Apayao, Philippines – “Malaya,” a critically endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtle found along the Apayao River, was released back into its natural habitat on March 19, 2026. The Cantor’s giant softshell turtle, considered one of the world’s rarest freshwater turtles, is a massive reptile native to Southeast Asia, known for its smooth, leathery, olive-colored shell and distinctive “frog-like” appearance. It can grow to over six feet in length. According to the Community

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Department of Transportation (DOTr)–Cordillera is set to provide fuel subsidies to nearly 8,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers across the region as a response to rising fuel prices. The assistance, according to the DOTr, aims to sustain transport services and livelihoods, especially as fewer jeepneys and taxis are seen operating due to the ongoing fuel crisis. In an interview, DOTr–CAR Regional Director Glenn Dumlao said the subsidy is intended

Rizal, Kalinga – Two young entrepreneurs from Kalinga were recognized among the Best Pitch Awardees in the recently concluded Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL) Project Series held from March 10 to 13, highlighting the growing strength and potential of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province. The SEAL Project Series is a nationwide initiative led by the BPI Foundation to support MSMEs across the Philippines. It is conducted in multiple runs, t

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Not all government positions in the Kalinga Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) are filled. Some may no longer be necessary, while others may be misaligned with actual functions—issues that need to be addressed, according to the Kalinga Provincial Change Management Team. On Monday, March 16, the team began discussions highlighting Governor James Sagmayao Edduba’s push for the “re-engineering” of provincial offices to ensure more efficient government

Ifugao, Philippines – A measure that could soon bring a new state college within reach of local learners in Ifugao province secured approval from the House Committee on Higher Education (CHTE), sparking a fresh wave of optimism. House Bill No. 739, authored by Ifugao’s lone district representative Solomon Chungalao, seeks to separate two campuses of Ifugao State University (IFSU) – the Potia campus in Alfonso Lista and the Lupao campus in Aguinaldo town – and convert them int

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As the number of New People’s Army (NPA) members in the Cordillera continues to decline, the 501st Infantry Brigade renewed its call for the remaining rebels to surrender, emphasizing that opportunities for peace and reintegration remain available. During a press conference held on March 13, 501st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Dean Mark Mamaril highlighted a recent successful operation that resulted in the arrest of ten NPA members who fled Kalin

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Healthcare services in marginalized communities in Kalinga are expected to further improve after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) allowing the deployment of trained physicians to local government units across the province. The MOA, earlier submitted by Governor James S. Edduba, was initially reviewed by the Committee on Health and Sanitation, chaired by Board Member Alfredo Dangani. Based on the committee

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga patients struggling financially will soon benefit from wider access to free hospital care after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved several Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) supporting the implementation of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program in various government hospitals in the province. MAIFIP, an initiative of the Department of Health (DOH), serves Filipinos who are unable to afford hospit

La Trinidad, Benguet - A House Bill seeking to divide Benguet’s lone district into two was recently filed in the 20th Congress by Representative Eric Go Yap.  House Bill 7393, entitled "An act providing for the reapportionment of the lone legislative district of the province of Benguet into two legislative districts", aims to split the province into two legislative districts for stronger representation and speed up delivery of government services to the residents.  Under the

Tanudan, Kalinga – Stricter rules on smoking and vaping will soon be implemented in Tanudan, Kalinga, as a proposed municipal ordinance gains support from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The Provincial Board approved and recommended the enactment of Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-110, which aims to regulate the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes (vapes) in designated areas of the municipality. The measure al

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism Chairperson and Board Member Camilo T. Lammawin emphasized the need to protect the province’s tourism sector from baseless allegations and harmful labeling that could undermine its growth and reputation during a committee meeting held on March 18 at the Session Hall, Capitol Hills in Bulanao. The matter was raised amid the long-standing issue of red-tagging affecting tourism-related activities in the province

Balbalan, Kalinga – The economy in Balbalan continues to improve in 2025 – a testament to this is the municipality’s recent recognition for sourcing the highest local revenue last year among the municipalities in Kalinga. On March 5, 2026, the Balbalan Municipal Local Government Unit was cited by the provincial government as Top 1 in Locally Sourced Revenue. This indicates superior tax collection efficiency and fiscal independence as the town generated the highest amount of i