By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Farmers in Nueva Vizcaya may soon be able to supply their produce directly to institutional buyers in Metro Manila under a proposed partnership between the provincial government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The initiative was presented during a courtesy call at the office of Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito by officials of the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group (DTI-SCLG), led by Undersecretary Jean Pacheco, along with agri-partner Mayani headed by chief executive officer JT Solis, Agro-DigitalPH chief executive officer Henry James Sison, and representatives from FAST Logistics. The proposal seeks to improve market access for farmers by allowing them to sell directly to supermarkets and other institutional buyers, cutting post-harvest losses and reducing reliance on middlemen. Also included in the plan is a smart farming platform that would guide planting and harvesting schedules. The system will be implemented in coordination with the Provincial Agriculturist to support data-driven planning and better match farm output with market demand. Under the proposed arrangement, harvested produce would be brought to e-fulfillment centers for processing, packaging and distribution at fair prices. The initiative adopts an integrated and circular approach to agricultural production, promoting efficient use of inputs while converting byproducts into compost fertilizer to support sustainability and minimize waste. The project also includes Mayani’s “Grand Bagsakan Walang Sayang” initiative, the establishment of cold storage facilities, and digitalized systems aimed at strengthening the supply chain and improving logistics. Gambito expressed support for the proposal, saying it could expand market opportunities for farmers, raise their incomes and lessen risks in production and marketing. “As long as it is for the benefit of our farmers, I am always supportive of programs like this. This initiative can open more market opportunities for them, help increase their income, and reduce the risks they face in production and marketing,” he said. The partnership is expected to provide Nueva Vizcaya farmers with a more stable and efficient route for bringing their products to major buyers in the capital.

PANGASINAN, Philippines — A new milestone unfolds as Limgas na Pangasinan 2026 officially introduced its 19 candidates during the Press Presentation and Official Sashing Ceremony held on March 21, 2026, at the Sison Auditorium, Capitol Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Carrying this year’s theme, “Beauty Beyond Barriers,” the pageant marks a historic moment as it prepares to crown its 50th Limgas, celebrating five decades of empowering Pangasinense women and showcasing not only beauty, but purpose and inclusivity. The ceremony was led by the First Spouses League of Pangasinan and Limgas na Pangasinan Chairperson, First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, and members of the media from national and local outlets, who witnessed the official sashing of each candidate. More than a competition, this year’s Limgas highlights stories of strength, diversity, and resilience—proving that true beauty goes beyond barriers.        

By Danny Estacio   GUMACA, Quezon, Philippines – The municipal government here will tighten the enforcement of laws against smoking and vape use in public places. According to Gumaca Mayor Webster Letargo, violations of existing ordinances are worsening where smoking and vaping are widespread in markets, parks, and even on public transport. Letargo added that, as a result, the police and local authorities were instructed to strictly enforce Executive Order No. 26 and Republic Act No. 11900 to curb violations. The local chief executive emphasized that secondhand smoke and vaping are dangerous to health, especially for young people who are exposed to them in public places. Among the targets of the operation will be violators inside jeepneys, tricycles, markets, parks, and other public places, in accordance with the town’s existing smoke-free ordinance. Under local ordinances such as Municipal Ordinance No. 13-2011, which prohibits smoking in public places and vehicles, while Public Order No. 22-2011 imposes fines and counseling for minors and their parents, which can reach ₱2,500, and imprisonment for habitual offenders. Letargo said that establishments under Public Order No. 152-2014 are also required to post information regarding the protection of youth and the strict implementation of the “No Smoking” policy. “The local government hopes that with the more intensified implementation of the laws, clean air will be restored, youth will be protected, and the health of the people of Gumaca will be preserved,” Letargo said.

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The inaugural Isarog International Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival 2026 will take place on May 1–3, 2026 at the Metro Naga Sports Complex in Pacol, bringing a three-day showcase of colorful balloon flights, music, and tourism-driven activities to the city. Organizers said the first-ever hot air balloon festival, officially launched on March 20, will be conducted in partnership with the city government of Naga at no cost to the city government, with private proponents taking the lead in funding and execution. Bong Rodriguez of QWK Group of Companies, a business entity involved in organizing large-scale tourism and entertainment events, and one of the prime movers of the event, said the festival is expected to stimulate economic activity in the city, drawing tourists and generating opportunities for local businesses. City Tourism and Promotion Officer Reuel Oliver stressed the need to push through with the plan despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, noting that external uncertainties should not stall local development efforts. “We must boost our economy,” he said. Mayor Leni Robredo, for her part, said the city government will extend logistical support for the event, including the setting up of tents, securing the venue, and managing solid waste collection and disposal. The festival will feature giant hot air balloons operated by international pilots, alongside live performances from top musical artists, food stalls, and family-oriented activities. It aims to showcase Bicolano culture, promote sports and adventure tourism, and create new economic opportunities for the region. Organizers said the event, mounted in coordination with Blue Skies and the Aeronautical Academy of the Philippines, is envisioned to become a landmark tourism attraction for Naga City and the Bicol region. I via Jason Neola

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines —The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) in Region 2 has formally declared Cagayan Valley “insurgency-free” and placed it under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS). The declaration was approved through a resolution during the task force’s full council meeting on March 24, 2026, held at Ammungan Hall and hosted by the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya. Cagayan Governor Edgar B. Aglipay, chair of the JRTF-ELCAC Regional Council, presided over the meeting. The resolution cited sustained and coordinated efforts among national government agencies, security forces, local government units, and communities as key to achieving the milestone, following the government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending insurgency. Through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), coordinated measures were carried out not only to address security concerns but also to deliver services, infrastructure, and livelihood programs to communities previously affected by conflict. Before the regional declaration, the province of Nueva Vizcaya had already been declared an insurgency-free province in 2023 under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito. Gambito said the regional declaration is expected to open more opportunities for growth and development across Cagayan Valley, citing Nueva Vizcaya’s experience after it was declared insurgency-free. “Our experience in Nueva Vizcaya showed that peace and security create a strong foundation for development. After the province was declared insurgency-free in 2023, we saw increased investor confidence, more business opportunities, and stronger economic activity,” Gambito said. “With the entire Cagayan Valley now declared insurgency-free, we expect these benefits to be felt across the region. This will encourage more investments, improve livelihood opportunities, boost tourism, and further accelerate progress in the region”, Gambito added.