Baguio City wins WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards

Baguio wins 2026 WHO award for use of data in health initiatives

GMA News
13 September 2026

Baguio City was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its initiative in using data in providing targeted health and social access to residents.

"The City of Pines" received the “Data for Equity: Informing Action, Improving Health” award at the 2026 WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards during the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities in Sydney, Australia on September 1.

The Baguio local government unit said the city was recognized for “its contribution to the health and well-being of its citizens and to the advancement of Healthy Cities goals in the Western Pacific.”

Under Baguio’s City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office, the barangay-level Livability Index maps disparities in health, social conditions, and access to basic services across the city’s barangays.

The Index shows the residents’ experience in their communities, generating data that can help city officials identify areas facing greater challenges and determine where interventions and investments are most urgently needed.

By identifying differences in living conditions across communities, LGUs can plan targeted responses and allocate resources to those most in need.

The findings in the index are also integrated into city planning, budgeting, and investment decisions, strengthening the role of evidence in determining development priorities.

Baguio received the same award in 2021 for its Smoke-Free Baguio campaign.

— Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News

School in Baguio wins international award for organic farming

Baguio school wins Asia award for organic farming program

GMA Integrated News 
08 August 2025

The Happy Hollow National High School (HHNHS) in Baguio City won the 2025 AIA Outstanding Healthy Eating Award for its organic farming initiative. 

The Department of Education (DepEd) recognized the school as a model for how educational institutions can support the government’s food security and sustainability agenda.

The award honors schools in Asia that excel in promoting healthy lifestyles, active living, and environmental responsibility. 

Happy Hollow NHS was cited for its flagship program, Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. (Offering Resources of Growing Agri-product and Nutrition in Community), and received US$15,000 (about P840,000) in prize money.

Designated as a farm school by DepEd in 2024, the Baguio-based school trains students in organic agriculture and sustainable food production while encouraging healthy eating and waste reduction. The program has taught 168 Grade 12 students under the Organic Agriculture Production (OAP) strand to grow mustard greens using organic methods and recycled materials.

Teacher Aries Busacay said the program aims to help students “live happier and healthier,” while involving the community in agricultural activities. Older students mentor younger batches, with support from barangay officials, nutritionists, and parents through backyard gardening, feeding programs using school-grown produce, planting and harvesting workshops, and nutrition seminars. Participants also prepare for TESDA NC II certification to enhance job opportunities.

DepEd said the program has contributed to lower malnutrition rates based on body mass index data, improved student engagement, and fostered a stronger culture of sustainability in the community.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative shows what can be achieved when schools, parents, and local communities collaborate. 

"Patunay itong Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. na kapag nagtulungan ang paaralan, magulang, at komunidad, kayang buhayin ang tradisyon ng agrikultura at sabay nating mapaunlad ang kalusugan at kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” he said.

(Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. proves that when schools, parents, and the community work together, we can keep the tradition of agriculture alive while improving the health and future of our children.) 

The farm school concept is anchored on Republic Act No. 10618 or the Rural Farm Schools Act, authored by the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara. Under the current leadership of Sec. Angara, there are now 156 farm schools across eight regions offering agricultural training, technical skills, and entrepreneurship education.

Happy Hollow NHS topped 15 other schools from across the Asia-Pacific region, including entries from Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. —Sherylin Untalan/KG, GMA Integrated News

Baguio wins SDG award in Asia-Pacific

Baguio wins SDG award in Asia-Pacific

The Manila Times
21 November 2024

BAGUIO CITY — This city has just created a big name in the Asia-Pacific, thanks to its continuing pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Summer Capital placed second in the 3rd CityNet Unescap SDG City Awards program behind its innovative urban program entitled "Mapping Urban Resilience: a Digital Twin to Baguio's Livability Index."

The city was cited for pioneering the use of digital technology to enhance urban planning and resilience.

City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Photo from Baguio City Public Information Office

Mayor Benjamin Magalong welcomed the recognition, saying it is a testament to the city's commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive and resilient city. It also affirmed the city's status as a model for other cities striving to achieve the SDGs.

The city was second to Busan, South Korea, which took the top position with its Children's Cultural Complex project. Bandung, Malaysia, placed third with its entry "Transforming the Springs Conservation Area into a Public Space."

Aside from the major award, the city also copped the top prize in the thematic category Smart City Award again for the "Mapping Urban Resilience" case study. It shared the distinction with Subang Jaya, Malaysia, for its "WhatsApp Business for City Services."

There were 350 submissions from different countries in the Asia-Pacific region and 70 were prequalified. The entries were trimmed to 10 finalists and from the pool, the top three were selected.

City planning and development coordinator Donna Tabangin received the award on behalf of the city government during the awarding ceremony held on Tuesday in Iloilo City.

The CityNet Escap SDG City Awards gives recognition to innovative urban practices of local governments to address urban challenges and advance the SDGs across Asia-Pacific.

These projects must align with the thematic categories of Inclusive City, Smart City, Circular City and Resilient City, and were evaluated based on their innovation, leadership, implementation clarity, positive outcomes, long-term sustainability and replicability.

The panel of judges came from leading international organizations, including the CityNet Secretariat, the United Nations-Habitat, the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and the Habitat for Humanity.

Established in 1987, CityNet is an association of urban stakeholders committed to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. It is supported by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap), UNDP and UN-Habitat. The network now has 150 municipalities, nongovernment organizations, private companies and research centers as members. GABY KEITH

Cordillerans shine in Asian kickboxing

Cordillerans shine in Asian kickboxing

Harley Palangchao
The Manila Times
18 October 2024

BAGUIO CITY — Combat sports athletes from the Cordillera region have carried the national team in securing five golds, one silver and 10 bronze medals in the Asian Kickboxing Championship 2024 held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Oct. 6 to 13, 2024.

SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN Officials and members of the Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas pose after winning five golds, one silver and 10 bronze medals in the 2004 Asian Kickboxing Championship 2024 held at the Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh, Cambodia from Oct. 6 to 13, 2024. SKP PHOTO

Leading the pack of athletes from the Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas from this highland region were Paris Olympian Hergie Bacyadan, Gina Araos and Carlo Von Bumina-ang.

Bacyadan topped in the under-70 kilograms K1 female division while seasoned national campaigner Araos dominated the under-56 kg low kick event.

Bumina-ang, who is making his presence felt in Asian-based mixed martial arts promotion, won the gold in the under-67 kg low kick.

Fellow Cordilleran athletes Honorio Banario won the silver in the under-75 kg K1 male and Renalyn Dacquel bagged the bronze in the under-48 kg low kick female.

Three more Cordilleran warriors, Whinny Bayawon, Daryl Chulipas and Felex Dave Cantores snared the bronze in the under-57 kg kick light, under-51 kg full contact, and under-63 kg full contact, respectively.

Claudine Veloso, who made Baguio City her second home, won a bronze in the under-52 kg. K1 while Lance Airon Villamer brought home the bronze in the under-63 kg point fighting event.

Jovan Medallo became the team's most outstanding athlete after clinching two gold medals in the musical with weapon and musical form with open hand. He also won a bronze medal in the creative form with weapon.

Janah Jade Lavador, on the other hand, won three bronze medals in musical and creative forms.

Baguio understudy for cable car system

Cable car system eyed in Baguio

Story by Adrian Parungao
Inquirer.net
26 June 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City is associated with a cold climate, strawberry farming, and beautiful landscapes, but what about cable cars?

That’s a possibility, as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan-based company Zip Infrastructure Co. Ltd. for a feasibility study on a cable car system called Zippar, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Tuesday.

Zippar will be installed in Camp John Hay.

"The Zippar or self-driven cable cars to be tested in Baguio City, could be a game-changer for urban public transport while presenting an ideal green transport model. But we choose to temper our excitement with the need to first undertake the requisite feasibility studies,” Bautista said in a statement

“We hope to determine the possibility of adopting Zippar to a highly congested metropolis like Metro Manila,” he added.

The proposed cable car system will be automated and will be operated from a control center, the DOTr chief said.

“If we can maintain the momentum of public transport innovations, we can be certain of achieving the promised benefits of these projects,” he added.

Philippine partners with UK’s creative cities

Philippine partners with UK’s creative cities

Story by Louella Desiderio 
Philstar Global
13 May 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has forged partnerships with three of Scotland’s United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – designated creative cities as part of efforts to support Philippine cities’ aspiring for creative city designation.

Under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, the PCIDC, which is chaired by the DTI, is mandated to establish the Philippine Creative Cities Network to help accelerate efforts for cities’ UNESCO creative city accreditation.

During the PCIDC delegation’s visit to the United Kingdom last May 8 to 10, meetings were held to discuss how to leverage the cities’ strengths, creative talents and assets to drive economic growth, while enhancing cultural enrichment and promoting social cohesion.

To help Philippine cities become UNESCO-designated creative cities, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual vowed to expand the opportunities for synergies between the Philippines and the UK’s creative cities.

In photo: DTI Secretary Fred Pascual and V&A Dundee Director of Operations Christian Moire

In photo: DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, Perth City of Craft and Folk Arts Anna Day, Dundee City of Design Annie Marr

“By taking inspiration from the best practices and innovative approaches of our British counterparts, we can adapt and tailor our strategies to address the unique challenges and opportunities present in our own creative cities,” he said.

There are currently three UNESCO-designated creative cities in the Philippines such as Baguio for crafts and folk arts (2017), Cebu for design (2019) and Iloilo for gastronomy (2023).

To enable other Philippine cities to become UNESCO-designated creative cities, the DTI is implementing the Lunsod Lunsad Program, which involves providing support and financial resources to cities that aim to position themselves as vibrant creative hubs.

To help cities harness the creative potential of their communities, the program provides capacity-building and facilitates access to funding.

Key officials of Abertay University in Dundee shared their strategies to promote industry-academe innovation partnerships for cultivating talent and driving growth in the game development and digital animation industries.

> photos from DTI website