By PIA CALABARZON   CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Philippines (PIA) — Following the El Niño Alert issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the DSWD Field Office IV-A has ensured its readiness in responding to possible effects of the phenomenon in the CALABARZON Region. To date, there are a total of 224,051 family food packs and 10,396 ready-to-eat food packs strategically prepositioned in 82 warehouses across the region to ensure immediate deployment once needed. The Department also has essential non-food items ready, including 4,502 hygiene kits, 2,205 kitchen kits, 261 family clothing kits, and 3,132 sleeping kits to help support individuals and families who may be affected by prolonged dry conditions and extreme heat. Throughout the month of May, the Field Office will be conducting a physical inventory in all warehouses to validate stock levels and ensure the quality of the prepositioned goods. The prepositioning of these relief supplies is part of the agency’s proactive measures to mitigate the possible effects of El Niño and other types of calamity, particularly for vulnerable families and communities. (with reports from DSWD IV-A)                    

By Rachel Magday   Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton said his vote in favor of the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte was grounded on the constitutional mandate of Congress to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability in public office. “The duty of Congress is to obey and defend the Constitution. No one is above the law,” Cayton said, explaining his vote to affirm the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President. Cayton said the role of the House of Representatives under the 1987 Constitution is to determine whether impeachment complaints are sufficient in form and substance, and whether probable cause exists to send the case to the Senate for trial. He stressed that a vote to approve the Articles of Impeachment is not a vote to convict. “The House does not determine guilt or innocence. We are not a court. The only question is whether there is sufficient basis to bring the matter before the Senate for trial in accordance with due process,” Cayton said. According to Cayton, the House Committee on Justice had conducted proceedings in line with the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings and found probable cause based on the verified complaints filed before the chamber. “We have a process to follow. The Constitution provides a clear mechanism for matters like this. Our responsibility is to ensure that the process is allowed to proceed, not to obstruct it,” he said. Cayton said his position was not driven by political pressure or personalities, but by the need to protect democratic institutions and uphold accountability. “We must not allow our province to be compromised by politics or noise. Nueva Vizcaya must remain on the side of the law, good governance and accountability,” he said. “This is bigger than personalities and politics. This is about accountability to the people and respect for our institutions,” he added. Cayton also expressed confidence that the Senate, once convened as an impeachment court, would carry out its constitutional duty with fairness and impartiality. He said the proceedings should be viewed through the lens of the Constitution, accountability and the rule of law, rather than partisan politics. “In the end, what matters most is that our democracy remains strong, our institutions continue to function, and the Constitution and the law prevail above anyone else,” Cayton said.

  LA UNION, Philippines – Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega led the distribution of financial assistance reflecting the continued strengthening and prioritization of the needs of the agricultural sector especially during the calamity-affected period in the province. Elyucano farmers and fisherfolk were filled with hope and gratitude after they personally received financial assistance from the Provincial Government of La Union, held at the Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union, on May 11. A total of 209 beneficiaries from various towns in La Union received financial assistance, including farmers and fisherfolk from Bangar, Bauang, Caba, Luna, and Sudipen. Gov. Ortega expressed his support for farmers and fisherfolk as one of the important contributors to society. He also directed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to focus on the immediate needs of the agricultural sector. “Don’t give up on any storm that comes because we are always here behind you ready to support. We will continue to unite to provide sufficient and appropriate assistance to our farmers and fishermen,” said Gov. Mario. It can be recalled that Typhoon Uwan hit La Union in November 2025, and it left severe damage especially in the agricultural sector that made fishermen and farmers suffer. The Financial Assistance Program is under Provincial Ordinance No. 425-2023 or the “Agricultural Emergency Trust Fund,” which aims to help those affected by the calamity to recover and restart their livelihoods. Also present at the said program were Board Members Hon. Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce, Hon. Teresita O. Garcia, Hon. Aaron Kyle M. Pinzon, and Hon. Joyce M. Abuan; Bauang Mayor Ma. Clarissa T. Lee; and staff of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist led by Marcelo Otanes.

By Mark Anthony G. Pangan   SAN FERNADO CITY, Pampanga, Philippines (PIA) — The City Government of San Fernando highlighted the importance of preserving Kapampangan heritage while strengthening cultural ties within the ASEAN community during the celebration of National Heritage Month 2026. Led by the city government through the City Tourism Office, the celebration was held at the Santungan Ning Kulturang Kapampangan with the theme “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future”. The event featured cultural activities such as photo exhibits, free calesa rides, food bazaar, and workshops that showcased local artistry and promoted greater appreciation of Kapampangan culture and identity. Preserving heritage and strengthening ASEAN cultural identity City Tourism Officer Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade Pangilinan emphasized that culture remains a core part of identity that must be preserved and passed on to future generations. “A nation without culture is like a person without a soul. Our cultural identity and heritage are very important as Filipinos,” she said. She noted that the city government continues to promote cultural programs for the youth while also showcasing Kapampangan heritage and positioning it within the broader ASEAN cultural landscape. “As Fernandino Kapampangans and Filipinos, we have a unique cultural heritage that we can proudly share with our neighbors in the region, especially within ASEAN,” she said. Pangilinan also underscored the role of technology in heritage preservation, noting that digital platforms and museum archives can help promote Philippine culture to a wider ASEAN audience. However, she emphasized that while digital tools expand access to cultural materials, human craftsmanship remains irreplaceable. “There are parts of our culture that AI cannot replicate. The craftsmanship of our weavers, wood sculptors, and painters here in Pampanga remains deeply human and unique,” she said. Art as a voice of culture and global recognition Visual storyteller Gerald Gloton (3rd left) receives the Best Southeast Asian Entry award at the Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Photography competition, recognizing his excellence in showcasing culture and storytelling through photography. His works are on exhibit at the Santungan ning Kulturang Kapampangan in the City of San Fernando as part of the celebration of the National Heritage Month 2026. (Endel A. Mallari/PIA 3) Featured artist Gerald Gloton shared how his works are deeply rooted in Kapampangan and Filipino identity, which he continues to bring to international audiences. “I dedicate the images I create to our culture, our city, our province, and our country. It is a source of pride that the craft we have poured our blood, sweat, and tears into is being recognized internationally,” he said. Gloton said receiving the Best Southeast Asian Entry at the Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Photo Awards strengthened his identity as both a Filipino and a member of the ASEAN community. “To be recognized on the global stage as a Kapampangan and Filipino… and receiving a Southeast Asian award makes us proud to be part of the ASEAN community,” Gloton said. He also encouraged young artists and creatives to continue honing their craft and using their talents to tell meaningful and often unheard stories. “Keep shooting, keep persevering, and keep practicing so you can improve your skills over time. Stay passionate, inspire others, and keep discovering stories,” he said. The celebration is part of the city government’s efforts to preserve cultural identity, strengthen public appreciation of local traditions, and promote Kapampangan creativity within the ASEAN cultural community. (MJSC/MAGP, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)