By Ruben A.Veloria MARIVELES, Bataan, Philippines – AboitizPower, through its private limited partnerships GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD) brought recently learnings and joy to day care toddlers in Barangay Batangas here. With vibrant Project SAYSAY+ outreach some 50 toddler-pupils of DSWD Day Care pupils from Barangay Batangas II in this town, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Mariveles, and GMEC and GNPD, employee- volunteers led a day centered on safety and sustainability. The children were able to engaged in interactive storytelling, safety orientations, and a “turn waste to art” workshop to promote environmental stewardship. To support their well-being, the team distributed vitamins, hygiene kits, and nutritious meals. “We believe every lesson shared today shapes a better tomorrow,” GMEC/GNPD Reputation and Stakeholder Management manager Joseph Paolo Mendoza said. “This initiative underscores a continuing commitment to creating impactful, child-centered experiences that foster both early learning and community health.” Project Saysay is GMEC and GNPD’s monthly outreach program where employee-birthday celebrants volunteer their time to share back to the community.  

By Dante Salvana   CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – Central Luzon is set for an adrenaline-charged spectacle as EuroXtreme Circus arrives in Pampanga, bringing a world-class extreme live entertainment experience to local audiences. Opening on January 28 at Robinsons Starmills, the international touring production will run until February 22, offering a rare opportunity to witness elite circus artistry and high-impact stunt performances seldom seen in the Philippines. EuroXtreme Circus features a powerful lineup of internationally acclaimed performers, blending classic circus traditions with modern, adrenaline-driven acts.   Audiences can expect a fast-paced, visually stunning show anchored by comedic clown performances and heart-stopping stunts. Signature attractions include the Wheel of Suspense, where performers test balance and bravery at extreme heights, and the Globe of Terror, featuring motorcycle riders racing inside a steel sphere with breathtaking precision. Completing the lineup are the Flying Trapeze, showcasing timeless aerial artistry, and live FMX Stunts that deliver gravity-defying motorcycle tricks. The production is presented by Art Box Entertainment, led by Executive Producer and Touring Director Kenneth Lee and President Kimberly Lee. EuroXtreme Circus continues a long-standing entertainment legacy inspired by Kenneth Lee’s late father, Paul L. B. Lee, who brought the Royal London Circus to tour the Philippines more than three decades ago. With a mission to make world-class entertainment accessible, the team remains committed to bringing international-caliber productions to communities beyond major urban centers. Following successful tours across Mindanao and the Visayas, EuroXtreme Circus now brings its signature extreme spectacle to Pampanga, positioning the show as a major live entertainment highlight for the region. Designed for families, thrill-seekers, and live show enthusiasts, the production promises an unforgettable shared experience filled with excitement, skill, and awe-inspiring moments. Show Schedule EuroXtreme Circus runs from January 28 to February 22 at Robinsons Starmills, San Fernando, Pampanga. Shows are open daily except Mondays. • Weekdays: 8:00 PM • Weekends: 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM Ticket Prices • Bronze – PHP 650 • Silver – PHP 1,100 • Gold – PHP 1,600 • VIP – PHP 2,200 • Premium VIP – PHP 3,200 Tickets are available online at artboxentertainment.com.”    

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines –  Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recognized for its best performance in the 2024 Quarterly Survey of the Philippine Business and Industry (QSPBI) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño accepted the trophy for bagging the 1st place in Overall Performance from PSA Zambales Chief Statistical Specialist Norman Bundalian during the flag raising ceremony in front of Administration Building 229 on January 19, 2026. Aside from the trophy for 1st place in overall performance, Aliño also accepted Certificates of Recognition for bagging first place in Timeliness, second place in Quality, and a Certificate of Appreciation for the SBMA’s “valuable contribution to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the conduct of its establishment-based surveys, which generate essential statistics for economic planning and analysis.” Aliño expressed his appreciation of the awards accorded by the PSA as it indicates that the Agency is on track. Planning and Development Office (PDO) Acting Department Manager Engr. Lilibeth S. Baza explained that the citation was given following the 2025 Provincial Stakeholders’/ Respondents’ Forum on Establishment-Based Surveys held at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport on January 13, 2026. Baza said that the survey is a crucial nationwide survey conducted by PSA to collect data on revenue, employment, and compensation for key Philippine industries that support national accounts, economic indicators, and monetary policies to help the government and businesses understand the dynamics of the country’s economic performance, which will be a basis for better planning and decision-making. In the 2024 QSPBI, the Q1 2024 Business Expectations Survey (BES) findings showed optimism for hiring and expansion, especially in manufacturing, while later reports indicated rising capacity utilization by late 2024. These surveys track key metrics such as employment, investment plans, and production, helping shape national economic policies, and are released periodically by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the PSA to complement overall economic growth figures. Aliño disclosed that some of the 2024 Performance Highlights include the processing of ₱20.63 billion in new investments, a 107.17% increase from the previous year. The number of new investors rose to 159, up from 131 in 2023. He added that the total workforce rose to 164,400 employees in 2024, reflecting a 4.8% increase. The manufacturing sector was a primary driver, growing from 21,433 workers in 2023 to 27,484 in 2024. He also said that the SBMA reported total operating revenues of ₱1.706 billion for the full year 2024. The authority also turned over ₱1.465 billion in dividends to the national government based on its 2024 earnings. (30)          

By Ruben A.Veloria   PALAUIG, Zambales, Philippines — Fourty fisherfolks from Zambales, Bataan and Pangasinan took oath of membership as auxiliarists to Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) during the mass Indocrination and Oath Taking Ceremony held in this town on Wednesday. The auxiliarists will form part of the newly formed Zambales Division of Coast Guard Auxiliary District National Capital Region-Central Luzon (CGAD NCR-CL), 111th Auxiliary Squadron under the leadership of Director Auxiliary Squadron 111th Commander Eric John Gallardo PCGA. Started in 1972 throught the Republic Act 9993, the PCGA is a uniformed (patterned after PCG), volunteer non-government oraganization that supports as multiflier force for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in promoting maritime safety, environmental protection and community relations, and disaster relief. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay T Tarriela PCG administered the oath taking of 10 female and 37 male auxiliarists, and one with the rank of Ensign, whose main livelihood are fishing and fishing related activities. “Kung mayroong batayan ng sukat ang bolunterismo, ang mangingisda ang may pinakamagaling na grado (If there is a basis of measurement of volunteerism, the fishermen will the the best),” said Commo. Tarriela. “Our critics may again say that we (PCG) are bringing you to another level of danger; that the Coast Guard is making another scripted scheme of the fishermen to provoke the Chinese,” he added. The Commodore affirmed that the PCG is recognizng the importance of all the efforts of the PCGA as volunteers to help the Coast Guard, “They symbolize the stand of the Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. According to Commo. Tarriela, Filipino fishermen are the ones directly affected by illegal fishing in the WPS, and so they volunteered to become auxiliarists of the PCG to train them to be able to help in monitoring illegal, undocumented and unreported (IUU) activities, including the putting of bouys, markers and obstacles in Bajo De Masinloc, and other areas inside the WPS. Meanwhile, through the initiatives of Peoples Development Institute (PDI), led by its president Aurea Miclat Teves, expressed her happiness for the willingness of the fisherfolks to volunteer and become PCGA auxiliarists. However, they could help much by reporting and monotoring. The auxiliarists were given seminar on “Fisherfolks Training on Monitoring Illegal, Undocumented and Unreported Activities in the West Philippine Sea”, a one-day seminar on how to properly report illegal fishing to PCG while at sea.(RAV)    

By Ruben A.Veloria   BATAAN, Philippines – AboitizPower private limited partnerships GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD) was recognized on Tuesday (Jan, 27) as Best Stakeholder by the Department of Education (DepEd). The recognition was given by DepEd Region III (Central Luzon) in a ceremony held at Hacienda Gracia Hotel and Resort in Lubao, Pampanga, during the agency’s Regional Stakeholders’ Appreciation Program with the theme “Strong Collaboration Creates High Impact and Progress”. The recognition affirms GMEC and GNPD’s continued support and meaningful contributions to DepEd Region III. This follows the company’s Best Stakeholder award from the DepEd Bataan Division on October 28, 2025 highlighting its consistent partnership with the education sector. The award was received in the presence of Dr. Carolina Violeta, EdD, CESO V, Bataan Schools Division Superintendent. Representing AboitizPower were Andrea Mellind Madrid, GMEC|GNPD Vice President for Corporate Services; Joseph Paolo Mendoza, GMEC|GNPD RSM Manager, and Abigail Jacinto, GMEC|GNPD RSM Program Senior Specialist.    

By Ruben A.Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines – The San Marcelino District Hospital (SMDH) here formally received on Monday one newly constructed building and equipment that will help in providing additional medical services to residents. Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. led the turn-over ceremony. Congressman Jay Khonghun (1st Dist, Zambales), and Rowena Zabat-San MAteo, acting Branch Manager of PhilHealth, also grace the ceremony. According to Gov. Ebdane, the San Marcelino District Hospital has always been serving as example to other government agencies which prioritizes improvement of its facility for the welfare of the Zambalenos. “That is why I salute you for extending your professionalism and dedication to the job you chose to serve our people. That is why the Office of the Governor does not gets tired of doing its best to improve our hospital,” said Gov. Ebdane. As gesture of his sincerity, Gov. Ebdane announced that he already acquired three hectares of land nearby where he plan to construct the new and bigger hospital. He also mentioned that the DoH has pledged the amount of P300 Million for the project. “However, the amount maybe not enough budget for a bigger hospital, so we are to add more fund from the taxes derived from lahar extractions,” Ebdane said. In closing, Gov. Ebdane reminded all the employees of SMDH, especially the front liners, to be always ready with lots of patience in dealing with patients and their companions. “Always wear your best smiles. Because you are forbidden to frown, show irritation or act sulky in front of the patients,” he added. Meanwhile, Chief of Hospital Dr. Cresencio Gonzales Jr. said that among the new equipment and facilities that turned-over to SMDH were the new dietary building, Ambulatory Surgery Clinic, office for Hospital Information System, upgraded public comfort rooms, and an ambulance which was acquired through the DOH-Health Facilities Enhancement Program. Other important equipment and apparatus received by SMDH includes endoscopy and other medical equipment, brand new ambulance, and the official implementation of PhilHealth GAMOT and YAKAP program. “The new facilities and equipment are not just structures, they are the manifestations of true care for the dignity and welfare of every patient,” Gonzales said. Meanwhile, Cong. Khonghun said because of the effective management and operation of SMDH, the hospital serves as the hub of faster relief of patients, and promised to double the budget of the hospital to guarantee bigger improvement.  

NEW CLARK CITY, Tarlac, Philippines ——The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiaries, including the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), presented current and upcoming projects to Japanese companies during the BCDA-Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Project Pitching event held today, 23 January 2026, at the Athletics Stadium. Representatives from the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), and Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) also attended. “CIAC fully supports BCDA’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with Japanese companies, facilitate project partnerships, and identify viable investment opportunities within the Clark Aviation Capital. Our goal is to create business opportunities that generate jobs and improve the quality of life for Filipinos,” said CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar. The Japanese companies in attendance specialize in sectors such as water and wastewater treatment, infrastructure, industrial park development, information technology for public safety and smart transportation, energy and energy transition, agriculture, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). JBIC, a Japanese government financial institution, promotes Japan’s overseas strategic initiatives, focusing on green growth and addressing social challenges. The project pitching event follows the recently signed memorandum of understanding between BCDA and JBIC, which aims to strengthen cooperation in promoting BCDA projects and programs, particularly those advancing energy transition, environmental and social sustainability, and quality infrastructure across sectors. On behalf of CIAC, Chief Business Development Officer Melissa Feliciano presented the corporation’s flagship projects, highlighting investment-ready opportunities including the Clark National Food Hub, Urban Renewal & Heritage, Conservation Program, Clark International Aviation Campus, and the Clark Pharmaceutical Hub. As BCDA’s premier aviation and land development arm, CIAC remains committed to transforming the Clark Civil Aviation Complex into the Clark Aviation Capital, a vibrant business and logistics hub poised to become the country’s leading global aviation center.        

By Ruben A.Veloria IBA, Zambales, Philippunes – The Zambales Maritime Development Council (ZMDC), the umbrella council of all association of fishermen in the province gets three brand new motorized fishing vessels to augment the province’s fishing industry. Concurrent ZDMC Chairman, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. led in a simple ceremony for the naming of the two fishing vessels,and a maritime boat held at Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) ground in Sitio Balintabog, Bgy. Amungan, Iba, Zambales. ZMDC, a province-approved people’s organization, was organized by the office of the Governor which seeks of helping its members to have a bountiful harvest, and develop the fishing industry of the province through modern equipment. According to Gov. Ebdane, two of the three boats are 45-footer fishing boats named F/V Zambales III and F/V Zambales IV, both have 125 horsepower Hyundai engine delivering a maximum speed of 18 knots. Each costs P5-Million. While the third boat was named: MB The Province of Zambales, which will be used in patroling the vicinity of the fishing ground usually visited by poachers. The body of the boats were made of one-inch fiber glass, which is stronger than the usual plyboards, and could withstand strong waves, like those of the standard deep sea fishing vessels abroad. The governor said, two more vessels are scheduled to be delivered by March 2026, which are bigger 92-footer and 100-footer fishing boats. The bigger boat will serve as “Mother fishing vessel” where all the harvested fish will be stored before going to the markets, while the smaller one will be used as hauler that collects the catch from each “payao” or artificial fish shades, then bring them to the Mother Boat. Gov. Ebdane said the purchase of the new fishing boats is one of the four projects of the Province of Zambales that are being implemented to give the fishermen a long lasting means of improved fishing methods. The other three methods are deep sea fishing, use of payao, and inland fishing, which already are taking place. Ebdane said that with the assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Office of the Governor was able to purchase 20 units of payao and anchored them to identified fishing areas, to invite more fish to the area, as payao serves as their shades and playing areas. Meanwhile, Marlene Ong, the CEO of the Cavite-based boat manufacturer Stoneworks Specialist Int’l. Corp., described the event as “a milestone for fishing industry; a new era for the Zambales fishing industry.” Ong described the newly delivered boats as safe, fuel efficient and ideal for productive fishing, providing reliable fishing vessel. She also mentioned that the massive 100-footer fishing vessel to be delivered soon is powered by 500 HP Korean engine, with massive storage tanks and ice maker  to keep the fish fresh for weeks while in the sea. It is also equipped with sonar to locate fish even kilometers away. “These upcoming additions will further strengthen the province’s fleet and solidify Zambales as leader in modern fishing practices,” Ong said. For his part, Gov. Ebdane noted, “This is just the beginning of our modernization program.” As he urge each fishermen organization to organize thier own harvester group to improve their catch and to provide more jobs to the members.

By Ruben Veloria- Correspondent   ZAMBALES, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reaffirmed that the erosion and attrition being observe in the coastal towns here cannot be attributed to dredging activities in three river systems of the province. DENR- Region III Executive Director Ralph Pablo explained that there isn’t any report of erosion linking to dredging activity in any of the major river system: Maloma River, Sto. Tomas River and Maculcol River. The reaffirmation was made in response to inquiry of the Office of Sen. Loren Legarda based on the allegations of a certain Rachelle Harrisson that continuous dredging in Sto. Tomas River has caused severe damage to the livelihood of the local residents. A member of a non-government organization claiming to be environmentalists, Harrisson alleged that more than 50 resorts and houses were eroded and washed out to the sea, because of the dredging activity. Also she claimed that dredging has turned into commercial utilization or quarrying of sands and other minerals. “The coastal movement, which damaged coastal structures are 800 meters away from the Sto. Tomas River, and can be considered as isolated to the subject, as no other coastal disturbance to the dredging site was observed.” Pablo said, adding that the concrete structures may have been damaged due to unstable soil condition. A comparative analysis using the 1997 National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) Topographic Map and satellite imagery from 2004 to 2024 indicates that the San Felipe coastline, most evident in Sitio Liwliwa, experienced a general trend of shoreline accretion, extending approximately 100 meters to one kilometer seaward from its pre-eruption position. However, despite the general pattern of coastal accretion and erosion remain active during the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, season, and accretion during the southwest monsoon or amihan season. As for the allegations that 50 resorts and houses eroded and washed out to the sea, investigation revealed that the damaged structures were illegally constructed inside the danger zone. Notices of Violation were issued to individuals identified by DENR team that constructed the resorts and houses from 2023 to 2025, he said. Pablo added that in a Joint Memorandum Circular 1 Series of 2019 which provides the guidelines for dredging that involves commercial utilization of dredged materials, states that it is not unlawful as long as regulatory prerequisites are fulfilled, and work programs are followed. The memorandum was signed and issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, and the DENR. Pablo noted that the river dredging in Zambales is being conducted “at no cost” to the government, however, the inter-agency council conducts regular monitoring of the dredging ensuring that it complies with the policies required. The DENR said Shuaful Resources Inc., which conducts dredging activity, is a legitimate dredging operator whose expertise is authorized under DAO 2019-13 to undertake river restoration activities along heavily-silted Sto. Tomas River.