Les-eng Rice Terraces: Kibungan’s ‘hidden treasure’

 

LES-ENG, Batangan, Wallayan, Culiang and Lanipew Rice Terraces

 

Eco-tourism

 

Nilo P. Cacay 

KIJBUNGAN, Benguet – In the mountains of Kibungan, Benguet, lies a breathtaking yet little-known wonder—the Les-eng Rice Terraces. Unlike the famous terraces of Ifugao, Les-eng remains untouched by mass tourism.

To get there, one must be willing to embark on a challenging trek, winding through steep trails and pine-covered slopes. But for those who make the journey, the reward is an unforgettable view of lush green terraces carved into the mountainside—evidence of the community’s deep connection to the land. Photo: Cacay Nilo.

More than a scenic view, Les-eng is not just a place to admire; it’s a living testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the indigenous people. For generations, farmers here have cultivated traditional rice varieties such as sampuling, miracle, diket, bongkitan, dinara, palgay, and balatinao, grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

These terraces are more than farmland, they are a way of life, passed down from ancestors who carefully shaped the landscape to sustain their families. The long and extreme trail getting to Les-eng isn’t that easy.

The trek can take up to six to eight hours, depending on the weather and the hiker’s pace. If you have a vehicle, you get there to Tacadang for five hours from La Trinidad Benguet then have a 2-hour walk to arrive at Les-eng.

The trail winds through deep forests, steep ridges, and narrow footpaths, sometimes revealing stunning rock formations and waterfalls along the way like what they called, The Crying Mountain.

Despite the difficulty of the journey, it is worth considering as you can have memorable experience. Every step offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of the Cordillera Mountains.

The people of Tacadang, where Les-eng is located, live simple yet fulfilling lives. They rely on farming, and traditional hunting, using what nature provides rather than modern conveniences.

A local farmer once joked that he felt shy for serving freshly cooked native chicken to his guest. He thought that canned sardines is better to have than the native chiken but you know that this native chicken is more organic and safe to consume than the process sardines.

This humility and deep appreciation for homegrown food show the Tacadang people’s strong sense of self-sufficiency. Preserving the Cultural and Traditions Treasure Though Les-eng remains largely undiscovered, local leaders and residents are becoming aware of the possible potential that it offers in an ecotourism destination.

They hope that if visitors come, they will respect their land and culture. They believe that tourist could help preserve their way of life while allowing them to witness the beauty of the terraces without causing harm.

Les-eng Rice Terraces were crafted 100 years ago some of it were during the World War 2. During that time famine occurs vegetables and fruit were difficult to grow but because of their resiliency they were able to adopt other methods of farming that’s when they discover and start to build those stairway rice fields.

Les-eng Rice Terraces is more than just a beautiful destination. It is a piece of history, a symbol of resilience and bravery. And a reminder that some of the world’s greatest wonders are found in the most unexpected places.

We are not just aware that there were places like this that just within our backyard. To  individuals seeking for adventure, culture and breathtaking views, Les-eng is waiting to be discovered. – (Nilo P. Cacay is a student of the Benguet State University)  

 

 

 

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Nueva Vizcaya tourist arrivals up in 2024

Tourism

Ben Moses Ebreo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The tourism industry in Nueva Vizcaya is thriving as evidenced by the sharp rise in tourist arrivals in 2024. 

Nueva Vizcaya Tourism and Cultural Office reported a 60.92 percent growth in tourist visits compared to the 2023 data, which translates to a total of 670,003 excursionists or same-day visitors, comprising 1,321 foreign guests and 668,682 domestic guests. 

The province also accommodated a total of 194,918 tourists, comprising 2,348 foreign guests and 192,570 domestic guests in 2024, showing an 11.98 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Marichelle Costales, tourism officer, reported further that a total of 3,669 foreign guests and 861,252 domestic guests visited Nueva Vizcaya for the year 2024, which contributed to the total number of 864,921 visitors compared to the 590,416 data recorded in 2023 or a 46.49 percent increase.

“These numbers serve as a testament to the commitment of the municipalities and the province of Nueva Vizcaya in boosting the province’s tourism and through the efforts of tourism stakeholders and the respective Municipal Tourism Offices,” Costales said. 

She said the data was based on the visitor statistics reports submitted by local municipal tourism offices and tourist site managers in charge from January 2024 to December 2024. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)

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80-K tourists visit Baguio during three-day holiday

Business booming 

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- An estimated 80,000 local tourists visited this mountain hideaway during the long weekend from Nov. 24-26, the City Tourism Operations Office said.
    City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo said the surge in tourists' arrivals during the long weekend was manifested by the hotel occupancy rate which ranged from 90 to 100 percent.
    It was also during the long weekend that the city government opened the Botanical Garden Christmas Metamorphosis — a prelude to the city's month-long calendar of yuletide events dubbed "An Enchanting Baguio Christmas" — giving the visitors some good idea on what to expect in the Summer Capital the whole December.
    He said a similar trend is expected in all weekends of December, the month being a perennial tourist peak season in the city.
    He said heavy traffic was experienced in major attractions in the city, particularly in the Botanical Garden, Camp John Hay, Baguio Country Club Christmas Village, Wright Park, Igorot Stone Kingdom and Mirador Eco-park.
    As of October, the City Tourism Office has recorded 787,572 tourist arrivals.
    The city's tourist data are 1,042,309 in 2022; 247,480 in 2021; 1,536,458 in 2019; 1,760,729 in 2018; 1,521,748 in 2017; and 1,294,906 in 2016.
    The tourist data could be higher as they only include visitors who stayed in the registered accommodation establishments (AEs) that submitted their occupancy reports.
    The figures do not include the day tourists who did not stay in AEs and those who made use of AEs but were unreported.
 

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Tourism boosts Baguio City business, economy

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – The economy of this summer capital continues to benefit from the recovery of the tourism sector, as the city’s gross domestic product rose by 11.3 percent in 2022 from year-ago’s 10 percent expansion.

    Aldrin Bahit, chief statistical specialist of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), in a briefing Monday, said the city’s output last year already surpassed the 4 percent growth in 2019.

    “All industries of Baguio City grew in 2022 and the fastest growths were recorded in transportation and storage with 63.6 percent; accommodation and food services, 50.6 percent; and other services at 47.1 percent that include performances, operation of museum sites, sports, gambling, recreation activities, personal grooming, beauty parlor services, laundry and funeral-related activities,” he said.

    Baguio accounts for 45.9 percent of the region’s annual output

      On the other hand, Benguet province registered a slower growth of 5.1 percent in 2022 from year-ago’s 6.1 percent due to the impact of calamities and lingering effects of the pandemic.

    Bahit said the province’s share in the regional output is around 23.3 percent.

    Imelda Buyuccan, chief statistical specialist of the Benguet provincial statistics office, said main drivers of the province’s GDP remain to be the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors.

    Susana Padio, Benguet provincial planning and development officer, said the province suffered a lot from calamities.

    She said around 70 percent of the population is engaged in farming, and more has to be done to help the industry that is constantly affected by calamities as well as the effects of climate change.

    "Despite the problems, Benguet will have a positive GDP, although slow-paced," she said, attributing her optimism to government interventions like technical support, marketing aid, and loans. -- PNA

 

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More tourists visit Hundred Islands

By Gabriel L. Cardinoza

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan -- An average of 1,208 tourists travelled every day to this city from January 1 to November 15 this year to visit the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) here, data from this city's tourism and cultural affairs office showed.
    Of the number, 21 were foreigners, 805 came from places outside Pangasinan, and the rest were locals.
"We really didn't have a day this year when we had no visitors, except when we closed because of a typhoon signal," said Miguel Sison, city tourism officer here.
    Sison said that the number of tourists that have arrived here as of November 15 has reached 384,220, which is only about 5,000 less than the 389,006 tourists recorded from January 1 to Dec. 31, 2022.
    "We will surely have higher tourist arrivals at the end of this year than last year's," Sison said.
    He added that the income generated for the whole last year was P33 million.
    "But as of today, we have already collected P38 million. Hopefully, until the end of December, we will reach our P40 million target," Sison said.
    Tourist arrivals here have not yet returned to its pre-pandemic level of 520,000 in 2019.
    But this year's tourist arrivals are much higher than the number of visitors to the national park in 2020, which was about 93,000, and in 2021, which had about 50,000 visitors.
    Sison said that the HINP has much more to offer now than in the 1990s when the national park was under the defunct Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

    At that time, only the Quezon, Children's and Governor's Islands had facilities for tourists.

    The beautification program for the park began in 2013 when then-mayor (now Pangasinan 1st District Representative) Arthur Celeste began building tourism structures in the other islands, such as Lopez, Marcos, Clave, Romulo, Mayor's and Virgin Islands.

    In 2015, the city government began building more picnic sheds, pavilions and gazebos on the six islands to accommodate more tourists.

    These islands are equipped with solar-powered light posts, gardens and beach lights, portable toilets and concrete trails, stairs and rails.

    Of the 123 small islands inside the 1,676-hectare park, only 16 have beaches. The rest have coralline shores not fit for swimming.

    More activities had been introduced in the islands. Tourists can see the sites on a zipline or enjoy wall climbing and rappelling, Sison said.

    There are also venues for helmet diving, banana boat rides, kayaking and snorkeling.

    The city government took over the administration, control and management of the HINP on Sept. 29, 2005, when it was transferred through an executive order.

    "We have long expanded to more islands. Our newest attraction is the bonsai garden and coffee shop at Ramos Island," Sison said.

    Sison said that more tourists are expected to visit the Hundred Islands once the proposed airport in Bolinao town is completed.

    Gov. Ramon Guico 3rd had earlier announced that the provincial government is now 70 percent done with the acquisition of land for the airport.

    "We will definitely benefit from it because right now, we exchange tourists. Those who come here also go to Bolinao and those in Bolinao come here before leaving Pangasinan," Sison said.

 

 

 

Stunning The Marcos Island, one of the 123 islands of the famous Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, has been one of the favorites destinations among visitors. (Alaminos CIO photo)

 

 

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DA: Benguet farming, tourism trades up Cordillera economy

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Benguet’s farming, tourism industries are boosting Cordillera economy, according to the regional Dept. of Agriculture. 
    “Benguet is the leading producer of semi-temperate vegetables in the country and the premier source of strawberries," DA-Cordillera OIC regional executive director lawyer Jennilyn Dawayan said during opening of Benguet's Agri-tourism Fair here at Benguet Cold Chain Project Compound, Wangal.
    According to the DA-CAR, 88% of the Cordillera's total vegetable production comes from Benguet, while the province produces 59% of the region's heirloom rice.
    Dawayan added Benguet produces 60% of green beans in Cordillera and holds sixth position nationwide. She said that Benguet is also home to the renowned agri-tourism destination “Northern Blossoms” in Atok town and cut flowers at Bahong, La Trinidad.
    Benguet also hosts two of the largest trading posts in the country -- the La Trinidad Trading Post and the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC).
    Dawayan said amid the problems arising from vegetable importation, she proposed a thorough study of policies, while encouraging public support in patronizing local products amid challenges posed by importation.
    Dawayan affirmed DA’s support for the struggle of farmers against illegal entry of vegetable products from other countries.
    "Let us be the voice crying in the wilderness against smuggling. It is our responsibility as consumers, as government players, and as stakeholders to report this immediately," she said.
 

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Tourists warned against scammers: Get legit agents

By Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY-- The Dept. of Tourism Cordillera, travel and tour organizers and accommodation operators advised travelers to check legitimacy travel agents and tourism business before going to  destinations and avoid being scammed.
    DOT Cordillera Senior Tourism Officer lawyer Brenden Kim J. Quintos said legitimate travel and tour agencies and accommodations were always available.
    He said tourists should check links featured in the social media pages of the DOT showing DOT-accredited travel and tour agencies, hotels and accommodations.
    There were also city government-accredited ones here.
    Association of Travel and Tours Management in the Cordillera (ATTIC) president Enrique Esguerra said one reason why some are being scammed was they welcomed it.
    He added the only way not to be a victim of such is to be wary of DIY or do-it-yourself method of organizing travels being offered by scammers. 
    Esguerra said travelers should also be responsible enough to check credible institutions and establishments as well as travel and tour agencies.
    He said scammers fooled victims here when they asked for deposit through online payments then didn’t respond anymore 
Quintos said the DOT partnered with the Philippine National Police - Anti-Cybercrime Unit (PNP-ACU) to guard the people against the scammers
     He said victims should be in contact with  police so scammers will be traced and be made to answer.
 

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Airport to enhance tourism in Bolinao

By Gabriel L. Cardinoza

BOLINAO, Pangasinan -- The tourism industry of this picturesque town in the west coast of Luzon is "excited" about the recent announcement of Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico 3rd that an airport will soon rise here.
    "It will mean more tourists will be coming to this town," said Ronnie Torres, vice president of the Bolinao Business Tourism Association in an interview last week.
    BBToA is a group composed of about 150 owners of restaurants, resorts, hotels, transient houses, and other tourism-related establishments in this town.
    Guico earlier told reporters that the provincial government has allocated P800 million for the first phase of the Bolinao airport project.
    Guico said the land acquisition for the airport project, a first for the province, is now at 70 percent.
    The governor, however, declined to give specifics on the location of the airport so as not to compromise the ongoing land acquisition.
    Once operational after two years, Guico said, the airport's 1,500-meter runway can accommodate the landing of Airbus A320 airplanes that can carry 150 to 180 passengers.
    "The runway will be finished by next year and by 2025, the airport is operational," the governor said.
    Last month, Guico signed a P4.2-billion sub-loan agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines to finance various projects by the provincial government, including the acquisition of support facilities for the establishment of the Bolinao airport.
    Torres said that while the airport is being constructed, the tourism stakeholders of Bolinao will have to prepare for the expected influx of tourists.
    "We still have a lot of things to do. We have to improve the carrying capacity of our sites to decongest tourist traffic," Torres said.
    Torres cited as an example the Patar Beach, which, he said, is one of the favorite spots for tourists in Bolinao.
    "We have to develop more tourism sites to accommodate more tourists," Torres said.
    Aside from the Patar Beach, tourists also love to visit the Balingasay River, Bolinao Falls, the 118-year-old Cape Bolinao lighthouse, its caves, the 17th century St. James the Great Parish Church, and the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institutes's giant clams sea nursery located in a shallow reef off Silaki Island.
    Last week, Guico said he was considering having a regular commercial seaplane flight from Metro Manila to visit the Hundred Islands National park in Alaminos City.
    "We're thinking of ways to connect the province to the central business district in Metro Manila while we do not yet have an airport in Bolinao and Alaminos," said Guico.
    He said that a good sea plane route would be from Manila Bay to Pangasinan, landing in Bolinao and Hundred Islands.
    "These flights will be good for our tourism and people's daily commute, especially those who have to go back and forth from Pangasinan to Manila," Guico said.
    "It's just 40 minutes, so it will save you a lot of time," he added.
    A seaplane can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers.
    "We are now trying to convince the operator," Guico said.
    Guico and his father, Pangasinan 5th District Rep. Ramon Guico Jr., and Pangasinan 1st District Rep. Arthur Celeste took a test flight from Lingayen to Alaminos and from Alaminos to Bolinao.
    "The test flight was successful. There are initial hurdles, of course," said Guico, who is also a pilot.
    He said sea condition is one of the primary considerations in operating an amphibious plane.
 
 

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Baguio tourists reach 80,000/ Tree planting/Fuel rates up

CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

Tourist arrival figure during the long weekend from Nov. 24-26, 2023 was estimated at P80,000, according to the City Tourism Operations Office.
    The dates saw the opening of the Botanical Garden “Christmas Metamorphosis,” a prelude to the city government’s month-long calendar of yuletide events dubbed “An Enchanting Baguio Christmas.”
    City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo said that for said weekend, the hotel occupancy rate was between 90 to 100 percent.
    He said a similar trend is expected in all weekends of December, the month being a perennial tourist peak season in the city.
    He said heavy traffic was experienced in major attractions in the city particularly the Botanical Garden, Camp John Hay, Baguio Country Club Christmas Village, Wright Park, Igorot Stone Kingdom and Mirador Eco-park.
    The Baguio City Police Office noted a heavy influx of vehicles on said dates for the whole duration said the traffic situation was intensively monitored for necessary adjustments.
    As of October, the City Tourism Office has recorded 787,572 tourist arrivals for this year.
    The city’s tourist data are 1,042,309 in 2022; 247,480 in 2021; 1,536,458 in 2019; 1,760,729 in 2018; 1,521,748 in 2017; and 1,294,906 in 2016.
    The tourist data could be higher as they only include visitors who stayed in the registered accommodation establishments that submitted their occupancy reports.  The figures do not include the day tourists who did not stay in AEs and those who made use of AEs but were unreported.
    ***
Planting season may be over this year but it does not mean the end of our forest protection activities.
    The City Environment and Parks Management Office led by lawyer Rhenan Diwas said schools, organizations and groups may still proceed with their environmental activities as the city's forest and tree maintenance program is year-round.
CEPMO Forestry Division head Floro Bastian said that in lieu of tree planting activities which is only done during the wet season, groups may engage in tree tending and ring weeding sessions to care for the seedlings planted earlier.
    CEPMO Asst. Dept. Head Marivic Empizo said a total of 12,850 tree seedlings had been planted in various tree planting activities coordinated with their office.
    For scheduling and coordination, groups may get in touch with the CEPMO Forestry Division at 09105328139.
    ***
Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed concern anew over the wide gap in the prices of fuel in the city and other localities.
"There is again a high difference between the costs of fuel in the city and nearby provinces.  In some petroleum products, the price difference average reaches P10," the mayor said.
    "Let me reiterate, what gives?" the mayor bemoaned.
    The mayor had raised the issue twice -- first in 2019 and again in April this year.
    Last April, he wrote to the industry leader and the Energy Regulatory Board to escalate the concern.
    In October, 2019, the mayor sought an audience with the executives of the three big industry players and aired the city’s appeal to reduce permanently the price differences.
    Petron Corporation through Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs Charmaine Canillas granted the appeal and reduced the cost in the city by P3.

CITY HALL BEAT

An enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- The spirit of enchantment will be the defining feature of this year's Christmas festivities, meticulously planned and curated by the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC). 
    Gladys Vergara, the esteemed chair and president of BTC, unveiled an array of activities to celebrate "An Enchanting Baguio Christmas," headlined by the creation of a Christmas Market at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park.
    This charming village promises a festive haven for park goers and revelers throughout the Yuletide season. Vergara, exuding enthusiasm, assured that visitors would be enveloped in the cozy charm of the Baguio Christmas Market. She emphasized that the ambiance alone would infuse the air with the joyous spirit of Yuletide. "Christmas decorated pathways will guide visitors through quaint stalls adorned with twinkling lights, creating a scene of merriment," she added.
     Mayor Benjie Magalong expressed the city’s gladness over the repertoire of Christmas-themed events the BTC has laid out for Yuletide. 
     “Christmas has always been celebrated with spiritual piety as blended with contemporary practices, a much-visited pageant our people have been known for, “ he said. 
     He underscored the significance of Christmas in Baguio, affirming that locals returning from OFW work have looked forward to reunite with families held dearest.
     Other city department heads also echoed the Mayor’s enthusiasm, recalling how long unseen relatives have always eagerly awaited being back home for the Christmas holidays.
     The BTC also thanked other government sectors for the public support in holding the various Christmas events throughout the holiday season, among them the City Tourism Office, the City Environment and Parks Management Office for enlivening the city parks including the Botanical Garden, the City Engineering Office and the City Building and Architecture Office for the infrastructure needs of the stage and other platforms, the City Budget Office for the funding needs. 

“We’re all doing these events hand in hand between the public and private sectors. By the splendid collaboration of everyone, we’re celebrating Christmas the enchanted way, bewitching returning locals and visitors to spend Yuletide in a city closest to the Philippine skies,”he said.

 Highlighting the European-themed Christmas market, Vergara emphasized the irresistible aroma of seasonal treats, ranging from freshly baked gingerbread to roasted chestnuts. Park goers and revelers are invited to wander through cobblestoned pathways, exploring handcrafted gifts, unique ornaments, and artisanal delights. Embark on a magical journey through the Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023 with a series of captivating events.
    The festivities commence with a spectacular light show on November 29, marking the grand launch of the Baguio Christmas Market at the Burnham Park Rose Garden. On December 1, experience the traditional lighting ceremony, bringing the Baguio Christmas tree atop historic Session Road to life. Delight in the enchanting Christmas Metamorphosis at the Botanical Garden, open daily, and on December 3, indulge in the whimsical Nutcracker Ballet—a delightful collaboration between the Philippine Military Academy and Ballet Baguio. Concurrently, the precision of the PMA Silent Drill will be showcased at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. On December 9, immerse yourself in the melodious notes of the University of Baguio Annual Christmas Cantata at the Rose Garden. The Baguio Cosplay Community will pay tribute to Filipino heroes with "Pagpupugay sa mga Bayaning Pilipino" on December 30, followed by the grand 2024 New Year’s countdown extravaganza on the next day. 
     Throughout December, a diverse mix of other festive events and shows will keep the spirit of the season alive. "From the heart-warming ambiance to the delightful sights and sounds permeating all around, everyone will have a magical Christmas experience worth cherishing long after the essence has dissipated," she said.

CITY HALL BEAT

Fight vs vapers, smokers on/ No massage, manicure, fortune-telling at Burnham

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGIUO CITY -- The city government's operations against violators of the city's Smoke-Free ordinance are continuing.
The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force said that from January to September this year, a total of 1,743 apprehensions have been recorded. 
    Of the total, 946 were individuals and 796 were establishments, most which had multiple violations.
    The task force also noted an increase in the number of teenagers being caught vaping in public.
    The Public Order and Safety Division, a member of the task force, recorded total of 376 vaping apprehensions from January to Nov. 16.
    POSD head enforcer Daryll Longid said they have been apprehending vapers, mostly teenagers, in public places.
    Those who are 18 years old and above are being admonished and issued citation tickets while their vape units are confiscated. 
    Minors on the other hand are also being issued citation tickets and handed over to the Women's and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) for further processing.
    The task force reported that while the prevalence of smoking had decreased in the past two years, the incidence of vape use among the youth in the city had spiraled.
    In fact, the City Health Services Office had affirmed that there is already an ongoing vape use epidemic in the city due to the rapidly increasing use of vape and e-cigarettes notably among youths aged 14-18.
"    The increase of vape use among the youth can be mostly attributed to the aggressive marketing campaign of the vape industry and its community where a lot of deception is employed, which keeps the public grossly misinformed about the true ill effects of electronic nicotine/non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) or more popularly known as vape," Longid said.
    He said that "contrary to the misinformation being peddled, vape is more dangerous than the traditional cigarette because it is far more convenient to use; easily concealed; can be discreetly used anywhere; it tastes and smells exceptionally better than its traditional counterpart; and to a certain extent, it is more economical than cigarettes."
    "The compounding result due to the greater incidence of its use makes vape more dangerous than your traditional cigarette.  Nonetheless, let's not lose sight of the fact that both vape and cigarettes can kill and both vices should be suppressed," Longid said. 
    Ordinance 34-2017 or “Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes, and other tobacco products in public places.
    ***
Personal services such as massage, manicure, tattooing and fortune telling along with illegal vending are strictly prohibited in Burnham Park and other parks in the city, the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) announced.
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered intensive monitoring of these illegal activities after receiving reports of increasing incidence of theft involving persons providing massage services.
    He also advised the public not to patronize these illegal services and to immediately report such to the roving guards, the Public Order and Safety Division or to the CEPMO at 09174158224.
    "They were not content in plying their illegal business at the park, they also had the gall to steal from their customers," he said.
    The CEPMO has posted signages in strategic places and instructed the security company along with the Tourist Police personnel to intensify monitoring to prevent said activities.
    The Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) recently engaged the affected individuals, numbering about 80, who provide services that are not covered by the city's Environment Code or Ordinance No. 18 series of 2016 to stop their activities.
    POSD Chief Enforcer Daryll Longid reportedly asked the group about the complaints made against them by tourists and park goers particularly "their deceptive way of conducting business such when they offer a sample of their massage that is supposedly for free but then goes on to give a full service, without their customers consent, and then charge them with exhorbitant fees in the end, usually employing intimidation."
"    Our head also told them about reports of alleged stealing of customers' belongings and their failure to give back their change. The group tried to put the blame of these deplorable acts on those they claim to be 'dayo' or people who are not from Baguio who come to the city to offer massage services at our parks. Our chief however reminded them that the same complaints were received against their group even before these 'dayos' started appearing at Burnham Park," the POSD said.
Longid made suggestions on how the group can professionalize their ranks and explore ways to gain legal employment which the group promised to work on.
 
 

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Tourists, folks flock Adivay fest events; grand canao set

Benguet revelries 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Tourists, visitors and local folks are now flocking the  2023 month-long Adivay festival in this capital town and celebration of the 122nd founding anniversary of Benguet with exciting events.
    This, after celebrations kicked off Nov, 6 at Provincial Capitol grounds.
    Theme of this year’s festivities is ‘Benguet: Gateway to Unforgettable Getaways.’
    Gov. Melchor D. Diclas said Adivay kicked off earlier with the traditional Kapihan sa Benguet at the Ben Palispis auditorium starting with eucharistic celebration followed by pre-pageant for the Search for Mr. and Miss Benguet on Nov. 6.
    Vice Gov. Ericson “Tagel” Felipe during the kickoff, talked about “honoring the past, reveling in the present, and recognizing the resilience and integrity of the people of Benguet.” 
    The highlight will be the Grand Cañao on Nov. 23, a feast with 30 pigs and two cows to share with the community, including tourists.
    Activities include lapan (rabbit meat) cooking contest, pageant, cultural dance competitions, Benguet quiz bee, job fair, and even a mass wedding for Benguet couples.     
    Mining stakeholders participated in the Mining and Environment Forum at Benguet Sports Complex (BSC) gymnasium on Nov. 9 followed by opening of the agro-industrial trade fair, 2nd Adivay quiz bee and Benguet cultural dance performance on Nov. 11.
    Cultural dance troupes of the municipalities of Benguet stirred anew the consciousness of the Benguet people of their rich cultural heritage with story-telling through cultural dances and performances.
    The Cultural Performances Competition was showcased Nov, 11 at the BSC.
    Diclas said Benguet people WERE proud of their cultural heritage and through it, they WERE being bound as one.
    He added performances emphasized significance of preserving cultural wealth of the province.
    Students from the Lepanto National High School of Mankayan, Benguet told the story of “Sangbo” that featured a ritual for good luck brought about by a mysterious event.
    They received P40,000 cash prize for their performance.
    Meantime, the Municipality of Buguias represented by Buguias National High School students performed the story of “Dang-as” highlighting the culture of “Ubbo” or community cooperation. The students went home with P35,000 cash prize for their effort.
    The Municipality of Kapangan represented by students of Gov. Bado Dangwa Agro-Industrial School, on the other hand, showcased the Legend of “Pongayan” narrating the story of Sayod, a “beautiful lady with buxom bosoms” as they placed third, earning them the P30,000 cash prize.
    In other developments, La Trinidad was awarded the Best in Storyline, Itogon with Best Folkloric Performance, and Bokod as Best in Visual Impact Award. Each was given P5,000 cash prize.
    All Benguet towns are now showcasing their agri-tourism destinations through opening of the fair at the Benguet Sports Complex on Nov. 14, 2023 followed by the traditional acoustic competition Nov. 15 at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium.
    Lat Nov. 16, activities included the Senior Citizens Adivay at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium; skills competitions at the trade fair area in Wangal; inter-local government unit volleyball championships at the Capital covered court; Farmer’s Day at cold chain area and Stellar Health Achievements yearly Awards (SHAYAW) at Ben Palispis auditorium.
    The inter-local government unit basketball championship is on at the Capitol covered court while the Search for Mr. and Ms. Benguet pre-pageant was held at the Sports Complex gymnasium on Nov. 17.
    The Benguet Fusion Fashion Showcase was held at the Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium Nov. 18.
    The annual Children’s Congress, the Lapan, rabbit meat, cooking contest and the awarding of the Best Integrated Farming System and Best Rabies Program Implementer is set on Nov. 21.
    The Benguet Awards Program will be held at the New Town Plaza Hotel in Baguio city on Nov. 22.
    The Benguet Day grand parade will be held Nov. 23 followed by Grand Can֮ao at the Benguet Sports Complex and Battle of the Bands at the gymnasium.
    The Agri-Tourism fair will come to a close Nov. 24, followed by the Coronation Night of the Search for Mr. and Ms. Benguet on Nov. 25 all happening at the Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium.
    Biking enthusiasts will show their skills in the Hari ng Ahon Bike Challenge from the Ambuclao dam area to Beckel; the annual dance sports at the Ben Palispis Hall and closing of the agro-industrial trade fair on Nov. 26.
    The event entitled Jesus Reigns is set Nov. 27, 2023 followed by mass wedding of couples at the St. Paul Parish in Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet on Nov. 28.
    Employees and officials of the provincial government will be participating in the Employees Adivay Night at the Capitol covered court on Dec. 1, while the annual Adivay and Benguet founding anniversary activities will commence with Christmas lighting on the same day.
    On Dec. 2, bodybuilders will show their prowess during bodybuilding competition at Ben Palispis Hall while the Adivay Fusion Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition will be held at Benguet Sports Complex gymnasium on Dec. 9.
    Benguet officials earlier urged the people of Benguet and visitors to patronize  activities to ensure successful conduct of this year’s celebration considering the province is still recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. – With a report from Aldwin Quitasol
 

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