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Catanduanes 9th Abaca Festival

Region 5

Excitement builds as preparations for the 9th Abaca Festival kick off, with the Catanduanes Provincial Government convening at the Sanggunian Panlalawigan Session Hall to map out plans for this year’s celebration, on  April 14. The Abaca Festival, also known as Catanduanes Abaca Festival, is an annual celebration held in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines, during the fourth week of May. It highlights the abacá fiber, the Manila hemp industry, and the resilient culture of Catanduanes.  The festival showcases the island’s unique identity and culture, particularly its strong connection to the abaca fiber industry. With the theme “Kusog nin Islang Maogma: Pinagtibay nin Abaca,” the festival will showcase the island’s strength, unity, and resilience—rooted in its thriving abaca industry. Highlights of the event include the 4th Arte Isla Art Exhibit, Agri, Trade and Tourism Fair, Drum and Lyre Competition, and the vibrant Street Dance Competition. Additional activities are still being finalized to complete the festival lineup. Now in its ninth year, the Abaca Festival continues to celebrate local culture, boost tourism, and foster a deeper sense of community pride throughout the island.        

Quezon is the next business growth area of development in PH

Region 4

By Danny Estacio   TAYABAS CITY, Quezon- House deputy speaker David “Jayjay” C. Suarez announced on Friday the next growth area of development in the country in the Quezon Second District, particularly, the town of Sariaya. Suarez made this statement during the assembly of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials’ assembly of Sariaya town, at St. Jude Hotel Cooperative in Barangay Isabang, here. Suarez said that the option was being mapped out by the national government when he attended the business forum in Manila. The next business growth areas of development in our country in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), is the second district in the province, specifically the municipality of Sariaya, Quezon, aside from Clark. Suarez said that notably biggest investors in the country are now putting up their business in Sariaya, and that is why the town is soon to be a city, which is the priority of his new term for 2025-2028. Suarez is running for re-election and in his last term as representative in the district, and is unopposed. He urged the barangay officials to submit, before the May 12 national and local elections, their proposed projects in their area of responsibility. Aiming to immediately implement their projects as early as possible. He sought support from the barangay officials of the local candidates, the Gayeta-Maghirang team, and the Alona Party list for the coming 2025 elections. House Deputy Speaker David Jayjay C. Suarez (center) joins with the local candidates, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials of Sariaya, Quezon during the assembly on Friday, April 11, at St. Jude Hotel Cooperative in Tayabas City.      

PDEA nabbed five suspects in Subic drug den

Region 3

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC, Zambales – Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zambales Provincial Office arrested five persons and confiscated P68,000. worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Calapacuan, on April 13. PDEA Zambales Provincial Officer said that they raided a house, suspected to be used as drug den, at around 3:34 AM and caught the target of operation identified as alias “Drey”, male, 34 years old, along with his companion alias “Ar-Ar”, 43 years old; alias “Ney”, 35 years old; alias “Tonio”, 25 years old; and alias “Kel”, 29 years old. Confiscated from the suspects were six plastic sachets containing more or less 10 grams of shabu worth ₱68,000.00, assorted drug paraphernalia, and the buy-bust money. Present during the operation were operatives from Subic Police Station, Zambales PPO Drug Enforcement Unit, and Naval Intelligence Security Group-Northern Luzon (AFP). Charges for violation under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are now being prepared for filing.       Photo Caption:   An agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducts inventory of seized illegal drugs worth ₱68,000. inside a makeshift drug den in Barangaygy Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales, where five suspects were arrested.

Globe joins private sector support for national reforestation efforts, targets 5M trees in 2028

Environment

Globe reaffirms its leadership in environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility as it strengthens efforts to tackle climate change and preserve biodiversity across the country. In line with this year’s Earth Hour, Globe called on individuals, businesses, schools, and offices to participate in the global movement by switching off non-essential lights for one hour and adopting habits in everyday life that build a culture of sustainability. Beyond Earth Hour, Globe urges everyone to consider energy-saving habits, such as unplugging appliances when not in use, unplugging electrical appliances and devices when not in use or not charging, and using the stairs when possible. For its part, Globe continuously scales its climate initiatives, including a transition to renewable energy for high-consumption facilities, investments in energy-efficient network solutions, and the use of electric vehicle (EV) shuttles for employee transport. “Protecting the environment requires consistent action and collaboration. Through our climate and other environmental programs and partnerships, we are making sustainability more accessible to communities and empowering individuals to make a positive impact,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. In support of a climate-resilient future, Globe committed to support the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in its Forests for Life: 5M Trees by 2028 initiative. The program targets the rehabilitation of degraded forest areas in Ilocos Norte, Rizal, Leyte, Bataan, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Norte. Globe will contribute through reforestation, community engagement, and other forms of assistance to help ensure the program’s success. Globe’s efforts are anchored on its environmental sustainability priorities, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions within its value chain. The company also continues to welcome new partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and the public to accelerate progress towards environmental goals. Globe believes that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility. With sustained collaboration and active participation, a greener, more sustainable Philippines is within reach.      

117 riders, 17 teams mark Tour of Luzon’s return on April 24

Sports

A TOTAL of 117 riders representing 17 teams—including four from overseas—hit the road on April 24 as the fabled Tour of Luzon returns with a “The Great Revival” edition in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Shelved at least thrice since the Manila-Vigan inaugural race in 1956, the Tour of Luzon—presented by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), DuckWorld PH and Cignal TV—will be all of eight stages traversing seven Northern and Central Luzon provinces with a mountain top finish inside Camp John Hay in Baguio City. “The legendary Tour of Luzon is back,” exclaimed Patrick “Patò” Gregorion, president of DuckWorld PH whose collaboration with MPTC, led by Chief Regulatory Officer Arrey Perez, resulted in the return of the Tour of Luzon last staged in 2019 via the international Le Tour de Filipinas. “The excitement has bordered from excitement to the extreme for once again, we’ll see the best of Philippine road cycling reliving the historic summer sports tradition,” said Perez, himself an active executive cyclist. Up for grabs in the PhilCycling-sanctioned race is a P1-million cash prize and a year’s possession of the Tour of Luzon perpetual trophy for the team champion and P500,000 and a uniquely-crafted trophy for the general individual classification winner. The eight stages cover a total of 1,074.90 kilometers starting with the 190.70-km Paoay-Paoay (via Pagudpud) Stage 1 on April 24, 68.39-km Paoay-Vigan team time trial Stage 2 on April 25, 130.33-km Vigan-San Juan (La Union) Stage 3 the next day, 162.97-km Agoo-Clark Stage 4, 166.65 Clark-Clark (via New Clark City and Tarlac) Stage 5, 168.19 Clark-Lingayen Stage 6 and 15.14-km individual time trial Labrador-Lingayen Stage 7 on April 30. Come May 1, the surviving cyclists will pedal 172.53 kms from Lingayen to a top-of-the-hill finish at the Scout Hill section inside Camp John Hay, the final queen stage that’s expected to determine who lifts the champions’ trophies in the race being staged through sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan’s MVP Group’s advocacy to promote sports in all disciplines and at all levels. “Besides bringing the Tour of Luzon back on the road, we are also reviving the prestigious ‘Eagle of the Mountain’ title which will go to whoever wins the punishing Stage 8,” Gregorio said. “It could all boil down to that final stage.” Kennon Road will again play a major role in determining the champion with an all uphill last 32 kms grind in the final stage with gradients that go beyond 20 percent. The Philippines’ four International Cycling Union (UCI) continental teams—7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines, Standard Insurance Philippines, Go For Gold Philippines and Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team—lead the cast of protagonists that include foreign squads CCN Factory HK from Hong Kong, Malaysia Pro Cycling, Bryton Racing Team from Taiwan and Gapyeong Cycling Team from South Korea. Rounding out the teams are the Philippines Under-23-Tom N Toms Coffee squad and top clubs Excellent Noodles, DReyna Orion Cement, Dandez T-Prime Cycling Team, Exodus Army, MPT Drive Hub Cycling Team, 1 Team Visayas, One Cycling Mindanao and Team Pangasinan.        

KALINGA CULTURE 101

Lifestyle

HERITAGE VALUE OF THE KALINGA TEXTILE                         The heritage value of the “LAGA” Kalinga Textile is deeply rooted in Kalinga traditions, where it is presented as “lilay” or “linay” (community tokens) to “binodngan” (partner tribes) during “bodong” (peace pact) celebrations reinforcing unity and diplomacy. CULTURAL PROTOCOL IN THE UTILIZATION OF KALINGA INDIGENOUS ATTIRE The Ka-in wrap-around skirt, along with its accessories, is traditionally worn exclusively by women in Kalinga culture. In contrast, the Ba’ag, along with its distinct accessories, is reserved strictly for men. These garments are deeply tied to cultural identity, and any improper use—such as cross-gender wearing or mishandling—that may defile or diminish their cultural significance is considered a serious taboo. In addition to their garments, women adorn themselves with a variety of body ornaments that hold significant cultural meaning. Conversely, men wear distinct body ornaments that reflect their roles and status within the community, as outlined below. It is important to note that these body ornaments, like the garments, are strictly gender-specific and cannot be cross-worn. A woman wearing male ornaments or a man wearing female ornaments is seen as an affront to cultural norms and the sacredness of these items. Such actions are viewed as a serious taboo, undermining the traditional values and social order that these garments and ornaments uphold. In Kalinga society, attire and body adornments are not merely functional or decorative; they are imbued with deep cultural and spiritual meaning. The strict adherence to gender-specific garments and ornaments helps preserve traditions and ensures that the cultural values embedded in these practices are respected. To wear these items improperly, or to use them in a way that contradicts their intended purpose, is seen not only as disrespectful to cultural heritage but also as an affront to the community’s identity, social order, and sacred customs. (Kalinga Tourism post)

NEW QUEENS OF CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela

Region 2

  Mutya ng Cauayan 2025.   SANDRINE DESIREE CRISTOBAL Mutya ng Cauayan Tourism 2025.  PRINCESS DIANNE TUTAAN Mutya ng Cauayan Culture and the Arts 2025  KIMBERLY BONGALBAL Mutya ng Cauayan Agriculture 2025.   WEIN EUNIEZ YU Mutya ng Cauayan 2025 Technology   KEDDY JOY TIQUI   Courtesy Photo: Gawagaway-yan Festival  

Vergara may pahayag sa pag-veto ng Baguio’s Revised Charter

Baguio City

Nagpahayag si Congressional aspirant Gladys Vergara, ng kanyang malakas na suporta para sa kamakailang pag-veto ng ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos,Jr., sa mga iminungkahing pag-amyenda sa Baguio’s Revised City Charter, na tinawag itong “welcome and timely development.” Sa loob ng maraming taon, inulit niya ang mga alalahanin ng maraming residente ng Baguio, katutubong komunidad, at mga grupong sibiko na matagal nang nanawagan para sa tunay na konsultasyon at inklusibong reporma. Ang pag-veto, naniniwala siya, ay hindi isang pag-urong—kundi isang pagkakataon upang ayusin ang mga bagay-bagay. “Ang desisyong ito ay nagbubukas ng landas para sa atin na magsimula ng bago-upang muling isulat ang Charter ng Lungsod sa paraang ganap na kumakatawan sa boses ng ating mga tao, nagpapaplano ng ating lupain at mga karapatan ng katutubo, sinisiguro ang ating awtonomiya, at nagtatakda ng mas malinaw na direksyon para sa kinabukasan ng ating lungsod.” Kung bibigyan ng pagkakataong maglingkod sa Kongreso, nangako si Vergara na pangunahan ang proseso ng pagsusuri sa City Charter nang may integridad, transparency, at malalim na paggalang sa natatanging pagkakakilanlan ng Baguio. Ang inisyatiba na ito ay bumubuo ng isang mahalagang bahagi ng Agenda 10 sa kanyang pambatasan na plataporma—isang paninindigan na pangako sa paghubog ng isang mas mahusay, mas inklusibong Baguio. “Sama-sama, bumuo tayo ng isang City Charter na hindi lamang nagpaparangal sa ating nakaraan ngunit nagbibigay din ng kapangyarihan sa hinaharap na henerasyon at nagtatakda ng landas para sa isang maunlad na kinabukasang inklusibo na maipagmamalaki nating lahat,” dagdag niya.

Magalong, pinasinayaan ang bagong Barangay San Vicente Satellite Market

Baguio City

  Pinangunahan ni Mayor Benjie Magalong, kasama ang ilang city officials at Barangay Officials ang ribbon-cutting ceremony sa pagbbukas ng bagong Barangay San Vicente Satellite Market,noong Abril 11. Ang P6.7 milyong tatlong-palapag na building ay magdadala ng mahahalagang produkto at serbisyo na mas malapit sa mga residente, susuportahan ang lokal na kabuhayan, at palalakasin ang katatagan ng komunidad. Sa kabila ng mga hamon at pagkaantala, nanatiling nakatuon ang pamahalaang lungsod at barangay sa pagtupad nito—na nagpapatunay na kahit ang pinakamahirap na layunin ay makakamit nang may dedikasyon at pagkakaisa.   Ang pagpapaunlad sa bawat barangay, kabilang ang pagtatayo ng makabao at modernong Barangay Hall, ay isa lamang sa proyekto ni Magalong sa layuing mapabuti ang serbisyo ng mga barangay officials sa kanilang komunidad.    

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