By Chester Carlo M. Trinidad   LA UNION, Philippines (PIA) — The province of La Union recorded 518,937 tourist arrivals in 2025, reflecting the growing impact of sustainable tourism on local economies and communities. The La Union Provincial Tourism Office said the strong turnout highlights the province’s efforts to promote responsible travel—balancing visitor growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Tourism remained a key economic driver, generating an estimated P1.02 billion in receipts, benefiting local businesses, workers, and community-based enterprises. The province’s approach aligns with the broader push for sustainable tourism development in the Philippines. The municipality of San Juan, known for its surfing industry, recorded the highest number of visitors at 184,762. It was followed by San Fernando City, with 134,181 arrivals, and Bauang, with 81,146. These areas continue to attract tourists due to their accessibility, established accommodations, and diverse tourism activities. Visitor arrivals peaked from March to May, driven by the summer season and school breaks. To spread tourism gains beyond major hubs, the provincial government is promoting emerging destinations such as the waterfalls of San Gabriel and Pugo, as well as cultural and heritage sites across inland towns. Tourists are also encouraged to explore local traditions, including the Abel weaving in Bangar and historical landmarks, such as the Baluarte Watch Tower in Luna. Officials said expanding tourism destinations helps distribute economic opportunities while reducing pressure on heavily visited areas. With its sustained growth, La Union is positioning itself as a model for inclusive and sustainable tourism development, supporting national efforts to strengthen the tourism sector while protecting natural and cultural resources. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)    

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya is seeking technical assistance from Catalyste+ for the sustainable development of Bagabag Airport, a priority initiative of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito aimed at boosting tourism, improving connectivity, and spurring economic growth in the province. The request was presented by Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales during a recent meeting with representatives of Global Affairs Canada, the Embassy of Canada, and Catalyste+. Among those present were Mourad Graidia of Global Affairs Canada; Simon Snoxell of the Embassy of Canada; Jane Imai, senior program manager for Asia at Catalyste+ International Services; and Yen Ton, monitoring, evaluation and learning officer for Vietnam and the Philippines. Costales said the province is seeking support for a viability assessment and the preparation of an investment concept for the airport project, as well as an investor and commercial partner engagement strategy. She said the provincial government aims to attract aviation schools, tourism-related enterprises, food and beverage operators, logistics providers, and other businesses compatible with airport operations. Judith Asuncion, head of the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PROCEDE), said the proposal has already been recommended for approval by Catalyste+ Philippines and forwarded to the organization’s main office in Canada for final review. PROCEDE is the provincial government’s lead office in coordinating Catalyste+-supported projects in Nueva Vizcaya. Gambito said the activation of Bagabag Airport remains one of his administration’s key priorities. “The activation of Bagabag Airport is one of our key priorities because it will not only boost tourism in Nueva Vizcaya, but also help drive the local economy, create more opportunities for our people, and improve connectivity not only in Cagayan Valley but even to neigboring regions”, the governor said. He also thanked Catalyste+ for its continued support for the province’s development initiatives. Catalyste+ has been a long-time partner of the Nueva Vizcaya provincial government. Among their joint undertakings is the province’s designation as the sole provincial pilot area for Catalyste+’s three-year iLEAD program from 2026 to 2028. The program includes the establishment of an information technology hub, food security and climate-smart agriculture interventions, and strengthened engagement with civil society organizations. Catalyste+ also provided technical assistance for the feasibility study of the provincial government’s proposed rice processing center, another flagship initiative now being pursued by the province. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, Catalyste+ provides technical assistance, capacity building, and investment facilitation to support private sector-led and inclusive economic growth in partner countries. Its services include market assessments, project development, and stakeholder engagement.      

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The observance of Holy Week in Naga City was “generally peaceful,” according to Police Col. Gilbert Fariñas, city director of the Naga City Police Office and Incident Commander of the Incident Management Team (IMT) activated for the Lenten season. The city government, under the leadership of Mayor Leni Robredo, continues to advance its campaign for peaceful and safe communities, a key priority outlined in her “2028 Finish Lines.” Robredo has emphasized strengthened collaboration among law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, and communities, alongside proactive measures such as intensified crime prevention, improved disaster preparedness, and accessible public safety services to ensure that every Nagueño enjoys a secure and resilient environment. Fariñas said religious activities within the city proceeded without major untoward incidents following the activation of the IMT on March 30, 2026. The team is expected to be demobilized on April 5. Police records showed minimal incidents during the period, including one arrest for theft and eight vehicular accidents. Authorities also recovered a missing motorcycle and arrested one individual for violation of Republic Act No. 9165. Medical teams deployed in key areas also attended to minor cases such as seizures, body weakness, and vomiting. Patients were provided the necessary interventions, including blood pressure monitoring, tetanus shots, and first aid for minor injuries like abrasions. Fariñas noted that no injuries were reported in upland barangays, although police operations such as Oplan Sita and checkpoint monitoring remain ongoing as part of sustained anti-criminality efforts. On Easter Sunday, police assistance desks, medical personnel, and Bureau of Fire Protection units were stationed in major convergence areas to ensure public safety. Ambulances were also on standby for immediate response. Two separate fire incidents were reported on Saturday, April 4, including a garbage fire near a church and another blaze in a mall parking area, authorities said. The first incident, classified as a garbage fire, broke out at around 3:30 p.m. on a vacant lot in front of the Immaculate Concepcion Church in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña. The City Tactical Operations Center (CTOC) received the report at 4:04 p.m. on the same day. Earlier, at around 2:10 p.m., another fire incident occurred at the basement parking area of 101 Mall in Barangay Tabuco. Authorities said that, after investigation, the time of occurrence was placed at 2:50 p.m., while the CTOC logged the report at 3:25 p.m. Details on the causes of the fires and the extent of damage were not immediately available as of this writing. Authorities continue to monitor fire incidents and remind the public to observe safety precautions, especially during the dry season. The police also recorded an incident at the Holy Cross Parish in Barangay Tabuco, wherein two individuals were reportedly rushed to the Bicol Medical Center after a speaker from a public address system fell onto them. Fariñas urged the public to follow authorities’ instructions and avoid bringing unnecessary valuables when attending religious activities. He also emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, especially for the elderly and children. The police official likewise reminded IMT members, particularly those in the medical and law enforcement clusters, to remain alert and committed in delivering public service throughout the Lenten period. I via Jason Neola

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines  – Best Western Plus Hotel Subic has confirmed plans to expand its operations after signing the contract that will allow the construction of a new building beside the current hotel. The expansion project was signed between the proponent, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and developer Simon & Stanley International Trading and Development Co. Inc. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic Chairman and CEO Jaime “Jack” Uy led the contract signing for the expansion project at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building on March 31, 2026. Architect Jayson Steffen Uy, Vice-president for Facility and Construction of Savers Group Holdings Inc. (SGHI), shared that the new  building will consist of 120 additional hotel rooms, several commercial spaces, a three-floor parking area, restaurants, and parks. SGHI is the exclusive developer for Best Western in the Philippines as the conglomerate that owns and manages Best Western Plus Hotel Subic. Uy added that the new building will be an extension of Best Western with infused committed investment worth P587,967,200.00. “With the current need for more spaces, function halls, and rooms, we decided to expand our operations in Subic,” Uy added. The official stated that the design phase should be finished either this year or next year while the construction should be able to commence as early as the first quarter of 2027. “As for employees, the company intends to source its manpower requirements locally,” he further said. Meanwhile, SBMA Director Ted Del Rosario, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, SDA Ramon O. Agregado, and other agency officials were also present during the said contract signing ceremony. Chairman Aliño welcomed the expansion project of Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, citing the growing need of hotels and establishments in Subic Bay Freeport. He added that aside from the company’s committed investment, the agency also welcomes the job opportunities from the expansion project. Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is the first internationally branded hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It is a four-star property located on Dewey Avenue, providing easy access to major commercial hubs like Harbor Point Mall and SM City Olongapo.