Comelec officers led by COMELEC Zambales Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Cristina Guiao-Garcia (left) raised the hand of gobernatorial re-electionist Hermogenes Ebdane after winning for the third term as governor of Zambales. Assisting the proclamation was Zambales School Div. Supt. Dr. William Roderick Fallorin. Ebdane garnered 306,367 votes, to secure his post in the Capitol Building from sole rival Chito Balintay who received only 30,857 votes. Meanwhile, Zambales’ Nanay Bing Stays, Zambales 2nd District Congresswoman Doris Bing Maniquiz, was officially proclaimed by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Cristina T. Guiao-Garcia (extreme left) her second term at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, after securing a landslide victory over his sole opponent. Maniquiz received 173,704 votes, while his challenger Atty. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, garnered only 79,928 votes. (Ruben A. Veloria)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — EduAksyon Party-list, advocating for realistic and practical educational reforms, received on Friday encouraging response from students and parents during the recently held Students’ Forum 2025. In a forum held at The Manila Times College of Subic, parents and students-participants expressed support to EduAksyon Party-list’s advocacy they considered as realistic and practical but which they never heard from other parties. EduAksyon first nominee Michael Alexander Ang, and second nominee Atty. Kristjan Vincent Gargantiel explained that among their programs in Congress is to file a bill that will shorten college years to only two, instead of regular for years. According to Ang, aside from having the lowest budget in the whole of Asia, there is also something wrong in the implementation of the K-12 program, as first year and second year college students have to take subjects that have already been taken in Grade 11 and 12. “This mistake contributes to the reason why the Philippine education system is lagging behind. We are in the second to last position in terms of quality education,” Ang said. He added that minor subjects should be removed from the college curriculum making college years only two years. But students should undergo mandatory one-year on-the-job training (OJT) as employees of companies as a requirement for graduation.  “What the EduAksyon will do is to file a bill that will reduce the academic years of college to only two years, but require them to undergo one year extensive training in a company, with allowance equivalent to 75% of the salary of newly hired employees,” said Ang. This concept is already being implemented in the United States, Europe and progressive countries in Asia, like Singapore and Japan. “CHED’s four-year system was outdated long ago and no longer reflects today’s rapidly changing job market, he said. EduAksyon enumerated some of the advantages of the Bill, if passed, including first, cost efficiency as parents could save more money equivalent to four semesters of tuition fees, transportation fares, allowances, and possibly board and lodging; and the students will be receiving allowances equivalent to 75% of the minimum wage during their OJT. Secondly, the educational system will become more efficient since redundant curriculum subjects will be removed; Thirdly, students will enter into the workforce earlier because of the intensive training he received during OJT. Fourthly, Academic curriculum will be aligned with the needs of the industry in the locality, and Fifthly, because of the system, there will be flexibility, specialization and competition. Aside from reducing college years, EduAksyon will also push for the provision of breakfast to all public elementary schools; distribution of free tablets, E-books, school supplies to all public school students; Free internet to all students; and distribution of educational financial assistance for all deserving students.  

  Freeport stakeholders join the Mass Hands-only CPR training event organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority –Public Health and Safety Department in cooperation with the Philippine Heart Association, Inc.-Central Luzon. The training was held at the Ayala Malls Harbor Point Mall on Wednesday, April 30. The participants were trained to respond to possible victims of cardiac arrest in the workplace. Hands-only CPR, or compression-only CPR, is designed to make CPR easier for untrained bystanders to perform in the event of a cardiac arrest. Its primary purpose is to maintain blood circulation to the brain and vital organs until professional medical help arrives. This is achieved through chest compressions, which help pump the remaining oxygenated blood throughout the body. The project is also supported by the Olongapo City Medical Society, the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians-Olongapo City Chapter and the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine-Olongapo City Chapter.

Subic Bay Freeport—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) Passport on Wheels (POW) project at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on April 29, 2025 was able to process 92 passports in record time of 4 hours. SBMA Human Resource and Management Department (HRMD) Manager Vivian Abalos shared that the successful processing of the 92 passports was just a portion of the total 200 passport applications since the other 108 that were supposed to be processed did not materialize due to incomplete documents and payments. Abalos extended her gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Harbor Point Ayala Mall for their cooperation in the said corporate social responsibility (CSR) project of the agency. The SBMA has been conducting the POW project even before the pandemic, and it has helped  stakeholders within and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) in conveniently processing their passport applications and renewals. Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the SBMA does not issue passports, but rather, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). He said that this project is a part of the agency’s CSR program in collaboration with the DFA. “This project aims to provide convenient access to passport services for individuals within the Subic Bay area. The SBMA brings passport application and processing services directly to Subic Bay Freeport to extend convenience to SBF residents, employees, and their dependents,” he added.          

Subic Bay Freeport–The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will hold a jobs fair in time for its Labor Day celebration at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here, with more than 2,300 job opportunities available to job-seekers on May 1, 2025. Labor Center Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias disclosed that around 45 companies in and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will participate in the said jobs fair. Varias added that aside from the jobs fair, a 3-kilometer Fun Run will jumpstart the Labor Day activities. There will also be the Relax Enjoy Siesta Timeout (REST) Free Massage, and the Sulong SBMA Singing Competition, which will all be held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall’s Activity Center. “Last year, 26 jobseekers were hired on-the-spot. Of the 26 hired, 21 applicants were hired by Da Tian Subic Shoes Inc., manufacturer of popular shoe brands here. While two of them were hired by YZ Consultancy Services Incorporated, and the other three were hired by Coffee & Tea Connection,” Varias said. “We hope that we can fill the number of vacant positions to ensure that the companies in need of workers would operate smoothly. The high demand of our locators’ products has resulted in the need for higher production, hence, the higher demand for employment,” he added.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the operations and maintenance of the Clark International Airport’s (CRK) air traffic services (ATS) and communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) facilities, in a bid to augment its air traffic management. Under the MOA, BCDA, as the owner of the facilities, will shoulder the costs related to the procurement of parts and upkeep of ancillary equipment. CAAP, meanwhile, will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of CRK’s ATS and CNS facilities, ensuring the safe and efficient management of air traffic in and out of the airport. “CAAP’s deep-seated expertise in airport management, proven track record in ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency, and national mandate make them the ideal steward for this critical phase of CRK’s development,” said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. He added that BCDA and CAAP are closely coordinating for the study of a second runway in anticipation of the influx of flights from NAIA and additional investments from the cargo carriers. CAAP Director General Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario said, “this agreement will ensure that our air traffic services, navigation system and equipment are maintained and operated at the highest standard of safety and efficiency.” BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes said that aside from the rising number of domestic and international flights in CRK, there has been a surge in e-commerce demand which is driving expansion of logistics and delivery services. “To meet this demand, more and more logistics companies have chosen the CRK as their hub banking on its location in central Luzon and its accessibility. With the continued surge in tourism and logistics demand, prioritizing aviation safety, convenience and efficiency has become more crucial.” In 2024, CRK saw a 29% rise in flight operations, totaling 19,221 with 47% domestic and 53% international flights. The agreement between CAAP and BCDA will help improve air travel safety and efficiency at CRK by providing modern air navigation services and maintaining up-to-date equipment. This will allow fewer delays and safer travel, while also helping airlines and airport staff work more efficiently. In January 2019, the BCDA entered a concession agreement with the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) for the operation and maintenance of CRK, granting the retention of the operations and maintenance of the ATS and CNS facilities with the agency. Pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act, the BCDA operates and maintains public utilities and exercises oversight functions over the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. To ensure efficient and effective control and management of CRK, the BCDA is spearheading expansion projects such as the construction of a second runway and other airport infrastructure upgrades. This development is in line with BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No. 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and No. 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.      

By Dante M. Salvaña   Subic, Zambales – The Royal Sultanate of Zambales has enthroned high-ranking officials of the province at the Subic Sports Complex, in Barangay r Wawandue of this town on April 20. With the theme, The Sultanate of Phangampong A Pilipinas Da’Wah Solidarity, the male local officials were given the title Rajah while the female local officials were given the title Prinsesa. During the Morod and Multaqa 2025 of The Royal Sultanate of Zambales, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Vice Governor Jacqueline Khonghun, Congressman Jay Khonghun, Congresswoman Bing Maniquiz, Castillejos Mayor Jeff Khonghun, and Subic Town Mayor Jon Khonghun were enthroned. The ceremony was led by Sultan ng Pilipinas Bob Datimbang Alhajj, citing that the event shows unity, peace and respect for every religion in the country. Zambales Governor Ebdane was given the title of Rajah ng Zambales, Vice Governor Jaq as Prinsesa ng Zambales, Congresswoman Maniquiz as Prinsesa ng Ikalawang Distrito ng Zambales, Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun as Rajah ng Castillejos; and Mayor Jon Khonghun as Rajah ng Subic. The newly crowned Rajahs were given kris sword, sash, and certificate that authenticates their positions, while the newly crowned Prinesas were given sash, malong, and certificate as well. The newly crowned officials were endorsed by high-ranking Muslim officials of the country including Sultan Masiricampo ng Pilipinas Cosanie Derogongan, NCMF Director, Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution; Sultan Cabugatan sa Pilipinas Sonny Baniga Alhajj; and Sultan sa Pilipinas Sultan Bob M. Datimbang Alhajj. During the event, an oath taking was officiated by Governor Ebdane to the Muslim Federation of Zambales led by President Parker Bassar. President Bassar expressed his gratitude to the officials of Zambales for their unwavering support to the Muslim community in the province. He added that the participation of the officials in the said event show how much they are willing to give attention to the Muslim community of Zambales. Governor Ebdane thanked the officials of The Royal Sultanate of Zambales for accepting them as one of their own, citing that the voices of the Muslim community is just as important as any other voices that are heeded by the Provincial Government. Other local government officials from Zambales also witnessed the event as a symbol of their support for the crowning of these officials as rajahs and princesses. To end the event, the Maranao Dance Group of Subic performed before the audiences.      

In a move to improve connectivity and support the requirements of its locators, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) continues to expand transportation and utility corridors in New Clark City, Tarlac, with built roads expected to reach nearly 60 kilometers by the end of the year. As road and underground construction works continue, New Clark City’s road network will stretch 57.18 kilometers by end-2025, covering almost 40 percent of the 148.44-kilometer total road length planned throughout the whole development. “One of the main elements that make Clark so attractive to investors is its unmatched connectivity, supported by its own international airport, a nearby seaport, and major expressways. But we need to further build on this connectivity and invest more on infrastructure. By doing this, we can create the scale to make us more competitive against our neighbors and elevate New Clark City’s position as a premier investment hub,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. New Clark City’s road projects involve multiple lanes, complete with bicycle and pedestrian lanes, solar street lights and linear parks, and drainage and slope protection structures to provide residents and locators of New Clark City convenient access to institutional, residential, and mixed-use developments within the city. They also feature underground utility corridors to prepare for the needs of present and future locators in the area. As of November 2024, 41.48 kilometers of New Clark City’s road network has already been completed, which include the 12-kilometer access road from New Clark City to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the 19.8-kilometer One Clark Boulevard connecting New Clark City to the Clark International Airport. The roads are now being used and enjoyed by public motorists. Meanwhile, 15.7 kilometers of roads are now undergoing construction, a large part of which includes the New Clark City Connecting Road Package 2. With a total length of 10.1 kilometers, this road package will traverse New Clark City’s industrial area, as well as the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex. Road packages 3 and 4, covering 7.5 kilometers and 6.7 kilometers, respectively, will soon be offered for bidding. Also for procurement are connecting roads leading to New Clark City’s sports complex, residential area, and the river park. Some 72.26 kilometers of road are also in the pipeline for future development. Spanning 9,450 hectares, New Clark City is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, sustainable, and future-ready metropolis. Once fully developed, it is projected to have a population of 1.2 million, and a total workforce of 600,000. The city’s extensive road network will form the backbone of the planned transit-oriented development in the whole Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, establishing robust interconnectivity within the SEZ and its neighboring communities. This will give way to the construction of multi-modal transport hubs, which will become pivotal in driving investments and creating sustainable, active communities.          

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC, Zambales – Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zambales Provincial Office arrested five persons and confiscated P68,000. worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Calapacuan, on April 13. PDEA Zambales Provincial Officer said that they raided a house, suspected to be used as drug den, at around 3:34 AM and caught the target of operation identified as alias “Drey”, male, 34 years old, along with his companion alias “Ar-Ar”, 43 years old; alias “Ney”, 35 years old; alias “Tonio”, 25 years old; and alias “Kel”, 29 years old. Confiscated from the suspects were six plastic sachets containing more or less 10 grams of shabu worth ₱68,000.00, assorted drug paraphernalia, and the buy-bust money. Present during the operation were operatives from Subic Police Station, Zambales PPO Drug Enforcement Unit, and Naval Intelligence Security Group-Northern Luzon (AFP). Charges for violation under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are now being prepared for filing.       Photo Caption:   An agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducts inventory of seized illegal drugs worth ₱68,000. inside a makeshift drug den in Barangaygy Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales, where five suspects were arrested.