By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY, Philippines — A total of 43 employees and department heads of the Naga City government have successfully completed a specialized training on disaster communication management, as part of the city’s intensified disaster preparedness campaign and Mayor Leni Robredo’s broader vision under her 2028 “Finish Lines” agenda. The training, organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol Region and sponsored by the Philippine Disaster Resiliency Foundation (PDRF), was conducted upon the request of Mayor Robredo. It focused on equipping local government personnel with the skills to manage effective communication during disasters and large-scale events. Raynor Rodriguez, Officer-In-Charge of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), emphasized the importance of the initiative, particularly in the context of the fast-approaching Peñafrancia Festival. “The training was very timely. During big events like the fiesta, multiple clusters are involved—such as the Philippine Coast Guard for the fluvial procession and the PNP for security. Clear communication is critical,” Rodriguez said. The training included intensive exercises and workshops that allowed participants to practice proper cascading of information during crises. It also helped participants better understand the elements of conducting emergency drills. One of the key takeaways was that simulation exercises—such as earthquake and fire drills—should be done independently, not combined, since each disaster has unique response mechanisms. “Thanks to the disaster communication training, the flow of information from the Incident Management Team down to the barangays, especially during big events like the Peñafrancia festival, is expected to be more seamless and further improved,” he said. Mayor Robredo stressed the importance of extending this training to the grassroots level. “We want our Punong Barangays and the barangay kagawads to also undergo this training so they can report incidents properly, and empower their sitios and zones to take appropriate action,” she said. Rodriguez echoed the Mayor’s sentiment, noting a major shift in mindset brought about by the training. “We’ve realized that communication shouldn’t just flow top-down from the Mayor’s Office. Everyone, especially at the barangay level, has a role to play. It’s not about monopolizing decision-making; it’s about collaboration,” he said. He added that the training is especially relevant now that Naga City has started operating its own rain and flood warning devices in barangays—tools that require community-level monitoring and response. “This setup empowers barangay officials and residents to act proactively, but it only works if communication is timely, accurate, and verified,” Rodriguez noted. He also warned against the spread of misinformation on social media during disasters. “Some people rush to post on Facebook without verifying information. Such posting only causes panic. This training helps address that situation by instilling discipline in communication and reporting,” he said. According to Rodriguez, this initiative is a key component of Mayor Robredo’s 2028 “Finish Lines” — a set of developmental goals for Naga that prioritize community empowerment, disaster resiliency, and inclusive governance. “The goal is clear: capacitate every Nagueño, from City Hall to the remotest sitio, to act correctly and confidently when disaster strikes,” he concluded.  

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC, Zambales, Philippines — The Philippines is strengthening its vision of becoming among world’s great shipbuilding nations as President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led on Tuesday, Sept.2,  the inauguration of Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard here. “Ladies and gentlemen, today, we will begin reclaiming our rightful place among the world’s great shipbuilding nations,” Pres. Marcos said addressing the dignitaries attending the ceremony that also marked the steel-cutting of the shipyard’s first vessel under Hyundai. The President noted that for decades, even centuries, the Philippines has given the world the finest seafarers. It is only fitting that the Philippines also supply the world with excellent vessels to sail on. He said that from 2014 to 2018, the country’s shipyards were producing 1.2 to 2 million gross tons of ships—roughly around 20 oil tankers or 30 large container ships—annually. In those years, the shipyard has provided employment to more than 28,000 highly skilled shipyard workers, and thousands more to indirect workers, including passenger jeepneys and buses, ambulant vendors, and more. However, starting in 2019, its output fell, it lost its momentum, after the Subic-based South Korean shipyard declared bankruptcy and closed. “Today, we raise the sails once more,” the President said. “I am excited to see where this endeavor will take us,” he continued. “Together, let us show the world that Filipinos have the skills, the vision to navigate the uncertain waters of an ever-changing world.” According to the President, with Hyundai Heavy Industries investing in Subic, the shipyard capacity will significantly increase from 1.3 million to 2.5 million deadweight tons, from handling four to five massive oil tankers to about now eight of those ships. But more than size, now the ships that were to build –means that it can now accommodate vessels with higher volumes, boost its export potential, and create more jobs for Filipino workers. By 2030, the President look forward to this yard employing 4,300 Filipinos. That equates to thousands of families with food on the table, thousands of workers with dignity in their craft, thousands of Filipinos who see shipbuilding as a source of livelihood. “As President, I take great pride in Filipino hands navigating the world’s oceans. Thirty percent of the world’s seafarers are Filipinos. These are diligent men and women whose skill and dedication keep the seafaring industry moving every single day,” he continued. Before the inauguration, to make the partnership succeed, the Philippine Government worked to match Hyundai’s investment with a skilled workforce worthy of their trust. Last November 2024, TESDA signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Hyundai to establish an off-campus training facility in Subic. Through this partnership, 24 trainees have completed the Flux-Cored Arc Welding NC I program and are now part of Hyundai’s workforce. To train even more Filipinos, TESDA has awarded 25 more scholarship slots for Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I and 100 slots for enterprise-based training in Flux-Cored Arc Welding NC I. This ensures a steady influx of skilled workers ready for the needs of this industry. We now have 16 training programs covering every discipline—from marine electricity to gas or arc welding— these ensure that the skills forged meet the standards of any shipyard around the world. All these efforts show the government’s commitment to reviving the industry to ensure that it will thrive in the generations to come.        

LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), in partnership with the La Union Association of the Deaf (LUAD), successfully spearheaded a three-day Disability Sensitivity and Sign Language Training for frontline service providers in the province. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), Persons with Disability Affairs Officers (PDAOs), and designated PDAO Focal Persons from the different Local Government Units (LGUs) of the province were invited to learn the fundamentals of English Sign Language at the PSWDO Conference Room, City of San Fernando, La Union held on August 25–27, 2025. In a message of Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, delivered by Executive Assistant V Mr. Denver Badua, he encouraged the participants to integrate disability-inclusive practices in all aspects of local governance and uphold equity, justice, and respect for human rights across the Province of La Union. PSWDO Head Ranilo P. Ipac also challenged the participants to actively safeguard and advocate for the rights of Persons with Disability. The training aimed to develop the capacities of government employees to effectively communicate and engage with the deaf community, in support of the province’s efforts to promote inclusive public service.

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Muling nanawagan ang Provincial Health Office (PHO) ng Cagayan para sa mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng 5S strategy laban sa dengue matapos sumirit sa 2,367 ang naitalang kaso sa lalawigan mula Enero hanggang Agosto 27, 2025. Batay sa datos ng PHO, ang bayan ng Baggao ang may pinakamaraming kaso na umabot sa 325, sinundan ng Solana na may 236, at Aparri na may 163. Sa Tuguegarao City, bahagyang tumaas ang kaso sa 144, nguni’t nananatiling kontrolado ayon sa PHO dahil sa pagpapatupad ng mga kaukulang hakbang. Paliwanag ng PHO, ang tag-ulan at ang kakulangan sa regular na pagpapatupad ng 4 o’clock habit o clean-up drive ang pangunahing dahilan ng pagtaas ng kaso. Sa isinagawang monitoring ng PHO, ilang barangay ang natukoy na may mga breeding site ng lamok. Dahil dito, muling ipinaalala ng PHO sa mga Cagayano ang kahalagahan ng 5S strategy: Search and destroy – tuklasin at alisin ang mga lugar na posibleng pamugaran ng lamok. Self-protection – gumamit ng proteksyon laban sa kagat ng lamok. Seek early consultation – agad na magpakonsulta sa doktor kung may sintomas ng dengue. Support fogging and spraying – makiisa sa isinasagawang fogging at spraying sa mga lugar na mataas ang kaso. Sustain hydration – panatilihing hydrated ang katawan upang maiwasan ang dehydration dulot ng sakit. Nanawagan din ang PHO sa lahat ng barangay officials na mas paigtingin ang community clean-up drive upang mapigil ang lalo pang pagdami ng kaso. (JOVY ANDRES)      

By Rachel Magday   BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Five employees of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 2 were arrested in an entrapment operation after allegedly accepting P40,000 in marked money in exchange for “unhampered operations” and the release of an impounded vehicle, on September 1. The joint operation by the Bambang Police Station, the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Provincial Intelligence Team–Nueva Vizcaya, in coordination with DOTR–CAR and led by PMaj. Randy R. Velarde, took place at about 6 p.m. in front of the Baldovi Terminal Compound on Sulucan Street, Purok 1, Barangay Banggot, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya. Police said the operation followed walk-in complaints filed at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Police Office, in which motorists alleged the suspects demanded P200,000 for the release of an impounded van or P25,000 as an outright settlement. After an initial transaction, the complainants said the group later agreed to collect P1,000 per unit and P2,000 per green-plate van as a monthly payoff in exchange for unhampered operations. Investigators prepared P40,000 in marked money—P6,000 in genuine bills and P34,000 in “boodle” or facsimile money—and set a meet-up at the location, police said. The suspects arrived aboard an LTO-issued Nissan Navara (plate SAA 9655). After the marked cash was handed over, operatives gave the prearranged signal and arrested the five “in flagrante delicto,” or caught red handed alleging violations of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees). A search incidental to arrest, conducted in the presence of mandatory witnesses, yielded firearms, cash, mobile phones, IDs and other items, police said. Among the pieces of evidence logged: Two magazines, citation tickets, a driver’s license with photocopy of official receipt, a pouch with two cellphones, cash and IDs One caliber .45 pistol loaded with a magazine and seven live rounds, a wallet with IDs, and cash Cash in various denominations, two cellphones, and a wallet with IDs One touchscreen cellphone One caliber .45 pistol with magazine and five live rounds; one Glock 29 (9mm) pistol with three magazines and 21 live rounds; a sling bag with IDs, receipts, a wallet and cash; six genuine P1,000 bills ;34 pieces of boodle money; one plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing about 0.69 gram with an estimated value of P4,692; two pipe tubes; two disposable lighters; one inside holster; and one LTO badge. Other items listed as recovered included a sling bag with a wallet and P16,000 cash; a belt bag with P31,500 cash; a green bag with P20,300 cash; and four touchscreen cellphones. The suspects were brought to the Bambang Police Station for disposition and documentation. Police said appropriate complaints for alleged violations of RA 3019 and RA 6713 will be prepared, with other possible charges to be determined based on the seized firearms and the suspected illegal drugs pending verification and examination. Authorities said the operation is part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified anti-criminality drive under Enhanced Managing Police Operations and the PNP chief’s 7-point agenda. All five suspects remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.