By Christopher Hedreyda   CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Philippines – Local chief executives in the province of Laguna are seeking the full participation of parents and guardians in having their children aged 0 to 59 months vaccinated against the deadly measles and rubella viruses as part of the Department of Health’s (DOH) nationwide Ligtas Tigdas campaign. From August 10 to 28, the annual Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) will be conducted in cities and municipalities nationwide to provide free measles and rubella vaccines to more children and help achieve herd immunity in communities. Calamba City Mayor Roseller Rizal expressed the local government’s full support for the campaign. In a video statement, he sought to dispel parents’ concerns about vaccinating their children and emphasized the benefits of measles and rubella immunization. “Nabakunahan man dati o hindi pa, mahalagang makatanggap sila ng karagdagang proteksyon laban sa tigdas at rubella. Ang mga bakunang ito ay ligtas, epektibo, at libreng ibinibigay para maprotektahan ang ating mga anak laban sa mga sakit na maaaring magdulot ng malubhang komplikasyon,” Rizal said. He also encouraged parents to have their children vaccinated even if they had already received their initial measles and rubella doses, noting that the supplemental immunization provides additional protection. Rizal added: “Nabakunahan man dati o hindi pa, mahalagang makatanggap sila ng karagdagang proteksyon laban sa tigdas at rubella. Huwag nating hintayin na magkasakit pa ang ating mga anak. Sama-sama nating tiyakin na bawat batang Calambeño ay ligtas laban sa tigdas,” Meanwhile, Biñan City Mayor Angelo Alonte urged social media users to verify information they read online to avoid being misled by misinformation about vaccines. “Mag-ingat po tayo sa mga maling impormasyon o fake news patungkol sa bakuna. Makinig at magtiwala lamang sa mga impormasyong nagmula sa Department of Health, mga lokal na opisyal, at sa ating mga healthcare workers. Huwag nating hintayin na magkasakit pa ang ating mga anak,” Alonte added that, aside from the measles and rubella vaccine, Vitamin A supplementation will also be administered to help provide children with added protection against communicable diseases. “Sama-sama nating protektahan ang bawat batang Biñanense at makamit ang mataas na antas ng proteksiyon sa ating komunidad. Protektahan ang iyong anak at makilahok sa MR SIA,” the Biñan mayor stressed in his video statement. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz, Mayor Joseph Kris Benjamin Agarao promoted the immunization activity by highlighting the accessibility of the vaccines, which will be made available in barangays and other designated vaccination sites. “[Pumunta sa] mga itinakdang vaccination sites ng inyong barangay at sumangguni sa inyong mga barangay midwife para sa iba pang mga detalye. Mga mamamayan ng bayan ng Santa Cruz, protektahan po natin ang ating mga anak laban sa tigdas at rubella. Ligtas at epektibo po ang mga bakuna sa ating mga health center,” Agarao explained. According to the Health department, measles and rubella are highly contagious viral diseases that can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person. Common symptoms include high fever, colds, red eyes, cough, fatigue, and rashes that usually begin behind the ears or on the face. Children below five years old are particularly vulnerable to these diseases, which can severely affect their immune system and lead to complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, blindness, encephalitis, or even death. The DOH maintains that there is still no cure for measles and rubella, and routine vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to prevent the spread of these diseases. (CH/PIA-Laguna)

By Danny Estacio   PAGBILAO, Quezon — Pinarangalan ng Aboitiz Power ang may 470 mangingisda mula sa 26 na samahan sa bayang ito ng Therma Luzon Inc. (TLI), isang subsidiary ng Aboitiz Power,  sa taunang pagdiriwang ng Alon at Ani — isang programang nagbibigay-pugay sa mga mahahalagang kontribusyon ng mga lokal na mangingisda sa kabuhayan at kaunlaran ng komunidad. Kasama ang Pagbilao LGU, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), nagsagawa rin ng mga talakayan tungkol sa pangkaligtasan at pangangalaga sa mga baybaying-dagat. Ayon kay Roger Cañares, Pangulo ng Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Banlisan at Pantoc (SMBP), ang aktibong pakikisama ng Kumpanya sa komunidad ay nagpatibay sa ugnyan nito sa mga lokal na mangingisda. “Maganda ang naidulot ng pakikipagsama [ng AboitizPower] sa mga mangingisda ng Pagbilao. Malaki ang natulong nito dahil po sa serbisyong kuryente nila pati na rin sa kanilang mga proyekto tulad ng livelihood at assistance sa mga mangingisda.” Ayon kay Lou Jason Deligencia, AVP ng Aboitiz Power for Corporate Services sa South Luzon at Metro Manila, layunin ng inisyatibang ito na tugunan ang mungkahi ng mga lokal na mangingisda noong nakaraang taon. “Bilang pagtugon sa inyong mungkahi na magkaroon ng pagkakataong higit pang matuto at makapagbahagi ng kaalaman, inanyayahan natin ngayong taon ang Provincial Fisheries Office at ang Philippine Coast Guard upang magbahagi ng mahahalagang kaalaman ukol sa kaligtasan at seguridad sa ating karagatan.” Bahagi ang programa ng mga inisyatiba ng TLI para sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa komunidad, na naglalayong pagtibayin ang pagkakaisa at pakikipagtulungan sa mga mamamayan ng Pagbilao, isang mahalagang bahagi ng kanilang misyong makapagbigay ng maaasahan at abot-kayang enerhiya.

By Bhaby De Castro   BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — As part of the continuing effort to promote the safe and holistic development of young Batangueños, life skills training has been integrated into the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) curriculum in Batangas City for School Year 2026–2027. The program aims to equip children enrolled in the ECCD program with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from abuse, maintain their health, and respond appropriately during disasters and emergencies. The training officially began on June 26 and will be conducted every Friday as part of the regular ECCD learning sessions. During the first session of the Ligtas Bulilit Program, the children were taught the proper steps to take during fires and earthquakes. This included the correct “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique in case of fire and “Duck, Cover, and Hold”as the appropriate response during an earthquake. City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rod Dela Roca, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Hiyasmin Candava, and Assistant City Social Welfare Officer Chary Nuñez served as observers during the training. In addition, the Ligtas Bulilit program will also teach personal safety topics such as “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Safe Touch,” and other ways children can protect themselves from abuse and violence. The life skills training will also cover other important components, including Lusog Bulilit, which focuses on maintaining good health through proper nutrition, regular exercise, proper handwashing, and personal hygiene; Linis Bulilit, which centers on environmental stewardship, cleanliness, and appreciation for agriculture; and Gilas Bulilit, which aims to develop physical abilities, discipline, and an appreciation for an active lifestyle. This initiative is part of the vision of Mayor Marvey Mariño to nurture children who are safe, healthy, disciplined, and prepared for any challenge. Through the early development of essential life skills, the city aims to help shape a generation with the knowledge, abilities, and compassion to care for themselves, others, and their community. (MPDC-PIA Batangas)

By Charmaine Odong-Pangan   LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, Philippines — In the wake of recent school incidents and violent threats in some areas of the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) reaffirmed during the Calabarzon Expanded Regional Intelligence Committee (ERIC) meeting on July 2  its commitment to enforcing DepEd Order No. 6, series of 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE). The ESMLE policy includes the strict regulation of gadget usage during class hours to help students stay focused on learning, while promoting the safe and responsible use of the internet and other digital devices. “Sa ilalim ng policy na pinag-uusapan natin, ipinatutupad ‘yung bag inspection, sa ilalim nito mayroon ding visitor and vehicle inspection protocols, limitasyon sa paggamit ng gadgets habang may klase, angkop na sanctions sa mga paglabag, anti-bullying policy template, pagbibigay ng psychosocial support at mental health services,” Ramil Ginete, Project Development Officer IV of DepEd Calabarzon, shared during his presentation on the regional ERIC meeting. DepEd Calabarzon Regional Director Carlito Rocafort said these measures complement the intensified police presence in schools by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the hiring of additional trained security personnel utilizing individual schools’ Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds to help ensure the safety of learners and the entire school community. “As of now, there is a presence of our policemen in the vicinity of our schools. Nag-increase po ang pulis sa visibility. We have increased also the hiring of trained security personnel,” Rocafort said. He added that DepEd Calabarzon is procuring additional handheld metal detectors for school security personnel, while various local government units have provided similar equipment and hired additional job order security personnel to enhance security around school perimeters. “Yung mga LGU natin, nagbigay din sila ng mga job orders na mga security personnel at karamihan po sa mga LGU, sila po ‘yung nag-shoulder ng procurement, para po dito sa mga metal detectors po natin. And we have also a DepEd Order na puwede na pong i-check ang mga bag nu’ng atin pong mga bata, ito po ay initial approach po natin sa Department of Education,” the director further stated. Rocafort emphasized the vital role of local governments in supporting the Department, noting that beyond providing financial assistance, LGUs also coordinate with barangay captains to mobilize force multipliers tasked with helping secure schools and ensure the safety of learners and teachers. Meanwhile, to speed up coordination and facilitate a swift police response in the event of another active shooting incident, each school was ordered to establish coordination channels and group chats with its respective City Component Police Station or Municipal Police Station. (COP/PIA CALABARZON)                  

LAGUNA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) officially launches its newest domestic tourism campaign, “Discover More to Love,” to encourage Filipinos in exploring the country’s hidden gems and emerging local destinations in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, on June 26. Through more than 3,000 travel deals across hotels, tour operators, airlines, and travel-related industries nationwide, the Discover More to Love program provides Filipinos with easier and more affordable options to explore the country’s tourist attractions. Speaking at the opening of the Central Philippines Tourism Expo (CPTEX), DOT Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay emphasized that Discover More to Love will strengthen and not replace the current “Love the Philippines” tourism slogan. “Love the Philippines is still our national tourism brand. [Discover More to Love] is a domestic tourism campaign under that same brand, created to encourage Filipinos to explore more of our own country and discover even more reasons to Love the Philippines.” More than a traditional discount initiative, Discover More to Love is a nationwide multi-sectoral movement that mobilizes DOT regional offices, local government units, and key private sector partners across accommodations, aviation, online travel agencies, tour operators, and other allied sectors. The exclusive discounts and packages from the participating companies can be viewed in DOT’s newly revamped website: www.tourism.gov.ph.  

By Danny Estacio   TIAONG, Quezon, Philippines – Municipal mayor Vincent Arjay Mea joined with the thousands of residents coming from the 31 barangays in a boodle fight dubbed as Barrio Fiesta, on the occasion of the town fiesta in honor of the patron St. John the Baptist, on June 24. The visitors were represented for every barangay in a simultaneous breakfast, and the foods served included native dishes and popular dishes like longganisa, pork barbecue, chicken on coconut milk, caldereta, menudo, seafood, and other popular dishes served during a fiesta, with popular desserts, and eaten with their hands. Long tables were lined up in the middle of the road in front of the municipal hall. Joined with the residents are members of the municipal council, municipal government office heads, and the barangay councils. The said event is the first time to experience and be part of the Bayan ni Juan Festival, to feel the ambience of the festivities offered to the town patron in gratitude for the blessings received. The municipal government, headed by Mea, and the barangay councils prepared a simultaneous breakfast that lasted for an hour. Mea said he is happy when they are together, having breakfast together, and he hopes for a happy reception of abundance from his constituents. He expressed thanks that the residents appreciated what the municipal government presented to them. As the finale of the festival, the traditional “basaan” (dousing each other with water) called Buling-buling, a foam party was followed using the fire truck water cannon, showering the spectators, accompanied by bouncy music played by popular disc jockeys from Manila. The dousing each other with water is highly localized and culturally done, in places whose patron is St. John the Baptist, like Tiaong town, which symbolizes the sacrament of baptism. A machine blowing out foam associated with water from the fire truck tagging on the head of the partygoers who were having a full enjoyment. The security was planned carefully with the assistance of the local police force and the municipal risk reduction management office. Responders are on full alert for a quick response to any untoward eventuality.

By Danny Estacio   TIAONG, Quezon, Philippines – Mayor Vincent Arjay Mea formally opened the Bayan ni Juan Festival 2026 on its fourth year on Thursday, June 18, and until June 24. The festival was organised by the municipal government with the parish pastoral council in honor of the patron San Juan Bautista. The opening salvo is the mass dancing led by Mea, Sangguniang Bayan, LGU heads, Barangay officials, with the Tiaong Dance Troupe and the accompaniment of the official music festival. Mea said that the seven-day festival is in the spirit of unity, faith, and love for our people, let us together pay tribute and honor to the Patron. Mea added that this is an opportunity to once again demonstrate the strength of the united Tiaongins who continue to flourish our culture, tradition, and identity as a vibrant and prosperous community. He said that although, because of the present crisis being experienced, the activities were trimmed, the spirit remained. Everyone is encouraged to join in the meaningful and fun activities, he said. He announced that some popular artists and bands were invited, like Piolo Pascual and Chito Miranda. Some of the highlights of the events were Binyagan Bayan-Lingap Pamilya sa Pistang Bayan and Kasalang Bayan provided free by the LGU.      

By Orlan Jabagat   PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines  (PIA) — The Puerto Princesa City government started distributing 10 kilos of rice on June 11 to 16,000 poorest of the poor families in the city under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The distribution was simultaneously conducted in 60 barangays. The Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program is financed through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), of which the city of Puerto Princesa received P48 million. According to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Officer Remy Beltran, 60 out of 66 barangays in the city will benefit from the program, while six barangays declined it. Its beneficiaries are the poor and disadvantaged sectors such as poor farmers, poor fishermen, the transport sector, persons with disability (PWDs),  senior citizens, solo parents, and Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Beltran said the computation of beneficiaries was based on the actual total population of the city, which is 300,000 plus, and the 16,000 families turn out to be only five percent of the city’s population. “Kasi what is 16,000, kasi ilan ang population ng Puerto Princesa, nasa 300,000 plus. Sixteen thousand families lang ang beneficiaries natin, paano mo s’ya idi-distribute? So, I have to think of a way na equally distributed siya at lahat ng 66 barangays ay makakasali, but upon getting the right number based on the actual population para mag-esakto sa 16,000, lumalabas na five percent lang s’ya ng total actual ng population ng bawat barangay, kaya may mga barangay na kakaunti o maliit lang ang bilang ng mga beneficiaries,” Beltran explained. She also assured that all beneficiaries underwent validation by the CSWD Office and were certified and confirmed by the Barangay Chief and barangay council members. Beltran also said that those beneficiaries who were given rice at the beginning of the distribution will still be the same beneficiaries that will be receiving 10 kilos of rice within six months. Meanwhile, the barangays that declined the said program are the barangays of Bacungan, Pagkakaisa, Bagong Silang, Princesa, San Isidro, and Maligaya because their allocation is small based on population percentage. “Dahil maliit lang ang allocation nila batay sa population. Siyempre, kung maliit ‘yong population mo, maliit din ‘yong number of beneficiaries na mapupunta sa iyo na fiver percent. So ‘yon ang ginawa nilang dahilan, nag-refuse sila kasi marami daw magagalit na kabarangay nila. Pero ‘di ba dapat nga matuwa sila kasi biyaya ‘yan?” she said. “Kasi sa amin, binalik-balikan namin sila. Two, three, four, times, five times at ipinaliwanag na meron namang deserving qualified na constituents n’yo bakit hindi n’yo i-recommend, but they still refused. Isa sa kanila nag-waive, may documents kami na nag-waive sila. Tapos ‘yong iba naman na lima, ay ayaw nang makipag-usap sa amin,” Beltran added. Before the distribution, the CSWDO coordinated with the Punong Barangay on the actual date of distribution. They also requested the barangay officials to inform their constituents and bring valid ID for identification purposes to ensure that the rice entrusted by the national government to local government was received by the right beneficiaries. She added that this government’s rice subsidy program is a great help for deserving beneficiaries. “Malaking tulong siya sa mga… lalong-lalo na talaga sa mga mahihirap na talagang deserved nila na makakuha din ng tulong from the national government. We are happy to say na ‘yong talagang napili naming beneficiaries ay they really deserved to have it for the six months,” Beltran said. (OCJ/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)

By Danny Estacio   PAGBILAO, Quezon — Upang maihanda ang dalawang lokal na paaralan sa pagbubukas ng klase, nakiisa ang Therma Luzon, Inc. (TLI), isang subsidiary ng Aboitiz Power Corporation, sa annual n Brigada Eskwela ng Department of Education (DepEd) sa bayan ng Pagbilao, Quezon. Katuwang ng mga mag-aaral, guro, at magulang sa Pagbilao ang mga boluntaryo mula sa TLI sa paghahanda ng mga paaralan. Kabilang sa mga ginawa ang paglilinis ng kampus, pag-aayos ng mga halaman, at pagpipinta ng mga gusali. Ang proyektong ito ay inilunsad sa dalawang paaralan sa Isla Grande: ang Pagbilao Grande Island National High School (PGINHS) at Binahaan Integrated School (BIS). Higit sa karaniwang paglilinis at pagsasaayos, nagbigay tulong din ang AboitizPower sa pamamagitan ng pagpopondo sa pagaayos ng mga pasilidad upang masiguro na ligtas ang kapaligiran para sa pag-aaral ng mga estudyante sa isla. Sa Pagbilao Grande Island National High School (PGINHS), tumulong ang AboitizPower sa pagaayos at pagpapaganda ng covered court ng paaralan. Dahil dito, muling magagamit ang mahalagang pasilidad na ito para sa mga klase sa Physical Education (PE), mga asembleya, at iba pang aktibidad ng mga mag-aaral. Samantala, sa Binahaan Integrated School (BIS) naman, pinondohan ng AboitizPower ang pagpapatayo at pagkakabit ng isang matibay at bagong main gate upang mas mapalakas ang seguridad sa loob ng kampus. “Ang epekto ng mga pagbabagong ito sa imprastraktura ay higit pa sa pagpapaganda ng itsura. Sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng matibay na pangunahing gate sa Binahaan Integrated School, direktang nag-aambag ang AboitizPower upang mas maging ligtas at protektado ang ating kampus para sa ating mga mag-aaral,” pahayag ni Catalino L. Porta, Pagbilao Public School District Supervisor. Ang pakikibahagi ng TLI ay bahagi ng kanilang adbokasya para sa pagtutulungan at katatagan ng komunidad. “Hindi namin ito itinuturing na simpleng pamimigay lang ng donasyon o obligasyon ng kumpanya—ito ay tungkulin na ginagampanan namin kasama ang mga komunidad na aming pinaglilingkuran,” ani Lou Deligencia, AboitizPower AVP for Corporate Services for South Luzon & Metro Manila. “Sa pamamagitan ng paglahok sa Brigada Eskwela, binibigyang-pugay namin ang mga guro, magulang, at mag-aaral na walang pagod na nagsisikap para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa.” Ang mga aktibidad ng Brigada Eskwela sa Pagbilao ay patunay sa magandang idinudulot ng pagtutulungan ng gobyerno at ng pribadong sektor para sa kapakanan ng mga paaralan at komunidad. Sa pagbubukas ng taong panuruan, hindi lamang mga silid-aralan ang isinaayos, kundi maging ang kolektibong pag-asa para sa isang ligtas, patas, at may kapangyarihang kapaligiran sa pagkatuto.