By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 2, in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Nueva Vizcaya, distributed checks totaling PHP 2.2 million to 58 former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from various towns in the province today under the agency’s Reintegration Program. The release covered livelihood grants ranging from P8,000 to P20,000, as well as medical and bereavement assistance of PHP 5,000 to P20,000 for eligible beneficiaries. The awarding was led by Provincial Board Member Flodemonte S. Gerdan on behalf of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, alongside Alma D. Chavente, head of OWWA Region 2’s Reintegration Unit, and Dolly Rose C. Minas of the Governor’s Office Public Employment Service Division, who oversees the province’s OFW Welfare Center. Chavente commended the provincial government for establishing the OFW Welfare Center, which she noted is the first of its kind in the region and a significant support hub for OFWs in the province. Gerdan reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to OFWs and urged beneficiaries to use the financial assistance wisely to build sustainable livelihoods and avoid the need to work abroad and leave their families. OWWA’s Reintegration Program is a set of initiatives designed to help returning OFWs and their families become productive members of their communities upon their return to the Philippines.

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The Naga City Government is pressing forward with its plan to drastically improve healthcare services for children with special needs and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), despite earlier funding setbacks. As part of its 2028 Finish Lines, the city has committed to strengthening its local health workforce to ensure that vital early and appropriate interventions are accessible to all, including young Nagueños. Central to the city’s strategy is the hiring of highly specialized medical professionals in the 2026 budget, which includes a developmental pediatrician, a speech pathologist, and a rehabilitation doctor. Mayor Leni Robredo said that these specialists are essential to treat children diagnosed with conditions like autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, as well as those needing physical and occupational therapy. “Hopefully sa January na pwede na ulit tayong mag-hire ng mga additional na tao at macorrect yang [shortage of doctors at the Naga City General Hospital], pero kailangan ayusin natin,” Mayor Robredo said in a recent press conference, emphasizing the commitment to quality, expert care. To bridge the immediate gap, the Mayor has proposed a volunteer engagement with her sister-in-law, Dr. Penny Robredo-Bondoc, a rehabilitation doctor, to help expand rehabilitation and therapy services in the city hospital. In a concrete move toward building a data-driven system, the city has already provided laptops to its Community-Based Rehabilitation Specialists (CBRS). This equipment will allow the CBRS to create a comprehensive profiling system—a crucial database for evidence-based planning and delivering targeted, specific support to every child and every PWD who needs it. The mayor concluded by stating that with commitment and collaboration, Naga will continue its move toward becoming a more inclusive and child-friendly city. “Hopefully for 2026, yung mga special therapists na kinakailanganーhindi lang ng mga bata pati Persons With Disabilitiesーmagkaroon na,” Robredo added as she vowed to institutionalize community-based rehabilitation. | via Maida Boragay  

SAN PABLO CITY, Philippines — The City Tourism Office recently conducted a special sampler tour for officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – San Pablo Chapter, in preparation for the 2nd PCCI San Pablo Game Fowl, Pets, and Livestock Expo happening on November 28–29, 2025 at the San Pablo City Convention Center. The Expo is expected to draw an estimated 6,000 visitors to the city—participants who are not only attending the trade fair but are also eager to explore San Pablo’s vibrant arts, heritage, and culinary experiences. The tour featured samples of three guided routes: the San Pablo Art Circuit, the Heritage Architecture Circuit, and the Culinary Circuit—with stops at Lakehouse Art Gallery & Suites, Casa San Pablo’s Native Cooking Tour and Art Gallery, the San Pablo Heritage Zone, Ben’s Halo-Halo, and the Fule-Malvar Mansion Heritage Center for Culture and Arts. These circuits will be among the official offerings for Expo guests, with additional recommendations for independent travelers. According to Ricky Tan, Head of PCCI’s Committee on Public Relations and lead organizer of the Expo, “We really enjoyed the tour. More people from San Pablo should experience these tours—it makes us proud to be from San Pablo.” Niela Medina, Head of the PCCI Tourism Committee, added, “The offerings will surely be enjoyed by our guests. The partnership with the Tourism Office gives visitors a chance to experience San Pablo beyond the trade halls.” Tourism Officer for Special Projects An Mercado Alcantara expressed her gratitude to PCCI for its strong partnership with the City Tourism Office: “This collaboration shows what can happen when government and business work hand in hand—creating opportunities for local enterprises, enriching visitor experiences, and strengthening pride of place. Together, we’re putting San Pablo on the map as a city of culture, creativity, and community.” With local hotels, cafés, and tourism establishments now preparing to host thousands of guests, the partnership between PCCI and the City Tourism Office marks a bold and forward-looking step toward positioning San Pablo as a premier destination for trade, travel, and creative tourism.      

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) has activated the Incident Command System of its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) as the province braces for the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Uwan. Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega presided the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting on November 7, 2025 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Annex, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union, together with the offices of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to strengthen coordination and ensure comprehensive preparations of each disaster response agencies ahead of the approaching weather disturbance. The PDRA meeting focused on the movement of the typhoon, weather forecast for the weekend, logistical readiness of different agencies, identification of isolated barangays, and the ongoing coordination and support to local government units (LGUs), all aimed to safeguard communities. The PDRRMO has reported that its incident command teams are now on full alert and ready for deployment. Search-and-rescue assets such as ambulance, rescue vehicles, jetski, and rubber boats were preemptively prepositioned for mobilization in response to any eventualities that the typhoon may bring. The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) has also prepared its clearing teams and heavy equipment for possible clearing operations, while the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has ensured the availability of sufficient family food packs for immediate needs. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) has reminded farmers to harvest their crops that have reached maturity to prevent potential losses. Fish cage owners were also advised to harvest their fish, and fishermen were warned not to venture out to sea. The Local Government Units (LGUs) have begun conducting PDRA meetings to finalize their preparedness measures and preposition their rescue equipment and teams. LGUs have ensured that their EOC will be 24/7 operational and evacuation centers are fully-prepared to accommodate residents who may need to be evacuated. They are also intensifying coordination with the barangays to keep residents informed and prepared on the threat of the typhoon. Gov. Mario also urged residents to closely monitor weather bulletins and advised those in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to stay alert and cooperate with local authorities.

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Provincial Government of Tarlac have forged a landmark partnership to establish the Tarlac Community College in New Clark City, a move seen to boost regional development, expand access to affordable and quality education, and build a future-ready workforce in Central Luzon. BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang and Tarlac Governor Christian Tell A. Yap on Friday, October 17, 2025, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to initiate the planning and development of a five-hectare community college that will position New Clark City as an emerging hub for academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. “We are laying down the foundation for the establishment of the Tarlac Community College in New Clark City, a partnership between BCDA and the Provincial Government of Tarlac. This is in line with BCDA’s vision to strengthen university-industry linkage and equip our people with the skills needed for future industries,” said Engr. Bingcang. Under the MOU, BCDA will identify and make available an area within New Clark City for the proposed campus, while the Provincial Government of Tarlac will lead its development, financing, and academic programming. The initiative forms part of BCDA’s efforts to attract educational institutions and research centers that will shape New Clark City into a beacon of learning and innovation. Governor Yap underscored the transformative impact of the project: “We are very grateful for the property being offered for the development of this future training center and community college for our kababayans in the western side of the province of Tarlac. The best service we can provide them is to empower them with livelihood, jobs, and other opportunities…We have the platform here in New Clark City to develop all of our dreams.” Tarlac Community College is envisioned to offer courses aligned with emerging industries and future employment trends, enhancing human capital and contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of Tarlac and its surrounding areas. As a smart, green, disaster-resilient, and inclusive metropolis, New Clark City dedicates 60% of its land area to open spaces and sustainability-driven development. The addition of a premier educational institution strengthens its identity as a city built not only for infrastructure and commerce, but also for community building and nation-building. Other institutions that are already establishing their presence in New Clark City, including the National Academy of Sports, the University of the Philippines, and the Philippine Science High School, further solidifying its position as an emerging academic and innovation hub for the country. BCDA and the Provincial Government of Tarlac will convene regular coordination meetings to ensure the project’s alignment with the New Clark City master plan and national development objectives. A separate agreement will be executed upon finalization of the project’s scope and implementation terms