Author: Neilsen Kisim

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, alongside other members of the Provincial Advisory Group for police Transformation and Development (PAGPTD) from various sectors renewed their commitment and shared responsibility in serving the community by taking their oath on Wednesday, August 27, at the Provincial Capitol. PAGPTD is a Benguet Police Provincial Office-led multi-sectoral governance council or advisory group aimed at fostering stronger partnerships among Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Government Unit (LGU), partner agencies, and other community stakeholders. Its primary goal is to enhance the PNP’s capabilities in initiating sustainable transformation programs and community development initiative for a safer and more empowered communities. Administering the oath was Benguet PPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Lambert A. Suerte, who emphasized that the transformation initiatives carried out through the PAGPTGD are designed to uplift the public not only through physical and educational means but also through spiritual enrichment. Meanwhile, Governor Diclas expressed his gratitude for the continued collaboration and dedication of the PNP and all members of the council in advancing the welfare and development of the people of Benguet. The other members of the PAGPTD include Atty. Zane Mark D. Bongayon, NGA Sector, Mr. Rafael C. Valencia, NGO Sector, Mr. Fernando S. Tiong, Community in Baguio and Benguet, Dr. Manuel F. Quirino, Health Sector, Pastor Mayao B. Santiago, Religious Sector, Ms. Maura G. Evangelista, Senior Citizen Sector, Dr. Angeline T. Bugtong, Academe Sector, Engr. Melchor S. Licoben, Business Sector, Ms. Kristine Molitas, women’s group Sector, Mr. Peter A. Dapliyan, Business Sector, Engr. Raymond Guinabo, Info and Comms Tech (ICT), Mr. James Benos, Business Sector, and Ms. Sunshine Grace S. Gano, Youth sector. A council meeting followed the oath-taking ceremony, during which Governor Diclas was once again elected to continue serving as Chairperson of the PAGPTD. #HEALTHIERBenguet  

The Provincial Government headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas and Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes launched the Youth Official for a Day program on August 26 to open Linggo ng Kabataan 2025 with the theme “Local Youth Actions for Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond.” Youth participants took on the roles of provincial officials during the event where Michiko Kin P. Bingcola served as Provincial Governor while Liz Lorraine W. Esnara acted as Provincial Vice Governor. Further, Cyril Palileng Valles, Mae Joy B. Panangwe, Arryl Mirage F. Bangit, Angel Christine B. Oros, Bryan Kyle D. Agsolio, Ian Kurt Icao Buli-e, Rose Ann J. Jacob, Hoxson C. Gracio, Rheymor Dave T. Pagnas, and Marvis S. Montes took on the role of Sangguniang Panlalawigan members. Aldrin Paul Dacusin served as Liga ng mga Barangay President while Lance Hendrick Rosado took the seat as Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President. Rapsy D. Socte and Denver Ugalde assumed as Philippine Councilors League President and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, respectively. After the ceremony, the participants proceeded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan office for a seminar on legislative procedures like crafting ordinances, resolutions, and policies. The week-long celebration will feature activities such as the HIV Awareness Forum on August 27, a tree planting activity on August 29, and a fun run and dance fitness on August 30. Section 30 of Republic Act 10742 or the Sanggunian Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 mandates the observance of Linggo ng Kabataan.

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Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas recently welcomed two Indian research scholars, as part of the initiative of the Provincial Government of Benguet to strengthen its partnership with India in the areas of education and tourism. Mohammad Farhan Zeb Khan and Dr. Anzar Aquil, Indian Research Scholars in Indonesia, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Diclas on Thursday, July 31, to discuss ongoing and future collaborations between the provincial government, Indian educational institutions, and the Department of Education (DepEd) – Benguet. This initiative builds on earlier exchanges made by representatives from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) and DepEd Benguet during their recent visits to India. The growing partnership aims to promote bilateral cooperation in education, science and technology, public health, teacher exchange, and youth development. Governor Diclas expressed his appreciation to the visiting research scholars and their colleagues in India for facilitating the edu-tourism engagement of the PLGU and DepEd officials. He emphasized that this collaboration, particularly in inclusive education, will greatly benefit teachers and learners in Benguet. According to Lorna Yaco, Education Program Specialist at the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Benguet, strategies and best practices on inclusive education learned in India are already being adopted in some local schools. Yaco joined DepEd-CAR Regional Director and OIC-Schools Division Superintendent of Benguet, Estella L. Cariño, in a recent educational engagement in India. During their June visit, the Benguet delegation engaged in high-level discussions with academic leaders at Gautam Buddha University, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Rana Pratap Singh. The dialogue focused on academic collaboration and mutual development initiatives. Earlier in April, PLGU Tourism Officer I Kenneth Kelcho with DepEd personnel, also visited learning institutions in New Delhi and Kashmir with the assitance of the Khan and Dr. Aquil. They conducted presentations and interactive sessions that helped lay the foundation for the ongoing partnership. All these engagements were made possible with the support of Governor Diclas. As part of their visit, research scholars Khan and Dr. Aquil are scheduled to meet with teachers, school heads, supervisors, and students in La Trinidad, Kabayan, Atok, and Buguias. They will provide technical assistance, especially on inclusive education and information and communications technology (ICT). To deepen their understanding of the local context, the two were also oriented on Benguet rich culture and history during a visit to the Benguet Museum. In line with the partnership, personnel from the PLGU have also been offered opportunities for a sponsored post-graduate course at Sharda University in India as part of building long-term educational cooperation between Benguet and India.

It took a while for the news to sink in. It pains us so much to learn of the passing of our brother-in-service, Board Member Manny Fermin. He held so much hope to our Province with many good plans nga mangipakita iti dedikasyon na kas maysa nga lider. Board Member Fermin, dakkel nga iyaman iti leadership ken friendship. You will always be dearly missed.

Portions of Upper Tomay and Lamtang-Longlong roads affected by landslides were cleared on July 25, 2025, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

A portion of Long-long road affected by landslide was totally cleared today, July 22, by personnel from PDRRMC dispatched by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas. In case of emergency, please contact your Municipal Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for assistance.

This morning, Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas welcomed stakeholders at the Governor’s Office for an executive session focused on the strategic direction for Universal Health Care (UHC) of the province. The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) delegation was led by President Austere A. Panadero, accompanied by Dr. Catherine Chung, Dr. Jenilyn Ann Dabu, Ayeza De Vera, and Joan Kidatan. From the Department of Health–CAR were Dr. Bridgit Hydee Salao and Dr. Mercedes Calpito, while PhilHealth–CAR was represented by Dr. Dominga Gadgad and Noland Sabling. Also present were Provincial Government health leaders including Dr. Meliarazon Dulay (PHO II), Dr. Jocelyn Legaspi (PHO I), Dr. Cham Bacuso, Dr. Kirsty Doman, Krystal Wandag, Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep (BeGH), and Dr. Joseph Giovanni Frias (ADH). The session focused on aligning health priorities in five key areas which are strengthening Health Care Provider Networks (HCPNs), enhancing health financing mechanisms, promoting data-driven decision-making, engaging communities, and reinforcing leadership and governance. Stakeholders committed on improving inter-agency coordination, institutionalizing local health reforms under the HEALTHIER Benguet and SHAYAW frameworks, and developing sustainable, equity-focused strategies to improve health outcomes in the province.

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, together with Vice Governor Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, led the ribbon untying ceremony to kick off the MSME Week Trade Fair today, July 21, at the Benguet Provincial Capitol. Local products from the 13 municipalities of Benguet are showcased at their respective booths in the Capitol Covered Court. Governor Diclas encourages the public to support local and visit the weeklong fair, which runs until Friday, July 25.