TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A total of 1,090 children under five years old in Kalinga were found to be stunted or severely stunted in the 2026 nutrition assessment, highlighting the continuing need for sustained interventions to address child malnutrition. Data from the 2026 Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus) of the Provincial Nutrition Committee showed that the 1,090 affected children accounted for a 4.84-percent prevalence rate among children aged 0 to 59 months assessed across th

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — “It is unfair to hear only one side.” This was the message of Board Member Emilio T. Kitongan as the Provincial Board examined a complaint involving the Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH). Kitongan stressed that both the complainant and the health personnel who were on duty when the incident occurred must be given the opportunity to explain their sides before any judgment is made. “Let us hear both sides before the judgment. Because if we hear only one si

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga — Following the renewed truce between the Butbut and Betwagan tribes, Tinglayan Mayor Charles Abay called on both parties, neutral tribes and other stakeholders to use the two-month ceasefire as an opportunity to work toward lasting and meaningful peace. On September 10, the two tribes signed a two-month Interim Ceasefire and Peace Agreement at Awichon Village in Lubuagan, Kalinga, renewing efforts to end their long-standing conflict. The agreement prohibit

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Board Member Camilo T. Lammawin Jr. reminded Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) health workers to remain courteous and respectful toward patients, saying proper treatment of the public is a basic responsibility of government employees. Lammawin made the reminder during the September 10 joint committee hearing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on a complaint involving the alleged improper treatment of a woman in labor at KPH on August 15. The complaint

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Provincial Government of Kalinga, led by Governor James S. Edduba, is set to provide 50 slots under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to qualified family members of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP-Kalinga District Jail. An additional 20 slots are also being lined up, potentially expanding the temporary employment assistance to more PDL families. The assistance was announced during the GA

FEATURE “Ang aming nakaraan ay hindi hadlang upang magkaroon kami ng mas magandang kinabukasan… may pagkakataon pa rin kaming magbago, matuto at magsimula muli.” — PDL representative TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Behind the walls of the BJMP-Kalinga District Jail, where life is marked by confinement and uncertainty, a message of hope resonated during the GANDAng HR Bridges–Project PAG-ASA held at the BJMP-Kalinga Field Office in Bulanao, Tabuk City on September 10. A representative o

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The mauling of a 21-year-old student in Tabuk City has been settled through customary law, with the two identified attackers agreeing to shoulder the victim’s medical expenses and provide a pig for "songa." The incident happened on September 7 as the student was reportedly walking home from school. Based on CCTV footage, the victim was punched and kicked by one individual before the attackers fled the area aboard a motorcycle. Three days later, on Septem

“Kaya nga yong next agenda natin is about the increase (hazard pay).” - Board Member Alrefod Dangani TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s (SP) hearing on a complaint involving the alleged improper treatment of a laboring patient at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) is aimed at improving health services, not attacking health workers, Board Member Alfredo K. Dangani said. Dangani, chair of the SP Committee on Health and Sanitation, emphasized the need to bal

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Rey Aranca said a formal complaint filed before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) over the alleged maltreatment of a woman in labor could help the hospital identify areas that need improvement and determine appropriate solutions. Aranca made the statement during the September 10 joint committee hearing of the SP on a complaint involving the alleged improper treatment of a laboring mother at KPH on A

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga — Leaders of the Butbut and Betwagan communities have signed an Interim Ceasefire Agreement on September 10, 2026, following a peace dialogue in Awichon, Lubuagan, Kalinga, marking a significant step toward resolving their long-standing conflict. The agreement formalized the parties’ commitment to temporarily cease hostilities and continue addressing their differences through peaceful dialogue. The peace dialogue brought together tribal elders and community

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga — The Tinglayan Municipal Local Government Unit (LGU) has reminded tourists to respect Kalinga cultural traditions after reports circulated on social media that a foreign visitor allegedly requested to have a tattoo placed on his intimate body part by renowned mambabatok Apo Whang-od. Recognizing visitors’ appreciation of Kalinga’s traditional batok, the municipal government stressed that the practice is more than a tourist attraction or a form of body art.

NATIONAL SEOUL, South Korea — Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. strongly pushed back against a note from the Chinese side during the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) 2026 on Tuesday, September 8, after China reiterated its rejection of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling. Teodoro was discussing maritime security and the importance of observing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) when a forum staff member handed him a note from the audienc

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A shortage of obstetricians at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) emerged as one of the key concerns during a joint committee hearing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Thursday, September 10, as health personnel explained the circumstances surrounding a complaint involving the treatment of a woman in labor. Obstetricians, or OBs, specialize in pregnancy, childbirth and conditions affecting women’s reproductive health. At KPH, they are responsibl

SPORTS ABRA, Philippines — Abra is already turning up the heat for the 2027 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet, launching early preparations while setting its sights on a stronger finish in the regional sports competition. Months before the April 9-16 games, the Department of Education (DepEd) Abra has begun coordinating with municipal mayors, provincial officials and national government agencies to ensure that playing venues, billeting schools

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Atty. Errol B. Comafay Jr. has submitted a proposed resolution seeking an investigation in aid of legislation into the alleged operation of “drop ball” gambling inside the Bulanao Market compound. In a post on September 10, 2026, Comafay said he submitted the resolution to determine why a “drop ball” gambling operation is allegedly being conducted inside the market compound. Comafay highlighted that the Bulanao Market is pub