By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Nueva Vizcaya was named Champion of Digital Governance at the Partner Summit 2025 of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on November 25 at Cagayan State University here. The summit, organized by the DICT’s ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau, carried the theme “Walang Iwanan sa Digital Bayanihan” and brought together government leaders, industry partners, and academic institutions to boost collaboration for digital literacy and ICT competency nationwide. The Champion of Digital Governance Award recognizes local governments that show strong leadership and support for ICT programs that drive digital transformation and inclusive development. Criteria include the number of ICT projects done with DICT, funding and resources provided for ICT, creation or support of ICT offices, participation of local officials in trainings, and the impact of these efforts on community digital inclusion, such as residents trained and digital centers established. Nueva Vizcaya was cited for its sustained partnership with DICT, according to Provincial Information and Technology Division (PITD) chief Sherlyn B. Fernandez, through continued collaboration in the implementation of the Free Wi‑Fi ti Umili program that complements the national Free Wi‑Fi for All initiative, support for the rollout of ICT training programs and provincial capacity‑building activities, and the provision of training venues, equipment, and other ICT requirements for the conduct of ICT‑related activities in the province. Fernandez, who heads the PITD, received the award on behalf of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito thanked the DICT for the recognition, saying it affirms the province’s commitment to digital inclusion. “We are deeply honored to be recognized by the DICT as Champion of Digital Governance. This award is a testament to the hard work of our provincial team and our strong partnership with DICT in bringing digital services and opportunities closer to every Novo Vizcayano. We thank the DICT for its unwavering support, and we will continue to invest in ICT programs so that no one in our communities is left behind in the digital age,” Governor Gambito said.  

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni Robredo expressed the heartfelt gratitude of the City Government of Naga and its people to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) with LDS Naga-Philippine Stake President Michael Diaz for donating P8 million worth of medical equipment intended for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH). Robredo said the city is grateful not only for the essential medical apparatuses but also for the enduring legacy of compassion and service that LDS members continue to share with communities across the country. “What is highly commendable is the act of genuine generosity and compassion, which bring hope and inspiration, especially to those who are downtrodden and destitute,” the mayor said. During the turnover and acceptance ceremony, the mayor recalled the Church’s vital partnership with the Angat Buhay Foundation during her tenure as congresswoman of Camarines Sur’s third district—a collaboration that continues today with her leadership in Naga City. In her Saturday morning radio program “Oras ni Mayor” over DWIZ, Robredo also thanked NCGH chief of hospital Dr. Joseph Sanchez and assistant chief Dr. Jamela Mangente, who led the hospital’s efforts to secure the specialized NICU equipment. The donated items are essential in providing life-saving care for premature and critically ill newborns. These include: Radiant warmers (5 units), which provide controlled heat to keep newborns warm immediately after birth or during procedures while allowing easy access for medical staff. Incubators (3 units), enclosed and temperature-regulated chambers that maintain body heat and humidity for premature or sick infants who need stable environmental support. Neonatal patient monitors (8 units) that continuously track vital signs—heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure—and alert staff when readings fall outside safe levels. A central monitor (1 unit), enabling nurses and physicians to view and integrate vital signs from multiple infants at once, allowing faster response to emergencies. Phototherapy lamps (3 units), which emit blue-spectrum light to break down excess bilirubin in infants with jaundice, making it easier for their bodies to eliminate. Kangaroo care phototherapy blankets (2 units), flexible light-emitting pads that allow babies to receive jaundice treatment while being held in comforting skin-to-skin contact with their parents. Suction machines (9 units), which clear mucus and secretions from a newborn’s airway to prevent obstruction and support easier breathing. Robredo said the equipment will significantly improve the NCGH’s ability to care for its tiniest and most vulnerable patients, describing the donation as a “blessing that will save lives and uplift families for many years to come.”

BAUANG, La Union, Philippines — The Municipality of Bauang, led by Municipal Mayor Clarissa “Manang Bong” T. Lee, proudly participated in the La Union Gawad Kalusugan ken BHW Summit 2025 “Panangipateg ken Panagkaysa para iti Salun-at” held on November 25, 2025 at the Convention Center, San Fernando City, La Union. Mayor Manang Bong Lee personally received the esteemed awards honoring the exemplary work of the Municipal Health Office (MHO) under Dr. Erwill Nunan. These recognitions celebrate the outstanding delivery of health services and the unwavering dedication of our Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). Heartfelt Congratulations to the Doña Donata Aguila Memorial Health Center and the Municipality of Bauang for their multiple awards, excellence in public health, food safety, and quality service. We also celebrate LGU Bauang for being a Top Performing ESU and proudly recognize Ms. Jocelyn Garcia as one of the Outstanding Midwives in the Province of La Union! May these well-deserved achievements continue to inspire more milestones and strengthen our commitment to uplift the communities of Bauang. Your dedication serves as a powerful inspiration.  

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Philippines — The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to high-quality service after passing its external surveillance audit with zero non-conformities, retaining its ISO 9001:2015 Certification. The TÜV Rheinland Inc. audit held on 21 November 2025 reported zero non-conformities, eight positive observations, and only three opportunities for improvement, a strong sign that CIAC’s quality management system is running exactly as it should. ISO 9001:2015 is one of the world’s most trusted standards for quality management, helping organizations deliver consistent, reliable, and customer-focused services. CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar applauded the CIAC team for the achievement. “CIAC’s adherence to the Quality Management System has again been proven by the recent audit, ensuring the delivery of quality service to our stakeholders,” he said. The assessment reviewed CIAC’s estate management and lease processing operations, confirming compliance with all legal and contractual requirements and validating that the organization is on track to achieve its goals. Auditors also noted several positives, including CIAC’s awards and recognitions, operational improvements, active CSR programs, and the signing of new lease and development agreements that support the corporation’s long-term growth. As BCDA’s lead aviation and land development arm, CIAC continues to push forward with its mission to transform the Clark aviation complex into the Clark Aviation Capital: a vibrant business center poised to become the Philippines’ premier global aviation and logistics hub.    

By Victor Martin   BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The FCF Minerals Corporation, a British-owned mining company, based in Runruno, Quezon in Nueva Vizcaya, won its fourth consecutive Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) during the 71st Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) held last Friday (22Nov) Camp John Hay in Baguio City. Lorne Harvey, FCF General Manager for Operations, and Lawyer Rowena Marcos, Legal and Compliance Manager, accepted the PMIEA award, during the awards night and testimonial dinner held at Camp-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center. Harvey said aside from the PMIEA, the highest award conferred by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environmental Association (PMSEA), FCF Minerals was also declared 1st runner-up in Best Practices in Minerals Processing-Metallic Category during the 4th ASEAN Minerals Awards held in Vientiane, Laos last month. In his message, Harvey expressed his heartfelt gratitude specially to the people of Barangay Runruno, personnel of MGB-R02 and all FCF employees. “These awards are for the men and women in our Runruno mine operation. We would not have achieved this recognition for the 4th consecutive year without their tireless dedication to excellence,” Harvey said. The PMIEA is given to mining companies that demonstrated outstanding performance in environmental management, occupational health and safety, and corporate social responsibility. Joshua Ambojnon, FCF Safety Officer, also received his award for winning the Best Safety Inspector for Plant Category. Harvey said the awards bestowed to FCF Minerals institutionalized the company’s zeal to go further towards outstanding levels of dedication and innovation in mining, enhancing the lives of their community while protecting and nurturing the environment. “I would also like to make mention of the support of our community as well as our local leaders and the work that they do in conjunction with our staff to enhance the lives of our local population. Without the support of our community, we as a business would not meet the success we have today,” Harvey added. Harvey said the FCF Minerals is also strongly committed as ever to working closely with its many stakeholder groups to continue providing significant benefits and leaving a positive and long legacy. Meanwhile, the FCF Emergency Response Team (ERT) also clinched second place in the First Aid Competition held at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. The ERT also demonstrated their exceptional skills across multiple challenges which includes the Fire Brigade Competition, Fire Extinguishment Event and Tug of Peace Challenge. A local subsidiary of London based Metals Exploration, FCF Minerals has an existing financial and technical assistance agreement (FTAA) with the government to undertake the Runruno Gold-Molybdenum Project in Runruno village in Quezon town here. The project has been endorsed by the provincial board, the host town of Quezon, as well as the barangay council in 2011 and started its commercial operation in 2017 after more than a decade of exploration and construction.  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito on Monday, November 24, led the blessing of 11 newly procured heavy equipment units for the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU). The short rite, held immediately after the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony, was attended by provincial officials and department heads. Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan reported that the new units consist of: • 4 units – 4×2 Hino 500-series dump trucksWinning bid total: ₱23,980,000 • 1 unit – Develon DL250-7M wheel loader- ₱13,998,000 • 2 units – SDLG G9165F graders-₱21,990,000 • 2 units – Volvo EW145B Prime wheel-type excavators-₱26,990,000 • 1 unit – UD Truck Quester CWE 410 self-loading unit-₱17,995,000 • 1 unit – Shantui SD22Z crawler-type bulldozer-₱18,998,000 Gov. Gambito said the acquisition will significantly boost the province’s capability in road construction and maintenance, disaster response, and other public works operations. The blessing, held right after the flag ceremony, was meant to dedicate the units to public service and to pray for the safety of all personnel who will operate them in the years ahead.