By Rachel Magday   NUVA VIZCAYA — In a significant move to combat the adverse effects of climate change and reduce high electricity consumption, the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, is transitioning from traditional energy sources to renewable energy. This initiative will see the installation of solar panels on two major buildings: the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center(NV Convention Center) and the Patricio G. Dumlao Executive Building(Provincial Capitol Main Bldg). The provincial government has allocated P51 million for this groundbreaking project. According to Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr. Edgardo Sabado, this transition to renewable energy is expected to yield substantial financial benefits. “With the shift from traditional energy sources to renewable energy, the provincial government anticipates annual savings of 10 to 11 million pesos,” Engr.Sabado stated. Acting Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) head Kathleen Marcelo provided additional context on the province’s current energy consumption. “The monthly electric consumption of the provincial capitol is around P2.8 million and this figure is exclusive of other facilities managed by the province, such as hospitals, which consume an additional P1.2 million per month,” Marcelo explained. Beyond the renewable energy initiatives at the provincial capitol, the provincial government is also prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices. The “Padanum ti Umili” project, a solar-powered irrigation system aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, is being implemented in the municipalities of Villaverde and Quezon, as well as the demo farm of the Provincial Agriculture Office at Sitio Polloc, Brgy. Roxas Solano. The province has allocated P14 million for the first phase of this project. The project aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Governor Gambito emphasized the importance of these initiatives, noting that they not only address environmental concerns but also demonstrate fiscal responsibility. “These projects are a testament to our commitment to sustainable development and prudent financial management. By investing in renewable energy, we are securing a greener future for Nueva Vizcaya while also ensuring significant cost savings. Our province is leading the way with several innovative initiatives in public service that I have introduced, and I am committed to ensuring that Nueva Vizcaya remains at the forefront of these advancements,” Governor Gambito remarked. The installation of solar panels is set to commence soon, while the implementation of the solar irrigation system is almost 100% complete. These efforts mark pivotal moments in the province’s journey towards sustainability. By setting a strong example, these initiatives pave the way for other local government units to follow, demonstrating that renewable energy can be a practical and advantageous alternative to traditional energy sources. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, Governor Gambito’s proactive approach serves as an inspiring example of how local governments can lead the way in environmental stewardship and energy efficiency

The offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano maximized their recent visit to Cavite by conducting two days of outreach activities on June 19 and 20, 2024 to provide aid to many residents in need. Once again partnering with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, the Cayetano siblings reached out to 3,000 Cavite residents. On June 19, their first stop in Dasmariñas City benefited 500 recipients, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). City Mayor Jennifer “Jenny” Barzaga and the City Council played a key role in the success of this distribution. Later that day, their offices also visited Imus City where 500 community health workers and women received support. This distribution was organized in coordination with Cavite 3rd District Representative Adrian Jay “AJ” Advincula, Mayor Alex “AA” Advincula, and Councilor Mark Villanueva. The outreach in Dasmariñas City continued on June 20, assisting 2,000 more residents. Beneficiaries included Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), solo parents, women’s groups, and members of the LGBTQ community. These initiatives reflect the Cayetano siblings’ ongoing commitment to supporting marginalized communities across the country. Their teams continue to conduct simultaneous visits in different provinces to bring assistance directly to Filipinos in need. By closely collaborating with government agencies and local units, they ensure efficient and effective delivery of aid to those who require it most.

Subic Bay Freeport – Some 50 persons with disabilities (PWDs) experience work immersion in various offices of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), other business establishments here and in Olongapo City.  This came after the SBMA recently forged a partnership with the local government of Olongapo City to facilitate the work immersion of PWDs inside this premier Freeport.  The SBMA’s Labor Department, as well as the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Olongapo City, the Work Immersion Program for PWDs in Government and Private Business Establishments are aimed at providing PWDs a ten-day actual work experience in companies here and in Olongapo City. According to Labor Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias, there are a total of 50 PWDs who were given the chance to work—34 of them are deployed to companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.  “Of the 34 PWDs, ten worked at the Grand United Property and Service Management, Inc.; eight were sent to the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel and Event Center; four worked at the Eddie and Julie G Food Corp. at the Jollibee Main Gate; three worked at the SBMA’s Financial Planning and Budget Department; three went to the SBMA’s Accounting Department; five worked here at the SBMA Labor Department; and one was sent to the SBMA Office Services Department,” Varias said. Meanwhile, PDAO Head Rizalino Jose bared that the proposal for the Work Immersion Program was conceptualized in March of this year. He said that during this program, PWDs will be given opportunities to value, experience and prove their worth as equals with the typical workforce. “Our target PWD beneficiaries range from mild to manageable disabilities,” he added. Jose said that their daily minimum wage salary rate of P580 will be funded by the Office of City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., adding that the first batch of internship was held last May 27 to June 7, while the second batch is from June 10-21, 2024. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded the work immersion program for PWDs, citing that the Subic Bay Freeport is the perfect venue for PWDs to experience that there is equality in the workplace.  “Our Labor Department is working hard to provide a harmonious working environment inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. By providing PWDs with the opportunity to work at companies here, it only proves that the SBMA does not tolerate discrimination in the workplace,” he said.  Currently, the Subic Bay Freeport zone has a workforce of 159,762 as of April 2024. This will eventually increase as new investors continue to establish their businesses here.  “These new companies investing in Subic Freeport would mean a possible expansion of the workplace immersion program for PWDs, giving more opportunities for them to prove that they can be productive citizens of the country,” Aliño said. 

By Zaldy Comanda CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO – Pangasinan police successfully arrested a high-value drug suspect and two street-level individuals, seizing a firearm and suspected shabu worth Php471,240.00 in a series of operations. A high-value target, known as “Nanay,” was apprehended in Brgy. Tomana West, Rosales, Pangasinan. The 67-year-old suspect, a resident of Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, was captured by joint operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 1 (RPDEU1), Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office 1 (RID PRO1), Philippine Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit 1 (PDEG SOU1), PDEA Pangasinan, PIU Pangasinan, PDEU Pangasinan, and Rosales Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with PDEA RO1 resulted in the seizure of 60 grams of suspected shabu valued at Php408,000.00, contained in four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets, on June 19. In a separate buy-bust operation, Villasis Municipal Police Station, along with the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (Pang PPO) and in coordination with PDEA RO1, executed a buy-bust operation in Barangay rBarraca, Villasis, Pangasinan,on June 20, 2024 The operation targeted street-level drug activities, resulting in the arrest of two individuals: a 34-year-old driver and a 39-year-old painter from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. The suspects were found with 9.3 grams of suspected shabu valued at P63,240.00, contained in nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets. A caliber .38 revolver with ammunition was also confiscated All operations adhered to legal procedures, with the presence of mandatory witnesses and thorough documentation. The inventory and markings of the seized evidence were completed on-site. Brig.Gen.Lou Evangelista, regional director, praised the coordinated efforts of the police units and partner agencies involved in these operations. “Our commitment to keeping our region drug-free is unwavering. These successful arrests and seizures demonstrate our dedication to preventing the entry of drugs and ensuring a drug-free safe homeland for our families,” he stated.