Amid growing concerns over watershed protection and water supply in Central Luzon, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) joined over 140 volunteers  in implementing the Abacan River Sustainable Clean-Up Program on March 21, as part of activities leading up to World Water Day and in observance of National Water Month The program, led by Balibago Waterworks System, Inc. and the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII), is conducted every third Saturday of the month. BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang underscored the agency’s approach of aligning infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. “At BCDA, we see sustainability as a core responsibility. As we build infrastructure that drives economic growth, we are equally focused on protecting natural systems that sustain our communities. Development must not come at the expense of our water sources,” Engr. Bingcang said. Volunteers waded into the Abacan River in Brgy. Pampang, Angeles City and cleared 158 sacks of waste from a waterway that supports nearby communities and wildlife. According to Mini Arceo, CSR Manager of Balibago Waterworks System, Inc, water supply has been a challenge in areas of Metro Manila and Central Luzon. She explained: “Ang Abacan River Sustainable Clean-up ay inilunsad natin upang protektahan ang sources ng tubig natin. Dito sa Angeles City, Mabalacat, and City of San Fernando, kasama ito sa mga high risk of losing water…  Kailangan po talaga palaguin, pagandahin, paunlarin, ingatan ang ating mga water sources kagaya po ng Abacan River.” (“We launched the Abacan River Sustainable Clean-up to protect our water sources.  Angeles City, Mabalacat City and the City of San Fernando are among areas with high risk of losing water.  There is a need to grow, improve, develop and preserve our water sources such as the Abacan River.”) The recent return of migratory birds in some parts of the river shows how the continuous clean-up and rehabilitation are helping the ecosystem recover. This activity marks a step forward in how BCDA is advancing sustainability in Central Luzon and working with communities and partners to tackle environmental issues where it operates. Beyond clean-up drives, BCDA is also advancing a broader watershed restoration strategy in Central Luzon in support of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). In connection with the implementation of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Calamba Extension Project, the agencies are supporting the planting of approximately 700,000 indigenous tree seedlings across the Sapangbato Watershed in Angeles City and the Sacobia Watershed in Mabalacat City. The initiative is being implemented by the DOTr, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI) and BCDA. The large-scale reforestation effort aims to restore forest cover, protect water sources, and mitigate the environmental impact of major infrastructure developments. Both projects show how BCDA is carrying out its sustainability work through partnerships with local groups, government agencies, and communities, in line with SDG 17. For BCDA, protecting rivers and greening projects in partnership with communities are critical initiatives on the ground.  These efforts support the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to pursue development that is climate-resilient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible.              

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines  – Best Western Plus Hotel Subic has confirmed plans to expand its operations after signing the contract that will allow the construction of a new building beside the current hotel. The expansion project was signed between the proponent, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and developer Simon & Stanley International Trading and Development Co. Inc. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic Chairman and CEO Jaime “Jack” Uy led the contract signing for the expansion project at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building on March 31, 2026. Architect Jayson Steffen Uy, Vice-president for Facility and Construction of Savers Group Holdings Inc. (SGHI), shared that the new  building will consist of 120 additional hotel rooms, several commercial spaces, a three-floor parking area, restaurants, and parks. SGHI is the exclusive developer for Best Western in the Philippines as the conglomerate that owns and manages Best Western Plus Hotel Subic. Uy added that the new building will be an extension of Best Western with infused committed investment worth P587,967,200.00. “With the current need for more spaces, function halls, and rooms, we decided to expand our operations in Subic,” Uy added. The official stated that the design phase should be finished either this year or next year while the construction should be able to commence as early as the first quarter of 2027. “As for employees, the company intends to source its manpower requirements locally,” he further said. Meanwhile, SBMA Director Ted Del Rosario, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) Renato Lee III, SDA Ramon O. Agregado, and other agency officials were also present during the said contract signing ceremony. Chairman Aliño welcomed the expansion project of Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, citing the growing need of hotels and establishments in Subic Bay Freeport. He added that aside from the company’s committed investment, the agency also welcomes the job opportunities from the expansion project. Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is the first internationally branded hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It is a four-star property located on Dewey Avenue, providing easy access to major commercial hubs like Harbor Point Mall and SM City Olongapo.              

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc. (PPPI) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) officially entered into a strategic partnership on March 25, Wednesday, marking a significant leap toward transforming the Philippines into a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and life sciences. The two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to undertake a comprehensive collaborative study for the development of specialized pharmaceutical economic zones. The initiative will explore strategic business opportunities within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex (CCAC) in Pampanga and New Clark City in Tarlac. The signing sets in motion efforts to stimulate industrial development in these areas, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment production, cold chain logistics, and research and development. This is in sync with the Marcos administration’s goal of accelerating ecozone development to create jobs, attract investments, expand growth in regions outside Metro Manila, and support inclusive economic progress. Building a “factory-to-port” ecosystem The partnership seeks to address the Philippines’ long-standing reliance on imported medicines by creating a dedicated ecosystem for pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, and distribution. By integrating the world-class logistical advantages of the Clark airport complex with the industrial capacity of New Clark City, the BCDA and PPPI aim to create a seamless “factory-to-port” environment. This collaboration serves as a key expansion of PPPI’s vision for the national pharmaceutical industry. It directly complements PPPI’s ongoing partnership with the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) for the development of the Pharmaceutical Logistics Hub at CIAC. “This signing bridges the gap between logistics and manufacturing,” said PPPI President and CEO Maria Blanca Kim B. Lokin. “By studying the feasibility of specialized pharma-ecozones, we are not just building warehouses; we are creating a high-tech environment where research, production, and global distribution can thrive in one place.” Enhancing healthcare supply chains The study will focus on several high-impact areas designed to attract both global and local investment. It will begin with site identification, locating optimal areas within New Clark City and CCAC for state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and R&D laboratories. It will also emphasize logistical integration, leveraging Clark International Airport to ensure rapid, temperature-controlled transit of pharmaceutical products. Finally, the study will address incentive frameworks, creating a competitive environment to attract global pharmaceutical giants while supporting local drug manufacturers. “Developing pharmaceutical ecozones is a key priority for BCDA in Clark. By positioning Clark as an integral part of the country’s healthcare ecosystem, we are improving access to medicines, fostering innovation, and enhancing the nation’s capacity to meet healthcare needs. At the same time, this initiative supports high-value job creation, attracts investment, and stimulates inclusive and sustainable growth for the Philippines,” said BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang. Economic and social impact Beyond healthcare, the development of these specialized zones is expected to be a major economic driver for Central Luzon. The project is projected to generate thousands of high-value jobs for Filipino scientists, pharmacists, and engineers, further strengthening the country’s specialized workforce.    

TARLAC, Philippines — Tarlac, the heart of Central Luzon, is rapidly growing with expanding schools, thriving businesses, and increasing tourism – driving a greater need for reliable mobile connectivity in the province. Residents, enterprises, and visitors are relying more on mobile services for work, learning, and entertainment, making fast and stable internet essential for everyday life. The province is seeing significant infrastructure and development projects that are shaping its economic landscape. Major initiatives include the Capas-Botolan Road, a 68-kilometer corridor expected to cut travel time between Tarlac and Zambales from three hours to just over an hour by 2025. In Tarlac City, large-scale industrial estates and mixed-use townships are under development, alongside new manufacturing facilities and modern residential-commercial communities. Ongoing investments in Tarlac State University further enhance educational infrastructure, with laboratory refurbishments and building expansions supporting the next generation of talent. To address this demand, Globe is accelerating network upgrades across the province in 2025 and 2026. Additional LTE and 5G sites are being deployed to deliver faster speed and more consistent mobile experiences throughout Tarlac. The new build and expansion improved coverage and capacity in key municipalities including Tarlac City, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, Victoria, Paniqui, Mayantoc, San Jose, Moncada, Santa Ignacia, La Paz, Camiling, Bamban, San Clemente, Pura, San Manuel, Ramos, and Anao. Residents can now enjoy smoother browsing, clearer calls, and quicker uploads and downloads, enabling seamless connectivity for work, school, and leisure activities. Joel Agustin, Head of Service Planning and Engineering at Globe, highlighted the importance of the upgrades. He said that Tarlac blends cultural heritage with modern business and lifestyle opportunities, and Globe is committed to providing seamless connectivity for everyone, whether at work, in school, or exploring the province’s tourism destinations. The new network strengthens coverage and delivers fast, reliable mobile experiences for both residents and visitors. The enhanced network also allows customers to take full advantage of Globe’s mobile offers. Globe users can enjoy GO+99 and UNLI 5G 50, while TM subscribers can access TM EasySURF50 5G for affordable, dependable connectivity. These offers support streaming, online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and daily communication, making mobile services more accessible and convenient. Local businesses and institutions also benefit from the network expansion. Companies gain operational efficiency, schools gain better support for digital learning, and tourists experience smoother online access for navigation, bookings, and content sharing. Globe’s continued investments are recognized by independent industry analysis. The company maintains its title as the Most Consistent Network in the Philippines according to Ookla, reflecting the reliability subscribers experience nationwide. As Tarlac develops into a hub for commerce and tourism, Globe’s network upgrades ensure communities remain digitally empowered. By combining robust infrastructure with accessible mobile services, Globe supports the province’s progress and helps residents stay connected in an increasingly digital world.      

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026. Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition. The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs. Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million. Other notable companies inside the Freeport with EU Equities include PMNFTC Inc. from Switzerland with US$7M committed investment; Luxury Subic Home Development Corp. from Belarus with US$1M committed investment; and Schenker Philippines Inc. from Germany with US$0.9M committed investment. (30)      

By Ruben A.Veloria IBA, ZAMBALES, Philippines – In compliance with the Memorandum Circular from the Office of the President, the provincial government of Zambales is to implement strict energy conservation scheme amidst possible global energy crises due to on-going conflict in the oil-rich Middle East. Issuing the Executive Order, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. directed all provincial offices and facilities to immediately implement “stringent energy conservation measures and adopt flexible work arrangements”. The EO is in compliance to the Memorandum Circular No. 114, series of 2026, from the Office of the President, which calls on all government agencies to significantly reduce electricity and fuel consumption. “With the volatility of global fuel prices and the rising demand for energy, we in the provincial government must lead by example,” Governor Ebdane stated. This order ensures continuous delivery of essential services to the people of Zambales, he added. Among the measures to be observed include: maintaining air-conditioning thermostats at a strict 24°C, switching off non-essential lights and electronics during lunch breaks and after hours, and utilizing power-saving settings on all office equipment; limiting official travel and out-of-town seminars, promoting virtual meetings. A Four Day A Week work schedules was also to be implemented at the Capitol Offices from Monday to Friday; while Fridays will be Work From Home scheme. Requiring skeletal force on Fridays are the provincial front line offices, including Provincial Accounting Office, Treasury, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and General Services Office. Hospitals and Emergency Services Exempted Critically, all provincial hospitals—including President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital (PRMMH), San Marcelino District Hospital (SMDH), Candelaria District Hospital (CDH), and Ospital ng Sta. Cruz (OSC)—will continue 24/7 operations with no disruption to patient care. Gov. Ebdane is encouraging the local government units and agencies to implement measures to support the call of the President on energy saving, especially petroleum consumption, while the crisis in the Middle East intensifies. Meanwhile, the Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) warned against fuel hoarding or illegal transactions on petroleum products in support to Department of Energy (DOE) actions to maintain the fair distribution of gasoline supplies. PCOL Benjamin P. Ariola, Provincial Director ng ZPPO, delivery of petroleum products may be delayed, and hoarding will cause artificial shortages in the market which may cause severe effect to consumers and businesses. Col. Ariola instructed all police stations in the province to coordinate with the local officials to monitor the operations of the gasoline stations to make sure that they comply with the law. According to Col. Ariola, hoarding or over pricing of petroleum products are in violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 and Presidential Decree No. 1865.

By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines – Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. was unanimously elected on Wednesday as chairman of the Boy Scout of the Philippines- Ramon Magsaysay Zambales Council (RMZC), in a meeting held at Balin Sambali, in Iba, this province. Regional Scouting Director (RSD) Michael Indoma, RYDO V, administered the oath taking of Gov. Ebdane as RMZC Chairman, together with 11 other newly elected officers. The ceremony was witnessed by DEPED Zambales OIC-School Division Superintendent William Fallorin. In his acceptance message, Ebdane promised to initiate programs that would encourage more young leaders to join as scouting leaders of the Boy Scout of the Philippines. Among these programs, include eliminating the concept “kung sino lang ang may pambili ng uniform, sila lang ang pwedeng maging scouts”, and conduct of scouting-related trainings for promotion in ranks. “From this day on, we will find ways to raise funds for the RMZC. Because there are so many students who wanted to become scouts, but have no money to buy their own uniforms. We will let them join BSP, and we will provide them scouting uniforms,” RMZC Chairman Gov. Ebdane said. He also encouraged all scouting leaders and leaders to undergo the leadership training and skills development programs to be implemented soon by the RMZC, as these will be used as basis for promotions in ranking. “We will make promotions in ranking be based on scouting training and skills, and time in service. No scouts shall be promoted without passing the scrutiny of the panel of the RMZC Board,” he said. He added that to be promoted, the scout leader must be well equipped of the skills of survival, and knowledgeable of team leadership and management. Other new elected officers of the RMZC Council are: Engr. Ferdie Dagsaan (1st Vice-Chairman), George Acupan (2nd Vice Chairman), Emmanuel Adaoag (Treasurer), Loida Medrano (Asst. Treasurer), and Allan Carbonel (Auditor); sworn in as Board Members: Jay Morados, Dr. Romeo Fastidio, SB Doris Ladines, Pastor Ferlipe Laderas, Rolex Estella and Engr. Julio Arbolente. Meanwhile, for Private Sector Board Members, include Ann Yap, Daimary Palaganas, Ariel Cervantes, Engr. Glenn Manangan, SB Jay Dilag, Richard Doctolero, Melinda Punzalan, Lilia Rosete, and Edel Beltran. The meeting was attended by school heads, supervisors and coordinators of the DEPED- Zambales’ 13 Schools District offices and Division Office, as well as sectoral representatives for private sector. “Good luck to RMZC Scouting Council. We are the new set of officers, a new beginning for scouting in Zambales,” Chairman Gov. Ebdane said.   Photo:  

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines — The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has reaffirmed its strong support for Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, underscoring the importance of sustained programs that promote gender equality, inclusivity, and women’s empowerment both within the agency and among its partner stakeholders. As part of its continuing commitment, CIAC announced the conduct of a GAD lecture-seminar on March 26 at the Clark civil aviation complex which will gather employees from companies operating within the Clark Freeport Zone. The activity forms part of the CIAC’s broader GAD advocacy and its celebration of National Women’s Month this March. CIAC President Jojit Alcazar emphasized the role of collaborative efforts in advancing gender equality, noting the participation of locator companies and their workforce is crucial in expanding awareness and strengthening inclusive workplace practices. “CIAC remains committed to supporting GAD programs that promote inclusivity and gender equality.  By engaging our locators and encouraging their employees to participate in these initiatives, we hope to further broaden awareness and reinforce the importance of equal opportunities in the workplace,” Alcazar said. Major CIAC locators, including Global Gateway Development Corp., Luen Thai International, and Outback Five Star Clark Phils., Inc., employ thousands of workers, a significant number of whom are women. CIAC said the involvement of these companies in GAD-related activities helps ensure that gender-responsive policies and practices are promoted not only within government but also in the private sector operating within the Clark Aviation Capital. CIAC GAD Focal Person and Chief Finance Officer Nancy Paglinawan stressed that the agency continues to champion the protection of women’s rights and the promotion of safe and equitable working environments. “Our GAD programs aim to strengthen awareness on non-discrimination and protection from all forms of violence, particularly against women workers. Through these activities, we hope to cascade these important principles to the private sector and encourage workplaces that are respectful, safe, and inclusive,” Paglinawan said. CIAC’s lineup of GAD-related activities this month includes a seminar on “Women’s Reproductive Health System and Diseases Affecting Women” scheduled on March 17. The agency will also conduct an outreach program titled “Serbisyo para kay Juana” on March 25 at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-run Haven for Girls in Pampanga, further demonstrating CIAC’s commitment to community engagement and women-centered support services. Paglinawan noted CIAC’s continued efforts in implementing gender-responsive programs have gained national recognition. Late last year, the agency received an award from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for its exemplary implementation of GAD programs and for recording the highest organization-focused GAD budget expenditure among government-owned and controlled corporations. The National Women’s Month Celebration serves as an important platform for recognizing women’s achievements while highlighting key issues related to women’s empowerment and gender equality. This year marks the third installment of the 2023–2028 recurring campaign banner, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” which calls for stronger collaboration and collective action to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. For 2026, the celebration carries the sub-theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, drawing inspiration from the babaylans of pre-colonial Philippine society, who were regarded as wise, compassionate, and respected community leaders. Through its GAD initiatives, CIAC said it remains committed to supporting this vision by promoting inclusive development and empowering women within and beyond the Clark aviation community.        

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines –The workforce in the country’s premier Freeport totaled 171,653 in 2025, according to the annual report by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). According to a report from the SBMA Labor Department, this figure reflects a 4.4 percent increase from last year’s 164,400 recorded in 2024. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the increase in the number of workers here results from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate to provide more employment opportunities for Filipinos. He said that Olongapo City remains the biggest source of manpower, with 70,769 residents working here. He added that this was followed by Zambales with 31,621; Bataan with 22,897; National Capital Region with 7,077; Pampanga with 5,492; Tarlac with 2,199; and the remaining 31,598 from other parts of the country, including foreign workers. Around 70.60 percent of workers, or 121,187, are male, while the remaining 29.40 percent, or 50,466 workers, are female, and employed by 4,744 Subic companies. Despite the disparity, female workers outnumbered male workers in the manufacturing sector, with 18,951 females and 18,242 males employed across 111 manufacturing companies in Subic. Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport’s services sector remains the biggest employer, which clocked at 67.32 percent of the workforce, with the manufacturing sector making up 21.67 percent. These are followed by the construction sector with 7.36 percent, and shipbuilding/marine-related services with 3.64 percent. Aliño added that the services sector also has the biggest number of companies, with 4,129, followed by the construction sector with 356 companies, then shipbuilding/ marine-related services with 148 companies, and lastly the manufacturing sector with 111 companies. He further said that more companies are still looking for employees, thru the SBMA Labor Department’s regular conduct of job fairs and posting job openings via online portals and bulletin boards at their offices near the Subic Bay Gym. “Jobseekers can click on the SBMA Career Portal, where we provide an official list of vacancies from various Freeport locators. We encourage applicants to check the Subic Gym bulletin board for scheduled examinations and interviews,” he said. For further information, Aliño advised job seekers to browse the SBMA official website mysubicbay.com.ph, and look for the “Jobs For You” section.