BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU) capped its 57th Commencement Exercises by conferring academic degrees to 1,092 graduates from its 11 campuses, with the ceremony held at the Alangilan Campus on December 16. Anchored on the theme, “Propelling Transformation and Accelerating Reforms for National Development,” the ceremony honored the achievements and aspirations of graduating Red Spartans who now embark on their professional journeys guided by the core values of integrity, excellence, and patriotism. University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo highlighted BatStateU’s distinction as the country’s only National Engineering University and the first State University and College (SUC) with ABET-accredited engineering and computing programs, affirming the institution’s adherence to globally recognized standards of quality and relevance. He paid tribute to the parents, calling them the true graduates of the day. “Kayo po ang sentro ng araw na ito habang magsisipagtagpos ang ating mga anak,” he declared, drawing heartfelt applause from the audience. Acknowledging the State’s support in the graduates’ education, he called on them to pay this privilege forward by serving the nation with patriotism and purpose. He likewise expressed gratitude to BatStateU faculty members and administrators who have chosen to serve in public education, nurturing future professionals and nation-builders. Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, President of Aboitiz Foundation Inc., offered a reflective and values-driven message centered on integrity, responsibility, accountability, and compassion as foundations of meaningful success. Describing graduation as a moment of transition—from the structured world of the classroom to a more complex and uncertain reality—she drew inspiration from Batangueño values such as bayanihan, industriousness, and quiet resilience, noting that these are the very qualities the nation needs today. She challenged the graduates to live with integrity, reminding them that reputation is shaped not only by achievements but by the consistency between beliefs, words, and actions—especially when recognition is absent and shortcuts are tempting. On responsibility, she encouraged the graduates to reflect on the broader impact of their work beyond personal success, stressing that excellence without responsibility may bring achievement but not respect. She also underscored accountability as the courage to own mistakes and speak up when it matters, even in uncomfortable situations. Her message concluded with a call to purposeful citizenship, urging graduates to live with integrity, pursue their dreams responsibly, remain accountable, and act with compassion—qualities essential to building a stronger nation. The graduates now join BatStateU’s growing community of alumni who are engineers, scientists, educators, public servants, and changemakers, poised to lead innovations, transform lives, and build the nation.    

By Victor Martin   BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Inaprubahan na sa komite ng senior citizen sa kongreso ang substitute bill para sa pagbibigay ng pension sa lahat ng mga senior citizen sa bansa. Sa naganap na ika-apat na regular meeting ng Committee on Senior Citizen sa pangunguna ni Committee Chair Milagros Magsaysay, agad na inaprubahan ng mga kongresista ang substitute bill para sa pag-amyenda sa Republic Act 7432 (The Senior Citizens Act) nitong Martes. Ayon kay Nueva Vizcaya Congressman Tim Cayton, saklaw ng naaprubahan na bill ang House Bill 2691 (Universal Social Pension) na kanyang inihain para sa buwanang pension ng lahat na mga senior citizen na may edad 60 pataas, anuman ang katayuan sa buhay. “Ang House Bill na ating inihain ay para sa lahat ng Senior Citizen sa bansa, mayaman man o mahirap, may tinatanggap man sa SSS, GSIS, PVAO o anuman ang katayuan sa buhay, lahat ay kasama bata’t nasa edad 60 pataas,” pahayag ni Cayton. Pinasalamatan din ni Cayton ang mga kapwa mambabatas na naghain ng kahalintulad na panukala para lalong mapagtibay at mapabilis ang pag-apruba sa substitute bill. Matatandaan na ang Universal Social Pension ang kauna-unahang inihain ni Cayton na House Bill sa kanyang unang araw sa kongreso matapos maupo bilang mambabatas ng Nueva Vizcaya. Bilang dating Mayor ng Dupax del Norte ng 9 na taon ay itinatag ni Cayton ang localized social pension noong 2016 na nagbibigay ng buwanang pesnsion sa lahat ng mga senior citizen sa kanyang bayan. Dahil dito ay itinanghal si Cayton bilang Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines noong 2023 sa larangan ng social services.    

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – Joint personnel of the Regional Civil Security Unit of the Police Regional Office-1 nabbed a firecracker seller during an entrapment operation in Barangay San Nicolas, Candon City, Ilocos Sur, on December 16. According to PCol. Cherry Fajardo, chief of RCSU1, the 26-year-old man, a resident of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, negotiated with them to sell firecrackers, so the entrapment was conducted with the help of other police agencies. The operation was conducted at around 5:35 p.m. in the aforementioned area and 105 pieces of Dart Bombs worth P4,200 were confiscated from the suspect and the boodle money and cash used in the entrapment were also recovered. According to Fajardo, the confiscated firecrackers were being smuggled and the suspect is facing charges for violation of Section 3 of RA 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices), in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012). (By Zaldy Comanda)  

By Ruben A. Veloria   BOTOLAN, Zambales, Philippines — Designated Camp Chief and Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. on Monday officially opened the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in Scout Camp Kainomayan in Barangay San Juan, this town. Gov. Ebdane welcome the 25,000 scout leaders and support individuals of “different nations and culture united by service and shared commitment in shaping our better future” come together to join one of the biggest scout jamboree in the history of scouting in the world. “Today is historical event as scouts from 19 nations of different languages, culture and religion, come together, reminding us that unity and cooperation can overcome differences,” Gov. Ebdane said. Gov. Ebdane noted that the jamboree is more than a gathering, but a training ground for future leaders, “who will protect the environment, strengthen community, promote peace, and to face of challenges with courage and compassion.” Meanwhile, APR Scout Committee Chairperson Dato’ Dr. Mohd Zin Bin Bidin lauded the local provincial government headed by Gov. Ebdane for the “vibrant, massive and incredible scout jamboree site. “Thank you Mr. Governor and Camp Chief Ebdane for giving the 33rd Asia Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree a truly ‘biggest open-classroom in the world,” said Bidin. The scout jamboree will run until December 21 with a program and activities designed to enhance skills development, nature adventure, cultural exchange and social learnings and friendship. “Make the best of this jamboree, as you make new friends and experiences,” Bidin said. Based on Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP) website, among the delegations for the event, include Bangladesh, Fiji, Hong Kong, South Korea, TGA Scouts of China, Brunei Darussalam, Maldives, USA, Canada, Kuwait, and the host country, the Philippines which will be sending the biggest delegation. On her part, Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz (Zambales, (2nd Dist.) expressed her gratitude for a dream come true. “Among the first dream of mine is to bring the 33rd APR Scout Jamboree to Zambales, to make history that will be written in history books and archives,” she said, as she thanked Gov. Ebdane and Zambales Provincial Engineering and Infrastructure Development (ZPEID) Consultant Engineer Domingo Mariano. In mid-2025, Gov. Ebdane commissioned Engr Mariano to plan and construct the best camp site for the 33rd APR Scout Jamboree. In response, Engr. Mariano created in merely 118 days the Scout Camp Kainomayan Jamboree site defeating time, six typhoons, 10 hours of power outage, lack of materials and manpower. The result: a 62-ha. Jamboree complex complimented with roads and six bridges with signage, huge mess hall, clinics and emergency posts with ambulances on stand-by, security post which monitors a network of 94 CCTV, and a Grand Arena Camp which can accommodate 30,000 participants, a parking space to handle 600 units of bus, and the installation of seven power transformers for electric power supply. The camp site is divided into seven smaller APR villages or sub-camps, with each sub-camp is complemented with comfort rooms, bath-wash with shower, and laundry area, water and electricity supplies, and spacious grounds. Earlier, a Holy Mass was celebrated in the Religious Pavilion, and was followed by the unveiling of the BSP 33rd Asia Pacific Regional Scot Jamboree totem pole o which both events were graced by Camp Chief and Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., and other BSP Officials.