LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) Laoag has partnered with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Ilocos Norte Irrigation Management Office to ensure the social security protection of 118 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers through the KaSSSanga Collect Program (KCP). The partnership was formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held last July 28 with SSS represented by SSS Acting Vice President of Luzon North 1 Division Nancy Umoso and SSS Laoag Branch Head Richard Raralio, and NIA Ilocos Norte represented by Division Manager Engr. Joselito A. De Vera, MPA. Under the KCP, NIA’s JO and COS workers will be registered as SSS Self-Employed members.  NIA shall be responsible for the collection and remittance of monthly contributions to SSS Laoag. “These workers are not covered under the GSIS Law, so the SSS is stepping in to provide them with the social security protection they deserve,” said Umoso. “Through the KCP, they will have access to a wide range of benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral, as well as loan privileges.” Umoso said. Umoso added that monthly contributions for Self-Employed members range from ₱760 to ₱5,280, depending on their declared monthly income, inclusive of Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions ranging from P10.00 to P30.00. The EC Program is an additional benefit for employed and self-employed members for work-related sickness, injury, or death. She also clarified that government employees who previously worked in the private sector and wish to continue their SSS membership may enroll as voluntary members, although this category excludes EC coverage. “Regardless of membership category, regular contribution payments secure member’s eligibility to SSS benefits and loan privileges. Aside from that, those enrolled in the SSS Mandatory Provident Fund or MySSS Pension Booster can enjoy their additional savings upon retirement,” Umoso added. SSS Laoag Branch head Richard Raralio encouraged other government agencies and Local Government Units in Ilocos Norte to enroll their JO and COS workers under the KaSSSanga Collect Program. “Our branch is ready to assist the interested institutions. Joining KCP is a concrete way of showing appreciation and recognizing the contributions of JOs and COS,” Raralio concluded.        

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Cagayan province is home to over 3.66 million people, with youth aged 15 to 24 accounting for nearly one-fifth of its population. Internet use is widespread, with three out of four residents aged 10 and above already online. Yet, many continue to face barriers in accessing and maximizing digital tools in ways that are safe, responsible, and creative. To help bridge these gaps, Globe launched a series of engagements that gathered more than 750 students across the region, providing lessons on digital citizenship, leadership, and creative expression. Building on this effort, Globe organized a three-day program in partnership with three institutions. The sessions combined digital literacy modules, leadership workshops, and creative platforms designed to nurture future-ready communities in Cagayan province. Investing in the Next Generation Globe’s programs in Cagayan province reaffirm its commitment to prepare young Filipinos for the future by strengthening their digital skills, leadership abilities, and creative platforms for self-expression. “As we saw in Cagayan province, young Filipinos are already shaping their own futures with technology, leadership, and creativity. At Globe, we see the youth not just as future leaders but as leaders of today. Our role is to stand beside them as they build a better tomorrow for their communities and the nation,” said Raymond Mancilla, Territory Business Head. A Generation of Innovation, Leadership, and Community In Cagayan, Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) is empowering students to be not just digital natives but active changemakers. At Peñablanca National High School, 250 students joined DTP sessions on responsible digital citizenship. Instead of passively waiting to learn, they shared the advanced AI tools they already use in their studies, such as Nomunity, Study Talk, Perplexity, Blackbox AI, and Scholar.ai — proof of their openness to innovation and their ability to find new ways to learn. At Cagayan State University, more than 350 student leaders gathered to explore how leadership can be rooted in everyday actions that shape their peers and communities. Through DTP and complementary workshops on inclusivity, responsibility, and student voice, participants were encouraged to see themselves as active drivers of change. The program culminated in the TM Fun Music concert, which brought together over 2,500 students from the CSU Andrews and Carig campuses. Performances by Amiel Sol, student artists, and local talents transformed the event into a celebration of creativity and community spirit. “We sincerely thank our partners at Globe for sharing their time, efforts, and resources with the students of Cagayan State University Andrews Campus. Through the Digital Thumbprint Program, we were reminded of the importance of using technology responsibly, while the concert gave us a chance to celebrate and come together as one community. These activities brought both learning and joy, leaving a lasting impact on us as more informed, connected, and inspired individuals,” said Kyle Aron Tan, CSU Student Regent and Andrews Campus Student Council President. Beyond the Skills For the 150 medical student leaders at the Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines, DTP offered more than lessons on digital responsibility. It became a reminder that in healthcare, leadership is not measured only by knowledge but also by empathy, ethics, and accountability. “The seminar was an eye-opening experience for all the student leaders, making them realize the importance of being responsible digital citizens in today’s fast-changing online world. I believe that each of us gained practical knowledge on how to protect our identity online, secure our personal information, and be more critical when encountering content on social media especially with the rise of fake news and misinformation,” said MSNP-ISAP Student Activities Coordinator, James Vidad. From classrooms to concert stages and from leadership workshops to personal journeys, Globe’s work in Cagayan province highlights one truth. The brilliance of Filipino youth is the country’s greatest harvest. By nurturing their potential, Globe is helping shape a generation of leaders, creators, and changemakers who will carry the promise of a brighter future.

By Ruben A. Veloria   MARIVELES, Bataan,Philippines – In a significant boost to educational infrastructure in here, the AboitizPower Transmission Business Group, on Friday (Oct. 3) has officially turned over a state-of-the-art Learning Hub Facility to Alion Elementary School as part of its annual support for the Brigada Eskwela initiative. The project, dubbed “Digita Eskwela,” was made by AboitizPower TBG through its private limited partnerships GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) aimed at improving school facilities and readiness for the upcoming academic year. With a project cost of ₱1M, the initiative provided Alion Elementary School with a technology-rich learning environment designed to enhance digital literacy and expand educational opportunities for the youth of Mariveles. The comprehensive project involved the complete refurbishment of a school facility, which included repainting of the interior and exterior, installation of new sliding windows and floor tiles, complete electrical rewiring, improvement of the comfort room, installation of two new air conditioning units. To complete the hub, the project also included the provision of ten complete desktop computer sets, ensuring students have immediate access to modern educational tools. This initiative is a core component of the AboitizPower TBG’s commitment to advancing education and community development. By investing in projects like Digita Eskwela, the company reinforces its goal of fostering safe, inclusive, and well-equipped schools where Filipino learners can thrive. The turnover of the new Learning Hub Facility was met with gratitude by the faculty and students of Alion Elementary School, who are now better prepared to integrate technology into their daily lessons and bridge the digital gap. The project stands as a testament to the positive impact of public-private partnerships in uplifting the quality of education in the Philippines.   PHOTO:        

  By Rachel Magday   The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, garnered multiple honors at the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards during the 26th ATOP National Convention at Hotel Supreme in Baguio City on Oct. 2, highlighting the province’s strong momentum in culture and tourism promotion. Competing in a field that drew roughly 600 local government units across various categories, the province was named first runner-up for Best Tourism Promotions Video and second runner-up for Best Tourism Promotions Brochure. It also placed second runner-up for Best Event Hosting for the R2 Synergy Summit, spearheaded by the Cagayan Valley Regional Tourism Council chaired by Ruth R. Padilla, which gathered key stakeholders to discuss sustainable tourism and community development. Gov. Gambito expressed delight over the province’s wins, saying: “Tourism is a top priority of my administration. These ATOP honors validate our push for sustainable, community-based tourism—supporting farmers, weavers, and MSMEs—so every Vizcayano benefits from culture- and nature-led growth.” The winning brochure, “Vibe in Nueva Vizcaya,” highlights where to eat and what to buy, features celebrations such as the Grand Ammungan Festival, maps tourism circuits in the north and south districts, and includes a QR code that consolidates the province’s tourism offerings. The recognized video, “KAPELing ka Mamasyal, Aroma of the Beauty etched in History and Nature,” spotlights coffee as a signature draw, linking the province’s booming coffee industry to local livelihoods, heritage, and scenic landscapes through farm-to-cup experiences and community roasters. Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle O. Costales and CVRTC chair Ruth R. Padilla,who also head the NV Provincial Tourism Council accepted the awards on behalf of the province. This marks the third consecutive year Nueva Vizcaya has been recognized at the ATOP Pearl Awards. In the municipal category, Kasibu earned first runner-up for Best Tourism Souvenirs (Non-Food) with “Mun-abol — The Living Legacy of Kasibu’s Indigenous Weaving Traditions,” and first runner-up for Best Tourism Promotions Brochure for “Kasibu: A Journey Through Our Food, Place, and Culture with Augmented Reality.” The ATOP Pearl Awards, organized annually by ATOP in partnership with the Department of Tourism, honor outstanding tourism initiatives and best practices by LGUs and stakeholders, promoting sustainability and celebrating the Philippines’ natural and cultural attractions.

Biñan City, Laguna,Philippines — The City Government of Biñan, headed by Mayor Gel Alonte, together with Cong. Arman Dimaguila and the City Education Office, awarded ₱12,000 in grants to all teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Biñan City in celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 4 at the Alonte Sports Arena. A total of 2,234 personnel received the cash incentives. The celebration began with a zumba run, followed by a thanksgiving mass, the awarding of Bayaning Guro, and various performances showcasing the talents of educators. This activity honors the dedication, hard work, and contributions of teachers in shaping the city’s future. The grant serves as a token of appreciation for their service and commitment to provide quality education to Biñanenses.