CONNER, Apayao — The Sangguniang Bayan of Conner is calling on national government agencies to strictly review applications for mineral exploration and large-scale mining in the municipality, citing the need to protect its environment, ancestral domains and communities. Through a newly filed resolution, the municipal council urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), a

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — A 19-year-old college student from Conner, Apayao died after the scooter he was riding as a backrider was hit by an ambulance of the Tuguegarao City government at the intersection of Rizal and Gomez Streets in Centro 10. The victim, identified only as “Pipoy,” was a second-year Education student who was temporarily staying along Arellano Street in Centro 9, Tuguegarao City. He was reportedly the only child of his parents. Pipoy was riding as a backr

SANTA MARCELA, Apayao — Police arrested the municipality’s Top 1 and Top 2 Most Wanted Persons, both of whom are facing charges for murder and attempted murder, according to the Santa Marcela Municipal Police Station (MPS). The arrests were carried out by personnel of the Santa Marcela MPS following intensified police operations and intelligence efforts, with assistance from members of the community. The police did not provide further details on the identities of the two susp

CALANASAN, Apayao — A biodiversity survey in Calanasan, Apayao has uncovered at least 15 species of amphibians and reptiles, including three Platymantis frog specimens that researchers are now examining for characteristics that could distinguish them from species already known to science. The finding highlights the still largely unexplored biological wealth of Apayao and raises the possibility that the province could be home to frog species not yet formally documented. Pinoy

SPORTS APAYAO, Philippines — Before the international tournaments, medals, and the chance to wear the Philippine colors, Mhage Gerriahlou F. Sebastian was simply a young girl watching her parents play chess at home. Two decades later, that childhood curiosity has taken the 20-year-old Woman National Master (WNM) from Flora, Apayao, to the international stage. She is now set to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Her journey began with her paren

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — More than 1,200 farmers from the Cordillera, particularly from Kalinga and Apayao, were introduced to South Korea's latest smart farming technologies during the two-day Mechanization Roadshow held at the Kalinga Capitol from July 28 to 29, 2026. Carrying the theme, "Innovating Cordillera Farms: Bridging Indigenous Heritage with Appropriate Smart Mechanization," the roadshow was jointly organized by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Me

What started as the launch of a new municipal festival has unexpectedly turned into a juicy online showdown, with residents of Pudtol, Apayao, and Gonzaga, Cagayan exchanging opinions over their respective Pinya (Pineapple) Festivals. The discussion, which quickly spread across social media, centered on questions of originality, local identity, and whether Gonzaga's newly introduced celebration drew inspiration from Pudtol's long-established festival. The debate highlighted h

Luna, Apayao – Apayao's pride continues to shine on the international stage as Woman National Master (WNM) Mhage Sebastian secured a spot on the Philippine women's team for the 46th World Chess Olympiad after topping the national selection tournament held from June 23 to July 2 at the Philippine Academy for Chess Excellence in Quezon City. Organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the 46th Chess Olympiad is one of the world's most prestigious international team

FEATURE Santa Marcela, Apayao — For many children in remote communities, a classroom is more than four walls and a roof. It is where dreams begin, confidence grows, and opportunities take shape. For the learners of Nueva Elementary School (NES) in Santa Marcela, Apayao, that dream became a reality on June 26 with the inauguration and turnover of a newly completed Classroom ng Pag-asa—a learning space that promises not only greater comfort but also renewed hope for hundreds of

Itogon, Benguet – What began as an act of courage inside a mine tunnel in Itogon, Benguet, ended in tragedy after a rescue attempt claimed the lives of two miners due to electrocution. The incident reportedly occurred last week at Sitio Camp 2, Barangay Virac, where two miners were electrocuted while working inside an underground tunnel. According to the Itogon Municipal Police Station, as cited by local media outlets, a 38-year-old miner was taking a break inside the tunnel

Luna, Apayao – A recent wildlife survey in Apayao has underscored the need to protect the province's often-overlooked amphibians and reptiles after documenting a diverse range of species that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Amphibians and reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates that contribute significantly to ecological balance. They serve as both predators and prey, help control insect and rodent populations, contribute to nutrient cycling, and act as imp

Luna, Apayao – The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Apayao (SDA) has formally turned over land titles to four public elementary schools as of June 2026, strengthening legal ownership of school sites and ensuring the long-term protection of educational properties in the province. The turnover was conducted through two separate ceremonies held on June 2 and June 4, 2026. Karagawan Elementary School in Kabugao received its land title on June 2, while Puguin El

‘Haan tayo kuma nga dangdangran dagitoy wildlife tayo ta isu metlang ti pangkitaan tayo nga intact paylang ti wildlife ditoy ili tayo’ – MENRO Designated Daniel Jose M. Viernes Luna, Apayao – A rare Philippine Serpent Eagle was recently sighted in the municipality of Luna on the morning of June 9, prompting local environmental authorities to call for greater public awareness and stronger protection of the province's wildlife resources. In the Cordillera, Philippine Serpent

FEATURE Deep within the forests of Apayao, a small bird with a crimson mark on its chest—a mark that resembles a bleeding wound—was given a second chance at life. Earlier in May, an injured Luzon bleeding-heart dove was discovered trapped during an exploration activity at Mount Malingudo in Barangay Ferdinand, Calanasan. After days of care and observation, the rare bird was successfully released back into its natural habitat on May 28, transforming what could have been anothe

Apayao – Eight newly established schools across Apayao are set to begin operations for School Year 2026–2027 as the Department of Education – Apayao intensifies preparations ahead of the opening of classes on June 8. As the new school year approaches, DepEd Apayao conducted a planning and coordination meeting on May 20 to discuss operational arrangements and readiness measures for the opening of the new schools. The newly established institutions include two elementary school

FEATURE Known for its vast forests that serve as a habitat for white-winged flying foxes, Apayao once again highlighted its rich biodiversity after a colony of giant fruit bats was recently sighted in the Municipality of Flora. The discovery was made during a two-week biodiversity monitoring mission conducted in April by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Calanasan, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Apayao and the Local Government

Santa Marcela, Apayao – What began as innocent curiosity and child’s play turned into an unusual household incident after a young boy accidentally handcuffed his sleeping mother while playing with his father’s security equipment, prompting her to seek urgent assistance from authorities. In a post by the Santa Marcela Municipal Police Station (MPS), the mother—whose identity was withheld—arrived at the station on April 29 with her wrist still restrained by handcuffs. According

FEATURE Santa Marcela, Apayao – A 20-year-old student from Apayao is making history as the province’s first-ever representative to Mister Teen World Philippines (MTWP) 2026, marking a significant milestone for one of the country’s least represented provinces on the national stage. The MTWP is a national platform that empowers young Filipino men by promoting leadership, education, and advocacy. It also highlights their talent, confidence, and creativity while encouraging dis

Calanasan, Apayao – Police authorities in Apayao are currently conducting an investigation to establish the identity of a woman who was found dead in Calanasan on Sunday. According to a police report, the body was discovered in Sitio Macopa, Barangay Tubungan, on April 19. Personnel from the Calanasan Municipal Police Station, together with the Municipal Health Office (MHO), the Municipal Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU), conducted an o

‘…uray kasdiay nga simple lang ket adu ti naragsakan ken naka-appreciate idiay pinamay-an ti kasar mi… naka-save kami pay ti gas’ – groom Giovanni Zuñiga Santa Marcela, Apayao – Amid the ongoing fuel crisis, a couple in Apayao chose a more practical yet deeply meaningful approach to their wedding transportation—riding a pasagad (a wooden or bamboo sled-like stand) instead of a conventional vehicle—turning what could have been a limitation into a powerful symbol of simpl

Santa Marcela, Apayao – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santa Marcela, Apayao received a Certificate of Commendation during the Department of the Interior and Local Government–Apayao’s (DILG-Apayao) showcase of documented innovative and best practices on December 18, for its exceptional work in documenting governance initiatives that prioritize effectiveness and transparency. The recognition ceremony was held at the EKB Gymnasium in San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao. “Dayto

Santa Marcela, Apayao – The Municipality of Santa Marcela was among the local government units (LGUs) in the region recognized by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council–Cordillera Administrative Region (RDRRMC-CAR) on December 16 for its exemplary efforts in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and community service. The award was received by Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (LDRRMO) Rodel Ballinan during the GAWIS Kordilyer

Calanasan, Apayao – A 38-year-old man, reportedly suffering from a mental disorder and living alone, was found dead along the Apayao River in Calanasan on December 14, 2025. Apayao police identified the victim as Leo Gaddayo, a resident of Barangay Naguilian, Calanasan. Based on a report from the Calanasan Municipal Police Station, a concerned citizen notified authorities at around 4:30 p.m. that day through a phone call, reporting the discovery of Gaddayo’s lifeless body

Pudtol, Apayao – A resident in Aurora, Pudtol was buried in a landslide triggered by the incessant rains in the municipality on Thursday, November 27, 2025. According to the Pudtol PNP, authorities proceeded for a search and rescue response in Purok 2, Aurora after being alerted of a landslide burying a residential house amid the unstable terrain, heavy rain, and further risk of soil movement in the area. The operation resulted in the recovery of one body who did not sur