By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Specialist doctors from the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) will conduct a two-day medical mission at the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center (R2TMC) on June 10 and 11, providing free minimally invasive gynecologic procedures to selected patients in the province. Dr. Jane Publico of the R2TMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology said the medical mission will focus on laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, procedures used to diagnose and treat certain conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Publico relayed the details of the medical mission during a courtesy call on Gov. Atty Jose V. Gambito, together with the nine QMMC doctors who will perform the procedures. According to Publico, 16 Nueva Vizcaya residents are scheduled to undergo the procedures during the two-day mission. She clarified that walk-in patients cannot be accommodated, as those included in the medical mission had already undergone prior diagnostic evaluation and screening. Publico said minimally invasive gynecologic procedures are performed through small incisions or natural body openings, reducing the need for traditional open surgery. Compared with conventional surgery, she said these procedures usually result in less pain, smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and a lower risk of complications. Publico said laparoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine and treat problems in the pelvic area through a small incision in the abdomen. Hysteroscopy, meanwhile, allows doctors to check and treat conditions inside the uterus through a thin instrument inserted through the cervix, she said. The procedures will be provided free of charge. Publico said similar procedures may cost more than P50,000, especially for patients without PhilHealth coverage. Publico thanked the office of Gov. Gambito for shouldering the accommodation of the visiting doctors from QMMC. She also expressed hope that the medical mission would become an annual activity at R2TMC through the continued partnership of the hospital and the provincial government. Publico said the initiative would benefit Novo Vizcayanos who need advanced gynecologic care, especially since no hospital in Nueva Vizcaya currently offers this type of minimally invasive gynecologic procedure.

New infrastructure to strengthen connectivity for students, communities, local businesses, and public institutions   LUCENA CITY, Philippines — Globe and Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) formed a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Globe to build its first on-campus cell site in Lucena.  This marks a significant step in expanding reliable connectivity in Southern Luzon and supporting digital inclusion in the local communities. Globe’s new investment will improve network coverage within the MSEUF campus and surrounding areas, providing stronger and more reliable connectivity for students, educators, residents, businesses, and public institutions that increasingly rely on digital access for everyday activities. MSEUF, regarded as one of the top universities in Quezon Province, is known for its accredited academic programs, strong information technology and criminology education, and its role in advancing innovation and academic excellence in the Southern Tagalog region. It also boasts of having the largest library in the region, a unique distinction of the university. The MOA signing was attended by MSEUF President and Chief Operating Officer Naila E. Leveriza, Globe Territory 5 team representatives, and Globe partners. The on-campus cell site is expected to help create a more connected learning environment where students and faculty can better access online learning platforms, research tools, cloud-based applications, artificial intelligence, and communication channels essential for modern education. Reliable internet connectivity has become a critical enabler of academic continuity, collaboration, skills development, and future-ready learning, particularly as schools continue integrating digital technologies and artificial intelligence into classrooms and student services. For students, improved connectivity can support access to virtual classes, digital libraries, online examinations, learning management systems, and research resources. Enhanced network access can also strengthen communication between students, teachers, and administrators for academic requirements, announcements, and campus services. Beyond the campus, the project is expected to benefit nearby communities by improving mobile connectivity for residents, workers, commuters, parents, and visitors who rely on mobile internet for communication, online transactions, remote work, and access to information and emergency services. The initiative also supports local government units and public institutions in strengthening digital public service delivery, emergency response coordination, disaster preparedness, and community information dissemination through more reliable digital communication channels. Small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs around the university community may likewise benefit from enhanced mobile connectivity. Improved internet access can help sari-sari stores, food vendors, transport operators, and local merchants adopt digital payments, manage online orders, access e-commerce platforms, and communicate more efficiently with customers. “We are happy with the support of MSEUF to allow its students and faculty to  bring 21st century learning to Lucena.  The infrastructure we bring will deliver reliable connectivity to where it matters most: schools, communities, businesses, and young Filipinos preparing for the future,” said Darius Delgado, Chief Commercial Officer at Globe. “We are building stronger network access in Lucena and laying the foundation for digital learning, local economic growth, along with youth empowerment.” The partnership reflects Globe’s broader efforts to expand connectivity across different parts of the Philippines, particularly in communities where digital access plays an increasingly important role in education, livelihood, public service, and economic participation. Supporting future-ready talent and digital citizenship Beyond network expansion, Globe and MSEUF will also explore future collaboration opportunities in next-generation networks, cybersecurity, data analytics, internships, mentorship programs, industry projects, and curriculum support. These initiatives aim to help bridge academia and industry while preparing students with skills relevant to the evolving digital economy. The MSEUF campus will also be integrated into Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) and its youth-led initiatives. Through DTP, Globe promotes responsible digital citizenship, cybersecurity awareness, online safety, and the responsible use of technology among students. The partnership underscores Globe’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion, strengthening community connectivity, empowering the youth, and supporting local development through technology.    

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has allotted 800-square meters of land to be utilized by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) initiatives. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BCDA President/ CEO Joshua M. Bingcang formalized this pact in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the SBMA administration building on June 3, 2026. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado and BCDA Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres witnessed the signing of the MOA along with officials and employees from both agencies. Aliño stated that the designated area will serve as a workspace for BCDA officials and employees involved in official duties throughout the construction of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway Project and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) interchange expansion. “We are delighted to have you join our community. This partnership is more than just us lending you a parcel of land. It is a commitment to building a vibrant, supportive, and sustainable home for your staff. We look forward to ensuring that their living experience here is not only comfortable but truly enriching,” Aliño said. Meanwhile, Bingcang said that this prepositioning of BCDA officials and staff is part of the agency’s thrust to ensure that the BCDA’s assets in Bataan accelerate investments and development activities in the region. He added that these combined developments are expected to boost investment inflows further and increase personnel movement and operational demands in and around the Subic-Bataan-Clark growth area. The agreement signed by the two agencies stipulates the use of an approximately 800-square-meter vacant residential lot located between Lots 95 and 97 Corsair Street, West Kalayaan, Kalayaan Heights District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The allocation was approved by the SBMA Board of Directors through Resolution No. 25-07-1360 dated July 10, 2025, subject to the terms and conditions of the MOA and applicable SBMA rules and regulations. The said arrangement supports inter-agency cooperation in advancing national government infrastructure priorities and strengthening the BCDA’s operational presence within the Subic-Clark-Bataan development axis.          

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Naga will strictly enforce its Oplan Disiplina starting Monday, June 8, 2026, as classes in public and private elementary and secondary schools resume for School Year 2026–2027. This developed after Mayor Leni Robredo directed the Public Safety Office (PSO) to intensify traffic management efforts, particularly along major thoroughfares and school zones, to ensure the safety of students and the smooth flow of vehicles during the opening of classes. Public Safety Office Executive Director Renne Gumba said his office, in coordination with the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO), will deploy personnel along major thoroughfares and in areas near schools. Gumba warned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol. He said traffic enforcers are now equipped with breath analyzers, which are essential in determining whether a driver should be arrested or charged for violating traffic laws. According to Gumba, motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol will not only be issued citation tickets but may also face criminal charges that could result in imprisonment. He added that all forms of transport and mobility, including private vehicles, bicycles, e-trikes, and tricycles, will be closely monitored to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and prevent congestion. The PSO will likewise strictly enforce regulations on pedestrians, who are required to use designated walkways and pedestrian lanes. Gumba also said that the PSO and police personnel are set to use speed guns to monitor whether motorists are complying with prescribed speed limits. He noted that the devices will help reduce road crash incidents in the city. Appropriate signage will also be installed to inform motorists of speed limits in specific areas. To strengthen the campaign against illegal parking, around 200 wheel clamps are expected to be delivered to the city government. Deputized barangay officials have already undergone training and orientation on the proper use of wheel clamps and the corresponding enforcement procedures. Gumba also disclosed that the city government is considering proposals from private towing companies interested in providing towing services in Naga. He said the city already has a towing ordinance in place and that interested operators may formally present their proposals or apply for accreditation with the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The proposed partnership aims to further enhance the enforcement of traffic and parking regulations in the city. Street vendors occupying roadsides will likewise be monitored to ensure that they are operating only within their designated areas and are not causing obstructions along public roads. As part of the campaign against non-compliant businesses, Gumba said the city government will not hesitate to padlock establishments operating without mayor’s permits or other required documents. He further emphasized that, aside from securing the necessary business permits and clearances, all business establishments in the city are required to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras as part of the city’s safety and security measures. I via Jason Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head.        

By Rosalita Manlangit   DAET, Camarines Norte, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has sent more than 19,000 workers from its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program to help public schools in the Bicol region get ready for classes starting on June 8. Speaking at Labo Elementary School in Camarines Norte on Wednesday, DOLE Regional Director Imelda Gatinao announced that DOLE is working with the Department of Education on this year’s Brigada Eskwela, which seeks to ensure that public schools are clean, safe, and prepared to welcome millions of students and teachers at the start of classes. As part of the partnership, DOLE Bicol has set aside P103 million to help run Brigada Eskwela and offer temporary jobs to 19,348 workers through its TUPAD program. According to Gatinao, the workers will help get the school ready by cleaning classrooms, managing waste, moving furniture and learning materials, clearing plants, landscaping, repainting, and doing other simple campus improvement tasks. She said the workers have been sent to more than 1,295 schools in Bicol, covering 12,105 classrooms. She added that the workers may be assigned for up to 10 days during Brigada Eskwela and other preparations. Each worker will receive P4,550 for their work, Gatinao added. At the same event, DepEd Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad expressed his gratitude to those who provided support, such as national government agencies, banks, private individuals, and organizations in Camarines Norte, who gave in-kind and cash donations. “This Brigada Eskwela is what we need today: cooperation despite the many problems we are facing. If we help and support each other, these hardships will become lighter for us and our families,” he said. Emalyn Villaflores, 50, who supports her two grandchildren, expressed her appreciation for the DOLE-TUPAD program. She is one of the 76 TUPAD beneficiaries at Labo Elementary School. “It is encouraging that more people are working together, especially when they feel overwhelmed. We are here to help with the cleaning,” she said. She said that her earnings would significantly aid in covering her grandchildren’s school expenses.  (Reyjun Villamonte contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)    

PUERTO GALERA. Oriental Mindoro — Nagsagawa ng final inspection ang mga opisyal ng Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) sa Hyperbaric Chamber ng Puerto Galera, isang mahalagang pasilidad na inaasahang magbibigay ng agarang serbisyong medikal para sa mga diver at magpapalakas pa sa katayuan ng bayan bilang Diving Capital ng bansa, June 5, 2026. Pinangunahan ang inspeksyon nina Engr. Gregory A. Oller, Assistant Chief Operating Officer for Architectural and Engineering Services Sector; Rodolfo E. Ancheta, Assistant Chief Operating Officer for Assets Management Sector; at Engr. Micha Evangelista, Project Engineer ng TIEZA. Kasama rin sa isinagawang inspeksyon si Engr. Geraldin Bacay, Municipal Engineer ng Puerto Galera. Ang Hyperbaric Chamber ay isang napakahalagang pasilidad para sa Puerto Galera, na kilala bilang isa sa mga pangunahing destinasyon para sa diving tourism sa Pilipinas. Sa oras na maging ganap na operational, makatutulong ito sa mabilis na pagtugon sa mga diving-related emergencies at sa pagbibigay ng kinakailangang paggamot sa mga diver, na magdaragdag ng seguridad at kumpiyansa sa mga lokal at dayuhang turistang bumibisita sa bayan. Matapos ang final inspection, nagtungo rin ang grupo sa Tamaraw Falls upang inspeksyunin ang lugar na inaasahang paglalagyan ng Tamaraw Viewing Spiral, isang iminungkahing tourism infrastructure project na naglalayong mapaganda ang viewing experience ng mga turista habang pinapangalagaan ang likas na kagandahan ng isa sa mga pinakatanyag na atraksyon ng Puerto Galera. Ang mga proyektong ito ay patunay ng patuloy na pagtutulungan ng TIEZA at ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Puerto Galera sa pamumuno ni Mayor Robinhood D. Ylagan at Vice Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan sa pagpapaunlad ng turismo, pagpapahusay ng mga pasilidad, at pagbibigay ng ligtas at de-kalidad na karanasan para sa mga bumibisita sa bayan.