CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines — Moving swiftly to realize its vision of becoming the country’s premier aviation hub, the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has officially signed a 25-year lease agreement with Heatcon Asia, Inc., a leading global provider of composite repair solutions and a key supplier to aerospace giant Boeing. The agreement formalizes the establishment of Heatcon’s manufacturing, material distribution, and in-shop composite repair facility within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex. The contract was signed by CIAC President and Chief Executive Officer Jojit Alcazar and Heatcon Asia, Inc. President Howard Victor Banasky, in a ceremony witnessed by key officials from both organizations. Alcazar emphasized that the partnership is a major win for the country’s aerospace sector, directly aligning with the mandates of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to drive high-value industrial growth. “This investment represents a significant milestone in Clark’s continued emergence as a leading aviation and aerospace hub,” Alcazar said. “Heatcon’s facilities support major aviation players in the region, including Boeing, and are expected to further strengthen Clark’s position as an attractive destination for aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services,” he added. Alcazar also noted that by establishing its presence here, Heatcon is directly contributing to CIAC’s vision of transforming the region into a premier aerospace center in Southeast Asia. He added that as global aircraft fleets expand and require strict safety and efficiency standards, Clark is positioning itself to capture the rising demand for world-class MRO services. “Today’s signing formalizes a partnership rooted in innovation and global excellence. It highlights Clark’s readiness to support the growing demands of the global aerospace industry while advancing our vision of developing Clark Aviation Capital,” Alcazar noted. Established in 1978, Heatcon is a globally recognized manufacturer that supplies hot bonders, heat blankets, and process materials to both commercial and military aviation sectors. According to Heatcon management, the new Clark facility will serve as a strategic hub to support its rapidly growing customer base across the Asia-Pacific region, marking a pivotal step in the company’s global expansion. Expressing his gratitude for the collaboration, Alcazar stated: “We thank Heatcon for its trust and investment in CIAC. Their growth is our growth, and we are committed to supporting the long-term success of their operations here. We hope this partnership serves as the launchpad for decades of shared success, innovation, and growth.” Under the Marcos administration, CIAC is aggressively executing its thrust to transform the Clark Civil Aviation Complex into the Clark Aviation Capital, a dynamic, aviation-driven business, manufacturing, and logistics hub. As the premier land and aviation development arm of the BCDA, CIAC is mandated to prime the Clark Aviation Capital for global enterprises specializing in industrial, commercial, warehousing, and high-tech manufacturing operations, solidifying the Philippines’ footprint in the global logistics chain.        

La Union Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega has been recognized as the Top Performing Governor in the “Boses ng Bayan” Index of Governance Assessment conducted by RPMD Foundation Incorporated. The distinction highlights his administration’s commitment to effective governance, responsive leadership, and dedicated public service for the people of La Union. This achievement serves as a testament to the province’s continued efforts in promoting transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance.    

By Orlan Jabagat   PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines  (PIA) — The Puerto Princesa City government started distributing 10 kilos of rice on June 11 to 16,000 poorest of the poor families in the city under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The distribution was simultaneously conducted in 60 barangays. The Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program is financed through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), of which the city of Puerto Princesa received P48 million. According to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Officer Remy Beltran, 60 out of 66 barangays in the city will benefit from the program, while six barangays declined it. Its beneficiaries are the poor and disadvantaged sectors such as poor farmers, poor fishermen, the transport sector, persons with disability (PWDs),  senior citizens, solo parents, and Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Beltran said the computation of beneficiaries was based on the actual total population of the city, which is 300,000 plus, and the 16,000 families turn out to be only five percent of the city’s population. “Kasi what is 16,000, kasi ilan ang population ng Puerto Princesa, nasa 300,000 plus. Sixteen thousand families lang ang beneficiaries natin, paano mo s’ya idi-distribute? So, I have to think of a way na equally distributed siya at lahat ng 66 barangays ay makakasali, but upon getting the right number based on the actual population para mag-esakto sa 16,000, lumalabas na five percent lang s’ya ng total actual ng population ng bawat barangay, kaya may mga barangay na kakaunti o maliit lang ang bilang ng mga beneficiaries,” Beltran explained. She also assured that all beneficiaries underwent validation by the CSWD Office and were certified and confirmed by the Barangay Chief and barangay council members. Beltran also said that those beneficiaries who were given rice at the beginning of the distribution will still be the same beneficiaries that will be receiving 10 kilos of rice within six months. Meanwhile, the barangays that declined the said program are the barangays of Bacungan, Pagkakaisa, Bagong Silang, Princesa, San Isidro, and Maligaya because their allocation is small based on population percentage. “Dahil maliit lang ang allocation nila batay sa population. Siyempre, kung maliit ‘yong population mo, maliit din ‘yong number of beneficiaries na mapupunta sa iyo na fiver percent. So ‘yon ang ginawa nilang dahilan, nag-refuse sila kasi marami daw magagalit na kabarangay nila. Pero ‘di ba dapat nga matuwa sila kasi biyaya ‘yan?” she said. “Kasi sa amin, binalik-balikan namin sila. Two, three, four, times, five times at ipinaliwanag na meron namang deserving qualified na constituents n’yo bakit hindi n’yo i-recommend, but they still refused. Isa sa kanila nag-waive, may documents kami na nag-waive sila. Tapos ‘yong iba naman na lima, ay ayaw nang makipag-usap sa amin,” Beltran added. Before the distribution, the CSWDO coordinated with the Punong Barangay on the actual date of distribution. They also requested the barangay officials to inform their constituents and bring valid ID for identification purposes to ensure that the rice entrusted by the national government to local government was received by the right beneficiaries. She added that this government’s rice subsidy program is a great help for deserving beneficiaries. “Malaking tulong siya sa mga… lalong-lalo na talaga sa mga mahihirap na talagang deserved nila na makakuha din ng tulong from the national government. We are happy to say na ‘yong talagang napili naming beneficiaries ay they really deserved to have it for the six months,” Beltran said. (OCJ/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)

By Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head   NAGA CITY, Philippines — An economics instructor at Ateneo de Naga University said Naga City’s conversion into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) is expected to bring significant economic and administrative advantages, but emphasized that maintaining the city’s long-standing commitment to good governance will be crucial to its success. In an interview, Ms. Danielle Belen, an economics instructor at Ateneo de Naga University, said HUC status would improve the city’s investment climate by enhancing its profile among local and foreign investors. “HUC status often elevates a city’s standing as an economic center, making it more attractive to investments in real estate, commerce, tourism, information technology, healthcare, and education,” Belen said. She added that the city’s new status could spur increased economic activity through the expansion of businesses, infrastructure projects, and employment opportunities. According to Belen, investor confidence in Naga’s expanded role as a regional growth hub could help create more jobs and provide local graduates with access to a more competitive workforce environment. “The HUC status is an affirmation that Naga continues to become a progressive city and is growing efficiently,” she said. Belen also noted that HUC status would allow city officials to exercise greater control over local affairs, enabling them to focus more directly on urban concerns such as transportation, housing, waste management, traffic management, and public health services. She said improved autonomy could contribute to better urban planning and more responsive service delivery to residents. The economics instructor further emphasized that the city’s new classification could strengthen Naga’s regional competitiveness. Belen likewise pointed to the potential for enhanced fiscal management under HUC status. With greater flexibility in allocating and prioritizing resources based on local needs, the city government may be able to improve the efficiency of public spending and development programs, she explained. She also cited the possibility of increased support from the national government, noting that national agencies often recognize HUCs as major urban centers. This recognition, she said, could improve Naga’s access to national programs, infrastructure projects, and development initiatives that would further accelerate the city’s growth. However, Belen stressed that the city government must preserve the governance principles that have long distinguished Naga if it is to fully realize the benefits of its new status. She said the local government should continue to uphold its core values of transparency, accountability, and people’s participation and empowerment in decision-making and governance. “With Naga’s best practices in governance, there’s no doubt that it can become a successful Highly Urbanized City,” Belen said. She added that sustaining these principles would help ensure that the gains from urbanization and economic growth translate into inclusive development and improved quality of life for Nagueños. Belen said the opportunities presented by HUC status, coupled with effective governance, place Naga in a strong position to sustain its development momentum and strengthen its role as one of the country’s leading regional cities.