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.

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas recently served as the guest speaker during the christmas celebration of the Benguet Golden Hills Small Scale Miners Association in Camp 6, Tuba, held under the theme,

“Unity and Prosperity: Celebrating Achievement and Embracing New Leadership”

As part of the event, he also officiated the induction of the newly-elected officers of the association.

The Province of Benguet under the leadership of Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas has been named the leading province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for its revenue growth for Fiscal Year 2023.

The Bureau of Local Government Finance-Cordillera Administrative Region (BLGF-CAR), led by Acting Regional Director Mary Lou Gamboa, awarded Benguet for achieving the Highest Locally-Sourced Revenues Growth Rate for Fiscal Year 2023 last December 17, 2024, at the Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza in Baguio City.

During the ceremony, Benguet also received a Certificate of Commendation for being the first province in the Cordillera Administrative Region to complete and submit the electronic Statement of Receipts and Expenditures (eSRE) Report for the FY 2023 fourth quarter. The awards were received by the Provincial Treasury Office led by Imelda I. Macanes.

It can be recalled that Benguet was recognized nationally in October this year for ranking 10th nationwide for its Ratio of Local Source Revenues to Total Current Operating Income for FY 2023 and 7th for the same metric for FY 2022.

Recently, Benguet officially attained first-class province status. This milestone, announced in Department Order No. 074, Series of 2024, issued by the Department of Finance (DOF), recognizes provinces with an average annual regular income of at least ₱1.5 billion.

Under Governor Diclas’ leadership, Benguet had an annual regular income exceeding ₱2.04 billion in 2023, over ₱2.35 billion in 2022, and more than ₱1.94 billion in 2021. Previously, Benguet was classified as a second-class province.

Governor Diclas expressed gratitude for the recognition and commended the collective efforts of provincial officials, local government employees, and the people of Benguet. “These achievements show our values of ‘binnadang’ and dedication to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and innovative governance. Together, we are building a stronger and HEALTHIER Benguet,” he said.

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas said that the HEALTHIER Benguet Caravan of the Provincial Government of Benguet has reached thousands of residents in the province this 2024.

Initiated by Governor Diclas in collaboration with Municipal Local Government Units (LGUs), and other government and non-government agencies, the caravan aims to deliver essential government services directly to the people.

The program has provided medical, dental, social, and agricultural assistance to more than 15,000 Benguet residents since 2023.

The caravan offered free medical consultations, minor surgeries, laboratory diagnostics, eye check-ups with free eyeglasses, and dental procedures to improve access to healthcare. Veterinary services included livestock vaccinations, deworming, and artificial insemination to support farmers and enhance livestock health. Social assistance was extended through food packs for children with special needs, free seeds and seedlings for farmers, and paralegal support. Additionally, the program facilitated government services such as PhilHealth membership updates, PSA registrations, NBI clearance processing, and the distribution of land patents.

Governor Diclas once again expressed gratitude to the municipal LGUs, government partners, and volunteer organizations, noting their huge role in ensuring the success of the program.

“We will continue to make government services accessible to every resident of Benguet, especially those in remote areas,” Governor Diclas said.

The caravan is part of the H.E.A.L.T.H.I.E.R. Benguet agenda of the Provincial Government under Health programs. Through consistent outreach, the program also strengthens ties between local governance and communities.

The caravan is set for the Municipality of La Trinidad next year.

The Provincial Government of Benguet headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas has been awarded the “Beyond Compliant” distinction at the 24th Gawad KALASAG: Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.

The award which was presented at the Ion Hotel in Baguio City recognizes the various efforts of the province in disaster preparedness, risk management, and humanitarian support.

The “Beyond Compliant” recognition, conferred by the Office of Civil Defense – Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR), is awarded to local government units (LGUs) that score between 2.5 and 3 in rigorous evaluations, showing their innovations in disaster response that go beyond basic compliance with DRRM standards.

Governor Diclas extended his congratulations to the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), praising their continued collaborative efforts that ensure the safety and resilience of the communities in Benguet.

“This recognition is a result of our shared efforts in the province. It shows how we work together–municipalities, agencies, and organizations–in order to safeguard lives and build resilience for the people of Benguet,” he said.

The award was received by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Abner Lawangen, who acknowledged the contributions of local government units (LGUs), including the municipal DRRMCs of Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kibungan, La Trinidad, and Mankayan, which also received the Seal of Excellence (Beyond Compliant) during the ceremony.

In addition, seven other municipalities in Benguet were recognized as Fully Compliant LGUs, earning plaques of recognition for their excellent DRRM practices. These municipalities—Tublay, Tuba, Sablan, Kapangan, Kabayan, Bakun, and Atok—were lauded for their commitment to disaster preparedness and response.

Another Plaque of Recognition was awarded to the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) headed by Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep, Chief of Hospital III, for Exemplary DRRM Programs in the Local Government Hospital category.

Mankayan National High School was also named the Gawad KALASAG Regional Winner for the Cordillera Region recognizing the school’s outstanding contribution to disaster preparedness and management.

The Gawad KALASAG awards, established by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), serve as the country’s premier recognition for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management, as well as humanitarian assistance.

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas and PDRRMO Abner Lawangen handed over a check worth PHP 1,000,000.00 to the Barangay Local Government Unit (LGU) of Wangal, headed by Punong Barangay Alfredo L. Agmaliw, Jr., during a simple ceremony at the Governor’s Office on December 13, 2024.

The amount, provided by the Provincial Government of Benguet, will augment the existing funds of barangay Wangal for the procurement of a multi-purpose vehicle.

The vehicle will be used for barangay activities, particularly in enhancing disaster response capabilities.

Governor Diclas said that this is part of the provincial LGU’s commitment to support local governments in delivering effective services, especially in disaster preparedness and response.