PAMPANGA– Daan-daang jeepney driver sa Pampanga ang nagkaroon ng pagkakataong madagdagan pa ang pang-araw-araw na kita matapos makatanggap ng saku-sakong bigas pangkabuhayan nitong linggo mula kina Senador Alan Peter at Pia Cayetano. Muling binista ng ‘Bayanihan Caravan’ ang Angeles-San Fernando Jeepney Operators Drivers Association, Inc. (ASFERJODA) sa San Fernando City upang maghatid ng sako-sakong bigas sa ilalim ng Integrated Livelihood Program ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), noong July 16, 2024. Nagpasalamat si ASFERJODA President Manuel Liwanag sa natanggap na tulong ng asosasyon, na binubuo ng higit sa 600 tsuper at operator. “Malaking bagay na naman ang dumating sa amin, y’ung pangkabuhayan na binigay sa amin. Paiikutin po namin at palalakihin ito,” pahayag niya. Ayon sa treasurer ng asosasyon na si June Jimenez, ipamamahagi nila ang mga bigas sa mga miyembro para kanilang maibenta at pagkain na rin ng kanilang mga pamilya. “Ibibigay namin ito sa kanila bilang pangkabuhayan sa maliit na interes lamang para makabawas sila sa kanilang gastusin,” ani Jimenez. Kuwento ng pag-asa at tagumpay Kabilang ang ASFERJODA sa mga benepisyaryo ng Presyo Trabaho Kita/Kaayusan (PTK), isang inisyatiba ng magkapatid na Cayetano kung saan nagbibigay sila ng puhunan sa mga piling samahan sa bansa upang makapag-umpisa ng sarili nilang loan program para sa mga miyembrong nais magtayo ng maliit na negosyo. Taong 2014 nang matanggap ng ASFERJODA ang kanilang puhunan, na ginamit nila para makabili ng pampasadang jeep na hanggang ngayon ay kumikita at pinakikinabangan nila. Masayang ibinalita ni Liwanag na nakaipon na sila ng P220,000, na kanilang pinaiikot at pinauutang sa mga miyembro ng asosasyon. “Ipinangpapa-loan namin sa aming mga miyembro sa maliit na interes lamang para makatulong,” ani Jimenez. Dahil sa kinikita ng PTK jeepney, nakakapagbigay ng ayuda ang asosasyon sa mga miyembrong nangangailangan at year-end bonus sa lahat ng mga kasapi taun-taon. “‘Yung boundary po nito, kung halimbawang may nangangailangan sa aming mga miyembro, ito po yung binibigay naming tulong sa kanila. Halimbawa, may nagkasakit sa kanilang pamilya. Malaking bagay po ito,” ani ASFERJODA secretary Jay Sibug. Tiwala si Sibug na mapapalago rin ng asosasyon ang bigasan gaya ng tagumpay ng kanilang PTK jeepney. “Asahan niyo po, siguro more than five years ay nandito pa po yung mga binigay niyong pangkabuhayan sa amin,” aniya. “Muli po nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyong magkapatid, Senator Alan at Senator Pia Cayetano,” dagdag niya

BALER, Aurora — Ipinamahagi ng Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) na pinamumunuan ni Abigail Paulino ang mga tseke na may kabuuang halaga na ₱455,000.00 sa 91 benepisyaryo ng livelihood at skills training assistance, na ginanap sa Provincial Capitol Grounds, Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora, noong Hulyo 18. Bahagi ito ng Provincial Sustainable Livelihood, Skills, and Employment Program ng PSWDO, isa sa mga programang itinataguyod ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Aurora, na naglalayong matulungang iangat ang kalagayan ng mga mamamayang nagnanais magkaroon ng munting kabuhayan. Bilang kinatawan ni Governor Reynante A. Tolentino, nakasama si Aurora Memorial Hospital Chief Nurse Ryan “Yam” K. Tolentino ng mga kawani ng PSWDO sa pangunguna ng kanilang Planning Officer IV Ellen Olivar, sa pamamahagi ng tig-₱5,000.00 halaga ng tseke sa 64 na livelihood at 27 skills training beneficiaries mula sa Central Aurora na kinabibilangan ng mga bayan ng Baler, San Luis, Maria Aurora, at Dipaculao. Dumalo din sa nasabing aktibidad si Bokal Menard Amansec at sinabi niyang kaisa siya ni Gov. Tolentino sa pagsisigurong naibibigay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang dapat na ibigay sa taong bayan. Nagpahayag naman ng kagalakan at pasasalamat si Tatay Marcelino Nacino, isa sa mga tumanggap ng benepisyo sapagkat nabibigyan ng pansin ng pamahalaan ang mga tulad niyang kapos sa kabuhayan.

SUBIC, Zambales  — Natugunan ng daan-daang senior citizen sa Zambales ang kanilang mga pangangailangan sa panahon ng personal na krisis nang makatanggap sila ng tulong mula sa magkapatid na Senador Alan Peter at Pia Cayetano, noong Hulyo 10. May kabuuang P1.5 milyon ang naibahagi sa 750 senior citizen sa isinagawang Bayanihan Caravan sa pamamagitan ng Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Ang AICS ay isang social protection program ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) na nagbibigay ng tulong-pinansyal sa mahihirap na Pilipinong nahaharap sa personal na krisis tulad ng kawalan ng pagkain, pagkakasakit, pangangailangang pang-edukasyon, o pagkamatay ng isang miyembro ng pamilya. Ang inisyatibo, na ginanap sa Subic Sports Complex, ay isinagawa sa pakikipag-ugnayan kina Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun at Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun. Sa pamamagitan ng Bayanihan Caravan, patuloy na nakikipag-balikatan ang dalawang Cayetano sa mga pambansang ahensya at mga lokal pamahalaan upang matulungan ang mga Pilipino sa mga vulnerable sector na iangat ang kanilang pamumuhay at mapagtagumpayan ang iba’t ibang hamon sa buhay.

Subic Bay Freeport – “This premier Freeport is set to boost the economic corridor of the country by developing both its seaport and airport,” said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. Speaking before stakeholders at the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac, Aliño said that these port infrastructure projects support the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Development initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which are expected for completion by 2028. The official disclosed that the first project, a Multipurpose Port Terminal (MPT) at the Lower Mau, will include a 570-meter wharf, with a depth of 12.9 meters. It has a back-up area of 17.2 hectares for warehouses and open storage areas. “This project will provide an additional capacity of 2.5 million metric tons bulk cargoes. As one of the identified projects under Public Investment Program of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the project will spur economic growth through the additional berthing facility,” he said. Another MPT that is set to be constructed at the Redondo Peninsula, will have a 600-meter wharf, with a depth of 14 meters and a breakwater. It has a back-up area of 30 hectares for warehouses, open storage, offices and support facilities. The project will increase the port capacity with additional 3 million metric tons cargoes. This is one of the identified projects under Public Investment Program of the NEDA, with a project cost of P11-billion. “The high percentage of domestic and international commerce is by sea, therefore, the efficiency of maritime transportation has become increasingly essential to national competitiveness,” Aliño said. The SBMA also plans to construct a Cruise Passenger Terminal area with a project cost of P1.2billion for phase 1, and P8.96billion for Phase 2.  The facility will have a double berth 380meter pier with a depth of 12 meters, along with the reclamation of 20 hectares for Phase 2. “International and local cruise operations will greatly benefit the local and national economies, with increased employment opportunities, revenue from port fees and dues, and increased tourism spending. This is vital to the National Cruise Tourism Program of the Marcos Jr. administration,” the official shared. Also in the pipeline is the proposed improvement of existing buildings and the construction of new facilities inside the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) with a project cost of P7.02-billion. To modernize ports and allied industries and to decongest passenger traffic in Metro Manila, the Marcos administration will also undertake the improvement of the SBIA to be able to accommodate 6 million passengers annually. A new hotel and parking facilities within the airport complex that will promote the use of the SBIA and further boost the tourism sector in the Subic Bay Freeport is also in the offing. “The project is currently under study and will cost around P4.3 billion,” Aliño said. “Locators, port users and prospective investors will also benefit from upgraded and modernized airport facilities, with increased SBIA efficiency, capacity and revenue generation.  With these improvements, the SBMA will have additional revenue generating facilities with the rise of a world-class airport hotel and multilevel carpark,” he added. “Now for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) to achieve its maximum potential, we are planning to expand the SBIA by upgrading and modernizing its facilities. Once in place, we are confident to increase both the handling and revenue generating capacity of the airport,” the chairman said. The feasibility study on the proposed SBIA Expansion Project will include the extension of the runway from 2,745 meters to 3,300 meters in length, expanded aprons, relocated CAAP-ATC tower, and a new passenger terminal building. “This will improve and provide a more efficient client and passenger accommodation as the proposed airport is expected to generate a conservative revenue of P12.5 billion annually.  This should significantly align to the objectives of the Luzon Economic Corridor,” he said. (30)

Tarlac, Philippines – The emotions defining motorsports are the exhilaration of winning, the satisfaction of achieving a goal, and the adrenaline rush of participating. For Honda, sharing this thrill with fans is more than a passion with it’s the driving force behind Honda Philippines Motorsports. The change in weather condition makes it challenging for the young aspiring riders that couldn’t dampen the fiery determination of the riders during the 2024 Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) Round 3. These talented racers showcased their skills, aiming for the international stage. The CBR150R race bikes roared around the technical track, challenging riders under the relentless rain on the first day and scorching heat on the second day making them experience a more competitive scene inside the racetrack of Tarlac Circuit Hill last July 6 to 7, 2024. The action-packed event’s highlights were riders finishing the race with superior endurance and stellar performance while being on top of their games having the exchanging positions of the riders from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and even the 4th position during the race ending with an unexpected result from Qualifying, Race 1 and Race 2 respectively. The Tarlac Circuit Hill buzzed with energy as the riders tackled practice sessions and qualifying races. Qualifying (QTT) Result: Pos. Rider# Name Best Lap Time In Lap 1 2 Urielle Jirone Olayvar 1:20.355 7 2 1 John Nathan Galang 1:20.863 6 3 3 Carlsen Jacob Solis 1:20.906 7 4 7 Franz Juric dela Cruz 1:21.014 6 5 4 Vash Travis Aguilar 1:21.757 5 6 9 Kenzo Miguel Abadilla 1:21.974 5 7 6 Knox Leon Pantaleon 1:23.687 7 8 8 Mark Dustine Oliveros 1:25.193 6 9 5 Albert Joaquin Geronimo 1:33.283 1 * Urielle Jirone Olayvar got the Pole Position during the race. Race 2 Race Result: Pos. Rider# Name Best Lap Time In Lap 1 3 Carlsen Jacob Solis 1:10.984 11 2 9 Kenzo Miguel Abadilla 1:10.435 11 3 1 John Nathan Galang 1:11.140 11 4 2 Urielle Jirone Olayvar 1:11.306 12 5 4 Vash Travis Aguilar 1:11.971 10 6 7 Franz Juric dela Cruz 1:12.119 12 7 8 Mark Dustine Oliveros 1:12.139 5 8 6 Knox Leon Pantaleon 1:13.638 6 9 5 Albert Joaquin Geronimo DNF – * Best Lap: 1:10.435 (76.6 km/h), (No.9) Kenzo Miguel Abadilla  The HPDC program, fueled by Honda Philippines, Inc., provides a platform for aspiring riders to hone their abilities. Round 3 witnessed remarkable progress as these young talents pushed their limits. Their eyes were set on becoming future international champions, and the racetrack was their proving ground. Together with HPI, who has been shaping the future of international riders on their way to “Road to Champion” experience, with level-up expertise and enthusiasm in the field of motorsport. The HPDC program isn’t just about racing—it’s about discipline, perseverance, and dedication. Aspiring young riders learn valuable lessons on their journey to becoming international stars. Honda Philippines, Inc. would like to thank our sponsors supporting this program: HJC Helmet, RK Takasago Chain, MTRT, NGK Spark Plugs, YSS Suspension, Alpinestar, UMA Racing, RCB, Pirelli Tires and Romy Lanceta Trucking Services.

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is eyeing the completion of big-ticket projects under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. Speaking before stakeholders at the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City (NCC), in Capas, Tarlac, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the agency aims to complete these infrastructure projects by 2028. Environmentally friendly and cost efficient service “On top of our list is our initiative to become the first Philippine port equipped with shore power connection for ships. By 2028, we look to complete the project and deploy the shore power facility that looks to reduce the air pollution from ships by 95%. The project cost is around P250 million.” The Shore Power Connection for Carbon Neutral Ports project will start construction at the New Container Terminal in 2025 for Phase 1, and at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) and Ship Repair Facility (SRF) from 2026-2027 for Phase 2. “This will provide shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth while its main and auxiliary engines are shut down. Shore power cuts air pollution from ships at berth by 95 percent,” he said. The project cost will be under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the National Government for 2025, which will be around P100-million for Phase 1 and P150-million for Phase 2. Logistics facility for trucks “To ensure that the growth in cargo will not lead to road congestion, we are now in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art truck holding area in our Tipo area. The project will include automated gates, optical plate scanners and amenities for truck drivers and clients. The project will cost around P100 million and will be completed by 2028,” Aliño said. The Logistics Facility for Trucking Services will provide a holding area that can accommodate 100 trucks and vehicles. The construction of parking areas with amenities for cargo trucks and trailers will also be undertaken. Housing projects inside the Freeport Meanwhile, the Socialized Housing Program of the SBMA is under President Marcos’ Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program and will cost P2-billion. The project is in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). The area where the housing project will be constructed is at lots 70-B Rizal Highway Ext., Central Business District, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. “This housing project will significantly improve the living conditions of approximately 1,300 low-income families by providing them with access to decent and safe housing units that are conveniently located near major employment hubs,” Aliño said. A plan to build dormitories for Freeport workers is also in the works, as Aliño cited that these dormitories will be built close to industrial centers and techno parks. According to the chairman, this will save companies and workers finances, while reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road. The project will have a budget of P960 million and will be completed by 2028. Subic as a Smart City “We are also embarking on the Subic Bay Smart City project, in which two of the main components include the installation of additional CCTV surveillance and traffic cameras. Subic Freeport is known to have some of the most disciplined drivers and pedestrians in the country mainly due to the strict implementation of traffic rules and regulations,” he added. “The cost for these upgrades will be P224 million and we hope to complete them by the end of 2026.” Skills Training As part of the Marcos administration’s thrust to upskill Filipino workers, the Agency also plans to build the SBMA Center for Excellence that will boost the skills of the Freeport workers here. Aliño said that this is to ensure the sustainability of the industries here. “We understand that we need to continue to develop the competencies and talents of our workforce. A workforce capable of adapting and providing the needs of our vast industries,” he added. The P21-million training facility aims to enhance the competitiveness of the 154,120 workforce of the Freeport thru technical education and skills development offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (30)

Travel conveniently and worry-free on your e-Vehicle as SM Supermalls brings its 57th EV Charging Station at SM City Pampanga! Park, pop, and plug your e-Vehicle easily at SM City Pampanga’s EV 7.4kW chargers which supports e-Vehicles with Type 2 connectors. The charging station is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. And the good news is, charging your e-Vehicle at SM is FREE! Just head straight to Parking B near French Baker and Pizza Hut Mall Entrance to get your car battery fully charged. And while you wait, you can shop, dine, and be entertained at SM City Pampanga. SM Supermalls is the first mall chain to establish in-mall e-Vehicle charging sites in the Philippines and has created the PH’s biggest chain of e-Vehicle charging stations nationwide. By expanding infrastructure for EV owners, SM Supermalls is able to advance its Zero Emissions agenda, helping decrease carbon footprint while addressing air pollution concerns all over the country. (PR)

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) allowing the extended occupation of a portion of land within the Subic Bay Freeport to house their barracks and training center. During the MOA signing held at the SBMA Administration Building on July 10, 2024, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the agreement translates to a better and more heightened safety and security advantage for the Subic Freeport community. “The SBMA is allowing the 2nd Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF to extend its use of the 14,231-square meter of land property that they have been using since 1998 for their training,” he said. Aliño signed the MOA with PNP-SAF Acting Director Police Brigadier General Mark D. Pespes at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom. He cited that the MOA attests to the SBMA’s thrust to provide a safe and secure economic zone for its stakeholders. On behalf of PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Pespes conveyed his message of gratitude to Aliño for the agency’s continued support to the PNP, which significantly solidifies the unwavering commitment and partnership between the two government agencies. “By providing us with the necessary resources and facilities, you are playing a crucial role in enhancing our capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of our community. Your support is invaluable, and we are profoundly thankful for your trust and cooperation,” Pespes said. After the signing, Pespes conducted a command visit to the 85th Special Action Company, Rapid Deployment Battalion at Building 8131, Old Fly Fast Hangar of the Subic Bay International Airport. The official also visited the training center of the 2nd Special Action Battalion (2SAB) near the Morong Gate of the freeport for an ocular of the facility as part of the PNP’s ongoing efforts to ensure operational readiness, boost morale, and address the concerns of the personnel. As a final reminder, Gen. Pespes reiterated his guidance to the uniformed personnel of the 2nd Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, to continue to excel in their service, and give their best in the discharge of their functions, in honor of the memory of fallen personnel who have sacrificed their lives to serve their countrymen.