By Christine Kim Villafuerte   NAGA CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Naga gears up to adopt a digitalized flood mitigation system using Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), a US-military-developed software, to create faster, accurate and more efficient flood control methods. Aligned with Mayor Leni Robredo’s goal of transforming Naga into a data-driven city, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), City Engineering Office (CEO), Environmental and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), and expert environmental engineers will work together to collect data from the Naga River and submit it to the HEC-HMS software. The city will systematically analyze and use the data generated by the software as a baseline for the planning of flood control and river rehabilitation projects. According to CDRRMO Officer-in-Charge Raynor Rodriguez, due to the high number of residents along Naga River, channel widening will be impossible, thus, they are considering ideas such as dredging or adding another Naga-River-to-Bicol-River waterway channel in the future. These projects are expected to create sufficient waterway spaces, allowing the city’s water to travel faster to sea, potentially reducing the risk of flooding. Using the HEC-HMS software, experts can determine in advance the possible outcomes and consequences of the projects, in addition to the inventory and investment of proper tools and machines needed. Through this method, the amount of time, cost and effort will be minimized, while at the same time ensuring accuracy and overall efficiency. Rodriguez also emphasized the importance of Naga City’s collaboration with and involvement of neighboring towns along the Bicol River in making sure that the city’s flood control measures remain effective. Moreover, to make current and future flood mitigation projects more proactive, continuous workshops and seminars with experts will be conducted    

CAVITE, Philippines — The U.S. government, through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), donated Php1.9 million ($34,500) worth of equipment to the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Fleet Maintenance and Repair Group (MRG) Workshop in Sangley Point, Cavite, on August 18, The donation will enhance the PCG’s ability to maintain and repair vessels. “This activity is another important step in our capability buildup to provide the necessary equipment for our MRG,” Coast Guard Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Rommel Supangan said during the turnover ceremony.  He also welcomed this support as “another meaningful step forward” in the cooperation between the PCG and the U.S. Embassy to promote maritime security. “INL pledged to continue supporting the MRG as they operationalize their maintenance facility and address vessel sustainment requirements comprehensively across the Coast Guard Fleet.  This transfer of essential equipment and backup power supply will enable a broader and more effective equipment repair program,” U.S. Embassy INL Director Kate Riche said. The PCG’s 400-square-meter Fleet MRG Workshop in Sangley Point was inaugurated in May 2024 as a joint initiative among INL, the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group Philippines, and the PCG to enhance maintenance and repair capability for small boats and systems aboard larger patrol vessels, complementing the MRG facility in the Manila Port Area.  The U.S. Department of Defense funded the construction of the Php54-million ($950,000) MRG Workshop in Sangley Point while INL funded its design and outfitting in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. INL and other U.S. government agencies are planning additional support for PCG vessel maintenance efforts in the coming year through technical training programs, maintenance and logistic systems planning, and equipment donations for vessel operating stations.    

Breakthrough of 11 km aerial link successfully demonstrated with the high-speed connectivity over water using light-based wireless technology   LAGUNA, Philippines — Globe, with its subsidiary Fiber Infrastructure and Network Services Inc. (FINSI) and in partnership with Google X: TAARA, has successfully completed a groundbreaking field trial of a long-range Free Space Optics (FSO) technology, achieving 10Gbps, wireless optical connectivity over an 11-kilometer aerial distance across Laguna Lake, with 80% of the link spanning over open water. The pilot showcases the potential of free space optics to revolutionize wireless transport through laser-based communications that do not require fiber or licensed spectrum, using a microwave system. The field trial utilized Google’s TAARA free space optics link to bridge a long-distance aerial gap and underwent rigorous testing, including industry standard testings like Enhanced RFC2544 test suite (Throughput, Latency, Jitter, and Frame Loss) and a 24-hour Bit Error Rate Test (BERT). All performance metrics are met based on Globe’s technical requirements. “This milestone represents a significant leap forward in our quest to deliver future-ready and cost-effective transport solutions that are rapidly deployable,” said Gerhard Tan, Senior Director and Head of Technology Strategy and Innovations at Globe. “The success of the field trial underscores our commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology to expand connectivity even in geographically challenging environments.” Google’s TAARA free space optics uses highly focused beams of light to deliver multi-gigabit data transmission, offering a viable solution in areas where deploying fiber is impractical or cost-prohibitive. The successful trial over Laguna Lake, where traditional terrestrial infrastructure would face major challenges, demonstrates the resilience and reliability of utilizing the free space optics platform under real-world conditions. “This pilot opens doors to a reliable and scalable wireless backhaul solution that can be rapidly deployed and help close connectivity gaps, especially in island and remote areas,” added Tan. Groundbreaking Initiative As a leading engineering services company, FINSI is proud to support this groundbreaking initiative,” said Xerxes Jonash Sta. Ana, General Manager of FINSI. “Our team has been hands-on in enabling the successful deployment and validation of the TAARA system in the field. We are committed to bringing innovative, future-ready technologies into the Philippine market—solutions that not only overcome physical limitations but also accelerate digital inclusion across the country.” This kind of advancement in transformative technologies like free space optics pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in telecom infrastructure. This successful pilot is a powerful validation of how strategic collaboration and innovation can deliver scalable, fiber-like connectivity without the constraints of terrain or right-of-way limitations. It aligns perfectly with our mission to build future-ready, intelligent infrastructure that connects more communities faster, smarter, and more sustainably. As Globe continues to push the boundaries of innovation in network transformation, the successful trial solidifies its leadership in future-proof telecom solutions, enabling more inclusive digital access, resilient and empowering communities across the Philippines. With this achievement, Globe continues to set the standard for innovation in telecom, bridging the digital divide and paving the way for a more connected and digitally empowered Philippines.    

ILOCOS REGION, Philippines — “Our country is very beautiful. There’s so much to learn about it.” This was what Senator Alan Peter Cayetano had to say during his visit to the Ilocos Region on August 21, 2025. Joined by his wife, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, the senator spent the holiday visiting the cities of Laoag and Vigan. Cayetano, visibly impressed by the region’s charm, encouraged his followers to explore more of their own country. He also emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to make the Philippines more accessible to tourists. “We can learn a lot by traveling in our own country. The question is how to make it more accessible — fix the roads, airports, seaports so the rest of the world can see it,” he said on Thursday afternoon via Facebook livestream. The couple, together with friends, made the trip a productive one — combining public service, education, and advocacy for tourism. As chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Cayetano met with officials of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), including MMSU President Julius Manzano Jr. They were also joined by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, who comes from the region. “Earlier, we were in Laoag and had a very, very fruitful get-to-know meeting, but also a sense of what CHED Chairperson Shirley and MMSU President Sir Julius wanted to do,” the senator said. “And of course Lani with our SK,” he added, referring to his and Mayor Lani’s visit in Laoag with the Taguig Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leadership summit being held in the city. Later in the day, the Cayetanos traveled to Vigan City, where Senator Cayetano is set to stay for the weekend to shoot episodes of ‘Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda,’ a public service program he co-hosts with his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano. In addition to providing legal education and advice, the show will highlight the rich culture and beauty of the Ilocos Region, showcasing its food, heritage sites, and current social issues. “We’re interested in tourism all over the Philippines. I just want to emphasize our different talents, beauty, strengths and weaknesses. It’s like one whole that is made up of many parts,” the senator said. “From Batanes to Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur all the way to Mindanao, Zamboanga, to Sulu — our country is very beautiful,” he added. Learn from history to guide the youth and nation’s future During his visit to Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said history and heritage must be kept alive, especially for the youth who will carry the country forward. Speaking in his CIA 365 with Kuya Alan Facebook live session on August 21, Cayetano reminded Filipinos that reflecting on the past is vital to avoiding mistakes and instilling faith and values in future generations. “Ang taong hindi alam ang kanyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa kanyang paruroonan. It’s biblical — paulit-ulit po [na binaggit sa] sa Old Testament na ituro sa mga anak at susunod na generation ang kabutihan ng Panginoon, ang batas, ang tama at ang mali,” he said. The senator added that no nation is perfect, pointing out that even the United States had to endure turbulent times and admit mistakes in its history. Cayetano also connected his reflections on history with the importance of tourism, noting that cultural appreciation can help the youth embrace their identity. He cited City of Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, who hopes to encourage more young Taguigueños to experience Philippine heritage. “The younger Taguigeños are, the more we can learn about tourism, especially na sa Metro Manila, but we can also do much about improving Taguig as a site for tourism, international and local,” he said.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Over P68 million worth of agriculture projects were turned over to various Irrigators Association(IA) in Nueva Vizcaya in a ceremony led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Division Manager Felipa S. Sumer and Dept of Agriculture-PhilMech. on August 21. According to NIA Engr. Edhen Shiela Allaga,Supervising Engineer A, the package included P56.5 million in Communal Irrigation System (CIS) projects turned over through NIA to 12 Irrigators’ Associations across six municipalities. Bambang received three CIS projects totaling P23.5 million: Simmanguer CIS (P11.5 million), San Fernando Baguimbing Malayo CIS (P7 million) and Aliaga CIS (P5 million). Four CIS projects in Aritao amounted to P16 million: Upper Sta. Clara (P5.5 million), Mabalit CIS (P4 million), Kirang CIS (P3.5 million) and Upper Tucanon (P3 million). Two CIS projects in Dupax del Sur were turned over: Palabotan CIS (P3 million) and Abaca CIS (P3 million). In Dupax del Norte, the Madiana CIS (P3 million) was turned over. Ambaguio received the Tiblac CIS (P5 million), while Sta. Fe received the Sinapaoan CIS (P3 million). Gov. Gambito said his administration prioritizes supporting farmers and the agriculture sector, stressing that the investments aim to raise productivity, income and resilience in rural communities. He added that as farmers’ livelihoods improve and earnings from farming grow, they should no longer have to rely on government financial aid, and can support their families with sustainable, dignified income from the land. Also attending the event were Vice Gov. Eufemia Ang Dacayo and former board member Florante S. Gerdan, who represented Cong. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton. Meanwhile, seven IA’s also received Precision Rice Seeders(PRS) from the Philippine Center for Post Harvest Development and Mechanization(PhilMech) valued at P1.732 million per unit , according to Razel Quinto, Irrigators Development Officer A of NIA Nueva Vizcaya. The Magarang Bagahabag Irrigators Association received two units, while one unit each went to the Lower Bangaan Solano IA, Dumayop Tabban IA, Bantian Señora Falls IA, Arwat Palabotan IA and Probinsiano IA. The turnover covered irrigators’ groups across Bambang, Aritao, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte, Ambaguio and Sta. Fe, bringing the total value of the day’s interventions to more than P68 million.