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Could “Maaya-ayas Cave” become Balbalan’s next ecotourism gem? Assessment underway
FEATURE Balbalan, Kalinga – Hidden beneath the rugged landscape of Barangay Mabaca lies one of Balbalan's least explored natural wonders—the Maaya-ayas Cave. For years, the cave has remained largely untouched and unknown to many. Today, however, it is drawing the attention of experts who hope to uncover its ecological, geological, and tourism potential while ensuring its long-term protection. Recently, the Maaya-ayas Cave underwent assessment and classification by the Regiona
Leonora Lo-oy
2 hours ago2 min read
BFP-Tabuk calls for fire safety, urges public to secure homes before joining Matagoan Festival events
Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Tabuk City is reminding residents to ensure their homes are safe from potential fire hazards before leaving to attend activities during the 19th Matagoan Festival celebration. The reminder came as the Matagoan Festival officially kicked off on Monday, June 22, with thousands of residents expected to leave their homes to participate in and witness various festival events. According to BFP Tabuk City spokesperson Fire
Leonora Lo-oy
2 hours ago2 min read
Why more women in Baguio are suffering abuse at home—and why speaking up could save lives
FEATURE For many women, home is supposed to be the safest place to be. But for dozens of women in Baguio City, it has become the very place where fear, violence, and trauma occur. Data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) revealed a troubling reality: of the 62 Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances (WEDC) assisted during the first quarter of 2026, 49 experienced abuse inside their own homes. The figure means that nearly eight out of every 10 repor
Mark Jordan Bomogao
2 hours ago3 min read
“Haan tayo kuma map-mapan idiay ta haan tayo kayat iti disgrasiya”: Balbalan Tourism reminds ‘Maaya-ayas Cave’ is not yet open to public
Balbalan, Kalinga – While the classification of the Maaya-ayas Cave in Barangay Mabaca is still pending, Municipal Tourism Officer Regine Faye Munda Cruz is urging the public to refrain from entering the site, emphasizing that it is not yet open for tourism activities. The cave, considered one of Balbalan's hidden natural attractions, was recently inspected by the Regional Cave Assessment Team to determine whether it should be classified for preservation and protection or ope
Leonora Lo-oy
2 hours ago2 min read
“Dala ko ang puso at kultura ng Kalinga”: Tanudan native sets sights on global stage as Philippines’ bet to Caballero Universal 2026 Venezuela pageant
FEATURE For many young people from the remote municipality of Tanudan in Kalinga, dreams often begin in the mountains and communities that shaped them. For Garth Ezekiel Talusig of Lubo, Tanudan, that dream has now taken him far beyond the Cordillera and onto the international stage. After earning the title of Great Man Caballero Universal Filipinas 2026, Talusig is set to represent the Philippines in the Caballero Universal 2026 pageant in Venezuela. Yet for the young iKalin
Lorraine Bacullo
2 hours ago2 min read
‘Over 1,100 Kalinga farmers to secure land ownership, debt relief this June 26’ - DAR-Kalinga
Tabuk City, Kalinga – More than 1,100 farmers in Kalinga are set to gain legal ownership of the land they have long cultivated and receive relief from millions of pesos in agrarian debt through a region-wide distribution program of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on June 26 at the Kalinga Sports Complex. The distribution was announced by DAR-Kalinga Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Adela S. Damaso during the Kapehan sa Kapitolyo held on Monday, June 22, a
Mark Moises Calayan
2 hours ago2 min read
Baguio hospital ordered to refund over P900K of excess charges to senior citizens after Court of Appeals ruling
Baguio City, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld the rights of senior citizens to mandatory healthcare discounts and tax exemptions, ordering a Baguio-based hospital to refund more than P900,000 in excess charges collected from elderly patients. Under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 9994), senior citizens are entitled to a 20-percent discount and exemption from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on medical and healthcare services, i
Mark Jordan Bomogao
2 hours ago2 min read
‘Nearly half of traffic violators in Tabuk City are helmet-less riders (2,719 of 6,325 cases)’ - Police Major Acob, PNP- Kalinga
Tabuk City, Kalinga – Of the more than 6,000 traffic violations recorded in Tabuk City from January to June 2026, riding without a helmet emerged as the most common offense. The mandatory use of helmets is not merely a traffic regulation but a critical safety measure proven to reduce the risk of serious head injuries and fatalities in road crashes. Despite repeated reminders and enforcement efforts by authorities, non-compliance with the helmet law remains widespread, accordi
Mark Moises Calayan
2 hours ago2 min read
21-year-old student dies after street brawl stabbing in Tabuk; 16-year-old suspect arrested
Tabuk City, Kalinga – The family and relatives of a 21-year-old man are seeking justice after he was allegedly stabbed to death by a 16-year-old boy in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, in Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City. The incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. at the corner of De Jesus and Lammawin Streets in Purok 3, Bulanao Norte. The victim was a 21-year-old resident of Nambucayan, Tabuk City, while the suspect is a 16-year-old native of Paracelis, Mountain Province. Accord
Leonora Lo-oy
20 hours ago2 min read
Returning OFWs get permanent teaching posts, local applicants waiting for years ask DepEd: “Where’s Our Chance?”
Tabuk City, Kalinga – A government program offering permanent teaching positions to returning overseas Filipino worker (OFW) teachers has sparked mixed reactions online, with some Philippine-based applicants questioning why special teaching items are being allocated to former migrant educators while many local teachers continue to wait for permanent appointments. The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) are implementing the “Sa Pinas, Ik
Lorraine Bacullo
2 days ago2 min read
‘Momma’ tradition under fire: Benguet moves to break youth addiction before it starts
FEATURE For generations, chewing momma has been as much a part of Cordilleran life as the mountains themselves. Often offered to guests as a gesture of hospitality and shared among elders during conversations and community gatherings, momma is more than a habit. It is a tradition deeply woven into the cultural identity of many indigenous communities in the Cordillera. But as health experts raise alarm over the dangers linked to the practice, a difficult question now confronts
Mark Moises Calayan
2 days ago3 min read
Four Apayao public schools secure land ownership,ensuring permanent homes for learning and development
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
Lorraine Bacullo
2 days ago1 min read
₱800K worth of bills and rising: Family seeks help for Isabela Rider struck by car in Delfin Albano
Delfin Albano, Isabela — A 32-year-old resident of Purok 4, Barangay San Nicolas, Delfin Albano, Isabela, is set to undergo three surgical procedures after sustaining severe leg injuries in a road accident. His family is now appealing for financial assistance as medical expenses are expected to reach nearly ₱800,000. Lloyd Allapitan-Pascua Jr. is currently confined at The Premier Medical Center in Manila. According to a clinical abstract obtained from his live-in partner, S
Lorraine Bacullo
2 days ago2 min read
‘Abra solon is Cordillera’s most trusted and highest-rated congressman’- says RPMD Foundation Inc. "Boses ng Bayan" Governance Assessment Survey
TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Abra Lone District Representative Joseph "JB" Bernos topped the latest RPMD Foundation Inc. "Boses ng Bayan" Governance Assessment Survey, earning the highest trust and performance rating among congressional representatives in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The RPMD Foundation Inc. survey is an independent, non-commissioned public opinion and performance assessment that measures public trust, leadership effectiveness, and citizen satisfactio
Leonora Lo-oy
3 days ago1 min read
NO EMPTY PROMISES: Balbalan LGU rewards student achievers with cash incentives
BALBALAN, Kalinga – Staying true to its commitment to support and recognize young achievers, the Municipal Local Government Unit (LGU) of Balbalan, led by Mayor Almar Malannag, has released cash incentives to students who excelled in academic and skills competitions during the previous school year. Recognizing that students possess diverse talents and abilities, the LGU extends incentives not only to athletes but also to learners who bring honor to the municipality through ac
Leonora Lo-oy
3 days ago2 min read
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