Tabuk City, Kalinga – With a strong message of support for women’s empowerment, Governor James S. Edduba underscored the vital role of Kalinga women in leadership and community development during the Miss Kalinga Pre-Pageant held on February 6, 2026, at Davidsons Hotel in Bulanao—reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to initiatives that uplift and empower women. With the theme “Bold, Brave, and Empowered,” the governor, as relayed by Attorney Priel Balnao, emphas

Calanasan, Apayao – A rare jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) has been discovered in the forested areas of Calanasan, Apayao, highlighting the province’s rich biodiversity and the importance of its forest ecosystem. The jade vine, locally known as “Tayabak,” is endemic to the Philippines’ rainforests in Luzon, Samar, and Mindoro. Its rare blooms and reliance on fruit bats for pollination make every wild sighting a significant event for conservation and biodiversity monitori

Abra, Philippines – An armed man was arrested by police in Bangued, Abra after authorities responded to a reported commotion on February 5, 2026. Police were alerted to a disturbance along Washington Street in Zone 2, Bangued on Friday, prompting them to immediately proceed to the area. Upon arrival, operatives spotted a man holding a firearm and attempting to conceal it in his pocket. The police approached the suspect and confiscated a chamber-loaded .22 caliber Beretta pist

Tabuk City, Kalinga – More than 90 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from various provinces in the Cordillera, as well as from Regions 2 and 3, are showcasing and selling their locally made products to the public at the Kalinga Treasures Fair 2026. Located along Manuel S. Agayao Boulevard in Bulanao, Tabuk City, the fair features a wide range of locally produced items, including handicrafts, wood products and furniture, food items and coffee with improved packaging

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Miss Kalinga 2026 candidates bedazzled the public with their beauty, grace, talent, and wit during the pre-pageant held on February 6, 2026, at the Davidson Hotel in Bulanao.   The eight candidates competed in three categories: Ethnic Attire, Best in Talent, and Casual Question and Answer. The Ethnic Attire segment was judged based on authenticity and appropriateness (40%), fitness and figure (20%), beauty and charm (20%), and carriage and stage deportme

Baguio City, Philippines – The 31-year-old driver from Quezon City who led Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel on a high-speed car chase along Kennon Road is facing additional charges for his actions.   On Tuesday, February 3, the agency announced that an additional case of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property will be filed against the driver.   This development came after the driver of a colorum van reportedly hit an LTO vehicle while attempting to evad

Balbalan, Kalinga – As the 2025 Best Tourism Village in the Cordillera, Balbalasang in Balbalan marked two momentous events in the last week of January, as Mayor Almar Malannag honored townsfolk who have helped preserve the area’s environment and rich cultural heritage.   Balbalasang is known for its well-conserved environment, rich biodiversity, clean rivers, and vibrant, well-preserved culture. These qualities earned it first place in the prestigious Search for the Best Tou

Baguio City, Philippines – A homophobic slur allegedly led to a stabbing incident in Baguio City in the early hours of February 3, 2026.   The individuals involved were identified as a 25-year-old resident of Santiago, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, tagged as the suspect, and his 44-year-old colleague. Both are working as construction workers on a project in the city.   According to a police investigation cited by Mountain Beacon, the two were part of a group that went drinking at an

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Members of two local livelihood associations in Kalinga are set to boost their production of traditional crafts after receiving a total of P600,000 in cash grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).   The funding, released under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD, provided P300,000 each to the Ga’Dang Calaccad Weavers Association of Tabuk City and the Bagtayan Livelihood Association of Pasil.   According to the

Banaue, Ifugao – Peace and order in Ifugao in recent years have been achieved through vigilance, cooperation, and trust among constituents, local government units, local leaders, and security forces.   On February 2, 2026, these efforts were formally recognized as the province was officially declared under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS)—the “highest” level of security clearance conferred by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to areas where insurg

Cagayan, Philippines – A 67-year-old man in Allacapan, Cagayan was arrested for allegedly abusing his granddaughter over a five-year period, according to the Police Regional Office 2 on February 6.   The suspect was apprehended based on an arrest warrant for 105 counts of rape, 105 counts of sexual assault, and three counts of acts of lasciviousness.   Police said the alleged abuse began in 2020, when the victim was seven years old. At the time, the child had been left in the

Baguio City, Philippines — The onslaught of Typhoon Uwan in the Cordillera in November 2025 not only destroyed roads, triggered landslides, and flooded communities, but also led to the temporary suspension of outdoor tourism activities across the region. When operations at various tourism sites were halted due to the typhoon, many workers were displaced and left without a source of income. In response to the crisis, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in