URDANETA CITY – Social Security System (SSS) Luzon Central 1 Vice President Vilma P. Agapito and San Quintin Mayor Farah Lee Lumahan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to register San Quintin LGU as the first Contribution Subsidy Provider in Pangasinan. Starting September 2025, 217 barangay workers will receive a P760 monthly subsidy for their SSS contributions, totaling P164,920 in monthly support. The program will be fully funded by the local government throughout the term of Mayor Lumahan, as part of the municipal government’s efforts of enhancing social protection for community-based workers. SSS Vice President for Luzon Central 1 Division Vilma P. Agapito said that the groundbreaking agreement between SSS and an LGU is the first of its kind in Pangasinan and Luzon Central 1 Division which covers Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Barangay Population Workers (BPW), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), and Child Development Workers (CDW) of the said municipality. “Through this MOA, we are bringing social security protection closer to our grassroots workers who serve as frontliners in their communities. This collaboration with the San Quintin LGU is a trailblazing initiative that we hope other local governments will replicate,” Agapito said. She further emphasized that consistent and regular SSS contribution remittance ensures long-term protection and access to a wide range of benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral, and death benefits. Members also become eligible for salary and calamity loans, providing immediate financial assistance in times of need. Meanwhile, San Quintin Mayor Farah Lee Lumahan highlighted the LGU’s commitment to the barangay workers. “Our barangay workers have long been the backbone of community service. By partnering with SSS under the CSPP, we are ensuring that their sacrifices and contributions are recognized through social security protection. This is just the beginning, as we also commit to include our Civic Volunteer Organization (CVO) workers in 2026,” she said. SSS Urdaneta is also conducting courtesy meetings with other LGUs in its jurisdiction to offer the CSPP, in the hope that they will follow San Quintin’s lead in providing subsidy for the social security coverage of their barangay workers.    

By Danny Estacio   PAGBILAO, Quezon – The Therma Luzon, Inc. (TLI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation (Aboitiz Power), and the local government formally handed over to fisher folk association a livelihood project that enables its residents to raise samaral (siganid) in floating fish cages, here, on Monday, Oct. 13. The project called Biklad sa Lambat aims to offer an alternative livelihood to coastal residents in Pagbilao Bay through the Ibabang Palsabangon Fisherfolk Association. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Brackish Water Fisheries Technology Center, the Fisheries Iringan Samahan sa Hanapbuhay Primary Service Cooperative, and the Pagbilao LGU will implement the project. “The LGU of Pagbilao is full of gratitude for all the assistance and help that companies like Therma Luzon are providing for our constituents,” said Pagbilao Vice Mayor Wally Dapla. “This symbiotic relationship is essential in bringing about positive changes in our communities and in the lives of the people we are serving.” “Because of this partnership, we will be able to further help our local fisherfolk communities and their families.” The program’s design promotes the active participation of fisherfolk families, including women and youth, to encourage inclusive participation. The project aims to yield environmental and economic benefits, including increased fish production and technical expertise among fisherfolk, as well as stimulating eco-tourism and enhancing the local seafood supply chain. With its protected cove, healthy water quality, and flourishing marine ecosystem supported by continuous coastal resource management initiatives, Pagbilao Bay is an ideal setting for net cage culture. “This is not only a livelihood initiative,” said AboitizPower Transition Business Group Regional Chief Operating Officer Lito Morta. “It’s about sustainability, empowerment, and our common role to help realize our primary purpose as a company: Transforming Energy for a Better World.”          

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Bumisita ngayong umaga, Oktubre 14 si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., kasama si Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, sa lalawigan ng Cagayan para buksan at inspeksyunin ang ilang malalaking projects para sa traffic mobility at flood control and irrigation. Unang pinuntahan ng Pangulo ang bayan ng Claveria upang pormal na buksan ang Union Water Impounding Dam na ginawa ng National Irrigation Administration (NIA) at DPWH upang ma-address ang pagbaha at makatulong sa irigasyon sa lugar. “Itong Union Water Impounding Dam is an example of how flood control projects should be. Isa ito sa mga balak natin ireplicate sa ibang lugar na nangangailangan ng flood control solution na pwede ring mag-function as a dam,” ayon kay DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. Nasa 1,050-hectare na farmland ang masusuplayan ng bagong dam. Sumunod nito, ininspeksyon din ng Pangulo ang long-span bridge sa Cagayan River na siyang magdudugtong sa mga bayan ng Calamaniugan at Aparri. “Kabilin-bilinan ng Pangulo natin na gawing mas maayos at mabilis ang mobility ng ating mga kababayan at ang kabuhayan sa Cagayan Region. Kaya pinapamadali na natin ang pagtatayo nitong 1.58-kilometer Calamaniugan Bridge para maging mas mabilis na ang biyahe ng mga motorista pati na rin ang mga goods and services papunta sa northeastern at northwestern parts ng Cagayan,” sabi ni Secretary Dizon.

By Ruben A.Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippined — The Bureau of Customs – Port of Subic has again surpassed its September 2025 revenue target after recording a total collection of ₱3,87 Billion, exceeding its assigned target of ₱3,483 Billion, or an increase of 11%. Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao said that based on Port’s records for the month pf September 2025, the Bureau has collected a total of P3,870,665,783.55 on taxes, duties and other forms of revenue, as against the P3,483,277,798.04 target for the month. Estanislao commended the dedication and collective efforts of all personnel of the Port of Subic, emphasizing that the consistent performance reflects the Port’s unwavering commitment to efficiency, integrity, and transparency in revenue collection. “This is a result of the hard work and vigilance of every personnel of the Port, who continue to perform beyond expectations despite operational challenges.” The District Collector also noted that due to the dedication and superior performance of the personnel, the Bureau has officially received its ISO 9001:2015 Certification from TÜV SÜD Philippines, affirming its steadfast commitment to delivering efficient, transparent, and high-quality customs services that meet both customer expectations and international standards. ISO 9001:2015 certification recognizes the Port’s compliance with quality management on customs clearance processes for import and export operations that help organizations to consistently provide quality products and services to meet customer and regulatory satisfaction. The District Collector also expressed his appreciation to stakeholders and partner agencies, including the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) under the leadership of Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, for their continued support and collaboration that contribute significantly to trade facilitation and smooth port operations. The Port’s continuous success aligns with the Bureau’s 5-Point Priority Program and Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno mandates, particularly in ensuring enhanced revenue collection, good governance, and trade facilitation, while upholding the Bureau’s thrust toward a more modernized and transparent customs administration. With this accomplishment, the Port of Subic reaffirms its commitment to maintaining its high standard of service and sustaining its performance in the remaining months of the year in support of the Bureau’s overall collection goals for 2025.          

NAGA CITY Philippines–In her first 100 days in office, Mayor Leni Robredo has delivered significant progress in her administration’s housing initiatives, highlighted by the distribution of Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs) to 431 beneficiaries under the city’s Kaantabay sa Kauswagan program. The TCTs, handed over to the first batch of beneficiaries, mark a significant step in the city government’s commitment to secure land tenure for informal settlers through its socialized housing efforts. The Kaantabay sa Kauswagan (Partners in Development), aims to empower low-income families by granting them legal ownership of the lots they occupy. “This is not just about land ownership—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity,” Mayor Robredo said. “Once the lot is fully paid, the beneficiary must receive his or her TCT without delay.” According to the Housing Settlements and Development Office (HSDO), preparations are already underway for the second batch of title releases, expected to take place in December 2025, with an even larger number of recipients anticipated. The HSDO is working under Mayor Robredo’s directive to fast-track the release of TCTs to qualified beneficiaries immediately upon the completion of their payment obligations to the city government. In addition to the TCT distribution, the city is also taking strides toward long-term housing security by initiating the enrolment of urban poor communities into the Community Mortgage Program (CMP)—a national financing scheme that helps legally-organized homeowners’ associations acquire land through affordable loans. Several homeowners’ associations have already undergone orientation sessions as part of the city’s phased implementation of the CMP. The HSDO is currently processing necessary documentation to move forward with the program. | via Jason B. Neola