SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines  – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has further solidified its commitment to excellence and workplace safety by earning the prestigious ISO 45001:2018 certification from DQS Philippines. The official awarding ceremony took place on Monday morning, August 3, 2026, at the SBMA corporate boardroom, Building 662. Presenting the certification was DQS Philippines Managing Director Romeo Zamora. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed pride and resolve in accepting the certification. “I stand proud of all of you for this achievement. Securing another ISO certificate is more than an institutional milestone—it is a sincere public service commitment. This recognition is for the people; undertake it with dedication and heart,” Aliño said. He emphasized the importance of not only obtaining certifications but also upholding the standards conscientiously. “The true value lies in implementing these standards earnestly and consistently—not only for the agency but for our country, our locators, workers, and the community we serve.” The ISO 45001:2018 certification establishes a robust Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) that enables organizations to identify and mitigate workplace risks, prevent injuries, and enhance overall safety. SBMA has previously received ISO 9001:2018 certification for Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001:2018 for Environmental Management Systems from DQS Philippines, underscoring its comprehensive compliance with international standards. Romeo Zamora acknowledged the enduring partnership between the SBMA and DQS Philippines, highlighting their joint commitment to continuous improvement. “It is an honor to support the SBMA in achieving certification across QMS, EMS, and OHSMS. We look forward to further fostering this partnership to support effective management system implementation,” Zamora said. Operating as the local representative of the German-based DQS Group, DQS Philippines brings an extensive global network spanning 60 countries to its certification services. SBMA Total Quality Management Office (TQMO) Lead Auditor Lolita Bondoc announced that the SBMA is the first Freeport authority in the Philippines to secure three key ISO certifications. The agency is also preparing to integrate these management systems into a unified framework by 2028. In recognition of the pivotal role of internal auditors, the agency honored personnel responsible for maintaining rigorous internal audit programs that ensure compliance and readiness for third-party evaluations. Chairman Aliño concluded, “For government employees, adhering to these standards is essential. I salute the dedicated men and women whose efforts made this achievement possible.” (30)      

  Bacacay, Albay, Philippines — The Maritime Regional Office V (MRO5) conducted its SPMS and GAD Mid-Year Performance Assessment and Planning Conference on 31 July–01 August 2026 to assess the office’s accomplishments and performance during the first half of CY 2026. The conference featured presentations by the respective section heads on the physical targets and accomplishments of various MRO5 sections, as well as discussions on financial performance, fund utilization, the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), and the amended OPCR for CY 2026. The afternoon session focused on Gender and Development (GAD) accomplishments and initiatives. The activity concluded with a solidarity message from Regional Director Jeffrey A. Bangsa, emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and commitment to achieving organizational targets. The conference also strengthened coordination among MRO5 personnel and set clear priorities for the second half of CY 2026 toward the delivery of responsive and quality maritime services.

By Venus Trixia P. Barbero   SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union is prioritizing the health of its constituents through the delivery of medical services, social welfare support, and new opportunities for its youth. Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega said during his State of the Provincial Address (SOPA) on July 28 that investments in healthcare resulted in improved facilities at district hospitals, providing quality medical services to more than 190,000 patients. Pharmacy services have been improved and seven patient transport vehicles were turned over to enhance mobility for residents needing care and improve emergency access. “We need to improve the access of the less fortunate, for everybody… and the universal health of every Filipino regarding healthcare,” Ortega said, echoing President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s speech during his latest State of the Nation Address (SONA). Social welfare support has also been expanded, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributing a total of P64.8 million in financial aid to 13,000 beneficiaries. More than P14.6 million in incentives were also given to 1,400 senior citizens aged 80 years old and above. “Ta uray nu nanumo nga amount ket makatulong para kadagiti medisina da. So that they will not be burdened by looking for money to buy what is essential for their health, especially iti kasjay nga edad,” Ortega added. (Because even a small amount helps for their medicines. So that they will not be burdened by looking for money to buy what is essential for their health, especially at their age.) Education and youth development Ortega also reported on the creation of the Provincial Youth, Employment, Sports, and Development Office (PYESDO) which now benefits more than 4,000 scholars with faster grant releases through newly opened bank accounts. Over P11 million in Brigada Eskwela assistance was also distributed to 465 schools. “The future of our land lies on the youth,” Governor Ortega said. “To make sure there will be better citizens and a better place to live in, for their families and generations after us.” By enhancing healthcare access, expanding social protection, and investing in the youth, the provincial government is ensuring a stronger, more resilient future for the people of La Union, he added. (CCMT/VTB, PIA La Union)

Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Joseph Timothy E. Cayton has vowed to fulfill his new responsibilities with dedication after being appointed assistant majority leader of the House of Representatives in the 20th Congress. Cayton thanked House leaders and his colleagues for the trust placed in him, acknowledging that the position carries significant responsibilities. “I am honored and humbled by the trust given to me,” Cayton said. He said, he would perform his duties with dedication, working closely with Majority Leader Zandro A. Marcos and the broader House leadership to advance the legislative agenda and ensure the efficient and orderly conduct of plenary proceedings. As assistant majority leader, Cayton is expected to help manage floor sessions, facilitate debates, assist in the referral of bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, and help maintain order during the consideration of priority measures and the national budget. He will also assist in coordinating members of the majority bloc and support efforts to secure the smooth passage of priority legislation. Cayton said he understood the weight of his new assignment and would carry it out with humility and dedication. He likewise vowed not to disappoint the people who placed their confidence in him, especially the Novo Vizcayanos whom he represents in Congress. “This is a great responsibility, and I will perform it with all my heart. I will do my best to honor the trust given to me and to serve not only the House but also the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” Cayton said. His appointment places him in a key position in the House leadership as the chamber begins work on the legislative priorities of the 20th Congress. By Rachel Magday

By Elsha Marie S. Arguel   SUAL, Pangasinan, Philippines — President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. inspected the upgraded Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Sual Fish Port here on Thursday, July 30, as the government steps up efforts to modernize fisheries infrastructure, support fishing communities, and strengthen the movement of fish from fishing grounds to markets in Northern Luzon. The upgraded facility is expected to improve services for fishing vessels and fisheries stakeholders while helping create more efficient conditions for fishing, post-harvest handling, and other activities across the fisheries value chain. Located along the Lingayen Gulf, the Sual Fish Port is the only regional fish port in Northern Luzon and is designed to accommodate large fishing vessels. It serves fishing communities in Pangasinan, the western portion of the province, and parts of the Ilocos coastline, giving the facility a strategic role in the region’s fisheries logistics and food supply. The modernization project included improvements to the market halls, cold storage facilities, multi-purpose pier, sorting areas, access roads, and other support infrastructure. The rehabilitation was undertaken to address operational constraints associated with aging and damaged facilities. The need to improve port operations comes amid a significant decline in fish unloaded at the facility, from 485.66 metric tons in 2024 to 74.13 metric tons in 2025. The figures highlight the importance of maintaining efficient fisheries infrastructure to support fishing operations and post-harvest activities. With the upgraded facilities, fishing vessels are expected to have better access to docking, repair, resupply, unloading, and other essential services. Improved port operations can also benefit fish traders, processors, transporters, workers, and other businesses that depend on the fisheries sector. During his visit, Marcos met local fishermen and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel, including the 28 crew members of BRP Cabanigan and BRP Robert Servañez. For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel Jr. said the two vessels were at the port for repairs and a resupply trip before returning to their fishing grounds. “For now, these two vessels are here to undergo repairs and resupply before returning to the fishing grounds,” Laurel said. He added that the vessels were provided with fuel, water, and food, while their crew members were given time to rest following recent bad weather. The President also met the captains and crew of BRP Datu Dumangsil, BRP Datu Paduhinog, and BRP Joselito, which were docked at the facility. He later boarded the BRP Datu Paduhinog for a brief inspection and discussed fisheries and port operations with local officials. The rehabilitation of the Sual Fish Port is part of government efforts to improve fisheries infrastructure and strengthen the capability of fishing communities to participate in a more efficient and resilient food supply chain. For Northern Luzon, a modernized regional fish port can provide a critical link between fishing grounds, landing facilities, markets, and consumers, while supporting livelihood opportunities for communities whose incomes depend on fisheries. As the government continues to invest in fisheries infrastructure, the improved Sual Fish Port is expected to play a greater role in supporting fishing activities and the movement of fish products across the region, contributing to the goals of supporting fisherfolk’s livelihood, modernizing fisheries, and ensuring food security. (AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)