Subic Bay Freeport – Recognizing their contribution to the waste segregation efforts of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), 91 utility workers received proceeds from the 14th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE). During the opening program of the SBMA’s week-long celebration of Zero Waste Month at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on Monday, these utility workers were given grocery packs as a simple token worth a total of P56,987 from the recyclable materials turned over by Freeport stakeholders. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the recyclable materials were collected from the recyclables generated from Subic Bay Freeport companies, SBMA departments and residents of the Freeport. He added that the SBMA Ecology Center spearheaded the event, kicking off the month of January as Zero Waste Month Celebration in the SBFZ program that commenced on January 13 and will run until January 17. “This is a part of our Race to Carbon Neutrality Program and a continuing action for the Agency’s ISO 14001:2015 Recertification,” Aliño added. Ecology Center Manager and OIC Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Amethya Dela Llana said that the 91 beneficiaries were from Omniworx, the cleaning services provider tasked with cleaning and maintaining SBMA buildings throughout Subic Bay Freeport. “Why Omniworx? Because they are our waste heroes. Omniworx is our partner in the segregation of wastes at source. They ensure that recyclables are segregated properly, which allowed for the efficient delivery of segregated wastes during the bi-annual RCE for proper disposal through our recyclers,” Dela Llana explained. SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez, representing Chairman Aliño, along with Dela Llana and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad, were present during the turnover ceremony of the tokens for the 91 Omniworx employees. Tacbad said that materials such as foil from 3-in-1 coffee sachets or juices in tetra packs are being repurposed to make items such as handbags, wallets, and other fashionable knickknacks that can be sold to consumers. He added that one example is the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) business that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is currently conducting with the help of the inmates, citing that these fashionable items were made by them using recycled materials. Proclamation No. 760 series of 2014 declared the month of January as Zero Waste Month celebration. This year’s celebration, themed “Food Waste No More and Break Free from Plastics,” aims to usher consumers to consider changing their lifestyles and practices, and emulate sustainable natural cycles where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use.      

By Danny Estacio   CALAMBA CITY, Laguna- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office 4A said on Wednesday that while Quezon province has been experiencing persistent moderate to heavy rainfall caused by the “shear line” since November 2024, the Daang Maharlika in Pagbilao and Atimonan-Calauag, has significantly affected the road conditions. Regional Director Jovel Mendoza said that these sections have long been classified as Beyond Routine Maintenance (BRM) areas due to their sustained deterioration. Mendoza added that currently, 9.37% of Daang Maharlika, spanning 20.67 kilometers is categorized as being in bad condition and 14.60% of the road that covers 32.19 kilometers is classified as being in poor condition.   The said areas require rehabilitation to ensure safety, Mendoza said. He added the ongoing maintenance efforts are being undertaken by the Quezon 1st and Quezon 4th District Engineering Offices. Both concerned offices have been diligently implementing temporary and palliative measures to minimize disruptions and ensure road safety. These efforts include continuous pothole patching even during rainy periods, roto milling, and rehabilitating severely damaged asphalt sections. Mendoza assured the public that the DPWH-4A remains committed to maintaining these critical roadways to the best of its ability. He mentioned that there are ongoing road rehabilitation including 44 scheduled projects along Daang Maharlika Road for 2025. Your safety and convenience are our priority, and we are working to ensure smooth traffic flow along these vital routes, said Mendoza. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we carry out these necessary road maintenance and rehabilitation activities, Mendoza said.      

By Rachel Magday Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has directed the Provincial Legal Office to explore potential legal actions against responsible officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This decision follows the establishment of a Technical Working Group by the DENR, which was assigned to conduct a technical evaluation of the territorial boundaries between the municipalities of Sta. Fe in Nueva Vizcaya and San Nicolas in Pangasinan. Governor Gambito made this directive during a meeting of the ad hoc committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, where representatives from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) presented the TWG’s report. During the meeting, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also passed a resolution formally objecting to the TWG’s recommendation to set aside the NAMRIA survey results. The governor expressed his gratitude to NAMRIA for standing firm on the validity of the NAMRIA survey, which delineated the correct boundaries between Sta. Fe and San Nicolas. He has voiced strong objections to what he perceives as unwarranted interference by the DENR in the boundary issue concerning Barangay Malico, which he asserts was conclusively resolved through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by elected officials from both provinces. He described the DENR officials’ actions as potential malfeasance, arguing that they are improperly intervening in a matter that has already been settled. Governor Gambito emphasized that the boundary dispute over Barangay Malico has been thoroughly resolved. He affirmed that Barangay Malico is officially part of Nueva Vizcaya, based on a delineation by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) of the DENR. However, the Technical Working Group’s final report contradicted the NAMRIA survey results, recommending that these be set aside in favor of the approved cadastral maps of both municipalities. “There is no longer any boundary dispute to discuss,” declared Governor Gambito. “The NAMRIA delineation has settled the issue, and it was based on a memorandum of agreement that both parties fully perfected and signed.” Governor Gambito defended the legitimacy of the agreement, asserting that the process was transparent and lawful. “The contract has been consummated, as the completed NAMRIA survey has already delineated the boundaries. There is nothing left to do but respect the results of this agreement. Everything is now a fait accompli.” Governor Gambito’s directive to explore legal avenues underscores his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nueva Vizcaya’s territorial integrity and ensuring adherence to previously established agreements.