Baguio Tourism Council Kicks Off 2025 with New Initiatives and Milestones Under Gladys Vergara's Leadership

The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), composed of various sectors of Baguio City’s business community—including restaurants, hotels, inns, tour and travel agencies, transport, arts, culture, media, sports and wellness, and education—held its first board meeting of 2025 on February 13, 2025, at the Function Hall, Shakey’s Restaurant, Kisad Road, Baguio City. Chaired by Ms. Gladys A. Vergara and attended by honorary board members and sectoral heads, the meeting covered pivotal updates, reports, and resolutions that will shape Baguio's tourism landscape in the coming year.

Ms. Vergara opened the meeting with her Chairperson’s Report, which highlighted BTC’s numerous achievements in 2024. From revitalizing tourism post-pandemic to successful event rollouts, the report received unanimous approval. Secretary Engr. Aloysius Mapalo detailed BTC’s membership growth, key meetings, resolutions, and activities, also earning the board’s approval. Treasurer Mr. Mark Jefferson Ng proudly announced that BTC had its best season so far in terms of financials for 2025. This achievement is a testament to growing public and private support.

VISITA and ATOP 2025 Project Update

Engr. Mapalo provided an update on the VIS.I.T.A. (Visitor Information and Tourist Assistance) project, which played a key role in the World Ikat Textiles Symposium (WITS). Efforts to integrate VIS.I.T.A. into the official ATOP 2025 registration process are underway, with additional funding from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) being pursued. The Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines National Convention and Tourism National Pearl Awards will be hosted by Baguio City come October 2025. Delegates from all regions are expected to converge in Baguio City for ATOP 2025. This event will highlight Baguio’s role as a premier tourism hub and showcase its unique culture and attractions to a national audience.

Sectoral Highlights

• G.2 Sector (Accomodations, Ms. Aurora Alambra): Expressed gratitude for support on scam accommodation infomercials and their involvement in An Enchanted Baguio Christmas 2024.
• G.3 Sector (Restaurants, Mr. Rocky Cating): Reported on active participation in the zero-waste economy initiative.
• G.5 Sector (Hotels, Mr. Mark Jefferson Ng): Discussed ongoing work with an advertising agency for a political roadshow.
• G.6 Sector (Mr. Lacambra): Proposed a city-central gallery for artists with an e-commerce platform linked to VIS.I.T.A. to boost local vendor sales.
• G.7 Sector (Heritage, Culture, Arts and Media, Mr. Ferdinand Balanag): Announced the Montañosa Film Festival’s plans to go international by 2026, celebrating its 1st Runner Up award for Best Institutionalized Program for Arts and Culture and the #BreatheBaguio Tourism Video, Grand Winner award for Best Tourism Promotions Video at the 2024 ATP National Pearl Awards.
• G.8 Sector (Tour Operators, Ms. Jennefer Baltazar): Introduced the “Breathe Baguio Package” and advocated for ordinances to regulate unauthorized tour guides.
• G.9 Sector (Transportation, Mr. William Bumay-et): Proposed inviting civic groups to learn about BTC’s role, which was approved.

Resolution and Initiative
The board approved several vital resolutions, including:
• A request for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to prioritize hiring Baguio or Cordillera residents.
• Plans for an annual Driver’s Federation training event with LTFRB and the Baguio Police Traffic Division.
• A resolution addressing the proliferation of fake PWD IDs, requesting city council intervention.
New Projects and Upcoming Events
The board endorsed several initiatives:
• Support for the Push/Pull Bike Event on March, securing venue approval from the City Mayor’s Office.
• Fund support allocations for the Montañosa Film Festival and for the Happy Paws Pet Park Opening Program.
The board also acknowledged upcoming major events:
• The accreditation of An Enchanted Baguio Christmas by the European Union.
• The ongoing 50 Shades of Bloom photography exhibit.
• A Medical Mission on February 18, 2025.

Public Safety and MPOX Prepardeness

BTC urged all sectors to remain vigilant regarding MPOX and to stay informed on precautionary measures.

The meeting marked another productive session in BTC’s ongoing efforts to elevate Baguio’s tourism industry and enhance community engagement. Specific follow-up actions were outlined, including coordinating with local authorities on public safety measures, further integration of VIS.I.T.A. into major events, and continuous support for upcoming initiatives.

For further information, contact the Baguio Tourism Council at the Visitor Information Center, Rose Garden, Burnham Park, Baguio City, Philippines. Landline: (074) 620 3117 Email: baguiotourismcouncil@gmail.com