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Baguio City - Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Hall Drive, Baguio City (2026)

15/09/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁, 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Carl Paolo Corpuz, the main organizer of the Baguio Horror Festival, explains the concept behind the event, its history as a Halloween parade since 2011, and the organizers’ position on the concerns raised over its themes and branding.

During the September 14 preliminary dialogue facilitated by Councilor Yuri Weygan, Corpuz clarified that the festival’s horror theme refers to an artistic genre and that the organizers are open to possible changes including modifications to the event’s branding and activities.

The dialogue brought together festival organizers and supporters, petitioners from religious groups and churches, members of the academe, and other concerned citizens ahead of the September 21 forum of the Baguio City Council. -Jordan G. Habbiling

15/09/2026

BAGUIO HORROR FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS AND PETITIONERS EXPLORE CHANGES TO HALLOWEEN EVENT

Organizers of the Baguio Horror Festival and groups opposing the event have expressed openness to possible changes to the public Halloween celebration as they sought common ground during a preliminary dialogue on September 14, 2026.

Facilitated by Councilor Yuri Weygan, the dialogue brought together the festival organizers and supporters, religious groups, churches, members of the academe, and other concerned citizens ahead of the forum in the Baguio City Council on September 21, 2026 regarding the petition against the Halloween parade.

The petitioners raised concerns over the festival’s use of death, horror, macabre, and occultism themes and their possible effects on children and young people. They also questioned whether a public event centered on such themes is consistent with Baguio’s identity as a Character City under Ordinance 39-2023.

The petition earlier submitted to the City Council does not seek to ban Halloween celebrations by private citizens, criminalize Halloween observance, or declare anyone persona non grata but, instead, calls for a review of the festival’s permits, dialogue with the organizers, and measures to ensure that future public events are consistent with the city’s character-building policies.

However, during the September 14 dialogue, the oppositors expressed varying positions. While some called for the event to be totally banned, others sought modifications that would allow the celebration to continue while addressing their concerns.

Carl Paolo Corpuz, the festival’s main organizer, explained that horror in the context of the festival refers to an artistic genre expressed through films, literature, photography, costumes, and visual arts. He said the event does not promote satanism or blasphemy and that the Halloween parade has been family-oriented since it began in 2011.

The parade features characters from pop culture, movies, literature, and Filipino television shows and has attracted cosplay enthusiasts and fans from Baguio and other parts of the country. For this year, the October 25 parade will take place along Session Road, just like in previous years, followed by a program at the People’s Park featuring a costume contest and trick-or-treat activity for children.

Corpuz also clarified that the phrase “turn Baguio into a horror capital” which appeared on the festival’s website and social media pages was not a formal proposal for the city to adopt such a designation. He described it as a literary and marketing expression within the horror genre and said the organizers are open to modifying the branding.

Other festival supporters likewise expressed willingness to avoid overly graphic or bloody imagery and make the event more wholesome while retaining opportunities for families, children, and participants to express their creativity.

On the other hand, petitioners and other concerned citizens said the public nature of the parade requires consideration of its impact beyond the participants themselves.

Some school administrators raised concerns about the possible psychological and emotional effects of graphic and gory imagery on children and young people. Others said public activities should be anchored on character formation and should not normalize imagery involving death, demons, and other negative themes.

Some proposed alternatives that would retain the creative and artistic aspects of the celebration while moving away from horror-centered themes including a festival of light, lantern parade, or character and creativity festival.

Engr. Isabelo “Poppo” Cosalan, author of the Character City Ordinance and representing the Baguio Character Council, said the parties should work toward conditions that would be acceptable to all and consistent with the city’s vision of being livable, inclusive, and creative.

Former Department of Tourism-Cordillera Regional Director and Creative Baguio City Council co-chairperson Venus Tan also called for reconsideration of the “horror capital” branding, saying Baguio can maintain its identity as a creative city while keeping Halloween activities fun, wholesome, and regulated.

Meanwhile, Weygan stressed that the discussion should not become a conflict between the creative and religious sectors. He said children are impressionable and that possible modifications to the event should be considered while respecting the rights and views of all concerned.

The organizers and petitioners are expected to bring these positions and possible modifications to the City Council forum on September 21, 2026 where the petition and the proposed October 25 Halloween parade will be further discussed. -Jordan G. Habbiling

15/09/2026

CITY COUNCIL SEEKS MIDDLE GROUND IN HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL DISPUTE

The Baguio City Council is seeking common ground among the organizers of the Baguio Horror Festival, religious groups, and other concerned citizens following a preliminary dialogue facilitated by Councilor Yuri Weygan on September 14, 2026 at the Baguio Convention Center and Cultural Center.

The dialogue was held in preparation for the City Council forum on September 21, 2026 regarding the petition questioning the Halloween festival’s themes, imagery, and consistency with Ordinance 39-2023 or the Character City Ordinance.

Weygan, chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Tourism, Special Events, and Playgrounds, said the discussion aimed to hear both sides and work toward a compromise before the matter is taken up by the City Council.

He said the issue could have been settled among the parties concerned but became a subject of public discussion on social media. He emphasized the need for a rational discussion and a unified direction for the September 21 forum.

Weygan said Baguio’s identity as a summer capital, educational hub, Character City, and creative city should be considered in discussing the matter at hand. He also clarified that the debate primarily concerns the public Halloween parade, while activities held in private venues are not part of the petition.

Listening to both sides, Weygan emphasized that the organizers were not promoting satanism or blasphemy, noting that the City Government would be the first to oppose such activities. However, he also stressed the need to consider the possible effects of horror imagery on children and young people including the need to modify or tone down certain elements.

The discussion brought together organizers and supporters of the festival, petitioners from religious organizations and churches, members of the academe, and other concerned citizens.

While some petitioners called for the festival to be banned, others sought modifications to ensure that the public event is consistent with the city’s character-building policies.

Meanwhile, organizers expressed openness to changes in branding and event content.

Former Councilor Engr. Isabelo “Poppo” Cosalan, author of the Character City Ordinance and representing the Baguio Character Council, called on the parties to work together toward conditions that would be acceptable to all concerned. He encouraged the participants to submit a proposed course of action to the City Council.

Former Department of Tourism-Cordillera Regional Director and Creative Baguio City Council co-chairperson Venus Tan also called for a positive approach, saying the city can uphold its creative identity while ensuring that Halloween activities remain wholesome and regulated.

The September 21 forum will provide the City Council an opportunity to further examine the petition, the organizers’ position, and possible measures concerning the proposed October 25 Halloween parade. -Jordan G. Habbiling

11/09/2026

PERMANENT PASADANG PAMBARANGAY PROGRAM FOR ALL 128 BARANGAYS APPROVED ON SECOND READING

The Baguio City Council has approved on second reading and for publication a proposed ordinance that will institutionalize the Pasadang Pambarangay as a regular, continuing, and non-partisan City Government program, bringing essential health, social welfare, environmental, information, and community development services directly to all 128 barangays.

Principally authored by Liga ng mga Barangay President Rocky Aliping, the proposed ordinance will make Pasadang Pambarangay a regular, mandatory, and continuing program of the City Government, with annual budgetary support to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of mobile government services across the city's 128 barangays, regardless of political transitions or changes in administration.

The City Mayor's Office, through the Special Services Division (SSD), will serve as the lead implementing unit responsible for planning, scheduling, logistics, and monitoring the program. It will coordinate with the City Health Services Office (CHSO), barangay officials, the Liga ng mga Barangay Baguio City Chapter, participating national government agencies, and other public and private stakeholders.

Each Pasadang Pambarangay deployment will provide a range of services covering health and medical assistance, social welfare programs, information and education campaigns, environmental protection and sustainability activities, and community development and capacity-building initiatives.

The program will cover all 128 barangays on a rotation-based schedule throughout the year. Activities will be held in accessible community locations such as barangay multipurpose halls, public covered courts, and other designated open spaces, in coordination with barangay officials and district health centers.

The ordinance will appropriate P500,000.00 annually from the City Government budget under the City Mayor's Office for the program. Any additional funding needed in succeeding years may be incorporated into the regular or supplemental city budget, subject to approval by the City Council and existing budgeting and auditing rules.

It will also require the participation of barangay officials, community volunteers, sector representatives, and residents in planning and implementing each deployment. The SSD will establish mechanisms for communities to help identify their needs before each outreach activity, assist in localized logistics, and evaluate the services provided afterward.

The SSD will likewise establish a monitoring and evaluation system and submit a performance and compliance report to the Sangguniang Panlungsod after each deployment cycle. The report will include participant turnout, an itemized account of resources used, identified service gaps, and best practices that can guide improvements in succeeding activities.

To expand the services available during each deployment, the City Government may enter into partnerships and memoranda of agreement with national government agencies, private institutions, medical associations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. These partnerships may provide additional manpower, technical expertise, specialized equipment, and material donations without unnecessary additional cost to the City.

Finally, the ordinance will require Pasadang Pambarangay to remain continuous and non-partisan. Political campaign materials and partisan logos will be prohibited during and within the premises of program activities, while implementation will continue regardless of changes in political leadership or administration.

The proposal will undergo public consultations and city council deliberations as the next legislative steps. -Jordan G. Habbiling

10/09/2026

PROPOSAL FOR CITYWIDE SHIFT TO LESS PAPER GOVERNANCE APPROVED ON SECOND READING

The Baguio City Council has approved on second reading and for publication a proposed ordinance that will require all City Government departments and offices to reduce paper use and gradually shift suitable government processes to digital or hybrid systems to improve efficiency, records management, and document processing.

Authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr, the proposed measure will cover all departments, offices, and units of the City Government of Baguio. Each office will be required to adopt measures to minimize paper use and prepare a Paper Reduction and Digital Transition Plan within 90 days from the effectivity of the ordinance. The plan will identify paper-intensive processes, at least three processes for priority reduction or digitization, proposed digital or hybrid alternatives, measurable reduction targets, an implementation timeline, and required resources.

The ordinance will establish a Digital First policy, under which documents will, whenever feasible, be created, processed, transmitted, routed, and stored electronically. Printing will be limited to documents required by law or regulation, necessary for operations, required for external submission, or justified by technical limitations. Offices will also be required to minimize multiple hard copies, use duplex printing for internal documents, print only final or necessary versions, and reuse paper for drafts when practicable.

The proposal will require each department and office to designate a Paper Reduction Officer who will oversee implementation, monitor paper consumption, coordinate with the Baguio City Information and Communications Technology Council (BCICTC) and Management Information and Technology Division (MITD), and submit periodic reports. Offices will also submit quarterly reports indicating their estimated paper use, reduction achieved, and progress toward their targets.

The ordinance will provide for the gradual digitalization of internal communications, reports and memoranda, document routing and approvals, records management and archiving, and inter-office correspondence.

The BCICTC will develop or recommend electronic routing and tracking systems, as well as standards for digital document formats, naming conventions, routing protocols, and interoperability among City Government offices. The MITD will provide technical assistance, while the City Government will conduct training to improve the digital capabilities of personnel.

The measure will also align government procurement with its paper-reduction objectives by encouraging the acquisition of equipment and systems such as duplex-capable printers and copiers, scanners, document management tools, and digital workflow software.

Importantly, the proposal recognizes that paper cannot be completely eliminated. Paper-based procedures will remain allowed when required by law, necessary for operations, required for external submission, or made necessary by technical limitations.

The proposed system will also include monitoring and environmental impact reporting. The BCICTC, in coordination with the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), will assess the reduction in paper use and waste, while offices demonstrating significant reductions may receive recognition or incentives. The initial implementation will begin within six months, with substantial paper reduction targeted within one to two years from effectivity.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod, meanwhile, has already shifted to a paperless system years ago, making the proposed citywide policy consistent with practices that have long been adopted in the legislative body. The Sanggunian has been using digital systems for the preparation, routing, distribution, and storage of legislative documents, demonstrating how government processes can transition away from heavy reliance on printed documents.

The proposed ordinance will extend this approach to the rest of the City Government, while allowing offices to retain paper-based processes where these remain necessary.

The proposal will undergo public consultations and city council deliberations as the next legislative steps. -Jordan G. Habbiling

10/09/2026

PROPOSED LOCAL PROCUREMENT PROGRAM APPROVED ON SECOND READING

The Baguio City Council has approved on second reading and for publication a proposed ordinance that will institutionalize a local procurement program aimed at increasing the participation of qualified Baguio-based suppliers, contractors, service providers, cooperatives, and MSMEs in City Government procurement.

Authored by Councilor Van Oliver Dicang, the proposal will establish a Baguio Local Procurement Registry, an official database of qualified Baguio-based suppliers, contractors, and service providers. The City General Services Office, in coordination with the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), will maintain and regularly update the registry.

It will also require the City Government to implement supplier and service provider development programs, including training on government procurement procedures and compliance requirements, assistance in PhilGEPS registration, business development support and mentorship, and information dissemination on procurement opportunities.

Before procurement planning, all City Government procuring entities will conduct local market scoping to determine whether Baguio-based suppliers have the availability and capacity to meet the City's procurement requirements.

The measure will also introduce local preference mechanisms, subject to existing procurement laws and rules. These will allow preference for qualified Baguio-based suppliers in cases of equal or substantially equal bids, encourage local participation through appropriate procurement design, and consider the performance and capacity of local suppliers in framework agreements and repeat orders, when legally allowed.

The ordinance will promote the participation of local enterprises in priority sectors including agriculture and food supply, creative and cultural industries, construction, repair and maintenance, furniture and manufacturing, and professional and social services.

It will also allow procurement unbundling, or the division of procurement projects into smaller components, to provide qualified smaller suppliers greater opportunities to participate.

The proposed ordinance will undergo public consultations and city council deliberations as the next legislative steps. -Jordan G. Habbiling

10/09/2026

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲? 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

1) Institutionalizing the Baguio Local-Based Procurement Participation and Preference Program, Promoting the Participation of Qualified baguio-Based Suppliers, Contractors, Service Providers, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Social Enterprises in Icty Government Procurement

2) Promoting a “Less Paper Governance System in the City Government of Baguio, Mandating all Departmen and Offices to Adop Paper Reduction Programs

3) Institutionalizing the “Pasadang Pambarangay” Program in the City of Baguio

Access the documents here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Byvm1JsXHVBsF3d40y_xX-E_TnY9fI0P

10/09/2026

CITY COUNCIL SEEKS ALTERNATIVE SITES FOR PROPOSED CELL TOWER NEAR CHILDREN’S PARK

The Baguio City Council has deferred action on the proposed agreement with Phil-Tower Consortium Inc. for telecommunications towers, directing concerned City offices and the proponent to further study alternative locations, particularly for the proposed site near Children’s Park, while also revisiting the financial terms of the arrangement.

The councilors recognized the need for improved telecommunications connectivity but questioned whether the proposed site near Children’s Park is the most appropriate, given the area’s use as a recreational space and the City’s plans for its development.

Councilor Yuri Weygan questioned the need to place the facility in an area intended for children, saying that the need for connectivity should not automatically mean putting a tower inside or near Children’s Park. He suggested looking at other locations, particularly areas where connectivity problems have been identified.

Liga ng mga Barangay President Rocky Aliping likewise questioned whether the Children’s Park site was the best among the options considered by Phil-Tower. He stressed that the City should determine the appropriate location and raised concerns that the tower could conflict with the planned improvement of Children’s Park. He also called for the necessary building and electrical permits to be secured before construction proceeds.

Meanwhile, Councilor Van Oliver Dicang asked whether private properties and other locations had been considered for the proposed towers. He also sought clarification on the City Hall site including its height, footprint and possible effect on the heritage building.

Councilor Vladimir Cayabas suggested considering other possible locations including People’s Park and educational institutions and urged the proponent to consider community needs alongside the requirements of telecommunications operators.

Councilor Peter Fianza focused on public acceptability, saying residents need to be properly informed about telecommunications facilities, particularly concerns regarding radiation and health. He suggested that public consultations be conducted with affected communities and that experts and appropriate national government agencies be invited to address these concerns.

The proposed Burnham Park site was initially identified at the Ganza Parking area before being moved to the Jose Abad Santos Drive-Kisad Road area near Children’s Park. The location was selected based on the technical requirements of telecommunications operators and the need to address network coverage and capacity in the area.

Phil-Tower representatives said the proposed site falls within an area identified by network operators as needing improved coverage and capacity. They explained that additional infrastructure is needed not only in areas with weak signals but also where existing networks become congested because of the increasing number of users and demand for data services.

The City’s Management Information Technology Division (MITD) likewise reported that its personnel observed that signals were available in the area but data transmission could be affected by congestion, particularly during periods of high usage.

City Planning and Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) Assistant Head Elias Aoanan said the proposed Children’s Park location had undergone technical and heritage-related assessment. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) had cleared the proposed site, but councilors said the location still needs to be checked against the planned development and rehabilitation of Children’s Park.

City officials also explained that other locations had been considered. The Baguio Athletic Bowl and another site near Igorot Park were not pursued, while People’s Park was mentioned as a possible location for further consideration despite having no current operator requirement.

Aside from the location, Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda strongly questioned the proposed P20,000 monthly rental for the sites, asking how the amount was determined and comparing it with another tower proposal offering P100,000 monthly for a 25-square-meter site.

Tabanda also questioned Phil-Tower’s business model, financial projections, lease period and annual escalation, and called for the rental arrangement to be revisited so the City could obtain a better return from the use of its property.

Councilor Paolo Raynor Salvosa later said the P20,000 could be reasonable for a single telecommunications tenant but proposed a step-up rental when additional operators are accommodated on the tower. He also questioned the proposed 3% annual escalation, suggesting that the rental instead be linked to inflation to preserve the value of the City’s income over the lease period, subject to a possible cap.

The City Council also raised other safeguards including the requirement for building and electrical permits before construction, an independent electrical connection, clear maintenance access and a limit on the number of telecommunications operators that may use the proposed structure.

Legal questions were likewise raised over the arrangement between the City, Phil-Tower and telecommunications operators, particularly whether the use of the tower by telcos could constitute subleasing of government property. City Legal Officer Althea Alberto maintained that telecommunications companies would be paying for the use of the tower and its services rather than leasing the government land itself.

Phil-Tower explained that the proposed 18-meter street-pole structure can accommodate up to two telecommunications operators, allowing infrastructure sharing and potentially reducing the need for separate towers.

At the close of the discussion, Vice Mayor and Presiding Office Faustino Olowan directed CPDSO, City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEMPO) and other concerned offices to work with the City Council’s Committee on Laws and Governance and Phil-Tower in conducting another assessment of possible sites. He also urged the proponent to consider the City Council’s recommendations on the rental terms.

The proposed agreement was subsequently returned to the Committee on Laws and Governance for further study, with the parties expected to continue discussions on the location, rental rate, escalation, legal safeguards, public consultation and other conditions before the matter is brought back to the City Council. -Jordan G. Habbiling

07/09/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: CITY COUNCIL SUMMONS HORROR FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS OVER CONCERNS ON EVENT

The Baguio City Council has scheduled a forum on September 21, 2026, inviting the organizers of the upcoming Baguio Horror Festival amid concerns raised by church leaders, churchgoers, and school representatives over the event’s reported portrayal of death, the macabre, and occultism themes.

During the City Council’s regular session today, September 7, 2026, Gerard Ericson Pangilinan of Endtime Harvest Christian Ministries International sought an audience with the local legislative body to present the petition and raise its concerns.

Invoking Ordinance 39-2023 or the Character City Ordinance, the petitioners raised concerns over the festival’s themes and imagery involving death, horror, the macabre, and occultism themes, as well as their potential impact on children and young people. They asked the City Council to review the festival’s permits and hold a dialogue with the organizers and petitioners on possible measures to ensure the event is consistent with the City’s character-building policies.

The petition stressed that it was not seeking to criminalize Halloween observance by private citizens or declare anyone persona non grata, but was instead asking the City to review the festival’s permits, hold a dialogue with its organizers and petitioners, and ensure future public events are consistent with Baguio’s identity as a Character City.

In view of the request, the City Council moved to invite the organizers and petitioners to a forum to discuss the concerns raised and hear both sides of the matter.

The Baguio Horror Festival and its signature Zombie Walk started in 2011. It was initiated by Carl Paolo Corpuz who was inspired by a similar zombie walk event he witnessed in Canada. Since then, the festival has been held annually. From fewer than a hundred participants in its early years, the festival has grown into a major annual Halloween tradition in Baguio City, drawing thousands of participants and spectators each year. -Jordan Gaviran Habbiling

Baguio City - Sangguniang Panlungsod

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