Administrator Vittorio Jericho Cawis who told them to follow the official boat-ride rates, upgrade their boats and issue receipts—or lose their permits.

This came one day after the renovated lake reopened on Baguio Day (September 1). Officials found that some operators raised prices and most boats still lacked the required upgrades.

“This is the final warning. If they continue not to comply, then we will be compelled to open their slots to other residents wishing to apply as boating concessionaires,” Cawis said.

They agreed to charge the old rate of ₱250 per half hour. Boats without upgrades cannot be used starting September 2, 2026.

-BOAT RATE: Php 250 per boat (for 30mins., maximum of 5)
-ROWER (optional): Php 100
-INSURANCE: Optional

BURNHAM PARK OFFICIALLY REOPENS! 🛶 After several months of rehabilitating Burnham Lake, the “Heart of Baguio City”, fina...
01/09/2026

BURNHAM PARK OFFICIALLY REOPENS! 🛶

After several months of rehabilitating Burnham Lake, the “Heart of Baguio City”, finally reopens today, September 1, 2026 just in time for Baguio's 117th Charter Anniversary.

OPEN DIALOGUE ON PINGET BULLYING CASECity Hall, Baguio City, August 31, 2026 — Mayor Benjamin Magalong met with the fami...
31/08/2026

OPEN DIALOGUE ON PINGET BULLYING CASE

City Hall, Baguio City, August 31, 2026 — Mayor Benjamin Magalong met with the family of a student in a viral bullying case at Pinget National High School.

Members of the Kalinga Organization of Baguio-Benguet joined the meeting. So did Principal Johnny Kidian, city police, social welfare officers, city lawyers and Kalinga elders. They talked about the family’s concerns and also cleared up rumors that the family’s group wanted tribal revenge. The elders said their culture supports open and peaceful community talks instead.

Some people asked for stronger punishment than the five-day suspension. Principal Kidian said the suspension followed school rules and Department of Education guidelines. He said it can still be appealed. Any extra steps need approval from the schools division superintendent.

Social welfare officers are still giving counseling support to all the children involved. City lawyers said the parents—not the students—are legally responsible.

Mayor Magalong was glad the talks cleared up confusion. He asked everyone to wait for the investigation to finish.

📸 courtesy of PIO Baguio

ANTI-BULLYING RULES IN BAGUIOMayor Benjamin Magalong has told schools to follow anti-bullying rules under Republic Act 1...
29/08/2026

ANTI-BULLYING RULES IN BAGUIO

Mayor Benjamin Magalong has told schools to follow anti-bullying rules under Republic Act 10627 (the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013) and Baguio City Ordinance No. 59-2017.

The national law says all public and private schools must make clear rules against bullying, hold talks to teach students about it, and create ways for students to report problems. Schools can also punish bullies. A 2013 DepEd order gives schools clear steps to stop and prevent bullying.

The national law does not put students in jail for bullying. But the city rule does. Students who can be held responsible may get 3 to 6 months in jail and a ₱5,000 fine.

School heads and board members who ignore bullying reports can get 1 month in jail and a ₱5,000 fine. The same goes for school staff, parents, guardians, or students who push others to bully.

Anyone who sees bullying and stays quiet can get 3 months in jail and a ₱5,000 fine. Making up fake bullying stories can mean 6 months in jail and the same fine.

(Source and credits: PIO Baguio, Posted July 14, 2025)

Here is a Checklist with Legal Recourse Steps following the two recent bullying incidents at Pinget National High School...
28/08/2026

Here is a Checklist with Legal Recourse Steps following the two recent bullying incidents at Pinget National High School and Baguio City National High School that have raised an alarm among parents, educators and local authorities in Baguio City on August 24, 2026.

1. IMMEDIATE SAFETY
• Ensure the child is safe
• Call 911 (911 Baguio) if there is danger, injury, or ongoing threat
• Seek medical attention and get a medico-legal certificate if there are physical injuries

2. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
• Write a clear incident log (date, time, place, what happened, who was involved, witnesses)
• Save evidence (photos, videos, screenshots, messages, medical records)
• Note the names of people you report to and the dates of each report

3. SCHOOL ADMIN PROCESS (Primary Step under RA 10627)
• File a written complaint with the school’s Child Protection Committee (CPC), Guidance Office, or Principal
• Request written acknowledgment and a copy of the report
• School must investigate and act according to its anti-bullying policy and DepEd rules
• Ask for protective measures (e.g., separation from the bully, counseling)
If the school fails to act or the response is inadequate:
• Escalate in writing to the DepEd Baguio City Division Office
• Phone: (074) 442-7819 / 446-0275
• Email: [email protected]
• Further escalate to DepEd Regional Office (CAR) if needed

4. BARANGAY LEVEL
• Go to the Barangay Hall (where the incident occurred or where the child resides)
• Request a blotter entry
• Ask for assistance from the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) or VAWC Desk
• Note: Some minor cases may go through mediation; serious cases (especially involving minors) should be referred to police/CSWDO instead of pure mediation

5. POLICE REPORT
• Report to the nearest Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) station or Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD)
• Landline: (074) 661-1471
• Mobile: 0998-598-7739 / 0917-575-8993
• Request a police blotter / Incident Record Form
• If there are physical injuries, threats, or other criminal acts, ask that the case be investigated as such

6. SOCIAL WELFARE INTERVENTION
• Contact CSWDO Baguio 24/7 Hotline
• Globe: 0967-208-4777
• Smart: 0951-750-5039
• Landline: (074) 442-8316
• Request case management, counseling, psychosocial support, and possible referral for protection or rehabilitation

7. FORMAL LEGAL / CRIMINAL Recourse (When Applicable)
• If the bullying involves physical injury, grave threats, serious harassment, or other crimes, proceed to the City Prosecutor’s Office (after police investigation or with a complaint-affidavit)
• Prepare a Complaint-Affidavit (you can seek free assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office if eligible)
• Under Baguio City Ordinance No. 59-2017, certain acts of bullying can carry penalties (fine and/or imprisonment for those not criminally exempt)
• If the acts constitute child abuse under RA 7610, report immediately to police, CSWDO, or MAKABATA Helpline 1383 — these cases have stronger protective mechanisms

8. NATIONAL HOTLINES for Additional Support / Reporting
• MAKABATA Helpline 1383 (or 0919-354-1383 / 0915-802-2375)

Key Reminders
• Anyone (victim, parent/guardian, teacher, witness, or concerned citizen) can report.
• Keep copies of all reports and communications.
• Retaliation against a person who reports bullying is prohibited.
• Schools handle most pure bullying cases administratively; police, prosecutor, and courts handle cases with criminal elements.

Primary Laws in Baguio City: RA 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013) + Baguio City Ordinance No. 59-2017 + RA 7610 (if it rises to child abuse).

Morning downpour and some class suspensions in Baguio City, August 28, 2026. Stay warm and safe everyone. ☔️ 🌧️
27/08/2026

Morning downpour and some class suspensions in Baguio City, August 28, 2026. Stay warm and safe everyone. ☔️ 🌧️

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY RESPONSE DRILLThe Baguio City Police Office and CDRRMO held the first Aggressive Behavior...
27/08/2026

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY RESPONSE DRILL

The Baguio City Police Office and CDRRMO held the first Aggressive Behavior and Safety Response Drill on August 25, 2026, at Baguio City National High School.

The drill helped school staff, police, and other agencies practice handling aggressive situations, protect students and teachers, and work better together in emergencies.

After the successful drill, the city government of Baguio plans to hold the same exercise in other schools. It was done with DepEd–Baguio, the City Health Office, private psychologists, CSWDO and EMS.

📸 courtesy of PIO-Baguio

“Paltat” — The Catfish Cry of Baguio StudentsWhen heavy rains or typhoons batter Baguio City, students eagerly await ann...
24/08/2026

“Paltat” — The Catfish Cry of Baguio Students

When heavy rains or typhoons batter Baguio City, students eagerly await announcements of class suspensions. But while awaiting for the announcement about class suspension, a familiar chorus from students rises online: “Paltat!”

The term, which literally means catfish in Ilocano (Hito in Tagalog), has become a symbolic protest word among Baguio youth. Known for surviving in murky waters, the catfish represents resilience under harsh conditions. Students jokingly compare themselves to paltat, saying they are expected to “swim through the storm” and endure unsafe commutes and flooded streets just to attend class.

Over the years, “paltat” has evolved into a student slang — a humorous yet pointed way of expressing frustration. It reflects the creativity of Baguio’s youth, who often turn civic issues into memes, slogans, and shared jokes. While the word carries laughter, it also highlights deeper concerns about safety, preparedness and the balance between education and well-being.

In this way, “paltat” is more than a fish. It’s a cultural shorthand, a rallying cry and a reminder that humor remains one of the strongest voices in civic protest.

BECKEL, LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET— Heavy rains triggered the partial collapse of a two-lane road in Beckel, La Trinidad, (Aug...
23/08/2026

BECKEL, LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET— Heavy rains triggered the partial collapse of a two-lane road in Beckel, La Trinidad, (Aug. 21, 2026) creating hazardous conditions for motorists and emergency workers.

A section of the roadway gave way under the intense rainfall, leaving a damaged stretch that authorities have since blocked off. Workers quickly installed safety barriers around the broken portion to prevent vehicles from entering the unstable area.
Thick fog has compounded the danger, sharply reducing visibility for both drivers approaching the site and the road personnel working to secure it. Authorities warn that the combination of the collapse and poor visibility poses significant risks to anyone traveling the route.

Local officials continue to monitor the situation as recovery and repair efforts proceed under challenging weather conditions. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and exercise extreme caution in the area.

📸 courtesy of HARLEY PALANGCHAO

Kennon Road is now PASSABLE to the general public but strictly for light vehicles only, with a MAXIMUM LOAD LIMIT OF 5 T...
22/08/2026

Kennon Road is now PASSABLE to the general public but strictly for light vehicles only, with a MAXIMUM LOAD LIMIT OF 5 TONS ONLY.

Heavy vehicles are advised to take alternate routes:
• Marcos Highway
• Asin–Nangalisan–San Pascual–La Union Boundary Road

𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑:
In case continuous heavy rainfall prevails, Kennon Road may be temporarily closed to 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 to ensure the safety of motorists and the traveling public.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution, monitor weather and road conditions, and strictly observe all traffic and safety regulations while traveling.

Source: DPWH-CAR

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