SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Families looking for a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day can head outdoors as the Zoomanity Group launches a month-long promotion offering free entrance to mothers across its theme parks nationwide. Running from May 1 to 31, 2026, the special offer allows moms to enjoy complimentary admission when accompanied by at least three paying companions. The initiative aims to honor mothers by giving them a well-deserved break through fun-filled and nature-inspired experiences with their families. The promo is available at key destinations including Zoobic Safari, ZOORI (Zoological Park of Tarlac), Zoocobia Fun Zoo, Paradizoo, and Zoocolate Thrills. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of attractions—from close encounters with exotic animals and thrilling safari adventures to relaxing garden walks and interactive farm experiences. The parks offer an ideal setting for families to bond while enjoying the beauty of nature. According to President and CEO of the Zoomanity Group Robert Laurel Yupangco, the campaign is designed not only to celebrate mothers but also to encourage families to spend quality time together outside the usual routine. With Mother’s Day often marked by traditional celebrations, Zoomanity’s offering provides an alternative that focuses on shared experiences and lasting memories. Families are advised to book their visits in advance through the official website, www.zoomanitypayment.com, to secure their slots during the promo period.

By Ruben A.Veloria   CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – “The time should not come when Filipinos will shoot among ourselves,” this was what Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said during the mass oath taking of rebel returnees of allegiance to government. Gov. Ebdane, the concurrent Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), was invited to inspire with his message the 64 former members and supporters of the communist guerilla movement or Underground Mass Organizations (UGMO) who surrendered to government forces in different occasions. “I hope this shall continue for good,” the governor said, and added, “Ako ay natutuwa dahil sa muli inyong pagtitiwala sa ating pamahalaan na bukas-palad kayong tutulungan na makabalik sa inyong normal na pamumuhay.” “Hindi dapat dumating sa pagtkakataon na tayong mga Pilipino ang maglalaban-laban,” Ebdane said. Mentioning that the problem started with misunderstanding regarding religion, culture and ideology. And because of conflicts many were neglected. “But it is now different.” Gov. Ebdane invited by Police Regional (R3) Director P/BGeneral Jess B. Mendez as he believe that the presence of RPOC Chairman, would greatly inspire the returnees as they reintegrate into the mainstream of the society. Meanwhile, BGen. Mendez said the national government, through its armed agencies especially the Philippine National Police, with Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), was able to conduct intensified community legal engagements and localized peace engagement. “These engagements resulted in a significant number of UGMO members and supporters to return to the fold of the government,” said Gen. Mendez. Also present during the ceremony was former KADAMAY member Francisco Santiago, KADAMAY or Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap is considered the largest militant alliance of urban poor organizations in the country, advocating for housing for the poor, livelihood, and social services. After the ceremony, a Serbisyo Caravan also been held at the multi-purpose hall of Camp Olivas to assist the returnees to help themselves normalized their lives and families easier. The caravan was participated in by technical staff from Department of Agriculture, Dept. of Trade, DSWD, TESDA, DOH3, DENR3, CHED, SSS, DOLE, PHILHEALTH, and NBI-3.  

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is now moving forward with the Clark International Airport (CRK) second runway project as it begins the detailed design phase, marking a key step in improving the airport’s efficiency and supporting long-term aviation growth in Central Luzon. Following a competitive bidding process, the BCDA has awarded the detailed engineering design of the runway to the joint venture of Schema Konsult Inc. and South Korea-based Yooshin Engineering Corp., with a total project cost of Php206.9 million. The additional runway will serve as a backup to the main runway in the event of operational disruption or unavailability,  ensuring continuity of safe operations and enabling non-stop airport activity. The expansion is also expected to support increasing demand from logistics carriers and improve overall airport efficiency. This project is aligned with the Marcos administration’s push to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure and strengthen the logistics network along the Luzon Economic Corridor. “By building a second runway, we are taking a significant step toward strengthening CRK’s operational resilience and long-term capacity. This development will build in redundancy to ensure uninterrupted operations, minimize the risk of disruption, and enhance Clark’s competitiveness as a premier logistics and aviation hub,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. “More importantly, this development will benefit Clark and the wider Central Luzon region by enhancing connectivity for locators and businesses, while also generating more employment opportunities for the local communities as airport and related support services expand,” he added. The detailed engineering design phase is targeted for completion by the second quarter of 2027. Once the design is finalized, BCDA will conduct a separate bidding process for the construction phase, with the new runway projected to become operational by the fourth quarter of 2029. The Clark International Airport is fast emerging as a premier gateway in the country, having served 2.75 million passengers in 2025. International logistics giants, UPS and FedEx, are also expanding their logistics operations at the airport.  To support the growing demand, as well as the operational requirements of its locators, the BCDA, in partnership with the Department of Transportation, is pushing forward the development of additional airside infrastructure in CRK, including taxiways, aprons, runways, and utilities. These will enable CRK to accommodate more aircraft movement, improve turnaround times, and enhance overall operational efficiency.          

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — A 4,000-acre property within New Clark City, Tarlac is set to transform into an industrial hub centered on artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and investments, advancing the Philippine government’s goal of positioning the country as a key global player in emerging technologies. This development comes as the Philippines formally joins the Pax Silica Declaration, a United States-led initiative that seeks to build a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain covering critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing. The country’s participation in this initiative signals its intent to play a more active role in the rapidly evolving AI and semiconductor landscape. This is in sync with the Marcos administration’s target of establishing the Philippines as a regional AI powerhouse under the National AI Strategy Roadmap. “By joining Pax Silica, the Philippines is ensuring that our mineral resources and strategic location are not simply supporting global industries from the margins, but are actively harnessed to build the industries of the future,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement. As part of the country’s commitment, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has allocated a 4,000-acre lot in New Clark City to serve as a Pax Silica Coordination Office where technology firms, research institutions, and government agencies can converge to build a robust AI ecosystem, accelerate innovation, attract high-value investments. Strategically located within the Luzon Economic Corridor, the Coordination Office is the first of its kind to be established under Pax Silica. It is being designated as a “Golden Node,” a new model for AI-native investment acceleration hubs. “The Golden Node is not about recreating the factories of the last century. It is about building the manufacturing ecosystems of the next century—AI-native from day one, anchored in the rule of law, and integrated into a network of trusted nations that will define global supply chain resilience for decades to come,” US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said in a separate statement. *New Clark City as next AI hub* BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said this development places New Clark City at the center of a pivotal transformation, one that will shape a more innovative, inclusive, and future-ready Philippines. “By establishing this Golden Node, we stand to position New Clark City as a vital link in the global supply chain for advanced technologies and next-generation manufacturing. On the ground, this will translate into more quality job opportunities for Filipinos and greater participation of local enterprises in the growing innovation-driven economy across the globe,” he said. The BCDA will extend a two-year grace period on lease payments, which will be treated as an unconditional in-kind contribution to support the development of economic cooperation initiatives between the two countries. The annual lease rate from the third year onwards will be determined separately under a subsequent agreement. New Clark City is being developed as the country’s first smart, disaster-resilient, and green metropolis. To achieve this vision, the BCDA is actively working to attract technology-driven industries by fostering innovation, building a robust digital infrastructure, and advancing the city as a competitive hub for AI and advanced manufacturing.      

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines —Visitors to the Freeport now have a new destination to enjoy, as the Clark International Airport Corp.(CIAC) officially opened the Clark Picnic Grounds, on Saturday, April 18. CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar said Phase 1 of the project covers an initial five hectares of the total nine-hectare property. “The project is part of our Urban Renewal and Heritage Conservation Program, which is an integral component of CIAC’s seven flagship initiatives,” he said. Located along Gil Puyat Avenue, the newly refurbished and reimagined Clark Picnic Grounds is a vibrant and inclusive public space. Designed as a modern park, it features jogging and walking paths, recreational and wellness facilities, an amphitheater, a playground, and a picnic grove. Opening day activities include a flea market envisioned as a lively weekend bazaar with a mix of food and non-food merchants, as well as food trucks, offering visitors a diverse selection of products. The expansive grounds are lined with century-old acacia trees that form a natural canopy, making the area ideal for outdoor gatherings, leisure, and recreation. “Through this project, we have integrated modern urban planning principles to promote sustainability, optimize land use, and enhance the overall quality of life in the community,” Alcazar added. Alcazar noted that the Clark Picnic Grounds complements other outdoor destinations in Clark, such as the Clark Parade Grounds, Bicentennial Park, and Air Force City Park. As the premier aviation and land development arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), CIAC remains committed to transforming the Clark Civil Aviation Complex into Clark Aviation Capital, a dynamic business center envisioned as the country’s leading global aviation and logistics hub.        

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has temporarily taken measures to provide port clients with the much-needed financial support, amid the ongoing rise in fuel costs in the global market. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 110, which immediately placed the entire country in a state of national energy emergency due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Aliño added that such temporary measures aim to provide aid to industries affected by the Middle East crisis by ensuring that cost-stabilizing strategies for the transport and food sectors are implemented without delay. “These initiatives, including reduced fees and extended free storage, provide a fiscal cushion to reinforce investor confidence and prevent supply chain bottlenecks,” said Aliño. He also cited that key industry participants namely, importers, suppliers, consignees, vessel owners, and consumers, will experience the impact of these measures through their respective counterparts – terminal operators, cargo handlers, brokers, consolidators, processors, ship agents, and shipping lines, resulting in a cascading effect throughout the supply chain. As part of this initiative, the SBMA will implement a five percent tariff reduction on all commercial vessels, including harbor fees, berthing fees/ anchorage fees, and harbor cleaning fees, as well as a five percent tariff reduction on cargo charges including wharfage fees, and storage fees.   “We will also implement a five percent tariff reduction on SBMA shares such as pilotage fee, hauling services, tugboat services, heavy equipment rental, line handling services, chandling services, water tendering, cargo handling for containerized cargo, and bunkering services,” he added. Additionally, the SBMA is also offering free storage for non-containerized cargo, and free storage period for an additional 2-day extension. To further aid port clients, the SBMA will temporarily suspend the collection of shares from terminal operators/cargo handlers for liquid bulk cargo handling and related activities; the implementation of the one percent admission fee for liquid bulk; and the implementation of the ten percent increase on cargo handling and miscellaneous charges of non-containerized/ general cargoes. Chairman Aliño assured port stakeholders that these measures shall take effect immediately upon its approval and ratification by the SBMA Board of Directors, adding that these will remain in force until geopolitical tensions subside, at which point they shall be lifted via a formal issuance following Board approval. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said that the 2026 revenue projections will generate ₱76 million in fiscal relief over a one-year period. Yambao added that the direct tariff reductions will specifically account for approximately ₱49 million (a computation arriving at this figure is attached to this Memorandum, for your reference), while the suspension of new policies is expected to save stakeholders and domestic consumers an additional ₱25 million annually. Furthermore, the extension of free storage periods will contribute approximately ₱2 million in operational savings for port stakeholders for a year.    

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — In a landmark inter-agency collaboration, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Deed of Usufruct for the establishment of the CSC national training and development center in New Clark City, Tarlac. The signing ceremony, held on 13 April 2026 at the CSC Central Office, was led by Chairperson Atty. Marilyn B. Yap and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. Joining them were Commissioner Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pañgulayan and BCDA Legal Services Group Senior Vice President Diana Joyce N. Basco-Galera. Under the agreement, BCDA grants the CSC the use of a one-hectare parcel of land in New Clark City for a period of 50 years, with possible extension upon mutual agreement, for the development of a dedicated complex that will serve as a national venue for training, learning, and professional development programs for government officials and employees. The project supports the agenda of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to build a more capable and responsive government. By strengthening the skills and leadership of civil servants, the training hub helps ensure that policies are implemented faster, services are delivered more efficiently, and government programs create real impact in the lives of Filipinos. Chairperson Yap expressed appreciation to BCDA for sharing the Commission’s vision of a civil service that meaningfully responds to the evolving expectations of citizens. “This will not be an ordinary leadership and management development center. It will be grounded in the unique demands of public sector leadership—one that calls for a distinct mindset, skills, and competencies. More importantly, it will be anchored on Filipino values and practices, shaped by our cultural realities and traditions of collaboration, to cultivate public servants who can engage citizens meaningfully and strengthen our collective capacity for inclusive national development,” she said. She added that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, emphasizing the broader transformation it seeks to achieve within the public sector. “May this be the beginning of a long and productive partnership between the CSC and the BCDA. We are hoping to build more than a facility, but a center for cultural reset in public service—a change in mindset focused on strengthening the values propelling the most critical asset of the government: its human infrastructure,” Chairperson Yap said. For his part, BCDA President and CEO Bingcang emphasized that the project contributes to the continued development of New Clark City as a center for public institutions and innovation. “This partnership is about building the people behind the government. When we strengthen the capability of our civil servants, we improve how services are delivered to every Filipino. In New Clark City, we are creating a national hub that helps make that happen,” he said. As part of the agreement, the CSC will prepare and submit a Development Plan within six months upon receipt of the relevant planning documents from BCDA, and develop and construct the facility in accordance with the New Clark City Comprehensive Master Development Plan, Design Standards, and Guidelines. Meanwhile, BCDA shall assist in the conceptualization and preparation of the development plans, layout of the complex, and formulation of the architectural and structural designs, as well as extend assistance in the operation and maintenance of the training complex. The planned CSC Training and Development Center will feature modern and sustainable facilities designed to support learning and collaboration across the public sector, including a plenary hall with a seating capacity of approximately 300 to 500 participants, breakout rooms and training classrooms, a data processing center, and conference and board rooms. It will also be equipped with boarding and lodging facilities for trainees; an executive lounge; a mess hall or dining facility; wellness and gym amenities; and renewable and sustainable design features, including solar power systems. Once completed, the CSC national training and development center is envisioned to become a premier venue for capacity-building programs that will support the continued modernization and professionalization of the Philippine bureaucracy.

By Ruben A.Veloria   IBA, ZAMBALES, Philippines – The sweetest festival in the country, locally known as Dinamulag Festival, kicked off on Friday (April 10) as thousands of runners of all ages joined the color fun run, the first activity of the three-day celebration. Dinamulag or Mango Festival is celebrated in Zambales during the month of April or May, when mangoes, especially the “Kinalabaw” or dinamulag, known world-wide for its exceptional sweetness, are being harvested. To formally start the festival, Gov. Ebdane, assisted by Vice Gov. Jacky Khonghun and Board Member Runsdedt Ebdane, led the countdown for the 10K, 5K and 3 kilometer run at exactly 6:00AM. At the end of the race, finishers picked–up their luck from a raffle draw for a chance to win home appliances. Meanwhile, later that morning, Gov. Ebdane graced the Governor’s Cup Shootfest at Camp Conrado Yap where he also opened the Zambales Provincial Police Office Firing Range to give the police force a refresherand practice area of their marksmanship. “This is an opportunity to see people, the protector of peace, to come together as, and play together as brothers,” he said in message. He also urged the competitors to become good examples of responsible gun owners, and to undergo Basic Pistol Course to get informed about the new guidelines, new laws, and trends related to gun owning. Competitors to Shootfest were from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Phil. Navy, PDEA, BJMP from various stations and private groups in Metro Manila and Central Luzon. In line with the Shootfest, private individuals and companies took advantage of the three-day PNP evaluation and approval of application for License to Own and Posses Firearms (LTOPF), and Firearms display at Legislative Building in Iba here. Other activities lined-up for the day: Mango Cooking Festival, Thanksgiving Mass (San Agustine Church), and Drum and Lyre Competition (Botolan Peoples Plaza). Saturday, the day reserved for adrenaline and gun enthusiasts with the Mountain Bike Challenge to be held at Sports Complex), Airsoft Competition at Barangay Dirita, 2nd Day of Governor’s Cup Shootfest at Camp Conrado Yap, and Tuklas Talino: Final Night. The Festival will conclude on Sunday with more exciting games and challenges.

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) generated ₱1.77 billion in revenue from port operations in 2025, reflecting steady growth driven by the port’s continued strength and resilience as a logistics and trade hub in the Southeast Asian region. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the ₱1.77-billion revenue in 2025 is 4.2 percent, or ₱71.7 million, higher than the 2024 record ₱1.7 billion. Aliño added that the Seaport Department generated ₱1.47 billion of the total, followed by the Airport Department with ₱182 million, and the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) with P125 million. “Our 2025 port revenue performance demonstrates how Subic Bay continues to thrive despite global economic uncertainties. This achievement highlights our modern infrastructure, efficient processes, and strong public-private partnerships,” Aliño said. Meanwhile, the SBMA port revenues have already surged by 13 percent at ₱113.7 million in January of 2026 on a year-on-year comparison with ₱100.4 million in January 2025. The ₱113.7 million earned in January, ₱97.7 million came from the Seaport Department, ₱5 million from the Airport Department, and ₱11 million from TFCD. Aliño said that some of the key factors that fueled the growth include a 52 percent increase in SBMA share collections primarily due to a surge in non-containerized cargo handling. He said that this includes rice (up 484 percent), corn (230 percent), wheat (48 percent), and soya (3 percent). Another factor, he added, is the 59 percent increase in vessel charges and 38 percent growth in cargo charges. Non-containerized cargo volumes grew by 47 percent, with imported petroleum products up by 46 percent. This was accompanied by a 17 percent increase in foreign ship calls, totaling 149 additional vessel arrivals. He assured that the SBMA remains committed to further investments in port modernization, digitalization, and sustainability initiatives. “Our vision is to sustain this momentum and position Subic Bay as a leading port in Southeast Asia, enhancing national economic development and global trade connectivity,” Aliño added.