SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Pride Celebration 2024 culminated with five LGBTQIA+ couples who affirmed their commitment to each other during the Couple Mass Commitment Ceremony at the Subic Park Hotel on June 27. SBMA Gender and Development Executive Committee Chairman Amethya Dela Llana-Koval said that this year’s celebration of pride month was themed “Pride: Empowering Commitment & Unity.”  She added that the commitment ceremony aims to show that two people could love each other regardless of gender.  She said that the SBMA’s LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony was led by the LGBTS Christian Church Inc. and was celebrated by both Reverend Cresencio Agbayani Jr. and Pastor Macario Sangcap.    The five couples were: Allen Dampil and Katherine Morales; Mavel Pascual and Maria Ana Liza Cruz; Nigelle Pedrosa and Clyde Canlas; Angel Villanueva and Kert Baugan; and Cristina Karen Cruz and Danna Marie Bautista. The said commitment ceremony is in cooperation with the SBMA Employees Association, the Olongapo City-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Association, and Barangay Gordon Heights led by Chairperson Priscilla Ponge, who is a member of the LGBTQ community herself. The ceremony also simulated traditional wedding rituals such as exchanging of vows, placement of ring, bible, cord, veil and wedding tokens, as well as cake cutting, and wine toasting.  The Pride Month celebration in Subic Bay Freeport is a testament to the inclusivity in this premier Freeport where everyone is welcome, regardless of religion, race, language, physical or mental ability, or gender.

By Rachel Magday PGLU Nueva Vizcaya   In a proactive effort to bolster disaster preparedness among its residents, the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, has introduced a new program titled “Go Bag ti Umili.” This initiative aims to equip families vulnerable to natural disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes with essential survival gear. The “Go Bag ti Umili” project will be spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). According to PDRRMO Officer King Webster Balawing, the provincial government has allocated a budget of 14 million pesos for this vital program. The initial phase will see 14,000 families receiving these life-saving Go Bags. “The Go Bag ti Umili is a comprehensive survival kit designed to provide immediate assistance during emergencies,” said Balawing. “Each Go Bag includes a non-electric and non-battery operated glow stick, a whistle, a rechargeable flashlight, and a first aid kit. Additionally, the bag itself can function as a flotation device, adding an extra layer of safety.” The procurement of the Go Bags is currently under review by the Bids and Awards Committee, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the acquisition process. Once the procurement process is completed, the distribution of the Go Bags will commence immediately, with priority given to families residing in high-risk areas. Prior to the distribution, recipients will be taught how to effectively use the Go Bag and its contents, ensuring they are well-prepared for any emergency situation. This initiative not only aims to provide immediate relief but also to instill a culture of preparedness and resilience among the community members. Governor Gambito highlighted the importance of readiness in disaster management. “Our administration is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every family in Nueva Vizcaya. The Go Bag ti Umili is a crucial step in enhancing our disaster preparedness and response capabilities,” stated Gambito. “We believe that preparedness is the key to mitigating the impact of natural disasters. By equipping our residents with these Go Bags, we are empowering them to take proactive steps in safeguarding their lives and properties.” He further added, “This program underscores our dedication to building a resilient community. We are not just providing tools; we are fostering a mindset of readiness and self-reliance. I encourage all residents to actively participate and stay informed about disaster preparedness.   Future phases of the project are planned to extend the distribution of Go Bags to more families across the province.

BONGABON, Nueva Ecija – Five out of seven Communist Terrorist Group personalities belonging to the members of the Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon who were killed in an armed encounter with the soldiers of 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, Philippine Army in Barangay Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija yesterday, June 26.   As of 11:00 in the morning today, June 27, the five were identified as Hilario Guiuo alias ‘Berting’, Acting Secretary of KRGL, and Commander, Regional Operational Command; Harold Sarenas Meñosa alias ‘Luzon’, Commander, Pltn Silangan Gitnang Luzon; Pepito Trinidad Bautista alias ‘Dylan’ Team Leader, Sqd Tersera, Pltn Silangan Gitnang Luzon; Reynan Mendoza alias ‘Mel’, and Archie Anceta alias ‘Joel’. The authorities are trying to identify the remaining two (2) personalities who also died during the encounter. During the encounter, soldiers recovered 10 high-powered firearms, one low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings from the encounter site. Meanwhile, upon the troops’ continuous search in the area this morning, they found three more female cadavers and four (4) firearms. Two of them were identified as Andrie Dela Cruz alias ‘Lay/Rowen/Lunti’, Political Instructor of Platun Silangan Gitnang Luzon; and Azase Galang alias ‘Cha’; while the other female was yet to be identified by the authorities. These female casualties were found a few meters away from the exit route. Troops’ believed that they were abandoned by their comrades when they withdrew from the encounter site. Brigadier General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte PA, Commander, 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, commended the Victorious Battalion for their victory against the CTG in Nueva Ecija and for their commitment to preserve the peace and security in the area. “We would like to express our sympathy to the bereaved families of those who died and I am saddened that they reached to this point. Hindi nagkukulang ang gobyerno sa panawagan na sumuko na at magbagong buhay. Handa ang gobyernong tanggapin ang may gustong yakapin ang kapayapaan para makapiling ang kanilang pamilya. Nawa’y magsilbi itong aral sa mga natitirang CTG na ipinaglalaban ang kanilang huwad na ideolohiya. Tama na po, bumaba na kayo,” BGen. Pasamonte said. As of this writing, all casualties were brought to the nearest funeral homes in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija to give them proper burial and later to be turned over to their respective families.   BGen. Pasamonte then reiterates his call to the remaining members of the CTG to surrender and give peace a chance.

By Rachel Magday PGLU Nueva Vizcaya   BAYOMBONG,Nueva Vizcaya — “A very stable peace and order will spell a vibrant economy,” declared Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito during a recent dialogue and meeting held with representatives from universities, colleges, secondary and vocational schools.   The event was an offshoot of a resolution passed during a recent tripartite meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The primary focus of the dialogue was to devise strategies to prevent the recruitment activities of Communist terrorist groups, which often target schools and students. Governor Gambito stressed the importance of a collaborative approach between the government and educational institutions to safeguard the youth and maintain peace and order within the province. “Educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping the minds of our youth. It is imperative that we work together to ensure their safety and prevent any form of radicalization or recruitment by these groups,” said Governor Gambito.   The meeting brought together key stakeholders from various educational sectors, fostering a united front against the threats posed by Communist terrorist groups. Discussions centered around creating awareness programs, enhancing security measures within school premises, and promoting values that counter extremist ideologies. The resolution passed during the tripartite meeting underscores the province’s dedication to maintaining peace and order as a foundation for economic prosperity. By addressing the root causes of recruitment and strengthening community resilience, the provincial government aims to create a secure environment conducive to economic development. Governor Gambito also highlighted that ever since the province was declared an insurgency-free province, numerous local and foreign investors have approached his office to signify their interest in doing business in Nueva Vizcaya.   This influx of potential investments is a testament to the positive impact of peace and order on the province’s economic landscape. In addition, Governor Gambito informed everyone of his flagship projects, such as the “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan,” the beautification of the provincial capitol, the promotion of renewable energy in establishments within the capitol grounds, the “Free WiFi ti Umili” initiative, and the implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems for the agriculture sector. According to Gambito, through these programs, he demonstrates his commitment to improving the livelihoods of the poor, especially those in mountainous areas. By showing that the provincial government does not neglect them, these initiatives help prevent them from being easily recruited by Communist groups.   Gambito also took pride in Nueva Vizcaya’s leading position in terms of economic growth, attributing this success to the province’s stable peace and order situation and the effective implementation of his flagship programs. The dialogue concluded with participants signing a pledge of commitment to remain vigilant against all forms of security threats to keep Nueva Vizcaya insurgency-free. This collective commitment marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and prosperity of the province