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SBMA signs PNP-SAF extension in Subic Freeport

Region 3

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) allowing the extended occupation of a portion of land within the Subic Bay Freeport to house their barracks and training center. During the MOA signing held at the SBMA Administration Building on July 10, 2024, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the agreement translates to a better and more heightened safety and security advantage for the Subic Freeport community. “The SBMA is allowing the 2nd Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF to extend its use of the 14,231-square meter of land property that they have been using since 1998 for their training,” he said. Aliño signed the MOA with PNP-SAF Acting Director Police Brigadier General Mark D. Pespes at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom. He cited that the MOA attests to the SBMA’s thrust to provide a safe and secure economic zone for its stakeholders. On behalf of PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Pespes conveyed his message of gratitude to Aliño for the agency’s continued support to the PNP, which significantly solidifies the unwavering commitment and partnership between the two government agencies. “By providing us with the necessary resources and facilities, you are playing a crucial role in enhancing our capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of our community. Your support is invaluable, and we are profoundly thankful for your trust and cooperation,” Pespes said. After the signing, Pespes conducted a command visit to the 85th Special Action Company, Rapid Deployment Battalion at Building 8131, Old Fly Fast Hangar of the Subic Bay International Airport. The official also visited the training center of the 2nd Special Action Battalion (2SAB) near the Morong Gate of the freeport for an ocular of the facility as part of the PNP’s ongoing efforts to ensure operational readiness, boost morale, and address the concerns of the personnel. As a final reminder, Gen. Pespes reiterated his guidance to the uniformed personnel of the 2nd Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, to continue to excel in their service, and give their best in the discharge of their functions, in honor of the memory of fallen personnel who have sacrificed their lives to serve their countrymen.

Cayetano urges DPWH to finalize NSB cost amidst revelation of P25-27 billion project cost

NCR

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed on Wednesday that the current budgetary cost for the New Senate Building (NSB) is now higher than the estimates provided by Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Nancy Binay. “Ito po problema, nung sinubmit niyo additional submissions niyo, luma na ang presyo. Meaning that lagpas na sa P23 billion yung total project cost,” Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the chair of the Senate Committee on Accounts, said at the continuation of the public hearing on the NSB on July 10, 2024. This after the DPWH admitted that the budgetary cost estimate for the project could balloon to P25-P27 billion. “Ito ang ayaw naming mangyari. Ang pinagtalunan lang namin ni Senator Nancy Binay y’ung cost,” Cayetano said, pointing out that the figures he and Binay had argued about in the first hearing last week are far lower than the new figures revealed by the DPWH. According to the DPWH, the changes in budgetary cost estimates are due to inflation. To clarify the situation, Cayetano provided a breakdown of the total budgetary cost and the implications of applying a “conservative 20 percent inflationary cost” increase as referenced by the DPWH. Cayetano shared that Phase 1’s cost currently increased to P8.6 billion from P8.067 billion due to variation orders. Additionally, the senator also said Phase 2’s budgetary cost estimate is P2.375 billion with potential increases and Phase 3’s P10.33 billion cost, is currently under review. In response to DPWH’s admission, the senator urged the agency to “keep their eyes on the ball” and finalize the cost based on 2024 prices to keep the project moving. “Kayo ang technical, kayo ang nakakaalam. Simple lang: paano matapos sa soonest possible time [ang project na ito] na tamang presyo at tama ang pagkakagawa,” he said. “Get the final design, get the final costing,” he added

Cagayan Farm School, kinilala at pinarangalan ni PBBM

Region 2

By Badz Heralde   TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Pinarangalan ni Pangulong Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cagayan kasabay ng naganap na selebrasyon ng Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Week na inorganisa ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sa Malacañang Palace, Manila,noong Hulyo 10. Mismong si Governor Manuel Mamba, Engr. Pearlita Mabasa, Provincial Agriculturist. at En.P Jennifer Junio-Baquiran, Provincial Tourism Officer ang tumanggap sa parangal na iginawad ng Pangulo. Ang parangal na iginawad ay ang “Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners on Enhancing Management and Labor Capacities”. Ang pagkilala ay ibinibigay sa mga stakeholder sa kanilang natatanging kontribusyon sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa mga MSME. Kinilala ang PGC dahil sa matagumpay na pagkakatatag at operasyon ng Cagayan Farm School and Agri-Tourism Center sa Aquiray, Amulung, Cagayan na itinatag ni Gov. Mamba na may layuning mabigyan ng lugar ang mga magsasaka upang magsanay sa iba’t ibang makabagong teknolohiya at pamamaraan sa pagsasaka. Ito rin ang kauna-unahang Department of Tourism-Accredited Provincial LGU-owned farm site sa buong Rehiyon Dos. Sa ngayon, libo-libong mga magsasaka, miyembro ng mga organisasyon ng kababaihan, at kabataan ang nagsasanay sa mga iba’t ibang paggawa ng produkto na makakatulong sa kanila sa pagbuo ng maliliit na negosyo.

Magalong cites BCPO for smooth resolution of crime incident at Guisad Surong

Baguio City

By Aileen Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY– Mayor Benjamin Magalong cited Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) personnel for the efficient resolution of a critical incident involving a truck driver who fired at policemen at Guisad Surong barangay on June 28, 2024. “My sincerest gratitude to our teams and personnel who were involved in the operation for ensuring that the incident is efficiently resolved without any casualty,” the mayor told BCPO Director PCol. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. The incident was an attempted homicide and illegal possession of firearm involving a 39-year-old truck driver resident of Guisad Surong. Initial investigation disclosed that personnel of Police Station 1 responded to an alleged commotion involving the suspect at Lower Fairview barangay around 5:30 p.m. on June 28, 2024. Upon seeling the policemen, the suspect ran to his residence at Guisad Surong and came out armed with an improvised firearm of 12-gauge shotgun. The responding personnel appealed for the suspect to lower his firearm and surrender but instead of complying, the suspect fired his improvised firearm at the lawmen and  went back inside the house and hid. Negotiations ensued for the suspect to surrender faciliated by the joint forces from PS 1 and 2, Special Weapons and Tactics-City Mobile Force Company (SWAT-CMFC), Mobile Police Unit, and Guisad Surong punong barangay Philip Cosalan but the suspect was adamant. “At around 12:20 a.m. of June 29, 2024, the SWAT-CMFC initiated assault inside the house of the suspect which resulted in his arrest and confiscation of his firearm,” Bulwayan said. The suspect is now under the custody of PS 2 for documentation and preparation of documents for inquest proceedings for attempted homicide and violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The Sun Life 5150 Bohol & Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint Bohol is back in the biggest 5150 staging in the country

Vis-Min

– The Sun Life 5150 Bohol and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint makes its annual return in Bohol for the  seventh staging on Sunday, July 14, 2024. – Close to 800 athletes will be in racing in the tropical paradise, possibly the biggest Olympic  distance field in the country PANGLAO, Bohol – The Sun Life 5150 Bohol and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint will again  take place on the white sand beaches of Bellevue on July 14, 2024. Entries have reached capacity  and have closed for new registrations weeks before the event day, showing that the triathlon  community is growing, with first timers vying to cross the multisport finish line in what is known to be  the most welcoming course of the short-distance tri in the region. The 5150 Bohol consists of a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride, and a 10-kilometer run,  and will see almost 800 triathletes in action. What is commonly known as the ‘Olympic distance  triathlon’, will start at the shores of the Bellevue Resort in Bohol, then exiting towards the straight forward bike course onto Dauis-Panglao Road and Fonacier Circumferential Road. Going back to  the Bellevue Resort for the run leg, the course is relatively flat with paved roads and some country  roads. For the past years, Sun Life Philippines has partnered with The IRONMAN Group in bringing the 5150  events to Cebu and Bohol.   “At Sun Life, we are committed to empowering Filipinos on their health  and wellness journey,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of  Sun Life Philippines. “We believe that a healthy lifestyle is the key to living a fulfilling life, and we’re  dedicated to providing Filipinos with the resources and support they need to achieve their wellness  goals.” Sun Life Ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Matteo Guidicelli & Kyle Echarri will be joining the  athletes in the triathlon race in Bohol to demonstrate the rewards of living healthy, sporty lives. The Bellevue Resort has been 5150 Bohol’s partner since 2014. “As triathlon continues to be one of  the largest and most popular sports in the country, we are proud to continue to host what  participants look forward to as the race-cation venue of the year,” said Dustin Chan, Managing  Director, The Bellevue Resort. “We are honored to work with the organizers and our partners to bring  an amazing IRONMAN-brand race experience to athletes from beautiful Bohol.” Along with the 5150 Triathlon, the Sunrise Sprint welcomes both competitive and non-competitive  athletes alike. Go for Gold has supported the sprint course over the years, seeing the likes of Matthew Hermosa and Nicole del Rosario take part. “Sprint races represent more than just a race; it embodies our commitment to promoting a healthy,  active lifestyle and fostering a sense of community among all participants,” Powerball Vice  President for Marketing, Jeremy Go, says of the event.   Go For Gold Philippines is a sports foundation  and sponsorship program of the Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corp., supporting Filipino  athletes and national representatives competing in triathlons. “The Sun Life 5150 Bohol and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint has been one of the races that participants  and even the local community look forward to. With a massive registration turn-out for a short distance triathlon, it shows that the demand for multisport events is still on the rise,” Ms. Princess  Galura, President of The IRONMAN Group and Sunrise Events said. “The courses here in Bohol are accessible to participants of different skill levels and have a distinct vibe of being a friendly, yet  competitive race.” The Sun Life 5150 Bohol is supported by Sun Life, and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint is supported by Go  for Gold. Venue Host is The Bellevue Resort Bohol, and the Province of Bohol. Bike and Run Course Partners Municipality of Dauis and Municipality of Panglao, Supported by Santé. Official Registration Partner Active, Media Partners Manila Bulletin and Tempo.   Contact details: Sai Aliman-Mayol Philippine Events, IRONMAN Group APAC sai.mayol@ironman.com Dan Berglund Vice President, Global Communications dan.berglund@ironman.com Craig Heydon Director, PR & Communications, APAC craig.heydon@ironman.com

Cebu Hospitality and Tourism Associations lead sales mission to Singapore

Vis-Min

CEBU CITY — A private sector-driven travel sales mission to Singapore is scheduled from August 26-28, 2024. This initiative is spearheaded by the Hotel, Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) and the Cebu Association of Tour Operation Specialists (CATOS). The three-day mission will involve interactive sessions with top-producing travel agents, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and leisure organizers, and tour wholesalers in Singapore. The highlight of the mission will be a full-day product presentation and business-to-business (B2B) session in a vibrant travel mart atmosphere. “Singapore is a big potential market for Cebu. It is currently the biggest source of our arrivals from ASEAN and we hope to build it up further,” explained Alfred Reyes, president of HRRAC. “There are three airlines operating no less than 21 flights a week as of today between our two cities,” added Reyes. “That speaks a lot by itself. We need to further promote our destination to the Singaporeans.” “The Cebu product of sun and sand, diving and adventure, food and shopping has always been an attraction, based firmly on our heritage and culture,” said Alice Quiblatin, president of CATOS. “Today, we have several new products from theme parks to state of the art convention facilities and an integrated entertainment resort. This opens up more markets for us and we know Singapore’s family leisure and MICE market is very strong,” added Quiblatin. The mission aims to showcase Cebu’s diverse offerings, including its pristine beaches, vibrant dive sites, adventurous activities, culinary delights, and rich cultural heritage. Special focus will be placed on Cebu’s new attractions, high-tech convention centers, and integrated entertainment resorts, all designed to appeal to Singapore’s robust family leisure and MICE market. The cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, along with the Department of Tourism Region 7, have been invited to support and participate in this sales mission. This collaboration aims to strengthen Cebu’s tourism appeal and establish it as a premier destination for Singaporean travelers. Participants from the hospitality and travel industry are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, as space is limited for the business sessions. Interested parties can contact Ms. Hannah Paler at hannah.selrahco@gmail.com or the HRRAC Joey Osmeña at hrracinfo@gmail.com.

Cayetano hinimok ang kabataang lider na magkaroon ng malinaw na ‘purpose’

Vis-Min

ILOILO CITY — Hinimok ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano ang mga kabataang pinuno na magkaroon ng isang malinaw na layunin sa kanilang buhay lingkod-bayan para malabanan ang mga bagay na makakagulo sa kanilang serbisyo. “I want to warn you na now na pumasok na kayo sa mundo ng pulitika, lahat ng temptations nandyan sa inyo. Let your purpose guide you,” mensahe ng senador sa daan-daang kabataang opisyal na dumalo sa Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Iloilo Chapter Provincial Congress,noong Hulyo 8.   Wika ni Cayetano, na nagsimula sa gobyerno bilang isang SK official, pangkaraniwang pagsubok sa isang youth leader ang maudyokan na magbisyo o bumarkada. Aniya, maiiwasan ang mga it kung laging isasaisip ng isang tao ang “higher purpose.” “‘Yun ang mahirap sa pulitika, kasi you need everyone,” aniya. “[Pero] kung y’ung leader mismo ay mawawalan ng purpose, sama-sama [kayong walang mararating] at barka-barkada nalang [ang mangyayari].” Hinamon niya ang mga dumalong SK official na magkaroon ng iisang “vision” para sa kanilang probinsya. “Twenty years from now, ano ang itsura ng Iloilo? Ano ang [magiging legacy] ng batch niyo?” ani Cayetano. “The future of Iloilo is bright because ang SK na batch niyo has a good sense of purpose,” dagdag niya

NATIONAL PRIDE

Vis-Min

As Cebu City prepares to host the prestigious Palarong Pambansa 2024, NUSTAR Resort and Casino projects the Philippine flag onto the façade of its hotel towers using architectural lighting. With the flag lighting from July 8 to 15, 2024, NUSTAR aims to inspire a sense of pride and unity among Filipinos, celebrating the spirit of the Palarong Pambansa and the achievements of the country’s young athletes.

New Batch of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers Arrives in the Philippines

NCR

MANILA — Forty-eight new U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Manila on July 8 to begin their two-year service to support local programs in education, youth development, and environmental protection in communities across the Philippines. Starting in September, the Peace Corps Volunteers will be assigned to fulfill a range of roles requested by host communities in Aklan, Antique, Batangas, Benguet, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Tarlac. These roles include co-teaching English in public elementary and secondary schools, serving as youth development facilitators in Philippine Department of Welfare and Social Development-accredited organizations and residential shelters, and supporting local governments in establishing marine protected areas and implementing coastal resource management plans. “U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers come from all over the United States and represent the diversity of the American people. They come with a variety of skills and experience to contribute during their service in the Philippines,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said. “The Peace Corps’ goal is to promote world peace and friendship, and what better way to do this than to serve with cultural humility and mutual respect to our Filipino friends and partners.” The 48 new Volunteers represent the 281st batch of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers deployed to the Philippines, bringing the total number of American volunteers currently serving in the country to 126 and surpassing the number of Volunteers assigned to the Philippines prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. “The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) warmly welcomes this 281st batch of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers,” PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe said as he expressed hope that the new American Volunteers will “continue to serve as builders of hope and catalysts of change.” “Together, let us sustain the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding and create a sustainable future for the generations to come,” he added. Before their local deployment, the Peace Corps Volunteers will undergo an intensive 11-week pre-service training that includes technical, language, and cultural studies to prepare them for their service. The newly arrived Volunteers, aged between 22 to 67, bring diverse experience, technical skills, and spirited enthusiasm to learn about the Philippines and work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects that build relationships, promote knowledge exchange, and make a lasting and measurable impact. The Philippines is the second oldest U.S. Peace Corps program. More than 9,400 Americans have served alongside Filipino community members in support of government and community development priorities since 1961.

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