By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines — Business owners along accretion areas in the municipality of San Narciso in this province expressed full support to the reclassification of the area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This developed after the provincial government of Zambales, through Provincial Engineering Office head Engr. Domingo Mariano, hosted a dialogue between business owners, DENR officials, and Local Government of San Narciso to resolve land ownership in Barangay La Paz, San Narciso. Based on a survey conducted by CENRO There are now 273 claimants. Engr. Mariano was tasked by Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to help resolve the problems related to land ownership and land use along the accretion or unclassified public land in the province. DENR officials headed by Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Noel Lacadin, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Regional Director Martin Despi, and City ENR Officer Eduard Serdanilla, and Engr. Mariano who served as facilitator. San Narciso Mayor La Rainne Abad-Sarmiento, together with La Paz Barangay Chairman Bienvenido Paz Jr., resort owners with their newly elected spokesperson Domingo Ramos. Engr. Mariano explained that the local government wanted to resolve the issue on land ownership in La Paz, to give everyone concerned the opportunity to move legally and plan to improve their businesses. “I believe we have to decide now whether you (resort owners) have to cooperate with the DENR or continue to go against the law.” Meanwhile, Mayor Sarmiento said that EMB has already issued notice of violations to uncooperative business owners, including failure to present Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), building permit, waste management certificate; no business permit, non-compliance to current Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). Penalties for committing such violation may range to ₱25,000.00 annually.   Sarmiento urged resort owners to cooperate with the government and support the conduct of technical surveys for land classification, sustainable coastal management, and the creation of updated CLUP in Barangay La Paz, instead of denying the staff of DENR to do their works. For MGB, Lacadin said DENR has declared the whole area as a danger zone and prohibited the building of any permanent structure there, however to their surprise business structures sprouted like mushrooms in La Paz. “The shore line has already moved more than one kilometer from its original line, so was the structure. It is very dangerous because sea current will definitely reclaim the area again, and it is happening now, not because of the dredging activities,” said Lacadin. For the part of EMB, Despi noted that most of the businesses in La Paz have no legal documents to operate a business in the area, and urged the local government to ensure that they are suitable according to land use classification and compliant with the existing laws and ordinances. As the business owners admitted that they do need help of the DENR and local government to secure legal rights for the land they are now occupying, they sought the intervention of Engr Mariano and Mayor Sarmiento to help them confer with Gov. Ebdane the urgency of complying the requirement of DENR.  “It is a welcome development. And we hope that the long standing issues regarding the legality of ownership of accretion lands in La Paz would be resolved peacefully,” said Engr. Mariano. He added that the government is happy to note that the land owners are now more willing to cooperate with the local government and DENR for the future of their businesses here in Zambales. He added that Laz Paz is only the starting point and there are more to follow.    

By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as chairman to lead the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Luzon under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. The Regional Development Council (RDC) is the highest planning and policy-making body for an administrative region, particularly in the Philippines, tasked with coordinating regional development efforts and setting the direction for economic and social development. The appointment letter dated October 16, 2025 was transmitted by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, after the President signed the appointment on the same date. The appointment as RDC Chairman “shall coincide with your regular term as local elected official” and shall have three years term. As RDC Chairman, Gov. Ebdane shall lead the council in the formulation of regional development plans, coordination with local and national government initiatives and the private sectors, and approving and promoting investment programs for the region. Governor Ebdane expressed his profound gratitude to President Marcos for the trust placed in him to continue serving Central Luzon. The Governor stated that he will strive to further intensify programs and projects for the development of Central Luzon— from the economy and infrastructure to the daily livelihoods of his constituents. Ebdane added that this appointment is not only an honor but also a new challenge that he wholeheartedly accepts for the welfare of the citizens, especially the people of Zambales. The governor remarked, “I may profoundly now say, ‘Sulong Gitnang Luzon!’” For his track records, Gov. Ebdane served as Chief of Philippine National Police (July 2002 –August 2004) under former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was later appointed as Secretary of National Defense from February 2007 to July 2007 or until his appointment as Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways, where he served well until 2009. After which he later enter the court of politics in Zambales.      

By Ruben A. Veloria Members and staff of the Sangguniang Bayan of Cabangan, poses with Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. after conferred as 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sangguniang Bayan (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category), and received a plaque and P300,000.00 in cash, during the Zambales Exemplary Achievers as Legislators Awards Ceremony held in Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday. (Photo by Zambales for the People)   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – The provincial government of Zambales recognized the contribution of local legislators in formulating laws and ordinances that resulted in the upliftment of the lives of Zambaleños and the continuing development of the province. Initiated by Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the provincial vice governor together with the board members, the vice mayors and members of the municipal council were convened to the 2025 Zambales Exemplary Achievement as Legislators (ZEAL) Awarding Ceremony held at the Travelers Hotel here, recently. Also present during the momentous event were the municipal mayors who supported the delegates, the local Sangguniang Bayan secretaries and other staff. Governor Ebdane said that the event was surprisingly different from what he believed years ago. “Time has really changed a lot. We have reached the era where real winners win; and deserving people were recognized. Thanks to DILG,” he said. Gov. Ebdane emphasized that the real success is measured by moving together, united towards mutual development, and to dreaming of uplifting the lives of the constituents, “we should serve as their inspiration to dream big.” The governor likewise, encouraged the legislators to start making preparations to face the uncertainties, such as disasters, or The Big One. “We really don’t know when and where a disaster will strike. But we must always be ready to respond, just in case the inevitable happened in our time,” he added. He said that being a public servant, legislators should always prioritize the welfare of the community, and being ready to any kind of disaster should always be the first priority. As for the winners, the Municipality of Cabangan was conferred as 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sangguniang Bayan (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category), and received a plaque and P300,000.00 in cash, and to represent the province in the Regional level. In the 4th – 6th Class Municipalities Category, the 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sanggunian Bayan was awarded to the Municipality of Iba, along with the plaque and P400,000.00 in cash, and to represent the province in the regional level. Other Best Performers for 2025 ZEAL Awards (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category): 3rd Runner-Up- Municipality of Subic (plaque and P100,000.00 cash); 2nd Runner-Up- Municipality of Castillejos (plaque and P200,000.00) and 1st Runner-Up- Municipality of Masinloc (plaque and P300,000.00). Meanwhile, Iba Vice Mayor, and concurrent Vice Mayors League of the Phils.-Zambales Chapter, Joan Ballesteros, described the municipal legislators and the Sanggunian staff as pillars of development in the community. Feed backs have manifested that the provincial board members and municipal councilors acted untiringly and with dedication to achieve the voluminous paper works of proposed ordinances and laws submitted by the provincial board members and municipal councilors. They are the instruments to the progression and to the achievement of the objectives of the province. “I am happy for their success as local government officials with integrity and devotion,” said DILG Assistant Regional Director Jay Timbreza. In closing, Philippine Councilors League- Zambales Chapter president Carl Eric Rico commended the local legislators for fulling their oath to the country to serve the people first before serving themselves. “The evidence of our desire to serve the people is shown every day that we serve our local constituents” said Rico.          

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs– Port of Subic officially received recently its ISO 9001:2015 Certification from TÜV SÜD Philippines, affirming its commitment to deliver efficient, transparent, and high-quality customs services that complies with the international standards. Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao proudly accepted the Certification from TÜV SÜD representative Mary Grace Zara during a simple awarding held at the Office of the District Collector, Bureau of Customs- Port of Subic, here. Witnessing the occasion were Deputy Collectors Isagani D. Galsim and Andrew Malcolm S. Calixihan. ISO 9001:2015 Certification is “a formal recognition that an organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) meets the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard, which provides a framework for consistently providing products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements leading to improved quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.” For the Port of Subic, the certification recognizes that the Port’s customs clearance processes for import and export operations have successfully passed the rigorous audit conducted by TÜV SÜD, ensuring full compliance with global quality management requirements. Estanislao extended his profound gratitude to all Port employees for their invaluable efforts and dedication in achieving this milestone. He emphasized that this recognition reflects the collective hard work and commitment of the Port of Subic team to continually uphold and enhance the ISO standards in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to align customs processes with internationally recognized benchmarks and best practices. This milestone also underscores the Port’s alignment with the BOC’s 5-Point Priority Program, particularly in promoting good governance and integrity, facilitating trade, and ensuring world-class customs service delivery.    

By Ruben A. Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – After a series of earthquakes that hit the country just recently, the Provincial Government of Zambales launched on Monday the three-day provincial-wide training-workshop on disaster planning formulation involving key offices and line-agencies at the Travelers Hotel here. The training-workshop dubbed “Provincial Training-Workshop on Peace and Order and Public Safety Plan Formulation” aims to come-up with an effective and well-coordinated communication and responses among local government units, national government offices and other government line agencies. More than 200 keys personnels from provincial and municipal government units and line-agencies attended the activity, including, local chief executives, planning and development officers, chiefs of police, chief of hospitals and municipal health officers, and provincial and municipal engineering officers, among others. Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., who is the concurrent chairman of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the activity will establish a well-organized and synchronized action plan in the event of calamities or disaster, or the most feared The Big One. Scientists refer “The Big One” as to the occurrence of earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 or stronger which is expected to hit Metro Manila with its center along the West Valley Fault, which historically has its major movements occurring every 400 to 600 years. Scientists believe that since its last major activity happened around 1658, the probability of experiencing a major jolt along the said fault is increasing each passing year. Gov. Ebdane said, the Provincial Government, through the help and diligence of the participants, would come up a masterplan of actions that could be used when a disaster strike anywhere in the province. “With a well-coordinated and quick response, we could minimize the effect of disaster to human lives,” the official said.

By Ruben A.Veloria   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippined — The Bureau of Customs – Port of Subic has again surpassed its September 2025 revenue target after recording a total collection of ₱3,87 Billion, exceeding its assigned target of ₱3,483 Billion, or an increase of 11%. Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao said that based on Port’s records for the month pf September 2025, the Bureau has collected a total of P3,870,665,783.55 on taxes, duties and other forms of revenue, as against the P3,483,277,798.04 target for the month. Estanislao commended the dedication and collective efforts of all personnel of the Port of Subic, emphasizing that the consistent performance reflects the Port’s unwavering commitment to efficiency, integrity, and transparency in revenue collection. “This is a result of the hard work and vigilance of every personnel of the Port, who continue to perform beyond expectations despite operational challenges.” The District Collector also noted that due to the dedication and superior performance of the personnel, the Bureau has officially received its ISO 9001:2015 Certification from TÜV SÜD Philippines, affirming its steadfast commitment to delivering efficient, transparent, and high-quality customs services that meet both customer expectations and international standards. ISO 9001:2015 certification recognizes the Port’s compliance with quality management on customs clearance processes for import and export operations that help organizations to consistently provide quality products and services to meet customer and regulatory satisfaction. The District Collector also expressed his appreciation to stakeholders and partner agencies, including the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) under the leadership of Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, for their continued support and collaboration that contribute significantly to trade facilitation and smooth port operations. The Port’s continuous success aligns with the Bureau’s 5-Point Priority Program and Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno mandates, particularly in ensuring enhanced revenue collection, good governance, and trade facilitation, while upholding the Bureau’s thrust toward a more modernized and transparent customs administration. With this accomplishment, the Port of Subic reaffirms its commitment to maintaining its high standard of service and sustaining its performance in the remaining months of the year in support of the Bureau’s overall collection goals for 2025.          

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines  – Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown recently visited this premier freeport aiming to strengthen its ties with the Philippines as Australia enhances trade and investment with the Southeast Asian countries. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and other agency officials welcomed Brown during his visit here, wherein relevant information on the logistical advantages of the Freeport to other countries was also discussed. During the visit on October 3, 2025, Brown, who came with First Secretary for Economic Paul McEachern, said that two years ago, the Australian government developed a Southeast Asia economic strategy to boost trade and investment in the region. Together with SBMA officials, the Ambassador visited several areas during an ocular inspection of the freeport, while eyeing potential investment opportunities for Australian companies looking to expand their businesses in other countries. Brown shared that Australia regards the Philippines as a reliable ally in terms of economics and security, as evidenced by the robust and dynamic strategic partnership between the two countries. He added that the Southeast Asia economic strategy includes promoting Australian investments into the region, with deal teams established in Southeast Asian capitals to identify investable projects. He also said that their government is promoting outward investments for Australian businesses to the region, while getting more investments into Australia at the same time, by exporting more goods and services. Meanwhile, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III cited, “Subic Bay Freeport has 23 Australian companies with a total of USD$11.6-million in total investments, and has an employment strength of 540 workers.” He added that the top three Australian companies in Subic Bay Freeport include STG Global Corp., a steel fabrication company that invested USD$3.5 million; Platinum Skies Aviation, Inc., an air transport company that invested USD$1.4 million; and Dunbrae Subic, Inc. food processing equipment and manufacturing company that invested USD$860,000. Lee also proposed a Sister Port Agreement with the Australian government citing that the Port of Subic can provide the necessary support to Australia’s major ports such as the Ports of Melbourne, Newcastle, and Botany. “This will strengthen maritime linkages between the Philippines and Australia since Subic Bay is a strategic deep-water port of Southeast Asia. The SBMA can learn from these Australian Ports since they are key innovators in the Asia-Pacific trade and sustainability,” he added. (30)        

By Ruben A. Veloria   MARIVELES, Bataan,Philippines – In a significant boost to educational infrastructure in here, the AboitizPower Transmission Business Group, on Friday (Oct. 3) has officially turned over a state-of-the-art Learning Hub Facility to Alion Elementary School as part of its annual support for the Brigada Eskwela initiative. The project, dubbed “Digita Eskwela,” was made by AboitizPower TBG through its private limited partnerships GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) aimed at improving school facilities and readiness for the upcoming academic year. With a project cost of ₱1M, the initiative provided Alion Elementary School with a technology-rich learning environment designed to enhance digital literacy and expand educational opportunities for the youth of Mariveles. The comprehensive project involved the complete refurbishment of a school facility, which included repainting of the interior and exterior, installation of new sliding windows and floor tiles, complete electrical rewiring, improvement of the comfort room, installation of two new air conditioning units. To complete the hub, the project also included the provision of ten complete desktop computer sets, ensuring students have immediate access to modern educational tools. This initiative is a core component of the AboitizPower TBG’s commitment to advancing education and community development. By investing in projects like Digita Eskwela, the company reinforces its goal of fostering safe, inclusive, and well-equipped schools where Filipino learners can thrive. The turnover of the new Learning Hub Facility was met with gratitude by the faculty and students of Alion Elementary School, who are now better prepared to integrate technology into their daily lessons and bridge the digital gap. The project stands as a testament to the positive impact of public-private partnerships in uplifting the quality of education in the Philippines.   PHOTO:        

New Clark City, Tarlac, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently teamed up with the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) and the national rugby team, the Philippine Volcanoes, to inspire young members of the communities in Tarlac by hosting a rugby clinic in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. Themed “Empowering Youths, Celebrating Heritage,” the activity gathered around 30 youths from Sitio Tilik and Sitio Telapilun, Brgy. San Roque in Bamban, and Brgy. Sta. Lucia in Capas in a rugby clinic held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.  Teaching them are members of the Philippine Volcanoes who excitedly introduced rugby as a sport through group activities that inspired the young to embrace an active lifestyle and appreciate the values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The initiative marked the second time BCDA has partnered with the rugby national team, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots sports and youth development. In welcoming partners and guests, BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet highlighted the Authority’s commitment to its stakeholders and to building a strong foundation for the future of sports in the Philippines at New Clark City–home to the National Academy of Sports. “By hosting this event, we give greater meaning to what New Clark City is to us.  This metropolis fuels an enabling experience, a nurturing place for learning, dreaming and realizing these dreams. A sustainable development that is meant to benefit all,” Macasaet said. PRFU President Ada Milby said the rugby clinic builds on last year’s successful engagement with New Clark City communities, where PRFU also conducted grassroots training. ”We just want to bring rugby to more communities. We want to just continue growing the sport, that way, whether you want to play rugby or you want to watch rugby, that there’s a place for you to go,” Ms. Milby said. As part of the engagement, BCDA also introduced the players to its community development initiatives, particularly the Ayta Ethno Botanical Center (AEBC) in New Clark City.   Delivering a lecture on community empowerment and culture integration is AEBC Project Manager and University of the Philippines Professor Florencia Charito Imperial-Sebastian, PhD.  Through the AEBC, BCDA, with the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, continues to empower indigenous communities with sustainable farming practices and long-term livelihood prospects. The collaboration between PRFU and BCDA underscores their shared vision to foster sports development and community empowerment, while celebrating the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples of Tarlac. The rugby clinic was held on September 13, 2025, while the Volcanoes were in training at New Clark City in preparation for the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series, a sporting event where the top eight rugby clubs in Asia compete. Currently the Women’s Volcanoes ranked 11th in Asia following its win against Indonesia at the Hangzhou Normal University in China.  Meanwhile, the Men’s Volcanoes ranked 12 after bowing to Thailand in their final match.  The next leg of the series in Sri Lanka on October 18–19, 2025.  Our national team is also gearing up for the Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand, where the Volcanoes will defend their gold and silver medals in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.