SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna, Philippines — The first day of the vendor zoning and clustering experiment around Sampalok Lake showed encouraging results, with two registered vendor associations actively participating in the initiative led by the City Government. Tourism Officer for Special Projects An Mercado Alcantara conducted on-site inspections joined by the City Tourism Team and Dr. Marino Garcia, Chief of the City Traffic Management Office. The visit aimed to observe how the new layout and clustering system worked in actual operation. Under the trial setup, vending areas were clearly designated, while open park zones were kept free for visitors to enjoy unobstructed views of the lake. Vendors were not allowed to occupy the road. This approach seeks to strike a balance between order and accessibility, enhancing both vendor management and visitor experience. According to Alcantara, vendors demonstrated discipline and cooperation, not only complying with the new guidelines but also offering practical suggestions to improve implementation. “The greatest achievement today is the spirit of collaboration among the Tourism Office, the City Traffic Management Office, and the vendors themselves,” Alcantara said. “It’s a small but meaningful step toward a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming lakefront for everyone — proof that when we work together, even change can feel like hope.” Important Reminder: Only vendors registered with their respective associations and approved by the Tourism Office are allowed to participate in the ongoing zoning experiment. Unregistered vendors are prohibited from selling in the parks surrounding Sampalok Lake.  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito  called for civility and unity, affirming the provincial government’s duty to respect court processes in the disputed mining exploration. He invited anti‑mining leaders to a “fruitful dialogue,” saying he wants to work with civil, responsible leaders to find solutions and prefers engagement over confrontation — even with protesters he believes are acting out of political interest. At the provincial government’s flag‑raising ceremony, Gambito said he will not be drawn into online attacks. “I am not silent, but I do not want to engage with disrespectful people on social media,” he said, noting a surge of harsh posts directed at him. He appealed for respect: “If they can’t respect the person, at least respect the position. If they disrespect the position, they also disrespect the people of Nueva Vizcaya who put me here.” He added that critics should not expect him to join scuffles at barricades — “I have other, more effective ways” — and said he has already relayed constituents’ concerns to the proper authorities, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. The governor framed his role as the province’s “father,” saying pro‑ and anti‑mining groups are like “children” in conflict. “As a reasonable father,” he said, he must find ways to resolve misunderstandings rather than inflame tensions, and he urged community leaders not to provoke residents or make the conflict worse. “If the majority of Nueva Vizcaya residents do not want mining, so be it. I can very well serve the province with or without mining,” Gambito added, saying his priority is serving the people and finding a peaceful solution. His remarks followed an incident last Friday in Sitio Keon, Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, where anti‑mining protesters confronted police officers who were providing security to a court sheriff serving an order from RTC Branch 30 Judge Paul R. Attolba Jr. The order was related to a temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by Woogle Corporation to allow it to proceed with exploration activities. As an anti‑mining rally took place Monday morning at the People’s Stage at the provincial capitol, Gambito sent a same‑day invitation to church leaders — including Bishop Elmer Mangalinao of the Diocese of Bayombong, who attended the protest — the protesters’ lawyers and anti‑mining leaders from Barangay Bitnong for a dialogue in his office. He described the invite as a sincere effort to resolve the issue peacefully and find common ground. The group declined the office meeting and insisted the governor come to the rally instead. Gambito at first considered agreeing to that demand, but one of the more civil anti‑mining leaders advised him not to go for security reasons. PNP Provincial Director Paul Bometivo said the demonstration was peaceful. Police estimated about 400 people took part — including residents from Dupax del Norte and other towns in Nueva Vizcaya, clergy, local officials and youth leaders. During the program at the capitol, leaders delivered speeches voicing their opposition to the mining project. Afterward the crowd marched out of the capitol grounds and continued their rally in front of the municipal hall in Dupax del Norte. Gambito reiterated that his office remains open for good‑faith dialogue and called on all sides to help lower the temperature, respect institutions and work toward a peaceful resolution.

LA UNION, Philippines — La Union’s beaches are set to come alive and filled with waves of energetic rhythm and vibes as the La Union Surfing Break rides in with more exhilarating sea-side activities, celebrating splash of fun, surf, music, arts, culture, and unity. The opening program will be held,on October 24, 2025, at the Waves Point, Barangay Panicsican, San Juan, La Union. La Union Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega encouraged the locals and tourists to join the crowd-drawing activities, saying “we invite our locals, tourists, and surfers to support the La Union Surfing Break, this is our way of showcasing our La Union Agkaysa here in the province.” “La Union offers more than great surfing, it’s also a place to enjoy our rich culture and heritage. Let us hit the waves and feel La Union,” Gov. Mario remarked. Now in its 20th year, the towns of San Juan and Bacnotan will once again host the month-long activities, bringing together tourists and locals to experience the province’s rich heritage and lively energy. For the San Juan Leg, among this year’s lineup of fun-filled activities include surfing competition, beach volleyball, San Juan surf clinic, glow run, pawi-can race, pawi-kite, surfboard painting competitions, Elyu music awards, pet halloween musical concert, afro latin festival, and 90s rewind. For the Bacnotan Leg, the town will feature a cultural show, zumbacnotan, surfing clinic, beach volleyball, sand castle making, bangkathon, music festival, foam party, surfboard painting competition, rescue olympics, and battle of the bands. Famous bands Amiel Sol, Sunkissed Lola, and Gracenote are set to electrify the stage with unforgettable music and priceless experience. LUSB also champions eco-friendly initiatives and responsible tourism, showcasing activities such as eco-booth camp, inter-barangay eco-decor competition, coastal clean-up, mangrove planting, eco-swap project, and clean-up drive. San Juan Municipal Tourism Officer Riza Joy Abat assured that the town is already geared up for the events, saying “we have partners and coordinated to our local uniformed personnel, government and private sectors, kasama po sila sa meeting at coordination para maayos ang pagcoconduct natin ng activities.” Bacnotan Municipal Tourism Officer Cheresa Sison also said that preparations are already in place. “Naplantsa na namin ang preparation with the help of the Provincial Government, our constituents, and very excited sa pagbubukas ng Surfing Break.” Sison affirmed. The local government units have designated parking areas for spectators and advised motorists to use alternate routes, to avoid congestion on highways near the venue. The LUSB is seen to generate significant impact on both tourism and the economy of the two municipalities. The LUSB is scheduled to run until November 2, 2025.

By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as chairman to lead the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. The Regional Development Council (RDC) is the highest planning and policy-making body for an administrative region, particularly in the Philippines, tasked with coordinating regional development efforts and setting the direction for economic and social development. The appointment letter dated October 16, 2025 was transmitted by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, after the President signed the appointment on the same date. The appointment as RDC Chairman “shall coincide with your regular term as local elected official” and shall have three years term. As RDC Chairman, Gov. Ebdane shall lead the council in the formulation of regional development plans, coordination with local and national government initiatives and the private sectors, and approving and promoting investment programs for the region. Governor Ebdane expressed his profound gratitude to President Marcos for the trust placed in him to continue serving Central Luzon. The Governor stated that he will strive to further intensify programs and projects for the development of Central Luzon— from the economy and infrastructure to the daily livelihoods of his constituents. Ebdane added that this appointment is not only an honor but also a new challenge that he wholeheartedly accepts for the welfare of the citizens, especially the people of Zambales. The governor remarked, “I may profoundly now say, ‘Sulong Gitnang Luzon!’” For his track records, Gov. Ebdane served as Chief of Philippine National Police (July 2002 –August 2004) under former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was later appointed as Secretary of National Defense from February 2007 to July 2007 or until his appointment as Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways, where he served well until 2009. After which he later enter the court of politics in Zambales.