By Bhaby De Castro   BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Breastfeeding mothers in Batangas City now have a new facility where they can donate excess breast milk, following the establishment of a Human Milk Depot at SM City Batangas through a partnership among the Department of Health (DOH), SM Cares, Batangas Medical Center (BATMC), and the city government. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on August 12 at the mall’s Atrium Center, with the Human Milk Bank Association of the Philippines also supporting the initiative. The Human Milk Depot aims to provide safe donor milk to infants who need it most, including premature babies and those whose mothers are unable to breastfeed or produce enough milk. Under the MOA, lactating mothers with excess breast milk who wish to donate will undergo screening by the City Health Office (CHO). The donated milk will then be collected, processed, and pasteurized by BATMC before being brought to the Human Milk Depot at SM City Batangas. The donor milk will be safely stored at the depot and provided to infants who need it most, including premature babies and those who cannot be breastfed by their own mothers. According to Atty. Pearl Turley, SM Program Director for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, the program started last year and aims to establish more Human Milk Depots in SM malls across the country. “SM Supermalls believes that social responsibility is part of its advocacy, where all mothers should be supported in caring for their children, as well as in helping babies grow healthy and strong. That is why all our malls have breastfeeding stations to provide mothers with an appropriate place for their babies while they are strolling or shopping,” said Turley. In her message, DOH Calabarzon Assistant Regional Director Dr. Rosa Marie Rempillo said the agency has long been promoting breastfeeding because it is an effective way to help infants grow healthy and become less prone to illness. “Through this collaboration among SM, the Batangas City LGU, Batangas Medical Center, and our agency, safe milk for infants will be ensured. This will also help mothers who are unable to produce enough milk for their babies. With the help of this Milk Depot, many infants can receive safe milk,” said Rempillo. Mayor Marvey Marino said many children need access to safe milk and emphasized that the initiative is for the welfare of infants, which is why the city government fully supports the program. Meanwhile, more than 100 lactating mothers in the city participated in a milk-letting drive as part of the Nationwide Breastfeeding Activity (Hakab’ta), with the theme “Strengthening Breastfeeding Support through Human Milk Donation and Partnership.” The Human Milk Depot is the seventh established by SM Supermalls and the first of its kind in Southern Luzon. August is observed as National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Mothers are encouraged to exclusively breastfeed their babies during the first six months of life to help promote their health and well-being. (MPDC-PIA Batangas)

By Danny Estacio   STO. TOMAS CITY, Batangas, Philippines – Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan highlighted the city’s accomplishments over the past year and cited future development plans during his 5th State of the City Address (SOCA) on Monday, Aug. 10. Marasigan emphasized the remarkable achievements the city has accomplished over the past 12-month period serving as local chief executive – aligned with the core development points his administration promised to achieve.  Providing high-quality healthcare services, the mayor mentions that in year 2025 the city has conducted 145,000 medical and dental consultations including those assisted thru the “Aksyon  Bilis Caravan” and “Aksyon Bilis Mobile Clinic”, delivered 29,000 sanitation and food services, 56,000 preventive health services such immunization, deworming and newborn screening, he bared. In Education, 10,000 senior high school and college students had been given scholarship grants in two semesters for School Year 2025-2026 amounting to P47 million, a significant increase of 66.67 percent from the previous school year figure of 6,000. Educational assistance for abused children, Children In Conflict with the Law (CICL), children of solo parents and out-of-school youth taking up technical-vocational training are also provided. Marasigan said that the city employment program has recorded 15,474 job placements through initiated school-based job fairs, local and overseas recruitment, barangay recruitment and location-based job fairs while the city’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) program helped 93 students earn while off school. He initiated the SULONG program with 200 qualified farmer-beneficiaries receiving P15,000 worth of farm inputs to augment deficient amounts to sustain crop production. Strategically as the home of the open frontier that serves as gateway to the south, the promise of opportunity for trade and commerce to magnify is very evident. “Realization of our local government frameworks most beneficial to Tomasinos is a challenge that requires heart and hard work combined”, Marasigan said. According to Marasigan, this time,  the city has 5,600 registered businesses which is 12% higher compared to 5,000 in 2025. For locally sourced income, the city is expecting 7.3 percent increase in revenue collection for 2026 amounting to P968 Million.  Marasigan announced that the city has maintained a 10.5 percent yearly average economic growth since he assumed office from the year 2022 to present date. Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data this growth rate is almost double than the Calabarzon record of 5.6 percent and much higher than the province of Batangas with 6.7 percent growth rate. Marasigan said. He announced several priority projects for 2027, such as the construction of a child-minding station for solo parents, Wellness Hub to address mental health concern, expanding social hygiene clinic, digitalization of government services, and additional livelihood programs for small businesses. “Our goal is to make the healthier, safer, progressive and vibrant community where comfort living and ease of doing business is not temporary but a way of life”, Marasigan said. Sto. Tomas City Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan delivers his state of the city address, on Aug. 10. (photo via Danny Estacio)

  U.S. and Philippine officials tour the new Community Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Reporting Center.   PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines August 13, 2026 —The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through the Fish Right Project, launched the Community Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Reporting Center in partnership with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development.  The new facility strengthens Philippine-led efforts to combat IUU fishing—a shared economic and security threat for both the United States and the Philippines. Building on the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development’s existing coordination mechanisms with local and national agencies, Fish Right will integrate American technologies, such as Starlink and data visualization software EarthRanger, to strengthen connectivity, improve the collection and organization of community reports, and support timely information-sharing with Philippine authorities. The Center will serve as a community hub for receiving and organizing real-time reports from fishermen on suspected IUU fishing, unusual vessel activity, and other illegal maritime activities.  With support from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the National Maritime Center, and the Provincial Government of Palawan, these reports will be forwarded to appropriate Philippine government agencies for validation, follow-up action, and feedback to local fishing communities. “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is both an economic and a national security challenge.  It depletes fish stocks, disrupts supply chains, distorts markets, threatens food security, and places responsible fishers and legitimate businesses at a disadvantage,” said U.S. Embassy Officer Taylor Fincher.  “Addressing illegal fishing and related maritime concerns is an important area of cooperation between the United States and the Philippines.” “By providing fisherfolk with a safe and accessible way to report suspected illegal fishing and other unlawful maritime activities, this Community IUU Fishing Reporting Center empowers coastal communities to become active partners in protecting our fisheries,” said Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate. The launch of the Community IUU Fishing Reporting Center coincides with the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines, underscoring the two nations’ enduring partnership in upholding international law, promoting lawful activity at sea, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Fish Right Project supports Philippine-led efforts to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Philippine exclusive economic zone bordering the South China Sea.  It strengthens community reporting by connecting fishers’ observations with Philippine government systems, supports marine scientific research to inform decision-making, and promotes better market access for safe, legal, and sustainably sourced seafood.    

By Joshua Sugay   CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro,Philippines — More residents across MIMAROPA will gain access to science, technology, and innovation as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-MIMAROPA brings the 2026 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) to all island provinces for the first time from August 17 to 19. Instead of holding the annual celebration in just one province, DOST-MIMAROPA will conduct activities across Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan, and Romblon to reach more communities, including those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Speaking during the Arangkada MIMAROPA radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-MIMAROPA and Radyo Pilipinas-Palawan on August 5, Regional Director Dr. Bernardo Sepeda said the initiative proves that MIMAROPA’s island geography does not limit development. “Gusto nating ipakita na hindi hadlang ang pagkakahiwalay ng mga probinsiya. Bagkus, konektado ang MIMAROPA gamit ang agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon,” Sepeda said. This year’s celebration carries the call to action “Tara Pa-MIMAROPA,” inviting residents to experience technologies that support livelihoods, protect the environment, preserve culture, and create opportunities for communities. Each province will showcase technologies that reflect its strengths. Occidental Mindoro will feature technologies that preserve Indigenous Peoples’ culture, including handloom weaving machines for Mangyan communities. Oriental Mindoro will highlight technology commercialization, including the Palatak Palay Seeder and the Mobile Modular Food Processing Facility that helps farmers reduce crop losses and add value to their harvests. Marinduque will present science-based solutions for environmental protection, such as coral nursery units and reef block deployment. Palawan will showcase robotics, mechatronics, and Industry 4.0 technologies while launching innovation facilities that support students, engineers, and local industries. Romblon will serve as the regional hub, bringing together the themes of all provinces while featuring technologies for disaster resilience, climate change adaptation, industry development, and technology-based livelihoods. “Gusto nating ipakita kung paano nagkakabuklod-buklod ang isang bayan gamit ang agham at teknolohiya,” Sepeda said. Activities will run simultaneously across MIMAROPA from August 17 to 19, bringing government innovations closer to communities and highlighting how the region’s islands can move forward together through science, technology, and innovation. (JJGS/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)

By Charmaine Odong-Pangan   CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Philippines — In a continued effort to dismantle illegal drug networks and protect communities across the region, the Police Regional Office (PRO) Region IV-A arrested 1,208 drug suspects and seized ₱29.6 million worth of illegal drugs during anti-drug operations carried out across Calabarzon from July 1 to 31. In an official press statement, PRO Calabarzon, under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Dominic Baccay, reported that it conducted 942 anti-drug operations throughout July, reflecting the region’s intensified and intelligence-driven law enforcement efforts under Baccay’s B.E.S.T. leadership framework, which stands for Be visible, Engage immediately, Serve together, Transform trust. “The month-long operations resulted in the seizure of 4,333.59 grams of shabu, 245.58 grams of marijuana, and 43.46 grams of kush, with a total Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) standard value of Php29,563,092.00,” PRO Calabarzon shared. In his statement, Baccay emphasized that Calabarzon cops remain proactive in sustaining aggressive anti-illegal drug operations to disrupt the illegal drug trade and ensure that individuals who continue to violate the law are held accountable. “Our message is clear: anyone who chooses to engage in the illegal drug trade will face the full force of the law. We will not slow down, we will not back off, and we will not allow drug personalities and syndicates to endanger our communities. Our operations will remain relentless, intelligence-driven, and firmly anchored on the rule of law until every drug network operating in CALABARZON is dismantled,” he stated. All arrested drug suspects are now under the custody of their respective arresting units and are currently facing appropriate charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The intensified anti-illegal drug campaign in CALABARZON also supports the Focused Agenda of Philippine National Police Chief  General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. through sustained intelligence-driven operations, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and active community partnerships to combat illegal drug activities and promote public safety. (COP/PIA CALABARZON with reports from PRO4A RPIO)          

By Danny Estacio   LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – Weeks ago, opinions from legal offices in the province and city on the issue of highly urbanized city status became trending on social media, whether to remain the status or to return as a component city. Edisson Sy Bang, a businessman who studied law and an active member of a civic organization, expressed his opinion on the controversial issue on Friday, Aug. 7. According to him, as posted on social media, the legal status of Lucena City as a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) is not founded upon assumption, administrative convenience, or historical practice alone. It is supported by the Constitution, statutory law, settled principles of administrative law, the longstanding and uniform recognition of the National Government, and equitable doctrines safeguarding stability in public administration. He added that unless and until Congress validly reclassifies Lucena City or a court of competent jurisdiction, in a final and executory judgment, declares otherwise, Lucena City remains a Highly Urbanized City under Philippine law. Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, establishes the qualifications and procedures governing the classification of cities as Highly Urbanized Cities, he stated. He cited Article X of the 1987 Constitution, which establishes the framework for local autonomy and recognizes the distinct legal personality of local government units. The constitutional policy is not merely to create local governments but to preserve their institutional integrity, ensure stability in governance, and promote decentralization. For decades, every branch and instrumentality of the Philippine Government has consistently treated Lucena City as a Highly Urbanized City. Such recognition has never been casual nor sporadic; rather, it has been continuous, official, and relied upon in the discharge of governmental functions. In law, these official acts are presumed valid and effective until set aside by competent authority. Consequently, Lucena City enjoys not only the presumption of legality but also the protection afforded by constitutional principles of due process, stability of governmental institutions, and fairness in public administration, Sybang added. “Accordingly, any interpretation of the Code that would retrospectively disturb Lucena City’s long-recognized classification would be contrary to the plain language of the statute and the legislative intent underlying its enactment”, he said. “Any assertion that Lucena is not a Highly Urbanized City necessarily carries the burden of overcoming the strong legal presumption that every official act recognizing such status was validly undertaken”. The executive branch has consistently implemented the law on the premise that Lucena City is a Highly Urbanized City, for more than three decades. This long-standing administrative interpretation constitutes persuasive evidence of the proper construction of the governing statutes. Congress has repeatedly amended the Local Government Code and enacted numerous statutes affecting local governments. At no time has Congress enacted legislation withdrawing, revoking, or modifying Lucena City’s recognition as a Highly Urbanized City.    

By Charmaine Odong-Pangan   LUCENA CITY, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) urged all stakeholders in the transport sector to work together to expedite the long-awaited modernization of the country’s public transportation system. “Hinihiling ko ang suporta ng buong industriya upang mapaandar na natin sa lalong madaling panahon ang ating minimithing Modernisasyon ng mga Pampublikong Sasakyan. Titiyakin natin na magiging makatao, magaan, at makatarungan ang pagpapatupad nito. Tulad ng aking binanggit, dapat mataas ang kalidad, matibay, at maghahatid ng pangmatagalang ginhawa sa taumbayan ang lahat ng pampublikong imprastraktura,” President Marcos stated in his address. In the CALABARZON region, the President himself recently conducted a port inspection at the newly upgraded Lucena Port Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) in Lucena City, Quezon along with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) as part of his commitment to modernizing the country’s maritime gateways and improving passenger comfort. During the inspection, he underscored the need for safe and modern port facilities to provide the commuting public with efficient and reliable transportation services between the CALABARZON region, MIMAROPA, and other nearby island provinces, ensuring a safer, more convenient, and more comfortable travel experience. “This was necessary to be done because the traffic going to Lucena Port is approximately 500,000 travelers every year kaya’t kailangan talagang i-upgrade na ang ating mga facilities para matulungan ang ating mga traveling public, hindi sila masyadong mahirapan,” the Chief Executive said during the inspection on July 21. The PTB, built with a P153.43-million investment from the PPA’s corporate budget, is expected to offer safer and more convenient travel for passengers and contribute to strengthening regional connectivity, boosting trade, and driving economic growth in Southern Luzon. With a capacity of 928 passengers, the upgraded terminal is equipped with modern, safer facilities, including fully air-conditioned waiting areas, automated ticketing machines, an enhanced ventilation system, and 144 solar panels that support energy-efficient and sustainable port operations. These improvements are designed to meet the growing demand for safe, reliable, and convenient passenger travel, particularly as the PPA’s records show that approximately 500,000 travelers use the Port of Lucena as their gateway each year. PPA General Manager Jay Santiago expressed hopes that more Filipinos will benefit from the improvements of the upgraded Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs) as the Marcos administration continues to implement its port terminal modernization agenda. “We hope na makikita ng mga kababayan natin ito, ma-e-engganyo sila na hindi na sila kumbaga magkakaroon ng agam-agam sa pagbiyahe, sa pagdaan sa ating mga pantalan dahil makikita nila kumportable na ang pagbiyahe, kumbenyente, at kung ano man ang mangyari, matuloy man o hindi matuloy ang kanilang biyahe, sigurado sila, kumpiyansa sila, relax sila, at magaan ang kanilang pagbiyahe dahil maganda ang pasilidad,” Santiago said during the port inspection. Dating back to 2024, President Marcos inaugurated the Batangas Passenger Terminal Building at the Port of Batangas in Batangas City. Since its inauguration, the facility has continued to enhance tourism connectivity, encourage investments, improve the movement of agricultural goods, and stimulate local economies, underscoring the administration’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth through the modernization of the country’s transport infrastructure. From its original capacity of 2,500 passengers, the Batangas PTB has been upgraded to accommodate up to 8,000 passengers. The facility can now serve around 12.8 million passengers annually and offers expanded facilities for vehicle traffic, providing improved services that continue to benefit the Filipino public. Amid the recent surge in fuel prices brought about by the Middle East conflict, the country has felt the impact of the crisis, particularly Filipino commuters who rely on public transportation as a more accessible and affordable means of travel. The Marcos Jr. administration affirms its focus on enhancing the country’s public transportation system to expand its reach, modernize facilities and its services, and provide more convenient mobility for the Filipino people. President Marcos stated in his SONA, “Kaya pinagtutuunang mabuti ng Administrasyon ang ating mga tren, mga busways, transport hubs at integrated terminals, at ang pagpapaganda at pagpapalawak ng mga paliparan at pantalan sa buong bansa. Ito ay upang mas malawak at malayo ang naaabot, tumaas ang kapasidad, at maging moderno at mas maginhawa ang serbisyo.” As one of the country’s major industrial hubs, the CALABARZON region hosts numerous manufacturing zones, industrial parks, and economic zones, making port modernization vital as these facilities play a vital role in facilitating the movement of raw materials, finished goods, and agricultural products while strengthening supply chains and helping decongest Manila-based ports. (COP/PIA CALABARZON)

By Mamerta P. De Castro   BATANGAS CITY, Philippines —Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc. (PMM) has opened and strengthened its relationship with local media practitioners in Batangas through a Meet and Greet Media Day held at the company’s Events Room B inside the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) in the City of Sto. Tomas on July 21, 2026. With the theme “Building Bridges with the Press,” the program was attended by representatives from various media organizations. The event aimed to strengthen open communication and collaboration with the media and the community. In his message, PMM President Shuichiro Goto said that they hope to provide a deeper understanding of what and who make up the company, its guiding principles, and how its work contributes to society. He emphasized the Murata Philosophy, which is centered on contributing to the advancement of society through innovation, scientific technologies, business expertise, and technologies that improve people’s lives. He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Murata Philosophy, which focuses on contributing to societal progress through innovation, scientific approaches, responsible business practices, and technologies that enhance people’s lives. During the program, representatives from PMM’s Corporate Communications shared that the Media Day was organized not only to introduce Murata to the local media but also to better understand the needs, interests, and priorities of various media organizations. The discussions encouraged an open exchange of ideas on the following: Technological innovation; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Community development programs ;Workplace culture ; Industry trends and developments. As part of the program, media representatives attended company presentations and participated in guided facility visits, giving them the opportunity to personally observe PMM’s manufacturing operations, technological capabilities, quality standards, and organizational culture. PMM is a Japanese-owned company that manufactures the world’s smallest capacitors. In addition, it also produces other components such as inductors, noise suppression products/TV diodes/EMI suppression filters, resistors, thermistors, sensors, timing devices, and many more that are used in everyday life and can be found in cellphones, electronic devices, laptops, and other equipment. Currently, the company has more than 4,000 employees at its FPIP Plant following the opening of its third building facility in 2025. The journalists also saw the benefits provided by the company to its employees, such as food allowances through a well-maintained canteen where healthy living is promoted; a proper clinic with a 24/7 medical doctor and standby nurses; and spaces for employees’ resting and napping time. The company also uses various sources of electricity such as geothermal, wind, and solar energy. (MPDC-PIA Batangas)

By Danny Estacio   LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the distribution of free rice to 52,400 households in the city on July 21 at Lucena Convention Center. Beneficiaries received 10 kilograms of rice through the ” Bigay Bigas sa Masa” (BBM) initiative. President Marcos was assisted by City Mayor Mark Alcala, and local officials. The first 4000 recipients, who belonged to vulnerable and indigent families, came from 33 barangays in the city. The program is in collaboration with the national and city government through the City Agriculture Office in accordance with the Sagip Saka Act wherein the national government directly bought rice from the local farmers. President said that it was sourced from the Local Government Support Fund Food Assistance Program (LGSF-FAP). The LGSF-FAP is one of the flagship programs of his administration, which is designed to provide direct support and assistance to citizens, particularly in meeting their daily essential needs. The Bigay Bigas sa Masa will be held every two months, Marcos said. Also, the chief executive awarded 100 families the Certificate of Entitlement in Barangay Iyam, this city, under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program implemented by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). The awarding forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen land tenure security and provide lasting housing solutions for Filipino families who have waited decades to finally secure the land they call home. Also, the President proceeded to the Port of Lucena Passenger Terminal building in Barangay Talao-talao to inspect the new terminal; the port could accommodate up to 1000 passengers going to the provinces of Marinduque, Masbate, and Romblon. President Marcos also handed over P20,000 checks to 165 college scholars, five from each of 33 villages.