By Ruben A. Veloria    IBA, Zambales, Philippines – Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. led the send-off ceremony for more than 700 security personnel to be detailed at the camp site of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree starting on Monday (Dec. 14) in Botolan of this province.   During the send-off ceremony held at the Grand Arena Camp of the Jamboree camp site in Barangay San Juan, designated Camp Chief Gov. Ebdane addressed the 300 uniformed personnel, part of the 700-man composite team with contingents from Philippine Coast Guard, PNP-SWAT, Provincial Police Office, Philippine Army, the Bureau of Fire, and PNP Medical Team. In his speech, Gov. Ebdane emphasized on maintaining organizational discipline and adherence to rules. “The safety of the more than participants, plus the accompanying parents and teachers from all over the Asia Pacific Region, and other support individuals, lies with us,” he said. Ebdane urged every personnel not to leave their post until properly relieved, and secure the properties within their area, “It’s a bit of sacrifice on your part, but we have to follow orders and comply with all or best to secure the Camp site,” he continued. Having the theme “Be Prepared: Scouts for Peace and Sustainable Development,” the Jamboree will run from December 14 to 21, at the 62-hectare flat land to accommodate more than 25,000 participating scouts. The Camp Site itself is complimented with roads with signage, huge mess hall, clinic and emergency post with ambulance, security post which monitors CCTV networks, and a Grand Arena Camp where cultural and tourism activities are to be held. The camp site is divided into six smaller sub-camps, with each sub-camp is complemented with comfort rooms, bath-wash and laundry area, water and electricity supplies, and spacious ground. Meanwhile, BSP Acting Secretary General, and Camp Dir. Atty. Cedrick Train expressed his “super thanks” for Gov.  Ebdane, and the Provincial Engineering Office (headed by Engr. Domingo Mariano), for the best camp site he ever seen in the Philippines. For his part, Mayor Ebdane said that many local residents and visiting entrepreneurs will have the opportunities to sell local products, delicacies, and fruits, while drivers of tricycle (the primary means of public transportation in San Juan) will have increased income. “It’s time to show Filipino hospitality, Filipino tastes and culture, and most importantly to show why Zambales is fast becoming tourist stay-cation destination in Central Luzon,” the mayor said. Other official who graced the send-off ceremony were BSP National President and Dep. Camp Chief Atty. Emilio Aquino, DepEd Div. Supt. and Dep. Camp Chief for Program William Roderick Fallorin; BSP Coordinator for DepEd Zambales, and Vice Chair-RIII Council George Acupan, Police Regional Dir. P/BGen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., and Zambales Police Dir. P/Col. Benjamin Ariola. Based on Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP) website, among the delegations who have already submitted their confirmation for the event, include Bangladesh, Fiji, Hong Kong, South Korea, TGA Scouts of China, Brunei Darussalam, Maldives, USA, Canada, Kuwait, and the host country, the Philippines which will be sending the biggest delegation.   Photo:     Camp Chief Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. (3rd from left) and BSP Acting Secretary General, and Camp Dir. Atty. Cedrick Train (4th from let), and the PNP-SWAT contingents after the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in San Juan, Botolan Zambales. At lower photo Gov Ebdane poses with other officials of the Boy Scout of the Philippines after the Send Off Ceremony for than 700 security personnel to be detailed at the camp site of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree starting on Monday (Dec. 14) in Botolan of this province. (RAV)

Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines – Best Western Plus Metro Clark, the leading hospitality provider in Central Luzon, proudly announces that it is the first hotel in Asia to achieve official certification by Ookla® as Speedtest Certified™ for its exceptional wireless network performance. This prestigious, national recognition validates the hotel’s commitment to delivering a superior digital guest experience, seamlessly powered by the high-speed fiber and technology solutions of Converge. Ookla®, a global leader in connectivity intelligence and a division of Ziff Davis, independently verified that the wireless network of Best Western Plus Metro Clark met the rigorous performance standards of their Speedtest Certified program. This certification validates that every guest has access to fast and reliable connectivity throughout the property, ensuring an uninterrupted digital journey during their stay. Speedtest Certified is a definitive property network verification program that leverages Ookla’s trusted testing methodology and unrivaled brand recognition to assure guests of a property’s exceptional internet quality—a crucial component of the modern travel experience. The hotel’s performance was measured against official Speedtest Certified criteria, resulting in a score of 72.5 out of 100 and successfully surpassing the required minimum threshold of 70 for certification. The certification confirms that Best Western Plus Metro Clark delivers a robust and reliable connectivity experience across all critical performance areas. This is achieved through strong primary signal coverage, high median upload and download speeds suitable for high-demand tasks like video conferencing and streaming, and minimal latency essential for real-time applications. Furthermore, the network is built on a resilient infrastructure, featuring industry best practices for security and configuration, and is supported by a high-capacity fiber backhaul from Converge, measured at 3000 Mbps, which ensures ample bandwidth and consistent service quality even during peak guest usage. Chafic Traboulsi, Senior Vice President, Sales EMEA & APAC at Ookla, a division of Ziff Davis, said: “Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is now a fundamental guest expectation. We congratulate Best Western Plus Metro Clark on achieving Speedtest Certified status for its network. By earning our trusted badge of excellence, the hotel demonstrates its leadership in providing a positive digital experience.” The hotel’s certified Wi-Fi Excellence is a direct result of the connectivity collaboration forged with Converge Global Business, the corporate and large enterprise unit of Converge. Converge equipped the hotel with advanced fiber connectivity and its cutting-edge hospitality solution, Content Plus. This integration ensures a seamless digital experience for guests, providing not only ultra-high-speed internet for crucial business tasks and streaming but also a rich selection of premium entertainment channels. Converge recently celebrated its third consecutive triumph s for Ookla’s Speedtest Awards during the first half of 2025, sweeping four major categories including Fastest Fixed Network and Best Fixed Network. The company posted an impressive Speed Score™ of 63.46, reflecting industry-leading performance that translates directly into a world-class, seamless online experience for hotel guests. “Being the first hotel in Asia to become Speedtest Certified by Ookla is a tremendous honor and a testament to our ongoing investment in world-class amenities,” stated Jansen Ivan Uy, President & Chief Operating Officer of Savers Group Holdings, operator of Best Western Plus Metro Clark. “Our partnership with Converge has been crucial, allowing us to provide an ultra-fast, consistent, and secure Wi-Fi environment that enhances both our business and leisure guests’ stays, enabling seamless work, entertainment, and communication. This initiative significantly boosts the local tourism sector by elevating our desirability to modern travelers who expect a fully connected experience.” Eugene Yeo, Chief Executive Advisor of Converge, adds, “Converge is committed to empowering the hospitality sector with pure fiber connectivity that is capable of supporting the high demands of a modern hotel. Ookla’s certification for Best Western Plus Metro Clark validates the strength and quality of the fiber infrastructure and the excellent digital experience it provides to their guests. This collaboration exemplifies how reliable, high-speed fiber, backed by our position as the Philippines’ top-performing internet provider, is essential for premium property services.” Best Western Plus Metro Clark’s achievement represents a foundational advancement in guest experience, moving beyond mere amenity enhancement. By integrating certified, world-class connectivity, powered by Converge, with its luxury offerings, the hotel redefines the operational benchmarks for modern Filipino hospitality. Being Speedtest Certified provides definitive assurance of digital excellence, solidifying the hotel’s market distinction and reinforcing its leadership position in Central Luzon’s competitive tourism sector.        

BULACAN, Philippines — San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is back cleaning rivers in Bulacan province, after completing a massive effort from October 2022 to September 2024, that removed over 4.15 million metric tons of flood-causing silt and waste from 74 kilometers of rivers, at no cost to government and with no commercial benefit to the company. This time, SMC is undertaking maintenance cleanups of major rivers draining out to Manila Bay that surround the country’s future largest and most modern international gateway. SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said that over the last 10 months, the company’s Better Rivers PH cleanup crews have removed over 500,000 tons of silt and waste from a nine-kilometer stretch of the Maycapiz-Taliptip River and Bambang River. This has further deepened the river channels, which used to be mostly knee-deep prior to any dredging. Today the rivers are more than three meters deep, equivalent to the height of two persons, one standing on top of the other. Apart from this, SMC has also extended its river cleanup efforts to the Bagumbayan River within the town of Bulakan, Bulacan where it has so far removed over 91,000 tons of silt and waste from 3.3 kilometers of the river. Ang said that regular maintenance cleanups of these rivers are needed to ensure that gains made through the company’s years-long flood mitigation efforts — primarily, the increased flood-carrying capacities and improved flow of these rivers — are preserved.   “Rivers that surround theNew Manila International Airport project have a vital function — to drain waters from eastern Bulacan rivers, out to Manila Bay. That is why it’s critical that we continuously clean them, and even deepen and expand where needed, to ensure better flood protection and mitigation, not just for the airport, but for eastern Bulacan municipalities in the Bulacan sub-river basin,” Ang said. He explained that before SMC’s Bulacan rivers cleanup initiative, decades of accumulated silt and waste coming from upstream areas of Bulacan had significantly shallowed and clogged the Maycapiz-Taliptip River, Bambang River, and Meycauayan River in the low-lying coasts —resulting in increased flooding. The coastal area’s low elevation, at below sea level, had also made the municipalities inherently prone to flooding.   In fact, the NMIA project site, an island surrounded by the three rivers, was also submerged over time by shallow waters. Thus, for many decades, the site was used for commercial fish pond operations by previous land owners.   Apart from clearing the three major rivers, which yielded over 1.5 million tons of silt in 2024, SMC also cleaned upstream rivers and tributaries in Bulacan to help ensure efficient water flow towards the three rivers.   The effort has helped mitigate flooding for Guiguinto, Marilao, Balagtas, Bocaue, and Meycauayan. But while the initial cleanup of the three main rivers restored their natural depth of three meters, recent water level monitoring showed that the rivers were again being shallowed by siltation. This was brought about by numerous typhoons and heavy rainfall experienced last year, which necessitated the reactivation of clean-up operations.   “Keeping the rivers clean and flowing is our long-term commitment, and is integrated into the development and eventual operations of the NMIA. This means that continuous flood risk mitigation efforts for the airport will greatly benefit neighboring municipalities and the rest of eastern Bulacan,” Ang said. Meanwhile, in the western part of the Bulacan–in entirely separate and faraway river basins from the airport project in the east–towns like Hagonoy and Malolos remain prone to flooding whenever the Angat Dam overflows. For these municipalities, SMC had also previously cleaned up the downstream portions of Malolos Rivers, the Angat-Labangan River, and Pampanga River. However, these areas continue to be flood-prone when water overflows or is released from Angat Dam. SMC noted that flooding in Bulacan is a complex issue shaped by many factors, among them: the natural rise of sea levels, land subsidence caused by over-extraction of groundwater, inadequate drainage systems, and rapid urbanization in upstream areas. For a permanent and holistic flood solution to be successful, sustained cooperation among the national and local governments, private sector, and communities will be necessary.

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Philippines  — Employees of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) traveled to Casiguran, Aurora on December 3, 2025 to extend critical assistance to an indigenous people (IP) community severely affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong). The “Bayanihan sa Casiguran” initiative, held in Sitio Dipontian, Barangay Cozo, aimed to support the Agta Tribe in rebuilding their homes and a school damaged by the typhoon. The activity exemplifies CIAC’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable communities, focusing on helping residents recover and rebuild after the disaster. The CSR effort provided essential construction materials, including paint, fiber cement boards, corrugated roof sheets, cement, gloves, paint brushes and rollers, hand saws, and claw hammers. In addition, 50 bags of rice were contributed by the CIAC Provident Fund Inc. (CPFI) and the CIAC Employees’ Association Inc. (CEAI). Support from the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (APECO) ensured the smooth execution of the outreach. Super Typhoon Uwan inflicted widespread destruction across Aurora Province, damaging nearly 4,000 homes, particularly in the coastal towns of Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag. Sitio Dipontian in Barangay Cozo was among the hardest-hit areas in Casiguran, with more than 1,100 houses and school facilities destroyed. The Agta of Casiguran, also known as the Casiguran Dumagat, are part of the broader Negrito communities residing in the eastern Sierra Madre mountains. Through the CSR team, the construction materials and rice were directly handed over to the beneficiaries via Agta tribal leaders and APECO Community Relations Officer Luzed Anne Jandoc. This activity reflects CIAC’s broader mission: while developing the Clark Aviation Capital, the corporation also seeks to uplift communities and create meaningful social impact, demonstrating that its role extends beyond aviation into philanthropy and disaster recovery.            

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines — The Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) has recognized the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) as one of the top-performing government-owned and -controlled corporations in the Performance Evaluation System (PES) for the third consecutive year. CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar accepted the award from GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius Corpus during the GCG Awards Ceremony held on December 1, 2025, at the Mahogany Ballroom of the Sequioa Hotel in Parañaque City. Alcazar was joined by Chief Finance Officer Nancy Paglinawan, Chief Operations Officer Engr. Brando Aguilera, Assistant Vice President for Legal Services Atty. Rustico Quizon III, and Member of the Board, Director Jaime Lazatin. The GCG Awards honor exemplary performance among GOCCs, recognizing top achievers in both the Corporate Governance Scorecard and the Performance Evaluation System for Calendar Year 2024. CIAC’s continued excellence in the PES highlights its sustained commitment to high standards of governance and operational performance. The PES serves as a comprehensive management tool composed of performance measures, targets, and initiatives. It helps organizations achieve long-term goals by guiding strategy implementation and promoting accountability and continuous improvement. “This achievement reflects CIAC’s dedication to meeting and exceeding government standards. It recognizes the hard work of CIAC officers and employees in advancing our strategic initiatives for the Clark Civil Aviation Complex,” Alcazar said. “May this award inspire us to continue pushing toward our goals, especially our flagship projects for the Clark Aviation Capital—sustainable and economically viable developments that will create lasting impact for Clark,” he added. As the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s premier aviation and land development arm, CIAC remains committed to transforming the Clark aviation complex into the Clark Aviation Capital—a dynamic business center envisioned to become the country’s premier global aviation and logistics hub.    

By Ruben A. Veloria   IBA, Zambales, Philippines – Zambaleños not only have sun and sea, the province have now real peace and security as peace makers and DILG declares on Friday (Nov. 28) the province’s state of stable internal peace and security. In peaceful milestone, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. led the signing of joint declaration attesting the reaffirmation of the Province of Zambales in a stable internal peace and security. The event also kick-off the Implementation of PNP-PCG-AFP Collaborative Efforts (PACE) Program in Sustaining Peace and Security in the province of Zambales. Signed the Joint Declaration were DILG Provincial Dir. Melissa Nipal, who is also the concurrent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Head Secretariat; Police Dep. Reg’l. Dir. P/Col. Reynaldo Ogay, Jr.; BGen. Mario Jacinto PA, Ass’t. Dir., 7ID, PA; BGen. Cesar Molina PA, Dep. Cdr., North Luzon Command; Cdr. Bernard Ventura PCG, Dep. StaCom- PCG Zambales; and P/Col. Palmer Tria, Dep. Cdr, Sub-Task Force Disbandment of Private Armed Groups-NLuzon. Dir. Nipal lauded the signatories of the Joint Declaration saying the action is so significant and considered heroic deed as such this will serve as big come-on for investors. “This event is a significant status for Zambales being having with stable peace and security,” Nipal said. She added that this achievement not only serve the governor or his government, but most especially the people and community of the region. Meanwhile, BGen. Molina expressed the commitment of the Philippine Army in supporting the effort of the government in preserving peace and protecting the people through community engagement. For his part, Gov. Ebdane, congratulated the DILG and officers in uniform as he said that peace and security can be achieve only with teamwork, together with the police force, local officials, the armed forces and all other government agencies. “It is so disheartening to fight with the rebels knowing they are also or brothers,” Ebdane narrated. Our country was so left behind in terms of economic development because of the problems brought by the skirmishes with the rebels all of course due to mistakes committed by previous leaders. “I thanking the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for initiating the full investigation over the anomalies committed in the past, at least the people now feel that the government is committed the punish those involve in corruptions,” the governor continued. Ebdane also calls on the armed forces and the police offices to cooperate with the community and media people, “If there is something happening, let them (media) know what is happening. If an ordinary person seek your help, hear their problem, by doing so, you already solved half of the problem.” Meanwhile, the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council- Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council-Provincial Task Force End Communist Armed Conflict- Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PPOC-PADAC-PTF ELCAC- PDRRMC) passed a resolution on September 23, 2025, the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security in the province of Zambales and formally adopts the PNP-AFP Collaborative Efforts (PACE) as the primary inter-agency coordination mechanism for sustaining peace and security. The resolution also named PPOC-PADAC-PTF ELCAC-PDRRMC as oversight body for the implementation of PACE in Zambales, ensuring that security operations and interagency activities remain aligned with the provincial peace and development priorities. Gov. Ebdane, the concurrent chairman of the PPOC-PADAC-PTF ELCAC- PDRRMC, is the concurrent Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Central Luzon (R3).        

(From left to right) Skyblue Director Chung Jae Woo, OIC SVP for Conversion and Development Mark Torres, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang, KOREIT Asset Management  Chief Executive Officer Tae-Jong Song, Sky Blue CEO Chung Jong Soo, and KOREIT Senior Managing Director Bong Sup Chai. BCDA photo   NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) locked in a Php5.1-billion deal with one of South Korea’s leading real estate investment management firms, Korea Real Estate Investment & Trust (KOREIT) Asset Management, and Sky Blue New Clark City Golf & Resort Corp. for a premium golf course and residential villa estate in New Clark City—a development set to create 1,200 direct and indirect jobs and boost the Philippines’ sports and tourism infrastructure. KOREIT, through its Philippine subsidiaries Eagle-K GC Corp. and Eagle-K RV Corp., will enable its subsidiaries to fully develop and manage the 150-hectare estate. The project covers about 77 hectares for an 18-hole championship golf course and clubhouse, and 52 hectares for a 9-hole extension, along with supporting facilities. The remaining areas will host residential villas and related amenities. Commercial operations of the golf course are targeted to begin by the first quarter of 2026. BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said the partnership reflects growing interest from international institutional investors in New Clark City’s long-term development plan. “KOREIT’s entry shows the level of confidence that major global investors place in New Clark City. This strengthens our investment pipeline and supports our goal of building competitive, sustainable growth centers,” Engr. Bingcang said. The Php5.1-billion investment is expected to generate significant economic activity in Tarlac and nearby areas, supporting tourism, local businesses, and employment. The development is also projected to attract both domestic and international visitors, positioning New Clark City as a rising sports and lifestyle destination. “This project goes beyond building new facilities. It creates jobs, opens opportunities for local communities, and supports regional growth. It is another step in making New Clark City a world-class, sustainable district,” Engr. Bingcang added. The project adds to New Clark City’s expanding portfolio of public and private investments in sports, tourism, and real estate.        

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Philippines — The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to high-quality service after passing its external surveillance audit with zero non-conformities, retaining its ISO 9001:2015 Certification. The TÜV Rheinland Inc. audit held on 21 November 2025 reported zero non-conformities, eight positive observations, and only three opportunities for improvement, a strong sign that CIAC’s quality management system is running exactly as it should. ISO 9001:2015 is one of the world’s most trusted standards for quality management, helping organizations deliver consistent, reliable, and customer-focused services. CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar applauded the CIAC team for the achievement. “CIAC’s adherence to the Quality Management System has again been proven by the recent audit, ensuring the delivery of quality service to our stakeholders,” he said. The assessment reviewed CIAC’s estate management and lease processing operations, confirming compliance with all legal and contractual requirements and validating that the organization is on track to achieve its goals. Auditors also noted several positives, including CIAC’s awards and recognitions, operational improvements, active CSR programs, and the signing of new lease and development agreements that support the corporation’s long-term growth. As BCDA’s lead aviation and land development arm, CIAC continues to push forward with its mission to transform the Clark aviation complex into the Clark Aviation Capital: a vibrant business center poised to become the Philippines’ premier global aviation and logistics hub.    

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – A total of 175 service awardees were honored during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)’s 11th Loyalty Awards Ceremony at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on November 17, 2025. The SBMA Loyalty Awards aim to recognize employees who have served in government for ten years, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. The said ceremony was graced by Civil Service Commission-Central Office’s Assistant Commissioner for Professionalization and Cooperation Atty. Judith A. Dongallo-Chicano. “This celebration stands as a testament to your dedication and commitment. We celebrate not only the number of years you have devoted to public service. Each of you has been part of the continuing journey of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. SBMA stands strong today because of people like you. You have been part of every improvement, every achievement, and every story of progress that defines this institution,” Dongallo-Chicano said. Forty-four awardees in the ten years of service were recognized, including a posthumous award for an employee who passed away in August 2024; 5 awardees in the 15 years of service; 114 awardees in the 20 years of service; nine awardees in the 25 years of service; and three awardees in the 30 years of service. Meanwhile, the said awardees, together with the Employee of the Year 2024 finalists, whose awarding ceremony also coincided with the Loyalty Awards ceremony, were accorded a tribute through a grand entrance with the Jose de Piro Kabataan Orchestra, a non-profit organization from Dinalupihan, Bataan. Nora P. Sevillejo, one of the three awardees in the 30 years of service, delivered her inspirational message expressing heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues and to the SBMA, being her second home for the past three decades. “I am deeply honored to stand before you today as we celebrate the recipients of the Loyalty Awards. 30 years in service, this recognition holds great significance not just for the individuals receiving it, but for all of us who have had the privilege to work alongside all of you,” Sevillejo said. “Loyalty is a value that is built on trust, commitment, and unwavering dedication. It is not measured by time alone, but by the quality of service. The individuals we honor today have demonstrated all these qualities and more. SBMA has been more than just a workplace. It has been a place where I have been able to build a career, and be part of a community,” she added. Sevillejo recalled she started as a volunteer in the Tourism Department with fellow awardee Judith Stenseth in 1994. She was assigned to the Financial Planning & Budget Department, and the latter to the Treasury Department, after a few months as a volunteer. From then on, Sevillejo has strictly monitored the capital expenditures of SBMA according to rules.