Tabuk City, Kalinga – The life of a young and newly-graduated scout ranger from Kalinga was cut short after he was killed in an armed clash with suspected members of the New People’s Army in Occidental Mindoro on Sunday, March 29.   According to the 2 nd Infantry Division, iKalinga soldier, Capt. Dean Oyando, was leading the troops of the 68 th  Infantry Battalion in a pursuit operation in Sitio Salafay in Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose when they encountered at least 15 NPA m

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Anti-corruption advocate and Tabuk City Councilor No. 1, Atty. Errol Comafay Jr., recently attended an Anti-Corruption Forum on March 21, 2026, where he shared his insights on politics and corruption and urged everyone, particularly the youth, to take an active role in shaping the country’s future. According to Atty. Comafay, the forum was organized by the International Action for Transformation Philippines, a non-profit organization focused on community

Baguio City, Philippines – The University of the Cordilleras (UC) has officially become the first private higher education institution in the region to be designated as a Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), marking a significant step in strengthening rights-based education in Northern Luzon. To formalize the designation, a memorandum of agreement was signed on March 26, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen awareness and appreci

Bontoc, Mountain Province – All major activities of the much-anticipated 19th Lang-ay Festival of Mountain Province have been officially canceled following the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency (SNEE). The SNEE was declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 24 to address threats to the country’s energy supply amid rising global instability, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Scheduled to take place from April 6 to 12, 2026,

Baguio City, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured that there will be no politics involved in the roll-out of ₱56,000,000 in rice assistance for indigent families in Baguio City. Provided by the national government through the Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance (LGSF-FA), the fund has already been received by the city government through digital transfer. According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the initiative aims to support local go

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Thirteen iKalingas are set to serve and protect the people after completing their rigorous four-year journey at the country’s premier public safety institution on March 27, 2026. The 13 are part of the 326 graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Silang-Paglaom” Class of 2026, who graduated at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Friday. They are PLT Jeli Gail Gumabol Paga from Tabuk City; PLT Mike Riel Casinto Tenay,

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Narrating her experiences as a former member of a progressive left-leaning organization during her college years, Tabuk City Information Officer Aurora Amilig recalled how many of her brilliant young comrades lost their lives to the armed movement. “As a 19-year-old activist, I was ready to die for freedom. Looking back now, I realize it would have been a waste. Many of my comrades – brilliant young people who could have been scholars, reformers, or lead

Tinglayan, Kalinga – Honoring women in Tinglayan, Mayor Charles Abay called for the continued cooperation of constituents and communities in building spaces where women are safe, secure, and protected. Represented by Samson Ongat, Mayor Charles Abay celebrated with the women in the municipality on March 20, where he highlighted their invaluable contributions—from nurturing families and leading communities to shaping values and driving progress. Our women, Abay said, have alwa

Benguet, Philippines – To formally recognize the founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Congressman Eric Yap has filed a bill in the Senate seeking to declare July 15 of every year as a special non-working holiday across the region. The proposal, known as House Bill No. 1510, aims to celebrate the Cordillera’s rich history and collective achievements while fostering regional pride and unity. On March 18, Benguet Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr.,

Bauko, Mountain Province – A 24-year-old miner from Beas Mabaay, Bauko, proudly brought honor to the Cordillerans and the Philippines after emerging as a champion in the Nai Khanom Tom Muay Thai Championship (NKTMTC) held in Ayutthaya, Thailand on March 17, 2026. The championship is part of the annual Nai Khanom Tom Day. Unlike a single, formal “league-style” championship such as UFC or ONE Championship, the NKTMTC features a series of bouts held as part of a larger cultural

Tabuk City, Kalinga – After the collapse of the old structure on December 1, 2025, the new Makilo Bridge in Bugnay, Tinglayan is slowly taking shape, with the public closely monitoring its progress. On March 26, 2026, the anti-corruption group, “Save Kalinga,” visited the site to see firsthand how construction is progressing, following reports from the implementing office that Phase 1 of the project is already 98% complete, while Phase 2 is at 15%. At the site, members of the

Tinglayan, Kalinga – Women’s talents and creativity shone during the municipality-wide Women’s Month celebration in Tinglayan on March 20, 2026, held at the Tribal Peace Hall in the Municipal Compound in Poblacion. Anchored on the themes “WE Gender Equality, Inclusive Society” and “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” women from the 20 barangays of Tinglayan gathered to celebrate empowerment and recognize the contributions of women who have served and transformed the lives of

Benguet, Philippines – Marijuana is not only being cultivated in the mountains; it is now being grown inside a greenhouse, say authorities who found the plant being grown in Benguet. In the Cordillera region, authorities usually destroy marijuana plantation sites located in mountainous areas. In fact, just this March 25, anti-narcotics operatives eradicated marijuana plants worth a total of P9,594,000 in Kalinga and Benguet. On March 24, however, operatives launched an anti-i

Balbalan, Kalinga – More development projects, including classrooms and farm-to-market roads, are expected to be implemented in Balbalan through the continuing initiatives and relentless efforts of the provincial government of Kalinga and the municipal government of Balbalan. This was announced by Governor James Edduba during the Palanus Night of the Manchachatong Festival on March 23, as he took the opportunity to inform iBalbalans about upcoming projects expected to benefit

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Before the peace that the Province of Kalinga is experiencing today, with Tabuk City recently declared insurgency-free, there was a time when armed conflict in the province was highly prevalent. The public witnessed clashes between authorities and rebels in broad daylight, and civilians had to pass through several checkpoints set up by both groups when traveling. Looking back on how the province, including its capital Tabuk City, has come a long way in i

Abra, Philippines – Another shooting incident was recorded in the Province of Abra, this time involving a barangay tanod who was tending his rice field in Lagangilang town. The victim, identified as Flor Baro, a barangay tanod in Taping, was in his rice field when two unidentified gunmen arrived and opened fire. Initial police investigation, as cited by the Mountain Beacon on March 26, revealed that Baro attempted to save himself by diving into a nearby creek. However, his at

Delfin Albano, Isabela – An Isabela-based vlogger celebrated his birthday in an exceptional and heartfelt way—by giving back to his parents. Mark Fillord Gumaru, popularly known as Mark Vlog, 26, reflected on how he has gone from “the one always asking” to being able to provide for his family—a moment he described as a testament to gratitude, perseverance, and faith. Mark, from Delfin Albano, Isabela, is known for content featuring him and his parents, particularly his mother

Benguet, Philippines – Coffee farmers in Benguet are set to benefit from advanced drone technology through a partnership between the Korea Coffee Association (KCA) and Sky Enterprise Philippines, aimed at improving productivity and efficiency in the region’s highland coffee industry. KCA, a South Korea-based organization promoting the coffee industry and culture, focuses on training and certifying coffee professionals, including baristas, roasters, and coffee instructors. It

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A two-day post-harvest training conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Kalinga provided learners and small entrepreneurs in the province with the skills to earn more from fish that is often sold simply as fresh. The initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-Kalinga), was held last week as part of BFAR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots livelihoods through skills development. In an inter

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) of Kalinga recently issued a reminder to provincial government scholars to renew their scholarships on time and submit complete requirements to avoid delays in receiving their allowances, which are essential for processing their stipends. The reminder, released on March 25, comes as the second semester of the current school year draws to a close, when students are expected to complete their requirements, includin