By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines — The early systematic evacuation executed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) here before the super typhoon Uwan landed in the Philippine soil has saved thousands of residents from the danger. Zambales Provincial Engineering and Infrastructure Consultant Domingo Mariano, who monitors the operation of the PDRRMO, said that as early as Thursday (Nov 6), Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has mobilized all offices of the Provincial Capitol to laid out emergency plan. Among the priorities were the readiness of all equipment, vehicles, and personnel, and are ready for deployment anywhere, and anytime. Specifically mentioned are the evacuation centers which may serve as temporary shelters of the residents affected by flashflood and landslides. Gov. Ebdane who oversee the evacuation operations from the Command Center in Iba, said that as of 5:00 PM on Monday (Nov. 10) a total of 9,168 families, or 26,460 individuals, are now staying in emergency evacuation centers in 13 municipalities of Zambales. The figure are much higher than the total of 2,993 families, or 8,441 individuals, reported on Saturday. According to data submitted by PDRRMO head Rolex Estella, the most number of evacuees, reaching 3,038 families or 6,294 individuals, came from the town of Sta. Cruz where typhoon signal No. 4 was raised in the area. From the municipality of Botolan, 1,865 families or 4,943 individuals; followed by Masinloc with 1,020 families or 3,237 individuals. In the town of Candelaria- 810 families or 2,150 individuals; Subic, 694 families or 2,259 individuals, mostly from coastal barangay of Calapacuan, are temporary staying in evacuation centers. In Cabangan, 246 families or 693 individuals were evacuated, while in San Narciso has 94 families or 302 individuals; San Felipe has 106 families or 333 individuals; Castillejos has 191amilies or 639 individuals; and Iba with only 487 families or 1,626 individuals were evacuated. In San Antonio-57 families or 222; San Marcelino- 116 families or 348 individual; and Palauig- 453 families/ 1,384 individuals. Personnel from the PDRRMO, Philippine National Police and volunteers remain on standby for rescue and relief operations while continuously monitoring the weather conditions and situation across the province. Several department heads of the Zambales provincial government are also focused on and responding quickly to ensure everyone’s safety and to restore services affected by the typhoon.  

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Provincial Government of Tarlac have forged a landmark partnership to establish the Tarlac Community College in New Clark City, a move seen to boost regional development, expand access to affordable and quality education, and build a future-ready workforce in Central Luzon. BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang and Tarlac Governor Christian Tell A. Yap on Friday, October 17, 2025, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to initiate the planning and development of a five-hectare community college that will position New Clark City as an emerging hub for academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. “We are laying down the foundation for the establishment of the Tarlac Community College in New Clark City, a partnership between BCDA and the Provincial Government of Tarlac. This is in line with BCDA’s vision to strengthen university-industry linkage and equip our people with the skills needed for future industries,” said Engr. Bingcang. Under the MOU, BCDA will identify and make available an area within New Clark City for the proposed campus, while the Provincial Government of Tarlac will lead its development, financing, and academic programming. The initiative forms part of BCDA’s efforts to attract educational institutions and research centers that will shape New Clark City into a beacon of learning and innovation. Governor Yap underscored the transformative impact of the project: “We are very grateful for the property being offered for the development of this future training center and community college for our kababayans in the western side of the province of Tarlac. The best service we can provide them is to empower them with livelihood, jobs, and other opportunities…We have the platform here in New Clark City to develop all of our dreams.” Tarlac Community College is envisioned to offer courses aligned with emerging industries and future employment trends, enhancing human capital and contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of Tarlac and its surrounding areas. As a smart, green, disaster-resilient, and inclusive metropolis, New Clark City dedicates 60% of its land area to open spaces and sustainability-driven development. The addition of a premier educational institution strengthens its identity as a city built not only for infrastructure and commerce, but also for community building and nation-building. Other institutions that are already establishing their presence in New Clark City, including the National Academy of Sports, the University of the Philippines, and the Philippine Science High School, further solidifying its position as an emerging academic and innovation hub for the country. BCDA and the Provincial Government of Tarlac will convene regular coordination meetings to ensure the project’s alignment with the New Clark City master plan and national development objectives. A separate agreement will be executed upon finalization of the project’s scope and implementation terms            

By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines — A senior official here denied reports that a Chinese company is involved in dredging operations in this province and caused severe damage to private properties and the environment. Provincial Consultant on Engineering and Infrastructure Development Engineer Domingo Mariano assured the public that no Chinese company is involved in River Restoration Program, or dredging operations, in the major rivers of Zambales. “We have not given permit to any Chinese company. We only have legitimate Filipino workers operating the dredging machines,” Mariano said. The official also clarified that companies involved in dredging operations acquired their vessels from China and converted into Philippine flag. The vessels, including the crews, passed through the scrutiny and approval of Maritime Industry Authority or MARINA. The statement came after a member of the House of Representatives recommended an investigation to an alleged Chinese firm over its reported dredging operations in Zambales which triggered widespread environmental damage, and loss of livelihood of the residents. According to the report, the solon alleged that dredging operations destroyed maritime habitats, drastically reduced their fishing income, and subjected the coastal communities to severe danger. Engr. Mariano explained that the dredging operation brought significant benefits for Zambales residents. “There is no more houses damaged. There is no one needs to be rescued. And more importantly, the province got revenue income,” he said. By virtue of the provincial resolution, all extracted minerals, such as sand, in any part of the province are subject to taxes. According to the provincial resolution, all minerals extracted, such as sand, from any part of the province are subject to tax. As a result, the revenue is allocated with 50% going to the province of Zambales, 30% to the LGU, and 20% to the Barangays covering the area. Fifty percent (50%) of the share allocated to the province is utilized as student assistance for scholars across the entire province of Zambales. This includes support for those who wish to take Board Examinations, pursue Master’s or Doctorate degrees, as well as those who have earned Latin Honors. The remaining portion is used for the construction of infrastructure projects and free medical services in four (4) hospitals. Additionally, assistance is provided to fishermen, who have a total membership of 27,000. This includes the provision of fishing payaos (fish aggregating devices) and fishing gear, as well as the purchase by the Provincial Capitol of an ₱87-million fishing harvester vessel for their use. This enables them to compete effectively with larger-scale fishermen. According to the official, the extracted sand were transported to Pasay Reclamation Project, and to airport project in Bulacan. There are other smaller projects that are being supplied with sands. Regarding the alleged mounting complaints from local communities over the dredging operations, Engr. Mariano countered that if the report should be true, there must be only one or two who have personal interest. “They built permanent structures over accretion areas, which was considered danger zone by the DENR, but illegal settlers and businesses popped in the area like mushrooms,” the official said. Engr. Mariano also clarified reports about the fishermen who lost their income due to dredging operation in their area. “The so called environmentalist who claimed that fishermen lost their income due to dredging, that was purely lies. Because the fisherman are very happy now because they can ow catch fish by the tubs,” Mariano said. Engr. Mariano appealed for the cooperation of all residents in affected areas of erosion in San Narciso and San Rafael. “We have to help each other and to co-exist. It can’t be that those only at the shore line should live. Because there are others in the plains, and those in the mountains,” he said. He also noted that DENR is always ready to help them to comply with the requirements. And There is nothing that can’t be resolve through dialogue,” Mariano added.  

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE (CIAC-PAD(——The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) have formally signed a partnership agreement today to develop one of CIAC Flagship Projects, the Clark National Food Hub, and a major step forward in the transformation of the aviation complex into the Clark Aviation Capital. The ceremonial signing is a result of the series of coordination meetings and deliberations on the terms between CIAC and FTI relative to the development of the project. Present during the event were Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Bases Conversion and Development Authority Chairman Hilario Paredes, BCDA President Joshua Bingcang, CIAC President and CEO Joseph Alcazar, CIAC Directors Glenn Albano and Victor Manuel, FTI President and CEO Joseph Rudolph C. Lo, Transportation Assistant Secretary Donald Mendoza, and representatives from Clark National Food Hub Task Force and from the New Business Ventures Unit. “This partnership aligns squarely with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize agricultural development and strengthen the agro- and agri- logistics value chain—particularly in advancing the nation’s aquaculture and agriculture industries,” Alcazar said. It will feature state-of-the-art facilities and services integrating modern food storage warehouses, cold storage units, processing facilities, administrative offices, research and quality control, international shipping, marketing, and trading for both domestic and export markets. According to Alcazar, the collaboration covers the development, operation, and maintenance of a wholesale food hub that will serve the Clark Freeport Zone, New Clark City, Metro Manila, and the regions of Northern, Central, and Southern Luzon, while also providing direct access to global markets. Envisioned as an integrated and centralized hub for food distribution, storage, and processing high value agro–and agricultural products, supporting both local and export markets. The project aims to strengthen national food security and enhance the Philippines’ competitiveness as a food exporter by improving logistics, cold chain systems, quarantine processes, and compliance with international trade and safety standards Alcazar expressed gratitude to FTI for its partnership, emphasizing that the initiative marks a major milestone in promoting sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring a more efficient food value chain nationwide as well as improving the country’s food security. CIAC serves as the aviation and land development arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), while FTI is a government-owned or -controlled corporation and a subsidiary of the National Food Authority (NFA) which engages in supporting the agricultural sector by providing facilities for food processing, storage, and distribution, linking producers with consumers, and promoting price stability.              

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines —The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) passed the Stage 1 audit for the ISO 45001:2018 standard, also known as the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), on October 20. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded the efforts of the OHSMS Team headed by Dr. Solomon Jacalne, Manager of the Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) and OHSMS management representative, for creating the OHSMS for SBMA. “The SBMA is already certified in two international standards—the ISO 9001, the Quality Management Systems, and the ISO 14001, which is the Environmental Management Systems. As we strive to provide better services for our stakeholders, we are now into complying with the ISO 45001 standards,” Aliño said. He added that the documentation for ISO 45001:2018 is an additional certification to strengthen the SBMA’s operations. This is in addition to Republic Act 11058, also known as “An act strengthening compliance with occupational safety and health standards and providing penalties for violations thereof,” and Joint Memorandum Circular no. 1 s. 2020, also known as the “Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards for the public sector of the Civil Service Commission, Department of Health, and Department of Labor. According to Jacalne, the ISO 45001:2018 standard is to provide a framework for managing OH&S risks and opportunities. The aim and intended outcomes of the OH&S management system are to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses in workers and to provide safe and healthy workplaces. It is critically important for the organization to eliminate hazards and minimize OH&S risks by taking effective preventive and protective measures to improve OH&S performance. “It basically aims to reduce risks in the workplace and improve employee safety and health as it develops proactive measures for health and safety,” Jacalne shared. During the Stage 1 audit, Jacalne said that SBMA managed to pass the audit conducted online by the DQS Certification Phils. Inc. with a few opportunities for improvement (OFIs) findings. DQS Certification Phils. Inc., which has been certifying the SBMA compliance since 2018, is a subsidiary of the DQS Group based in Germany, operating in more than 60 countries. Meanwhile, during the “Talakayan sa Freeport,” a media forum organized by the SBMA Corporate Communications group, safety and preparedness were tackled by Fire Chief Ranny Magno, PHSD Medical Services Division Chief Dr. Arlene Cesa, and Law Enforcement Department (LED) manager Col. Alfredo Agustin, Jr. “When we talk about safety, it’s a way of life. If we practice it, we develop a culture of excellence among the workforce in SBMA. It’s not just a document; it must be put into practice,” Magno said. Meanwhile, Cesa said that the hardest part of the documentation will be monitoring and maintenance of the process. She said, “We should normalize preparedness, not only for calamities and disasters, but in our daily lives as well. Preparedness should impact our lives, not only in our workplace but in our families, as well.” Currently, the SBMA OHSMS team is preparing for the face-to-face Stage 2 audit in November.    

By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines — Business owners along accretion areas in the municipality of San Narciso in this province expressed full support to the reclassification of the area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This developed after the provincial government of Zambales, through Provincial Engineering Office head Engr. Domingo Mariano, hosted a dialogue between business owners, DENR officials, and Local Government of San Narciso to resolve land ownership in Barangay La Paz, San Narciso. Based on a survey conducted by CENRO There are now 273 claimants. Engr. Mariano was tasked by Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to help resolve the problems related to land ownership and land use along the accretion or unclassified public land in the province. DENR officials headed by Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Noel Lacadin, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Regional Director Martin Despi, and City ENR Officer Eduard Serdanilla, and Engr. Mariano who served as facilitator. San Narciso Mayor La Rainne Abad-Sarmiento, together with La Paz Barangay Chairman Bienvenido Paz Jr., resort owners with their newly elected spokesperson Domingo Ramos. Engr. Mariano explained that the local government wanted to resolve the issue on land ownership in La Paz, to give everyone concerned the opportunity to move legally and plan to improve their businesses. “I believe we have to decide now whether you (resort owners) have to cooperate with the DENR or continue to go against the law.” Meanwhile, Mayor Sarmiento said that EMB has already issued notice of violations to uncooperative business owners, including failure to present Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), building permit, waste management certificate; no business permit, non-compliance to current Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). Penalties for committing such violation may range to ₱25,000.00 annually.   Sarmiento urged resort owners to cooperate with the government and support the conduct of technical surveys for land classification, sustainable coastal management, and the creation of updated CLUP in Barangay La Paz, instead of denying the staff of DENR to do their works. For MGB, Lacadin said DENR has declared the whole area as a danger zone and prohibited the building of any permanent structure there, however to their surprise business structures sprouted like mushrooms in La Paz. “The shore line has already moved more than one kilometer from its original line, so was the structure. It is very dangerous because sea current will definitely reclaim the area again, and it is happening now, not because of the dredging activities,” said Lacadin. For the part of EMB, Despi noted that most of the businesses in La Paz have no legal documents to operate a business in the area, and urged the local government to ensure that they are suitable according to land use classification and compliant with the existing laws and ordinances. As the business owners admitted that they do need help of the DENR and local government to secure legal rights for the land they are now occupying, they sought the intervention of Engr Mariano and Mayor Sarmiento to help them confer with Gov. Ebdane the urgency of complying the requirement of DENR.  “It is a welcome development. And we hope that the long standing issues regarding the legality of ownership of accretion lands in La Paz would be resolved peacefully,” said Engr. Mariano. He added that the government is happy to note that the land owners are now more willing to cooperate with the local government and DENR for the future of their businesses here in Zambales. He added that Laz Paz is only the starting point and there are more to follow.    

By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as chairman to lead the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. The Regional Development Council (RDC) is the highest planning and policy-making body for an administrative region, particularly in the Philippines, tasked with coordinating regional development efforts and setting the direction for economic and social development. The appointment letter dated October 16, 2025 was transmitted by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, after the President signed the appointment on the same date. The appointment as RDC Chairman “shall coincide with your regular term as local elected official” and shall have three years term. As RDC Chairman, Gov. Ebdane shall lead the council in the formulation of regional development plans, coordination with local and national government initiatives and the private sectors, and approving and promoting investment programs for the region. Governor Ebdane expressed his profound gratitude to President Marcos for the trust placed in him to continue serving Central Luzon. The Governor stated that he will strive to further intensify programs and projects for the development of Central Luzon— from the economy and infrastructure to the daily livelihoods of his constituents. Ebdane added that this appointment is not only an honor but also a new challenge that he wholeheartedly accepts for the welfare of the citizens, especially the people of Zambales. The governor remarked, “I may profoundly now say, ‘Sulong Gitnang Luzon!’” For his track records, Gov. Ebdane served as Chief of Philippine National Police (July 2002 –August 2004) under former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was later appointed as Secretary of National Defense from February 2007 to July 2007 or until his appointment as Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways, where he served well until 2009. After which he later enter the court of politics in Zambales.      

By Ruben A. Veloria Members and staff of the Sangguniang Bayan of Cabangan, poses with Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. after conferred as 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sangguniang Bayan (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category), and received a plaque and P300,000.00 in cash, during the Zambales Exemplary Achievers as Legislators Awards Ceremony held in Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday. (Photo by Zambales for the People)   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – The provincial government of Zambales recognized the contribution of local legislators in formulating laws and ordinances that resulted in the upliftment of the lives of Zambaleños and the continuing development of the province. Initiated by Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the provincial vice governor together with the board members, the vice mayors and members of the municipal council were convened to the 2025 Zambales Exemplary Achievement as Legislators (ZEAL) Awarding Ceremony held at the Travelers Hotel here, recently. Also present during the momentous event were the municipal mayors who supported the delegates, the local Sangguniang Bayan secretaries and other staff. Governor Ebdane said that the event was surprisingly different from what he believed years ago. “Time has really changed a lot. We have reached the era where real winners win; and deserving people were recognized. Thanks to DILG,” he said. Gov. Ebdane emphasized that the real success is measured by moving together, united towards mutual development, and to dreaming of uplifting the lives of the constituents, “we should serve as their inspiration to dream big.” The governor likewise, encouraged the legislators to start making preparations to face the uncertainties, such as disasters, or The Big One. “We really don’t know when and where a disaster will strike. But we must always be ready to respond, just in case the inevitable happened in our time,” he added. He said that being a public servant, legislators should always prioritize the welfare of the community, and being ready to any kind of disaster should always be the first priority. As for the winners, the Municipality of Cabangan was conferred as 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sangguniang Bayan (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category), and received a plaque and P300,000.00 in cash, and to represent the province in the Regional level. In the 4th – 6th Class Municipalities Category, the 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sanggunian Bayan was awarded to the Municipality of Iba, along with the plaque and P400,000.00 in cash, and to represent the province in the regional level. Other Best Performers for 2025 ZEAL Awards (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category): 3rd Runner-Up- Municipality of Subic (plaque and P100,000.00 cash); 2nd Runner-Up- Municipality of Castillejos (plaque and P200,000.00) and 1st Runner-Up- Municipality of Masinloc (plaque and P300,000.00). Meanwhile, Iba Vice Mayor, and concurrent Vice Mayors League of the Phils.-Zambales Chapter, Joan Ballesteros, described the municipal legislators and the Sanggunian staff as pillars of development in the community. Feed backs have manifested that the provincial board members and municipal councilors acted untiringly and with dedication to achieve the voluminous paper works of proposed ordinances and laws submitted by the provincial board members and municipal councilors. They are the instruments to the progression and to the achievement of the objectives of the province. “I am happy for their success as local government officials with integrity and devotion,” said DILG Assistant Regional Director Jay Timbreza. In closing, Philippine Councilors League- Zambales Chapter president Carl Eric Rico commended the local legislators for fulling their oath to the country to serve the people first before serving themselves. “The evidence of our desire to serve the people is shown every day that we serve our local constituents” said Rico.          

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs– Port of Subic officially received recently its ISO 9001:2015 Certification from TÜV SÜD Philippines, affirming its commitment to deliver efficient, transparent, and high-quality customs services that complies with the international standards. Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao proudly accepted the Certification from TÜV SÜD representative Mary Grace Zara during a simple awarding held at the Office of the District Collector, Bureau of Customs- Port of Subic, here. Witnessing the occasion were Deputy Collectors Isagani D. Galsim and Andrew Malcolm S. Calixihan. ISO 9001:2015 Certification is “a formal recognition that an organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) meets the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard, which provides a framework for consistently providing products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements leading to improved quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.” For the Port of Subic, the certification recognizes that the Port’s customs clearance processes for import and export operations have successfully passed the rigorous audit conducted by TÜV SÜD, ensuring full compliance with global quality management requirements. Estanislao extended his profound gratitude to all Port employees for their invaluable efforts and dedication in achieving this milestone. He emphasized that this recognition reflects the collective hard work and commitment of the Port of Subic team to continually uphold and enhance the ISO standards in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to align customs processes with internationally recognized benchmarks and best practices. This milestone also underscores the Port’s alignment with the BOC’s 5-Point Priority Program, particularly in promoting good governance and integrity, facilitating trade, and ensuring world-class customs service delivery.