A delegation from the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) led by Minamimaki Mura Vice Mayor, Sumiichi Takamizawa, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas today, February 3, 2025 at the Provincial Governor’s Office to discuss partnership on agriculture.

Meanwhile, a total of 15 young Benguet farmers are set to be deployed in Japan next month serving as Technical Interns in Nagano Prefecture for three years under the Young Benguet Farmers’ Leader Training Program.

The program aims to enhance practical agricultural knowledge and technologies of young farmers in Benguet by transferring skills, technology, and knowledge that Japanese agriculture possesses.

The screening process for the farmers was conducted last year with the assistance of the different Municipal Local Government Units and the Provincial Government.

According to JAEC, application for the 2026 deployment will start this April. It can be recalled that the province sent another group of 12 farmers last year.

The initiative is implemented through the Technical Intern Training Program in partnership with the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council in Japan (JAEC).

The Provincial Local Government of Benguet headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas has allocated a total of P5,000,000.00 in counterpart funding to the Local Government of Kabayan and the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) of Ambiong, Beckel, and Bineng of La Trinidad for the procurement of emergency response vehicles on Monday, January 6.

Of the total amount, Kabayan LGU received P3,000, 000.00, which will be used to procure a penetrator fire truck to improve their firefighting and emergency response capabilities.

Meanwhile, the barangays of Bineng, Ambiong, and Beckel were also given P1,000,000.00, P500,000.00, and P500,000.00, respectively, for their procurement of DRRM/ Emergency response vehicles.

Governor Diclas emphasized the importance of these efforts in bolstering the local capacity to respond effectively to disasters, noting that the new equipment will significantly improve the ability of communities to protect lives and properties, especially in times of crisis.

LDRRMO IV Abner Lawangen added that these vehicles will be very crucial in emergency situations, particularly given the challenge of mobility in small or congested areas. He added that the program’s sustainability is key to ensuring continued effectiveness in disaster response.

With the positive impact of this initiative, the province has allocated an additional funding of P25,000,000.00 for similar programs this year.

The Provincial Government of Benguet led by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas hired a total of 206 Provincial School Board (PSB) education professionals under Contract of Service, including 166 guidance associates/values formation teachers, 60 regular teachers, and 9 Special education Teachers (SPET), with the aim of further strengthening the education system of the province by ensuring a balance approach to academic instruction and students’ well-being.

Governor Diclas reiterated his commitment to continuing the program, emphasizing the need for additional teachers in the public schools and highlighting the crucial role of guidance associates in providing psychosocial support to students through values education.

He also added that the hired educators would not only improve the current educational landscape of the province, but also provide them with the valuable professional experience, which will be helpful in securing permanent positions in the future.

The guidance associates will be teaching moral and ethical core values, implementing character development programs, and emphasizing virtues and ethical behavior. Their responsibilities extend to providing guidance and support in the implementation of various guidance program services such as career guidance/placement, information services, referrals, follow-up, testing, individual inventory, and psychological first aid, among others.

Meanwhile, the regular teachers will handle various subjects across different grade levels and the special education teachers will focus on students with disabilities, ensuring personalized and tailored instruction.

This reflects the province’s aim to fostering a holistic education system that addresses the academic and emotional needs of the students.

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas said the Provincial Government of Benguet provided medical and burial assistance to 2,873 residents from different municipalities in 2024.

This support, under the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, aims to ease the financial burdens on vulnerable community members.

According to data from the Office of Provincial Social Welfare and Development, led by Ms. Melba Motio, the provincial government allocated a total of P21.8 million for the program. This funding helped indigent residents with expenses ranging from hospital bills and chemotherapy to dialysis treatments and burial costs.

Previously, beneficiaries could receive up to P5,000 in medical aid. Under Governor Diclas, this amount has been increased up to P20,000. Additionally, the program now allows residents to apply for assistance annually, up from the previous limit of three claims per lifetime.

Meanwhile, some 161 senior citizens also received cash assistance amounting to P1.5 million, while 51 residents were provided with P565K Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA).

Governor Diclas emphasized his commitment to both expanding the AICS program and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Benguet. As part of his HEALTHIER Benguet agenda, he has allocated funds to improve local health facilities, including dialysis centers, district hospitals, and the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH).

The Governor also acknowledged the support of Congressman Eric Go Yap in efforts to improve healthcare services for the residents of the province.

Residents seeking financial assistance can visit their respective Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) and consult the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDO) for guidance on accessing the program.

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas joined the miners of Loacan Itogon Pocket Miners’ Association as they celebrated the new year and miners’ day on Thursday, January 2.

With the theme, “Kedsang, Ulnos tan egmedukod ja bendisyon nen Apo”, “which translates to “Strength and unity with God’s immeasurable Grace,” the event highlighted the enduring spirit of the community.

As we welcome the year 2025, let us take a moment to reflect on the year we have journeyed through together.

The year 2024 was not without challenges, but it taught us to be braver, more resilient, more compassionate, and more loving and forgiving.

These values are indeed a gift we carry into this new year.

May we celebrate the beginning of this year with gratitude. Let us thank our families for keeping us grounded, and for always giving us reasons to laugh, cry, and grow.

We also thank our friends and colleagues for standing with us through every triumph and challenge. Whether it was brainstorming or simply sharing a cup of coffee, their presence itself reminded us that we are never alone.

Of course, also thank and give yourself a pat on the back. You survived the so many challenges, embraced the lessons, and showed up even on the hardest days. You are truly amazing.

And most of all, let us give thanks to the Almighty for being our compass in every storm and our anchor in every calm. As Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Through grace, we found courage; through faith, we found hope.

As we celebrate this new beginning, may we do so with love, compassion, and peace.

Let us cherish each other, enjoy every moment, and ensure our celebrations are safe for everyone.

Happy New Year, kakailiyan!

A fire that erupted early this morning in Camp 6, Tuba, has displaced 38 families, affecting a total of 159 individuals.

In response, the Provincial Government of Benguet headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, quickly mobilized a team from the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OSPWD) and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), along with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP-Benguet). They provided initial relief assistance including food, hygiene kits, transport support and other essentials.

According to reports from PIO -Tuba, the blaze tragically claimed the life of one resident and left 2 others injured.

While the cause of fire remains under investigation, the Kennon Road has been temporarily closed effective today, January 1, to allow for the clearing of the debris caused by the fire.

Following the tragic fire in Bay-o, Tuding, Itogon, on December 25, at around 11:00 pm, the Provincial Government of Benguet, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, swiftly mobilized a relief operation today, December 26.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, led by PSWDO Melba M. Motio, and the PDRRMC, provided immediate relief assistance to the family.

Condolences were extended to the family of the 87-year-old victim who lost his life in the fire, while wishes of speedy recovery were offered to the individual currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

The public is advised to remain vigilant and prioritize fire safety measures to help ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

The Provincial Government of Benguet, headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas, mobilized a relief operation today, December 23, through the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office, led by PSWDO Melba M. Motio, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office led by LDRRMO Abner Lawangen.

The operation delivered initial relief assistance to the families affected by the structural fire in Tabbacan, Abatan, Buguias.

Condolences were also extended to the family of the individual who tragically lost his life while assisting with firefighting efforts during the blaze, which transpired around 12 midnight yesterday, December 22.