LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Pinagbtibay ng lalawigan ng Pangasinan sa pangunguna ni Gobernador Ramon V. Guico III at ng United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ang isang hakbang na naglalagay sa agham at inobasyon sa sentro ng pamamahala sa pamamagitan ng Programang SHIELD, matapos lagdaan ang isang Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) na noong Marso 31. Kasama ng gobernador sa seremonyal na paglagda ang Resident Representative ng UNDP na si Christophe Bahuet, ang Australian Embassy Counsellor for Development na si Peter Adams, ang Vice Governor na si Mark Lambino, at ang DILG RO1 Regional Director na si Jonathan Paul M. Leusen Jr. Ang pakikipagtulungan ay hudyat ng isang malaking hakbang upang palakasin ang kakayahan ng probinsya na tugunan ang lumalaking hamon ng pagbabago ng klima at mga panganib sa sakuna. Ang SHIELD, na nangangahulugang Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change, ay isang pangunahing inisyatibo na sinusuportahan ng Pamahalaan ng Australia at ipinatupad ng UNDP hanggang 2028. Ipinahayag ni Gobernador Guico ang kanyang pasasalamat sa mga kasosyo ng probinsya at ipinaabot ang kahandaan ng probinsya na aktibong lumahok sa pagpapatupad nito. “Ipinapangako ko sa ating LGU panlalawigan na maging lubos na makikipagtulungan sa inyong mga kasosyo bilang pagpapakita ng aming suporta sa programang ito. Makakaasa kayo na susunod kami sa lahat ng mga kinakailangan ng MOU na ito. Makakaasa kayo na mayroon kayong probinsya na isang mahusay na probinsya bilang kasosyo at bilang isa sa mga PLGU sa inyong SHIELD network.” Sa pamamagitan ng programa, magkakaroon ng access ang Pangasinan sa mga advanced na tool at teknikal na kadalubhasaan na idinisenyo upang mapahusay ang lokal na pamamahala at paggawa ng desisyon. Kabilang dito ang mga na-update na mapa at profile ng panganib sa klima ng probinsya, mga resilience scorecard, at mga digital platform na magsisilbing sentralisadong hub para sa datos, mga patakaran, at mga teknikal na mapagkukunan. Magpapakilala rin ang inisyatibo ng mga early warning web-based application at drone technology upang palakasin ang pagsubaybay at pagtugon sa panganib. Ang isang pangunahing bahagi ng programa ay ang pagtatatag ng Pangasinan Digital Resilience Hub, na inaasahang magiging isang sentralisadong plataporma na pinagsasama-sama ang datos, mga patakaran, at mga teknikal na mapagkukunan habang iniuugnay ang mga LGU sa mga pagkakataon sa pagpopondo sa pamamagitan ng LGU Resource Finder system. Binigyang-diin ni Gobernador Guico na sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama ng science-based planning at risk-informed investments, patuloy na pinapahusay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang mga estratehiya nito sa paghahanda sa sakuna at pag-aangkop sa klima. “Marami sa aming mga proyekto rito ay batay sa ilang mga pag-aaral. Sumangguni kami sa mga coastal engineer para sa mga istrukturang itinatayo namin sa baybayin, lalo na sa napakalaking capital complex development na ito. Kaya batay sa mga iyon, nagpapasya kami sa disenyo ng aming mga istruktura at sa master plan ng aming probinsya.” (Street Journal)

By Anna Diana Mole   LAGUNA, Philippines — In the quiet town of Paete in Laguna, the sound of chisels striking wood echoes like a prayer; it is steady, deliberate, and filled with meaning. Here, where artistry is both heritage and identity, faith is not only spoken in churches but also carved into life through skilled hands and generations of devotion. As the solemn observance of Holy Week begins, Paete once again transforms into a living gallery of sacred art. Detailed carved images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints emerge from pieces of wood, each piece carrying the weight of tradition and the depth of Catholicism. Recognized as the “Carving Capital of the Philippines,” Paete’s legacy dates back to colonial times, when early artisans began crafting religious icons for churches and communities across the country. Over time, wood carving became more than an economic activity as it evolved into a cultural and spiritual identity deeply rooted in the town’s daily life. For wood carver Arnel Fadul who has been carving for almost half of his life, Holy Week is more than just a season, it is a blessing that sustains both their faith and their livelihood. “During Holy Week, we don’t run out of work, especially with religious items we carved. With so many sacred images being brought out in processions here, our tradition is truly unique—that’s why people should visit the town of Paete.” Behind every religious image Fadul carved is a story of his long hours, patient hands, and unwavering devotion. Each curve of the wood, each delicate detail, reflects not only artistic mastery but a deep reverence for faith passed down through generations. And as the town prepares for Lenten processions that will fill the streets with solemn beauty, another quiet miracle unfolds as people from all walks of life arrive, drawn to Paete’s living tradition. “It’s a big help for us because more people support our products, especially during Holy Week, now that Paete is widely known as a center of wood carving,” Fadul said.   Despite the rise of factory-made religious items, Paete’s artisans remain committed to preserving their meticulous craft which inspired Fadul to involve younger generations. From simply watching him at work, his child learned the art of carving, picking up the patience, skill, and devotion that each piece demands. “I have a child who knows how to carve. I didn’t formally teach them, and they learned just by watching us. It makes me happy, it’s a blessing for our family and for Paete because it’s a good thing that wood carving here in our town will never fade because there’ll be the next generation who knows how to carve,” Fadul said. This organic passing of knowledge, from parent to child, is what keeps Paete’s identity intact as the world rapidly shifts toward modernity; the persistence of such traditions offers a grounding sense of continuity. And so, as candles are lit and prayers rise this Holy Week, Paete offers something more than devotion—it offers a glimpse of a community where faith is tangible, where tradition is alive, and where every piece of carved wood carries the faith of their town. (AM/PIA CALABARZON)    

By Rosalita Manlangit   DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA), Philippines — The provincial government of Camarines Norte has officially canceled all activities for the Camarines Norte Bantayog Festival 2026 due to the ongoing fuel crisis. Acting Governor Joseph Ascutia announced that the move aims to safeguard essential services and redirect resources to address this urgent situation. He said that suspending the festival celebrations is necessary to prioritize public welfare. The Bantayog Festival 2026 was scheduled to be held in Camarines Norte from April 5 to May 17, 2026. This period typically sees an increase in resident and tourist arrivals due to the Holy Week celebrations and summer vacations. Acting Provincial Tourism Officer Jennelyn David reported that in April 2025, there were 96,881 local and 120 foreign visitors, while in May 2025, there were 95,907 local and 131 foreigners. Despite the festival’s cancellation, several activities will still be organized by the private sector, with the provincial government offering support in promotions and marketing, but not funding any events. Among the private-sponsored activities are the Bantayog Talisay Triathlon, CamNorte Models, CineCamNorte, CamNorte Pickleball, Kaogmahan sa Bagasbas, Queens of Bantayog, Oryol Group Oil Hike, Carshow, Beach Volleyball, Beyblade, Grand Tambike by Royce, Agri Marathon, and Farmers and Fisherfolk Week. Amelia Benitez, a 52-year-old resident of Barangay Lag-on, Daet, Camarines Norte, expressed her thoughts on the festival’s cancellation. “It’s for the best that the Bantayog Festival was canceled because the cost of goods has risen due to fuel prices, making it difficult for us to earn a living. I hope the allocated funds will instead be distributed to those of us who are struggling,” she said. Benitez, who has been a stall owner for 30 years selling fishballs, snacks, and drinks near the provincial capitol, typically earns between P1,000 and P5,000 per day during Bantayog Festival events, a significant increase compared with the P100 to P200 she makes on regular days. She remains hopeful that the situation will improve, allowing her to earn well again in future Bantayog Festivals. Danica Lean Esplana, a 22-year-old with a physical disability in her hand, also shared her views. “It’s okay that the Bantayog Festival activities won’t take place if the allocated funds are used to provide aid to people like us who have disabilities and those with illnesses,” she said. She added that what matters most is preserving the culture. Esplana suggested that the government could organize low-cost activities, such as a fun run or other events, that would serve as reminders of the province’s heritage and origins. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)